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2013-05-03T02:50:00.001-07:00

Experiential tourism is an outgrowth of a global movement toward experiential learning, where people create meaning through direct experience. Experiential tourism is also tied to the evolution of mass customization and the experience economy. For the tourist, the experience includes, among other aspects, the people one meets, the places they visit, the accommodations where they stay, activities participated in and the memories created. Experiential tourism encourages visitors to participate and promotes activities that draw people into communities, cultures, and the outdoors.

To grow experiential tourism we can :

1. Place infrastructure and landscapes are to be improved, such as building more toilets and rest areas, information centers with telephone/internet services, ATM machines, post offices, roads, direction signs as well as boards telling the history of the communities or products, parking areas with shuttle vehicles (may be carts or bicycles) from the parking areas to tourism sites.

Infrastructure in India

2. Products and services are to be diversified and elevated standards such as demonstrating producing process, folk cultural performance, delivery services, massage and much more.

Indian Cultural Dance

3. People human resources are to be developed such as increasing skills in working, language, product design, work safety, providing services, administration in finance, marketing, environment.

Financial Market in India

4. Planning and management, systematic planning, clear targets and indicators, integrated implementation among governmental, nongovernmental and local authorities should be developed.

Systematic Construction Plan of Mumbai

5. Presentation legends of villages and products are to be presented, displaying product designs and packaging, in an atmosphere of traditional ways of life.

Traditional Indian Handicrafts

6. Promotion marketing such as public relations on tourism sites, promotion to attract tourists to purchase more through travel agents or tourists themselves or even through advertisement.
Experiential tourism is an amorphous term that is difficult to define. Experiential tourism shows rather than describes; it allows the tourist to be an active participant in the experience. It involves activities such as birding and other wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, learning about the Indian history of region, and nature photography, just to name few- Nature tourism, resource-based tourism, adventure tourism, heritage tourism, and Eco tourism.

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While talking in broader sense, the following areas should be given importance for the growth of experiential tourism in India:

1. Heritage in India
2. Cultural activities in India
3. Festivals in India
4. Traditional art of India
5. Literature in India
6. Culinary in India
7. Wildlife of India

Growth in the Experiential Tourism in India

Above 7 areas are the most important in which tourist want to learn in India. If Indian government can widen up and can provide information to tourist or we can say if these areas will able to promote with better facilities than the growth of experiential tourism in India could be easily possible.
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Discover the taste of India: North Indian Food

2013-04-28T22:17:00.003-07:00

The northern region of our country is famous for scenic beauty and also the tasty cuisine. Like the extremes of weather experienced by this region, equally variant is the cooking styles. On one hand we have the oily and spicy Mughlai style, and on the other, the simple and light kadhi (a preparation of besan and curd), chhnach (butter milk), etc.

The main course has different type of breads, viz roti, parantha, naan, kulcha, etc and different types of pulses, such as rajma, chhole, lobhia, different types of daal (lentil) and so on. Ghee, Butter, Dalda, Refined oil as well as mustard and olive oil are the common cooking mediums. Needless to say, the North Indian platter contains agricultural products, green vegetables, milk products, pickles, and last but not the least, glasses and glasses of lassi.

Delhi, the state that houses the national capital, has experienced the influx of migrants from various parts of the country- the influence of this can be seen in the wide plethora of styles available here. The people are mostly vegetarian, but non vegetarians have a fair share too. The kebabs and biriyani of Lucknow are world famous. The tandoori style of cooking hails from Punjab and Haryana. Also world famous is the yummy Sarson ka Saag and Makke di roti. The food items from Himachal, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh are also very tasty, containing variety of spices. The culinary practices of Jammu and Kashmir is characteristic for the use of saffrons, cardamoms, cloves and many exotic spices. Some innovative dishes such as Rogan Josh, preparations of the lotus stem, kava tea are known all over the world.

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Kerala – A hot destination for Medical and Wellness Tourism

2013-04-28T22:12:00.002-07:00

Is the daily home-work-home cycle stretching you out too much? Is age showing on you? Is your health buckling under the demands of your lifestyle? Deny it as you may, these are common problems in today’s working population; whatever be the age, location or profession. If you feel its time to rejuvenate, find some time and plan a visit to Kerala, known popularly as “God’s own country” because of its picturesque landscape. The soothing climate, natural abundance of forests having a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants takes one into paradise.

Kerala has established itself as a prominent destination of world leisure tourism for its natural beauty and cultural assets. The growth of tourism in the state has been mainly buyer driven. The collective marketing effort through the Tourism department had been limited till the recent past. With the growing awareness of Medical, Health and Wellness Tourism, the facilities and infrastructure available in Kerala have now gained a fare share of the limelight.

The golden opportunity has been recognized by private players, particularly the Ayurveda sector, who took some collective effort to convert Kerala as source for Ayurveda treatment. Then came Dentistry and Modern Medicine. A combination of many factors has led to the increase in popularity of medical tourism in Kerala.

The state of Kerala has more than 15 world class hospitals equipped with the best of all advanced facilities for health care, medical and paramedical education and research. Defining qualities of a world class hospital are professional expertise and technology of international standards, streamlined efficiency of service, courteous personal attention and meticulous cleanliness. Capitalizing on these assets, today Kerala has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Health and wellness tourism.

Traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Siddha are widely popular in the state, and draws increasing numbers of tourists. With ease and affordability of international travel and Improving technology and standards of care, visitors from across the globe throng to Kerala for exclusive sessions.

Traditional Indian practices of healthcare and beauty treatment from natural herbs and plants have been rediscovered and brought forward in new packages. Alongwith, medical tourism facilitators and travel agencies offer exclusive post treatment tours to the natural forests, backwaters, lakes and other beautiful tourist attractions in the state. A stay in the Houseboats adds to the experience.

The major specialties of Medical Tourism in Kerala are the following:

Modern Medicine: Cardiac Care, Orthopaedic, ENT, General Surgery, Cosmetic Treatment, Urology Ophthalmology, Fertility Treatment, Neuro Surgery, Dental care, etc

A leading Healthcare institute, Kerala institute of Medical Science (KIMS)

Alternate Medicines: Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Naturopathy, Aroma Therapy. The patronages received from different countries are presented below:

Alternate Medicine		Modern Medicine
Germany	22.20%	Middle East	26.46%
France	13.14%	UK	18.41%
Switzerland	12.88%	Germany	13.41%
USA	12.29%	USA	12.44%
UK	7.29%	Maldives	11.46%
Italy	7.20%	France	7.32%
Russia	6.78%	Australia	3.54%
Middle East	6.36%	Spain	2.44%
Denmark	5.08%	Switzerland	2.44%
Japan	4.66%	East Africa	1.83%
Spain	1.69%	Kenya	0.24%
Kenya	0.42%

(Source: Medical Tourism in Kerala—Challenges and Scope, Joseph M. Cherukara and Dr. James Manalel, May 2008).

Adam Wood House-Cochin, Kerala

The Other Home offers you a pleasant stay in the backwaters of Adams Wood House (Fort Cochin),Summerhouse Holiday (Kollam) and Coconutcreek Kumarakom Homestays (Kumarakom) from where you can enjoy the breathtaking views and enjoy ultimate relaxation and comfort. If you have come to Kerala for medical purposes and need specific care, we shall ensure the best of individual care for you as prescribed by the doctors.

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Khujraho Dance Festival 2011

2013-04-28T22:10:00.005-07:00

The music of the flutes, the rhythm of the khungroos , the synchronized dance steps displaying various art forms, the divine fragrance of the aggarbatis from the temple, the color of the natyas…..the flavors of dance at Khujraho begins…

Indian Classical Dance

Arunima kumar at Khujraho festival

The city of Khujraho is home to the magnificent display of temple architecture and culture. The temples are monuments from the 250 AD. A visit to the place would tell you hundreds of stories about Indian civilization and cultural heritage. The group of temples in Khujraho has been designated by the UNESCO as world heritage site thus endowing it with more importance. The temples of Khujraho host a week long dance festival known as the Khujraho Dance Festival where dancers from across the country as well as foreigners perform various dance forms. The event is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. Kuchipadi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam are the prominent dance forms performed in the stages.

Kuchipudi Dance

Dance or ‘natyam’ as it is called is an art form performed by the dancer’s body and mind. The synchronization of expressions along with the bodily movements in accordance with the rhythm marks the presentation of the form.

Usually a unique theme or a situation from the Puranas is depicted conveying the whole story in a precise form. The Navarasas or the nine different emotions are to be brought about by the participant during the show. Each of the form, whether it is Odissi or Mohiniyattam, has its own flavor and charm.

Mohiniattyam Dance

The costumes and the method of dancing are different in each dance form. Mohiniyattam is more of a mellow dance form while Bharatnatyam involves more aggressiveness in terms of dance momentum. They all hail from different states of India and depict their very own culture. During the festival Khujraho takes up a new form by itself. Famous dancers specialized in their own niches dancing to the khungroos, musical instruments playing melodious music and the rich essence of culture sending its vibes across the divinity of the temples will enchant you. The evenings colored with devotional music and the slow chanting of mantras from the temples gives you a completely new spiritual feel at Khujraho.

Promoting cultural heritage and traditional dances of India, the Khujraho dance festival is in fact the union and celebration of all the classical dancers across the country. This festival is conducted in February or March every year. Eminent dancers participate in this occasion making it very special. The schedule for the festival is given below (February 25 – March 02, 2011):

Dates	Events
February 25, 2011	Gajendra Panda	Odissi Group
February 25, 2011	Malvika Mitra	Kathak Solo
February 26, 2011	Geeta Chandran	Bharatnatyam Solo
February 26, 2011	Darshana Jhaveri	Manipuri Group
February 27, 2011	Vijaylaxmi Shivaji	Mohiniattam Solo
February 27, 2011	Vasanti Vaishnav	Kathak Solo
February 28,2011	Group Dance Performance	Manipuri Pungcholam-Joy Singh-Group Satriya -K. D. Goswami-Group Purulia Chhau-Chinidas Mohato-Group
March 01, 2011	Maneesha Sathe	Kathak Solo
March 01, 2011	C. V. Chandrashekhar	Bharatnatyam Solo
March 02, 2011	Kalamandalam N. R. Gramprakash	Kathkali Group
	Kiran Sehgal	Odissi Group
	Ishira & Moulik Shah	Kathak Duet
March 03, 2011	Vaijayanti Kashi	Kuchipudi Solo
March 03, 2011	Rajendra Gangani	Kathak Group

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Bizcation: A Chance to Explore Real India

2013-04-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

How often do you get to combine work with vacation? Infact how often do you even get some time to take a weekend away from work? With our everyday hectic schedules taking a vacation has become almost extinct. Bizcation came as a boom to all the working professionals who found it very difficult to take some time out for them. Professionals are now backing on bizcation more often than ever. A simple way to define bizcation would be business trips turned into vacations. Bizcation is a blend on business and vacation, which is the ideal compromise between the conflicting demands of a balanced homelife and a busy career.

Bizcation gives you a platform to broaden your personal and professional horizon; it’s a great way to get a little break. It gives you the pleasure to be on a vacation while you are still getting the most crucial work done.

Bizcations has become very popular in the recent times among both senior executives and entrepreneurs. According to Ministry of Tourism data (2007), 5.3% of total FTAs (Foreign tourist arrivals), i. e. 270,000, entered into India on Business Visa in 2007. With economic growth, the business travel in India is increasing and travelers on business trips are extending their stay to explore the market, culture and opportunities in India. For most entrepreneurs work is top most priority, and since it becomes too difficult to juggle between family and work bizcations have got much acclaimed success.

A well planned bizcation will be a great stress buster and it will definitely reduce your stress level. You could take a few hours to explore things you always wanted to, to be by yourself or to even discover a whole new place.

While travelling to cities oversees businessmen especially try to extend their stay by a few days just to be awe-struck by the wonder that city has to offer.

Business trips turned into vacations are a great way to get that much needed break as well still being very much rooted into your work. What works even better is if your family accompanies you for your trip. Although there are a few rules every business traveler should follow while inviting their family on a business trip, but it is still the greatest way to spend some quality time with your family and still be working.

Bizcation emerged as a concept when people started travelling to different cities and countries for business. What comes along with visiting a new place is the urge to discover a new place, hence business trips eventually turned into short vacation all by themselves. What happened by chance has now become a habit. People are deliberately extending their business trips to a different city by a day or two just to get that mini-vacation.

Not only is bizcation stress busting but it is also a very affordable way for business travelers to get their down time. You could get a hotel room for the same discounted rate for an extended stay, thus cutting down a great amount of accommodation cost, keeping aside the money saved on getting to that new place.

The prospect of travelling for miles for a business trip might seem like a very arduous journey, especially for those who find themselves on the road regularly. Bringing your family along on such trips once in a while might make this stressful business trip into a romantic getaway.

If you plan on getting your spouse or your family along choosing a right resort makes a great difference. While you are away at work, you shouldn’t think about what your spouse is doing or if your children are having some fun. Choose a resort that has a variety of facilities like a spa for your spouse, a golf course or a tennis court for some outdoor activities, children’s park for the kids to play for the least.

You could also book a tour of the city so that you and your family get a chance to explore a new city and bond. Each city around the world has a one of a kind nightlife, while on a bizcation with your spouse you could also explore the nightclubs and party hot spots the city has to offer.

Even better you could opt for homestay. The Other Home could help you find the most safest and comfortable homestay options anywhere in India. A home away from home, homestay options are very popular because you can make the most of your time, and meet homely new people eager to get to know you and be your host. People heading to New Delhi on business should definitely make a small trip to Agra or Jaipur, not far from the city these places are breathtaking and historic. We could help you plan a perfect trip to have an authentic Indian experience.

Bizcation also has its own downsides. While bringing your family along on a business trip has its own pros, it might sometimes be a hindrance. While you are away on a business meeting the last thing you want going on in your mind is if your spouse and your kids are having fun. Sometimes bringing your spouse along on a business trip might also create a different kind of image. Hence it is necessary that you weigh out both sides before taking the decision.

For people travelling to India we have great bizcation packages. We even provide customized, designed especially to suit your preferences bizcation packages. Even if you come alone or are accompanied by your family we guarantee you that you will take back good memories from your trip. Our Bizcation packages can be designed in any city according to your preference. If you are an official visit to a city in India we could even plan a small extended vacation to the picturesque countryside of India just a couple of hours from the hustle bustle of the city.

If you do not wish to travel far away we could even plan a perfect mini-vacation in the city that you are travelling to. With great sightseeing trips planned as well as a numerous activities arranged for you, we assure you a ball of a time. We assure you a high standard of comfort and service away from home.

Bizcation or bleisure is a little wonder. Bizcation is a growing trend and has almost reached the peak of its popularity in India as well. For business travelers who barely ever get an ‘off’, bizcation has become one of the much deserved breaks from the everyday hectic schedule.

While on your next business trip to India do visit some of the most beautiful places, experience some of the most memorable memories, and explore India. While you are at it do let us plan your trip while you make the most of your time working and then laying back and having a taste of India.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

The mystery The charm The beauty The passion – It’s all in Delhi

2013-04-28T22:03:00.002-07:00

Delhi, the proud capital city that holds India’s head high is home to various fairs and festivals. Delhi, the city of dreams, is where every Indian wants to settle. The beauty and the endless opportunities of the place is what attracts the masses. The Qutab Minar, Redfort, the romantic beauty of the millennium- the Taj Mahal, the Raj Bhavan and all things monumental as well as beautiful adds glory to the capital city.

Apart from being the political hub of India, Delhi also possess galleries, museums, bustling markets, awesome eat-outs, active arts clubs and all things nice.

Delhi is a combination of 2 cities – the Old Delhi and the New Delhi. In the old Delhi, you could see the typical havelis and narrow roads while the New Delhi has been a contribution of the British architecture. Delhi in its culmination is a whole new world altogether.

Delhi is home to many events that attract tourists from across the country. The diversity and the variety of these fairs are commendable. The Itra Mela or the Sugandhi Mela is all set to be on air this weekend from the 25^th to 27^th March, 11 am to 9 pm at Dilli Haat, Pitampura. The first of its kind, an initiative by the Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (DTTDC), the fair will also have a presentation of Aroma therapy, quiz contests on Itra, live demonstration of Rose water distillation and presentation of perfumes in traditional bottles. There will also be practical demonstration of Kuppimaking, teaching of Agarbatti and Dhoobatti making and various other competitions.

The key idea of DTTDC is to highlight the ancient and rich heritage of India in the field of natural perfumes and essential oils. Visitors can experience the fragrance and can buy also itra, perfumes, sugandhi and essential oils & allied products. Visitors can reach the venue easily by Delhi Metro or can drive to the place via outer ring road and ring road of Delhi.

These small yet significant Melas make our culture so special. The emphasis given to them, the unity achieved during the assembling of people and various other things makes each and every Mela in our country unique and memorable. Be part of this unforgettable event this weekend. For more information, visit The Other Home or email us at support@theotherhome.com.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Chandigarh: History with Modernity

2013-04-28T22:00:00.002-07:00

Known world-wide as the most beautiful and the most well planned city in India, Chandigarh is an epitome of great architecture, and a quality of life that is unparalleled. How often do you wonder, if serenity and a city can go together? While in Chandigarh you could totally agree that this concept does exist.

With the numerous trees and plants and the construction that is so well planned that you are awe-struck by it, Chandigarh is right gotten its name ‘The City Beautiful’.

Chandigarh is a great architectural creation of Le Corbusier a famous French ,architect who designed the city. What strikes drastically is the buildings which are geometrically subdivided in precision to form to form a structure that’s proportionate and detailed. The whole city is touched by Nature, it is so designed that there is something for anyone.

Lot of foreign tourist from Britain, France, Canada, the UAE, Pakistan, the US, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Switzerland, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Iran come to the city and experience its beauty.

The city is divided into sectors of equal dimensions. Each sector caters to all the needs of people like schools, hospitals, departmental stores, recreational facilities and shopping complexes. Currently, the city has a population of 1.1 million inhabitant. It was, however, designed for a population of 500,000. It has the maximum green cover of its geographical area in the country, i. e. 38.8% tree cover, followed by Delhi, which has nearly 20% tree cover.

Apart from being an architectural wonder, Chandigarh has a lot to offer. For Tourists looking for more things to see and do, here are some of the places that you should definitely visit while you are travelling to Chandigarh.

The Sukana Lake is one of the most scenic places in Chandigarh; it’s a blessing to the citizens of Chandigarh as it adds umpteen amount of tranquillity to the environment.

To have a quick look at the city you could hop on to one of the Coaches that give you the best tour of the city, a half a day tour would cost you just Rs. 50. Starting from Hotel Shiwalik you would get to see the Zakir Rose Garden, the museum and art gallery, War memorial and Bougainvillea garden, the Rock garden and ending with the pristine Sukana Lake.

If you are looking to shop in Chandigarh, head straight to Sector 17. Being the main shopping and commercial centre of Chandigarh this has something for everyone. You could find departmental stores, business centres, air conditioned showrooms, eateries, coffee houses and even modern day bars and lounges.

To have a true experience visit the market in the evening, bustling with people returning from office and youngsters grouping up, and shoppers, this is a true blend of culture and people.

The must visit place in Chandigarh, is the Rock Garden. Built from waste material from scratch this place is a great example of how one could protect their environment. Its world famous for it’s statues and sculptures built for ceramic. The Rock Garden was built by a government official called Nek Chand who started working on it in his spare time. Today it is spread over 40 acres everything in this park is built from industrial and household waste. Since it’s situated very close to the Sukana Lake, you could visit two of the most beautiful places in Chandigarh at the same time.

Art and culture can be felt everywhere in Chandigarh. This beautiful city is today a home to many artists and writers. The city creates a beautiful environment for artistic development. There are frequently held exhibitions and performances by renowned singers, dancers and performance that you could have the pleasure to watch.

Chandigarh shares its borders with the most scenic states in India. Being located near the foothills of the Shivalik ranges Chandigarh has great hill stations just a few hours drive away. The surrounding districts of Mohali in Punjab, and Kasauli and Chail in Himachal Pradesh have breath taking landscapes. Kasuli and Chail are just 77 km and 116 km away from Chandigarh, respectively. Kasuli is famous as one of the quietest hill stations in India and Chail is famous for the highest cricket ground in the world. Both are quit peaceful and comfortable place to visit.

To experience the true essence of the city opt to stay in a farmhouse instead of paying huge bills for a hotel room that has no touch of the city’s culture.Deep Roots Retreat is an excellent farm house located in Chandigarh. Mr. Kanwaljit S. Brar, the owner of Deep Roots started the retreat with the intention of letting people see the brighter part of the city and being one with nature.

When he travelled with his family he saw the wide eyed fascination his kids had with nature. Nothing delighted them as a family more than hiking through the wilderness or the running around in the sheer open space of the various Farm stays / Home Stays which we patronized on our travels. Their wonder was almost always followed by an onslaught of illuminating questions about people and the natural world. All this with the intrusive urban congestion and importantly no TV.

These were ‘teachable moments’ for his children that marked their personal growth, and it occurred to him that other families might benefit from an opportunity to experience nature in a way that would be educational, inspirational, safe and fun. Other reason to start the retreat was to promote the essence of Punjab provide visitors with a glimpse of the history of Punjab and take you back to an era when brave, honest and pious men built the territory which we now call the Punjab. He believes in giving his customers the best he have to offer, provide an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, commune with nature, relax and come home with awesome experience, wonderful memories. To experience and observe life in Rural India, an opportunity seldom presented to the domestic traveller. All of the above coupled with great food.

If you wish to have the similar joy of being so close to nature and allowing your family to experience the little wonders that are non materialistic we could arrange the same for you. Call us today while we plan the most memorable trip for you.

To have a glimpse of what you could experience at Deep Roots Retreat we have a customer testimonial, just to give you a firsthand virtual experience of what you benefit by choosing us.

This is what one of our guest had to say ‘Thank you may not be the right word to connote our feelings however I must say that we really enjoyed every moment of our stay. We had a WOW!!ful time and we sinked ourselves deep to your retreat, holding and preserving every ounce of your offerings. It was simply fabulous. You both made us feel so welcome and satiated that we can’t stop ourself coming back again and again. We would be proud to recommend others about your place. Thank you soo much once again. A special thank to The Other Home for making our trip a memorable one.’ (Lalit Kumar,New Delhi)

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Recreate your Childhood!!

2013-04-28T21:59:00.003-07:00

Splaaash! A water balloon was hurled at me from a balcony three floors above. I couldn’t but smile at the mischievous face that looked out to verify whether his missile had hit the target. Indeed, I was the one who was wrong; I should have known better before I chose to wear a white shirt that day. Afterall, it was two days to Holi. This is a prank I have endorsed whole-heartedly since I could walk. And I was not alone. My partners in crime included my siblings, cousins, and friends, who were of part of our gang. This is just an example of how notorious we were. Today, the tsunami of life has flung us all across the globe in the disguise of marriage, job opportunities, higher studies and likewise. We are grown ups now, and some of us are parents too. Our lives are stressed to the hilt by the challenges that even routine life flings at us from time to time, or the monotony of our responsibilities. We meet occasionally during family get togethers, and try to re-live our child hood memories. Sometimes, we are disappointed. Our childhood park has perhaps been engulfed by a mall. The tree that we used to climb is perhaps not there any more. We narrate our childhood days to the next generation, but get bewildered looks in return. Times have changed, family structures have evolved from vast joint families to nuclear ones, number of peers, cousins and siblings have reduced to one or even zero. Guidance and love of grandparents have been replaced by professional attention in crèches. Recreation has a meaning which we could not even imagine when we were of that age. And all this change leaves us yearning for a Time Machine, a gadget that can take us back in time, albeit for just a few days.We, at The Other Home, know your experiences are similar to ours. And we have come up with packages just that are flexible, so that they can be tailor made for your perfect family gathering. All you need to do is choose the time of year and the location that suits everyone; so that those who are abroad or in other cities can make it there conveniently. Leave the rest to us. We have 50 properties all across India, and adding. Our endeavour is to recreate the childhood magic by offering you a comfortable home – like atmosphere at our homestays, a kitchen where you can cook, and if you wish, we shall arrange a chef who would prepare delicacies of your choice. Invite anyone you want: family and friends, their families, and any body who means a lot to you. Our apartments are of various sizes, and we would offer you the best and most suitable module. Activities involving one and all, from the elderly to children, would be organized. Share your childhood days with us, and we shall transform the serious adults into naughty kids. What is more, your spouses, who think that they know you inside out, would be surprised to see you in the childhood mode.

Your actual ages shall be only on our records, and medical help, which, God forbid, if required in emergencies, shall be at hand. If you wish, you could convert a treatment session of a sick person into such a lovely family holiday. His spirits would always be high and medications would yield much better results due to the positive energy all around. You would carry fond memories of your second childhood as you return to the cycle of daily life, that’s our promise. See You Soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Baisakhi – It is time to welcome the spring

2013-04-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Baisakhi is the harvest festival mainly celebrated in Punjab and other parts of northern India. It marks a new beginning, the start of a new harvest season or the solar year. This Sikh religious festival falls in the month of April according to the Gregorian calendar. The day of Baisakhi is celebrated as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year by various other communities also.

According to the history, Baisakhi is the day when Khalsa (pure ones) were born and given their identity. The tenth Guru, Shri Gobind Singh, had organized the order of Khalsa on this particular day in 1699.

The birthplace of Khalsa in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab is Gurudwara Shri Keshgarh Sahib. It is also known as Takhat Keshgarh Sahib as it one of the five Takhats or seats of authority of the Sikhs. Sahib also gave them the name ‘Singh’ (lion) to boys and ‘Kaur’ (princesses) to girls.

The festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with vigor and energy. Bhangra and gidda dance performances are held in open fields. Some people try and visit theGolden Temple at Amritsar while others visit nearby Gurudwaras. Amritsar is rightly called the seat of Sikh culture and history. The golden temple was created by the fourth guru, Shri Ramdas Ji. In the Gurudwaras, the Guru Granth Sahib or the holy book is taken out and given a bath with milk and water as a symbolic gesture of purification. The amrit or holy nectar is distributed among those gathered. During noon, the Karah Prasad is offered to the Guru for his blessings after which a community lunch is served for those assembled.

One of the most noteworthy aspect of the Sikh culture is their togetherness and unity. Each and every festival is celebrated by the entire family together. Yummy paneer curries and fresh creamy lassi adds gloss to a Punjabi treat. The Punjabi masalas are definitely a treat for your tastebuds. The Punjabi Bhangra and melodious songs add glamour.

During the later part of the day, the Baisakhi procession is taken out. It is a wonderful sight to see men and women dressed in colorful attire dancing and making merry. The drummer and the bands playing music add to the glory of the procession. The crowd hails by saying “Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal” (Whosever called the name of god will be blessed) and “Satnam Waheguru” (Name of the god is true).

You will be seeing enthusiastic happy crowds of men and women celebrating their unity with a bang. So don’t miss this opportunity to dance to the tunes of prosperity this April 13 (Wednesday). For your comfortable stay and trip, please contact The Other Home for more details.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Tiger Safari in India

2013-04-27T05:49:00.002-07:00

One of the most endangered yet coveted animals of India is the Tiger, known for its poise, this animal of the cat family today is one of the most endangered species. Scattered in sanctuaries and national parks across the country, the only places where you could spot this rare species are the immense Jim Corbett National Park, The Bandhavgarh national park known famously to be the place that has the highest density of Tigers in India, Ranthambore National park known for the celebrity tigers Macchli and Macchli junior who featured in a lot of documentary films.

The Tigers once roamed around freely in large numbers, today they live like pet cats in protected areas. Not only have the number of tigers decreased, but the possibility of the generations to come to see a tiger is becoming grim. There are a lot of factors that could save the handful tigers. The buffer zones where tribal villagers are settled is not safe either, they are filled with poachers and wood loggers who make the chances of tigers breeding and surviving all the more bleak.

According to recent Tiger Census Report 2010, the tiger population range for 2010 is between 1,571 and 1,875 with an average of 1,706. The tiger population has increased in Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka) and Jim Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), whereas, there is a decline in Kanha National Park and Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The key issue observed in the survey is the decline in tiger occupancy areas. It has come down to 72,800 sq km in 2010 from 93,600 sq km in 2006. Another key issue is that most of wild cats were outside protected areas. India, currently, has 39 reserves and about 30% of the total tiger population is outside these reserves. Still the good news is that there is a sharp increase in Tiger population from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,706 in 2010. However, there is still lot to do to protect these wild cats. Plan out your next Jungle Safari this summer and explore the world of wild cats at popular destinations in India.

Jim Corbett National Park, known famously by all the nature enthusiasts should also not be missed. This place is a perfect adventure for those who are visiting the Golden Triangle. The best time to spot a tiger in India is in the months of November and May as this is the time when they are easiest to spot.

Jim Corbett National park in Uttaranchal with about 214 tigers, 100 leopards, 800 elephants and many sambars, Chital dears, bears and other wildlife animals is an animal lover’s paradise. While on a visit to one of these places for spotting a tiger, it is important that you have a good driver who knows the forest very well. It is also important that you remain silent or you will lose the majestic king in the thick of the desert. You could stay in Ramnagar, 2 km from the east side of the gate. Be sure you wake up early and hop on one of those jeeps going to the park, before a lot of them gather and the sound of the jeeps drives the tigers away. We could help you stay at two of the best resorts the Corbett Adventure Resort, Corbett Leela Villas and Corbett Call Resort.

If you don’t get the opportunity to spot a tiger be on a lookout, with over 100 leopards you could just be lucky and get an opportunity to spot a leopard instead. If you get twice as much lucky you never know, you could spot both.

The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is also rich for the wildlife it is home to. With tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chital dears, crocodiles, pythons to name a few, this should definitely be one of the must visit place while on a journey to spot the majestic Bengal Tiger of India. You could either stay at Sawai Madhopur, the town closest to Ranthambore or any other place. Unlike the other national parks, you could visit Ranthambore only in Canters – trucks that carry about 22 very noisy tourists, thus killing the whole thrill of spotting a tiger.

Ranthambore is infamously known for the falling number of tigers and bears, who became victims of poaching. This park is more organized and regulated now. There are special jeeps that are allowed entry into the park, which are booked and organized for the residents of the luxury hotels and lodges. The Park is divided in 12 lanes and each jeep is allowed entry into just one. Make sure you hope on to one of the bus that enters the lane 5 or 6. Best lanes to spot a tiger.

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a must visit place if you wish to spot a tiger. With the decreasing number of Tigers, the chances of spotting a tiger are doubled in Bandhavgarh than in any other place. The Bandhavgarh National Park is staggeringly beautiful, gifteted with being a natural habitat for many animals like the cheetal, langurs, wild boards, peafowl and the fierce tigers. Criss crosing rivulets add to the beauty of the park. The immense forest encompasses everything else in the world, it makes you forget about the purpose of your visit and sooner or later when you spot a tiger you begin to lose yourself in the awe inspiring dainty moves of the tiger. A mere 450 sq km, this small area is home to 60 tigers making it the place with the highest density of tigers.

The best time to spot tigers in Bandhavgarh is 3 am to 4 am. The best ways to get into the thick forest would be by jeep or on one of the elephants that could take you around the forest. The best way to spot a tiger is on an ‘elephant circus’. To spot a tiger you will have to stay longer in Ranthambore than in Bandhavgarh. Two days are more than sufficient to have a tour around this small park and even spot a tiger.

While on a tiger spotting trip to India, do visit the Bandhavgarh National Park. While you spend your time watching the majestic tigers leave the planning to us. The Pench Jungle Camp located very close to this National Park, is a haven for nature lovers. Not only will you be close to the place where you could spot a tiger, but you will also also be safe and enjoy the facilities offered by us. You could choose to stay in one of the Safari Tents or choose a more relaxed deluxe room. We could get you great package on accommodation as well sightseeing. Call us today and we would plan a wonderful trip for you.

The Kanha National Park in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest and the most scenic wildlife sanctuaries in India. The lush Bamboo and Sal trees spread across the forest make it a suitable habitat for tigers, leopards, sloth bears and other rare animals.

The Majestic Tigers once abundant in India are now just a handful scattered across National Parks in India. It is important to remember that while you embark a journey to spot them, you are entering their natural habitat and it would be best if they are not disturbed and made to feel insecure. Thus, making the chances of you spotting a tiger even better.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Rediscover Yourself at Fazilka..

2013-04-27T05:48:00.002-07:00

The stress of daily life and the precarious balance of professional and personal life leaves us in the search of inner peace, serenity and tranquility. “City Fazilka”, a small town in Firozepur district of Punjab, 408 km from New Delhi is a destination that offers you all this and more. It is the oldest planned town of India, similar to Harappa city of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Fazilka can be termed as a ‘religious town’, wherein the god-fearing and spiritual citizens have created a “Gowshala”, which is an asylum for cows, an animal revered in the Hindu religion. The population here is a whopping 1000 cows!!

“Fazilka Green Gowshalla” is also an epitome of being eco- friendly, having bio gas plants and energy efficient electrical fittings. Availability of fresh milk in its unadulterated form is another attraction.

You must visit Saravdharam Yoga Kendra every morning and evening for exercises and meditation retreats for better spiritual orientation and personal health.

Another must do activity at Fazilka is visiting many places of religious interest like attending prayers at Methodist Church, Evening prayers and ‘Aartis’ at 137 temples, joining hand to hand with “Prabhat Pheri” singing soulful hymns during early morning hours from Gurudwara Singh Sabha, etc. Magnificent architecture of some of these buildings is going to add peace and spiritual ecstasy to your person.

Its not about religion only. If you are on a shopping spree, and wish to collect a souvenir or two, don’t miss the “Tilla Juti”…a leather footwear that is intermediate between a shoe and a slipper, made by cobblers whose origins are in Kasur, Pakistan and is dexterously embroidered with thread or beads. The leather is usually from Agra and Kanpur. The combinations of colours and designs make it an attractive footwear to accessorise with any traditional outfit. Despite being a small town, the production of Fazilka is about 1.2 lakh pairs annually which is cherished both internationally and the domestic market.

As a tourist, make sure to visit the Asafwala Shaheedon ki Samadhi which is a war memorial to commemorate the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Your patriotic spirit would get recharged if you could attend the “Retreat Ceremony” that is held at Sadiqui border everyday where the flags of India and Pakistan are taken down before sunset, preceded by short cultural programmes and parades. If you underestimate the popularity of this daily ritual, you would be in for a surprise. So plan your day accordingly and reach on time.

Other attractions include the Fazilka Clock Tower, which is the tallest in North India. Also, the tower is situated in a car-free zone, like Chandni Chowk of Delhi, Walled City of Jaipur, etc. A vast market of local delicacies is functional during evenings here. Make sure that you taste “Tosha”, a sweet Fazilka is famous for.

Fazilka is also the first town in the world to launch “Dial-a-Rickshaw” Service, called Fazilka Ecocabs.

The key idea of the project is to strengthen existing unorganized network of cycle rickshaw. Five Ecocab call centers are established within the city mainly north, south, east, west and central to provide dial-a-rickshaw facility.

Each centre is serving almost 1500 households. At present fleet of 450 registered traction men are self employed under Fazilka Ecocab project.

Many fairs and festivals are also hosted in Fazilka, where the local tradition, cuisine and culture are showcased.

Are your eyes glowing? Don’t wait anymore… just plan a short getaway to this beautiful town. No, there is no need to worry about anything anymore as you have visited the perfect website that suits your needs. We, at The Other Home, understand you and design our packages accordingly. If you wish to get a feel of the local atmosphere, we bring to youJyani Natural Farm, an organic farm spread over 130 acres of land with the farm house in the centre.

The farm has over more than 50 acres fruit plantation that includes Citrus, Guava, Grapes, Blackberry, Amla, Papaya, Banana etc. and many varieties of seasonal crops. A dairy farm with over 40 cows is there too for abundant supply of fresh milk and delicious milk products. Other activities include Horse riding and Tractor & Bullock Cart Riding, early morning farm walks with faithful dogs.

The farm house has all modern facilities such as a fresh water swimming pool, home theatre system, modern kitchen with traditional way of cooking and games room with a tables tennis, chess etc.

The property owner and your host, Mr. Vinod Jyani is a well-known agriculturist and a social worker. He believes in the traditional way of living and welcomes his guests to experience it every day. He has been presented the Organic Man of the Year award 2010 for his significant contribution in promotion of organic farming in Punjab.

Just 14 km away from the farm is Asia’s largest open black buck wildlife sanctuary. Just convey your intentions to Mr. Jyani or us, and your itinerary would be planned suitably.

For more details, click here or contact us straightaway.

The beauty lies right here – International Flower Festival in Sikkim

2013-04-27T05:47:00.002-07:00

Who doesn’t like the fragrance of beautiful flowers? A fully blossomed flower is a sure treat to watch. So imagine a garden full of them? It would definitely be a wonderful sight to watch so many flowers of different species at one place.

The international flower festival is an annual event that takes place in Gangtok, Sikkim. There are around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons and much more. Orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs etc are the main display items during the show. During the months from March to May, all these species look their best which makes it an ideal time for the festival. The Governor’s Residence at the White Hall plays the host for the event which is happening from May 1^st to May 31^st this year.

There is also a food fair with the regional delicacies taking the top spot. If you love adventures and wading through waters, then there is river rafting for you. Another interesting feature of the Flower festival in Sikkim is the Yak Safari. Lectures and seminars on indigenous plants are held during the flower show.

Another prominent flower festival is held in Shillong from May 1^st to May 7^th. Shillong, as we all know is one of the most beautiful places in India. The waterfalls, the hills and all things beautiful naturally gives you a warm welcome to Shillong. The All Saints Hall in the East Khasi Hills of the Shillong district plays host for this event. The local pork dishes are exclusively sought after during this time. All these cities have an individual unique story to tell. The valleys and the hills are so beautiful that the writer inside you will wake up.

Haven’t you felt like taking a break and being with nature sometimes? Haven’t you wanted time for yourself and your family? Don’t you fee like getting rejuvenated?

Don’t you want to enjoy nature and be part of it? This is the best time to do so. Be part of the flower festival in May and enjoy like never before. For your stay and other information contact The Other Home atinfo@theotherhome.com.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us.

It is beach time where the sands of time stand still

2013-04-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

What better way can you think of spending your much awaited holiday than crusading on a beach? The sands of time fading away making way for fresh memories. The hot sun at your zenith bathing you, while the cool breeze from the sea taking you to a different world completely. An excellent way of spending quality time with your family and loved ones.

Beach holidays have a special zing to its nature. There is a spirit of adventure and a tinge of spiritual refreshment combined to a beach holiday. When it comes to adventure, there is the beach surfing, boating, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, parasailing, water skiing and much more. Scuba diving involves the unexplored areas of the sea bottom. The beaches of Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have coral reefs in their sea bottom that is one of the most beautiful scenes in the world. Snorkeling ideally involves discovering the mysteries of the marine world.

The beach islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman are suitable for this. Snorkeling basically requires a beginner’s session in the start teaching you various safety measure while under the sea. Canoeing, Kayaking and surfing would include water sporting for who loves splashing the deep blue liquid. It is always advisable to know your route and the water level before you venture into any of them. Water skiing is yet another sport that involves extreme adventure. Very similar to surfing, water skiing involves a ski pad and would require better sensory abilities. Sailing and boating are other exclusive beach activities. The Tarkarli beach in Maharashtra is an excellent spot for the same. The Candolim and the Vagator beach in Goa provide good conditions for windsurfing

India is blessed with exotic beaches and backwaters due to its geographical position. Starting from the land of beaches, Goa, that is home to two exotic beaches like the Vagator and Candolim. The Candolim beach is long and straight with sand covered dunes and has the Aguada Fort right next to it. The Vagator is a white sand beach that has an attractive night life. The 500 year old Chapora fort is right next to this beach which is worth a visit. The beautiful sight of the rising sun is the most important thing to watch at the Karaikal beach, Pondicherry. The boating club at the Arasalar River backwaters is also a sure treat around there.

The blue waters of the Arabian sea and the coconut grooves make the Kovalam beach in Kerala, one of the most interesting beaches of the country.

The Lighthouse beach, the Hawa beach and the Samudra beach are the three sections into which the Kovalam beach is rightly divided. The Bangaram beach in Lakshadweep has been nominated among the world’s top ten secret beaches. The coral reefs and the blue lagoon provide a heavenly feel for the tourists. Ideal for sea bathing and sun basking, the Radhanagar beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a real pleasure to nature lovers. The Karmatang beach in the Andaman is famous for turtle nesting. The 15 km long Golden beach in Cherai, Kerala can give you a surprise Dolphin jump.

Other important beaches of India are the Ullal beach in Mangalore, the Nagao beach in Diu which is horse-shoe shaped, the Marina beach in Chennai which is the second largest in the world and the Juhu beach in Bombay.

Exquisitely furnished cottage rooms with breathtaking view from the Balconies are the main points of accommodation near the beaches. They are suited and decorated to entertain the tourists. It is indeed a lovely holiday experience in the beaches of India where time stands still.

It is important that you should find out the right beach for your vacation and plan your Beach holiday in advance. For more information on comfortable accommodation and stay please contact The Other Home.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Cheshmashahi – Holland of India

2013-04-27T05:44:00.002-07:00

The heroine runs and her flowing dress bounces over beautiful flowers. The camera zooms out behind her, and as the music starts, your eyes are fixed to the screen as the heroine becomes a spot in the breathtaking scenes. You must have wondered where this location could be; commented about high budgets of movies… well, not all of those scenes are shot in foreign countries. The Tulip Garden in Cheshmashahi, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir is Asia’s largest; and a popular location for tourists, photographers, filmmakers, horticulturists, landscape professionals and many more.

Named “Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden” or, “Siraj Bagh”, this beautiful garden was formed in 1969 on the enchanting Zabarwan mountain slopes near famous Mughal Garden Cheshmashahi, over-looking the panorama of Dal Lake, which is a world famous tourist destination in itself. Set up by Department of Horticulture, Srinagar, it is mainly aimed at boosting floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. Every tourist season has a positive spiralling effect on other allied sectors like handicrafts, hotel industry, transport, photography and the houseboat industry.

Cheshmashahi Garden extends over an area of about 80 hectares and consists of several styles of gardens with unending joy for seekers of solace on informal and undulated landscape. It comprises of four components – Recreational Garden, Botanical Garden, Research Section, and Plant Introduction Centre. A beautiful lake spread over an area of 17 hectares with joy riding boats is also the attraction of the garden. The garden provides a 3.5 Kilometer joyride, a pleasant water garden, inspiring colour feast of spring, fragrance and colour pageantry of roses, riot of colours in summer, changing autumn colours and captivating twitter of water falls. Over 150,000 ornamental plants, representing about 300 plant species have been planted here.

The Tulip Garden, Cheshmashahi is located on the entrance to Srinagar. It has become a major attraction for tourists and the lovers of flora and fauna in early spring to watch hundreds of thousands of tulips in widespread variety and multiple colours in full bloom. This is India’s Holland, a country known for its tulips.

The garden—a dream project of nature loving former chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad—is all set to become one of the largest tulip gardens of the world. More than seventy varieties of beautiful and vibrant tulips are grown here over about eight hectares of exclusive stretch. The flowers last for a very short time in Spring— the bloom season is last week of March to third week of April.

The Tulip Festival is held annually in April for 7 days when tulips are in full bloom. The sprawling tulips of varied colours make the garden look like a silken carpet with intricate designs. The scene is captivating with floral charm and is a memorable delight for a visitor. Last year more than 100,000 visitors visited the tulip garden here. The revenue was a whopping Rs 2.99 million in 2010.

Cultural programs, Kashmiri folk songs, sale of local handicrafts, and preparations of traditional Kashmiri cuisine forms an eminent part of the entertainment of visitors during the festival. For more information, contact us.

Cheshmashahi or the Royal Spring, foundation of which was laid by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 A.D, is located 9 km away from the city centre. It is famous for a spring of refreshment digestive water, having a natural spring of pure, cool and sparkling clear water. 2 km uphill from Cheshmashahi is situated the Pari Mahal (Palace of fairies), a school of astrology founded by Prince Dara Shikoh, Emperor Shah Jahan’s eldest son who was killed in the war of succession. The Cheshma Shahi – Pari Mahal area has now been developed into a Tourist Village. Aldous Huxley, the famous author, describes Cheshmashahi as “architecturally the most charming of the gardens near Srinagar”.

You can reach Srinagar by its extensive road network that connects Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Leh and many other important towns and cities of India. Also Srinagar has a domestic airport that connects with all metropolitans. Rail connectivity, that defies most hindrances posed by hilly terrain, is also available.

So, when are you packing your bags to Kashmir?

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

The Journey to the land of Gods – Spiritual India

2013-04-27T05:43:00.002-07:00

The quest to the spirituality of India has wooed many a hearts. A melting pot of cultures and religion, India has witnessed travellers who travel to India everyday with the hope of attaining the spiritual enlightenment that everyone talks about.

Travelling to the most divine and historically significant places is not a recent trend. Indians travel or rather go on a pilgrimage to various temples, churches, mosques and monasteries that are spread across India, and have great significance in the respective religions they are part of. However, there is uprising trend of foreigners visiting the religious places of different belief. Some of them visit these places to understand the religious values, whereas large numbers of visitors come to learn these religious practices.

It is fairly impossible to travel to all the religious sites in India, in a short span. Not only is it impossible to physically travel to these places in a short span, but it is also fairly impossible to soak in what each one of these places has to offer.

Hinduism is the most prominent religion in India. Having had its origin in India, religious places are spread across the country. Every street has a Hindu Temple, the significance of these may vary but, Hindu temples in India cannot be counted easily. The most significant Hindu religious places in India are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Whether you wish to chant your way to peace and solitude or you are a Hindu pilgrim on a pilgrimage to the holy temples of India, these four most important religious sites would quench your soul.

A dip in the holy Ganges is a must for every traveller travelling to India with the hope to achieve nirvana.

The Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, Akshardham in Delhi, Jagannath Puri in Puri, Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, and the Sun Temple in Konark are some of the numerous temples one should visit to finish the Hindu Temple circuit.

Islam is one of the other prominent religions in India; the Muslim population in India make yearly trips to the Mecca’s of Islam in India like the breathtaking Haji Ali in Mumbai and the Jama Masjid in Delhi.

Standing still in the middle of the sea, the Haji Ali Dargah of Mumbai stands as a testimony to the devout Islam followers some of them who come here every day for the daily Namaaz.

An architectural as well as a religious marvel the Jama Masjid built in the 1600’s by Shah Jahan is located in the capital city of New Delhi. People from all faiths from all over the world visit this Dargah every day. The mesmerizing beauty and the serene atmosphere bring tranquillity to the people who visit here.

The birth of Buddhism first happened in Bihar, India. Today monasteries of various sects of Buddhism are spread across India, from Bodh Gaya in Bihar, to the extreme north in Ladakh, the Tibetan monasteries in South India, and the eastern tip of Sikkim, Buddhism is followed greatly in India. The Buddhist monasteries work magic on your soul, the lugta’s (prayer flags) that flutter away in the wind, the silence of the monasteries followed by the chanting of the monks and nuns, bring peace to your mind and body.

India has been a cradle of Buddhism; some of the most important Buddhist monasteries are located in the most scenic places in India. Sikkim is home to many Buddhist monasteries but you can definitely not miss the Rumtek Monastery. Not so far away from Sikkim is the Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, another significant Buddhist Monastery. Rewalsar is the seat of Guru Rinpoche or Padmasambhava. Legend has it that Rewalsar is also sacred to adherent of three dharmic religions – Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism.

If you are inspired to go on a spiritual tour to experience Jainism in India you should visit the numerous Jain Temples in Hastinapur, Sarnath and Varanasi. The Dilwara temple in Rajasthan is world famous for being a renowned Jain temple and an architectural wonder. The Palitana temple is considered the most sacred of all Jain temples and it has been a great tourist attraction destination.

Christianity is one of the major religions in India. Christianity in India dates back to the first century after the death of Jesus Christ. Christianity’s presence in felt in various places in India.

Christians could visit religious sites such as the Church of Sacred heart in New Delhi, the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, the Cathedral church of St Thomas in Mumbai and the Mother Teresa center in Calcutta.

The Tomb of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa is one of the most popular destinations in Goa and has both religious and historic significance. At the Mother Teresa Centre in Calcutta one could witness the extraordinary works of the missionaries of Charity.

One of the other prominent religions in India is Sikhism. A Sikh place of worship is called a Gurudwara. Today there are many prominent Gurudwara’s spread across the country. The most prominent of them all is the Harmandir Sahib, the first of the Five ‘Takht’s’ or more commonly known as the ‘Golden Temple’ in located Amritsar. Punjab is also home to the three Takhts (Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib) and of the Sikh religion and the other two being in the state of Maharashtra (Takht Sri Hazoor Sahib) and Patna in Bihar (Takht Sri Patna Sahib). The state of Punjab is the most significant shrines of Sikhism. The Langar or the open kitchen is something that Sikhism is world famous for. There is a great emphasis on community service and helping the needy.

Trips to religious places across India need not be only about spirituality; it could be just as simple as exploring one self and relaxing while being very close to God. Religious trips could be easily turned into a self exploration escapade, while experiencing various forms of Indian Culture like the very popular and westernized concept of Yoga. Yoga while greatly practiced in the west, still has its roots in India, and learning or practising Yoga in the lap of a Holy place makes the experience all the more worthwhile.

A Spiritual journey can be very cleansing and be the much needed break you need from you daily hectic schedules. Get in touch with us today, with what you have in your mind and with our special and customized home stay opportunities we would plan a perfect trip for you which not only enables you to experience the mystic and magical aura of these Holy sites but you also have quality time to do other things you enjoy doing.

If you are looking for a more personal and one on one experience, there is nothing compared to finding a perfect a homestay which would make you feel like home while you are travelling in the quest of spirituality. These homestay properties are easily accessible and give you the authentic Indian experience and the comfort that hotels fail to deliver. Contact us today so that we could guide you with the best homestay options in the most popular spiritual destinations across India.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

2013-04-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Located in Tibet, Mount Kailash of the Himalayan range has a lot of religious significance in the Hindu Mythology. It is considered as a holy place by Buddhists and Jains as well. Known as the abode of Lord Shiva, this mountain has a circumambulation path about 54 km in length. The peak is located near two large natural water lakes, Mansarovar (32 km approximately) and Rakshas Tal.

Mansarovar lake is calm and dignified like a huge bluish green emerald or a pure turquoise set between the two mighty snow clad mountains, Kailash on the north and Gurla Mandhata on the south. The sister lake Rakshas Tal or Ravan Hrada lies on the west. Many other hills also surround this area. It is an experience of a lifetime for any individual.

Every year thousands of people visit this religious complex as pilgrims. Although there are many package tour operators, the best is the one organized by Ministry of External Affairs. All Indian citizens between 18 and 70 years of age can embark on the Yatra(religious journey).

Sixteen (16) teams consisting of sixty (60) people would be taken here in batches from end of May/ early June to September 2011.

The trip would span over 27 days and an additional 3 days in New Delhi to obtain visas, undergo comprehensive medical examinations and complete financial formalities.

Yatra is extremely strenuous and challenging (more than Vaishno Devi / Amarnath routes which are popular pilgrimages), involves trekking at high altitudes about 19,500 feet, under inhospitable conditions including extreme cold and rugged terrain and may prove hazardous for those who are not physically or medically fit. The Indian Mountaineering Foundation has recognised the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra as a trekking expedition. There is a considerable element of risk to life and property.

You and I cannot join the teams at our will. There is a clearly defined set of rules and regulations, eligibility criteria and payment schedule defined. Firstly, an applicant must possess an ordinary Indian passport, which is valid for more than six months after a certain date (1^st September, 2011).

One has to be physically healthy, medically fit and should not suffer from problems of high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, etc. The maximum permissible body mass index (BMI) is 27, so you cannot be obese or overweight. All selected individuals are required to go through a comprehensive medical examination by Delhi Heart and Lung Institute (DHLI) and ITBP base hospital in New Delhi. If you are found medically unfit, the non refundable part of the fees and cost of medical examination paid by you would be forfeited. After 5 days of the Yatra, a second round of medical examination would be done at ITBP Gunjli, at a height of 3,500 metres to check your reaction to altitude trekking. Pilgrims found medically unfit at this stage would be barred from continuing the trek. The decision of ITBP officials at Delhi and Gunjli would be final and no certicate issued by any other institution would be considered.

Details of the Yatra can be found on the Ministry’s website. The application form may be downloaded from here, and submitted in hard copy at the office of the ministry, duly filled in and signed by the applicant, alongwith two recent pass port size photographs and a copy of personnel particulars page of the applicant’s passport. The last date for downloading forms in 2011 was 4^th March and that of submitting the same was 11^th March.

Don’t feel disheartened as you read the dates as it is more than half way through April now. We, at The Other Home, understand the level of planning and preparation that is required before you decide to take on the Mount Kailash Yatra. The weather is uncertain, and one has to prepare for the worst. Two of our team members (Mr. Manoj Aggarwal and Ms. Vaidehi Venkatadriagharam) have led groups in 2002 and 2004 and would be sharing their knowledge and providing valuable tips in the upcoming series. We shall answer all your queries and would be more than happy to organize your Yatra when you are ready. Till then, talk to your friends and family who you would want to take along with you and who would qualify the eligibility criteria.

There are a number of tour packages available in for one to choose from depending on the time he can spare and the cost he can bear. The most attractive of them is visiting the popular tourist locations such as Kathmandu along with Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra on a helicopter. The dates are pre-defined for such customized trips too. We shall help you choose the best package as per your needs.

Is the Mount Kailash- Mansarovar complex beckoning you? Start planning today. Contact us rightaway!

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Weary Feet and Happy Souls!!

2013-04-27T05:36:00.002-07:00

“No drama in the land of lama”, the ITBP officer jokingly summed up the briefing given to the 4^th batch of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2004, for which I was the Liaison Officer (referred to as LO by all and sundry for the next 28 days). It was a motley group of 35 consisting of sadhus, traders, housewives, government employees, a doctor, engineers and other professionals. They were from varied strata of society, the oldest was 72 and the youngest 24. We were to be together for the next 28 days trekking through inhospitable terrains in an alien land.

My job was essentially to keep the flock together and ensure their well-being, liaise with KMVN, ITBP and other agencies supporting the yatra, to act as the Indian Government’s representative in China and through all this, to also personally experience the trek and the pilgrimage.

This is not a day-to-day account of the trek and pilgrimage, nor does it give details of camps, distances, heights or terrain. Instead, it has snippets of my memory of this great pilgrimage, not necessarily in a sequential order. I can vividly recall the 2nd day’s trek from Gala to Budhi, which was the longest, the most treacherous, with the path cutting through overhanging rocks and winding along the turbulent Kali river separating India and Nepal. We lost a pony on our return journey on this stretch as it slipped and fell into the Kali and was swept away before our eyes! The rider had got down a little earlier and was thoroughly shaken with what might have been. The memorial at Malpa, the infamous camp that was struck by a massive landslide in the year 2001 in which all the pilgrims lost their lives, eerily reminded us of the ghastly tragedy. The rest day at Gunji was relaxing and after all of us sailed through the second medical check-up by ITBP, it was a jubilant mood in the camp as darshan of Mount Kailash seemed certain now. We spent the evening visiting the village, which had houses with intricate wooden carvings. It was at Gunji that we had a cricket match with ITBP, on our return journey, which of course we lost.

The evening aarti at the kali temple at kalapani was mesmerizing. It was at this temple that we gathered again for the aarti when we returned to India from China and were presented with mementos by ITBP. The full view of “OM” on the OM parvat across Nabidang, the last camp on the Indian side, is still clearly etched in my mind. It was a clear, sunny day and I was glad to see that all the participants had acclimatized fairly well and none showed any signs of altitude sickness. We had to cross the Lipulekh pass the next day and enter Tibet. The memory of reaching the pass at 6 am, after starting at 2.30 in the morning, is however, a little hazy.

After the group reached the foot of the pass, Jiju (Asstt Commandant, ITBP who led us from Gunji onwards) went alone with one more soldier, unarmed, to the top of the pass to meet the Tibetan guides and chinese counterpart officials.

And then, the exchange of yatris of 4th batch going into China and the 2nd batch returning to India after completing the parikrama took place at the top of the pass amidst a lot of confusion.

The descent into Tibet with a completely different landscape and people was quite an experience. We were initially bewildered by the unfriendly passport officials, lunch consisting of only steamed rice and thin watery tomato soup and the primitive, non-existent toilet at the guest house at Taklakot. There was, however, improvement by dinner that evening and we had some fried vegetables too. I believe the rooms have attached baths/toilets now! However, once we set off for the mansarovar and kailash parikrama, we had Indian cooks who prepared tasty and hot meals all through. The first view of Gurla Mandata, the snow covered mountain, the incredibly blue Rakshas taal, and then of course, the much-awaited first glimpse of mansarovar and the Kailash parvat…. It was truly a divine experience that day with a series of firsts!

The parikrama of Mansarovar is not done on foot, but by bus and we went around the huge lake over a period of 3 days staying at Chihu, Tsugu and returning to Chihu. A holy dip in the Mansarovar followed by puja on its banks was the high point of this segment. I spent hours sitting contentedly on the banks of Mansarovar gazing at the changing colours of the water. The Kailash parikrama was done on foot or on pony/yak, starting at Yam Dwar. Riding a yak was terrifying, to say the least, as the animal takes off suddenly, at a great speed and up dangerous inclines. But gradually, you realize its sure-footedness and get the hang of it and relax just a wee bit. Standing on Dolma La, the highest pass in this trek at 19500 feet, I felt truly humbled by the divine support that we got in reaching up to such a height. After offering our prayers to the deity on the pass, we descended 5 kms on foot, with a view of Gowri Kund enroute. The previous day, we had halted at Deraphuk, which offers the closest and the most magnificent view of Mount Kailash, right across the camp. After sharp showers for an hour, the sky cleared and the Kailash parvat glistened in the sun. Oh! What a glorious sight!!

The thirteen days that we spent in Tibet, around Kailash and Mansarovar were truly an experience of a lifetime. It was a different world altogether. Crossing the lipulekh pass and re-entering India was again a high point as we were warmly welcomed by the porters, guides and ITBP personnel. I feel truly blessed that I got the opportunity to be on this pilgrimage.

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – My Journey back to Life

2013-04-27T05:35:00.002-07:00

12 July 2002 I clearly remember the date as the journey which I embarked upon that day, changed the way I looked at the world. This was the day we started the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Those 27 days we were literally in the lap of nature, so pristine so beautiful and so calming. In the hum drum of city life, I had forgotten how melodious are the birds in the morning so many time while trekking I instantaneously remembered so many of the long forgotten verses of Wordsworth from school.

I gazed — and gazed — but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought

Nature till then never seemed so overpowering.

We had to trek for 6 days on Indian side the trek to my unexercised city muscles was seeming so strenuous and suddenly I heard the running footsteps and looking back I saw a girl and a small boy running and trying to get ahead of us. When asked where they are off to pat came the reply to the next turn on the mountain where the pilgrims will take rest there they will sell these fruits showing us a small basket on their backs… such simple pleasures of life the trek was worth it just to be in touch with reality.

On the way there came a village (Garbyang) which was all tilted and deserted because of earthquake threats. To me it seemed straight out of the pages of Vikram & Betal it was so enchanting just to be lost in the bylanes.

Words can never describe the experience of seeing Kailash Parbat for the first time we were in the bus and then suddenly we saw Mount Kailash in all its glory, it was the vast expanse of Tibetian Plateau and the sky was deepest blue I had ever seen and there it was Mount Kailash abode of gods I still have goose pimples when I remember the scene. The sight I remember had different impact on each one of us. The oldest of all a Gujrati ben (54 years old) just couldn’t stop her tears, some went into total trance chanting OM NAMAH SHIVAY. It seemed we were finally in the beneighing presence of almighty and like an eager child I looked forward impatiently for the 3 days parikrama which would bring us closer to this enigma Mount Kailash.

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Home Away from Home – It’s a Vacation Home!!

2013-04-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

Looking out of the window sipping my morning coffee, a serene sensation pervades my whole being as I see the lush green coffee plantations all around, the fresh morning sun and the breathtakingly blue sky; I feel so much at home…but wait!! I am not at home!!….I am in Munnar on a romantic getaway with the husband (who else!!)

Well, I am almost at home, staying at a vacation rental run by Carpe Diem Education Trust at Munnar.

While we were planning on a holiday in Munnar, both of us wanted to stay at a place which would be very private and not be disturbed by too many people around. One of our close friends suggested trying out vacation rentals for a change and taking his advice, we booked this very quaint villa which came with one attendant (as an add on facility). We applauded ourselves for the decision right from the time we landed in Munnar. We have the whole house to ourselves and enjoy personalised F & B services.

The concept of a vacation rental (or home as it’s popularly called) is a great one. Vacation rentals have long been a popular travel option in Europe (especially in the UK) as well as in Canada and are becoming increasingly popular across India also. Vacation rentals offer a pleasant alternative for honeymoon couples, families and travel groups looking for privacy & comfort during holiday. Also, vacation rentals serve as great venues for Corporate Team Building Exercises, Corporate / Personal Guest House and as R&R destinations (such as Spiritual Meditation and Yoga Venues). It scores over hotels in many ways such as cost savings, space, comfort and most of all privacy. And personally for me, the unique charm of a vacation home comes from the experience of living in a real neighbourhood and soaking up the rhythm of the locals.

In fact, I had a very pleasant experience in Ooty, staying at a vacation home whilst on an office tour. I was part of a big group from my office and we were to stay in Ooty for a week as part of some project. Our work required us to work odd hours in the field at different locations of the town and we wanted to stay at a place which could provide us with add on services (like food, laundry, etc.) quickly and also at odd times (if required). We looked around a lot of hotels and none were to our satisfaction. Then one of the hotel owners suggested a vacation home located in the residential area. We checked it out and loved it!!….it was a big bungalow with a large living room, kitchen area, 5 rooms with attached bathrooms, a terrace and came with a caretaker. It was located in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, totally quiet and away from the “touristy” Ooty. We could work there as a team without disturbance from any other guests or staff like in a hotel but at the same time could avail housekeeping services as & when required. We had a comfortable stay during the course of our hectic work schedule at Ooty and I am of the opinion that it could not have been a better experience if we had opted for a hotel stay.

Nowadays, there are a number of travel agencies, vacation rental agencies & stand alone private operators in India which are into the business of vacation rentals/home stays and one can choose from a wide variety of options available in the market. The key points to note while booking vacation homes are the reliability of the rental agency/travel operator, location and the services on offer. Remember, with a vacation home, what you see (literally!!) is what you get (well thats my experience at least!!).

To sum up, I would recommend that if you are planning for a romantic holiday, weekend getaway, an R&R retreat or even a corporate get together, a vacation rental is a nice (and much more fun!!) alternative to hotels ….and who knows, like me, you also end up feeling like its’ a home away from home!!

The Other Home offers a great variety of vacation rental and homestay options in India. If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

Life in a Metro – Experience the Capital on Rail

2013-04-27T05:32:00.002-07:00

The metro rail in Delhi is a part of the city’s image today. Characterized by five corridors denoted by different colours, besides the newly introduced Orange line (Airport Express Line), the present network of Metro Rail in Delhi is like a skeleton that holds the city and the hinterland of the National Capital Region (NCR) together. Criticize it or love it, you cannot ignore it.

If you are a visitor to the capital, you should not miss a ride on the metro at any cost. In reality, you cannot. Whatever way you reach the city, there is a metro station for you: at two Railway Stations (New Delhi and Old Delhi), the airport (IGI Airport) and the major bus terminals (Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate). And more often than not, there would be one near wherever you want to go.

Come, experience what the metro has done to Delhi. It is perhaps the only public transport mode that has succeeded to draw people out of their personal vehicles and contributed in reducing congestion on the road network. Delhi has now become a seamless city as one can go from Uttar Pradesh to Haryana effortlessly.

Grab a metro route map which is available at most metro stations free of cost, so that you don’t lose your way.

The Red Line came into vogue first from Shahdara to Tis Hazari. Slowly but steadily, today the network length has grown beyond 200 km in length. It has brought about a paradigm shift in the mobility patterns of the city, and made commuting comfortable and convenient. Outskirts of the city have got connected to the city centre.

You must visit Akshardham Temple, which is an architectural wonder and has religious relevance as well. The metro station is quite near the temple complex, all you need to do is follow the signages to the correct exit gate. In there, you can also have the wonderful prasad, and hop on the metro to your next destination.

If you are in the mood for a greenery, go to Botanical Gardens in Noida. You would not even realize when you cross the state boundaries. The metro station is located near a major hub of bus services, Noida Sector 37. You may also hop on a bus to visit the Okhla Bird Sanctuary in Kalindi Kunj.

You must visit Pragati Maidan once during your stay in Delhi. It is one of the largest exposition grounds of our country. Artisans, technicians and experts of relevant fields get together here during the various events that are organized here. An amusement park was here by the name of Appu Ghar, but it is now closed down.

Entertainment awaits you full swing at the Delhi Zoo. Huge is a small word to describe the sprawling campus. You may also enjoy a boasting ride in the moat of Purana Quila.

Alternatively, you can cross the Yamuna River and get off at Rajiv Chowk. You would emerge in Connaught Place, the heart of the city. It is the commercial hub of the city. You may visit British Council on K. G. Marg, or relax in the Central Park, catch a movie in one of the multiplexes. Or shop a bit on Inner Circle, Palika Bazar, Janpath and nearby areas. Are you tired or hungry? Options to satisfy your taste buds are many: Milk shakes at Cavanders, Pizzas in Pizza Hut, Nirula’s, Wimpy’s, South Indian Cuisine at Sarvana Bhawan, Non Vegetarian Mughlai preparations in Delhi Durbar and Kake da Dhaba, Mexican food at Rodeo’s, Chinese at Taste of China are just a few mouth watering examples.

Decide which direction you want to go next, because Rajiv Chowk is an interchange station between the Yellow and Blue Lines. Lest you choose to explore the Blue line, get of at the very next station, Ram Krishna Ashram Marg. It is located in the heart of the famous furniture market of Panchkuian Road. This used to be a booming market, but now some of the merchants have been relocated. However, the remainder is no less interesting.

As you cross Jhandewalan, you cannot miss the 108 feet high Hanuman Statue which stands adjacent to the metro line. Get off at Rajouri Garden to explore the adjoining malls. Shopping activities beckon you down the line too, in Tilak Nagar, Janakpuri, Dwarka, etc but these are mainly residential areas.

Delhi is not known as the paradise for shoppers for nothing. On the yellow line, you can visit Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar and shop to your heart’s content. You should not miss the shopping experience at Kamla Nagar markets. Diametrically opposite on the corridor, there is INA metro station which is near Dilli Haat, INA Market and Sarojini Nagar Market. Malviya Nagar and Saket are some popular shopping destinations connected by the metro network. Lajpat Nagar and Khan market metro stations on the Violet Line shall bring you to the most popular shopping hubs of South Delhi. Pitampura, Netaji Subhash Place and Rohini on Red Line are the marketing nodes of the north western part of Delhi.

If you wish to hang around in malls, go straight to M G Road station. A number of shopping arcades with exciting food courts are nearby.

Explore the true feel of Delhi as it used to be once upon a time. The Red Fort stands in quiet testimony of the grand era of the Mughals. Alongside, some historic structures such as Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Magazine where ammunition and local bulletins used to be stored, take you back in time. Look at the buildings that stand dilapidated along the roads – you would be awestruck by the intricately designed iron railings, wooden fascias and beautiful architectural elements.

India Gate, the first image if which flashes in one’s mind when you talk of Delhi, stands near Central Secretariat metro station on one end of the beautiful vista of Rajpath. Rashtrapati Bhawan is on the other end. The colonial architectural style can be seen in whole of Lutyen’s Delhi in low rise bungalows and administrative buildings.

Nehru Place and Kalkaji Mandir metro stations of Violet Line shall bring you to the beautiful Lotus Temple or the Bahai House of Worship, which looks like a lotus, a prototype of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The archaeological sites of Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Garden of Five Senses and Chatterpur Temple are popular destinations for tourists on the Yellow Line.

The AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital Complex is also connected by the Yellow Line and Moolchand Hospital is served by the Violet Line. Hence, if you need medical attention, all you need to do is board the metro from the station nearest to you. Other medical institutions connected by the metro web are Max Hospital in Saket, Batra Hospital in Hamdard Nagar, etc.

Educational centres such as Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University are also accessible by the metro.

Explore Delhi on “The pride of the country”!

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The grandeur and the opulence is a sure treat at the Pooram in Kerala

2013-04-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Pooram is the annual temple festival of Central Kerala. It is that auspicious time when you see elephants dressed royally and caparisoned walking in majesty, the synchronized performance of the musical instruments and the audience completely captivated by the synergy applauding their hearts out.The well known Pooram festivals are Arattupuzha-Peruvanam Pooram, Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Uthralikavu Pooram, Chinakkathoor Pooram and the very own Thrissur Pooram. The Thrissur Pooram is the most popular of all happening annually in the month of April or Medam according to the Malayalam calendar. This year the festival is on May 12, 2011 (Thursday).

The musical array during the festival is specifically called as Melam. Pandi Melam is the most awaited of all the Melams which is performed outside the temple while the Panchari Melam is done inside. Another classical musical display in Kerala is the Panchavadyam which is the musical harmony coming from five (5) different instruments. Kombu, Madhalam, Edaka, Timila and Elathalam are the five maestros.

The firework display is another outstanding feature of the Thrissur Pooram. The fireworks are lit by two (2) rival teams separately, namely Thiruvambadi and Paramekavu. It is a competition between the two teams in terms of fireworks and the display of elephant power. Huge numbers of crackers, some of them quite heavy, are burst into the sky. For a continuous number of 36 hours, the crackers illuminate the atmosphere, especially during the early hours.

The famous pooram, pooram festival, pooram photos, kerala pooram festival, kerala festival, pooram festival kerala, kerala trichur pooram, temple festival, thrissur tourism, kerala gods own, festival in kerala, festival of kerela, thrissur pooram, thrissur pooram elephants,about festivals of kerala, about kerala festivals, pandi melam, Vadakkunathan temple, thrissur temple in Thrissur plays the host for Pooram. The temple during the time of the festival is a sure treat to watch in its grand decorated ambience. If you love music, being part of celebrations or a festivity associated with temple you should definitely visit Kerala during April. Since the weather is likely to be a bit warm during the time, it is important to have a comfortable accommodation there.

We at The Other Home takes care of all your needs more than you can imagine.

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Dharamshala – The Little Lhasa

2013-04-27T05:10:00.002-07:00

With the Dhauladhar making a magnificent backdrop Dharamshala is one of the prettiest hill stations in India. It is a great holiday destination, while being very peaceful it is still full of life. The hill station of Dharamshala, is an amalgamation of cultures. The world wide recognition of His Holiness and the growing popularity of Tibetan Buddhism attract a large number of foreign tourists. It is also the current home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama the spiritual and political leader of Tibetans.

The small town of Dharamshala is bustling with people when Tibetan Buddhist teachings are offered by His Holiness.

Apart from the religious significance of the place, Dharamshala attracts people from the neighbouring cities a perfect over night holiday destination not so far away from home, and yet amidst the mightiness of the Dauladhar Range. Mcleodganj, also known as Upper Dharamshala is a haven for shopper and a foodie’s guide to food from all around the world.

Shoppers could spend walking around and discovering the wonders of a small town, shops sell fashionable goods from Bangkok, authentic silver jewellery; Kashmiri’s selling their traditional shawls caps and jackets. If you are in a mood to splurge a little on picking up something great for your home, head to one of the shops that sell the Tibetan painting known as Thangka’s. It could be a little expensive but it would definitely be one of the most prised possessions you could be looking, these paintings of Gods and Goddesses are made of pure silk and could take as long as 4 years to be completed.

The up and coming fashion stores would surprise you with the clothes they have to offer, these clothes are absolutely in fashion and some of the trendiest clothes. Some of them you may not even find in your cities. A visit to Dharamshala would not be complete without a little silver souvenir. Pick something up from the street or one of the numerous shops that deal in just silver jewellery.

Those of you looking to binge on the food, you could find eateries offering authentic cuisines from all around the world. If you wish to have some authentic Korean food, head to Korean Ri Cafe in Bhagsu Road, if Italian is what you desire don’t think twice head straight to Jimmy’s Italian Cafe, Lungta offers the best of Japanese food and while in Dharamshala do not miss the authentic Tibetan cuisine at Hotel Tibet. For those of who still prefer Indian food relish the Indian cuisine at Ashoka restaurant.

Dharamshala is home to Tibetan refugees in India, since it’s also the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa, it has a great deal of religious significance. The Karmapa’s monastery in Sidhbari is a scenic wonder, the cleanliness and the soothing feeling it brings to your soul is very uplifting. Tsuglakhang or the main temple, which is also the place of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence is where the Tibetans and numerous foreigners practising Buddhism pray every morning, and come for their morning Kora’s(circling walk around the temple). The Norbulingka Art Institute in Sidhbari is also a great place to visit, the Tibetan art and architecture is something that can be admired and you could witness art being made right in front of you.

British colonial significance can be still seen in places like Forysthganj especially the church of St. John. Situated in the wilderness of Dharamshala this was the final resting place of Lord Elgin a British viceroy in India in the 19^th century. You could pay homage to the heroes of Himachal Pradesh by visiting the War Memorial.

Not far away from Dharamshala is Andretta the famous artist Shoba Singh lived here for several years. Today it is one of the best places in India to learn Blue Pottery.

If you are looking to have a quite time or a small day out, the bhagsu waterfall in Bhagsu just a few minute from Dharamshala is a great place to visit. Monsoons is a great time to visit Bhagsu, the waterfall is thick and the trees are blooming to the fullest.

Indrunag is one of the other places surrounding Dharamshala that is a great drive, hop on your bike or car or rent a bike and drive to Indrunag. The awestrucking mightiness of the Dauladhar would woo you and you would just not feel like leaving the place. There is also a small café where you could park your vehicle and sip on some tea, while you ponder away to glory.

Another interesting place is Dharamkot, which is situated on the crest of hill. The place is just 11 km away from Dharamshala & 2 km from Mcleodganj. The village Dharamkot is a famous picnic spot and you will find that large number of foreign tourists, mainly Israeli. Dharamkot village is a good base for trekkers undertaking short & long treks and affords a panoramic view of the Kangra valley, Pong Dam lake and Dhauladhar ranges.

The Buddhist chants reverberate everywhere in Dharamshala bringing peace within your soul. Once in a while you could also witness peaceful protest held by Tibetans against the decades of unjustice they have faced under the opression of China. These peace marches start from the main square and end in the Tsuglakhang temple where a speaker would speak about episodes of the human rights violation and opressions of the Chinese rule. Grab a candle and show a little solidarity by taking part in the march, you never know you might feel like you helped in someway.

As Dharamshala became the head quarter of the Tibetan government in exile headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama prominent personal`ities from all around the world started visiting this place.

If you are adventurous and don’t mind a little bit of a climb, there is one place you definitely need to visit. Placed at a height of 2827 mtrs above sea level Triund provides you a mesmerizing view overlooking the Kangra valley. It might take you around 3-4 hours to trek, but it is well worth the effort.

The Tibetan community has added its own touch to this small town making it an amalgamation of Indians and Tibetans and their way of life.

There are numerous Tibetan NGO’s where you could volunteer and earn a little Karma, you could do as little as teaching English.

The Dharamshala rains are infamous so avoid visiting during the rainy season, the best time to visit would be in around October to April. The winters are freezing so make sure you carry a lot of warm clothes if you plan on visiting during the winters.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.

The beauty of engineering marvels from the past – Ganga Canel System

2013-04-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

I recently happened to be traveling from Delhi to Dehradun by road. Somebody advised me to take a left along the canal near ‘Muradnagar’ and drive along the canal till ‘khatauli’ to avoid congestion. The journey turned out to be a real beauty in terms of the world of engineering and enterprise it opened for me. The wonder from the past (over 150 years old) that was introduced to me was Ganga canal system. The beauty and grandeur of the canal system, the prosperity that it brings the region and its antiquity simply took my breath away. The area abounds in rich flora and fauna and has immense scenic charm.

Digging into its history a little I discovered (thanks to Wikipedia and other sources) that an irrigation system was felt necessary after a disastrous famine in 1837-38 that resulted in considerable loss of revenue and expenditure in relief works for the British East India Company. Around 1900, according to the Nuttall Encyclopedia of 1907, it had a total extent of 6,000 km, of which 800 km were navigable. The canal is primarily an irrigation canal, although parts of it were also used for navigation, primarily for its construction materials. Separate navigation channels with lock gates were provided on this system for boats to negotiate falls. Originally constructed from 1842 to 1854, for an original head discharge of 6000 cusecs. The Upper Ganges Canal has since been enlarged gradually for the present head discharge of 10,500 cusecs. The system consists of main canal of 272 miles and about 4000 miles long distribution channels. The canal system irrigates nearly 9,000 km² of fertile agricultural land in ten districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Today the canal is the source of agricultural prosperity in much of these states.

One of the moving forces behind the canal was Colonel Sir Proby Cautley, who was confident that a 500-kilometre canal was feasible. There were many obstacles and objections to his project, mostly financial, but Cautley persevered and after spending six months walking and riding through the area taking measurements, he managed to persuade the British East India Company to sponsor the project. It is a pleasure to visit house of Cautley (popularly known as ‘Dam Kothi’) at Hardwar, the locale and the beauty of which is simply breathtaking. Today it functions as a guest house of the Irrigation department of the state of Uttarakhand.

Digging of the canal began in April 1842. Cautley had to make his own bricks, brick kiln and mortar. It is truly impressive to notice the pioneering spirit that would have enabled all that. Initially, he was opposed by the ‘pandas’ at Haridwar, who felt that the waters of the holy river Ganges would be imprisoned; but Cautley pacified them by agreeing to leave a gap in the dam from where the water could flow unchecked. He further appeased the priests by undertaking the repair of bathing ghats along the river. He also inaugurated the dam by the worship of Lord ‘Ganesh’, the god of good beginnings. This really has some lessons for active stakeholder management and active community involvement in large projects.

Among the engineering challenges the project faced was the problem of the mountainous streams that threatened the canal. Near ‘Roorkee’, the land fell away sharply and Cautley had to build an aqueduct to carry the canal for half a kilometer. As a result, at ‘Roorkee’ the canal is 25 meters higher than the original river. Similarly the system of gates (most of them still functional) at many locations to meet challenges posed by falls is impressive. The canal also offers power generating potential at couple of places and indeed has some quaint power generating stations.

The joy of discovering these systems besides spending a quiet moment with yourself, lies in recognizing the making of India, saluting the human enterprise, knowing the local communities and their culture, appreciating local flora and fauna and maybe fueling the imagination of youngsters. The Other Home offers many options to explore this rich and wonderful region around the Ganga Canal System.

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Romancing the Black Beauties

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The railways have held some kind of romantic notion to them ever since they came into being. Perhaps it has got to do with the vast landscape one could observe passing by from the window of a railway coach, the rails leading into the horizon, The rhythm of wheels passing over rails over many a vacation journey to visit grandparents or make annual trip home from the boarding school, the romantic notion of being closeted with one’s sweetheart in a rail coupe over a journey to no where in particular, or taking the Trans Siberian rail.A lot of these notions also visualize a classic railway engine running on steam and coal with its plume of smoke and rhythm of ‘Chuk Chuk’. This indeed inspired many a songs, nursery rhymes, lullabies and childhood games. Romancing these beautiful engines or Black Beauties is the toil of many a rail engineers.

While with the advent of modern locos, diesel engines, electric trains and metros, the journey has become more efficient; the romance of rail is firmly anchored in the past with the steam engine. As steam engines have almost all retired from active service, the efforts by Indian railways (after their classic success with rail museum in Delhi) to revive the steam loco shed in ‘Rewari’ are laudable. The shed is impressive and efforts at restoration praiseworthy as can be seen form the following link from Times of India. Rewari makes for an interesting day trip out of Delhi and takes you through the country abounding in ‘Neel Gais’ or blue buffaloes. The town also has some interesting ‘havelis’ from the past. This is a trip all Rail aficionados will enjoy. Contact us, at The Other Home, if the imagination takes you to explore the trail.

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Row, Row, Row your boat at Rishikesh

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Situated in the foothills of the Himalaya’s in northern India lie’s the holy site of Rishikesh which attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. The Holy waters of Ganga in Rishikesh is considered to be the purest and the holiest by Hindu’s and a dip in this Holy water would wash off all the evil in you.

The Holy waters of Ganga in Rishikesh provide some with a kind of adventure that’s unimaginable. The rapids of Ganga make it one of the best places to do white water river rafting in India. Whether you are travelling or you are on a vacation with your family rafting in the holy water of Ganges is unavoidable.

Rishikesh has become the main center for white water rafting in the northern India. Rafting is an adventure sport of riding in an inflatable rubber boat on a torrential river. The natural and the serene setting of Rishikesh will double up your experience of rafting in Rishikesh. If you are with your family or friends and wish to continue the adventure by camping by the beachside, some of the best camp sites include the Byasi, Brahmapuri, Shivpuri,Marine Drive, Kaudiyala, Kirti Nagar, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

The places to raft in Rishikesh can be broadly classified as below:

Kaudiyala (12 kms)
Marine-Drive (10 kms)
Shivpuri (7 kms)
Bhrampuri (5 kms)
NIM (4 kms)

The most popular ones amongst these are Marine-Drive to Shivpuri, Shivpuri to NIM beach (Rishikesh) and Marine-Drive to NIM beach (Rishikesh).

If you wish to purely enjoy the experience of rafting, it is important that you thouroughly know what you are getting into before you hit the river. The River rapids of Ganga are divided into Grade1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4 and Grade 5, in the increasing order of difficulty.

The ganges in Rishikesh has 13 exciting river rapids, like the Grade 1 ‘Sweet Sixteen’, Grade 2 ‘Hilton and Terminator’, the Grade 3 ‘Three blind mice and Cross Fire’, and the Grade 4 ‘Roller Coaster and Golf Course’.

The Grade 1 rapids are easy with small waves and no obstacles. They are great for first timers. Example: Cash Flow
The Grade 2 are moderately difficult but with clear passages. Example: Good Morning.
Grade 3 rapids are difficult with irregular waves and narrow passages. Example: Three Blind Mice
Grade 4 rapids are powerful waves more difficult than the grade 3. They occur in faster currents. Example: Golfcourse.
The grade 5 waves are highly congested, very difficult and violent. These waves have faster currents and scouting in necessary. Example: The Wall
The Grade 6 rapids are virtually un-runnable and can be attempted by professional racing teams. Example: Suicidal

The Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 require high and precise maneuvering. If you want fight with biggest rafting rapid of Ganges than go for the Kaudiyala Rafting this 40 Kms stretch starts from kaudiyala and ends at Rishikesh and is great if you are very adventurous and like to take on new challenges. The King of Rapids “The Wall” is situated near Byasi. The Wall can be enjoyed in short stretches from Kaudiyala to Marine drive too.

Rafting in the Ganges is not just for professionals School groups and families could also have a great rafting experience. Smaller waves especially from Brahmapuri to Rishikesh are apt for School children and novices. This 9 km rafting stretch has Grade 1 and Grade 2 rapids. The Butterfly rapid between Marine drive and Shivpuri is a body surfing rapid that cannot be missed.

Rafting in Rishikesh is a once in a lifetime experience each boat accommodates around 6-9 people depending on the size of the boat. The physical strain undergone is overcome with the joy of the experience.

Rafting in Rishikesh is good all year round, but the best time for white water rafting is from October to January when the river is flowing fast with all the coming down from the monsoon rains. This area receives a lot of rainfall hence it’s always recommended that you enquire before you plan a trip.

One more thing to keep in mind is choosing the right people to have your rafting expedition with. You want somebody thoroughly equipped and highly professional. A great trainer could make a great rafting experience. The VNA Resort situated near Marine Drive in Rishikesh is one of the most trusted and professional resort which offers affordable stay and rafting experience. They are especially known for their camping experience and the adventure sports like Rafting, Rock climbing, Bridge Slithering, Rapelling, Nature walks and Night Hiking. We, at The Other Home and Indian Himalayan Adventure Club, could help you plan out a complete itinerary right from getting to Rishikesh to Rafting in the Ganges and your journey back.

If you are tired of the water there are other kinds of adventure sports like cliff jumping, rappelling and rock climbing that would keep you occupied.

Sometimes rightly nicknamed as the ‘Yoga capital of the world’ Rishikesh has numerous world class Yoga centers that attract tourists. Meditation in Rishikesh brings one even more close to achieving Moksha. While in Rishikesh you should enroll in one of the Yoga programs at Ashrams like the Rishikesh Yoga Peeth a yoga school and ayurvedic center, The Ved Niketan Ashram or the Institution for higher Meditative Consciousness. You can book your stay at holiday home – Tripti and can enjoy the local food.

Plan a trip to Rishikesh today to cleanse your soul while you meditate in the religious land of the Hindus or you clear your mind by jumping onto the boat and facing the hard and fast rapids of the Ganges.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visit The Other Home.