Travel the World

Fort Kochi, Kerala - A blend of Portuguese, British and Dutch Styles

2014-11-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

On our recent trip to Kerala, we set aside two days to visit Cochin and Fort Kochi. We were put up in a hotel in Cochin. After a sumptuous breakfast, we headed to the pier to catch the first boat to Fort Kochi. The ferry ride from Cochin to Fort Kochi was fun. People were ferrying across bikes, cars and what not.

In 15-20 minutes, we reached Fort Kochi. Armed with the map of Fort Kochi, which I picked up from the Kerala Tourism Kiosk at the Cochin Railway station, we set out to explore the city.

The map proved to be an able guide. All major places worth visiting were listed on the map with directions. We did not need a guide. Moreover, we covered all the places on foot. It is a small place and one can cover most of the tourist spots on foot - much easier and you get to actually enjoy the place.

The first thing we saw was the Chinese Fishing Nets called as "Cheena Vala" in Malayalam. Numerous such fishing nets dot the entrance to the Fort Kochi pier. These large nets hang from bamboo posts with lights hovering above the net. These nets also have counterweights on one end in order to aid in easy-handling of the nets. Some local fishermen still use these nets to catch fish. However, it is more of a tourist attraction nowadays.

The Vasco Da Gama Square, a narrow promenade parallel to the Fort Kochi beach, has many tiny little stalls serving a wide-range of seafood – freshly caught and cooked as per your choice. There are also numerous coconut vendors around.

All sorts of local souvenirs are sold here – combs carved from fish bones, foldable straw hats, conch artifacts to name a few. Bargain hard.

The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British styles of architecture, have influenced Fort Kochi. The buildings here are a mix of all these styles. Just walking down the streets in Fort Kochi transports you back in time.

The first building that we came across was the Koder House. This wonderful building is the best example of the architectural evolution from the colonial to Indo-European style. Some unique features of this building were the verandah seats at the entrance and the red brick like facade. The floor tiles in Koder House are set in the chessboard pattern. It is now a hotel.

The Santa Cruz Basilica was built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. When the British took over Kochi, the church was demolished. In 1887, Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira custom-built a new building at the same. The church was then proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

The Bishop's house standing on a little hillock was originally the residence of a Portuguese Governor. The 27th Bishop of Kochi – Dom Jos Gomes Ferreira, later acquired it. The house has large Gothic arches and a lovely garden.

The premises of the Bishops House also houses the Indo Portuguese Museum.

The Dutch Cemetery was consecrated in 1724 and is today managed by the Church of South India. The tomb stones here are mini architectural marvels in themselves.

The Jewish Synagogue in Fort Kochi was constructed in 1568, and is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth. There is a clock tower next to the synagogue.

The area around the Synagogue is the hub of spice trade and curio shops run by Jews – you will find any and everything you are looking for here. The place is called the Jew Street.

St. Francis Church - This is India's oldest European church. It was built in 1503 by the Portuguese. Initially built of timber the church was later reconstructed in stone. The British converted it to an Anglican Church in 1795. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon. The tombstone remains though.

Other attractions in Fort Kochi are:
Vasco House
Thakur House
The Hill Palace Museum
Mattancherry Palace
Bastion Bungalow
Parade Ground
VOC Gate
Fort Immanuel

We spent a day moving around Fort Kochi and were so enamoured by the place that on our return to Cochin, we checked out of our hotel and headed back to Fort Kochi with our baggage.

We checked into a lovely home stay and made Fort Kochi our base for the next few days as we travelled around Kerala.

Address of the home-stay where we stayed in Fort Kochi

i-One Home Stay
1/946 - A,
Njaliparambu,
Fort Kochi - 682 001.
Office : 0484 – 2217301

These people also provide bikes on hire. We had hired bikes from them and gone around Kerala.

The Royal Cenotaphs (Chatris) at Devi Kund, Rajasthan

2014-03-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Devi Kund is located around 9 kms from Bikaner and houses the "Cenotaphs" the royal family of Bikaner.

A cenotaph is a monument erected in honor of a person or group of persons whose mortal remains are elsewhere. The cenotpahs or "Chatris" as they are called in Hindi are built in traditional Rajput architectural style. Some have been made of marble while are some of a red stone.

The cenotaph of Raja Surat Singh has been built entirely of marble and has exquisite Rajput paintings adorning the ceiling.

According to the information available at Devi Kund, the Cenotaph of a male has a vertical memorial slab, while that of a lady has foot marks engraved on a slab.

The Cenotaphs built for minors are called "Nada" and are simple structures without canopy. There is a small cavity on the platform in which milk and water is poured. We also saw some cenotaphs for stillborn children.

Most of the Cenotaphs are in old architectural style but a few later ones are in modern styles. One among these new ones was that of His Highness Karni Singh, the 23rd ruler of Bikaner.

How to reach Devi Kund:
You can take the local buses from Bikaner or hire an auto as we did.

The Karni Mata Rat Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan

2014-02-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

The supreme attraction of the quaint little town, Deshnoke, is undoubtedly the temple of Karni Mata.

Infact there is nothing much to see here other than this unique temple which draws visitors from everywhere. People come here from all over Rajasthan and as far as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana to pay their tributes to Shri Karni Mata.

The lovely temple of Karni Mata is looked after by the “Charans” who are said to be the heirs of Karni Mata.

The story of the temple is as follows:

Karni Mata, born to an ordinary couple – Meha Ji and Dewal Bai, was married to Depaji in the year 1401. Karni considered an incarnation of Goddess Durga asked her husband to marry her younger sister, Gulab Bai, to produce an heir. Depaji and Gulab Bai had four sons – Naga, Puna, Shitha and Lakhan.

Story goes that Lakhan drowned in a pond while swimming and Karni asked Yama to bring him back to life. However, as his soul had already left his body, Yama brought him back to life as a rat. Since then all descendants of Karni are born as rats after leaving their human bodies. These rats then are reborn as Charans. And, the cycle continues.

That is the reason why the rats in the temple are so revered. If you step of and injure or kill a rat, you need to provide a silver replica of the rat to nullify the sin you have committed.

The temple is teeming with rats – big and small, young and old, grey ones and the occasional white ones. Spotting a white rat in this temple is said to bring good luck. At first glance, you may not see many rats. However, look closely and you will find then hiding in the specially created built-in holes on all the walls.

There - you can spot a tail hanging out from one of these openings….and look here – two eyes peeping out at you from a dark corner.

Inside the temple compound there is a locked up area with bare earth floor. Broken flagstones and giant overturned bowls dot the place. These look like the stuff used in the temple ages ago.

A very nice hiding place for the rats.

The sanctum of Karni Mata has many paintings of Karni Mata and rats adorning the walls. Devotees are not allowed into the inner shrine, which houses the statue of Karni Mata.

The rats are offered milk, coconut, fruits, grain, laddoos, peda and other sweets.

There are many huge bowls filled with milk and water placed strategically for the rats.

At any given point of time, you can see a group of rats drinking their fill.
The rats are not scared of humans and come quite close.

They even nibble on food placed on your palm. You can see them scampering around your feet as you enter the temple premises. You need to be alert and very careful lest you trample on one of these.

There is also a Karni Museum located right opposite the temple. It houses lovely paintings depicting Karni Mata and her life. The museum is open to all daily.

Win a FREE trip to Switzerland from MakeMyTrip.com

2013-05-23T01:08:00.002-07:00

Most Indians nurture the dream to visit Switzerland once in their lifetime. With its snow covered peaks, innumerable lakes, green and flourishing countryside with friendly people and enchanting locales, its no wonder that everyone wishes to go there. Switzerland is as much of a family holiday destination as it is a honeymoon destination. You can enjoy a romantic interlude and also enjoy a fun-filled family getaway as well.

Switzerland tourism attracts a lot of visitors and that is why major tour operators always offer numerous packages to the Swiss locations. Packages are tailored according to seasons, budget and destinations. The Alps are covered in snow in some seasons and it can be quite cold during certain months. The plains however are more temperate and offer a wonderful weather in most seasons. Keeping all this in mind, MakeMyTrip is offering many packages to travelers like - Family package, the Swiss Delight, the Swiss Discovery, Steam Experience Switzerland and Tops of Switzerland. Each package is unique and tailored to different tastes covering all the famed sights and scenic beauty that Switzerland has to offer. The packages are a mix of countryside, lakes, heritage sites, adventure, skiing and of course shopping.

Currently MakeMyTrip are running a competition wherein you could win a FREE Swiss trip. Yes, you heard that right - a free trip. In addition to the winner, all participants who clear a certain stage in the game are entitled to RS 2000 MakeMyTrip Holiday Voucher. You can find more details on the MakeMyTrip website.

So, if you are planning a holiday to Switzerland, look no further than MakeMyTrip. You will surely come back from your trip with beautiful memories to last a lifetime.

Travelling imparts a new vigour to the mind

2013-02-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." This is a very beautiful quote by Jawahar Lal Nehru.

So, well said. This world of ours has so much to offer, we only need to keep our eyes and mind open. Travelling is not just about seeing new places, it is about the changes that come over in you, the way you adapt to sitautions and people and a test of your capabilities. With the influx of so many budget airlines and travel operators, there has never been a better time to travel. With so many flights to choose from, each offering added benefits and additional services to lure customers, things have never been so traveller friendly.

If you have the time, then planning a long trip covering many places is a good idea. Though it may seem like a complex and tiring idea, if planned well it can be like a piece of cake. You could opt to cover places like Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Singapore. All these countries have so much to offer to tourists whether it is wildlife or culture. Air Asia is a good option is you are planning to visit any of these destinations.

Above: Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur (Image Source: WikiTravel)

If you are looking for something more adventurous and different, then head to Russia. Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan and Volgograd are some of the places visited most often by tourists. Russia is a cold country but if you plan well then your holiday can be a pleasure. Lake Baikal in Siberia is a beautiful place to visit. Apart from natural beauty which includes impressive mountain ranges, nature reserves and idyllic lakes, Russia also has some of the best museums in the worls. Art lovers will enjoy in Russia. If you are planning to visit this vast country then look at the deals offered by Aeroflot which is Russia's national airline.

Above: Russia (Image Source: Wikipedia (Wikimedia Commons))

If time is a constraint and you would prefer to travel within India, then fret not. Because India is such a diverse country not just in terms of culture but also tourism. From deserts in Jaipur to the backwaters in Kerala or the pristine sand beaches in Port Blair, India has everything. And it is easier because Air India connects all these domestic destinations like New Delhi, Amritsar, Kolkotta, Tirupati and Bangalore.

So, whatever be your choice based on the time available and monetary aspects, its always good to head out on a holiday. Because like Robert Louis Stevenson said - There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.

Extreme Bike Tours to Rajasthan

2012-09-30T02:43:00.001-07:00

Extreme Bike Tours organises bike tours in India, Nepal and Bhutan. They conduct bike tours to Rajasthan, South India, beautiful valleys in the Himalayas(Kullu, Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul), the Tibetan Plateau and the Kingdom of Bhutan.

With an enviable fleet of 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets, relevant equipment and spares, camping gear and an experienced team with a combined touring time of over 35 years around India, you can be assured that you are with the best. The team takes care of all your travel needs and you are sure to have a memorable time.

Rajasthan, known for its forts, palaces and Havelis, is a major tourist destination in India. The state has a rich artistic culture and its own style of classical music and dance. It is also a shoppers paradise with beautiful tie and dye prints, embroidery, mirror work and handicrafts. It's a place that needs to be visited to appreciate its beauty.

Extreme Bike Tours is conducting a bike tour of Rajasthan in November. Starting at Delhi the tour will take you through Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Luni, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Bambora, Bijaipur, Bundi, Ranthambhore National Park and Bharatpur before finally heading back to Delhi.

It's not just about biking, you will get to experience the real Rajasthan. Visit famous landmarks, try out the rich local cuisine, taking in the beauty of the sand dunes - basically enjoying the culture and history of Rajasthan.

If that sounds interesting then get in touch with Extreme Bike Tours for more info.

What: Rajasthan Tour
When: 13 November to 30th November 2012

Contact
Extreme Bike Tours
Phone: 0091 96653 77344
Email: info@extremebiketours.com

T3 terminal at Delhi Airport - Photos Set 2

2012-08-10T01:02:00.005-07:00

Some more pictures from the T3 terminal at the New Delhi Airport. You can view the photos I had posted earlier here.

Delhi - Aerial View while landing at airport

2012-05-14T23:01:00.004-07:00

Take offs and landings are a good time to get some aerial pictures of the city. I love how the perspective of the buildings and surroundings changes as the plane gains height. While landing at the Delhi airport last month, I clicked these pictures.

IRCTC launches rail ticket booking on mobile phones

2012-01-21T02:12:00.000-08:00

Good news for all those who book rail tickets through IRCTC. Now you can book your rail tickets through your mobile phones - anytime anywhere. With just a few clicks you can reserve your tickets, check the history of booked tickets or cancel a booked ticket.

How to book tickets on your mobile phone:

1. Open the website https://www.irctc.co.in/mobile on your mobile phone.
2. Login with your existing IRCTC user id and password.
3. Click on Book Ticket and fill in details for "Plan my travel"
4. Select the train and continue the booking.
5. Use existing passenger list or add passengers.
6. Confirm booking details and pay through Credit/debit card to get successful booking.

And you are done!
Easy isnt it?

I got an email from IRCTC regarding this, so thought of sharing it with everyone.

The famous Dakshineshwar temple in Kolkatta

2011-09-26T03:42:00.000-07:00

The famous Dakshineshwar temple in Kolkatta (Calcutta) was founded by Rani Rashmoni. The temple houses the idol of Goddess Kali who is the main diety. The temple precinct also houses 12 identical temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These 12 temples house black Shivalings while the interior is also done in black and white stone. In the north east corner of the temple precinct is the temple dedicated to Vishnu or the Radha Kanta temple. It houses the idols of Krishna and Radha.

The main Kali temple is built in the traditional Bengali architecture and has nine spires which are on the upper two sotreys of the temple. The temple is situated on the eastern bank of river Hooghly.

A must see if you are in Kolkatta.

Address:

Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Dakshineswar Kali Temple & Debottae Estate
P.O. :Alambazar,
Kolkatta - 700 035
West Bengal

Dial : 2564-5222,
Tele-fax : (033)2564-1444

Temple Timings:

October to March:
6:00 a.m to 12.30 p.m and 3:00 p.m to 8:30 pm
April to Septemtember:
6 a.m to 12.30 p.m and 3:30 p.m to 9:00 pm

Note: All images in this post are courtesy Raghuveer Ramkumar from Hyderabad.

"If you've just read this post somewhere other than World travel Blog, it's been plagiarized..."

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab

2011-02-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib - meaning the Abode of God) is a famous Sikh Gurudwara located in the city of Amritsar. The construction of the gurudwara was started by the fourth Sikh guru - Guru Ram Das in early 1600. In the year 1604 the construction was completed and the fifithe Sikh Guru - Guru Arjan installed the Adi Granth in the gurudwara. Baba Buddhaji was appointed as the first Granthi - reader of the granth.

In mid 18th century the gurudwara came under attack from the Afghans. However the Sikh Army sent down to hunt the Afghan troops emerged victorious after a battle few miles outside Amritsar.

It was only in the early 19th century that the gurudwara's uppper floors were covered in gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is after this that the gurudwara began to be referred as the Golden temple.

The temple complex is surrounded by a large lake called the Sarovar.

The temple has four entrances which signifies the concept of openness and acceptance. As with gurudwaras worldwide, the Golden temple is open to people of all religion.

There are only certain basic rules that visitors need to take care of i.e. not wearing shoes inside the temple complex, covering ones head as a sign of respect.

Its a must visit if you are visiting Amritsar.
Their is an information office near the temple complex - you can head here first for information or if you need head scarves. There is also a Sikh Museum near the main entrance and Clock tower.

Address:

Golden Temple
Rajan Khadwal,
Katra Ahluwalia,
Amritsar,
Punjab
India

Phone: +91 183 255 3951 ‎

Accomodation options around the Golden Temple area:

Around the Golden temple complex there are numerous pilgrim dormitories and dining halls where all visitors irrespective of religion and gender are lodged and fed for free. However if you would prefer to stay in a hotel, then there are lot of options for that too.

Hotel City Heart
Nr.Jallian Wala Bagh,
Amritsar,
Punjab 143001
India
Phone: +91 9855545151 ‎

Hotel Indus
211/3, opp. Golden Temple Langar Hall,
Amritsar,
Punjab 143001
India
Phone: +91 9815044516

Hotel CJ International
Opp. Golden Temple Langar Hall Building,
Amritsar,
Punjab 143001
India
Phone: +91 0183 2535677

Hotel Heritage
Baba Attal Road,
Beside the Golden Temple
Amritsar,
Punjab 143001
India
Phone: +91 0183 2536073

Hotel Grace
35, Braham Buta Market,
Opp. Golden Temple,
Amritsar,
Punjab 143001
India
Phone: +91 0183 2559355

Note: All images used in this blog post are courtesy Raghuveer Ramkumar from Hyderabad.

The T3 Terminal at New Delhi Airport - Photos

2011-02-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Some pictures taken during my transit time at the T3 Terminal.

Hampi Utsav 2011

2011-01-27T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Hampi Utsav organised by the Tourism department is on at Hampi.
(jan 27 - 29th)

There are a variety of programmes for everyone - Dance performances, Music concerts, Hot air ballon rides for the adventurous, puppet shows, fireworks displays, and also an amazing sound and light show.

So be there to experience the magic of Hampi as it comes alive with music and dance.

Additional information

While you are in Hampi do visit the many attractions on offer. For an idea on what to see check this link - Hampi : Places to visit

About Hampi - history and must see attractions

Accomodation in Hampi

SLV Yatrinivas
Opp. Rotary Club, Station Road, Hospet,
Bellary 583 201,
Tel: 08394-221 525/ 526,
Fax: 08394-227 245
Tariff: Rs.400 to Rs.800

Hotel Malligi
10/90, JN Road, Hospet, Near Lakshmi Theatre,
Bellary 583 201
Tel: 08394-228 101/ 102/ 105
Fax: 08394-227 038
Email: malligihome@hotmail.com
Tariff: Rs.350 to Rs.4960

Uma Shankar Guest House
Virupapur Gadda (Hampi Island),
Sanapur Post, Hampi 583 231
Tel: 08533-287 067/ 028,
094488 49378
Tariff: Rs.200 to Rs.400

Sunny Guest House
Virupapur Gaddi, Sanapur Post,
Gangavathi Taluk,
Koppal, Hampi 583 234
Tel: 08533-324 000, 094485 66368
Email: sunnyguesthouse@yahoo.com
Tariff: Rs.300 to Rs.400

Herrman’s Guest House
Janatha Plate,
Hampi 583 231
Tel: 08394-241 393, 094815 64419
Tariff: Rs.150 to Rs.400

Hotel Rameshwari
Opp. SRR Theatre, Kalamma Street,
Bellary 583 101,
Tel: 08392-275 050, 272 100,
Tariff: Rs.540 to Rs.975

Shanthi Guest House
River Road, Hampi,
Bellary 583 239
Tel: 08394-241 568
Tariff: Rs.150 to Rs.250

The Abu Dhabi International Airport

2010-06-09T04:01:00.000-07:00

Some pictures taken during transit at the Abu Dhabi International Airport

Therapeutic nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products that combat ageing

2010-05-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

Oxis is well known for its research and development of products that combat the bad effects of oxidative stress. One of the major things to look out for from Oxis is their development of products that will deliver the benefits of ERGO - a naturally occuring amino acid antioxidant. ERGO will not only be an anti ageing product but also will help maintain the levels of Vit A, Vit C annd glutathione in the body.

Apart from this OXIS is also known for its anti-inflammatory and several therapeutic antioxidants which prevent the oxidative damage to vital molecules in the body when the production of free radicals exceeds the natural defense mechanism of the body.

OXIS is a penny stock and investors who are interested in learning more about OXIS can do so at the company website - http://www.bloggerwave.com/Bloggerwave/c/403/28009/0

OXIS is on twitter - so if you are active on twitter you can find them here

Medak Church and Pocharam Reservoir near Hyderabad - Photos

2010-05-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

Kulpakji - Jain teerth near Hyderabad (Photos)

2010-05-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

Need of the hour - Alternative or renewable energy

2010-03-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

Was watching a documentary on NGC about renewable energy. Such a beautifully put together program. If only all of us could do our bit to save nature and the environment it would be so good.

The documentary got me thinking and I started browsing the web to find companies that are into this field. And I did find out one that was intersting. First let me explain in short what do they actually do.

The residual solids (in common terms the sewage sludge) that are left over after treatment of municipal wastewater contain lot of organic elements and compounds. These residual solids have been used as is for decades in the farming industry as an addition to fertilisers. Now a days companies further treat these residual solids to remove any remaining traces of harmful pathogens. And the nutrients are returned back to the soil from where they came.

N-Viro is one such company which converts these residual solids to useful biosolids like compost and enriched soil. These end products are then used in farms, for landscaping, horticulture, siliviculture and even for home gardens.

It is the need of the hour to do every bit we can for Mother Nature. Its time we all stopped wasting energy and depleting the natural resources. We need to look out for alternative energy or renewable energy.
http://www.nviro.com/

Dubai International Airport

2010-01-06T04:58:00.001-08:00

Some videos from the Dubai International Airport

Check out the Abu Dhabi Airport here.

Useful information for travellers visiting Kerala

2009-11-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Come December and the number of tourists to Kerala increases. Even we had visited Kerala in November-December. Good season to visit God's own country.

Listed below are details of KTDC and some other information that will be very handy to travellers.

For info on tours/travel packages etc contact

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
Corporate Office, P.B.No 5424
Mascot Square, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033
Kerala. Phone: +91-471-2721243, 2721245
Fax: +91-471-2721249, 2727521
E-mail: corporate@ktdc.com

For reservations:
Central Reservations
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Limited.
Mascot Square, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033
Kerala. Phone: +91-471-2316736, 2725213
Fax: +91-471-2721254
E-mail: centralreservations@ktdc.com

If you are planning to visit Alleppey backwaters then contact

Alleppey Tourism Development Co-operative Society Ltd. (ATDC)
A-837, Komala Road, Alleppey -13, Kerala, India.
Phone: 91-477- 2264462, 2261693, 2230583
Fax: 91-477-2231145
Email: info@atdcalleppey.com

For information on Munnar check this link - Munnar

For information on Thekkady visit - Thekkady

Diwali - the festival of lights

2009-10-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

October is a month of festivals in India. Dusshera is over and Diwali is just round the corner. Diwali is known as the festival of lights and is eagerly awaited for the lights, crackers, sweets and the festive atmosphere.

The lead up to Diwali is known for the spurt in purchases of gold coins and gold jewellery. This period is known as Dhanteras and it is the day before Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi and Dhanvantri are worshipped on this day and it is considered auspicious to purchase gold on this day. Every family makes a gold or silver purchase on this, even if it is a simple gold coin. The ones better off go for gold jewellery or gold biscuits.

Almost all the population heads off to various jewellery shops to make purchases and this increases the value of gold bullion. Keeping in mind the demand, gold bullion are minted into coins or bars and are available with most leading jewellers in the country. Lots of special offers are put up to lure the customers.

The diwali celebrations last five days with the third day being the most important when Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed into the homes and worshipped. It is also not uncommon to see gold coins and jewellery being gifted on this day.

Diwali is also famous for its sweets with each region in India having its own special cuisine. If it is Shirkhand in one place then it is Pal Poli, Sandesh or Jhangiri in another. Mmm, my mouth waters as I write about these sweets.

I cannot wait for Diwali to arrive. Here's wishing all of you a very prosperous Diwali. Enjoy.

Head to Australia for a glimpse of the Koalas

2009-10-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Was watching Animal Planet the other day. They were broadcasting a wonderful program about the Koala bears. I like watching animals in their natural habitat rather than in a zoo.

The Koalas are found in the following regions in Australia:
Queensland
New South Wales
South Australia and
Victoria

If you want to see Koalas in their natural habitat then you head to Australia. What with a lot of cheap flights available to Australia, it becomes much easier for you to make your travel plans.

To travel to Australia (the country has lots to offer for the nature lover) you could choose Jetstar, a low-cost airline, which flies to almost all the main cities in Australia. Or you could opt for Qantas, which is Australia's largest airline.

While in Australia, you shouldn't miss the following too:
- The Sunshine Coast and Gold coast
- The Great Barrier Reef
- The Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
- The Great Ocean Road

With the international airfares coming into the affordable zone, its time one plans a visit to Australia.

Maine, Here I Come.

2009-09-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Maine is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. It has everything you could wish for - a sandy coastline, majestic mountains, lakes and rivers, and woods. You could spend your time relaxing on the beaches or head off hiking in the mountains. You could also go whale watching if that interests you.

One of the major attractions of Maine is the Boothbay Harbor region. The harbor is dotted with numerous fishing vessels big and small; and a good sprinkling of pleasure boats. You could take a guided harbor tour on one of the many excursion boats available or if you are the romantic kind - then you could hire a schooner and head out for a sail with your loved ones.

The Boothbay Harbor in Maine is also a favorite destination for waterfront weddings. The harbor offers everything from accommodations, hair and beauty salons, florists, food catering services and everything else associated with a wedding.

Another attraction of the Boothbay Harbor is choice of sea food. Lobsters, fishes, scallops, oysters and mussels - you name it and you get it here. The main highlight in this region is the Maine Lobster. And I have heard that one of the best Boothbay Harbor Restaurant is the Brown's Wharf Inn. The inn offers a wonderful view of the harbor. All the cottages and rooms have good views. And top it up with the finest seafood fare in the region - that makes Brown Wharf's Inn one of the best Boothbay Harbor Inn.

Singapore or Seattle?

2009-09-08T04:41:00.000-07:00

Recession or no recession - travel lovers always look out for the less travelled places and good deals on accomodation. Had been to a travel fair recently with a couple of friends. Picked up lot of brochures and info on some cool travel options for December(Christmas holidays). On our way home my friend asked me to pick two destinations from my lucky/favourite alphabet - S. The two places that I selected were Singapore and Seattle.

After returning home I did a search on the tourist attractions in both these places. Heres what I found. Singapore is a very affluent country with a good night life and lots of shopping options. The Orchard Road has miles and miles of shopping malls. The Singapore zoo is also a must visit. I also found some good deals on accomodation in Singapore. There are many cheap hotels in Singapore. Another attraction in Singapore is the Sentosa Island Resort which is the Singaporean equivalent of Disneyland.

Seattle, Washington, is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. There is lot to do in Seattle. There are lot of museums and parks in Seattle. The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is also a major attraction. There are numerous tour operators who offer everything from walking tours and sightseeing opportunities by plane, boat or mini bus. Cheap hotels in Seattle are also available.

So all that is left to decide is whether it is going to be Singapore or Seattle. Both have more or less the same stuff to offer and cheap hotels are available in Singapore as well as Seattle.

Rail, Road and Ferry services in Ernakulam (Cochin)

2009-08-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hugging the coast of the Arabian Sea, the charming district of Ernakulam bustles with life. The city of Cochin in Ernakulam is hailed as the commercial capital of Kerala. Blessed by one of the finest natural harbours in the world, Cochin is celebrated as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Accessing Cochin

By Rail
Ernakulam is well connected to all major cities in India.
Ernakulam Junction - Phone 131
Ernakulam Town Railway Station - Phone: 2395198
Aluva Railway Station - Phone: 2624141

By Road
The KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Junction Railway Station. Phone: 2372033
Private buses operate from High Court Jn, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction
Tamil Nadu Road Transport Bus Station - Phone: 2372616

Inter state private bus services to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai and Madurai
Indira Travels - Phone: 2360693
Yesbee Travesl - Phone: 2375080
Princy Tours - Phone: 2354712

Ferry Services: There are two ferry stations in Ernakulam. The main boat jetty is 1km from the Junction Railway station and the other is near the High Court.

Ferry timings from the main boat jeety
Vypeen - Frequent services (1/2 hour journey)
Mattancherry - Daily 6 ferries (1/2 hour journey)
Fort Kochi - Daily 30 services (20 minutes journey) First trip at 6am and last trip at 9.10pm
Willingdon Island - Frequent services (15 min journey)

For more information contact:
Tourist Information Office - Phone: 2360502