Holiday India

Deccan Festival 2011: Gleaming look of Andhra

2011-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Deccan festival is a big five days long series of various festive & cultural events which is meant to celebrate and revive the ancient music, art, culture and tradition of Deccan state, Andhra Pradesh. In the month of February and March this grand festival takes place in Hyderabad the city of Nizams. Apart from art & literature, this place is also famous for the warmth of the hospitality of its people. Those who haven’t been to Andhra Pradesh and want to come across the ancient south Indian tradition this festival is a golden opportunity to get colored with the Hyderabadi tradition.

This festival encompasses in it various events like Food festival, Dance festival, Music events and many other cultural activities. In this mega Deccan festival you can see the beautiful a shimmering fair devoted to bangles and pearls. This festival exhibits the decorative jewelleries, pearls and the multi colored bangles of Hyderabad that are well

known in all over the world.

Now because it is being celebrated at Hyderabad, thus it is known also as Hyderabad festival. Just say that Deccan Festival offers the best time to sneak a look into the glorious culture of the princely state of India.

Cultural programmes held during festival included ghazals, qawalis, mushairas (a poetry session) and Dance festivals where you can enjoy the Oddissi and Hyderabadi dance form, Kathak. The presence of legendary artists makes this festival an incomparable is from all parts who rush to Hyderabad to be a part of the proceedings.

During your visit to Deccan festival, specifically at the Food Fair you must taste the delightful dishes belong to Andhra, which is called Hyderabadi cuisine. It is yet another celebration in the row for the visitors who want to relish the ultimate taste of this cuisine, can say that the Deccan culture is incomplete without it. This fabulous cuisine has evolved from the princely life style of the Nizam culture. This delectable cuisine is thus very rich and intensely aromatic, and is truly reflects the royal taste of the princes.

HI destination Management Pvt. Ltd. invites you to experience the Deccan Festival in Hyderabad with its best and affordable tour & travel services spread throughout India.

See the Beautiful Lazy Camel Race in Bikaner Camel Festival

2011-08-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Different states, different cultures, varied living styles and various languages, different traditions, but just one soul, this is the true identity of India. These different shades of India are born out of its colourful states. And Festivals in India are just another lively way to reflect the soul of vibrant Indian culture. But Bikaner Camel festival is somewhat different than other festivals. The chief purpose of this festival is to introduce the world so many wonderful things which are interesting and hidden so far. Festival is just an excuse to celebrate the life at its maximum. Also this is a charming fest that showcases the culture of Rajasthan in subtle way.

As it is can be easily assumed by the name this festival is dedicated to the camels which are widely famous as the “Ship of Desert”. Here these beautifully decorated Camels participate with their owners from the every parts of the Rajasthan.

This festival takes place in the land of Bikaner, Rajasthan every year in January. Organized by the tourism art & cultural department of, Bikaner festival showcases the vibrant cultural sides of Rajasthan in a quite simple way.

Incredible Festive activities: Isn’t it amazing when you see a lazy animal like camel (in appearance) running like a horse in the thrilling Camel race on the sand of the desert; and when you see the camels dancing on the tunes of latest as well as folk music; and when you see the music jaatra(a foot walk of the musicians with the local music instruments around the festival ground)? And above all to surprise every visitor most stunning camel beauty pageant is also held there. Then people can utter just one word for these all, “wow, all and everything just focused on camels.”

Camel milking competition: When everything here is focused on Camels then milking out of Camel is a very popular one Bikaner Camel Festival. This milk of Camel is salty in taste though having great nutrition in it. You can better taste the sweets and tea made of the camel milk in the Bikaner Camel Festival.

Wrestling Competion: Those who want to watch & witness the desi wrestling (Kushti) can enjoy here, a competition called Mr. Bikana, which is held to choose the winner and the physically strongest male.

Music Events in the Festival: If you are thinking of a festival in Rajasthan then you can’t imagine it without the superb music & dance shows. Under the best cultural activities you can enjoy gypsy dance or folk songs of the Rajasthan. It hardly matters from which part of the world you belong, the music you listen here is entirely spell binding. The wonderful music eves at the Bikaner Camel Festival are illuminated by campfires, and folk dancers and musicians just fills increase the curiosity of eager spectators. A desert fireworks spectacle concludes the festivities on the second evening.

A glance at the City of Bikaner:Another Desert city of Rajasthan, Bikaner was formerly known as the Princely State of Bikaner. This is the only camel breeding grounds of Rajasthan. Lots of things are here on offer within the city, and you can take a walk around and inside Junagarh Fort built by Raja Rai Singh in association with Mughal emperor Akbar. Unlike the other major forts of Rajasthan this one is not built on a hilltop.

HI Destination Management Pvt. Ltd. invites you to walk in this wonderful Camel festival of Bikaner, Rajasthan; the Royal state of India. We make your journey to India nice and on affordable price.

Experience Trekking along with Pilgrimage tour in Yamunotri

2011-08-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

Garhwal is a land of wonders, spirituality, peace as well as adventures. Wherever you throw a glance you get it is full of natural beauty & peace. Make your visit to this land and explore your true-self and test your adventure skills.

Yamunotri is the origin place of the river Yamuna, one of the famous & holy river duos, Ganga- Yamuna. Situated at an altitude of 3,291 m it is the western most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayan region. Yamunotri is also renowned for high altitude trekking destination in Himalaya region after Gangotri.

As mythology says- River Yamuna is called the daughter of Surya, the Sun and the twin sister of Yama, the Lord of Death. Anyone who bathes in its holy water has to be spared from a tortuous death.

The physical source of Yamuna is a frozen lake of ice and glacier called Champasar Glacier. This glacier is located on the Kalind Mountain at a height of 4,421 m above sea level, about 1 km higher. Since the location of the glacier is high and it is extremely hard to accessible; hence seeing the feasibility of the pilgrims, the shrine (the temple devoted to River Yamuna) has been located on the foot of the hill.

Trekking in Yamunotri- The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and thick forests. Trekking lovers can head for trekking to Dodital from Yamunotri, and literally from the Dodi Lake. Dodi tal is set at an elevation of 3024 m north of Uttarkashi. Crystal clear waters are surrounded by dense oak woods, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The lake is full of fish and is known for some rare species like the Himalayan Golden Trout. The forest surrounding the lake is also full of wildlife. It provides an idyllic set up for rest and recreational activities like angling, boating and bird-watching. The trek from Dodital to Hanumanchatti via Darwa Top takes two days, moves on to the upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas in Yamunotri, the place where the sacred river Yamuna originates from.

In the Hindu mythology Yamunotri finds a specific mention. According to legend, this tranquil place once was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the chief attractions of Yamunotri is hot water springs nearby which is believed to have medicinal properties. Interestingly, devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs tied in muslin cloth

How to Reach: The road to Yamunotri diverts at Dharasu, on way to Uttarkashi. Important road distances are : Hanumanchatti 14 kms; Dharasu 107 kms; Tehri 149 kms. The nearest Airport to Yamunotri is Jollygrant , from here you can get the cabs and other luxury cars to Yamunotri but it would be preferable if you hire a tour agency in order to get a comfortable trip.

HI Destination Management solves all your tour & travels related queries. A reliable tour & travel company in India organizing all kind of luxury & customized tours in all over India.

Visit Yamunotri with us!

Origin of Holy Ganges: Gangotri

2011-08-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

In the Great Himalaya, a holy pilgrimage named, Gangotri. This is the source of the sacred Ganges, and also the seat of the goddess Ganga. One of the four in the famous pilgrimage sites of Uttaranchal. Known as Bhagirathi where there it origins, after merging into Alaknanda in Deoprayag it attains a new identity as Ganges.

Gaumukh- It is a rock shaped like the mouth of a Cow and it is said that this river comes out from this Gaumukh. Set in the Gangotri Glacier, Gaumukh is the sourced place from where the glaciers melts and named as the river; it is a 19 km trek from Gangotri.

Location of Gangotri- Gangotri is situated in Garhwal hills, at an altitude of 3048 meters above sea level. It is on the northernmost part of the state of Uttaranchal and is close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Distance of Gangotri is around 250 km from Rishikesh, 300 km from Dehradun, and 105 km from Uttarkashi.

Significance of Gangotri Pilgrimage- Gangotri is a significant place from religion point of view. Hundreds of devotees throng the place every year in order to unleash the secrets of spirituality. Some of the main attractions of Gangotri include Gangotri Temple, which was built by Gurkha monarch Amar Singh Thapa, around 3000 years back. Another pilgrim site here is Jalamagna Shivalinga, which is a natural rock Shivalinga submerged in the river.

History- Gangotri has a great historical background and it holds the eternal feel of antiquity. Legend is, once King Bhagirath had tough penance here in order to please Lord Brahma, and to let the holy stream of water from his Ewer (Kamandal) flow on the Earth to give the salvation to his ancestors. Then, to save the earth from the fierce force of the stream, Lord Shiva held it in his strong locks. Thus, the river Ganges got its name after that great king Bhagirathi. It is also widely believed that Pandavas reached to this place to perform Deva Yajna.

The Shrine of Gangotri opens during the last week of April or the first week of May, on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. The temples opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. The temple closes on the day of Diwali followed by a formal closing ceremony amidst a row of oil lamps. It is believed that the Goddess retreats to Mukhwa, her winter abode (12 km downstream).

Gangotri Temple- The 18th century's temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga is located near a sacred stone where King Bhagirath worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. According to another legend, Pandavas performed the great 'Deva Yagna' here to atone the deaths of their kinsmen in the epic battle of Mahabharata. The temple is an exquisite 20 ft. High structure made of white granite.

Climate – Here in Gangotri, summer is very pleasant as you can’t imagine reaching there in winter which is freezing cold. Months of May and June are rainy season here. For the devotees and tourists, the gates of the temple are open only in the months of May to November.

Attraction of Adventure tourist-Gangotri is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. Skiing, Ice Hockey, trekking and mountaineering are major sports people enjoy here.

Explore the Himalaya with the snow capped mountains of Gangotri in Uttaranchal with the HI Destination Management Pvt. Ltd. We organize Chardham Yatra and special customized tours in Uttaranchal.

Chakrata: Living one day in the cold mountain

2011-08-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

We spent our 3 days of a weekend trip to Chakrata. We all were so much excited for this trip which was organized by our company. It was the first time indeed, when we were going to this place situated at the border of Himachal Pradesh & Uttaranchal.

We were informed that this is a colder place so even in the month of June in India. So we didn’t forget to pack our woollen wears like, jacket and cap. We begun for the journey to Chakrata at 9 o’clock in the morning from Dehradun, and it took 3 hours to reach (as we have stopped in Kalsi, enroute Chakrata to have breakfast).

We reached there at 12 o’clock and then we all directly headed toward our hotel rooms where we had stayed as we were tired enough. Our north-east facing hotel was situated at a wonderful location from where we could get a wonderful view of the Himalaya and other places in just a glance. After two hour rest we had lunch and then again went back to our room, we had to had enough rest so that in evening we could go out for the market of Chakrata.

Well, we all spent these three unforgettable days in the picturesque meadows of Chakrata which are like seized in our memories forever. The mountains, the folks, the environment, the cool breezes, the food, the market and Tiger fall everything was just perfectly alright.

Tiger Fall: Love trekking?... Then you can reach there on foot and at the 5 kms of distance from Chakrata. It is a pleasant water fall, from a height of 50 mts. mingling into a small pond creating a magical effect in the surroundings. At the height of 1395 mts above the sea level in the north east of Chakrata. Thickly forest and a beautiful view create it an ideal place for mesmerizing outing.

Chakrata Market: From the place where the bus and other transportation vehicles stops there’s one way goes on the right hand side to Chakrata market and left hand side whereas on the right hand side the place where we had started our journey from. Chakrata market is very beautiful and 5 minute way from the bus stop. Basically, inhabitated by Tibetans and Jaunsaari folks, it is a small congested market market occupied by house and shops of villagers.

Devban : From Chaferata this place 16 kms away and is surrounded by dense forests and lies at an altitude of 3025 mts. Here you can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Holiday India Destination Management Pvt. Ltd. organizes such wonderful trips for you to such unexplored places you’ve never been before and will never like to miss any chance.

A tale of Mount Abbott: Places to Visit in Uttaranchal

2011-08-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Mount Abbott in Champawat is the place where you would love to walk around amidst woods without messy traffic and noising crowd sip tea with clouds down in the valley and glare at the beautiful sunset. Mount Abbott or Abbott mount was discovered in the pre-independence era by a Britton (citizen of Great Britain) John Abbott, thus he named this place after himself. It is situated in Champawat district of Uttaranchal.

To start inhabitation here he built around 13 cottages here, some cottages are ruined with the time whereas some of them still existed. Here, the word Panorama finds new perspective as views of peaks like Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda and Ghunti spanning in an arc in front of you across the valley.

An old church is also there which was built in 1942. This Church is closed now, but supposedly prayers are held there once or twice in a year.

The large ground here allures to the Cricket players, it is also claimed to be the second highest pitch, first is Chail in Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 7,000 feet from the sea level. The weather here is nice all over the year; temperature raises up to 17 to 25°C in summer and falls for -5 to 15°C in winter.

Abbott Mount has breathtaking trails and walkways and enough to spell bound a visitor. Pleasant and heavenly atmosphere with the presence of tall cedar and pine forest are home to beautiful Himalayan birds. This is a place soon to become the famous among the honeymooners due to its peaceful and exotic location.

Have the Rest and Food at: As a place to have your moments of rest in the Abbott Mount those left cottages are converted as nice resorts. Good thing to know is that they have still maintained the look and culture of a pure cottage. And as food there is the north Indian cuisine is available in the cottages.

How to Reach: You can reach here from Delhi by road. First take the route of NH 24 to Rampur via Moradabad, secondly NH 87 to Rudrapur via Bilaspur. And then from Rudrapur, NH 125 will lead to Marorakhan via Champavat and Lohaghat from where a state highway will lead to Abbott Mount.

By Rail- Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to Mount Abbott which is at the distance of 163 Km from it. Second railhead is Tanakpur at the distance of 80 kms.

By Plane- Pantnagar airport is the domestic and nearest which is connected to Delhi & Chandigarh.

HI Destination Management Pvt. Ltd. gives you every chance to have a fantastic trip to Mount Abbott in affordable price. So hold your breath to get ready for the journey of Heaven in Uttaranchal with Holiday India.

On the Holy Pilgrimage to Vrindavan

2011-08-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

Vrindavan is the place worshipped by the Krishna Bhakts (Devotees), this is the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days with his peers. This is the land of Krishna- Raadha Raasleela or Maharaas (Divine Dance with his beloved Raadha and other gopika).

Vrindavan is a pilgrimage for all, those who believe in love, in humanity and peace, can’t keep themselves from visiting this wonderful place. Besides, it is home to the temples around 5000.

The beautiful city of Vrindavan on Earth is a considered to be the Heavenly abode (original Goloka Vrindavan Dham) of Lord Krishna. People from all corners of the world visit this holy Vrindavana to feel the divine presence of Lord Krishna. This is the reason this place is far more famous than any other tourist place. Also, this place is best enjoyed when visited in the memory of Sri Krishna alone. It is the dream of every devotee of Krishna to be here in Vrindavan at least for once in their lifetime.

The sweet thing which comes to see here that almost every local people can be seen chanting the names of Radha and Krishna in their daily activities. This is the place where whoever is visiting, gets colored with the Krishna Prem (devotion of Krishna).

How to Reach- Vrindavan is about 150 km south of Delhi. The nearest train station is Vrindavan’s twin holy town Mathura with the distance of 12kms and can be reached by a rickshaw 20 minutes. It is a one-way ride from Vrindavan's train station and will cost you Rs.100 upwards.

Earlier, Vrindavan was known as the Shelter City for Widows or those who are abandoned by their families. By Hindu tradition, widows may not remarry but spend life towards spiritual liberation, and many of those abandon their families or having abandoned by their families on the death of their husband make their way here. In exchange for singing bhajan( hymns) for 7-8 hours in Bhajanashrams, they are given a meal and a little money (around Rs.10-20). This enables chanting of the Lord's name and also feeding of widows who have no other means of survival. Some of them also beg on the streets. However, some of the trusts that operate the ashrams are regularly accused of skimming off vast amounts from the donations. There are an estimated 20,000 widows, some of whom are very old having spent over 30 years there

Holiday India organizes a holy and spiritual trip for you to this holy city of devotion, Vrindavan Dhaam. Take your pilgrimage trip to Vrindavan in best affordable price.

Take a Tour to Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh

2011-08-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

In the largely a flat plateau state of Madhya Pradesh, there is an only hill station and that is Panchmarhi. Pachmarhi is a Labyrinth of ravines and gorges chiselled on red sandstone by the wind, for over centuries, from a time when man used to live a nomadic existence.

This Jewel of Madhya Pradesh is named after Pandava Caves, wherein 'Panch' means five and 'marhi' means caves; it is often pronounced as Panchmarhi or Pachmadhi.

Famous as heaven of tourists in Madhya Pradesh, Panchmarhi is actually the paradise of walkers. A place Wrapped in lush green meadows and rinsed by the many streams and waterfalls, Pachmarhi is a place to enjoy your holidays away from the concrete jungle.

Pachmarhi is a land which is full of natural resources and beauty, and was first explored by the Captain of Bengal, Lance James Forsyth. After being discovered, soon it became popular as a hill station and sanatorium for British troops in the Central Provinces of India.

Pachmarhi- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Pachmarhi is Bhopal, and is about 210 kilometres from Pachmarhi. About 47 kilometres away from Pachmarhi, there’s Pipariya, it is the closest railhead to the Hill station. Besides Pipariya, you can also reach to Pachmarhi by road from Nagpur and Bhopal.

Places to Visit in Pachmarhi

Catholic Church-This Catholic Church is a blend of French and Irish architecture which was built in 1892 by the British. The Belgium stained-glass windows create a unique attraction and amplify the beauty to the building. The Church has a cemetery attached to it and graves date from 1859, World War I and II.Christ Church- This church is commonly regarded as the most beautiful small church in Madhya Pradesh. Fascinating architecture of the Church's like, its 'sanctum-sanctorum' on top has a hemispherical dome, with the ribs ending with faces of angels. With stained glass they all present a gorgeous view as the sun rays reflects through them.Apsara Vibaii - Near the cascade, here it is a lovely small pond where you can enjoy bathing; it is accessible from Jai Stambh. Picnic spot for families with children, as the pool is shallow.

Rajat Pratap- For adventure seekers there’s on ten-minutes short walk which takes them over rocks and boulders from Apsara Vihar to the top of the 'big fall' called, Rajat Pratap. A thrilling experience is looking straight down to the bottom of the fall which plunges down a 350-foot-high precipice. Lanjee Giri & Raj Giri– Lanjee Giri is best for the rock-climbing enthusiast, while from Raj Giri there’s a point called, Club Hill from that place you can get the panoramic view of Pachmarhi.
Jalawataran (Duchess Fall) - 3 km along the path fromBelle View, branching off from the milestone for Bhrant Neer, is a route to the beautiful Duchess Fall. The descent is steep and the trek a strenuous one for almost all of the 4 km walk to the base of the first cascade of the fall. This waterfall, which tumbles down in three distinct cascades, is the most picturesque of all Pachmarhi's falls.
Sunder Kund (Saunder's Pool) -Crossing the stream below Duchess Fall and following a footpath about 2.5 km in a south-west direction, brings one to a huge rocky pool in the Jambu Dwip stream. This is an excellent place for swimming.Jata Shankar- A sacred cave under a mass of loose boulders in which the Jambu Dwip stream has its sources. It is said that Lord Mahadeo reached the place by tunnel from Tilak Sindur to save himself from the demon-king, Bhasmasur.
Irene Pool – Discovery of Irene Bose this beautiful pond can be approached from the car stand to Reech Garh. The route upstream leads to a cave, through which the stream goes underground and then over a khud to the cascade (a series of small waterfalls).
Jata Shankar- It is a holy cave under a mass of loose boulders in which the Jambu Dwip stream has its sources. According to folklore, Lord Shiva reached here by a tunnel from Tilak Sindur to save himself from Bhasmasur, a demon-king. A rocky formation of this place resembles the matted locks of Lord Shiva.

Pandav Caves- The Legend says that the great Pandav brothers spent a part of their exile here. The walls of the caves have paintings of the battles, warriors and the horses. There are other painting which depicted animals and birds, and in some others, there are women and a child sitting in a hut. A terrace that runs the length of the south, south-east and east faces of Kites Crag has some fine cave paintings, most of which are in white or outlined in red. Visit Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh with HIDestination Management Pvt.Ltd.

Lansdowne, in Garhwal: Unexplored Places in Uttaranchal, India

2011-08-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Here you come to Lansdowne, which is a beautiful township as well as a pleasant hill station in Garhwal, Uttaranchal. Situated at an altitude of 1,706 m, from the sea level, Lansdowne is 37 km from Kotdwar City, enroute Kotdwar- Pauri road. This beautiful hill station is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests. Far from the noise and crowd of other hill stations Lansdowne can be called a pretty charming place for a quiet holiday.

How to Reach- You can reach to Lansdowne by a continuous 5 hours drive from New Delhi. Lansdowne is surrounded by lush, green hills. Truly, Lansdowne is still untouched from the outer pollution, which gives you a sheer feeling of peace and joy.

Lansdowne: History in Brief- In beginning it was known as Kaludanda, Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language. It got its name as Lansdowne after Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India in 1887, and by 1901 it was populated by 3943 inhabitants. Developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training centre of the Garhwal Rifles, Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Today, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here.

Places to Visit in Lansdowne- The town is attracted by many tourists and the soothing climate of the city all through the year, characterized by pleasant summers and cold winters, is very comfortable for holidaying tourist. This place is especially considered as a gateway of romance, thanks to the natural comforts, nice accommodations, pleasant weather, calm environment and secluded atmosphere. This great hill station is completely away from hustle and bustle and hence is distinct from the normal hill stations which are crowded.

Tarakehswar Mahadev- 36 km from Lansdowne and at a height of 1,800 m this place is known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by thick forests of deodar and pine, it is an ideal place for those who seek for beauty in nature. During Shivratri, a special worship is held. The temple committee provides a dharamshala for accommodation.

St. Marry’s Church- During your Lansdowne visit go for this artistically built Church. Built in 1896 by Colonel AHB Hume St. Marry Church had faced ignorance after the Independence of India, as British army had to unoccupied the town. Later this building was restored by Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.

St. John’s Church- On the beautiful Mall road this only Church, (Roman Catholic) Located. Earlier busied as the Forest bungalow and reopened in 1980.

Lake Bhulla Tal-This is an artificial Lake called, Bhulla Tal in Lansdowne where you can enjoy the boating and paddling. There’s also a Children park near to Lake.

Tip Top- This is the most popular visiting place among the visitor to the Lansdowne from this point you can have a picturesque view of Great Himalayas.

During the winter season here snowfall is common, this is the time when quaint town is covered with a blanket of white snow. For those who want to see snowfall and experience the winter chill, Lansdowne is an ideal place to visit in winter.

Take your trip to Lansdowne, the hidden treasure of Garhwal in Uttaranchal, with the

HI Destination Mangagement Pvt. Ltd. A reliable tour & travel company gives you a guaranteed holidays in India with ultimate travel facilities.

Unexplored jewel in Kerala: The green State of Pallakad

2011-08-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

Palakkad is a beautiful district of Kerala, described as the granary state. Rich in flora and fauna Palakkad is full of mountains, forests, fertile valleys, rivers and mountain streams. Palakkad also named as Palghat and lies on the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu, at the foot of the gigantic Western Ghats. Situated 80 Km. north east of trichur and 50 Km south west of Coimbatore, Palakkad is known for its wide spread paddy fields.

Legend about Palakkad: There are number of legends associated with the origin of the name of Palakkad. In one of the legends, the word Palakkad is derived from two contradictory words “Pala” which means “barren land”, and “Kadu” which means “Jungle”, So the Palakkad came out which means, “the forests of Pala trees”.

What to Visit: Several tourist attractions at Palakkad are there to keep tourists excited and enjoying during their stay at the hill station.

The Silent Valley National Park: Palakkad and home to the rare Lion-Tailed Macaque and tigers as well. Free from even the chirping of cicadas, this it can be easily understood, how the Silent Valley got its name. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha (Nila).

The rest of the way has to be covered on foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha (Nila). 135km away is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary which preserves fast diminishing wildlife species such as elephants, boars, bison, crocodiles, tigers and panthers.

The Palakkad Fort: Situated in the heart of Palakkad, it is one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. It is said that the Hyder Ali of Mysore had built this granite fort of Palakkad in 1766 AD. But later, in 1790 AD this fort took a new birth under British observation. The fort is now the property of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Nelliyampathy : This fascinating hill country is the delight of trekkers. Nelliyampathy is situated 40 km in south of Nenmara and at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. The best feature of this place is that at least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. And if you want to take a panoramic view of one third part of Palakkad then Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad.

Malampuzha Garden: This beautiful garden is merely 10 km away from Palakkad. Famous as an amazing picnic spot Malampuzha comprises a dam and pleasant landscaped gardens. It is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. Reaching to Nelliyampathy is easy as there are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary : The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. It is spread across 285 sq. Km. area and situated at the 110 kms of distance from Palakkad. For the fun seekers boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady which offer good accommodation there. Above all, if you are an adventure and keen nature lover then can hire and book a tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu, which must be done in advance.

Besides above these best places in Palakkad there are other more places like Siruvani , Mangalam Dam , Meenkara , Chittur Garumadam, Thenari, Mayiladumpara, Mayiladumpara, Attappady, Lakkidi Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple, Kottayi The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple, Pothundy, Thiruvalathoor, Kollengode , Thrithala , The passenger Ropeway, Ottappalam , and Fantasy Park. To visit these places you need time of 1-2 days.

HI Destination Management Pvt. Ltd is a leading tour & travel providing its ultimate travel services in the every part of Kerala. From past 10 years it is successfully managing all kinds of customized luxury tours in Kerala as well as other parts of South India.

Revealing Glorious Indian Past: The Great Indian Forts

2011-07-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine that as many forts in India as are nowhere country of this world, not only that but every fort has a unique structure and a great significance. Huge walls of the fort narrate the unassailable region of kings. Ultimate designs which reveal about craftsmanship and brilliant ideas of skilled architects of that time. Forts which firmly standing as a living specimens of real valor, power and countless wealth of the great Indian history.

Delhi- Gracefully, once had been a place of heroism of a corpulent civilization, the grievous forts in Delhi presently stand as a soundless sentry, to the once glory of the powerful monarchs who have ruled its red soil. Some of them are made of red sandstone, whereas other are shatter down ominously like some Gothic Castle; but still they hold an impressive smell of heroism along themselves on the passageway of time. Each of these forts marks the aurora of a novel capital as well as portrays the thirst for establishing a new kingdom that had never experienced a new sun.

Red Fort- This massive red sandstone made of; fort was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 17th century. It continuously served as the capital of the Mughals Empire till 1857.

Purana Qila- The inner fortress of ‘Deen-Panah’ city founded by the second Mogul Emperor Humayun, in 1533 and completed in 5 years. Later it was acquired by an Afghan invader Sher Shah Suri who had after some changes converted it into Shergarh. The meticulously built fort’s walls are high by18mtrs and long about 2 km having three gates namely, Bara darwaza , Humayun darwaza and Talaqi(forbidden) darwaza which are the main attraction of the Purana Quila. A must visit place when you plan to visit Delhi.

Salimgarh Fort- In 1546 this fort was built by Sher Shah Suri’s son and successor, Islam Shah Suri who is also known as Salim Shah. Located near Red Fort, Salimgarh fort is situated and quite renowned monument in Delhi. Shah Jahan tried to connect this fort with the Red Fort and finally, during the era of Aurangzeb, the fort got a changeover as a state prison.

Tughlaqabad- Fort Tughlaqabad is aloof and secluded from the crowd of public, situated in the outskirts of Delhi.Founded by Gayas-ud-din Tuglaq, founder of Tuglaq Dynasty in 1321-25.

Andhra Pradesh: For the history lovers from this Indian land or foreign, the various types of architecture have been a midpoint of attraction for always. Besides the splendid architecture, there can be seen a lot of art in the form of carvings hidden in the mammoth walls of these forts and palaces Andhra Pradesh.

Chandragiri fort- is located on a hill top 183 m high in Hyderabad. This fort was built in 1000 AD by Immadi Narasimha Yadavaraya, after some years the fort was vivified by the kings of Vijaynagar. A wall, enfolded that protects the fort from any outside attack, to secure the fort a ditch surrounds it and that used to hold back the attackers.

Devarakonda Fort- Came into existence in 14th centaury back this monument gained huge name as an unassailable fort for its great strategic position, perfectly-designed defense structures and other spectacular features like the secret exit ways which were used by the royal family during situations of emergency.

Gandikota- Founded in 1123 A.D. by the king Kakaraja of the Chalukya Dynasty this Fort of Gandhikota alias ‘Gorge Fort’. It is situated in Cuddapah district. Gandhikota has two ancient temples in its campus devoted to Madhav & Raghunath ( avatars of Lord Krishna).

Golkonda- Counted among the 7 wonders of Hyderabad this fort is situated about 15km away on Golconda hill (also known as “Shepherd’s hill”) on the outskirts of the city. Golconda Fort was built in 13th century. The wonderful acoustic system of Golconda fort widely claims about the most skillful architecture of this fort. This prodigious structure has exquisite royal villas along with an ingenious water supply.

Locals also call it in native language Telugu, ‘Golla Konda’. A legend related to it is that once on rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram, a shepherd boy found an idol. When this news reached to the Kakatiya king, who was then reining Golconda ordered the construction of a mud fort around the holy spot to devote it to the lord. Later on the fort was expanded by the kings into a vast granite structure. The sound and light show throws the spotlight on the Golconda fort depicting the glorious past of this magnificent fortress.

Khammam Fort- Construction of this fort begun in 950 by king kartikeyan but the credit of its completion goes to the Reddis, in14th century. This Fort reflects the both Hindu & Muslim impressions in its structure.

Kondapalli Fort- Founder of the Reddy kingdom, the king Prolaya Vema Reddy had built this fort around 14th century, and said to be a witness of the rising of many dynasties.

Kondaveedu Fort- Rated as one of the ancient and strongest fortress built in 14th century AD. The Kondaveedu fort is located on a hiltop as an extraordinary example of remarkable architecture during the era of Reddy Kings.

Maharashtra- Known as the Land of great Indian Maratha King Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Peshwa Bajiraav, Maharasthra has seen many glorious golden years.

Shaniwar Wada, Pune- The fort was founded by the great and wise Maratha warrior Peshwa Baajirao belong to Maratha Dynasty. Lies in the heart of Pune city, the Shaniwar wada fort covers six and a quarter acres land in central Pune. Built in 1732 as the seat of the Peshwa, the chief of the Maratha Empire), and before its eradication it remained the political capital of the Marathas. Luckily even after the destruction of the Palace by a terrible fire-accident in 1827, the giant walls survived the fire.

Shaniwar Wada is a true and immense archetype of Maratha culture and the architectural blueprint reflects the influence of Mughal flair and the feature of Maratha artistic styles. There’s a massive door which is 21 feet tall, in the fort, known as Delhi Darwaza. It is one of the remains of the grand old Fort.

Rajasthan- Counted as the Royal face of India Rajasthan has been a motherland of various Rajput Kings.

Amber Fort, Amber-Rajasthan- Proudly claimed to be another exquisite ensample of Rajput architecture, Amber alias ’Amer’ fort as a capital belonged to Kacchwaha kings around 16th century. At the distance of 11km from the capital Pink City (Jaipur) of Rajasthan, this excursive fort of Amber is a living tale of Rajput glory.

Stands as an unparalleled artistic expressive manner it creates a pure blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fort of Amber was built with the sheer mixture of red sandstone & white marble in 16 the century by Raja Man Singh and with the mighty gates it appears to emerge from the furrowed hills and its ultimate location at the bank of Maotha Lake. There are many a temples, bulky & expensive ornate halls, castles, pavilions, gardens and then a beautiful ramp to take you to the palace at top of the hill.

Divided into four parts, Amber Fort, and each of them is approachable from a central location, through turgid staircases. The interior walls of the fort are covered extravagantly with frescoes, wall paintings revealing the normal life.

Take a bet that you are surely going to miss this experience when you ride on an elephant that clothed in finery takes you here & there in the campus of fort.

Ranthambhore Fort- This, one of the oldest forts was built in 944 AD by a Chauhans Warrior named ‘SapalDaksha’. This heavy built fort was made to hold back the afghan invaders with up to 200ft high & massive walls. It seems like a alone great gladiator is standing A most sought after giant Ranthambhore fort that was a matter of high temptation for many kings of different eras, especially Afghans. Situated on a truly strategic location this fort is above 700ft form the plain surrounding it.

This fort had lived truly golden moments when King Rao Hammir (1282 - 1301 AD), last king of Chauhans, was ruling over it. But this fort couldn’t stood against the foes as later on an Afghan invader ‘Ala-ud-din Khilji’ attacked on it with his well planned diplomacy grand army, and captured this beautiful symbol of Rajputana grandeur. Ultimately the Mughal Emperor Akbar had taken its command on his hands in 1558 and from that time it had gone under the Jaipur State and become a Mughal property till 18 century. However the immense charm of Ranthambhore lived long no matter it went on many upheavals of time.

Keeping in mind its great historical value the Archeological Survey of India took over its control to preserve its wealthy past.

Even today Ranthambhore fort is the first dream of visitors to enter who came to Rajasthan from the every nook and corners of the world.

Jaisalmer Fort- Most valuable ‘Jewel of Rajasthan desert’, this grand fort is made of yellow stones and when the setting Sun’s rays fall upon this ‘Rajasthan Jewel’, it forms a truly spectacular view like the flame waves are emerging from it. Rav Raja Jaisal of Bhati had put the foundation of this fort in 1156 AD. The king, after his name this city was called the Jaisalmer. The second oldest fort in Rajathan after Chittorgarh fort is tall by 250ft. This fort is enclosing in itself many fascinating havelies, Jain temples of 12-13th century and 5 palaces with skillfully done craftsmanship.

Putting like a golden crown on the head of Trikuta Hill amidst the Thar Desert.

To be continued...

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Masterpiece of Carved out Rocks: Ajanta Ellora Caves- Wonders Of India(3)

2011-07-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Seeming quiet and meditative and transude a divine energy and power. Ajanta and Ellora Caves are inspired by Buddhism, Jainism as well as Hinduism; and its compassionate ethos, disclose a plenty of artistic excellence unmatched in human history. Beginning with the 2nd century B.C., and continuing into the 6th century A.D., the paintings and sculptures in these Buddhist and Jain caves are ornately carved out in rocks.

Located in Aurangabad: Ajanta & Ellora caves are located around 400 kms (250 miles) in northern Maharashtra.

There are around 41 caves in Ajanta & Ellora, 29 in Ajanta & 12 in Ellora.

So what so special in the caves: Now these caves are listed in the World heritage sites. The best thing about these caves is that they were crafted by hand, with the help of only a hammer and chisel. While the Ajanta caves are rich in paintings and sculpture, the Ellora caves are renowned for their extraordinary architecture. You can get an excellent view and perspective of inside the Kailasa temple by climbing up the hill around it. Its immense size covers twice the area of the Pantheon in Athens and is one and a half times as high. Bring a torch with you to the Ajanta caves as many of them are quite dark and lighting is poor. The best time to visit is from November to March when it's cooler and dry.

History, Built & Architecture: Ajanta caves are celebrated for its cave art and architecture. As of 1983, the Ajanta Caves have been an UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World Heritage program. Built in Maurya Dynasty the caves of Ajanta & Ellora are one of the seven wonders of India.

Ellora represents the epitome of Indian rock cut architecture. The 34 "caves" – actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills – comprised of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples and monasteries, were built between the 5th century and 10th century. The 12 Buddhist,

You can see the bats hanging in the ceiling of the walls insides the caves; it is really adventuresome when you enter into caves with the Mashaal (Torch) in the hands.

Festival of Ajanta and Ellora:

Ajanta Ellora Festival four days long celebration. In the last week of November each year it is held at Soneri Mahal (Golden Palace), an historic 17th century architectural marvel in Aurangabad near Ellora. The festival features dance & musical evenings in the presence of some of the most distinguished singers and dancers of India. Visit Ajanta & Ellora Caves.

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Shri Badrinath Dham: The Heavenly Abode of Lord Vishnu

2011-07-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

It is said that Badrinath is the place where Lord Vishnu makes himself available for six months for human beings and for the rest of the six months all the gods & goddesses worship him. This is the second highest pilgrimage of Hindu located amid the Nar & Narayan Mountain in the Himalayan terrain at an altitude of 3133 m above the sea level.

Legend: Here a swayambhoo (self originated) Saligram Shila (black granite) idol of Lord Vishnu or call Badrivishal the only of its type, sitting in padmasan posture, is worshipped here since time immemorial.

Similarly to Shri Kedarnath temple, Shri Badrinath temple is Biggest than the other four Badris which are Bhavishya Badri, Yogdhyan Badri, Bridha Badri and Adi badri respectively.

Originally built by King Pururava, and artistically carved out by the great artisan of gods, Vishwakarma. Later, this holy Badrinath temple re-enshrined in 8th century, by well-known Hindu reformist, philosopher andsaint, Adi Shankaracharya.

Rituals & Traditions of Worship in the Holy Temple: It is interesting to know that Badrinath is located in the far north of India, but the Rawal, the head priest, is traditionally a Nambudiri Brahmin from the Kerala in South India. This tradition was begun by Adi Shankara, who was a South Indian. The Rawal is assisted by Dimri Pundits belonging to Village Dimmer of Garhwal.

Opening & Closing of temple- The temple is opened for visit for six months in summer (April-May) and closed (October-Nov) in winter. The temple daily opened for the devotees from 04:30 am till 13:00 am. It opens again from 1600 hrs to 2100 hrs after the Rawal recites Geet Govind. Rawal is the celibate temple administrator or the Pujari who is well versed in performing special morning prayers, Abhishek and Mahaabhishek; and evening Pujas such as Aarti and Geet Govind in Sanskrit respectively.

Other Attractions in the temple: If you want to witness the wonders of nature then there you can find the holy Tapta Kund (Natural Hot water springs), while the freezing Alaknanda flowing nearby the temple. It is a ritual to have a holy dip into the Tapta Kunda before go for the worship in the temple.

Mana

Mana the beautiful Village: Near Shri Badrinath Dham about 3 kms away situated a beautiful village, called Mana. This is the final Indian village in the Himalaya and from that place the China Border starts. You can reach Mana village by hiring a Jeep and Bus or if you are a swift walker and adventurous then you can reach there on foot within 30 minutes.

Saraswati Temple: The Mythological River Saraswati can be seen in Mana where it flows and creates extreme loud noise. But after running few miles away this Holy Saraswati River gets merged into the River Alaknanda. There is a little temple devoted to the Goddess Saraswati.

Valley of Flower: 5 kms away from Shri Badrinath dham, situated the Valley of Flower where you can find numerous kind of Himalayan Flora & Fauna. Here you have all the chances to lose your sense by witnessing the incredible beauty of Nature.

So Don’t forget to make your trip to all the places while you are on the trip to Shri Badrinath, since without visiting these places your trip to Badrinath is
not completed.

Make your Chardham Yatra a comfortable and luxurious one with HI(Holiday India) destination Management Pvt. Ltd. From taking your arrival to the departure all including sightseeing we arrange for you so much skillfully like no one else. So get ready for your Chardham Yatra with Holiday India.

Shri Kedarnath: The Jyotirlingam on the Lap of Himalaya

2011-07-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

Kedarnath temple is the highest temple existed on the Himalaya where the Mighty Lord Shiva is seated. Located on an altitude of 3584 m at the head of river Mandakini, the Hindu shrine of Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for Indians. The Jyotrilinga of Kedarnath is one among the 12 jyotirlingams in India.

Kedarnath comes in Kedarkhand of Chamoli District in Uttaranchal State. Extreme weather conditions are caused for the opening of the temple Kedarnath only between the ends of April to start of November. As here Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the 'Lord of Kedar Khand', the historical name of the region. It is one of the four Chardham (Pilgrimages, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gnagotri, Yamunotri) of Uttaranchal.

The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Sankaracharya and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva. The older temple existed from the times of Mahabharata, when the Pandavas are supposed to have pleased Lord Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath.

The daily ritual of temple begins with worship followed by several kinds of aarti, depending on the need of the visitor. From short rudrabhishek to complete day long worship, the Brahmins keep performing the primary rituals to please the God. As per culture and tradition of this town goes, visitors will find the demonstration of true feelings behind every step taken in Kedarnath.

The First Kedarnaath temple was built by Pandayan Kings, later Shri Adi guru Shankaracharya laid down the foundation of Shri Kedarnath temple in the 8th century. The inside walls of the temple are ornamented with figures of a variety of gods and goddesses and landscape from mythology. This gracefully designed Kedarnath temple is said to be more than a 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, weighty and equally cut gray slabs of stones, it’s pretty tough to believe how these heavy slabs were handled in the olden days. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Kedarnath is a highly tourist place visited by the people in India and as well as across the world. You can hire many a tour & travel agencies just to make sure that you get a comfortable journey to this one of the busiest summer holiday destination. Since hotels & guests houses are full in the peak season so you can ask for online help in order to secure your accommodation to Shri Kedarnath Dham.
You can check out the customized tour & travels package of HI(Holiday India) Destination Management Pvt. Ltd. for your trip to Kedarnath in Himalaya.

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Rameshwaram Temple: Wonders of India (3)

2011-07-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

Rameshvaram temple is situated on an island called Rameshwaram, is located in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamilnadu, southern state of India .This is a one among the holiest places in India which is considered equivalent as to Kasi (Banaras), the famous holy place in North India. It represents the southernmost of the all twelve Jyotirlingams of India.

Rameswaram is an interesting temple both from the standpoint of its association with Rama and from a structural standpoint.

Rameshwaram is popularly referred as the 'Banaras of the south'. In order to attain Moksha it is believed that a visit to Rameshwaram is mandatory. It is the place from where Lord Rama had built a bridge across the sea to rescue his consort Sita. This is the place where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of Ravana.

Rameshwaram is where Lord Rama rested and prayed after his triumph over the demon king Ravan. A sacred site for both Vaishnavites and Shaivities, no Hindu pilgrimage is complete without a visit to this holy city. The island of Rameshwaram is one of the most venerable temple towns in India without a visit to which, the pilgrimage of a devout Hindu is not complete. According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama(an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the protector), rested here before and after his battles with Ravana, the demon king, in Sri Lanka, just 24 kilometers away.

Holy Legend behind Rameshwaram- When the Demon King Ravana Abducted Sita the wife of Lord Rama and took her to his Palace in Shri Lanka then Rama came to rescue her but before he could cross the straits which separated the mainland from the island of Lanka, he made a lingam of Shiva and prayed to him to help him rescue his wife. Shiva appeared and blessed him with all success. Rama requested Shiva to stay in that spot forever. This is the lingam called Ramalingeswara and it is one of the most famous places of worship in India.

For every Hindu devotee Rameshwaram tour is a must visit. According to historical facts, the origin of the temple can be dated back to the 12th century. The construction of the colossal, yet magnificent temple of Sri Rameshwaram Temple was initiated by Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka in the 12th century AD and it was completed by the Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram. Many rulers down the centuries added many constructions to the temple, the latest of them being the long corridor called the 3rd prakaram, built in the 18th century.

What to visit in Rameshwaram- The places of visit include the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which was built in the 17th century and is situated close to the sea on the eastern side of the island; this temple is famous for its 1200 gigantic granite columns. At a distance of about 100 metres comes the Agnitheertham, where Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, to absolve himself from the killing Ravana.Another shrine called Gandamadana Parvatham is worth visiting. This shrine is found at 2kms away from Rameshwaram. A place called Dhanushkodi named after Rama's bow is at the eastern end of the island at a distance of 8 kms from Rameshwaram.

Specific feature of Rameshwaram Temple- is yet another finest example of the Dravidian architecture. The temple has striking long corridors in its interior, running between huge colonnades on platforms above five feet high.
HI(Holiday India) Destination management Pvt. Ltd. welcomes you for the South India Temple tour not only to Rameshwaram but also to the Tirupati Balaji in Andhra, Meenakshi temple in Tamilnadu, Padamnabhaswamy temple in Kerala.

Majestic Somnath Temple Gujrat

2011-07-20T02:56:00.000-07:00

It is absolutely breath taking view when you look at the setting sun into Arabian sea while its golden rays are falling on the pinnacle of the Superb temple of Somnath. This mesmerizing view casts a neverending spell in your mind and thrills your soul.

A magnificent jewel among all great Indian temples, this temple of Somnath is in Prabhas, Kshetra close to Veraval in Saurashtra on the west coast of Gujarat facing the Arabian Sea. Somnath temple had faced almost 17 attacks by Afgan invader Mahmud Gazni in order to rob its enormous wealth.

Significance of Somnath- Somnath is counted among the all 12 Jyotirlingas (Living Symbol of Lord Shiva) spread across the country. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am omnipresent but specially in 12 forms and places, the jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. Today, Somnath, besides from a holy pilgrimage, is a beach holiday and a number of places of historic, religious or scenic importance.

Myths, Legends and History of Somnath Temple- If it is come to believe then the temple was built of gold by the Moon God (Somraj) himself and was subsequently replaced with a silver structure by Ravana, a wooden masterpiece by Krishna and the one made out of stone by Bhima. Another story goes like this that the Lord Chandra (Moon God) was very proud of his beauty. Due to this reason, he was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha, to get smaller. In order to release from this curse, Moon God prayed to Lord Shiva at Prabhas. Lord Shiva became happy with the penance of the Moon and reduced the curse to an extent.

Architecture of Somnath Temple- Somnath temple has been destroyed six times and rebuilt each time in a better way. The temple faces the east direction. Externally the Somnath temple resembles the Rudramala temple at Siddhapur. The dome of the temple is the biggest ever made in this century. Though the temple is of Hindu origin, the architecture has Jain influences.

Earlier the structure of the temple was erected out of red sandstone. The seven-storied structure of Somnath is tall to 155 feet. Built in the Chalukya style of architecture, Somnath Temple reflects the expertise of the Sompuras, the master masons of Gujarat. The temple is sited in such a manner that no mass of land can be seen from Somnath seashore till Antarctica. This information is presented in an inscription, written in Sanskrit, on the Arrow-Pillar of the sea-protection wall at the temple.

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Attraction Nearby Somnath- A short distance from the Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was said to have been struck by the stray arrow of a Bhil tribal The temple has imposing architecture and is a beautiful sight facing the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea.

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Only Temple devoted to Sibling trio: Jagannath Temple- Puri

2011-07-19T04:48:00.000-07:00

Jagannath Puri temple has a distinguish place among all temples of the world. As other all the temples either devoted to the lovers or to a mother-child, but Jagannath Puri is the only temple which is devoted to the siblings-trio. The brothers & sister, which is Lord Krishna, called Jagannath & Balrama, with Subhadra, their only sister.

The Glittering fame of Jagannath Dham- Jagannath Temple is one of the most famous as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. Established in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe. Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev had laid the foundation of the Jagannath temple of Puri.

Incredible Legend- According to a myth, the original image of Jagannath was found at the foot of a fig tree, in the form of an Indranila or the Blue Jewel. Its dazzling brightness prompted Dharma to request it to be hidden in the earth. King Indradyumna, of Malwa intending to discover this image, performed severe penances, and was instructed by Vishnu to go to the Puri seashore, and look for a floating log, and fashion an image from its trunk.

The King did discover the log of wood. Vishnu and Vishwakarma appeared in the form of artistes and prepared images of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra from the tree. Even today, the wooden images being worshipped and are renewed during this auspicious occasion.

A sacred banyan tree is revered as a manifestation of Vishnu, the ocean - Balarama and a pool- the king Indradyumna. Pilgrims are required to offer worship first at a Shiva temple, and then at the banyan tree and then at the shrine to Balarama before proceeding to worship Jagannath. Subhadra is to be worshipped next.

Location- This one of the famous Hindu pilgrimage is located on the Nilgiri Hills at the east coast area of Puri, Orissa. One of the main attractions of this temple of Orissa is the bhoga that it distributes.

Grand Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath: The Chariot Festival- The world famous Rath Yatra is related to the Jagannath temple and originated annually in June-July. It is a holy ritual which is taking place from the centuries and has a great charm among the devotees. This time the Lord Jagannath (Krishna) and his siblings take an entire new look or birth. During this festival, the three deities are taken from the temple and placed in large decorated chariots which are then drawn along the Grand Road to the Gundecha temple, a few km away. After they have stayed in that temple for seven days, the deities again ride the chariots back to their home temple.

Framework & Architecture
The architecture of the temple follows the pattern of many Orissan temples of the classical period. The main shikhara, or tower, rises above the inner sanctum where the deities reside. The temple complex comprises an area of 10.7 acres and is enclosed by two rectangular walls. The outer enclosure is called "Meghanada Prachira". The walls are 6m (20 feet) high. The inner wall is called "Kurmabedha". The walls were built during the 15th or 16th century. This temple is said to have the largest kitchen in the world and feeds thousands of devotees every day. The kitchen can prepare food for 100,000 people on a festival day and 25,000 are not unusual for a normal day.

Mahaprasada or Chappan Bho Maha-prasada is pure vegetarian spiritual food called, Chappan bhog is offered to Lord Jagannath. Just by eating this mahaprasada one makes great spiritual advancement. Every day, 56 varieties of prasada are offered to Lord Jagannath. The preparations are made traditionally and no onion, garlic, chillies or many varieties of vegetables (considered alien) are not used.

Take a Pilgrimage to Puri with HI(Holiday India) Destination Management Pvt. Ltd, an old and reliable name in the pilgrimage tour all over India.

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Meenakshi Amman Temple: Wonders of India(2)

2011-07-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

In the heart of Lotus shaped city Madurai, the elegant Meenakshi Sundereshvara Temple looks like two living deities are seated with the complete glory. This is among one of the largest temple complexes in India. Inside the temple, from her sprawling maze-like palace the Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathi) presides over the ancient city, Madurai called- the Athens of South India.

The Origin of the Meenakshi Temple- Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai city originated together, why? According to the local legend Indra once he killed a demon. It was a sin as the demon was performing penance at that time so Indra could not find any relief from remorse in his own kingdom. He came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandyan land, he felt relieved of his burden. Then he came to know that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree and beside a lake. Indeed, it was the Linga that had helped him; he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is widely believed that it is the same Linga is being worshipped in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the "Indra Vimana".

What the folklore says- This temple is a twin temple one is for Goddess Parvathi and other is of Lord Shiva (Sundereshvara). As so far the story goes, Meenakshi was the daughter of King Malayadwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamala born out of Yagna fire (Sacrificial rites). The princess Meenakshi grew to be a beautiful young woman of great valour who brilliantly conquered several lands and challenged the mightiest kings. Later it was revealed that the princess was an incarnation of Parvati, actually who came to earth to honour a promise given to Queen Kanchanamala in her previous life. Thus Shiva came to Madurai as Sundareshwarar to marry Meenakshi and the two ruled over the kingdom for many years before they left for their heavenly abode from the spot where now the temple stands.

Madurai: The City of Nectar- Madurai or "the city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. Located on Vaigai River, Madurai once was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around his lotus shaped city. It has been a centre of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it, that the divine nectar fell from the locks of Lord Shiva, gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri', later known as "Madurai".

Finest example of Dravidian Architecture- Meenakshi Temple is the most exquisite example of the Dravidian architecture. It is an excellent architecture, a master piece which is the centre of activity for the promotion of art and culture in Madurai. It is the chief attraction of the city and pilgrims gathered here in the search of spirituality and peace. The moment you enter in the campus of the temple it gives you thrilling shiver as your eyes are wide opened with the wonderful by the view stone carved sculptures of different deities on the wall of temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathi) and Lord Sundareswara (Shiva).

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Fantabulous Sun Temple of Konark: Wonders Of India(1)

2011-07-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

The Grand, very exquisitely made this 13th century temple, Konark is also known as Konaditya. Kornark means Kon(Corner)+Ark(Sun). As appears from its name this temple is devoted to Lord Sun.

Konark: A tale behind it: As one of the legend goes, once Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered in the chambers where Krishna's wives were taking their bath, on such act Samba was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. Later on his too much request Krishna told him that he would be relieved of the curse by worshipping the sun God on the sea coast north east of Puri. On this Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra and found an image of Surya seated on the lotus, worshipped him, thus he was relieved of his curse.

As per another local legend, the temple has a great aura of power that comes from two very powerful magnets said to have been built into the tower. It is amazing but true that the magnets allowed the king's throne to hang in mid-air.

The Built of Temple: Konark sun temple is the counted among one of the best temple in India. It was built by the Eastern Ganga Region King Narsimhadeva in 1250 AD. The built and design of temple reveals the peculiar Orrissan architectural style. The specific thing about its architecture is that it is made in the shape of a Giant Chariot, as said to be of God, the Sun. You can see the seven rearing horses dragging this resplendent Chariot which is on the twelve pair of stone carved wheels.

Inspired with Dravidian Culture, temple is covered at its every inch with sculpture of an unexcelled beauty and grace, in tableaux and freestanding pieces ranging from the monumental to the miniature. The subject matter is fascinating. Images in the temple include deities, celestial and human musicians, dancers, lovers, and different glimpse of courtly life, from hunts and military battles to the pleasures of courtly relaxation. These are interspersed with birds, animals (close to two thousand charming and lively elephants march around the base of the main temple alone), mythological creatures, and a wealth of intricate botanical and geometrical decorative designs. The famous jewel-like quality of Orrissan art is evident throughout, as is a very human perspective which makes the sculpture extremely accessible.

One of the Seven Wonders in India: World heritage site has taken this grand temple in its list. This Splendid temple was later faced the fanatic attack of Muslim invaders who tried to demolish it.

Later, Nature took over the destruction from there. Over the centuries, the sea receded, sand engulfed the building and salty breezes eroded the stone. It remained buried under a huge mount of sand until the early 20th century, when restoration began under the British raj. British archaeologists exposed the lower parts of the temple that had remained well preserved beneath the sand and restored what they could of the rest of the ruins. In 1924, the Earl of Ronald shay proclaimed the newly-revealed temple to be "one of the most exceptional buildings in India which rears itself aloft, a pile of overwhelming grandeur even in its decay."

Classical Dance festival: On the Name of Konark: As an honourable tribute to this imperial monument, excellent classical dancers of India gathered every year during the Konark Festival from 1st to 5th December to present live performance. The classical extravaganza is a journey through eternal ecstasy. The festival provides an arena for both to the performing artiste and the dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of m classical dance forms of the country. The stage for the dancing event glows in pristine glory of much admired Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears.

Holiday India temple tour not only arranges your tour to all over India but also ensures that you experience all the richness and depths of the destinations of your choice. The team consists of dedicated, young, dynamic, experienced and multilingual professional travel experts.

Delightful vibes of the Music & Dance of Rajasthan

2011-07-15T04:37:00.000-07:00

The people of Rajasthan live life to the hilt. After hard work under the scorching sun rays and on the rocky terrain whenever they take time off, they let themselves go in gay abandon. There is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities which transform the hardworking Rajasthanis into a fun-loving and carefree individual. Each region has its own folk entertainment, the dance styles differ as do the songs, interestingly enough, and even the musical instruments are different.

Rajasthani music is very famous not only in India but also in the world. Music & dance are deeply integrated in Rajasthani Life. The stillness of the desert evening and the upsurge of life in the short-lived rainy season or spring are filled with soulful, full-throated music and rhythmic dance. Instruments such as Sarangi, Kamaycha, Satara, Nad, and Morchang create a wide range of lightning and melodious sound in accompaniment to the music of the Bhopas, Kalbeliyas, Langas and the Mananiyars. Professional performers like the Bhatts, Bholis, Mirasis, Nat, Bhands are omnipresent across the state.

They are patronised by the villagers who participate actively in the shows put up by these travelling entertainers. Their amazingly rich music has an extraordinary full individually, tradition and exotic flavour, which gives a distinctive feature and quality to their musical sounds. They have songs for every occasion with rich emotional content, almost an endless variety of tunes, quite a few delightful dance forms, and a large number of musical instruments, all a collective creation of the folks which is retained by them in its traditional form and character and passed from one generation to the other.

Rajasthani dances are a spectacular celebration of life and colour. The Thar Desert of Rajasthan gets life with its musicians and dancers, which are simple expressions of celebrations and festivity. The dancers, the dances and costumes have made Thar the most colourful desert in the world. Each region adding its own form of dance styles and performers, there are dances that follows a lineage of age old traditions, adhere to religious significance, display their daring attitude as well as complimenting various fairs and festivals.

Fire Dance: The Jasanthis of Bikaner and Chum are renowned for their tantric powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is prepared with their live wood and charcoal where the Jasnathi men and boys jump on to the fire to the drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo and reaches a crescendo; the dancers seem to be in a trance like state.

Ghoomer Dance: This is basically a community dance for women and performed on auspicious occasions. Derived from the word the “Ghooma”, this is a very simple dance where the ladies move gently, gracefully, in circles.

Giat Ghoomer: This one is one of the many dance-forms of the Bhil-tribal. Performed during Holi festival this is among a few performances where both men and women dance together.

Chari Dance: This is popular in the Kisherigarh region and involves dancing with a Chari, or pot, on one’s head. A lighted lamp is then placed on the pot.

Kachchi Ghodi: This is a dance performed on dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride the equally well decorated dummy horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move rhythmically to the beating of drums. A singer narrates the exploits of the Bavaria bandits of Shekhawati.

Drum Dance: This is a professional dance-form from Jalore. Five men with huge drums round their necks, some with huge cymbals accompany a dancer who holds a naked sword in his mouth and performs in his mouth and performs vigorously by twirling three painted sticks.

TerahTali: Performed by the female dancers while sitting, Terahtali is one of the fabulous dance forms. In this the women ties little brass discs called ‘manjeerans’ with long strings to their hands, arms, wrists, waists, and elbows. While their male partners sing and play ‘tandoora’, the women with manjeerans create a strong rytham with perfect balanced dance moves.

Music

Ragas : Folk music is the basic style of Rajasthani music, Also, different Raga and various instruments are other essential factors which form a fantastic @ unique music culture of Rajasthan. Bilawal, Kafi, Desh, Khamaj and Peelu are some ragas, most widely used in Rajasthani folk songs. Some in their pure forms and others in combinations. Many folk songs are tuned in Bilawal and Kafi. The folk songs of Rajasthan have maintained the elements of Indian classical music despite the fact that they are freely composed and sung, without any specific rules. Classicism in music have been framing and improving its form with the help of folk-songs.

Maand: Rajasthan's most sophisticated style of folk music and has come a long way from the time it was only sung in royal courts, in praise of the Rajput rulers. Professional singers still sing the haunting ballads of Moomal Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary lovers and heroes.
Instrument: The Thrilling melody of Rajasthan sounds in variety of delightful primitive instruments. The stringed variety is the mixture of Sarangi, Morchang, Ektara Rawanhatta and Kamahacha. Then Percussion instruments are in all shapes & sizes like huge Nagara( giant Drums) and Dhols to the little drums. Daf and Chang are the instruments which are mostly played in Holi.

Folk music of Rajasthan depicts multiple moods & shades including lonliness of lovers, their reunion, inter-personal relationship, laughter, joy, happiness & faith. This folk music also serves as educational purpose.

Taste The Music of Rajasthan
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Kasi or Varanasi: The Oldest Living City of World

2011-07-14T03:59:00.000-07:00

Significance at a glance : Kasi or Kashi is the placed at the top of the spiritual & holistic cities in India and it has a great historical importance too. Kashi is both, an exalted place of pilgrimage and an idealized centre of faith, has been likened to Jerusalem and Mecca. Some historians say that this city was founded before the birth of Jesus Christ. Kasi is also referred in the Great Hindi Epic ‘Mahabharata’ and in Buddhism literature called ‘Jataka Tales’.

How did it get its name as ‘Varanasi’: Kasi is known as other names as Banaras and Varanasi. For Varanasi which is more popular now, it probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varana to the north and the Asi to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi. According to the well known the American author and litterateur, Mark Twain, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together."

Devotees’ hub: Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men, women and children - come down to the river to wait for the rising sun when immersion in the sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away. The city of Varanasi is on the Western bank of the River Ganga with few buildings on the Eastern bank, allowing for a spectacular view of the rising sun. The view is just spectacular when we see thousands of people set aside their inhibitions and take off their clothes, thus taking off the expression of their wealth, taking off the expression of their social status, and indeed, an extremely rare phenomena in Indian society, taking off the difference of the sexes, and be just one with their Almighty.

At the Ghat of Varanasi: Along the water's edge, there are the burning ghats. The most sacred one is Manikarnika, associated with Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. The most famous temple to visit is the Golden or Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Shiva. The original Vishvanath Temple was located across the road, but it was destroyed by Aurangzeb who had built a mosque over it. The present temple was built by Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1776. The Mosque of Aurangzeb, has been built using columns from the original temple razed by Aurangzeb. This mosque has minarets towering 71 metres above the Ganges. Around this temple evolved the spiritual identity of Varanasi.

The Famous Banaras Hindu University: Banaras has always been associated with philosophy and wisdom. A place of learning for many years, the Banaras Hindu University carries on this tradition. The University campus, to the south of the city, was established in 1916, has a student population of 25,000, most of who live within the 7 sq. km campus, thus making this University one of the largest in India.

Sightseeing: Temples form the major source of attraction in this ancient city. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of many religious activities that occur in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Some of the other interesting places to visit around the city are Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Archaeological Museum.

Renowned Silk Fabric of Banaras: This city is also largely renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics. A Banaras silk sari or shawl is traditionally a single colored textile with motifs and patterns woven in gold or silver threads. The technique is intricate, the procedure complex and demands great expertise. As the warp and the weft are interwoven on the loom, small, often minute shuttles with gold thread are introduced to form the motif. When the design of the motif is completed, a knot is made and the gold thread cut. The weaving continues until the next design. The smaller the motif or the more intricate the design, the more complex the weaving skills required. Silk weaving in Banaras is a cottage industry and in many areas of the city, especially the Muslim quarters, one can see looms at work all day. Entire families are involved; children often pick up the art from the elders at an early age. There are shops in Banaras and throughout India that sell these fine silk fabrics.

Be one of the luckiest to visit Kasi

Meditation as an essential part of Art & Living

2011-07-01T01:28:00.000-07:00

In this time when life seems so hard and there is a mind full of mess, we want something that could give us solace and bring peace & relaxation to our mind. The basic roots of these can’t be seen and detect with any tools belong to the external world. So, how can we find the solution of our all these problems; what is the mind and where these problems come from; which is the best way to avoid all these things and what is thought? To find the answer of above questions we need to look into deep inside.

Art of Living: is the key to solve our all those problems which are generated out of our competitive life and keep us puzzled. It is a spiritual skill to cop up with these problems. Learning art of living is necessary in order to lead a happy, prosperous & good life. Art of living consists of expert skills to live our life with the help of all the moral principles and meditation and yoga practices.

So what is Meditation? It is a therapy to a wounded mind and an unfailing technique to make our life a balanced one. We need to practice mediation in our day-today life to bring harmony between our body and soul. With the help of meditation we realize our true existence as a soul (immortal) and not as a body (mortal). Also, this is an ideal way to live our life by simply focusing on the thoughts process of our mind (a subconscious soul). Meditation is our transformation, from the body consciousness to the soul consciousness, an understanding for who we truly are; where we actually belong and how we should we live. Meditation is a wonderful art which is the essence of our Indian culture which is widely practised ever since the starting of the universe. India has spread its yoga & mediation techniques to the entire world to fill the world with peace and happiness and joy.

Then what is mind? Mind is an unconscious state of the soul, when a soul resides into brain and works accordingly to the matters of the world; it becomes mind. In more descriptive way, the soul has three intrinsic abilities which the body or anything else, made of matter, does not possess.

(1) The ability to think or wish or will is known as mind.

(2) The ability to judge, understand or investigate which is known as an intellect.

(3) Third is the ability to retain impressions of past thoughts in the form of attitudes, habits or moods and known as Samskãras.

Then what actually Soul is?

It is an eternal energy, called power which is a micro part of the Supreme energy or Soul called GOD. Place of the soul is in the centre of our forehead and between the eyebrows, thus connected to brain and the nervous system.

Meditation in India: India is an origin place of the Meditation and Yoga and so here are number of famous mediation centres, institutes are running and that have branches in almost every country of the world. These centres have large number of students and teachers. Some of the most recognized healing centres are Osho Rajnish Ashram in Pune, PrajaPita Brahmakumaries University in Aravali, Rajasthan and Art of Living centre in Bangaluru. These centres have millions of devotees from all corner of the world who learn here multiple meditation techniques.

We will describe different techniques of Meditation in next blog.

Exclusive Meditation tour in India

Char Dham Yatra Uttranchal India

2011-04-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

Summers are rather better in India if you choose your holidays in India wisely. Here in India, a number of places and hill stations available those are usually visited by a number of tourists who never wish to go anywhere else because they have enough idea about the lovely and cool hill stations in India. In Chamoli, Uttaranchal is the best summer destination in India for you to enjoy Char dham-Yatra including, Kedarnaath/ Kedarnath Badrinaath/Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Besides char dham yatra-2011 in summer Hemkunt Sahib Yatra is also on the traveler devotees’ priority list.

As Uttaranchal tourism is growing rapidly and having ample opportunities in it. This is because Uttaranchal is full of natural beauty and serene places and valleys and a holy abode to saints & sages who resides in the caves situated and carved out of mountains. As well as Uttaranchal is called the land of gods & goddesses encompassing many an ancient & beautiful temples in it that are almost 5 to 6000 yrs old. Kedarnath and Badrinath in Chamoli district are one of them which are the having immense magnetic power, counted as the sheer source of supernatural power one receives by visiting them.

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Goa Carnival

2011-02-28T23:25:00.001-08:00

Goa is the state famous among the local & global tourist for its liveliness, free life-style, celeb-profile, outstanding western-Indian architecture as well as beautiful beaches. And to celebrate its beauty and grandness there’s organized a big- grand fiesta called, Goa Carnival which takes place every year in the month of Feb-March. This week every fan is going to gather around Goa to be a part of this Carnival.

Goa Carnival, true to form, is a moment for non-stopped merrymaking, with music & dancing, programs and a number of different foods being part and bundle of the festivities.
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Week of cultural Dance Festival : amid group of temples in Khajuraho

2011-02-21T04:41:00.000-08:00

Each and every festival in India is vibrant and exotic in every sense of the word and is celebrated with a lot of fervor by all religions and people of the country. Amidst the awe-inspiring architecture, the color-filled marketplaces and the myriad topography of the various states, one also finds a host of fairs and festivals that are unparallel in themselves.
The people of India celebrate each occasion, be it religious, at the time of harvest or to mark the change of season and give it a festive color. Participating in these various fairs and festivals is truly recognition of the importance of celebrating each act of life in its entirety.

There, yet another form of the Indian festival is Khajuraho Dance Festival, which is specially organized to keep the ancient Indian dances and music alive as well as to promote the best classical dance forms.

Sculpture art in the temples of Khajuraho: Temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, speak and live a tale and art of love. The unmatched architecture and living sculptures of Khajuraho temples seem irresistible and provoking. These beautifully carved out sculptures of love making couple are taking finest touch and which are decidedly, proved to be one of the exquisite peace of worlds’ sculpture art. Temples at Khajuraho are built by the kings of Chandel Dynasty from 250 to 1050 A.D. Because of its great historical significant in year 1986, this group of temples has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This place is one of the famous tourist destinations in India that attracts a number of overseas tourists throughout a year.

Dancing trail in temples at Khajuraho: Dance festival at Khajuraho is being organized by the Kala Parishad (Cultural Ministry) under the Madhya Pradesh Govt.

To witness and perform in this magnificent cultural dance event, dancers and flock of dance lovers from abroad visit Khajuraho. 25^th Feb to 2^nd March for every year is dedicated to this cultural dance festival week. In this weeklong dance festival there are a number of live performances of classical dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Mohniattam which are the chief attractions of this dance festival. Then dances from the north regions of India are also to be there to make this event worth seizable in the memories, like Bhangra, Pandavani dances with the west Indian dance forms like Konakni, Garaba and Dandiya raas, etc.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival: has attained an international recognition by reputed international dancers and academies.

Khajuraho Dance Festival!

Onam: A festival in God's own Country

2011-02-10T04:15:00.000-08:00

Onam is one of the greatest festivals of Kerala. It is the festival, which the keralites celebrate unitedly without the
difference of caste and religion. Onam is a time for sports and festivities and in Kerala where one third of the area is low lying, covered with canals, lakes and backwaters; the people take to their boats and country crafts to celebrate. Colourful aquatic festivals are organized along the sacred rive Pamba.Onam is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the harvest festival in Kerala.

Onam 2010 is an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. Ranging from four days to ten days, all the activities during this season are centered around worshipping, music, dances, sports, boat races and good food.

Being a harvest festival, it is time to thank God for the bountiful yield and enjoy the bounty of nature after a year of hard labour. Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake boat races.

Like many other religious festivals in India, Onam is celebrated by people of all religions . Women dress up in new saris and heavy jewelry and make elaborate and intricate designs of 'rangolis' (with colored rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in front of their homes. The legendary king Mahabali is welcomed to his kingdom with all the reverence.
Onam Games exhibits bravado of the machos in Kerala in a terrific manner.

Onakalikal, Talappanthukali, Kayyankali, Attakalam, Ambeyyal, KutuKutu

Late August or early September marks some high-spirited celebrations down south. People in the southern Indian coastal state of Kerala go crazy over the state festival of Onam, with ten days of feasting, boat races, song, dance and merriment.

The Origin of Onam

Onam or Thiruonam originated as a joyous annual reminiscence of the golden rule of King Mahabali, a mythical king, who ruled Kerala a very long time ago. It recalls the sacrifice of the great king, his true devotion to God, his human pride and his ultimate redemption. Onam welcomes the spirit of a great king, and assures him that his people are happy and wish him well.

The Legend

Facts and fables blend as Kerala celebrates this royal return, year after year with the festivities of Onam. Legend has it that the gods plotted against Mahabali to end his reign. For this they sent Lord Vishnu to earth in the form of a dwarf Brahmin. [Read the full story] But before being trampled down to the netherworld, Vishnu granted the king's sole wish: To visit his land and people once every year.

The Custom

A flower carpet called 'Pookalam' is laid in front of every house to welcome the advent of the vanquished king, and earthen mounds representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards. Traditional rituals are performed followed by a lavish feast called 'Sadhya'. Onam also means new clothes for the whole family, sumptuous home-cooked delicacies on plantain leaf and the lingering aroma of the sweet Payasam.

The Spectacle

Spectacular parades of caparisoned elephants, fireworks and the famous Kathakali dance are traditionally associated with Onam. It's also the season of many cultural and sport events and carnivals. All this makes Onam-time a perfect period to visit this coastal state, touted as "Gods Own Country". No wonder the Government of Kerala has declared this time every year as Tourism Week.

The Grand Boat Race

One of the main attractions of Onam, is the 'Vallamkali' or boat races of Karuvatta, Payippad, Aranmula and Kottayam. Hundreds of oarsmen row traditional boats to the rhythm of drums and cymbals. These long graceful Snake Boats called 'Chundans' are named after their exceedingly long hulls and high sterns that resemble the raised hood of a cobra.

Then there are 'Odis', the small and swift raiding crafts adorned with gold tasseled silk umbrellas, the 'Churulans' with their elaborately curled prows and sterns, and the 'Veppus', a kind of cook-boat. This traditional village rivalry on watercrafts reminds one of ancient naval warfare. Wanna know More?

Thousands throng the banks to cheer and watch the breathtaking show of muscle power, rowing skills and rapid rhythm. These boats - all pitted against their own kind - rip through the backwaters of Kerala in a tussle of speed.

Onam is For All

Although this festival has its origin in Hindu mythology, Onam is for all people of all class and creed. Hindus, Muslims and Christians, the wealthy and the downtrodden, all celebrate Onam with equal fervor. The secular character of Onam is peculiar to this land where unity had always coexisted with diversity, especially during festivals, when people come together to celebrate life's unlimited joys.

Nagaur Festival: The famous Camel fair in Blue City

2011-02-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

About Festival: This Cattle Fair & Festival of Nagaur is the second biggest cattle fair in Rajasthan, India. Every year in the month of Jan-Feb in the blue city ‘Jodhpur’ this Nagaur Fair goes for maximum eight days. After the famous cattle fair in Pushkar the traders and cattle owners look forward to participate in this cattle festival.

In Nagaur fair a number of traders from all over Rajasthan or near states reach with their cattle including camels, horses, bullocks and sheep. It is a general estimate that around 70,000 cattle are being traded every year in the fair. The cattle ornamented in the lavish jewelry look very attractive as if they are getting ready to join some fancy dress competition. Even the cattle owners join the festival dressing up in colorful turbans and graceful long mustaches.

Major Attraction: The Mirchi Bazaar held in the Nagaur festival is another major attraction of the fair. In this Red Chili Market the different varieties of red chili come to see, and decidedly, Jodhpur is the biggest supplier of best kind of red chilies.

Other Attraction of Festival: In Nagaur fair you can enjoy to buy many beautiful hand-made wooden items, iron crafts and accessories that are made of leather also these items are available in a plenty in the fair.

Games & other Activities: Various games like Tug-of-war, camel races, cock fights, etc to make this four-day fiesta a fabulous experience etc. The well known puppet- shows become the show-stealer during the festival providing entertainment to the tourists and visitors. With the pace of sun towards the rest for night, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians, whose voices echo far and wide across the peaceful desert sand.

The Nagaur festival is going to be held this month from 10^th to 13^th Feb, and even this time a number of visitors from all over the India are also expected to make their presence in it. Camel festival is also a point of major attraction amid the tourist from the far off countries who’s longing for adventure and to taste something different, bring them here.

Get thrilled with the Golden Splendor : Desert Festival 2011 in Jaisalmer

2011-02-04T01:19:00.000-08:00

This month of Feb is about to bring a dreaming event in the golden city of sand dunes, Jaisalmer.

As, from 16^th Feb the Desert festival will begin with many a magnificent events and will last for 3 days. Desert festival of Jaisalmer, is a big charm among the people all over the Rajasthan state, also the tourist from all over the India and world around gathered here to participate and enjoy the real desi (native) life-style and taste.

Charms of Fiesta - Desert Festival and falls on the day of Purnima it represents the rich and colorful Rajasthani folk culture. The captivating folk music and dances performs by local artists, called Gair and Fire dancers create a truly entertaining event. Besides folk dances &music there many other means of entertainment are hugely famous as number of competitions is held in the festival like the turban tying competition and longest moustaches competition, etc. World renowned puppet shows are also organized in the Desert- festival.

Mr. Desert Competition- In the longest moustaches competition the winner is honored with the title ‘Mr. Desert. This title competition is a matter of sheer craze among the Rajasthani folks who come to join it from far off places of Rajasthan.

Camel Sports - When it comes to sports and other activities then the desert-ship ‘Camel’ is also a big participator which performs in Camel-Polo and Camel-dance. During the Desert Festival Jaisalmer city brims with unmatched enthusiasm.

Food Fiesta- The different types of famous Rajasthani foods like, Daal-Baati, Gatte ki sabji and Papads and snacks are widely served in festival.

Shopper’s delight- Many people who are fond of buying the wooden made handy-crafts can find Jaisalmer festival a better option to collect colorful tiny households and decoration items and beautiful puppets for their home.

The Jaisalmer festival adds wonderful charms in the peaceful environment of Rajasthan. This festival being sponsored by the state tourism corporation has been designed to promote tourism in the astonishing Desert of Thar.

Once the festival is bind up, it leaves behind a nostalgic feeling among the locals as well as the visitors. Some great lovers of music have been to the festival many times because it is pretty hard to keep oneself away from it once you visit this festival. This is the true impression of festival of Jaisalmer over its visitors.

Source:

http://www.holidayindiaonline.com/Rajasthan-Jaipur-Tour-Packages/Desert-Festival-In-Rajasthan.php

Celebration of colors: Holi Feista

2011-02-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

The Holi is a beginning of new Hindi year and so it is a welcoming fiesta for starting life with the excellent & vibrating colors. Holi is not only a festival like which you simply forget but it is very close to each Indians’ soul that is related to the true color of love, compassion, brotherhood and benevolence. Holi is the festival that teaches that no matter how much the difference between our hearts finally the love wins the hearts when people make splash of beautiful colors on each-other and offering sweets speak, ”Bura na Mano Bhaiya Holi hai”, i.e. “Don’t mind, buddy, Let’s celebrate Holi”.

Holi has a great & long historical value in the Indian culture and a famous legend about Holi is that it is being celebrated on the wining of Bhakt Prahalad (a devotee of Lord Vishnu) on his aunt, the demon ‘Holika’. So the Holi Festival is being celebrated for the winning of truth& love over the evil and hatred.

Holi festival takes various forms in the different parts of India. In different regions of the country people play it with the same spirit and love but their ways of celebrations are varied.

Holi is a transition fiesta when we make a huge celebration to bid farewell to the cold of winter and welcoming the warmth of summer. Holi is the time in India when climate becomes pleasing and fills life and unspoken enthusiasm in your spirit. The time when you see the true colors of spring all around, in this vary time India looks like a beautiful lass attired with colors and Earth seems to be taking new birth. The joy of Holi is felt very deeply through the multicolored flowers and fresh green leaves of trees and thunder showers with pinkish cold. The song of birds can be listening everywhere in orchards & woods; can say that it is the perfect time to visit India. And the time when your heart got stole by the liveliness of this festival of Colors, Holi.

Wish you All a Colorful Holi!

Rishikesh : A Destination Of Spiritual Seeker

2011-01-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

Meditation at the bank Of Holy Ganges

yoga center at Rishikesh

A divine City

RISHIKESH lies down at the point where the forested mountains of Uttranchal rise rapidly from the low valley floor and the Ganges crashes onto the plains. The centre for all manner of New Age and Hindu activity, its many ashrams – some ascetic, some opulent – continue to draw devotees and followers of all sorts of weird and wonderful gurusThe divine city of Rishikesh has the reputation of being the International center of Yoga and meditation. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of the River Ganges, Rishikesh is spread with a number of ancient temples, ashrams and international yoga and meditation centres. Not only devotees, but travelers from all parts of the world come to the holy town for a deeper knowledge of meditation. Rishikesh has been an attraction for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – with some justification – as there are ample of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. It is supposed that meditation on the land of this holy place leads to salvation. Many citizens come here every year in the ashrams to meditate and achieve peace of mind. Rishikesh is also well-known with foreigners who come to India in search of spiritual quest.

Source: http://www.holidayindia.net

When Cloud kissed Queen of hills: Mussoorie

2010-12-30T23:31:00.000-08:00

Where we started: Last year on Feb 14^th (yeah! It’s known as lover’s day) I’d made my plan to visit this beautiful queen of hills, Mussoorie with two of my cousins, Pryianka and Roshni and my niece, Nayana. We boarded on a roadways bus from Dehradun Railway Station-Bus Depot to Mussoorie. We bought some snacks and cold drinks to chill out throughout the travel, because we personally believe that it’s good to have something to keep your mouth busy rather than being exhausted by 1 and half hour long bus-journey. During our journey we kept eating, talking and admiring the immense beauty of nature outside the window of the bus. The curves and sharp turns of hills, the wooden old British houses, the Christmas, Deodar and Pine trees all around and the farther we moved the higher we felt close to clouds.

We landed happily: Well, finally I landed on beautiful place in the Garhwal hills 2003 mtrs above sea-level, with my team. It was a foggy day with a pinkish charm and no sooner than we stepped out of bus it felt as if some heavy burden was unloaded from our head. It is so beautiful and thrilling to visit Mussoorie in the winter season because this time the charm of the queen hill gets just double.

Wandering on Mall Road: From Cant Road, we moved toward Mall Road. Mall Road is a beautiful location with many viewpoints; small colorful shops and restaurants and some luxurious hotels& resorts. After getting freshen we felt hungry and shivering by cold, then to warm ourselves and also to put something into our tummy we entered in a tiny restaurant. There we asked for coffee with sandwiches and hot-dogs. The warmth of valentine Day was trying to catch up with the killing winter of Feb.

Surprisingly Beautiful: Chhattisgarh

2010-12-28T04:28:00.000-08:00

Chhattisgarh: is a land for the people of different tribes. The same land where has said to be Lord Shri Ram had spent his days of exile. A youthful state yet an ancient land, referred to in ancient texts as “Dakshin Kosala”.
Wherever you cast a glance you’ll find yourself surrounded with thick forest.This green region is carved out of India’s (previously) largest state of Madhya Pradesh. Chhattisgarh is enriched with mineral resources; and according to the natives, they are truly blessed with India’s densest forests as its 44% is covered with forest

This state’s one-third population is tribal and these tribes’ traditional art specimens made of bell metal castings (dokra) that make wonderful additions to your living or work space. Also, the tribal medicine pre-dates Ayurveda, and mixed with the 90+ categories of medicinal plants in forests of Chhattisgarh and that could well be the next big thing in natural cures.

Why Chhattisgarh:

It is like exploring something hidden, because Chhattisgarh hasn’t got any limelight yet unlike the other top-tourist states in India. In Chhattisgarh there are 11 wildlife sanctuaries, 3 national parks along with forest produce like Various Herbs, Teak, Bamboo, Sal, Saja, Mahua, Tamarind, Haldu Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Sheesham.

Wildlife in Chhattisgarh: These forest are home to wild animals like Leopard, Tiger, Langoor, Barahsinga, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Rhesus Monkey, Sambhar, Bison, Wild Buffalo, Civet Cat and Bear.

Get Fresh with In dia’s Finest Waterfalls: The crazy nature lovers can get a numbers of waterfalls in and around. These are very natural source of water as well as a best means for taking away your mental burden and physical tiredness. Chitrakote, Tirathgarh, Kanger, Gupteshwar, Malajkundam, Saat Dhara, Ranidah, Rajpuri, Kendai, Tata Pani, Damera Tamda Ghumar, Mendri Ghumar are must visit, as the beauty of these waterfalls is unmatched.

Besides them there are many ancient caves and things which can easily allure the people are its wonderful local & national Fairs & Festivals, spectacular Hill Stations, the nature’s untouched destinations, picturesque places, ancient temples and moreover the incredible tribal culture.

Source: http://www.indiaonlinetour.com

Mystical land: the Splendid Sikkim

2010-12-23T01:49:00.000-08:00

Our in this segment we have tried to put the every glimpse of this little Tibet, called Sikkim. The state is legend in north-east for its sedating nature and extreme simplicity.

This mountain region of Sikkim provides enormous class of plant and wildlife along with a versatile ethnic mix of people with rich cultural tradition.

Tiny yet beautiful, Sikkim is situated in the eastern Himalayas. It is spread out below the Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts) and ranked third in the world among highest mountain. It is honorable by the folks of Sikkim as their protective God.

On an area of 7,300 sq. kms. and measuring approx. 114 kms from the north to south and 64 kms from east to west, the elevation ranges from 300 mts. to over 8540 mts. above sea level.
Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, hills & lavish valleys, swiftly- flowing rivers, Sikkim offers its visitors an uncommon and noteworthy undergo. Within a few hours one can go through from the sub-tropical heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rugged mountain slopes that reach up to the area of ceaseless snow.
Nature Enriched: Sikkim is enriched with a grand variety of flora and fauna. Near about 450 categories of orchids, over 600 species of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas, snow leopards and other animals can be spotted in Sikkim. And the largest collection can be viewed at the Kanchenjunga National Park which spans an area of 850 square kilometers. Finally, as outcome ornithology tourism is also earning popularity prominence in beautiful Sikkim.

Culture Life of Sikkim: is related to Tibetan traditions. Most of the Buddhist monasteries are monument of remarkable artistic gem, in which are bronze images, wall paintings and tankas. Buddhism is an integral part of Sikkim and its culture, and many of the recommended trips around Gangtok have a monastery as their ultimate destination. The closest monasteries to Gangtok are Enchey, Phodong and Rumtek.

Food: The food served here is taking an impression of Tibet Cuisine and most favorite fast- food available here in multiple varieties are Momo and noodle.

Occupation for locals of Sikkim: Travel, tourism and agriculture are in the base of the local economy. Sikkim is the largest producer of a type of spice called, ‘cardamom’ in India. The forests of Sikkim have great economic value in wood pulp as well as timber. Sikkim is also noted for bamboo work withal cotton, wool, blankets, rugs and carpet weaving.

Wanna Visit Sikkim in Low budget.

The Climate: The seasonal rainfall differs from 50-200 inches in June-Sept, and perennial snow in the upper levels often heaps up to by few meter thickness. The best times to witness blooming orchids are April-May, July-August and November.
Source: http://www.holidayindia.net

The Garland on Islets: LakshaDweep

2010-12-22T04:42:00.000-08:00

What so Interesting about: Lakshadweep stood among one of the worlds’ most spectacular tropical Island System and located in the Arabian Sea. Lakshadweep comprises twelve three reefs and five submerged banks , atolls, with a total of near about thirty-six coral islands and islets. These islands comprise of 4200 sq.kms. lagoons that are rich in marine wealth.

History and local habitation in Lakshadweep:
Each island of Lakshadweep or Laccadives, is a little principality in itself, has existed from time immemorial, with little influence from the outside world. The chief language spoken here is Malayalam while English is the second most spoken language here. The folks of the islands are similar ethnically to the native Kerala and are of mixed Indian and Arab descent.

Definition of Lakshadweep:
   Smallest union territory of India, Lakshadweep is an abbreviation for a group of island where each island in Lakshadweep is fringed by pure white coral sands. Water that is crystal clear along with the rich marine flora and fauna enhance the natural beauty of these islands. Against the great blue sea the green of Islands appear as emerald creating a splendid view of necklace. The huge fortress like reef bordering the outskirts of the shallow lagoons blocks the incoming swells of the sea. The Lakshadweep islands are linked to the mainland by ships & passenger planes.

Travelers’ Delight:
The Coconut shrouded beaches of Lakshadweep gives a calm relaxation to the people reaching here from the far off lands. The transparent water of the sea stimulates your deep spirits to jump it in and have a long swim. An enchanting string of islands to caught your fancy to spend the rest of your life to this tourists’ paradise.

A Delicious Meal for Your Appetite: Besides sea food that is easily available in all the restaurant and resorts, there you can get there a wide variety of Malayalam Cuisine to stimulate your appetite. And remember that you can have a big opportunity to satiate your thirst with the coconut drink.

Where to Stay : There are a lot of beautiful sea resorts for you to stay and rest after day long activities. Some of these resorts are made of bamboos and sea facing where you can witness a beautiful sun rise when you wake up and then ending up your day with the beautiful sun set in the Arabian sea.

Great Hub for Adventurous sports: An awesome destination for all kinds of adventure sports related to water. Scuba diving, water skiing, water surfing, wind-surfing. And if you are wishing for Yacht or cruise then you can try out your long waited dream to sail on them.

Holiday India

The Hottest Celeb's Delight : Goa

2010-12-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

Join Brangelina in Goa
Goa and only Goa!
   This is the name which is always resides on the tongue of the people across the world. Although there are far better beaches outside India however the Goa has its own charms.
So why this is so?.. Ask people why they put Goa top on their priority list to celebrate their vacation!
   A simple reason is that Goa is a jewel among the other states of India be it whatever the perfect honeymoon destination or adventure sports, beach holidays or any festival celebration. one thing is sure about Goa that it's multicultural atmosphere makes it a different place and all time favorite & dream destination for everyone.
Goa is a most famous celebrated city too.
   Apart form its full leisure living Goa is also famous for its importance in trade.
Well, while the contemporary traveler may not come to modern, flourishing Goa ‘for the sale of all sorts of merchandise’,thus the ‘fair’ is still quite on demand.Every traveler comes here in search of something different.
And this could be a healing for a busy soul, to enjoy days of freedom on Goa’s magnificent beaches, to para-sailing or swim with the tide of fellow for the global visitors, to taste its mixed & unique cuisine and absorb its unforgettable spirits, to take a long and enfeebling trek in its undiscovered interiors, to make an admiration at its majestic temples and churches as well as forts, in brief to be at one with the most friendly folks in the country.
Thus the sheer charm of Goa has drawn the attention of the Hollywood celeb-couple Brad Pitt & Angelina even this time, too.
The hottest and happening celeb-couple, Brangelina have planned to make their second visit to Goa for this Christmas. With their kids they are to celebration for Christmas Eve. Besides their Christmas Celebration This couple is also deciding to stay here in Goa for their New Year Celebration.
   Posted By : Author

Celebrate this Christmas in Goa

2010-12-11T01:25:00.000-08:00

Its December time..!! Load of things to happen..loads of fun..!! evryhthng..!! this christmas and new year.. make it special for you and your loved one's..!one of the tour that we offer is Goa New Year
Tour:
Day 1Arrive at airport or railway station in goa on 30th of decemeber. You will be transfered to the hotel. Evening free to enjoy the goan beaches. Overnight at hotel.Day 2Today is last day of this year and you

Source:
Taj India Tour

The Most spiritual places in India

2010-12-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

India, a country and culture not only in itself but is an incredible world ends. India since ancient times, spiritual, religious and social field is used to represent. India is a great sacred country among all countries which have many spiritual places and also called Dev Bhumi or the land of Gods.

Haridwar

Haridwar is also known as the "Gateway to God" is one of the seven holiest places in India, and one of the oldest living cities in India. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, it's here that the holy Ganges River comes out from the mountains and begins its long journey to the Bay of Bengal. Every evening, the Ganges comes alive with a dreamlike glow as hundreds of small lamps are lighted and sent floating downs the river after prayer

Varanasi

Varanasi (Kashi) has been the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Hindus for old ages, is also known as Banares. Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. Varanasi, situated at the bank of Ganga River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the seven sacred Hindu cities with a very old history. Varanasi is also known as the city of Lord Shiva, the god of creation and destruction; it’s believed that anyone who dies here will be released from the cycle of renascence. It also believed that Bath in the Ganges River cleanse away all sins. The fascinating thing about this mystical city is that its rituals are revealed openly to along the many riverside ghats.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is situated at the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India and attracts many pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. it is the place of origin of yoga, is the most spiritual place to come and meditate, do yoga, and discover about other prospects of Hinduism. It’s situated on the banks of the Ganges River, surrounded by hills on three sides, not far from Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Rishikesh the ultimate Pilgrimage invites millions of pilgrims on Kumbh Mela when pilgrims try to get the drop of nectar through the holy dips at Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Amritsar

Amritsar was established in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the 4th guru of Sikhs. Amritsar is the most famous city of the Punjab state in India and home to the Harmandir Sahib, also identified as the Golden Temple (Swarna Mandir), the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion... The wonderful Golden Temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It looks mainly stunning at night when it’s beautifully illuminated, with its imposing pure gold dome lit up.

Bodhgaya

Bodhgaya is one of the significant Buddhist pilgrimage place in the world. Bodhgaya is situated in the state of Bihar; it is the place where Lord Buddha became enlightened during deep meditation under a Bodhi tree. That exact spot is now noticed by the sprawling Mahabodhi Temple complex. This town is also home to many of Buddhist monasteries.

For More infofmation:
http://www.holidayindia.net/
Taj India Tour

Celebrate This Christmas in Warmth & Beauty Of India

2010-12-02T00:03:00.000-08:00

Wanna make your Christmas more enjoying in a Minimum Expenditure, and still Guessing, How?
Your answer is, simply plan to visit India which will make your christmas an incredible experience.

Be it a christmas eve or afterwards celebration with santa, we have planned everything from luxurious accommodation to sight-seeing, for you & your nearest one. An eye- catching offer anyone is ready to grab at once.
Christmas & winter vacation offer for 4 days & 5 nights or vice-versa.
Just $ 150 for per night
Absolutely not a big deal to invest for your memorable christmas eve celebration as well as journey to the best of parts India.

http://www.tajindiatours.com/

Refreshing & Mystic tour to himalayas

2010-10-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

Himalayas is the source of the Indus Basin, the Yangtze Basin
& the Ganga-Brahmaptura which are two of
the worlds primary river systems

When translated, the Himalayas means the
‘abode of snow’!
The Himalayas formed about 70 million
of years ago following a collision between India
& Asia via the Indo Austrlian & Eurasian
plates. This tremendous collision resulted in the
pretty Himalayan range.
Although the Himalayas is the highest mountain
range in the world, it is also the youngest.
31 of the Himalayan peaks exceed 7,600 meters
Mount Everest (8,848 metres), the highest
mountain in the world, is part of the Himalayas in
Nepal. Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay
were the first people to climb Mount Everest in
1953.
The Himalayas is formed by two key ‘bands’ all
of which are parallel with each other. The
highest peak of mountains from within these
two bands is the Great Himalayan Range. The
Great Himalayan has an average height of
4,570 meters

Honeymoon Tour Packages, India

2010-10-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

Holiday India

Your dream of starting a new life with your spouse in the most romantic way will come true with superb Honeymoon Tour Packages by Holiday India.

The land of the green and the serene, the amazing array of the backwaters, splendid sunsets, the waxing moonlights would just melt you, the breathtakingly beautiful destinations of the nature makes Kerala one of the most sought after destinations and ideal place for honeymoon.

The beaches, houseboats, the cuisine is simply amazing, places that are a must visit in this state which is often called as God's own country are-

Cochin (Kochi)tour

Cochin (Kochi)- Situated on the south-west coast of Indian Peninsula, the peace and the warmth make the vivacious destination come true to its title of being the queen of the Arabian Sea, also known as Gateway to Kerala. The sweet memories of the rustic life and the gorgeous greens of Cochin would be something you will cherish all your life. Visit the Jewish Synagogue Dutch Palace, St:Francis Church, Chinese fishing nets and Bolgatty Palace here.

Munnar tour

Munnar - Munnar's mountains, pristine valleys, sprawling tea plantations, and cool air have long been a favourite of Indian and foreign tourists. The area's stunning topography, is ideal for paragliding, trekking and rock climbing, hot air ballooning, camping, and wild life safaris in the jungles and sanctuary.

Kumarakom - Is a place best known for the honeymooners. It is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake. The lush green vegetation and the climate attracts a number of tourist to this place. On reaching Kumarakom check in the backwater resort and later on move out for the local tour.

http://www.holidayindia.net/

One can visit the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, house boat jetty, one can aboard a houserboat and enjoy backwater cruise from Kumarakom to Alleppey.

This journey is considered to be one of the best attractions. The house boat here are fully furnished with single and double bedrooms, sundeck, private balcony and a kitchen. It also comprises a chef, driver & cabin assistant. The materials that go into the making are all local and Eco friendly bamboo poles, coconut fiber ropes, bamboo mats, coir carpets etc.

Kerala is also famous for its exotic beaches, that lie on the West Coast with Arabian Sea, and has the most diverse varieties of beaches anywhere in the world. Placid backwaters and lagoons, bays and rough lava-rocked seas, marine estuaries with fish, crashing surf, powdery golden sand or palm fringed shores. The Seafood cuisine, relaxing spas, diving and water sports and great places to stay for a holiday.

Kovalam Beach- Is undoubtedly one of India's best beaches. The long coastline lined with swaying coconut palm trees The sea applauds the beach temple in Mahabalipuram, gloriously silhouetted against the spectrum of the seven colours in the sky.

Kerala Honeymoon Tour Package is designed in a way that it would leave you with beautiful romantic memories for life.

Rajasthan Tour - Do visit 'The Lake Palace'...

2010-09-27T03:17:00.000-07:00

The Lake Palace is one of the most
beautiful palaces in the world!

On a Rajasthan Tour, take time for a visit to - The Lake Palace, which is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world located in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India. Arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble the Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres (16,000 m²) of rock. It was initially called Jag Niwas after its founder Maharana Jagjit Singh and is now a luxury hotel, of 83 rooms and suites featuring white marble walls, on the Jag Niwas Island. The hotel operates a boat which transports guests to the hotel from a jetty at the City Palace.

The Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra. The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. These courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens all add to its impressive image.

Lake palace Suite...

The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. All enhance the romance of the elegant setting. Among the facilities available are swimming pool, conference hall and a bar. Other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around and a bar other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around Udaipur.

Lake Palace houses 83 rooms including 17 beautiful suites and 53 Deluxe rooms. The rooms and the suites of the hotel are beautifully designed; each having a particular theme & decorated with textiles and handicrafts of the region. The royal banquet rooms are now reception rooms, bars and restaurants.

With Holiday India get ready to treat yourself in luxury….

North India Tour - Varanasi, one of the holiest cities in India!

2010-09-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Take a Holy dip in sacred River Ganges...

On a visit to India, if you plan to take a tour to Northern India, it would be an amazing divine experience for you if you include Varanasi in your tour package. Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi is one of the seven holiest cities of India, considered as the abode of Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, which is believed to have the power of washing away all of one's sins. It’s also one of the oldest living cities in the world, more than 3000 years old.

Varanasi city is also one the Shakti Peethas and one of the twelve Jyotir Linga sites in India. In Hinduism it is believed that those who die and are cremated here get an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. As pundits here will tell you, whatever is sacrificed and chanted here or given in charity reaps its fruits thousand times more than those good deeds performed at other places because of the power of that place. It is believed that three nights of fasting in Varanasi city can reap you rewards of many thousands of lifetimes of asceticism!

Mark Twain, the famous English author, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Benaras, once wrote: “Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together”.

Varanasi is also known as- ‘City of Light’, ‘Capital of Knowledge’, ‘City of Temples’…

A City of Ashrams & Muths, the city is rich in Arts, Music, Dance and literature. A centre for studying Astrology, Sanskrit, Yoga, Ayurveda. It is also famous for its Banarsi Saree, Handicrafts, Jari work, Wooden Items.

The holy city has been a symbol of spiritualism, philosophy and mysticism for thousands of years and has produced great saints and personalities like Guatama Buddha, Mahavira, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Shankaracharaya, Ramanuja and Patanjali. Take a Holy dip in sacred River Ganges at Varanasi and feel the spirituality…

Holiday India welcomes you to this Abode of Lord Shiva, a religious and spiritual city!
http://www.holidayindia.net/north-india-tour/north-india-classic-tour.html

Kerala Tour -You can even enjoy the hills here !

2010-09-18T03:53:00.000-07:00

If you want to explore India, and are on a Kerala Tour you must include Munnar in your trip, Munnar, is a picturesque hill station in Kerala's Idukki district, according to TripAdvisor, a popular travel guide and research website it is the second best Asian tourism destination after Tokyo.

Munnar's mountains, pristine valleys, sprawling tea plantations, and cool air have long been a favourite of Indian and foreign tourists. In recent years, this beautiful hill station has been attracting adventure tourists. They are enamored of the area's stunning topography, which is ideal for paragliding, trekking and rock climbing, hot air ballooning, camping, and wild life safaris in the jungles and sanctuary.. Nature lovers usually make a beeline for the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to colourful wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), ruddy mongoose and 120 bird species. The presence of all these activities and more has ultimately led to Munnar becoming a choice destination for foreign as well as domestic tourists. One can also see people from nearby districts in Kerala and Tamil Nadu thronging the town during weekends.

Holiday India can arrange a Munnar trip for you, its something you must feel for yourself, more than a visit, it will mesmerize you with its natural beauty.

Cruise in Luxury!

2010-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to visit India, a country which is fascinating to everyone and uniquely beautiful in a lot of ways, and you have an inclination towards exploring the remote locations but would not like to compromise on your comforts then you do not have to worry at all, Holiday India can arrange for you a luxury cruise or a movable houseboat to visit remote locations, while staying in ultimate comfort aboard your floating home, India’s most enchanting cruise itineraries include- The picturesque backwaters of Kerala, beauty of the Dal lake and the cruise through the holy river Ganga. India is full of fascinating and beautiful destinations that are difficult to get to overland, or even by plane, and have little in the away of tourist infrastructure once you arrive. Traveling by luxury cruise or a movable houseboat allows you to visit these remote locations, while staying in ultimate comfort aboard your floating home.

On board the famous houseboat you can enjoy onshore activities during the day in a variety of remarkable destinations. In the evening, relax in a beautifully appointed outdoor dining area and enjoy gourmet meals and cocktails by sunset or starlight. Your full complement of personal staff on board includes English-speaking, expert guides and a private chef.
Soak in the beautiful scenery and the local sights as the cruiser meanders through a series of picturesque canals and lakes. The luxurious interiors, gentle lapping of water and balmy breeze make this a perfectly relaxing retreat.sounds India is full of fascinating and beautiful destinations that are difficult to get to overland, or even by plane, and have little in the away of tourist infrastructure once you arrive. Traveling by luxury cruise or a movable houseboat allows you to visit these remote locations, while staying in ultimate comfort aboard your floating home.

In addition to the inland water cruising, Holiday India can arrange for you to charter a state-of-the-art sailing or motor yacht for custom-tailored journeys to island destinations anywhere in the Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea. Whether you have a small or large party, we can find the perfect yacht for you, which will include spacious en-suite cabins, plenty of deck space, outdoor relaxing and dining areas, and the latest in entertainment centers.

http://www.indialuxurytour.com/