travel education

2008-10-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Tourism in Kochi

KOCHI / COCHIN - A CITY OF PENINSULAS AND ISLANDS
One of the finest natural harbours on the Arabian Sea coast, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin has been a port of call for foreign traders from early times. Its cosmopolitan character is reflected in the buildings and structures representing different regions of the world. A city of peninsulas and islands, today it is Kerala's commercial hub.

Kochi, the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala, has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Ancient mariners from Arabia, China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark on this beautiful island city.

Kerala's prime tourist destination, it spreads across islands and promontories in a stunning location between the Arabian Sea and Backwaters. Its main sections: modern Ernakulam in the east and the old districts of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin on a peninsula in the west are linked by a complex system of ferries.

QUEEN OF THE ARABIAN SEA

More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam.The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is this natural advantage that has made Cochin a fascinating blend of the cultures and influences of the explorers and traders who visited this wealthy land.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS IN KOCHI ( TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KOCHI)

CHURCHES
Santa Cruz Basilica: This monumental church dates back to 1558 and has beautiful paintings on the ceiling. more...

St. Francis Church: Built in 1503 by Portuguese Francisan Friars, this is the India's oldest European church. It was restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican Church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the church of South India. Vasco da Gama's remains were buried here in 1524 and later moved to Lisbon, Portugal but his tombstone still remains. more...

FORTS & PALACES

Mattancherry Palace ( Dutch Palace): Built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. On display here are beautiful Murals depicting scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and some of the puranic Hindu legends. Them palace is open for public viewing from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. all week days except Fridays.

Bolghatty Palace: A Scenic island near the city of Ernakulam, Bolghatty is famous for the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 AD. This palace, once the residence of the British resident of Kochi, is now a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Corporation) hotel.

CITIES

Jew Town: The area around the Synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.
BEACHES

Cherai Beach: This lovely beach bordering Vypeen Island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction of this beach.
MUSEUMS

Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithra: 10 km from Kochi, Hill Palace, the official residence of the Kochi royal family, was built in 1865 AD. The palace complex consists of 49 buildings built in the Traditional Architectural Style of Kerala and is surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with a Deer Park and facilities for horse riding.

The palace museum is open all days except Mondays from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. A full-fledged ethno-archaeological museum and Kerala's first every heritage museum are the main attractions.

Displayed inside the thirteen galleries are oil paintings, 19th century paintings, Murals, sculpture in stone and plaster of paris, manuscripts, inscriptions and coins belonging to the Kochi royal family. more...

Pareekshith Thampuran Museum: This sprawling, traditional Kerala style building previously called the Durbar Hall, houses 19th century oil paintings, a collection of old coins, sculptures and Mughal paintings. The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. all weekdays except Mondays.

OTHER SIGHTSEEING IN KOCHI

Chinese Fishing Nets: These huge cantilevered fishing nets were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan.

Willingdon Island: Named after Lord Willingdon, a British viceroy to India, this man-made island is surrounded by beautiful backwaters. The island is the site of the city's best hotels, customs and trading centres, the port trust and the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command.

Jewish Synagogue: Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth. Destroyed in a shelling during the Portuguese raid in 1662, it was rebuilt two years later by the Dutch. Known for mid 18th century hand printed, willow pattern floor tiles from Canton in China, a dock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates etc., the Synagogue is open from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. more...
Vypeen Island: There is a magnificent lighthouse at Ochanthuruth, which remains open from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily.

Gundu Island: Here is the magnificent 16th century Pallipuram Fort that is open only on Thursdays.

HOW TO GET THERE KOCHI - KOCHI TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air: Kochi is connected by excellent air network to all major cities in India.
Rail: Kochi has three main railway stations, namely, Ernakulam Junction, Ernakulam Town and Harbour Terminus on Willingdon Island.

Road: Kochi, an important commercial centre of the South India is very well serviced by a network of national and state highways, connecting it to all major centres of the area.

2008-10-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

BEAUTY OF WAYANAD

The wonderful Wayanad is a hill resort of Kerala that offers nature at its best. There are the mist-clad mountains, spice plantations and the stretches of greens as far as the sight goes. The majestic mountains of the Western Ghats add to the charm of Wayanad.

LOCATION

The hill resort of Wayanad is situated in the northeastern part of Kerala.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Wayanad experiences tropical monsoons and rather hot summer. Thus the best time to visit Wayanad is between the months of August and May

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Amongst the major tourist attractions in Wayanad are the two rock caves of Edakkal Caves. Situated in the Ambukuthy Hills the caves are famous for the ancient carvings and pictorial writings dating back to the new Stone Age.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit for the nature as well as the animal lovers. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an element of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Close by are the Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks. The fabulous flora and fauna of the sanctuary are a major tourist attraction at Wayanad.

You may check out the coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations that dot the hills of Wayanad

Pookat Lake is another spot to chill out in Wayanad. You may visit the fresh water aquarium or the children's park, enjoying boating or even shop for handicraft items and spices at the fresh water Pookat Lake that is wrapped in high hills and gorgeous greens.

The Varambetta Mosque and the Ambalavayal Heritage Museum are the other places worth visiting on your trip to Wayanad

PLACES AROUND WAYANAD

The uninhabited Kuruvadweep Island is an excellent excursion option from Wayanad. The birds, orchids and herbs at the island catch everyone's interest.

On the banks of the Papanasini river is the Thirunelly Temple. The Thirunelly Temple reveals the temple architecture and is worth more than a visit.

For the adventure seekers there is the Chembra Peak situated at an altitude of 2100 m. Trekking in the Chembra Peak of Wayanad is a popular adventure sport activity.

Then there is Pakshipathalam situated in the Bramha Giri hills. Pakshipathalam is a tourist spot that you may reach after trekking. Pakshipathalam is renowned for the bird sanctuary that is home to several rare species of birds.

Further ahead from Wayanad you may travel to the other hill resorts in close proximity like Ooty, Mysore, Coorg, Kozhikode and Connor. The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary are other excursion options from Wayanad for the animal lovers.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR - The airport and the railway station at Kozhikode are the nearest to Wayanad, Kozhikode is approximately 100 km from Wayanad.

BY ROAD - The excellent road network links Wayanad with other important places like Kozhikode, Kannur, Ooty and Mysore.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation is easily available at Wayanad. There are several hotels, resorts and tourist lodges that cater to the needs of the tourists to Wayanad.

2008-07-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Serail Bomb Blast in Ahmedabad
Bomb blasts in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat has shaken the India. Till now 9bomb blasts have been reported. 30 people have injured and 3 died.The effected areas are Maninagar Chowk , Raipur , Bapunagar Diamond Market , Isanpur , Narol , Naroda , Juhapura.Saharanpur , Jawahar Naga the Old part of Ahmedabad City. these are also low intensity blasts .

2008-04-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Kolkata Travel

Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy,’ the city of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is more than 300 years old. This span has witnessed its development into one of the world’s most densely peopled metropolises. And yet, there is something undoubtedly special about Calcutta. For, it combines the past and the present on a covetous plane. It amalgamates the traditional and the modern, and brings the intense and the frivolous together. At one level Calcutta is always in transition, and at another, it is firmly anchored to a tradition and culture quite uniquely its own.

Kolkata is the current capital of the state of West Bengal, and was also the first capital of the British in India. It was established in 1686 when the British shifted their operations to the small villages of Govindpur, Sutanati, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. It flourished and prospered until in 1756 Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove the British away. Lord Clive then later regained control of Kolkata and until 1911, it remained the capital of the British government in India. Having been the centre of power of the British for so long has given Kolkatta a unique culture and heritage, that is quite unlike any other city in India.

Tourist Attractions in Kolkata
Some of the important places worth visiting in Kolkata are listed below.

The Victoria Memorial was built by Lord Curzon in memory of Queen Victoria and is a fine huge white-marble structure. It is now a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of the Raj.

The Howrah Bridge is a 450 m long bridge without any pylon in the river and has the distinction of being the busiest bridge in the world catering to around 100,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians. It is an excellent example of engineering techniques of the early 20th century.

Eden Garden is a small and pleasantly laid-out garden that was once the gathering place of the social elite. It today houses the renowned cricket ground by the same name.

Also known as Kalighat, the Kali Mandir is dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of destruction and is a frequented tourist destination.

Fort William was constructed in 1781 and is still in use. The large patch of green around the fort is known as the Maidan (ground), or the lung of Kolkata. It stretches for a distance of 3 km and is 1 km wide.

Eden GardenThe Birla Planetarium is a single-storied circular structure that is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Its central dome is an imitation of the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi.

The Marble Palace exhibits art forms of Italy, the Netherlands, England and other European nations. The interiors of the palace-the floors, walls, and tabletops-are all made of marble.

The Indian Museum is the oldest museum in India, which was built in 1874. The entrance to the museum has an original Lion Capitol, the national symbol of India and the museum itself is home to a rare collection of artefacts.

Dalhousie Square, which was renamed Binoy Badal Dinesh Bagh (also BBD Bagh), is the hub of West Bengal’s administration and commerce. All important government institutions of the state are located here.

Tourist Excursions in Kolkata
Some of the famous excursions sites near Kolkata are:

Shanti Niketan, Tagore’s university township, is a must on any itinerary that plots Bengal as a stopover. The hot springs here are famous for curing many chronic diseases.

The Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. It is a universal place of pilgrimage, visited by people belonging to diverse castes and creeds. It is committed to social service, religious harmony, spiritual attainment and renunciation.

The Dakshineshwar Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and was the dwelling place of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, most of his life.

The main attraction of the Botanical Gardens, which cover an area of 110 hectares, is a 250-year-old banyan tree (Ficus bengalhensis), which is 98 feet high and over 1,300 feet in circumference.

Bishnupur’s is renowned for its crafts such as intricate Balucheri saris, the rare ganijifa (circular Indian playing card), delicate carving on shells and bell metal artefacts. It has a rich architecture, music tradition and handicraft legacy of pottery and weaving. Some unique terracotta temples can be found here.

How to Reach Kolkata

Kolkata is well connected with direct domestic airlines services to and from Kolkata to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Lucknow, etc. there are also direct flights to most of the countries in the Southeast Asia. The airport is situated at Dumdum, about 17 km northeast of the city center. Trains from the other parts of the country connect Calcutta. The city has two major railway stations-one at Howrah and the other at Sealdah. Kolkata is also connected with most of the Indian cities by road.

Important Travel Information

Kolkata can justly be described as the shopping paradise for those who want excellent bargains. For, Kolkata is teeming with markets, which might be crowded and dusty, but have their own history and specialize in exotic and unique items.

The Calcutta Book Fair is the largest book fair in Asia and provides ample opportunities to explore the fascinating world of books. It is held in the month of January or February every year.

The city has uniform temperature throughout the year due to proximity to the sea. Temperature range from 12-27°C in the winter and 24-38°C in the summer. Humidity can be very high during the summers.

2008-04-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hogenakkal At A Glance

Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in our land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and perhaps that is why the name means the smoke that thunders. And, as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal.

LOCATION

This is one of the wonderful waterfalls in Tamil Nadu. It is a part of the river Cauvery and is about 250 metres above sea level. The main attraction of the falls is its vertical drop from a height of 20 metres with a thundering sound. A sacred bathing place, Hogenakkal is well known for its power of healing. It is located at a distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Tour to Hogenakkal The 15 km descent from Pennagaram to Hogenakkal snakes through very interesting terrain. In these lands, one can see villages with lush fields of mulberry, fodder for busy silkworms, and the broad-leaved though often scraggy castor. On the outskirts of the rural settlements en route are their fascinating guardian deities, often referred to as Aiyanars. Made of terracotta or plastered brick, these giant figures are brightly colored and generally depict fearsome and mustachioed warriors. But exceptions to this excessively macho rule are also seen at some places.

As the scrub-covered slopes give way to thickets of thorny vegetation and then, almost imperceptibly, when tall trees began to rise, the air reverberates, with the soft roar of running water becoming more and more assertive as one reaches lower and lower.

At the bottom of the valley, the Cauvery tributaries spread in a blue and shimmering web. They gurgle, shimmer, some hardly more than exposed rocks, and large rocky stretches where old trees grew. Women in bright saris bathe, or wash clothes in the running water.

The spa-hamlet rises off the road-a scatter of shacks and buildings, staggering up the slopes of the valley, gazing down at the water-woods on the other side of the road. It has the character of a village struggling to become a town, a little tatty in patches, not yet chrome glass-and-polish, still retaining much of its truly rural charm.

Often referred to as basket-boats, the circular vessels called Coracles have bamboo frames covered in either black plastic or buffalo hide. They wait like black mushrooms, propped against trees or upturned on the banks of the river. When the river is in spate, all the dark rocks are submerged, but if one goes there in February, which is among the most favored months to visit this riverine spa, there should not be any problem. Coracles are among the oldest types of watercraft in the world, and among the most successful-a reassuring thought when one is floating in these saucer-like devices.

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR - Bangalore, situated at a distance of 130 km from Hogenakkal is the nearest airport.

BY RAIL - Salem 114 km and Bangalore 130 km are the nearest railway stations from this place.

BY ROAD - Tourist taxis and buses are available on hire to move in and around Hogenakkal.
Weather

Summer Temperature:
Max 34 Degree Celsius
Min 23 Degree Celsius

Winter Temperature:
Max 27 Degree Celsius
Min 13 Degree Celsius
Best season to visit: Soon after the monsoons, when the river is in full spate.

2008-03-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Tibet Tourism

Tibet is probably the only destination among the Himalayas that's not as known for its adventure circuits as the rest are. But do not underestimate this destinations as just another Trans-Himalayan area of the Himalayas. There's much more to Tibet than Buddhism, monasteries and cold desert-like weather.
Climate

Tibetan winters, as might be supposed, are fiercely cold. But for half the year, strong sunlight warms the thin air, making most days in Lhasa comfortably mild and, owing to protective mountains, relatively windless. Summer temperatures hover above 30'C (high-80s F) and only to drop to a searing -23'C (-10'F) in midwinter. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall.

Major adventure sports of Tibet
Trekking regions in Tibet

Everest Region
Usually Everest is more known as a part of Nepal and trekkers have explored numeorus trek routes towards this world's highest peak from Nepalese Himalayas. Still, if you like trekking in the unexplored zones then opt the routes to the Everest range from the Tibetan Himalayas side. One Everest trek tour option from Tibet is from Kathmandu drive across beautiful Nepalese countryside to the Chinese boarder town of Zangmu before negotiating the road up through the deep gorges of Sunkoshi River to Tingri. Trek past the ancient village of Tingri to the base camp from where one can see the magnificent and huge dimensions of Mt. Everest.

For well over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed Kailash Mansarovar to pay homage to the mountain's mystery, circumambulating it is a ancient ritual of devotion that continues to this day. People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the major passes of Uttaranchal Himalayas lead to Kailash - Mansarovar. The important ones in the Kumaon region are Lipulekh, Lampiya Dhura, Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri. Under the administration of the Indian ministry of external affairs and with the cooperation of the Chinese government, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has been conducting trips to Kailash - Mansarovar through the Lipulekh pass.

Namchag Barwa Trek:

Namchag Barwa is an excellent short trek for nature lovers and amateur botanists. It includes the delightful Nyima La and the lushly forested Rong Valley. The route begins in Pei, a small village that is also the staging post of treks to the great bend of the Tsangpo via Pelma Kochung and to Metog. Here a ferry crosses to Timpe on the north bank of the river, site of a revered Guru Rinpoche cave and monastery.

A splendid trail leads north to the Nyima La through some of the finest virgin forests and flower gardens in southeastern Tibet. The idyllic walk passes a nomad camp and groves of flowering rhododendrons along the way. Many plant species abound on the open moorlands near the pass. From the pass there are tremendous views of the Assam Himalayas, including nearby Gyala Pelri and Namche Barwa. On the far side of the Nyima La is the Rong Valley, a heavily forested scenic valley that is luxuriantly carpeted with primulas and violet irises from May to July. The best time for this trek is from May to October.

Is Biking Adventue Sport Possible in Tibet !

Biking is more physically taxing than any other sports, especially in Tibet with its rugged terrain. Although, most of the gear required for biking can be hired, but still not many indulge in this activity due to its sheer demand for fitness and strength. There are many unbelievable tracks specially made for this purpose only. The most famous of them all is the Quinghai- Tibet highway route and the Sichuan- Tibet highway route. Though most of them start from various regions of Tibet but they all generally wind up in Lhasa only. Through Tibet is definitely one of the toughest bike trips in the world with around six 5000 m plus passes here.

Places to visit in Tibet

Lhasa - The land of Gods
The land of gods" and is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650 meters above he sea level. Lhasa has history of more than 1300 years and it's been the center of politics, economy, culture and religion in Tibet since ancient times. There are numerous scenic spots and historical attractions, among which Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple, being the most famous.
Potala Palace

The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of our nations, is erected on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. The word "Potala" comes from Sanskrit. In the 7th century, after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's marriage with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Palace was built for meditation. In the mid-17th century, it was re-built by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size, and ever since it became the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from its beginning to completion. The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and White Palace.
Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple situated in the center of the old section of Lhasa, and was built in the mid - 7th century A. D. and later extended by successive rulers, it has now become a gigantic architecture complex. Located in the east, facing to the west, it is a four storeyed temple with splendid golden roofs. It has architecture feature of Tang Dynasty and also assimilated very much features from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist Temples.

Shopping In Tibet

The Magic of Shopping in Tibet !

Tibet, without a doubt is full of scenic fantasies and historical wonders, but still, a trip to Tibet is never complete without a long shopping spree here, even if you have explored all the destinations inch by inch. Shopping in Tibet, over the time has generated great interest in travelers and now people often travel to Tibet for its shopping bonanza. That's how fascinating and unique the experience of shopping in Tibet is. You can start your stint from Lhasa where you will get everything, from a pin to a palace, and then move onto places that are special for their specialties.

Where to Shop From !

For small and big shopping flits one has to just hang around in the city. Lhasa Department Store, is located on the west end of Yuthok Lu, one of the largest and best-known market hub in Lhasa. It sells all the items one can ask for on urgency basis, or a tourist cannot do without like cotton clothing, mugs, canned food, towels, and toothpaste, plus local handicrafts. Barkhor is another most famous shopping market in Lhasa, where you will find more traditional Tibetan artifacts in small roadside shops. Buddha figures, prayer flags copper teapots, horse bells and jewelry inlaid with turquoise and other gem makes that allure any visitor. Though be aware of the quality of the material that you are buying, because few of them might be fake. But still, unique designs and cheap rates make them great souvenirs that you can take back home.

What are the Famous Shopping Items !

Tibet is actually famous for its handicrafts and paintings like the Thangka which is a kind of a Tibetan scroll painting that generally have their base in Buddhist religion where as Tibetan crafts are often made from different metals like gold, silver, copper and stones like turquoise. These beautiful items with the most exceptional carvings on them have become the most shopped for item in Tibet. Apart from crafts, you should check out some of the most scintillating jewelry that you would have ever seen. There are numerous varieties of jewelry like pearls, agate, gold and silver ornaments.

What Else on Shopping Streets !

Just Wander down the Barkhor street and you will see not only handicrafts, paintings and carpets, but also precious gems, stones, exotic masks, dazzling knives and much more, that will make your head turn and your hands move towards your pocket. The one thing that you must remember is that if you buy a knife, make sure that you send it through mail to your home town, as you are not allowed to take knives with you on flight. You will also come across bookstores from where you can get books related to Tibetan history, culture and even travel like maps and postcards, so don't forget to take a look inside these useful stores.

2008-03-10T05:24:00.000-07:00

Srinagar – The Lake City

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Kalhana, the author of 'Rajtarangini’, states that Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II, and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339 AD. King Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as ‘Budshah’, was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amrjtsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir with Srinagar as its capital, became part of the Indian Union.

Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese, the Mughals and the British to it.

Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday.

Kashmiri Food
Rich and redolent with the flavour of the spices used –cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc. -- Kashmiri food can be the simple meal of a family, or a 36-course wedding banquet called Wazawan. The staple diet of every Kashmiri is rice, the most preferred being the dense, slightly sticky grained Kashmir variety, which is prized in the Valley.

Mutton, chicken or fish are of prime importance in Kashmiri meal and everyday cooking often combines vegetable and meat in the same dish. Mutton and turnips, chicken and spinach, fish and lotus root are also very popular combinations. Pure vegetarian dishes include dum-aloo - roasted potatoes in curd-based gravy, and chaman- fried paneer (cottage cheese), in a thick sauce. Non-vegetarian dishes are considered in Kashmir to be a sign of lavish hospitality and at a Wazwan or banquet, not more than one or two vegetarian dishes are served. Sweets do not play an important role in Kashmiri cuisine. Instead Kahva or green tea is used to wash down a meal.

Wazawan is usually served at weddings and parties. The most commonly served items are rista (meat balls) made of finely pounded mutton and cooked in a gravy; seekh kababs, tabak maz, or flat pieces of meat cut from the ribs and fried till they acquire a crisp crackling texture, roganjosh, which owes its rich red colour to the generous use of Kashmiri chillies. Yakhni, a cream coloured preparation of delicate flavour, is made with curd as a base. Gushtaba, which is the last item to be served in a traditional wazawan, are meatballs moulded from pounded mutton like large-sized Rista but cooked in thick gravy of fresh curd base. Dam-Aaloo and chaman are the commonly served vegetarian dishes - to serve more than this would indicate an unseemly tendency on the part of the host to economize!

Several restaurants in Srinagar serve Kashmiri wazawan on their menus. Mughal Durabar, Ahdoos and Grand, on the Residency Road, offer authentic wazawan. Similarly, Broadway Hotel on Maulana Azad Road arranges wazawan prepared by professionals.

SEASON

Kashmir has four distinct seasons, each with its own peculiar character and distinctive charm. These are spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Spring, which extends roughly from March to early May, is when a million blossoms carpet the ground. The weather during this time can be gloriously pleasant at 23oC or chilly and windy at 6oC. This is the season when Srinagar experiences rains, but the showers are brief.

Summer extends from May until the end of August. Light woollens may be required to wear out of Srinagar. In higher altitudes night temperatures drop slightly. Srinagar at this time experiences day temperatures of between 25oC and 35oC. At this time, the whole valley is a mosaic of varying shades of green - rice fields, meadows, trees, etc. and Srinagar with its lakes and waterways is a heaven after the scorching heat of the Indian plains.

The onset of autumn, perhaps Kashmir's loveliest season, is towards September, when green turns to gold and then to russet and red. The highest day temperatures in September are around 23oC and night temperatures dip to 10oC by October, and further drop by November, when heavy woollens are essential.

Through December, to the beginning of March is winter time, which presents Srinagar in yet another mood. Bare, snow-covered landscapes being watched from beside the warmth of a fire is a joy that cannot be described to anyone who has not experienced it. Some houseboats and hotels remain open in winter-these are either centrally heated or heated with ‘bukharis’, a typically Kashmiri stove kept alight with embers of wood, quite effective in the winter.

Srinagar Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Srinagar is commonly done by bus or taxi. Another way of seeing the city, especially the lake area, is by shikara. It is particularly pleasant to row over the waters of the Dal Lake to visit the Mughal Gardens and other lakeside sites, including the famous Hazratbal mosque.

The well-known sights in the city are Shankaracharya Temple atop the hill called Takht-e-Suleiman, a 5 km climb from Nehru Park on a metalled road. Across the city is another, much lower hill crowned by the Hari Parbat Fort, built by an Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century. The low wall enclosing the upper part of the hill was constructed by Emperor Akbar. On the hill are several famous places of worship: the temple of goddess Sharika, the shrine of Muslim saint Makhdoorn Sahib, and the historic Sikh Gurudwara Chatti Padshahi.

2008-03-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

Lakshadweep

is the smallest union territory of India. The group is located 200 to 300 km off of the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea. The total land area of the territory is 32 km². Eleven of the islands are inhabited. Lakshadweep is the northern part of the erstwhile Lakshadweepa.

The islands look like emeralds in the vast expanse of blue sea. Varying hues of turquoise blue translucent water surround them. Coral atolls, the matchless marine environment with myriad colours resulting in complex interaction of animate and inanimate things. Built on ancient volcanic formations are the Lakshadweep (meaning a hundred thousand islands), the tiniest Union Territory of India. It consists of 12 atolls, 3 reefs and 5 submerged banks. The atolls poised on submarine banks, harbour 36 islands having an area of 32 Sq.Km. Of these, 10 islands are inhabited namely Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and Minicoy. The islands lie about 220-440 Kms from the Malabar coast between 8° and 12° 13' North Latitude and 71° & 74° East Longitude. Kavaratti is the Administrative Headquarter of the Union Territory.

Each island is fringed by snowwhite coral sands, are marked by a huge, shallow, calm lagoon on one side which separate it from incoming swells of the outer sea by the fort wall-reef made of massive coral boulders and live corals. The only coral islands of our country, are the result of gradual assimilation of calcium from the water by corals and their turning into reefs.
KAVARATTI

It is the headquarters of the U.T Administration since 1964. You have enough time to explore the island. The beautiful calm lagoon forms an ideal spot for water sport swimming and basking on warm sandy beaches. Marine life exhibits can be seen at the marine aquarium which has excellent collection of specimens. Do not bother if you are not a good swimmer, we have made viewing the exotic underwater world easier for you through our glass bottomed boats. We provide on hire kayaks & sailing yachts. The Dolphin Drive Centre is another attraction for water sports enthusiasts. Tourist availing "Taratashi" package to Kavaratti stay in the tourist huts at the tourist complex. One can visit Kavaratti in Coral Reef and Taratashi packages.

KALPENI

It is known for its scenic beauty and the small islets called Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north called Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses all of them. A peculiar feature of Kalpeni atoll is the huge storm bank of coral debris along the eastern and south-eastern shorelines. It is believed that huge boulders were thrown up during a storm in 1847. It is a progressive island; it was in this island that girls first went to school, when women's education was considered a taboo. You can swim, reef-walk or water-sport on kayaks, sail boats & pedal boats. Water sports crafts are given on hire; 2 bathing huts with change-rooms are available, at Koomel Beach Resort. A visit to the baniyan factory and the light house is also included in the day's program. 4 tourist cottages are also available for staying tourists. Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef and Coconut Grove Packages.

MINICOY

It is about 10.6 Kms long; it is the second longest island, the first being Andrott. It is the southern most island in Lakshadweep, crescent shaped and has one of the largest lagoons. Viringle is the small islet that you see on the south. Minicoy is set apart from the Northern group of islands by its culture; the islanders are employed as seamen in ocean going vessels the world over. The island has systematically arranged village system known as "Athiris"; each athiri is a cluster of houses which is head by an elected elderly man called Mooppan. Traditionally all powers to manage village affairs were vested in him. Each village has a village house beautifully decorated and maintained. Mahl is the spoken language. Minicoy is an important centre of tuna fishing.
The light house of the island is one of the oldest and was constructed in 1885. You will be taken to the villages, tuna canning factory, the light house and for a long drive through dense coconut groves and winding village roads. The beaches have bathing huts and change rooms; so swim and beach walk, Pedal boat, Kayak and Sail. We provide these on hire. Tourist cottages and one 20 bedded tourist home have been constructed for the staying tourists. This island is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages.

KADMATH

MARINE WEALTH AWARENESS PACKAGE. Kadmath is 8 Kms long and 550 metres wide at the broadest point. In addition to the beautiful shallow lagoon on the west that forms an ideal spot for water sports, there is a narrow lagoon on the east. The best attractions are the long sandy beaches and small sand banks on the southern tip for sun baths. Kadmath has been identified for staying tourists with its tourist huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves in the beaches facing the lagoon. The place is ideal for a real holiday that brings you away from the maddening crowd, hustle and bustle of city life. You will certainly learn the art of disembarkation on the island around noon on the second day of the 6 days Marine Wealth Awareness Programme tour.

You spend 3 days enjoying sea breeze and moonlit beach. Water sports crafts like kayaks, pedal boats, sailing yachts, skiing boats and glass bottomed boats are available on hire. The scuba diving centre in the island has become an attraction for water-sport enthusiasts. All meals are served at the tourist restaurant. Departure is on the fifth day.

Water Sports

The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. All the islands included in the various tourist packages offer kayaks, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, glass-bottomed boats and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Travelly and Wahoo are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired. Kayaks, canoes, surf modules, snorkels and other water sports are also available in all the islands open for tourists.

REACHING THERE...........

The Lakshadweep group of islands are well connected both by Air and Sea. While Islands like Agatti & Bangaram can be reached by Air, the other islands can be reached by ship from Kochi. The ship offers different classes of accommodations. A/c First class with two/four berth cabins & tourist class with A/c seating. The vessels have all the facilities that go with a passenger vessel , namely video shows, cafeteria & snack bar, upper-deck airing space , entertainment lounge, Doctor on call etc.

2008-02-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

Udhagamandalam (Ooty)"Queen of hill stations"

Rose Garden - OodyUdhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres.

The Tea
The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Visit Ooty during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed!

Prime Attractions of Udagamandalam

Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.
Government Museum - Ooty
The Government Museum At Ooty The government museum, Mysore Road, Ooty has items of tribal objects, district's ecological details and representative sculptural arts and crafts of Tamil Nadu. It was set up in 1989, with a view to provide education benefits to the residing and visiting population of Nilgiris district. Tourist Information Admission: Free Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Closed On: Fridays, Second Saturdays and National Holidays Ooty The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (100-km). Ooty on the narrow gauge railway is connected to Mettupalayam, which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai on the broad gauge. There are regular bus services connecting Ooty to Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Calicut, Tirupati etc.

Hills and Views
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations" among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 kilometres from Coimbatore

Kalhatty Falls
The Kalhatty falls are located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13-km from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. Also known as the "Kalahasti Falls", the water here cascades down a height of 122m.

Kandal Cross Shrine
Kandal cross, a Roman Catholic Shrine considered, as the Jerusalem of the East is located in Udhagamandalam in Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri Catholics consider it as the "Calvary of Tamil Nadu".
Mini Garden and Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is situated about 3 to 4-km away from Charring Cross. Mini garden is also situated on the way to the boathouse where the children amusement park is housed.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park
The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through the sanctuary, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur.
Ooty Lake
The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.
Summer Festival
There is several beautiful hill stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, the hills are even hospitable to welcome the visitors. The summer festival is held in the 'Queen of Hill Stations',
Tea and Tourism Festival
Akin to the nectar of the Gods is the Camellia Sinensia, which is a bush that gives fragrant amber ambrosia-a refresher and stimulizer. In other words, TEA.

Fairs & Festivals - Udhagamandalam
Summer Festivals

A summer festival is held each year during the month of May in the Botanical Gardens, which is an added attraction for tourists. The Flower Show is the pride of the festival. Cultural programmes are organised for those interested in traditional classical arts. Adventure spots like trekking also form part of the festival.

How To Get There - Udhagamandalam

By Rail
Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway, connected to Mettupalayam (47 km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.
By Road
A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.
Local Transport
Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except tourist cabs. Town buses are also available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by the private operators and the Government Tourism Development Corporation.
By Air
Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.

2008-02-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Goa -"Pearl of the Orient"

Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.

The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.

But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.

Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.

Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.

Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.

All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.

The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.

Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.

Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.

The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.

Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.

Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.

Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.

The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.

Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.

Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

2008-02-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Nelliyampathy, Palakkad.

Location: About 52 km from Palakkad town and about 9 km from Nenmara.
Altitude: 467 m to 1572 m above sea level.
Attractions: Aerial view of the mountain pass, waterfalls, dense forests and tea gardens, trekking etc.

A geographic paradise, Nelliyampathy on the high ranges of the Western Ghats, offers a stunning view of the Sholayar Pass lying deep down in a 20 mile stretch of velvet green. Certain hills especially Seethakundu of Nelliyampathy cease abrubtly to form cliffs overlooking the panoramic valley below. These ranges of the Ghats at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m above sea level and the pass have a dominant influence on the climate of the region.

It is through this mountain pass that the monsoon clouds formed over the Arabian Sea after shedding rain in Kerala, move to the neighbouring State of Tamilnadu.

To reach Nelliyampathy one has to negotiate at least 10 hair-pin curves on the Ghat road, through the breath-taking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges (Western Ghats). From these hills can be seen the calm, tranquil Pothundi Reservoir in the valley down below. Pothundi is built across Meenchadyppuzha and Padippuzha the tributaries of the Ayalar river (a sub tributary of Bharathappuzha).

The rich greenery of the forests hugging these hills is frequently punctuated by small and big waterfalls. Among these, the one at Seethakundu, the 1000 metre waterfall is a major attraction.

Nelliyampathy, spread over 82 sq km, has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations.

The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers. The Community Hall at Kaikatty serves as an ideal camping place for trekkers. The temperature at these ranges vary from 15 degree celsius in December to 30 degree celsius in April. The lovely climate and green magic of the hills provide an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 5 km from Palakkad town.
Nearest airports:Coimbatore (in the neighbouring state of Tamilnadu) about 55 km from Palakkad; Cochin International Airport, about 120 km.

2008-02-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll: a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South".

Its scenic beauty and serenity is supplemented by the availability of excellent accommodation . There are a lot of restaurants which provide western style food as well as Indian, which is delicious. The grilled seafood items such as lobster, king prawns and kalamari are got fresh from the sea at Kovalam. Ayurvedic massage parlours, yoga centers and water sport facilities, makes Kovalam a popular haven for tourists from all over the globe.

"Kovalam" means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. The crescent-shaped beach has three parts. The southern most beach, and the most popular, is light house beach. It offers an amazing sight of Vizhinjam mosque. The northern Samudra is a laidback one and time seems stands still here. The middle, hawah, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

It is warm and clean filled with the coconut trees and the white sandbed as the seabreeze gently plays with the waves. Swimming and bathing are very refreshing and exhilirating in the waves. One can walk into the sea for about 100 metres without loosing ground. This cove is also the safest place for swimming. At many coastal places there are beautiful patches of coral reefs. The underwater views, which are visible during snorkeling, are really marvellous.

Azure water and favorable climate make Kovalam a favorite year-round spot for swimming. Sea here is pacific and shallow where you can take a dip in the saline waters. The clean white sandy beach will arouse a temptation irresistible: to lie idle on the sands and tan your body.You could get into any of the Ayurvedic massage centre and indulge in a rejuvenating herbal, body-toning massage and holistic therapies.

Highly commercialised and very crowded through most of the year, Kovalam manages, against all odds, to retain much of the charm which made it a popular beach in the first place. Surfing and swimming are among the other water sports possible in Kovalam beach.Many people from different countries and cultures, interminlge with each other and get together in this paradise of the South and spend their leisure time joyfully.

So, spend your leisure time in Kovalam as joyful as ever making every wave cast a lasting impression.

2008-02-04T21:36:00.001-08:00

Kumarakom - Serene beauty of Backwaters

Tucked away at the southern tip of peninsular India, sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is a piece of tropical paradise called Kerala. The National Geographic Traveler has listed it among the top ten must see destinations on earth. Kerala, as the cliché goes, is God's own country; and Kumarakom is its sanctum sanctorum.

Seemingly afloat on the placid waters of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quaint little hamlet of tiny islands about 85 kilometers from Cochin International Airport.
Relish nature’s glory on wings with the world-famous sanctuary at Kumarakom.Taste a touch of rustic Kerala village life with the R-Block and Kainagiri, small islands on the Vembanad Lake. Witness farming of a different kind, farming below water level. Dip your toes in the warmth of the sand stretches of Pathiramanal.

Take a pensive moment before the Buddha statue dating back to 300BC at Karumadikuttom or at the equally ancient St. Kuriakose Church. Savourstrokes of brilliant traditional architecture at the famous temples of Ambalappuzha or partake in the crafting of Kerala’s renowned ‘Snake Boats’ at Chempakkulam. Or just be Fascinated with women expertly fishing with their mere bare hands. And the million other fascinations that Kerala is known for around the world.

God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things is set in Ayemenem or Aymanam village, which adjoins Kumarakom. The explosive success of this novel has given some added touristic impetus to this area. The Taj Garden Retreat hotel complex is centered around a building that is called "History House" in the novel; it was built by British missionary Alfred George Baker, whom the locals called "Kari Saipu" (possibly an elided form of "Baker Sahib"), as in the novel. Four generations of Bakers lived in the house until 1962, speaking Malayalam, and even wearing the mundu. The Baker Memorial School, Kottayam, was started by a daughter of this family in 1925. The Baker family's house is in ruins in the novel, as it was in reality before was developed into a hotel and has been restored by the Taj group. The Ayemenem house, where Arundhati Roy spent part of her childhood (like the twins in the story), can also be visited in the village, which can be reached by boat along the Meenachil river that figures prominently in the story.

2008-01-29T01:27:00.000-08:00

Thekkady

Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries in India, spread across 777 Sq. Kms out of which 360 Sq. Kms is thick forest, is one of the best places for viewing wild elephants. There is a 26 Sq. Km. artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river. A boat cruise on the lake is a great way to watch the wildlife.

Wild animals like the Elephant, Gaur, Sambar Deer and wild boar, which can be easily seen from close quarters during the serene boat ride. Other Mammals like the Nilgiri Thar, the lion tailed macaque, the bonnet macaque, the Malabar giant Squirrel, the flying Squirrel, the Tiger, the jungle cat and the sloth bear are seen only once in a while. Around 265 different species of birds like the Hornbill, stork, woodpecker, kingfisher, raptor, cormorant, grackle, darter etc. can also be seen.

How to reach

The nearest airport is Cochin, which is 192 kms [5 hrs drive] away. Nearest Rail head is Kottayam which is approx. 120 kms away. Periyar is well connected by road.

Places to see
Periyar National Park

National Park is open from morning 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs daily. Boating is the only way to view the wildlife in Periyar National Park.
Boating

Timing: From 07:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs
From 14:00 hrs. to 16:00hrs.

Trekking

Trekking is another wonderful way to view the wildlife from close quarters. Early morning trekking to the jungles can be arranged. It will be good if you can carry your trekking boots and gear. 4 days trekking into the Periyar jungles with overnight Tea Plantationtent camping can also be arranged.

Plantation Tours

Spices are found in abundance in Periyar. A guided Plantation tour to familiarize you with different spices and plantations like cardamom, pepper, tea, coffee, cloves, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cumin seed, garlic etc. is a main attraction of Thekkady.

2008-01-22T02:52:00.000-08:00

ALAPPUZHA - The Venice of the East

Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian sea Alappuzha occupies a significant place in the tourist map of Kerala. Interlocked with a large number of canals and bridges this waterlocked district has immense untapped potential for backwater tourism.

Alappuzha has several canals and lakes fit for boat cruise. Three prominent rivers in the southern grid of Kerala viz. Achankovil, Pamba and Manimala empty into the lakes. A boat journey through the lakes will be a memorable experience. The watercourses are flanked by an unending row of coconut trees which heave and sway to the tune of the gush.

KUTTANADU

Kuttanad is a land of lush paddy fields and stretches for 75 Km sandwiched between the sea and the hills. Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled.

Kerala's network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.

In Alleppey or Alappuzha, the life revolves around water. Cildren learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row boats before they bicycle. They learn their first lesson from the school of fish.

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland.

WATER CARNIVAL

Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the annual water carnival at Punnamada Lake, is considered the biggest snake boat race in the world. The colourful boat peagentry which precedes the boat race is a marvellous treat to the eyes. The snakeboats with a length of 30 to 60 metres and with 100 to 150 oarsmen plough the waters with the rhythm and symbols to the tune of the legendary songs. The Nehru Trophy was instituted by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who was enthralled by the charm and gaiety of the water carnival. The boat race attracts a large number of tourists, domestic and foreign.

In addition to this the boat races at Payippad, Thiruvanvandoor, Neerettupuram, Karuvatta and Thykkoottam are quite famous.
FISHING

Alappuzha is a great centre of fisheries. 'Chakara' a rare marine phenomenon in which a large number of fish throng together in the early days of May to August is a peculiarity of Purakkad, one of the main fishing centres on the coast of the Arabian Sea. This is in fact a fishermen's fiesta.

COIR

The district is the major centre of coir and allied products. There are about 4000 production units including a few big factories with mechanized looms. Alappuzha retains monopoly in coir production and exports.

PLACES OF WORSHIP

AMBALAPPUZHA-SREEKRISHNA TEMPLE

Amabalappuzha Sreekrishna Temple on the Kollam-Alappuzha Highway is called the Dwaraka of the South. It is frequented by thousands of devotees especially during the annual festival which falls in April every year.

'Ambalappuzha palpayasam' the devotional delicacy of the temple, is renowned for its unique taste.

Ambalappuzha is also famous for the traditional visual martial art of Kerala, Velakali.

KARUMADI

Karumadi, three Kms. east of Ambalappuzha, has a statue of Budha called Karumadikuttan, a perennial source of interest for the tourists.

ARTHUNKAL CHURCH

Arthumkal Church is famous for the St. Sebastian's church which is situated south west of Cherthala town 22 Kms north of Alappuzha. The famous Arthumkal Perunal is held in January every year. Catholics from all parts of the state participate in the feast of St. Sebastian.

MANNARSALA

Mannarassala near Harippad 32 Kms. south of Alappuzha is an important centre of pilgrimage in the district. The famous Mannarassala temple devoted to the serpent deity is a rare phenomenon of worship. The Ayilyam festival held in November every year is very famous.

2008-01-11T00:19:00.000-08:00

UDAIPUR : THE VENICE OF EAST

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is lovely land around the Azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udiapur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an inspiration for the imanigation of poets, painters and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing velour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake pichhola is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.

The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Over looking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble.

Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance of the city.

Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour.

Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

PRIME SITES

City Palace : A majestic architectural marvel lowering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomerated of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the `Tripolia’ with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.

The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The `Mor Chowk’ known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the `Chini Chitrashala’ noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the palace.
Jagdish Temple : Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworth sculpted images.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum : The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian fol, arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, folk deities and paintings.
Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honours) : This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
Pratap memorial : Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.
Fateh Sagar : A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park- a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

EXCURSIONS

Eklingji (22 kms.) : Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall o `mandap’ under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda (23 kms.) : The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th-10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit.
Haldighati (40 kms.) : A historical site, witness to the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D.. The `chhatri’ of Maharana’s horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

2007-12-19T23:02:00.000-08:00

JAIPUR - SHEER SYMPHONY IN PINK

The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is color washed pink-the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Built in 1727 A.D. by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh JI, Jaipur displays a remarkable harmony and architectural splendor. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. The only planned city of its time, Jaipur is encircled by a formidable wall.

A young Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya formalised the city’s plans in a grid system. The wide straight avenues. Roads, streets, lanes and uniform rows of shops on either side of main bazaars were arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (Chokris), in accordance with the principles of town planning set down in the ‘Shilpa Shastra’- and epochal treatise on the Hindu architecture.

There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colorful bazaars where one can shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharaja’s are worth admiration. Not to mention the ambling camels and cheerful people in multi-hued costumes that make your trip to the pink city a memorable one.

PRIME SITES

The City Palace: In the heart of the old city is former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The carved arches are supported by grey-white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones. Two carved elephants in marble guard the entrance. The retainers whose families have served generations of rulers serve as guides.

The palace houses a museum with a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of differentshapes and sizes with chased handles, some of them inlaid with enamel and embellished with jewels and encased in magnificent scabbards.

The palace also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic,Persian,Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh II to study astronomy in detail.

Jantar Mantar: A stone observatory. Largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories. Its complex instruments,whose setting and shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy.The most striking of these are the Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes.

Hawa Mahal: Built in 1799 A.D. the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds is a major Rajput landmark. This five storey building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semioctagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows.

The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions of the city.

Govind Devji Temple: The most popular spireless temple of Jaipur dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image of the patron deity-Govind Devji,originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh II as his family deity.
Swargasuli (Isar Lat): The highest tower dominating the skyline of the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar. It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in 1749 A.D. to commemorate a grand victory.

Ram Niwas Bagh: A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarlum , a museum and popular sport ground. It was built by Sawai Ram Singh II in the 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert Hall-fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, was opened later with an exquisite collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural history specimen, and Egyptian mummy and the celebrated Persian carpet.

Recently, the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre, has been added to promote cultural events.
Dolls Museum (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.): Pretty dolls from various countries are on display in the compound of the school for deaf and dumb children,near the Police Memorial.

BM Birla Planetarium (Time 12.00 hrs to 19.00 hrs.): The Planetarium offers unique audio-visual education and entertainment with its modern computerized projection system. For school groups concessions are available. Closed on last Wednesday of every month.

Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the gardens amidst low hills.Temples ,pavilions and holy kunds (natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple of the Sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest peak is visible from all parts of the city.

Jain Temple: The exquisite jain temple on the Agra road has some of the most beautiful 19th century paintings in Jaipur style on its walls.

Moti Doongari and Lakshmi Narayan Temple: Moti Doongari is a privately owned hilltop fort built like a scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple at the foot of the hill and the marvellous Lakshmi Narayan Temple built in marbles a few years back,are also noteworthy.

Statue Circle: The full-length exquisitely carve statue of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the centre of the circle was erected under the newly planned scheme area to pay homage to the founder of Jaipur.

OTHERS: Beautiful memorials to the queens,Maharani-ki-chattri are near the Ramgarh road crossing on the Amber Raod. The Island Palace,Jal Mahal built by Sawai Jai SinghI, is a fascinating spot at the centre of the Man Sagar Lake.

The Kanak Vrindavan: Complex of fine temples and gardens has been recently renovated to their pristine perfection. To the west of this road is the royal crematorium at Gaitore in a narrow valley with some spectacular cenotaphs of all the Jaipur rulers except Swai Ishwari Singh who was cremated outside the Jai Niwas Garden. Most imposing is the ‘chattri’ of Sawai Jai Singh II with the intricate carvings and a graceful shape.

Ghat ki Guni: Beautifully landscaped gardens, laid out in the 18th and 19th century by king and courtiers dot the narrow gorge in the south eastern corner of the walled city, along the road to Agra.

Sisodia Rani Garden has tiered multilevel gardens with fountains, water channel and painted pavilions and suites of living rooms.

Amongst others, Vidhyadhar-ka-Bagh is the best preserved one, with shady trees, flowing water, an open pavilion. It was built by the planner of the city,Vidhyadhar.

Amer: Former capital of the Kachhwaha rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for seven centuries. Very little of the early structures survive now.

Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple: A beautiful complex of palaces, halls,pavilions,gardens and temples built by Raja Man Singh,Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh over a period of about two centuries still stand in magnificent state. The palace complex emerges dramatically from the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and is approachable only through a steep path. Tourists often ride on the elephant bak to the Singh pol and th Jaleb Chowk. Two flights of stairs rise from on end of the chowk, one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and other to the palace complex. The image of the patron of goddess,worshipped by thousands of deovtees, was brought from Jessore in East Bengal (now in Bangladesh) by Raja Man Singh, to be installed here.
A spectacular pillared hall -Diwan-e-Aam and a double storeyed painted gateway. Ganesh Pole dominate the from courtyard, An elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style beyond th corridors, has Sukh Niws to its right and Jas Mandir to its justify. The latter combines the Mughal and Rajput architecture seen in its beautiful interior with intricately carved Jali screens,delicate mirror and stucco work and painted and carved dadoes. The well proportioned Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its north end provides a spectacular view of the palaces above.

Old City: Once a settlement of nobles,craftsmen and common folks, the city of Amer is now in ruins. The remanants of its rich past are the beautifully carved and planned Jagat Shiromani Temple, a Krishna temple associated with Meerabai, an ancient temple of Narsinghji and a magnificent step-well,Panna Mian-ka-kund.

Jaigarh: One of the few military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient splendour in palaces,gardens , reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon foundary, several temples, a tall tower and a giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban,one of the largest in the country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (wallls), watch tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.

Nahargarh: A sentinerl to the Pink City is Nahargarh Fort, situtated beyond the hills of Jaigarh. Although much of it is in ruins, the lvoerly building added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II provides interest to the fort.

2007-12-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

About Kuttikkanam

Kuttikkanam, the land of lush green tea plantations, lofty peaks and gushing streams, lies in the Peermade village of Idukki district, 3500 feet above the sea level. Clouds gently touch the peaks that flank the verdant slops of Kuttikkanam. Indeed, the streams silvering down from the top hill peaks will fill your hearts with warm feelings.
The valleys and hills of Kuttikkanam are draped in mist all through the year. On a fairly warm day the mercury reads around 15°C.The beauty of Kuttikkanam is a 'JOY FOR EVER': We can see the sunset and the sea as we tune our ears to the symphony of the winged choristers!

Why Kuttikkanam Is Different?

The place had been the destination of the 'glitterati' from the times of imperial sway. It served as the summer sojourn for the Travancore Kings and as a home away from home for the English.
The seamless mingle of sky and land lends a heavenly aura to Kuttikkanam. Here all the amenities a well-groomed person seeks for are within a hands reach. The place has a golf course, some of the finest Multi-Cuisine restaurants, an ayurvedic rejuvenation center & many a modern facility that would make one's holiday a time worth reminiscenting.

Acres of green meadows on which cattle grazes, an endless carpet of tea plantations, serene places where wind whispers, rocky patches and nimbling waterfalls..... the list is endless. It is beyond the scope of description. Kuttikkanam is a place which defies description; it is an experience to take home rather than to be read aboutHere what lies in store is the surprise of a lifetime!

History of Kuttikkanam

The history of Kuttikkanam dates back to 1750's. In 16th Century the place was under the rule of Changanacherry Kings. In 1756, the King of Travancore conquered Changanacherry, and brought the place under his supremacy. At that time Kuttikkanam and Peermade outside human haunt. It was a CMS Missionary, named Henry Baker who first discovered the uniqueness of this place and he started coffee plantations here. But the plantations were shifted to tea, during the regency of Srimoolam Thirunal. After that the spread the fame of this place was just a matter of time . Soon many Europeans toed the line of Henry Baker.

With their arrival the place began to prosper and soon became the destination of the glitterati .At that time there were no good roads connecting Kuttikkanam with any towns . To reach the place there was only a pathway. The English started Aerial rope way LTD; which was incidentally Travancore states' first public LTD company, however poor economic aspects crippled the company, and they shifted their focus to road transport The renaming of company into Road Transport Corporation marked the complete change. Later in 1960's, owing to political and social reasons the company was taken over by Mr. Michael Kallivayalil, a brilliant young entrepreneur from Kerala. By that time, most of the English owned properties had been handed over to native entrepreneurs.

During the British reign and after, man power was brought to Kuttikkanam from various places of Kerala and Tamilnadu .They constitute the major part of the population of Kuttikkanam.

Kuttikkanam, which came into the social stream as a plantation town was slowly transformed into that you could see today, thanks to the vision and determination of many a sterling soul. Many educational and other institutions have come up in Kuttikkanam. Now it is no more the old plantation town, but a place which has all the modern facilities, yet sustaining the security and tranquility of mother nature.
HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT PLACES

1.Summer Palace
Built by His Highness Srimoolam Thirunal ,this was the favorite summer residence of Travancore Rajas. A place where history sleeps, It is now a private residence.
2 . Hope Church
One of the oldest churches in Kuttikkanam,it boasts of a history of more than 150 years. As the name suggests, it was the hope for hundreds for many a generation. A must see place for the spiritually inclined.
3 . Ashley Bungalow
The first ever of its kind:Ashley Bungalow still remains as a spot of example, for the beauty of Colonial Architecture. Flanked with spectacular surroundings, you will find it hard to leave the place in a hurry.

4 . Tomb Of Peer Muhammad
The Tomb of the Muslim Saint, to whom Peermedu owes its name, is situated at the footage of Peer hills. A walk through the jungle towards it quite refreshing.
5 . Panchalimedu
As the legend goes, the 'Pandavas' of Mahabaratha stayed here during their 'vanavasam' (exile).
6 . Amrutha Mala
If trekking is in your blood, you will just love it. The second highest peak in Kerala offers many beaten and not so beaten paths to conquer.And there is always an attractive bonus of discovering a new path.

2007-12-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

Shillong

ShilongState : Meghalaya, in the north east of India.
Best time to travel : October to March
Weather Conditions : Pleasant, pollution-free; Summers: The temperature varies from 23 degree Celsius; Winters: The temperature varies from 4 degree Celsius.
Location : Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya is just 56 km Cherrapunji, the world's wettest place.

Know Shillong in Meghalaya

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a hill town, situated in the north eastern part of India. Shillong in Meghalaya is situated at an altitude of 1496 m above sea level. Shillong remained the capital of Assam, before the formation of Meghalaya in the 1974. The place, the people and the climate all combined together to create an amiable atmosphere, to make Shillong Meghalaya an ideal holiday destination throughout the year. Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth is only 56 kms away from Shillong. Shillong has beautiful lakes and waterfalls, and is set in pine forests and green mountains. It is a popular hill-station which the British used to call the Scotland of the East.
Journey to Shillong, the Capital City of Meghalaya

Airport : Guwahati is the nearest airport from where Shillong can be reached by bus or car. Daily buses also connect Shillong with Guwahati airport. Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, under the aegis of the Government of Meghalaya, has commenced regular helicopter flights connecting Shillong and Tura to Guwahati.

Railhead : Guwahati is the nearest railhead and is well-connected to the rest of the country.

ShilongRoad Transport : Both Deluxe and ordinary bus services are available. Meghalaya Road Transport also run regular bus services in Meghalaya.
Staying at Shillong in Meghalaya

Shillong being the capital city of Meghalaya has a good line of accommodation facility in and around itself. You may not too luxurious category of accommodation in Shillong. But, the accommodations available are good enough to provide you a perfect comfort.

Sightseeing in Shillong (Meghalaya)
Shillong Peak

An ideal picnic spot, 10 km. from the city, 1965 m above sea level, offers a panoramic view of the scenic country side, and is also the highest point in the State. Obeisance is paid to U Shulong at the sanctum sanctorum at the peak's summit every springtime, by the religious priest of Mylliem State. In the evening the city lights below appear like a star-studded abyss.

Cherrapunjee (Sohra)

56 km from Shillong, situated in one of the rainiest rain-belt in the world, 1,300 m above sea level. A pleasant drive to see roaring water falls leaping into deep gorges, including the famed Nohsngithiang falls. The lovely town is also famous for its limestone caves and orange honey. Centre of Khasi culture and literature, it also has the oldest Presbyterian Church and also an establishment of the Ramkrishna Mission.

Sohpetbneng Peak

1,343 m, 20 km from Shillong, regarded as sacred by the Hynniewtrep people, is set amidst a beautiful scenic view against the backdrop of a sacred forest. This 'Navel of Heaven' as per Khasi mythology is a heavenly peak which offers to fill the spiritual void and emptiness, to those who seek and desire solace and peace of mind.

2007-11-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

Imperial City of Palaces

140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore,the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm,rich heritage, magnificent palaces,beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.
Dasara Mysore,or Mahishur as it was called then, traces its history back to the mythical past,when Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundi Hills killed the wicked buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. Mysore Dasara is the celebration of this victory of good over evil. Mysore also has associations with the Mahabharata and King Ashoka of the 3rd century B.C. During the Wodeyar rule Mysore reached the Zenith of its glory as a fabled centre of oriental splendour.

Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Today, Mysore is a vibrant city teeming with tourists and visitors. It is known the world over for its exotic sandalwood and rich silks.Its grand and imposing palaces,majestic temples,gardens leave an ever-lasting impression on the visitor.
Situated 770m above sea level,Mysore has a warm and cool climate throughout the year.

Local Sights
Mysore Palace

The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays ,the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Chamundi Hills

A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.

Brindavan Garden

Brindavan Gardens MysoreOne of the most visited places in Mysore by locals and by tourists is the famous Brindavan Gardens. Located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore these beautiful gardens are laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. These gardens are famous for the illuminated dancing fountains that come to life after sunset. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS) (known as Kannambadi to the locals) itself is a superb example of excellent engineering and itself is a tourist attraction in Mysore. Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.

He used 'surkhi' a mixture of limestone and brick powder instead of cement. The dam was among the first in the world to have automatic sluice gates. The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar who financed the dam. The dam is 3 kms long and is located at the confluence of the rivers -Cauvery, Hemavati and Lakshmanathritha. The lake that is formed by the dam is one of the largest in India. The dam is a multipurpose project conceived by Sir M. Vishveswariah for supplying water to the agricultural lands of Mandya and Mysore districts and for ensuring power supply to the Shivanasamudra project.

Sir M. Vishveswariah is often called the architect of modern Mysore and "the father of planning in India". The gardens were designed by Sir Mirza Ismail another important and progressive Diwan of Mysore. Spread over an area of 150 acres, the Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India. The garden not only been meticulously laid out and has beautiful lawns and shrubs, but has thousands of fountains in different shapes and sizes that are lit with colorful lamps and are set to pleasant music.

The best time to visit the gardens is after sunset when all the bright colourful fountains come alive and seem to dance with joy to the accompanying music. This is a sight worth beholding as the entire garden is transformed into a fairyland. The Brindavan gardens remain illuminated from 7.00pm to 7.55pm from Monday to Wednesday and from 7.00pm to 8.55pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bandipur National Park

Another interesting place that you can visit while in Mysore is the Bandipur National Park. This Park is about 80 km from Mysore city and is a peaceful retreat in nature's lap far from the din of the city. After going around the vibrant city of Mysore and visiting all its treasures take some time off to unwind and enjoy quite peace of the lush green forests.

The Maharaja of Mysore set up this Park in 1931. The Park is at the foothills of the Nilgiri Hills. The Park has well laid out roads that lead you into the heart of this Park. Here you can see a wide variety of birds and animals in the natural habitat. This Park is home to a number of rare and endangered species of birds and animals. The World Wildlife Fund has chosen the Park for their project tiger scheme to protect tigers in India. The Park has accommodation for visitors as well. There are cottages that are run by the Forest Department, a hotel run by the Karnataka Tourism Department and some privately managed cottages as well. So there is no difficulty finding accommodation in the Park. Gundelpet is the closest town to the Park and is about 20km from it. Here too one can find accommodation.

The forest department has a number of safaris that are conducted within the Park. These safaris are conducted in well-protected buses. The animals that one sees commonly are deer, antelope, elephants and peacocks and occasionally on can see elephants and tigers. The forest department also organizes group treks inside the park lead by professionally trained guides. One can take a trip of the sanctuary on an elephant as well. The highest point on the sanctuary is the Gopalswamy Betta (Hill). This hill has a temple of Lord Venugopal on the top that you can visit.

2007-11-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Varanasi is the City of " LORD SHIVA"

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism. 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 Kash, first used three thousand years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first sermon; the "City of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining one", referring to the light of Shiva. Another epithet, Avimukta, meaning "Never Forsaken", refers to the city that Shiva never deserted, or that one should never leave. Further alternatives include Anandavana, the "forest of bliss", and Rudravasa, the place where Shiva (Rudra) resides.

Varanasi’s associations with Shiva extend to the beginning of time: legends relate how, after his marriage to Parvati, Shiva left his Himalayan abode and came to reside in Kashi with all the gods in attendance. Temporarily banished during the rule of the great king Divodasa, Shiva sent Brahma and Vishnu as his emissaries, but ultimately returned to his rightful abode protected by his loyal attendants Kalabhairav and Dandapani. Over 350 gods and goddesses, including a protective ring of Ganeshaa form a mandala or sacred pattern with Shiva Vishwanatha at its centre.

The land of sacred light

The city of Banaras is situated on the west bank of the holiest of all Indian rivers, the Ganga or Ganges. The relationship between the sacred river and the city is the essence of Varanasi - 'the land of sacred light'. The Ganga is believed to have flown from heaven to wash away the worldly sins of the human race of mortal's .The life and activities in the city centre around the holy river. 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.

Festivals of Varanasi

Festival on Ganges River, VaranasiVaranasi is the most popular pilgrimage place for the Hindus. The rich cultural heritage and tradition of Varanasi makes it the cultural capital of India. For ages, Varanasi has been a center of learning of Indian philosophy, spiritualism, mysticism and other branches of education. Varanasi is essentially a melting pot of Indian culture. In Hindu religion, it is believed that one, who dies and is cremated at Varanasi, gets an instant gateway to liberation from the cycle of births and re-births. Being associated with Hindu traditions and religion, Varanasi is home to numerous temples, muths and Ashrams.

By virtue of its religious and cultural importance, Varanasi is abuzz with fairs and festivals all round the year. Almost every month, some important festival is celebrated in Varanasi. Besides festivals and holidays, many "Melas" or fairs are also held at Varanasi. At Varanasi, fairs and festivals are celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor and are symbolic of celebration of life at its best. The festive atmosphere never seems to end in Varanasi. It's not important to make itinerary according to the dates and months as one can come and enjoy the festive season of Varanasi anytime of the year!

2007-10-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Coorg

A friendly warning to all concerned: One trip to Coorg (Kodagu) and it’ll haunt you for the rest of your life. You might leave Coorg, but Coorg will never leave you. Don’t blame us if you keep returning to it time and again.

That’s Coorg for you- incomparable scenic beauty, lush green valleys, coffee plantations, teak wood forests & majestic mountain ranges. Add to that a strong, brave martial race of Coorgs (Kodavas) that reveres tradition, has a distinct culture and lives life to its fullest.

Coorg is situated on the Western Ghats of Karnataka in South India. For the adventurous at heart, it is an absolute treat. There are trekking, golfing and angling (Mahaseer too!) options available. Religious trips abound on Hindu and Buddhist circuits. Family getaways can be easily arranged. You can also relax your body and mind with special Ayurvedic massages. Coorg is also as trendy and happening as its close neighbour Bangalore.

Tourist attractions

Talakaveri: The place where River Kaveri originates.

Iruppu Falls: This is a sacred spot in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana passed this way while searching for Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being the river Lakshmanatirtha. The river descends into a cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is said to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Rama, surrounded by paddy fields, from which point it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest.

Abbey Falls: Scenic waterfall.

Dubare: This is mainly an elephant-capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of the river Kaveri, on the Kushalanagara - Siddapur road. The wild elephants are tamed and trained with the help of other tamed elephants and local tribes (the Kurubas). The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the evenings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts.

Nagarahole: A national park and wildlife resort.

Bhagamandala is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kanika. A third river, the Sujyothi is said to join from underground.

harangi dam:this is dam situated near Coorg.

But the predominant entity here is nature at its best. Coorg is like the dreamland of the philosopher. If you’re the type who likes to mingle with nature, romance in the mountains, feel the tingle of the cool and gentle breeze, watch leaves flutter in dance-like movements and hear sounds of birds fill the air, then Coorg is just the place for you.!

2007-10-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Vagamon is perched at an altitude of 1100 m above the sea level at a distance of 64 km from Kottayam and 65 km from Idukki. Travel to Vagamon for unlimited greenery whether of the forests, tea gardens or meadows. Cool air, salubrious climate, pollution free environment, far from the hush of the city, Vagamon is a perfect option for those looking little peace and time for themselves. Travel to Vagamon would be memorable experience because of its picture perfect sceneries, gentle hills, valleys and waterfalls.

Sightseeing In Vagamon :

Travel to Vagamon if you enjoy trekking, paragliding, mountaineering, rock climbing and walking. Vagamon is a chain of three hills, viz., Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala, makes Vagamon a place worth visiting.

The place is also famous for its unique rock formations at Thangal Para. You must visit the dairy farm in Kurisumala in Vagamon. The Live Stock Board is a famous breeding center of Kerala.

A small church over the top of the hill and the nearby Kurisumala Ashramam are must not be missed. Kurisumala Ashramam, in reality, is a monastery for Christian ascetics. They believe in the Christianity, Indian spiritual beliefs and the Gandhian philosophy.

The hill stations such as Thekkady, Kurisumala, Thangalpara, Muruganmala and Kulamavu are at convenient distance from Vagamon.
Vagamon wilds are home to wild animals such as elephants, deer and wild buffaloes. Idle your holiday hours on the banks of glassy hill lakes and enjoy trekking on popular hill routes that make Vagamon a well known trekking destination.

Vagamon is a popular spot for trekkers. The hill station offers all the tourists wit an opportunity for long treks, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing. Placid lakes are the location where you can sit idle for hours or can go for boating. You may spot wild animals like elephants and wild buffalos if you quest deep into the forests.

2007-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Munnar

Munnar is Kerala’s premium hill station. A hill station transcending excellence – Munnar is surrounded by gently undulating hills swathed in the soothing green of vast tea estates makes it perfect tourist destination in south India. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, its bracing climate with the laidback atmosphere and its delightfully refreshing colonial air makes it the most sought-after destinations.

Kerala itself is called God’s own country, with National Geographic Traveler selecting it as ‘One of 50 must see destinations of a lifetime’ and ‘One of the 10 paradises of the World’. And Munnar is the most popular spot in Kerala. The holiday facilities, peaceful environment and the tranquility that it provides make it the perfect serenity spot to rejuvenate and revive the most jaded of travelers.Munnar lies in Idukki district, at the confluence of three mountain rivers. It is pronounced “Moon-aar”, meaning ‘three rivers’ in Malayalam. The rivers; Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala meet in the center of the town. The place is encircled by wooded hills of the Annamalai Ranges, with the towering bulk of Anamudi, which is peninsular India’s highest peak, at 2695 m.Munnar was once a sleepy little hamlet, until Scottish planters discovered it. Later the British who ruled India, developed it more into one of southern India’s most important centers for the cultivation of tea, coffee and spices. They made it their summer hideout because of the cooler climate and the mesmerizing mountain scenery. Munnar is sometimes called the ‘Switzerland of India’.The mountain streams, valleys, tea plants and plenty to discover in the surrounding region, this hill station offers a great variety of choices for tourists. It is an excellent base for trekking through the surrounding hills, which are covered by lush green rainforests; for going picnicking beside a crystal-clear mountain stream; for wildlife watching; or for simply getting the kinks out of a tired system!

2007-09-11T01:34:00.000-07:00

kumarakom is small town in Kerala, South India. If you're looking for

backwaters and are fed up with the crowds & prices at Kovalam, then its

well worth checking out kumarakom. The best times to go, are of course

in the season, when the beach extends out all around the cliff face for

500 meters.The backwaters around this area are excellent and if you're

looking for a cheap holiday kumarakom should definitely be on your

list. In the off season its really mellow and relaxed, swim & sleep &

chill out. Only in December does it get really busy and prices start

rocketing till January/February, when it starts to quieten down. But

remember most 'tourist' locations in India with backwaters will be busy

during December, if you want to miss the crowd, head for the hills in

Kodiakanal-Tamil Nadu. kumarakom has been a Hindu pilgrimage site since

the 12th Century. The Janardhana Temple was built during this period

and many Hindu's still visit kumarakom to this day, for this very

reason.

A gentle trip on a traditional rice boat is a must along the numerous inter-connected canals. En route, one may stop and come ashore to see village residents working on coir, fish-processing or exchanging views over a cup of coffee at the little shops that dot the canals. Here lies the best opportunity to mingle with the village folk of Kerala where some of the original mangrove swamps are still intact. One may set the pace to suit the time available or the need to stop when the sun is strong. Ideally, one may come ashore from the boat and walk around the village waterside where the local residents will happily interrupt work to explain the intricacies of their daily round. The more enterprising may even glide up a coconut tree and dislodge fresh fruit for on-the-spot sampling Above all, the languid pace in the backwaters, coupled with lush greenery all around, sets the perfect mood for a destressed return to nature.

2006-04-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

How can I get a better rate on my Airline tickets?

Make your reservations as soon as you have decided on travel plans. Airlines give discounts for early bookings at least 21 days in advance. The best rates are often those that include a Saturday night stay and have travel dates during the week.

Shopping the Internet can be the quickest and easiest way to compare many different Airlines’ rates to find the best deals. You can also use OneTravel.com exclusive "Farebeater Ultra".

If you can be flexible about when you travel, do so. It can bring big savings. Even changing a flight’s time during the same day can effect the rate. Often the less popular early morning or late evening flights have lower rates.

The best rates tend to be found during the off season and at other times when the Airlines are flying at less than capacity.

Check into splitting your trip into two roundtrip sections. A stopover at a midpoint could save you over flying a direct route. Although, make sure the saving are large enough to warrant the extra hassles of the stopover.

Check into booking your travel plans as a package. You might be able to save by booking your Airline tickets along with your hotel room or rental car.

Ask if this is the best rate that they have available when you are booking your reservation.

Apply any special discount programs for which you are eligible.

When you reach check-in, ask to see if any special upgrade deals are available.

Take some time to look for the best rate, a little research can bring big savings. Airline ticket prices vary wildly and you want to be the one that paid $200.00 roundtrip, not the guy in the next seat that paid $600.00.

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