Category Archives: India

Holidays in India 2017 – Upcoming Festivals in February and March

india

India, the land of varied cultures, traditions and beliefs, hosts numerous festivals and events during the spring season (February to April).

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For travellers who are arriving in the country in February-March, here are some of the most popular festivals which they can be a part of!

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a major Hindu festival observed in the honour of Lord Shiva – the Destroyer or Transformer. Merrymaking begins at dawn and continues till late night. Temples are decorated with lights, and devotees offer night long prayers to the lord. Ujjain, one of the largest cities in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, witnesses most popular Maha Shivaratri celebrations.

Date: 25th February

Chapchar Kut

Chapchar Kut, the yearly harvest festival, is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in Mizoram, a north-eastern Indian state. As part of the custom, natives wear multi-coloured costumes, attractive jewellery and distinctive headgears. There’s a traditional bamboo dance performed by women in which men create rhythmic music by beating bamboos against each other.

Date: 3rd March

Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani

Hosted by Chettikulangara Devi Temple in Kerala, Chettikulangara Kumbha Bharani is a festival dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The spectacular visuals displayed during the occasion portray the cultural prosperity of the Indian state. In the ceremonial procession, huge statues of Indian mythology and religious characters, such as Bhima, Hanuman, Panchali and Theru can be spotted.

Date: 3rd March

Holi

Holi or Festival of Colours is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in India. It is one of the few Indian festivals that are observed throughout the country with an equal zeal. During the day, people smear each other with coloured powder and water. In large metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, special Holi-themed parties are hosted at top hotels and other venues.

Date: 13th March

Parippally Gajamela

Parippally Gajamela is a 10-day annual celebration hosted at Kerala’s Kodimoottil Sree Bhagavathy Temple to pay tribute to Goddess Bhadrakali – the fierce form of the Great Goddess (Devi). Every night, cultural events are organised for the attendees. On the last day of Parippally Gajamela, over 50 elephants, all decorated exquisitely, are led for a ritual procession.

Date: 5th March

Shigmo Festival

Goa’s Shigmo Festival is colourful spring celebration marked by musical and dance performances. Street folk performances are organised which attempt to reveal the typical Goan life. Participants wear bright-coloured clothes, wave flags and play musical instruments as they enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Date: 24th March – 7th April

A Quick Tour of Chennai’s Fantastic Architectural Wonders

India has modern cities, historical towns, spectacular landscapes, and what not! Chennai, also called as the ‘Gateway to South India’, is a cultural, economic and educational centre of this enigmatic country. The destination is well known for its touristy nature and has magnificent monuments that shed light upon historical and interesting stories of the past. We have mentioned some of these time-honoured structures below.

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Fort St. George

Opened to the public in 1948, the Fort St- George is considered to be the first establishment of the British in India. Built as a trading post, it later served as the origin of the modern Indian Army. Fort St. George is split into two sections: St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum. Post independence, the Archaeological Survey of India has declared Fort St. George as a protected structure.

Ripon Building

Ripon Building, built in 1913, is the seat of Chennai Corporation (Madras Corporation). It is painted in white as a symbol of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This royal building is rectangular in shape with a 43 metre tower and a 2.5 metre clock. This clock has a mechanical key system, which is checked daily. Beyond that, four bells form an essential part of the monument. Entry is restricted though.

Anna Memorial

Also called the ‘Anna Samadhi’, the Anna Memorial was made to pay tribute to the great Dravidian leader Arinzar Annadurai and ex- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. N. Annadurai who was cremated here in 1969. Children can entertain themselves at the fabulous parks and aquariums here.

Thousand Lights Mosque

The Thousand Lights Mosque is a revered place of worship for Shias. It has derived its name from the 1000 lights, which illuminated the assembly hall. Regarded as one of the largest in the nation, this monument has been erected in medieval architectural style. It displays multiple domes and spearing minarets, which are roughly 64 metres tall. It witnesses a huge crowd during the yearly Muharram festival.

Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam is dedicated to the renowned Tamil poet, philosopher, and saint, Thiruvalluvar, who wrote the Thirukkural over 2,000 years ago. Some of them are inscribed in the front hall corridors. The main auditorium situated within the temple can accommodate 4000 people. Visitors are allowed to click photographs.

A Glimpse into some Famous and Not so Famous Places in India

India has a plethora of travel destinations and all you travel enthusiasts probably know about the country’s famous tourist hotspots. But, a lot more still remains to be discovered by way of offbeat destinations. So, we decided to give you a quick glimpse into some of the well known as well as wonderful offbeat places in India.

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh

The place where it all began, Bhimbetka, located 45 km southeast of Bhopal, is an ancient Palaeolithic site and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. With a width of 3 km, the site has 700 rock shelters and 400 cave paintings. The aarliest rock paintings at the shelter are around 30,000 years old. If you plan to visit the site, the rock paintings and engravings will surely leave you wonderstruck.

Champaner – Pavagadh, Gujarat

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Situated 47 km from Vadodara, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner is a fine offbeat destination in India. The ruins at this age old site date from the 8th to the 6th century and include agricultural buildings, religious structures, and fortress. Presently, Champaner Pavagadh reflects harmonious coexistence between the Hindus and the Muslims. The site is a window to Gujarat’s glorious past.

Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Perched at a height of 1600 metres above sea level, Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh is a popular riverside retreat blessed with the wealth of nature’s treasures. This popular offbeat destination lures adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers as well. The beautiful valley has a riverside retreat, cloud kissing mountains, the serene Serolsar Lake, and a hidden waterfall. Dig out the deep secrets and popular mysteries attached to this ancient valley on your next holiday.

Shekhawati, Rajasthan

A true picture of Rajasthan with those havelis, forts, and other structures, Shekhawati is a lovely destination for those visiting India to experience its rich heritage and culture. Located in Northern Rajasthan, this popular site is most famous for its painted havelis and other architectural delights. Most of the structures here were constructed by Marwari merchants from the 17th to the 19th century.

Devprayag, Uttarakhand

 The town of Devprayag marks the confluence of two holy rivers, which combine to form the Ganges. It is a revered Hindu pilgrim destination in India. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, this is a dream place for casual tourists and saints alike. The beauty of nature and religious vibe of the place touch a chord with one and all.

Hampi Festival, the Festival of Colour, Culture and Lights

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Karnataka in India is a land of colour, and the Hampi festival is one of the most exciting times of the year for the people of the city.

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The place is attracts tourists from across the globe when the festival kicks in. This is basically a group of festivals and the dates of these festivals are announced every year. It is also known as the Vijaya Utsav and has been celebrated since the times of the Vijayanagar Empire.

The Origin

The event has also been named the Nada Utsav by the Karnataka Government. Hampi is a place known for its rich cultural value and is hence a world heritage site. This makes it highly popular with tourists from all parts of the world. One can learn more about the dances, the food and handicrafts, art and the history of the country.

The grand scale, on which the festival is held, attracts artisans from different genres to come together and display their talent. There are folk songs and dances and traditionally crafted works of art are also displayed here. It is like a huge cultural extravaganza where people can get entertained while learning about the place.

The Cultural Extravaganza

The Golden era is reminisced in a magnificent way. Human beings as well as elephants and horses are decorated with ornaments and they stand like soldiers under the traditional blue, white, red, yellow clothes, known as the Gopuras. The path leading up to the famous Virupaksha Temple is decorated in the traditional Vijayanagar theme. Gold pieces and diamonds are used to recreate the old world charm of an era when these precious gems were actually bartered instead of money.

The Music and Dance

The entertainment quotient is pretty high with classical vocalists and dancers. The artists who are critically acclaimed by people across the world, entertain the audience with spectacular performances.

The Light and Sound Show

There is a famous light and sound show event in this festival, wherein spectacular lighting arrangements are done to lighten up an area of around 15 km on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Besides folk artists, famous singers from different genres also grace the occasion and there are special performances.

The Jumbo Sawari (Ride)

This is another event. It is similar to the famous Dasara elephant march held in Hospet town.  Besides this, there are many colourful events and attractions such as rides, food stalls, games, and photography/painting competitions, flower shows and so on.

A Peep into the Art, Food, and Architectural Brilliance of Goa, India

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There’s no denying the fact that Goa is a place full of infectious energy and people from across the world visit the destination to unwind and relax in the sun, sand, and the surf. Besides, there are certain elements of this glorious place that people tend to overlook; for instance, its rich history and culture.

goa

The beautiful Portuguese heritage, the scenic perfection it so easily flaunts, and the architecturally brilliant buildings; there is so much more to Goa than what an average traveller sees.

The Art

Art has phenomenal presence in Goa. You can see the use of bold colours and paintings throughout the destination. The famous art galleries that you absolutely have to visit include The Art Chamber, Kala Academy, Kerkar art, Monsoon Heritage studio, Gallery Gitanjali, Gallery Attic, The Big Foot Cross Museum, Ruchika’s Art Gallery, and so on. Next time, you plan to visit Goa on a holiday, keep some time aside to view these works of art, because they truly are a blend of the old and the new. They will take you to a trip down the times when Goa was still a Portuguese colony and its gradual evolution in terms of culture, colour, and art, besides other things.

The Food

While you may have a blast surfing or simply sunbathing on the beaches with your drinks, don’t forget to try authentic local cuisine. You are sure to become a fan. The Goan cuisine is typically influenced by the Portuguese and the south of India.  Being a coastal destination, the food is majorly dominated by sea food. Fish and rice remains the staple food and there are also many other mouth-watering dishes to spoil you for choice. A lot of vegetables are cooked in coconut milk too because of the Maharashtra influence on the food. All in all, you need to try some of the famous delicacies such as prawn curry, Sorpotel (pork stew), Varan, and Tondak, and so on. You will surely return from Goa with fabulous food memories and perhaps also learn to prepare some of these dishes.

Architectural Finesse

The Portuguese left their mark on the architecture of Goa, something that makes the place stand out from the rest of the country. You will notice that many of the houses and other structures have sloping roofs to counter the heavy rains. The vibrant colours and bold patterns reflect the Portuguese influence. Baroque style buildings and very old Victorian influences ensured the creation of such strong and dependable architectural wonders, whilst ensuring the beauty of the same.

Unravel the Historical Charms of Hampi, India

Travel back in time as you head to the ancient village of Hampi in Karnataka, India. The village is dotted with ruins of ancient structures, including temples.

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It is one of the most important UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites in India and has a pronounced rustic charm. The village is surrounded by green stretches of palm groves, banana plantations, and paddy fields. Read on to know more about some of the historical attractions of the region.

Vijaya Vittala Temple

Explore the history of the region with a visit to the Vijaya Vittala Temple, a 15th century temple with rich traditional temple architecture. The temple complex is massive and has many other temples, pavilions, and halls. Dedicated to Lord Vittala, the temple boasts beautiful pillared halls, huge stone chariots, and ruins of the ancient Vittalapura township. The temple is a perfect example of India’s spectacular religious architecture.

Zenana Enclosure

Explore the stunning Zenana enclosure, an isolated area that was exclusively reserved for royal ladies. Spend some time admiring the Lotus Mahal, which is located at the southeast corner of the enclosure. The Lotus Mahal is a pastel coloured arched pavilion with two floors. Move on to discover the Queen’s Palace in the centre of the area.

Virupaksha Temple

Feel blessed in the serene atmosphere of the Virupaksha Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, who is considered to be the principal god of the ancient Vijaynagara royals. The temple, built around the 7th century, is not only an important attraction of the region but also the region’s main pilgrimage centre. Marvel at the ancient architectural features of the temple, some of which have been well preserved.

Hazara Rama Temple

The ancient Hazara Rama Temple is a popular attraction of the Hampi ruins. Visit the temple and admire the long arrays of carvings depicting stories of the Hindu mythology Ramayana on the temple walls. The temple is located in the centre of the royal area. It is believed to be a private temple of the king or the royal family and stands at a nodal location of the royal area.

Royal Enclosure

Once the hotbed of the power of the ruling royals, the ruins of the Royal Enclosure of Hampi today include a vast expanse of open ground with several small shelters. Explore the King’s Audience Hall or the 100-Pillared Hall, its huge and stunning stepped tank, an underground chamber, and the Dossier Platform. Be ready for a good stroll or a walk at the Royal Enclosure as the place is quite big.

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Kolkata, India

Do you know which Indian city is called the ‘Football Hub of India’? Also, do you know which Indian place is famous for a sweet dish called ‘Rosogolla’? The answer to both the questions is Kolkata.

kolkata

This metropolis has the perfect blend of old world charm and modernity. Home to a number of tourist attractions, it is visited by millions of tourists every year. Take a look at some of the top landmarks of Kolkata.

Victoria Memorial Hall

The Victoria Memorial Hall is a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It’s a museum now! This iconic monument is home to collections in the categories of western painting, Indian painting, coins, rare photographs, arms and armory, and manuscripts etc. Focusing on the design, Victoria Memorial Hall appears somewhat similar to the Taj Mahal. Check it out to realize why people say this!

Howrah Bridge

This super-structure is just not to be missed! The Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge suspended over the Hooghly River.  It is open to traffic, except for goods vehicles, Inter- State transport buses, and All-India Tourist buses. Nearly 1,00,000 vehicles cross it daily. Since inception, the Kolkata Port Trust has been the custodian of the bridge.

Birla Mandir

The Birla Mandir, standing at an elevation of 160 feet above ground, is one of the premium architectural beauties of the city. The interiors of the temple have marble carvings that illustrate shlokas and pictorial impressions from the Bhagavad Gita. The ceiling is adorned with lovely chandeliers and electric diyas that brighten the interiors. Standing at an elevation of 160 feet, the Birla Mandir was completed in a span of 26 years.

Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens is a cricket ground with seating capacity of 66,000. Established in 1864, it is the largest stadium of its kind in India and perhaps the third largest in the world. Eden Gardens is the home of the Bengal cricket team and the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders. It is a venue for Test, ODI, and T20I matches. If you are a lover of cricket, like most Indians, then do watch a match here!

New Market

Shopaholics, add New Market to your travel itinerary! This Victorian Gothic shopping arcade was established in 1874 for the British residents. Today, it is a hotspot for locals and others. Over 2000 shops sell a wide variety of products – clothes, jewellery, electronics, and luggage etc. Bargaining will prove helpful. New Market is open daily, except Sundays.

A Glimpse into the Pearls of Northeast India

Northeast India is true gem of the country. This region is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and an amazing array of exotic wildlife. It boasts of being home to some small tribal villages and offers delicious cuisine.

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The Northeast consists of 7 states, which are popularly called the ‘Seven Sisters’. The region has lush forests, mighty mountain ranges, spectacular Himalayan rivers, and swampy grasslands. Listed below are some of the most popular places of this region that offer a glimpse into the shining pearls of Northeast India.

Cherrapunjee

The beauty of Cherrapunjee will blow your mind. The town of Cherrapunjee is located along the edge of the high mountain wall of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Meghalaya. At one time, the town enjoyed the title of being the wettest place on earth as it rained heavily in the region. The town is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. Travellers can visit the breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls and marvel at the incredible ‘living bridges’ or ‘root bridges’, which are – live rubber fig-tree roots made into natural pathways – close to Nongriat.

Kaziranga National Park

Visit this famous nature reserve, the Kaziranga National Park, located in the Indian state of Assam. The highlight of a visit to this amazing and lush reserve is the thrilling guided wildlife safaris that are conducted within the park. Travellers can enjoy memorable moments spotting the rare one-horned rhinoceros and elephants among others. The park has been instrumental in increasing the population of these rhinos, from a mere 200 in 1904 to around 1800 today. While here, also experience its early-morning elephant safari.

Tawang Valley

The picturesque Tawang Valley is one of the most scenic and magical places across India. The valley is located in the state Arunachal Pradesh. The valley welcomes travellers with stunning views of mountain ridges, lush patches, vast fields, and plenty of Buddhist monasteries. The valley is dotted with many gorgeous waterfalls and a few traditional Monpa villages. Travellers can admire nature’s beauty at the beautiful Sela Pass and visit the second largest Buddhist monastery in the world, the Tawang Monastery. The Nuranang Waterfalls, Shonga-tser Lake, and the Taktsang Gompa are some of the attractions here.

Unakoti

Unakoti is a lesser-known destination in the North-eastern state of Tripura. The place is home to the stunning ancient archaeological site of Unakoti, which has huge rock-cut sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Visit the site to marvel at these 7th-century sculptures adorning hillocks. Travellers can visit the 10m-tall face of Shiva carved on a monolithic rock and see three Ganeshas images carved on a stone below a waterfall.

Loktak Lake

Visit the pristine and magnificent Loktak Lake, which is located in the Indian state of Manipur. The lake is considered to be the largest freshwater lake across the country. Travellers can admire the beauty of small floating islands, locally called phumdis. Villagers have built thatched huts and have inhabited many of these phumdis. One of these phumdis is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the world’s sole floating national park.

Enjoy India’s Cultural Celebration: Rann Utsav 2016-2017!

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The vibrant cultural festival of Rann Utsav 2016-17 awaits you again at the sprawling Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India. Explore this massive and heavenly place as it turns into a joyful celebration from 1st November, 2016 to 20th February, 2017.

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Also known as the Rann of Kutch festival or the Kutch festival, an entire tent city is set up by the Gujarat tourism department during the festival.

rannutsav

The festival is very popular with tourists and thousands from across the world who come to witness the festivities of this amazing cultural event. This unique festival acts as a great opportunity for visitors to witness the splendour of the great Rann of Kutch desert in all its glory. Nearby attractions include historical palaces, tribal villages, and temples. One may also spot wildlife, including colourful birds.

Some of the most popular nearby attractions are listed below.

Aina Mahal

Visit the Aina Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors, which is located close to the Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj. Marvel at the 18th century palace’s Indo-European artistry and the white marble walls covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments. Also admire its other outstanding features such as the Venetian glass candelabra and the pleasure pool.

Kala Dungar

Travel to the highest point in Kutch, the Kala Dungar, which is about 95 kms from Bhuj. Visitors come to this place to view the spectacular sunset over the white desert from the sunset point. Travellers can also visit the temple known as the Dattatreya Temple here. The journey itself to the Kala Dungar offers amazing photo opportunities.

Vijay Vilas Palace

The Vijay Vilas Palace is a must visit attraction for travellers visiting Rann of Kutch. The palace was built in 1929 and reflects the fusion of local Kutch, Rajasthan, and Bengal architectural styles. Surrounded by around 450 acres of greenery, the palace boasts around 2 kilometres of private beach. Many blockbuster Bollywood movies have been filmed at this beautiful palace.

Mandvi Beach

The secluded and peaceful Mandvi Beach stretches along the Gujarat coastline. The beach is situated close to the Kashi – Vishvanath Temple due to which it is also called the Kashi – Vishvanath Beach. Marvel at the golden sands and enjoy the cool, breezy waters of the Mandvi Beach. Travellers can also enjoy a camel ride here.

Swaminarayan Temple

This beautiful example of Indian temple architecture is located near the Ramkund step well and the Alfred High school. The spot where the temple is built marks the place where Swaminarayan used to sit with local holy men in Bhuj. The temple contains wood carvings showing Lord Krishna and Radha.

Quintessential Indian Tribal Festival – Pushkar Camel Fair 2016

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Witness the grand beauty of a quintessential Indian tribal festival at the world’s largest camel fair in the holy city of Pushkar, India. The ancient fair is being held for over 100 years now, but even today its vibrancy and grandeur continues to attract travellers from all around the world.

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During the fair, which will be held from 8th to 14th November in 2016, the serene city of Pushkar will turn into a lively site full of dynamism. This amazing cultural event, which has become a global tourist attraction, is held every year.

Highlights

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the fair is a mega event, which is held amidst lively local music and a gathering of hundreds of brightly dressed camels & horses with riders sitting atop in colourful traditional Rajasthani attire.

Cattle Fair

The Pushkar Fair was originally started as a fair for the sale and purchase of cattle, including camels, horses, cows, goats, and sheep. The fair maintains its traditional charms, with a large number of beautifully dressed cattle being bought and sold.

Handicrafts

While the men are busy in the inspection, haggling and bargaining of cattle, the women, children and visitors may check out the countless make shift stalls that sell various traditional items including saddles and strings of cowries for cattle; traditional silver and bead jewellery, patchwork and printed textiles, and colourful Rajasthani footwear for women and men.

Incomparable Glamping

Although, travellers can choose from a variety of accommodation options right from resorts and cheaper hotels, it is the luxury glamping facilities offered by many local companies that actually make the visit an experience of a lifetime.

Adventure Sports

Sports lovers can head straight to the adventures section, which offers adventure experiences ranging from quad bike racing, paramotoring, jeep safaris, horse riding, and certainly Camel riding.

Hot Air Balloons

To give travellers more reasons to be happy, the Pushkar camel fair hosts a Hot Air Balloon Festival. So, hop onto a balloon and view all the festivities from the top.

Sunset Safari

Many local companies offer Sunset Safaris, which are camel-back rides in the evenings over the peaceful golden sand dunes. These rides take you to a spot from where one may enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Holy Dip

Witness grand spiritualism at the festival as scores of Hindu pilgrims take a holy dip in the sacred waters of Lake Pushkar. Pilgrims bathe in the holy waters as they believe that this will absolve them of their sins.

Contests

Various types of interactive and competitive contests are held during the festival. The festival becomes lively during the friendly Kabaddi and Cricket Matches held between a home team of locals and a team of tourists. Then, there is the photo contest Frame the Fair, which carries a hefty reward. The Moustache, Turban Tying, and Matka Race contests are traditional cultural competitions open to all visitors.