Travel to Royal Kingdom - Rajasthan

Rajasthan Desert

Rajasthan is a state in the northwest of India.Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the state.The main attraction for travellers is the vast Desert of Thar and one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world - Aravalis - and the Rajput heritage which is apparent in the forts, temples and palaces established by the Rajput Kings like Bappa Rawal, Rana Kumbha, Rana Sanga and Rana Pratap. Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destination to observe Indian heritage and royalty closely.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - Train

Rajasthan Folk Dance

Travel in Palace on Wheels- Palace on wheels is one of most luxurious train in the world, equipped with all sort of luxurious comfort. This train is the most memorable and pleasing way to explore the beauty of Rajasthan. This train has exact replica of almost everything as kings used to have in their palaces. This train covers the area of Jaipur, also known as Pink City, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhore National Park, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra before ending its Journey to Delhi.

Desert safari is the best way to explore the world famous “Thar Desert”, located in Rajasthan. Tourists can explore the real beauty of Rajasthan villages, their culture, tradition and colours through this amazing ride.

Rajasthan attracted 14 percent of total foreign visitors during 2009-2010 which is the fourth highest among Indian states. It is fourth also in Domestic tourist visitors.Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, tourism is a flourishing industry in Rajasthan. The palaces of Jaipur and Ajmer-Pushkar, the lakes of Udaipur, the desert forts of Jodhpur, Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) in Bundi, and Bikaner and Jaisalmer rank among the most preferred destinations in India for many tourists both Indian and foreign. Tourism accounts for eight percent of the state's domestic product. Many old and neglected palaces and forts have been converted into heritage hotels. Tourism has increased employment in the hospitality sector.

Rajasthan Palaces

Rajasthani Food

Rajasthan is famous for its forts, intricately carved temples, and decorated havelis, which were built by Rajput kings in pre-Muslim era Rajasthan. Rajasthan's Jaipur Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace, miniature paintings in Bundi, and numerous city palaces and havelis are an important part of the architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. In Bundi, maximum houses are painted blue. At Ajmer, the white marble Bara-dari on the Anasagar lake is exquisite. Jain Temples dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath in Pali District, Jain temples in the fort complexes of Chittor, Jaisalmer and Kumbhalgarh, Lodurva Jain temples, Bhandasar and Karni Mata Temple of Bikaner are some of the best examples.

KUTCH - India's Largest District with large foreign visitors

Kutch is the largest district of Gujarat State ,India Country .18 varied tribes live harmoniously, inspite of their distinct language, culture and customs. This is what makes it a paradise for cultural tourist worldwide.

This is one of the hottest areas of India - with summer temperatures averaging 44 °C (111 °F) and peaking at 50 °C (122 °F). Winter temperatures reduce dramatically and can go below 0 °C (32 °F).

White Desert Kutch

The dessert like Rann Of Kutch occupies a big part of the region. Mostly marshy, the Rann runs into the horizon. During summer it is dry and has a white coating of salt. In India's monsoon, the flat dessert of salty clay and mudflats, averaging 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters, interspersed with sandy islets of thorny scrub, breeding grounds for some of the largest flocks of greater and lesser flamingos.

The Rann Of Kutch is home to a wide array of flora and fauna. Migratory birds deem it an abode during diverse weather conditions. The Rann is also famous for the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the Little Rann of Kutch, where the last of three species of Asiatic wild ass still exists along with wolves, foxes, jackals, chinkara gazelles, nilgai antelope and blackbucks as well as 13 species of lark.

Kutch Handicrafts

Kutch is also famous for exquisite crafts like embroidery, applique work bed sheets and cushion covers. The ever so popular Bandhani (tie and die) fabrics, enameled silverware and other handicrafts are also found here and are a thing of interest for tourists. Around the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, you may shop for Patola Silk Sarees, Bandhanis, Ghagra-cholis and marriage costumes. You will also find interesting wall hangings, embroidered quilts, cradle clothes, cloth toys, embroidered footwear, lacquer furniture and curios. Kutch is very much spread over west-south of ran & it is difficult to go without escorts.

DHOLAVIRA KUTCH (imaginary image)

Kutch is famous for handicrafts,Hills,white deserts,beautiful virgin sea beaches,various forts and above all DHOLAVEERA, an 5000years old culture which is digging our from sands. In India the northern boundary of the Greater Rann of Kutch forms the International Border between India and Pakistan, it is heavily patrolled by Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Army conducts exercises here to acclimatize its troops to this harsh terrain.

Varanasi - Historical city in northern India

Varanasi, once known as Benares or Banaras and Kashi, is a historical city in northern India. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the backdrop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Some people believe that Varanasi is a must see destination on any trip to northern India. Others do not find it particularly interesting to see Hindus bathing themselves in the Ganges, and are turned off by the feces that floods the Ganges and covers the alleys of Varanasi.


By foot is the only way to see the waterfront and the ghats but be ready to be hot, sweaty, and lost - locals are usually happy to point you in the right direction. The names of ghats and signs pointing to restaurants and hotels are often painted on the walls in Roman letters. For better orientation, walk into any book store and pick up a small guide/map book that will have the list of all the ghats and their historical background. 

A ghat is a series of steps leading down to the river, used by bathers and pilgrims, and riverside Varanasi consists of a long sequence of these.

Varanasi Ghats

Some of the main ghats, from north to south:

•  Panchganga Ghat
•  Manikarnika Ghat
•  Dasaswamedh Ghat
•  Rana Ghat
•  Kedar Ghat
•  Narad Ghat
•  Harishchandra Ghat
•  Hanuman Ghat
•  Shivala Ghat
•  Tulsi Ghat

Varanasi is not a city with distinct tourist destinations as such: instead, the experience is in watching the spectacle of life and death on the river and meandering through the alleys of the old city.

Vishwanath Temple

Kaal Bhairav Temple

Durga Temple

Banaras Hindu University

Gauri Matha Temple

Sarnath

Ooty - Queen of South India

Ooty Hill Station

Ooty is a town, a municipality and the district capital of the Nilgiris district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.Today the town's economy is based on tourism and agriculture, with manufacturing of medicines and photographic film also present. The town is connected to the rest of India by road and rail, and its historic sites and natural beauty attract tourists. Ooty, which is deep within the Nilgiri hills, is also known as The Blue Mountains. It was originally a tribal land and was occupied by the "Todas" along with other tribes who coexisted through specialization and trade. It is reached via winding hill roads or a complicated rack railway system, known as the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built in 1908 by impassioned and enterprising British citizens with venture capital from the Madras government.Ooty is not the destination in itself, as much as it is the focal point of attraction. Auto touring the surrounding country side is certainly a must do.

Sightseeing tour to Ooty, you might want to visit the Government Botanical gardens, which were laid out in 1847.If you are in Ooty in the month of May, then you can also be a part of the summer festival, which is held here annually. The festival holds flower shows and various cultural programs showcasing the talent of the locals and the renowned artists.

Annamalai Temple is a situated about 20 km distance from Ooty. This place has grown as a famous temple of Lord Muruga, known as 7th Hill house of the lord. The view from the Temple is really awesome.

Ooty Tourist Train

 Boating at Pykara it’s an awesome experience. Though the rate of boating is little bit high but still it is worthy. Fresh air, good feeling and good view

 Pine forest, its a natural beauty. After the end of the forest a lake is there. Be careful while walking as the path has slope.

Tea Factory, Several tree gardens and factories are there. On the way you will get lots of them. They will approach you with free tea taste and offer some tea packets to buy.

So if anyone visiting first time to ooty (ideals for honey moon couples and youngsters) then few points must be noted that there is no dearth of accommodations, with many hotels and inns that cater to every budget. Accommodations are no more expensive than most cities in India, and the popular Indian hotel chains have a presence here.

Manali - A popular honeymoon spot in India

Manali

Manali,in the Beas River valley is an important hill station in the mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley and thats why most people also refer as a Kulu Manali . It is located about 250 km (155 mi) north of state capital, Shimla.It is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti and rohtang pass which is main attraction near manali.

There are different hot spot palces to visits and some of them are :

1 ) Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds.

  Manali

2) Rahala waterfalls: About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls .

3) Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

4) Old Manali is an impressive array of wonderful, old wooden houses and happy smiling faces appearing from windows and over garden fences.

5) One can visit famous Hadimba Temple.

Darjeeling - A new Land of paradise

View from Kanchenjunga

Darjeeling is in a small city in West Bengal, India is one of the oldest hill stations in India, and has plenty of options, both for those seeking a lazy getaway from the hot plains, as well as nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. Apart from sights within the town, there are plenty of trek options along the Himalayan ridges on the Indo-Nepal border near Darjeeling. The most popular one being the Singhalia Ridge Trail.Originally just a cluster of villages that was administered intermittently by Nepal and Sikkim,The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881 (it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the town became the de-facto summer capital of India. For foreign tourists, the main attractions are the cultural diversity, the beautiful views of tea plantations and hills (including the wonderful vista view of Kanchenjunga), a variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. The town is also a jumping off point for travelers heading to Sikkim. 

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute,This is one of the most visited spot in Darjeeling. This institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay. He was a Sherpa who climbed the Mount Everest on 29th of may 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary. All the equipments used in that climb are still a highlight in that institute.

Darjeeling tea Gardens

Japanese Peace Pagoda. This impressing building is part of a grid of around 30 pagodas spanning the whole globe. Constructed by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan-Myohoji Order, the one at Charlimont on the outskirts of Darjeeling was consecrated in 1992. A small temple just lies alongside.

Tiger Hill - Ideal to visit early morning when the first rays of the sun kiss the Mt Kanchenjunga and give it a golden color. To visit the hill, one needs to get up at 3AM in the morning. You can taste some excellent tea on your way to the hill, which will provide much needed warmth on cold Darjeeling mornings. When getting into a taxi at 4AM keep in mind that they are shared taxis and your driver might wait around in vain for others to join your taxi causing you to miss the sunrise! Those travelling alone or as a couple might want to squeeze into an already occupied jeep to insure full viewing pleasure.

Darjeeling Hill Station

 Observatory Hill: Observatory hill is the oldest site in Darjeeling. This hill is also known as the “Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan” in local area. It is said that a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery stood at this very spot. Nepal people destroyed this monastery in the 19th century. 

Rock Garden. Its a beautiful place with a small waterfall. This place has got varities of flowers landscaped in the rocks. Females can also get dressed in the local dress and take pictures.  

Batashiya Loop is basically a place where the legendary toy train makes a loop. there is a Gorkha martyar memmorial here. There is also a landscaped park. if you go early in the morning (before 8 am) you can get the glimpse of a local crafts market here.  

Darjeeling Toy Train (Major Attraction)

Nightingale Park/Srubbery Park. It is about 2-5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station and walkable from the Chowrasta. It is a beautiful park with a package of cultural program performed daily during the tourist season

Tea. Darjeeling is famous the world over for its teas, which are very aromatic and have a delicate taste. Shops selling teas (usually owned by local tea gardens), dot the area in and around the Mall, and at the Chowrasta. Golden Tips & Nathmulls are especially known for their tea and also ship worldwide. Stop by to smell the numerous varieties they have to offer.

Kerala - Gods Own Country

Kerala, a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches.It is also known for its backwaters, mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam.With world class tourist sporting options, ayurvedic spas and treatments, eco-tourism initiatives, a large number of visit options ranging from beautiful high altitude blue mountains to pristine rain forests to golden sun-sand beaches.

The tourism department of Kerala boasts that the state is God's Own Country. Once you visit, you will see where this claim comes from. The state really is blessed with great natural beauty, and diverse ecology. 

Kerala Bull festival

Kerala was named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine. Kerala is a state wedged between the Western Ghats on the eastern side and the Arabian Sea on the West, thus having a wide range of topography from high altitude mountains to golden beaches and is criss crossed by 41 rivers. 

Kerala, being very close to equator, has a tropical climate. Kerala experiences heavy rains almost throughout the year, and is one of the wettest areas in the earth.  

Kerala has 650 km of coastline and numerous beaches. Some of the more notable are:

Kovalam Beach ,Varkala Beach,Alapuzha Beach, Kollam Beach ,Kozhikode Beach.

Kerala is considered as land of festivals, with numerous festivals falling across the year. The national festival of Kerala is Onam, marking 10 day long festivities across the state, happening between August-September. The second biggest festival is X'mas due to large Christian population in the state, celebrated in grand zest in many cities, particularly in Kochi and Kottayam (cities of kerela) .

A real god Paradise - Kerala

Kerala has many natural rain forests, with lots of unique flora and fauna. A trek in the forests of Kerala can offer a unique experience. Many forests are protected and to enter in any forest area, you require permission from Forest Office. Guards from the Forest Office may be required to accompany you due to presence of wild animals and to liaise with local tribes people in some forests such as the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Malayatoor Forest Division, Silent Valley Rain forest in the Nilgiri Hills of Palakkad district, Wayanad forest division and Nilambur Teak forests. 

Kerala is a major destinations for couples coming for honeymoon. Major travellers from different parts of the world visits the state throughout the year.

Kerala cuisine is distinctly different from food elsewhere in India. The major difference that one can easily notice are dominance of rice as staple food and popularity of non-vegetarian dishes including beef and pork which are normally taboo elsewhere in India. Seafood gets a lion's share in typical Kerala's cuisine and lavish use of coconut (in form of coconut oil, coconut milk, powder or paste) gives a distinct taste. Food in Kerala tends to include a variety of spices and most of them are extremely fiery. Kerala also has its own fair share of famous vegetarian cuisines and normally only vegetarian foods are taken during festival days, particularly Onam.

Kerala backwaters

With tourism being one of the most important source for the state's coffers, a wide of accommodation is available for tourists across the world, suiting individual tastes, cultural preferences and all options that fits everyone's pocket.
Almost all major cities have hotels ranging from tourist lodges to 5 star hotels and theme resorts. In addition to this, there are youth hostels, home-stays, travel dormitories and small lodges catering budget tourists, determining their necessity.

Waters Falls at Kerala

 So just pack up the things and to the most best tourist place in the world and in the heart of the country India, Kerala.

And when it comes to budget, there are different packages with your nearest travel agent with best price suites levels. In a simple , once anyone visits kerala then he cannot think another place. Thats why, its called to be Gods Own Country.

Best Gujarati cuisine

Gujarati Food

Gujarati cuisine (Gujarati Bhojan) refers to the cuisine of Gujarat, India. It is primarily a vegetarian cuisine, despite having an extensive coastline for seafood, due to the influence of Jain vegetarianism and traditional Hinduism. The typical Gujarati Thali consists of Rotli, Dal or Kadhi, Rice, and Shaak/Sabzi (a dish made up of different combinations of vegetables and spices, which may be stirfried, spicy or sweet). Gujarati cuisine varies widely in flavor and heat, depending on a given family's tastes as well as the region of Gujarat they are from. North Gujarat, Kathiawad, Kachchh, and Surti Gujarati are the four major regions of Gujarat that all bring their own style to Gujarati food. Many Gujarati dishes are distinctively sweet, salty, and spicy at the same time.

The cuisine changes with the seasonal availability of vegetables. In mango season, for example, Keri no Ras (fresh mango pulp) is often an integral part of the meal. The spices used also change depending on the season. Garam Masala and its constituent spices are used less in summer. Regular fasting, with diets limited to milk, dried fruits, and nuts, are commonplace.

A very healthy meal popular in the villages near Saurashtra during the cold winters consists of thick Rotis, termed Bhakri, made of wheat flour, garlic chutney, onion, and chaas. It is a good source of energy which suits low-income villagers working their fields on cold days.

Gujaratis will often refer to Dal-Bhat-Rotli-Shaak as their standard, no-frills, everyday fare. For special occasions, this basic quartet is supplemented with additional shaak, sweet dishes, and farsan. A festive Gujarati thali can easily contain a dozen or more separate items.

So whenever anyone visits the gujarat , then dont forget to have a gujarati food....A very yummy tasteful.

History Behind Unforgettable love : The Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal , Agra INDIA

TAJ MAHAL a name of love, a name of peace , a name of symbol and a name of Highness ShahJahan.The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India.

In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their 14th child. The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. Shahjahan ordered the crews to find the finest materials from all over Asia, including all the marble and precious metal and stones that were inlaid within the Taj Mahal.

And Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision.Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. Estimates say the Taj Mahal may have cost upwards to a trillion US dollars to build in today's currency.

The plinth and tomb took roughly 12 years to complete. The remaining parts of the complex took an additional 10 years and were completed in order of minarets, mosque and jawab, and gateway. Since the complex was built in stages.

Soon after the Taj Mahal's completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and put under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort. Upon Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him in the mausoleum next to his wife.

The Taj Mahal complex includes several other buildings besides the famous white-domed mausoleum. While the dome of the masuoleum and it's four standing minarets are built out of white marble, all the outlying buildings within the Taj Mahal complex are primarily built out of red sandstone (red sandstone construction was very common at the time). The Taj Mahal was built first and took around 10 years, then the outlying buildings were constructed in the following 12 years. The entire complex is located in a beautiful 300 acre garden that has reflecting pools and walkways to connect all the buildings. 

On July 7, 2007, the Taj Mahal was voted as one of New Open World Corporation's New Seven Wonders of the World. The others were The Colosseum in Rome, Christ Redeemer in Brasil, Petra in Jordan, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Great Wall of China in China, and Machu Picchu in Peru.  

(Thanks to Internet Sources)