Posted by Sara Hasan on February 24, 2011 at 23:32
Ladakh is one of the places where nobody can refuse to go atleast once in lifetime for its sheer purity and tranquility. Bounded by the highest mountain ranges of the world-the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges, it also lies parallel to the Zanskar and Ladakh ranges, it is the best place to undertake adventurous sports and activities. Therefore the Ladakh Trekking tours enable one to enjoy the breathtaking adventurous activities and scenic beauty of the peaceful place. It is also known as the Land of High Passes and The Land of Nomad as it’s an important passage for people to move between valleys and mountains providing an enthralling experience to fill the senses with natural joys and wonder. It consists of mountainous terrains of altitudes measuring 2750 m of Kargil and 7672 m of Saser Kangri denoting the best heights for fun filled trekking experiences. Being at the heart of gigantic Himalayan ranges, Ladakh has bone chilling temperatures in the winters and summers are quite pleasant at 27 degree Celsius. For adventurous souls, Ladakh offers a plethora of trek routes like Spituk to Markha valley, Lekir to Tamisgam, Nubra valley trek, Rupshu valley trek etc. Ladakh trek tours are also not an easy cake to walk as the harsh weather conditions and rocky terrains test the patience, physical strength and courage of the trekker. Most of it is covered with solid ice which is an altogether experience to trek on the glaciers and snow clad peaks.Basically ladakh is divided into three regions-around Kargil, Indus valley and Zanskar.Kargil is in the center and the area behind Zoji La pass is the one meant for trekking. It is surrounded by apricot groves and can be reached from Sanko to Drass via Umba at 4930m. Indus valley is situated at a whopping 3500m altitude and is sandwiched between Zanskar range on its south and Ladakh range in the north. This is the geographical backbone and the historical heartland of Ladakh. Here reside the majority of population and the structures like monasteries, villages, shops etc. Zanskar is the remotest area of this region which is cut by a 300 km valley surrounded by mountains and accessible only by passes. The climate is extremely harsh over there and the terrain is mostly rugged. Apart from life threatening yet the thrilling experiences of trekking in this region, the Buddhism culture and way of living is another remarkable feature of this region which sets the spirits high as it lends a very tranquil and touching environment to live. It is partly due to Tibetan influence and the troupes of gompas inhabiting here such as Shey, Alchi, Hemis etc. In a nature abundant place, how can wildlife be ignored?Hemis national park is situated in the eastern part of Ladakh which supports poor vegetation but a rich fauna. Species of snow leopard, ibex, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan hare etc can be spotted along the trekking route. Birds such as snow partridge, snow cock, golden eagle, horned lark etc are also found.The favorable time to go for trekking is June to September with well sorted out back pack .The traveler must ensure that he/she carries the right amount and necessary equipments before going on trek such as sunglasses, flash light, first aid etc.Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and Tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on India Tour Packages and Ladakh tours and other destinations of India. Explore- http://www.india-tours.netRead more…
Posted by Sara Hasan on February 17, 2011 at 21:18
India is a marvelous land of rich heritage in the form of architecture, culture, history and religion. It's a land where various mythologies and legends were born which gave a distinct feature to India’s religious culture. Nowhere in the world thrives a secular state like ours where more than ten major religions thrive in perfect harmony. One of the most important and practiced religion in Asia is Buddhism which originated in the fortunate and sacred land of India by Lord Gautam Buddha who lived during 6th century B.C . Today it is followed by 6.6 million Buddhists who believe in the philosophy and code of morality preached by Buddhism. India is also testimony to the great places adorned by Lord’s life which attract tourist from all over the world who are enamored by His Life and teaching. Buddhist pilgrimage tour takes one to the country tour where Lord Buddha was born, lived, attained enlightenment, and died. Though Prince Siddhartha, later called Lord Buddha was born in the holy place of Lumbini which is now situated in Nepal, other shrines where he performed other important activities are found in India such as Bodhgaya, where he attained enlightenment sitting under a tree called bodhi in Bihar and subsequently called Buddha-the enlightened one. Tawang monastery situated in north east state of Arunachal Pradesh is an imposing structure which has a superb collection of ancient scriptures, images, thangkas and an 8 m high gilded image of Lord Buddha. Over 500 monks reside over there and practice Buddhism. Sarnath located near the holy Hindu city of Varanasi is also quite popular for the first sermons Gautam Buddha gave to his disciples and turned the wheel of law. Kushinagar where Lord stayed last and entered into mahaparnirvana is also a beautiful place where magnificent golden statue of sleeping Lord Buddha is present. Moving down south the world famous Stupa of Sanchi is a wonderful example of the early Buddhist stupa architecture which has a distinction of storing remarkable spice men of Buddhist art and architecture from early Mauryan period Sanchi is famous in the world for stupas, monolithic Ashokan pillar, temples, monasteries and sculptural wealth. It also is a UNESCO World heritage Site. This Great Stupa served as a nucleus to the large Buddhist establishment during the later period. Buddhist pilgrimage tours to India include the preserved Buddhist sites which provide a deeper insight about the sects, rituals and customs followed by the followers in earlier times. One of the great and worth watching paintings and art about Buddhism can be seen in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Aurangabad. Ajanta has 29 caves which are carved on the sides of hills and show finest spicemens of cave temple architecture. Stories from jatakas, rich tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha are depicted on the walls. Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning where monks used to perform rituals are too richly carved with paintings and sculptures. Similarly caves of Ellora which are 34 in number are exquisitely adorned and dedicated to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.
Posted by Sara Hasan on February 13, 2011 at 19:20
Being the largest state of India area-wise, Rajasthan not only boasts of varied topography in the form of desert, hills, forest etc but also a rich culture mixed with different traditions and customs which is quite uniqueto this state. What makes Rajasthan apart from other states is also the continuing royal legacy of erstwhile Rajas and Maharajas in the State and most of the families living the same royal lifestyle yet. Each city hasan associated interesting history of myths and legends which are still remembered and told to tourists. The exquisite architectural monuments including arching giant forts and large palaces, exotic wildlife and a rangeof fairs also distinguish it from other states in more profound ways.
Thus ten reasons why it compels to visit this beautiful and colorful state of Rajasthan North Indiaare as follows:
1. Architecture: Wonderful forts and palaces like City Palace, Lake Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Junagarh Fort, Golden Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Amber Fort, Neemrana Fort, CastleMandawa Fort, etc. are some of the grand heritage sites. Few of them like Umaid Bhawan Palace, Neemrana Fort & Palace are converted to hotels which offer Royal hospitality and luxury.
2. Rich Folk Culture: Although every city in the state owes to itself different and unique customs, traditions, habits etc, the whole experience of witnessing folk dance and listening to folk music is delight to eyesand ears as both are performed in melody encompassing use of local musical instruments and colorful woven costumes.
3. Wildlife and Bird Sanctuaries: Rajasthan is abode to various endangered and exotic species of animals and birds. Three of India’s major wildlife and bird sanctuaries; Ranthambore National Park, a tigerreserve, Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary where antelopes, leopard, tigers, gazelles, waterfowls etc are usually seen and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which welcomes migratory birds from abroad every year are animal lover’sdelight. Some of them include safari rides too for adventurous tourists.
4. Fairs & Festivals: Various theme based fairs and festivals are an important part of Rajasthan culture which invite spectators from all over country in huge numbers. The most popular one is the Pushkar Fairwhere camel racing, cattle fair, moustache competition, etc are the major attraction .Camel dance competitions are also held. Other fairs include Marwar Festival, Desert festival, Baneshwar Fair, Elephant festival etcwhich depict the true culture of Rajasthan.
5. Excellent textiles, handicrafts, gemstones: Rajasthan is unique to various techniques of art forms on fabric, wood and marble which are decorated with finesse depicting the rich tradition of the state.Meenakari, enameled silver and gold jewelry, hand block printing, zari work on textiles and embroidered jutis etc are quite beautiful and colorful.
6. Temples: Dilwara temples, Brahma temple in Pushkar, Birla temples etc are known for their great architectural magnificence and distinct style of their structure. They also attract pilgrims from far andwide.
7. Sand dunes: Major portion of Rajasthan is covered with sand dunes of Thar desert which offers picturesque sight of different shapes of dunes at different times and location.
8. Food: The tour to Rajasthan is incomplete without savoring some of the mouth watering cuisines such as dal-bati, besan-chakki, churma, jhajariya, gevar, balusahi, tarfini, raabdi, bail-gatte. The mostinteresting fact of Rajasthani dishes is that they are mostly cooked in pure ghee leaving wonderful aroma after you finish the food. In cities like Jaisalmer, Barmer and Bikaner, food is prepared with minimum water andmore of milk and buttermilk are used instead. Mewa Kachori of Jodhpur, Dil jani of Udaipur, Malpuas of Pushkar, Ghevar and Mishri Mawa of Jaipur and Sohan Halwa of Ajmer are also some memorable fooditems.
9. Adventure sports: Being the oldest mountain ranges in India, Aravalli ranges are the best place for trekking and other adventurous activities because these are bounded by dense forests, lakes, meadows etc.Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan is also nestled in Aravallis which is a popular tourist destination.
10. Lakes: Udaipur is also known as city of lakes as many beautiful lakes like Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jaisamand Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Doodh Talai, Udai Sagar Lake, etc are situated here andsurrounded by sprawling gardens making the landscape beautiful.
Posted by Sara Hasan on February 13, 2011 at 19:20
Known as the Land of Kings and also popularly called as the city of Forts and palaces, Rajasthan peculiarly offers vibes of royalty and a rich history laden with fables of legends and Kings and queens, the legacy ofwhich still continues in some Rajput families in the state.
Different landscape features in the state adorn with them a unique different set of customs, attire, cuisines, and languages etc which lend a very colorful diverse variety to Rajasthani culture.Folklore, folk music and dance of each region in Rajasthan are special in their style and content. Large variety of musical instruments such as dholaks, manjira, flutes, trumpets etc are used in these areas which makethe songs more titillating and interesting to listen. The rich folk songs are usually ballads and narrate myriad sagas of various mythical stories, current issues, heroic deeds of warriors, love stories etc. Similarly the folkdance comprises of eye catching forms and movements helped with colorful props. Flowery and stylistic woven bright attractive costumes and accessories of dancers make the whole experience worthwhile. TheGhoomar dance of Udaipur, Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer, Bhavai, Chari, Fire Dance of Jasnathis etc are world famous. Some of the traditional communities pass on their dancing and music skills to succeedinggenerations.
Puppets or kathputlis are another form of entertainment unique to this State where hand woven stuffed animal or human like figures are attached to strings with their different body parts and moved by the puppeteer.The cuisines here are made with rich variety of ingredients and spices found locally. Due to lack of water in this to and dry state most of the dishes are made with buttermilk, milk and ghee. As cereals form the staplediet of the local residents, most of the cuisines have wheat, millets etc an important main ingredient in them. Delicacies like gatte ki sabzi, khata, pakodi are made of gram flour. The tangy flavor of the food itemsmakes one yearn for more.
The annual fairs and festivals in Rajasthan are celebrated with grand pomp and vigor attracting crowd from far and wide across the State and country. Some of the important ones are Pushkar Fair, Elephant Festival,Gangaur, Desert Festival, Teej etc.
A very important feature of festivals and fairs here is the involvement of adorned and decorated animals like elephant, camels, cows etc. All the different religions in the state celebrate the spirit of their festivals bypraying to deities performing spectacular rituals. Most of the magnificent temples in the state belong to Jains like Dilwara temples though Hinduism is also one of the main religions in the State. Muslims are alsopresent in large numbers.
Another breathtaking aspect of Rajasthan rich culture is the art which can be seen on the splendid textiles, handicrafts and paintings. The hand block printing, tie and die technique of coloring fabric, bagaru prints, zariembroidery etc are the major techniques to prepare clothes with beautiful patterns and designs. Handicraft items like wooden animal figures of camels, elephants etc, furniture, carpets, and potteries are some of themain export items of this state. As far as paintings are concerned, they can be found on the walls of palaces, forts and the house structures of common people. They exquisitely depict Lord Krishna’s legendsand other princely tales.
The colorful attire of the people comprises of full sleeved shirts with matching turbans on men’s heads and Ghagra choli by women adorning their eyes with surma, mehndi on palms, large nose ring, ear ringsand necklaces making them superbly beautiful.
India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in world. India is a multi-religious and multi-culture country. Indian cities are examples of unity in diversity. Every part of India has something different form the other. India is one of the most diverse countries on the globe.
Located in the north west of India is the majestic desert state of Rajasthan. Famous for its royal history it has one of the most beautiful cities in India. Rajasthan has long been ruled by the Rajputs which build grand forts and palaces. Rajasthan is famous for its grand deserts and palaces which give it a royal touch. It’s only in Rajasthan that one can go back o the era of kings and queens. The grand palaces and camel safari in Rajasthan make you feel that you are living in the golden era of royalty.
jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is one of the most vibrant cities in India. It is also well-known as “The Pink City”. Famous for its grand forts, opulent palaces, sand dunes and beautiful lakes this city is home to one of the most vibrant culture of India. Built as a pleasure spot for the royals Jal Mahal is a master piece of architecture. First four floors of this building are immersed in water and only the top one is above. Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, and Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh are few of the other places forsightseeing.
Famous as “The City of Lakes”, Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in India. Like the whole of Rajasthan this city also has a royal past which is reflected in its grand palaces and forts. Udaipur has many beautiful lakes which make it a picture perfect city where grand palaces lay side by side the majestic lakes. The famous sightseeing spots in Udaipur are City Palace, Lake Pichola, Udai Sgar Lake, Jag Mandir Island, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari etc. Enjoy your Udaipur trip by staying in a grand palace overlooking the romantic lakes.
Pushkar is famous for its annual cattle fair. The fair is a gala occasion with lots of music and dance. Tourist visit this fair to experience the culture of Rajasthan. Animals like camels, cows, donkeys and horse are traded in this fair. Pushkar is a holy city for Hindus. It is considered that a dip in the Pushkar lake will free you from all sins.
Ranthambore is famous for its wildlife. Situated on the borders of Thar deserts this city is surrounded by Aravali and Vindaya hills. Trips to Ranthambore will give a chance to the tourists to spot tigers and many other rare animals. Ranthambore National Park has a rich flora and fauna. One can go for jungle safariin the park and spend some time with nature. Ranthambore Fort is one of the grandest structures in the city. Ajmer city is located among barren hills and lakes. It is famous as a pilgrimage site for Muslims and Hindus. Dargah (Tomb) of Khawaja Mouinuddin Chisti, a holy Muslim saint, in Ajmer is visited by hundreds of thousands of devotes every year.
With its vibrant culture and rich history Rajasthan is one of the most appealing tourist destination which no tourist can resist visiting.
Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and Tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tours where one can find info on India Tour packages and North India tours and other destinations of India. Explore-india-tours.net
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India has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Indian cities are famous around the world for their historical monuments. India offers a lot many options for a tourist to choose from. The snow covered mountains of Himalayas, the majestic deserts of Rajasthan, the sun-kissed beaches of Goa or the beautiful hills of north-east India is one destination which has no dearth of amazing tourist destinations.Famous as the symbol of love Taj Mahal is one of the most famous tourist spot in India. Taj Mahal was built by Mogul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Mahal. Tourists around the world come to see the mesmerizing beauty of Taj Mahal. It is built of white marble with beautiful Persian designing on the walls. It took around twenty two years to build the grand structure. Taj Mahal has a gorgeous garden in front of the main white marble structure which is very typical of Mogul architecture. Taj Mahal is best viewed during a full moon night.Famous as heaven on earth, Kashmir is a must visit for every tourist coming to India. The natural beauty of Kashmir makes it an ideal tourist destination. The summer capital of the state- Srinagar is very popular among tourists. Houseboats on Dal Lake, locally called as Shikaras are the most preferred accommodation option. The houseboats are elegantly furnished and it’s an absolute luxury to stay in there.Shimla is one of the most visited hill stations in India. It is famously referred to as “Queen of the Hill Stations”. Shimla has an old world charm in itself. It was the summer capital of erstwhile British Raj in India. The colonial connection is reflected in the grand buildings and structures of the city. Nestled in snow covered mountains and beautiful green hills, Shimla is perfect destination for a rejuvenating vacation.Jim Corbett National Park, located in the foothills of Himalaya is famous for its wildlife. Dhikala is the centre point of the park where one can rent accommodation. One can take a trekking trip and enjoy the flora and fauna of jungle. Elephant safaris are also very famous for taking a trip of jungle. Jim Corbett National park is home to a wide variety of animals which include 50 mammals, 580 kinds of birds and 25 reptile species. It’s a tourist destination suited for the adventure and nature loving people.Red Fort in Delhi is a symbol of the Great Moguls. It is a grand monument reflecting the splendid and royalty of Mogul architecture. Built in red sandstone it stands magnificently along Yamuna River. Red Fort has two main entrances, Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate. There are museums inside the grand structure which are major tourist attractions. Colorful light shows are organized in the fort as a recreational event for tourists.India is an ideal destination for tourists who want to have fun on their vacations. Indian cities are full of historical monuments and structures which reflect the grand history of India. Explore North India by visiting these famous tourist spots. All the cities in India are well connected by airways, railways and roads.Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India Tour Packages where one can find info on North India tours and India cultural tours. Explore- india-tours.net and get your dream vacation packages.
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India is famous for its rich culture and history. It is one of the most famous tourist detonations around the world. India is country full of variety, from culture to geography everything varies at few kilometers. Snow covered mountains, camel rides in majestic deserts, water sports in beaches or sightseeing of heritage monuments, India offers numerous options to a tourist. Travel to India and experience this land of diversity. It can be really difficult planning a trip to India as you have so much to choose from. A travel agent will make a tailor made trip for you based on your preferences. But one must be really cautions while choosing a travel agent as your entire trip depends on the agent. One should go for government certified agents to save themselves from any sort of cheating.Choosing a good travel planner can be really difficult as there are so many travelling agencies working in India. One should ensure that they follow the right directions while choosing a travel agent to have a hassle free vacation.The first step should be to do a lot of research about various travels agents in India. You should consult your family members and friends who have been on a Travel to India trip. This will give you a firsthand account of travel agents services. Internet search about famous travel agents can also help. You should prefer the government certified travel agents as they will be more accountable to you. It is easier to complain about them in case of any problems.Before choosing a tour organizer you should plan your budget. Go through various sites and choose those agents who fit into your budget. You should discuss your budget with your tour operator to ensure that no hidden costs are involved after the trip begins.Ask your holiday maker to give you contact details of their past clients. You can contact then and discuss about the travel agent’s services, once satisfied with the response you can choose your operator.Communicate freely with your travel planner about the places you want to visit. Also communicate your preferences about hotels and sightseeing. A good tour operator will take care of all your specifications. You should also tell your travel agent about specific allergies and phobias you have, this will ensure that your travel agent plans your trip to suit your health.While choosing a tour operator in India you must ensure that your agent is open to paper work. All the necessary documents should be signed and verified before the trip begins. Your travel agent should be ready for doing all this on your behalf.You can tours to India without any worry about your stay and journey if you choose a good travel agent based on the tips provided above. Choosing a travel agent can save you the taxing job of planning an itinerary. It will not only save your time but also ensure that you get the best deal at all the destinations.Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India tours where one can find info on India Tour Packages and other destinations of India. Explore- india-tours.net and get your dream holiday packages.
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India is famous for its rich culture and history. It is one of the most famous tourist detonations around the world. India is country full of variety, from culture to geography everything varies at few kilometers. Snow covered mountains, camel rides in majestic deserts, water sports in beaches or sightseeing of heritage monuments, India offers numerous options to a tourist. Travel to India and experience this land of diversity. It can be really difficult planning a trip to India as you have so much to choose from. A travel agent will make a tailor made trip for you based on your preferences. But one must be really cautions while choosing a travel agent as your entire trip depends on the agent. One should go for government certified agents to save themselves from any sort of cheating.Choosing a good travel planner can be really difficult as there are so many travelling agencies working in India. One should ensure that they follow the right directions while choosing a travel agent to have a hassle free vacation.The first step should be to do a lot of research about various travels agents in India. You should consult your family members and friends who have been on a Travel to India trip. This will give you a firsthand account of travel agents services. Internet search about famous travel agents can also help. You should prefer the government certified travel agents as they will be more accountable to you. It is easier to complain about them in case of any problems.Before choosing a tour organizer you should plan your budget. Go through various sites and choose those agents who fit into your budget. You should discuss your budget with your tour operator to ensure that no hidden costs are involved after the trip begins.Ask your holiday maker to give you contact details of their past clients. You can contact then and discuss about the travel agent’s services, once satisfied with the response you can choose your operator.Communicate freely with your travel planner about the places you want to visit. Also communicate your preferences about hotels and sightseeing. A good tour operator will take care of all your specifications. You should also tell your travel agent about specific allergies and phobias you have, this will ensure that your travel agent plans your trip to suit your health.While choosing a tour operator in India you must ensure that your agent is open to paper work. All the necessary documents should be signed and verified before the trip begins. Your travel agent should be ready for doing all this on your behalf.You can tours to India without any worry about your stay and journey if you choose a good travel agent based on the tips provided above. Choosing a travel agent can save you the taxing job of planning an itinerary. It will not only save your time but also ensure that you get the best deal at all the destinations.Sara has deep interest in writing informative articles on Travel and tourism in India. Also given her words to a portal for India tours where one can find info on India Tour Packages and other destinations of India. Explore- india-tours.net and get your dream holiday packages.
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