Friday, December 28, 2012

Seven sisters of India

The Seven Sisters of India are relatively untouched, unexplored and isolated states of north east India. North East states are heavily forested and land of tribes peoples. These states are full of natural beauty,exotic places and wide variety of beautiful wild animals like rhinoceros, elephants and numerous species of birds. North east region consist of seven contiguous states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Northeast India is ethnically distinct from the other states of India. Assam is the gateway through which the seven sister states are connected to the mainland. Sikkim and some parts of North Bengal is also come under the north east India. India’s Northeast is one of South Asia’s hottest trouble spots.These seven sister states has major population of tribes peoples in India.
Seven Sisters of India
Seven Sisters of India

Assam: 

The gateway of seven sisters is surrounded by other six states. Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consists of tropical rain forests, grasslands and numerous wetlands ecosystems now protected as Kaziranga and manas national parks. It is also know for its beautiful dark green tea gardens, Deep forest of Sal trees. Assam is the home for one-horned Indian rhinoceros, along with The Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous species of birds, it also provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. Assam and other states offers so many big festivals like Bohag Bihu,Cheiraoba and Losoong.
Assam Tourism - Tea Plantation
Assam Tourism - Tea Plantation

Arunachal Pradesh: 

Land of the rising sun has many undiscovered places to attract tourist form many parts of the world. Tourist attractions include Buddhist monastery in tawang, Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river and undiscovered scenic beauty of tuting. Rafting and trekking are also main attractable sports. Namdapha National Park located in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the unexplored national park of India, It is also home for some of the giant animals, the great Hornbills and Red Giant Flying Squirrel.
Arunachal Pradesh - Bamboo Bridge
Arunachal Pradesh - Bamboo Bridge

Manipur: 

The originator of Polo game” is lies in an oval-shaped valley surrounded by blue mountains. There are four major river basins in Manipur and all the rivers in the valley area are in the mature stage. Manipur may be characterized in two distinct regions – Outer area of rugged hills and narrow valleys and the inner area of flat plain. The climate of Manipur is largely influenced by the topography of this hilly region. The valley region has a number of hills and lakes, The Loktak lake is an important feature of vally.
Loktak Lake in Manipur
Loktak Lake in Manipur

Meghalaya: 

Meghalaya means “The Abode of Clouds”. Meghalaya lies in strip of hills in the eastern part, one third area of the states is forested. Meghalaya forest is also know for its biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. There are several falls around Shillong. The Shillong peak is highest in the state and is good for trekking. Meghalaya is the wettest place on earth, annual rainfall as high as 1200 cm in some areas. Cherrapunji holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month, while the village of Mawsynram, holds the distinction for heaviest yearly rains. The Langshiang Falls at Meghalaya is one of the largest waterfalls in India.
Waterfalls in Meghalaya
Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Mizoram: 

Also called “land of the Mizo people” Mizo means “highlander”. Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes,it has the most varicolored hilly terrain. Blue Mountain is the highest peak in Mizoram. These hills are separated by rivers, these rivers created deep gorges between the hill ranges. Hilly regions gives it a mild climate all year. Mizoram is rich in flora and fauna and many kinds of tropical trees and plants thrive in the area. The Palak lake is major attraction and it is the biggest lake in Mizoram.
Palak Lake in Mizoram
Palak Lake in Mizoram

Nagaland: 

Nagaland is the one of the smallest as well as largely mountainous state of India. Mount saramati is the highest peak of Naga hills in state. Nagaland is rich among all other states in flora and fauna and in evergreen forests. The Great Indian Horn-bill is one of the most famous birds found in the state. Naga tribes also found in most of the sister states, There are total 15 recognized tribes in the present state of Nagaland.
Nagahills in Nagaland
Nagahills in Nagaland

Tripura: 

Tripura is a landlocked hilly state with many rivers including the Manu River which originates here. Tripura has a rich cultural heritage of music, fine arts, handicrafts and dance. Music is an integral part of the tribal people of Tripura. Tripura is rich in flora and fauna and many species of trees and plants. Dance is an important to the tribal in all states of north east.
Tribal House in Tripura

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Most Luxurious Trains in India

The best way to enjoy and explore the Indian cities, coastal towns,villages and regional areas in comfort way, is only through train of India. Indian railway has some of the most spectacular and unforgettable rail journeys with the 4th largest railway network in the world. Indian railway also operates a number of luxury trains which cater to various tourist circuits throughout India. The luxurious trains are named as Fairy Queen, Heritage on Wheels,The Indian Maharaja and Splendor of South. These trains will give you a life time experience of true Indian royalty.


The Palace On Wheels: 

The India’s first pan-country super luxury train “Palace On Wheels” was started on January 26, India’s Republic Day, in 1982 then train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new looks and more luxury facilities. Palace On Wheels is the best Royal Indian Train and world’s 4th best luxury train. The cruise train has 14 salons named after provinces of Rajasthan, two Restaurant named as  Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant, with other world class facilities like exotic bar, Spa, Live TV, internet connectivity, music and security. Heritage on Wheels another luxury train run by RTDC to explore the vibrant and exotic attraction of royal state, Rajasthan.
Palace On Wheels
Palace On Wheels

Tour 50 Thousand to 5 lakh per person per Journey
Palace on Wheels 8 Days To 13 Days
Destinations                   Covered Delhi-Jaipur- Udaipur- Swai Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Bharatpur- Agra-Delhi

The Maharajas Express: 

The Maharajas Express is a joint venture of IRCTC and travel agency Cox and Kings India, first commercial run was on January 9th, 2010. It is the newest and most costly luxury train in India, equipped with world class facilities including large dining, bar, lounge, generator, LCD TVs, direct dial phone, internet, individual temperature controls and in suite bathroom as well. The Royal Sojourn offer royal experience to explore illuminating destinations in India with a new 8-day/7-night journey from from Mumbai to Delhi.

The Maharajas Express
The Maharajas Express

Tour                         2.75 to 10 lakh per person per Journey
Princely India               8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered          Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Royal India 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai
Classical India 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
Royal Sojourn 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered Delhi – Jaipur – Kota – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi


The Golden Chariot: 

A luxury tourist train started by the KSTDC to connect most popular tourist spots in the state of Karnataka and Goa. The royal itinerary has 19 coaches colored purple and gold with two restaurants, a lounge bar, conference room, gym and spa facilities. The ultimate luxury train was named after the renowned ‘Stone Chariot’ of Hampi and commercial run on March 10, 2008. Explore the fascinating architectural designs and exotic natural landscapes of south India with the Golden Chariot and experience the Royal Indian Luxury train.
The Golden Chariot
The Golden Chariot

Tour                              25 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Pride of the South                                                 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Bangalore – Mysore – Hampi – Belur – Kabini – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
Southern Splender           7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Tiruchirapalli – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Poovar – Kochi – Kerala Backwaters


Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is luxury tourist train running by RTDC. The royal carriage of Rajasthan is equipped with facilities like super deluxe rooms, Restaurants, bar, board room, fitness center, spa, saloons and enabled Wi-Fi. Royal Rajasthan luxury train launched its royal journey from January, 2009 and take you to the heritage destinations of Rajasthan and Agra.

Check out further details here:  Royal Rajasthan on wheel
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Tour                               50 to 80 Thousand per person per Journey
Royal Rajasthan          
8 Days/ 7 Nights
Destinations Covered                    New Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra- New Delhi.


The Deccan Odyssey: 

The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train run by venture of Maharashtra MTDC and Indian railway. The 5-star hotel on wheels covers the heritage site of Maharashtra and boost the tourism on the Konkan route. The new express luxury train of India has total of 21 luxury coaches equipped with restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center, Computers and internet connectivity. There is another blue train called The Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey runs from Mumbai to New Delhi is considered as the best luxury trains in the world. Enjoy once in a life time experience of heritage sites of Maharashtra and beautiful beaches in Goa on the magnificent Deccan Odyssey.

The Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey

Tour                              3 to 8 lakh  per person per Journey
Silver to Platinum Class                                                 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Mumbai-Ajanta & Ellora Caves-Udaipur Lake City-Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve-Pink city of Jaipur – Taj Mahal at agra -Delhi
Tour                              40 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Heritage of Maharashtra         7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered             Mumbai-Sindhudurg-Goa-Kolhapur-Daulatabad-Chandrapur-Ajanta Caves-Nashik-Mumbai

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Best Place for Winter Sun Destination in India


Being a tropical country spread over a large area, India has the advantage of diverse weather conditions and it is always a good season to travel somewhere in India.

For many European and North American travellers looking to escape the often cold winter back home, the sandy coastal stretches of Southern India beckon. While Northern India shivers through the months of December and January, the southern states offer pleasant weather to bask in; the sun is at its brightest and perfect for those who like a good dose of it.

Here are some great places to head for some guaranteed sunshine this winter:

Goa

The smallest state of India needs little introduction to travellers. More than 80 kms of coast to boast about, this is India’s premier destination to catch some sun. The destination well equipped to warmly receive incoming travellers so there are plenty of places to stay and eat. During the winter months from October to March, the beaches are dotted with sunning travellers under bright umbrellas. 
GOA
GOA

Varkala 

An unexpected destination amidst the more traditional ones that Kerala has to offer, Varkala lies close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The sandy white beach below a large drop from a high cliff, makes for a dramatic setting. Becoming increasingly popular with travellers over the last few years combine your dosage of sun with some fresh juices from the shacks on the cliff. A fantastic beach destination that can easily be combined with a few days in the iconic Keralan backwaters.
Varkala Beach in Kerala
Varkala Beach in Kerala

Pondicherry 

This French colony of Tamil Nadu is a quaint little town with cobble stone streets and convenient proximity to the sea. While you can hop on a bicycle and explore the town on a sunny day, it is also a perfect getaway with quiet isolated sandy stretches of beach for sunbathing. Pondicherry is a much loved destination among the travellers who venture here to discover its idyllic colonial houses and aesthetically beautiful restaurants as well. 
Pondicherry Beach
Pondicherry Beach

Rajasthan

While the nights might be cold, the warm sun during the day offers perfect temperatures for exploring the many historical sights or glittering palaces of India’s desert state Rajasthan. Old havelis and well manicured gardens are great to sprawl in and catch up on a good book while planning an action packed itinerary with plenty of history and shopping to take in. Don’t miss the awe inspiring sights of Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Handcraft seller in Rajasthan
Handcraft seller in Rajasthan