Thursday, December 13, 2012

Rajasthan Expedition


Travel to the sand dunes of Rajasthan, stay at the Royal Palaces and feel like a King.
Rajasthan, The land of Kings is the largest state of India located in north western India. The Land of Royalty was ruled by Rajputs for a long time even today they are regarded in very high esteem. The Royal Rajputs of Rajasthan were the descendants of the Kshatriyas or warriors of vedic India. One of the world’s first and oldest civilizations, The Indus Valley Civilization was located in Rajasthan. Prime attractions of Rajasthan are its unique culture,Thar desert, great forts, palaces, temples and big fair & festivals. Rajasthan host one of the major desert area of world known as the Great Thar Desert of India. Apart from big mountains, blue sea, green forest and white land of Kashmir, Thar desert “Ocean of Sand” is one of the major tourist attraction in India. The royal state also host one of biggest desert fair, camel safari and wide range of desert wild animals. The best way to explore the royal Rajasthan is only by the luxurious trains like Place on Wheel and Royal Rajasthan on Wheel.

Best Attractions of Rajasthan:


Thar Desert

The Rajasthan desert also known as Great Indian Desert is located at western Rajasthan. Thar Desert of Rajasthan or the “ocean of sands” is the world’s seventh largest desert. The Great desert of India is surrounded by the Aravalli Ranges on the east,on south by Rann of Kutch and on the west by the Indus River. Due to the diversified habitat the Indian desert is very rich in flora and fauna, About 23 species of lizard and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. The fauna of wild desert includes wild cat, blackbuck and Indian wild ass. A camel safari into the Thar desert is an experience not to be missed.
The Great Thar Desert - Rajasthan - INDIA
The Great Thar Desert - Rajasthan - INDIA

Forts

Rajasthan is well famous for its majestic forts, magnificent palaces and historic havelis built by the Great Maharajas of Rajasthan. There are around 14 forts in Rajasthan, out of them Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer Fort also known as “Golden fort” is one of the largest forts in the world, Situated in the Jaisalmer city. Other big forts of Rajasthan are Mehrangarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, desert forts of Jodhpur and the beautiful Jaigarh Fort called as Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) situated at the Aravalli hill ranges.
Jaiselmer Fort - Rajasthan
Jaiselmer Fort - Rajasthan

Palaces

The land of maharajas is famous for well laid gardens, gorgeous temples and beautiful palaces. Some of these are Alsisar Haveli, City Palaces, Hawa Mahal,Lake palace,Umaid Bhavan and Jai Mahal. Umaid Bhawan Palace situated at Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur is one of the world’s largest private residences. The Water Palace is located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in pink city Jaipur. These palaces are stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stones.
Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur Rajasthan
Umaid Bhawan Palace - Jodhpur Rajasthan

Culture

Rajasthan is the most colorful states in India, It is famous for its vibrant and diverse culture, dances, customs and music. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer are world famous. Rajasthani clothes have a lot of mirror work and embroidery, the traditional dress for females is chaniya choli. Due to the desert region Rajasthan economy is primarily agricultural and pastoral.
Famous Ghoomer Dance - Rajasthan
Famous Ghoomer Dance - Rajasthan

Cuisines

The cuisine of Rajasthan is very rich and has a very unique flavor. Rajasthani cuisine offers an amazing variety of dishes included dal bati churma, traditional Rajasthani thali and rajasthani sweets. The best known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma.  Other famous food items are Mawa Kachori from jodhpur, Alwar ka mawa, Malpauas from Pushkar Ghevar from Jaipur and Rassgollas from Bikaner. The Chokhi Dhani is the best place to enjoy the Rajasthani culture, tradition and delicious foods.
Daal Bati , Choorma - Rajasthani traditional Cuisine
Daal Bati , Choorma - Rajasthani traditional Cuisine 

Fair and Festivals: 

Rajasthan is known for its colorful Fairs and Festivals, There are many exotic Fairs and Festivals such as Teej and the Desert Festival. The famous Pushkar Fair a annual five-day camel and livestock fair is the largest Camel Fair in the world. Pushkar, the oldest city if also famous for its magnificent lake,ghats and The brahma temple. Bharatpur Brij Festival also known as Brij Mahotsava is one of the important fairs and festivals of Rajasthan, Celebrate before Holi, It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The great Thar Desert host one of the most popular festival of India, Desert Festival Of Jaisalmer also known as Rajasthan Desert Festival. Desert Festival was initiated to celebrated to display the glory of the desert land, its rich culture and tradition.
Camel Fair - Pushkar - Rajasthan
Camel Fair - Pushkar - Rajasthan

Shopping

The desert land is haven for shoppers and traditionally rich in making handicrafts and hand looms. The Pink city of India Jaipur is the best city in Rajasthan for shopping jewelry to clothes to footwear, almost everything is available. The well known markets are Jauhari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, MI Road and Tripolia Bazaar. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is well famous for its jewellery,gems and stone available in various designs, styles and colors. Famous items are Puppets of Jaisalmer, Pottery from Jaipur and handicrafts from Bikaner.
Shopping in "Pink City of India" Jaipur
Shopping in "Pink City of India" Jaipur 

Wild Life: 

The Royal state host a wide ranges of desert wild animals and wild life. It has 6 national parks named as Ranthambore, Sariska, Desert National Park, and 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries along with Keoladeo or Bharatpur bird sanctuary. The famous Ranthambore National Park is situated on the border of Thar Desert and surrounded by the Vindhya Hills and the Aravali Hills. Some wildlife species, which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, Blackbuck, Indian Wild Ass, and the caracal a wild cat and other native desert wild animals like insects, lizards and snakes.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park

Major Cities:

Jaipur: The Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the state of Rajasthan, famous for Gold, Diamond and Stone Jewellery. Jaipur is one of the finest planned and green cities of India.
Pushkar: The pilgrimage sites is one of the oldest cities of India and is one of the five sacred dhams associates to Lord Brahma. The city is lies on the shore of Pushkar Lake and well famous for its annual Pushkar Camel Fair.
Udaipur: The City of Lakes has most beautiful lakes in the state named as Pichola Lake, Fatah Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar.
Alwar: The most gorgeous city of Rajasthan,famous for its scenic landscapes, beautiful lake and Sariska Tiger Reserve in the Aravalli hills.
Jaisalmer: The golden city is famous for its alluring magnificent forts, haveli, Palaces and the best Camel Safari.
Jodhpur: The Sun City is the second largest city in Rajasthan,famous for Handicrafts.
Bikaner: The Desert city is situated in the middle of the Great Thar desert, famous for sweets and snacks.
Mount Abu: The only Hill station in the Rajasthan,famous for Dilwara Temples.

KERALA - Major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India


The god’s own country is one of the major tourist attraction as well as the best honeymoon destination in India. The land of God, Kerala is believed to be a gift of the Arabian Sea. The pride of Kerala are Gorgeous and Exotic Beaches, Breathtaking hill Stations, Enchanting waterfalls, Beautiful lagoons, Meandering rivers and Amazing natural scenarios. These colors are made Kerala as a land of beauty and paradise on earth. Kerala is also famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, high mountains, gorges and deep-cut valley, lush and evergreen rain forest and coconuts water and oil and foods items. Kerala houseboats are first and best preference of the tourist to enjoy their moments in beautiful lakes of Kerala. The Idukki dam is the first Indian arch dam in Periyar river Kerala and the largest arch dam in Asia. Shopping, museums and markets are also best way to explore Kerala. Follow to visit some of the Best Place in Kerala.

Culture

Kerala’s culture is an integral part of Indian culture. The cultural heritage of Kerala are its arts, festivals and dresses. Hindu, Christian and Islam religion found in Kerala and Malayalam is the local language of Kerala. Indian elephants are given a prestigious place in the state culture of Kerala. kathakali and mohiniyaattam are the traditional art of dance in Kerala.
Kathakali Dance Kerala

Lifestyle

The people of Kerala are very simple and down to earth people, they love to live in their own world. The Keralites also are very progressive in terms of cleanliness, healthcare and physical quality of life. The elephants are an integral part of the daily life in Kerala. Kerala people are very protective about their religion and ancient practices, rituals and traditions.
Kerala Lifestyle

Villages

The villages in Kerala offer a feast to the eyes of the travellers by way of its panoramic view of the fields, farms, hillsides, rivers and lakes. The locals engage in fishing, farming, pottery, jute making and handicrafts. These villages with paddy fields all around and coconut trees are perfect to spend a relaxed holiday. Some of the popular villages are Vavannoor, Udayagiri, Aranmula, Cheppad, Teekoy,etc.
Kerala Paddy fields

Cuisines

After the enjoyments, foods are the next thing in mind. Kerala has a rich and unique flavor of foods like Sea foods, malayali cuisines and banana dishes. Kerala is famous for its spices and its spicy recipes of vegetarian and non vegetation food. Best cuisine of Kerala is Meen Curry – Kerala style fish curry made in fried coconut.
Food from Kerala

Festivals

Kerala has many colorful festivals and every festival has its own importance. Onam, the annual harvest festival and it is the largest festival celebrated in Kerala. Vallamkali or Snake Boat Races is the traditional boat race in Kerala. This famous water sport marks the end of Onam festival. Pooram Festival, the The main features of the pooram are the decorated elephants. Peoples of Kerala worship elephants and snakes on different festival occasions.
Pooram-Festival-Thrissur

Beaches

Sea, Sand and Sun are the gifts given by the god, which makes Kerala the land of most delightful beaches in the world. Kerala Backwaters offers a series of beaches that are perfect for a relaxing time with your love one. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal. Watch the sunset along with the blue water beaches of Kerala is the best way to end your day and start a romantic night.
Beaches in Kerala

Sports

The Exotic Beaches of Kerala are best for surfing, rafting and many more adventures ocean water sports. Kerala is the one of the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling in India. Kerala is also known for its kind of Martial Arts called Kalarippayattu – A new insight into the traditional martial art of Kerala. Mountains climbing, Trekking, camping and kayaking in rippling rivers of kerala are some different types of sport that any one can enjoy. Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala are best way to relax and feel fresh after these sports.
Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala

Wildlife

The Land of God, Kerala has a rich culture in Flora and Fauna. Kerala is the only state in India where highest number of Indian Elephants are found. The best place for wild animals are Silent Valley, Periyar national park and Tiger Reserve,which is situated high in the ranges of the Western Ghat. The land of elephants share their habitat with Panthera, King Cobra and other wild animals.
Periyar-Natioanl-park-Thekkady

Natural beauty: 

Kerala the land of beauty is describes as the favorite child of nature, and famous for its breath-taking natural beauty. Major attraction are includes long coconuts tree, the blue mountain and rivers makes Kerala one of the greenest places ever seen. The beautiful milky falls of water splashing through the rocks should not be miss. Other attraction are Vembanad Lake India’s longest lake, Sasthamkotta lake and Cheruthoni Dam.
Athirappilli waterfalls Kerala

Hill Stations: 

There are many hill stations in Kerala which offers the best spectacular views of the nature. Munnar one of best hill destination in kerala and one of the famous hill station in India. The other beautiful hill stations are Ponmudi,Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad Hill Station. These hill stations of Western ghats are one of the best place for trekking in India.
Munnar Hill Station - Kerala

Green and clean cities in India

None of the Indian cities were rated as complete “Green” the best category in the exercise survey but in terms of cleanest and greenest, here is the list of cities in India which can be rated accordingly. The cities were classified into four major color categories red, black, blue and green, the green is the best among them. Clean and Green cities of India are fall in the category of blue and considered as soon they will rank green in terms of environment and green life style.  Apart from the listed below here are few other very clean cities of India Thiruvananthapuram,Rajkot,Raipur, Mangalore, Jamshedpur and Srinagar.

Jaipur: 

The pink city of India is one of the most cleanest and greenest city India and the only city from Royal State Rajasthan. Jaipur is one of the finest planned cities of India located in the semi-desert lands of Rajasthan. The Jewel of Desert is paradise for shoppers at Johari Bazar, Chaura Rasta for clothing,gems, granite tiles, hand looms, and silk carpets. The Gem City of India is also famous for its cuisine,festivals,arts and crafts,street foods and best place for traditional costumes of Rajasthan to shop.
Green Jaipur - Rajasthan, India
Green Jaipur - Rajasthan, India

Chandigarh: 

Chandigarh is the first cleanest and greenest city in India and will also become the country’s first solar city in 2016. A city and union territory of India and serves as the capital of two states, Haryana and Punjab is the one of the finest city in India. Chandigarh, the home of Mata Chandi is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
Green Clean - Chandigarh - India
Green Clean - Chandigarh - India

Mysore: 

The second-largest city of Indian state of Karnataka is also known as Palace City of India. Mysore is one of the most beautiful city in the state and known for its palaces, gardens -Brindavan Garden,shady avenues and sacred temples. Kingdom of Mysore is located at the base of the sacred Chamundi Hills, a powerful Goddess Chamundi temple situated close to the famous palace of Mysore. Mysore city is the cultural capital of Karnataka and one of the three largest princely states in India. Manglore and Bangalore are the another city of Karnataka with a green status.
Green Mysore,India
Green Mysore,India

Surat: 

Surat a most dynamic city of Indian state Gujarat is one of the well-developed commercial city in India. The Embroidery capital city of India is selected as third cleanest city in India amongst the top ten cleanest and greenest cities. Surat is the second largest city of Gujarat and considered as one of the fastest growing cities in India in terms of economic prosperity. The fastest growing Indian city offers a wealthy share in exports of Diamond and Textile products. Rajkot and Gandhinagar are other two green cities of Gujarat.
Clean Surat, Gujrat, India
Clean Surat, Gujrat, India

New Delhi: 

The two statutory towns New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment are awarded as Greenest and cleanest place in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Out of the three statutory urban regions in state of Delhi these two towns are cleanest one. Delhi, the capital of India is the largest and 2nd most populous metropolis and the 8th most populous metropolis in the world. The National capital comes third in the percentage of geographical area under tree cover after Lakshwadeep and Chandigarh.
Green, Rajdhani Delhi - India
Green, Rajdhani Delhi - India

Tiruchirappalli: 

Tiruchirappalli also known as Tiruchi is a prime engineering equipment manufacturing location in Tamil Nadu. The green city of Tamil Nadu has a number of historical monuments and temples,one of the most famous Rockfort temple is the land mark of Tiruchirappalli district and the most prominent among them is Thiruvanaikaval. Tiruchirappalli is famous for its festivals and for the world’s oldest surviving dam, the Kallanai across the Kaveri River. Some of the most important festivals celebrated in Tiruchi are Pongal,Tamil New Year, Aadi Perukku and A famous Jallikattu match.
Clean Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu India
Clean Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu India

Guwahati: 

The green city is one of the largest metropolitan area in north-eastern part and gateway to the slice of paradise in North East India. Guwahati has emerged as one of the fastest developing cities in India and a major center for cultural activities and sports in the North Eastern region. The city of eastern light is famous for sightseeing, rock bands, wildlife sanctuaries and many ancient Hindu temples Kamakhya, Umananda, Navagraha and Rudreswar.
Clean Guwahati - India
Clean Guwahati - India

Bhubaneshwar: 

The Temple City of India is made its place in the list of one of the cleanest city in India. Bhubaneshwar host a large number of Hindu temples with Puri and Konark are most famous. The capital of Orissa state is well famous for its old sculptures,Odissi dance,Chilka lake, handicrafts, rock carvings and wildlife. Due to the boom in the metals and metal processing industries in the state and as one of the information technology hub in East India,Bhubaneswar is emerge as one of the fastest developing cities of India.
Clean Bhubaneswar - Orrisa , India
Clean Bhubaneswar - Orrisa , India

Shimla: 

Shimla a beautiful hill station and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. The planned city of India is well known for its buildings styled in ‘Tudorbethan’ and neo-Gothic architecture. The popular tourist destination of monsoon and summer is one of the oldest municipalities of India and famous for beautiful scenery,Kangra Valley and snowy winters. Shimla is also known as Queen of Hills and got its name after goddess Shyamala Devi, also home to popular Jwalamukhi temple in Kangra District and Kali Mata temple in Kalka. Shimla is connected to city of Kalka through Kalka–Shimla Railway, the longest narrow gauge railway routes in India.
Green Shimla - India
Green Shimla - India

Dehradun: 

The capital city of the Indian state of Uttarakhand located on the foothills of the great Himalayas ranges and between the beautiful Doon valley nestled between two of India’s holy rivers the Ganges and and the Yamuna. Dehradun is a beautiful hill station at Garhwal Himalayas and famous for its pleasant climate,natural beauty and picturesque landscape. The beautiful valley is also a famous educational hub and home to the holy cities of Indian Haridwar and Rishikesh, also complete the pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.
Green Dehradun - Uttranchal - India
Green Dehradun - Uttranchal - India

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Beautiful union territories of India

There are seven beautiful union territories in India, which are administered by the Central government. These Union Territories of India are fast developing into a modern and beautiful belt for Industry and Tourism. Daman and diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli are famous for its excellent beaches, Portuguese churches and forts.


Andaman and Nicobar: 

Andaman and Nicobar are the group of island located in the Indian Ocean. The Andamans and Nicobars are separated by a channel. These Islands are blessed with a unique tropical evergreen forest. The British used this islands as an isolated prison know as “Kala pani” for Indian freedom fighters. Local people of Islands still maintained their separated existence, these Indian Tribes are known as jarwa and Great Andamanese. Port Blair is the largest city and the capital of Island.
View of Andaman and Nicobar inlands from Plane
View of Andaman and Nicobar inlands from Plane

New Delhi: 

The official name National Capital Territory of Delhi, in 1956 Delhi was converted into a Union territory. Delhi is a largest metro green city by area in India and eighth in the world by population. Delhi also own National Capital Region urban area in which Noida, Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad are included. The capital of India Delhi is located on banks of yamuna river one of the holy river in India. Delhi has many tourist attraction form all around the world Palika Bazaar , lotus temple, Jama Masjid- one of the largest mosques and The Pride of India “The India Gate”.
India Gate - Delhi , India
India Gate - Delhi , India

Chandigarh: 

Chandigarh is one of the best city in India, it is also known as The Green city of India. Chandigarh, is the capital of state Haryana and Punjab. It is considered as the first well planned city of India. Rock Garden and sukhna lake are good places to visit, a bird sanctuary is also located in the city which is home for a variety of bird species.
Rock Garden in Chandigarh - India
Rock Garden in Chandigarh - India

Daman and Diu: 

Daman and Diu is located on western coast of India, Daman city is the capital having an area of 72km. Daman and Diu is the second smallest among the other union territories in India. It has a mix culture of Indian and Portuguese. Daman and Diu is known for its untouched and explorer natural beauty. A trip to the famous beaches, Portuguese churches and forts of Daman and Diu can not be forgettable.
Daman and Diu Beach
Daman and Diu Beach

Dadra and Nagar Haveli: 

Dadra and Nagar Haveli located between Maharashtra and Gujarat and few kilometers from the city of Daman. A beautiful lake Garden Vanganga is located at the entrance of the city. Because of its scenic natural beauty and pleasant climate, Dadra & Nagar Haveli are dream tourist destinations. Silvassa the capital is one of the best place to visit.
Coatline of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Coatline of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Pondicherry: 

Located on the eastern ghat of India. It was a former French colony. Puducherry is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Beaches and Churches in Puducherry are most popular tourist attraction. It is also one of the educational hubs in southern India.
Beautiful beach in Pondicherry
Beautiful beach in Pondicherry 

Lakshadweep: 

Lakshadweep is the smallest union territories in terms of area as well as in population. Lakshadweep located off of the coast of Kerala in the Laccadive Sea. The total area is 32 km and Kavaratti is the capital with a largest city is Andrott. Lakshadweep is fast becoming India’s one of the best tourism location for its kinds “Adventure sports”. Some of the Island’s are still inhabited and full of natural beauty. Due to its isolate and virgin beaches it become one of the best honeymoon destination in India.
Beautiful inlands of Lakshadweep
Beautiful inlands of Lakshadweep