Rajasthan Tourism: Taragarh Fort in Bundi

Rajasthan is known for its royal grandeur which still exists in every part of the state in its forts and palaces. They are not only the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur; illustrious forts are sprinkled all over Rajasthan. The city of Bundi is also known for some impressive structures, especially the Taragarh fort, also known as ‘star fort’. The fort is about 40 kms from Kota and though it’s not well maintained, its weathered walls still tell fascinating stories of yore.

Monkeys-trail-Taragarh-Fort

The fort was built in 1354 AD and was in a vantage position being in the centre of Rajasthan. Even though the fort is not really well kept, there are a few remains of the three large reservoirs where water was stored in case of a siege. There were three gateways to the fort, well known as Lakshmi Pol, Phuta Darwaza and Gagudi ka Phatak. These still exist at the fort. The fort’s main entrance is a considerable distance away from Kota and has intricate carvings of elephants on it.

Lake-behind-Taragarh-Fort

Taragarh Fort was renowned for its tunnels crisscrossing the entire hillside for easy escape – an architectural marvel. However, these tunnels have probably filled up and are not accessible anymore. Also, people are wary of venturing in due to lack of maps. The fort is well worth a visit for the wonderful view of Kota city or just to get lost amongst the ruins and structures. The city looks marvellous in the early hours of the morning or the nights when the lights come on.

Another thing to look out on your way to Taragarh is the Prithvi Raj Smarak, a memorial dedicated to the last Hindu emperor of India.

Guard-House-Taragarh-Fort

How to get there

The nearest airports to Kota are in Jaipur and Udaipur, which are further connected well from other key cities of India. Overnight buses and trains also ply in between Rajasthan towns, so if you are already in the state, these might be better options.

Best season to go

As most of Rajasthan, the most pleasant time to visit this region is from October to March.

Entry Fee and Timings

There are no entry fees or timings of the fort. You can visit anytime of the day. The details of the Prithvi Raj Smarak are 7 A.M. to 9 P.M and entry fee Rs.2/-.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Margao

Goa might be famous for the sea and sand but away from the crowds discover the old-world charm of Margao where Portuguese churches and colonial bungalows that line the shaded streets of this vibrant city. We look at the things to do in Margao.

Architecture Walk

The old buildings still emanate a strong sensibility of architecture in the times of Portuguese occupation. There is a mix of both Hindu and Christian buildings that speak of the multi-cultural subsistence. Take a walk with a local or by yourself for some great photo-opportunities. Look out for the majestic city hall and the municipal garden.

Garden-in-Margao

Local Market

The Margao market is one of the most famous and vibrant places in the whole of Goa. Fishermen, local vegetable sellers and other shopkeepers offer a variety of wares. Again, a great place to see more local life of Goa rather than just hit the sands. One special market here is called the ‘closed market’ or ‘Pimplapedd’ in Konkani.

Fish-Market-Margao-Goa

Local places to visit

Anna Fonte or the natural springs are another spot that you can visit.

Churches

The three Christian buildings, the Holy Spirit Church, grand colonial mansions and the chapel at Monte Hill are also charming additions to your itinerary. The popular church circuit includes Holy Spirit Church, the Grace Church, The St Sebastian Church in Aquem, the Sebastian Church and the Monte Hill Chapel.

Temples

On the other hand the Hindu temples that might be of interest you are, the ‘Damodar Temple’, the ‘Hari Mandir’, the ‘Maruti Mandir’ at Davorlim, the ‘Saibaba Temple’ at Davorlim and the ‘Shiv Temple’.

Hit the beach

Colva is the closest beach to Margao and has vast stretches of low gradient beaches. Enjoy the lovely sea food and water sports here.

Beach-Margao

WHEN TO GO

As is true for the rest of the state, the months from October to February are great to travel in.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

There are a few local festivals like the Dindi festival at the Vithal Rakhumai temple which happens a couple of days after Diwali. Also the feast of the Holy Spirit Church is another local event, held before the monsoons.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of Goa’s prominent railway stations is here in Margao, so the rail connectivity to other parts of India is very good. The airport in Vasco is also close to Margao.

Indian Festivals: Festivals in February

Even as the New Year vigour recedes with the advent of the second month of the year, nothing keeps India from celebrating. February brings in pleasant weather and lots of festivities with it in almost all regions through the country!

1. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai

Many international tourists arrive in Mumbai due to its connectivity with international destinations. Landing in February in India, gives you an opportunity to plunge in right into the myriad culture of the country but in an urban set up. The Kala Ghoda region of suburban Mumbai transforms into an energetic venue for various stall, photography exhibitions, theatre, street food stalls and artefacts from all over. It might be overwhelming but also gives a fine picture of modern India embracing its culture and trying to include it in their lives.

Kala-Ghoda-Art-Festival-Bombay

2. Taj Mahotsav, Agra

For many first timers, the Golden triangle circuit is a must do, thus touching the 3 main culture heavy cities of India – Delhi, Jaipur and home to one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, Agra. If travelling in February, you can attend the Taj Mahotsav –a 10 day carnival to celebrate the brilliance of this monumental wonder! The festival is organised by the U.P Tourism and showcases the unique arts, crafts, dances and music of the state.

Taj-Mahotsav-Festival

3. Konark Dance and Music Festival

The exquisite sun temples of Konark become the magnificent backdrop to the annual Dance and Music Festival, every year. Celebrated performers of the country congregate for a period of days to give the public an intimate exposure to classical forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau Dance. One can also hear may live concerts in an open air auditorium.

Konark-Dance-Festival

4. Goa Carnival

The otherwise laid back state of Goa comes alive in February with the Goa Carnival celebrated in various destinations. It marks the period of festivity before people start fasting for Lent. Enjoy the indigenous floats and parades through the towns, making wonderful photo opportunities. Don’t be afraid to shake a leg with the locals.

Goa Carnival - Popular Activity

5. Delhi Garden Festival

The annual garden festival of Delhi has a legacy of over 7 years. Apart from showcasing a large variety of different flowers, this becomes a reason for the city to step out and enjoy the natural beauty around India. The President’s famous gardens are also opened to public during this period.

Garden Festivals - Delhi

6. Khajurao Dance Festival

Khajurao defines Indian architecture with its exquisite representation of the culture in intricate sculptures. These beautiful temples form the backdrop to the annual dance festival, which is regarded as one of the most coveted venues for established artistes in India. Get a quick introduction the Indian cultural scene if you decide to make this part of the itinerary.

Khajuraho-Dance-Festival

7. Maha Shivaratri 

Shivaratri is considered one of the major religious festivals of the country is celebrated to commemorate Lord Shiva. One of the key destinations to watch all the fervour is Varanasi, which is considered to be the Lord’s haven. Temples are adorned with flowers and offerings and prayers go on till wee hours of the morning. With Shiva’s own approval on ‘bhaang’ (marijuana based concoction), the city sways in joy with careless abandon!

Shivaratri-festivals-decoration

8. Jaisalmer Desert Festival 

Rajasthan is replete with festivals giving a peek inside local life to tourists. The Jaisalmer festival is one of the famous ones, which gives patronage to Rajasthani art forms, showcasing camels and bringing the diversity of the state under one platform. Also, this is a great season to visit Rajasthan when the harsh winter has receded and pleasant weather beckons.

Jaisalmer-Desert-Festival

Please note that all festival dates are subject to change, so check the one you are interested in before visiting.

Indian Festivals: Festivals in January

There is nothing better than starting the year with a great holiday to one of the most exotic destinations of the world. If you are travelling to India in January, ensure that you check the Indian festival calendar to catch some of these exciting events.

Here are some of the Indian festivals and events in January to check out:

The Jaipur Literature Festival

There is no better way to ring in the New Year with some intellectual company! Asia’s largest Literature festival invites authors and thinkers of international repute to present their work and interact with audiences in the form of readings, discussions, talks and personal interactions. Names like William Darymple, Ahmad Rashid, Avijit Ghosh, Gurcharan Das and John Elliot have been present in the past years so one can expect an impressive list in 2013 as well. Also, the destination could not have been better, as one can complete the Rajasthan sector with ease.

The Jaipur Literature Festival -2013

Kambala Buffalo Races

The Mangalore ( South Western) belt of India has an interesting period from January to March where the villages indulge in a unique sport called’ Kambala Buffalo Races’. These are held over the weekends where the young men of the village come together and compete ferociously in slushy fields. A photographer’s delight, this event is definitely not a one to miss.

Kambala-race

Kite Flying in Rajasthan

The harvest festival of Baisakhi / Sankranti is held on 14th January all over North India. Rajasthan is especially colourful on this day as thousands of kites sprinkle the blue sky in a competition of might. Local terraces spill with people as teams are formed with vigour to ensure that opponent kites are brought down instantly. This festival gained popularity in Jaipur in the initial years but is now celebrated all over the state.

Kites flying high in Rajasthan and Gujarat

Pongal

While the North of India celebrates with kites, the same harvest festival in South is known as ‘pongal’ and is celebrated vivaciously across the state of Tamil Nadu and other Southern states with Tamil population. It is best to get invited to a local house so you can see the food preparation and the making of the ‘rangoli/ kollam’ outside houses. Incidentally, pongal is a dish made of milk and rice.

Pongal-Festival Rangoli

Republic Day in Delhi

Book ahead to sit and watch the annual parade in Delhi, which commemorates the success and independence of India on 26th January every year. Watch the armed forces march impressively and state floats represent the growth in India in a half day parade. The event is held under heavy security but will be a fun experience to see thousands in the stands, cheering on!

Republic-Day-Flag-2013

Hampi Festival

The pride of Karnataka and the former Kingdom of Vijaynagar, Hampi, celebrates the annual festival of dance and performing arts every year in January. The festival is held in the backdrop of an impressive topography, unique to Hampi. It has gained international acclaim in the last 5 years and one can see a variety of south Indian arts in this forum.

Hampi-Festival

Goan Wine Festival

A relatively new concept, Goa is the chosen destination for The Grape Escapade, a wine and haute cuisine festival. With the influx of western tourists, this is an apt destination for wine connoisseurs. Free wine tasting and attractive discounts on exotic wines are part of the festival. Apart from that, one can enjoy the cultural performances, music concerts and fashion shows.

Goan-Wine-Festival

Bikaner Camel Fair

The winter month of January is an important one for Rajasthan. The camel fair at Bikaner is a great opportunity for photographers to capture camel trading between locals. The destination starts with aplomb with camel parades and also includes races, dancing and pageants for the animals.

Camel Fair in Bikaner - rajasthan

Mamallapuram Dance Festival

The coastal town of Mamallapuram hosts a unique dance festival each year in January. The rock sculptures of the town make a wonderful backdrop while Indian art forms are performed by famous artistes in an open air venue.

Mamallapuram-Dance