Where to see wild elephants in India

The magnificent elephant is found in many parts of India. If you want to see wild elephants in India there are some great places to spot herds of these large animals. A breathtaking sight and one that you will definitely want your camera ready for. Here are two options where you have a great chance of seeing wild elephants.

Indian-Wild-Elephant

PERIYAR, KERALA

Periyar National Park (pictured below) is located in Thekkady, Kerala. It is one of the most unique Parks in the world, as its amazing landscapes were formed when a reservoir was created here. The most popular way to explore the Park is by mechanical boat rides. On the cruise, one will surely see a herd of elephants walking together. Their languid walk is almost hypnotic. The aww-inspiring sight of adorable calves playfully running about is forever etched in one’s mind.

Elephant-Maximus-Indicus-at-Periyar-National-Park

RAJAJI, DEHRADUN

Rajaji National Park in Dehradun is one of India’s most underrated Parks. The Park is filled with elephants, leopards and more. In fact, there are so many elephants here that at night they often clog the roads, while crossing. Most drivers will refuse to cross the Park after dark.

Elephant-Safari-Rajaji National Park

Goa Tourism: 10 Things to do

Following are Top 10 things to do in GOA

1. Water sports

It’s not just Goa’s beaches that are dotted with people. You can find them up in the sky as well, screaming their lungs out! Goa’s popular beaches are filled with various beach activities like para sailing, banana boat riding, jet-skiing, etc. Along with a brief list, I’ve also included some indicative prices. The activities you’ll find on most beaches include:

Parasailing-in-Goa

• Water Skiing/Knee & Wake boarding Rs. 400-1200 for 15 minutes
• Jet skiing (locally referred to as water scooter) Rs. 400, 1000, 1500 for 2, 10, 15 minute trips respectively
• Wind Surfing Rs. 300-600 for an hour
• Para sailing Rs. 500-1250 for 5 minutes
• Banana Boat/Bump & Ringo Rides Rs 200 for 15 minutes
• Catamaran Sailing Rs. 600-1500 for an hour
• Speedboat rides Rs. 800- 1200 for 3-6 people for 10 minutes
• Grand Island Day Trip
• Dolphin cruises
• Scuba diving/ Snorkeling Rs. 2500 per dive
• Sunset/Moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River

1. Most are run by private operators and some may not have the requisite licenses/safety features.
2. All water sports are shut in the monsoon when the sea’s rough.
3. It’s always best to bargain down to an agreeable price before your ride.

2. Nature Trails

• The Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda is a hidden gem. They offer a tour of the plantation, where you can learn about and taste the different spices and produce, take a cold shower, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch, and additionally get a chance to watch folk dances, swing between trees a la Tarzan, and bathe and ride elephants.
• The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Molem offers as much as you want to pack in. Overnight stays in a tent/dorm, a chance to spot panthers, sloth bears, mouse deer, barking deer and over 200 species of birds. Also on offer are camping trips, elephant activities (shows, bathing, riding, painting), yoga and more.
• Crocodile Watching in Cumbarjua Canal, Quepem, Chorao or Thivim. With an expert to guide you, you can watch them in their natural habbitat of thick mangroves, from the safety of a canoe or boat.
• The Arvalem, Lamgau and Rivona Caves among many others are worth a visit as they overlook the sea, have evidence of prehistoric existence, and some beautiful legendary stories.

Sunset-in-Goa

3. Heritage Hunt

20 minutes west of Panjim, you’ll go back in Indo-Portuguese time. To Old Goa, where churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries abound. Gasp at the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se de Santa Catarina, The Archeological Museum of Old Goa, The Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza.

4. Shopping Spree

• Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora, can be an overload on your senses, and you never know what you might discover. When we say you can find anything, we really mean anything. The hundreds of stalls, stock items from all over the world – bohemain clothing and jewellery, stoner paraphernalia, music, and bikes. Even if you aren’t shopping, this market really is a fun night out. You’re sure to find fire eaters, poi jugglers, live musicians/DJs and great food from all over the world and don’t forget to stop by Daniel’s Bar.
• Anjuna Flea Market is held on Wednesdays, and once again has clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and a whole lot of rubbish along with a whole lot of treasures. This one’s on the beach, so it’s really quite lovely even if it’s small. If you take the walking route (not motorable) from the last shack on Anjuna beach, you’ll be sure to pass a small shop that sells ultra-violet paintings, paint and canvas. You’ll want to pop in.

Flea-Market-in-Goa

1. Street Shops in popular areas like Baga, Calangute, etc are plenty and they sell the basic stuff like sarongs, clothes, bags, jewellery, shells and other souvenirs.
2. Most beaches also have vendors who walk around toting their wares.
3. If you don’t want something, it’s important to be firm with the vendors and shopkeepers, especially the women who can be rather pushy.
4. Always, always bargain.

5. Why not

• Get a Black Henna tattoo painted onto your body by artists in the markets and on beaches. Pick any design, it washes off in a couple of weeks!
• Braid your hair with colorful embroidery threads and beads by the tribal women who sit on the beach and in markets.
• Get a massage from the masseuses who walk the beaches. They’ll pamper your legs and back for a great price, with or without oil, right in the comfort of your beach lounger.
• Sip coconut water from the ladies who walk the beaches. It’s cheap and wonderfully cooling.
• Spend a night on the beach but only if you’re a larger group or a bunch of guys.

6. Gluttons & Gourmets

There really are so many eating out options in Goa and overall, the quality of food doesn’t leave one complaining (unless it’s a bad shack). That makes coming up with a list next to impossible, so what we’ve done is compiled a short list of favorites that we visit every time we’re in Goa.

Beach-Food-in-Goa

• Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim, is legendary for it’s king crabs, prawn vinadloo, garlic chicken and sea food that is grilled, fried, roasted, steamed and mixed with sauces and spices. Here’s the best part, a meal for two costs around Rs. 1200.
• Britto’s on Baga is another popular restaurant and shack famed for its food and service. Best for a candlelit dinner, with the breeze in your hair and your toes in the sand.
• Infantaria at Calangute is the place to go for breakfast with their large collection of superbly prepared snacks and bakes. Get there early, before the crowds.
• Curly’s on Anjuna is a lively, popular shack that serves some seriously good food. We love the banana-nutella waffles with honey, as well as the limonada juice that’s seriously healthy.
• Souza Lobo at Calangute is an old establishment, set up in 1932. While they serve a varied fare, try their traditional offerings.

7. Bikers Anonymous

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, Goa has miles of intricate roads and paths that run right through paddy fields, cottages and bungalows. With the wind in your hair, and Goa at your feet, it’s not just a great way to get around, but also a great way to get lost.

8. Party Animals

From shacks with karaoke, retro English, Bollywood, popular club and electronic music, to the standard bars to uber luxe lounges and nightclubs, to open air, hilltop, beachside and semi-jungle raves, Goa has something to offer for every kind of party goer. Tito’s on Baga and Hilltop at Anjuna are evergreen, but new places keep popping up and shutting down all the time, so just keep an eye out for party posters and flyers, and a ear out for hushed whispers.

Beach-restaurant-Goa

9. Holistic Healing

• Ayurvedic treatments abound in Goa, but the best place to go is Keri village where experienced ayurvedic doctors run an age old natural practice.
• Yoga/Meditation is taught at almost every corner, but for yoga holidays, recommended places include Yab Yum, Yoga Magic, Ashiyana and The Mandala.
• Reiki is practiced and taught at several locations in Goa and we’ve heard lots about Neo Yoga Centre.
• Vegans and eco conscious people get their fill at Bean Me Up; a soya-station cum health food cafe in Anjuna.

10. Glamorous gamblers

There isn’t too much gambling one can do on Indian soil and that’s where Goa’s famed Casino cruises come in. Lately machine operated casinos onshore have become popular as well. But if you’re expecting a Vegas-style casino experience, forget about it. Goa’s casinos are largely frequented by men and there’s a reason why it’s at the bottom of this list! But if you do want to try it out, dress up, put on your lucky perfume, and hope to get lucky!

Bhartiya Rail: Metro Rail Projects in India

Indian cities are among the world’s fastest developing cities in terms of every aspect, population,economy and infrastructure.The transport system of India is got a new mode called Metro, after the independence kolkata was first city to get rapid transit system in India. Currently metro rail projects are running in the different parts of the country and Metro and Monorail Transit are proposed for the cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Patna, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Indore, Nagpur and Bhopal.

Kolkata Metro

Kolkata Metro is the first mass rapid transit system in the country and India’s Oldest Metro Railway. The Line 1 North-South Metro of 25 kilometers is in the operation with 23 stations of which 15 are underground station. Kolkata Metro is also the first in country to built a operational underground railway. There are 5 more railway lines under construction at the different corner of Kolkata,West Bengal.

Kolkata-Metro

Chennai Metro

Chennai is second city in India to run a rapid transit system in 1995, Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System is a elevated railway line run within the city from from Chennai Beach to Velachery.The Chennai Metro Rail and monorail network system will help the city for reliable and safe transportation. Chennai Metro Rail project consist both elevated and underground section and scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Chennai-Metro

Delhi Metro

The National Capital Region of India got another best mode of transportation called rapid transit system,Delhi Metro.Delhi Metro has 6 lines of 189.63 kilometers with 142 railway stations of which 35 are underground. Delhi Metro consist combination of at-grade,underground and elevated lines.

Delhi-Metro

Bangalore Metro

Bengaluru Metro also known as Namma Metro is recently started rapid transit rail system in the Bengaluru city of Karnataka. Namma Metro second phase will also open soon at the end of year 2012 and rest of the phases will complete as per plan.

Bangalore-Metro

Mumbai Metro

Mumbai, the financial and commercial capital of India is all set to provide another mode of transport to the people. Mumbai is the largest city in India, also among the world and need mass public transport system. Mumbai Metro and Mumbai Monorail will help the life line of Mumbai called Mumbai Suburban Railway. Mumbai is already running Monorail system, the first monorail in India.

Mumbai-Metro

Hyderabad Metro

Hyderabad Metro is under construction with 3 lines and covering a distance of around 71 km for the city. Phase 1 targeted date to operational is for Miyapur to Ameerpet is by December 2014. The Hyderabad Metro is the first public-private partnership metro project in India. Hyderabad is already running a Multi-Modal Transport System for particular routes.

Hyderabad-Metro

Jaipur Metro

The pink city of Rajasthan is got its first metro line of 9.2 km from Mansarovar to Chandpole Bazaar in November 2010. Rajasthan is one of the most visited tourist place in India, specially international tourist and Jaipur is best place to enjoy royal Rajasthan.

Jaipur-Metro

Kochi Metro

The Komet or Kochi Metro is under construction rapid transit system in Kochi city of Kerala.Kochi is one of the fastest developing city in Kerala state, It has international airport,harbor and now the Metro.

Kochi-Metro

Gurgaon Metro

The Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon is the first privately operated metro in the city of Gurgaon, Haryana. Gurgaon Metro will link to Delhi Metro and expected to complete in March 2013.

Gurgaon-Metro

Indian Sport: Martial Art in India

India has a long tradition associated with martial arts.. In fact, ancient martial art forms existed to guide communities through warfare. Battles and weaponry could only subsist in the knowledge of classified science and technique of such fighting styles.

Now martial art displays are popular with visitors, with different regions offering different performances and traditions.

Some of the martial art forms from various periods are regions are listed below.

1. Kalaripayatu 

The most popular martial art form that India is associated with is the Kerala grown Kalaripayatu. This fighting style is replete with intense training and challenging the body with graceful, yet lethal, kicks and use of weapons.

Kalaripayatu-in-India

One of the oldest and richest art forms, the form is said to have been developed by Sage Parasurama about 3000 years ago. While many local Kalari schools are spread across Kerala, you can see a comprehensive performance in Fort Kochi and Cochin.

If you are interested, you can also travel to places like Kottayam and Mahe for an up close performance. In Fort Kochi, catch the performance in Greenix Village.

2. Wrestling or Kushti

The art of wresting was fast replaced by modern day gyms. Largely popular in north India, places like Varanasi and even Delhi had wresting rinks, known as ‘akharas’. Even though the population of these is dwindling, there are some passionate wrestlers who are still striving to popularise the sport. You can see a few small akharas along the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi. In fact Varanasi has 41 akharas in the old city.

Public-Kushti-in-India

3. Silambam

The Tamil Nadu bred form of weapon based martial art Silambam is an interesting one. In this, the performers emulate the movements of animals like that of a snake, tiger or eagle, learning from their nimble and athletic movements. Largely fought with staff fences, Silambam is said to be 5000 years old. Though largely this involves the use of weapons, there is another part of it which is based on unarmed fighting form.

Silambam-fighter-practice

One can see and learn Silambam performance in Pondicherry at the Mohanam School.

4. Gatka

The Sikhs of the country are known for their valour. The strapping young men of Punjab took to Gatka from the early 1800s. Gatka literally means stick in Punjabi and the use of swords, sticks, kirpans and kataars are still seen in this fighting style. The martial art form requires high agility and has a high aggressive tone to it. Though Gatka is not practiced regularly, you can see it in fairs and festivals in rural Punjab. The Harvest festival, Baisakhi, in April is a good time to catch a display.

Gatka-by-Sikh-warrior

5. Thang Ta

Developed in the North eastern state of Manipur, Thang Ta is the deadly martial art form which is also known as Huyen Lallong. The weapon based art form was developed by Meitei and dates back to 17th century. It was first used to fight the European colonists in Manipur and bears resemblance to Myanmar’s banshay. To see one of the performances, visit local festivals where the art form is showcased.

Thang-ta-in-Manipur

Traditional Sports of India