Himachal Tourism - Things to do in Dharamsala

Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh is the serene and peaceful home to the exiled Tibetan Government and their leader Dalai Lama. A district set in the wonderful backdrop of the beautiful Kangra Valley, Dharamsala is made up of a few small towns and villages such as McLeod Gan and Kotwali Bazaar and is surrounded by mountains and pine forests.

Bhuddist-Temple-Dharamsala,India

Though rooted in India, the Tibetan history and culture has a strong influence within Dharamsala. It is said that the Tibetan legacy goes as far as 8th century in this region and many activities are based around the Tibetan culture and religion. Here is our pick of the top ten things to do in Dharamsala.

1. Tsuglagkhang Complex

This is the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet, with a colossal meditation hall with murals and thangkas to add to its charm. The Kalachakra temple inside is where Dalai Lama himself meditates and is located just in fronts of his residence. Look out for the Namgyal Cafe to have a quick bite after visiting the temple. This is run by the youth workers of the complex.

A groups of monks makes a circumambulation around the Tsuglagkhang Temple

2. Thangka Paintings

Many locals make the original Thangka paintings inspired from the stories of Buddha. Visit a local artist and see how these paintings come to life under the skill of adept hands.

Examining-a-very-old-Thangka

3. Tibet Museum

The Tibet museum might be small but contains vast and interesting history about Tibet and the exodus to India. An afternoon here will be wonderful.

Prayer-flags-in-the-garden-Tibet-Culture

4. Dharamkot

One of the most scenic spots off Dharamsala, this is a good place to take your picnic basket and enjoy the view. The Bhagsunag falls also make for a great picnic spot with family. A fresh water spring adds to the interest of the place.

Dharamkot

5. Triund 

A trek to the over 3000m peak beyond Dharamkot is something most trekkers traverse. You need to have decent stamina. Don’t forget t carry comfortable walking and climbing shoes for Dharamsala. There are plenty of trails for short or difficult hikes and are extremely inviting.

Trekkers traverse-Dharamkot

6. Bhagsu Waterfall 

A rough gush of water in a remarkably beautiful setting, climb to the falls but be aware that the last part is quite dangerous.

Bhagsu-Nag-Falls-Dharamsala

7. Indrahar Pass 

The Kangra Valley has some lofty mountains and passes which are a thrill to climb. Indrahar is one such pass.

Kangra-Valley

8. Quaint Cafes and Shopping

With the number of foreign nationals coming to Dharamsala and making it their home, there was a whole hippie movement, which has its reminiscence in old quaint cafes and clothes even now. Mcleod Ganj is perfect for this.

Shopping-stone-jewelry-and-prayer-beads

9. Meet Dalai Lama

A difficult task but not unachievable – try and meet the great leader Dalai Lama. A spiritual experience for many, one needs to watch his website closely for his travel dates and lectures in the town. For a private audience, one needs to know someone in his office. Though your meeting may last only 10 seconds, it will be worth remembering.

Meet-the-great-leader-Dalai-Lama

10. Yoga and Dance 

Yoga has caught the attention of the Western World like wildfire, try your hand at some classes held here. Another art form that might interest you is the alternative Butoh dance. Watch regular performances by The Subbody Butoh School.

Yoga-in-Dharamkot

Dharamsala provides that welcome break and pleasant relief from the city banter for someone on a tourist trip to India. Spend at least 15 days in the area to soak in the culture and easy pace of the destination.

Things to do in Delhi

We want our visitors to get an authentic view of India, where the sights, smells, tastes and traditions of our diverse and incredible country are lived rather than observed.

So here we’ve put together our top twelve insider tips for getting the most out of the nation’s capital, Delhi.

The crucial – the places every Delhi visitor must experience

1 See the world’s tallest brick minaret

Symbolic and imposing, Qutub Minar is one of the first and finest examples of Indo-Islam architecture around. Don’t settle for viewing it across the city – get up close and marvel at the detail.

Qutub-Minar

2 Go inside an emperor’s tomb

Humayun lived the high life and fought a few wars, but it was reading that killed him. The 14th century royal died after falling down the steps of his library. The majestic resting place built for him is now a World Heritage Site and is highly recommended by visitors.

Humayun-tomb

3 Stroll around a spice market

Your senses will be spun in Khari Baoli, Delhi’s huge and frantic spice market. Try not to sneeze when your nose sucks up the powders of every known spice on earth.

Khari-Baoli-Spice-Market-Delhi

4 Picnic at India Gate

As well as being the largest war memorial in India, commemorating members of the British Indian Army who fought in WW1, Lutyen’s India Gate is Delhi’s top spot for a packed lunch, attracting thousands of people every weekend to relax on its surrounding lawns.

5 Be enlightened at the Lotus Temple

Architecture doesn’t come with more wow factor than this. It’s a little known fact the lotus-shaped Bahá’í House of Worship attracts more visitors than either the Eiffel Tower or the Taj Mahal. An awesome expressionist design that seems perfectly suited to the Bahá’í philosophy of spiritual unity.

The hip – things to do Delhi if you want to go native with the Delhiites

6 Get an intellectual fix

Overlooking the famous Lodhi Gardens (the 90 acre city park that’s definitely worth a wander) is Delhi’s favourite cultural hotspot, the India International Centre. The Rockefeller Foundation funds this large venue, which offers everything from theatre, dance and film to music and seminars.

India-International-Center-Delhi

7 Hang out in Chandni Chowk

With its burgeoning population, most of Delhi is a bustling and frenetic place. If the city maelstrom has a centrepoint, then it is surely Chandni Chowk, Delhi’s oldest street and legendary trading post. Stretching from the Red Fort to the Fatehpuri Masjid mosque, if you only eat one paranthe and ride one rickshaw, make sure you do it here.

Chandni-Chowk-Delhi

8 Coffee in Khan Market

The middle-classes of Delhi like to spend their rupees in the cool cafes and international chain stores of Khan Market, near Lodhi Gardens. Italian joint Big Chill, with its rich chocolate desserts, is a favourite with the city’s celebrities. It also has 14,000 fans on Facebook!

9 Watch a film in the Regal

Delhi has lived in the shadow of Mumbai when it comes to film, but cinema is still Delhi’s favourite pastime. And lately the city is becoming more fashionable in Bollywood, as a generation of Delhi-born directors and actors achieve success; Ashkay Kumar, star of 2009’s Bollywood-meets-kung-fu spectacular ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, is one such star. There are plenty of shiny multiplexes to choose from, but if you want something unrefined, see what’s showing at the faded Regal Theatre in Connaught Place, where Noel Coward once trod the boards.

Regal-cinema-Connaught-Place-New_Delhi

And the quirky…

10 Learn more than you need to know about toilets

You may never get a chance to visit another lavatory museum, so while you’re in Delhi, take the opportunity to investigate Sulabh International Toilet Museum. Here you’ll find a golden toilet, a toilet designed for elephants, and an array of pictures, stories and artefacts that will fill you with washroom wisdom.

11 Explore the Delhi metro

If you need to escape from the heat and hubbub, go underground for a while. Delhi’s clean and cool metro system is a world away from the streets above and is usually a stress-free way to get around. Even monkeys have been known to ride it.

Delhi-Metro-Station

12 See the Red Fort at night

Locals say that to visit Delhi and not see the Red Fort is like not visiting Delhi at all. But save a trip here until evening time, when the capital’s number one attraction stages a daily sound and light show. With the fort walls bathed in colour and with a vocal narration of Delhi’s history, it’s a dreamlike experience full of special effects that create a strong and haunting sense of bygone days.

Red-Fort-Delhi

Sightseeing in Gulmarg Kashmir Valley

Sightseeing in Gulmarg is all about marvelling at the picturesque scenery, visiting the scenic lake, or paying homage at the famous shrine of a Muslim saint.

Kongdoor-in-Gulmarg

Gulmarg is dotted with beautiful sites that will enthral you in its splendour. A Gondola ride (cable car ride) takes you up to Kongdori to enjoy the magnificent sights of the meadow from the top.

Khilanmarg is the spot for skiing in winters. You must enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range from Khilanmarg. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Khilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot.

Gulmarg-Ice-field-Kashmir

The Alpathar Lake, about 13 km from Gulmarg, is a scenic alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. From Khilanmarg the lake lies across the Apharwat peak. Adventure seekers must take the one-day trip to the Alpathar Lake from Gulmarg.

Also, while in Gulmarg don’t forget to pay your obedience at the famous Shrine of Baba Reshi, a Muslim saint.

Near By Places  in Gulmarg

Khilanmarg is the place near Gulmarg which is also the spot for skiing in winters and a picnic spot in all seasons. You must enjoy the views of the Kashmir valley and the Himalayan range from Khilanmarg. It takes a couple of hours by pony, to reach Khilanmarg as it is slightly longer on foot.

Gandola-Gulmarg-Kashmir

Visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve to witness a whole range of birds and wildlife, especially the musk deer.

Restaurants and eateries in Gulmarg

The restaurants and eateries in Gulmarg serve excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The food is not only delicious but also hygienic as well. ‘Rogan Josh’ – a traditional non-vegetarian dish, is a must try. For some mouth-watering vegetarian food, Bakshi’s Green Punjabi Dhaba is the best bet. Global Hotel and Restaurant, 200mtrs in the direction of the Gondola from the Bus Station is the place if you’re after some western food.

Horse-cart-ride-gulmarg

Other adventures in Gulmarg

Baba Reshi Shrine

Baba Reshi Shrine (Ziarat) was built and dedicated to the famous Muslim Scholar and Sage – Baba Reshi who breathed his last in Gulmarg in 1480.He was a prominent member of the court of Zain-ul-Abidin – a Kashmiri King of the early 15th Century. This shrine was built amidst a luxuriant garden and is a major tourist attraction apart from the visits from its devotees.

Shiva Temple

The Shiva Temple, also known as the ‘Rani Temple’ and ‘Maharani Temple’ is perched on a small hillock in the town square of Gulmarg and because of its vantage point; the Shiva Temple is visible from all parts of Gulmarg. For the last 17 years, the priestly duties in this Hindu temple have been performed by a single Muslim priest – Ghulam Mohammad Shiekh – epitomizing the communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims in the Kashmir Valley. The local and visiting communities have gracefully accepted a Muslim performing Hindu Temple rituals like puja, aarti and distributing Prasad among the devotees. And being a Muslim, he also performs Namaz every day.

St.Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is a Roman Catholic Church in Gulmarg and was constructed amidst Alpine trees atop a meadowy plateau. In the year 2003, the Church was renovated and on this occasion a special Mass was conducted at Christmas which incidentally happened to be after 14 years.

Banibali Nag Lake

Ferozepura Nallah is 5 kilometres from Gulmarg and Banibali Nag Lake is a couple of kilometres further from here.Banibali Nag Lake is set in the meadows and is surrounded by mountains at 9600 feet. This area is especially breezy so u can see the meadows swaying. And the lake reflects the mountains and the skies when still. It takes around 5 hours to get here from Gulmarg owing to the mountainous terrain.

Ferozepura Nallah – Mountain Stream

About 5 kilometres from Gulmarg is the Ferozepura Nallah – a fresh water stream that meanders its way from the mountains. This stone-studded stream is an ideal picnic spot and the trail that leads to this spot is even more interesting as it goes through the meadows and then the forest and then downhill to the stream. This route is the most ideal for nature photography.

GulMarg-Kashmir-Valley

Ningli Nallah – Mountain Stream

‘Ningli Nallah’ is a sparkling lively stream whichis 8 kms from Gulmarg. This is a perfect picnic spot and also a good spot for camping. All it takes is a couple of hours of trekking from Gulmarg and you would reach this amazing locale surrounded by small hills and flowery meadows with a cold stream trickling down effortlessly.Carry your coffee and book and camera and start very early at the break of dawn from Gulmarg. You could choose to explore this landscape for a few hours and then return to Gulmarg or head up further into other valleys and meadows of Kashmir. Else carry your camping gear from Gulmarg and pitch a tent for the night by the stream. It guarantees to help you relax and recharge.A highly recommended ‘TO-DO’ for honeymooners! Ningli Nallah offers you many more reasons than you can imagine for cuddling up in this cozy environment.

Gulmarg Golf Course

Perched at about 9000 feet altitude, Gulmarg Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses in the world.

Gulmarg-Golf-Course

Sightseeing in Pahalgam Kashmir valley

Shepherd’s village Pahalgam is visited by tourists and locals in huge number for its gradual lowering of temperature and river Ladder flowing at an approachable distance.  Traveling through meandering roads of north Kashmir, Pahalgam opens up with a fresh cool breeze of the river. It has an astounding 9 hole gold course open for tourists now being extended into an 18 hole . The golf championships are organized by state government and private hoteliers in Summer.  Here, tourists and locals putt together in the shades of Pine trees surrounding the golf course.

Pahalgam-Kashmir

Location

Pahalgam is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range. It is positioned beside the Liddar River, in the Liddar valley. Pahalgam is 95 km east of Srinagar. The weather in Pahalgam is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild while winters (November-February) are cold. It experiences rains between July and September. It experiences heavy snowfall from December to February.

History

The origin of Pahalgam is obscure. Mughal rulers ruled this region in the medieval period. It was later a part of the Kingdom of Kashmir, which was ruled by local Hindu rulers. This princely state remained independent even during the British period and later on merged into independent India.

Sightseeing

Chandanwari (16km: 2,923m) 

It is famous for its snow bridge.

Baisaran (5 km: 2,438m)

Pine forests dot this meadow which presents a picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains. The snow covered Tulian lake at an altitude of 3353 m is 11kms from Baisaran.

Sheshnag Lake (27 km: 3,658m)

The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June.

Sheshnag-Lake-Pahalgam-Kashmir

Panchtarni (40 km)

It is the confluence of five streams and gives Panchtarni its name. A good camping site.

Amarnath Cave

Pahalgam is Base Camp of Amarnathji yatra which stands at 3952 mtrs, 46.7 km from Pahalgam. The Holy Cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The ice lingam formed by water droplets, symblises Lord Shiva . People visit the Holy Cave during the scheduled Yatra period. Yatris can hire a pony of Dandy from Pahalgam.

Amarnath-Cave

Distances of stopovers from Pahalgam are : Chandanwari 16 km Pissu top 19.6 km Sheeshnag 25.6 km, Holy Cave 46 . 7 km.

All stopovers have facilities from tents to medical comps and langars, The trek is covered in 2 to 3 days. This Hindu pilgrimage is believed to be the discovery of a Muslim shepherd nomad Butta Malik who’s descendant still receive a  percentage of the donations made by pilgrims. The Yatra Generally during June to August depending upon the Hindu calendar (Sawan Purnima)

Aru (11 km: 2,408m)

This charming meadow can be reached by walking along a mountain path. The river Lidder disappears at Gur Khumb and reappears after 27 mts.

Lidderwat (22km: 3,408m)

A beautiful camping site set among dense forests. Starting point of the trek to the Sindh Valley.

Lidder-river-pahalgam

Kolohi (1,467 m)

Base for a three-day return trek to the Kolohi Glacier.

Tarsar Lake (34 km: 3,962m)

It can be reached from Lidderwat. There are delightful camping sites and flower meadows at Sikiwas, 24 kms from here. To reach the nearby Mansar lake one has to cross a 243 mts high bridge.

Tarsar_lake_Aru

When to Visit

The best time to visit Pahalgam is during the summers, between mid-April and mid-November. It can also be visited in July-August during the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath.

PAHALGAM (Adventure)

Kashmiri-traditional-dress

The Liddar River is popular among travelers interested in angling. Stretches of this river are suitable for trout fishing. Travelers interested in fishing have to obtain a fishing license from the Directorate of Fisheries in Srinagar. Pahalgam is the starting point of a number of trekking and hiking trails to the surrounding mountains. Trekking around Pahalgam is exhilarating, as it takes the traveler through virgin pine forests, clear mountain streams, and meadows of wildflowers.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave.

How to Get There

Airport: The nearest Airport is in Badgam Distt

Train: The nearest rail head is at Jammu.

Road: Bus service is available from Srinagar and Anantnag. Taxis can be hired from Srinagar at pre-fixed rat

Ganpatipule - The popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra

Ganpatipule is approximately 400 kms. drive south of Mumbai, off the Mumbai-Goa highway. It is in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and around 30 kms. from Ratnagiri city. The route to Ganpatipule which we took is 8 hours long, so it would have been better if we started really very early in the morning to avoid the traffic around Panvel, and also carry some food and beverages to avoid the halt for breakfast because it was almost evening by the time we reached. If you want to travel faster, greener and cheaper at the expense of some privacy, Ratnagiri is also a railway station on Konkan Railway and almost all trains on the route stop here. Auto-rickshaws from there charge around 300 rupees for a 45 min. ride to Ganpatipule. The roadways had many ghats and the view from there is very picturesque.

Ganpatiphule

If you are fond of Malwani food, there are some good places to have lunch on the highway around Chiplun, which comes about 120 kms. before Ganpatipule. I have marked a couple of restaurants on the route map.

The Destination

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Ganpatipule is that it caters to both type of Indian tourist – one looking for fun and the other looking for pilgrimage. Because this place is about a temple on a beach.

The Temple

As the name suggests, this place hosts a very beautiful temple of Lord Ganesha. Not only does it has beach on one side but also a small hill on the other which gives its visitors a very serene feeling. The structure of the temple is made of red stones which are intricately carved. The idol of Lord Ganesha itself was of red stone and the legend has it that the idol was discovered there and not man-made. Devotees can perform abhishek (a Hindu ritual) here in the morning. But for that, we had to intimate the temple authorities on the previous day, and they gave us a time-slot during which we can come to perform the ritual. When we reached the temple at the appointed time, we (the men) were made to wear Pitambar (kind of dhoti - I couldn’t take our pictures in the dress) while the ladies were already asked to come wearing the sarees. To perform the abhishek we were allowed to enter the sanctum of the temple where all the arrangements were made by the temple priests. We offered flowers, and other goodies to the Lord Ganesha while the priests chanted sacred shlokas. At the end we left with Lord’s blessing in the form of flowers and Prasaad (sweets and coconut).

There is one very unique thing about this temple. It is the Pradikshina path. Usually all Hindu temples have a small pathway encircling the inner sanctum within the structure which everyone walks clock-wise at the end of visit to the temple. However, at Ganpatipule, the Pradikshina path is a whole one kilometre trek around the hill behind the temple. It was very nicely laid footpath with trees on both the side. And since we visited just after monsoons, it was all lush with greenery. It was almost like a small nature trek. I suggest that anyone visiting Ganpatipule must take the trek. I have posted some of the picutues at the online album.

The Beach

The beach is another reason to visit Ganpatipule. It is only a small stretch of about a kilometre or so, but it is ultra-clean (even as compared to the beaches of Goa). Also the water is almost transparent to the extent that you can see your feet inside the water. However, it is not safe to tread deeper here as they say that there are patches of quicksand. The guards there were quick to call out the ones who tried to be adventurous and go into deep water. We could also see a couple of fishing boats on the horizon. Also, since it is a pilgrimage destination, there were no beach-side shacks serving alcohol and non-vegetarian food. However, there is a long row of small shops and cafes nearby. All in all, a perfect beach to visit with the family.

The Stay and the Food

There are quite a few options for staying in Ganpatipule, and most of them are economical. However, be sure to make reservations at least a week in advance, as most of the good hotels tend to be fully occupied during the extended weekends and festive days. We had planned for the trip just a few days before, and hence couldn’t make reservations. So we had to scout for rooms after reaching there which took us almost couple of hours. There is one Shiv Sagar Palace (looks like a palace literally) almost a couple of kilometres before the main market area starts. All the rooms of this hotel are well appointed and have beautiful sea-view. However the staff wasn’t so welcoming, and the receptionist didn’t even answer our queries promptly. Opposite the palace on the other side of the road is an unnamed hotel which offered basic lodging facilities (read – no TV, no AC – just bed, fan and running water in bathroom) at almost one-third the rates of Shiv Sagar Palace. But the view from each room was more magnificent. It overlooked the entire hill and the beach below. Also there were quite a few hotels in the main market area near the temple which offered almost the same basic lodging. There is also a MTDC resort opposite the temple.

The foodies in us were however disappointed. There were hardly any proper restaurants. Most of them served home-style food and would close down even before 8 in the evening. The only restaurant that we could find was the one inside MTDC resort and we had to wait to find a table. Even the taste of food was just about okay and we ate only to fill ourselves. The Chinese dishes that we ordered tasted more like Punjabi cuisine. At least the breakfast was good, because we like Indian snacks. The beach-side cafes, that I mentioned before, served hot and spicy wadapav, misal, puri-bhaaji, etc. If you like burgers, fries, sandwiches, omelettes and cakes for breakfast, forget it.

The Shopping

The Ratnagiri belt is famous for its kokum and mango products. So we bought dried kokum (used in Indian dishes), kokum sherbet, mango pickles, aam-papad, etc. We also saw quite a few shops selling wooden toys and show-pieces. Some say they are the speciality of the area.

Things to do in Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities of India situated on the banks of River Ganges. People used to mean this city as one of the holiest cities from India. The place is believed to be a sacred city with very old tradition and culture. Varanasi or Banaras is a place which still yet hasn’t flown down by the western culture. It is still very orthodox but also booming as modern cities. The city has all those major amenities which a modern advance city requires.

Varanasi-The-Kashi-Vishwanath

Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. All these are reflected in numerous sects, temples, Ashrams and Ghats. Varanasi is associated not only with Hinduism but also with Buddhism and Jainism. Varanasi also boasts of Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganges Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.

Temples of Varanasi:

Varanasi is a place can be considered as the place especially for different temples. The place has great spiritual importance with so many other attractions. Varanasi is home to about 2,000 temples, and also known as the city of temples. Many important and famous temples are located at the Ghats of Ganges. The holy river Ganges in the place is like icing on the cake. Varanasi is also called Kashi, “the City of Light”. The “Kashi Vishwanath temple”, located near the Ganga Ghats, is the most famous and important temple of Varanasi.

Rana-mahal-ghat-banaras

Here is a detailed coverage of the Temples of Varanasi.

Ghats:

Spiritual life in Varanasi revolves around the ghats, the long string of bathing steps leading down to the water on the western bank of the Ganges. Most are used for bathing but there are also several ‘burning ghats’ where bodies are cremated in public. The main burning ghat is ‘Manikarnika’. There, one can often experience watching funeral processions threading their way through the backstreets to this ghat. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn when the river is bathed in a mellow light as pilgrims come to perform puja (literally ‘respect’; offering or prayers) to the rising sun, and at sunset when the main ‘ganga aarti’ ceremony takes place at Dasaswamedh Ghat. One can explore a trip from Dasaswamedh Ghat south to Harishchandra Ghat and can have a great knowledge about the place Varanasi.

Siberian-birds-ganga

Varanasi is mainly popular for these ghats and the spiritual environment over here. People here come to explore about the Hindu culture, tradition and religion. Thus this place is very famous and caters a good quantity of visitors every year.

Bharat Kala Bhavan:

Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archeological importance. Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. In the main hall of the Bharat Kala Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand.

Bharat-Kala-Bhawan

Bharat Kala Bhavan also has a great collection of miniature paintings from the courts of Mughals and other Kingdoms and principalities. Some of the important sections in the Bharat Kala Bhavan are Mahamana Malaviya gallery, Nicholas Roerich gallery, Chhavi (Painting Gallery), sculpture gallery, Nidhi (Treasures) gallery, sculpture gallery, archaeological gallery, decorative art gallery and Banaras through age’s gallery.

Banaras Hindu University:

The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists.

Jantar Mantar:

Jantar Mantar is an observatory, built by Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur  in the year 1737. Jai Singh was a great admirer of science and technology and he was particularly passionate about astronomy. Before the commencement of construction (of observatories) he sent scholars abroad to study the foreign observatories. The emissaries returned with many manuals on astronomy. The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi was built in line with Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. There are Jantar Mantar Clones in Delhi and Jaipur as well.

Ramnagar Fort:

The Ramnagar fort lies about 14 km. from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.

Ramnagar-Fort-Varanasi

The Ramnagar fort is a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage Cars, Royal ‘palkies’, an armory of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. The ‘Durga Temple’ and ‘Chhinnamastika Temple’ are also located at Ramnagar. A temple of Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman is there. Inside the giant walls of the Ramnagar fort-palace, there is a big clock. This particular clock shows of the movement of the stars. An interesting array of ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs and weapons are some of the artifacts on display in the Ramnagar fort-palace museum.

Sunset-varanasi-india

Besides these places you can also look for places like; Sarnath Museum, Ashoka Lion Capital, Buddhist Temples, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Dharamrajika Stupa etc.

• Banaras Hindu University - a very green and peaceful campus. Few actually know that this University was built during Indian freedom struggle and is known as Oxford of the East. This is the largest residential university of Asia, having approx. 124 independent departments. You can also visit Bharat Kala Bhavan, a museum of Art and Archeology inside the university. There is also a huge white marbled temple called Vishwanath Temple which was bulit by Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the university.
• Sarnath - It is believed that in Sarnath Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples after getting enlightenment. There is also a Museum in Sarnath. The exact location is also known as Deer Park. Sarnath is 13 Km from Varanasi and is very peaceful. Several Asian countries have built Buddhist temples there following their own ancient architectural traditions.
• Ram Nagar Fort - the fort of the King of Kashi which is situated at the other side of the river.
• Gauri Matha Temple - The devi at this temple is supposed to be the sister of the lord Kashi Vishwanath. Its a tradition to visit her just before you leave Kashi. You buy sea shells at this place and offer them to the God saying that the virtues of donating the shells goes to her while you keep the virtues of having visited the holy shrines in Kashi and bathing in the ganges. The trip to Kashi is expected to yield results only after completing this custom.

Ghats-at-varanasi

Swaad with Sharmaji

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan

Breaking away from the royal and desert sights of Rajasthan, Ranthambore is the pride of the Indian wildlife and nature scene. A vast array of wildlife, flora and fauna, makes for an impressive lush topography, just 180 kms away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Previously a hunting ground for the Maharajas, the national park is now rich in wildlife and is located in the Sawai Madhopur district.

Aravali_range_inside_Ranthambhore_Rajasthan

About the Park

The National Park is spread over more than 1300 sq kms, and is flanked by sanctuaries like the Mansingh Sanctuary and the Kaila Devi Sanctuary. Though the endangered tigers have been most talked about, Ranthambore also harbours a large variety of other animals, avian species, flora and fauna.

Ranthambore_Tiger

The 1970s turned around everything for the national park when it was declared one of the Project Tiger Reserves. The Banas and Chambal Rivers add to the lush topography of the region.

How to get there

Jaipur is the closest airport from Ranthambore National park. Plenty of cabs are available from the airport. The national park is also connected by rail to the closest station at Sawai Madhopur, only 11 kms away. The road to Ranthambore is also in a good condition and makes access easy from other parts of Rajasthan.

Best Time to Go

The Park is open from beginning October to June, which is a great time to spot tigers.

Ranthambore_National_Park

Things to Do

1. Safari Rides: The safari rides are planned two times in the day: early morning and afternoon. Please check the exact timings at the time of booking. The rides are for 3 hours and are guided by experts. There are options between smaller open vehicles and 20 seater small buses. The fees vary each year. It can range from Rs 500 onwards and you may be charged separately for cameras.
2. History: Ranthambore also has a lot of history embedded in the region. The Ranthambore Fort was built in the 10th century and overlooks the park area. The majestic fort stands at a height of 700 feet. There are 3 famous temples inside the fort.
3. Padam Talao: This is one of the biggest lakes in the region, which also has the magnificent Jog Mahal at the edge of the water.
4. Hiking- There are some simple hiking trails which can be traversed only with experts. This is a great one for bird watching enthusiasts.

Ranthambore_fort

What to take and wear

1. Dull coloured clothes. Abstain from wearing bright colours in the jungle.
2. Plenty of sunscreen and a hat if you are going for the afternoon safaris.
3. Comfortable walking closed shoes.
4. Binoculars are a good investment. Even though the guards and forest experts have a pair in the car, it’s good to carry your own and not miss a sighting opportunity.
5. Your camera and plenty of space on your memory card!

Sightseeing in Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan captivates visitors. This beautiful pink city springing from the desert offers a wealth of sightseeing opportunities from hilltop forts, regal palaces, well organised museums and colourful bazaars.

Our sightseeing in Japiur guide will help you plan your itinerary.

Jantar Mantar

A key attraction of Jaipur is the Jantar Mantar. Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or “Jantar Mantars” as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. These structures with their striking combinations of geometric forms at large scale have captivated the attention of architects, artists, and art historians world wide. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jantar_Mantar_at_Jaipur

Timings 9.00 A.M. – 5.00 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 20 / Foreigner Rs. 100 / Child Rs. 20

Amber Fort

Amber Fort located in Amber, 11kms away from Jaipur, used to be the capital of the Kachhwaha clan, untill Jaipur was made the official capital in 1727. The Amber Fort looks stunning, built in white marble and red sandstone. To add to its charm, Maotha Lake makes a beautiful foreground. This beautiful fort is one of the very few well preserved military structures of medieval India.

Amer-Fort-Jaipur

Timings 7.00 A.M.- 6.30 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 25 / Foreigner Rs. 150 / Child Rs. 25

City Palace

The City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. The beautifully carved marble interiors, magnificent pillars, jali or lattice work and inlaid ornamentations are exceptional and a highlight for visitors. Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate are the two main entrances to the City Palace Jaipur. The City Palace is actually a palace complex comprising of “Chandra mahal” and “Mubarak Mahal” amongst other palaces and buildings.

Jaipur_City_Palace

Timings 9.30 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 35 / Foreigner Rs. 150 / Child Rs. 25

Gaitore

Another interesting visit would be to Gaitore, situated about 15kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur – Amber Road. Gaitore is a royal cremation site of the majestic rulers of Jaipur. There is a cenotaph for each Maharaja, built in his honour. These royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas are commonly known as ‘Chhatris’.

Timings 9.00 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 20 / Foreigner Rs. 30

Hawa Mahal

One of the most popular attractions of Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal, it stands upright as the entrance to the City Palace. Hawa Mahal is an epitome of the Rajputana architecture. Its unique five-storey exterior is also akin to the honeycomb of the beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas that are decorated with intricate latticework. The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen, since they had to observe strict “purdah” (face cover) It is particularly striking when viewed early in the morning, lit with the golden light of sunrise.

Jaipur-Hawa-Mahal

Timings 9.00 A.M.- 4.30 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 10 / Foreigner Rs. 50

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh Fort which is located immediately above the Amber Fort on the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles). It provides an excellent view of Aravalli hills and the Amber Fort sitting 400m below. Similar in design to the Amber Fort the fort features a cannon named “Jaivana”, which at the time of manufacture was the world’s largest cannon on wheels.

Rajasthan-Jaipur-Jaigarh-Fort-compound

Timings 9.00 A.M.- 5.00 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 25 / Foreigner Rs. 75

Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort is situated atop a picturesque hill. It is the first of the three forts built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh of Jaipur. The Fort stands at the top of rugged point of the Aravalis and offers a spectacular view of the City. The fort has nine absolutely identical suites each delightfully decorated with motifs.

Timings 9.30 A.M.- 4.30 P.M.

Entry Fee Indian Rs. 10 / Foreigner Rs. 50

Composite Ticket

The Rajasthan Tourism Office has introduced the tourist friendly concept of a “Composite Ticket” This ticket costs Rs.50 for an Indian and Rs.300 for a foreigner and allows the ticket holder to visit five tourist spots namely Hawa mahal, Jantar Mantar, Albert hall, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort.

It is recommended to check timings and entry fees for all attractions before setting out as these are subject to change. The entry fee for foreigners in many places is different from that for India nationals.

Swaad with Sharmaji