Temples of Kerala

Temples of Kerala form an amazing component to render the state a unique look with the celebrations of various festivals, rituals, customs, traditions, etc. Some of the Keralite temples are linked to the famous epics of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The day of an average Hindu Keralite begins with the offerings and prayer in their temples along with a bath in their house or in the nearby pond. Temples can be called by other names like, Mandir, Kovil, Ambalam, Mandira, Koil, Devalayam, Kshethram depending on the local languages which they speak. It is considered that each temple in the state is erected in a form to represent the human body. The temples thus refer to all facets of a human body. There is a belief that a temple should offer quiet, calm and neat environment so that the devotees can enjoy a peace of mind. There are also rules and regulations which are formed by the trustee or board or by default that should be conditioned by the devotees visiting the temple. A majority of the temples permit only Hindus to visit the temple premises. There are also exceptions, wherein one can find no caste bar in temples.

The temple architecture in Kerala had its beginning in the early part of the ninth century in the age of Kulasekharas. This is attributed to the political revival of the Cheras which was accompanied by a religious upheaval giving birth to temples built more or less in permanent material. The earlier Cheras too are said to have extended their patronage to the worship of Lord Vishnu, Skanda or Subrahmanya and Kot-tavai or Goddess Durga indicating the existence of shrines in their times though there is no evidence as to their structural forms. Before the rise of structural temples in different parts of Kerala there were only cave temples and rock-cut caves such as those seen at Vizhinam, Kottakkal and Kaviyur.

Each of the state`s temples possesses a single presiding deity (there are also more than one deity in some temples), the god or goddess who is regarded as the prominent deity. There are also sub deities or upa-devatas which are fixed outside the sanctum sanctorum or Sreekovil. Poojas are carried on as per tantric rules and it is based on the type of temple and its customs and rituals. The eventual authority for performing a tantric pooja in a temple is known as Thanthri. The timings of offerings and Poojas are different in different temples with regard to the ritual, tradition and specialties. Thanthri is regarded as `Father of the Deity`. Especial family possesses the right, which means, this family member is only supposed to perform special Poojas like worship during the festivals, re-installation of deity, etc. There is a belief that, the one which possesses the authority to install the deity is also bears the right to perform tantric rituals and this known as thanthri.

Kerala temples are in sync with the geographic condition of the region and resonate with the region`s tradition. The temples of this state are devoted to a number of gods and goddesses belonging to the Hindu mythology. The temples are among the architectural delights which are carved in the style of tradition. Few of the major Kerala temples are Vadukkumnathan Temple, Ananthapura Lake Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, Vaikom Temple, Mannarshala Temple and the Ambalapuzha Temple. These are some of the temples which demonstrate the religious fervor of the people of the state.

Kerala temple architecture is quite different from the temples of other regions in India. Mainly dictated by the region`s geography which abounds in forests having the bounties of the monsoons, the Kerala temple structure is distinctive. The roofs are pointed and steep, and enveloped with copper sheets. The roofs resemble those in the regions of the Himalayas and in East Asia. The roof`s shape is as per the design of the sanctum below. With a plan of circular nature, one can get to see a conical roof, while in a square plan the pyramidal shape of the roof is visible. The temple roof in Kerala is made of wood and the same is completely covered by copper plates. A majority of the Kerala temples have undergone numerous stages of renovation, due to the spoilable nature of materials used of construction.

The spiritual centres - the great temples of Suchindram and Trivandrum - were and still are architectural monuments in the southern Tamil style, with massively ornate gopurams or gate towers and complexes of stone buildings, quite unlike the more modest wooden buildings of the authentic Keralan temples. Politically the most important aspect of this situation was the great influence of the Tamil Brahmins, who in Travancore outnumbered the Keralan Nambudiris and controlled the major temples. The Sri Padmanabhan temple in Trivandrum held jenmom rights over vast areas of land, which gave the priests great economic power, and during the seventeenth century the Yoggakar, the council of eight Brahmins who had originally governed the temple lands under the king`s supervision, sought greater political power for itself and for the Pillamar, the eight noble clans who collected its revenues.

There are two types of temple in Kerala, the rare stone temples in the Dravidian style, mainly in southern Travancore, and the wooden temples in the ancient and indigenous Keralan style. These forms of architecture differ in much more than choice of building materials. The Dravidian temples of Suchindram and Trivandrum are notable landmarks. Their structures are characterized by the enormous pylon-like gate towers called gopurams, heavily decorated with stone and gilded finials, which tower over all the other buildings in the temple complex and can be seen, like the spire of a cathedral, from a great distance. Within the high stone walls of these Dravidian temples there are veritable towns of halls and shrines, united by elaborate processional corridors. Even outside the main enclosures there are highly decorated dancing halls and other buildings, like the beautiful pavilion which stands for all passers to see in the middle of the great tank beside the temple at Suchindram.

The daily Poojas in the temples of Kerala are carried on by Namboodiri Brahmins, known as Santhi or Poojari, appointed by Trustee or Board. There are temples which are registered in Devaswam board or Trustee and the registered temples in Kerala possess certain rules and regulations of the concerned board. There are also temples in this state which are won by village or a particular family. In Kerala, there can be witnessed several rituals and customs relating to the temples. There are some temples in Kerala which organize annual events or festivals, thus giving more importance to the temple. There are also some Kerala temples which open a certain period of time.

The earlier Kerala temples were largely for Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva or their different manifestations like Parasurama, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna or Vamana. Shiva is prayed in the form of aniconic and iconic lingam. Swayampradhana shrines to Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha belongs to the later origin, and is visible in temples located in close proximity to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The temple inscriptions belong to the ancient Vattezhuttu script of Tamil Nadu. Inscriptions in Malayalam language in the temples are found from the sixteenth century.

Festivals of Kerala Temples

Of the temple festivals, two ancient ones deserve special mention for their historical importance, though they are extinct now. These are the Mahamagha festival conducted at Tirunavay on the banks of the Bharatapuzha near Tirur and the Onam festival of Trikkakara, near Emakulam.

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Spiti Valley The Middle of the Mystic Himalayas

The Spiti Valley and its neighboring valleys are among the most remote in the world, lying on the border with Tibet in a seldom-traveled corner in the far north of India, smack-dab in the middle of the mystic Himalayas.

The valleys are accessible a few months of the year when receding snow allows traffic over 15,000-foot-high (4551M) Kunzum Pass. The only other entrance for sometimes-motorable access is habitually blocked by mud and rockslides. I entered the Spiti Valley by jogging rapidly across a few-hundred-meter-wide avalanche, ricocheting my attention between slippery footholds and the near-vertical slope above while dodging whizzing boulders larger than me.

Though an armored bulldozer worked valiantly to clear the continuing landslide, on this day no vehicles entered the Spiti Valley. For those without a helicopter the third and only other way in is also by foot: over the spectacular Pin-Parbati Pass at 17,552 feet (5319 M), often trekkable in July and August.

Why go to such a remote place? The reasons are multiple, from the unending procession of awe-inspiring glacier-snagged peaks to a flurry of ancient Buddhist monasteries chocked below, above and hanging off granite-hewed cliffs.

The oldest and holiest monastery in the Himalayas is in the Spiti Valley, the Tabo Monastery dating from 996 CE. This and other monasteries are the stomping grounds of the Dalai Lama, whose colorful hangers-on packed the Valley during my week there.

Though his extreme Holiness was very much in rumored evidence, the best I could muster was a photo of a waving hand and glimpse of his bespectacled face as he swept by in a red SUV.

For those planning an assault on the Spiti Valley it’s best to headquarter in Manali, mountain-vacation refuge for those sweltering in India’s lowland cities. Indians visiting Manali are the rich ones, the barely one percent who can afford to escape Delhi and every other big Indian city during the malevolent monsoon that covers the non-mountainous part of India with water, doubling the price of Manali hotel rooms.

The weird is represented, among other examples, by the near-by dinker village of Malana, even by non-dyslexics not to be confused with Manali. In Malana the villagers shun all strangers as untouchable, which is real progress. A decade ago strangers were barred from Malana.

Walking through Malana is like wondering whether you really exist. Villagers look right through you, around you and over you, or run and hide, except the little ones with grimy hands unabashedly begging for chocolate.

The remarkable beauty resides in Manali-area treks fragranced by dense pine forests. My first trek challenged a pass freshly covered in white stuff, a May snowstorm that the night before had literally buried my tent at a mere 10,700 feet (3200 M).

This trek then weirdly led down through the untouchability of Malana, 6000 feet (1700M) almost straight down a freshly muddied and thus very slippery slope to the closest road for a bus back to Manali. Knees past their use-by date took three days to recover.

The next three-day trek over 14,084 feet (4268M) Hampta Pass was spectacularly gorgeous, what most any pass would be with 100 feet (30M) of snow on its traverse, allowing a ski-like descent into the green-meadowy valley below. There I crossed raging glacier-fed torrents on precarious bridges of snow: a pale warm-up for the grandeur of the Spiti and its neighboring valleys.

Modern and up-to-snuff isn’t exactly how you get to some of the remotest valleys on the orb. However, the tent came with a wall-to-wall-plushy mattress and a waterproof rain-fly. Thus I survived the only deluge of the two-week journey.

Before tent-time I’d piddled away two hours waiting for dinner while chatting up the earthy cook and listening to her unending witticisms about the ferocious nocturnal bears that wander the local Great Himalayas National Park, looking for tasty tidbits nestled in canvas.

Surviving the bears, I explored out-of-the-way places beginning with the recent headquarters for human sacrifice in Sarahan, heads tossed into the Sutlej River a vertical mile below the grand twin towers of the combo Buddhist and Hindu Bhimakali Temple.

Blood from the decapitated body was placed on the tongue of the Temple goddess and used to wash her feet, now faded to orange. Leftover bodies were dropped into an adjacent well from which you still oughtn’t drink the water. However, Sarahan beer is nicely chilled at 6300 feet (1920M). But don’t over imbibe because the raucous Temple loudspeakers wake everyone at six am.

The next day required six bus changes to cover fifty six miles (92 Km), taking almost seven hours, the last hour up to Sangla among the most frightening of my life. Every Indian bus requires a conductor and driver. The conductor sells tickets and blows a supersonic whistle full blast in your ear, ostensibly to start, stop or guide the bus so it doesn’t fall off a cliff because all the roads in this part of the world are narrow ribbons snaking along sheer cliffs. I decided to tackle the Spiti in a uniquely weird fashion, by taking local buses for two or three dollars a day instead of shelling out thirty or more for a jeep and driver. So what if it took a week to get all the way to Spiti? And so what if the first night was spent in a tent? Upon arrival in Manali you’re confronted with a hundred hotels scattered over precipitous hillsides surrounded by glaciers and granite, by unique weirdness and remarkable beauty.

Meanwhile the driver is preoccupied with selecting the loudest shrillest tape of Indian “music” to share with those not already deaf from the conductor’s whistle, a task far more important than watching for oncoming trucks. When a bus meets a truck on these single-track roads, which occurs every sixty seconds, one vehicle hugs the cliff wall while the other tracks the edge of the quite slippery cliff.

The driver this day harbored a death wish and visions of Formula One stardom. He’d stick his head out the window to see how close he could drive to the edge that dropped five hundred feet straight down. On one occasion he opened his door to double-check his acuity, which wasn‘t that precise.

I sat on the cliff-side and could usually see the Sutlej River straight below, unobstructed by the inconvenience of a road’s edge. Blind corners failed to discourage our hurtling-projectile of a bus though its front end cornered over the verge while the back end reluctantly and sloppily followed, swinging a crumble further for particularly inspiring views of the shattered hillside below, dizzily seen as if through the wrong end of a telescope.

It had been sprinkling for an hour, lending excitement to riddles of bus maintenance and the slithery mud track to Sangla. Meanwhile the lady next to me leaned over and was sick out my window while the music pounded and the slick bus tires fought for purchase on the next blind curve around the gray-granite blasted cliff.

Exactly one week later this bus missed a curve and landed five hundred feet below, in the Sutlej River, the latest version of human sacrifice. By the time would-be rescuers reached the canyon bottom the bodies had disappeared without, one assumes, the intervention of a temple goddess or close-by well.

Sangla was separated into an older ancient village with a seven-story fort overlooking the high valley and “modern” Sangla right below where I found a slightly strange hotel. Every evening the sheets and towels were washed by tossing them into a huge vat, adding soap, water and stomping feet for an experience similar to crushing grapes. The washer-man exited with clean feet while sheets and towels remained dingy.

The Sangla road dead-ended at Chitkul a few kilometers from the Tibetan border, which is legally crossable nowhere within a thousand miles. To legally enter Tibet you must fly in from a Chinese city or cross overland from Nepal.

This dead-end remoteness rendered Chitkul charming and amazing, largely because it’d been open to foreigners for only a dozen years. The locals wore green-felt hats and lived in ancient wooden hayricks with slate roofs surrounding the mandatory defense-tower, which was dwarfed by the surrounding white-capped peaks.

Every evening the local men got liquored up and toted Chitkul’s sacred ark from the little village square to the temple complex, going into a trance and swinging the ungainly apparatus to simulate the presence of spirits already over-partaken.

The next chore was obtaining the seven-day “inner-line” permit required for entry into the Spiti Valley, an operation requiring three passport photos plus a copy of passport and Indian visa, taking a day of bureaucratic dawdling in the regional center of Recongpeo: grand cost $1.15.The map legend for the Spiti Valley might as well read, “Monsters be here,” but all maps instead describe India’s borders with Tibet, China and Pakistan as unofficial, which is to say unknown and seriously disputed. Clutching a fresh “inner-line” permit I hopped a bus that immediately broke down upon approaching the Spiti Valley, forcing an unplanned night in the strangely-named town of Pooh.

Next morning I was allowed to step off the substitute bus and gingerly rush cross the avalanche-zone with my fellow passengers who waited for a bus that never arrived.

After walking a few miles I found a bus in the first Spiti Valley village and over-nighted in the venerable Tabo monastery, the sprawling monastery complex having been freshly painted for the imminent arrival of the Dalai Lama. Every four years he rededicates the complex of five temples and four shrines with rites of Kalachalena, consisting of instruction, rejuvenation and prayer, the latest from June 12-14, 2004.

I spotted his Holiness during his arrival to dedicate the new monastery down valley at Kungri on June 8 where Tibetan Buddhists and monks thronged, most sleeping in freezing-cold tents at 11,000 feet. Meanwhile I managed to find a sparse guesthouse in Sangam, a couple of miles away in the incredibly beautiful Pin Valley surrounded by mountains folded, spindled and seemingly stapled into fantastically-shaped fissures and wads.

Next morning the Dalai Lama landed in a private helicopter on the Sangam helipad and SUVed to Kungri. There monks in red-pointy helmet-hats fringed with golden manes lined a thoroughfare mobbed with true-believers and an exuberant time was had by all.

After a week exploring the Spiti Valley and somehow missing the Dalai Lama’s every other appearance I returned to truly strange antics above Manali. There lowland Indians, who’ve never seen snow up close, thronged to rent overshoes, ratty fake-fur coats, gloves and hats to brave the sparse dirty snow left on Rohtang Pass, a bare 13,000 foot (almost 4000M) affair.

The Pass attracted Indians like a magnet, creating one of the world’s highest perpetual traffic jams as they wandered the narrow road, careened down practically barren slopes in faux sleighs and posed for group photos in front of grotty snowmen. I was already missing the peace and tranquility of the incredible Spiti Valley.

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East India Golden Triangle Tour

Explore Some Of Best Temples Of India

East India golden triangle tour is one of the most sought after travel circuits of India which provides tourists a wonderful opportunity to see some of the best temples of India. This fascinating travel circuit lies in Orissa in eastern India and covers three popular destinations – Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark. It is a short period touring option and generally the itinerary is planned in duration of 5 or 6 days. Each destination of this cultural journey has some of renowned temples of India. Here is information about what you will see at each destination of this cultural odyssey in Orissa.

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Orissa (Odisha). The city has 2000 years old history. Magnificent sculptures and architectural heritage are assets of this historical city. There are hundreds of Hindu temples in this city which attract travelers. Temples are architecturally beautiful and never fail to lure visitors. Travelers can also make excursion to nearby famous places like Udaigiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri. At Udaigiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri travelers have an opportunity to see many magnificent Buddhist temples & monuments.

Major attractions to see in Bhubaneswar include Lingaraj Temple (the truest fusion of dream and reality), Mukteshwar Temple, Parsurameswar Temple, Vital Temple, Raja Rani Temple, Brahmeswar Temple, Bharateswar Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Mohini Temple and many more.

Puri: Puri is one of the holiest cities for the Hindus. Located in Indian state of Odisha it is also one of the best beaches for swimming in India. It has emerged as a popular beach resort and pilgrimage place and attracts a number of Hindu devotees and vacationers from all over the world. Once can see the spectacular views of both sunset and sunrise from the beach at Puri.

Major attractions to see in Puri include Jagannath Temple, Siddha Mahavir Temple, Jambeswar Temple, Shyamakali Temple, Gundicha Temple, Lokonath Temple and Swetaganga Tank.

Konark: Konark is a small town in Puri district of the eastern Indian state of Orissa. It is the site of the 13th century Sun Temple (also known as Konark Sun Temple or Black Pagoda). The temple is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and internationally renowned with its marvelous architecture. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of India as per the poll collected by NDTV. It is built in the shape of chariot of Lord Surya (the sun god). The stunning stone carving of the temple complex never fails to lure its visitors.

Book exciting Indian Golden Triangle Tour with popular extensions like Golden Triangle tour with Amritsar and Golden Triangle Tour with Khajuraho

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The Charm of Traveling By Ferry

With the Goan terrain criss-crossed by a number of rivers, at many places one has to cross a river to get to the other side. Before bridges were built, canoes and ferries were an important and essential mode of transport in Goa. The most important crossings were from Panjim to Betim and Agacaim to Cortalim, and vice-versa, across the Mandovi and Zuari rivers respectively.

The ferryboats plied from one ramp to another across the river. Earlier there was only one ramp on each side. But as traffic increased, another ramp was built and the number of ferries crossing the rivers too, increased. Having a single ramp was inconvenient for the passengers, especially at peak hours. No particular timings were observed, and the ferries would cross, once the ferry was full of passengers.

The ferries were connected to the ramp by wooden planks called shigdi in Konkani. People and vehicles walked over these, to board or alight from the ferry. These planks had hoods at one end, which were used to fit and fix the ferry. The planks were left on either side of the river, on the landing. When the ferry reached one of the sides, the planks were pulled by using long iron rods that had hooks to facilitate holding of the planks.

Placing the planks at the right place was important and needed some skill. This was required specially when four wheelers had to move in and out of the ferry. The drivers had also to be skillful and be able to manoeuvre the car on the narrow planks, or risk falling in the water.

There was discipline while boarding the ferry. First of all, the vehicles would move in: Two wheelers, followed by four wheelers. Last came the passengers. Similarly, after mooring, the people would move out first, and then the vehicles. However, some people who were in a hurry to reach their destination, or board a bus, would jump from the ferry ramp, without waiting for the attendants (kalasi) to set the planks. Some of the youngsters and agile passengers would jump even before the kalasis threw the rope to moor the ferry. Funny scenes were sometimes witnessed when a person fell into the water instead of onto a dry ramp or he/she broke the strap of the sandal or slipper.

Traveling across the rivers was cumbersome. Those who wished to travel from Panjim to Margao or Vasco da Gama had to first travel up to Agacaim and go across the river Zuari by ferry for their onward journey. There were bus stands on either side of the river, one at Agacaim and the other at Cortalim. Taxi owners would wait for individuals to come and take the seats. Each passenger would pay for his or her own fare. This was a practical and viable mode of transport for those who could afford to pay the higher fare of the taxi. In return the passenger had a comfortable trip, spending minimum time. Many such taxi 'sharing' service were available in Goa, even ten years back. However, at present most of these services have been discontinued as traveling regularly by taxi has become expensive. Panjim-Mapusa and vice versa has still got this service and has many passengers patronizing the taxis, specially during the morning, afternoon and evening (after office) time.

Traveling to the north, one had to cross the Mandovi river and take a bus or taxi from Betim bus stand and proceed to Mapusa and other onward destination. At every such point (ferry wharfs) the passengers would alight and rush to buy the tickets, to cross the river. Some regular passengers carried monthly or annual passes. Passengers would queue up to buy the tickets at the ticket counter. Sometimes when the ferry was about to leave, latecomers would rush into it, with some jumping in even after the wooden planks.

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Spices of India

The story of Kerala's spices dates back to many thousands of years into the past. Kerala's claim to fame in the ancient world rested mainly with her fabulous riches brought about due to total monopoly over spices.

The ancient port of Musiris was the centre of the world trade many aeons ago - the spice trade being central to its legendary fame. It can be said that the Western colonisation itself a fallout of the race to control the spice trade from Kerala. Vasco Da Gama's arrival was just the culmination of the western world's rush to find the sea route to the Indies and its spices trade.

Within the last decade the international trade in spices has grown to an estimated 500,000 tonnes of spices and herbs valued at more than 1500 million US dollars. It is a matter of pride for the tiny state of Kerala that the bulk of this trade is still from Kerala. Some spices that have made Kerala a household word in the spices world are listed below:

• Pepper
• Cardamom
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Tamarind
• Nutmeg
• Curry Leaves
• Vanilla

To visit this spice land of Kerala, book your Kerala vacation package now. You can also enjoy houseboat rides, backwater cruises and the mesmerizing hill station holidays in Munnar

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Desert Festival Jaisalmer 2012

Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.

The Desert Festival is an annual event organized in the beautiful city, Jaisalmer. This three days festival is held in the month of February. It is organized in association with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaisalmer. Desert Festival represents the rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture and concludes on the day of Poornima.

During the festival, the desert folks sing and dance eloquently to the triumphs and the tragedies of the land. Other major celebrations of the Desert Festival of Rajasthan include the traditional gymnasts, mystical snake charmers, entertaining puppet shows and captivating folk music recitals. The desert festival is also a musical extravaganza where musicians and the renowned artists participate. Along with this, a number of competitions are held in the festival like the turban tying competition, longest moustaches competition, etc. Even the camels take part in a number of events, including camel polo and camel dance. Not only the Jaisalmer fort but the whole Jaisalmer city brims with excitement during the Desert Festival.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a colorful festival held in February every year. You will get to see Cultural events, camel races, turban tying competitions etc. Not exciting enough! Attend the contests to judge the man with the best moustache. Everything is exotic in the Desert festival, amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert. With a final musical performance by folk singers under the moonlit sky at the dunes in Sam, just outside Jaisalmer, the festival comes to its end. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three daylong extravaganza.

The desert festival in Jaisalmer was started to attract foreign tourists, who always wanted to explore as many facets of Rajasthan as they could in the possible crunch of time. The three-day event stresses more on local elements and heritage. For example, this no-nonsense festival will only showcase Rajasthani folk songs and dance. These are presented by some of the best professionals of the art. Similarly, local customs such as Turban tying etc have been added to make it more exotic and colorful in its outlook. 'The moustache competition' is very popular among foreigners. This is simply because of the surprise value attached to this event. Foreigners can be seen posing for pictures with the winners. This is truly a moment worth preserving.

You will never forget marvels like the famous Gair and Fire dancers that are the major attraction of the desert festival celebrations. Interesting contests including a tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where you will enjoy camel rides and brilliant performance by the folk artist under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.

The Rajasthan tourism organizes the Jaisalmer Desert fair/festival. There is tourist help cell to deal specially with the problems faced by foreign tourists. The arrangements are monitored by local administration and state of the art Medical vans, equipped with the best of medical amenities, are kept on alert. If you want to buy gifts or souvenirs for your dear ones, this is the place to be. For this place not only have items from and around Jaisalmer but of the whole Rajasthan. Mobile money exchangers are there in case you need to exchange currencies. And if you run out of cash, Guess what! Nearly all the kiosks have the facility to accept credit card.

To be a part of Jaisalmer desert festival, book your package holiday for Jaisalmer or India tour package now.

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Khajuraho Dance Festival 2012

Classical Indian dance returns to its roots - to the temples where it was conceptualised, defined and immortalised in stone. The exquisite 1000 year-old temples of Khajuraho serve as the idyllic backdrop to an art genre with an equally impressive pedigree.

As dusk gives way to the nights darkness, lamps bathe the temples in a surreal golden glow creating the perfect ambience for the past to juxtapose with the present. The mellifluous strains of the flute and the tanpura set the mood; the mridangam and the tabla beat out the rhythms echoed by the ghungroo of the dancer and time stops. Sculpted dancer come to life? Nimble footwork arrested in mid step? A dancer captured in stone or just a moment out of time?

Find out for yourself. Travel to the plains of Central India, to the temple town of Khajuraho. The weeklong Khajuraho Dance Festival features the finest young talents of Indian classical dance and presents a rare opportunity to see the maestros and grand dames of Indian dance perform.

The festival of dance 2012 in Khajuraho is going to be held during 1st - 7th February 2012 so don't miss the opportunity to book a Khajuraho tour package and be a part of the most memorable classical extravaganza of dance in India.

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Snow and Winter Sports in India

Whether you are looking for thrilling expeditions and mountaineering and heli-skiing are the sports that interest you more, then head towards the northern part of India, plushed with some of the best extreme sports destinations of the world. Worth checking out are Manali in Himachal, Garhwal region in Uttar Pradesh and Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir. So what are you waiting for! Just pack your sports gear and get going!

Winter sports are not just about snow skiing, there are plenty of activities one can try out. If you are scared of heights and skiing is not exactly your cup of tea! Then how about skating? Or Ice Skating? You just need to smooth up your balancing act on skates and leave the rest to the snow.

Ice Skating is just like skiing except that instead of swooshing down from snow covered slopes you just glide along a wide skating arena wearing ice-skates. Whether you want to have a skating partner or whether you want to do it alone, ice-skating is a sport, which needs a much better balancing act than in ordinary skating.

The best options to try out ice-skating in India is Shimla, where every year a winter sports festival is held and this sport is one of the major attractions of it. If you are an amateur or a bit naïve about skiing, just try the simple rules of agility, stability and steadiness and no one will be able to beat you.

Mountaineering & Ice Climbing

Mountaineering is a sport that has challenge in every step. The Indian Himalayas yield every kind of challenge a climber could ask for, unparallel in scope for high mountain adventure. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal are India's major mountaineering states, while Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh offer restricted climbing.

Among the Indian Himalayas, the most challenging peaks that climbers crave to climb are Nanda Devi and Kanchenjunga. For the biggest mountaineering challenges in India, a climber can opt the Garhwal Himalayas, the Zanskar range in Jammu & Kashmir, Kullu & Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh and the eastern Himalayan range of Sikkim & Darjeeling.

Skiing

The hills of India have all the ingredients for adventure packed with excitement and thrills and lots of unexplored valleys, towering peaks and snow-capped mountains and glaciers. A splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow awaits you. Gulmarg is known as Kashmir's premier upland hill resort at the the altitude of 2, 730m and offers one of the largest and best equipped winter sports opportunities in India.

Auli in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal is also counted as another major skiing resort of India.The Manali Region in Himachal Pradesh also offers scope for winters as well as summer skiing. It has excellent natural slopes and in the summer months has limited skiing possibilities at Narkanda. Last but not the least is Kufri, which has always been a favourite among ski lovers who visit Shimla in winters.

Heli Skiing
If you just don't care about the risk part of high altitude skiing and have got the courage against all odds then, Heli Skiing is just for you. The helicopter is going to leave you at the top of a snow capped peak and from there you just have to criss-cross your way downward. This sport challenges the risk-taking explorer in you, as you have to ski down through unknown routes and ridges. Indian Himalayan region is just the best way to start off this thrilling sport. Some of the best choices include Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani Pass near Manali.

To book exotic Manali and Shimla Tours, please visit the website

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Shimla Manali Tours Enchanting Experience

Shimla and Manali are two predominant hill stations of northern India. Both are situated in the picture perfect state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Shimla is the capital city of the state and very popular among tourists with its extraordinary natural beauty and lots of tourism attractions. It is an enthrallingly beautiful hill station in the lap of nature surrounded by forests for pine, oak and cedar trees. Summer in this beautiful hill town is very pleasant and tourists flock to this city during summer in good numbers. Winter in this city is also enjoyable and very ideal for honeymooners or newly wedded couples. A lot of winter sports can be enjoyed during winter in this beautiful city. In fact, it is destinations of all seasons. Each season has here special charm and never fails to allure its guests. 

Besides ultimate scenic beauty the city is also famous for its unique colonial style buildings and cottages. There are lots of places of tourists interests like the Mall, the Ridge, Christ Church, Shimla State Museum, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Viceroy Lodge, Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Tara Devi Temple, etc. Tourists do not miss to explore these attractions of the city during their Shimla tours in Himachal Pradesh, India. 

The mall is the main shopping area of the city. Taking a stroll in the Mall is a delightful experience of lifetime. There are lots of restaurants, bars, recreational clubs, tourist offices, etc are in this area. One of the major attractions of the Mall is the Gaiety Theatre. The Ridge and the Scandal Point are also very popular attractions of the Mall. Tourists also get wonderful opportunity to engage themselves in adventure and sport activities during their Shimla tours. For honeymooners or newly wedded couples Shimla is just a right destination. There is no need to way this city is so famous among honeymoon couples.

Not only Shimla but also Manali is the predominant tourist destination in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Manali is situated in the district of Kullu. Kullu is itself very popular destination of India with picture perfect landscapes, meadows of flowers, lively valleys, etc. Manali is exceptionally beautiful hill station of India. Picturesque lively valleys, fast running Bea rivers, meadows of wildflowers, fruit laden apple orchards, forests of oak, pine & cedar trees, ancient temples & shrines, Buddhist monasteries, snow capes mountain peaks, availability of wide ranges of adventure and sports activities etc are simply delight for tourists and of course honeymooners or newly wedded couples. No wonder, why it is called as the “Switzerland of India”. If people cannot afford a tour to Switzerland then what better place can be than Manali of India? 

Hidimba Temple, Vashisth Temple & springs, Jagatshukh Temple, Arjuna Gufa, Beas Kund, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Manali Mountaineering Institute, Rahala Waterfalls, Monasteries, Adventure Sports, etc are highlights of Manali tours and travel. For adventure & sport lovers no any better place can be than Manali. White water rafting, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, ice skating, paragliding, heli-skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing & angling, etc prime adventure & sport activities which tourists do not miss to enjoy all these adventurous and delightful activities. If you too want to grab the charm of Manali then a right Manali tour package can fascinates you.

You can book a Shimla Manali tour package or Shimla Manali  Honeymoon Packages via India Travels Guide, Travel Agent India operating from Delhi.

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Camel Safari in Jaisalmer

The Camel Safari in Jaisalmer offers an opportunity to the tourists to enjoy the life in the shimmering glory of the desert sand. A camel safari allows the tourists to explore the life and majesty of Rajasthan and enthrall the desert scape. 

Also known as the 'ship of the desert' the camel is the most popular of all animals in the desert. A camel safari allows the visitor a glimpse of the simplistic villages of Rajasthan and exposes the tourist to the rustic lifestyle of the desert people. The camel safari routes traverse through the desert sand dunes taking the tourist the ancient havelis, temples and abandoned palaces. 

On the Camel Safari, the tourists are required to gear up for the harsh weather of the desert. The safari is designed to suit travelers all across the globe. The tourists may enjoy the traditional cuisine of Rajasthan and listen to the traditional music. Tourists may also participate in the cultural programs hosted in the deserts of Rajasthan. 

For a camel safari, book Jaisalmer tour packages now and have a glimpse of an entirely different and charming part of India. You can also book your India travel deals to visit other places in Rajasthan.

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Best Times to Visit Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is hosted at the Chitragupta or Vishwanath Temples generally from February 22nd to March 2nd. Hence, this is the best time to visit the Khajuraho temples.

It is advisable to explore the main Khajuraho temples in the morning hours, when there are fewer tourists and it is generally less hot. You should then come back late evening to enjoy the Son-et-Lumière (sound and light show) organized at the Western Group of temples. The 50-minute sound and light program at Khajuraho is in both Hindi and English, with a narration of the story of Khajuraho by Indian Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

We are an Indian Travel Agency operating from Delhi. You can book a Khajuraho trip or a tour during Khajuraho festival to visit these spectacular temples in Madhya Pradesh, India.

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Why Shimla and Manali Are Considered Great Honeymoon Destinations

Romantic honeymoon does not occur, you must plan carefully. Furthermore, since a honeymoon trip is always the first big decision you as a couple, it must be absolutely no problem. How to plan your honeymoon well in advance so that you much time to the different honeymoon destinations and honeymoon packages on the market of today’s research.

A honeymoon is important, after all the strenuous marriage ceremony to relax. And when it comes to relax, to relax may be a better place than the hill stations of Shimla and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. This is blessed hill stations of Himachal Pradesh with abundant natural beauty, breathtaking mountain peaks, loaded beautiful hills, waterfalls, orchards and gardens. Sold because of all the world as the best honeymoon destinations.

The town of Shimla is a beautiful natural beauty. It offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and has many attractive tourist attractions that never fail to fascinate and attract the attention of tourists. Some of the best destinations in Shimla Honeymoon visit is over the ridge, the Mall, Christchurch, Kali Bari Temple, Shimla State Museum Tara Devi and the temple. Summer Hill Prospect Hill in the fall and Chadwick are some of the other attractions of Shimla. Honeymoon in Shimla, you also get wonderful opportunities for adventure sports like mountain climbing, skiing, trekking, golf and fishing. Visit Shimla in winter will give you a great view of the snowy and hilly country.

Manali is a picturesque hill station of Himachal Pradesh. It has several tourist attractions such as Vashist Hot Spring, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Tibetan monasteries, many temples, Nehru Kund and Arjuna Gufa. You can also enjoy adventure sports activities like skiing, heli-skiing, ice skating, rafting, climbing and mountaineering in Manali during your honeymoon in this city.

So if your honeymoon lasts two days or two weeks honeymoon in the beautiful hill stations will certainly give you some of the magical moments that you maintain all your life.

You can visit Www.IndiaTravelsGuide.Com to book a Shimla Manali Honeymoon Package

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Combine The Indian Golden Triangle With Exquisite Khajuraho

You will leave India with your unwilling desire as the country gives you the best moments of your travel. It has many cities to visit and take unforgettable scenery of nature from places like Himalayas with you. In the Golden Triangle Travel of India along with Khajuraho city you will see the diverse traditional culture of these cities. The other three cities in the tour are Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi. 

Famous for its varied cultured living styles, Delhi is the capital of India. It has the beauty of Mughal architecture in their monuments which stand in the city and are most attracting sites for tourists. Also wide range of shopping at different shopping walkways, city offers you rich traditional and historical art of the country. Visit Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid and also see India gate, temples of Delhi, Museums, Gardens and much more and feel the time of Mughals ruled India. 

Every place of the city has its own field of attraction. Go to Old Delhi markets and modern shopping malls where your needs will be full. Chandni Chowk, Janpath, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh are famous markets for clothes and other gears. For fancy shopping visit to other destinations like South Extension, Aurobindo Market, Khan Market and Ajmal Khan Road. For hanging around with friends go to places like Central Park, Hauz Khas village, or old fort.

The city which hosts one of the seven wonders of world, Taj Mahal is part of this tour. It has varied culture and Mughal history. Taj Mahal is a large white marble mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Mughal King ShahJahan who built it in the sixteenth century. Its construction was started in 1633 and 20,000 workers were laboured. It took 17 years to build it. Agra gives you opportunity to buy buy leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery and embroidery work and also have food for which it is known like sweets and salty snacks.

Known as the pink city, Jaipur is in Rajasthan. Mughal period and modern developments are all in the city. It has the crown of being the Royal Capital of Rajasthan. For shopping in Jaipur you can visit to Babu Bazaar, Tripola Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Johari Market, Ramganj Bazaar and Hawal Mahal bazaar. You will get a range of traditional saris, duppatas, clothes with kalamkari (bagru), zahota, sanganeri, shekhwati and Mughal block prints on fabrics. There are 700 odd jewellery shops in the old city market of the city. You will enjoy the comfort of large palace hotels which have all kinds of five star facilities.

Khajuraho trip offering a Khajuraho city is in the tour during your sightseeing of of its temples, which were built between 950 and 1050 AD by the kings of the Chandela dynasty. They are built in inspiring creativity. These temples are famous among tourists for the magnificent carvings depicting numerous sexual postures of the famous "Kamasutra", ancient Indian work on sexual love and the art of lovemaking. Among 85 temples which were originally built only 22 survived. Matangeshwara temple is continuing its worshipping as 1000 year old tradition.

Take this Golden triangle tour with Khajuraho tour for the tradition, culture and architecture experience which you will gain throughout the tour.

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River Cruises in Goa

Goa is not only about golden beaches spread for miles but also about scenic rivers that make it the best possible destination for long river cruises. A holiday in Goa will remain incomplete and imperfect without a river cruise. Goa is far-famed for its cruises. These cruises are amongst the major attractions of Goa. It is a wonderful experience to hop aboard a beautiful ship and sail into the rippling waves.

A river cruise in Goa is truly memorable. After a hectic day of sightseeing in Goa, a river cruise is ideed an ideal way to unwind and relax to the soothing music of a live band. River cruises contribute immensely to the state's tourism industry. The river cruise industry in Goa is expanding day-by-day. 

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) conducts some of the renowned river cruises in Goa. The waters of river Mandovi serve as the perfect location for cruise tours. GTDC operates a luxury launch, Santa Monica, which coducts evening cruises over Mandovi river. The cultural performances on the cruise make it even more colourful. River cruises also gives you the opportunity to spot crocodiles and dolphins.

Tourists can pick up the desired river cruise from available options - daytime, moonlight and sunset cruise tours.

The sunset cruise tour takes off at 6 pm everyday. A sunset cruise takes  the tourists to some spectacular places like the Aguada fort, the Reis Magos Fort and the Cabo Raj Bhawan. See the cultural troops perform Goan dances such as  the Dekni Temple Dance, the Corredinho Dance and the Fugdi Dance. It is fascinating to watch the sun dip into the horizon leaving behind a crimson-hued sky.

The full moon cruise, as the name suggests, are conducted on full moon nights when the full moon sparkles amidst the dark sky. The cruise begins from 5.30 pm. This cruise which lasts for two hours costs rupees 150 per person.

To enjoy the river cruise, come for Goa holidays and have a great time. You can also book a honeymoon package for Goa or Goa beach holidays to have the most memorable holiday in Goa.

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Kochi

Kochi (Cochin) is a seaside town just 10 degrees north of the equator. As such, it is a moderately hot and humid place year-round. Heavy showers with thunder and lightning are experienced from June through September as a result of the southwest monsoon. The northwest monsoon brings light rainfall from October through December. December to February is comparatively cooler than the rest of the year. The average annual rainfall is about 350cm, most of which is a result of the southwest monsoon. During the summer, which is from March through June, average highs are in the mid-90s. In the winter, average highs are in the upper-70s.

Monsoon seasons are characterized by reliable, short episodes of rainfall, usually every day. So, if you visit during a monsoon season, make sure you are adequately prepared for damp weather. Also during this time, infrastructure like roads can become unreliable. Indians are reliant on the monsoons, and their agriculture is dependent on the arrival of monsoon season. Thus, the weather phenomenon is heavily ingrained in Indian culture. 

You can book a package tour for Kerala to visit this amazing city. You can also enjoy Kerala houseboat cruise and backwater tours while your Kerala trip.

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Sabarimala Where Millions Converge

Sabarimala is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India during the festival season in the months of November, December and January. A pilgrimage to Sabarimala involves severe austerities, and a trek through the Western Ghats. Sabarimala enshrines Sastha or Aiyappan - Hariharaputran - the son of Shiva and Vishnu-maya.

Sastha is a popular deity in Kerala, and is enshrined in several of its temples. Five temples dedicated to Sastha are of great importance. Kulathuppuzha enshrines Sastha as a child, Aryankaavu enshrines him as a young lad, Achan Koyil enshrines him with as a householder with his consorts Poorna and Pushkala, Sabarimala enshrines him as his Vanaprasthasramam, and Ponnambala-medu enshrines him as the highest yogi. These five shrines represent the five stages of life as described by the scriptures. Ponnambalam is a spot on a hill where the Makara Jyoti (light) is seen on the day of Makara Sankranti.

Legend: Sastha or Aiyappan is revered as the son of Shiva and Mohini - Vishnu-maya. Legend has it that this divine child was discovered on the banks of the river Pampa by the ruler of the kingdom of Pandalam. The childless king brought up this child Manikandan as his own. A plot hatched by the vile queen sent the valiant Manikandan in search of leapord's milk, as the only suitable cure for the queen's feigned illness. The valiant prince killed the demon Mahishi in the jungle and relieved its inhabitants of untold suffering and returned to the kingdom with a herd of tigers. The divinity of the child revealed, he requested the king to build a temple on the hill Neelimala, where the saint Sabari was engaged in penance.

The temple: Eighteen steps are seen leading to the sanctum, and these steps are considered to be very sacred. Only those who have observed the 41 day penance (see below) are allowed to climb these steps. The pathinettu padi shrine is also seen at the Azhagar Koyil temple near Madurai, which has a subsidiary shrine to the guardian deity Karuppannasami.

Millions undertake the (once)arduous pilgrimage to Sabarimala with 41 days of penance. Much of the route used to be accessible only on foot through rocky jungle paths.  Much of the route now is on motorable road.

Source: http://www.templenet.com/Kerala/sabari.html  

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Churches of Goa

Popularly known as the “Rome of the East" - Goa, is home to many beautiful churches. Well acclaimed for its architectural marvels Goa houses some of the country’s most historical Churches. Since the Portuguese were seriously dedicated to church building, Goa boasts of an unmatched architectural splendor as far as its churches go. Apart from the beaches Goa witnesses a huge influx of people every year who visit this holy land to pay homage to some of the most brilliant pieces of religious significance. 

Below is a list of some of the most important Churches in Goa:

Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Goa

One of the most prominent tourist’s attractions in the region the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Goa is dedicated to St Francis Xavier. Known as Santo Pedro the famous saint is said to have built this church himself. Located on the banks of the River Mandovi this church is said be miraculous by its believers. Perfectly styled in Doric architecture this church is built with lime mortar and laterite plaster. The church offers one major altar for evening prayers and a multitude of handwritten scripts that only point out the fact that this holy place is dedicated to the holy saint Francis Xavier

Church of the Carmelites Goa

Constructed in the year 1961 this church is a portrayal of the rich historical background of Goa. Bearing witness to the strong Portugal hegemony in Goa this today lies in complete ruins. A church that pledges for the special significance of the history of Christianity in Goa this Church provides one with a nostalgic feel about the Carmalites who were driven out of the state. An epitome of medieval architecture and design this church houses one altar meant for prayers.

Church of Our Lady of Rosary
Known as one of the oldest churches in Goa the Our Lady of Rosary was built way back in the 16th century. Holding behind a strong historical significance this church is one of the most frequented by its devotees. Built on the spot where Alphonso de Albuquerque witnessed the conquest of Goa in 1510 this church is the only complete structure in old Goa. Beautifully intermixed with renaissance and gothic architectures the church offers 3 chapels and 2 altars that are meant for silent prayers.

Chapel of St. Catherine Goa

One of the renowned churches of Goa that lures millions of devotees every year the Chapel of St. Catherine was built by Alphonso Albuquerque in 1510. Holding a strong historical significance this church is dedicated to St Catherine. Upgraded to the status of a Cathedral on 1534 by Pope Paul III this church is built in free renaissance architecture. 

Church and Convent of St. Monica

One of the Churches in Goa solely meant as a residing place for nuns this church was built in 1627. Located on the holy hill of Goa this Church is an imposing three storied building that easily accommodates more than 100 nuns. A Church that shelters a number of destitute females and illegitimate children the Convent of St Monica is said to be blessed by God. Built in traditional Doric and Tuscan styles the church has two main altars for prayers.

Source: http://goa.mapsofindia.com/travel-guide/churches.htm

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India Gate

India Gate was located in New Delhi. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1921. Its height was 42mtr. The entire archway is supported on Red Bharatpur Stone. The shallow vaulted ball at the top was projected to be filled with burning oil on anniversaries. India Gate is raised as a memorial for the 90,000 soldiers who laid their lives during World War I. The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later after India had said goodbye to its imperial rulers. It is in the form of a flame that burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. 

In summer evenings India Gate surroundings was used for relaxation popularly. In winters it be used as a popular picnic spot.

You can book a package tour to India or a Golden triangle trip to visit India gate and other historical places of India

Source: http://historicalsofindia.com/indiagate.html

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The Temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh

A historic city widely acclaimed for its lovely temples, Khajuraho in the State of Madhya Pradesh is located in the woody planes of Bundelkhand region. One among the biggest tourist attractions in North India, the city has been rightly called as the symbol of the medieval heritage. The appealing temples of Khajuraho present a wonderful blend of architectural and sculptural sheerness, representing one of the preeminent examples of Indian art. 

Architectural grandeur and delicacy of Khajuraho temples, has provided it with the prestigious status of a world heritage site by UNESCO. The centuries old temples are ornamented with most striking, erotic and aesthetic sculptures that expose the philosophy in the Hindu religion. The erotic images that adore the beautiful shrines depict the innocent form of love, a manifestation of stimulated human sentiments. A variety of opulent approaches, which are languorous, confrontational, impishly tempting, give reliability to the assumption that Khajuraho's erotica were destined to check the devotees who came to adore their gods at the temples. 

The magnificence and dignity of Khajuraho is due to the innovative thoughts, highly developed artistic sense, and religious commitment of the great Chandela rulers. Being great patrons of art and architecture the Chandelas were enthusiastic in building pretty temples and fabulous forts. A synonym for the medieval splendor, Khajuraho temples illustrate not only the creativity of the craftsman but also the astonishing progressiveness of the illustrious rulers, under whose patronage these amazing structures were envisioned and materialized.

Apart from the poetry carved temples, Khajuraho is well known for the cultural extravaganza held every year from 25th February to 2nd March. Khajuraho Dance festival offers an elite platform to showcase the Indian classical dance forms, by which the stones of passion of the temple city will be plugged with the stunning performances of great dancers of India. 

One among the hotspots in Indian tourism arena, Khajuraho offers excellent shopping opportunities with many shops, which offers mementos at best of prices. With all its magical charm and splendorous past, Khajuraho is all set to win the heart of the visitor.

Source: http://www.mustseeindia.com/Khajuraho

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Belur Math

Belur Math is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world and is located on the western banks of river Hooghly (Ganga) in Howrah district. The foundation of Belur Math was by laid by Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Dev. Swami Vivekananda consecrated the grounds in 1898 by worshipping the urn containing the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna. He himself carried the urn on his shoulders to the place of worship. The Math was constructed on 14th January 1938. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. Swami Vivekananda uttered these prophetic words about Belur Math on the occasion:

The blazing light of universal harmony that will emanate from here will flood the whole world

Swami Vivekananda used to reside in a two storeyed house inside the Math on the bank of the river Ganga. Swami breathed his last on 4th July, 1902. His cenotaph lies within the Math. His commodities are carefully preserved in his room and exhibited to the people.

Today, Belur Math has become the hub of worldwide spiritual movement known as the Ramakrishna Movement. The serene campus of Belur Math on the Ganga includes temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the Ramakrishna Order. The place has been sanctified by the stay of Swami Vivekananda and most of the monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, who spent several years here. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi also visited this place on several occasions. The room in which Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi has been preserved here. The headquarters of the worldwide twin organizations known as Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are also situated here. An added attraction is the Museum which contains articles connected with the history of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The green lawns and lush growth of trees and bushes everywhere add to the serenity and beauty of the place. All this has contributed to an elevating spiritual ambience that has made Belur Math an important place of pilgrimage for people all over the world. A degree college, a polytechnic, and several other educational institutions of the Ramakrishna Mission are situated in the vast campus adjacent to Belur Math.

India is home to many such spiritual place. Come for tour of India to experience its magic.

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Gatte Ki Sabji

Ingredients

For Gatte:

• 1 cup Besan (Gram flour)
• 1 pinch baking powder
• 1 pinch red chilly powder
• 1 pinch turmeric powder
• 2 tsp curd
• 1/2 tsp  carom
• cumin seeds
• coriander leaves
• 2 tsp oil
• salt to taste

For Curry:

• 3 tsp peanuts
• 1 tsp puppy seeds
• 2 tsp dried coconut
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 cloves
• 4-5 tsp oil
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp red chilly powder
• ginger-garlic paste 1tsp
• salt to taste

 

Preparation Method:

1. In one container take besan, add cumin seeds, carom, baking powder, oil, curd, salt, chilly & turmeric powder in to it & make a thick dough (if needed add little amount of water )
2. Divide the dough in to 3-4 pieces.
3. Roll every piece & cut them in to small capsule like pieces. (these are the Gatte)
4. Now add these gatte in to the boiled water & allow them to boil  up to 10-12min (when gatte boiled properly they will appear on a surface of water)remove the water from boiled gatte & keep then aside.
5. Roast the peanuts, coconut, poppy seeds,c umin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, black papper , coriander seeds. grind them & make a fine paste of it.(to make paste more fine add little amount of water in it & grind again)
6. Heat a pan , add oil in it then add ginger-garlic paste & then add ground paste in it.at a first instance this paste absorb entire oil in a pan, keep mixing it.
7. After 3-4 min, this paste leave the oil ,now add turmeric, chilly powder & salt in it & mix it well with paste.
8. Finally add water in it to make a curry & let it cook for 2-3min.add Gatte in curry & let it cook for 5 min.remove it from fire & garnish it with coriander leaves.
9. Generally this dish is serve with 'Daal-Bati'.

Come on Rajasthan holidays and enjoy this delicious cuisine of Rajasthan. You can also book a Golden Triangle India trip and visit the capital of the royal Rajasthan state, Jaipur.

Source:http://www.khanakhazana.com/recipes/view.aspx?id=2421

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Kerala Boat Races

Kerala boat race is a yearly event that takes place in the month of August or September in Alapuzza. Representing the unique cultural heritage and traditional legacy of Kerala, the boat race of the state is one of the exciting socio-cultural events of the state.

The most impressive of all the boat races of Kerala is the Snake Boat Race, which is commonly referred to as Chundanvallams. The brilliant performance of the rowers portrays the inherent sporting zeal and sportsman spirit of the local inhabitants of the southern state of India. 

The Vallamkalis or the yearly boat race takes place in the backwaters of Punnamada in Alapuzza of Kerala. A group competition, the rowers display tremendous courage and enthusiasm to win the Nehru Trophy in the sporting event of the Snake boat race. Former Prime Minister of India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru in the year of 1952, introduced the annual sporting event of Snake boat race.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed with the Snake boat race of Kerala that he awarded the Nehru Trophy to the winners. Since then, the snake boat race became a yearly affair where boatmen compete with one another to become the Champion. The Nehru Trophy bears a silver model of a snake boat.

The brilliant sporting event of Snake boat attracts several local citizens and tourists from far and wide. An integral part of the rich cultural ancestry of Kerala, the annual event of Snake boat race is celebrated on a grand scale with much enthusiasm and vigor that fills the air with joy and excitement.

Book Kerala holiday packages to view the exciting boat races.

Source: http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/kerala/kerala-at-a-glance/boat-race.html

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Khajuraho Group of Temples

Khajuraho, the ancient Kharjjura-vahaka represent today a distinct pattern of art and temple architecture of its own reminding one of the rich and creative period it witnessed during the Chandella rule. It was the principal seat of authority of the Chandella rulers who adorned it with numerous tanks, scores of lofty temples of sculptural grace and architectural splendour. The local tradition lists eighty-five temples but now only twenty-five are standing examples in various stages of preservation. But for Chausath-Yogini, Brahma and Mahadeva which are of granite, all the other temples are of fine grained sandstone, buff, pink or pale yellow in colour.

Yasovarman (AD 954) built the temple of Vishnu, now famous as Lakshmana temple is an ornate and evolved example of its time proclaiming the prestige of the Chandellas.

The Visvanatha, Parsvanatha and Vaidyanatha temples belong to the time of king Dhanga, the successor of Yasovarman. The Jagadambi, Chitragupta, are noteworthy among the western group of royal temples of Khajuraho. The largest and grandest temple of Khajuraho is the immortal Kandariya Mahadeva which is attributed to king Ganda (AD 1017-29). The other examples that followed viz., Vamana, Adinatha, Javari, Chaturbhuj and Duladeo, are smaller but elaborately designed. The Khajuraho groups of temples are noted for lofty terraces (jagati) and functionally effective plans comprising of an ardhamandapa, acting as entrance generally adorned with makara torana and kakshasana, the mandapa, as the hall with antarala leading to garbha griha or sanctum. The larger temples have mahamandapas in front of the ardhamandapa. They also have minor shrines at four corners and thus categorized as pancayatana. The exterior of the temples are richly decorated. In contrast, Javari and Brahma temples are simpler creations.

The sculptural embellishments include, besides the cult images; parivara, parsva, avarana devatas, dikpalas, the apsarases and sura-sundaris which win universal admiration for their delicate, youthful female forms of ravishing beauty. The attire and ornamentation embrace the winsome grace and charm.

The recent excavation at Bija Mandal in Jatkara near Khajuraho has revealed the remains of a huge temple base datable to 11th century A.D. which extends over 4 m than the largest known temple (Kandariya Mahadeo Temple). An exquisite image of Sarasvati was also found from here.

Book a tour to the temples of Khajuraho to visit these amazing group of temples. You can also visit the place during Khajuraho festival, a must watch dance festival.

Source: http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_khajuraho.asp

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Kufri The Land of Virgin Snow

Kufri is the only tourist place where you can roam around in a nature park on a Yak! Sipping hot chocholate during cold evenings, sitting in the midst of snow can bring out the love in you.

Cuddle close to your loved one, sipping hot chocolate fudge under a thatched roof, tuning to the sounds of cheering pheasants, watching the pristine snow drop down, snow so immaculate that it puts the word ‘white’ to shame. If you are wondering where you can experience such haven on Earth, it’s Kufri. This hill station is breath giving to adventurers, presenting unlimited opportunity for tobogganing, trekking, hiking and Horse riding! 

Adventure Activities

Kufri is your ideal summer station during the months of April to June. And for daredevil adventurers November to February is the apt time for skiing. Winter sports and National snow statue competition are held annually by the Himachal Pradesh travel and tourism department. 

The snow capped slopes of the Mahasu Ridge magnetize several tourists for skiing experiences. Many Ski coaches teach beginners the skill of skiing. Free lance and professional skiers skim on the slopes of splendorous snow! The highest peak in Kufri is the Mahasu peak this is one spot you should never miss. The trail leading to the peak is bordered by woody forests of spruce and deodar. 

The Himalayan Nature Park

Walk amidst ninety hectares of temperate vegetation in The Himalayan Nature Park that serves as a natural habitat for various animals and birds of the Western Himalayas. The Himalayan National Park is home to the rare species of Barking Deer, Hangal, Brown Bear, Musk Deer and rare varieties of Pheasants and Monal kept in social consortium. Exotic migratory birds add beauty to the already magnificent park.

Kufer Pond

Kufri is the epitome of tranquil and serenity, enjoy the backdrop and scenery patiently on Yak and Horseback. The safari sets out to the energetically green woodlands, sky scrapping mountains and gushing rivers. ‘Kufer’ the important attraction of Kufri is a pond, and it’s from ‘Kufer’ the town got its name. To get a picturesque display of nature you must visit the Indira Tourist Park. Shivalik range, Shimla hills and temples are other places you can probably visit during your stay in Kufri.

Reaching There

The area around Shimla including Kufri was in bounds of Nepal territory. In 1819, the British discovered this hidden section which remained obscure from the rest of the world. Kufri is now part of Himachal Pradesh, India. You can reach Kufri on road by hiring a taxi in Rampur, Shimla or Narkanda, since Kufri does not have an airport or a railway station. However Shimla has an airport and a railway station. Kufri is also well connected to Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali and Amritsar via road. Once you get to Kufri, you can discover its beauty on horseback or even Yak safari. All India tourist permit vehicles are available too. 

Staying There

Kufri being an important tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh won’t trouble you finding a nice cozy niche for stay. Ranging from Budget Hotels (1000 to 2000 INR per day) like PWD Rest House to the above budget hotels (1500 to 2500 INR per day) like HTPDC Winter Sports Club. With all these Multi Cuisine Restaurants you can get absolutely any type of food. Local tea stalls and Dhabbas are very ethnic, traditional and cheap. 

Shopping

Souvenir shopping can be done with a little creativity! You can take home to your friends’ greeting cards made with Yak hair. Or ornaments designed with Yak hair. Scent bottles of many trees are available in Kufri. Don’t miss it! Heavy duty shoppers can head to Shimla for shopping.

Planning Your Trip

A perfect trip to Kufri can be planned for two days. You can spend a day trekking and skiing on the slopes of Mahasu Ridge. One day for the horse and Yak Safari, seeing all the parks and souvenir shopping. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, get your gloves, ski’s and leather jacket and head to Kufri!

Book a Shimla tour package now to visit this amazing place. You can book your India travel packages via IndiaTravelsGuide.

Source: http://www.mustseeindia.com/articles/kufri-the-land-of-virgin-snow/1162

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