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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