Sripur Is The One Of The Richest Archaeological Sites In India

An Ayurveda treatment centre, underground granary market and a sixth century 'Ayurvedic Snaan Kund' (an ancient spa), puts Sirpur in the list of the richest archaeological sites in India.

This quaint town is one of India's most sought after archaeological wonder and is often described as a museum under the open sky, this peaceful town is situated on the banks of Mahanadi river. Unmatched stone carvings, along with 22 Shiva temples, four Vishnu temples, 10 Buddha Viharas, three Jain Viharas, an Ayurveda treatment centre, underground granary market and a sixth century 'Ayurvedic Snaan Kund' (an ancient spa), puts Sirpur in the list of the richest archaeological sites in India.

The modern Sirpur, which contains the remains of the ancient and medieval Buddhist era, is one of the most treasured places for Buddhists. Among the numerous temples and Buddhist monasteries (viharas), the most notable are the Lakshman Temple (one of the finest brick temples), Gandheshwar Temple, Anandprabhu Kutir Vihara and Swastika Vihara.

The recently excavated Tivaradeva Mahavihara is, however, the most stunning of all. The sanctum of the vihara houses a sculpture of the Lord Buddha in the "Bhumisparsh mudra". The Buddhist monasteries at Sirpur are said to be largest and most important Buddhist monasteries in India.

Once you've had your historic fill, make your way to the highly acclaimed Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival, organised every year in the month of January by Chhattisgarh Tourism Board in order to promote the Buddhist sites of Sirpur. It is a rare confluence of art and culture aimed at creating international cultural amity and brotherhood and showcases the best proponents of Chhattisgarh's traditional music and dance forms including the Pandvani, the Panthi, the Raut Nacha, the Karma, the Saila and the Gedi dance (in which wooden sticks and poles are used as props).

Getting there: Sirpur is 80 km from Raipur (1 hour 30 minutes by road.) Raipur is well connected via rail, road and air with major cities in the country.

When to go: During the Sirpur National Dance and Music Festival which takes place in the month of January each year.

Haryana Tourism Lists Six New Farm Houses Under Farm Tourism

Haryana Tourism lists six new farm houses under Farm Tourism

Haryana Tourism initiated a new concept in the travel and tourism industry by introducing Farm Tourism in 2003. Since then, it has been diligently registering farmhouses in the state under the Farm Tourism Scheme of Tourism Department of Haryana. Farm Tourism considerably contributes to rural economy and improves quality of life of the farmers in the state of Haryana, which is primarily an agrarian state. Haryana Tourism in partnership with farmhouse owners of the state offers an opportunity to tourists to get back to their roots and experience a lifestyle that’s true of a real India!

Haryana Tourism has recently registered six new farm houses in Haryana, which include Golden Turtle Farm, village Bilaspur, Gurgaon; Rattangarh Farm, village Machhroli, Jhajjar; Ananya Greens Farm, village Sakatpur, Manesar, Gurgaon; The Golf Retreat Farm, village Sakatpur, Manesar, Gurgaon; Ariisse Farm, village Bohran Kalan, Pataudi, Gurgaon and Kotwara Farm, Village Gwal Pahari, Gurgaon.

Dr. Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary to Government of Haryana, Tourism Department stated that by increasing the window of registration of farmhouse owners from three to five years, many farmhouse owners are now coming forward to get registered under the Farm Tourism Scheme of Tourism Department of Haryana.

Earlier, 13 farmhouses in districts Gurgaon, Faridabad, Karnal, Jhajjar, Mewat and Rohtak were registered under the Farm Tourism Scheme of Tourism Department of Haryana and now the count has increased to 19. The newly registered farmhouses offer host of facilities and activities for tourists to indulge in, including tented accommodation, conference hall, mud baths, ayurvedic treatments, adventure sports, mini golf course, archery, boxing, etc.

Dr Misra further added that sincere efforts are being made to promote Farm Tourism through Haryana Tourism website and publicity campaigns. Also regular meetings have been conducted with the registered farmhouse owners to guide them for upgrading their facilities and to improve services further in order to attract more visitors and also film & TV shooting crews.

 To register under Farm Tourism Scheme of Tourism Department of Haryana, preference is given to the farm that has 3-4 acres agricultural land attached with it. It is mandatory for them to have two rooms to sublet and the farmhouse owner is supposed to provide home cooked food, lodging facilities and introduce the visitor to different agricultural practices and further give a glimpse of the ethnic way of life through various participatory activities.

The inspecting committee of Haryana Tourism officers pays a visit to the farmhouse and recommends it for registration if it meets all the requirements. The registration fee is just Rs 5000. The registration of the farm house can be further extended depending on the recommendation of the inspecting/reviewing committee of Haryana Tourism taking into consideration the quantum of business it generates, number of visitors, maintenance of farm house, etc.

Delhi City Sight Seeing Tour Packages From Delhi Tourism

City Sight Seeing Tours

DELHI CITY SIGHT SEEING TOUR

Operating Schedule: Every Day except Monday

Morning Tour (New Delhi): 9.00 a.m. to 1.45 p.m.
(AC Bus, Rs. 259/- per head)

Places Covered

Laxmi Narayan Temple: Popularly Known as Birla Mandir, it's a large Hindu Temple built in Orissa style in 1938, by the renowned Birla family. People of all faiths can worship at this temple. 

Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar is an excellent example of Afghan Architecture . The Minar is 72.5mts high victory tower, the construction of which began in the final year of twelth century by Qutubuddin Aibak and was later completed by his successor. It has been given World Heritage Site status. 

Bahai Temple: Situated atop the Kalkaji Hill. Its is also known as "The Lotus Temple" due to its distinctive lotus shaped design in Marble. It was built in 1987 by the followers of Bahai faith. The temple signifies the purity and equality of all religions.

( Monday Closed)

Gandhi Smiriti: Gandhi Smriti: The Memorial consists of: (a) Visual Aspects to perpetuate the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and the noble ideals he represented, (b) Educative Aspects to focus concentrated attention on certain values of life that made Gandhi a Mahatma, and (c) Service Aspects to introduce activities in order to subserve certain felt needs.

On display in the Museum are photographs, sculptures, paintings, frescos, inscriptions on rocks and relics pertaining to the years Mahatma Gandhi spent here. The meagre personal effects of Gandhiji too are carefully preserved

DRIVE PAST: India Gate, Parliament House, Embassies Area etc

Afternoon Tour (New Delhi): 02:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(AC Bus, Rs. 259/- per head)

Place Covered

Red Fort: Built by Shahjahan, the builder of Taj Mahal in Agra, The construction lasted from 1639 to 1648 (Monday Closed) Old Fort: Monday Only.

Old Fort: Monday Only.

Rajghat: The simple square platform of black marble marks the place where the father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi was cremated.

Humayun's Tomb: Built by Humayun's widow, Queen Haji Begum in the 16th centuary, it is supposed to be the prototype of the Taj Mahal at Agra.

DRIVE PAST: Feroz Shah Kotla, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Shakti Sthal, Purana Qila etc.

The above two tours can be combined as full day Sightseeing Tours

(AC Bus, Rs. 415/- per head)

VISIT - Delhi Toursim