Silver Beach – Collection Of Foodstuff Is The Only Most Attraction To Visitors

SILVER BEACH

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CUDDALORE

Silver Beach is located in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu State of India.It still remains free from the mass tourism trails and is blissfully quiet and secluded for a perfect beach holiday.The summer festivals held in Silver Beach every year during April or May attract many tourists.

Silver Beach is a beach on the southeast coast of India. It is located 2 km (1.2 mi) from downtown Cuddalore. Silver Beach, however, is untouched by the busy life of the city. It is the second longest beach on the Coromandel Coast and one of the longest beaches in Asia.

The beach provides tourists an opportunity to indulge in various activities such as horse riding and boating. Moreover, the beach also houses a boat house and a children's play area.

It is an extremely popular tourists spot for holiday makers from all parts of the world. Silver Beach is one of the picturesque beaches located on the southeast coastline of India. Besides being a famous recreational spot there are pristine temples and mesmerizing sceneries around the beach that adds to the charm of this place.

Silver Beach greets its visitors with ample attractions. Tourists visiting this beach love exploring the beautiful surroundings of the place. The appearance of Silver Beach makes it look like a separate island, even though it is not so. The natural beauty of this beach is truly mesmerizing. The Silver Beach is renowned for its water sports facilities. Tourists here enjoy boating and the boats are also available on rents for adventurous sea explorations.

In fact all tourists have much to explore during visits to this wonderful beach in whose vicinity is located the unique South Cuddalore Bay area in southern portion. Its appearance is truly mesmerizing because it looks as if a separate island is located while the case is not so. Different types of water sports are common in backwater that easily separate the main beach from the structure looking like an island.

It remains safest place for adventure activities for which tourists are augured to rent boats for exploration.It is an undeniable fact that nightlife is one of the key attractions in Silver Beach as it has much to offer to tourists.

They indulge in the activities like partying, drinking or simply walking to great shopping exploration during evenings and do continue till late nights. Perhaps such aspects are most notable ones and make it easy for beach tourists to involve in activities for great fun during night time.

The nightlife at Silver Beach is a biggest draw especially for foreign tourists. Holiday makers love drinking, eating, partying or simply walking on the soft sands after sunset. The party at Silver Beach continues till late nights and the fun factor increases with the passing hours.

Bhimashankar Temple – The Temple Inner Walls Decorated With Images From Epic Of Lord Shiva

BHIMASHANKAR TEMPLE

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PUNE

Bhimashankar is a popular temple town and located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai. Bhimashankar is located in the village Bhorgiri in the ghat region of the Sahyadri range. Situated at an height of around 3,250 feet, Bhimashankar is surrounded by hills and is covered by thick green rainforests.

Bhimashankar gets its name from the two things that define its existence – the river Bhima, which originates here, and the temple of Shankar, or Shiva, which gives it importance.

It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India because of the jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is another important reason why people come here.

A pristine natural environment with hills, waterfalls and forests; a wild life sanctuary and an ancient temple! Bhimashankar offers the ideal setting to find spirituality. It is also the perfect place for adventure lovers with a plethora of treks. Moreover this is where you can find the shekru the giant flying squirrel which is also the state animal of Maharashtra.

The Shiva temple in Bhimashankar is the sixth jyotirlinga and one of the most popular places for the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the original temple of Bhimashankar was built in 12th century CE. However, no material remains dating to that period have been found since the temple has undergone many alterations over a period of time.

The temple was renovated by Chimaji Antaji Bhide Naik in 1733 CE followed by some repair works by Dikhit Patwardhan in 1766 CE.  A well was constructed in the complex by Raghunathrao Peshwa. The famous minister of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis carried out a lot of renovations, including the construction of the shikhara.

The present temple sanctum (garbhagriha) and the shikhara are built in the Nagara or Indo-Aryan style and have a strong influence of Rajasthan and Gujarat on the figurines and motifs of the temple. The exterior walls of the sanctum are adorned with scenes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Shiv Leela and Dashavataras. 

Inscriptions in the courtyard give a record of grants given and a large bell confiscated from the Vasai fort by the Maratha Commander Chimaji Appa hangs in front of the sabhamandapa.Bhimashankar is also the perfect place to combine adventure and trekking. Monsoon is a good season to enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty.

By Air

The nearest airport is Pune Bhimashankar is 250 km from Mumbai and 127 kms from Pune.

By Train

Pune is the nearest railway station.

By Road

You can take the route of Pune-Rajgurunagar-Manchar- Ghodegaon–Pokhari Ghat Bhimashankar. State Transport buses are available at regular intervals from the Shivajinagar Bus Terminus and the last bus is at 5 pm. Private transport is more convenient if you would like to visit places around Bhimashankar.

Elephanta Caves – It Is The Most Mysterious Heritage Destination Of Indian History

ELEPHANTA CAVES

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MUMBAI

Elephanta is easily one among the most enigmatic heritage sites in India. Who created this spectacular sculptural and architectural feast is still mysterious.

Elephanta represents the pinnacle of rock cut architecture and sculptural art medieval India achieved. Despite the mindless destruction, Elephanta's art suffered during the colonial past, it still reserves the right to awestruck any ordinary visitors.

Elephanta island stands in stark contrast with hectic Mumbai city, As you stand at Mumbai’s most well-known spot of tourist interest – the Gateway of India – the most overwhelming desire you will experience is to step into a boat and explore the Arabian Sea. But this need not just be a whim.

It can serve a purpose too if you take the ride to visit the Elephanta Island which is just 10 kilometers from Mumbai. Not only is the island host to a bounty of nature in the form of lush plantations of palm, mango and tamarind trees but is also home to ancient cave temples that have been carved out of rock and which have been declared a World Heritage Site.

The Elephanta Island has a tiny population of just about 1,200 residents who are mainly engaged in growing rice, fishing, and repairing boats. But the historical legacy of the place is another story altogether.

This island was once the capital of a powerful local kingdom and now has three small villages occupied by the ‘kolis’ (fishermen) and the farmers who have, despite the close proximity to the commercial capital of India, carried on with their traditional way of living. Interestingly, the island was so named after a more or less life-size sculpture of an elephant along with a sculpture of a horse was unearthed from here.

Of particular interest are two hills on the island, known as the Gun Hill and the Stupa Hill. The former derives its name from the presence of two canons of the British period placed on its top. These canons must have played a vital role in the defense of the Mumbai Fort.

This is also the main hill on the island where a total of five Shaiva caves were excavated in mid-6th century CE. The Stupa Hill has the remains of a Buddhiststupa. It is completely covered with earth and referred to as the archeological mound of a brick stupa. These caves along with the unspoiled beauty of the place make for a perfect one-day excursion out of Mumbai. This site was included in the list of World Heritage Sites of India in 1987.

At the Gun Hill, the main cave is a masterpiece of art and architecture. This is the largest and most impressive cave and reflects an affiliation to the esoteric Pashupata sect of the Shaiva system, the revival of which was supposed to have been done by Lakulisha, the great preacher.

He is considered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva by the Pashupatas. They believed in Shiva as the supreme god and in the philosophy of ‘being one with him’ and implying ‘end of the sorrows’ as the ultimate goal of the life of any ascetic. The panels in the caves indicate five stages in the life of an ascetic i.e. the importance of a teacher, his grace, illusory existence of the world, oneness of ‘shiva-shakti’ and the ultimate form of Shiva.

For those interested in studying cave architecture, Cave 1 will come across as the most complex of three caves referred to as the east and west wings of the main cave.

The main cave is the temple, probably for lay followers. There are two rooms at both the ends of the verandah in front of the Sadaashiva image, most probably for meditation and to perform esoteric practices. The side wings were probably the residential complexes and the private shrines for the ascetics. The east wing has a panel of seven mother goddesses, which is again a common feature of the Pashupata temples.

Small motor boats from the Gateway of India are available to reach Elephanta Island. The journey takes 40-45 minutes. The ferry service is closed during the monsoon season from June to August.

While Flying In Hot Air Balloon You Can Feel Just As A Bird

ADVENTURE IN HOT AIR BALLOON

It’s not the same as sitting in an aircraft and watching a canopy of clouds at a height of 40,000 feet or more. It’s not the same as getting strapped to a hang glider and feeling like a bird. Here, it’s a smooth ride at about 4,000 feet above the ground, leisurely taking in the unfolding scenario on earth below and letting a most heavenly sensation envelope you. Hot air ballooning is now the latest craze among those willing to side-step from the beaten track of just plain tourism and try out something entirely new and refreshing.

Ever wondered what does a bird feel and see when it takes to the skies and watches the ground beneath it pass by? In fact, it is this perennial desire among humans to fly that led to the birth of the airplane. Since then there have evolved various other modes of air-borne transport, both for travel and joy, which have given us the same pleasure as what must be experienced by those with wings. And one of these is the hot air balloon. Even the mere sight of a hot air balloon sends a tingle down the spine for the kind of adventure that it represents.

Imagine then taking off in a hot air balloon at an early hour in the morning and then absorbing a truly picturesque and breathtaking vista of green fields; tiny hamlets with smoke curling upwards through the rough-hewn chimneys or chullahs of the huts; people going about their work; small and big roads snaking their way through the hills and into the towns; patchy clouds drifting alongside or below you; the sun peeping out in the horizon and ready for yet another day of warming up the earth; a river or two reflecting the images of the sky; boats moving languidly in the shallow waters or anchored near the river banks…..and much more. All this is no longer limited to the movies. It’s an experience you can avail of with ease thanks to hot air ballooning now becoming one of the most sought after thrills in Maharashtra.

A Professional Service

Sky Waltz is the first company in India to be licensed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to operate hot air balloons on a commercial basis throughout India. Operating as part of E-Factor Adventure Tourism, the company has been offering this facility in Rajasthan and also at many other locations throughout India since 2008 and has had over 25,000 passengers experience the unique adventure of a hot air balloon flight. It has now brought this to Lonavala in Maharashtra in association with Rainbow Riders and since its launch in October 2013 the company claims to already have had more than 1000 guests enjoy the ride.

Operating under international standards of safety and security, Sky Waltz has been recognised with the prestigious ‘Most Innovative Tourism Product Award’, presented as part of the Indian government’s national tourism awards. “One of our proudest moments here was when VijaypatSinghania (73) of the Raymond Group, who is a world record holder of the hot air balloon for reaching a height of 69,852 feet, came on board with us on January 11, 2014. He was very happy with our operations and confirmed the activity to be very safe and as per international standards,” informs a spokesperson of Sky Waltz.

Interestingly, the hot air balloon experience is now no longer limited to those seeking a quick adrenaline rush. It is becoming increasing popular as a ‘gift’ experience; a tethering activity for schools and wedding functions; creating advertising opportunities; and corporate engagement programs.

The best part about a hot air balloon safari is that you get a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire landscape around, beneath and above you. There’s no need to book a window ticket! Also, an experienced pilot knows exactly how to rotate the balloon so that you have a fascinating view of all the sides. The main flying season is from mid-October to end of April and the safari is usually conducted within two hours of dawn and about two hours before dusk since the wind conditions are most stable then. The safari is safe for all but those with major ailments or who have undergone recent surgeries may do well to take their doctor’s advice.

The Package

Sky Waltz offers the facility of pick up and drop from the client’s from a common point in Kamshet or Lonavala. This is followed by some a short safety briefing given by the pilot along with tea/coffee and light refreshments served at the launch site. The participants can, in the meanwhile, watch the balloon being inflated and the crew testing the wind speed and direction. The duration of the flight is normally of 60 minutes (+-15 minutes) depending on the weather conditions. Post the flight and successful landing of the balloon, a First Flight Certificate is given to the participant who may also wish to spend some time in the village where the balloon has landed to interact with the locals and take pictures, etc.

CustomisedCharter Flights, breakfast packages and other F&B services can be requested at an additional cost. The onboard service includes packaged drinking water. The cost per safari is Rs 12,000 for adults and Rs 6,000 for children between 5 and 12 years of age.

Know Your Balloon

It was on November 21, 1783, in Paris that the first untethered manned flight was undertaken by Jean-Francois Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurent d’Arlandes in a hot air balloon created on December 14, 1782 by the Montgolfier brothers. A hot air balloon consists of a bag called the envelope that is capable of containing heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket (in some long-distance or high-altitude balloons, a capsule), which carries passengers and usually a source of heat, in most cases an open flame.

The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant since it has a lower density than the relatively cold air outside the envelope. As with all aircraft, hot air balloons cannot fly beyond the atmosphere. Unlike gas balloons, the envelope does not have to be sealed at the bottom since the air near the bottom of the envelope is at the same pressure as the air surrounding it. For modern sport balloons the envelope is generally made from nylon fabric and the inlet of the balloon (closest to the burner flame) is made from fire resistant material such as Nomex.

Source - www.skywaltz.com

Gir National Park – Asiatic Lions Are Breathing In Their Natural Home Of This Wildlife Sanctury

GIR NATIONAL PARK

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JUNAGADH

Gir National park is situated in Junagadh district of Gujarat State of India and it is one of India’s oldest sanctuaries, and is synonymous with the majestic Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica). The only place in India to see this animal, this park can take legitimate pride in saving an endangered species, which was at the threshold of extinction in the start of the twenty-first century, by providing it a more secured habitat.

The Gir ecosystem falls in Biogeography Zone-4 (the semi arid) and Biogeography Province 4-B. Gujarat Rajwara is the last remaining abode of the Asiatic Lion, Panthera leo persica.

The Government of Gujarat has declared an area of 1412.1 sq km as Protected Area (PA) which comprises 258.7 sq km as National Park and 1153.4 sq km as Sanctuary. Besides this 470.5 sq km of forest area forms a buffer Zone as reserve, protected and unclassified forest. Thus, a total area of 1882.6 sq km makes up the Gir forest.

The largest compact tract of dry deciduous forest in the country, protected as Gir National Park and Sanctuary, covers an area of 1412 sq km in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Gir has evolved to host a very stable ecosystem with tremendous regenerating, self-supporting and self-sustaining capacity due to its richness of biodiversity: 606 different plant species, 39 species of mammals, 37 species of reptiles and over 300 species of birds and more than 2,000 species of insects.

A breeding ground for migratory birds, the avifauna of Gir includes a variety of raptors and many other significant species, including Lesser Florican, Osprey, Indian Pitta, Red-headed Vulture, etc. It also supports a variety of reptiles, including the Indian python and the Indian star tortoise, and possibly one of the highest populations of Marsh crocodile in the country. Gir also has one of the densest concentrations of leopards in India.

The continuous forest, which covers a large tract, plays a pivotal role in keeping the climate moderate and also keeps the salinity levels at a low on the southern coast of Saurashtra.

Gir is essential to life in Gujarat. It helps in the smooth running of several ecological activities. Gir forms a part of the south central highlands in Saurashtra and is a catchment of important rivers like Shetrunji, Hiran, Saraswati, Shingoda, Machhundri, Raval and Datardi.

The forest helps recharge the water table due to infiltration and percolation in conjunction with soil and moisture conservation. Thus, Gir is a boon to farmers inhabiting the peripheral environs; it ensures sustained agricultural and horticultural production. Not to mention, the forest has great potential to be a centre for creating environmental awareness and imparting nature education.

The real feather in Gir’s hat, though, is the presence of the Asiatic lion. The attraction of these ironic species coupled with the aesthetic beauty of the area and the close proximity to the Somnath temple, has made Gir a popular tourist destination.

By Air

Nearest airport is Rajkot and Ahemedaba.

By Train

The closest Railway station is Junagadh and you can go via local trains from Junagadh city to Gir.

By Bus

Gir National Park is around 55 km from Junagadh City, the most common base for making a visit, and 348 km from Ahmedabad and 156 kms from Rajkot. The Reception centre is at Sasan Gir, and has a Forest Guest house maintained by the forest department, nearby the railway station.

Airavateswara Temple – It Was Constructed By Rajendra Chola More Than Thousand Years Ago

AIRAVATESHWARA TEMPLE

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KUMBAKONAM

The Temple which is located at around 6 km from the Town Centre of Kumbakonam of Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu State of India and it is an archaeological wonder. It is also a UN recognised Heritage Centre. The ASI ( Archealogical Survey of India) has completely renovated the temple literally Brick by Brick.

Palaiyarai is ancient temple city and the Capital of the Cholas.  King Raja Kambeera Mamannan, Raja Raja Chola II (1146 A.D. to 1172 A.D) changed his capital from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Palaiyarai and renamed it as Raja Raja Puram (at present it is Darasuram).  

There were 1000 Thaligal (temples) in palaiyarai .There were 4 padai veedus (Military Camps) on al the four directions of the Capital.  Thalicherippendirgal were appointed by the king to develop fine arts especially music and dance in the temple during festival occasions.  

King Raja Raja II constructed in his name a beautiful temple called Raja Rajechuram (at present Airavatheeswara)  in1160 A.D. to 1162 A.D.  This Raja Rajechuram (Raja Rajeschuram – Tharechuram – Darachuram -Darasurm) became Darasuram at present.  It is a world heritage monument protected by UNESCO.

Airavatham is an elephant (white in colour) and is a vehicle of Indra.  It was cursed by sage Durvasa to lose its shining white.  Airavatha came to his temple and got its original colour  after worshipping the Lord.  Hence the deity came to known as Airavatheeswara (the protector or the elephant).

The main deity's consort Periya Nayaki Amman temple is a detached temple situated to the north of the Airavateshvarar temple. At present, it stands alone as a detached temple with the shrine of the Goddess standing in a single large court.

Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped by Airavata , the white elephant of the king of the gods,Indra.Airavata, while suffering from a change of colour curse from Sage Durvasa, had its colours restored by bathing in the sacred waters of this temple. The King of Death, Yama  worshipped Shiva .  

Yama, who was suffering under a Rishi's curse from a burning sensation all over the body, was cured by the presiding deity Airavatesvarar. Yama took bath in the sacred tank and got rid of the burning sensation. Since then the tank has been known as Yamateertham. 

The renovation of the shrines by Kulottunga Chola III.The north wall of the verandah consists of 108 sections of inscriptions, each containing the name and description and image of the Saivacharya  listing the principal events in their life.

Another inscription close to the gopura,indicates that an image was brought from Kalyani, then known as Kalyanapura by emperor Rajadhiraja Chola I after his defeat of the Western Chalukya king Someshwara I, his sons Vikramaditya VI and Someshwara II his capture of the Chalukyan capital. 

Hornbill Festival - One Of The Highlights Of The Festival Is The Rock Music Competition

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

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NAGALAND

Nagaland, which is one of the seven northeastern states in the India,Known for its mystical hills and warrior tribes, is relatively new to the tourism scene in the country but its Hornbill Festival has gained worldwide fame in just a few years. 

Although most of the present day Naga people have converted to Christianity, they take great pride in their tribal culture, and there’s no better place to experience their unique traditions than at the annual Hornbill Festival that takes place from the 1st to the 10th of December.

Starting out in 2003 as a Government sponsored hornbill festival-Aevent for promoting tourism in the region, the Hornbill Festival has grown over the years to become an international event that is visited by both domestic and foreign tourists. 

The festival showcases the social and culture aspects of the sixteen recognized tribes and is named after the colorful and majestic Hornbill, which inhabits the region and is an integral part of the social and cultural life of the tribes. The bird features in folklore, folk songs, dances and even the multi-hued hornbill-festival-Cand exotic tribal costumes.

The Heritage Village, Kisama, which is the permanent venue for the festival is around 12 kilometers away from the state capital, Kohima. Its name is derived from the two neighboring villages – Kigwema and Phesama. A cluster of sixteen houses in the complex, belonging to the recognized tribes in the state is the highlight of the festival. 

Each house or morung is built hornbill festival-a1using architectural features that are unique to a particular tribe. It also has its own restaurant. Similarly, the customs and traditions of each tribe are different to that of another, and can be witnessed at the cultural performances that are a part of the festival. The colorful spectacle of dances, songs and narratives create a vibrant and memorable event, which keeps alive the tribal culture by passing down their history and way of life to the next generation.

An experience that is treasured by most tourists is that of interacting with the elders in the tribal huts. The younger Nagas, most of whom speak English, play the role of interpreters translating the conversation between tourists and the tribal elders.

The Hornbill Festival is not just about culture, musichornbill-festival-d1=2 and dance. For food lovers, especially non-vegetarians, it’s a gastronomic delight. Since, traditionally, the Nagas were hunters; meat is a staple in most meals. Pork and beef are the most popular meats that are served in the morung restaurants and are used in momos or served as side dishes along with rice. 

Dishes are often spiced with the famous Naga Jolokia chilli, which is one of the hottest peppers in the world. Vegetarians will not be disappointed either with hornbill-festival-d1unusual dishes made from bamboo shoot or yam leaves and the sticky rice tea. Dishes are usually washed down with cold rice beer or Zutho.

The festivities include several competitions, the most interesting among them being the Chili eating competition and local sports such as catching the piglet and climbing up a slippery oiled pole. Besides this, there is a music competition, the Hornbill Literature Festival, Photography contest, marathon, motor rally and a special World War II car rally. 

One of the highlights of the festival is the rock music competition, which is often referred to as the Woodstock of Northeast India. Bands from across the country participate in the grand event, and some bands even come in from places outside India, including Australia, Nepal and the UAE, among others.

For travelers who like to pick up souvenirs or hornbill-festival-h2handicrafts, stalls in the village display a range of products. From paintings and pictures of birds to bamboo utensils, hand woven fabric, colorful Naga shawls, masks and other bamboo artifacts.

Visitors to Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival can find accommodation in a range of hotels, guesthouses and home stays in Kohima. The latter option presents the opportunity of staying with a Naga family and hornbill-festival-h1enjoying home cooked Naga food, besides observing at close quarters their customs and traditions.

For first time visitors, the Hornbill Festival is exciting with its myriad of colors, music, dances and unusual cuisine. No guide book or feature does justice to the vibrant atmosphere that prevails in the heritage village during the ten days of the festival. That’s one of the reasons for its popularity as visitors who have experienced it once, usually go back for more in the subsequent years.

Here Are The Best Attractions In Delhi For The Kids

 

BEST ATTRACTIONS IN DELHI FOR THE 

TODDLERS

If you're taking Delhi holidays with kids, it can be a children's paradise when you know where to go. Here are the best spots in Delhi for the kids:

Lohdi Gardens

Located in the heart of Delhi, these gardens are the perfect place for kids to run and release their energy. In addition, parents will love it here too, as the park is dotted with temples and various other ruins.

National Zoological Park

This wonderful zoo in a park-like setting has the most exotic wildlife and it's the only place where you can see these animals up close and personal. You and the kids will see hippos, hyenas, civet cats, brightly coloured birds, elephants and deer, among other wildlife. There are 2,000 animals located on 214 acres. You can also take a buggy ride and enjoy some sweet treats on the zoo's grounds.

Bal Bhawan National Children's Museum and Aquarium

Don't just see the land-, air- and tree-dwelling mammals. Head to this delightful combined museum and aquarium - just for children - that has everything from a collection of dolls, artwork that appeals to children, a toy train to ride, puppet shows, workshops and an aviary! Kids can also learn things like how to take care of fish, keep the tank clean and make sure their little water wonders are happily fed.

Deer Park

You'll find Deer Park in the heart of South Delhi, and you'll have a hard time believing your eyes! Did you ever imagine that in a bustling, wildly loud city you could see well-manicured green grass, shady trees and plenty of quietly grazing deer? There are also peacocks that seem to delight in showing you their shimmering fan of feathers at the most perfect moments.

Kiddyland

​If you need or want to get some shopping done, head to DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj in southwest Delhi. The reward for the kids' great behavior can be a trip to Kiddyland, an awesome play area with rope climbs, sand pits, swings, slides and plenty of places to run. There are also finger puppets, a splash zone and an eatery with a chocolate fountain. You'll be hard-pressed to find another place more worthy of the title "Kid Paradise."

Garden of the Five Senses

Kids love to explore, so take them to this wonderful garden where they can use each of their senses. They can listen to waterfalls and the bells of a giant wind chime, smell fresh flowers and see the beauty of the area. They can also take a camel ride and feel the camels' wiry hair and eat the tasty bites in the on-site food court.

Few Things You Must Experience When Travel To Kolkata During The Durga Pooja

FEW THINGS YOU MUST DO WHEN YOU TRAVEL 

TO KOLKATA DURING THE DURGA POOJA

There's no place better than Kolkata if you want to experience the real charm of Durga Puja. We would all agree to that. It is the same reason why a lot of travellers come to Kolkata just to experience this Bengali festival. While you are there in the city during the Durga Puja, here are a few things you must experience.

Pandal hopping

That goes without saying, right? If you are in Kolkata during the Durga Puja and you don’t do pandal hopping, your entire trip is a waste of time. But prepared to walk a lot and to face a lot of crowd. Trust us it is worth going through all that. Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata are known to display some of the most vivid forms of art. Each pandal is tastefully decorated there’s a full fledged competition between the Durga Puja committees to win the coveted award of being the best in the city. Right from using waste materials to steel, a lot of creativity and hard work goes into the making of a pandal. And what you get to see as a result is a theme-based pandal and a durga idol to match the same. Once you start exploring these beauties, time will fly and your camera memory will be full before you know it.

Not-to-miss pandals:
Jodhpur Park
Bosepukur
Kumartuli
Badamtala Ashar Sangha

Eat!

Bengalis are known to be one of the biggest foodie communities in the country. Bongs need an excuse to eat. The reason why you will get plenty of opportunities to sample some of the best flavours you can imagine. Right from the street food, including the fuchkas (golgappas), and the egg and chicken rolls, to the mishtis (sweets like roshogolla and authentic mishti doi) to the full fledged Bengali cuisine restaurants serving the all-time favourites like maachher jhol, and luchi-kosha maangsho, Durga Puja is the best time to be explore the entire Bengali cuisine. 

Not-to-miss eateries:
Bhojohori Manna
6 Ballygunj Place
Ice Berg roll joint at Golpark

Participate in Dhunuchi Naach

Dress yourself in the traditional Bengali attire--dhoti-kurta for men and white saree with red border for women, and participate in this frenzied yet graceful dance that takes place only during the Durga puja. When the evening aarti is done on Ashtami, earthen pots called Dhunuchis are filled with coconut shells and lit up to serve as incense burners. These are used by devotees dressed in the traditional Bengali attire to do the Dhunuchi Naachi, a form of dance that is done to the beats of that dhaks (drums). The dance acts as a form of worship to Goddess Durga while the aarti is being done by the priest. Although it's a lot of fun in doing this, devotees often get into a frenzy while expecting their faith towards the worship in the form of a dance.

Visit the Bonedi Baaris

Durga Puja celebrations held in the Bonedi Baaris of Kolkata is something that you just can't afford to miss. Bonedi Baari refers to the heritage Bengali houses that are there in the city. These houses are ancient and are known to have housed some of the biggest families of Bengal. If you want to see Durga Puja in its most authentic form, you must visit these houses. The puja done here is based on centuries of tradition and is closely attached to the roots of Bengali culture. Entire family trees become one in these houses every year during the Durga Puja celebrations. Right from the attire to the rituals, Durga Puja is done in its truest form in the Bonedi Baaris.

Not-to-miss Bonedi Baaris:
Shovabazar Raj Bari
Chatubabu Latubabu Baari

Participate in the Bhashaan rituals

Bhashaaan is the Bengali world for Visarjan or immersion ceremony. Done on the day of Dashami or Dussehra, this ceremony is held in order to mark the end of the Durga Puja festivities. Married women dressed in traditional Bengali sarees follow a ritual called shindoor khela, a ceremony very similar to Holi, wherein vermillion is used instead of colours. When the Durga idol is taken to the bank of river Ganga for immersion, it turns into an altogether different kind of celebration. Right from the time the idol is lifted from the pandal to the time it is immersed at the riverbank, people tirelessly dance to the beats of the drums. The kind of enthusiasm that goes into the dancing clearly shows that everyone wants to make the most of the last few moments of Durga Puja, which happens to be the celebration for Bengalis. Take time out to join the procession and dance all your worries away--there can't be a better to celebrate life.

 

Adorable Traveller Must Visit These Undervalued Destinations In India

SOME UNDERVALUED INDIAN DESTINATIONS

 EVERY PASSIONATE TRAVELLER MUST VISIT

When it comes to diversity in the kind of destinations, India lies somewhere lies somewhere at the top of the list. In fact, there are so many destinations, that a lifetime is not enough to explore each one of them. Where you choose to travel, depends totally on the kind of traveller you are--if you are someone who likes to check out the popular tourist destinations, then you are likely to have a handful of options only. But if you are someone, who likes to take the road less travelled, you are always in the lookout for destinations that give you the chance to explore and discover things most people haven't.

We bring you a list of destinations that are underrated, yet have plenty to offer to a traveller. Which one would you go to?

Osian village, Rajasthan

If you are planning to visit Rajasthan and feel that you are done with the same old forts and palaces of Jaipur, here's another part of the colourful state you must explore sometime. The Osian village is located in the Jodhpur district and acts as a pleasant surprise in the form of an oasis in the middle of the Thar desert. As a traveller, you would be amazed by the centuries of history and finesse in ancient architecture displayed by the heritage temples here, which were built between the 8th and 11th centuries.

Haflong, Assam

The only hill station in the verdant state of Assam is a place a traveller must never miss out on. A place known for soothing weather conditions and picturesque views around, haflong happens to be at the centre of the Dima Hasao district. In fact, when you visit the Haflong Lake, you would want to spend hours by its side soaking in the serenity around. If you are a foodie, don't miss out on the local liquor and a delicious local preparation of pork.

Tarkarli, Maharashtra

Beach lovers would understand that it's not always a nice feeling to be surrounded by too many people when you are at a beach. After all, you don't want the chatter of a crowd and the sight of waste at a beach you want to spend some quality time on. Thank God for Tarkarli, one of the most non-commercialised beaches in the country. Located in the Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, the place is known for pristine waters and a beach that displays the best of natural beauty.

Chaukori, Uttarakhand

Most likely, you have never heard about this place. But this is one place where you can actually do a digital and mental detox. Chaukori is a quaint hamlet perched within the depths of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. All you can do here is sit with a cup of your favourite beverage and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Panchachuli massif and other Himalayan ranges at the distance, while enjoying a soothing breeze pass by you at all times.

Lepchajagat, West Bengal

When you visit Darjeeling, the home of tea estates, try and squeeze out a day or two for the neighbouring village of Lepchajagat. Very few people know about this place--it's a small settlement on the way to Mirik from Darjeeling, and is quite easy to miss. Located at a distance of 19 km from Darjeeling, Lepchajagat is surrounded by lush green woods and offers unmatched views of the Kanchendzonga peak.

Dholavira, Gujarat

Easy to miss, yet hard to ignore--that's what Dholavira is. Located close to the popular tourist destination of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, this is one destination where a traveller can explore some significant history of the human race. Believed to be larger than the Indus Valley Civilisation, the ruins of this place date back to the pre-historic times. If not anything, this place will make you think hard.