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.

While The Festival The Statue Of St. Sebastian Is Taken Out For Public Veneration

ATHIRAMPUZHA PERUNNAL 

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KOTTAYAM

Start date: 19-01-2017

End date: 26-01-2017

Venue: St. Mary's Forane Church

Location: Athirampuzha

District: Kottayam

Blessed on 15th August 835 AD, the St. Mary’s Forane Church at Athirampuzha oozes with old world charm and is much reputed for its exquisite architecture and historical significance. The church which is dedicated to St. Mary is a noted pilgrim centre of St. Sebastian. Legend has it that the statue of St. Sebastian installed here was brought from Portugal. The church boasts of a rich historical legacy with its collection of objects like the granite cross, altar, bells, articles used in the Holy Mass etc. carved in granite and wood metal.

Thousands of devotees flock to the church for the feast of St. Sebastian which was started in the year 1647. During the festival days, the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out for public veneration. The procession sees a rich conflux of spiritual exercises and spectacular events. The spectacular display of fireworks, music of different band groups, beaded ornate umbrellas, different types of crosses made of gold, silver, bronze and wood make the procession an event cherished by people.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam about 11 km

Asia -Pacific Award Is Presented To Goa Tourism

Goa Tourism Bags another prestigious Award, This time its Asia-Pacific Sabre Awards for best use of Social Media Networking

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has won yet another prestigious Award for its Online Social Media Campaign called “Tourism by Tourists”. The Asia-Pacific Sabre Award is presented to Goa Tourism for its successful Global Social Media Networking which attracted close to 5000 entries globally.

According to the sources in Goa Tourism Development Corporation office, The campaign projected Goa as a perfect tourist destination through an interesting digital campaign. The project was solely conceptualized by the Goa Tourism’s PR Agency Adfactors PR.

The   Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar congratulated team Adfactors PR for the efforts made help Goa gain recognition nationally and internationally through platforms like digital media which is vitally important to showcase the best of Goa’s facets and other attractions in the state. He encouraged the team and urged them to continue the good work and win more honors for Goa Tourism.

The impact of digital media has never been faster than it is today. I am happy that such digital campaigns have given an opportunity to both national and international travelers to choose a perfect tourist destination like Goa. We wish to continue driving such interesting campaigns and bag many more honors that will help us get recognition across the globe”, said Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, GTDC.

The campaign was driven to showcase the best of Goa’s locales and partner with Goa’s finest brand ambassadors: The Tourists. It was driven exclusively with the intention to raise the credibility of traveling in Goa, engage directly with influential travelers, increase recall value for Goa Tourism with unique travel experiences and generate maximum awareness through partnered content.

source: incrediblegoa.in

Jag Mandir – Visitors Are Welcomed By Eight Royal Elephants

JAG MANDIR PALACE

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UDAIPUR

Jag Mandir is situated on an island in the Picalo Lake of Udaipur city in the Rajasthan state of India.It was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh as a hideout for Prince Khurram the estranged son of Emperor Jehangir the implacable foe of the Maharana. The reason for the aid was that the prince was the son of a Rajput mother.

It is also said that Shah Jahan [prince Khurram] derived some of these ideas for the Taj Mahal from this palace when he stayed there in 1623-24. The island has some striking carving including a row of elephants that looks as though they are guarding the island. The exquisitely carved chhatri in grey and blue stone is another example. 

Jag Mandir is built on an island and a charming little boat ride is required in order to reach this magnificent palace, also known as Lake Garden Palace. Visitors are greeted by eight majestic elephants, carved in stone, adorning the entrance.

Once you walk onto the grounds of the Jag Mandir, the lush garden is a sight for sore eyes; Fountains and tiny water pools, rich flower beds and a large patch of greenery welcome visitors to the royal grounds. These grounds are also used for concerts and shows. Remember to check with the hotel whether something is on for when you plan to visit.

Maharana Jagat Singh who made a number of additions to it later renovated the place. Within the palace was the temple dedicated to the Lord Jagdish and hence the name is derived from that. There is a museum detailing the history of the island as well and the neat courtyards.

For those wanting to enjoy a blissful romantic evening out, take to Jag Mandir in the evening. The Darikhana restaurant at Jag Mandir plays host to a splendid evening of romance. Dining here is on the exclusive side, and a minimum spend is required. For those only in the mood for some drinks, there is a bar, which also caters to the shisha crowd.  Jag Mandir truly is majestic, and for all you Bollywood fans; Darikhana was the very place where renowned Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon got married.

By Air

Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi, Maharana Pratap Airport, 28 kms.

By Train

The Railway Station is about 2 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. 

By Bus

Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station Road, NH 8, Udaipur.