These Ten Heritage Destinations May Include On The World Heritage Site Lists.

SARNATH

AT

UTTAR PRADESH

UNESCO's tentative list has 46 Indian heritage sites. Which ones do you think should be included on the main list?

India's vibrant past and cultural richness are evident from the unique heritage sites located in almost every part of the country. Many of them deserve a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which catalogues and conserves sites of importance. Currently, 32 Indian sites of natural and cultural importance are included in the list. It is likely that this number will swell as there are 46 sites on UNESCO's tentative list. Let's take a look at some of them.

Temples at Bishnupur, West Bengal

The beautiful terracotta temples in this place were built by the Vaishnavite Malla Kings during the 17th and 18th centuries, from local laterite stones. The dominant architectural style is the Bengali Eka-Ratna, with a single tower set upon a sloping roof and a square cell, with a porch on each site. Among the few remaining terracotta temples, the detailed terracotta work found in the area has a distinct flavour of its own and cannot be found elsewhere.

Mattanchery Palace, Ernakulam, Kerala

Gifted to the Portuguese by the Raja of Cochin in 1555, the Mattancherry Palace is home to some of the most stunning mythological murals in the country, painted in rich hues. The earliest paintings are found in the king's bedchamber, which is covered with 48 paintings illustrating the Ramayana.

Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

It is actually quite surprising that this isn't already a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located a few kilometres away from Varanasi, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first teachings after attaining enlightenment. Today, the deer park, stupas, temples and the Ashokan Pillar in Sarnath are visited by both Buddhist pilgrims and travellers.

Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar, Punjab

Popularly known as the Golden Temple, this is the holiest Gurdwara of the Sikhs. It was founded by the fourth Sikh guru in 1574 and was completed in 1604. Over 1,00,000 people visit the Gurdwara complex every day .

Santiniketan, West Bengal

Established by Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan has now turned into a university town. In 1863, Tagore had founded an ashram here with the vision of bringing together people from all walks of life. He also started Patha Bhavana, the school of his ideals, with the idea of imparting education in a natural environment as it was believed to be more enjoyable and fruitful. This became the Visva-Bharati University in 1921.

Mughal Gardens, Kashmir

Immaculately manicured green, pools and gardens make the Mughal Gardens a gorgeous location for leisurely strolls and rendezvous. Built by the Mughals, these gardens were heavily influenced by the Persian garden style. Some of the famous ones in Kashmir include Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashma Shahi and Pari Mahal.

Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar

Commonly known as Kala Paani, this colonial prison was used by the authorities to exile political prisoners. An important site in the history of the Indian freedom struggle, Cellular Jail now serves as a national memorial monument. Famous people incinerated here include Veer Savarkar, Batukeshwar Dutt and Yogendra Shukla.

Qutb Shahi Tombs, Hyderabad

With a distinctive style that blends Persian, Pashtun and Hindu architectures, the tombs of the seven Qutub Shai rulers lie in the Ibrahim Bagh, close to the Golkonda fort. The tombs have finely carved stonework and are surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Excavated remains, Nalanda, Bihar

Known as India's first university, these ruins once flourished as a Buddhist monastery, and a centre of culture and learning, with scholars flocking in from all over the world. Excavations in 1915 unearthed 11 monasteries and brick temples which were a part of the ancient Nalanda complex.

Kakatiya Temples, Telangana

Believed to be constructed by the Kakatiya dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries, this group of temples in Warangal representa the distinct architectural style of the period with detailed stone carving, rock cut elephants, pillars and perforated screens. The most famous temple here is Rudreshwara Swamy Temple or the thousand pillar temple, which is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex Included In World Heritage Sites

Chandigarh's Capitol Complex is now a World Heritage site, according to the World Heritage Committee's latest decision of including 12 new sites in the World Heritage list. 

The World Heritage Committee on Sunday evening agreed to put 12 new sites on the World Heritage List before ending its 40th session in Turkey's Istanbul city.

Chandigarh's famed Capitol Complex was also added to the UNESCO's World Heritage list, an official said.

Chandigarh's home secretary, Anurag Aggarwal said, "This is a great achievement for the administration, another feather in the cap as we bring home a heritage status, I congratulate everyone on the success."

The session placed a total of 21 out of 27 nominations for this year on the prestigious list, Xinhua news agency reported.

With the 21 newly added--12 cultural sites, six natural and three mixed ones--the heritage list has now 1,052 sites in 165 countries.

The state of conservation of 155 properties was examined as well during the session, with five in Libya making it to the List of World Heritage in Danger, along with one in Uzbekistan and another in Mali.

Meanwhile, one site in Georgia was removed from the list of endangered sites, while the site of Nan Madol, or the Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia, was simultaneously inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the list of World Heritage in Danger.

The 40th session started on July 10 and was cut short by four days due to the outbreak of a coup attempt in Turkey on Friday night.

The 41st session is slated for July 2017 in Krakow, Poland.

Get A Splendid Travel Experience In October To Wayanad In Kerala

OCTOBER MONTH TRAVEL 

AT

WAYANAD

Replete with  enchanting  waterfalls,  historical  caves,  comfortable  resorts and home stays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. 

Among the prettiest areas of Kerala, Wayanad has a huge number of options for its visitors. Part of a forest reserve, Wayanad is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The entire region is completely green with hilly ranges and wildlife including Tholpetty in the North, Muthanga in the east bordering with Tamil Nadu, Kalpetta in the south, Mananthvadi in the north-west and Sultan Bathery (Sultan Battery) in the east.

Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, taking that trek into the pre-historic caves and experiencing a resort holiday are one of the many thing you can do to get a taste of Wayanad. A great place to spot wild elephants, cool breeze, beautiful scenery, Wayanad is guaranteed to please your travel senses. Overall, a perfect weekend idea from cities of South India.

A blend of influences from Arab, Brahmin, Zamorin, and Chirakkal food cultures makes Wayanad a flavorsome hot-pot. The North of Wayanad is also popular for its Konkani fares. Some of the must try dishes here are Dum Biryani, Malabar paratha, Pathiri or rice bread, and ghee and saffron rice.

You will also find popular items such as Ghee Roast Dosa, Appams and Idlisas well as Toddy, a locally fermented alcohol beverage made from palm tree and coconut palms.

Pick homestays and resorts for a comfortable night-cap, and a luxurious in-house frolic.

Autos and taxis are the best way to travel. The hotels and resorts also arrange for car rentals complete with guide and maps.

Kozhikode has the nearest airport and railhead 90 kms away. Good roadways also allow for a long drive or a bus trip from Kozhikode or a any other South Indian city. Numerous taxis take off the travel anxiety.

Diwali Maha Arati Along With A Night Tour Of The Entire Jaipur City.

JAIPUR DIWALI SPECIAL ARATI 

Overview

About the Activity:

Fixed departure: 30th October 2016

Rs.3100/per adult

A festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness or if spiritually saying, good over evil, is celebrated all over India as Diwali. Numerous lights shining in every household, streets, temples and buildings magnify the whole concept of this festival.

Rather, a tribute to the goddess of prosperity and wealth, Lekshmi will be the major part of this festival. This one day tour to the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur will enable you to be a part of the Diwali Maha Arati along with a night tour of the entire city.

Hours long Arati will definitely let you revel in a distinct experience and the tour following it discloses the predominant landmarks of Jaipur decorated with umpteen number of illuminations and diyas.

The package includes food and transportation during the trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 -

At around 05:00 PM, get picked up from your hotel to the location where Diwali Maha Arati happens.

You will be welcomed in a traditional Rajasthani style with Tikka and the indigenous music.

Immediately, you can spot the rows of oil lamps and multi coloured illuminated decoration.

By 6:30, the Diwali Maha Arati starts, partake to lift your soul spiritually and holistically up.

The events lasts up to 08:00 PM and as everyone knows this particular routine is done as a tribute to the goddess Lekshmi during the time of Diwali.

Spread a new cloth on a raised platform on which you can place a handful of grains at the centre and, on this, place a kalash or pitcher made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta.

Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water and place a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains in it. Arrange five kinds of leaves or mango leaves in the kalash.

Place a small dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder ( haldi ) over the rice grains and place the idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with coins.

Place the idol of Ganesha: In front of the kalash, on the right (South-West direction), place the idol of Ganesha. Also place ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform.

Light a lamp and begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed. Then offer haldi, kumkum, and flowers to the water that is to be used for the puja. Invoke the river goddesses to be part of this water.

Reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her is believed to invoke the goddess.

Place the idol of Lakshmi in a plate and pour water, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey, and sugar) and then again water containing some gold ornament or a pearl.

Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the kalash. Alternately, you can just sprinkle water and panchamrit on the idol with a flower.

Also, you can offer sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume ( itra ), haldi, kumkum, abeer, and gulal to the goddess.

Offer a garland of cotton beads to the goddess and offer flowers, especially the marigold flowers and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree).

Light an incense stick and dhoop. Make an offering of sweets, coconut, fruits, and tambul. Make an offering of puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice, batasha, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds over the idol. Safe where you keep money and jewelry; Worship this safe as a symbol of Lord Kuber.

At last, it is time to perform the aarti for goddess Lakshmi. It should be accompanied only by a small bell. Do not clap hands, as is the practice when performing aarti for other gods.

From 8.00 PM to 9:00 PM, there will be music and fireworks, just enjoy.

Dinner will be served from 9.00 to 11.00 PM

At around 11:00 PM, you will be taken to witness the Pink City night decoration tour covering New Gate, Bari Chopar, outside portion of City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Govind Dev Ji temple.

Then, you will be transferred to your hotel by 12:30 PM and the tour ends here.

Meal - Pure vegetarian dinner

Activity - Diwali Maha Arati, City sightseeing tour

Other Inclusions - Rajasthani style welcome, Music and firework show

Transport

Pick up and drop off at your hotel - Transportation for Pink City night tour

Things To Carry - Comfortable footwear, Warm clothes, Camera.

Advisory - The child's price is applicable for children between the age of 6 and 11.

Tour Type - This is a group tour

Cancellation Policy

 If any cancellations are made before the start date of the trip, 100% of booking value will be charged as cancellation fees.

 In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases the operator will try his best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will be provided for the same.

Refund Policy - No refund applicable for this tour.

Confirmation Policy - The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 15 minutes of successful booking.

Please visit thrillophilia .com

Mechuka Valley – It Has A Very Old Buddhist Monastery For The Major Tourist Lure

MECHUKA VALLEY

AT

WEST SIANG

Mechuka also known as Menchukha is a small town nestled 6,000 feet (1,829 m) above sea level in the Mechuka Valley in West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India.The name Men-chu-kha means medicinal water of snow where men is medicine, chu is water and kha is snow though kha also means mouth. The popular name for Menchukha is Mechukha.

Menchukha is situated in a forested valley, surrounded by pine trees and thornbushes. The river Yargyapchu flows in the valley of Menchukha. Mechuka is 180 kilometres northwest of Along and is only 29 kilometres away from Indo-Tibet border. The nearest airport is Lilabari Airport in Assam.

Mechuka Valley is home to the people of the Memba, Ramo, Bokar and Libo tribes. The local population is primarily Memba, a Tibeto-mongloid Ethnic Group.People of this place are believers of Buddhism, Donyi-Poloism, Christianity and speak Memba, Adi, Hindi and English. Mechuka is known for both its religious and historical significance. The 400-year old Samten Yongcha monastery of Mahayana Buddhist sect is a contemporary of the much-revered Tawang Monastery.

Mechuka is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination in Arunachal Pradesh due to its scenic beauty, exotic tribes, gentle hills and snow-capped mountains and River Siyom (locally known as Yargyap Chu). The Siom River, which flows through Mechuka also provides a breathtaking view in the valley.

The major tourist attraction here is a 400-year-old Buddhist Monastery, which is located at a hilltop in the westernmost part of Mechuka. Numerous ancient statues can also be found here. Accommodations are available at Tourist lodges and Inspection Bungalow and a few hotels are also coming up to meet the increasing influx of tourists from the country and abroad. The people of Ramo (Adi) tribe have resided in the Mechuka valley since time immemorial in the periphery of Mechukha valley in the villages of Gapo, Pauk, Padusa, Lipusi, Hiri, Purying, Rapum, Charung, Rego and Karte.

There are no flights directly into Arunachal. But it’s most convenient to fly from Kolkata to any of these cities in Assam -- Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat or Tezpur. (We flew into Dibrugarh.) 

To enter Arunachal, the Brahmaputra will have to be crossed – by a bridge at Tezpur and Guwahati or by ferry at other points. From Bogibeel Ghat near Dibrugarh, you can take the bhudbhutti (engine boat) or freighter or the snazzier car ferry, which is much more. The latter also does not operate so frequently.