Friday, 24 August 2018

Rajasthan-the land of Kings

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a beautiful amalgamation of the old and new; the ancient and the modern. Rajasthan, or the Land of Kings, is true to its name with lavish forts and majestic palaces that are apt reminders of a rich, romantic past that speak's of heroism, honour and chivalry. Amidst a stark desert and surrounded by the Aravallis, India's oldest mountain range, the State stands out like a beacon, attracting travellers with its rich art and culture. There are so many vibrant and colourful festivals held across the state that gives visitors to Rajasthan a reason to celebrate almost throughout the year.

Tourist Attractions In Rajasthan

Jaipur
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The capital of the state, Jaipur is also the largest city in the princely state of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1727, by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, who was the ruler of Amber. Also known by the nickname ‘Pink City of India’ which is due to the distinctive saffron or pink color of the buildings. The planning of the city was done according to the Vedic Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture). The well planned streets and detailed and artistic architecture make it one of the top preferred tourist locations.

Udaipur
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While in a few texts, it has been termed as the Venice of the East, the City of Udaipur is known by its common moniker, the city of lakes. The city was the capital of the Sisodiya Rajputs of Mewar and is famous for its palaces that exemplify the finesse of Rajputana Style architecture. Udaipur was founded in 1553 by the Sisodiya Rajput Ruler Maharana Udai Singh II. The Mewar Rajputs founded the city to relocate their capital from Chittor to a more secure location. Today, most of the palaces have been converted into hotels, thus attracting a huge no. of tourist crowd to this city.

Jodhpur


The second largest City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur is also the second most populated city of Rajasthan after Jaipur. The city was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler, Rao Jodha Singh of Marwar. The city was founded as Marwar’s new capital after the fall of the former capital of Mandore. Jodhpur is also called the Sun City as it enjoys a bright sunny weather all year round. Strategically, it is considered to be the most important city of western Rajasthan as it lies only at a distance of 250 kilometers from the Indo-Pakistan border.

Jaisalmer
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The aptly named “golden city”, which comes from its view during the day, the city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad. The city gets its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the same golden colored sandstone used in the city’s architecture. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. The city thrives on tourism, and can be called a home away from home for a huge no. of tourists from all around the world.

Bikaner
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The city of Bikaner was founded in 1488 by the Rathore Rajput Ruler Rao Bika. Rao Bika was the son of the Rathore Ruler Rao Jodha who founded Jodhpur. The land was usurped from the rivaling Jat rulers of that time. However, no matter how many wars the ancient city has seen in the past, today Bikaner is another prime tourist destination and is famous for its sweets and snacks. The place is known for its forts and food.

Pushkar
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Lying in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, the holy City of Pushkar is often described as the king of pilgrimage sites in India. The town is located at the shores of the Pushkar Lake, which was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The town is one of the oldest cities of India and the date of its origin is unknown and is often associated with the Hindu mythology. The town is famous for its temples and various Ghats which are frequented by hundreds of visitors during the annual bath. The water of the lake is considered sacred and thus is responsible for the towns repute as a pilgrimage spot.

Sawai Madhopur
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Sawai Madhopur was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh of The Kachwaha Rajputs and was founded in 1763. While the town itself doesn’t have any notable tourist attractions, just two attractions have made this city a must visit place in Rajasthan. They are the Ranthambore Fort and the Ranthambore National park. Both of the two places are a must visit and will take up around 2-3 days for one to explore properly.

Chittorgarh
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The ancient city of Chittorgarh also known as Chittor, was said to have been founded by the Maurya Dynasty. However its significance rose when the Ruler of the Sisodiya Rajput Clan of Mewar captured the city in 734 Ad and made it the capital of Mewar. The place is known to be the birthplace of many great warriors and historical figures like the Great Maharana Pratap and the Hindu saint, Meera Bai. The city being an ancient place contains many different palaces, temples and forts which display some of the most advanced architectural designs and artistic mastery.

Mount Abu
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The place takes pride of it being the only hill station in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mount Abu is situated in the Aravalli mountain range and is a part of the Sirohi District of Rajasthan. The place apart from being a retreat for the people of Rajasthan and Gujarat from the scorching sun but has a lot of historical and religious significance. Mount Abu was known as the Arbuda Mountain, which has been mentioned in the Hindu Epic Mahabharata and is known for to be the place where the Great Sage Vashishta retired. The hill station houses many ancient sites and temples which are frequented by many pilgrims from across India along with many forts and lakes.

Alwar
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The City of Alwar Founded by the Kachwaha Rajput Ruler Pratap Singh in 1770. The town’s name was Ulwar during those days and was changed to Alwar to bring it to the top in the alphabetically arranged list of the Princely states of Rajputana. The town is significant for its various military participations in various battles and was the first state of Rajputana to sign a treaty with the British East India Company.

Saturday, 18 August 2018

KASOL-MINI ISRAEL IN INDIA

KASOL-EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF MINI ISRAEL IN INDIA

“Saranghae “ what this word means?? Any idea?? No??
Like this impressive and beautiful word, you all are also unaware of the mesmerising beauty of kasol. Kasol is a tourist place in Himachal situated in Parvati valley. Whenever we talk about hill station what always comes to our mind is Shimla, Manali, Kullu but not kasol. Kasol is not as famous as these places but mark my words, kasol is also a tuff competition to these already famous beauties. Kasol is also known as mini Israel why??  Let’s know why it is famous as mini Israel and also what we can see and do there to spend our vacation in mini Israel.
Parvati River
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River in hill station!  Say hello to adventure there. This can be the perfect place for those who want to try some adventure. Here you can try your hands in some river rafting which will full your soul with some amazing experience. Must do activity in kasol.
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Whenever we talk about mountains or hill station one thing is for sure that you can always enjoy those moments with the bunch of your friends doing trekking. Any journey without trekking in Himachal is waste. Yes, you can travel by your cab or on the horse but you will miss that fun which you will have in trekking. Trekking is the fun way to cover any distance. It will give your eyes some soothing view and to your body some relaxing environment to distress.
Image result for Manikaran GurudwaraManikaran is one of the famous places in kasol. It is famous for hot water spring. Gurudwara is world famous for its langar tradition. Visit Manikaran seek the blessing of almighty, enjoy langar and admire the exotic beauty of kasol.
Mini Israel
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This is the question why mini Israel? Kasol is influenced by the Israeli visitors. Many Israeli has opened there own cafe and restaurants in kasol which also influence their food culture. You can easily see how they have influenced their culture and created a mash-up. Go here enjoy Israeli food and culture.
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Kasol is not only rich in scenic beauty it also provides you with a lot of ways to enjoy there. Whether it is snow laded mountain which you can enjoy from December to February or clear bright sky where you can count stars and enjoy your starry night which is rare in cities.
Forest camping is another way to enjoy your vacation with friends it is another heaven which you don’t want to leave. Staying all night in tent, bonfire, songs and guitar what more?
It is already so tempting. I am packing my back… are you?? See you in kasol.
And Saranghae means “I love you “and yes I love you kasol.

Monday, 13 August 2018

Alleppey- The Venice Of The East

Also known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha is famous for its breathtaking backwaters and canals. Situated at the south western tip of the Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha is a small strip of land sandwiched between the Vembanad Lake and the Arabian Sea. The Nehru Trophy snake boat race held on the second Saturday of August (During Onam) every year, at the Punnamada Backwaters is a real feast for the eyes! Alappuzha is also a major centre producing coir products in Kerala.

Tourist Attractions In Alleppey

Alleppey Beach
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Alleppey Beach or Alappuzha Beach has a long stretch of sandy beach with a lighthouse and a pier jutting out into the sea, a reminder of its age-old maritime importance.

Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple

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Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple in the heart of town dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari gives the feel of a typical Kerala Temple.

Mannarasala Temple
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It is like a pilgrimage destination for the followers of Nagaraja or the serpent god. The Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes and special procession and offerings are made to celebrate Mannarsala Aayilyam, the main festival of this temple.

Alappuzha CSI Christ Church


Built in 1818 by the first Church Missionary Society, Allappuzha CSI Church was the first church established in Travancore.

Saturday, 11 August 2018

Munnar-A Tempting Hill Station

Munnar-A Tempting Hill Station

Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 M above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns. winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which bathes the hills in he blue colour once in every twelve years.

Tourist Attractions In Munnar

Eravikulam National Park
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One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. This park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists.

Anamudi Peak

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Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Mattupetty
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Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape.

Pallivasal

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Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal & Anayirangal

Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges. When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station
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Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Tea Museum
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Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

Thursday, 9 August 2018

Delhi " The City of Djinns



Delhi " The City of Djinns " Delhi is the capital city of India. It is the second most populated city in the country. The city has a population of over 22 million people and is spread out over an area of 1484 km. Delhi is situated on the banks of Yamuna and the city is bordered by the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The city of Delhi is the largest commercial center in the northern part of India. The culture of this place has been influenced by its extensive history and its momentous association as the capital of India.



Tourist Attractions In Delhi

Humayun's Tomb

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Probably not the iconic image of Delhi but unarguably the most splendid work of Mughal Architecture in the capital, Humayun's Tomb is UNESCO recognised World Heritage Site and definitely tops the list of must-visit places. The structure will give you a glimpse of the iconic Taj as it was here that the Persian Charbagh style was put to test by The Mughal architects and was later perfected in the construction of Taj Mahal in Agra.

Dilli Haat

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Dilli Haat is an open-air food cum craft bazaar located in Delhi near INA (AIIMS), run by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. There are over 62 craft shops inside the plaza where artisans from every corner of this vast country gather to sell and showcase their handicraft. Then there are food stalls offering savoury cuisines from every possible state for the platter of guests.

Red Fort
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Once the pivot of the mighty Mughal Empire, Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, is a stark reminder of ephemeral nature of empires and powers that be. Once a sprawling fortress complex with an array of palaces, and grand structures, lush courtyards and cascading waterholes; Red fort today is only a shadow of its majestic past. The significance of this structure is evident in the fact that it was here that the flag of India was hoisted when she got independence from British Raj, a tradition which is still observed on each anniversary of Indian Independence Day.

Akshardham Temple
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One of the modern marvels of architecture, this sprawling temple complex by the bank of river Yamuna, is a sight to behold. The architecture and design of this temple complex is a manifestation of the time tested ancient traditions of Hindu culture, beliefs and spirituality which has percolated down the ages. The popularity of this temple is evident in the fact that 7 out of 10 people who visit Delhi, pay their visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple.

India Gate
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India Gate is arguably the most iconic and enduring symbol of New Delhi. It was built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War. Evening is perhaps the best time to visit this resplendent structure when it is floodlit while the fountains nearby make mesmerising display of varied hues.

Jama Masjid
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Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India stands across the road in front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658. It is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful.

Lotus Temple
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Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. It is located at Kalkaji in New Delhi. The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The place provides immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since then the temple has received recognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most visited monuments in India.

Saturday, 4 August 2018

Amritsar-Home to the Golden Temple

Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travellers coming to India on the overland route from central Asia it soon became the centre of various commercial activities. There are various historical and religious sites. The most famous of them all in the Golden Temple which was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev.

Tourist Attractions In Amritsar

Golden Temple

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the pride and soul of the Sikhs has been a centre of attraction among Indians as well as foreign travellers since ages. The golden body, mystic pond, mouth-watering halwa (desert) and overall myths make this religious site a delight of religious populace. Believers irrespective of their religion, caste and gender throng Amritsar in search of eternal bliss and get amazed seeing the humble nature and deep rooted beliefs of the Sikhs towards their religion.

Jalian-wala Bagh
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Located within a distance of one kilometre from the Golden Temple, Jalianwala Bagh is the famous public ground where the heinous act of public massacre was done by the British Army. The incident took place on 13th April, 1919 which was the Punjabi New Year Day. It is on this auspicious day that British occupying forces brutally opened fire on a peaceful mass and as a result around 379 people were left dead and around 1100 people wounded. In 1951 a memorial was established on this ground to commemorate the massacre. Today a huge memorial stone is found in Jalianwala Bagh where every traveller in Punjab pays his/her homage.

Wagah Border

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Wagah Border is one of the must visit places of tourist Interest around Golden Temple in Amritsar and has established itself as a firm favourite among the Indian tourists. It is the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan and located at a distance of around 30 km from the Golden Temple. The ceremony of Beating Retreat and Change of Guard make this place highly valued. The soldiers of both the countries demonstrate their heartfelt enthusiasm for own country and the nationalistic feel reaches its peak among the viewers present there in the afternoon. This entertainment ceremony involves a display of intense patriotic feel of the armies for their respective states and people assemble here every day to witness this exciting activity in either side of the border.

Durgiana Temple

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A Significant Hindu Temple in Amritsar, Durgiana is around one and a half kilometre from the Golden Temple and looks like a replica of the same. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple was built in 1908 by Harsai Mal Kapoor. The temple complex encloses the seats of Lord Hanuman, Mata Shitla, along with Lakshmi Narain.

Akal Takht

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It is a Sikh temple built at the premises of the Golden Temple by Guru Hargobind Sahib as a place of justice and for resolving temporal issues. It is considered to be the highest seat of earthly authority of Khalsa. The literal meaning of Akal Takht is the  throne of the timeless one and it is a symbolic representation of the political sovereignty of the Sikhs.

Tarn Taran
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Located at a distance of around 22 km from the Golden Temple, Tarn Taran is a Sikh pilgrimage site in the Tarn Taran District of Punjab. The Gurudwara was constructed by the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev. It is believed that the Sarovar (pond) located in this Gurudwara is the largest among all the Sikh Shrines. Tarn Taran is counted among the most popular Sikh pilgrimage sites in India and thronged by the devotees every month on the day of Amavas.

Harike Wetland
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Hari Ke Pattan or Harike Wetland is claimed to be the largest wetland in northern India. It is a man-made riverine, lacustrine wetland which spreads across the three district of Punjab namely Amritsar, Ferozepur and Kapurthala. It is one of the Ramsar Sites in India. The wetland gives shelter to several species of snakes, turtles, amphibians and fishes. The wetland is located in Tarn Taran district of Punjab.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
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Dedicated to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, ‘the Lion of Punjab’, who freed a major part of Punjab from the shackles of the Mughals, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is located in Lawrence Road, Company Bagh of Amritsar. The museum displays the chivalric activities of the Maharaja along with artefacts associated with the greatest battles he fought with his enemies. The light and sound show creates the feel of a real war situation with the booming sound effects taking you to the past.