kerala Backwater Destinations: Alappuzha – Kochi cruise
Cruise leisurely through the canals in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
Are you a tired of exploring God’s Own Country on foot? How about enjoying the comforts of a luxurious backwater cruise? You can hire a houseboat in Alappuzha, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Cruise leisurely through the canals in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which is fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.
From Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala to Vaikom, you witness a veritable world of wonders. Here this cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with its own slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds, and fragrances will simply surround and captivate you.
En route to Vaikom, the Vembanad Lake offers you sights of the rustic backwater village life. Your eyes will never tire of feasting on the green shores on both sides, throbbing with vigor and pure natural beauty. The soft sunlit water enchants you as the palm trees on both shores beckon you with gentle whispers in the wind. You know in your soul that this magnificent sight will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Then comes, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwaters has many interesting myths surrounding this region. Next is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savoring some delicious Kerala snacks is a marvelous experience.
Then to Kumbalangi via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting components of the backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of the majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of harvesting paddy is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique farming practice followed in Kumbalangi.
Having journeyed through the breezy backwaters of Kumbalangi, the cruise proceeds to Fort Kochi, known for its share of Chinese fishing nets and numerous historic sites. The place is worth exploring on foot if one is up for it. However, the sights from on board the houseboat are also fascinating. Bidding adieu to Fort Kochi, let us steer towards the Bolghatty Island.
The panoramic view of the mainland of Ernakulam city, its skyline and the shipyard on the eastern side makes you unwind. Lose yourself to the soothing breeze and the reassuring touch of sunlight.
The memory of this cruise will definitely be etched in your mind and will surely tug at your heartstrings and stir your soul for all the years to come.
Kerala Sightseeing – Kerala Sightseeing Tour Packages.
Kerala Destinations, not to be missed scenic locations & natural beauty!
Kerala, famous for hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine.
Kerala has an endless list of tourist destinations that will interest any traveler. Renowned for its scenic locations and natural beauty, Kerala is sure to enchant any nature lover with its hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife. The state also has a rich heritage and thriving culture one can explore by visiting the various forts, palaces, museums, monuments and pilgrim centers. Both natural and manmade brilliance await you at every turn.
Wedged between the Western Ghats on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West, the narrow strip of land known as Kerala is truly a destination of a lifetime.
Yemshe Festival of Nagaland!
The feast continues and many rituals and specific arrangements that are made until the last day of the feast which is the feast cleansing day.
Celebrated by the Pochury tribe of Nagaland, Yemshe Festival is a harvest festival which starts from the last week of September to the first week of October where all the Pouchuries come together to celebrate the year’s hard work with fun and frolic. The village spokesman announces the arrival of the Yemshe festival after which the arrangements and festivities begin.
The head of the family perform the rituals of the Yemshe Festival whose materials are then fastened to the entrance of each house. Couples exchange gifts and indulge in feasts and wine. This is called the Big Yemshe when people get to know each other and also get engaged.
The celebration of the Yemshe with rituals is called the small Yemshe when a rich family hosts the ritual Purification feast. The feast continues and there are a number of rituals and specific arrangements that are made until the last day of the feast which is the feast cleansing day.
The final and last day the refinement feast is observed and it is compulsory for the people to stay at home and enjoy it. After that, the agricultural tasks begins from the next day.
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Amritsar- a city for peaceful and tranquil visit!
If you are looking to head to a calm and serene place which can induce tranquillity and peace in your mind and soul then Amristar is the right place.
If you are looking to head to a calm and serene place which can induce tranquillity and peace in your mind and soul then Amristar is the right place. It is one of the largest city of Punjab and is known to be a religious hub for the Sikh’s who come and worship at the Golden Temple located here. Amritsar is known for its introverted planning system which has unique areas called as Katras.
Although the city has many relics but is best known for Golden Temple. The Golden temple is renowned for its golden dome and is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of the Sikhs. This temple has been carved on 67-ft square marble and is built with 400 kg gold leaf.
If you are visiting Amritsar, then be geared up to visit other places in its vanity. The Golden Temple is surrounded by various famous temples like Durgiana Temple. Here are a few places that you must visit if you visit this holy city-
1. Jallianwala Bagh – If you visit Amritsar, you should never miss a chance to visit this historical place where so many people died in the British era. Although it’s a tragic monument, yet it holds a lot of historical significance. This is the place where Amritsar Massacre of 1919 took place. You can still see the marks of bullets on the walls of Jallianwala Bagh.
2. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum – One of the most renowned and popular kings of Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh has a museum in his name. The palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum and is a must visit if you wish to see how glorified and brave this king of Punjab was. The museums display articles, paintings, coins, manuscripts related to the Maharaja.
3. Wagah Border – If you are in Amritsar, save the date and day for a visit to the Wagah Border which is around 29 km from the city. From shouts of patriotism to the powerful show put up by the BSF and Pakistan Rangers, Wagah border will surely add to the enthusiasm of your trip.
Apart from these places, you can also visit, Gurdwara Bibeksar Sahib, Chand Baori, Dukh Bhanjani Ber Tree, ISKCON Amritsar Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda.
So, what are you waiting for? Come be a witness to the city of serenity. Book with us.
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Jama Masjid- A monument in Delhi that speaks for itself!
One of the best Mughal architectural extravagances, Jama Masjid is 350yrs old shrine that has a collection of relics that date back to several centuries.
Jama Masjid, this great mosque of Old Delhi, the largest in India was built by more than 5000 artisans under the supervision of Wazir Saadullah Khan, designed by architect Ustad Khalil, took 6 years to be completed. The cost to build the mosque came to a whopping 1 million rupees at the time.The mosque houses several relics of Islamic religious significance like an age old transcript of the Quran printed on deer skin, the footmarks, sandals, and a red beard-hair of the Holy Prophet Mohammad.
The austere grandeur of this structure is sure to impress at the first glimpse. The mosque faces west towards the Holy city of Mecca. Three sides of the mosque are covered by open arched colonnades, featuring a lofty tower-like archway in the center. The roof of the mosque is capped with three marble domes with alternating striping in black and white marble.
The Jama Masjid is flanked by slim red and white minarets on all four sides which reach high into the sky. In the north east corner of the mosque is a small shrine which houses relics of Prophet Muhammad, such as a red hair from his beard, his sandals and his footprint imprinted on a marble slab.
The courtyard in front of the mosque occupies 408 square feet and can accommodate 25,000 individuals during prayer. The hauz, in the center of the courtyard, is an ablution tank for washing hands, face and feet before entering the main building for prayer.It symbolizes the ritual of baptism needed to enter the community of believers.
The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. Travellers can hire robes at the northern gate. This may be the only time you get to dress like a local without feeling like an outsider so make the most of it.
One of the best examples of Mughal architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, this 350 years old shrine has a collection of relics that date back to several centuries.
Initially known as the Masjid-i-Jahanuma, meaning World Reflecting Mosque in Persian, Jama Masjid is another favorite tourist attraction situated opposite the Red Fort in the capital city-Delhi.
As God speaks in the silence of the heart and listening is the beginning of prayer, come experience the holy Azaan at Jama Masjid- the most beloved mosque in Delhi.
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The Red Fort – the best tourist attraction in Delhi
You must engage in sightseeing activity to The Red Fort-a massive red sandstone fort, synonymous with Delhi and is proof of the glory of the flourishing Mughal Empire in Delhi.
If you are wondering where to visit while on a tour to Delhi, let us help you. You must engage in sightseeing activity to The Red Fort-a massive red sandstone fort, synonymous with Delhi and a proof of the glory of the flourishing Mughal Empire in Delhi.
Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1638 when he decided to shift the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra to Delhi, the Red Fort took a total of ten years to be completed. The Red Fort can be entered from both the Lahore and the Delhi gates but the main gate to the Red Fort is the Lahore Gate and is also the site for the Prime Ministers speech every year on Independence Day. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is spread over a rambling 254.67 acres and the walls alone are around 2kilometres long. The Lahore gate being the principal gate connects the Red Fort and the Chatta Chowk Bazaar beaming with life.
Fans of history and architecture will be in their element at the fort, which lies on the banks of the Yamuna River (the water of which was once used for the site’s moat). The fortress walls house a number of important buildings and several museums for visitors to explore. The Red Fort contains the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid and the Hayat Baksh Bagh among other interesting architectural elements.
Most people combine their visit with a tour of the nearby Chandi Chowk Market. To experience the full extent of the sights and sounds of Delhi, book a full-day tour that covers both Old and New Delhi, whether on foot or via a custom itinerary that takes in the Red Fort plus a number of the city’s other major attractions.
The 17 th century historical events come alive in the evenings at the fort with the sound and lights of the Son Et Lumiere . One can relive the history of Delhi and India’s Mughal emperors in this 3-hour Sound and Light show experience at the Red Fort (Lal Qila).
While you travel to the17th-century UNESCO-listed fort and enjoy a 1-hour music and illuminations extravaganza that tells the story of the city and this symbol of Mughal power, you will admire the lights, projections, and lasers twinned with stirring music, special effects, and commentary, and see the Red Fort cast in radiant colors in the darkness.
Are you ready to witness the royal fort in the heart of Delhi??
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Palace at Fatehpur Sikri, India- A not to be missed UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the first planned city of the Mughals, during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Fatehpur Sikri, a magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the first planned city of the Mughals, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Akbar had visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here. He raised lofty buildings for his use and houses for the public. Thus grew, a great city with charming palaces and institutions. Akbar gave it the name of Fatehabad and which in later days came to be known as “Fatehpur Sikri”.
This well-planned city’s sloping levels were connected into terraces which were utilised for various complexes such as Jami masjid, Buland-Darwazah and tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti; Khass Mahal, Shahi-Bazar, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal, Khwabgah, Diwan-i-Khass, Anup-Talao, Chaupar and Diwan-i-Am. The efficient system of drainage and water-supply adopted here suggest an extremely intelligent town-planning by the Mughal emperor. It is prolific and versatile Indo-Muslim composite style, which is a fusion of the composite cultures of indigenous and foreign origins.
The Indo-Islamic masterpiece Sikri has an extension of the upper Vindhyan ranges and was situated on the bank of a large natural lake, which has now mostly dried up. Rock shelters with paintings exist on the periphery of the lake. Stone age tools have been found in this area. Ochre Coloured Pottery (c. 2nd millennium B.C.) and Painted Grey Ware (c.1200-800 B.C.) have also been discovered from here.
Here practically, all Mughal institutions such as the ‘Ibadat-Khanah’, ‘Din-i-Ilahi’, ‘Tarikh-i-Ilahi’ , Jharokha-Darshan, the doctrine of Sulh-i-Kul and policy of liberal patronage to indigenous arts and literatures, were founded. It was also here that workshops of various handicrafts were established.
All these palaces were built of red sandstone in the trabeate beam-and-post order, and composed of pillars, ornamental arches, brackets-and-chhajjas, jharokhas, chhatris, chhaparkhats, chaukhandis and so on. Domes have been used sparingly. Sometimes corbelled pendentives have been employed in the transition phase.
The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri has a definite all-India character. It is prolific and versatile Indo-Muslim composite style, which is a fusion of the composite cultures of indigenous and foreign origins. And that’s what makes it a must visit!
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A must visit places in New Delhi- The Iskcon Temple
Echoing the chants of ‘Hare Ram Hare Ram…Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ The ISKCON Temple in Delhi is devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radharani. Popularly known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, it houses the idols of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
Echoing the chants of ‘Hare Ram Hare Ram…Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ The ISKCON Temple in Delhi is devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radharani. Popularly known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, it houses the idols of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
Located in the East Kailash region of Delhi on the hilltop of Hare Krishna Hills, the temple is one of the popular tourist landmarks in the city. An outcome of the popular ‘Hare Krishna’ movement, the temple was constructed in 1993 by Achyut Kanvinde. In 1998, the former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the spiritual haven on the occasion of Sri Ram Navami.
The ISCKON Temple dominates the skyline with 90-foot-high ‘shikharas’. The temple walls have been decorated with the works of artists from Russia. The paintings portray different scenes from the lives of deities like Lord Krishna and Radha, and Lord Ram and Sita. The lessons from religious epics of the Hindu religion are also demonstrated in life-like paintings.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) follows a strict line of worship in the Vaishnava tradition. The Lord at the temple is serviced by twenty-four priests who inhabit the temple complex. They are assigned the task of carrying out essential prayers and services. The deities are dressed twice a day. The daily routine includes six aartis, namely Mangala Aarti, Darshan Aarti, Raj Bhog Aarti, Usthapana Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shyana Aarti. The devotees are offered ‘bhoga ka prasad’ after prayers.
Apart from the divine core of the temple, there are many other attractions. The Museum of Vedic Culture is built inside the complex of the temple. It is well equipped with tools of modern technology for spreading knowledge about the Vedic culture. There are many beautiful bronze sculptures of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. The ISKCON Vedic Expo is of interest to people who want to know and learn about the ancient culture.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna, is the most auspicious day at ISKCON Delhi. This happens to be the biggest festival of the year with nearly 8 lakh devotees visiting the temple for a darshan (seeing) the Lord.
The temple also organizes a special Animatronics Robot Show in which clay robots narrate the teachings of the Bhagavadgita. The significant scenes from the epic Ramayana are demonstrated using multimedia presentations and light-and-sound effects.
The Vedic Centre for Performing Arts is an open-air amphitheater. It hosts the performance from all over the world. Devotees come here to present their skills, demonstrating scenes from the great epics of Hinduism.
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5 Getaways from New Delhi
While most heritage resorts near Delhi are born with the beauty and treasures of history, Neemrana Fort Palace offers a vibrant site for magical weekend getaways, feasts, celebrations, and conferences. The fort is huge, mammoth, spread along side a hillock. At night, the fort wears a garland of lights that gives a great view of the contour of the fort. Seven palace wings built over 14 layers tiered into a hill across 2.5 hectares/ 6 acres of garden-palace, make Neemrana Fort-Palace one of the unique resorts near Delhi.
1. Neemrana Fort Palace
While most heritage resorts near Delhi are born with the beauty and treasures of history, Neemrana Fort Palace offers a vibrant site for magical weekend getaways, feasts, celebrations, and conferences. The fort is huge, mammoth, spread along side a hillock. At night, the fort wears a garland of lights that gives a great view of the contour of the fort. Seven palace wings built over 14 layers tiered into a hill across 2.5 hectares/ 6 acres of garden-palace, make Neemrana Fort-Palace one of the unique resorts near Delhi. Hanging gardens, two pools to swim out to the horizon, an Ayurvedic spa, and India’s first zip-line is what the world comes to experience. A Great place to indulge in History. It’s a real Fort feeling with all modern facilities in place.The evenings here are quite lit because of local Rajasthani Music and Dance performances.
2. Sariska
Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for you.Give its vicinity to Delhi, Sariska is easily accessible and makes for a decent weekend getaway. The drive through the Tiger Reserve in an open center was pleasant and memorable
3. Rishikesh
The Beatles were here back and 1968 and it can be fittingly described as one of the international nomad’s favorite destination. A short distance away from Delhi, Rishikesh is the best weekend getaway for adventure sports like rafting, trekking and climbing experience, White Water Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Flying Fox, Mountain Biking, etc. Sacred rivers and mountains set the scene for yoga and reflective hikes, and rafting here is an absolute must. If you want to keep your trip minimalistic then check into a riverside camp and let nature work its magic on your stress-wrecked senses.
4. Lansdowne
This unexplored and underrated hill station is a perfect destination with disarming beauty and surprising charm. Visit this hill station to enjoy the peaceful tranquility. An advantage about Lansdowne is that it is only 250 kms. from Delhi which makes it an amazing spot for lazing around on a weekend. You could take a stroll in the surrounding oak & pine forests, go for trekking, do bird watching, boating or simply do nothing. The Himalayan peaks Chaukhamba & Trishul are visible from here.
5. Kasauli
Located at 1927m above sea level Kasauli is a small hill station in Himachal. With snow-clad mountains, dense forests and a pleasant climate, Kasauli is the best place for anyone planning for a long weekend gateway! With natural flora and fauna, you can spot Babblers, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Striated Prinias and Jungle Owlet in Kasauli. Kasauli is not a big town but has some good points where you can spend quality time in peace away from maddening crowd of metros.Kasauli is a good and moderate hill station. Other hill stations such as Parwanoo, Chail, Solan, and Shimla are nearby within a radius of 30-60 kms! A Kasauli market, Manki Point are popular spots that should not be missed.
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A Mysterious Village in Himachal Pradesh
Though you might have explored a lot of mainstream places in India but some of the not-so-popular places have been present silently in all their beauty and splendidness. One such place is Malana, situated near the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh, it is a unique treasure that India possesses.
Though you might have explored a lot of mainstream places in India but some of the not-so-popular places have been present silently in all their beauty and splendidness. One such place is Malana, situated near the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh, it is a unique treasure that India possesses.
Would you really believe if I say that Malana is one of the oldest standing democracies of the world, with the small village managing it’s own affairs even today. I am sure you will not but believe me actually this is what makes it is so attractive and unusual. The laws and taboos here will keep you wondering for days, for this is a place which will be in your heart long after you’ve gone back home. Popular as the city of the best hashish in the world, the villagers of this ancient city have been keeping several secrets to themselves.
The most astonishing fact is that the villagers consider themselves as the descendants of Alexander the Great and hence think of other Indians as inferior to them. They are a bunch of touch-me-not villagers who would immediately run for a bath if they come in contact with outsiders. Strange!! Isn’t it?
You will be amazed to know the interesting practice of how these villagers resolve conflicts; they make a cut in the leg of a lamb each of the two parties, poison it, and then sew it back with a needle. The person whose lamb dies first is said to lose the case.They are men of faith and refuse to follow the Indian Constitution.When in Malana, be sure not to touch the walls or belongings of the natives unless you want a fine imposed. Crazy as that may sound, they don’t even eat food cooked by a non-native.
What attracts the people world over to this untouched bewitching land is obviously its high-quality hashish and the peace which envelops this place. No matter the popularity, the village remains rooted in it’s own faith and customs. Perhaps, that’s why everyone keeps coming back. Here, it’s not about 5 star-meals and shopping in fancy malls, because the Parvati urges you to explore it’s mysteries!
So if you planning to go there to relax and unwind yourself from your busy schedules, my advice – Don’t just travel, explore this beautiful & mysterious land of mountains!
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