Himalayan tourism

A Himalayan Retreat

The Himalayas are the highest and one of the most exciting mountain ranges of the world. From trekking to rafting to sightseeing to religious, the place offers many options for travelers. Stretching across Bhutan, India, China and Nepal, the snow capped mountain peaks offer a treasure house of experiences for the travelers.

As the snow capping the peaks of Himalayan mountains start to melt in spring, they become raging torrents of water crashing down on the rocks that block them, thus creating an unforgettable Himalayan experience- White water rafting. Most of the rafters choose to experience it at Rishikesh in Ganges River though there are various others flowing through these mountains. For those looking for a more serious rafting adventure, there is the Zanskar River snaking through Northern India that has the recommended waters for the experts.

For those looking for some eco- adventure excursions, mountain biking, eco safaris, hiking, rock climbing and rappelling along with some good old camping fun is the best option. The Himalayan trails pass through various time zones, thus offering the bicyclists an opportunity to see different types of floras and faunas in addition to enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and a chance to visit some popular religious sites that dot the mountains. Some of you who like a simpler eco vacation, there are camping opportunities, done under the guidance of an expert, with rustic accommodations and small lanterns that do the work of what electricity does in normal day to day life.

However, Himalayas are not just about adventure tourism. It is also one of the top spa destinations of the world. Combining the best of international wellness experiences with traditional Indian wellness regimes of yoga, ayurveda and Vedanta, there is the Viceregal Palace, also known as the Ananda Spa that is considered to be the ultimate statement of subtle style. Once the place played host to some of the biggest heads of the state during the Maharaja times. Now completely restored to its ancient splendor complete with modern luxuries, the place plays ideal host to the biggest international names who come to enjoy luxury and peace at its best.

Remember this, Himalayas are more than just a physical experience. The place is rich with diverse flora and fauna, spectacular views, religious and peaceful monasteries perched on top of the hills, thrilling adventurous flowing waters, friendly locals and a rich and mysterious culture. All these add up to make your Himalayan tour a unique and unrivaled experience.  

   

Celebrating Yoga at its Birthplace

India is fast becoming popular as the ‘Land of Yoga’ rather than being that old world ‘Land of snake charmers’.  With the increasing popularity of yoga, the motivation for many people around the world to visit India has started shifting from just sightseeing to spiritual and physical discovery. More and more people are now visiting the country to learn more about the traditions of this holistic wellness method. Instead of visiting the Indian attractions such as Kerala, Goa and others, they are visiting ashrams in search of a more unique spiritual experience.

Among the leading yogic destinations of the country, Uttaranchal is the land of Ayurvedic health system and the ancient science of Yoga. In fact, Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world. It has various ashrams that offer short to long terms courses on yoga, meditation and Hindu philosophy. The place attracts thousands of tourists every coming year who come here wanting to escape from the humdrum and fast pace of the modern life. The relaxed pace of these ashrams and the serene environment in which they impart this wellness regime is a world away from all the daily chores and other modern day impediments that fill our day. Located in the Garhwal region of north India, Rishikesh is a major holy attraction that is always crowded with matted hair sadhus and pilgrims from all over the world at any given time of the year. The various ghats and temples that are speckled all over the city are a different world altogether where the only endeavor of human spirit is to be one with the almighty.

Yoga tourism is today an increasingly growing niche travel area. In order to visit these ashrams, you need to send intimations to the ashrams in advance so that you get the best when you arrive. There is also an International Yoga Festival organized by UP tourism every year from February 2^nd to 7^th that you can visit. This festival offers you an opportunity to practice various styles of yoga from masters of internationally well known yoga schools and styles. Participants in the same are also guided by the blessed presence and divine presence of spiritual masters and revered saints from all parts of India.

So, come experience yoga as never before at the place where it all started….India!!!         

Unusual Interesting Facts about Incredible India

Even though India is fast becoming one of the most talked about countries of the world, there are still many things that you may not know about this place. So, come let us take you on a tour of an India that seldom comes forth in the news, one that is weird, unique and interesting at the same time.

•    Have you ever heard of a living bridge that has not been built but has grown on its own??? Come to Cherrapunji in Meghalaya and you will get to see a bridge made entirely out of roots of the trees. Some of these root bridges are over a hundred feet long and are exceptionally strong enough to hold over fifty people or more at a time. One special bridge is considered to be one of the only kind in the world. It is, in fact, two bridges stacked over each other and is now popular as ‘Umshiang Double Decker Root Bridge’.

•    News Flash: ‘Sea disappears before our eyes’!!! In Orissa on the Chandipur beach, the sea vanishes right in front of your eyes. Whenever there is a low tide, water recedes back about 5km leaving a plain stretch of land where the sea once was. In fact, it is this phenomenon that has earned the place the name of ‘Hide and seek beach’.

•    Just around 18kms from Jaisalmer lies the cursed Kuldhara Village. Once a very lively village of Paliwal Brahmins, the place now lies abandoned with not even a single habitant. On a single night in 1825, all the village residents as well those living in the adjoining 85 other villages for reasons best left to legends.

•   The Vishnu temple of Tirupathi down south is not one of the but THE largest religious pilgrimage destination of the world. Built in the 10^th century, the place is larger than Mecca or Rome and has an average of over 30,000 visitors visiting everyday donating $6 million dollars together. 

•  Located in the Tamenglong district of Manipur are the historic Thalon Caves, a historical attraction providing evidence of the Hoabinhian culture in India. There is something unusual about the caves that are located over 910m above sea level. Even as you are entering the same, you will get the feeling of venturing into another world that is dark, unknown and dangerous…

• Visit the world’s first granite temple at Tanjavur, tamil Nadu, in the form of the famous Brihadeshwara Temple. Built between the period of 1004 AD and 1009 AD, the shikhara of the temple was built from one single 80 tonne granite piece. This magnificent piece of art was built in a period of just five years during the Rajaraja Chola’s reign.  

• World’s highest cricket ground has been built right here in Chail, an Indian district in the state of Himachal Pradesh, at a height of 2444 meters above sea level. The pitch was built way back in 1893 after leveling a hilltop!!!

Indian Food Tourism

India: The Perfect Culinary Destination

Unlike the heavy rose and jasmine scents in the warm air, the Indian aroma is an unforgettable one. The place is home to some of the best multidimensional and eclectic cultural mix that has truly resulted in a variety of delightful food traditions. There is no dish that can be termed as the perfect symbolization of India itself as the country is full of regional culinary traditions that together form the Indian food culture.

The variety of Indian food is enough to make even the most colorful of the pictures seem bland in front of it. It is both fiery as well as aromatic at the same time, especially due to the spices used during the preparation of these gastronomical delights. In fact, the term ‘curry’ has today assumed unimaginable proportions as a true Indian dish for most of the English countries. These so called curries come in all forms and tastes all across India depending upon the region you are visiting. It may be fiery red down south a mellower orange up north while on the western side you may find it leaning more towards the color of sunflowers. Be prepared for the chilly shock as and when you taste the same curry in the north eastern side of India whose chilies are said to be among the most potent ones of the world. Like the palette of an artist, an Indian kitchen is full of as many as twenty five spices used as per the directions and taste of the cook.

For all of you who love to sample vegetarian stuff and are a perfect vegetarian, India is the place where you will get to sample more vegetarian dishes you could find in whole Europe. The sweets too are something that need to be tasted to be truly experienced for their culinary delight and taste. Whether it’s a ‘kulfi’ or a ‘jalebi’ you will find your sweet tooth asking for more of these gastronomical wares. In addition to this, you will find an abundance of both the temperate and the tropical fruits here such as the apricots, watermelons, mangoes, strawberries, pomegranates and many others along with other western confectioneries.  To complete your food journey, do not forget to sample the ‘Paan’, a betel leaf wrapped with spices such as cardamom and aniseed.    

Indian food journey is so vast and countless, that it can hardly be kept shackled just into the kitchens. Available right on every street corner is some irresistible snack houses that offer great spicy food at inexpensive rates. However, caution needs to be taken by people sampling these for the first time as it can turn even the most seasoned foodie’s stomach upside down!!!! Given these delights, it is no wonder that Indian food is one of the most of popular cuisines of the world. So, take your savory glands on the most delightful gastronomical vacation they have ever been on !!!! 

Touring Along the lines of Golden Triangle India

Touring Along The Lines Of The Golden Triangle

India, as a country needs no introduction. It is a place that symbolizes Unity in Diversity. You can traverse through its whole length and breadth and yet there would still be something unexplored on your map. In order to get to know some of the best iconic sights, it is best to have a tour plan ready. One of the must try treks that you can take to visit some of the best places of the country is the Golden triangle tour India. There are various tour operators that provide packages along these lines that indulge your adventurous spirit to the fullest. So let us get started to getting to know about this tour a little more so that you can plan your golden triangle India vacation accordingly:

Delhi

Delhi is not just the capital of India, it is in fact the main hub of the rich history of the country. There is the Red fort and the Humayun’s Tomb for the historical buffs, in addition to the architecturally magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan and the majestic India Gate. For the foodies, get to sample some of the famous local gastronomical delights of the city such as the kathi lunch at Khan Chacha or a cocktail at Cheri or even some obscure Hole in the wall restaurant in the lanes of the city where you can eat like a king for a small amount. However, be aware of the spices as they are famous to turn even a locals’ belly to mush….!!!

Agra

Next on our golden Triangle India tour comes the internationally famous city of Agra. After all, no trip to India is complete without a visit to the beautiful Taj Mahal. Explore the monument to its fullest but do keep some time in hand to visit some of the lesser known yet equally interesting local attractions such as Mehtab Bagh Gardens and Rajeshwar and Kailash temple. Foodies will also be equally delighted by the local authentic cuisines in addition to a special rooftop restaurant that offers you meals with Taj Mahal serving a romantic backdrop.

Jaipur

One of the upcoming popular international tourist destinations is Jaipur. With its glorious forts, majestic temples and beautiful sandstone buildings, the place acts as an apt end to the glorious Golden Triangle tour India. In addition to these beautifully historical monuments, there is also the added attraction of the Bapu Bazaar and the Jowhri Bazaar for the shopaholics. Pick up items at dirt cheap rates before sampling one of the famous local delights- ‘pyaz ki Kachori’. After filling your tummy, it is time now to fulfill your senses with beautiful local attractions such as Hawa Mehal, Amber fort, and the 17^th Century Jai Singh Observatory.

After garnering some unforgettable views from this whole trip, it is now time to drive back to Delhi where the Golden Triangle tour India is officially considered to be over. However, do remember, the trip may be over but the memories you gather from the same will remain for ever and ever in your mind, thoughts and photo album.  

Perfect Time To Visit Ladakh

Ladakh, a part of Jammu & Kashmir State in north of India consisting of two districts Leh and Kargil.Leh is a complete beauty in itself. Leh has quite a few amazing places to offer its tourists. The most striking sight of Leh is the group of women, traditionally attired, selling fruits, vegetables and household articles, spinning and knitting, and exchanging gentle banter between themselves and with passers-by.  Leh is one most frequented destinations for the trekkers in India. Ladhak is the largest province in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The landscape of Ladhak, a high altitude desert, is defined by craggy, barren cliffs and plateaus. Ladhak is a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts, offeringunique adventures in trekking, mountaineering and white water rafting. While rafting options are available on both Indus and Zanskar rivers, the Zanskar course is more difficult and exciting. The trekking options range from short, day-long walks to visit monuments or monastic settlements to long, trans-mountain treks involving weeks of walking and camping in the wilderness.

Ladakh is open for tourist throughout the year, while the best period for tour and trek is from June. The best time to visit Ladakh is from June until September, the region’s summer season.At this time, Ladakh is an unparalleled paradise, with clear, stunning views and warm and sunny weather – the average temperature range during the day is about 20–30°C. Keen trekkers usually head to Ladakh during July and August, when the Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways are open to vehicles. That said, Ladakh is a land bound by two of the world’s highest mountain ranges – the Himalayas and Karakoram – anyone visiting Ladakh, even in the middle of summer, should be prepared for the sharp drop in temperatures at night.The best time to visit Ladakh is during summers. The summers in Leh Ladakh stretch from June to September. During this period, Ladakh as well as the nearby areas experience warm and sunny days and delightful nights. For those who are interested in trekking, the peak season for Ladakh travel consists of the months of July/August. Around this time only, the passes on the Manali-Leh Highway and the Srinagar-Leh Highway become motorable and the tourist start coming soon after. The winter season is not ideal for travel to Leh Ladakh. This is because during winters, the temperature in Ladakh falls to below zero degrees often and the weather is quite cold and harsh. Also, because of heavy snowfall, the roads become unmotorable in winters.The best time to visit Ladakh is during summers.Ladakh is a land bound by two of the world’s highest mountain ranges – the Himalayas and Karakoram – anyone visiting Ladakh, even in the middle of summer, should be prepared for the sharp drop in temperatures at night.Even the natural beauty at this place is center of attraction for people. They are fascinated with lush green environment, slope hills and pleasant weather. Now this place even has direct connectivity of flights from several places of India. So when you plan for a vacation then it can be an option in your list. Leh Ladakh is famaouse as the Heaven on Earth.