Visiting India`s Golden Triangle

Visiting India`s Golden Triangle

India`s famous `Golden Triangle` takes in three of the country`s most breathtaking and exciting cities - the capital, Delhi; along with Agra and Jaipir. Together, they form a rich and culturally diverse experience that takes in exquisitely-crafted architecture, fascinating history and culture, colourful wildlife and delicious cuisine. The cities all lie within a radius of 250 kilometers of one another and travelling between them provides and opportunity to take in the landscapes of this captivating country.

Buzzing Delhi is an explosion of sight and sound that combines fascinating local cultures with the sophistication of a modern metropolis. Split into New Delhi and Old Delhi, the city is home to sights such as the India Gatre, Red Fort and the Raj Ghat and boasts hotels and restaurant to suit every taste and every pocket. Less than 200 kilometers from here lies the Sariska Sanctuary, where jeep tours allow visitors to view all manner of beautiful birds and animal, including magnificent Indian tigers.

At Agra, meanwhile, visitors will find themselves in an opulent city that was the capital of the Mughal Emperors during the years 1526 to 16 58. The city is home to many spectacularly beautiful buildings, the most famous of which is the legendary Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built for the emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, it is undoubtedly one of the world`s best-known buildings. The city is home to many other architectural wonders, not the least of which are Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ask your tour guide or holiday operator for details of local festivals and events, as these are riots of music, costume and dance and will leave a lasting memory of your holiday in beautiful India.

The colourful city of Jaipur is a great place to soak up the local culture and will provide travel memories to last a lifetime. Here, visitors can stroll through beautifully designed and maintained parks and gardens, take in imposing forts and historic monuments and even take a ride on board an elephant or camel. Known as the `Pink City` in India, the city boasts striking coloured buildings many of which date back to 1727 - the year Jaipur was founded by the Maha Raja Sawai Jai Sing II. Among the sights that can`t be missed on a visit to Jaipur are the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal - or Palace of the Winds. The city`s bazaars are a right of colour, sound and smell and are a great way to pick up local handicrafts and artisan pieces as mementoes of your Golden Triangle adventure.

Take a rickshaw ride through the city during the afternoon or evening to see Jaipur at its liveliest, with street sellers hawking their colourful wares on every corner and the lively local shops and restaurants all open for business.

Nature lovers shouldn`t miss a visit to Bharatpur, which is home to Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. The dense woodlands and shallow waters of this wildlife sanctuary are home to countless numbers of birds, many of which are native to India while others are migratory birds that have made their way here from Central Asia and Siberia.

With so much to take in by way of culture, architecture, tradition and wildlife, why not visit last minute holidays to book your Golden Triangle adventure?

Felucca on the Nile

Feluccas are the traditional sailboats used for sailing along the Nile in Egypt.This is a type of lateen sail boat that carries passengers along the River Nile.It is a wide riverboat with a flat, open deck covered with soft mattresses and has a canopy which provide shade from the sun. The felucca has remained, over the centuries, the primary transportation of the Nile. Egypt is blessed with southerly wind that pushes sailboats upriver, while allowing them to return on its current downstream. A large tiller is used for steering and you can also find a large amount of storage space under the deck.The crew members provide you with Nubian foods and can have Breakfast, lunch and dinner while enjoying the true beauty of Nile.You can also get flavours of Egyptian tea and Nubian cake.These Feluccas are run by locals called Nubians and the ships were also filled with Nubian culture, with all the meals prepared on the ship by the captains.We watch rural Egyptian life while passing down the Nile.Whether you’re looking for something cultural, or just a relaxing time on the water, consider a felucca ride in Egypt. All the historical and cultural destinations are located along the banks of the Nile River and going on a sight-seeing by the felucca is an experience worth cherishing. Tourist can move leisurely across the water while viewing the papyrus, Palmyra, quaint hamlets ,various birds, cattle and fishermen. During evening you can spend time watching the magnificent Egyptian sunsets,and take a good sleep under the stars. The most romantic time is the evening time ,when you can relaxed with your loved ones while enjoying the sunset.This is the perfect short trip if you want to enjoy the best of Egypt`s adventure Tour. Felucca rides can be enjoyed in towns like Cairo,Luxor,Aswan etc where there are easy to find the main riverfront streets.Feluccas are interesting because they sail throughout the waters in the heart of Cairo and the scenery become nice during evening.A felucca sail provide you with a glimpse of people,culture and lifestyles of Egypt which makes Egypt one of the most fascinating country.

VELLAM KALI-SNAKE BOAT RACE

THE NEHRU TROPHY SNAKE BOAT RACE:VELLAM KALI

When a friend came back from her vacation in Kerala, she was much too excited! Not only about the God’s own country Kerala and its beautiful natural surroundings, but the various cultural events she witnessed there. The Snake boat race was one of the many such local events which she had witnessed there. The name snake boat rose my curiosity…

Only later I came to know that the name “Snake Boat Race” comes with the shape of the boats which are used during the race and the actual name is the Nehru Trophy boat race. One of the most famous local events which attracts the people from all over the world to witness it. These boat races are the part of Kerala culture. For any good event, for any religious event a boat race is organized in this area of Kerala.

The Nehru trophy has a different story behind it though. As it was the tradition of the Keralites, they had welcomed the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on his visit to Kerala. It was his first visit way back in 1952. Pandit Nehru was so thrilled with the performance of the rowers and the whole excitement that it created, that he declared a rolling trophy for the winner, and since then this event is being held annually with the trophy named after the prime minister.


It is said that long back the ruler of the area developed these boats so that his warriors had an easy time navigating in between the back waters during the wars. The boats did help. Since then every pious event or any celebration was commemorated with a game using these boats which e ventually culminated into races. The locales call it the Vallam kali in native language, meaning the boat game.

The boats are made up of Anjali thadi, a local forest wood. Today every village that participates in the race has its own prized boat and it is taken care of very devoutly. The boats are cleaned and rubbed and scrubbed. Then they are coated with oil and eggs for a smooth sail in the waters. The rowers of the boat are heroes of the village, and if they are the winners then they are worshipped!

These races are normally held in the area of Allapuzhha, in the Punnamada lakes or the back waters of Allapuzhha and are held between the months of July to September. Allapuzhha or Alleppey as it is known, is an hours distance from the commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi and about three hours from the beautiful Kumarakom.

The snake boat race has many records to its credit.

• It is a sport event having the highest number of team members in a single team.
• It is the biggest water vessel used for sports purpose.


The 100-120 feet long canoes is manned by four helmsmen, 25 cheerers /singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of `vanchipattu'or boatmen's song. The boat moves like a snake through the channels and definitely is an eye catching sight for any tourist.
Every year lots of tourists throng the place to view this exciting event and also see the beauty of the state along with it. This year the boat race happens on 08th of August 2009. There are many packages that one can choose from to witness this event and add on the visit to rest of the Kerala. So for a cultural and festive thrill one should definitely experience this Boat race.