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!!!