If you are looking forward to a long, relaxing and an adventurous, yet colorful vacation, then ‘incredible’ India is the place to be this winter. With a gamut of demographically and geographically diverse cultures and traditions, India will really be the terminus for the traveler in search of the ultimate travel extravaganza. There are two main sections into which you can divide your tour to India. The first part would involve the northern part of the country and you can visit some really inviting locations.
After landing at the New Delhi airport, you can spend a day or two in Delhi itself, and visit the India Gate, the Red Fort and a lot of other famous monuments which have been the symbol of India’s glorious past. Most of the monuments in and around Delhi bear a Mogul touch to them. While in Delhi, you can also visit CP- the Cannought Place, which is the central shopping area in Delhi. CP provides the perfect combination of the best brands and the most spectacular roadside vendors. You can get clothes, accessories and all such items here within the range of INR 120 (USD 3) to INR 100,000 (UDS 2500). It all depends upon what brand you choose and how well you can bargain.
There are some really famous eating joints at CP as well including Kareem’s, Nirula’s and Kaka da dhaba. From CP, you can move out of Delhi to Agra, to see the famous Taj Mahal, built by the mogul emperor Shahjahan in memory of his wife- Anarkali. The Taj Mahal is seen as the symbol of love around the world. Carved in marble and situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, it has rightly gained a spot in the modern wonders of the world list last year. You can hire a cab from Delhi to Agra and make sure you bargain well and trust a tour operator only after you have consulted the local authorities.
There is much more to India than just New Delhi, and it will be explored in subsequent write-ups.
By: Andreos Cosmopolus
Posts Tagged ‘Incredible India’
Vibrant Colors of India – Festivals
November 4th, 2009
Incredible India, a very huge country celebrates every day of a year as a festival. People of India celebrate all the festivals with great joy and happiness. Festivals which India celebrates are Diwali, Holi, Rakhi, Eid, New Year, Christmas, Vijaya Dashmi and Onam etc. India is a unique country with national, local, religious and seasonal celebrations which fill various colors in one’s life.
Major Festivals
Guru Purnima: Celebrated in the month of Ashadh – July or August according to Hindu, Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of the birth of Maharishi Veda Vyasa. On this day Gurus are worshipped by their disciples. Especially, this fest is celebrated in the ashram of Sivananda, Rishikesh.
Raksha Bandhan: The festival of love, compassion, sacrifices and protection, Rakhi is a holy thread of protection decorated with the love of a sister for her brother. In the month of Shravan – July or Sugust, Rakhi is celebrated mostly in north and western region of India. It is also renowned in other parts of India.
Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is devoted to Ganesh. Devotional songs, dances, drum beats are the main parts of procession and hence this fest becomes more energetic. It is celebrated on Bhadarva Sud 4th mostly in the states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Janamashtami: Known as Krishnastami or Gokulastami, Janamashtami is a festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. On this day, devotees do fast, bhajans and puja. An idol of lord is offered bhog full of Fruits, kheer, pedha, milk, and milk products. The main attraction of Janamashtami is chappan bhog- 56 dishes which are offered to Bal Gopal. This is celebrated in months of August-September.
Radhasthami: Radhasthami is closely linked with the divine mystery of Sri Radha-Krishna. The idea and spiritual importance is associated with legends. On this day, Radha Krishna is attractively embellished with flowers. Devotees worship Radha along with Lord Krishna in August- September.
Nagapanchami: A festival dedicated to snake-god, Nagpanchami comes on the fifth day (panchami) of the fortnight. On the fifth day of Shravan, people worship Nāga Devata. Devotees visit temples worship the snakes. Snakes are offered milk and silver jewelry to protect from all evils. People fast on this day. This festival is celebrated from July to August. Mostly, Punjab and Bengal celebrated this fest to the fullest.
Sri Ramanavami: Dedicated to lord Rama, this festival comes on the ninth day of the month Chaitra – April. The festival is associated with the birth of Rama. The chief attraction in this procession is decorated chariot especially in states such as Bihar and U.P.
Diwali – the Festival of Lights: Festival of Lights is one of the major festivals of India. People celebrate this fest with great joy and excitement in the month of October or November. During Diwali people visit the places of their relatives and greet for New Year. Lakshmi goddess of wealth is welcomed in the decorated houses with lamps and diyas. People wear new clothes, fire crackers offer sweets to their friends and relatives. People of all the regions celebrate this fest.
Basant Panchami: An advent of spring, Basant Panchami is feted as Saraswati Puja. Devotees gain blessings from this goddess. This festival occurs in the month of January-February. During this festival, yellow color is given major importance. Worshippers visit temples and do prayers to several gods. Women prepare kesar halwa. On this festival, Sarswati is adorned especially in Bengal.
Holi – Festival of Colour: Holi is celebrated with great joy and wild abandon. It is also known as a spring harvesting festival. On this day people lit bonfire. They sing songs and dance around bonfire. This festival is not only for children but elders also celebrate this fest with spraying colorful colors. This festival needs big time planning. Baskets and barrels are filled colorful balloons in which water is filled. This festival is celebrated in March in the states especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat Maharashtra.
Mahashivaratri: The history of this fest is linked with lord of Mount Kailas-Lord. During this festival, only cold water and leaves of bael are offered. According to history, other traditional offerings are also served. Worshippers use milk and Panchamruta – a blend of curd, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the god of adjournment. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in the month of February or March. Major states like Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh celebrate this festival.
A realm of various traditions and cultures, India appears as light with its splendid festivals. It is rich in its diversity of festivals. Indians take part with harmony in each and every festival; they enjoy freedom to practice any religion in India. With lot of excitement and prosper, Indian festivals are celebrated.
By: Prashant Jainengg
Top Places to Visit in India
October 25th, 2009
Due to its size, location, and rich history, the quantity of notable India travel destinations is incredible. India is made up of several geographic regions and each is justifiably proud of its own local tourist attractions. The ones you choose depend on your own personal interests and the time of year you plan to travel.
Why Not Begin Your Tour in Delhi?
Delhi is a perfect destination to get a flavor of the hustle and bustle of the typical crowded Indian city. Since Delhi is India’s capital, you can be sure that it has a unique blend of the cosmopolitan and the traditional elements. Humayun’s Tomb is well worth a look while visiting Delhi. This impressive structure predates the Taj Mahal. But speaking of the Taj Mahal, why not make a day trip to Agra to visit it? Built entirely of white marble, it took twenty two years to complete.
The Bahai Temple also calls Delhi home. This beautiful edifice features a façade that resembles and opening lotus flower, bringing to mind the Sydney Opera House. It incorporates dramatic gardens on the exterior and the architecture inside is a thing to behold. In the spirit of inclusiveness, the Bahai doctrine welcomes all faiths.
Yoga and Meditation Destinations
Are you looking for a spiritual vacation? India is one of those places that can make it happen and the choices are numerous. Take the state of Bihar, for example. Gautama Buddha hails from Bihar and the numerous spiritual retreats reflect the different stages of his life and spiritual development.
Rishikesh, located in the North of India and situated in the lap of the Himalayan mountains, is the principal yoga destination in the country, and by some accords, in the world. In fact, if you consider yourself to be a yoga devotee, plan on being here for the annual International Yoga Week. But make plans early, as the region is swamped with people each year during the first week of February.
Kerala: The Land of Spices
Kerala is wedged between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats Mountain range. It’s natural wonders include lush hill stations, spectacular waterfalls, expansive plantations and paddy fields and exotic wildlife.
Besides the natural attractions, Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. The state is one of the few of India that was not under British rule but governed by Indian kings. Millennial traditions have been preserved in many aspects of the culture.
There are numerous historical and cultural monuments to visit, enchanting festivals in which to participate and local cuisine to enjoy. It is no wonder that Kerala is one of the most sought after travel destinations by tourists from all over the world.
The religious diversity can be witnessed in Kolchi, the commercial capital of India. Travelers can visit an old European church building, a Jewish synagogue and many mosques. Just be aware of dress code and other rules for entrance into each one.
From the small town of Kollam, you can take a boat ride to the market town of Allappuzha. This is a great place to find traditional handicrafts that you can take home as souvenirs or gifts.
Now matter what your personal interests, you will be sure to find something to enchant you on a vacation to India. Just be prepared to return again in the near future, Rupees in hand.
By: William Manor
