India Travel » North India

India – Unity in Diversity

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:04:20 +0000

India is land of variety. There is great variety in variety of aspects. The languages, lifestyles, religions, habits, geography, climates, cultures might be different but still they unite us into an invisible frame, the frame of Indianism. Diversity is there in every aspect of India, a land that encloses 1,222,559 sq. meters of land and is home to more than one billion people. As such stats imply, there ought to be diversity, but this does not always imply that there are differences. Rather, India is a land where in spite of so much of diversity, there is still unity. Be it the joining of hands for a mission or against it, Indians have always shows great unity.

There have also been instances where people have fought against each other for some reason or the other but such cases do break out in all countries, so India being a niche of such diversity can be excused for once!

India won’t be India if not for this diversity. If India means Kanchivaram sadi then India also means Pashmina shawl. If India means extreme hot climate of the south India, then India also means the snow covered mountains of the north India. If India means the desert of Rajasthan then India also means the highest rainfall grounds of Assam!

Such diversity is also found in the school of minds, where one stands for the motion, another stands against it. This means an added advantage, because while one is looking at the positive aspects of a side, other is hunting for the counterpart negatives.

The diversity of India has a great edge over the plain unanimously joint countries! It might be speculated that is just another starry eyed optimist opinion, but then if we didn’t differ wouldn’t we be non-Indians?!

By: Tarang Bhargava

Taj Mahal Tour in India – Have an Unbelievable Experience

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:43:07 +0000

Taj Mahal is to be a focus among the globally visitors to get an unbelievable experience during their tours in India. The world famous Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of river Yamuna, located in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh in India. In this modern era, Agra is known as love city because of its memorial sight as Taj Mahal. This memorial building was built by a great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in 1631. The most attraction of Taj its wonderful vine which seems in different colours.

Its proximity to Taj, The Red Fort and Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah boost its charm among the visitors as well as globally lovers. Red Fort is also situated on the banks of river Yamuna. It was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the period of 1565 – 1574. There are many houses inside the forts such as Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khas, Anguri Baag, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Masjid etc. Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is also situated on the banks of river yamuna, looks like a jewelry box, built in pure white marble and black marble. In addition, Akbar’s Tomb, Chini-Ka-Rauza and Fatehpur Sikri are also the foremost tourist attraction around Agra. Taj Mahal Tour in India attracts the visitors all over the world.

For dinner and overnight, there are several popular five star and deluxe hotels such as Amar Vilas Hotel, Gate Way Hotel, Jaypee Palace Hotel, Mughal Sheration and many more. Mahtab garden, Ram Baag garder and Dyalbaag University attracts to the visitors. Agra is also famous for its handicrafts and carpets.

Agra is the major tourist destination of golden triangle tour to north India that covers other cities such as Delhi the national capital and Jaipur the capital of Indian colourful state Rajasthan. The most suitable time golden triangle tour or Taj Mahal tour is rainy season and winter season. This suitable time offers your more and more comfort while visiting unique Taj – the symbol of love.

By: Devendra Sharma

Climate of India

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 12:27:18 +0000

For the sake of climate discussion, India can be divided into two distinct regions viz., North India and South India.

Climate of North India

North India covers the Area from the state of Jammu and Kashmir to the Vindya Mountain range. The climate is cool and dry in winter with some rain during the cold season. The mountainous area receives snowfall also. Generally, the temperature is most pleasant on the plains of North India where average temperatures are in the range of 50 to 60 F ( 10-15 C ). In the mountains however temperatures below 32 F are frequent with heavy snow on some occasions.

The early summer is very hot on the plains where the temperatures can cross the 100 F mark by Mid-April and by May it reaches 110 F ( 43 C ). The hill stations enjoy the most pleasant climate at this time where the temperatures are in the range of 70 -80 F at mid-day.

From end of June to about the middle of September this area receives moderate monsoon rains. The rain is heaviest in the North-East and gradually decreases westwards. In general this season is the most unhealthy of all with extreme humidity and high temperatures.

Climate of South India

South India comprises the Area from the Vindya Mountain range up to the southern most tip of India. Whole of peninsular India falls under this region. The climate of South India principally differs from the climate of the North on the following points.

1. The weather remains hot throughout the year and generally the coolest month is over 7O F ( 21 C ). At Mumbai for instance, the coolest month has a mean of 76 F ( 25 C ).

2. The humidity is high throughout the year especially in the coastal areas which makes the weather very trying.

3. South India generally receives much more rain than North India. Especially, South western India is an area of very heavy rainfall. No where on the west coast, the total annual rainfall is les than 70 in (1800 mm ) and at Panaji in Goa it is more than 118 in ( 3000 mm ). The rainy season is also much longer than that of North India . It starts in early June and continues up to end of October.

This, in short, is a general overview of the climate of India.

By: Waqar Awan

Goa – The Jewel of India

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:22:54 +0000

Goa has a special place in my memories. It is the place where I met my husband and also because this was my first expedition alone. I had heard that the new year eve is celebrated with much fun and frolic in Goa. As I had been selected as a lecturer in a college and had been saving money for something special, I decided why not take a trip to Goa. I found that people in North India are much intruding and misbehaving towards a lone female traveler. Though I did not face such problem in Goa.

Goan history:

Often known as ‘The Rome of the East’, Goa was ruled by a great number of Indian kingdoms and dynasties from the 4th century onwards. The name ‘Goa’ is derived from the Konkani (The Goan Language) word ‘Goyan’, which means a patch of tall grass. Mythologically, Goa’s origin is ascribed to Parshurama, a God of the Hindu pantheon. Goa became a Portuguese colony in 1510 following the urges of trade and demand of spices, cotton and indigo. Portuguese renovated Goa by erecting one of the great churches like the church of St. Cajetan and Bom Jesus basilica in Old Goa, which is a pilgrimage site for the Christians all over the world.

Goan culture

When you travel to Goa, “The jewel of India” you discover that they enjoy life to the fullest without getting tense about the unfavorable repercussions. ‘Siesta’ is an important part of life in Goa. I noticed shuttered down shops in afternoon, my host told me that the time from1pm to4 pm provides an afternoon nap to the Goans. Legendary Lata Mangeshkar is from Goa just like the classical singer Kishori Amonkar and the pop singer Remo Fernandes There is a vast representation of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, which testifies to the catholicity of the people’s beliefs as well as their mutual tolerance. Indeed, Goa is could be loved just for this rare quality which one feels imperceptibly on even a short visit.

Goa beaches:

Calangute is my favourite beach. It is the most famous and most crowded. if u love music, dance, chitter-chatter of countless people around you then Calangute is the place for you. The main road which leads straight to the beach is full of Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling Himalayan curios and jewelery. The high quality textiles from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka can be bought from here.

Anjuna Beach: Anjuna is known for its infamous full moon parties and for its flea market.

Baga beach: Baga is actually an extension of Calangute beach but it is secluded enough to gain popularity among the topless sunbathers, though it is not among the famous ‘nude’ beaches. It is difficult to arrange for the transport in the late evenings in the area as there are no buses to the place after the dark and it takes a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach.

Palolem Beach – is also known as “Paradise Beach”. This beach is south Goa is about a mile long and it provides seclusion and idyllic scenery. If you’re looking for a most unhurried and balmy beach experience, complete with the most breathtaking coastal scene, this is the beach for you.

Mandrem or Morjim: This is a place for those seeking peace and solitude. The beach stretches across three hamlets: Mandrem, Ashwem and Morjim. Divided by little creeks, these are spectacular windswept stretches of sand, devoid of crowds of people.

Though Goa is known for its beaches, the over two dozen temples in the town are worth a visit too.

Where to stay:

If you are going for Christmas and new year then you must book well in advance as this is the peak tourist season. Not only all big and small hotels are booked out, you won’t find rooms to stay in family run lodges also. My husband’s uncle and aunt were with us on our second trip and we had decided to go there on a spur of the moment. We reached there with all our baggage and confidently knocked at the door of our erstwhile host( we stayed with him previous year) but he had no room! He tried to accommodate us with his relative’s but again the reply was “no vacancy”. After an exhaustive search a widow gave us her son’s study (she had seen two couples wandering back and forth in the street and worried about the “ladies”). The room was very humid and practically a rat hole (our benefactor charged a whopping amount for 2 nights stay). My advice is that if you are going there only for New Year eve then don’t worry about booking. Just enjoy the sun and sand and the whole festive atmosphere of Goa with a feni in your hand. We saw many people who were comfortably sleeping on beaches the morning after New Year eve. But this suggestion is only for those who are traveling alone or with friends. If you have family with you then booking the hotel must be your top priority. Or you can make a deal in local lodges which are equally good. Hire a bike and go on long drives to explore the Goan beaches and scenery.

The Carnival:

Tour of Goa is incomplete if you miss out being a part of the Christmas Carnival. It does not matter whether one enjoys or see others enjoying. There is enthusiasm and happiness all around. Floats depicting popular lullabies and nursery rhymes make a whimsical and colorful sight on the streets. The three-day festival primarily celebrated by Christians, has absorbed Hindu tradition-bound revelry and western dance forms, and stimulated by the artistry of the Goan genius turned into a pageantry of singular effervescence.

Restaurants:

Tito’s on calangute: TITO’S Restaurant is a favourite with locals and foreigners alike. . Stars like Richard Gere, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Aishwarya Rai (to name a few) have all dined here.

Pagoda (CALANGUTE)

Excellent genuine Chinese restaurant run by a Chinese expat. Situated on the junction of the Baga & C. S. M. Road

J&A’s Little Italy (BAGA)

One in the list of most popular restaurants in Goa, this Italian restaurant comes highly recommended and is situated on the charming Baga river promenade.

Shopping:

Shopping in the famous traditional markets of the Mapusa and Anjuna area is a fascinating experience. These markets are a mirror of Goa’s ethnic culture and provide a glimpse of the typical Goan way of doing business. The Friday Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices. The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at bargain prices. Be sure to sharpen your bargaining skills before you go, the vendors, who’re surprisingly fluent in English, are quite sharp-witted. There are many tattoo shops also. Al’s tattoo studio in goa is the best on baga road opp ronel hotel.

Souvenirs

Feni: Feni is the native liquor of Goa famous all over the world and almost synonymous with the region. Goans still believe that any ceremony require the joie de vivre sans, the company of alcohol as they are prefect celebratory of goenchi feni. The birth of a child is cheered with feni, a death is mourned with feni apart from fiesta, football and fish as are the ‘famous fours’, which go into making any goan happenings.

By: Sheetal Ahlawat

Deepavali Festival in South India

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:19:14 +0000

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is an important festival celebrated all over India. It usually falls around late October or early November on the new moon day. This year, (2008) it is celebrated on 27th October in South India and on 28th of October in North India, according to the calendars. This difference in day is due to the variation in regional calendars. Though there are different myths about this festival the central theme of all remains as one – Good wins over Evil.

It is a 3-day festival in South India, and in some parts it is celebrated for 5 days. Generally, Deepavali celebration in Tamil Nadu is to commemorate the killing of Narakasura, the demon king, by Lord Krishna. In Karnataka it is called as Bali Paadyami to mark the annual visit of King Bali to see his subjects. They also consider this occasion as Festival of Wealth and Prosperity. In Kerala, though celebrated, it is not a major festival like the other parts of South India. In Andhra Pradesh also this festival is celebrated.

Preparations for the celebration of this festival start weeks before with the spring cleaning of the home, and by purchasing new clothes and ornaments. Shopping for crackers and sparklers is a special occasion especially for the kids.

On the main festival day the houses are decorated with artistically laid kolams. The doorways are adorned with garlands of mango leaves and marigolds, known as “torans”. New clothes are bought and the womenfolk make various sweets, the favorite being murukku in Tamil Nadu.

Deepavali celebration starts in the very early morning. Waking up during the ‘Brahmamuhurta’ (at 4 a.m.) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. One by one all family members take oil bath with seasame oil. It is a customary belief that having an oil bath in the morning on the day of diwali, before sunrise, is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges.

After the bath they wear the new clothes and put on their new ornaments. Then the children start bursting crackers, symbolising the killing of the demon king Narakasur. Then puja is performed to the family deities before breakfast and offer the neivedyam. Many visit the temples to seek God’s blessings. Special sweets are made during Deepavali to rejoice the occasion. The other items prepared during this festival are ukkarai, velli appam, idly, chutney, sambhar, omapudi and boondhi. For lunch, jangri, pathir peni, or one variety of the poli are made.

In the evenings, deepas, also called as diyas, are lighted and kept in the corridors of each house, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. It is followed by bursting crackers and lighting colorful sparklers, by the young and old alike.

Hindus also believe that departed souls return during this time. As a mark of respect to them, their favorite foods are prepared and placed on banana leaves before the photographs of the departed, and offer prayers to them.

Many companies offer great discounts during this festival. They open new account books on Deepavali, and also give sweets and bonus to their staff.

It is also a day for all to forget the enmity and forgive those who have hurt them, thus glorifying their inner soul with love, removing the darkness of ignorance and ill-feeling.

Another great achievement of celebrating festivals in India is that it strengthens the family unity and social relationships.

By: Lakshmi Menon

India Travel tips and Safety Information For Tourists – A Comprehensive List

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:44:31 +0000

India is a beautiful country and every year millions of tourists visit this country. Here are some essential travel and safety tips which should be considered by anyone travelling to India.

1. Medications: Always consult your doctor regarding immunizations that should be taken like Hepatitis A and Polio. Additional vaccinations that your doctor may recommend are Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Rabies and Hepatitis B. Also carry medications for malaria, diarrhea, anti-allergy, Typhoid etc. Keep a copy of those prescriptions with you in case the local authorities like the Customs question you. Things like keeping an extra pair of glasses can be helpful. Carrying general medications for headache, nausea, sunscreen, few band-aids and mosquito repellent is also suggested. Although you get everything in India but its just better to have them beforehand.

2. Tourist Visa: Citizens of most countries including United States require a tourist visa on their passport. You should consult an Indian Embassy close to your location. Following Indian embassy sites are helpful: www.indianembassy.org, www.indiacgny.org, www.cgihouston.org, www.cgisf.org, chicago.indianconsulate.com .

3. Make copies of all your important travel documents (like ID, passport and visa) and leave it with a friend or family in case you lose the originals. Fill in the emergency information page of your passport. If you know the hotel phone number you will stay, leave that also with them. Country code (phone) of India is “91″

4. Keep the phone number of all the four U.S. embassies in India i.e. Delhi (North India), Chennai (South), Mumbai (West) and Kolkata (East), visit these websites newdelhi.usembassy.gov/, chennai.usconsulate.gov, mumbai.usconsulate.gov/, kolkata.usconsulate.gov/ .

5. Register yourself in the USA State Department’s travel registration website https://travelregistration.state.gov/ so that they can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Also read public Announcements or Travel Warnings on the travel.state.gov website.

6. Do not wear expensive jewellery and do not put all your cash in one location. Get some US Dollars converted to Indian Currency (Rupees) before you go. Carrying some travelers’ cheques is also a good idea. If you need money in India only exchange it with authorized agents or banks. Inform your credit card company and Bank that you will be traveling to India on which dates so that your card is not blocked for suspicious activity.

7. Always drink bottled water and make sure that its sealed. Always eat well cooked food. In India, do buy fruits cookies and crackers with you, Local brands like Parle and international brands like Britannia and Nestle are safe to eat.

8. If traveling in the monsoon, carry a raincoat and umbrella. Carry flashlight and an extra set of lock and keys. If you need directions prefer shopkeepers over pedestrians. Its a good idea to re-verify with someone else also. Winters (December to February) can be chilly, especially in North India. Carry sweaters and jackets.

9. Be safe: Follow local laws and keep patience, Do not leave your luggage unattended in public places, beware of pick pockets and do not accept packages from strangers. Women travelers should be extra safe.

10. Tipping: Tips are not common in India as in USA. If you want to tip try to tip not more than 10-20 Indian rupees.

11. Beggars: You will find them quite often. Although some are genuine but at times people are forced into it. You you want to donate, its better to donate to a nonprofit organizations.

12. You can expect to bargain/negotiate price of the item in most of the shops (expect for government-run). You can even start with half price. Leave if you are not satisfied.

13. Try to learn some local words. In north India Hindi is the primary language, Southern India has a separate language for each State. Lot of people in India speak English, specially in popular tourist spots.

14. Not everyone follow the traffic rules, so prefer not to drive yourself. India has a lot of budget airlines, consider flying when traveling long distance. Trains are also a good option. Try to travel in 1st or 2nd class compartment instead of general class.

15. Cell (Mobile) phone coverage is quite good in India, and cheap too. Definitely consider getting one if you are staying for more than 1 month. Most plans have free incoming calls and cheap outgoing calls. If you want to buy a Sim card and unlocked international phone consider prior to your visit check a good site telestial.com.

Please do your self research and consult an expert before using this information. Also visit travel.state.gov for the latest and most up to date travel guidelines. Another article about top 7 places to visit in North India is at http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-7-Tourism-Places-in-India&id=556637

By: Swati A