Magnificent Sikkim

The North-Eastern side of the country is blessed with virgin beauty. These parts of the mesmerizing India are yet to be exploited fully. North-eastern states are also known as Seven Sisters. One of the most peaceful, tranquil and beautiful state in this region is Sikkim. It is also one of the smallest states of the country. The place has amazing natural beauty, soaring mountains, bewitching locales and wonderful lakes that will surely appease your senses. Visitors from many parts of the country visit Sikkim to experience the heart-warming feelings. For a travel enthusiast, the place offers everything that he can imagine like, steep gorges, snow-capped peaks, exotic flora, gushing river and green valleys. What else one could ask from the Mother Nature? The place is enriched with elements of spirituality as well because of presence of number of monasteries.

The most fascinating aspect about Sikkim is the fact that despite lack of size it packs a punch with numerous tourist attractions in the state. Sikkim has several beautiful lakes that will offer you mental peace and serenity. Most famous lakes are, Tsomgo lake, Lakshmi Pokhari, Khecheopraj Lake, Samiti Lake and Cholamu lake. The capital of the state is Gangtok that is a hill station as well. One can visit monastaries like Pemayangtse, Rumtek, Labrang and Tasuk - la-khang (Palace Monastery) etc to sooth his soul. One must remember to explore the flora and fauna of the state. It is just amazing. Other popular attractions are Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary etc.

National Parks of India

India is a glorious land with numerous attractions. One of the major attractions of Indian subcontinent is wide variety of wildlife. Credit goes to varied quality of topography that supports presence of magnificent variety of birds and animals. India houses several famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The idea was to protect these precious animals from getting extinct. Establishment of sanctuaries in several states also help in protecting these innocent animals from getting poached. Thanks to these parks, numerous species of animals are able to survive and also increasing their population.

Some of the famous national parks in India are,

Jim Corbett National park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Desert national park, Gir national park, Kanha national park, Bandipur national park, Dachigam national park, Manas national aprk, Nanda Devi national park, Periyar national park, Ranthambore national park, Valley of Flower and Sariska national park.

We all know about famous Jim Corbett national park that is situated in the foothills of Himalayas and is located in the state of Uttaranchal. It was established in 1936. Bandhavgarh National Park is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its wonderful forest and large variety of animals. Sand city of Jaisalmer houses Desert national park. This park is a beautiful manifestation of ecosystem.

Gir national park needs no introduction. Perhaps one of the most celebrated parks in india, it is located in Gujarat and is reputed for being the only natural habitat of Asiatic Lions. Kanha national park is famous for hosting tigers and is situated in the state of Madhya Pradesh whereas Bandipur National Park is in southern state of Karnataka. Finally, both Ranthambore National Park and Sariska National Park are based in Rajasthan.

Dharamsala

Today we will cover the picturesque place of Dharamsala. Located in the beautiful Northern state of Himachal Pradesh, it has been very popular amongst the tourists. The place has been famous for a peaceful environment, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Dharamsala ranks very high amongst the popular hill stations of india. A tourist is bound to be bewitched with pine covered hills, deodar forests and steep valleys of this magnificent place. Dharamsala is located at the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges. Actually, this place is divided into two parts of Upper Dharamshala also knonw as McLeod Ganj and Lower Dharamshala which is primarily a commercial centre.

Dharamsala is famous in world because of its being the seat of exiled Tibetan leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama. You will find numerous monasteries and monks here. And with monasteries come the images and sounds of enchanting bells. This hill station is an ideal place for someone who is seeking solitude, peace and tranquility.

There are many must-visit places in Dharamsala. Topping the list is Namgyal Monastery that is also the acting residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Buddhist pilgrims love this place for obvious reasons. McLeodganj or Upper Dharamshala is another wonderful place to visit. This place hosts several monasteries and Tibetan schools and is also referred as 'Little Lhasa of India'. Spiritually inclined people get the much needed tranquility in McLeodganj.

Other tempting places that deserve to be visited are, Church of St. John In The Wilderness, Tsuglagkhang which is basically a shrine, Norbulingka Institute that is a treasure trove of art and culture of Tibet, Triund, Dip Thekchen Choeling Monastery, and Chamunda Devi.

Magical Rishikesh

Uttarakhand must be one of the most popular tourist states in country. It has amazing hill stations and wild life reserves and it offers places for all kinds of tourists. This article will talk about one of the popular tourist hotspots situated in the state; Rishikesh. The moment one thinks of Rishikesh, images like holy Ganga River, resonating bells, mesmerizing mountains and holy dips conjure up in mind. The place is well visited by tourists though out the year. Rishikesh has a special place in Hindu religion and the reason is its position as a gateway to the Char Dhams. These Char Dhams signify four major pilgrimages of Hindus, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

It is believed that, one can attain Moksha (salvation) if he meditates in Rishikesh which is situated on the bank of river Ganga. The beauty of the place lies in its versatility and offerings. On one hand it gives you a perfect religious reason to come and at the same time, those who are adventure freak love coming to Rishikesh because they can do river rafting and paragliding. Nature lovers just go ga-ga over the scenic beauty of Rishikesh and that explains why you will find it crowded with tourists. It would be an exaggeration to say that Rishikesh is a rare mixture of nature and divinity.

There are several tourist attractions in the town. The major ones are; Lakshman Jhula which is a hanging bridge, Ram Jhula, Gita Bhavan, Rishikund, Bharat Mandir, Swarga Ashram and Nilkanth Mahadeo. The place has several accommodation facilities and one can go anytime during the year.

Corbett National Park

One of the visited wildlife reserves of India Corbett National Park. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand, it has large population of leopards, tigers and elephants. The Park is blessed with scenic beauty as well. Situated at the panoramic foothills of Himalayas, Corbett National Park was initially established as ‘Hailey National Park’, in the year 1936. That makes it the oldest national park in the country. Changing times witnessed changing names of the park. First it was 'Ramganga National Park' during 1950s and finally its current one 'Jim Corbett National Park'. The park has the distinction of being the first tiger reserve when Indian government started ‘Project Tiger’. The park has been named after legendary hunter Jim Corbett.

Flora and Fauna of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is extremely rich. From varied kinds of animals to marshy depressions and hilly areas, the place is truly endowed with mesmerizing beauty. Several types of vegetation are found in the park including Sal, Khair, Sissoo, Ber, Kuthber, Bel, Chbilla, Dhak, Semal, Khingan, Kharpat, Rohini, Bakli, Pula and Bamboo. Inside the park, it is estimated that no less than 488 different species of plants exist.

The main animals found in the Jim Corbett Park are, tigers, found kinds of deer, wild boar, leopards, elephants, three types of nocturnal cats, Sloth Bear, Black Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare, Porcupine, Ghoral, Langur, Rhesus Monkeys, Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, Indian pangolins, etc. If anything was missing then wide variety of migratory birds complete that. Huge numbers of 585 species of birds inhabit the park. It is definitely a must visit for any tourist who wants to explore India.

Nainital

North India is blessed with a hill station named Nainital. Situated in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, Nainital will simply mesmerize you. The place is rich with natural beauty and dazzling almond shaped lakes. Nainital is at an altitude of 1938 meters and located in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas. Also known as ‘Lake Paradise’, the place is richly abundant with gifts of nature. Its enchanting panorama forces travelers to come here again and again. Nainital is one of the most visited placed in North India where visitors come to get a perfect retreat.

Nainital has several beautiful tourist attractions. One of the popular one is Naini peak which is also the highest peak in this hill station. It stands at an altitude of 2611 meters and is also known as China peak. One can have breathtaking view of the entire Himalayan range from Naini peak. The real beauty of Nainital is truly reflected in famous Naini Lake. The most frequently visited place in Nainital, the lake is surrounded by lofty hills and wonderful villas and cottages. Naini Lake looks magnificent during night when pristine water plays around with numbers of lights hanging on the edges. One can indulge in paddling, yachting and boating in the lake.

There are several other tourist attractions to explore. For those with religious inclinations can always visit Hanuman Garhi. One can also visit to Snow View which is a popular hill top. Astronomical Observatory is another place where you can witness amazing astronomical wonders. Finally, one must visit high altitude wildlife sanctuary that houses fascinating creatures.

Dalhousie

One of the popular tourist destinations in north India is Dalhousie. Situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is a quiet and serene hill station. It attracts thousands of visitors every year who flock to Dalhousie to get relief from the hustle-bustle of city life. This beautiful place is spread over five hills at the western edge of the Dhauladhar range of mountains. The five hills are, Potreyn, Kathlog, Bakrots, Balun and Tehra. Apart from the magnificent scenic beauty offered by the place it is also a major attraction for its architecture of the colonial era. British Governor General Lord Dalhousie established this place in 1854. The famous Chamba valley of Himachal Pradesh is entered through Dalhousie only.

Dalhousie will mesmerize you with its scenic beauty, pine covered slopes, enchanting views and snow capped mountains. This place is a deadly combination of colonial architecture beauty and nature’s best views. The architectural beauty is well manifested in forms of beautiful buildings and low roofed stalls. Spread over an area of over 14 sq.kms, this hill station has several amazing tourist attractions.

Some popular tourist attractions in Dalhousie are, Khajjar, Bakrota Hills, the St. Francis Church and Dainkund. Apart from these names, one can also visit Kalatope, a wildlife sanctuary and number of temples and churches spread over the hill station. Dalhousie will give you that old world charm that is very fascinating. If you are seeking peace and calmness then Dalhousie is the place you should visit.

Indian Jewelry

Jewelry has always been an integral part of Indian culture. In fact, Indian lifestyle segment is incomplete without jewelry. It is being said that, history of Indian jewelry is almost 5000 years old. Indian people have always been very fond of different styles of jewellery. Metals like gold, silver and different gems and stones have clearly defined the history of Indian jewelry. Even if you look at mythological serials and movies, you will find all the characters wearing jewellery. It is a sign of importance and existence of jewelry in the history of India.

Indian jewelry is very stylish and is available in numerous of designs. India always had a great name in handicrafts of different types of gold jewellery and gems, stones etc. one can find all types of ornaments suitable for all the body parts. In ancient era, metals and crude stones were used to make necklace, anklets and rings. With the passage of time, people discovered the art of polishing gold and extracting different types of gems. Later on, gold and other precious stones were used to make rings, chains, anklets and earrings etc.

The most fascinating aspect of Indian jewelry is availability of eclectic mix of designs and styles. Different states in India have different styles of jewelry and all of them are uniquely beautiful. India has been ruled by different kingdoms and all of them have left indelible mark on the jewelry styles. For example, Rajputs gave enameled jewelry whereas Mughals were known for intricate carvings and usage of precious stones. Traditional jewelry of India will always remain in vogue. Indian jewelry is indeed a great mix of modern and traditional style.

Mount Abu

One of the most popular tourist destinations in India is picturesque place of Mount Abu. Situated in Northern state of Rajasthan, it has the distinction of being the sole hill station in the state. Rajasthan is basically a desert state and yet Mount Abu once served as the summer residence of the Rajputs and, later on as favorite place of the British. A tourist has various tempting spots to look forward to in this beautiful place. One will find several colonial mansions, bungalows and holiday lodges. Situated on the highest peak of Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, Mt Abu is extremely rich in terms of natural beauty. It is endowed with waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and lush forests. No wonder, it is also called as ‘Oasis of the Desert’. One major reason of its popularity is apart from its natural beauty, Mount Abu also has holy shrines.

A tourist really needs to take some time off while touring Mt Abu. The reason being ample numbers of tourist attractions. One of the must visit is Gaumukh temple. Apart from that, Dilwara Jain temples, Nakki Lake, sunset point, wildlife sanctuary etc are other major attractions. Dilwara temples were made during 11th to 13th century. These temples are architectural delights. Nakki Lake is very popular among tourists because of calm and soothing feel. Wonderfully located, Nakki Lake is a sheer beauty for those seeking break from hustle and bustle of life. If you are seriously seeking respite from scorching heat of this summer, Mount Abu could be best option for you.

Luxurious Trains in India

One of the most fascinating aspects for a traveler in India is luxurious trains. Quite a few numbers of luxurious trains are available for tourists to get a royal view of India. This article will provide you some information about few of the amazingly luxurious trains. Let’s begin with Golden Chariot. Provided by South Indian state Karnataka, the Golden Chariot is one of the most popular trains with tourists. Want to visit historic places, exotic wildlife, hypnotizing beauty of south India and exotic wildlife destination? Welcome aboard! This train is a sheer luxury. For a tourist, taking this 7 nights and 8 days trip will leave a world of good memories. No wonder, you will have to book the tickets well in advance.

Palace On Wheel takes the greatest honor when it comes to luxurious trains. Pride of Rajasthan, it is one of the most lavish trains in the world. Like Golden Chariot, it offers you 7 nights and 8 days trip that takes you to amazing places like forts and mountains. Train works on a fixed itinerary. The interiors of the train are sure to leave you awestruck. If you want to experience royalty and ultimate plush treatment, have this ride of a lifetime. The boarding station is Delhi and it will take to places like Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Jaisalmer.

Royal Orient takes you to places as enchanting and mesmerizing as exotic wildlife, sea resorts and ancient temples. It roams around the stats of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Deccan Odyssey covers the states of Goa and Maharashtra. It travels only at night so that you can have the best view possible. The staffs are extremely courteous and treatment is no less than regal. Last in the list is The Fairy Queen that takes you to places like Sariska Tiger reserve and Alwar in Rajasthan. With references from about India

Indo-Islamic Architecture

India was always a treasure trove of architectural beauties found in all the parts of the country. What had started during Indus valley civilization has continued to evolve in subsequent eras as well. Buddhist architectural style, south Indian architectural specimens and Nagara style of architecture bear testimony to the immensely impressive style of architectural variety found in different parts of the country. One of the best phases in the history of Indian architecture was medieval period that witnessed historical developments in the field of architecture. This era saw arrival of Mughals in India and wit that came several factors that completely transformed the landscape of Indian architecture. It did not overhaul the existing style of Indian architecture. It just added a layer or two and made already rich blend even more beautiful.

Muslim Style of Architecture of this period is also termed as the Indo-Islamic Architecture. This style was an aesthetic mix of Indian style and Islamic style. The combination of both parts made the final outcome magnificent. This period is divided into two parts of Mughal architecture and Delhi style. The former style derived its inspiration from Islamic architecture of central Asia whereas the later one was developed by rulers of Delhi.

Both cultures contributed in development of each other. The culmination witnessed in numerous designs across India is nothing but breath taking. The best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture are Fatehpur Sikri, Qutub Minar, Red Fort Delhi, Alai Darwaza, Taj Mahal, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Agra Fort, and Tughlaqabad Fort etc. With inputs from Interior designing.

Beauty of Indian Architecture

Indian Architecture definitely ranks as one of the best achievements of Indian civilization. The evolution of Indian architecture has taken place over the centuries. Various factors have contributed in the development of rich Indian architecture. Factors like geographical conditions and socio-economic elements have contributed tremendously in the growth and development of Indian architectural styles. The architectural specimens found in India are vast in range because of diversity found across the regions. Architecture is one of high points of rich blend of Indian civilization that includes mass of expression. Forces of history have made sure than Indian architecture has retained a semblance of continuity.

Archeologists have discovered styles of architectural specimen that are astonishing and prove that India was always a power as far as architecture is concerned. Different eras in Indian history have gifted different architectural specimens. We can look as back as Indus valley civilization where seeds of own planning were sowed. But historically speaking advent of Buddhism marked the formal arrival of Indian architecture. Numerous buildings based on amazing designs came into existence in that period. Rock cut caves at Ajantha and great Stupa at Sanchi were the foremost gifts of the Buddhist era.

Nagara style of architecture emerged in the northern India whereas central India witnessed a new period in architecture when Chandela rulers built magnificent temple compound at Khajuraho. South India almost always had Hindu rulers that paved way for south Indian style of architecture. The best examples of that period are temples at Kanchipuram and rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram. All the rulers and dynasties in south Indian contributed significantly to rich blend of Indian architecture. With inputs from Interior designer blog.

Indian Food

Indian Food like other traditional aspects of India is rich in variety. That land that represents unity in diversity offers assortment of delicious dishes. Go to any part of the country and you will find different style of foods made in entirely different way. We Indians are fond of using spices and herbs in our food. The quality and variety of cuisines varies from region to region. Numerous hotels and restaurants offering amazingly tasty foods can be found in all corners of the country. However, rice, wheat and pulses are considered as staple food inside Indian Territory. Lets take a look at traditional food found in different parts of the country.

Gujarati food is known for including vegetarian food and as far as nutritional value is concerned it scores high on that parameter. Gujaratis love to use different cooking styles and their specialty lies in offering sweet dishes. Punjabi food is very rich in terms of variety. All types of dishes are included in Punjabi foods and best part is mouth watering usage of spices in different cuisines. The most famous export of Punjabi cuisines is makke di roti and sarso ka saag.

Bengalis love to use spices in their foods. All the five major spices including seed, black cumin seed, mustard, aniseed, fenugreek seed and black cumin seed are used in balanced proportion to make Bengali food yummy. Talk about sweet or spicy flavors, Bengali foods is rich in content. Kashmiri food is a delectable mix of different cooking styles adopted over the years from Persia, central Asia and Afghanistan. Lastly south Indian foods, they are known for low calorie. Primarily rice based foods like dosa, rasam and idlis are the major ones in south Indian cuisines.

Indian Paintings

India has always been phenomenally rich in terms of art and literature. Right from the ancient times, these two classes have kept getting better. Despite all the infiltrations, attacks, change of kingdoms and what not, Indian art has continued to be shining example of amalgamation of diverse cultures. Talking about Indian arts, Indian paintings have traveled a long way in maintaining their superiority. The tradition can be traced back to ancient era with examples like Ajanta & Ellora, Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts, Jain texts, Different frescoes and schools of painting like Mughal, Deccan and Kangra.

The tradition of Indian painting has been well accentuated by ancient texts. These texts outlined fascinating color theories apart from reiterating the need of painting the doorways. Nature was the guiding force in that era and that is well manifested in cave paintings of Bagh, Ajanta and Sittanvasal. Various temples paintings can be also seen in different parts of the country.

Indian art depict themes as diverse as religion, culture, nature, kingdoms, thoughts, ideas, social condition and mythological characters among others. It’s an act of fusion that is very rich and vivid. Indian artists have always given free expression to their artistic liberty and imagination to carve out amazing pieces of art works. Different styles of Indian paintings can be categorized in;
Tanjore Paintings, Mysore Paintings, Bihar Paintings, Madhubani Paintings, Rajput Paintings, Indian folk Paintings, Warli Paintings, Kalamkari Paintings, Pattachitra Paintings, Cave Paintings of Ajanta & Ellora, Miniature Paintings, Glass Paintings, Oil Paintings.

Hindi Poetry- Eras

If we dig deeper into the origin and evolution of Hindi poetry then we can find it to be segregated in four eras of Adikal, Bhaktikal, Ritikal and Adhunikkal. Adikal refers to period between 10th century to the beginning of 14th century. Bhaktikal is also referred as devotional period that stretches from 14th century to 17th century. This was the period when Mughal ruled over India and Hindi was losing its prominence. Ritikal is also known as Scholastic period and this period witnessed emergence of two types of poets; Ritimukta and Ritibaddha. The former referred to poets whose compositions were bereft of any rhetorical conventions whereas later signified poets with rhetoric.

The last era is of modern Hindi literature that has four subdivisions of Renaissance, Dwivedi Yug, Chhayavada Yug and Contemporary era. Renaissance period owes a lot to Bhartendu Harishchandra who is also known as Father of Modern Hindi Literature because of his contribution in bringing modern outlook in Hindi literature. Dwivedi era was guided by Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi who is credit to bring a reformed style of writing in Hindi poetry. We are a part of contemporary era that is in existence since 1937. Hindi poetry has given numerous gems in all the eras. Hindi shayari has kept on getting stronger and considering its spread in many parts of the world, Hindi is sure to witness few more refinements. Expatriates of Indian origin have taken Hindi to diverse places and it is widely spoken in many parts of the world.

Hindi Language

India represents unity in diversity. It’s a land of many cultures, different religions, and huge number of languages. Hindi is the primary official language of India. It is one of the world’s most spoken languages. Spoken across all over the India, Hindi boasts of a great heritage and history. Also refereed as Indo-European language, it is primarily spoken in central and northern India. Hindi is supposed to be an offshoot of ‘Khari boli’. Hindustani is the mother language out of which emerged two standardized languages of Hindi and Urdu. Urdu is the official language of Pakistan. Hindi and Urdu do share some similarities.

However, there is a basic difference between these two languages in terms of script. Devanagari script is used for Hindi whereas Nastaliq script is used for Urdu. Sanskrit is the main source of vocabulary for Hindi words and hindi shayari whereas Urdu gets its inspiration from Arabian and Persian languages. Apart from these factors both languages share numerous similarities. Being the national language of India, Hindi is spoken by millions of people in many parts of the country. No less than six states have declares Hindi to be the primary regional language. These states include, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan.

Hindi has several dialects like Maithili, Bundeli, Brajbhasa, Bhojpuri, Marwari and Awadhi. The roots of the Hindi can be found in seventh or eighth century India. By the beginning of 10th century, Hindi poetry has started to take roots and since then it has kept on refining and remodeling itself.

City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace is one of the most popular tourist places in not only Rajasthan but in India also. Located in the heart of the city, City Palace is one magnificent proof of the architectural talent of India. The building was built by Maharaja Uday Singh of the Sisodia clan. Rajput rulers were famous for their taste in art and architecture and City Palace bears testimony to that fact. Situated beside Lake Pichola, this wonderful construction has impressive exterior and exquisite interiors. Udaipur is known for housing several wonderful structures but City Palace outshines all.

If we go back to history, Udaipur as a city was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh. Soon after that he started building this glorious structure. With the passage of time, the following rulers added to the palace complex. All the additions done afterwards further enhanced the beauty of the palace. Overall design of the building is in perfect harmony and is one fine example of synchronization. The two relatively new portions of the construction have been converted into a luxurious hotel.
The design of the City Palace is a beautiful amalgamation of Chinese and European architectural styles. Marble and granite has been used in the constriction of the building. For the connoisseurs of architecture and monuments, city palace is a treat. It’s sheer delight to visit this place and feel mesmerized by the grand charm of the palace.

Paragliding in India

Who does not wish to fly? One of the most exciting and most thrilling adventures is paragliding. It makes you experience what flying is. Thanks to so many adventure groups and travel agencies, paragliding is a sport that has gained tremendous popularity in India in so many tourist centers.

Paragliding uses thermals as the driving force and with the right weather conditions; you can fly in the air for upto three hours. One can fly upto three thousand meters and paragliding takes place around gentle hills.

For those who are wondering the difference between paragliding and parasailing, there isn’t much. It is just that parasailing is done with parachute tied to a moving vehicle and you are flying above sea.

Some of the important paragliding centers in India are:

Himachal Pradesh

The bald peak of Billing, above the Buddhist monastery of Bir in Kangra, is a perfect site for paragliding.  There are many adventure sport organizations in Himachal that conduct these adventure sports like paragliding, rock climbing, rappelling, river rafting etc.

Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal has a unique topography and this is what makes it an excellent site for paragliding. The area of Garhwal is an excellent destination.

Rajasthan

 The vast open barren land in Rajasthan offers great gliding opportunities. Special strips of land are exclusively made available for paragliding. Some of the famous centers for the same are Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Kota.

Maharashtra

The western Ghat hill range in Maharashtra is apt for paragliding.  Paragliding is famous in centers around Mumbai and Pune because of the population it attracts.

Delhi

Sohna which is about 40 kms. from Delhi is coming up in a big way for paragliding.

Goa

Goa beaches like Vagator and Kalangut offer parasailing trips for Rs. 500 per person for fifteen minutes.

Not just that, there are a lot of training programmes that the Himachal tourism conducts at various points in the year. There are a lot of adventure sport organizations that conduct these courses.

Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is located in southern state of Andhra Pradesh. A look at this monumental place and you are sure to find an ancient city within it. Golconda Fort is one of the most popular and historical monuments of India. This piece of immense importance belongs to the era of Qutb Shahi Kingdom. This kingdom was one of the most powerful in the southern region. The origin of word ‘Golconda’ is credited to Telugu word ‘Golla Konda’. The meaning of the word is ‘Shepherd’s Hill’. It was not only a strategically important place but also the center of thriving diamond business. This famous fort has a proud history. Its origin goes back to 1143 when then reining ruler of Hindu Kakatiya dynasty built it. It is generally believed that a shepherd boy saw idol of a God and that inspired the ruler to built the structure.

The fort has been built on the granite hill that has height of 120 meters. Qutb Shahi dynasties made this magnificent structure its current day stature and prominence. The dynasty expanded the basic structure over a period of 62 years. Its circumference was 5 km and from a mud fort it was turned into granite fort. Famous diamonds like Kohinoor, Regent, Darya-e Nur and Hope etc were discovered in the mines of Golconda. The architecture of the fort is a wonderful mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Its one of the most visited place in south India.

How Well Do You Know India?

Many wonder about the origin of word ‘India’. The answer lies with the river Indus that gave origin to the word ‘India’. Aryan population used to call river Indus as Sindhu. When the Persian people came they termed it Hindu and thus Hindustan came into existence by combining sindhu and Hindu.

India has several ‘firsts’ in her name. Harappan culture was established in Indus valley civilization some 5000 years ago whereas during the same period many other cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers. India gave birth to four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. More than 25% population of the world follows these religions. Will you be surprised to know that largest English speaking nation in world is none other than India? India is a great hub of scientists and engineers. Officially India has second largest pool of such precious human resources.

India has made tremendous gains in technology department. In fact, apart from USA and Japan, India is the only country to have made super computer indigenously. That does not come as a surprise knowing that the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC. India is also a popular destination for health tours because of the quality of doctors and low cost. Going by the history books, approximately 2600 years ago, Sushruta (father of surgery) had performed complicated surgeries like brain surgery, fractures, cesareans and urinary stones etc. More than 125 surgical equipments were used in that period. Many ancient texts also indicate deep knowledge of subjects as complex as, physiology, digestion, anatomy, genetics, embryology, immunity etc. With reference from about India

Facts About India

Varanasi is said to be the oldest and continuously inhabited city in the world. Situated on the banks of great Ganges, it was earlier known as Benaras. Lord Buddha had visited this sacred place in 500 BC. It may sound ironical but India was the richest country on earth at one point of time. Fondly known as ‘The Golden Bird’, India lost that prestigious title when British arrived in India in the early 17th century. Even legendary Christopher Columbus, the great explorer had heard of India’s richness and wanted to visit this place.

Many of you will not be surprised to know that the value of ‘Pi’ was discovered in India during the early 6th century. Budhayana calculated its value and gave us the concept that was later known as Pythagorean Theorem. That clearly says that Europeans lagged behind in discovering such calculations. Time taken by earth to orbit around sun was first calculated by the great Bhaskaracharya. The exact figure was 365.258756484 days that was validated by astronomer Smart hundred of years later.

India also gifted trigonometry, algebra and calculus to the world. By as early as 11th century, Sridharacharya had given us quadratic equations. Indians were much ahead of other civilizations in terms of big numbers like 10 to the power of 53 whereas the maximum Romans and Greeks discovered was 106. One of the least known facts about India is that the art of Navigation originated in India in the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The Sanskrit word Navgatih gave origin to the word Navigation. Used with permission: Factsaboutindia.org

The Beauty of India

India has a great history of more than thousand years. There are several interesting facts about this land of miracles. India is the world's oldest, largest, and continuous civilization that has never invaded any country in her entire history. Not for nothing India preaches tolerance, peace and resilience. India is also the largest democracy in world. India has been at the forefront of several inventions and milestones. For example, the number system was invented in India. The great Aryabhatta invented zero. According to a report in prestigious Forbes magazine, our own Sanskrit fits the bill perfectly when it comes to choosing language for computer software. Sanskrit is also said to be the mother of all European languages. In 700 BC, the first university of the world was built in Takshashila. Even during that time, students from all over the world came to study here. The total subjects were more than 60 and approximately 10,500 students from diverse nationalities came to get sound education.

4th century BC witnessed establishment of Nalanda University that was a great foot forward in the education arena. Ancient India is extremely rich in terms of such milestones. Not many people know that earliest school of medicine is Ayurveda and that again was a gift from India to the entire world. Charak is known as the father of medicine. He is credited to establish its roots. Even in this modern age, many people are reverting back to Ayurveda for its magical effect and harmless treatment. Courtesy & permission amazing facts.co.in

Vedic Age

Period of 1500 BC to 500 BC is known as Vedic Age. This was a golden period in the history of Indian civilization. Vedic Sanskrit texts were composed during this era. Vedic age civilization gave a lot of precious things to Indian culture and civilization. This culture primarily thrived on the Indo-Gangetic Plains of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism originated in this period only. The wonderful period of Hinduism just started after the Vedic age. Classical Sanskrit literature also came into prominence after the Vedic age. Vedic age sowed the seeds of the great Maurya Empire and Middle Kingdoms that followed Vedic period.

Hindu Vedic Civilization was truly rich in terms of literature. One can not categorize the linguistic richness of the era in one single category. Experts have classified the text of the period in five categories of Rigvedic, Mantra language, Samhita Prose, Brahman Prose and Sutra Language. Rig Veda is a text collection of richness of that era. It is said to be written over a number of centuries. Mantra language is renowned for having Atharvaveda and other such great texts. Samhita Prose is known for having Yajurveda and painted grey ware culture whereas Brahmanas period gave India Upanishads. Sutra Language has the major components of Srauta sutras and Grihya sutras. The post Vedic age witnessed compilation of historical epic texts Ramayana and Mahabharata. Vedic period is known for political structures and works in areas of agriculture and literature. Several historiacal events took place during this era that marked the beginning of many new milestones registered in development of Indian civilization.

Kerala- The Major Attractions

Those who have visited Kerala are well aware of the term Kettuvallams. Boats sailing on the beautiful backwater of kerala are stitched together to form Kettuvallams. These are huge structures, sometimes measuring upto 75-80 feet in length. Anhili is the term given to woods used in the making of these gigantic country crafts. If one has deep interest in taking a look at rich culture of Kerala, then Kettuvallams offer you best propositions. These houseboats are made up of eco-friendly materials like bamboo mats and poles, coir carpets, coconut fiber etc. all these materials are produced locally so that bring down the costs as well.

Kumarakom is a lush green place situated on the Vembanand lake. One of the most popular tourist attractions in kerala, the place has been visited by several big names who have found it to be a perfect gateway for relaxation. Alappuzha is another popular backwater destination in this southern state. Also refered as Alleppey, it gives you wonderful view of numerous canalas forming the amazing network. One is sure to get lost in the picturesque beauty of the land.

Kozhikode is located in the northern part of kerala. It offers you wonderful exploration opportunity of cruising and old world feel. Relatively an under-traveled place, it has managed to sustain its heritage and ancient history. Kollam is another favorite with tourists because of its backwater. Kollam is more famous for its cashew trade and often known as Swapnadesham. Kochi is famous for its natural harbors. It has a proud history of being a major trading center. Because of its beautiful backwater beauty, it is also known as the 'queen of Arabian sea'.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala is known for its blue backwaters. But one fact that is not very known is that backwaters labyrinth is composed of crisscrossing of no less than 44 rivers. These 44 rivers flow across the state and are further formed by several lagoons, canals, deltas and lakes. More of a network, these 44 rivers flow alongside sea water. The complex structure of the backwater can only be felt and experienced. The total stretch of the backwater is astonishing 1900 km, however for safety and difficulty reason only 900 km of the water is allowed for navigation purposes. Houseboats are preferred and more useful mode of transport in these backwaters. Tourists all across the world flock to experience these backwaters on the houseboat.

Apart from being a major tourist attraction, the backwater of kerala also provides amazing ecological support to the Mother Nature. It is unique and extremely beneficial for several reasons. One can witness great number of birds and water animals in the backwaters. The complex backwater labyrinth also supports many rare and unique species that are not found anywhere else. Aquatic life is fully supported by the richness of the water. Species like terns, darters, crabs, mudskippers, kingfishers, frogs, cormorants, turtles and otters can found the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters. There are several leafy plants as well. The beauty of nature can be seen in surrounding greenery as bushes, shrubs and palm trees adorn this wonderful place.

God’s Own Country

Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Lakhs of tourists visit to kerala every year. Kerala is known for its serene backwaters that manage to provide tourists, a wonderful unforgettable experience. Also known as ‘God’s Own Country’, the place has been a favorite with not only domestic but international travelers as well. It’s an enchanting place with several wonderful places that are yet to be cluttered with any sort of discomfort. Kerala stands alongside Goa in terms of number of visitors. The unique part of kerala is its complex and quite long structure of its water body that is popularly known as backwaters. It is also a peaceful state with highest percentage of literacy in India. People are quite educated and that reflects in respect accorded to the tourists. The state of kerala is also known for its lush green environment and beauty spread all around.

The most attractive feature of Kerala is experience of canoe or houseboat. One can have one of the most soothing experiences of life while cruising across the backwaters on a houseboat. The experience will make you come again to God’s Own Country. The houseboat carries all the facilities and comforts. One will witness lakes and lagoons in the structure of backwaters. The backwaters are main link between cities and far flung villages of kerala. It’s not only soothing but also makes one aware of structure of this mesmerizing state.

Second Urbanization Phase

Second urbanization phase opened number of new avenues in Indian society. The flourishing arts reached a new pinnacle. Ceramics especially became very popular. The major excavations findings of that era are; rajagriha, vaishali, bodhgaya in bihar; dharanikota in Andhra Pradesh; nevasa in Maharashtra, saranath, hastinapura, kosambi in Uttar Pradesh, chandraketugarh in West Bengal, arikamedu in Pondicherry, sisupalgarh in Orissa and vidhisa in Madhya Pradesh etc. These above mentioned cities have significant number of fortified cities belonging to second urbanization era.

The Buddhist phase brought refreshing changes in Indian culture. This is one of the glorious phases in Indian history. The one major change in Buddhist phase was the kind of support they received from famous kings and generous merchants. Urban citizens also provided amazing patronage to Buddhist constructions and many shrines at places like ajanta, sanati, sanchi, kanehri, lalitgiri, saranath, amravati etc beat testimony to richness of buddhist culture. Jainism also made its entry during this period and it also got royal patronage and many cities in India have splendid Jain monuments. The names include, mathura near New Delhi and udayagiri, khandagiri in Orissa.

During one particular era Buddhism was the single biggest religion in India but once that period came to an end, large numbers of brahmanical temples were constructed in all parts of India in accordance with regional styles. Besara and dravida in south India and kalinga and nagara in north India have such temples. Meanwhile, Jainism kept its presence intact and they also built temples in places like ellora in Maharashtra and sravanabelagola in Karnataka. Soon, Islam also followed with monuments in north Indian places like Agra, Lucknow, Delhi and in south India, Hyderabad and northern Karnataka. Other amazing archeological wonders were built by Marathas of Maharashtra, Rajputs of Rajasthan etc.

Megalithic phase

Megalithic phase witnessed great developments in south India. Identifying a megalithic site is usually done by dolmens, attractive stone clusters or normal monoliths. There are several places in southern India that bear testimony of impressive megalithic culture. Few of them are south and north arcot district (Tamil nadu), maski, rajan kalur and brahmagiri (Karnataka), bhagimari (Maharashtra). Several tribal areas in India including bodosof, gonds (bastar) and gadabas (Orissa) etc also have several memorial monoliths symbol. Kodekal or Topikal refers to stone objects designed in mushroom shape. These objects are found in kerala. Indian archeologists have indulged in several excavations operations that have resulted in discovery of numerous megalithic sites. Megalithic culture reveals India’s growing economy and advanced warfare. Many artifacts have also been found that shows richness of the culture.

India witnessed its most intense transformation during the 800 years of period between the time of Buddha and Guptas Empire. The period was 6th century B.C and 4th century A.D. this phase is also called as second urbanization phase. This phase is renowned because of several positive and development changes in India’s economic, social and political structure. The whole social paradigm went through a complete turnaround. The first stage of complete reversal in India’s fortunes was witnessed in regions surrounding the plains of the Ganges. Soon, the growth spread to all parts of the country. The major changes were manifested in the forms of introduction of currency, rising trade domestic as well as international, discovery of many new overseas trade routes, progress in arts and crafts etc.

Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization is known for giving several new things to the world. It spread over a large area of the Indus and Ghaggar river valleys in northwest India bordering Pakistan, and in Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat. The area it covered was bigger than any of its contemporary civilizations. Surkotda, Kalibangan, Rakhigari, Dholavira etc were some of the prominent Indus cities. Indus Valley Civilization has been credited with some wonderful new things that include cultured economy, splendid planning and creation of new towns.

This civilization was basically agriculture based. The economy of Indus valley civilization was also well versed in the business of marine life for subsistence. Craft of ceramics, bead making and shell were also the prominent feature of this era. The design and planning used in the town construction was the prime feature of Indus valley. It still baffles experts how the planners of that era managed to make such well regulated streets and houses of comfortable and proper sizes. The town planners had also constructed the city in two parts of lower town and citadel. Fortifications were done separately for both parts of the town. Indus valley civilization has earned its fame on basis of its domestic as well as foreign trade. The other outstanding features comprise of established religious beliefs, weight and measure system and literary skills as amply demonstrated in written scripts. By the end of 1700 B.C, Indus valley civilization has started to decline and many new settlements came out of the fragmentation of this era.

Indian Archaeology

India’s Archaeological world is truly amazing to say the least. It’s a treasure trove that has yet to be explored completely. India contains mesmerizing archeological sites within its fold. The proper study of Indian archeological period can not be contained to any single period. We can start getting the idea of rich culture and sites of Indian archeology by dividing it into five periods of Stone Age, Indus Valley, Neolithic-Chalcolithic, Megalithic-Early Historic and Late Historic periods.

Paleolithic refers to beginning of the Stone Age in India whereas Middle Stone Age or Mesolithic signifies end of this period. Geological era of Middle Pleistocene gives us a clue about Paleolithic. Places like Hunsgi (Karnataka), Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), Kulina (Orissa), Pallavaram (Tamil Nadu), Didwana (Rajasthan) etc bear the testimony of Paleolithic sites in India. However, the number of Paleolithic sites are far outnumbered by the Mesolithic sites because of the huge presence of later in many parts of the country. Mesolithic period refers to world of 10,000 years ago when gathering food, fishing and hunting were established social practices. This period is better known for few samples of rock paintings whose themes were taken from ritual scenes and hunting.

Mesolithic period was followed by the Neolithic-Chalcolithic Age which was a fairly advanced period in terms of agricultural techniques and developed state of rural life of India. This age goes back to 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C. the archelogical sites in India with distinct proofs of this period are; Utnur (western Andhra Pradesh), Inamgaon and Walki (Maharashtra), Pandu-Rajar-Dhibi (West Bengal), Navdatoli (Madhya Pradesh), Ahar, Balathal and Gilund (eastern Rajasthan), Golbai (Orissa), Budhihal, Sangankalur, Maski and Brahmagiri (Karnataka) Chirand (Bihar) etc.

Himalayas

The Mighty Himalayan Mountains of India gives you a majestic sight. It is a sight to behold and cherished. Himalayas is made up of two words, Hima and Alaya. Hima means snow whereas alaya refers to abode, so that combines together to form the abode of snow or better known as Himalayas. This famous range of mountains in the northern part of Indian peninsula also acts as a strong defense barrier. The great river Indus and its four offshoots originated from king of mountains. Himalayas also has the highest elevation of the world.

Himalayas have been bestowed with several other names and one of them is ‘Nagdhiraja’. The snow-clad Himalayas stand across a length of 2500 kms from the Pamirs in Pakistan to Brahmaputra in Assam. The grandeur presence of Himalayas has always been associated with divinity. It is also a place that attracts large number of pilgrims from all over the India. The magnificent Himalayas is a great source of climate control. It determines the climate of northern India and saves us from extremely cold winds flowing from Tibet. Himalayas have also saved us from invasion from north side.

The highest peak under the fold of Himalayas is Mount Everest at 8863 meters. Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi are other glorious peaks. There are total 94 peaks under Himalayas and astonishingly 92 of them stand above the height of 7,300m. there are several mesmerizing tourist places in the valley of himalaays including Kashmir, Kullu, Chamba etc. Himalayas have gven birth to mighty rivers like Ganga, Chenab, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ravi etc. Indian Himalayas have been divided into three zones of Shiwaliks, Pir Panjal & Dhauladhar and Greater Himalayas. Shiwaliks form the south wing of mighty mountain whereas Pir Panjal and subsequent peak forming middle range. Himalayas ranges are ode to mighty power of supreme divinity.

Indian Architecture

Indian architecture has managed to garner fame and applause world over. The fascinating saga of Indian architecture reflects lasting achievements of Indian civilization. Indian architecture did not evolve in a single day but it’s a culmination of centuries of socio-economic and geological conditions. It shows fascinating facets of India’s truly rich culture through various expressions. The force of Indian history gave rise to mesmerizing expressions of unique Indian architecture. The best feature of this saga is the vast range and elements of history in architectural specimens.

One look at several specimens of architecture and one can find mix of different periods of history manifested in astonishing designs. The concept of town planning can be traced back to Indus Valley civilization. The structural designs of that period bear the stamp of rich knowledge and efforts on part of designers. But real magic occurred since the onset of Buddhism. Numerous breathtaking buildings were erected during that period. The foremost names of that era which have managed to stand the test of time are; rock-cut caves at Ajanta and the Great Stupa at Sanchi.

South India did not lag behind in terms of architectural beauty. South Indian rulers always emphasized on beautiful designs and temples of Kanchipuram and Rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram are proof of that historical era. Temples at places like Belur, Halebid and Thanjavur reflect structural excellence of south India. Coming to North India, Nagara style of architecture was very popular whereas in central India eternal temple complex at Khajuraho stand as proof of India’s all round architectural brilliance. Islamic rulers brought a complete new style of architecture with them. The Indo-Islamic architecture was a beautiful combination of best of Indian styles and aesthetic designs of Islam. British rule further enriched Indian architectural world through modern class buildings. Reference interior designer

Truly India!

India is a republic state with many regions and states. Each state in India boasts of a different culture. All the states have their different tastes in dance, music, arts etc. folk dances are exclusive to every particular region. Whether you go to Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh or Chennai, Kerala, all these states have different dance and music forms. While talking of amazing India, how can we forget the famous philosophers, thinkers, writers and scholars? Since ancient times, India has marveled in the glory of its rich literature. In true words, India has always been the birth land of great thinkers and even in modern times, this fact has not changed. Holy epics like Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc. are proof of India’s amazing literary talent. Most of these epics can be found in majority of the Indian homes. The language Sanskrit belongs to India. Sanskrit is considered as the purest language in the entire world.

Plays like Shilpadhikaram, Shakuntalam etc were written in this hold land only. These are considered as great literary masterpieces. How can one forget amazing flora and fauna spread across length of India? Go to any part of the country and you will be mesmerized with enchanting charm distributed all over. Picturesque locations of north, virgin locations of eastern India, coasts of west and great monuments and sculptures of south India remind us of inherent beauty of this land. One of the best possible results of different religions combing together was delicious cuisines. The traditional food of India is savored greatly and appreciated all over the world. Truly, India boasts of one of the best cultures of this world which has managed to survive since ancient times.

Amazing India

India gave birth to several religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism etc. consequently these religions spread to all over the world. Buddhism is a major religion in many parts of Asia. Islam made entry into India with the arrival of kings like Mohammad Ghazani and Mohammad Gori. Mughal soon followed and that was beginning of spread of Islam all over India. India is one of the largest countries in world with maximum population of Muslims. If one looks at different archeological and architectural monuments of ancient India, amalgamation of diverse religions has been distinctly demonstrated in them. Confluence of diverse religions is one of the greatest hallmarks of Indian culture. Ancient Indian art and monuments are wonderful mixture of all the religions.

Indian art first surfaced during prehistoric Stone Age. Many caves and historical places bear testimony to artistic inclinations of Indians. Paintings and drawings of animals can be found in numerous caves. With the passage of time, drawing and painting also got refined. Many ancient households used to adorn the front deck of the house. This particular things has not changed as we can see Indians often decorate their houses. South Indians in particular, are more apt at making beautiful designs in their homes. Other arts including music and dance also got refined. India is home to wonderful classical dances and music like Hindustani and Carnatic music. In fact, different parts of the country have separate dance forms and all of them are still followed with utmost sincerity. People tend to forget themselves in dance like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi etc.

Discovering India

India is renowned for its glorious cultural history and beautiful places. Indian culture is rich, beautiful and preserved. The roots are still in places and likely to stay intact even in future. India is a land of diverse religions and different beliefs. Indian culture has successfully managed to amalgamate a Diaspora numerous cultures and beliefs. What would you call a country with hundreds of languages, tribes and religions? Our school books teach us India represents unity in diversity. They could not have put it more accurately. This mystical sub-continent has continued to amaze western world on the sheer basis of tolerance and resilience displayed since centuries.

The beauty and richness of India always attracted rulers from other parts of the world. Right from Persians, Mongols, and Afghans to British, French and Portuguese, India has seen it all. Yet, we the nation accepted all of them, their cultures and incorporated within ours’. It’s our habit to imbibe best of cultures and give them their own space to flourish. Go around any state of India and one will find completely different culture which has managed to sustain flow of time and yet here, united we stand! ,

India is also a place with picturesque location. From pristine beauty of kerala to golden surfs of Goa, from Kashmir, the paradise of Earth to religious fervor of Kanyakumari, India has managed to carve the niche. Not to forget, majestic beauty of Khajuraho or alluring charm of Ajanta and Allora, India has it all in abundance. This blog will aspire to discover amazing India and will show the glimpses of its majestic beauty.