History

French dream of an indian empire has taken life but it also rapidly came to an end in Pondicherry. Among the dispersed territories of the territorial Union of Pondicherry, it is in Pondicherry itself that we can discover what has symbolized the french influence in India. That is also what makes this territory unique and especially, the french district. Something quite different from the rest of India.

Beaches in Pondicherry

The beaches offer miles of nirvana in Pondicherry to all those in seach. Cool and soothing waters, clear and sparkling sands in splendid seclusion. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea.

1. Serenity Beach - virgin sands, ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shade.
2. Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach) - a stretch of tropical paradise, a relishing experience of the great outdoors, short, pleasant cruise into the sea, memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around.
3. Karaikal Beach - magnificent view of sun rise over the bay, Arasalar river reaching out to the sea, canoe or kayak in picture-book surroundings, a round of beach volley ball, armed with the angling gear, you can reel in a surprise.

Museum

Occupying the premises of what was formerly the Government Library is the Pondicherry Museum - a treasure-house of antiques. Besides a section on French India with rooms done in typical French style, the museum devotes sections to Archaeology, Geology, Sculpture, Bronzes, Arms, Print, Handicraft and Art.

The pride of the museum is a cot supposed to have been used by Dupleix and a pousse-pousse -the rickshaw look-alike that was a popular mode of transport in 18th century Pondicherry.

Location

Pondicherry is located at 162 Kms south of Chennai, the capital of Talmilnadu and 22 kms north of Cuddalore, the capital of South Arcot District of Tamilnadu. Pondicherry is surrounded by Bay of Bengal on East, and on the other sides are the South Arcot District of Tamilnadu.

History

The Andaman and Nicobar islands have been inhabited for several thousand years, at the very least. The earliest archaeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years; however, the indications from genetic, cultural and linguistic isolation studies point to habitation going back 30,000 to 60,000 years, well into the Middle Paleolithic. In the Andaman Islands, the various Andamanese peoples maintained their separated existence through the vast majority of this time, diversifying into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups.

Beaches

Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtle nesting. Important species of turtles include: Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle. Water Monitor Lizard, Salt Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python etc. are also seen here.

Corbyn’s Cove Tourism Complex: One of the most picturesque sea-beaches, it is ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. The Waves Restaurant, The Peerless Resort nearby and the Hornbill Nest Guest House at a stone’s throw, provide a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front.

Climate

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a tropical climate. The temperature never touches the extremes. In nearly all the seasons the weather remains warm, moist and calm. The temperature is moderate throughout the year ranging between a maximum of around 34C and a minimum of 16 C. The propinquity of the sea and the copious rainfall thwart the extremes of heat. The monsoon lengthens over a period of eight months.

The matchless naturally beautiful islands are of great maritime importance. The ‘Kala Pani’ or ‘Black Water Prison’ of the British Raj Period, dreaded political leaders and criminals were deported from mainland of India to the Cellular Jail - the Indian Bastille, which was situated in the northeastern part of Port Blair. These groups of islands consist of 572 islands in all consisting of big and small, inhabited and uninhabited islands, islets and rocks in the Bay of Bengal lying in a long and narrow broken archaic chain, nearly 800 km long.

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colours, known for its valiance and chivalry. It has an unusual diversity in all its forms- people, customs, culture, costumes, music, manners, dialects, cuisine and physiographic. The land is endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palace havelis, rich culture and heritage, beauty and natural resources. It is a land rich in music, Dance, Art & Craft and Adventure, a land that never ceases to intrigue & enchant.

Rajathan Attractions

Jaipur (The Pink City) - The Capital of the modern state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a modern city built according to the specifications laid down in ancient architectural texts. Known as the pink city on account of the flush colour of its sandstone palaces, it is a major centre for handicrafts. Its former capital, Amber, consists of fortifications with an interesting rang of highly decorated public and private apartments. Jaipur has much to offer visitors- everything from pageants and festivals to extraordinarily clad people, a wealth of handicrafts, a royal legacy of palaces, and sightseeing- that will occupy their time.

Ajmer - Ajmer situated in the green oasis wrapped in the barren hills has been a witness to an interesting past. The city was founded by Raja Ajai Pal Chauhan in the 7th century A.D. and continued to be a major centre of Chauhan power. When Prithviraj Chauhan lost it to Mohammed Ghauri leaving behind indelible marks of their culture and traditions on the cities history, converting it to an amalgam of various cultures and a blend of Hinduism and Islam.

Havelis of Jaisalmer - The beautiful sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer’s wealthy merchants are known as ‘havelis’. Their elaborate homes are a poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns, and though they are lavish and loud in nature, there is a perfect harmony that characterizes them and they are a treat for the eyes of the beholder.

Alwar - Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat, Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference’s and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raded Delhi. But finally Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D - 1287 A.D) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslims rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur’s rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own.

Udaipur - Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle   of Pichola Lakes is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings.The Shilp Gram festival is a center of attraction during the season.

History

When India became independent on August 15, 1947, the Muslim Nizam refused to accede to the Indian Union, although it entirely surrounded his territory, demanding the right as ruler of 18 million (overwhelmingly Hindu) subjects to rule a separate state. The resulting standoff ended with the state’s occupation by Indian troops between September 13-17, 1948 and its incorporation as a state of India the next year.
Charminar

Charminar is the symbol of Hyderabad and was built by the ruler Quli Qutab Shah in honour of his Hindu wife. A very busy market place surrounds this commanding structure of Hyderabad. Mecca Masjid lies next to Charminar. The entrance arches are made of single slabs of granite.

Birla Temple

Hussain Sagar lake radiates in the night the reflection of the Shri Venkateswara temple built by the Birlas on a hillock close to the Secretariat. The temple is a quarter century old and built of white marble and represents several schools of architecture. Though the South Indian school is prominent in the construction of the rajagopuram. Utkal styles of temple architecture marks the tower over the main shrine called the Jagadananda vimanam. The towers over the temples for the Lord’s consorts Padmavathi and Andal are again in the South Indian style. The temple has a 42-feet high flagstaff and the main idol of the Lord is 11 feet tall.

Shopping In Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the most preferred destination for shopping in Andhra Pradesh. The city gives you a unique and glittering shopping experience in the many splendid markets. There are probably none places better than Hyderabad to shop for natural pearls and diamonds. The main markets for shopping for jewelery include Basheerbagh, Abids and Nampally. Some of the biggest showrooms of jewelery, textiles and handicrafts are found here. Close by is another market which is called Begum Bazar which is famous for Brassware items.

Hyderabad Fair & Festivals

Deccan Festivals :- The Deccan festival highlights Hyderabad’s arts, crafts, culture and cuisine. This festival also includes a Pearls and Bangles fair and a food fair. Cultural programs, food stalls arts and craft shops etc. is also organized.

Lumbini Festival :- This festival is organized to celebrate the Buddhist Heritage of Andra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad for three days from 2nd Friday of December every year.

Tip of History

The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world.  The Ganges River is over 1557 miles long passing through Bangladesh and most of India.  The River is known as a spiritual center because the people of India rely on the river for most life functions in the area.  The uses in India for the river are nearly endless; the main functions of the river are Agricultural use, Industry, as an energy source, transportation, Drinking, bathing, and baptisms.

Religious significance

Situated on the banks of River Ganges, Varanasi is considered by some to be the most holy city in Hinduism. The Ganga is mentioned in the Rig-Veda, the earliest of the Hindu scriptures. It appears in the nadistuti (Rig Veda 10.75), which lists the rivers from east to west. In RV 6.45.31, the word Ganga is also mentioned, but it is not clear whether this reference is to the river. According to Hindus the river Ganga (feminine) is sacred. It is worshiped by Hindus and personified as a Devi goddess, who holds an important place in the Hindu religion.

Economic Significance

The Ganges has been used for irrigation since ancient times.  In the Ganges valley the use of irrigation canals has increased the production of cash crops such as sugarcane, cotton and oilseeds.  Before the 19th century much of the Ganges was navigable but this declined with the construction of railroads and the increasing use of water for irrigation.  West Bengal and Bangladesh, however, do still use the waterways to transport jute, tea, grain and other agricultural products.  The hydroelectric potential of the Ganges is 13 million kilowatts, two fifths of which lies in India and the rest in Nepal.

Current Challenges

The tremendous life that the Ganges supports is also the source of its greatest threat: pollution. The majority of the Ganges’ pollution is organic waste—sewage, trash, food, and human and animal remains. Over the past century, city populations along the Ganges have grown at a tremendous rate, while waste-control infrastructure has remained relatively unchanged. Sewage systems designed near the turn of the 20th century today do little more than channel waste into the river. Some 300 million gallons of waste go into the Ganges each day, and the effects are stunning: recent water samples collected in Varanasi revealed fecal-coliform counts of about 50,000 bacteria per 100 milliliters of water, 10,000% higher than the government standard for safe river bathing.

As Naini Tal was (and still is) extremely cold in winter with deep snow, the Corbett’s would during this period move down to the plains below and stay at a place called Kaladhungi. Jim Corbett was born on July 25th, 1875 and spent most of his formative years exploring the wilderness that lay around. This led to developing a deep knowledge of the forests and its inhabitants. The result was a naturalist who could read the signs of the forest and predict the movement of wildlife.

Conservation History

The Reserve area was named as ‘Hailey National Park’ in 1936. This was renamed in 1954-55 as ‘Ramganga National Park’ and again in 1955-56 as ‘Corbett National Park‘. Its the oldest National Park of India. It was one of the nine Tiger Reserves created at the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973. The original area of the Park was 323.75 sq. km. to which 197.07 sq. km. was added later. An area of 797.72 sq. km. was added as buffer of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991. This area includes the whole of Kalagarh Forest Division (including 301.18 sq. km. area of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary), 96.70 sq. km. of Ramnagar Forest Division and 89 sq. km. The administrative control over the entire area is that of the Field Director of the Reserve.

Geography

The park is located between 29°25′ to 29°39′N latitude and 78°44′ to 79°07′E longitude. The average altitude of the region ranges between 360 m (1,181 ft) and 1,040 m (3,412 ft). It has numerous ravines, ridges, minor streams and small plateaus with varying aspects and degrees of slopes. The park encompasses the Patli Dun valley formed by the Ramganga river.

Flora In Jim Corbett Park

The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

Wildlife in Corbett National Park

Due to its Varied climate and habitats, there is a great diversity in the fauna of corbett national park, We have more then 575 Species of birds, 25 Species of repltiles, 50 species of mammals and 7 species of amphibians abundant food sources and shelter and protection from human disturbance for over half a century. Some of the major mammals that can found in Corbett national park are Chital, Elephant, Wild pig, Barking Deer, Sambar, Tiger, Common Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Jackal, Leopard Panther etc.

Wildlife in Gir National Park

Gir national Park is mainly known for the critically endangered Asiatic Lions. The Asiatic lions of Gir are smaller and more compact than the African Lions. The Asiatic Lions of Gir are best viewed at dawn or dusk when they are on the move. Apart from the famous Asiatic lion, the Gir wildlife sanctuary is home to a number of other animals such as Nilgai, Sambhar, Chinkara, Black Bucks, Wild Boar, four horned Antelope, crocodile, Grey Musk Shrew, Indian Flying Foe, Indian Hare, Small Indian Mongoose, Pale Hedgehog, Small Indian Civet, Indian Pangolin, Ratel, Indian Porcupine, Indian Fox and Jackal. The Jungle Cat, Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat also inhabit the Gir forest. The Gir forest is also rich in avian fauna and about 300 species are found inhabiting Gir National Park of which the most common is the peafowl.

Entry Requirements

All visitors to Gir are required to obtain entry permits from the Sinh Sadan Forest Lodge Office. The permits cost Rs 15 for the first day, and Rs 7.50 for every subsequent day. Extra charges are levied for cameras and for hiring vehicles: a jeep ride will cost about Rs 100 per person, and still camera fees range from Rs 50 (for Indians) to $5 (for foreigners). Guide charges are, respectively, Rs 50 or $10.

Climate

The temperatures at the park vary to extremes, as they do with most of the country too. In winters, the temperatures go down to as low as 6 degrees centigrade, while soaring up to a scorching 46 degrees in the summers. The park is open to visitors from November to May but the best time for visiting the park, taking comfort and wildlife viewing into consideration, is December to March. The park offers many excellent drives through scenic areas.

How to Get there

Air : The nearest airport from Gir is Keshod 90-kms via Veraval. Visitors can easily catch daily flights from Mumbai to Keshod.

Rail : The nearest rail connection is the meter gauge rail line of 395-kms from Ahemdabad.

Road : Gir is situated at a distance of 400-kms from Ahmedabad via Rajkot, Junagadh and Mendarda. State Transport buses are easily available from Junagadh and Veraval to Gir, between November and June.

Main Attractions

Shimla: Shimla was one a string of hill stations that the British established to escape from the scorching heat of the plains. The 12 km, crescentshaped ridge on which it is located was first occupied by the British troops, in the early part of the 19th century, during the Anglo-Gurkha War. The little village of Shymala, a retreat for British officers, soon grew to become the glamorous summer capital of the British, in India. Shimla’s salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India.

Renuka Lake: Renuka lake (672 m) is connected by road and lies in Renuka Lake, SirmaurSirmour district. It is 123 k.m. from Parwanoo, 60 k.m. from Paonta Sahib and 45 k.m. from Nahan. With a circumference of 3214m, Renukaji is the largest natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a reclining woman, this is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka. Near the lake’s feet is another lake held sacred to her son, Parshurama. Both have temples built around them and the main temple to Renuka is regarded to have been built overnight in eighteen century. The lake lies in a long valley and surrounding slopes are covered with thick woods. Boating facility is available at the lake.

Manali: It is believed that when the world was deluged with rain and all that was land, was covered by water, Manu first stepped off his celestial boat at Manali and it is here that the human race once again came into being. Described as the queen of hill stations, Manali is an idyllic town north of Kullu at an altitude of 6000 ft.

Adventure Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Adventure Tour, Himachal Travel GuideFor sheer geographical diversity, few places in the world are as richly endowed as Himachal Pradesh. Low rolling hills, just a couple of hundred meters above sea level, climb on to touch the core of the Himalaya mountains. Here lie peaks that are several thousand meters high and never lose their perennial snows. Then, past these forbidding heights, lie the visually stunning cold deserts of the Trans Himalaya.

Varanasi History

Varanasi is one of the most important pilgrimage in India and also a major tourist attraction. Situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Varanasi has been a center of learning and civilisation for over 2000 years. 25 centuries ago Lord Buddha preached his message of enlightment for the first time in Sarnath which is just 10kms away from Varanasi. Later Varanasi became a great Hindu center, but was looted a number of times by Muslim invaders from the 11th century on. These destructive visits climaxed with that of the Mughal emperor, Aurangazeb, who destroyed almost all the temples and converted the most famous one into a mosque. aranasi has also been known as Kashi and Benares, but its present name is restoration of an ancient name meaning the city between two rivers - the Varuna and Asi.

Chanting of Mantras, the hymns along with the fragrance of incense in fills the air with mysticism which entrails every person. The refreshing dip in the Ganges with the splashing of water along the ghats– in Varanasi discovery and experience takes to the ultimate bliss. Not only for its temples, Ghats and Ganges Banaras has produced many exponents of art, music, literature and crafts. These people were not different from others but it was the tradition of Banaras which moulded them in the way they came out to be. Why only the luminaries, Varanasi has excelled in the art of silk weaving. The Banarasi silk sarees and brocades are cherished as collector’s items across the world.

Prime Attractions

Ghat of Varanasi: The Ghats of Varanasi offer to every visitor a breathtaking experience. These are the best place to see the charming spell of the old-world traditions and the cultural identity of the city. There are 84 bathing ghats in the city.

Bharat Mata Temple: This temple is dedicated to Mother India. Just one kilometer from the Varanasi station. The temple is built in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth which was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt. This temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 so that the citizens could respect Mother India in statue form. The statute is built in marble. The statue is a replica of undivided India in three dimension which has the mountains, plains and oceans in right proportion.

Feasting & Celebration

Rich in culture and traditions, the city of Varanasi presents a tapestry of fairs and festivals. One of the most famous is the Chittirai Festival that commemorates the marriage of Meenkashi and Sundareshwara (Shiva). The festival is held during April/ May and continues for 12 days. The Avanimoola Festival celebrates the coronation of Lord Sundareshwara. Teppam Festival and the Panguni Festival are the other famous festivals in Varanasi.

Architecture of the Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The Construction of the Golden Temple

In 1589 the scope of the project was confined to building the Harmandir in the pool. First, a solid brick and lime foundation above the bed of the pool was erected. On it came thick supporting walls. The causeway connecting to the western bank of the pool was built over aqueducts-(52 in number). Along the four sides of the pool, the ground was leveled for the parkarma, (circumambulation). Since the steps going down into the pool had already been built for bathing, the core of the complex had now taken shape.

Akal Takht

The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Te mple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs. The building of the Akal Takht was begun by Guru Arjan Dev and completed in 1609 by Guru Hargobind.  If you miss the early morning or evening processions, the palanquin that bears the Adi Granth can be seen in the treasury room on the first floor of the Akal Takht. The palanquin is set with precious stones and has silver poles and a gold canopy.

Celebrations at Golden Temple

One of the most important festivals is Vaisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April (13th usually). Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, birthday of Guru Nanak etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas (lamps),lights and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions 1-2 million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib.