Friday 18 September 2015

Khajjiar tour himachal india

About:

Often referred as Mini Switzerland, Khajjiar is a popular hill station located in the Himalayan mountain range about 26 km from Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. Situated at a height of 6500 feet, the hill station is bestowed with natural beauty and pleasant climate.
Vast expanse of green meadows and dense forests besides vistas of majestic snow-clad Himalayan peaks make Khajjiar a popular destination with tourists. Khajjiar Lake and Chamera Lake add to the charm of Khajjiar. For its stunning natural beauty, Khajjiar is also referred as Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh.
The picturesque landscape of Khajjiar has acted as a magnet for tourists from across the world. Khajjiar’s picturesque beauty evokes strong comparisons with Switzerland. Khajjiar was bestowed with the title of Mini Switzerland in 1992 by Wiily Blazer, Vice Chancellor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland. Khajjiar is one of the 160 places in the world that bear tropical resemblance to Switzerland.
It is popular destination with trekkers too. The hamlet serves as the starting point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Trekking is the best way to explore the Khajjiar. Zorbing, a popular recreational activity that involves rolling downhill from inside a plastic orb, is a popular activity in Khajjiar during April-May.
Khajjiar Kalatop sanctuary is a delight for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. One can spot a wide range of exotic flora and fauna in the sanctuary.
Not much is known about Khajjiar’s history. However, temples dating back to 12th century still stand in majestic splendour in Khajjiar. The Khajji Naga temple is the most sacred shine in Khajjiar.
People of Khajjiar generally speak Himachali. However, almost all of them are comfortable with Hindi as well.

Stay 

There are quite a few accommodation options in Khajjiar. Most of the budget hotels are located on Khajjiar-Chamba Road. HPTDC also operates hotels which offer budget accommodation.
Luxury hotels are also available. Apart from hotels, resorts are also available in Khajjiar offering mid-range accommodation.
Almost all the hotels offer panoramic views of the snow-clad mountains.

 Best time to visit Khajjiar: 

 The average minimum and maximum temperature of Khajjiar is as given below. The best time to visit Khajjiar is also specified.

 MONTH    BEST TIME    MIN. TEMP (°C)    MAX. TEMP (°C)
January                                          4    19
February                                         7    22
March                                            11    28
April                                              17    35
May                                               22    40
June                                              25    39
July                                              26    36
August                                            25    35
September                                      23    34
October                                         16    32
November                                       10    28
December                                        5    22

Saturday 12 September 2015

Honeymoon place Havelock Island


Andaman Islands are a set of Islands in Andaman sea at about 2 hour flight hop away from Chennai.  Andaman Islands is the farthest point on the east for an Indian Territory.
Havelock Island (accessible from Port Blair via a ferry ride – 36 kms) offers crystal clear white sand beaches, small villages, green tropical forests and beaches. Havelock is about 10 kms from one end to another and therefore excellent for bicycling and simply spending a few days on a “Do nothing” holiday.
Havelock Island is a kind of place honeymooners and Romantic getaway seeker looking for privacy and exclusivity would yearn for. The Island has no shops, no touristy sightseeing and offers crystal clear beaches with green backdrop. Romantic beach dinners, walking / Bicycling, swimming / snorkeling in crystal clear shallow waters is something honeymooners enjoy here. A Premium resort in Havelock (Munjoh) even offers beach weddings for those who would like a wedding around most exclusive and serene setting.
Havelock Island is not for luxury seekers and those who like touristy places. Havelock Island is for those who seek exclusivity in most serene settings around a remote island experience.

Wednesday 9 September 2015

Mahabodhi Temple for visit

The Mahabodhi Vihar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya is located about 96 km from Patna, Bihar state, India.
Three hundred years before Alexandria was founded, about the time that Thales, the most ancient philosopher of Europe was teaching in Greece, that water is the origin of all things, the soul of the world; and Zoroaster, in Media or Persia, was systematizing the fire-worship of the Magi; and Confucius in China, was calling on the teeming multitudes around him to offer the guardian spirits and the manes of their ancestors; and Nebuchadnezzar was setting up his golden image in the plains of Dura; and Daniel was laboring in Babylon to establish the worship of the true God in Judea; a reverend sage who had left a throne for philosophy, was traveling from Bodhgaya to Benares, and from Benares to Kanouj, exhorting the people against theft, falsehood, adultery, killing, and intemperance.
In the year 563 B. C. on the Full Moon Day of V aisakha in the kingdom of Kapilavastu a young prince was born to King Suddhodana and Queen Mahamaya in the royal Lumbini grove under a Sal Tree. On the fifth day of his birth he was named ‘Siddhartha' and on the seventh day his mother expired. Prajapati Gautami, the younger sister of Mahamaya, who also was his step-mother, took care of the young child like any other mother would do. During the formative years of Prince Siddhartha, he received his early education and was trained in warfare and administration but he was often found immersed in deep - thoughts regarding the suffering and miseries of humanity. He was opposed to exploitation of man by man, inequality, poverty, violence, class and caste system. When he attained the age of sixteen he was married to a very beautiful and charming Princess Yashodhara, daughter of the Koliya King Dandapani of Devadaha.
When Siddhartha was 29 Years old Yashodhara gave birth to a beautiful son named Rahula and this he termed as another impediment to keep him attached to worldly life. He left his palace leaving behind his parents, his beautiful wife and the new born Rahula in search of a way that would free mankind or humanity from the cycle of suffering.
Since then Prince Siddhartha who became a parivrajaka wandered forth to several teachers in search of the Truth that would end the cycle of birth and death. He went to dense forests and dark caves, and met many teachers, practised penance and self- mortification and studied their doctrines and disciplines but all these were not sufficient to satisfy him for what he earnestly sought for and he practiced these severe austerities for six long years without taking food nor drink and as a result of which he turned into a mere skeleton.
Realizing that the practice of severe austerities would lead him to death he left his friends and came to the east bank of the river Niranjana where he was offered Kheer (rice-pudding = rice cooked with milk and sugar) by Sujata, daughter of the chief of the village Senani. Accepting the dâna (offer) of Sujata he crossed river Niranjana and came to Uruvela on the same day and in the evening he prepared a seat of kusa grass and sat beneath the peepal tree facing eastwards. The Bodhisattva Siddhartha who was determined to reach the truth started his fight against Mara, the Evil One sitting for meditation with a strong determination (adhitthâna) that unless and until he cannot find out the truth he would not get up from the seat, come what may.
All the efforts of Mara failed to disturb and distract Siddhartha from his seat and on the full Moon day of Vaisâkha during the last watch of the night at the age of 35 years he attained Supreme Enlightenment and came to be known as the Buddha which means the All Knowing One, the All Compassionate One, One who can show us the Truth to end all Suffering for which He is also called the Bhagawân, Sugato, Samyak Sambuddha and Tathâgata and the seat of His Enlightenment is called the 'Vajråsana' or the 'Diamond Throne' and the Tree under which He attained Enlightenment is known as the 'Bodhi Tree' the botanical name being the 'Ficus Religiosa'.
After attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven more weeks in meditation in seven different places around the Bodhi Tree contemplating his stupendous achievement for this human life, because to be born as a human being is very rare an opportunity.

THE DHAMMA (TEACHING OF THE BUDDHA)
 The Buddha then set out for Varanasi where at the Deer Park (Mrigadayavana) in Isipatana, modern Sarnath where the first sermon (the Dhammachakka pavattana) was expounded or the setting in motion the Wheel of the Law to the first five disciples who earlier were in the initial years closely associated with Siddhartha for six long years, exhorting them to avoid the two extremes of self-indulgence and self mortification. Self-indulgence leads to retardation of spiritual progress and the latter weakens one's intelligence. The Buddha expounded the Dhamma based on the Four Noble Truths i.e., Dukkha (Suffering) , the cause of Dukkha (Suffering), the cessation of Dukkha (Suffering) and the path leading to the cessation of Dukkha which was through Ârya Atthangika Magga (the Noble Eightfold Path) consisting of Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration, Right Understanding and Right Thought. The Dhamma which is based on the three pillars of Sila (Morality), Samâdhi (Concentration) and Prajñâ (Wisdom) which in other words is also called the Middle Way or the righteous way of life. The Buddha established the Sangha or the Order of Monks for the creation of an ideal society based on Mettâ (loving-kindness), Karunâ (compassion), Muditâ (sympathetic joy) and Upekkhâ (equanimity) which was free from class, caste and colour prejudices and maintained equality, freedom, justice, fraternity and brotherhood.
Love, mercy, patience, self-denial, alms-giving, truth, and the cultivation of wisdom, he required of all. Good actions, good words, and good thoughts were the frequent subjects of his sermons; and he was unceasing in his cautions to keep the mind free from the turmoil of passion, and the cares of life.
Buddhism which embraced those doctrines, together with the systems of worship that have grown out of it, has numbered more adherents and influenced more men, than any other system of belief historically known-perhaps than all others together.
Buddhism, however, according to a true definition of the word religion, or any purely technical use of the term, is not a religion. It does truly admit, in a modified way, nearly the whole pantheon of early Hinduism and all the demons, ghosts, spirits and fairies that belong to the wild superstitions of the peoples; but yet it nowhere admits any real god on any superhuman being worthy of worship; it has no temples; it admits neither altars nor sacrifices; it has no true priests; it knows no prayers, no ritual, no religious rites of any kind.
Buddhism is simply an atheistic system of Philosophy and Ethics-a Philosophy of humanity in its environment, so clear, so profound, so positive, that it is destined not only to astonish, but to largely modify, at no distant day, the thought of the West. Ethics which have already begun to awaken surprise and admiration in many who had not believed that any good thing could come out of heathenism.
In a broader, more popular use of the word, however, Buddhism is a religion : and is rightly studied as such in connection with other great religions that have influenced large masses of men.
A religion is always a growth. No religion ever started as an absolutely new and completely perfected system; but each, with constant changes, developed out of something, or in connection with something, that went before. Curiously enough, this word growth in this connection partakes of both senses in which it is used, respectively, of organic development and of inorganic increase; for in religion, there is always something that, like the principle of life, itself-developing from within, according to regular organic law, while, at the same time, there are whole masses of outer accretions like the glittering stalactites and stalagmites of a calcareous cavern, or the slimy alluvial flats of a great river delta.
The Buddha in course of 45 years of his ministry moved from village to village, town to town, city to city along with His retinue of monks following His own prescribed dictum 'Bahujana Hitâya, Bahujana Sukhaya' and finally at the age of 80 he attained Mahaparinibbana (left His body in meditation) lying between two Sal trees. It is an event of unique significance that all the three events of the Buddha, His Birth, Enlightenment and Mahaparinibbana all took place in the forest and beneath the trees and all happened at a single day on the full Moon Day of Vaisâkha in the Sal grove at Kusinara, modern Kushinagar.

MAHABODHI MAHAVIHARA
 The Mahabodhi Mahavihara or more popularly known as the Bodhgaya Temple or the Great Stupa, is one of the shrines out of the 84000 shrines erected by King Asoka the Great in the 3rd century B.C. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara is the sole surviving example of what was once an architectural genre. How long it took to create this magnificent structure or whose creation it is still remains a mystery and for the lack of a comprehensive historical data this subject remains a controversy till date. However, throughout the centuries, this blessed site has retained its deep spiritual vibration and inspired countless beings towards a saintly life and the vihâra itself stands out as an eye catching artistic landmark as if standing testimony towards the presence of the greatest Teacher of all time mankind has ever witnessed.
A graphic and comprehensive description of the Mahabodhi complex is left by Huen Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim who visited Buddhagaya in 637 A.D. About the Mahabodhi Temple he says :
“To the east of the Bodhi tree, there is a vihara about 160 or 170 feet high. Its lower foundation-wall is 20 or more paces in its face. The building is of blue bricks covered with chunam (burnt stone lime) all the niches in the different stones hold golden figures. The four sides of the building are covered with wonderful ornamental work : in one place figures of stringed pearls (garlands), in another, figures of heavenly rishis. The whole is surrounded by gilded copper amalaka fruit. The eastern face adjoins a storied pavilion, the projecting caves of which rise one over the other to the height of three distinct chambers; its projecting caves, its pillars, beams, doors, and windows are decorated with gold and silver ornamental work with pearls and gems let in to fill up interstices”.
The original fabric of the present Mahabodhi temple, which notwithstanding the simplicity of design and decoration, is of unique importance, being the sole survivor of a style of architecture which was in vogue in this region and of which vestiges are still in existence in the ruined temples at Nalanda and a few other places. Curiously enough it retains the dimensions and broad features which characterized it in the time of Huen Tsang.
The Temple underwent several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods by a number of devout Kings, donors and philanthropists of home and abroad. A very thorough renovation of the Temple was taken up during 1874 by the deputations of the Burmese King, Mindon-Min, with the permission of the Government of India but subsequently completed in 1884 under the supervision of Sir Alexander Cunningham and Beglar. This Temple suffered much at the hands of time due to man made miseries and natural calamities especially during the reign of King Shashanka of Gour (Bengal).


Maldives best place for honeymoon

The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Malé, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on Majeedhee Magu and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Old Friday Mosque) made of coral stone.

Though the ancient history of the enthralling Maldives is enshrouded in mystery, it is believed that the island nation was inhabited over 2500 years ago. Besides the recorded early history of the Maldives is limited and few archaeological remains of the prehistoric period survived.

First Settlers

The first settlers of the country are believed to be natives of the South Asian subcontinent. Correspondingly similarities in culture and language attest to settlers from neighbouring India and Sri Lanka inhabiting the Maldives.

The Maldives is located in a prime marine route traversed by travellers and traders to navigate through the Indian Ocean. Accordingly the strategic and geographical positioning of the Maldives is believed to have influenced the early settlers to colonise the country. For medieval seafarers the Maldives was a station to resupply their vessels with water, wood, coir and dried tuna.

Contact with the outside world

Although the Maldives was located in a geographically remote area, there are historical records of the islanders interacting with some of the greatest human civilisations of the time.

Roman historical records of 362 AD mention of a Maldivian delegation visiting Emperor Julian bearing gifts. Similarly Chinese historical documents of 662 AD records, Maldivian king sending gifts to the Chinese emperor Kao-Tsung of Tang dynasty.

Historical Chronicles
 Copper plates called Loamaafaanu scribed with Maldivian texts on the orders of Kings survive to this day and are displayed at the National Museum. These copper plated texts preserve some significant historical information about the Maldives.

In the medieval period navigating the precarious Maldivian waters were a challenging affair. Consequently many shipwrecks occurred. One such shipwreck resulted in the French navigator François Pyrard of Laval enduring a Maldivian adventure from 1602-1607. Pyrad’s chronicle which was published in 1611 portrays a detailed insight on the life of Maldivians.

Overseas travellers from far-off lands have contributed immensely to the Maldivian history through publishing their experiences. Such noteworthy chronicled contributions from Chinese historian Ma Huan and the famous Arab traveller Ibn Batuta have survived to this day.

Religion

For a long period the Maldivians were followers of Buddhism. It is widely believed that Buddhism was introduced to the islands from the neighbouring Sri Lanka. From 1878 onwards H. C. P. Bell, a British archaeologist conducted extensive investigations on the Buddhist ruins found in the Maldives. Before Buddhism became the dominant religion of the Maldives, there are signs indicating that since antiquity Maldivians practiced versions of Paganism and Hinduism as well.

Maldivians began to embrace Islam en masse in the year 1153 AD. There are many folklores and legends associated with the conversion story. One such folklore states that the Maldivians were haunted by a sea demon named Rannamaari. To appease this sea demon the islanders were forced to present a virgin girl every month.

According to legend a Moroccan scholar, Abu-al Barakath Yusuf al Barbaree who was visiting the Maldives during this period, rescued the Maldives from this sea demon and convinced the king to adopt Islam.

The Medhu Ziyaarai shrine, a popular tourist attraction found a few steps away from the Friday Mosque in Male’ is believed to be the final resting place of this Moroccan scholar.

Foreign Occupation

Throughout the recorded history the Maldives existed as an independent polity for the most part. However, there were brief periods of foreign aggressions perpetrated by colonial masters and neighbouring powers.

The Maldivians love and value their freedom. Hence, whenever the country faced any foreign aggression, the heroes of the nation fought bravely to preserve the sovereignty of the country.

Starting from 1558 the Portuguese invaded the Maldives for a period of 15 years. The Maldivian national hero, Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam led a successful uprising against the Portuguese aggressors and freed the country. This event is marked annually as the National Day of the Maldives.

There was a brief period during the mid-seventeenth century where the Dutch asserted control over Maldivian affairs. Subsequently on 1887 under an agreement the Maldives became a British Protectorate.

The British Royal Air Force operated an airfield on the Gan island of Addu Atoll. This airfield was active during the Second World War. Today this airfield has become the Gan International Airport, the gateway to the southern region of the country.

Becoming a Republic

For much of the known history, the Maldives were ruled by successive kings and queens belonging to different dynasties. However, on 1932 the first constitution of the country was adopted paving way for a republic.

The short lived First Republic was declared on 1953 with Mohamed Amin as the First President. However, the sultanate again made a comeback and lasted until 1968 when the Second Republic was proclaimed.

Under the premiership of Ibrahim Nasir, who became the First President of the Second Republic, Maldives gained independence from the United Kingdom on 26th July 1965. A new constitution was adopted and the Maldives embarked on a rapid modernisation process. The existing fishing industry was upgraded, and the first airport of the country was opened in Hulhulhe’ island on 12th April 1966.

During this period the Maldives began to explore new economic opportunities. This resulted in the opening of the first resort in 1972. Since, then the tourism industry has flourished in the country. Today the Maldivian tourism Industry is regarded as one of the best in the entire world. 

Although the Maldives is small in size, the country has built and enhanced a respectable reputation in the international arena. At present the Maldives leads the way in advocating for the protection of small countries and preserving the environment.

Thursday 3 September 2015

Best Place In India Jagannath Temple, Puri

The Jagannath Temple of Puri is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath and located on the eastern coast of India, at Puri in the state of Odisha

Jagannath Temple is one of the most renowned as well as the biggest temples of Orissa. Established in the 12th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe. The credit for laying the foundation of the Jagannath temple of Puri goes to Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev. The temple is located at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneswar, on the coast of Bay of Bengal, and is greatly revered by the devotees following the Vaishnava traditions.
There is an interesting legend associated with the Jagannatha temple of Puri. It is said that King Indradyumna, the ruler of the territory, saw Lord Jagannath in his dreams and following the Lord's wishes, as told to him in his dreams, he got the Jagannath Puri Temple constructed. Situated in the heart of the holy city, the temple is visited by devotees from farthest corners of India as well as the world. It exudes splendor and its tall spires lend it a magnificent aura. The walls are embellished with exquisite carvings.
The pillars that provide support to the temple are adorned with pictures depicting the life of Lord Krishna. In the list of the most splendid monuments of Orissa, Jagannath temple occupies a supreme position. One of the most popular attractions of the Jagannatha Temple of Puri comprises of its Rath Yatra that is organized every year. It is basically a chariot festival, where idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, the main deities of Srimandir, are taken to the Gundicha temple in bejeweled chariots and are brought back to the mandir in the same way.

The Puri temple is built on a gigantic raised platform in the heart of the city, The temple complex is enclosed by a wall about seven meters high -including the 0 height of the platform. The area of this platform is more than 4,20,000 sq.ft. The wall is pierced by four gates ,facing the four directions. On the east-facing gate, there are stone images of two lions and it is called the Lions Gate. The north, south and west facing gates are similarly known as the Elephant Gate, the Horse Gate and the Tiger Gate (also called the Khanja Gate) respectively. The north gate is mainly meant for the God himself in as much as, the logs of wood out of which, the images are fabricated, make their entry into the temple premises through this gate, when the Navakelevara ceremony takes place. The east-facing Lions Gate is the main gate. There are pyramidal structures over the four gates, which are not very old.
As we arrive at the vast open area in front of the Lions Gate (eastern gate), we see a monolithic pillar about 10 meters high. This pillar is known locally as the Aruna Stambha. In Hindu mythology Aruna is the the charioteer of the Sun-god, The world famous Konarka temple was designed in the form of a stupendous chariot and this monolithic pillar with the beautifully carved Aruna seated on its top was installed right in front of the porch of that temple. When the temple was abandoned and there was no presiding deity in it, this pillar was removed from Konarka to Puri and was fixed in front of Jagannatha temple where we see it now.
Immediately after we get into the main gate and proceed forward, we find ourselves on a flight of steps. Locally, they are called Baisi Pahaca, which literally means, twenty-two steps. The history or rather the mystery of this flight of steps has not been unveiled. It is interesting to note that great reverence is shown to this flight of twenty-two steps. The parents bring their children & make them slowly roll over the steps from the top to the bottom ones in expectation of spiritual bliss in as much as countless devotees have walked on the steps which are believed to be throbbing with spiritual animation.

As we cross the main entrance on the east and ascend the flight of steps leading to the main temple, we find on the left-hand side, a vast kitchen area of the temple. Some tourists rightly observe that on account of this kitchen, the Puri temple may be described as the biggest hotel of the world. It can feed even one lakh persons with only two to three hours' notice. The method of preparation is most hygienic and the traditional process of preparation of food for so many people in so short a time, takes many by surprise. To the right, we have the Ananda Bajara which is the popular name of the food selling market within the enclosure. Ananda Bajara literally means, the pleasure market.

Tuesday 1 September 2015

Best Place To Celebrate Diwali In India

Diwali popularly referred to as the global fiesta of lights and sound is celebrated all over India. It’s one of those festivals that ties people from almost every religion, caste and community together
If you're wondering what to do for this year's Diwali celebration, check out our top 7 places in India that bring out the best of Diwali
  •   Jaipur:



Most of Diwali’s aesthetic beauty comes from the warm glow of lights and lamps which adorn streets, buildings, shops, and homes. One of the best places to experience this is in the "pink city" of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, where not just the buildings and homes are illuminated but the local markets as well

  •  Amritsar:

Experiencing Diwali in Amritsar is one of the most magical feelings ever. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is draped with brightly lit diyas on the Diwali evening making it an extravagant spectacle for the onlookers. The reflection of the diyas on the water creates a truly magical environment not only for the people that are celebrating it, but also the people who are witnessing it



  •  Goa:


If you’re celebrating Diwali in Goa, you definitely must be part of two things. One is being part of the Narakasura ritual and the other is gambling. In Goa, the focus of Diwali celebrations is on the destruction of demon Narakasura, by Lord Krishna. Every Diwali, competitions are held in every village and city to see who can make the biggest and scariest effigy of the demon. They're burned at dawn on Narakasura Chaturdashi, the day before the main day of Diwali. As gambling is also a popular activity during Diwali, you might want to try your luck at one of Goa's top casinos as wel

  •  Varanasi:


We all know how pretty of a place Varanasi can be, but it becomes even more wonderful and beautiful during the festival of Diwali with a constant stream of firecrackers and fireworks going off all night long. For the best experience, make sure you stay at one of the riverside hotels in Varanasi, so you and your loved ones can enjoy a fabulous view of the fireworks over the Ganges.

  •  Kolkata:    

Kolkata is quite unique compared to other cities when it comes to celebrating Diwali. This place has its own version of Diwali which occurs somewhere around the same time as the Kali Puja, the celebration of the goddess Kali, the Hindu goddess usually associated with the creative power. Just the day before the Puja, the entire city is lightened with candles, colorful electric bulbs and diyas in order to celebrate the beginning of the important day at midnight


  •  Mumbai:

While many cities in India stake claim for the best Diwali celebration, Mumbai truly proves that it celebrates the festival of lights like no other. It may not be one of the most traditional venues to witness Diwali, but it is arguably one of the most spectacular. A place that offers you some best experiences to celebrate Diwali would be Marine Drive. The arc of the Queens necklace provides a brilliant backdrop as the exploding fireworks are reflected in the sparkling waters of the bay

  •  Purushwadi: 

Had enough of stress from the city? Need a break? Try visiting this place called Purushwadi. A small village located on a hill along the Mumbai-Nashik highway. Families in this little town light a bonfire on the night of Diwali and cook local food, while infants move from door to door, singing traditional songs, inviting each household to pour oil into their oil lamps, mounted atop a handmade bundle of sticks. If you see yourself celebrating a quiet and peaceful Diwali, this is the place to be

Sunday 23 August 2015

krishna janmashtami festival celebration in india

       Janmashtami Date for 2015 - 5th September, 2015.

Commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great ardor and enthusiasm all over India and even abroad. According to the great Indian epic, Mahabharata, Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark half of Hindu month, Shravana. Thus the festival of Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day after the full moon of Shravana. The first day of this majestic and colorful festival is called Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami and the second day is known as Kalastami or Janmashtami. As the cities of Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwarka have been associated with Lord Krishna himself, the festivities in these places are more fervent and splendiferous as compared to other places. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed in milk and is cradled at midnight, precisely the hour according to the legends Krishna was born in. The conch shell is blown and the devotees celebrate the birth of the great savior and the supreme soul who was born to enlighten and steer the human race towards righteousness.
Though different traditions and customs associated with the celebration of Janmashtami may slightly differ in different regions of the country, the spirit and the essence remain the same. On this auspicious day 'Ras Leela', depicting Krishna dancing and playing with the Gopis is held all throughout the country in which devotees participate with great zeal and ardor. Especially in Brij, Mathura & Vrindavan devotees and tourist from all across the country gather to witness the grandeur and the magnificence of the celebrations. In some parts of the north India and western India, Krishna Jayanti is celebrated for three days. On the second day of the festival 'Dahi Handi' is organized which is a popular custom, where the pot containing curd or butter or milk is broken by the youths. Singing Krishna chants and reading and recitation of the Bhagvata Geeta and Geet Govindam are some of the indispensable traditions of this festival.

Birth of Lord Krishna 

  
Lord Krishna was born to bring an end to the tyrannical and savage king, kamsa as it was prophesized. Though, the date of birth of Krishna can't be stated with certainty but the Hindu scholars believe it to be somewhere between 3200 and 3100 BC. As described in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, it was the eighth day of the dark half of Shravana.

Janmashtami Rituals
The festival of Janmashtami celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna on earth is one of the most important Hindu festivals and is celebrated with great gaiety and devotion. Observing the birth of one of the most revered Hindu gods, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the festival of Janmashtami has been associated with innumerable customs and traditions. People observe fast without water

anmashtami in Vrindavan & Mathura

 Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of one of the most revered Hindu gods Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Though, the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated all throughout the country with immense zeal. But, in Vrindavan and Mathura where this Hindu deity was born and spent his formative years the splendor and zeal surrounding the festivities is unmatched. 

Popular Places
Janmashtami is one such festival that is celebrated equally in North and South India. Preparations for the same start weeks in advance. Different parts of the country celebrate the festival differently. In South India, the celebrations are most prevalent in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In both the places, the idol of Lord Krishna is placed in a decorated mantapa. Bhakshanam (snacks and sweets in Sanskrit), are specially prepared for the festival, and offered to Lord Krishna. Along with it, fruits that are his favorites are also offered. In some parts of Karnataka, chakli, avalakki and bellada panaka are prepared especially for the festival. In North India, celebrations are no less than being called extravagant and splendid. While Gokul and Vridnavan (Lord's birth and growing up place) witness flocks of visitors coming to the place to celebrate the festival at Krishna janamabhoomi, the other parts organize different events and practice different rituals to mark the occasion. In the cities of Mumbai and Pune, dahi-handi is organized wherein a group of men form human pyramid to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it. In the city of Dwarka in Gujarat and the eastern states of Orissa and West Bengal, people celebrate it with fasting and doing puja at midnight. Though the rituals practiced vary from one region to the other, the spirit and devotion to the Lord is same everywhere. Thus, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Krishna is the most loved and celebrated God in India.

Friday 21 August 2015

GovindDev Ji Temple Lord Krishna Janmashtami


The GovindDev Ji Temple is a very famous place that is very important, spiritual and religious destination for Hindus, especially for the devotees of Shree Krishna. The temple is surrounded by many gardens in which there are few beautiful chandeliers (which came from Europe) and many paintings of Indian art.
It was built in 1735 by the king, Sawai Pratap Singh II. The ceiling of the temple is made of gold and looks really beautiful. The temple was positioned and made such that the Maharaja can get a direct view from his palace (Chandra Mahal).
The Satsang Bhawan at the Govind Dev – Ji temple holds a World Record and is mentioned in The Guinness Book. It is a marvel of construction because it has the worlds widest flat roof construction with a single span of 119 feet.
The Govind Dev Ji Mandir is a sacred place that was made for the 8th avatar of Shree Krishna ji maharaj. This beautiful temple is located in the pink city of Jaipur which is a famous tourist destination. Earlier the idol of Govind Ji Maharaj was kept at the Vrindavan temple located in north Indian state of UP (Uttar Pradesh) but later on Raja Sawai Jai Singh ji brought it to Jaipur. The idol is very beautiful and it looks exactly the same like the Shree Krishna himself.
The temple is placed at a very beautiful place in the pink city area and is just between the Badal Mahal and the Chandra Mahal. Every day, exactly seven different and right times Aartis, Prashad and Bhogs are offered and Janmashtami is the most important festival here because on that day the Shree Krishna was born and is very special for me and everyone who is a devote of Govindji Maharaj.
History of the Govind Dev – Ji Temple
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ji wanted to explore the holy place which is mentioned in Bhagvat Purana that were related to Shee Krishna ji maharaj. He visited the Vrindavan Dhaam which at that time was a jungle and then after hard work Mahaprabhu hi was finally able find the places which was mentioned in the Bhagvat Purana but sadly he couldn’t s stayed there for much time.
It has been said that Shri Roop Goswami ji along with Sanatan Goswami ji went to the city of Vrindavan to finish the sacred task started by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Finally on Basant Panchami in 1525, the GovindDev Ji himself presented himself to Roop Goswami at Goma Mandir which is a very popular at Vrindavan.But it was Maharaja S
Bajranabh, the legend
According to hindu mythology, Bajranabh is the great grandson of the Lord Krishna, sculpted with his own hand an astonishing idol of the GovindDev Ji. About 5000 years ago, it is believed that when Bajranabh was at the age of 13, he asked his grandmother that how Krishna looked and after getting a detailed description of Lord Krishna.
Bajranabh created the first image of the Krishna but the grandmother told him he needs to improve it as it looks only a little bit like the Lord Krishna but not exactly the same. So Bajranabh created second image but again the grandmother told him he still needs to improve it because it only looks half like the Lord Krishna. So then Bajranabh again cra his third and the final image of the Lord Krishna. The grandmother told him that it completely looks like the Lord Krishna. Finaly Bajranabh was very happy and image was named Bajrakrit which meaning created by Bajra.

The right time to visit or have darshan of the Govind Dev – Ji temple is during the hindu festival of Janmashtami because on that day the Lord Krishna was born and it is celebrated at the temple.


Timings for Darshan and Aarti
People are allowed to visit and do darshan and aarti which starts from 5 AM till 9 PM. The Magala Aarti starts at 5 AM and ends at 6 AM. The Dhoop Aarti starts at 8 AM and ends at around 9:45 AM. The Shringar Aarti starts at 10:30 AM and it is completed at 11:15 AM. The Rajbhog Aarti starts at 11:45 AM and continue till 12:15 PM. The Gwal Aarti starts at 5:30 PM and ends exactly at 6:00 PM. The Sandhya Aarti starts at 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM. The Shayan Aarti starts at 8:30 PM and follows till 9:00 PM.

Don’t get confused about the timings. If you are confused about govind dev ji darshan timings then you can always call us.


Festivals celebrated at the Govind Dev Ji Temple
 There are many festivals celebrated at the Govind Dev – Ji Temple but Janamashtami and Holi are the major festivals. Janamashtami is celebrated as the birth of Lord Shree Krishna and it is celebrated on Bhadrapad month  which is a month of Hindu Calendar or you can say August.
Then an anther festival is celebrated just before Holi which is simply amazing.

For the devotees of Lord Shree Krishna, after Vrindavan, the Govind Dev – Ji temple has high regards and hence devotees from different nations came here to worship Lord Shree Krishna.

Wednesday 29 July 2015

Rafting On Tons dangerous places

Rafting on River Tons, the largest tributary of Yamuna, is considered the most challenging river rafting route in India. It offers one of the most technical river rafting expeditions and has plenty of rapids from grade 3 and 5, spaced with flat waters. An excellent river camping site, relaxing walks, ample angling opportunities and great white water make it an ideal getaway for adventure seekers. A selfie while rafting might not be everyone's cup of tea. HolidayIQ Traveller Ritesh says, “I had gone to Mori for a adventure trip for 4 days. it was super fun. White water river rafting in ice cold water, trekking in the nearby hills, rock climbing and rappelling.”

Monday 27 July 2015

Roopkund Glacier Lake in Uttarakhand Most Dangerous Places

A glacier lake in Uttarakhand, Roopkund is popular among travelers as the skeleton lake, mostly because of human skulls once found at its edge. Nestled within the Himalayas, the area around this lake is uninhabited and there are no human settlements here though the unearthing of skeletons created an interest among tourists. Around 500 human bones were found in 1942 of people who have lived during the 12th century and possibly died due to some epidemic or in a hailstorm that stuck the Himalayas. This news excerpt made the place popular and vital discoveries were made until 2004. Presently, Roopkund falls on the way to the Nanda Devi pilgrimage center where pilgrims participate in the Nanda Devi Raj Jat festival held once in every 12 years.
Altitude - 5,029 meters above sea level

Best Time to Visit - May-October, winters have extreme cold temperature
Popularly referred to as the Mystery Lake, several myths exist about the skeletons found at this place. But no discoveries have been made about the civilization that thrived on its banks. The place is beautiful and the water is calm. Located at the foothills of Trishul and Nandghungti peaks, autumn is the best time to visit the place. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat festival takes place in the nearby Bedni Bugyal village during this time. Roopkund Lake remains frozen during major part of the year. With beautiful meadows and stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, trek to this place is special.
For adventure lovers, Roopkund offers a number of routes such as via Lohajung, Wan and Bhaguwabasa. The place is around 10 km from Bedni Bugyal.

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Top waterfall in india Dudhsagar Falls

Dudhsagar Falls is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belgaum rail route about 46 km east of Madgaon and 80 km south of Belgaum
But first up, the thunderous cascading star of the visit – the Dudhsagar waterfalls. A picture speaks a thousand words. But even a thousand pictures fall short of what hit us when we first laid our eyes on these waterfalls.
Dudhsagar waterfalls (Dudh: milk, Sagar: sea) are located in the middle of a forest on the Goa-Karnataka border. It is a four tiered waterfall with different ways to reach each level. The bottom of the waterfall is accessible through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest department runs a 4WD service through the sanctuary up to the foot of  the Dudhsagar waterfalls. This service is closed during monsoon.
Another, more popular approach is to the middle of the Dudhsagar waterfalls, through the railway tracks. We traveled in a passenger train from Madgaon in Goa to Kulem. At Kulem we boarded goods train. Some local guys agreed to be our guides and fixed us up with the motorman of the train that was leaving soon.
We stood on the edge holding on to the railing, outside the engine of the goods train. Traveling up the steep Braganza pass on the seamless tracks through a lush green forest in a rhythmic motion, with the wind in our faces, we felt one with the nature around!
The railways tracks trace a horseshoe (U) over the valley approaching the Dudhsagar waterfalls. The first glimpse of the falls is, hence, from across the valley. Our guide knew the exact point at which we would see the waterfalls. When the train got there, he started shouting “camera ready, view point, view point”.
We got the cameras all ready. The train slowly (and extremely steadily) approached the view point – and we froze. We just couldn’t take our eyes off it. At that moment, we couldn’t care about the camera, the photograph, the view point or anything else.



Thursday 16 July 2015

Hogenakkal Falls(The Niagara of India)

Located about 750 ft above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills, Hogenakkal Falls is majestic waterfalls in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu on the river Kaveri.  It is situated in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu, around 180 kms from Bangalore and 46 kms from Dharmapuri town.  Hogenakkal waterfalls are the part of river Kaveri.  At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri River creates numerous waterfalls that flow through the rocky terrain. Sometimes this waterfall referred to as the "Niagara of India". It is also called as Marikottayam by the locals. The trail to Hogenakkal Falls is very attractive, with verdant Mulberry fields, gigantic-sized Protector Goddess (Aiyanars) made of terracotta, numerous foliage in the area and the gushing sound of river Kaveri.  

The water of the falls has some special powers as it flows through the forests filled with herbal plants and shrubs. Hence it is considered as extremely beneficial for the health taking a bath in the waterfalls of Hogenakkal.  The place is famous for the medicinal power of its water.

The name of the Hogenakkal waterfall has been originated from two Kannada words – ‘hoge’ means smoke and ‘kal’ means rock.  When the water of the falls hit the rocks, generates a fine cool spray, which creates a feeling of smoke; hence these rocks have been given the name ‘Smoking Rock’.

During rainy Seasons the verdant green ambience of Hogenakkal offers a thrilling view, which makes this place a tourist hotspot.   The hills near the falls have many trails where adventure seekers can go trekking in the Melagiri Hills.

The Hogenakkal waterfalls cannot be reached by road; a boat-ride from the last motorable point takes the tourist near the waterfall.  A coracle (a light, bowl-shaped boat with a frame of woven grasses, reeds, or saplings covered with hides) ride, which takes the tourist nearer to the shimmering, ripple waterfalls, can be a memorable experience. The closer view of Hogenakkal waterfalls is mesmerizing, impressive and even a bit scary. The prime attraction of the Hogenakkal falls is its vertical drop from the height of 20 meters with the thundering sounds. The entire area covered with the large trees and thorny plants looks like paradise. One can enjoy the natural beauty in the nature walk to the nearby areas.

Attractions: 

Some tourist attractions near Hogenakkal are Melagiri Hills, Parameswari Temple, Krishnagiri Dam, Mettur Dam, Pennagram Village, Kottakovil and so on.

Melagiri Hills:  Melagiri Hills is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions near Hogenakkal.  One can hike to Melagiri hills from Hogenakkal and explore the verdant, rocky landscape.  The hills of Melagiri are a range of hills on the Eastern Ghats and situated between the Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts of Tamil Nadu.  Nestled between the Kaveri and Chinar rivers Melagiri Hills has an undulating landscape covered with dry deciduous, some stretches of shola vegetation and semi-evergreen forests.  It is an elephant country and contains two traditional elephant corridors.   This area is home to several animals such as Leopard, Dhole, Panther, Sloth Bear, Marsh Crocodile, Jackal, Chital, Gaur, Mouse deer, Sambar, brownish gray giant squirrel, Four-horned Antelope, Elephant etc.  Various birds, like Grey Junglefowl, Crested Honey Buzzard, Peacock, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Fish Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Flower pecker are found in these hills.

Parameswari Temple:  Located in the Pennagram village, Parameswari Temple is around 15 kms from Hogenakkal.  Putlur Poongavanathamman, also known as Arulmigu Angala is believed to be the goddess of this temple.  Since the goddess is believed to be the savior for all the infertile and pregnant ladies, majority of the devotees to the temple are women.

Krishnagiri Dam:  Situated between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts across the Kaveri River, Krishnagiri Dam is a favourite picnic spot near Hogenakkal. This Dam constructed across the Thenpennar and is a major tourist attraction. One can trek to the Yelagiri Hills in Eastern Ghat from Krishnagiri Dam.

Mettur Dam: Mettur Dam, the largest dam in India, was constructed in a gorge, where the River Kaveri enters the plains.  The total length of this dam is 1,700 m. This dam creates Stanley Reservoir.  Hogenakal Falls is upstream from this dam.  Mettur Dam provides irrigation facilities to parts of Salem, the length of Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappali and Thanjavur district.

Pennagram Village:  Located around 15 kms from Hogenakkal Pennagram Village is surrounded by dense forests.  It is in Dharmapuri District and famous for the brightly coloured giant terracotta statues. Since a large fair celebrated every week in this village, attracts a large number of tourists.

Kottakovil: Located on the northern side of Dharmapuri District, Kottakovil is famous for the temple built for Lord Shiva.  Many rare sculptures and paintings can be found here. The temple contains the 'Hanging pillar', which is the major attraction of this place.  Legend states that in this temple there was once a secret passage which linked it with Adhiyamankottai.

Best time to visit:
This white waterfall is exciting soon after the monsoon when the river is brimming. Thus, the best season to visit Hogenekkal is immediately after the monsoons when the river roaring down swiftly with massive water.  But some tourists prefer to visit this place during off-season to avoid the huge crowd.  However, the best time to visit this place is between the months of September and December.


Tuesday 14 July 2015

Dadra and Nagar Haveli,tour in west india

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a Union Territory in western India. Nagar Haveli is wedged between Maharashtra and Gujarat, whereas Dadra is an enclave lying a few kilometres north of Nagar Haveli in Gujarat.Its capital is Silvassa.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli are in the watershed of the Daman Ganga River, which flows through the territory. The towns of Dadra and Silvassa both lie on the north bank of the river. The Western Ghats range rises to the east, and the foothills of the range occupy the eastern portion of the district. The territory is landlocked, although the Arabian Sea coast lies just to the west in Gujarat. Some of the famous places are Hirwavan garden, Tribal Museum at Silvassa, Vanganga Lake and Garden at Dadra, etc. It is also famous for its wild life.

Tourism in Dadra And Nagar Haveli
Owing to its scenic natural beauty and favorable climate, Dadra & Nagar Haveli tourism sector has been assigned high priority. The tourism in Dadra & Nagar Haveli comprises of natural spots, historical monuments, pilgrimage shrines and man made tourist attractions. To promote tourism in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, many traditional and modern cultural activities like celebration of Kite festival, Tarpa Festival, World Tourism day, etc are organized every year. The official website of Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tourism provides complete information about the city. For those want to known more about this beautiful destination can also obtain Dadra & Nagar Haveli Tourism Guide from the Tourist reception center located in the capital city, Silvassa.

Best Time To Visit Dadra And Nagar Haveli
Winter is the ideal time to visit Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The place enjoys a pleasant climate from November to March. Even the summer temperature is not very high. Due to its proximity to the sea, the nights are also cool here.

Tourist Attractions In Dadra And Nagar Haveli
Vanganga Lake Garden, Dadra, Hirwavan garden, Piparia, Tribal Museum, Vandhara Udyan, Mini Zoo and Bal Udyan, Ayyappa Temple ,Silvassa, Tapovan Tourist Complex, Bindrabin are some important Dadra & Nagar Haveli travel destinations and tourist spots.


How to Reach Dadra And Nagar Haveli
Travel to Dadra & Nagar Haveli by Air : The nearest airport is at Mumbai (164 Kms). All major domestic and international operates regular flights to/from Mumbai.
Travel to Dadra & Nagar Haveli by Rail: The nearest railway station is Vapi on western Railway. It is located at a distance of 17 km from the capital city, Silvassa. All-important Mail/Express trains are available at Vapi including Shatabdi, August Kranti Rajdhani, Karnavati and Ahinsa.
Travel to Dadra & Nagar Haveli by Road: Dadra & Nagar Haveli is almost touching Mumbai – Baroda – Delhi National Highway No.8 (Western Express Highway). The state capital Silvassa is well connected with the important cities of western India by regular bus service.