Indian Travel Information

Mumbai, Maharashtra | Worldsaurus worldwide travel guide

2009-07-12T19:04:00.001+05:30

Mumbai, Maharashtra | Worldsaurus worldwide travel guide

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Chandni Chowk at Present

2009-04-25T21:15:00.001+05:30

Busiest Shopping Area
Chandani Chowk is one of the busiest market areas in Delhi. People from all over India; come here to shop for various things available here. Kuchas and Galis in Chandani Chowk still reflect the historical culture. Culture of Chandani Chowk is unique in whole Delhi. Different lanes in Chandani Chowk are dedicated to different items like sarees, textile, jewellery, food items, and electrical goods. Like Parathewali Gali is known for its delicious Parathas and sweets, Dariba is known for Gold and silver jewelry, Nai Sarak is dedicated to books and stationery items. Baghrath Place in Chandani Chowk is a wholesale market of electrical goods. People, especially from north India, come here for their special shopping such as wedding shopping.

Chanadani Chowk:Religious Centre
Chandani Chowk is the good example of religious harmony in India. There you can see Gurudwaara, Temple, Jain Temple, and Mosque standing near to each others. In fact Gurudwara and temple are joined by wall to wall. These religious places include Jama Masjid, Digamber Jain Mandir, Gurudwara Shish Ganj, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Sunheri Masjid.

Eating Joints
Chandani Chowk is the favourite place for lovers of good and spicy food. This is the hub of fast foods like Tikkis, Jalebis, Samosa, Dahi Bhalle and other things.

So, while in Delhi, do make a point to visit Chandani Chowk, at least once. You will not find same kind of place, with so much energy, anywhere in the world.

The blend of Historial and Contemporary culture - Chandini Chowk

2009-04-13T18:05:00.000+05:30

While on a Delhi tour, it is customary for most tourists to have a visit to Chandani Chowk. Noted among the oldest and the busiest markets in Delhi, Chandani Chaowk is located in the Central Delhi. Situated opposite to Red Fort, across the road, Chandani Chowk is among those places in Delhi which still reflect their historical character. Ruins of history can be seen in the still lively galis and kuchas in the Chandani Chowk. Old Delhi railway Station, Interstate Bus Terminus, Ajmeri Gate Sadar Bazar- all crowded areas are in close proximity of Chandani Chowk.

Historically speaking, Chandani Chowk was the idea of Jahanara, the darling daughter of Mughal emperor, Shahjahan. Chandani Chowk used to look like a shining paradise in the days of yore. In the walled city of Old Delhi, it was the main avenue opposite Red Fort. A canal used flow in the centre of the street which was used for the water supply needs of this area. The water flowing in the canal used to look like crystal when moon rays fell on it. Members of Royal family used to come here on evenings for a stroll. Chandani Chowk was divided into three sections. First section started from Lahori Darwaza to Chowk Kotwal. Then second part was from Chowk Kotwali to Chandani Chowk and the third section started from Chandani Chowk to Fatehpuri Masjid. In the centre of Chandani Chowk, there was a reflecting pool.

This was just small but interesting part of information about Chandani Chowk.
In the next section, we will talk about the present look of Chandani Chowk.

2008-04-03T13:51:00.000+05:30

Rajasthan had always fascinated me for its natural as well as manmade beauty. Rajasthan is a land of various land features. Most part of Rajasthan is covered by Indian desert. Besides desert, Rajasthan can boast of its green patches and flourishing flora and fauna. Rajasthan is the land of royals, great warriors and majestic kings, hence the name given to it.

Rajasthan has its own glorious past which is still sung in the form of legends. Monotonous colors of desert of Rajasthan are offset by its colourful and vibrant culutre. This culture of Rajasthan attracts many visitors from all teh corners of world. Rajasthan has unique culture of its own, which, no place in the world, can match.

Everything, which is associated with Rajasthan, has some unique aura about it, be it cuisine, costume, art, dance or music, whatever you name. Visit to rajasthan is something, you can not afford to miss.

Golden City of Jaisalmer in Thar Desert

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Jaisalmer holds a unique place in all the cities of Rajasthan. The largest district of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan is located amidst the scorched and sandy terrain of the Great Thar Desert of India. Jaisalmer is one of the most attractive cities of the Rajasthan. It is located deep in the Thar Desert.

Jaisalmer was founded by the Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D., a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer, atop the Trikuta Hill.

Jaisalmer is more often and aptly called the “golden City” as the sunsets, the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow. Jaisalmer has such a mystic aura and grandeur that no other city can match. There are ancient palaces, temples and haveli constructed of yellow sandstone, on which when golden sun rays fall, give the city a golden hue.

Enchanting Jodhpur

2008-01-22T12:37:00.000+05:30

Jodhpur is the one of most vibrant cities of Rajasthan. It shines with its color culture and undying traditions that it has become face of Rajasthan. It lies on the edge of Thar Desert. Most striking features of this region are smooth sand dunes and the thorny vegetation. Historically speaking, origin of Jodhpur is credited to Rathore Clan. Rao Jodha laid the foundation of Jodhpur in India in 1459. Before him it was known as Marwar.

Jodhpur has many tales of olden days to be told in this vast expanse of shimmering desert. Jodhpur has its grandeur aptly flaunted by its grand palaces, fort and temples. Further a dash of color is added by its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and above all the color full, lively attire of people special and commoners. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, 'Jodhpurs', took their name from this city only. Traditionally, the women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket and wear lots of jewelry to display their prosperity and happiness. A unique feature is the Jodhpuri Turban worn by the men folk here traditionally. Language spoken here are Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani.

The Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India is quite fascinating. Jodhpuri cuisine is dotted by typically rich Marwari hue and has unmatched flavor typical of only Marwari food having lots of ingredients, irresistible aroma and moreover has to be prepared by skilled hands.

People from India as well as all over the world visit Jodhpur every year. There are a number of tourist attractions in Jodhpur, enchanting the tourists. If any wants to visit Jodhpur in Rajasthan in India, one must visit its palaces and forts, temples and cenotaphs as these are the living proofs of splendor, traditions and culture of Jodhpur.

Cultural Diversity of Ajmer in Rajasthan

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Ajmer is located in the southwest of Jaipur is an oasis among the otherwise desolate hills of Rajasthan in India. Ajmer is truly a cultural kaleidoscope. This is a land of composite cultures. Hindus and Muslims here show remarkable harmony and worship at common places.

This land of varied cultures was founded in 7th centuary by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan.

In present times, Ajmer is one popular and unique pilgrimage of Hindus and Muslims.
Ajmer is the home to Dargah Sharif tomb of sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who gets equal obeisance from both Hindus and Muslims. Not only this, Ajmer is the educational center also, Mayo college and school, established by the British is in Ajmer. Puhkar, a scared destination for Hindus, which has the only Brahma Temple of the country, is just at 11 km from Ajmer and Ajmer serves as the base for visiting Pushkar. Month of Nov/Oct that is month of Kartik saw great influx of pilgrims visiting Puskar, hence Ajmer, to take a dip in the holy lake.

So Ajmer is an example of secular India, one must visit this charming place.

Glistening beauty of India - Its Beaches

2007-10-19T13:03:00.000+05:30

Vast country like India has very interesting topography. India is blessed with all kinds of landforms. It is surrounded by sea from two sides and consequently it has a long coastline that is whooping 6000 km! Indian coastlines offer some of the most interesting beaches of the world. People from all over the world, flock to India to captivate the mesmerizing beauty of lovely beaches of India.

Beaches in India offer vast array in terms of variety of vistas present. Indian beaches offer all the elements of wonderful beaches. Tranquil backwaters, lagoons, marine estuaries with amazing marine life, rolling surf, glistening golden sand or palm trees flanking the shores offer a lovely heavenly picture. For sea lovers and avid aficionado of water sports, Indian beaches are perfect combination of the sun, sand and the sea and myriad of activities.

We have Arabian Sea on West Coast and the Bay of Bengal on East Coast. Various coasts of India boast of their own culture, seafood cuisine, rejuvenating activities, water sports and more. All the beaches of India have distinct features and different from each other by having unique atmosphere, activities, level of development facilities. For example many beaches are quieter and isolated one, so offering calm and serene air for people in search of quieter places. On the other hand the most developed beaches of Goa which are popular tourist destination owing to its fully developed tourist facilities and galore of activities.

Kovalam beach on the West coast is probably the best beach of India. Large coastline fringed by swaying coconut palm trees, blue green waters, azure skies on top and complemented by the cool sea breeze presents a perfect romantic setting. Another beautiful beach is Puri on East Coast, one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.

Rich Face of Kerala - Ecotourism

2007-10-19T12:52:00.000+05:30

I want to show you the very interesting face of Kerala. Kerala is such a lovely and perfect place to be in that it can not be stated in sheer words. Kerala is perfect place for eco tourism owing to abundance of natural vistas there.

Beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and culture including festivals mainly comprise the eco tourism products of Kerala. Kerala has bounty of all eco tourism products. The Western Ghats of Kerala are blessed with its tropical forest ecosystem provides a natural advantage for development of its section of tourism. Enhancement in quality and diversification of tourism product is a must to further develop the tourism in Kerala.

Too vigorous tourism in an area disturbs the natural habitats to a irreversible extent and there may be cultural shock for the local communities there. So to prevent all this to happen, there must be a well-planned strategy and proper programmes. Though tourism cannot be averted and neglected, as this is major economic activity for locals also, eco tourism is a good euphemism to let the people be aware of their surroundings and conscious towards living forms existing there. Eco tourism is now a internationally acclaimed project in an endeavor to protect global environs.

Kerala has many place to put it under eco tourism category:
Kerala has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks creating base for planning eco tourism activities. Add to this, rich biological diaspora is another advantage. There is large scope for eco tourism activities like mountaineering, trekking, bird watching and more. Many water bodies formed within the forest due to construction of hydel projects provide ample space for recreational activities. Moreover, Kerala is well connected and is at a short distance from seashore. There is massive marketing campaigns are started by the Kerala Government. Forest staff is well trained for conserving wildlife, ecology. People are well informed over these issues.
Major eco tourism destinations of Kerala are:

1.Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
2. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve
5. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Eravikulam National Park
7. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary
9. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
10. Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
11. Silent Valley National Park
12. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
13. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
14. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Most Delightful Experience- Shopping in Kerala

2007-10-18T12:07:00.000+05:30

I have heard much about the shopping experience of Kerala. So I went on a shopping spree while I visited Kerala on my annual vacations. Shopping in Kerala is a shoppers delight. Kerala has a long history and traditions apart from its natural wealth. While traveling in Kerala, one is tempted to do some shopping for traditional Kerala products.

As Kerala has rich traditions and it has a battery of skilled artisans and craftsmen to present a wide variety of astonishing art and craft products and handicrafts. I bought lots of eye-catching articles made from teakwood, deep-wine rosewood and fragrant sandalwood. A mind-boggling array, a riot of colors, brilliant aesthetics, and exquisite embellishments, the handicrafts of Kerala are indeed the true representatives of the vivacious land.

Another thing, Kerala is famous for, are spices. Spices of Kerala are renowned for their healing qualities, aroma and flavors. The tropical air and sea coast of Kerala grooms a nutrient rich soil to produce high quality spices that no other place offers. Spices are also exported from Kerala worldwide. Spices are used in medicines, preservatives, and perfumes and above all in cooking. i picked some exotic spices for your kitchen too!

I shopped in Kerala till last; so vast was its object range. I did some window shopping too in shop for ivory carvings, pottery, and gold and silver brocaded fabrics and pottery and ceramic products. Some other specialties of Kerala are Aranmula mirror, gold and silver brocaded fabrics, boxes, buttons and ashtrays of steel with silver lining. Kerala is well known for ivory carvings from since early times. It was really a great experience!

Opulent Extravagaza In Thrissur - Elephant Festival

2007-10-18T11:37:00.000+05:30

Kerala is great place to visit in India. Kerala is blessed with salubrious tropical air, serene beaches, azure sky and coconut plam fringed green blue backwaters. It is not only the beauty of kerala one can relish, there are many other events associated with Kerala.

We visited Kerala at time when there was a big cultural event going on. We witnessed the Thrissur elephant festivals. Elephants are revered in Kerala ne treated as the messangers of the God. The most looked forward event in Thrissur is the Thrissur Pooram – a colorful temple festival, which attracts thousands of locales and tourist every year to it.

The celebrations of the festival were held at Thekkinkadu Maidan outside the Vadakkunathan Temple in the Malayali month of Medam (April-May).About nintey elephants were gathered and all the elephants were decorated with all fineries and most important was the golden 'thalapattam' i.e. golden plates covering the entire portion from head to trunk, a unique feature of Kerala.

It was an unforgetable event and we were lucky to watch this opulent extravaganza. If you want know more about this event , hit IndianHoliday

A Holistic Experience - Ayurveda in kerala

2007-10-17T11:36:00.000+05:30

Ayurveda is the ancient medical science originated in India thousands of years ago and till then handed over to masters of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has been mastered by the “rishis” through meditation and prayers. “Ayur” means life and “veda” means Science. Ayurveda means science of life. Ayurveda not just treats the disease but it rejuvenates whole body, mind and soul for the complete well being of the person. Ayurveda envelopes in itself study about longevity, revitalization and self meditation and prescribes therapies which are accomplished through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, message, aroma, mantra and much more.

Ayurveda is about prevention is better than cure. Ayurveda tries to balance the inner body and mind with outer world. Ayurveda stresses upon the do’s and don’ts, which should be religiously followed by each individual seeking complete well-being and to lead a healthy, happy, comfortable and fruitful life in all the spheres.

Kerala is known as the God’s own country because of the kind of natural wealth it has. Kerala is the apt place to have complete benefits from Ayurveda owing to various reasons. Kerala, being a tropical region, rich and unparalleled herbal treasure that is nowhere else in India. The herbs of Kerala have a special potency due to its unique geographical position and tropical climate and this feature has strengthened the base of Ayurveda here.

Kerala is the citadel of Ayurvedic resorts, which offers full and authentic treatments, and taking care of comfortable stay of the visitors coming to Kerala.

Heritage Showcases - Museums of India

2007-10-17T11:23:00.000+05:30

Other day I went to Railway Museum in Delhi and amused that how much effort and passion is involved in keeping old heritage and old beauties intact. Museums give insight into history and knowledge of yore and let the youn generation admire their forefathers.

This Gave me a chance to explore about various musems of India. Lets take a look.

India has a long ancient history and has rich traditions, cultures and heritage. There has always been a need to preserve old markings of its culture. Museums of India serve this purpose well and house all the belongings of past safely. India has a wide array of museums in most of the cities. There are more than 500 museums in India. British, being avid lovers of preserving the best, introduced this concept of museums to India .

It is Culture city of India, Kolkata, which houses the first museum of India. It has a fine collection of medieval Hindu sculptures and a great collection of early Buddhist art. All the museums of India have their own appeal and exclusive collections. National Museum of Delhi is undoubtedly is the one which has a great collection of antiquities from Indus Valley civilization like terracotta products, jewelry, bronze, copper implements and sculptures. Other equally exciting museums in Delhi are Crafts Museum, Dolls museums showcasing various dolls from various countries, national geographic history, science museum and more.

Rajasthan has colorful and vibrant culture and a museum in itself displaying various magnificent forts, grand palaces and intricately carved temples. Still there are many museums in various forts and palaces preserving the colourful and royal history of Rajasthan. Paintings and other crafts of Rajasthan are well placed in these museums. The Government Museum in Ajmer, located in the heart of the old city and housed in the beautiful fort and palace built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1570, is of real antiquity. The Government Museum in Alwar which rests in the old City Palace and has a truly unique collection of arms, bidri work, lacquered and ivory work, musical instruments, stuffed animals beautiful brass and pottery works from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Ceylon, miniature paintings and Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. Down South India, Dakshina Chitra museum on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This is just one of the best museums of India, is a living, breathing, cross-cultural museum of architecture, life-styles, crafts, performing arts, even food and music of all the states in the South of the country.

There are some dedicated and Specialized Museums in India like one is Railway Museum in Delhi which treasures old attractions of railways just delicately. There is toy train also in the music to take you on round of the museum. Another is Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad, an important centre for textiles.

India- a hit tourist destination

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India is land of great topography and great diversity. It has myriad of destinations so interesting not to be missed. India is global tourist destination. Its diverse landforms, different seasons, great architectural marvels, its colourful culture and various art forms allures visitors all over the world.

You can not resist its metro cities, its architectural wonders like Taj Mahal, its invincible forts, its palaces, its music, its dance, whatever. Every indian destination has its own unique charecter. Its people are great host at heart, they serve their guest as God.

Come and exlpore India with me through my Blog.