Friday, December 28, 2007

Hotels of Goa

Goa is India’s hottest holiday destinations. Goa is where everybody goes to party. Goa, the ultimate sun kissed land dotted with coconut trees, old Portuguese churches, prestine beaches and World class hotels and beach resorts. Where February means Goa Carnival and every day is an occasion for celebration whether sun bathing on its exotic beaches, enjoying water sports or dancing the night away on the beach or its many night spots and night clubs.

Goa has some of the best beaches in India and these beaches are the major reason why Goa attracts thousands of tourists every year. From the busy beaches of Anjuna, Baga Beach and Calangute Beach in North Goa to the peaceful bliss of Colva Beach and Mobor beach in South Goa. Along most of the major beaches are beach resorts, luxury hotels, budget hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops by the dozen, and usually an interesting flea market as well. All of which means that you can get a fairly complete holiday - with accommodation, dining, entertainment and shopping- all on one beach. What more could one ask for? The complete Goa beach holiday experience !

Goa is a year-round destination and if you are looking for a family vacation, incentive tour, conference package or honeymoon package to Goa, Info4india offers ready-made Goa Tour Packages or we can customize Goa holiday packages & hotel packages to Goa listed here, we offer options in 5 star hotels in Goa, 4 star hotels in Goa, 3 star hotels in Goa or if is it Goa budget hotel accommodation that you are looking for we have it here, our tour counselors can also help you plan your dream holiday to Goa.

List of Hotels in Goa :

Bogmallo Beach Resort Goa Cidade De Goa Resort Goa
Clarion The Beach Goa Fort Aguada Beach Resort Goa
Goa Marriott Resort Goa Holiday Inn Resort Goa
Intercontinental The Grand Resort Goa Majorda Beach Resort Goa
Park Hyatt Goa Resort And Spa Goa Radisson White Sands Resort Goa
Ramada Caravela Beach Resort Goa Taj Exotica Hotel Goa
Taj Holiday Village Goa The Kenilworth Beach Resort Goa
The Leela Goa The Majestic Goa
Vainguinim Valley Resort Goa Baywatch Resort Goa
Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort Goa Coconut Grove Hotel Goa
Enviro Green Resort Goa Galaxy Beach Resort Goa
Hotel Dona Sylvia Goa Hotel Fidalgo Goa
Hotel Sun Village Goa Pousada Tauma Goa
Royal Resorts Haathi Mahal Goa The Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort
Varca Palms Beach Resort Whispering Palms Beach Resort
Aldeia Santa Rita Goa Bollywood Sea Queen Resort Goa
Casa De Goa Dona Alcina Resorts Goa
Heritage Village Club Goa Hotel Blessings Goa
Hotel Delmon Goa Hotel Goan Heritage Goa
Hotel Golden Goa Hotel Highland Beach Resort Goa
Hotel La Paz Gardens Goa Hotel Lagoa Azul Resort Goa
Hotel Mandovi Goa Hotel Nizmar Resort Goa
Hotel Nova Goa Hotel Silver Sands Beach Resort Goa
Hotel Solmar Goa Kamat Holiday Homes Goa
La Calypso Resort Goa Longuinhos Beach Resort Goa
Regency Beach Resort Goa Resort Vista De Colva Goa
Hotel Panjim Inn Goa Panjim Pousada Goa
Devaaya Ayurveda Spa Resort Goa Fort Aguada Hermitage Goa
Laguna Anjuna Goa Lotus Inn Goa
Country De Club Goa Dona Paula Beach Resort Goa
Goa Beach House Goa Hotel Colva Plaza Goa
Resort Santa Monica Goa Silent Resorts Goa
Sunset Beach Resort Goa Shelsta Resort Goa
Lamour Beach Resort Goa William Beach Resort Goa
Villa Anjuna Goa Villa Goesa Beach Resort Goa
Sunkissed Resort Goa Mayfair Hotel Goa
Hotel Sodders Beach Classic Goa Saffron Resorts Goa

Kerala Hill Station Guide

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kreala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidays in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India. Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds. Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Vythiri, Idukki, Vagamon and Wayanad. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities. However, the views of the ghats and the plantations are a reward in themselves and especially worth seeing if you prefer to keep off the well-beaten tourist track. The hills are accessible throughout the year although very wet and misty during Kerala's two monsoons, the southwest and the northeast (late May-early November).

Munnar Hill Station : Munnar is a small town surrounded by the Annamalai Hills (or elephant mountains) and tea estates. It stands at the confluence of three rivers - the Muthirappuzh, Nallathanni and Kundala. Moonu in Tamil means 'three', and aar 'river'.

Idukki Hill Station : Idukki is a beautiful hill station located in Kerala. Idukki is the place you want to be to unwind and relax and forget all tensions of the world. The name Idukki has been derived from the Malayalam word "idukku", which means narrow gorge.

Palakkad Hill Station : The district of Palakkad known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala ( Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the Pala tree.

Vagamon Hill Station : In the midst of tea gardens and hills all around, Vagamon is a delightful hill station and a favourite for trekking. Situated at a height of 1100 metres above sea level, the hill station has to be experienced, not read about.Vagamon is part of the country's ecotourism project.

Ponmudi Hill Station : The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram. The enchanting bounty of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings.Perched at an altitude of over 100 m above sea level on the Western Ghats, the shimmering green waters of the winding streams and verdant woods of Ponmudi do not spare anybody.

Wild Species In India

The Indian Tiger has a small head in proportion to his body. He's not cold- blooded, but a warm-blooded mammal who weighs 400-569 lbs. The measurement of the Indian Tiger, from the balancing tail, to the strong, pointed teeth, measures around 10 ft.

Behavioural Characteristics: The Indian Tiger cub stays with its mother and siblings until about the age of two when they move on to establish its own territory. The tiger is usually a solitary animal except during the breeding season. During breeding season, which most commonly takes place during the winter and spring, last about 20 to 30 days. During this time, tigers communicate with each other with loud and distinct calls that travel great distances.

Diet: The Bengal tiger is a meat eater with a diet that includes deer, pig, buffalo. Occasionally the tiger will eat birds and fish.

Environment: The Indian Tigers lives in the country of India, on the continent of Asia. This Tiger is happy in his habitat as long as he lives near tall grass, wet swamps, dim forests and prey.

Current Status Of Tigers in India : The Indian Tiger is being killed for sport and for profit. People kill them every day for their teeth, fur, and body parts. The Indian Tigers is losing lots of their territory, because its habitat is being disturbed. But it needs more territory in order to survive. We hope the Indian Tiger doesn't become extinct.

India holds over half the world's tiger population. Though referred to by experts as a "guesstimate", the last all-India census in 1993 estimated a total of 3,750 tigers. The figure was a sharp decline from the previous census four years earlier. Of these only 1,266 (34%) of the total were found within the boundaries of the then 19 (there are now 25, covering an area of over 33,000 sq km) Project Tiger Reserves. The current estimate of the number of tigers in India is from 3,000 to 3,500 tigers. Many of the tiger populations, particularly those outside protected reserves, are fragmented, suffer from intense poaching pressure, a dwindling prey base and over-used habitat.

Popular Tiger Reserves in India:

The various kinds of Wild Species in India are :

Indian Tiger (Royal Bengal Tiger) : Indian Tiger Popularly known as Royal Bengal Tiger is a national animal of India.

Indian Black Buck : The Black Buck (Antelope cervicapra) (Krishna Saar) is an endangered and fully protected species in Nepal. The adult male Black Buck has striking Black and white pelage (fur) and long spiral horns.

Indian Crane : The Sarus crane is the world's tallest flying bird; a large male may stand six feet tall. There are three recognized subspecies of the sarus crane. The Indian sarus cranes live, as their name implies, predominately in Asia's subcontinent. In areas dominated by the Hindu religion.

Indian Deer : The Brow-antlered Deer (Cervus eldi) of Manipur (northeast India), or Sangai, or Thamin. One of the rarest and most localised deer in the world - and quite obviously, the most endangered deer species in the world. The Sangai is confined to a wetland area to the south of Logtak lake in Manipur (northeast India). Captive breeding efforts have helped bolster its zoo population.

Indian Elephant : The Asian elephant is one of three species in the order Proboscidea, the others being the Savanna elephant and the Forest elephant. Elephants until the Pleistocene Era (2 million years ago) had spread throughout the world except for Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.

Indian Lion : Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) One of the largest of Indian cats, and the last remnant of the low-three digit population is confined to at Sasan Gir forests (Gujarat), where less than 300 remain. There are plans to translocate this highly endangered animal to Kuno sanctuary in M.P. (Central Indian Provinces).

Indian Leopard : Leopard (Panthera uncia), the elusive, only truly alpine cat of the world. These cats have an elongate and muscular body. Their paws are broad and their ears are short. In tropical regions their coats tend to be shorter and sleeker, whereas in colder climates their fur is longer and denser.

Indian Rhino : Related to tapirs, horses, and zebras, rhinocersoses are "odd-toed ungulates" (Order: Perissodactyla), rhinos are large herbivores that occur in Africa and tropical Asia. Read the table below for a summary of the major characteristics of the 5 rhinoceros species.

Indian Horse : The purpose of these breed standards we are concerned only with that portion of horses produced or shown by conscientious breeders to meet the stringent demands of excellence in type and conformation leading to the expectation of judging standards.

Indian Birds : Indian Birds With more than 1250 species of birds, India and South Asia are a paradise for bird watching. There are over 925 breeding species (~920 residents). The Indian birds belong to 16 groups called 'Orders', which are further divided into 'Families', 'Sub-families' and 'Genera'. For birding in India.

White Bengal Tiger : Bengal tigers are also called as Indian tiger, they are the most numerous in population than any other tiger subspecies. They were killed as a part of sport carried out by Indian and British royalties. There number declined at a fast rate.

Project Tiger : India contains 60% of the world's tigers; as recently as 1970 it was still legal to hunt them and to export skins. During the 1950s and early 1960's it is recorded that more than 3,000 tigers lost their lives to trophy hunters, most of these being tourists.

Indian Peacock : The male Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is one of the most recognizable birds in the world. These large, brightly colored birds have a distinctive crest and an unmistakable ornamental train.

Cobra In India : The Indian Cobra is known around the world as highly venomous snake that feeds on rodents, lizards, and frogs. As well as biting, the Indian cobra can attack or defend itself from a distance by "spitting" venom, which, if it enters the opponent's eyes, causes severe pain and damage.

Great Wilds Of India : India has a wealth of about 80 National Parks and 441 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Many of the wildlife sanctuaries and a few Wildlife National Parks have been established in erstwhile private hunting reserves of the British Raj and Indian aristocracy. often, a park is better known for a particular animal.

Royal Bengal Tiger : The Royal Bengal tiger, the national animal of India is an incredible sight. With its orange hide marked with dark stripes, its white underbelly, long tail, huge paws and fearsome teeth, the Royal Bengal Tiger of India is justifiably called the "King of the Jungle". It is the largest of the Big Cats. There are several subspecies of Tiger of which the Siberian Tiger is the largest.

Nilgiri Tahr : The Nilgiri Tahr, is an endangered mountain goat, found primarily in the Western Ghats including the Nilgiri Hills of South India. Also known as the Nilgiri Ibex, this endangered animal is severely under threat, though conservation efforts have resulted in its numbers increasing in the later half of the 20th century.

Barasingha In India : The Barasingha or Swamp Deer, is an endangered species of deer, and can be seen in protected sanctuaries in India. They derive their name from the large antlers of the adult male Barasingha, which may grow to have more than 12 points, hence the translation of its name in Hindi, 12- antlered Deer.

Asiatic Lion : The Asiatic Lion has been known in India for centuries. The Ashoka Pillar, which is the national emblem of India, depicts three snarling Asiatic lions with beautifully carved curling manes and expressions. Their accurate depiction testifies to the skill of the sculptors of Mauryan times, as well as their awareness of this magnificent animal, the Asiatic Lion, often called "The King of Beasts".

King Cobra : The King Cobra, found in India is the largest venomous snake in the world. In a single bite it can inject enough venom to kill an elephant - up to 6- 7 ml. This is enough to kill up to 20 people. The King Cobra is worshiped in India, particularly on the festive occasion of Nag Panchami and is depicted in sculptures on temple walls and celebrated in myth and legend.

Siberian Cranes In India : The crane bird is a wild north american bird and can be seen on most bird photos sites. The bird is a symbols of longevity and represented with other symbols of long life, the pine and bamboo, and the tortoise.

Wild Cats In India : The Martelli's wild cat is believed to be the ancestor of the modern small cat, which resulted in the modern wild cat. The wild cat can be categorized into sub sections; the European Wild Cat, the Asiatic desert Cat and the African Wild Cat. Our much loved domestic cat is thought to be a descendant of the African Wild Cat.

Gaur (Indian Bison) : The Gaur or Indian Bison is a large endangered herbivore, and can be seen in protected sanctuaries in India. In the wild its young are preyed upon by tigers and leopards and the loss of its habitat due to human encroachment has led to the reduction in its population across India.

The Ganges River Dolphin : The Ganges River Dolphin or Gangetic Dolphin is a freshwater dolphin that is found primarily in the River Ganges.

India`s Tiger Poaching Crisis : The trade in tiger bones, destined for use in Oriental medicine outside India's borders, is posing an even larger threat. Having decimated their own sources, Far Eastern traditional medicine manufacturers are now targeting India for their supply of tiger bones. Poaching of tigers for the traditional Chinese medicine industry started in northern India in the mid-1980's.

Click Here to know more about Indian Wild Species

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Travel To Jaipur India

The Rose Pink City founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the capital of Rajasthan. It is a major attraction for the first-time visitor. Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets with their rose pink colour, lending enchantment to the scene, which is almost magical at sunset.

The Old City (Known as the Pink City) is a great place to wander around. The whole city was painted in Pink colour by Maharaja Man Singh II when Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, visited Jaipur in 1876 AD. Today, every home within the city is obliged by law to maintain its facade. It is a very well planned city laid out in a grid pattern and was designed by a young Bengali engineer and scholar by the name "Vidyadhar Bhattacharya".

Jaipur was and remains the only city in the world, symbolising the nine divisions of the universe, through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. Jaipur is a royal city & this is its most noticeable aspect, small buildings & festivals testify it.

Jaipur & its surroundings are rather like an endless museum. The city also offers an endless variety of crafts. Jewellers here still fashion the beautiful enamel-on-gold pendants, studded on the reverse with precious stones or pearls & turquoise that one sees in miniature paintings. Jaipur's lacquer bangles are famous all over the world.

Jaipur, the pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. Initially his capital was Amber, which lies at a distance of 11kms from Jaipur. He felt the need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and growing scarcity of water. Jaipur is the first planned city of India and the King took great interest while designing this city of victory. He consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the lay out of Jaipur.

After several battles with Marathas, Jai Singh was keen on the security aspect of the city. Due to this reason, he focused on his scientific and cultural interests to make a brilliant city. Being, a lover of mathematics and science, Jai Singh sought advice from Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Brahmin scholar of Bengal, to aid him design the city architecture. Vidyadhar referred the ancient Indian literature on astronomy, books of Ptolemy and Euclid, and discussed the plan with the King.

With a strategic plan, the construction of the city started in 1727. It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square. The city was built following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture. The city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates.

According to that time, architecture of the town was very advanced and certainly the best in Indian subcontinent. In 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur, the whole city was painted in Pink color to welcome him. Still, the neat and broadly laid-out avenues, painted in pink provide a magical charm to the city. Jaipur is rich in its cultural and architectural beauty, which can be traced in the various historical and aesthetic places that reside in the city. This city of victory really wins the hearts of the people with its splendid charisma.

Fair & Fastival in Jaipur :

Makar Sankranti :
The festival is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. This has now become the festival of kite-flying which does not spare the soaring spirits of anyone in Jaipur. The devoted ones, however, take a holy dip in the kund at Galtaji. The traditional sweet associated with it is Phirni, made in abundance by the halwais of Jaipur.

Gangaur :
Young girls and newly married women praying for their loved one or husband respectively, offer prayers to Goddess Parvati in spring (March-April). A colourful procession follows the silver and gold palanquins of Goddess Parvati brought out from the City Palace. Ghever, the traditional sweet associated with this festival is prepared all over in Jaipur city.

Elephant Festival :
This festival is held on the day of Holi, the festival of colours, at the Chaughan stadium. Beautifully decorated and caparisoned elephants assemble to participate in the royal procession. Elephant polo, Elephant race, Elephant tug-of-war with a few tourist and holi on elephant back are some of the exciting events.

Teej Festival :
To celebrate the advent of the monsoon, girls and young women dressed in colourful leharia sarees or costumes, sing songs and offer puja to goddess parvati, and pray for conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession comes out of the City Palace for two consecutive days. Villagers come to watch it in large numbers and buy knick-knacks from the stalls on the footpaths of the main bazars.

Dussehra Festival :
Dussehra is celebrated by staging Ramlila in different parts of the city and cuminating in the ceremonial burning of the giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath, celebrating Lord Rama's victory over the Demon King, and victory of Good over Evil.

Diwali Festival or Deepawali Festival :
Celebrated every year in October- November, Diwali is perhaps the most popular of all Indian festivals. The origin of this festival can be traced back to the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Rama returend to this kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.

Shopping in Jaipur :
The builders of Jaipur took special care to provide ample space and facilities for the production and marketing of hadicarfts which made the place famous throughout India and abroad. An entire street and several city sectors were earmarked for artisans and traders. The main Shopping markets in Jaipur are along Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Tripolia Bazar, Raja Park, Ganpati Plaza and M.I. Raod. Shops specialising in Jaipur precious and semi precious stones, Jaipur ornaments and Jaipur silver jewellery are to be found on and along Jauhari Bazar. Jaipur enjoys a high reputation for the manufacture of jewellery. It is one of the most active jewel markets of the world and is famous for precious and semi-precious stones and also for the cutting, polishing and setting of these stone, particularly that of diamonds, topaz and emeralds.

Tourist Places in Jaipur :

Hawa Mahal :
Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the Hawa Mahal is one of Jaipur's major tourist attractions. Shaped like a pyramid, this five-storeyed palace is also known as the Palace of Winds. Consisting of arched roofs and small windows, the Hawa Mahal has become the biggest landmark in the city.

Jaigarh Fort :
Known as the Fort of Victory, Jaigarh Fort is the most imposing tourist attraction in Jaipur. At a distance of about 15 kilometers from the city, perched in the midst of thorny hills, the Jaigarh Fort offers a panoramic view of the city below.The fort houses the world's largest cannon on wheels. Known as Jaivana, it was built in 1720. It is believed, out of the three underground tanks in the fort, one could store up to 60,00,000 gallons of water. The museum and armory inside Jaigarh Fort are must-sees.

Nahargarh Fort :
Built in 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Nahargarh Fort, also known as the Tiger Fort, was meant to bolster the defense of Amer. This tourist attraction in Jaipur offers an incredible view of the Man Sagar Lake.

Laxmi Narayan Temple :
Also known as the Birla Mandir Temple, the Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the religious tourist attractions of Jaipur. Beautiful idols of Hindu gods and goddesses adorn the temple, Birla Laxmi Narain Temple looks amazing in the night.

Rambagh Palace :
This palace was built in 1835 by the Queen of Jaipur. In the year 1972, the Rambagh Palace was converted into a heritage hotel and is now one of the premier attractions on your Rajputana Splendour itinerary.

Amber Fort :
Jaipur Attractions Standing tall over a small hillock overlooking the Pink City, Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthan fort & palace. Amber today is nothing but a reflection of the glorious past of the fierce Kachwaha Dynasty that ruled over this region from 12th to 18th century. Man Singh I started the construction of this fort in 1592 and, perhaps, it was the defence that topped his priorities before constructing this fort. The rugged walls of this fort may not look beautiful from outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise and painted scenes of hunting and wars adorn the walls along with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. Half the fun at Amber Fort is the walk from the road to the fort with majestic views of the surrounding valley. An elephant ride up to the fort is also an unforgettable experience. Not to be missed if you plan to travel to Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar :
Jaipur Attractions This largest stone observatory in the world has a very interesting story behind its construction. Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of five observatories in India including this one, was a great admirer of developments in science and technology, especially astronomy. Before constructing this observatory, he sent his emissaries to all corners to the world, who returned with many manuals of cutting-edge technology including a copy of La Hire's Tables. He built the structures following every detail given in the manual, but at the end, he found to his astonishment that the observatory was 20 seconds more accurate than that given by La Hire. Situated near the gate of the City Palace, the observatory has 18 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. The Jantar Mantar is not to be missed if you plan to travel in Jaipur.

How to reach Jaipur city :

Jaipur by Air :
Jaipur has its own airport, and is well connected to all other tourist and business centres.

Jaipur by Rail :
An excellent connection to Delhi by Shatabdi Express and the Pink City Express. Other connections to Jaipur are from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahemadabad, Secunderabad and Lucknow.

Jaipur by Road :
A network of reasonably comfortable tourist buses, run by road corporations of Rajasthan, Haryana and other Indian States.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Pushkar Information Guide

About Pushkar in Rajasthan :

Nestled between spectacular mountain ranges and trespassed by a scenic lake, the city of Pushkar is home to a number of tourist attractions. Known as a 'pilgrim city', Pushkar is renowned for Pushkar Temples and serene surroundings that combine to present a perfect holidaying experience.

With The Rajputana Experience, travel to Pushkar becomes all the more interesting and lucrative. The various tourist attractions of Pushkar are straddled around the beautiful Pushkar Lake.

Some major Tourist Attractions In Pushkar :

Pushkar Lake : One of the most sacred sites for Hindus, Pushkar Lake is the most famous tourist attraction in the holy town of Pushkar. It's a beautiful semi-circular lake with 52 lovely ghats surrounding it. According to beliefs, a dip in the Pushkar Lake on the auspicious occasion of Karthik Poornima brings salvation to devotees.

Brahma Temple : It's the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu mythology, in all over India. The beautiful marble temple is famous for its four-headed idol of lord Brahma. It's decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white chequered floor.

Savitri Temple : Dedicated to goddess Savitri, the first wife of Lord Brahma, it's the second most important temple in Pushkar. Located just behind the Brahma Temple on a hilltop, it provides a panoramic view of the scenic Pushkar Lake and exotic sand dunes nearby.

Rangji or Rangnath Temple : Rangji Temple is known for its gracious south Indian style of architecture. The temple houses a huge image of Lord Vishnu. It has a high rising 'Gopuram' (large gate) and Garuda pillars studded with a mythical bird styled in gold.

Varah Temple : One of the most sacred temples in Pushkar, Varah Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has an image of Vishnu in the incarnation of wild boar. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu visited the earth in the incarnation of a Varah (Wild boar) to kill an atrocious demon Hirnayaksh.

Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Temple :
The only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the universe's creator, is housed in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Standing on a high pedestal, this 14th century temple can be reached through marble steps.

Pushkar Camel Fair :
One of the biggest fairs in India, the cattle fair of Pushkar attracts buyers and sellers from all over the country who travel to Rajasthan to participate in this annual event.

Held in October or November on Kartik Purnima, the five-day Pushkar Fair is the ultimate showcase of the culture of Rajasthan. Cultural performances, folk music and dance, camel and horse races, etc light up the festivities during the fair. It is indeed a boon to travel to Pushkar during the peerless Pushkar Fair.

Apteshwar Temple : Another important temple in Pushkar, this 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Saraswati Temple : Saraswati is the wife of Brahma. Literally her name means 'the flowing one' . In the Rig Veda she represents a river deity and is connected with fertility and purification.

Ramavaikunth Temple : The Ramavaikunth temple is an intricately carved Hindu temple dating to the 1920 and has images of 361 deities.

Bathing Ghats In Pushkar : Pushkar town is setup around a tiny little lake that has 52 bathing ghats around it and is surrounded by three mountains.

Man Mahal : The Man Mahal palace is very close to the Pushkar lake and Pushkar Temples, as well as within walking distance from here.

Pushkar Palace : Pushkar Palace was built about 400 years ago by the Maharaja of Kishangarh. Situated on the edge of the lake it offers a panoramic view of 400 temples, banks, sand dunes and the Aravalli hills.

How to Reach Pushkar :

By Air : The nearest airport to reach Pushkar is Jaipur Airport, which is about 138 kms from Pushkar. One can get direct flights from /to Delhi and other cities in India.

By Rail : Ajmer is the nearest railway station (about 11kms) and is connected to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jodhpur by regular trains. Two of the best trains of the Indian Railways, Pink City Express and Shatabdi Express connect Ajmer to Delhi and Jaipur.

By Road : Pushkar has two bus stands--The Marwar bus stand which has buses to some long distance places including Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner while the Ajmer bus stand is located east of the Pushkar town and offers bus services to Ajmer and Jaipur. There are regular buses from Pushkar to Ajmer.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Goa Tour Travel Packages

Tour Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days
Destinations Covered : Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai

Day 01: Mumbai
Arrive in Bombay and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai
After breakfast in the morning, enjoy a half day morning excursion to Elephanta, a World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 7th century, the cave temples on Elephanta dedicated to Lord Shiva contain some of the most magnificent sculptures in the Deccan region. The most spectacular is the Maheshamurti panel, which depicts Shiva as a creator, protector and destroyer. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of the bustling city of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, built to commemorate the royal visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Stop by the Dhobi Ghat and the Flora Fountain. Drive down Marine Drive, pass Chowpatty Beach and the Parsi 'Towers of Silence'. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day03: Mumbai - Goa: 1hr by air
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Goa. Upon arrival check into the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Goa.

Day 04: Goa
After breakfast in the morning, explore the lovely beaches of north Goa at Calangute and Anjuna. Play beach volleyball, get a good tan or just loll around. Later, travel further south to unwind on the beaches in Colva, Miramar and Bogmallo. Quieter than the shores of north Goa, these palm-fringed shores promise a calmer time. You have an option of taking a cruise on river Mandovi in the evening. (This is subject to the weather conditions). Stay overnight at the Hotel in Goa.

Day 05: Goa
After breakfast in the morning, enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or catch up with some sightseeing to churches and monuments, reflective of the Portuguese, who ruled the land once upon a time. Stay overnight at the Hotel of Goa.

Day 06: Goa - Mumbai: 1 hr by air
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Depart Mumbai
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Goa Beach Tour Package

Tour Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days
Destinations Covered : Mumbai - Goa - Mumbai

Day 01 : Arrive at Mumbai
On arrival at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport or the Railway Station in Mumbai, Traditional welcome by our Company representative and transferred to the hotel in Mumbai. After have lunch spend the day doing your own activites. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02 : Mumbai
After breakfast in the hotel proceed for a full day city tour of Mumbai visiting Hanging garden, Kamla Nehru park situated on the slopes of Malabar hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive, Chawpatty beach, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford market. Evening visit the local Markets in Mumbai for shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 03 : Mumbai - Goa
After breakfast in the hotel, you can transferred to the airport for catch a flight to Goa. Arrival at Goa in the noon check in into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Goa.

Day 04 : Goa
After Breakfast in the hotel. Enjoy a full-day tour of Goa that includes some famous Beaches like Anjuna Beach, Condolim Beach, Dona Paula Beach, and Cavelossim Beach. The most important Cathedrals and churches. Evening visit some famous Temples in Goa, like Mahalaxmi Temple, Sri Ganpati Temple and Sri Mangesh Temple. Overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 05 : Goa
After breakfast in the hotel, then you will be visit unwind on the beaches in Colva, Miramar and Bogmallo. Quieter than the shores of north Goa, these palm-fringed shores promise a calmer time. You have an option of taking a cruise on river Mandovi in the evening. Stay overnight at hotel in Goa.

Day 06 : Goa - Mumbai
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the Goa airport for flight to Mumbai. Afternoon arrival at Mumbai airport received by our representative and transfer to the hotel in Mumbai and have lunch. spend the day doing your own activites. Overnight stay at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 07 : Mumbai
Morning breakfast in the hotel, and transferred to International airport for your flight to your home as per your flight schedule.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Palace On Wheels Train Tour

Tour Durations : 08 Nights / 09 Days

Destination Covered : Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore) - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Agra - Bharatpur - Delhi.

Tour Highlights : Introduction to the Palace On Wheels in words will be a disrespect to the luxury Palace on Wheels is an ideal example of true Indian royalty and way of hospitality. Live Life Kingsize - is what you feel aboard the Palace on Wheels train when you leave Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and disembark your palace eventhough you won't wish to. This is one of the finest luxury train tour available to mankind. The Palace on Wheels India Luxury train tour.

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi international and met & assisted by Travel representative for transfer to the hotel with immediate checkin for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi

After breakfast, guided tour of the historic city of old Delhi to include magnificent Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosque, Rajghat - memorial to Mahatma Gandhi - the "Father of the Nation". Afternoon, tour of New Delhi to include Humanyun's Tomb, Birla Mandir (laxmi Narayan Temple), Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, India Gate, President's House and drive through Connaught Place and transferring to Delhi Cantonment railway station for a warm welcome aboard the Luxury Train Tour of Palace on Wheels. The Tour Departs in the evening from Delhi for Jaipur.

Day 03 : Arrive Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital city of one of India's most colorful and vibrant states - Rajasthan. It is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts & enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets, their rose pink color lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical at sunset. Places of Interest include Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a remarkable five storeyed building in pink splendor, the Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and various other monuments from medieval times. This town is also famous for its semi- precious stones, gems & jewelery, & woolen carpets.

Day 04 : Arrive Jaisalmer
Founded by Rawal Jaisal in the twelfth century, Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert and is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local color and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. The yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering majestically over the city. The nearby shifting sand dunes of Sam remind you of Sahara Desert.

Day 05 : Arrive Jodhpur

Famous for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort built in mid 15th century by Rao Jodha, the founder of the city, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Part of the Desert Tourist Triangle, the old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 Km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances and the new city is settled around this walled area. Jodhpur houses grand palaces like the Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and the Phool Mahal. In these exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, the genius of its sculptors comes to life and stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur of the city. The Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is said to be the biggest private residence of single individual.

Day 06 : Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh
Sawai Madhopur plays host to the Ranthambor wildlife sanctuary that houses the Indian tiger. It is the best place to see these majestic predators in their normal pursuits. The park is also home to 300 species of birds and hyena, Ratel, Jackal an Fox among other species. There are Lake Palaces, chhatris, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted white with water lilies. Proceed further towards Chittaurgarh, which owes its name to the women of the city who performed 'jauhar' or immolated themselves to escape the designs of foreign conquerors. Legends of valor and chivalry surround the majestic Chittaurgarh fort.

Day 07 : Arrive Udaipur

Udaipur is better known as the 'city of lakes'. One of the most romantic places in India, it is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era. The two most famous lakes are Pichola and Udai Sagar. The city also has beautiful palaces, the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), and the Jag Mandir, which appears to rise as if from the blue waters of the lake Pichola. Udaipur is also famous for its miniature paintings.

Day 08 : Arrive Agra - Bharatpur

Meaning paradise in Sanskrit, Agra is a place made famous by the Taj Mahal, a moment that has come to epitomes love. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is one of the most visited and photographed sights in the world. Also famous for its marble showrooms. Later proceed for Bharatpur, which is famous for its bird sanctuary, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water Fowl and other species of birds.

Day 09 : Arrive Delhi - onward destination

After early breakfast, a week in wonderland comes to an end at the Delhi Cantonment railway station. Met & assisted and transfer to hotel for checkin. Evening option of seeing Son-et-Lumiere (Sound and Light Show) at the Red Fort. A magnifient show about the history of India from Mughals to the Britishers - how India evolved. Late evening transferred to international airport for flight to onward destination.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

India the land of the majestic tiger and the graceful elephant, the magnificent peacock and the gigantic rhinoceros, offers natural habitat to the wild animals in its Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks is indeed, a delight for the nature lover.

The variour kind of India Wildlife Sanctuaries are :

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated in Gujarat, Gir is the home of the proud Asiatic lion. The sanctuary protects the last wild population of lions outside Africa. Brilliant flame of the forest, teak and banyan trees define the landscape of this Park. The river and stream banks are characterized by evergreen belts.

Panna Wildlife Sanctuary : Panna National Park is situated in at a distance of around 57 km from Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Besides being famous for its diamonds, Panna is also well known for some of the best wildlife species in India.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary : Located 125 kms from Goa , it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka. with area over 834.16 sq.km the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary is contiguous with the Mahaveer sanctuary in Goa.

Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary : A safari through the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch in northwest Gujarat is a unique experience. A safari through this region gives one a chance to come face to face with a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.

Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary : The Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula. The sanctuary is home to some 300 Asiatic lions. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given the status of the sanctuary in 1965.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary : The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find here. The sanctuary is an extension of the Bandipur National Park in Kerala at its southern border. The region, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, was notified in the year 1973 as a Wildlife Sanctuary.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary : Established in the year 1984, Aralam wildlife sanctuary of Kannur is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from Kannur. It is spread over a small area of 55 square kilometers. Aralam national park is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats.

Bhitarkanika Sanctuary : An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park vide Notification No.19686/F & E dated 16.9.1998 of Forests & Environment Department, Govt. of Orissa. It has much significance with regard to ecological, geomorphological and biological background which includes mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, estuaries, back water, accreted land and mud flats. Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.

B R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary : B.R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Situated at a height of 5,091 feet, B.R Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique blend of resort and wildlife sanctuary, a must for wildlife lovers. Dancing trees, whistling winds and swirling streams form a backdrop to some very rare animal. The B.R Wildlife sanctuary is 3,375 ft above sea level and is spread over an area of 540 sq. kms of undulating hills and valleys covered in deciduous forests and Sholas.

Hastinapur Sanctuary : Founded in 1986, in Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bijnore and Jyotiba Phule Nagar, The Hastinapur Sanctuary sprawling in an area of 2073 sq. kms. The population of the wild animals includes various species of animals including antelope, sambhar, cheetal, blue bull, leopard, hyena, wild cat, and different types of birds.

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary : Idukki wildlife sanctuary is located 40 kilometers from the Thodapuzha district of Idukki. It is spread over an area of 77 square kilometers and is located at a height of about 750 meters above sea level. Idukki national park, Kerala is a prime attraction for tourists coming from far and wide.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary : The forests of Peppara Wildlife sanctuary constitute the catchment of Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as sanctuary during 1983.

Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary : Sambhar is India's largest saline lake, 190 sq km in extent at full capacity, and lays some 60 km west of Jaipur, just outside prosaically named Salt Lake City. This vast body of glacial saline is on average just 0.6 cm deep and never more than 3 m even just after the monsoon.

National Chambal Sanctuary : The National Chambal Sanctuary is famous for the rare gangetic dolphin. The sanctuary was founded in 1979 and is part of a large area co-administered by Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Sanjay Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary : The Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the Borivali National Park is located in Borivali to the east of the Thane district and at distance of 40 km north from Mumbai. The park extends from the latitude 190°21' in the North to the longitude 720°58' in the East. This Park boasts of being the only National Park in Mumbai.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

India Goa Beach Tour

The state of Goa in India, was a Portuguese colony until 1962, and is famous for its Indo-Portuguese culture and architecture. Goa's beaches reflect its colourful mosaic of history.The combination of the "sosegãdo" or laid back lifestyle, bracing weather and Goa's carnival-like nightlife has been known to lure many into a psychedelic trance. As you vacation in Goa and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you'll find that there is no place like a warm, inviting beach in Goa to make you feel at peace with the universe. Since we usually stay at my parents' flat at Monte-de-Guirim, near Mapusa, the only time we check into a hotel or resort is when we don't have our own transport and want to spend more time at the beach. If you visit in the right season, you can sample the local "Urak," a lighter and sweeter-smelling distillate of feni.

Beaches in Goa are :

Aguada Beach Goa : With its exotic tropical beauty the pristine Aguada beach attracts tourists all over the world and India just like bees are attracted towards fresh blossoms.

Baga Beach Goa : A small river flows into the sea at the top of the village, below a broad spur of soft white sand, from where a dirt track strikes across an expanse of paddy fields towards Anjuna.

Bogmalo Beach Goa : Bogmalo Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The swaying coconut palms and the soft sand add to the holiday mood on the shore of the Arabian Sea.

Chapora Beach Goa : Chapora, 10-km from Mapusa, is a lat busier than most north coast villages. Dependent on fishing and boat building, it has, to a great extent, retained a life of its own independent of tourism.

Colva Beach Goa : Colva is the oldest and largest of South Goa's resorts. Its leafy outlying 'Vaddos', or wards are pleasant enough, dotted with colonial style villas and ramshackle fishing huts.

Calangute Beach : Calangute is Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort, and the flagship of the state government's bid for a bigger slice of India's package-tourist pie.

Dona Paula Beach : At the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour.

Miramar Beach Goa : Miramar beach is a bustling tourist hub due to its close proximity to the town. Miramar in Portuguese translates to 'viewing the sea,' an apt sobriquet considering the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea that expand into the horizon.

Sinquerim Beach Goa : Sinquerim Beach is stunningly beautiful and quieter than the other beaches of Goa. This long, extended sandy terrain that runs incessantly along the coast is ideal for taking a walk.

Anjuna Beach Goa : Goa Anjuna beach is a perfect haven for the hippies and you will come across some of them who have been staying on this beach for a couple of months.

Benaulim Beach Goa : It is one of the most tranquil Goan destinations. The best thing about Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach.

Candolim Beach Goa : Candolim is the best beach, for those who want to spend some time in solitude and insolence,away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, though one cannot expect too much of facilities there.

Clarion Beach Goa : Clarion The Beach situated in the heart of Goa with an over view of the oceanfront at Salcette, Benaulin set with the best five star amenities, gives the perfect feel of international hospitality and defines a new beauty of holidaying in Goa.

Madgaon Beach Goa : The prime attraction of Madgaon is the Benaulim Beach which lies 7 km west of Margao. People visiting the Madgaon Beach also visit other places of interest in Madgaon such as the Holy Spirit Church founded in 1565 and the distinctive cross in front built a century earlier.

Palolem Beach Goa : The Palolem Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa and is often referred to as the ‘Tiny Bay of Goa’.

Vagator Beach Goa : The Vagator beach is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa that is home to some of the top-notch Goan beaches such as the Calangute beach and the Anjuna beach.