Friday 21 December 2018

Must Do's In India – Culture, Tradition And Nature


Because India is so big, every region knows its own culture and nature. In the rich south, the population is predominantly Christian, while in the poor north the population is Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist. The Christian and tropical province of Kerala is surrounded by water and the population lives off fishing.
A trip on a traditional boat through the backwaters is definitely worth it. You sail past traditional villages and spice plantations, where you learn how peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace grow.
Kerala Backwaters

The provincial capital of Madurai in neighboring Tamil Nadu offers a completely different sight: this Hindu pilgrimage town houses one of the largest temple complexes in India and is mystical with a capital 'M'

All the way to the north, at the border with Pakistan, in the city of Amritsar, you can discover the pilgrimage site of the Sikhs, which is characterized by a real golden palace in the middle of the city. The chaos of the dusty streets around it is in stark contrast to the oasis of peace and cleanliness within the walls of the holy palace. The city could be a model for a 1001-night fairytale.
Golden Temple Amritsar - The Most Visited Place in the World
The famous yoga resort Rishikesh in the mountains, where the holy river Ganges rises, is a place of pilgrimage for spirituality seekers. The Beatles were also looking for relief here, so that it has since been flooded with Western tourists. Do not think of the tourist with a camera on the belly, but expect harems and dreads.
Yoga at Rishikesh
Also Read : Top 10 Things To Do In Rishikesh

Finally, the holy and ancient Varanasi should not be missing from your visit to India. The streets are so narrow that one cow already blocks them when they decide to stop there. But here is the spiritual heart of Mother India in the form of thousands of pilgrims who express their respect to the Ganges. It should not be missed on your itinerary.

Safari On The Tracks Of The Tiger In India

For eight days I was in India's oldest wildlife sanctuary: Satpura, Kanha, Bandavgarh and Panna. In Madhya Pradesh, the region in the center of the country that inspired Kipling for his Book of the Jungle, I also crossed the leopard, the bear and all kinds of eagles, parrots and antelopes. The list is long.


A bear, incredible! We have scarcely traveled a few hundred meters in our first park, Satpura, which is already a bear. Judging by its size, it's a young plantigrade. Who sports in the tall grass. He's gambolling a good time just a few meters from the 4 × 4 without worrying about us. When the bear stands a few moments on his legs, I still seem much less kid: not far from 1.50 m. "Three years, no doubt," says David, the naturalist who accompanies us. The day is not really up, yet I can easily see the large white mark V on the chest.

A sloth bear, by its learned name "melursus ursinus", the only species present in the region. But everyone, including naturalists, simply calls it a ... Baloo . Yes, like that nice character from the "Jungle Book". Its author, Rudyard Kipling, whose Walt Disney was inspired by his famous cartoon, lived a few years here in Madhya Pradesh, this central region of India, at the end of the nineteenth century.


View : Top Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Rajasthan

Suggested Tour : 10 Days - Taj Mahal with Tigers

Transposed to another world, I will spend eight days with the same animals , with the exception of the elephant, as Mowgli in these four national parks. At Satpura, the passage in this universe seems to me almost initiatory: the only way to reach it is indeed the crossing of the very wide river Denwa. A motorboat ride of just ten minutes, which is enough to make the cut.


On the other side begins the adventure. Satpura is a reserve of tigers, yet its emblem is the giant squirrel. I meet a few in the day: with a quarantine cm without the tail, they are really big! On the other hand, no tiger on the menu for me that day.


Maybe a leopard? At the end of the afternoon, the warning cry of the monkeys languished - a hoarse sound coming from the back of the throat, which takes a tripe sound, very close. Different from that of the tiger, it's the leopard alert. They particularly dread this "big cat" who comes to hunt down to the top of the trees. Moments later, the driver of the 4 × 4 identifies footprints on the way.


Very fresh. Turn around on the hats of wheel. Guided by the cries of the monkeys, we try several routes, because it is forbidden to leave the roads. In vain. The leopard remains hidden, probably only a few steps away, in the vegetation of the gorge that opens before us.

During the safari, which always takes half a day as the parks are closed during the hottest hours, there are these adrenaline rushes. Also long moments of pure quiet happiness. The show is all the time: the beauty of the place, the majesty of animals.

The first rays of sun that pierce the mists in a clearing where dozens and dozens of deer graze - it is very common - are particularly magical. I have a wonderful memory of these moments in the next park, further east, that of Kanha. As the hours go by, the tables change. The eye pierces the foliage of the trees. In the hollow of a trunk hides an otus, a scops owl.

Further, clearly visible on a bare branch, it is a high-altitude bacha serpentine which throws its cry. Often in pairs, the peacocks are very dignified while in the branches above their heads bicker colorful and voluble parakeets Alexandrine. On another tree, imperial, it is a crested eagle. I would see a lot during these safaris.

In the footsteps of the tiger

At the creation of Kanha Park in the 1950s, more than thirty villages on these lands were relocated. Hence the vast meadows, now abandoned. On one of them, instead of the usual herds of deer and deer, I see some jackals. In fact, there are more of them than I thought, no less than half a dozen, to bask in the sun.

Located in an equally splendid area, Bandhavgarh is almost as old. And, previously, it was a Maharajah hunting preserve for nearly two centuries. Dominated by a mountain all in length and lined with a high cliff, the site imposes. It is there, finally, that I can finally contemplate the tiger. A curious first time: it is still hot in the middle of the afternoon, the animal is sprawled in the grass, lying on his back. He stretches his paws-impressive-and that's about all I see of him.

One or two hours later, I see a second, motionless, standing under a tree, at the edge of a pond. It is already almost dark; it's frustrating I cannot take a picture. Whatever, the moment is unforgettable. The image remains etched in my memory.

Suggested Tour : 

Bhimbetka and Khajuraho, Unesco sites



Madhya Pradesh does not only have national parks to offer. This large region of central India is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Two of them are in the immediate vicinity of tiger reserves. It would be a shame not to make a hook. Not far from the park of Satpura, in the middle of nature, here is Bhimbetka and its magnificent rock engravings dating from tens of thousands of years. Of all sizes, there are nearly 250. They represent bison, tigers, elephants and were painted under natural shelters. A superb open-air museum in a rocky gorge, one kilometer long, with shimmering ocher colors.

Khajuraho, whose Panna Park is only 40 km apart, is much better known. It's even one of the most visited sites in the whole country. Former capital of Rajahs Chandela, it still includes 22 of the 85 temples built there between the 9th and 11th centuries.


Decorated with finely chiseled sculptures on all sides, from the bottom to the top, each of them is a masterpiece. One of the temples has more than 900 sculptures! Illustrating positions of the Kama Sutra, many erotic scenes are depicted on several buildings. They are particularly explicit.



Two leopards cross the path

Last park of my journey, that of Panna, the most north of the state. And the apotheosis, as far as I'm concerned. Wide of several hundred meters, the Ken River - where some crocodiles laze - crosses over a good part and gives it a lot of charm.


Not far from the shore, there is this great rock circus of Dunduga. Half a dozen species of vultures, including four migrants, nest here. It is not far from there that I will see two leopards, together. The first comes out of a grove and disappears in the blink of an eye, the second follows him, quieter, sure of him.

In the afternoon, we still see a Baloo bear, nice this time. This does not prevent him from climbing a tree, which seems to me frail for its weight. But the Baloo arrives without difficulty to the summit, five or six meters, to feast on honey found in a honeycomb. Baloo: it's with him that everything started and it's with him that my safaris end.


Useful information

Incredible India, tourist office of India

These safaris were made with the agency Travelogy India. Travelogy present on several continents. From October 15 to June 30 in central India, it offers stays focused on the observation of animal life in tiger reserves.

Travelogy has developed several packages, including 9-day, 8-night, all-inclusive packages from Delhi, including a chauffeur-driven car, entry to two national parks with at least two safaris each time. (with 4 × 4 provided) from € 1,090 per person based on two people. The price is flexible (up to € 3,500) depending on the number of parks visited and the category of hotels chosen. To get there: The most convenient airport of arrival is Delhi. Find your flight using our comparator .

Wednesday 2 August 2017

Mehrangarh Fort: A Complete Tour Guide



The Mehrangarh Fort with Burnished Red Sand Stone stands high atop a hill more than 400 feet above the beautiful city of Jodhpur. Here is a complete tour guide that will help you go through the entire tour on our website before going there in person. This Citadel of the Sun built by Rao Jodha is celebrating its foundation day on May 12. As part of the festive spirit all tickets would be completely free except for the elevator charges. Before touring get an idea of how long the trip would take, the cost and how to make the most of your valuable time by spotting the best things to do. 


Explore best of 5 Days Rajasthan Tour

Mehrangarh Fort Ticket Prices:

On all days (except on the foundation day) the ticket counters open at 9 AM and close down by 5 PM. Ticket prices range from Rs. 40 upward to Rs. 600. If you are an Indian national student or a senior citizen then all you need to pay is Rs. 40. There is elevator charge applicable which is Rs. 40. For all other domestic guests the tickets would be Rs. 70. The ticket price for international guests (people or tourists from other countries) is Rs. 600. If you are a senior citizen or a student you get a concession of flat Rs.100 off so that makes your ticket Rs. 500 (International Guests). There are helps available but several people prefer to go for an audio guide. An audio guide costs Rs. 150 for Domestic Guests and Senior Citizens and Students get it at Rs. 100 with concession. Fees vary for international guests. Camera Fees: Still Camera charge is Rs. 100 & Video Camera charge is Rs. 200. A walk through the Chokelao Garden costs Rs. 30.

How to Get to Mehrangarh Fort:

Once you get to the beautiful city called Jodhpur, you may want to book a cab online or through a local agent. If you are put up at a hotel in the city then you can also book the cab from the hotel. If you would like travel economically or travel like one of the local residents of the area, then take a bus or auto rickshaw to the destination. 

 

Tour inside the Mehrangarh Fort:

There is a Mehrangarh Fort Museum that lies inside the Mehrangarh Fort itself. This is one of the biggest Forts in the whole world and has seven gates. These are all the rooms and villas that housed the people living inside the palace. You can find the royal palanquins and the art that palace’s people indulged in like painting, etc. Take a look at the historic royal furniture and lattice wood work including the armour used in the battles fought by kings for kingdoms. Several queens have marked their hand prints on the gates before committing Jauhar. This was a suicide procedure that queens and young princesses took part in for kings who were defeated in the battlefield. Though these hand prints were smeared with thick paint and silver foil some of them are quite visible even now.

Suggested Tour packages15 Days Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour
 

Monday 1 August 2016

Udaipur - A Romantic City of Lakes and Palaces

As a part of “A SNAPSHOT” blog series, we take the readers on a quick exploration of an Indian city that has earned a unique sobriquet. So here we are with our post on the “City of Lakes”- Udaipur.

Let’s have a quick look at the highlights:

Situated where?

State of Rajasthan

Why is it called so?

Udaipur has an edenic setting with picturesque lakes gracing it. There are as many as five prominent lakes and other less famous ones but no less in beauty. So, lakes being the most striking feature of this city have given Udaipur the tagline “City of Lakes”.


Why to go here?

Udaipur is one of the top honeymoon destinations in India and not only for honeymoon, people come here to ease themselves out because there are lot many destinations for sightseeing - palaces, forts, lakes, temples and what not.
  • City Palace: Famous for extensive art gallery, palatial courtyards, splendid hanging gardens, City Palace offers a sneak peek into the lives of Sisodia Rajput clan.
  • Jag Mandir Island Palace: Built in between a lake, this palace was actually the inspiration behind the Mughal architectural marvel- The Taj Mahal
  • Jagdish Temple: Sculptures of this temple speak highly of the architectural finesse of Rajputana.  
  • Other ‘not-to-miss’ attractions are Sahelion Ki Bari, Shilpgram (craftsmen’s village)

One unique thing to do in Udaipur...?

This obviously has to be a cruise on Lake Pichola. It is undoubtedly the best lake of Udaipur and a sunset view or sunrise view while sailing on a boat will be the nicest thing you will ever see.  Enjoy your journey at Udaipur during India tours.

Friday 11 September 2015

Transform yourself with yoga at the laps of nature- Rishikesh



Yoga is an art of living which originated and flourished in ancient India. Yoga is popular as it comes with no adverse side effects and has a positive impact on the soul, mind and body of the practitioner.
Rishikesh, located at Uttarakhand, is famous for authentic yoga. The tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh is considered perfect for practicing this holistic art of living. There are various ashrams located at the banks of the sacred River Ganges where tourists can stay and learn yoga.

Parmarth Niketen




This is one of the popular yoga centers of Rishikesh. Located at the banks of River Ganges, Parmarth Niketen consists of 1000 rooms. Tourists can choose their accommodation as per their budget. The yoga classes are offered in various segments here, from beginner’s yoga to advanced yoga. Besides yoga, the classes organized on ancient Indian literature and spirituality is also interesting. You can spend some soulful moments enjoying aarti of River Ganges, at evening.

Omkarananda Ganga Sadan



This ashram is for tourists who wish to learn Iyengar yoga. While the yoga classes are open to all, tourists need to pay for accommodation and food. Besides learning yoga, experience a simple lifestyle at this ashram. The personal Ganga Ghat is a nice place for meditation. Rishikesh also offers complete course of yoga teacher training. Some of the centers are government registered and hence the training not only keeps you healthy but certifies you to spread knowledge about this fruitful art of living. Hatha yoga, Shivananda yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Kundalini yoga, Mantra yoga are some of the yoga forms taught at the yoga ashrams of Rishikesh.

Suggested tour 10 Days Haridwar Rishikesh Trip 

Hence imbibe both theoretical and practical knowledge about yoga at Rishikesh tour and rejuvenate your soul and mind, restoring peace in your and your loved ones lives.

Thursday 23 July 2015

Deep dive into the dynamic culture of New Delhi

New Delhi is the heart of India, not only as the capital city of the country but also as a gem in the crown of incredible India. It has always been the hotbed of Indian politics; as the mythological Indraprastha of Mahabharata, as the ruling city of the Mughal Empire or as the capital of the British Empire. The New Delhi streets are historic.



Afghans have left a mark on the Indian architecture; the 72.5 meters high Qutub Minar stands proudly as one of the tallest towers of the country. It is a world heritage site which also houses the unique Iron pillar, a 23 feet high rust resistant tower; this tower is an epitome of the skill and talent of the Indian blacksmiths. 

Red Fort, the famous citadel is another major sightseeing of New Delhi. Made of marble and red sandstone, this monument consists of ornamented halls, intricately designed with colored stones.


The Humanyun’s Tomb, often considered as the prototype of Taj mahal, is the first Mughal construction. It is a luxurious palace which reflects the lifestyle of the Mughals. A blend of Persian and Indian architectural designs, this graceful building is located amidst a beautiful garden of Chaharbagh Garden.

New Delhi is known for its alluring shrines. While the 10,000 years old Akshardham temple is known for its grandeur, a visit to the white marble Lotus temple is a blissful experience. The graceful Birla Mandir reflects Orissa style of architecture and is open to people of all religion.

Among modern architectural masterpieces, the Parliament House and Gandhi Smriti Memorial are must visits.

You will enjoy shopping during Delhi tour at the modern plazas of Delhi Haat and other multiplexes. To get a feel of traditional shopping visit Chadni Chowk. Carpets, silverware, leather and silk goods are popular at Delhi.



Enjoy hot parathas at the old streets of Chadni Chowk . Delhi is famous for its lip smacking biriyani, spicy chaats, golgappas and sweet deserts.

Tradition and modernism co-exists at New Delhi. While the historical structures are live examples of the ups and downs of India, the glittering malls and high-rise buildings represent flourishing India.

Saturday 9 May 2015

A tour to the mesmerizing Lake City of India- Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful and popular hill station of India. Located at the foot of the Kumaon hills of the snow fed Himalayas, Nainital is encircled by multiple lakes. Nainital is also well known for its health resorts, due to its pleasant climate.

The Enchanting Nainital


The most popular tourist destination of Nainital is the Nainital Lake, also known as the Naini Lake. This enchanting lake is located at the heart of the city. You can enjoy boating, yachting and paddling here. Nainital Lake, encircled by seven mountains, is also an ideal place just to stroll around on the soft grass and relax.

Among the natural tourist hotspots, you can also visit the Snow View. This is one of the best viewpoints of Nainital, located at an alleviation of 2,270 metres above sea level. You can reach here via a cable car and enjoy the sight of major Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul.

Thrilling Nainital


If you are an adventure lover, the Land’s End is your destination. This picturesque trekking spot is located at an elevation of almost 2,118 kilometres. The beauty of the spot is enhanced by the encircling mountains, layered with pine forests.

The Naina Peak is the highest peak of Nainital. This peak is located at a height of 2,615 meters and is also a well known trekking destination. You can get an entire view of the spectacular Nainital valley. The famous Naina Devi temple is located near this peak, at the shore of the Naina Lake. Maa Naina Devi is worshipped at this temple.

The Wild Nainital


Your next destination as a part of the Corbett special tour is the Gurney House, located near the serene Naini Lake. This house is famous as the house of Jim Corbett, the famous British conservationist, someone who taught us to love animals.

If you are wild life lover, your next destination would be Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. As you enter the sanctuary, you are greeted by tweets of more than 240 species of migratory and resident birds. This is one of the rare high altitude sanctuaries of the world. The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is another important tourist destination of Nainital.

Nainital- a paradise for foodies


The pleasant weather of Nainital is apt for enjoying the lip smacking traditional dishes of the city. Rice and chapati is the staple food item of Nainital, accompanied with specialities like Ras, Baadi, spicy Aloo Ke Gutke and several kinds of sweet and sour chutneys. Arsa, Gulgula are the famous sweet dishes of the region.

Nainital- the shoppers’ stop



Last but not the least; you cannot miss on the ‘made in Nainital’ accessories and home decors. The popular handicrafts of the city include wooden ornaments, homemade, scented and colourful candles, and Kumauni woollen apparels. Homemade jams, squashes and preserved juices are must buy here.

Get your Nainital tour planned by one of the best Indian tour operators, Travelogy India. With their experienced tour guides you can enjoy a hassle free trip to the Lake City of Nainital. From transportation to accommodation, all can be arranged by Travelogy India, keeping in mind your budget.


Explore the list of India’s tour packages by duration.