Monday 15 October 2012

Sagardwip


Set in a spectacular landscape, Sagardwip is a site of immense significance for spiritual seekers. Popularly known as Gangasagar, Sagardwip sits at the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal. 
In January on Makar Sankranti, the quant pilgrimage destination in West Bengal is at its exuberant best when Gangasagar Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the country, is held annually. 
This must-see fair, a riot of faith, worship, colours, rituals and celebration, is attended by millions of pilgrims who take holy dip in the waters to pay their homage to the nearby Kapil Muni Temple. The lighthouse offers a stunning view of sunrise and sunset, those visiting Sagardwip can have close look of nature and its beauty.

Valley of Flowers


A paradise on earth and home to over 300 species of wild flowers, the Valley of Flowers offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to naturalist and nature enthusiasts. The Valley of Flowers was introduced to the world by Frank S. Smythe, mountaineer, explorer, botanist, who camped here for several weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and did valuable exploratory work. He authored a book called The Valley of Flowers which unveiled the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to nature-enthusiasts all over the world. In 1939, Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies; she lies buried here.

Jaisalmer


Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent edifice of massive yellow sandstone ramparts and bastions bathed golden in the sunlight. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput King, after whom it is named – and till today exudes an age-old aura of valour and royalty. 
Apart from the spectacular golden fort or Sonar Qila, as it is known locally, Jaisalmer also boasts of some beautifully constructed medieval Havelis and a Jain temple

Saturday 13 October 2012

Vikramshila



Antichak in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar is an archaeological site containing the remains of the famous Buddhist monastery and university of Vikramshila, an important centre of learning in the 8th century. Founded by Pala ruler Dharampala, Vikramshila was a great centre of Vajrayana Buddhism. It was as a result of missions sent from this monastery that the Vajrayana form of Buddhism was established in Tibet in the 11th century AD. The monastery consisted of a very large complex of buildings including splendid temples and stupas. In the excavations carried out in 1960-61, a number of Buddha images of stone and terracotta have been discovered.

Badami


Known as Vatapi in ancient India, Badami was once the capital of the Chalukyas who rose to power in much of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the middle of the 6th century AD. Its claim to world fame lies in the magnificent rock-cut cave temples built by the Early Chalukyas who is great temple builders.

The Badami temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthankaras, displaying the secular nature of the Chalukyas of Vatapi or modern Badami. These temples are known for profusion of symbolic and mystical carvings of the highest orde

Mandu



One of the greatest treasures of Madhya Pradesh, the fortress town of Mandu is perched on the southwestern edge of the Malwa Plateau at an altitude of 2000 feet and commands panoramic views of the Nimar Plains below.

A major landmark of India, the place is home to an impressive array of architectural marvels. Called by the Malwa Sultans as the "City of Joy," the place is also famous for the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort Rani Roopmati

Friday 12 October 2012

Ranthambore


Situated in the in the Sawai Madhopur district of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is compact, yet full of game. Sprawling over an undulating terrain of Aravali and Vindhyan ranges, the park occupies an area of 393 sq. Km.. A system of three artificial lakes enhances beauty of the park. The density of the tiger population at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is quite high in India. Ranthambore national park is one of the most visited national parks in India. The area got the status of a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and was declared a National Park in 1981. Ranthambore national park was taken under the Project Tiger in the year 1974.

Mysore


Mysore was the political capital of the Wodeyar dynasty which ruled Karnataka for some 150 years till the independence of the country from the British. The kings, great patrons of art and culture, developed Mysore as an important centre of religion, education and culture. It was the Wodeyars who instituted the tradition of the grand celebration of Dasara festival, the 10-day festivities that celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2010. Today, Mysore is a city of palaces, gardens, shady avenues and sacred temples and retains some of the charm of the old world while stepping into modernity with enthusiasm.

Indian boys enjoying waterfall


Big peacock indian park


Thursday 11 October 2012

colorful chicks


Painting of rural indian woman - Oil painting


Tapatapani


Kodiakanal


Kodaikanal, a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is also referred to the princess of Hills and is located 2,133 m above sea level.
Kodaikanal is also well known for the Kurinji flower which blooms once in 12 years in December and covers the valley in a beautiful sea of blue. It last bloomed in 2006; the next bloom is expected in 2018.

Manali


Located at a height of 1,926 meters on the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali has been holding a magical allure for tourists with its incredible landscape abundant greenery and exquisite scenery. Travel to Manali evokes many images... fairy-tale snow-capped mountain vistas, flower-covered meadows, glaciers, winding rivers, temples and Buddhist monasteries.

Enjoying the snowfall on the mighty Rohtang Pass will be an unforgettable affair. The vast expanse of varied and awe inspiring landscapes offer some of the most exciting sporting pursuits. They range from skiing and snow-boarding to hiking, paragliding, rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking and white water-rafting. But the less active tourist need not despair-thanks to the natural hot springs there

The Latest Incredible India Commercial, Directors Cut

Buddha Statue in Bodhgaya


Bodhgaya, the most important site of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world, is situated in the state of Bihar. 
The place is a sacred site of the first order, and its central temple, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Mahabodhi Temple, is an obligatory stop on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. 
Adjacent to the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree itself under which Prince Siddhartha Gautama is said to have attained Enlightenment 2,500 years ago. As a result he became the Buddha - the Enlightened One. Bodh Gaya or Uruvela, as it was known during Buddha’s times, is also a major pilgrimage centre for Hindus as Buddha is considered to be the ninth incarnation of Vishnu.

Tirunelveli


Tirunelveli is believed to be an ancient city, over 2,000 years old; archaeological excavations close by unearthed an urn, with some rudimentary Tamil Brahmi script inscribed on it, which could date back to 500 BC. Next to Madurai, it was it was one of the most prominent cities of the Pandya kingdom as it served as their capital for sometime. 
Situated on the banks of the river Thamiraparani, it is a twin town -- Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai – locate on either banks of the rive

Darbhanga


Darbhanga was accorded the status of a district on January 1, 1875 after it was carved out of old Tirhut district. It became divisional head quarters on October 30, 1973. The Darbhanga division consists of Darbhanga,Madhubani and Samastipur districts. 

The city of Darbhanga comprises of twin towns of Darbhanga and laheriasarai.This district is famed for its historical association with the Mithila region of olden times and the principality of Darbhanga Raj of recent past

Bijapur


The foundations of this historic city were laid during the reign of the Chalukyan Dynasty. They called it 'Vijayapura' or the 'City of Victory' from where comes its present name Bijapur.

This one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686) is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz, the world’s second largest dome, dominating the landscape for miles around. 

Bijapur experienced a great burst of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi rulers. It is also famous for the hand-made sarees of llkal. Bijapur is also the best base from which to see other exceptional heritage sites such as Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli


Endowed with nature's munificence, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is wedged between the highly industrialised cities of Mumbai, Surat and Vapi. From 1779 to 1954, the land was administered by the Portuguese colonialists and later, after its liberation, by a local administration until 1961 when it was merged with the Indian Union.
The capital, Silvassa, is a laidback, sleepy town with tall trees lining the roads, lush green forests and quaint sylvan surroundings. With an area of 487 sq km, the union territory captivates tourists with its promise of a gorgeous kaleidoscope of flora and fauna and matchless colonial charm.

Durga-Puja-Navratri


Ramoji-film-city-leg-garden



Paintings of rural indian women - Oil painting


Wednesday 10 October 2012

Alibag


Alibag is a small seaside town on the Konkan coast, serves as the headquarters of the Raigad district, and is used as convenient base for visiting Kihim and Nagaon beaches and also the Kolaba Fort, a marine fort which is approachable only during low tide. 
You can enjoy leisurely walks, exploring the different attractions of the place. Magen Aboth Synagogue is one of the highlights of Alibag. About 52 km away from Alibag lies the serene fishing town of Murud, famous for the commanding island fortress of Janjira and a lovely beach.

Diu


DIUa beautiful tiny island with a coastal length of 21 Kms, lying on the west coast of India, the island offers a wonderful holiday destination. Separated from the mainland by a tidal creek, Diu derives its name from the Sanskrit word 'Dweep'. Diu was one of the best sea ports and a naval base between the 14th and 16th Century, under the Portuguese rule.

Pondicherry


A French colony up to 1954, Puducherry (earlier known as Pondicherry) is a small conclave in India that retains a distinctly French ambience and culture. 
This small, quiet Union Territory is well known for its fine cuisine and good hotels. 
The Ashram founded by Sri Aurobindo, the well-known philosopher, attracts thousands of people from all over the country and abroad who come here to learn yoga and to meditate. Puducherry is definitely a place to unwind for a great weekend getaway from Chennai or Bengaluru.

house boat


Chilika Lake


Emphatically not to be missed while you're in the state of Odisha is a visit to the Chilika Lake, spreading over an area of 1,100 sq km. 
Set amidst a dramatic landscape, this largest brackish water lake in Asia is a jewel in Odisha’s crown. 
The lake is a haven for migratory birds. In the in the centre of the lake is an important temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kalijai. With its placid waters shimmering in the sunlight, its exciting variety of avian life, Chilika Lake represents nature at her most untamed. Watching the pods of dolphins is a feast for your eyes. Barkul and Rambha are two places on the lake which serve as the base.

Sariska National Park


One of the most famous tiger reserves in India, Sariska National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in India and an entrancing preserve for tigers. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar, this national park in Alwar district has allured several wildlife photographers and enthusiasts in large number. 

Within the confines of the park one can find sites of historical importance including the famed Kankwadi fort. Pandupol in the hills in the middle of the Sariska National Park was the place where the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata fame spent their days when in exile.

Konkan Coast


Extending from Bordi in the north to Redi Jetty and Shiroda in the south, the Konkan region in Maharashtra is a shoreline of astounding natural beauty. 
A coastal strip of land bounded by Sahyadri hills on the east and Arabian Sea on the west, it is rich in mineral resources, and offers long stretches of clean, sandy beaches and bustling seaside towns such as Ratnagiri and Ganapatipule. If you are historically inclined and willing to explore the might of the Maratha power under Shivaji, then Sindhudurg lying on the shore of Malvan town should be your port of call. 
For those who are more inclined towards adventure, Sindhudurg offers some exciting underwater snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.Ratnagiri is the best place to base yourself while exploring the Konkan coast.This charming port town is famous for Alfonso mangoes, coconuts, jackfruits and a long stretch of black sandy beach with a backdrop of a 15th century fort

PULICAT LAKE

 Pulicat Lake  is the second largest brackish – water lakeor lagoon in India. It straddles the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states on the Coromandal Coast in South India. The lake encompasses the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal. The island is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre

Surajkund


Bidar



Bidar is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. It is the headquarters of the Bidar District.which shares its border with the Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.It is north-est district of Karnataka state. It is also called as crown of karnataka.
Bidar city is known for its Bidri handicraft products. Manjira River is one of the main rivers supplying drinking water to Bidar .
Recently Bidar was ranked 22nd among the [1] cleanest cities in India, and 5th cleanest in Karnataka.

sambalpuri-dance


HARIDWAR




Haridwar (also spelled Hardwar,) is an important pilgrimage city and municipality in the Haridwar districtof Uttarakhand, India. The River Ganges, after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára.
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik andAllahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.

India Gate



The India Gate is the national monument of India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
The monument is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which in turn is inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It was built in 1931. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, it is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of theBritish Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is composed of red and pale sandstone and granite.
Originally, a statue of George V, Emperor of India stood under the now vacant canopy in front of the India Gate, but it was removed toCoronation Park together with a number of other British Raj-era statues. Following India's independence, the India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as Amar Jawan Jyoti ("the flame of the immortal soldier

TEA PLANTATION IN INDIA


Khajjiar – The Mini Switzerland of India


Khajjiar, often called as India’s Switzerland, is a hill station in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is picturesquely set in the midst of magnificent ‘Deodar’ forests. The clump of reeds and the green meadow add an exquisite charm to this place. A small plateau in its green turf of dense pine and Deodar forests along its fringes adds to the pastoral scenery. This place has the rarest combination of three eco systems. The lakes, the pastures and the forests come together to make a visit to this place a unique experience. Hence, it is also popularly called theMini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh. 

MIRIK LAKE



Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. The name Mirik comes from the Lepchawords Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire".
Mirik has become a popular tourist destination for its climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is the Sumendu lake, surrounded by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other and linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of Kangchenjunga on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint shikaras and pony riding are available.


Nainital


Nainital is located at 29.38°N 79.45°E. The slopes of the nearby mountains are most populated, with an elevation ranging from 1940 mts to 2100 meters. The highest point nearby is Naina Peak or China Peak, with an elevation of 2619 mts.
Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C (81 °F); minimum temperature7 °C (45 °F), during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C(59 °F) and a minimum of −3 °C (27 °F).


Velankani-Church


dhol cholom dance manipur


The drum, by itself, enjoys a privilege in the dances of Manipur. There are several kinds of drums, each intended for a particular occasion. The festival of Holi, in spring, is the real time for drum dances, such as Dhol Cholom. Lai haraoba dance is also a major folk dance of manipur.

mizoram


Mizoram is considered by many as a beautiful place due to its dramatic landscape and pleasant climate. There have been many attempts to increase revenue through tourism but many potential tourists find the lack of amenities to be a hurdle. However, the State continues to promote itself and many projects have been initiated. The tourism ministry continues to maintain or upgrade its tourist lodges throughout the state. Foreign tourists are required to obtain an 'inner line permit' under the special permit before visiting. The permit can be obtained from Indian missions abroad for a limited number of days or direct from Mizoram Government authorities within India. The state is rich in bird diversity, which has the potentiality to make it a major birding destination. For Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae, Mizoram is a stronghold. There is also a rare record of the Wild Water Buffalo from the state. There are several past records of the Sumatran rhinoceros from Mizoram, then Lushai Hills. The small population of wild elephants can be seen in Ngengpui and Dampa Sanctuaries.

Hogenakkal Falls

Hogenakkal Falls or Hogenakal Falls is a waterfall in South India on the river Kaveri. It is located in the Dharmapuri district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, about 180 km (110 mi) from Bangalore and 46 km (29 mi) from Dharmapuri town. It is sometimes referred to as the "Niagara of India". With its fame for medicinal baths and hide boat rides, it is a major site of tourist attraction. Carbonatite rocks in this site are considered to be the oldest of its kind in South Asia and one of the oldest in the world. This is also the site of a proposed project to generate drinking water.


KANYAKUMARI


Saturday 6 October 2012

Nakki lake in Mount Abu after sunset

Mount Abu  is a popular hill station in the Aravalli Range in Sirohi district of Rajasthan state in western India near the border with Gujarat. The mountain forms a distinct rocky plateau 22 km long by 9 km wide. The highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 m (5,650 ft) above sea level. It is referred to as 'an oasis in the desert' as its heights are home to rivers, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests.

The Mahabodhi Temple



 The Mahabodhi Temple  (Literally: "Great Awakening Temple") is a Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, the location where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment. Bodh Gaya (located in Gaya district) is located about 96 km (60 mi) from PatnaBiharstate, India. Next to the temple, to its western side, is the holy Bodhi tree. In the Pali Canon, the site is called Bodhimanda,[1] and the monastery there the Bodhimanda Vihara. The tallest tower is 55 metres (180 ft) tall. The construction uses the styles of Dravidian Architecture, as opposed toNagara Temple styles.