Monday 30 June 2014

Tour to Coorg

INTRODUCTION

Birthplace of the River Cauvery and home of some of India's bravest soldiers, Kodagu is noted for its scenic beauty. Hiking, cross-country, or simply motoring down mountain trails in Coorg, the visitor encounters panoramic views of the morning mist rolling down thickly wooded hill slopes and the undulating paddy fields and neat rows of coffee bushes resplendent under the blue skies.

Now a flourishing agricultural center, Kodagu produces cash crops of coffee, rice, orange, pepper and cardamoms.

HISTORY OF COORG
Tour to Coorg Little is known about the early history of this fertile land. From AD 1600 onwards, the Lingayat rajas ruled over Coorg and established their capital at Madikeri where they built a mud fort. The Kodavas, as the people of Coorg are called, harried the Mysore ruler Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan through sporadic rebellions. Finally, in AD 1785, Tipu marched into Coorg with a large army and devastated their little kingdom. Four years later, with the help of the British, Coorg regained its independence and Raja Veerarajendra set about the task of reconstruction. In AD 1834, the British took over power in Coorg. They impeached the last ruler Chikkaveera Rajendra and sent him into exile.

With its misty mountains and dense forests, Coorg seemed like a little corner of England to the British. They left behind a legacy, which is still an important source of national wealth. The well laid coffee plantations in Coorg account for almost half of Karnataka's coffee production. And Karnataka continues to be India's largest producer of coffee. Other reminders of the colonial past are the spacious estate bungalows, many of which still have British names and the meandering roads that wind through the district.

In March and April it's coffee blossom time in Coorg. Stretches of these now-white flowers waft a heady fragrance and their massed magnificence is an unforgettable sight. When the blossoms turn into berries, the bushes are cropped. The cherry-red fruit is then pulped, the separate coffee seeds dried and sent to the curing works.

Coffee bushes are sheltered from the sun's direct rays by tall sentinel-like trees over which the dark green pepper vines trail. Pepper and cardamoms from Coorg were much sought after by Arab traders who landed in the Kerala coast long before the advent of Islam in India.

THE KODAVAS
One explanation of the origin of the Kodavas traces their ancestry to the Arabs. This is because the traditional costume worn by the men of Coorg, the long black coat or kuppia, bears a striking resemblance to the kuffia worn by Arabs. Another story credits the Greek mercenaries, who come to India with Alexander the Great, with having founded the race.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS OF COORG

Tour to Coorg Coorg is a region of scattered villages and hamlets, with a few townships standing out. Postcard pretty with their red tiled cottages and purple flowering shrubs, the Kodagu towns have an old-world charm about them. Madikeri, the district headquarters at an elevation of over 5,000 feet above sea level, provides access to some excellent picnic spots including the picturesque Abbey Falls. Visitors can trek to the top of Tadeyendamol, the highest peak in the region and view the Arabian Sea in the distance. Alternatively, one may simply follow the mountain trails dotted with little shrines-some beside waterfalls and others on the banks of rivers. Besides, the Nagarhole National Park provides excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing.

Kodagu has a few temples that are worth visiting. The Bagamandala Temple at the confluence of the Cauvery-Sujyothi Rivers is built in the multi-roofed Kerala style. The Omkareshwara Temple, dedicated to Shiva, is almost 200 years old and is a surprising blend of Islamic and Gothic styles.

Famed for their hunting skills, the Kodavas have now turned ardent conservationists, assuming guardianship of their homeland's natural wealth. Today, if you hear shots ringing out in Kodagu, rest assured that some Kodavas are only testing their marksmanship on the coconuts up in the trees. Recently, the camera is replacing the gun as more and more people succumb to the lure of this beautiful, unsullied Eden and its fun loving, hospitable people.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS OF COORG

Whatever their true origins, the Kodavas have a distinct ethnic identity, which they have preserved zealously over the centuries. The great cementing factor has been their concept of clan or okka. Each clan had its ancestral home or ain-mane-a huge four-winged structure with imposing doors. Many of these ancestral homes are still in existence though families and land holdings have fragmented.

Tour to Coorg It is the Kodavas' strong sense of clan that draws scattered families together at festival and weddings. Kodavas practice the cross-cousin marriage system and their wedding are celebrated with pomp and feasting, usually during the marriage season from March to June. The bridegroom wears a white kuppia and a red and gold head-cloth draped over his white turban. All the men-folk wear red and gold sashes with ornamented daggers or swords tucked into the folds of the sash, over the traditional black kuppia. There are no priests and the marriage is solemnized before the traditional lamp, in the presence of elders who shower the couple with rice confetti.

The festival season starts with Keil Poldu day in September, when the martial race that produced two great Indian soldiers-Cariyappa and Thimmaiah-worship their weapons. On Cauvery Sankramana day in October, thousands gather at Tala-Cauvery temple on Brahmagiri Hill to witness the rise of the fountainhead of the River Cauvery. At a precise moment predicted by astrologers, water gushes out of the little well fruit around the spring. On a full-moon night in November or December the exuberant Kodavas gather to celebrate the Huttari festival or the harvesting of the paddy crop. The head of the family cuts the first sheaf of paddy to the accompaniment of much music and dancing. The mistress of the house lays it reverently before the lamp that burns constantly in their home.





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Saturday 28 June 2014

DHARAMSHALA Place To Visit

The High snow clad Dhauladhar ranges form a magnificent backdrop to the hill resort of Dharamsala. This is the principal township of Kangra district and overlooks wide spread of the plains. With dense pine and deodar forests, numerous streams, cool healthy air, attractive surroundings and the nearby snowline, Dharamsala has everything for a perfect holiday. It is full of life and yet peaceful.

The headquarters of His Holiness the Dalai Lama are at upper Dharamsala. Covering a wide area in the form of twin settlement, lower Dharamsala (1380m) is a busy commercial centre.While upper Dharamsala (1830m) with the suburbs of Mcleodganj and Forsytheganj, retains a British flavor and colonial lifestyle. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century. There is also a large Tibetan community who have made this place their home. Numerous ancient temples like Jwalamukhi, Brijeshwari and Chamunda lie on the plains below Dharamsala.

ACCESS : Dharamsala can be approached by air from Delhi. The nearest airport is at Gaggal, 13 km away. Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge railway station is 85 km away and the toy train station is 17 km at Kangra. Taxis and Buses for Dharamsala are available at both places. From Pathankot the drive takes about three hours or you can drive from Delhi (526 km) via Chandigarh, Kiratpur and Bilaspur and takes 12 hours. From Delhi and Shimla luxury buses ply to Dharamsala. HPTDC operates a regular Luxury coach from Delhi to Dharamsala.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woolens are required. During summer, the climate is mild and light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The variety Dharamsala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own special offering.

KANGRA ART MUSEUM, KOTWALI BAZAR :

This treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamianas and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display Coins, jewelry and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers.

WAR MEMORIAL : 
At there start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

KUNAL PATHRI :
A 3 km level walk from the Kotwali Bazaar leads up to this rock temple.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH :
8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming church of St. John in the Wilderness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy sloped.

MCLEODGANJ :
Often called the Little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. Tibetian handicrafts and garments are available on sale every Sunday. The Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and organises a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

DAL LAKE : 
11 km from Dharamsala and surrounded by deodar trees this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

BHAGSUNATH :
Close to fresh springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.

CHINMAYA TAPOVAN :
10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9 meter high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.

NURPUR :
66km from Dharamsala and 26 km from Pathankot, Nurpur is famous for old fort and a temple of Brijraj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS : 
The temple of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi are other pilgrim centers close to Dharamsala. The fort of Kangra and Ma11ngarh are other attractions.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS :
Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing.

FISHING :
The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and Pong Dam offers ample opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.

SHOPPING : 
For local handicrafts visit Kotwali Bazar, Tibetan handicrafts and carpets are available at Mcleodganj.




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Thursday 26 June 2014

Jamaica Honeymoon Destination

Geographically speaking, Jamaica is an island of intense color and contrast offering miles of tropical beaches and bone-dry plains set amidst the misty Blue Mountains. Socially speaking the island is full of some of the most down to earth and fun people you will ever meet. Honeymooners may enjoy an entire vacation without ever leaving the sanctity & peace of their all-inclusive resort grounds, making this oasis feel like your very own. Jamaica was the first destination, courtesy of Sandals Resorts, to cater to Honeymooners with the All Inclusive concept and it was a forerunner in the creation and popularity of destination weddings.

              We know that many newlyweds that have stayed at the Half Moon Resort, which is nestled among 400 acres of tropical landscape on Jamaica’s northern coast, have fallen in love with this country and its amazing landscape. This colonial-style resort has been welcoming distinguished guests for over 50 years and is ranked among the most popular and complete resorts in the Caribbean. With numerous suites and villas, a par 72 Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, multiple outdoor activities, a full service spa, 51 amazing swimming pools, a natural Dolphin Lagoon and much more, this world class resort is all you would need once you arrive on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Although most resorts offer their guests everything they need, for those who want to experience a great new place and cultures, there is an experience unlike any other in the world waiting outside the resort. The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut, offering plenty to do for nature lovers and enthusiasts.
The beaches on the north coast have been ranked as some of the best in the islands, and if remarkable diving and snorkeling is what you are looking for, then this is your spot. Aside from the amazing opportunities to soak in the sun on traditional beaches with soft sand, you will also invariably drawn to the island beaches that are known as Jamaica’s prime bathing spots. Located in the tropical rock pools, many are at the bases of waterfalls found along the inland rivers and streams. Once honeymooners find these locations they can relax in the cool, clear water while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle. The locals share a spirituality that stands out and are known for their unique culture and their intoxicating music, colorful dress and tantalizing cuisine. The streets of the cities are fast passed offering a range of things to see, smells and sounds that you will be sure to enjoy. We want visitors to enjoy the sights but always remain aware of their surroundings, but this is something to remember not just in Jamaica, but also in any foreign city in the world.

What’s Hot:
Many have said to not miss dinner via houseboat while floating through a most romantic atmosphere. Jamaica offers endless activities from golfing, diving, sports and swimming.

Must See:
Don’t miss stopping by the colorful local markets! Be sure to watch to see the local fisherman coming ashore with the catch of the day!

Must Do:
Be sure to visit Dunns River Falls or enjoy an afternoon via horseback as you ride down the beach enjoying both the mountains and gorgeous waters.





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Geographically speaking, Jamaica is an island of intense color and contrast offering miles of tropical beaches and bone-dry plains set amidst the misty Blue Mountains. Socially speaking the island is full of some of the most down to earth and fun people you will ever meet. Honeymooners may enjoy an entire vacation without ever leaving the sanctity & peace of their all-inclusive resort grounds, making this oasis feel like your very own. Jamaica was the first destination, courtesy of Sandals Resorts, to cater to Honeymooners with the All Inclusive concept and it was a forerunner in the creation and popularity of destination weddings.
We know that many newlyweds that have stayed at the Half Moon Resort, which is nestled among 400 acres of tropical landscape on Jamaica’s northern coast, have fallen in love with this country and its amazing landscape. This colonial-style resort has been welcoming distinguished guests for over 50 years and is ranked among the most popular and complete resorts in the Caribbean. With numerous suites and villas, a par 72 Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, multiple outdoor activities, a full service spa, 51 amazing swimming pools, a natural Dolphin Lagoon and much more, this world class resort is all you would need once you arrive on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Although most resorts offer their guests everything they need, for those who want to experience a great new place and cultures, there is an experience unlike any other in the world waiting outside the resort. The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut, offering plenty to do for nature lovers and enthusiasts. The beaches on the north coast have been ranked as some of the best in the islands, and if remarkable diving and snorkeling is what you are looking for, then this is your spot. Aside from the amazing opportunities to soak in the sun on traditional beaches with soft sand, you will also invariably drawn to the island beaches that are known as Jamaica’s prime bathing spots. Located in the tropical rock pools, many are at the bases of waterfalls found along the inland rivers and streams. Once honeymooners find these locations they can relax in the cool, clear water while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle. The locals share a spirituality that stands out and are known for their unique culture and their intoxicating music, colorful dress and tantalizing cuisine. The streets of the cities are fast passed offering a range of things to see, smells and sounds that you will be sure to enjoy. We want visitors to enjoy the sights but always remain aware of their surroundings, but this is something to remember not just in Jamaica, but also in any foreign city in the world.
What’s Hot:
Many have said to not miss dinner via houseboat while floating through a most romantic atmosphere. Jamaica offers endless activities from golfing, diving, sports and swimming.
Must See:
Don’t miss stopping by the colorful local markets! Be sure to watch to see the local fisherman coming ashore with the catch of the day!
Must Do:
Be sure to visit Dunns River Falls or enjoy an afternoon via horseback as you ride down the beach enjoying both the mountains and gorgeous waters.
Must Know:
Passports are required, so be sure to have yours up to date.
- See more at: http://honeymoons.com/top-10/spots/top-10-most-popular-destinations/#sthash.E3fkSHVq.dpuf
Geographically speaking, Jamaica is an island of intense color and contrast offering miles of tropical beaches and bone-dry plains set amidst the misty Blue Mountains. Socially speaking the island is full of some of the most down to earth and fun people you will ever meet. Honeymooners may enjoy an entire vacation without ever leaving the sanctity & peace of their all-inclusive resort grounds, making this oasis feel like your very own. Jamaica was the first destination, courtesy of Sandals Resorts, to cater to Honeymooners with the All Inclusive concept and it was a forerunner in the creation and popularity of destination weddings.
We know that many newlyweds that have stayed at the Half Moon Resort, which is nestled among 400 acres of tropical landscape on Jamaica’s northern coast, have fallen in love with this country and its amazing landscape. This colonial-style resort has been welcoming distinguished guests for over 50 years and is ranked among the most popular and complete resorts in the Caribbean. With numerous suites and villas, a par 72 Robert Trent Jones Golf Course, multiple outdoor activities, a full service spa, 51 amazing swimming pools, a natural Dolphin Lagoon and much more, this world class resort is all you would need once you arrive on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Although most resorts offer their guests everything they need, for those who want to experience a great new place and cultures, there is an experience unlike any other in the world waiting outside the resort. The island of Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and is just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut, offering plenty to do for nature lovers and enthusiasts. The beaches on the north coast have been ranked as some of the best in the islands, and if remarkable diving and snorkeling is what you are looking for, then this is your spot. Aside from the amazing opportunities to soak in the sun on traditional beaches with soft sand, you will also invariably drawn to the island beaches that are known as Jamaica’s prime bathing spots. Located in the tropical rock pools, many are at the bases of waterfalls found along the inland rivers and streams. Once honeymooners find these locations they can relax in the cool, clear water while enjoying the scenery and listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle. The locals share a spirituality that stands out and are known for their unique culture and their intoxicating music, colorful dress and tantalizing cuisine. The streets of the cities are fast passed offering a range of things to see, smells and sounds that you will be sure to enjoy. We want visitors to enjoy the sights but always remain aware of their surroundings, but this is something to remember not just in Jamaica, but also in any foreign city in the world.
What’s Hot:
Many have said to not miss dinner via houseboat while floating through a most romantic atmosphere. Jamaica offers endless activities from golfing, diving, sports and swimming.
Must See:
Don’t miss stopping by the colorful local markets! Be sure to watch to see the local fisherman coming ashore with the catch of the day!
Must Do:
Be sure to visit Dunns River Falls or enjoy an afternoon via horseback as you ride down the beach enjoying both the mountains and gorgeous waters.
Must Know:
Passports are required, so be sure to have yours up to date.
- See more at: http://honeymoons.com/top-10/spots/top-10-most-popular-destinations/#sthash.E3fkSHVq.dpuf

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Khajuraho Temples

These sandstone temples, which date back to the 10th and 11th century, are the only ones remaining out of 85 temples constructed during this time.
There are 3 groups of temples -- Western, Eastern, and Southern. The main temples are in the Western group, which features the magnificent Kandariya Mahadeo Temple. The Eastern Group contains a number of exquisitely sculptured Jain temples. There are only two temples in the Southern group.


 



Location:


Khajuraho is in northern Madhya Pradesh, approximately 620 kilometers (385 miles) south east of Delhi.

There's also a daily Khajuraho-Jhansi Link train service, which covers the distance between Khajuraho and Jhansi in around five hours. Train 51821 leaves Jhansi daily at 7.10 a.m. and arrives in Khajuraho at midday. It's a local passenger train and can't be reserved in advance.
The road from Jhansi to Khajuraho has improved. The drive now takes around four hours and costs 2,500 rupees for a taxi. The bus can be particularly arduous, so hiring a taxi is a better option.

Temple Opening Times:

The temples are open from sunrise until just before sunset.

Temple Entry Fees and Charges:

Foreigners are charged 250 rupees to enter the western group of temples. The other temples are free. Children younger than 15 years are also free.

Sound and Light Show:

There's a sound and light show, narrated by the Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, every evening at the western group of temples. Tickets cost 120 rupees for Indians and 400 rupees for foreigners.

Getting Around:

While the western group of temples (the main group) is situated near many hotels, the Eastern group is a few kilometers away in another village.  Hiring a bicycle is a popular way of traveling between the two and there are stalls near the main temple complex.

Festivals:

A week long classical dance festival is held in Khajuraho at the Chitragupta Temple complex each year, in late February/early March. The festival attracts performers and dance groups from all over India. It offers a captivating way of seeing the various classical styles of Indian dance, including Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. A large arts and crafts fair is also held during the festival.

Although Khajuraho is a little out of the way, don’t decide to give it a miss on this basis. No where else will you find such unique temples with meticulously detailed carvings. The temples are best known for their erotic sculptures. However, more than that, they show a celebration of love, life and worship. They also provide an uninhibited peek into ancient Hindu faith and Tantric practices. If you need another reason to visit, only half an hour away is the added attraction of the dense, wildlife filled jungle of Panna National Park. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to March.


Other Khajuraho Attractions:

Without a doubt, the temples capture everyone's attention. However, if you're looking for other things to see and do, there's an Archeological Museum (entry is free with a valid ticket to the western group of temples) and Adivart Tribal and Folk Art Museum (entry charge is 50 rupees for foreigners). Also worth seeing in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh (around an hour from Khajuraho) are ruins of 9th century Ajaigarh Fort. Not many people know about this Fort, and it's relatively deserted. Do note that you'll need to do quite a bit of climbing and it's worth taking a local guide.





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