Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Wedding Honeymoon Tips

Deciding on a location:
Decide on the date. If your wedding is going to be a religious one it makes it simpler there is always your church where it can happen. It is not that religious ceremony cannot be held in other places, but it is also an option. You can arrange your wedding in a country club, yacht, your home, your favorite hotel or even a beach. The important factor that is going to decide the size of your location is the number of guests you're expecting. Now after deciding this narrow down venues by checking out about them online and choosing the one that comes within your budget. After you've selected the place make a visit in advance to make the necessary modifications in the place after thoroughly inquiring about the fee and cancellation process you can sign the contract.

Ceremony readings:
These are piece of poetry that has to be read out aloud during your wedding. The classifications of this are secular and religious. It can be read by close relatives or friends who are not a part of the wedding party like the groomsmen or bridesmaid.

Love has been poetry's theme from time immortal. You can choose from a wide variety of poems of your favorite poet. A passage taken from great love stories is also an option. If you have a friend who is a pro in poetic skills its even better it could also be a way of honoring their talent.

The choice of readers is another important factor to be taken into consideration. Their voice should be soft at the same time audible. Choose a person who doesn't know what stage fear is. The reader should practice reading well.

Must have Accessories for the ceremony:
The lit varies according to the style in which your ceremony is going to be held but in general this is the list and you can make the necessary modifications accordingly.

For a general ceremony you need a guest book, unity candles and sources of lighting, programs, pen set, aisle runner, aisle bows, flower girl basket, ring pillow, gateway and toss.

Additional items for Catholic:
Bouquet for rosary of Virgin Mary and Lasso.

For bridal make up:
It is necessary for the bride to remain fresh and beautiful throughout the day after all she is the center of attraction and she got to maintain that image well start experimenting various make ups months before your wedding and Luxury Honeymoon. Start drinking plenty of water and avoid going out in sun sans sunscreen. Use home made face packs like cucumber, green gram face packs or fruit and vegetable packs which will improve the quality of your skin.

Honeymoon Wedding Destinations in India

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Tourism of India in Taj Mahal

Tourism of India is doing a wonderful job of taking care of the tourist attractions along with the security of the tourists who come to see the greatly adored monuments like the Taj Mahal. In India, the tourism has widely spread its department in various forms and offices so that special care with respect to all the factors related to the tourism can be taken care of.

You will find all the possible information on this page related to tourism of Indian, Agra and the Taj Mahal. Most of the important telephone numbers and address worldwide are mentioned here on one page so that you can print it before you go for a travel or a tour to India to visit your favorite attractions.

National Tourism of India: According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, world tourism accounts for $856 Billion in International Tourism Receipts and there were 5.08 million foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2007. Annual Growth Rate was calculated at 14.3%. Foreign Exchange earnings from tourism were estimated to be $10.73 Billion. Though there are lots of tourism sites and places in India, it is highly likely that a great majority of the foreign tourists have visited the Taj Mahal.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism: The department of Tourism of Uttar Pradesh has a Tourism Development Policy where tourism is declared as an industry to encourage investments and develop luxury tourist destinations and tourist attractions. In order to attain the policy’s objective, tourist circuits are developed to enhance tourism in the state.

India Tourism Offices in India: India has tourism offices spread all over the country due to the rich heritage of the tourist attractions all over the country.

Tourism in Agra, Uttar Pradesh: The tourism of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India is handling all the important functionalities required in the tourism of the Taj Mahal and other monuments of Agra. It is taking responsibilty of all the tourist security with the tourist information centres working actively at various places in Agra.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Overview of London

This article is a quick overview of London. This is also a look at the population, a small part of modern history, and how this has affected the views of its citizens. Finally, it is a quick overview of some vacation packages attractions and activities available to residents and visitors to London. All that will be covered in more detail in this series of articles.
Any talk of five or so largest cities in the world automatically includes London. Whether it's the leading financial centers, cultural, educational, political, or entertainment centers, never mind. London will be referred to as a leader in these and many other categories.
The population of London is quite diverse and about 300 different languages spoken by its inhabitants. These people number about 7.5 million euros in the city and suburbs, a total of 12 to 14 million combined in the metropolitan area. It ranks metro areas in London 18th on the list of world's largest metropolitan areas.
London is the largest metropolitan area in the world population from 1825 to 1925, but was overtaken by many cities around the world and probably just as well. Different populations is a lesson in tolerance, with 30 percent of the population were born outside the UK Perhaps it is not as tolerant as apathy. Londoners are not known for their warmth toward foreigners, but London is a place of business and that it is necessary to understand to do business.
Certainly no one can blame for Londoners feel less distain immigrants to its population, but they really do not. London has long been a target of the terrorist attacks of one kind or another. Without going too far back in history you can try to imagine what would it be like to raise their children alone during the early 20th century, when World War I zeppelin overhead dropping firebombs over the city. This was one of the first airborne attacks ever, and it took a while before defenses are designed to combat bombing.
World War II was even worse when the German Blitz population is in constant fear of bombardment of the city day and night. In both situations, the majority of the population, head of rural or at least send their children there. Several decades later, car bombs were detonated and pubs have been targeted. Other attacks take place in the city, with provisional IRA and other groups sympathetic to their cause over the past four decades.
It may be that of dealing with harsh reality gets easier with time. London has experienced plague, civil war devastating fire, with bombings and attacks over the past two thousand years and probably will be back stronger than any event.
Throughout London remains one of the other cities in the world.London also remains vibrant city and is a leader in each category of any significance that makes a major global city.London thirty-two boroughs and the city of Westminster, included within its boundaries poorly organized. Over time, boroughs are grouped into regions, towns and other authorities in many different and sometimes confusing ways. Let's talk about Central London, Inner London, Greater London, London Metropolitan London, London City, or outer London is very confusing for anyone who has not spent much time there.As a card in hand may be a requirement for not only tourists but residents as well.
London is a real small town in Greater London. It is at the heart of London and not much larger than one square mile. This part of the city's main financial center and second largest in Europe, central business district.Besides being a powerful financial community in London is a major transportation hub. London has five international airports and major port. Heathrow International Airport only carries more passengers than other airports in the world.
Also a major tourist destination, offers entertainment with London Theater, music, dance and films. Shopping is great to attract people visiting London with many famous places for shopping. From small stores to huge markets many people are attracted to London by commercial opportunities.
Clubs and live music sites bring in another crowd, albeit a slightly different crowd, but once again London is all about diversity. Sports, attractions, cultural sites and historical sites, tourists also bring the car load. Buses are the main method for getting around London, but a ride on London Eye British Airway Flights gives you a good look at the city from the River Thames and on a clear day you can take in 55 of the most famous landmarks in London in a ride for half an hour the eye. This can be combined with river cruise, which departs from London Eye Pier to get a more detailed look at the sights. This is a good idea to do this at the beginning of travel destinations because they see little eyes can help you decide which ones you want to see in person and give you an idea of their location from where you are staying.
London has some great museums, and you can get access to many of them without breaking your budget. The National Art Gallery displays many classic paintings, while Portrait National Gallery displays portraits of many of the most famous people in history. Portrait of the National Gallery also has a roof restaurant with a splendid view. At Tate Britain and Tate Modern photos are excellent, and the Royal Academy of Arts is putting on a great show of summer 1768.The Tower of London where the Crown Jewels are kept, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Royal Albert Hall to see the other tour attractions that will help you gain understanding and assessment of History in London.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Mannavanur valley

They say God is impartial, but there are some places on this tiny planet of ours that defy the claim. One such place is located right next to God's Own Country Kerala, not Africa.Just an hour away from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, lies the fresh-like-a-breeze Mannavanur valley. If, instead of taking a car, you choose to get aboard the state transport bus, do so on an empty stomach. You'll save a tonne of money but super human powers of balance and courage will be needed to withstand the ride.

The ancient bus will hurtle through winding hilly roads and hairpin turns at the speed of sound. For the duration of the ride, which is about an hour and a half, the bus driver will nonchalantly chat up passengers and conductor alike, oblivious that the bus is almost a breath away from certain disaster. But then, as Calvin's dad would say, "It builds character."

Expanding views
As you leave Kodai town behind, wilderness and terrace farms alternate, expanding into the valley below. But all the views and valleys and busted valves (yes, the bus breaks down from time to time) cannot prepare you for the Mannavanur valley.

The very first glimpse will ensure instant silence. The second will cause disbelief. By the third glimpse you'll try to take it all in. The rolling grassy hills with clumps of chola forests that take over at regular intervals, a lake located in just the right spot and the Perijam forest spread out like a blanket, its edges skirting the valley. Ferns of silver, bronze, green and brown invade the hills and offset the many shades of green.

A marshy stream escapes from the lake and snakes its way between the hills, its water plants straining against the wind. The road generously curves all around the valley offering you a panoramic view before it leads you to the Mannavanur village.

Rustic setting
With over a thousand households clustered around the road and spread over the hills beyond, the village offers little more than a few condiment shops and three or four tiny hotels or chai kadais (tea shops), where you can get meals and meat, dosas and steaming hot cups of tea and coffee.

There are a few places to stay in, if you are ready to rough it out.Otherwise, a kilometre long walk back on the bus route (or you could request the driver to stop on the way if you're alert) will take you to Bird's Eye, the best accommodation for miles.


A different perspective
It's pretty rustic as well, with bare stone cottages on a hill side with mattresses and coarse blankets on stone beds. But there are three things that redeem it. First, true to its name, a 200-degree view of the valley greets you every time you step out of your cottage. Second, there's no back-breaking climb to get there. You cross the road, step off, and you're in the valley, bounding over hills, racing towards the occasional trees carpeted with fluorescent fungi. There are several rough paths made mainly by zealously grazing cattle and, other than the marsh, there are no dangers you'll encounter on your way. Third, the loos are fabulous. Richard the caretaker, doubles up as cook and the man will bring you warm water whenever you want. If you take your own supplies, the kitchen can also be used for an extra fee.

The magical nook
There are plenty of hidden surprises to uncover your tour, so if you have your own vehicle, explore the hills and valleys on your wheels. If you choose to to travel by walk, then do visit the magical enclave I stumbled upon.

A couple of kilometres beyond the village lies a path into a magical forest with plants and nooks the likes of which are rarely seen. And it all starts with a stream. Follow the stream and discover

a wonderland that goes on and on, every turn revealing new curiosities and colours. Numerous visits aren't enough to explore this pretty patch. Other than leeches in the rainy season, there's nothing here that can bother you. With so much to explore, tremendous positive energy, an explosion of life and many scenes to drink in, Mannavanur is a place that promises to draw you back time and again.

Getting there
From Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, there are daily buses to Kodaikanal and trains to Kodi Road Junction located at the base of the hill, three hours from the town. The Nagarcoil Express leaves from CST on all days except Monday and Tuesday.

Getting around
There's a bus that leaves every couple of hours from the Kodaikanal bus stand. The ticket costs Rs 30-40. Taxis are also available and are a more comfortable option. They cost anywhere between Rs 800-1,400 depending on the driver, your bargaining skills and the time of the year.

Important information
The best time for vacations is between March to August, before the rains begin. There's a tiring 23km trek or jeep ride to Perijam lake but I wouldn't even speak of it in comparison to this forest close by. Permissions are needed from the Government of Tamil Nadu Tourist Office, Annasalai, Kodaikanal, Ph: 04542- 241675.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Manali land of your dreams

Welcome into the land of your dreams.... into the land of lush greens and enchanting mountains, silent valleys and bubbling creeks, songbirds, towering coniferous trees and the sweet scent of apples. Covered with flowering Chestnuts and Deodar groves, and the powerful Manalsu torrent flowing through it, Manali has been attracting adventure and nature lovers from all over the world.Gifted with superb natural beauty, the magnetic Manali, situated in the famous Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most famous hill stations in the country. A visit to this beautiful hill town of Himachal gives tourists ample opportunities for amazing tourism and adventure & sport and winter sport activities.


Manali is the ideal place to leave the rest of the world behind and go for long walks, mountain climbing, trekking, river rafting, heli-skiing, para-gliding and trout fishing. Situated at the north end of the Kullu Valley in the Western Himalayas, Manali is located at an altitude of 1929 meters. Bordered by the River Beas on the east and by a great mountain wall topped by a spectacular snow ridge, at the northern end, Manali is a gateway across the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass to the beautiful valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. It is the land of Gods and Goddesses, fairs and festivals, religious lakes and ancient temples

About Manali: Manali is situated about 550 km north of Delhi (even if taxi drivers always claim it to be 650 km), in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled in the Himalayas at the northern end of the Kulu Valley it lies at an altitude of about 2000 m. There are really two parts to it, the main town of New Manali and, about 2 to 3 km further up the road, the village of Old Manali trip, perched on a little hill. It’s quite an idyllic setting: surrounded by snow capped mountains, deodar and pine forests, with the Beas river and its tributary the Manalsu flowing nearby along the wide glacial looking riverbed, which is dotted with huge rocky boulders. Less idyllic are all the concrete buildings which have sprung up during recent years, slowly supplanting the beautiful traditional houses which are made of stone, mud and wood with their slated roofs.

Destination Manali
History of Manali: Manali's `history' is really more myth than history. According to Hindu mythology, Manali was the home of the lawgiver Manu (after whom the town is named). Legend has it that when a flood deluged the earth, Manu and the gods were towed to dry ground by a giant fish, which was the seventh `avatar' of the god Vishnu. The area where Manu eventually found refuge was Manali.Whether that's actually how it happened or not, Manali remained a fairly quiet place, more or less unknown to the outside world, till pretty recently. During the 20th century, the British started to frequent the town-its climate and natural beauty were equable enough- and Manali gradually began to acquire the reputation of a tourist destination. This reputation got a bit tarnished during the 1970s and 80s, however, mainly because of the discovery that marijuana grown around the town was particularly good. After two decades or so of happy-go-lucky, joint-smoking hippies, Manali's now turning into a base camp for trekkers and intrepid mountaineers. Honeymooners and families from all across India still descend on the town throughout summer. It’s quite odd though, that there seems to exist a kind of apartheid in high season (spring to summer), with western tourists hanging out mainly in the village, while Indians stick to the town. May and June is the peak season, when certain "stretches" of Old Manali are justifiably nicknamed the West Bank and the Gaza strip; Israelis accounting then for maybe up to 90 % of the foreigners. Later on in the year, especially after monsoon season of July/August there’s a bit more equilibrium in terms of nationalities, when European travellers arrive for the trekking season; and even later in October, when there are conspicuous numbers of Italians, just in time for the charas harvest.

Sight seeing places in Manali:
HADIMBA TEMPLE:
Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.

MANU TEMPLE: 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth.

TIBETAN MONASTERIES: There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.


VASHIST HOT WATER SPRINGS AND TEMPLE (3 kms): Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here. Natural hot sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.

NEHRU KUND: 5 kms. on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.

Manali sanctuary: The Manali sanctuary starts from behind the town square and goes up in the mountains behind Manali. There is a biodiversity trail for the visitors, which showcases all the flora and fauna.

JAGATSUKH: 6 kms. from Manali located on the left bank on Beas on the road to Naggar. The place is famous for very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style, these are worth a visit.

Rohriech Art Gallery: The paintings of the famous Russian artist are exhibited here.

Naggar Castle: The old capital of Kullu, it gives a captivating view of the upper Kullu valley

Apart from tourism the second big noticeable thing is the apple trees here. Introduced by the British about a hundred years ago, the apple orchards are now one of the major sources of income in this area. The rest of the agriculture seems to be basically aimed at the cows. Most of the villagers have their own to provide milk (but unfortunately not… sandwiches….) for the family. A disproportionate effort goes into feeding the beast. In summer women collect grass in their kiltas (conical baskets carried like a backpack); corn and wheat is grown to feed it in winter. Not exactly the same as popping quickly into Safeways to buy a pint.

Unfortunately in recent years Manali has become quite infamous because of hard drugs; anything is available now – smack, coke, ecstasy, any kind of pills. And lets not forget another local speciality popular with the Himachal youth: sock sniffing. Just wear your socks in plastic shoes for a few days (preferably in really disgustingly sticky weather), don’t wash your feet and apparently you’ll get a good kick out of sniffing them.

Hassle free
It’s always said, that the North is not like the rest of India Tours, and it’s certainly true for this place. Further South you have the huge (overpopulated) plains, everything seems to be constantly loud, chaotic and a lot of hassle. Here, people are quite chilled out, not constantly in your face, in general very friendly, helpful and interesting to talk to. Just normal, nice people. If you get any hassle it’s much more likely to be from Indian tourists, in particular "boisterous" Punjabis, who just die for having a snapshot taken with you, so that they can brag about their western girl-friend once they’re back home.

Time to hibernate
The face of Old Manali changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer it’s extremely busy with tourists and their "requirements". There must be about 20 to 30 restaurants, over a hundred guest houses, a few bigger hotels, lots and lots of internet cafes, India travel agencies and souvenir shops. All of these are shut in winter, when everything has a deserted look to it. It’s phenomenally peaceful then, with people here following up their winter activities; sitting around the fire, spinning wool, knitting, weaving pattus (local blankets with colourful patterns worn by women as a dress) and (sensibly) sleeping a lot.

When to go:
The best time to visit Manali is really at the beginning or the end of the high season – either April or September/October, when the weather is generally nice (if a bit colder than in summer) and it’s not too hectic and busy with people.


Hotels in Manali:
Ambassador Resort: Ambassador Resort, the Resort-Spa in the divine land of Manali, rests high on the Himalayas, over 7,000 feet. Amidst Tranquility, Peace and Beauty.55 rooms across eight categories. International style architecture and furnishing. Yet retained the local essence. The resort offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding gardens, mountains and forests. Cozy interiors of the cottage, luxurious furnishings, imported laminated wooden flooring, balconies facing the valley and snow-clad mountains. And Tva, the health spa. An abode of Wellness. The power of Ayurveda, flowers, leaves, water, oils, mud, massages.Come experience the divine land. Breathe in the spiritual air. Eat and drink of the blessed geography. Feel the divine stirring in you. Realise the awakening. Recognise yourself. Then go back home to your world, rejuvenated in body and spirit.

Corporates' Orchard Park, Manali : Spread over 15000 sq m of picturesque landscape, this 2 Star property is an adventurer's paradise, which touches both the National Highway and River Beas on either sides. Guests are offered COMPLIMENTARY "Airport/Bus" transfers, and are also facilitated with campfire nights that are complimented with barbeque delicacies, and local dance performances. The green Orchard is an ideal place to spend quality time with Nature. Private candle-light dinner at the Tree-Top Machaan offers an exclusive