Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Kalimpong - The Bustling Town

Kalimpong - A small but bustling town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok. The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding to the beauty of the scenery.

The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

The town is 1250M above sea level and offers excellent views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks. The popular view points are Durpin Dara and Deoro Hill.

This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal. Kalimpong has several monasteries and also a Kali temple, Churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture etc. The Tibetan Monastery and curio center and Dr Graham's home are important tour stops.

Some facts::roll:

Language: Gorkha, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, English.
Weather:
Summer:
Mar to Jun 15°C -25°C.
Monsoons:
Jul to Aug. Rainfall: Average Annual 2030 mm (80 inches)
Autumn & Winter:
Sep to Feb 7°C -15°C.

Reference:- National Information Technology Promotion Unit, Kolkata

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Four Essential Places of India Tourism

1. Taj Mahal:
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. Different people have different views of the Taj but it would be enough to say that the Taj has a life of its own that leaps out of marble, provided you understand that it is a monument of love. As an architectural masterpiece, nothing could be added or substracted from it.

Nearby Attractions: Agra Fort (2.5 km away) and Sikandra (tomb of Akbar 3 km away).
When to GO: Mid-January to April and from September to mid-December.

2. Backwaters of Kerala:
Backwaters are ahead and behind made up by the ponding of sea to the beach by the movement of the waves. They are usually formed in the form of lagoons, of lakes and estuaries. The Backwaters in Kerala is a network of esquisite channels, lakes, lagoons and deltas of approximately 44 rivers emptying in the Arab sea. The principal mode of transport on these backwaters is by houseboats bus more 900km of this world of water is navigable. Hear the soothing sound of water rippling alongside your houseboat, as you drift on a Kerala backwater. Feel completely relaxed as you enter a world of serenity and natural beauty in Kerala. See the green countryside, swaying palm trees, emerald rice fields and children waving from the banks of the backwaters of Kerala, India, as you sail on traditional Ketuvalloms or houseboats, on a Kerala backwater.

Be transported to a paradise where land, sea and sky, come together in a union of elements. As you float on a Kerala backwater, the beauty of the serene waterways and quaint inlets and creeks along the coast of Kerala will enchant you.

Nearby Attractions: Munnar Hills, Museums of Trivandrum, and Kovalam Beach.
When to Go: March to May and September to October.

3. Wildlife Safari in Bengal:
Whether you are in a desert or on the high steep slopes or within the dense forests, the best way to explore off beaten tracks of the natural world is through a safari. India is blessed with some of the most varied and adventurous wild sites. There can be no better way of experiencing life in the desert than through a journey into its hinterland on camel back. Similar experience visitors can enjoy among the grasslands, on the back of an Elephant. Experience the tiger, rhinos, and other rich wildlife in Ranthambore and Sunderbans National Parks.

Nearby Attractions: Lake Padam Talao, Raj Bagh Ruins, and Ranthambore Fort.
When to Go: Between December and February.

4. Palaces of Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a land of forts and palaces. Built on high hilltops, in the middle of enormous deserts, and on islands in lakes, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan India, showcase the architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Many of these Rajasthan forts and palaces look rugged and rough from their exteriors; the interiors take you to an altogether different world. Surprises are the second name of these architectural marvels, which are the Rajasthan forts and palaces spread throughout Rajasthan India.

Nearby Attractions: Amber Fort Jaipur, Chittorgarh Fort, Junagadh Fort Bikaner, Kumbhalgarh Fort Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur, Sonar Fort Jaisalmer, Aravali forest, Amber fort, and Thar desert
When to Go: Between October and December.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Make My Trip

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Friday, August 24, 2007

Discounted India Tour Package

Travel ChaCha a well managed and famous India travel portal provides 15% to 20% discount on India tour packages. For more informations click here.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Tips for Travel Planning

Planning for a trip is not the most enjoyable part of a vacation packages. Travel planning involves hours and hours of searching for airfare, arranging transportation and accommodations, and packing. And if you’re completely clueless about travel planning, it could take you even longer.

Below are a few things NOT to do when planning for a trip. Travel planning requires careful execution and if not done properly, can result in the worst trip you’ve ever taken.

Travel Planning: What Not to Do

Book the First Flight You Find:
If you’re traveling abroad and need to book airfare, DON’T book the first flight you find. If you want to find cheap airfare, you need to compare prices. Search online and call the airlines to see what deals you can find. The Internet is filled with airfare discounts and cheap air tickets. All it takes is a little travel planning and initiative to do a search online or pick up the phone and call the airlines. If you don’t, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars more than you should have.

Pin the Tail on the Travel Map:
In the game Pin the Tail on the Donkey, a person is blind folded, spun around, and given the task to pin the tail on the paper donkey hanging on the wall. As fun and entertain as this children’s game is, it’s not a good method to use when planning a trip. If you’re deciding on where to go, don’t just pick a random destination and hop on a plane. You need to research those travel destinations you are interested in visiting. When researching each destination, find out the best time of year to go (you don’t want to travel to Paris during the rainy season). Find out when the best weather is and plan your trip around those months. Bad weather can quickly turn your exciting vacation into a week spent indoors watching foreign television.

Wait ‘Till the Last Minute to Pack:
Packing is almost always the last task on the travel planning list. After the tickets are purchased, the itinerary is set, and the time-off request has been submitted and signed, it’s finally time to pack. However, you shouldn’t wait until the night before you leave to start packing. You should start packing at least a week in advance. Why? Because you don’t want to stay up all night packing and wear yourself out before you even leave for the trip. Pack gradually throughout the week. Pack those items you won’t need during the week. Then, pack clothing items as they become available (i.e. worn and washed and ready to be worn again on your trip). By gradually packing throughout the week, you won’t stress out packing at the last minute and hoping you remembered everything. Pack gradually and save yourself some time. Travel planning takes time, effort, and a little bit of common sense. If you slack off and don’t plan correctly, your trip could end up a disaster before you even leave your home.

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Thursday, July 26, 2007

Brief Info of Varanasi

Almost 3000 years old, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world and the ultimate pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Varanasi, the holy city of India, is also known by the name of Kashi and Benaras. Varanasi also Known as the cultural capital of India. In Pali language Varanasi was called Banarasi hence it got the name 'Banaras'.

Varanasi is also called 'Kashi' or the city of spiritual light. The word ‘Kashi’ originated from the word ‘Kas’ which means to shine. Kashi is the place where Shiva and Parvati stood when the "time started ticking". Located on the bank of holy river Ganga, in east Uttar Pradesh, This city of alleys is one of the favourite tourist destinations of India. 80 Ghats (podium) built along the bank of river Ganga is its special feature. One theory also goes that Varanasi is located on the land between the river Varuna and Assi hence the name Varanasi.

Varanasi is also renowned for its rich tapestry of music, arts, crafts and education. People across the world descend in this holy city to imbibe its unique art and culture. People believe that pilgrimage of this holy city; flush out all the sins of life. It is the 2nd most sacred city after Ayodhya. Benarsi sarees and paan (betel) are famous all over the country.

Clock Online Hotel Booking for booking hotels in India.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Pearls of Hyderabad

The two famous cities of Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad & Secunderabad are known as twin cities of India. The main shopping areas in Huderabad are Abids,Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar and MG Road, Rashtrapati Road in Secunderbad. The markets around Charminar are famous for bangles and pearls. Hyderabad is synonymous with pearls. Cultured pearls studded in gold and silver jewellery of exquisite design are a specialty of hyderabad jewellery. Pearls come in many shapes and of particular interest is the ‘rice-pearl’ – a tiny variety. The precious "Basra"- a pearl unmatched in lustre, colour and price and is available in selected stores. Pearls are sold in strings or raw by weight.

Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls. The pearl market is situated near Charminar. Ornaments made with Rice Pearls can be bought from 'Char Kaman' or the General Bazaar Market.People form everywhere flock here to possess a few of these pearls. Strange that there is no sea anywhere near the city. Yet it has become almost synonymous with quality pearls.