Tourist Places in Nasik
Nashik
Known for
several places of worship, the city of Nashik is a major pilgrimage center in
the state of Maharashtra. The city which witnesses thousands of devotees
throughout the year houses a number of religious and historical significance
places in and around it.
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| Panchavati |
Panchavati : Located on the northern banks of
holy Godavari River, Panchavati is a much revered place in Nashik. According to
mythology it is a place where Lord Rama with his wife Sita stayed for some time
during their exile period of 14 years. Sanctified by the visit of Lord Rama and
his wife Sita, Panchavati holds a great religious significance and attracts
thousands of Hindu pilgrims round the year. Panchavati gets its name from five
Banyan (Vad) trees perched on the northern bank of Godavari River.
Pandav Leni : It is the group of 24 beautifully
carved caves located on Trivashmi Hills. These caves mainly belong to Hinayana
Buddhism and traces back to the first century BC. Exquisitely carved doorways
and marvelous structures are the main features of these ancient caves. Cave no
3, 10 and 18 are famous for their artistic carvings and sculptures.
Sita Gufaa : Sita Gufaa is another prominent
place of worship in Nashik. It is believed to be the same place where Sita, the
wife Lord Rama, was forcefully abducted by Ravana, the demon king. Sita Gufaa
contains the idols of Sita, Lord Rama and Laxman. It also houses a Shivling
which is believed to be the same Shivling which was once worshipped by Sita.
Apart from above mentioned places, Nasik is home to several
other important places frequented by many devotees and tourists alike. Ramkund,
Tapovan, Kalaram temple, Kapileshwar temple, Ganga Ghat, Jain Mandir, Anjneri
and Sundernarayan temple are some of the other places of worship and interest
located in and around the city of Nasik.
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Best of India,
Gangaur festival,Rajasthan
Gangaur is one of the most important festivals of Rajasthan and it is celebrated for eighteen day from the day following the Holi, festival of colors. The festival is celebrated in honor of goddess Gauri, manifestation of goddess of Parvati, the consort of lord Shiva. The festival of Gangaur is celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan and it is the occasion when young girls and married women are seen worshipping the goddess Gauri. Here during the celebration of the festival you will see young girl seeking the blessing from the goddess for getting a good husband while married women would be seen praying for the welfare of their husbands and happy married lives. On the occasion the images and idols of the goddess Gauri are adorned with beautiful cloth and jewelry. Gangaur is considered to be an auspicious occasion for the young people to choose their partners for life.
During the festival a processions are taken out in different parts of state of Rajasthan. The procession is accompanied by the local band adding charm to it. Beautifully decorated idols of Goddess are taken out in the procession. Celebrations of Gangaur festival in different of cities of the state have their own special features like the one in Udaipur where an amazing boat procession is taken out in Pichola Lake on the occasion of Gangaur. Gangaur festival provides an event for the tribal young men and young women when they are seen mingling with each other freely and selecting their life partners.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Fair and festival of Jabalpur
Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh is known for its rich tribal culture and tradition. Fairs and festivals celebrated in Jabalpur reflect the cultural life of its people. Though the city of Jabalpur celebrates all major Indian festivals, it celebrates them with distinct and unique ways. Jabalpur and surrounding region are mainly populated by Gond tribal community. Gond tribe is known for its unique folk dance forms which are mainly performed on the occasion of festivals and other cultural events.
Along with major the major festivals of India like Deepawali, Dussera and Holi Jabalpur also celebrates other festivals with great zeal and zest. Makar Sankranti, Bhai Dooj, Durga Pooja, etc are other prominent festivals celebrated in Jabalpur. These festivals are marked by several cultural activities like folk dances, songs, worshipping and praying. On the occasion of these festival people of Jabalpur usually gather at several common places in the city and perform their folk dance forms to the accompaniment of tradition musical instruments. People from other parts of Madhya Pradesh also visit Jabalpur on the occasion of several festivals to witnesses the unique and charming cultural activities of the people of Jabalpur.
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Indian Festivals,
Tourist places in Agra,India
Tourist attractions :
City of Taj Mahal- Agra is a famous tourist destination in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city which boasts of housing one of the Seven Wonders of the World is home to several other attractions visited by thousands of tourists from across the globe.
Taj Mahal:
Built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz, Taj Mahal happens to be the most visited tourist place in India. This historical and monumental structure fascinates the tourist with its beautiful marble work. Located on the bank of Yamuna River, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful marble structures in the world. This finest symbol of love spellbinds one and all with its marvelous beauty.Agra Fort:
Agra Fort is another tourist attraction of Agra. This historical fort was originally built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. It was later renovated during the reign of Shah Jahan. The fort is perched on the banks of Yamuna River and is built in semi circular structure with towers, ramparts, bastions, etc. Also known as Lal Quila (Red fort) and Fort Rough, Agra Fort comprises of other structures like Amar Singh Gate, Delhi Gate, Jehangir Mahal and Akbari Mahal.Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb:
Often referred as baby Taj, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb is a Mughal Mausoleum in the city of Agra. Built during period from 1622 to 1628, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb is one of the first Mughal monumental structures. It is also regarded as the ‘Draft’ to Taj Mahal. Also known as Jewel Box, this historical structure houses other smaller old buildings and fascinating gardens around it.Along with these major tourist attractions of Agra, the city also houses other places of interest in and around it. Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra and Jama Masjid are some of other places of attraction to be visited around Agra.
Wildlife SOS
The place is developed by a group of people called Wildlife SOS. It is non profit organisation in India that primarily started with the aim of rescue the "dancing bears" of India and now actively involved in providing shelter, rehabilitation to some mammals and help in conserve wildlife in India.
To visit you need to pre-book your tour with them.
How to Reach Agra :
By air : Delhi is the nearest airport to reach Agra. Whereas Delhi airport is well connected to most of the major cities in India. You can hire a taxi in advance from Delhi airport to Agra from here.
By train :
Agra has railway station itself which is well connected to the other cities of country.
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Best of India,
Fair and Festivals in Gwalior
Fair and Festivals in Gwalior
Gwalior celebrates
all Indian festivals. However, it is
widely known for the Tansen Music
Festival it hosts every year. Tansen, one of the respected singers in the
court of Akbar was buried in Gwalior. He
is accredited with cult fame. He is one of the pioneers of the Hindisthani
classical music tradition in India. Legends say that he used to bring rains by
singing ‘Megh Malhar’ rag. In the memory
of this great singer, the Gwalior city hosts a music festival that would be
usually held in the months of November and December. The function would be held
at the tomb of Tansen.
This Sangeet Sammelan (Music
festival) lasts for five nights. Eminent vocalists would take part in this
festival and every year the Tansen Samman (award) would be bestowed upon one of
the greatest achievers in the field of music. This is a prestigious award given
by the Government of Madhya Pradesh for classical singers. Ajay Pohankar,
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Ustad Abdul Haleem Jafar Khan and Vani Jayaram
are some of them who have received this award. The festival would comprise of seminars,
workshops followed by musical concerts in the night.
Gwalior also hosts an International
Trade Fair that lasts for about a month in the city. This is known as Asia’s
second largest trade fair. Industrialists from all across the country, and even
foreign companies benefit from this fair. For farmers and small scale
entrepreneurs it is an opportunity to display their production. This fair will
be held in the month of December usually and lasts for about a month.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Tourist Places in Gwalior
Tourist Places in Gwalior
Tourist
attractions in Gwalior: Historical city of Gwalior is one of the finest
tourist destinations in India. Being home to several places of attraction,
Gwalior is much frequented tourist place in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
Gwalior Fort: Built
about 1000 years ago, Gwalior Fort happens to be the key attraction of the
city. According to a popular belief among the local people, this impressive
fort was constructed by Raja Suraj Sen on the advice of a saint named Gwalipa.
The fort has witnessed the rules of several dynasties over several centuries.
This majestic fort of Gwalior stands on hilly terrain offering picturesque
views of downhill valleys. The fort presents a fine example of architectural
style of medieval age. Along the way to the fort uphill, one can see the
beautifully carved statues of Jain Tirthankaras.
Man Mandir Palace: Man
Mandir Palace is another prominent historical structure located in Gwalior.
This beautiful palace was built by Man Sing Tomar during the 16th
century. Over the long period of time the
fort has lost most of its exquisite carvings and designs. Nevertheless a visit
to the palace reminds one of the glorious and royal ambiences of medieval age.
Also known as Chitra Mandir or Palace of Painting, Man Mandir Palace still
houses tiled and painted sculpture of peacock and many other birds.
Gujari Mahal: Gujari Mahal in Gwalior is a monumental
structure built by Raja Man Sing Tomar in memory of his ninth wife named Mrignayani.
It has now been turned into an archeological museum exhibiting numerous
antiquities. Precious jewels and stones in the crown placed there is a
noteworthy feature of Gujari Mahal. The museum has a fine collection of wide
varieties of sculptures belonging to the 1st century. A beautiful
sculpture of Giraspur Shalabhanjika is another attractive feature of the
museum.
The
list Gwalior attractions does not end here. Gwalior houses many other places of
interest in and around it. Suraj Kund, Memorial of Tansen, Sas-Bahu temple,
Teli ka Mandir, Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus and Surya Mandir are some of the other
attractions of Gwalior.
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Best of India,
khajuraho dance festival, Madhya pradesh
 |
| Image credit: Madhumita Raut |
'Khajuraho Dance Festival' is organized during February – March by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department to celebrate the cultural heritage of the temples of Khajuraho.
The Chitra Gupta temple or Vishwanath Temple forms the backdrop for the dance stage. The open place between the two temples becomes the backdrop for the dance performance. The whole temple complex is very beautifully decorated with colored lights and presents a grand stage to hold famous dance performances by Odissi, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Kathak dancers of fame. An open air market fair with local crafts and articles are displayed for sale is another attraction of the Khajuraoh festival.
Entry for this festival is totally free.
In 2018 Khajuraho Dance Festival dates are February 20th to 26th.
Venue of the festival:-
Western Group of Temples Area,
Khajuraho, Chhatarpur (M.P.)
How to reach Khajuraho:
By Train:- Khajuraho has a railway station connected to Delhi, Agra, Jhansi and other major cities in the state. Khajuraho Temple is at a distance of approx. 10 km away from railway station and as there is no bus facility available for towards the temple, you have to go by auto or private vehicle.
By Road :- Khajuraho is well linked with other nearby cities in the state. Still it'll be good option to go from Satna and Jhansi. Because there is no direct bus services because of Jhansi does not have any direct bus facility for Khajuraho, we recommend you to hire online cab or taxi from Jhansi to Khajuraho.
By Air:- Khajuraho Airport which is just 5 km. away from the city is the nearest airport to Khajuraho.
If you have attended this festival before, we'd like to know about your experiences in the comments.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Fontainhas festival, Goa
The Fontainhas festival is an art and culture festival of Goa. The festival will be held in the month of February. It is an eight day event organized by the Goa Heritage Action Group every year. The Festival takes place at the old Goa settlements, known as Fontainhas. Fontainhas is a part of old Goa (one of the former Portuguese settlements) comprising of churches, chapels and residences. Narrow lane, houses built in the Portuguese style mark the place. The place is a part of Panaji city in Goa.
The Fontainhas festival is an attempt to create awareness about the Goan heritage among the youngsters. Artists from all across the area gather there to celebrate the festival. The festival is completely an attempt to revive the Goan heritage of music, dance and art. Singers and dancers from all across the world come here to perform on this occasion. The city would witness large number of visitors during that period. Everyday there would be musical and dance events and almost every house would look like an art gallery displaying the Goan heritage. The festival provides an opportunity for the artists to expand their network.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Culture of Madurai
Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu.Madurai had a magnificent past and a glowing culture which is displayed in every sphere of performances it displays. Its richness in arts & crafts, handicrafts, Architectural splendor, glorious art work and enthralling dance, music and songs must be practically experienced for appreciating it. During present times Madurai is making a rapid progress in educational spheres and industrialization, it is becoming a commercial center of south India. The people of the city are greatly and rightly influenced by its culture, they live in social harmony with each other. They are slowly adapting to modern lifestyles. Though the major religion followed is Hinduism, there are followers of other beliefs also like Jainism, Christianity, and Islam. All the people live in great communal harmony setting an example for others. The main language spoken here is Tamil. Other language spoken here is Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Urdu. The silk and other types of locally woven textile are very famous of this town.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Madurai
A prominent pilgrim site for the Hindus Madurai is the third largest city of Tamil Nadu. Madurai has a long and constant history since 3Rd BC. It has the references in the written history of Greek Ambassador Megesthenes and kautilya the minister in the Mauryan Empire. Madurai was a prominent cultural and administrative center during Pandyan rule till about 1311; afterwards rule of Ma’bar was established by Delhi Sultanate. Later it came to be known as Ma’bar sultanate which ruled till Vijaynagar Empire absorbed Madurai in 14Thcentury finally British East India Company ruled Madurai till India’s independence in 1947.George Procter was the first collector of Madurai.
Tag :
Historical,
Culture of Varanasi
Culture of Varanasi
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| Varansi |
Varanasi is a
city unique of its kind as it becomes a pilgrimage spot for Jains, Buddhists
and Hindus. Buddha gave his first sermon at Saranath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism was born here
and it is the holy abode of Shiva and Parvati for the Hindus. River Ganges adds
to the sanctity. So, the culture of the city is predominantly religious (related
to rituals and devotion).
The city, with its narrow lanes; with
painted walls; with stalls selling puja articles; with ghats thronged by the bathing
devotees, appears very traditional. People speak Bhojpuri and Hindi.
The city hosts many learning centers
for those who are interested in knowing Sanskrit and Vedic texts. It is the home for many singers, dancers, and
scholars. Bismilla Khan, Kishan Maharaj, Kabir, Tulsidas, Sitara Devi, and
Bharatendu Harischandra lived in Varanasi and brought fame to the city. It is the home for the Banaras Gharana of
music. Kajari is a popular folk music of Varanasi.
Even Muslims dwell in the city
continuing their age old occupation i.e weaving. The famous Banaras Sarees are
woven by the Muslim community there.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Varanasi
History of Varanasi
Varanasi was
known as Kashi Kshetra in the Rigvedic texts. Since the ages it has been
regarded as one of the important Pilgrimage centers for Hindus, Jains and
Buddhists. The place was formed into an independent city during 18th
century.
The earliest mention of the city
could be found in Rigveda. Then the great epics of India (The Ramayana and The
Mahabharata) talk about this place. Buddha gave his sermon at Saranath which is just 10 m away from Varanasi. The 23rd
Tirthankara of Jainism (Parsvanatha) was born here.
From 11th to 17th
century Varanasi was under the capture of the Muslim rulers. The city saw a
setback during this time due to the invaders. Kingdom of Kashi was established
during 18th century. Under the British rule Varanasi was made a
separate State in 1910, making Ramanagar its headquarters. The Kashi Naresh is
a title of honor bestowed upon the king. Kashi Naresh is the supreme power
concerning ritualistic activities there. He stays in Ramanagar fort. The then Kashi Naresh raja Balwant Singh
built this fort. After Independence, Varanasi merged with the Indian
Union.
Tag :
Historical,