Mizoram
Mizoram
is one of the less travelled states in North Eastern region. It could
be termed as a state of hills; cities are built up on the hill slops
in almost all districts of the state. The state is best known for
close-knit community sense. The Mizo people are less conscious about
class distinctions, it is said.
Mizoram
is located on the southern tip of North East India hosting indigenous
ethnic communities. However, culture of Mizo people has undergone
transformation due to Christian Missionaries in the early 18th
and 19th
centuries. Almost all communities are Christianized, it is doubtful
yet, how distinct are they now, in real terms.
The state
of Mizoram is surrounded by Myanmar and Bangladesh, two foreign
countries. Assam, Manipur and Tripura are the Indian states bordering
Mizoram. Aizawal is the state capital.
How to
reach:
The
Lengpui Airport situated at about 35 km from Aizawal, the state
capital is connected to Guwahati and Kolkata. Silichar in Assam (180
km from Aizawal) is the nearest railhead. Buses and private vehicles
are available from Silichar to Aizawal.
One needs
to obtain Inner Lane Permit. Carry your photo ID and copies of your
photographs. Entry formalities can be done at these cities: Kolkata,
Guwahati, Shillong, Delhi and Silichar.
Main
occupation in Mizoram is agriculture. Up until recently Mizo people
used to practice the age-old ‘Jhum’ (slash and burn) cultivation.
Now the government has introduced new methods of farming. People are
uniquely distinct and show strong community sense.
MIzo
people are best known by their Bamboo pole dance which is called
Cheraw Dance. They celebrate the festival of Thalfavang Kut Festival
every year in the month of November. This is a harvest festival.
Cultural games and dances will be showcased during then.
Mizoram
offers cloud filled hills, emerald valleys, meandering streams, and
unique tribal culture. Weather would be pleasant all through the
year. September to May would be the best time to visit. Buy
handicrafts, hand woven fabrics and bamboo crafts.
 |
| image courtesy: indianetzone.com |
Tourist
destinations in Mizoram:
- Aizawal: This hill town is closer to many important tourist destinations in Mizoram like Reiek village on a mountain top, Durtang Hills, Hmuifang, Berawtang, Solomon’s Temple, and Khuangchera Puk Cave. Don’t miss to visit the World’s Largest Family in Baktawang Village. Aizawal has good many hotels and resorts with modern amenities. Make the city your base destination. Rejoice your shopping in the traffic free Bara Bazar.
- What else would be more interesting than to explore exotic forests, steep hills, waterfalls in Mizoram?! Visit Phawngpui Blue Mountain which is located near Myanmar border. It is at about 230 km from Aizawal. You would be enthralled by rare kind of orchids and rhododendrons flowers.
image courtesy: industrialtour.com - Sibuta Lung Stone Architecture at Tachhip Village (20 km from Aizawal), Memorial of Chhingpui, Pangzawal Village, Lung Memorial Stone, Tualchang Stone slabs , Tomb of Vanhimailian, Vantawang Falls are some other tourist sites near Aizawal. Aizawal city is the main tourist point in Mizoram.
Tag :
Best of India,
Manipur: the land of Gandharvas!
Manipur,
being the home for a tradition of antiquity called Sanamahism and an
oldest ethnic community called Metei, is known as the ‘Switzerland
of East”. Imphal is the capital city.
Manipur
is the land of unique Metei culture representing unique dance style
and sports traditions. The region is known for elegant dance styles,
music tradition, martial arts and sculpture. The Rasalila dance with
delicate and graceful movements is known to be inherited by
Gandharvas. Pung Cholom, a group dance performed by playing a
percussion instrument called Pung, is a dance form performed by male
dancers.
 |
| image credit: manipuri.20m.com |
The state
was founded in 1972. It is surrounded by three Indian states
(Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam) and a foreign country (Myanmar).
Manipur’s
geographical terrain contains river valleys, and hills. The natural
environment in Manipur has been undisturbed so far. The presence of
AFSPA has been a matter of concern and you might have heard of Irom
Sharmila the brave lady of Manipur who has been protesting against
it.
Manipur
is connected well by Imphal Airport. The capital town is linked well
to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Silichar and Agartala by air and
roadways. If you are traveling by train, Dimapur in Nagaland would be
the nearest destination. But, Dimapur is located at about 220 km from
Imphal.
Manipur
hosts a 10 days cultural fest from 21st
to 30th November
every year. It is known as the Manipur Sangai Festival.
Accommodation:
Imphal city is the best place
to stay. You would get plenty of hotels. If you want to check resorts
in the interiors of Manipur, you would get of course.
Cuisine:
Staple food is rice along with leafy vegetables and fish. They use
herbs and spices while preparing food. Serve in small banana leaf
pouches. Ngari, Iromba, Chamfoot and Morok are some popular names of
Manipuri dishes.
Shopping:
Go for Handloom articles, silk sarees, scarves, bamboo articles,
ivory articles, shawls and jewellery.
Important
tourist destinations:
- Bishnupur district: The popular tourist spot - Loktak Lake, a 14th century Vishnu temple, Keibul Lamjao National Park, INA memorial and the Loukoipat Lake. Loktak Lake is situated at about 48 km from Imphal. A tourist guest house attached with a cafeteria is there on an island called Sendra Island facing the lake.
- Imphal is divided into two districts: Imphal East and Imphal West. Imphal, the state capital is located in Imphal West district. Manipur State Museum, Shaheed Minar, Zoological garden, palace, Ima Market and the very famous Khonghampat Orchidarium are the main attraction in the district. The Orchidarium houses more than 100 orchid varieties. It is located on the outskirts of Imphal city.
- Senapati district: The district houses old villages belonging to age old Naga tribes. Yangkhullen and Makhel are the quite known among them. Mao, an oldest hill station is located in this district. Dzukou valley is the most popular tourist place in the Senapati district. With picturesque landscape and unique Lily flowers the valley attracts nature loving tourists. The valley is the home for the highest mountain peak in Manipur named, Manipur Mount. Sadhu Chiru Waterfall is also located in the same district.
Tag :
Best of India,
Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra Series-4
The Friendship Bridge
Our aim was to cross the Kodari border that day. We took the Arniko highway that connects Kathmandu with China occupied Tibet. Kodari is a small township comprising Tibetan migrants mostly. Nepali people are scantly visible. It is the last town of Nepal. Traveler inns are available providing only basic amenities.
 |
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Next day morning, we proceeded towards Kodari border along with a team of Sherpa men in a private travel bus. These Sherpa team accompanies us throughout our journey. This team takes care of routine breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a team consisting of trekking experts, a chef, and other helpers. A pantry vehicle follows the bus carrying pilgrims. Fortunately, our Sherpa team consisted of very caring and jovial persons.
Our aim was to cross the Kodari border that day. We took the Arniko highway that connects Kathmandu with China occupied Tibet. Kodari is a small township comprising Tibetan migrants mostly. Nepali people are scantly visible. It is the last town of Nepal. Traveler inns are available providing only basic amenities.
 |
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Kodari lies in a God gifted ambience. Whether it is a boon or a curse, one should decide for himself. Situated on top of a Himalayan valley, the town is blessed with a picturesque landscape. Green hills, countless waterfalls and the meandering Botikosi River flowing down the valley make this town look beautiful. However, the fate of migrants is a big question mark. Poverty and an uncertain future haunt the township and that is strikingly visible for travelers.
The road to Kadori from Kathmandu is called the Arniko Highway. This road has been constructed with the initiatives taken by the China Government for the improvement of bilateral trade and commerce. You can’t call it a proper highway. It is a narrow strip of road skirted by steep hills on side and the Botikosi River Valley on the other side. Landslides are common during rains. We could notice the damage already done by previous landslides. A scary highway indeed.
A bridge has been built across the Botikosi River and the bridge is known as ‘Friendship Bridge’. This bridge is a part of the Arniko Highway connecting China with Nepal. One will have to cross the bridge on foot. Nepali vehicles are not allowed on this. A red line has been drawn in the middle to mark the boundary between two countries. Chinese military commandos will be guarding on the other half. Border crossing is done through strict immigration process.
Chinese immigration center is located on the Chinese side of the bridge. That area is called Zangmu. The United Nations has not officially recognized Chinese status on the Tibetan territory. However, China is executing its supremacy over the land and visitors are supposed to respect the law of the land. After crossing the border, tourists will have to travel with Chinese travel guides in the Chinese permit vehicles.
Due to Indo-China border tensions the Kailsh Manas Sarovar Yatra was banned from 1962 to 1981. Kadori is the only official gateway to enter China from Nepal side. We were strictly warned in Kathmandu as not to talk about political affairs of China and about Dalai Lama. It is almost a known factor there. There seems to be an undeclared deal among the Nepali merchants/businessmen/traders/travel agencies. They do not encourage any kind of activities against the Chinese policies in Kathmandu or anywhere inside the Chinese territory. In that way they have secured entry into the Chinese territory. One can use the trade route for uninterrupted trade and commerce. That must be the reason, perhaps, that the number of private travel agencies in Kathmandu is increasing day by day for conducting Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra. These private agencies assure us of a safe journey inside the Chinese Territory for the same reason. As long as one does not protest or keeps showing green signal to the Chinese Supremacy the show goes on!
Most of our travel mates were elders. Most of them had come to accomplish the ultimate yatra, it was a dream come true for them. They were excited, thrilled to have that ultimate experience of reaching the abode of Shiva. However, the Kailash Manasarovar yatra (on this route) makes us to think about the bilateral relations of India and Nepal with China. We did share a bit of unexplainable anxiety, could observe the same in the eyes of the migrant workers crossing the bridge everyday for the daily bread.
One needs to obtain a valid passport and a Chinese Visa before crossing the border. We had group Visa, but we had to get through the immigration check in. The Chinese agent booked by the Nepali travel agency must be present on the Chinese side to complete the formalities. To our bad luck, that fellow didn’t turn up on that day. We were put up in a roadside inn. We waited till the evening for the Chinese guide. Late in the evening, our Nepali guide came back with the message that the Chinese guide would come next day morning. We were made to stay in the same inn where we had lunch that noon.
 |
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
 |
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Houses of that town were roughly built on the hill slope, terraced residences. Timber houses without foundation. The Inn we had stayed was built on the edge of a slope overlooking the Botikosi river stream. It had a balcony and if we stand on that we would feel as if we were standing on a hanging bridge! Such an unstable condition. Kids of migrant workers rush towards you asking for snacks, and money. Pretty and adorable Tibetan faces, mostly girls and women were seen.
Next day, we woke up to a chilly morning, bought hot water paying 100 Nepali rupees for each bucket, had bath and got ready to cross the border. After this day, we again had bath only in Kathmandu on our return journey, on the twelfth day! It is just five minutes’ walk from our inn to the Friendship Bridge. We crossed the bridge in a line. It was indeed an emotional moment for all of us to cross the border of a country on foot. I was imagining about the experience of crossing the Indo-Pak border!
Photography is not allowed on the bridge. Even at the immigration center, visitors are not allowed to take photos. But, we noticed a few foreign visitors shooting outside the immigration center. Please confirm anyway with your travel guides before taking snaps. We took a snap of the bridge from a far distance.
The Chinese guide had arrived and we proceeded towards Nyalam in a bus. The road from Zangmu to Manassarovar is well maintained. We would be provided with a well conditioned luxury bus to travel. So, the bus journey till we reach Manas Sarovar is completely hassle free. But, one can’t be so confident about the accommodation facility. Now, we have entered the Tibetan Plateau.
Let’s explore the Tibetan plateau in the next episode!
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Explore North East India
North-Eastern India is
the less explored region in India compared to other parts of the
nation. Lack of accessibility was the major concern for the tourists.
But, now, the region is slowly opening up to nature enthusiasts.
Though there are instances of separatist protests and agitations in a
few parts of the region, tourists activities go on. However, it is
better to update yourself before landing up there.
North East India, as
the name suggests, is located to the North-Eastern part of India
bordering China (Southern Tibet), Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. The
region consists of seven states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Rich biodiversity,
indigenous local cultures and picturesque landscape have made this
region versatile and unique. Let us explore the tourism possibilities
of each state within this region. There are two World Heritage Sites
in the region and they are located in Assam: Kaziranga Wildlife
Sanctuary and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.
Arunachal
Pradesh
Known as ‘The land
of Dawn lit Mountains’, the state of Arunachal Pradesh is located
on the eastern most part of North Eastern India bordering China,
Bhutan, Myanmar, Nagaland and Assam. Bound by the Himalayan Mountains
in the north, the state is the home for exclusively rare variety of
orchids. Hence it is also called the Orchid State of India.
 |
| Image credit: |
Culture
of Arunachal Pradesh comprises indigenous tribes and Buddhist
traditions mainly. Most of the tribal language belongs to
Tibeto0Burman family, which is known as Tani language. Itanagar is
the capital city.
Buddhist
Gompas occupy the larger section of state heritage sites and thus
makes the state a destination for ‘Spiritual Tourism’. The Tawang
Monastery is one of the important Buddhist sites in the entire India.
Travellers
need Inner Lane Permits to travel within the state. There are
different travel circuits marked by the Tourism Authorities and the
tourists will have to mention to which circuit they will be
travelling.
Travel
locations within the state are spread out among five river valleys
(the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap),
lakes, Himalayan peaks and Himalayan forests. The climate depends
upon the locations; freezing Greater Himalayas, cool Middle Himalayas
or moderate lower Himalayas.
Four
main travel circuits are:
- Tezpur-Tipi-Bombdilla-Tawang
- Tinsukia-Tezu-parasuramkund
- Margherita-Miao-Namdapha
- Itanagar-Ziro-Daporijo-Along-Pasighat
Main
tourist destinations within the state are:
- Tawang Monastery: This 17th century Buddhist monastery is the largest in India located about 180 km from Bomdilla. It is situated at 10,000 ft altitude.
- Ziro: This is the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. This town is known for community festivals hosted by the Apatani tribe.
- Namdapha Tiger Project
- Sela Lake near Bomdilla
- Malinathan temple, Rukmini Nagar, Parasuram Kund are associated with epics of India.
- Itanagar: the state capital houses archaeological sites. Ita Fort, Ganga lake, Jawaharlal Museum are main attractions.
The
state is not served by a proper airport. Airports in the Assam state
are the nearest points for air travellers. By road, the state is
connected to Tezpur of Assam. Soon it will be connected by a railway
line Harmuti to Naharlagun. Stay in guest houses, lodges, private
hotels and home stays.
Tag :
Best of India,
Booking a Cab for 1st Time?
Are you planning to
take your family for a leisurely holiday and you are thinking of
making your own travel arrangements? If you are confused whether to
hire a taxi or to travel in bus, then we have a suggestion, book a
cab. By hiring a taxi you would not only be saving time but also your
money. Don’t be surprised. Rental cars are affordable by anyone
these days. Moreover, cabs can be booked online and that is made easy
by Clear Car Rental Company.
If you are booking a
cab for the 1st time, you would naturally be scared and
confused. Will that be affordable, reliable, or will that be
convenient…all sorts of doubts arise in your mind. Online Cab
Booking services are plenty these days, and you can book a cab
through your cell phones. Here is a trustworthy Online Cab Booking
service provider that clears all your doubts regarding cab booking,
follow Clear Car Rentals.
There are two ways
for cab booking which is followed usually; one is the conventional
way of booking through travel agents and another one is on the spot
booking. Online Cab Booking is the new wave in the history of cab
booking in India. It is as reliable as your travel agent and more
efficient than him.
Online cab booking
would be done through online service providers who are connected to
various travel agencies and cab owners. Clear Car Rental Company, a
reliable online rental car service provider, guides you how to book a
car. It is fast, easy and simple.
Open the Clear Car
Rental web page. On the home page, you would see a search box. Just
fill the details asked in the search box. Choose the type of service
you need: whether it is an out station trip, local or transfer
service. Click whether you want for a round trip, a one way drop off
or a multicity travel. Enter the starting point and end point,
duration, date and time.
Now, you will be
directed to our price deal on the different types of vehicles and
select the one you prefer. Book the car! You can pay the full amount
or partial in advance. Everything would be mentioned online. If you
have our discount coupon, mention that. We accept all types of cards,
and you can make cash payment also.
Filter your search
through wide range of vehicles and price range. Our staff will be at
your service round the clock. Advantage of online cab booking is that
you can book in advance, can choose from wide range of booking
options, vehicles and price list. Booking is done very quickly.
We are connected to
210+ cities now. We provide rental cabs for Outstation, local and
transfer services. These services come in three types: Round trip,
One way and Multi city travels. You can book for full day or half
day. Book cabs for airport transfers, leisurely holidays, wedding,
parties, business trips and any other kind of travel packages. Go
through our travel guides to know more about the destination. We
provide reliable and efficient service.
Our web page:
http://www.clearcarrental.com/
Call us: 0888 885 5220
Tag :
Archive,
Wayanad
Wayanad region in
Kerala is known for aboriginal tribal culture, paddy fields and rich
forests. The region is not connected by rail network yet. It is
situated in the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau bordering
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states. The region has
been a district in the state of Tamil Nadu. The entire region
comprising three Taluks has been chosen as one of the promising
tourist spots under the Responsible Tourism project in Kerala.
Kalpetta
is the district headquarters. You can approach this region via
Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. From Karnataka side, one can enter through
Mysore and Coorg. Kozhikode in Kerala is the nearest major
destination that is connected well by rail/road and airways. Kalpetta
is at a distance of about 75 km from Kozhikode. Sultan Bathery is
another main town in Wayanad having good connection.
Speciality
of this region is that it is tucked away in the wild forests of
Western Ghats. The remoteness and less movement of population have
created a distinct atmosphere in the entire region. You feel like
exploring more. Winding Ghat sections, thick jungles, wild life,
heritage spots and the local indigenous/un-disturbed tribal culture
are really rewarding. Preservation and conservation of the local
culture and environment has been the priority of Wayanad Tourism
Organization.
Chembra
Peak, Neelima View Point, Meenmutty Falls, Chethalaym Falls,
Brhamagiri Hills, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries in
Muthunga and Tholpetty, Sulthan Bahthery Jain Temple, Edakkal Caves,
Wayanad Heritage Museum, Muniyara, Pazhassi Raja’s Tomb, Valliyoor
Temple, Papanashini, Tirunelli, Pookote Lake, Sentinal Rock Falls,
Sunrise Valley and phantom rock…huh! Innumerable spots you see.
Many
NGOs have joined hands in the preservation of local culture and have
been providing market to locally grown products. Medicinal herbs,
spices and handicrafts produced in this region are in great demand.
Accommodation:
Resorts
and home stays overlooking Jungles and plantations are very popular
among the tourists here. These home stays provide the experience of
traditional homes of Kerala. Jungle resorts are typical of this
region.
Tag :
Best of India,
Thekkady
The
Responsible Tourism project in Thekkady was inaugurated in 2008. The
intention behind this project was to provide a reliable market for
the local products, and to ensure eco-friendly tourism in the region.
Kerala
state is a hotspot of Indian tourism. Destinations of diverse
interests like beaches, ancient temples, backwater trail, houseboats,
wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations and moreover the state offers
peace full travel experience.
Thekkady,
which is known for Periyar Tiger Reserve is located in the Idukki
district of Kerala. Idukki district itself is a major attraction
comprising wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, spice plantations,
elephant rides and rich landscape.
Thekkady
is the gateway to enter the Periyar Reservoir which is famous for the
Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is a small village showcasing the
rich heritage of Kerala Culture. Timber cottages, eco-friendly
resorts, home stays are available here for the tourists.
.jpg) |
| Periyar Reservoir (Image Courtesy: |
Nearest
railhead is Kottayam and the nearest airport is available at Madurai.
However, ideal way to enter the place is to go via Munnar hill
station. Munnar is situated at about 85 km. If you go in a private
vehicle, you can reach within 2 hours. On the way, you can have a
glance at spectacular spice plantations.
Munnar
is closer to Ernakulam Railway Station and Cochin International
Airport is the nearest air base. So, you can cover Fort Kochi, Munnar
and Tekkadi in one package. Spend a day at Thekkady to experience the
village stay.
You
may have to buy tickets for entering Periyar Reserve at Thekkady. A
jungle safari in the Periyar Reservoir is the main part of the Jungle
Safari over there. You will get to see wild animals near the river.
Actually the Tiger Reserve is located within an island surrounded by
the Periyar Lake. So, you would be taking a round of the Periyar
Lake. Boat mishaps have been reported recently, confirm with the
locals before booking a boat ride.
Visit
nearby spice and coffee plantations; Murikkady is the nearest of all.
Thekkady is also connected to Kodaikenal Hill station of Tamil Nadu.
Tag :
Best of India,
Kailash-Manas Sarovar Yatra Series-3
Kathmandu to Kadori
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is an ocean of mysteries. It is one of the ancient cities of Nepal comprising Hindu, Buddhist and local Nepali culture. At the outset, the city does not open up to strangers. Temples of ancient Hindu origin, Buddhist Stupas, Tantric cult, relics of vanishing royalty, and the silent presence of China can represent only half of the umpteen hidden stories.
We were
there for only one day and were allowed to go out till the evening to
explore the city. In the evening, we were supposed to attend a
training session conducted by our travel supervisors. We were put up
in a three star hotel near the airport. Yatris (pilgrims) coming from
various part of India were there. Our batch of pilgrims consisted of
around twenty yatris from Karnataka. A small group had come from
Delhi. All of us were set to start our Yatra the next day.
We woke
up to a misty morning; the city was drenched in rains the night
before. The local guides had told us that they would take us to see
Pashupatinath Temple at around 9 a.m. We, three ladies (me, my aunt
and my sister-in-law) wished to have a morning walk. We found a
joggers pathway just in front of our hotel.
We found
group of ladies wearing red and yellow saris walking up and down that
path. Some passerby said that the pathway leads to the Pashupatinath
Temple and the ladies were dressed up for Naga Panchami celebrations.
As we moved back, we were tempted by a roadside tea vendor and we sat
on the small cane stools before the vendor. It was she. Her name was
Manju. As we were sipping the hot tea served in tiny plastic cups an
old woman whose hair was knotted into a bun on top of her head came
there, took another stool and perched there. She had worn a brown
colored sari and was joined by another woman wearing similar kind of
sari. As we greeted they smiled at us. Manju served black tea to
them. They were conversing in Nepali Bhasa. In a few minutes, as we
were watching, Manju offered a cigarette to the top knotted old
woman, and the lady started puffing fumes!
The
moment was like a flash of experience for us. I knew about Nepali men
and women puffing Ganja (Marijuana). One can recall the song ‘Dum
Maro Dum’ from Devanand’s film Hare Rama Hare Krishna! When we
asked, the woman told her name, it was Velmayi. Earlier, on our walk,
we had met another old woman plucking some tender herbs on the
roadside. Whenever I recall this ‘flash of experience’, I feel
like visiting Kathmandu once again to spend lengthy hours with these
women to hear their stories!
We took a
round of the city in the noon. We visited Pashupatinath Temple. This
ancient temple of Shiva is situated on the banks of Bhagmati River.
It was crowded with women in bright hues. Saris in red, yellow and
green combination, bright red lipstick, vermillion on the forehead,
flowers to hair and bead necklaces…gleeful Nepali women in groups
were seen everywhere.
 |
| Image Courtesy:Prajna LS |
Some were
sitting before priests performing rituals, some were dancing in the
temple courtyard, and some were standing in the long queue waiting
for their turn to have a darshan of the deity. We were not allowed to
take the camera inside the temple premises. So, I missed taking a
picture of that ancient structure.
After that, we were taken to the well known Bouddhanath Stupa of Nepal. That evening we attended a briefing session about trekking. We were given down jackets; these are provided by the travels people for rent. They took 500 Nepali rupees. Next day, we were supposed to cross the Friendship Bridge at Kodari and reach Nyalam.
After that, we were taken to the well known Bouddhanath Stupa of Nepal. That evening we attended a briefing session about trekking. We were given down jackets; these are provided by the travels people for rent. They took 500 Nepali rupees. Next day, we were supposed to cross the Friendship Bridge at Kodari and reach Nyalam.
Tag :
Pilgrimage,
Kovalam
Kovalam,
being one of the popular destinations in Kerala, is located at about
16 km from the state capital Trivandrum. Kerala Tourism has taken
eco-friendly initiatives in Kovalam by launching ‘Beyond Beach’
project. Beyond Beach is an offshoot of the Responsible Tourism in
Kerala.
As
we all know that Kovalam is best known for beach resorts. It is one
of the oldest tourist attractions of India since the time of the
British. ‘Beyond Beach’ programme offers a unique kind of
experience to the traveller and it is mutually rewarding for both:
the traveller and the local people. The intention is to develop
community based awareness about the local culture and environment as
to benefit both the host and the tourist.
 |
| Vizhinjam Image Courtesy:Arun Jr |
How to reach:
Trivandrum
is the nearest destination to reach Kovalam by road, rail and
airways. Hire taxis from Trivandrum to Kovalam.
Where to stay:
Beach
resorts overlooking the sea are available.
What to see:
Kovalam
is famous for its beaches. Three beaches constitute the 17km long
coast line along the Arabian Sea. The Lighthouse beach is the most
popular one.
Surfing,
Boat ride and motor boat ride services are available on the coast.
Visit
Vizhinjam, Poovar, Akkulam, and Agasthyarkoodam Peak if you get time.
Tag :
Best of India,
“Grape City” Nasik
Present
day Nashik wears an urban set up catering all kinds of modern
amenities in terms of accommodation, education, health care and
entertainment. The city has already started preparing for the biggest
event of 2015 i.e. Maha Kumbhamela. Millions of people visit Nashik
at that time; it is not an easy task to manage such a massive crowd.
In fact, on the day that we had gone, the city was celebrating the
Chhat Puja event.
 |
| image courtesy: Prajna LS |
Chhat is
a Hindu festival in reverence of Sun God. It falls on the sixth day
of Kartik month (mostly in November after the celebration of
Deepawali) according to Hindu calendar. Not all Indians celebrate
this Puja; mostly people of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and
Jharkhand perform oblations to Sun standing in water.
That day,
there was a huge crowd at the banks of Godavari River in Nashik.
Devotees who celebrate Chhat had gathered there to perform the
ritual. It was already evening when we reached there. The place is
called ‘Ramkund’. Pavements and steps are built on either sides
of the river. Thousands of devotees coming from nearby places were
doing pujas holding the thalis of arati and the entire ambience was
filled with enthusiasm.
Before
that, we had taken a round of some other tourist sites of the city.
People who are familiar with stories of the Ramayana may remember the
instances related to Shri Rama’s exile in Panchavati. It was the
place where he had stayed along with Sita and Lakshmana. This ancient
Panchavati is now located in Nashik.
Visitors
can see various places related to Rama’s exile such as Sita’s
Cave, the Tapovan, Panchavati, Kalaram Temple and Ram-Sita temple.
All the sites have been recreated in accordance with the Ramayana
instances for the tourists. These sites are located near Ramkund. One
has to walk through the narrow streets skirted by old buildings of
the city to visit these sites. This part of the city can give you a
glimpse of old Nashik.
We missed
visiting one important place in Nashik, I regret. That is the Phalke
Memorial which is built in the memory of late Dadasaheb Phalke. Dada
Saheb Phalke is known as the Father of Indian Cinema who made the
first full length feature film of India named ‘Raja Harishchandra’
in 1913. Nashik was his home town where he breathed his last.
The
Phalke Memorial provides clippings from Phalkeji’s life and work.
A show comprising movie clippings would be shown in the evenings for
the visitors, we missed viewing that. We did not know about the show
timings, by the time we decided to go it was over.
Next day
morning, we left for Vani. Vani is located at about 75 km from
Nashik. It is the abode of Saptashrungi Mata, a powerful deity
situated amidst seven hills of the Sahyadri Mountain Range. Nanduri
Village is the nearest point to reach the hill temple. The temple is
located on a rocky hill. The village that is spread out around the
hill temple is known as Vani.
One has
to climb up to reach the temple. Thousands of devotees visit every
day it seems. The goddess is revered as one among the 51 Shakti
Peethas of India. You would walk through rows of shops selling all
accessories of the goddess. It was our taxi driver who had insisted
us to take a ‘darshan’ of the goddess.
We
returned to Aurangabad that evening itself by Jan Shatabdi. Ahhh…How
could we forget buying Khishmish (raisins) for home?! Nashik is one
of the highest grape growing regions of India.