Monday, July 30, 2012


Himachal Pradesh is located in Western Himalayas and there are various elevations of mountains ranging from 350 – 7000 meters are present in this state. State of Himachal Pradesh consists of twelve districts: Una, Lahul, Mandi, Hamirpur, Kangra, Chamba, Shimla, Spiti, Kullu, Kinnaur, Sirmaur and Solan. This state composes of glaciers and rivers and this state provides water to Ganga and Indus basins. Other rivers flowing across Himachal Pradesh include Ravi, Beas, Chenab, Yamuna and Sutlej rivers and these rivers are fed by rainfall and snow, hence they are called as perennial rivers.



Himachal Pradesh Attractions 

The main attractions in the state  are the capital, Shimla, the celebrated hill stations of Kullu, Manali and Dalhousie, the historic towns of Chamba and Kangra and the Rohtang Pass. There are hot springs and beautiful woods in the countryside of Himachal and the natural terrain and green cover are all-pervading phenomena.
 
Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh 

The main hill stations are Dalhousie, Kufri and Dharamshala. Dalhousie is famous for its pine trees, rafting and colonial-era houses. Kufri is a snow laden hill station popular for winter sports like trekking, skiing and hiking. Rides on yaks and ponies are a delight for kids. Dharamshala is noted for its conifer and oak trees and the Kangra Art Museum.
 
Himachal Pradesh Activities 

Trekking, mountain climbing, camping, safari and bird-watching are about all the activities that can keep a tourist engaged in Himachal Pradesh. The Zanskar, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range of mountains are a trekker’s paradise. There are many base camps in Manali from where one can embark on mountain climbing expeditions. Guides in the area can be consulted for great camping sites. Likewise for camping and bird-watching.

Goa Attractions and Beaches


Goa Beaches

Anjuna Beach: It is the internationally famous beach where trance parties are held in the tourist season. Parties are usually scheduled on full moon days. It is also the site where the flea market is held. There is a go karting track close to the beach and some great food stalls serving delicious Goan food.

Aguada Beach: This is the beach that tourists visit for taking photographs of the Aguada Fort. The aged ramparts of the fort are still a great spot to view the sea rolling in. there are also some old churches that the devout would certainly not want to miss. The lighthouse on the beach makes Aguada unique among all Goan beaches.

Candolim Beach: This is the beach that is suitable for tourists who want peace and quiet and want to enjoy their holiday away from the maddening crowd. Candolim beach is also a good place for fishing and there are a few yoga and meditation centers close by. Boating excursions are also available for those who want to avoid the exertion of water sports.



Dona Paula Beach: It is simply the most picturesque Goan beach and also the most busiest in that there are many shops on the beach selling trinkets, lace cloth and spices. Feni and other varieties of wine are sold and so are jewelry and local handicrafts. The clear waters and the balmy sunshine complete the picture.

Vagator Beach: This is the beach full of coconut and palm trees that are always swaying in the wind. The white sands of the beach and the black rocks form an interesting contrast. Two other things that make the Vagator special are the changing color of the seawater and the sight of the fisherman in their work clothes returning to the shore with the day’s catch.
Goa Attractions 

The Goa Carnival, Goan churches and Goan cuisine are the chief attractions of the town. The carnival is called Intruz and Loutolim is the town from where the carnival begins. Music and dancing and Goan sweetmeats are indulged in heavily for the three days of the festival. The Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral are the revered places of worship. Goan dishes like fish curry, balchao, vindaloo and sorpotel are mouth-watering delicacies.
Goa Activities 

Beach sports, water sports, casinos, river cruises and shopping are the favorite activities of tourists. While volleyball and basketball on the shores of the beach keep sand-lovers active, boogie boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing offer adventure to sea-loving folk. River cruises can be taken any time of the day and dolphins and crocodiles can be spotted while floating about.

Best Budget Holidays in India


Budget Holidays India are very useful to the enthusiastic tourists to enjoy their tours to some exotic destinations within their own country and abroad as well at economical prices. It wouldn't be possible for people to visit their favorite destinations so far from their own places at inexpensive rates, if there were no such packages provided some agencies that entertain worldwide tourists through travels to different destinations. The travel agencies offer different sets of tourist packages to the tourists to match with different budget plans. You may visit many beautiful locations around the world by using the facilities provided by the packages


Holiday packages india provide you a gateway to visit picturesque and delightful places in India like, Kahmir, Delhi, Manali, Agra, Shimla, Kanyakumari, Ooty, Kodaikanal, and the like besides many places in other countries. Going for these packages will reduce your burden of booking hotels and transportation while offering them at considerably reduced prices. As there different sorts of packages available, you can select any one of them based on your holiday plans and your permitted budget. From the beginning of your tour till the end of it, everything like lodging, food, transportation, etc will be provided by the agency that books your tour.

Holiday packages india are also offered on tours to foreign countries too. You may enjoy tours to different Asian countries as well as European and other continental countries by availing the tour packages offered by a good many number of tourist agencies. You can simply book your package sitting at home through internet. You pull up your laptop PC or desktop PC with internet connection and search through the list of web sites that present an array of tour packages to the tourists for their holidays. You can omit all your physical strain with the facility offered by internet to book your tours.

Lonavala - One of the Top Tourist Destinations in India


Lonavala is one of your most wanted hill stations in India. It truly is in near proximity to Pune and Mumbai, two significant metros on the region. Pune lies at a length of 64 kilometers from the following whilst Mumbai is 96 kilometers away. The first matter that comes to brain on listening to the town's name could be the famed Lonavala Chikki, which can be a sweet candy manufactured from jaggery and sesame seeds or peanuts. The two Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Pune Highway go through Lonavala. It's a trekker's paradise and is also most favored through the monsoons.


Regarded since the Jewel of the Sahyadris, Lonavala is found at an altitude of 625 meters above the sea level. This beautiful hill station delivers an array of scenic environment which incorporates dense woods and valleys, absolutely free falling silvery waterfalls, historic caves and an abundance of natural splendor.The hills surrounding the town have been the stronghold on the excellent Marathas and had played a vital part during the guerrilla war between the Marathas and the Mughals.


Nowadays Lonavala has acquired commercial recognition far too. It is just a summer resort for many main industrialists likewise as for the film fraternity. Numerous movies and songs have also been shot ion the attractive locales of Lonavala. Khandala is a shut cousin of this town; found only 5 kilometers from here. Both these locations jointly are distribute over a place of 38 sq. kilometers and ended up uncovered by Sir Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay Presidency in the year 1871 who chose to ensure it is his summer retreat. Lonavala derives its that means in the Sanskrit word lonavali which implies the presence of caves close by. There is a selection of historic caves in the area surrounding Lonavala like the Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves along with the Bedsa Caves.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Best Monsoon Holiday Destinations in India


The reservoir of beautiful and most fascinating natural resources, India has many hill stations which are must-see for the tourists from other countries, as well as tourists from every nook and corner of India. Though it is very tough to anybody to select a few hill stations out of many as top most, let us look into five hill stations in India which best fit for spending budget holidays. 
 Coorg
Coorg is in Karnataka state, 252 km away from Bangalore at an altitude of 1525 m near Maidikeri, capital of Kodagu district. It is a wonderful place toenjoy budget holidays. Coorg or Kodagu is the term used to refer a thick forest on extreme hill. This is also called as the Scoltalnd of India. Madikeri, Madikeri Fort, Raja's Seat, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bhagamandala and Talacauvery are some of the wonderful places to seen without fail by the tourists in their budget holidays.
 Nilgiri
It is worthwhile spending your budget holidays, since the Nilgiri hills have many centuries of history to their credit. It is still enigma to our minds, why these hills are called Nilgiri hills or Blue Mountains. But there are speculations among people, as the fog covering area while some people say kurunji flowers which paint blue color to the hills brought this name to these hills. It was in 1602 when the first European landed in this tropical forest area. With all its historical background, it makes your budget holidays an educational event.
 Manali
The wonderful and gripping hill station, Manali has many tourist spots such as, Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa,Manali Mountaineering Institute, Manali Club House, Manu Temple, Vashisth Hot Water Springs, Ashram and Temple and many more which offer attractive budget holidays packages. Hadimba Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Gadhan Takechokling Gumfa, Manali Mountaineering Institute, Manali Club House, Manu Temple, Vashisth Hot Water Springs, Ashram and Temple are some of the tourist attractions in Manali

Kodaikanal
The delightful and captivating elfin hill station is a perfect place for the visitors to get pleasure from their budget holidays. Kodaikanal is full of valleys, mountains and green bedded landscapes. The South Indian beautiful and most fascinating tourist spot offers a great welcome to the tourists who come on budget holidays to regenerate their mind and body out of all burdens. Those who are on their way to consume up their budget holidays, consider it a residential place during summers.
Darjeeling
People, who are in preparation for budget holidays for a superb tourist spot; it is very prudent to insert Darjeeling in their journey. Darjeeling is at an average altitude of 2,050 meters from the sea level. It has all the qualities which are considered to list Darjeeling as one of the top five hill stations in India. Tiger Hill, Kanchenjunga range, Batasia Loop, War memorial, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Dhirdham Temple, Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu,Nepal, The Mall and Chowrasta, Ava Art Gallery and Buddhist Monasteries are the famous sight seeing spots in Darjeeling.

Budget Holidays - Goa Beaches


The home of gambol and exuberance, Goa is the favorite holiday destination for tourists from the whole world, especially, with its gripping andenthralling beaches. Goa is also well known for fizzy and sparkling festivals and Mardi gras. The culture and civilization of the land is one of the othermost striking features. The combination of evocative Portuguese and the tradition of Konkani of India, make the typical culture of the place. To put in anutshell, it is a land of budget holidays. Goa houses many fascinating and attractive beaches which are always crowded with people who came tocelebrate their budget holidays in a memorable way.
Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Benaulim Beach, Bogmalo Beach and Colva Beach are some of the most attractive beachen in Goa.
Anjuna Beach
This beach offers a great resort to people who are on their budget holidays from all walks of life such as, aesthetic lovers, artists, spiritual leaders,passionate lovers, monks and many more. Anjuna beach is one of the best places to revitalize your mind and body. The ambience of the place is full ofgusto and always overflows with zest. This beach is eight kilometers away from west part of Mapusa in Goa. Swimming, beach parties, enjoyable view of sunset, and such other beach activities are the best pastime for the tourists.
Baga Beach
This beach is situated by the Arabian Sea, ten kilometers away from the western parts of Mapusa in goa. Baga beach is nuzzled in the woody and rock-strewn peninsula. The wonderful place of budget holidays offers pure and well-preserved beauty of the ambience unlike any other unadorned beachesin Goa. This beach is most of the time flooded with British tourists who come on special budget holiday packages to witness the beauty of the place.Water sports and fishing are the favorite pastime activities for western tourists in the beach.
Benaulim Beach
The calm and unperturbed Benaulim beach is situated at a distance of seven kilometers from the western parts of Margoa. This place is under the dark for many of the native tourists and it is a secluded place for foreign tourists. The haven of swimming offers a great pastime of fishing to the tourists who are on their budget holidays, hailing from western parts of the globe. Daily evenings and weekend days in the Benaulim beach remind us about gripping carnivals and street parties. The Church of St John the Baptist can be viewed from the beach.

Bogmalo Beach
As it is very easily accessible from the airport of Goa, Bogmalo beach is thronged by many tourists in all seasons and offers a great deal of budget holidays. This beach is located eight kilometers away from Vasco Da Gama. The greenery and relaxed ambience of the place are most attractive and striking points for the tourists. Those who love fishing will have a great time.
Colva Beach
The recent innovation, Colva beach is a place of fresh and untouched beauty of the nature unlike other age old and traditionally famous beaches. One can plan their tour to spend some moments here in their budget holidays.

Kerala - A Famous Monsoon Holiday Destination


India is gifted with many charming touring locations. In that Kerala is considered the most charming and captivating state of all states in India. It's area which has an unmatched beauty and can't be in comparison with any touring destinations from the globe. The natural elegance of Kerala is captivating and soothing to the eyes. Kerala tour deals are demanded for its amazing backwaters, houseboats, untouched beaches, splendid hill stations and charming natural splendor.



Kerala Food 

Seafood and traditional vegetarian meals are the most popular Kerala food items.Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish), Malabar Chemmeen (Prawns) Curry and Alleppey Fish Curry are among the most celebrated Kerala recipes, while the Sadya (vegetarian feast) is served to guests at weddings, childbirth and festivals etc.  Coconut oil and local spices dominate Kerala cuisine.
Kerala Attractions 

Houseboats, Kalarippayattu (traditional Kerala martial art form) and the boat races are the main attraction of Kerala. Houseboats are made entirely from wood and coir without any metal! Kalarippayattu performers can be watched in action in Kalaris or the martial arts training schools.  The Nehru Trophy in August is boat racing’s most coveted price. It is held in the Punnameda Lake.
Kerala Activities 

Visiting the beaches, the backwaters, and undergoing chikitsa (Ayurvedic rejuvenation) are top tourist activities in Kerala. Kovalam, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Alappuzha are internationally renowned beaches in Kerala. Visiting the backwaters in Kuttanad, Kumarakom and Thiruvallam is an encounter with nature redefined. There are Ayurveda centers in Nedumangad, Poovar, Vizhinjam and Kovalam that one can visit to have oil massage and other treatments

Friday, July 13, 2012

Adilabad - Known as the Cotton City


Adilabad is the northernmost district of Andhra Pradesh state with four rivers flowing through it. It is also known as the ‘City of Cotton’, because of the booming cotton trade in the town-centre. It was originally known as Edulapuram and it was ruled by the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal as well as the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties. The district is famous for its pilgrim points and handicrafts. Half the district is under forest cover and the tribal peoples as well as the folk handicrafts of Adilabad draw many tourists from all over the country. There are also many interesting wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls in the district.





The name of the town has been derived from the medieval Bijapur ruler, Adil Shah. Other rulers included Chalukyas, Rashtrkutas, Yadavas, Kakatiyas and the Bahmanis. The Gond rajas of Sirpur and Chandrapur also ruled Adilabad. From the mid-thirteenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries, the Gond Kings held power over Adilabad. Some of the rulers also constructed minor forts in the area.


The Gonds’ contribution to the district was evident during the insurrection against the British rule, when Ramji Gond led the Rohilas and Gonds in their many hostilities against the repressive British rule. Komaram Bhim, a hero of the tribal populations who led the struggle of his people against the Zamindars. He is a legend in the town and is best remembered for his guerrilla warfare against the rapacious landlords. Modern day Adilabad is a remarkable fusion of Telugu and Marathi cultures. 

Bitra Island - The Smallest and Beautiful Place in Lakshadweep


Bitra island is the smallest and the least populated island in the Lakshadweep about 260 kms. off Kochi in Kerala. Its total land area is incredibly small, extending only upto 0.1 square kilometres! Nevertheless the lagoon area measures an impressive 45 square kilometres. It is the largest lagoon in the Lakshadweep archipelago. It can be accessed by both air and sea. The unique feature of this island is that its temperature remains mostly warm throughout the year; in the range of 28-32°C. However the humidity levels are high; over 70%. Also it is an area of very heavy rainfall with over 21 mm having been recorded on a single day.





This island was once known as Tree Island because of the heavy undergrowth and shrubs. Initially, many birds were the only year-round residents on this island as the acute lack of drinking water made human settlement impossible. Continuing human activity in the form of game and egg hunters interfered with the birds’ habitat. With the increased awareness of the picturesque islands along with the improved amenities and transportation facilities, a small group of residents from southern Indian states made Bitra their home. Majority of the population in Bitra is Islamic.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Yavatmal - Known for Hilly Tracts

Yavatmal of Maharashtra is a town renowned for its farmer population and hilly tracts of land. In fact, the name of the town means ‘mountain row’. Interesting historical names of the town include Yavatecha Mahaal and Yot-Lohar.
It was the main town of the Deccan Sultanate of Berar. From the rulers of Ahmednagar, it was ceded to the Mughals. After the death of the last Mughal emperor, Yavatmal was taken over by the Maratha rulers. Raja Raghuji Bhosale then became its ruler. Later, the British rulers annexed the kingdom. It was initially recognized as a part of central India but when Bombay state was formed, Yavatmal was included in it and subsequently it became a part of Maharashta. Yavatmal is located about 440 mts. above sea level. It is in proximity to Chandrapur, Amravati, Parbhani and Akola districts. It has mostly a hot and dry climate with winters that stay moderately cold. Apart from the humongous output of cotton, Yavatmal also produces jowar and wheat. Many famous clothing brands have set up their production centres in Yavatmal. It is well connected by air, rail and road, being located on Maharashtra State highway No. 6 which runs between National Highway Nos. 6 & 7.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Chandrapur - Known for Wildlife Park and Ancient Temples


Chandrapur district of Maharastra is located between the Wainganga and Wardha river basins. Situated on the banks of the Irai river, Chandrapur is also known as the ‘City of Black Gold’ because of its numerous coal mines. It draws a fair number of tourists from all over the country due to its proximity to the wildlife park and because of its many ancient temples.



The history of the city extends to the mythological age of Dwapar Yuga during which a King called Raja Chandrahasa named it Indupur and later the name of the town was changed to Chandrapur or the City of The Moon.  The name of a Gond King, Khandkya Shah is attributed to the development of the city in the later medieval ages. During the Bristish rule, the name of the town was changed to Chanda and it was continued to be known as such until its name was changed to Chandrapur in the 1960s. However, the name Chanda is still used to refer to the city in local parlance.  

After the last descendant of the royal family died without an heir in the mid-nineteenth century, the kingdom was considered to have lapsed to the British Crown. Since then, the extent and boundaries of the district have undergone several changes. Today the town has witnessed marked growth.

Chandrapur has a population of roughly 3 million people. The old city is a walled section. The town is well connected by road and rail. Because it is on the way from Chennai to Delhi, there is a lot of movement of trains through Chandrapur.

The tourist season is from August to January, after which the climate remains hot and dry. There is very little humidity in the city. The monsoon begins from June and annual rainfall is about 1400 mm. The temples and other historic constructions like forts etc. are the main tourist attractions. The town is also an important camping ground for tourists interested in participating wildlife excursions in the adjacent Tiger Park.

The half dozen rivers flowing through the town have been the mainstay of its economy. More than ten dams have been constructed in and around Chandrapur in the last few decades to meet its irrigation and power needs. Dances such as the Adivasi, Gusadi, Gondal, Tamasha and Keertam are all popular forms of folk arts in Chandrapur. The town has seen rapid industrialisation and commercial development in recent times.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Saputara - An Unexplored Location in India


The most charming and striking hill station; Saputara is a diamond in the garland of Sahyadri mountain ranges and the solitary hill station in the Gujarat State. The peaceful and relaxing little town is positioned at an average altitude of 1,000 meters approximately above the sea level with an agreeable and amiable climatic condition in 365 days if a year. It is the best place for people, who are in search of a place of rejuvenation and regeneration, to give more meaning to their budget holidays by adding glory. Saputara is a magnanimous place with many picturesque images that pamper our mind.



The literal meaning of Saputara is, ‘home of serpents’, and it is evidently tinted by the installed icon of a snake on the shoreline of the River Sarpagana, which surges through the Saputara town. The snake’s icon is adored by the ethnic groups of the region, particularly in celebrations like, Holi festival. The another myth of the place is that the Lord Rama, the king of Ayodhya in Tretha Yug, spent his days of deportation levied by his father Dasharadha for 11 years in the forests of this place. The place with spiritual and historical background, is very good place to utilize your budget holidays to breath the holy air.

The hill station entertains the tourists from all over the country as well as all over the world with its developed hill resort which is equipped with facilitiesthat are required for the tourists who are there to celebrate their budget holidays. Vansda National Park, Purna Sanctuary, Sunrise Point are some of thespots, must not be missed out by the visitors of Saputara. Boating in the lake of Saputara, is really an amazing event that gives chance to view the greeneryof the surroundings very closely.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Cheap Holidays in India - Kochi


Kochi the former Cochin is a vivacious city and it was the hub of spice trade through many centuries. Since the prehistoric period this place was visited by Greeks, Jews, Chinese, Romans and Arabs. Kochi is located on the south-west coast of the Indian cape in Kerala state. Kerala is renowned for its glory as ‘God’s Own Country’. The incredibly picturesque and most charming Kochi is a must see place for those who go Kerala state to spend their budget holidays. An Italian traveler Noccolo Da Conti and a Chinese Voyager Ma Huan hailed about Kochi in the books they wrote in 15th century.



After the great damage of Kodungallur (Cranganore) port in a huge deluge, Kochi became a hub for trade and commerce. Kochi is also called as the gateway of Kerala. It is a perfect destination for the tourists who want to spend their weeklong family vacations in south India. Kochi has multi cultural influence thorough out the history affected by British, Dutch, Arabs, Portuguese and Chinese. They have left an ineffaceable mark on the progress of Kochi. After Mumbai, Cochin or Kochi is the significant city on Indian west coast and is an important industrial and commercial center of Kerala.

Kochi is connected with all major cities in the world by its international airports and seaports. The beautiful city Kochi is edged by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats on west and east respectively. As it is nearer to the equator, the sea and the mountains supply affluent feel of fair climate. Many surrounding village and towns have been merged into the Cochin and emerged as a great city Kochi. Now the new city Kochi consists of Cochin, Kochi fort, Ernakulam including many other towns and villages. Many of the tourists visit this place to spend their group holidays by exploring the immeasurable prettiness of Kerala. It is one of the ‘50 greatest places of a lifetime’ of travelers, the program presented in National Geographic channel and was given top three rating in tourist places by World Travel & Tourism Council.

The famous tourist places in Kochi include, Backwaters of Kochi are a group of lakes and ponds; Marine Drive, a popular place a scenic walkway visited by local people; Fort Kochi, hub historical and tourist attractions; Hill Palace is a museum of relics of the glorious past. Formerly it was used as an office for administrative purposes by Kochi Rajas; Mattancherry Palace formerly know as Dutch palace exhibits the hand drawn pictures of Kochi Rajas; Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium; Jewish Synagogue; Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica church built by Portuguese; Bolgatty Palace; Kochi International Marina; Willingdon Island, Museum of Kerala History, St. Francis Church and the Pallipuram Fort.

Air, road and rail; all the three means of transportation facility are available for tourists to reach Kochi. And it is connected by NH17: Kochi to Mumbai, NH47A: Kundanoor Junction to the Willingdon Island, NH47C: Kalamassery to the Vallarpadam International Container Terminal, NH47: Salem to Kochi and NH49: Kochi to Dhanushkodi via Madurai in Tamil Nadu. Rail and flight facilities are available from all the major cities of India.