Holi in a Hostel - Award winning Indian ad for a cause

This is a beautiful advertisement showcasing the festival of Holi in a different way. Please see it till the end and I am sure you will like it.

Presentation about India - Incredible India

This presentation named as "Incredible India" is about the evolution of India and its historical past. It's a complete dialogue to know about the true India, it's religions, culture, people, languages, technology, economy, festivals and  lots of other things.

Indians are very kind hearted and welcome the guests with open arms. 

Vande Mataram .... Jai Ho...

Incredible India

The 2 minutes version of new Incredible India commercial depicting the true India. Video showcase the Indian culture, people, geography from North to South and East to West. Check it out to know about true India... Incredible India...!

3D mapping on India Gate

This video is a 3D mapping on India Gate, one of the oldest monument in New Delhi. It depicts the year old history of India and its rich cultural heritage.

Campaign Clean India by the Tourism Ministry of India.

Holiday Spirit - Pack Up Head Out

By Rajesh Krishan (ht magazine)
During summer holidays, take your family to western Himachal, an adventure playground. Travel to remote destinations in the Greater Himalayas such as Chamba, Dalhousie and Kangra or closer spots of the Shivalik range like Shimla, Chail and Morni Hills.

Fresh Mountain air, majestic mountains and peaceful valleys, this hilly retreat, situated at the lower reaches of the Shivalik range at an altitude of 1220metres, is literally just around the corner for those living in the plains of Chandigarh or Panchkula. Located in Haryana, Morni is a great spot of trekking across picturesque paths through cool pine forests, picnicking on lakeshores or hours of bird watching.

As you reach Morni, you will come across Mountain Quail, which provides accommodation and F&B. Explore the ruins of the Old Fort, which was recently renovated located near Mountain Quail and the Hindu temple on the lakeside that dates back to the 12^th century. Ten kilometers away is tourist hot spot Tikkar Taal, home to two lakes. A short distance from here is Hosh and Josh Thrills Adventure Park where you can enjoy river crossings, Tarzan swings, tree houses, a maze, a haunted house and restaurant.

Trek from Mountain Quail to Tikkar Taal (about a 10km trek) and take a relaxing stroll along the lake. Adventure seekers can trek to Ghaggar River, which flows past Morni. The fairytale pine forests are home to intriguting wildlife like langurs, jackals, hyenas, and sambar. Birdwatchers can spot kingfishers, tree creepers, quails and Himalayan bulbul.

Journey There

If you are traveling to Morni from Zirakpur or other parts of Punjab, you can take Naraingarh Road (where Gurudwara Nada Sahib is located). Morni Hills is just 30km from here and 45km from Chandigarh.

Overnight options

Mountain Quail, run by Haryana Tourism, provides accommodation from Rs. 1100 – 1800 a night. Morni also has a forest rest house called Lal Munia and a PWD rest house and hotels like Morni Resorts. At Tikkar Taal, Haryana Tourism provides a dormitory and tents at nominal prices. There is also a forest rest house besides other private hotels. Tourists looking for low budget options can opt for a homestay at Morni village.

Tour Itenary - AMRITSAR - AGRA - FATEHPUR SIKRI - VARANASI - DELHI -AMRITSAR

Here is a standard schedule which you may follow to visit the above mentioned places.

Day 1: Amritsar
Take your seats in train, say Chhatisgarh Express and leave for Agra Cantt at 1615 hrs. over night journey in train.

Day2: Agra
Breakfast will be served in train, Reach Agra Cantt. at 0910 hrs (with same train mentioned above). Transfer to Hotel of your choice. After fresh up visit Taj Mahal, Red Fort etc., over night at Hotel.

Day3: Fatehpur Sikri
After early breakfast visit Fatehpur Sikri Fort, in the evening transfer to Agra Cantt. Railway station, take seats in train, say Mtj pnbe express at 2305hrs and leave for Varanasi. Overnight at train.

Day4: Varanasi
Take your breakfast in train, reach Varanasi at 1235hrs, transfer to hotel of your choice. After check in visit Varanasi local sightseeing's Temples, Mosques, Palaces, Metal Handicrafts, Silk Sarees, Banaras Hindu University etc. Overnight at hotel

Day5: Varanasi
After breakfast visit sightseeing's of varanasi, in the evening transfer to Railway Station and leave for Delhi. Overnight in Train.

Day6: Delhi
Reach Delhi, transfer to the hotel. After fresh up, visit Delhi local sightseeing's like Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Qutab Minar etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day7: Delhi
After early breakfast, leave for Gurgaon sightseeing's. In evening, transfer to New Delhi railway station, take your seats in train, say Golden Temple Mail and leave for Amritsar at 1935hrs. Overnight in train.

Day8: Amritsar
Reach Amritsar at 0615hrs.

.........Tour End.........

Good Luck & have a Happy Journey

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Today i would like to share a health tip with you which will be very useful for your body.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar has recently taken the world by storm for its health benefits. Since Apple Cider Vinegar is made from sweet apples, it is considered to be a safer alternative to the other drugs that are made from synthetic products that can cause harm to human body. Silver medicine has completely researched articles on Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and many other natural medicines that have been found as a cure for many health ailments. 

Glory of Punjab

The land of Punjab is a land of exciting culture, myriad images of swaying emerald green fields and hearty people whose robust rustic ways of camaraderie and bonhomie are very much a part of their heritage.

BHANGRA

Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate, had claimed Punjab to be the place in India where the first civilized man was born. Thus, much of Indian thought, philosophy and culture is supposed to have originated from this land. Kingdoms changed and empires perished, but the inhabitants of Punjab enlivened their culture, especially the folkdances, which are a vital organ of this culture. The origin of folk dance is associated with the evolutionary era when man left the caves and settled in the plains, devising means to save himself from animals. Raisinq his hands and letting out a scream at the first kill, it is belleved gave birth to folk dance. Jumps and waving of arms In excitement gave a name to the dance with screams being developed into folk music.

Folk songs of Punjab are the songs of the body and soul. The joyous flight of birds, starry nights, sunny days and thundering clouds, signifying happiness and joy, are all reflected in folk songs . So ageless are these songs that no one can claim their creation. Punjab is the only place where male and female dances are not the same and are of varying forms. While the male dances are the bhangra, jhoomer, luddi, julli and dankara. the female one's are Giddha and Kikli.

Bhangra is considered to be one of the oldest dances in the world. Though danced now at every gala day, bhangra is closely associated with the Baisakkhi festival on the day the harvesting of wheat begins. The dancers are dressed in a kurta (long, tlowing, collarless shirt), waistcoats, loin cloth up to the ankles and a colourful turban with a folded tail hanging down like a plume. A golden band to keep the turban in piace is also worn. The song for the dance is called saddh or boli or the call. Adrum, musical tongs and empty earthen vessels provide the rhythmic beat.

Starting with a slow beat, the dancers circle the drummer, who, with a gradually increasing rhythmic beat, beckons them on. Being a virile dance, acrobatics are also performed to display the vigor of their bodies. A man with a whistle accompanies the party to Indicate a change in the movement of the dance. Another. holds a pole atop which a squirrel in puppet form is holsted attached to a string which indicates agility.

The origin of bhangra has been attributed to the disciples of Shiva who, while grinding bhang or marijuana, sang and danced. Hence the name, bhangra.

JHOOMER

Jhoomer also called the cool dance of Punjab, is performed by male dancers with a graceful gait. The costumes are the same as worn for bhangra. To the tunes of emotional songs, the dancers with a waving of arms. move in a slow circle around a single drummer in the centre. No acrobatics are pertormed during this dance.

Luddi is danced to celebrate a victory in any field. The dance has its historical linkages to the moment when Punjabi Sardars rescued women who were forcibly taken towards the Middle East. The costume for this dance is simple consisting of a kurta, loin cloth and a turban. The performers dance by placing one hand at the back and the other before the face copying the movement of a snake's head. Thic is also danced with the drummer in the centre. This dance, however is not as popular as the bhangra in India.

Jalli is a religious dance associated with the Pirs and recluses and is generally danced in their hermitages. The dance is generally pertormed while in a sitting posture. After donning black clothes and a black scarf over the head, the dancer holds a thick staff in his hand and dances by revolving it. This dance is very rarely pertormed these days and is fast disappearing.

GATKA

Dhankara, like other male dances, is also performed in circles generally ahead of marriage processions to exhibit joy.

Also known as the gatka or tippi dance, the dancers rhythmically ply colourtul staffs in their hands crossing them with each other. The high point is reached in the sitting position when the bitons are crossed. No special costumes are worn.

The folk dance of Punjabi women is similar to the bhangra in its vinlity and tastness. Though confined to women, it is by no means a gentle style of dancing . During the harvest and on ceremonial occasions like a marriage or the birthday of a son, the Punjabi women revelling joy, give vent to their suppressed feelings in a male dominated society through the giddha. Slogans known as bolis are sung while dancing which exhibit the deep human feeling. These bolis cover varied themes from nature to excesses commited by the husband and his relatives; some talk about love affairs to the loneliness of a bride separated from her groom. The Punjabi salwar kameez or lehnga (loose ankle skin), rich in colour and decoration is worn. No musical instruments except perhaps a dholak accompanies a giddha.


KIKLI

The kikli is a part when, while singing participants begin moving in a circle. As the tempo builds up two or three pairs free themselves and begin performing the Kikli. In this, two panicipants stand face to face with their feet close to each and their bodies inclined back. while clasping each other's hand's and arms stretched, the participants swirl around in a very fast move using their feet as a pivoting points. This continues to the accompaniment of Dhols and clapping of hands till the tempo gradually eases off.

Long atter the dances and the singing cease singing cease it takes time to get used to silence. The rythimic beat of the dholak, its booming crescendo, subtle shifts in rythms or the lazy lulling beat, linger on.

- Robust Revelry

Hotels in India

I was browsing on net and i found these links about the Hotels in India...
I hope it might help you in one or the other way.

http://www.bestindiansites.com/hotels/

http://www.onlinehotelsinindia.com/

Hope to add more links soon.

India's Incredible

Report presented by Meenakshi Kumar on Times of India

Software engineer Naveen Pathak is packing his bags for a trekking trip through Sikkim this summer. Nothing unusual about that, except that a year ago, it would have been Paris or Vienna. PR executive Harsh Mehta has also reworked his holiday schedule. He has just returned from an 11-day trip to the Himalayas, canceling his plan for a five-day break in Bangkok.

In Bangalore, IT professional Mickey Bopanna says he has switched his holiday from violence wracked Sri Lanka to Goa’s quiet beaches.

India, it seems, is traveling around India like Pathak, Mehta and Bopanna are just three of large numbers of tourists to change their travel plans in this summer of discontent, with its economic slowdown, global swine flu scare and scattered violence-hit holiday destinations.

Vibhas Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels, says Indian tourists “are pushing back their travel plans to later in the year”, even as they increasingly put on hold plans, to visit swine flu- hit north and Latin America.

Adds Druv Shringi, co-founder of travel portal yatra.com, “Many people have been modifying travel plans, especially to the US and South America in the last few weeks. At least 12-15% is open bookings. People are hoping that the situation will improve so that they can continue with their travel.”

Indians are holidaying still but for many it’s Bharat Darshan time, discovering India like never before. Tourism figures for the first quarter of the year are not yet avail.,) able, but industry experts estimate that domestic tourism has grown 10-15%.If true, that would be a substantial addition to last year’s figures 400 million Indians traveled domestically and nine million went abroad.

Subhash Goyal, president of the Confederation of Tourism Professionals and chairman of Stic Travels, says, “The most happening domestic travel trend this year is to go on short trips for two-three days or over the weekends. And for such short trips, people are opting for destinations closer home where they have to spend little and can relax and enjoy more.”

Travelers are not just being cautious but canny as well with value-for-money deals. Harsh Mehta, who lives in Mumbai, says he’s happy he aborted plans to visit Bangkok because he’s spent the same money to visit several places in the Himalayas instead. “I got the best deals and visited many places - Shimla, Chail, Jammu & Kashmir, Rishikesh and Haridwar. It’s been the most cost-effective holiday for me so far,” he says.

Vinni Pannu, who heads Dabur Retail Venture’s North India operations in Delhi, agrees. “Smaller vacations and traveling to multiple places turn out to be much cheaper Often, the pack- ages have hidden costs, which are not revealed to the customers initially. Later, even a trip to Bangkok turns out pretty expensive,” she says.

But some industry experts say the apparent spike in domestic tourism is a mirage. Karan Anand, who heads relationship and supplier management at travel agency Cox and Kings, says, “Domestic tourism has been on a growth curve for the last couple of years with various state tourism boards such as Kashmir, Kerala, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh promoting their destinations aggressively in the Indian metros. We see growth in the range of 10-15% year-on-year.”

Whatever the truth, European destinations, once popular with the Indian tourist, seems to be losing some of their appeal.

Shringi estimates that demand is down by 2530% this year, compared to 2008. “People who would have travelled to Europe are now looking at options in South-east Asia and the Far East. And those who would have ‘traveled to the Far East are opting to travel within India. And even within India, they are going traditional, opting to go to the hills or historical sites,”she says.

Ketaki Narain, director of corporate communications of The Oberoi Group confirms that “domestic tourism to hotels in leisure destinations like Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur and Shimla has witnessed an increase.”

Great Indian Forts

Great Indian Fort

Highlights
India has more than its share of great forts - many of them now deserted - to tell of its tumultuous history. The Red Fort in Delhi is one of the most impressive, but Agra Fort is an equally gigantic cue of Mughals power at its height. A short distance south is the huge, impregnable-looking Gwalior Fort.
The Rajputs could build forts like no¬body else and they've got them in all shapes and sizes and with every imaginable tale to tell. Chittorgarh Fort is awful, Bundi and Kota forts are fanciful, and Jodhpur Fort is huge and high, Amber Fort simply beautiful and Jaisalmer the essence of romance.

Way out west in Gujarat, there are the impressive forts of Junagadh and Bhuj built by the princely rulers of Saurashtra.

Further south there's Mandu, another fort impressive in its size and architecture but with a tragic tale to tell. Further south again at Daulatabad it's a tale of power, ambition and not all that much sense with another immense fort which was built and soon de¬serted. Important forts in the south include Bijapur and Golconda.
Naturally the European invaders had their forts too. We will see Portuguese forts in Goa, Bassein, Daman and Diu, the last being the most impressive. The British also built their share: Fort St George in Chennai is open to the public and has a fascinating museum. Those built by the French, Dutch and Danes are, regrettably, largely in ruins, although the ruins also have a certain appeal.

Fort State
Red Fort Delhi
Agra Uttar Pradesh
Chittorgarh Rajasthan
Bundi Rajasthan
Kota Rajasthan
Jodhpur Rajasthan
Amber Rajasthan
Jaisalmer Rajasthan
Junagadh Gujarat




Red Fort
The red sandstone walls of Lal Qila, the Red Fort, extend for two km and vary in height from 18m the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. He never completely moved his capital from Agra to his new city Shahjahanabad in Delhi because he was deposed and imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangzeb.

The Red Fort dates from the very hit the highest point of Mughals power. When the emperor rode out elephant-back into the streets of Old Delhi it was a display of pomp and power at its most magnificent, The Mughals reign from Delhi was a short one, however: Aurangzeb was the first and last great Mug emperor to rule from here.

Today, the fort is typically Indian. It's still a calm haven of peace if you've just left the frantic streets of Old Delhi; however the city noise and confusion are light years away from the fort gardens and pavilions. The Yamuna River used to flow right by the eastern edge of the fort, and filled the 10m deep moat (a wide dugged channel around the fort to make it more difficult to attack). These days river is over one km to the east and the moat remains empty.
Lahore Gate -:
The main gate to the fort takes its name from the fact that it faces towards Lahore, N-W in Pakistan. If one spot could be said to be the emotional and symbolic heart of the modern Indian nation, the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort is probably it. During the struggle for independence, one the nationalists' declarations was that they would see the Indian flag flying over the Red Fort in Delhi After independence, many important political speeches were given by Nehru and Indira Gandhi to crowds amassed on the maidan outside, and on Independence Day (15 Aug each year, the prime minister addresses a huge crowd from the gate.

You enter the fort here and immediately find yourself in a domed covered passage, (Covered Bazaar). The shops in this covered passage used to sell the up market items that the royal household might fancy – silk, jewellery, gold.
These days they cater to the tourist trade and the quality of goods is certainly a little lower, although some still carry a royal price tag! This covered passage of shops also known as the Mina Bazaar, the shopping centre for ladies of the court. On Thursdays the gate of the fort were closed to men; only women were allowed inside the citadel.
The covered passage leads to the Naubat Khana, or Drum House, where musicians used to play for emperor, and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here. There's an Indian War Memorial museum (free) upstairs. The open courtyard beyond the Drum House formerly had gallery along either side, but these were removed by the British Army when the fort was used as the headquarters. Other reminders of the British presence are the monumentally ugly, three storey barrack blocks which lie to the north of this courtyard.

Diwan-i-Am -:
The Hall of Public Audiences was where the emperor would sit to hear complaints disputes from his subjects. His alcove (bay) in the wall was marble-paneled and set with precious stones many of which were looted following the Mutiny/Uprising. This elegant hall was restored as a résumé a directive by Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India between 1898 and 1905.
Diwan-i-Khass -:
The Hall of Private Audiences, built of white marble, was the luxurious chamber which the emperor would hold private meetings. Centre piece of the hall (until Nadir Shah carted it off to 1 in 1739) was the magnificent Peacock Throne. The solid gold throne had figures of peacocks standing behind it, their beautiful colors resulting from countless inlaid precious stones. Between them the figure of a parrot carved out of a single emerald.
This masterpiece in precious metals, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls was broken up and called peacock throne is displayed in Tehran simply utilizes the original bits.. The marble pedestal on which the throne used to sit remains in place.

Reference: Lonely Planet

Ayurveda: The Knowledge of Life

Ayurveda, an ancient medical system originating from the Indian subcontinent, underlines healthy living by striking a balance between the body, mind and spirit. Today, this healthy lifestyle is widely practiced by millions around the world, completely transcending all borders and beliefs.

Kerala, a state in the southeastern India, is blessed with lush topography and in ideal climate, enabling this coastal state to flourish as one of India’s premier Ayurveda destination. The therapeutic from kerala has left an impression on many citizens of the world and one such who has reaped the benefits of this ancient healing goodness is Goh Eng Leang, Director of Ayurvedium Medispa, Starhill Gallery. After being amazed by the treatment that cured his stomach discomfort and back pain while he was in kerala, he now wishes for Malaysians to be introduced to and experience the great benefits of Ayurveda.

To be continued....

Travel India

Here is a link which you can refer for getting complete knowledge about India.

http://www.123indiatravel.com/travel-to-india/

Intinerary for India

Here are some of the tour itineraries for India for the travelers who want to visit India. The tours have been designed by keeping the needs and interest of the tourists in mind. All the itineraries and packages for India are indicative in nature and can be changed or customized as per your requirements.

http://www.123indiatravel.com/tour-itineraries/

Rajasthan Travel

http://singhal-rajasthanguide.blogspot.com

The site reveals a detailed introduction of Rajasthan. It also provides the picture of the history, locations and various stories hidden in its lap along with other evidences and places of entertainment.

Applying Visa for India

In order to apply for a visa for India, you need to contact various Indian missions available abroad.
You may apply visa a study visa, tourist visa, employment visa, business visa, transit visa.

Just check the link below for the visa details and contact the authorities for all the formal details.

http://www.123indiatravel.com/visa-to-india/

Maps of India

As per the demand of most of the people out here, i have gathered some of the Maps of India. You may refers these maps for your visit to India. It may help your journey go smooth and comfortable. Here they are--

http://www.123indiatravel.com/maps-india/

Festivals and Fairs of India

India is said as the land of festivals and fairs. A vast spectrum of festivals are carried out here which are not only enjoyable but colorful too. Most of the festivals are related to the historical past. You may check them over here---

http://www.123indiatravel.com/fairs-and-festivals-in-india/index.html

Indian Marriages

"Marriages are made in Heaven"
This old proverb is still being followed in India. All the rituals and traditions are still being followed successfully in India.
Read more about Indian marriages at http://marriagecultureinindia.blogspot.com/.

Hotels in India

Here are some of the best hotels in India. Whenever you visit India, you can contact them and
get reservations done. Here they are--

http://www.india-hotels-resorts.com/

http://www.123indiatravel.com/hotels-in-india/

For any further inquiry, you can contact me through an email at gees7.singh@gmail.com or simply post a comment on the blog itself.