India is a vibrant land of startling contrasts where both the traditional and modern worlds meet. The world's seventh largest nation by area and the second largest in terms of population, India boasts a rich heritage that's the result of centuries of different cultures and religions leaving their mark. Things to do in India include the opportunity to experience an array of sacred sites and spiritual encounters, while nature lovers will enjoy its sun-washed beaches, lush national parks, and exciting wildlife sanctuaries.

From the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra to the holy sites of Harmandir Sahib (formerly the Golden Temple) in Amritsar and the Mecca Masjid mosque in Hyderabad, visitors to this exotic country will discover a trove of spiritual, cultural, and historical treasures.

1. The Taj Mahal, Agra

Perhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love. Named after Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, this most beautiful of mausoleums was begun upon her death in 1631 and took 20,000 workmen until 1648 to complete. Incorporating many elements of Islamic design including arches, minarets, an onion-shaped dome, and black calligraphy inlaid around the entrance, the Taj Mahal is largely constructed of white marble. Adding to its splendor are delicate inlaid floral patterns and precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and mother of pearl.

2. The Holy City of Varanasi

Dating back to the 8th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. A major pilgrimage center for Hindus, this holy city has long been associated with the mighty Ganges River, one of the faith's most important religious symbols. Varanasi offers many reasons to visit, not least of them the chance to explore the Old Quarter adjacent to the Ganges where you'll find the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, built in 1780. The New Vishwanath Temple with its seven separate temples is also of interest.

3.  Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar

Founded in 1577 by Ram Das, Amritsar is an important hub of Sikh history and culture. The main attraction here is Harmandir Sahib, opened in 1604 and still often referred to as the Golden Temple for its beautiful gold decoration. The holiest of India's many Sikh shrines (it also attracts many Hindus and people of other faiths), the temple was built in a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its lower marble section features such flourishes as ornate inlaid floral and animal motifs, while the large golden dome represents a lotus flower, a symbol of purity to Sikhs.

4. The Golden City: Jaisalmer

So named for the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings, the Golden City of Jaisalmer is an oasis of splendid old architecture that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Once a strategic outpost, today the city is filled with splendid old mansions; magnificent gateways; and the massive Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, a daunting 12th-century structure that rises high above the town.

5. The Red Fort, New Delhi

Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 as the seat of Mughal power – a role it maintained until 1857 – the magnificent crescent-shaped Red Fort in New Delhi, named after the stunning red sandstone used in its construction, covers a vast area of more than two square kilometers, all of it surrounded by a large moat. Highlights include its two largest gates: the impressive Lahore Gate (the fort's main entrance) and the elaborately decorated Delhi Gate, once used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.

World Tourism Day 2022: Top Tourist Destinations in India

• Blog Travel World Tourism Day
• At 1:14:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Durga Puja is an annual festival celebrated in September or October, most notably in Kolkata, in West Bengal of India, but also in other parts of India and amongst the Bengali diaspora. It marks the ten-day worship of the Hindu mother-goddess Durga. In the months preceding the festival, small artisanal workshops sculpt images of Durga and her family using unfired clay pulled from the Ganga River. The worship of the goddess then begins on the inaugural day of Mahalaya, when eyes are painted onto the clay images to bring the goddess to life. It ends on the tenth day, when the images are immersed in the river from where the clay came. Thus, the festival has also come to signify ‘home-coming’ or a seasonal return to one’s roots. Durga Puja is seen as the best instance of the public performance of religion and art, and as a thriving ground for collaborative artists and designers. The festival is characterized by large-scale installations and pavilions in urban areas, as well as by traditional Bengali drumming and veneration of the goddess. During the event, the divides of class, religion and ethnicities collapse as crowds of spectators walk around to admire the installations.

Durga Puja in Kolkata is the grandest of all festivals celebrated in the capital city in honour of Goddess Durga during the period of Navaratri. While the festival of Durga Pujo is without a doubt celebrated grandiosely across the world, in Kolkata, the vigour with which it is celebrated is second to none. It is celebrated for 10 days, starting from the sixth day until the ninth day, the Pandals with grand idols of Goddess Durga are open for visitors. The tenth day, also known as Dashami marks the Visarjan (immersion in water) of the idol with grand celebrations and processions. 

See More....

Durga Puja 2022: Kolkata

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 1:54:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Khajjiar, often dubbed the Mini Switzerland of India, is a small hill station in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. With a small-town vibe, fresh mountain air and picturesque landscapes encompassing dense deodar forests, verdant meadows and snowy mountains, it’s a playground for adventurers. 

Albeit a small plateau, Khajjiar never fails to leave an ever-lasting impression on tourists with its breathtaking landscape: the green meadows, dense pine forests, the serene lake in the middle and soaring Dauladhar mountains in the backdrop. Owing to their topographical resemblance, this town near Dalhousie is known as ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, and is a must-visit for nature lovers.Anyone can take a bus from Dalhousie and reach this Switzerland in India. There are cottages, hotels and rest houses run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, PWD and Forest Dept. along with few private hotels, too. You can spend your day amidst the dense deodar and lush green meadows of the Dauladhar or can such take a quiet stroll around the famous Khajjiar Lake.

Never to forget is the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary in this Switzerland in India. One can witness a wide variety of flora and fauna peeping at every corner. Trekking-enthusiasts can also go for a moderate 3.5 kms trek from Khajjiar to Dainkund.

See More....

Khajjiar: India's Mini Switzerland

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 4:37:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Naggar is situated on the bank of the river Beas at an altitude of about 1,800 metres. It was the capital of the Kullu kings for nearly 1,500 years. Later, Kullu town was built during the mid- 18th century, and the capital was shifted there. Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu built Naggar castle in around 1460 A.D. It remained the official seat of Kullu kings for centuries. Today, the Naggar castle in Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist attraction. The castle's popularity soared ever since it was shown on the silver screen. The song "Yeh Ishq Haye" from the superhit Bollywood movie "Jab We Met" was shot near this castle. 

The traditional Pahari style (Kathkuni) was used in constructing the castle. The castle has a grand central courtyard and exquisite wood carvings all over the place. The arched balconies provide an enthralling view of the far-off snow-covered peaks and Beas Valley. The castle is constructed with stone and timber without using nails or iron. Instead, alternate layers of wooden beams and stones are used to build the castle walls. While the entire region was devastated by the earthquake of 1905, Naggar castle, with its unique shock-bearing architecture, largely remained undamaged. When the castle was under British control, an additional staircase, chimneys, and fireplaces were added. Despite undergoing modifications, the castle has managed to keep its distinct historical architecture alive.

See More....

Architectural Marvel : Naggar Castle

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 1:11:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

The rock art of central India and southern India is rich and recent discoveries of petroglyphs from Konkan indicate that there may have had a link between these two regions. When we talk about rock art in India, mostly we think of cave temples, rock paintings of Bhimbetka, and etchings found on excavated items. It’s time we add more things to the list of rock art in India. For instance, the geoglyphs or the petroglyphs of Konkan. The initial discovery of these sites was done in 2012, though the locals had known about some of these petroglyphs as something cultural left by their ancestors. Now these Konkan petroglyphs find themselves in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kasheli, Rundhye Tali, Devache Gothane, Barsu, Devi Hasol, Jambharun, Kudopi and Ukshi in Maharashtra, and Pansaymol in Goa, these are the places in the Konkan region where these aforementioned petroglyphs were found. More than 1500 petroglyphs are spread across more than 70 locations, all dating back to the Mesolithic era. Most of these carvings are of land and marine animals, and get this, some of these rock art are of animals that are long extinct.

See More....

Petroglyphs of Konkan : Maharashtra

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 12:57:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Nidhivan which means "Forest of Tulsi" is one of the sacred forest sites of Vrindavan. It is situated in the Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Nidhivan is considered as the most prominent site dedicated to the pastimes of Hindu deities Radha Krishna and their gopis. 

It is considered to be the holiest place in the country where God literally has an abode. Such speculations leave us in an enigma! There is no smoke without fire. There is some root to this mystery which is still unknown to all. Post the evening aarti, no priest or devotee is allowed to step into the premises. However, not all facts are available at our disposal. 

There is no sighting of any animal or bird post 7 PM either because it is said that they elope from the area as well. Not just this, but Nidhivan has a unique surrounding. It is flanked by unusual hollow trees that are short heightened and the branches are twisted downwards and lie in tangles. The Tulsi plants also stand in pairs. Nidhivan garden closed at 5 p.m. for the public. According to legend, In every night Krishna came here and dressed and adorn Radha Rani with his own hands at Rang Mahal inside the temple. Inside, you will find several ornaments and makeup items near the bed in Rang Mahal temple. And During the night divine dance takes place in Nidhivan all trees become gopis and dance with Lord Krishna and Radha Rani.

See More...

Mysterious Nidhivan: Vrindavan

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 12:29:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More

Goa is popularly known as the party capital of India. The breezy beach parties, intoxicating Feni and delicious seafood, beckon tourists from across the world. While, beaches, parties and booze always make it to your to-do list in Goa, let’s remind you that the smallest state of India, is much more than this. From tropical spice plantation treks, guitar making workshops, to fascinating museum visits,there are many things to do in Goa beyond beaches.

Wander through Fontainhas, Goa’s Latin Quarter

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontainhas is a charming town that exudes a colonial-era vibe at every nook and corner. Visitors can wander through the cobbled streets and gaze at the traditional, colorful Portuguese houses and structures. Two of the most beautiful attractions are the Chapel of St. Sebastian, which is known for its pristine white facade, and the Maruti temple that rests on Altinho hill and offers an unbeatable view of the town. The other sight that makes quite the impression is the Gitanjali Art Gallery that houses impressive artwork from the 1950s to ’90s. It’s recommended to stay at least for a day in one of the many Portuguese mansions-turned-boutique hotels and experience authentic Goan hospitality.

Explore the Old Goa

Founded in the 15th century, Old Goa is one of the most historic cities in Goa. The city was abandoned in the 18th century due to a widespread plague in the area. However, what stands today are the beautiful churches that were developed in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule, and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most impressive ones are the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is a true archetype of Baroque architecture and holds remains of St. Francis Xavier (well-known Spanish missionary); the 16th century Se Cathedral that stands out with its giant bell, called the “Golden Bell;” and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. To stroll around Old Goa is to enjoy a mix of Baroque and Portuguese styles of architecture.

Marvel at the historical forts

Goa is home to several forts that play a crucial role in its history. Some of the most prominent ones are the 17th century Chapora Fort that offers panoramic vistas of the sea and beaches nearby; the Aguada Fort, which was established in 1612 by the Portuguese, and its highlight is the 19th century lighthouse within it; the Terekhol Fort, which now functions as a heritage hotel and also houses a 100-year-old church; and the 16th century Reis Magos fort that is famed for its breathtakingly beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi river, as well as the gallery that display works of the famous cartoonist, the late Mario Miranda.

See More....

Goa: Beyond Beaches

• Blog Photography Travel
• At 1:32:00 pm
• Leave a Comment

Read More