Famous Holiday Destinations in North India

North India is enthralling destinations here are many exotic destinations to explore. Great Himalaya is main destinations for every travel who want visit North India, Rajasthan is another hot destination, and Delhi is a historical city. Here is detailed information about North India great places.

Historical Delhi

Scoff aside all that you hear about the ‘Switzerland of India’ and book your tickets for Kashmir. While the rest of India is reporting rising levels of mercury, snow greets you in Gulmarg, even at this time of the year. Kashmir is every poet’s object of love, every traveller’s dream. Visit the sprawling apple orchards, picturesque Cheshmashahi Gardens or the tranquil Dal Lake. Stay like a prince in the house boats, take a ride across the valleys in ropeways suspended in almost thin air!

Vaishno Devi Temple

If you have time, you may visit the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu. The journey may be difficult, but the view on the way is breathtaking. You may take a ride on the helicopter service if you wish.

The Himalayan Range borders the northern edge of India like a fortress. The significance of this mountainous range is reflected in our mythology, climatology and much more. Many a popular tourist destination, trekker’s paradise, family getaways, architectural hubs are scattered all across.

Zanskar Valley Leh

Visit Leh and Ladakh for an experience of a lifetime. You would literally be on top of the world, because Leh is the highest habitation in India. The road gets choked due to snow, so you must make the most of it while the access to this paradise is still available. You may love to ride to Leh or Ladakh on your bike, but your bike is a powerful one.

A popular hill station that comes to one’s mind when Himachal Pradesh is mentioned is Shimla. As one tells you how beautiful the city had been once upon a time, you may have heard that too much tourist influx has resulted in rapid development and the views are lost. Well, don’t go by these rumours. Being the state capital, Shimla is indeed an activity centre, but it is a wonderful place to visit as well. During the British Rule, the capital was shifted here during the summers. Today the Hon’ble President of India visits Shimla once every year for a break from her responsibilities.

Khajjiar, Himachal

There are number of tourist destinations around Shimla, the latest addition to which is the 108 feet high statue of Lord Hanuman at Jakhoo temple. Inaugurated in 2010, the statue faces the town below and can be seen from anywhere around.

Amritsar is famous for the beautiful Golden Temple, the holy gurudwara of the Sikhs. The shrine sprawls over a large area, and has a huge water tank in the middle of it. In the centre stands the grand golden structure. The serenity of the view sooths your psyche, and the religious part of your soul receives a strong impetus. You may take a dip in the holy waters, but be careful of the large goldfish that swim around freely. The complex is impeccably clean, and common man is encouraged to participate in the daily functions of the Gurudwara.

Wagah Border Amritsar

At a stone’s throw away distance is Jalianwala Bagh, a historical site where a massacre hand taken place during the pre-independence days.

Char Dham of Uttarakhand

Move eastward along the Himalayas and you would come across Uttarakhand, a state that was carved out of Uttar Pradesh only a few years back. Many hill stations are speckled across the city, the most famous of them being Mussoorie and Dehradun. The ropeways across the valley are exciting attractions for the children. Mussoorie is a hill station very similar to Shimla, but it has an air of tranquility around it. Visit the mighty Kempty Falls down the hill, which is one of the largest waterfalls in this region. Another destination that is gradually gaining tourist footfalls is Lansdowne. A serene town, it’s ideal to recharge your batteries here. Uttarakhand also known for its famous spiritual destination such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Panch Kedar, Panch Badri, Jageshwar, Kainchi Dham, Panch Prayag & Chardham Yatra (four abodes of God).

Historical Rajasthan

If you can endure scorching heat during the daytime and cold nights, delve into Rajasthan. This state is famous for its architects, historical sites, forts, palaces, and beautiful cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer,  Ajmer, Barmer etc. Hill stations such as Mount Abu, temples like Dilwara Temple have continued luring travelers from across the globe along with its rich tradition and culture.

There’s much more to see in North India. The frontrunner is Taj Mahal in Agra, which features as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Mythology laden towns of Mathura, Vrindavan, Varanasi and Allahabad are prime attractions of Uttar Pradesh. Last but not the least, this coverage on North India would be incomplete without a special mention of the national capital, Delhi. Historical monuments are scattered all over this megalopolis, which stands in quiet testimony of the grandeur of the Mughal Rule.

Chamoli Garhwal District – Chamoli Travel Guide

The Chamoli district is well known for its beauty in all over the India and world as well. Chamoli district is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand and has its district headquarter in Gopeshwar. IT is surrounded by beautiful hills as Tibet in north, Almora in south, Rudraprayag in west, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar in east.

Chamoli Garhwal

Chamoli is also known for various pilgrimages of Uttarakhand as Badrinath and Henkund Sahib many other holiest places are here. Not only pilgrimages but Chamoli have full of tourist places like Auli and Velly of flowers.

History of Chamoli District

The history of Chamoli district is very old and cam in existence from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In the past the region is called as Kedar Khanda. This is also believed that the Vyasa Gufa where Lord Ganesha has scripted Vedas is here in Mana.

Among all 52 Garhas this was the strongest Garh. In the 8th Sept 1803 there was an earthquake that weakened the economic and administrative strength of Garhwal. Gorkha taken advantage of this situation and attacked to the Garhwal, under the command of Amar Singh Thapa and Hasti Dal Chanturia. From 1804 to 1815 the region was remain under Gorkhas.

With the help of British military the king Sudarshan Shah defected Gorkhas. He merged the eastern part of Mandakini and Alaknanda along with the Srinagar which was capital that time in British Garhwal. The capital was set up to Tehri instead of Srinagar then. Earlier, British ruler kept this area under Saharanpur and Dehradun but later there was a new district established named as Pauri and Chamoli became a tehsil of this district. This tehsil was upgraded to a district in 24th Feb 1960. In Oct 1997 the Rudraprayag has been separated from Chamoli district with two complete tehsil and two other blocks. Now the chamoli district has its district headquarter in Gopeshwar.

Bhekal Taal

Chamoli Tourism

The pilgrimages, hill stations, advantageous sports spots, beautiful river banks and amazing climatic conditions makes the Chamoli as world famous and a favorite tourist destination for travelers throughout the year. The pilgrimages are full of spirituality and keep values for the different religions. The hill destinations make Chamoli tourism as perfect for the tourist not only these things but the fabulous climatic conditions make Chamoli tourism as Haven for those who likes the weather of hills.

Narsing Temple Joshimath

Temples in Chamoli

• Badrinath
• Narasingha Temple
• Hemkund Sahib
• Uma Devi Temple
• Bhavishya Badri
• Adi Badri
• Gopinath Temple
• Rudranath Temple
• Yogdhyan Badri Temple

Bedni Bugyal

Places to visit in Chamoli District

• Auli
• Gopeshwar
• Vasudhara
• Valley of Flowers
• Satopanth Lake
• Bedni Bugyal
• Roop Kund
• Badrinath
• Tapovan
• Gwaldam
• Joshimath
• Mana Village
• Kagbhusandi Tal
• Nanda devi Sanctuary
• Hemkund Sahib
• Kuari Pass
• Rudranath

Fairs and Festivals

The Chamoli district is fills of with the Hindu population mostly so the fairs and festivals of Chamoli district are as per the Hindus. All festivals are played here with the full of joy and these been a part of people of Chamoli. Ram Navami, Naag Panchmi, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Shivaratri and Holi are some famous festivals of Chamoli.

Nanda Devi Raj Jat is the most famous and spiritual fair of Chamoli and every year lots of followers join this event and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra which is originated from Nanda Devi Raj Jat.

How to Reach

By Air
The nearest domestic airport from Chamoli is Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. The Airport is about 227 KMs from the district. Nearest International airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi.

By Train
Rishikesh (about 207 Kms), Kotdwar (about 237 Kms) and Haridwar (242 Kms) are some nearest railway stations from Chamoli district. One can easily pick taxies or buses from these railway station to the Chamoli.

By Road
Chamoli is well connected with all districts and cities of Uttarakhand and other places of India. State transportation’s and local transportation’s are easily available and can be availed to visit Chamoli.

Other Information about Chamoli

• Area : 8030 Sq KM
• Altitude : 3133 m
• Population : 391,114 (2011)
• Literacy : 83.84% (2011)
• Headquarters : Gopeshwar
• Temperature in Summer : 30°C(max); 15°C(min)
• Temperature in Winter : 24°C(max); 0°C(min)
• Languages : Hindi and English
• Dialects: Garhwali, Kumauni, Pahadi, Bhotia
• STD Code: 01372
• Pin code: 246401

Kutch: A Melting Pot of Tribal Cultures in a Barren Marshland

Rann of Kutch

The largest Gujarati district, Kutch is like no other region of India and mostly a desert area. The emptiness in the landscape is made up by the rich myriad of tribal communities- each proud of its individual language and lifestyle yet forming an intriguing and flourishing tribal collage unique to this region of India.

History of Kutch

Just like the present day Kutch’s tapestry of cultures, the past of this tribal district is dotted with reigns under various dynasties, kingdoms and foreign settlers. These deserted places have revealed traces of the earliest Indus Valley Civilization, with the eastern tributary of the Indus River leading to the present day lake Rann. There are records of Mauryan empire wanting seize this district from the Greeks. The other reigning kingdoms include Sahiras of Sindu and much later the Samma Rajputs,

Tourism in Kutch

Narendra Modi with Jawans at border areas of Kutch

Tours in Kutch are usually in time for a tribal celebration as festivals are held almost every month. From the Jat Muslim festival, Mai Bhambi in the Mai village in February, to the Ahir festival, Habaimata in the Habai village in October, visitors can enjoy the insight to these vibrant tribes and cultures. Kutch is famous for the indigenous handicraft and their amazingly decorated mud walls are mini art galleries lining the village streets.

Historic Sites

The administrative city Bhujis Tourism spot with historical significance. A fortress city during the reign the Indian kingdoms and seized by the British in 1819. The three royal palaces constructed by Rao Pragmalji, have marvellous architecture such as the Aaina Mahal known to be a most exquisite monument with its artistic qualities that shows European influence. The Kutch Museum was previously called Fergusson Museum, constructed in 1877 by Maharao Khengarji III. Built in Italian style and standing tall along the Hamirsar Lake’s banks, it is home to treasure chest of collection of the Kshatrapa inscriptions, varying archaeological artifacts and specimens of the traditional rich crafts of the Kutch district.

To step back into the times of Indus valley civilization, the ancient town of Dholavira the perfect travel destination to tour the excavation sites of the great Harappan ruins.

Beach Tours

Narendra Modi with Jawans at border areas of Kutch

Scenic Kutch Mandvi beach is ideal for swimming with the backdrop of beautiful sunsets and long peaceful walks in the soft white sand. There are wind mills nearby, camel and horse rides, and shopping galore in this historic town. Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach is a magnet for water sports lovers as there are a variety of aquatic sports such as water scooting, parasailing, surfing and speed boat trips to give the adrenalin seekers a thumping good time With exciting tours for fans of history, culture and water sports, the travel itinerary for Kutch has something for any adventure seeking traveller.

Facts:

• Area (square kilometers) -2873.5 Sq. km.
• Population -1,526,321.
• Elevation -300m.
• Geographical Location (coordinates)-23.13°-24.68°N and 68.10°-71.80°E.
• Climate-Tropical.
• Primary Rainy season-July to September.
• Temperatures -From 20 C in winter to 45 C in summer.
• Languages-Gujarati, Hindi, and local dialects- Kutchi and Sindhi.
• Best Season-Late October to early April.
• Places to visit- Bhuj, Prag Mahal, Cenotaphs of Kutch rulers, Snake Temple at Bhujiyo Hill Fort, Swami Narayan Temple, Dholavira, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Kutch Mandvi Beach, Wild Ass Sanctuary.

Ghats on River Ganges in Varanasi

Tour to India cannot be complete without a visit to the holy city Varanasi – city of temples and Ghats.

Varanasi is situated on the banks of the river Ganges (most sacred river in India & Gomukh is the origin of Ganga which is situated 18 km from Gangotri Dham ) and it has been a cultural and religious center of India for several thousands of years. This city has been regarded as a holy city for both Buddhists and Jains, but it has been even more important for Hindus – for them, Varanasi is the holiest place on the Earth.

History of Varanasi

Varanasi is considered as one of the oldest inhabited areas on the world, and the oldest in India. The legend says that the city was founded by Lord Shiva itself, some five thousand years ago (although historians believe that the city is probably three thousand years old). This is the reason why the city is the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus. There is no Hindu script that does not mention Varanasi. It was the cultural and commercial center of the Kashi Kingdom and its capital during the life of Gautama Buddha The city was famous for its fabrics, especially muslin and silk, Varanasi saris (regional type of saris made of silk), ivory products and perfumes. During 18th century Kingdom of Kashi was independent but then it came under the rule of British Empire. Today, Varanasi is a part of Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi Ghats

Every year, more than one million Pilgrims and devotees of all major religions in India together with tourists from all over the world visit Varanasi.

Varanasi Ghat

Being founded by Lord Shiva, Varanasi is one of the most sacred Pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Devotees believe that bathing in the waters of Ganges can wash away all past sins. People who die in Varanasi liberate their soul, achieve Moksha (final release) and stop the cycle of reincarnation.

For Buddhists, Varanasi stands next to Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya and Lumbini, Pilgrimage sites being designated by Buddha.

For Jains, Varanasi is also important Pilgrimage site, as they believe it is a birth place of Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankar (holy man, propagator, who achieved enlightenment and became a teacher for those needing spiritual guidance).

There are more than 100 Ghats in Varanasi – some of them are very old, dating back to prehistoric times, connected with many myths and legends, and some of them are new. Most of them are for bathing, but there are also a number of them for cremation.

Dasaswamedh Ghat (The Ghat of Ten Sacrificed Horses) is the main Ghat in the Holy City. It is believed that on this place, Lord Brahma sacrificed ten horses in order for Lord Shiva to return from its banishment.

Man Mandir Ghat, built by Maharaja of Jaipur houses the observatory Jantar Mantar. Maharaja was interested in science and technology. He sent a group of scientist of that time to study foreign observatories and come up with a design for Jantar Mantar. Some of the original instruments from that time are still accurate and in use.

Manikarnika Ghat is a very old Ghat, in line with Dasaswamedh Ghat. It is the main cremation site, the symbol of destruction and creation at the same time.

The best way for tourists to experience Varanasi would be on a boat cruise along Ganges, in the early morning or after sunset. In the morning, they can observe people offering morning prayers and water to the God Surya (Sun). In the evening they can watch Puja performed by the group of priests lifting lighted chandeliers in the honour of the River, Fire, Lord Shiva and the whole Universe. Plan your Varanasi tour during festivals season (from September to December) and enjoy the buzzing ghats, riches of colours and beautiful music in this mesmerizing city.

Famous Hindu Temples in Haridwar

Haridwar is a very sacred place in India. The meaning of Haridwar is ‘Harika Dwaar’ or we can say ‘The doorway of God’. It is the place with lots of big and small temples of goddess and god, According to folklore the Lord Brahma made their prayer in Haridwar, Vishnu and Shiva have also came in this place, a number of times. Some of the famous temples are given below:

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple: – Chandi Devi temple which is to be found on the peak of Neel Parvat. In 1929 AD the emperor of Kashmir Suchat Singh constructs this temple. It is believed that in 8th century Ad the main inscribe was recognized by the Adi Shankaracharya. The Chandi Devi Temple is now easy to get to by a tramway which begins next to the Gauri Shankar Temple.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple: – On the top of Bilwa Parvat the temple is placed is known by Mansa Devi Temple. To reach there you can take the ropeway. To have a marvelous vision of Haridwar the crown of the hill is the peaceful place to be into. This is the temple which is devoted to Mansa Devi, the Avatar of Goddess Durga.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple: – The Vaishno Devi temple is saucily built and an accurately placed imitation of the real Vaishno Devi temple which is located in Jammu & Kashmir. The number of followers always visits there. Alike to the temple in Jammu, the way most important to adoration Goddess Vaishno Devi is total of burrows and spelunk. It is believed that the Goddess sanctify only those who really propose to look for her blessings from the bottom of their hearts.

Daksh Mahadev Temple

Daksh Mahadev Temple: – In the south Kankhal town the earliest Daksha Mahadev temple is to be found. According to mythical the father of sati conducts a yagya in which Lord Shiva was not invited so sati felt insulted of her husband and she burned herself in the yagya kund by this Lord Shiva got angered and he killed king daksha but later Lord Shiva gave him life back and thus Daksha Mahadev temple is thus a tribute to this legend. This temple was constructed by Queen Dankaur in AD 1810.

Maya Devi temple

Maya Devi temple: – Maya Devi temple is an earliest temple of the Adhisthatri god of Haridwar, which is also famous as one of the Siddhartha. This temple is devoted to the power of goddess. It is assumed that in this place the heart and belly button of Goddess Sati had fallen.

Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir: – This temple is devoted to Bharat Mata which is a multi-storey temple; with each story portray an age in the Indian History, from the age of Ramayana till India’s self-rule.

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple:-This temple multifaceted in white sandstone is one of most stunning in Haridwar, more than ever the temples of Ram-Sita and Hanuman.

Sureshwari Devi Temple

Sureshwari Devi Temple: – This Temple is to be found on the lap of Shivalik range. Haridwar is gateway to four famous pilgrimages of Uttarakhand Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath.  Experience this holy place & cleanse your body, mind and the spirit, also experience Ganga Aarti and Hark ki Pauri floating diyas in the waters of Ganges. Behind the ages Haridwar has also become a main education center for science, arts and civilization.

Is Ganga Dussehra Promoting Sins or the Ultimate way to Eradicate Sins?

Spiritual India is the beam of religious integrity, utmost devotion, and the silent exhibitionist of the time-honored traditions. The geography is diverse enough to earn an identity of a sub-continent that accommodates people from all faiths and believes. This makes India a terrain of myriad festivals, colorful fairs, and ultimately a grand carnival that has no end.

Every month is celebrated for assorted reasons and it just seems like Indians need a spiritual motivation to celebrate with great pomp. The month of June gets a colorful touch every year after the first drops of monsoon to celebrate the much anticipated festival of Ganga Dussehra.

Ganga Dussehra 2017

The ten-day festival is a fascinating celebration of beliefs, devotions, and is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga of Gangotri Dham.

This year the sacred festival will commence from the 3rd of June and will come to an end on the 12th of June. However the main festival will be celebrated on the 12th of June to eradicate the sins of lifetime.

Ganga Dussehra Importance

The festival has high importance according to the Hindu scriptures and Mythology.

The sacred texts says that it’s essential to perform a dip in the river Ganga, and do donations to eliminate all the sins committed over several lifetimes. The major attractions of Ganga Dussehra are the fairs of Chardham and the Patang Utsav of Mathura.

Rationalists versus Spiritualists

Rationalists say is it possible that a bath in water can wash our sins though it can wash the germs of our body but not sins. Sins are bad karma and we have to face our fate for the bad karmas performed.

Spiritualists say that the Vedic Science that is the base of all modern science states the importance of holy river Ganga. The ancient scriptures have declared that Goddess Ganga started her journey on earth to eradicate the sins of every mortal.

Rationalist’s points out that it means that Ganga Dussehra or Chardham yatra is a license to humans to commit sins and wash way by taking bath in the river Ganga. In simple the festival is a promoter of sins like let us commit bad karma we can wash it way next year.

Spiritualists say this gives a new birth to all souls makes it pure and gives it the direction of bliss to attain salvation.

I on a neutral ground would say both are right on their grounds so let the world run the way it is running.

How to Reach Chardham, Haridwar

Contact any travel operator to make your itinerary for the spiritual sojourn

People can hire private vehicle, bus services or railway services to reach the abode of Gods

Religious enthusiasts who cannot walk but has a desire to embark on the journey to the gateway of heaven must opt for Chardham Yatra by helicopter.

Ganga Dussehra a religious proceeding to wash way sins or a license to commit free sins?

When to Visit Hill Stations?

Are you planning a trip to hill stations? If yes, then most probably you’ll be thinking and getting confused whether it is the best time to go there or should I change my destination etc.

So here’s the answer to your Question –

Most of the hill stations are very good, beautiful throughout the year but they are not the same throughout the year. There is no particular best time to go, every season is the best season.

Choice of the season when you want to go to a hill station depends on what you would like to see in a hill station. Different seasons have different things to offer. You should select best season depending on your interests as mentioned below.

Hill Stations in Winter –

• If you’ve never experienced snow and are very much interested to experience good amount of snow and fresh snowfall, then winter time is the ideal time for you to go on a vacation to a good hill station like Kashmir (Gulmarg, Srinagar, Pahalgam etc), Himachal (Shimla, Manali) Uttarakhand (Chopta, Harsil, Gangotri) etc.
• Almost all the areas of the Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand will be covered with good amount of snow in winters.
• Winter time is also considered a little off-season for many hill stations, so you can expect a little less crowd but that might not be the case with Gulmarg and Srinagar as Gulmarg is a very popular skiing destination.
• One more thing to keep in mind, many hill stations which are at a little less height might not receive snowfall every year like Nainital, Solan. This year in winter season, Nainital received fresh snowfall after 3 years. Due to global warming, snowfalls is reducing in hill stations. So, if you’re going solely for snow then you should keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Also, many remote places like Ladakh are not accessible by road during winters, only way possible is by air.
• Do not forget that the temperature will be much below freezing point and you should keep heavy woolens with you.

So, if you are planning a winter vacation to a hill station, then you should keep the above things in mind.

Hill Stations in Summer –

• This season is considered best and the peak season for almost all hill stations due to bright clear sky, pleasant weather (neither too cold nor too hot), no road blockages due to snowfall or landslides due to rainfall.
• Most of the popular hill stations will not have any snow during summers, so do not plan a summer trip if you want to experience snow. In hill stations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Spiti region a decent amount of snow can be found up till March or I should say till mid April. So, if you want to play in snow without experiencing the harsh below freezing temperatures, then March or till mid April will surely suit you. But then choice of the hill stations will be very much narrowed down.
• Almost all the hill stations will be very much green, full with flowers during summers, so if you are interested in enjoying greenery then summer time might be the best for you.
• One more disadvantage of summer season is that most of the hill stations will be filled with tourists and if you don’t like crowds around you then you should think twice for planning a summer trip.
• If your you want visit more peaceful places in hill station than you should visit these places like Harsil, Chopta, Sonmarg, Narkanda, Bharmour, Kausani, Munsiyari & also enjoy trekking in Hills like Gangotri Trek, Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath Trek & Kedarnath Trek.

Below are some pics of Mussoorie, Chopta during summer time –

Hill Stations in Monsoons –

• This season is considered as an off-season for most of the hill stations due to landslides which occur frequently in hill stations in monsoon time due to rainfall which leads to blockages of road very frequently. But this might not be the case every time, you can be a little lucky.
• I went to Shimla and Manali during August (peak monsoon time) and luckily I didn’t face any landslides or any other problems. Even I didn’t experience any rainfall in Shimla and Manali. I experienced rainfall for a short duration only on the journey from Shimla to Manali and that too didn’t result in any landslide. But on the other hand many people have very bad experiences also. You’ll have to take chances.
• Monsoon season has its own beauty which you’ll not find in any other season. You’ll find many small and large seasonal waterfalls emerging out of hills which are very beautiful and might not be there in any other season. You’ll also find the places covered with a lot of fog and clouds at very low height, many a times even lower than where you are standing.
• Greenery will also be everywhere.

Below are some pics of Shimla and Manali during monsoon time –