Environmental awareness is slowly dawning in India, but it has a long way to go. India is a vast country and the magnitude of problems is enormous. When you are travelling to India you will surely notice, for instance, that littering is a huge problem in India. Almost everyone does it, but middle- and upper-class Indians are the worst because they expect someone else to pick up after them—this is, incidentally, a central aspect of the whole social hierarchy—and they also simply have more to throw away than the poor.
Plastic packaging has only become common in the last 20 or 30 years, and Indians are just beginning to wake up to the fact that throwing it away as casually as they would a banana peel or apple core is creating a major problem in their environment. But there is still little awareness that there is anything wrong with throwing a soft-drink bottle or candy wrapper out the window, even in the most pristine environment. In most towns and cities, the usual practice is to throw trash on the street, where someone will eventually come along to sweep everything aside, and cart it away now and then—at least, that's the expectation. And many people do make a living by collecting paper, cardboard, clothes, and anything else that is somehow usable to recycle or resell, though there is very little systematic plastic recycling so these items typically end up in huge rubbish piles. One bright note is that many cities are banning polythene bags, especially the very thin ones, and they are encouraging people to carry reusable shopping bags. The government has recognized that clear-cutting the forests is a bad move, however, and efforts have been made to stop illegal tree cutting, though, of course, quite a lot of it still goes on. Also, wildlife conservation is improving, though it is often linked to tourism, and is not so much valued for its own sake. So can we as visitors do? Don't litter. Try to be less wasteful. Avoid buying bottled water and packaged goods. Take bottles, etc. to recycling places where there are any. Carry reusable shopping bags. Refrain from buying tiger skins, shahtush shawls, ivory or anything else that comes from endangered species. For more information on travelling to India contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in India.
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All the fun of the fair, mixed with the music of the Sitar, Sarangi and Drum is the order of the day practically every other month of the year in this happy high attitude state when the air resounds with the bells of the exuberant dancers and the strains of immortal and haunting Pahari melodies. Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages organized by Swan Tours cover all the important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The Kullu and Kargra valleys hold some of the most picturesque fairs and religious festivals in India, when all worries and cares are thrown to the winds and God is praised in melody and music for all His meritorious gift rendered to His people. The magical power of the Himalayas is an indefinite blend of myth and reality; the silvered heights etched against the sky, towering over dark gorges stately pine forests and manicured tea gardens in an atmosphere redolent with the history of battles both between the gods and the mere mortals who fought to defend the 'Valley of the Gods', and charm and reality to the festivals, making even the unbeliever pause and reconsider his ideas. Early in the year, five to six thousand people flock to the Shivratri fair to pay homage to Shiva in the month of February - March. Near the lovely town of Pelmet', in the Kangra Valley Is Nougat Khad, a 300 metros wide chasm through which the Bandla stream goes roaring through in the form of a gushing torrent in monsoon. A short drive from hero is Baljnath where the main Kangra Valley seems to end and where is situated the Vaidyanath temple, the remarkable features of which are the Proportions. The inter-relationship of sculpture and architecture in this shrine is of great artistic value. Here and at Sarbari and Kung Darwar is held the great Shivaratri Fair. Shortly after Shivaratri in March April Is the festival of Holi celebrated with great gusto all over India, but in Himachal the air of the verdant wood lend eclat to the event filled with joyous songs and dances, all over the valley, but especially at SujanpurTira and Hamirpur, where from 5 to 10 thousand gather with gay abandon setting even the air aflame with a riot of colour, song and dance. Holi is over but the spirits are still boisterous and something has got to give--so in all their wisdom of the hills; the people of the Kangra valley arrange wrestling matches at Salina and the tea gardens of Palampur. Here, between March-April muscle is matched with music and melody. On the same day, at Khannihara and Kanrgra besides the wrestling is a beauty parade--of all the prize cattle of the country. Both the cattle show and the wrestling matches at all four places, attract from 5 to 10 thousand people. # Festival Fair Nawratri The most important visit during best of Himachal tour is to the golden domed temple of the goddess of Jwalamukhi, perched on a rocky cliff, 30 km (18.6 miles) from Kangra, is the venue of a 9 day festival fete and fair in April when 5,000 gather both at Kangra and at the temple to honobr the Goddess of the Enternal Flame. The fairs in Kullu and Kangra valleys are the most lively, thousands come down from the mountain top villages in colourful costumes. Also at the same time as the Jwalamukhi Fair is the Minjar Meta held on the banks as the Ravi 'the vale of milk and honey' --Chamba - on approximately the same dates. The 'merrie month of May' is the time to rejoice in the gorgeous spring weather when the heart is young. Now is the time when the farmer's heart swells with pride as he looks at his stock of fine cattle-show--off to market for the cattle show held at the Bhikashah Fair in the towns of Bhawarna and Palampur, in May, and attracting people in thousands. # Nagini Fair of Naga Panchimi When some careless person inadvertently or otherwise kills the mate of a snake, the female can assume any form and go out in search of the killer. She is indestructible and does not rest till her aim is achieve. At the towns of Nagini and Nurpur, in August are held fairs to propitiate the Goddess Nagini--the Snake Mother. This fair, full of haunting music, attracts about five thousand at both places. #The Dal Festival About 11 km (7 miles) from Dharamsala is the picturous Dal Lake not as large as its namesake, but certainly with as much charm of its own: nearby is the popular shrine of Bhagsunath, not far off from a small lovely waterfall. Here, in september, around 5,000 devotees take ritual baths both in the Dal Lake and the Bhagsunath Springs. After ablution, comes salvation leading to elation which manifests itself in song and dance. #Festival of Bawan - Dwadash The monsoon has ended, every leaf, every blade of grass is shining and glowing in the crisp salubrious air of September. Obviously it is time to celebrate with a fair. The venue is nahan, overlooking dense forests and deep ravines and perched on an isolated ridge of the Siwalik Hills at a height of 900 meters (2,959 ft). The festival is Bawan - Dwadashi, when 52 idols are taken in a procession to lake and immersed. #The Fabulous Dussehra Festival The months of October bring great joy to the heart of every Hindu--this is the time to celebrate the victory of good over evil. I n Himachal, with its 2,000 temples and numerous village deities, it has a deeper meaning. The gods have been kind, the year has been good. For nine days in October the air is replete with mirth, music and song. Thousands flock to Kullu, Jwalamukhi and Chamba where there are special festivals, fairs and fetes to worship Lord Raghunath and mark the destruction of Ravan--the demon king. The Lord Raghunath reigns supreme and all the other gods pay him homage as he comes in his gorgeously decorated pIanquin. On one side of the fair, at Kullu, the planquin of a local god sways from side to side and the men trying to still its movements seem helpless. The god is angry, or wishes to unburden himself of some important bit of news - the people crowd around oscillating sacred craft to hear. Suddenly a priest places his hand on the poles to still it and goes into a trance and begins to mumble words at first inarticulate, then clear and vibrant- he has become the mouthpiece of the god.
"It will not rain early this year because the people have become wicked". “The fruit crop will be good." A voice asks" "When shall I be able to complete my house?"..As soon as you return the pound of nails, your father stole from the temple", Is the prompt reply. Booths are set up at this, the largest of all fairs in Himachal, and joy reigns unconfined. In November a fair is held on the banks of the lovely Renuka Lake, short distance from Nahan. This enchanting spot is named after Renuka, who was slain by her son Parashuram in obedience to his father, the sage Jamadagni, but again restored to life. The fair celebrates her immortality. In the same month, thousands flock to the Trade Fair of Lavi in Rampur in November. On a smaller scale, but just as colourful, are the Seri Melas held at Kunihar and Mashobra in the Mahasu district, with their exciting. For more information on tourism in Himachal Pradesh contact Swan Tours, one of the leading tour operators in Connaught place. You can buy handicrafts from Nepal, Tibet, India, and Thailand in Kathmandu. Traditionally, shops are open six days a week, from 10 to 6, and closed on Saturday. However, more and more tourist-oriented stores are open on Saturdays and Sundays also as shopping is one of the major attractions for tourists who are on a Nepal tour packages. Ask about what you are interested in purchasing at several places to get a general bargaining price. While shopkeepers usually do not double the price of an item, it is never a bad idea to counter with half the proffered price, just to make sure. Markets For basic Nepali handcrafts, Thamel has a good selection. You can find some incredible buys here on quality jewelry as well. But as a rule of thumb, for jewelry, the quality and price go up on Durbar Marg, where there are dozens of stores surrounding the up market hotels. Babar Mahal Revisited is a former Rana era palace complex of seven historic courtyards and lanes that has been turned into a shopping and dining paradise: it is upscale, but not overpriced. Best of all, the sales pitches are low key and low pressure. Unlike Thamel and Durbar Marg, which are within walking distance from one another and from most hotels, you need to take a taxi to Babar Mahal Revisited (about 100 Rs. from Durbar Marg). Many taxi drivers know where it is, but you might want to take a map of Kathmandu with you to show the driver. Specialty Stores ARTWORK The Bamboo Gallery across from the American embassy exhibits and sells paintings, drawings, and sculptures by local and internationally known artists. You can also buy artistic greeting cards, flowering plants, and (but, of course?) fresh strawberries. You will find unique Nepalese, Tibetan, and Oriental art at Avanti at Babar Mahal Revisited. CARPETS If you want Tibetan carpets, visit Tsering's Carpets, opposite the Tara Guest House in Thamel. Tsering is usually open in the afternoon, but it's a good idea to call or fax ahead to let him know you are coming. He only deals in quality carpets and will take the time to honestly explain to you why a carpet is valuable or why it is not. CLOTHES AND JEWELRY For high-fashion, designer women are clothing, go to Yasmine, across from the Hotel Yak & Yeti en-trance way on Durbar Marg. For hand-painted silk garments try either Green Tara Boutique, across from Fire and Ice restaurant (la- Dining, above), near where the taxis drop you off in Thamel, or Mandala Art & Boutique, on the corner before the Kathmandu Guest House Lodging, above. These sister shops also sell leather goods, exquisite jewelry, and perfume oils. Both shops are open Sunday–Friday 9:30-7:30 and Saturday 11:30-7:30. HANDICRAFTS A good place to find and price local handicrafts—from jewelry to statues to clothing—is Amrita Craft, near the Kathmandu Guest House (Lodging, above). If you cannot find exactly the size and style of what you want in this fixed-price store, at least you will get an idea of how much to bargain it down to in the dozens of surrounding shops. HANDMADE PAPER There are some unique lamp shades, books, and stationary at Paper Moon, where the designs are far more artistic than the typical examples displayed in the Thamel area. Also consider the Calligraphic Print Gallery. This tiny shop, entered by climbing a ladder to the second floor, is next to a bangle and bindi shop. It's near the end of the road, on the right, and has handmade paper goods hanging from its shuttered windows. For more information on holiday packages in India, Nepal and Bhutan contact Swan Tours, one of the leading tour operators in India. sAll the fun of the fair, mixed with the music of the Sitar, Sarangi and Drum is the order of the day practically every other month of the year in this happy high altitude state when the air resounds with the bells of the exuberant dancers and the strains of immortal and haunting Pahari melodies. Travelling on Manali Tour Packages one would realize that the Kullu and Kargra valleys hold some of the most picturesque fairs and religious festivals in India, when all worries and cares are thrown to the winds and God is praised in melody and music for all His meritorious gift rendered to His people. The magical power of the Himalayas is an indefinite blend of myth and reality; the silvered heights etched against the sky, towering over dark gorges stately pine forests and manicured tea gardens in an atmosphere redolent with the history of battles both between the gods and the mere mortals who fought to defend the Valley of the Gods', and charm and reality to the festivals, making even the unbeliever pause and reconsider his ideas Early in the year, five to six thousand people flock to the Shivratri fair to pay homage to Shiva in the month of February - March. Shivratri Photos Near the lovely town of Palampur in the Kangra Valley is Neugal Khad, a 300 metres wide chasm through which the Bandla stream goes roaring through in the form of a gushing torrent in monsoon. A short drive from here is Baijnath where the main Kangra Valley seems to end and where is situated the Vaidyanath temple, the remarkable features of which are the proportions. The inter-relationship of sculpture and architecture in this shrine is of great artistic value. Here and at Sarbari and Kung Darwar is held the great Shivaratri Fair. Shortly after Shivaratri in March-April is the festival of Holi celebrated with great gusto all over India, but in Himachal the air of the verdant wood lend eclat to the event filled with joyous songs and dances, all over the valley, but specially at Sujanpur Tira and Hamirpur, where from 5 to 10 thousand gather with gay abandon setting even the air aflame with a riot of colour, song and dance. Holi is over but the spirits are still boisterous and something has got to give--so in all their wisdom of the hills; Holi Photos The people of the Kangra valley arrange wrestling matches at Salina and the tea gardens of Palampur. Here, between March-April muscle is matched with music and melody. On the same day, at Khannihara and Kanrgra besides the wrestling is a beauty parade--of all the prize cattle of the country. Both the cattle show and the wrestling matches at all four places, attract from 5 to 10 thousand people. Kangra Valley Photos For more information on holiday packages in Himachal Pradesh contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught Place New Delhi India.
A historically important city of Kota, one of the important cities in Rajasthan holiday packages is situated on the eastern banks of river Chambal in the south east of Rajasthan. It was founded by Hada descendents of the Chauhan Rajputs. The Kota city is surrounded by a massive bastioned wall or tot' and perhaps so named. Kota today is a modern industrial town throbbing with activity and progressive industrialisation. But the old world charm hovers on over the forts and palaces. An imposing fort stands sentinel over the present day, Chambal valley project with its many dams and an ancient palace overlooks the Kota Burrage on the turbulent Chambal river. There are the royal cenotaphs, a haveli, the Brij Raj Bhavan Palace, an island palace, the Tag Mandir all mementos of history and time exuding a languid grace of the bygone era, And yet the industrial part of Kota has set up quite a few modern milestones. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilliser plant, a precision instrument unite and an Atomic power station for nuclear research among other things. What to see : Chambal Garden: A lovely picinc spot at Amar niwas is Chambal garden. It is a lush green garden. Here you can enjoy a pleasant boting trip. Jag Mandir : An aesthetic monument in the middle of a lake is Jag Mandir with ripples of the blue waters enhancing the serenity and you can even boat here. Madho Singh Museum : A museum houses a rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota School, exquisite sculpture, frescoes arms and other valuable antiques. It is called the Maharana Madho Singh Museum and situated in the old palace. Saraswati Bhander Museum : It is a library and houses a rare collection of hundreds of manuscripts. It is known as a valuable treasure of knowledge in the country. Gandhi Sagar, Kota Barrage & Rana Pratap Sagar Dam : Kota barrage is the irrigation canal system and a 125 ft high dam of mud concrete and stones is about one Km. from Kotta. It is 970 feet thick and 600 feet in length in the basin and 40 feet and 1810 feet in length on the top, having 40 feet square check gate for the outflow of water. There is also an eighteen feet wide overbridge supported on Pucca structures. This 38 million rupee project gives water to two main irrigation canals, Rana Pratap Sagar darn is 177 feet high and 3750 feet in length. Jawahar Sagar dam is about 1102 feet in length. All these dams have been provided with hydroelectronic generators. Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar dam and the Rana Pratap Sagar dam are under the Chambal valley development project provide for irrigation to several 14 lac acres of land under plough and electricity to several industries, villages and towns. Beside the dam, the surrounding are a hums aquiet, peaceful tune. It is the tune of nature. Blooming in a rhythmic pulse of its own. Darrah wildlife Sanctuary : Amid the beautiful environs of Mukndara ranges of Vindhyachal hills. A thickly wooded forest, along the South-east border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, in the former royal hunting preserve. Today it is a softly murmuring wildlife sanctuary. It was set up in 1955. Where panthers, spotted deer, tigers, wild boars, and bears live a life of their own-undisturbed. Baroli : A place worth stopping by on the way to Pratap Sagar, is Baroli famous for the ruins of seven the oldest and most spectacular temples in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century. They were built a little before the classical period of temple building. They are built in usual Panchaytan style, one of the groups is still intact with its rich carving. Notably a Shiva temple having an elegant portico supported on pillars, about 16 feet in height and reaching as much as half way upto the temple. It has a beautifully proportioned shape and ornamentation of rich sculpturing. Excursions: Mandalgarh, Ramgarh: 64 Kms, Jhalra Patan: 60 Kms, Tod's Bridge : 8 Kms.
For more information on Kota and other tourist destinations in Rajasthan contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Delhi, established since 1995. Personal safety is naturally a much bigger issue for women than men, although it is possible for even single woman to travel around India alone without being constantly harassed. You must be careful and security-conscious, of course, as is absolutely essential for a woman living or traveling alone anywhere. Safety when on an India tour is mainly a matter of the right demeanor (friendly and confident, yet aloof with men), modest behavior, modest dress and alertness. All four elements are essential, no matter who you are with. Respecting the culture will give you more protection from harassment than anything else can. Indian men are mostly brought up to respect women. However, there is a widespread belief in India that foreign women are readily available, as a result of which a lot of men think it's OK to treat foreign women shabbily, especially when their dress and demeanor are indecent by Indian standards. This attitude has a lot to do with the extremely modern way foreign women are portrayed in the media and movies. Most Indians know nothing else about us, so they assume foreign women are all as eager to jump into bed with anyone as many of the women featured prominently in the media appear to be. The situation is not helped by the immodest way many foreign women dress in India, as from the usual Indian point of view, only prostitutes dress that way. Ultimately, whether you like it or not, it is necessary for you as a woman to respect the standards of the Indian culture while they are on holiday packages in India if you don't want to suffer some degree of harassment or abuse. In order to be safe in India you have to work at it by dressing, speaking and behaving much more modestly than you would at home. The way you dress and behave has a significant influence on how successfully you interact with the locals and how they perceive you. If you dress like a prostitute according to Indian standards, you are sure to be treated like one—and that can be more than you bargained for even if you happen to have an especially casual attitude. Instead of taking responsibility for their own behavior, men who are lacking in self-control often put forth the specious and self-serving excuse that women are weak because they can't resist trying to seduce men. This is an absurd argument, yet it is accepted by much of Indian society. In any case, however unfair it is that men blame women for their own weaknesses, the reality is that men do get easily aroused, and they don't always manage to control their urges. Since in India there are few legitimate opportunities outside of marriage, men can often feel extreme pressure and frustration, so it's foolish to do anything that will inflame these feelings. Because the society is so conservative, Indian men are easily aroused by modes of dress and behaviors that are not considered even slightly provocative in the West. The trouble is that if a man gets aroused by the way you dress or act, it's not just his problem. In India the cultural norm is for women to keep a safe distance from men, especially strange men. Most Indian men wouldn't approach Indian women as casually as they may approach foreign women. Unfortunately, it's necessary to be on your guard with Indian men, no matter how nice they seem. Sometimes the most charming ones are the worst con artists. And of course there are always some who are out to get whatever they can. Men of this sort tend to view foreign women as a source of "safe" relationship (in the sense that foreign women can easily be kept away from family and friends who disapprove of a relationship outside marriage), money or a ticket to another country. Naturally, you have to use your judgment. But in general, try not to invite too much familiarity with Indian men, and refrain from saying exactly where you are staying unless you want them knocking on your door—or maybe climbing in the window. Do as the Indians do in order to avoid problems.
Women traveling in India need to be generally reserved with men, while at the same time radiating a feeling of universal friendliness. In fact, this attitude is a much better protection than being wary and tense, which can attract the wrong kind of attention because it makes you look weak and vulnerable. Smile at the world, but at the same time, be confidently aloof with respect to men. Pretend that you don't even notice them when you are passing them on the street, especially groups of young or rough-looking men. If you are alone, it's often best not to admit it. Be evasive and avoid answering overly personal questions. Try not to look men in the eye, even when you are talking to them, as this is seen as an invitation to greater intimacy. And don't flirt with a man unless you really want to end up in bed with him. Flirting is not taken as innocent fun in India as it is in some other countries. Avoid situations where you will be alone with an Indian man unless you want to get intimate with him. Your willingness to be alone with a man even in innocent situations may be interpreted as an open invitation for greater intimacy. If you behave intimately with your partner in public (hugging, kissing, or fondling each other), you are unwittingly sending a message to passersby that you are a woman who may be available to anyone, even if you really have no eyes for anyone else. So save your intimacies for when you are alone. Indians traditionally do not touch members of the opposite gender in public. Even holding hands in public is often too much. You see many foreign women running around India in unacceptable clothes. However, it's important to realize that dressing immodestly is not only insulting the culture but also inviting un-necessary harassment? Even if it seems like "everyone" is dressing like that (which is almost never the case if you look a little more carefully), this still applies. For the vast majority of Indians, the basic standards of modesty are compulsory. Revealing attire is typically seen as an open invitation India is not a country where flirting and wearing skimpy clothes is a normal part of the culture and of the way men and women relate to each other. Dressing and acting in a way that is designed to be as attractive to men as possible—which almost everything we see in the media tells us we are supposed to do—is unintentionally inviting trouble. If you dress or act in a provocative manner, don't be surprised if men grab you and fondle you or worse. You'll be regarded as fair game. Dressing provocatively and flirting indiscriminately is simply not safe. Why not save your best clothes for those intimate evenings alone with your partner? That will make them all the more special, anyway. Indian men generally prefer to see modestly dressed women, because such attire shows respect for the culture and doesn't put unnecessary strain on their self-control. Most Indians, including women, are embarrassed to see women wearing clothes that are considered indecent. To my surprise, on two or three occasions men have come up to me and actually thanked me for dressingmodestly! This was, as you might expect, in an area where many female tourists dress inappropriately by local standards—and some even by Western standards. If you are in a cosmopolitan environment like staying in luxury hotels in India where you have little direct contact with traditional Indians, you may feel that you can safely relax your dress code, but I would still advise you to dress fairly conservatively. In addition to the men you are interacting with socially, there are many men present in the background that one tends to not notice—servants, drivers, etc.—and they typically come from traditional backgrounds, even in the most rarified environment. Moreover, they are often from distant villages, so they only see their wives only once or twice a year. This cultural context makes a huge difference and you can't ignore it, even if your cosmopolitan friends and associates like to believe that they are completely disassociated from traditional Indian life. Many upper class Indians simply do not include Indians of lower classes (i.e., the vast majority) in their thinking. They go about their lives without really seeing them. This is only an illusion, and all illusions come to an end eventually. Simply being in a cosmopolitan environment will not necessarily protect you. Rape is the fastest growing violent crime in India, cutting across all classes and economic brackets. A case in point: a few years ago, after a gala event in Delhi, a Swiss diplomat was kidnapped in her own car from a crowded parking lot and raped by a man who was evidently a well-educated man from quite a high level of society. It was reported that the rapist told her that she should "respect our traditions." As is often the case with rapists, he blamed her for his lack of control, and he attempted to vindicate his evil actions on the grounds that he was teaching her a lesson. The knowledge that this kind of thinking is only a self-serving excuse that is intended to justify weakness and bad behavior is absolutely no consolation if you get assaulted. Although the law theoretically protects rape victims, in practice the courts tend to favor men, and conviction of rapists is relatively rare. This is because Indian society tends to put the blame on women. It's not only religious extremists who think that men shouldn't be held responsible for their own actions if women "tempt" them inthe slightest way, no matter if it's completely unintentional. Many other people hold the same view, including a surprising number of women from conservative families. Ironically, it's always the woman who is regarded as weak, and if a man has an affair or abducts a woman, often it's only the woman who is punished, while the man may go free with hardly a reprimand to continue his licentious behavior with other women. Because of the tendency to blame women, as well as the extreme pressure on them to remain silent, there are easily dozens of unreported rapes for every one that gets reported. All too often the police refuse to register a case even when a woman does get up the courage to report the crime. If a man's behavior is inappropriate by Indian standards—if he is making suggestive remarks or uninvited physical contact—then firmly tell him to stop. If he doesn't get the message, slap him. Don't wait until the situation is out of hand. If he doesn't respond appropriately, make a commotion and appeal to other people nearby for assistance. You can do quite a lot to protect yourself so that you don't make yourself an obvious target. You can't change the culture, so you will be safer and more comfortable if you simply adapt. Avoid taking taxis or public transportation alone at night. Also, be discriminating about where you go for evening entertainment and who you go with. Don't walk alone at night, and avoid walking alone in isolated or bad areas even in the daytime. If you must do so, then at least carry some pepper spray in a way that you can use it quickly if need be. Any time you are out walking alone, no matter where you are at any time, try to act confident, as if you know exactly where you are going, even if you haven't a clue. Standing around looking lost and vulnerable may attract thieves, con artists and other scoundrels. If you really are lost, go into a decent-looking shop and ask for directions, or else ask any woman who is passing by. If you need to hire a taxi, especially when you are alone at night, it's better to get one from a hotel or a taxi stand, or else call a radio taxi, if the service is available, rather than flagging one down on the street (which isn't always possible, anyway). When you are staying in a hotel, check the windows to make sure they can be closed and locked securely. If the doors and windows are not secure, get a different room. Always keep your door locked even when you are in the room. It's good to keep a cell phone with you in case of emergency. India now has a universal emergency number (108) that you can call for any kind of emergency. For safe trips to India contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in India at 011 23415601 Known as Old Delhi to most people living in Delhi, and as the Walled City to officials, even though there are many older Delhis, and the town wall survives only in fragments, this area is perhaps more accurately called Shahjahanabad; as both terms above include the Sadar Bazaar, which is in fact outside the wall.
It was the oppressive heat of Agra that decided the Emperor Shahjahan to move the capital back to Delhi. In 1638 he built the Fort Palace (today called the Red Fort), which was the focal point of a new city named after him. Later, the great Jama Masjid was erected on a low hill southwest of the palace. The two axes of Chandni Chowk (running east-west) and Faiz Bazaar (today Netaji Subhash Marg, running due south) were laid out. The rest of the city was built by infill, and building work in Old Delhi has never quite ceased. Since the 1970s more and more people have been concerned at the deterioration of the urban fabric of this Mughal city, and have pleaded for the need to conserve its distinctive features. What follows is an attempt to convey the quality of life here, rather than a building-by-building description. Like all old settlements, Shahjahanabad should not be seen in a hurry, and a part of the day should be set aside for it. Only by walking through it will you under-stand its human scale. Shahjahanabad lies on the Grand Trunk Road which crosses the country from Lahore to Bengal; travellers and caravans from the west entered the city by the gate appropriately named the Lahori Gate (today, only the name survives). Those coming from the east crossed the Yamuna by a pontoon bridge or sailed past the fort and entered the city through the northern gate, the Kashmiri. Some of the other gates —Kabuli, Ajmeri, Delhi — pointed in the direction of those towns. Book Delhi sightseeing tour by car with Swan Tours at best price and discover old Delhi. This little city, focal point of a large empire, was an island in a green sea of fields and woodland, with a skyline punctuated by minarets. In the 1860s the British Government crassly drove the new railway line through the city, with a defiantly neo-Gothic railway station. Today's traveller disembarks in the most crowded part of the city, which they will hardly see for the traffic and the pollution. The best way to get a sense of where the city began and ended is to go north of Bahadur Shah Marg and to turn right at the Delhi Gate crossing. Delhi Gate is today an island, its height shortened by the repeated layer ing of asphalt on the roads around it. Northwards, left of Delhi Gate, is the commercial avenue of Asaf Ali Road. This follows the alignment of the city wall, which has been demolished. On the right a portion of the wall still stands, set off by a stretch of lawn. A right turn will bring you to Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Ring Road) and the Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat. Turn left and go along the Ring Road; on your left you can clearly see the line of the city. In your mind's eye, cover the stretch from the city wall with water, and imagine yourself not in a rickshaw but in a gently-moving boat. Previously the river ran along the walls of the fort, where Mahatma Gandhi Marg now runs. The Ring Road continues north-wards; after you've gone under the Mughal and British bridges you reach a huge over bridge: a left turn here brings you to the Interstate Bus Terminal. Today's long-distance travellers disembark where earlier the boats used to off-load their passengers. This area used to be Qudsia Bagh, one of the big orchards which ringed the Walled City. The Kashmiri Gate on the left marks the northern end of Shahjahanabad. The city can be entered most conveniently from either Delhi Gate in the south or Kashmiri Gate in the north. In neither case will you go through the gate, since both of them have made into islands and are protected monuments. Delhi and Kashmiri Gates are linked as part of a major north-south road which did not exist in the city as originally planned. If crowded streets worry you, you might not enjoy Shahjahanabad. On the other hand, if not you will find it a refreshing contrast to the open spaces and impersonal character of New Delhi. Shahjahanabad has not only monuments but a city fabric which, although inevitably changed, approximates to the original. It is a medieval town: in it you will recognise, not just Cairo or Istanbul, but also Chester and Heidelberg. It will not daunt a pedestrian, though there are times when a cycle rickshaw would be welcome. Cars, buses and scooters have now invaded its roads, have added considerably to the pollution and made the streets even more crowded. Asphalt, cinema advertisements and telegraph poles also now crowd in with the old havelis. Although it might now be hard to imagine there were once spreading trees and water channels along the main streets. The town was earlier divided into wards, separated by roads, each with a sense of neighbourhood based on shared ties of kinship or occupation. The charm of the place — still evident —is that dwellings, shops, restaurants and places of worship are all intermingled in its streetscape. The street was convivial, a place for celebration, for generating political excitement. The city was built right up to the moat of the Fort and spilled out beyond the gates. A great change occurred after the Uprising of 1857: the Mughal fort became British army encampment, the houses around it were swept away to create "Parade Ground", and tourists became poor sub-stitutes for the aristocracy who had pat-ronised the artists and artisans. A vast wholesale market, the Sadar Bazaar, was developed near the new railway station, to make Shahjahanabad the bustling commercial entrepot it still is. An amazing volume of merchandise is stored in very small premises and is carried away by retailers every week. Thus the Mughal capital became a thriving commercial town. The city suffered another trauma in 1947 when many Muslims left to settle in Pakistan. Many of their houses were occupied by Hindu and Sikh refugees coming in the reverse direction; many katras (covered shopping arcades) were also divided up between various families, several of which created occupations for themselves. Today, a startlingly large number of people, as well as shops and workshops, are to be found here. This density does not necessarily indicate poverty: many families live here by choice. If Shahjahanabad appeals to you, and you have a day or two to spare, it is well worth investing in Gayner Barton and Lorraine Malone's book, Old Delhi: Ten Easy Walks, an exceptionally well written guide which helps you explore various parts of Shahjahanabad without getting lost in its winding lanes. If your time is limited, it is a good idea to hire a cycle rickshaw outside the Red Fort and drive down Chandni Chowk. On the left is a microcosm of Indian religions and tolerance — a Hindu temple, a Jain temple with its famous bird hospital, a Sikh gurdwara and a Muslim mosque. After you pass the historic sweet shop, Ghantewala, turn left and double back through the narrow lane of Kinari Bazaar, ablaze with tinsel and gold braid (these touches of gold or silver are used to decorate everything from saris to the windscreens of trucks). This leads to Dariba Kalan, the jeweller's street. The shop fronts conceal houses with cool tree-shaded court-yards behind thick walls which shut off the sounds of the street. If you continue on the Chandni Chowk streets beyond Ghantewala, you will see the classical facade of the British-built Town Hall on the right. After which is the fabric bazaar of Katra Neel. The Fatehpuri Masjid (17th century) is at the end, and just beyond it is Khari Baoli (literally, the "Stepwell of Brackish Water" — but there is no sign of the well), an aromatic spice market. Opposite the Town Hall is the street of Nai Sarak, lined with booksellers, mostly catering to college students, and small printing shops. At the southern end of Nai Sarak is Chawri Bazaar that leads to the Jama Masjid. Just off Chawri Bazaar is the amazing spare-car-parts bazaar. The northern section of Shahjahana-bad beyond the railway line is a more open area, and the landscape is more "Indo-British". Indeed this marks the beginning of the British "Civil Lines", concentrated a little further north below the Northern Ridge. St James' Church was built by Col. Skinner in the early 19th century and bears the scars of the bullets of 1857. South of it, looking towards Delhi Gate on the right, is the old St. Stephen's College building, in pseudo-Mughal style; on the left after a few shops is the office of the State Department of Archaeology, with a colonnaded facade going back to the early 19th century, when it was the British Residency. It conceals the original building which was the library of Prince Dara Shikoh, the emperor Aurangzeb's erudite brother. Beyond Kashmiri Gate the road opens out to the Interstate Bus Terminus on the right and Tilak Park and Nicholson's cemetery, replete with the graves of 1857, on the left. For more information about what to see in old Delhi and golden triangle tour packages from Delhi contact Swan Tours offers family and couple holiday packages at best price. This is a very nice, well-kept museum with a small but interesting collection. The museum stands to the south, on the opposite side of the road from the Shiv Sagar and the Western Group of Temples. The entrance ticket to the museum is the same as the one you have for the Western Group so remember to take it with you. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Fridays and Government holidays.
The museum is divided into four sections: the central hall, to the left is the hall with Jain sculptures and beyond is the Vaishnava Gallery with images of Vishnu and other deities. On the right hand side of the central hall is a room displaying a general collection of sculptures, followed at the end by the Shaivite Gallery with some extraordinary sculptures. If you want a little more information about the images, their meaning and mythology, turn to the end of this book and match items from the GLOSSARY with the museum captions on the sculptures. The central hall is dominated by a delightful sculpture of Dancing Ganesh. It is a huge (1.8 metre high) carved sandstone masterpiece. Ganesh is dancing with his arms and legs in vigorous movement, imitating his father Shiva, the cosmic creator—dancer of the universe. In one hand he holds a bowl of sweets for Ganesh who, considering his pot-belly, not surprisingly has a sweet-tooth. In the other hands he carries other emblems. Near his jeweled feet is a little mouse, his vehicle or vahan, also accompanying his master in the celebratory dance. In the Jain gallery are standing and seated peaceful figures of the Tirthankaras, lost in meditation and inspiring a life of non-violence and a frugal existence where human greed has no place. The Vishnu Gallery has two wonderful images in the western corner. Vishnu lying on the Serpent couch dated around the 11 and 12th centuries is a calm and peaceful image, depictings Vishnu the cosmic preserver, lying on the sea of eternity between periods of creation and destruction. Above, is a halo of tiny images representing the nine incarnations of Vishnu. Beside this statue is one of Varaha, Vishnu as a half man-half boar that appeared to save the earth goddess from the primeval floods. She is seated on his arm and holds on to Varaha's snout most affectionately. There are two images of Surya riding on his chariot of the sun drawn by seven horses. In the general gallery, beside the entrance hall, are many statues of women, a hunting scene and one depicting workers carrying blocks of stone as if in the act of constructing a temple of Khajuraho. The central piece is called King and Queen and is dated to the 12th century. It is believed that this is one of the rare sculptures depicting the royal patrons of the temples making an offering. One imagines that the King and Queen attended the consecration ceremony when the temples of Khajuraho were completed and sanctified for worship. In the Shiva Gallery there are two huge images, one of Parvati and the other of Sada Shiva, both exceptional sculptures. The Shiva image depicts him seated with a linga-like column of seven heads, four feet and eight arms. A charming image of Ganesh seated with his two wives also graces the gallery. For more information on popular archaeological site museum in Khajuraho Madhya Pradesh and Khajuraho holiday packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India offers Madhya Pradesh holiday packages at economical price. A sunrise over the eastern sky and the first rays turning the sea into molten gold. An amazing temple built as a chariot to take the Sun God `Surya' for His daily celestial journey. The crashing surf of the Bay of Bengal streaming up the white sands and then receding again. The swaying fringed shadow of the palms and the sound of silence. Distinctive temple architecture frozen on the shores of time. If you want to discover all this, and also experience the timeless spirit of India, let your quest lead you to Orissa, where Empires rose and fell, leaving behind memories and monuments that are now part of the soul of India.
Start your discovery drive in Bhubaneshwar and head to Pipili. On entering this town that is famous for its appliqué work, you are greeted by a blaze of colours encompassing all the shades of the rainbow. The streets are lined with shops offering a dazzling display of bags, wall hangings, lampshades, umbrellas and many more objects of daily use or decoration. Having shopped for your loved ones, take the road on the left going to Nimapara. The quiet road passes by green rice fields making it a pleasant drive to Konark, which Mark Twain described as "One of the most vivid architectural treasures of India". After having visited the famous Sun Temple, drive down to the Konark Beach and join the coastal road also known as Marine Drive. For a while this road runs besides the Bay of Bengal and offers splendid views. It then moves slightly inland and goes past cultivated fields interspersed with cashew, casuarinas and eucalyptus plantations. It's a very scenic and smooth road with very little traffic and it allows you to motor rapidly to Puri, a holy city that is dominated by the sea and Lord Jagannath. On getting here you will also discover that this is a city where religion is more than an act of worship, it is a way of life. Puri - Chilika Lake Take the road to Chandanpur and here turn right for Raghurajpur, the 'Art Village', where you can buy a memento and take home a memory. Proceed via Sakhigopal to Pipili and on the way back to Bhubaneswar, make an excursion to Dhauli, where the war that converted the Emperor Ashoka into an apostle of peace, was fought. Stop to stock up in Bhubaneshwar and then join NH 5, the highway that connects Calcutta to Chennai. It's a broad and smooth road that goes past rolling hills and through small villages to Barkul and Rambha, both of which are situated at the edge of the Chilika Lake. Chilika Lake - Gopalpur on Sea A short drive on NH 5 through a somewhat more populated region. The only significant town along this route is Behrampur, a trading centre for silk fabrics. After passing it, leave NH 5 and turn left onto a narrow road that takes you to Gopalpur on Sea, a simple seaside town that was once an important seaport. Gopalpur on Sea –Vishakhapatnam Return to NH 5 and head south. The smooth highway runs slightly inland of the coast and the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal are only visible from some of the higher points. Along the road you see several small trading towns, little temples and mosques, coconut plantations and rice fields, and small shacks serving country liquor and the 'catch of the day'. While driving through this part of rural India, you will notice that it is religion, faith, intoxicants, rice and fish (not necessarily in that order) that keep the poor masses going. The drive to discover the 'Soul of India' ends in Vishakhapatnam, the largest seaport on the eastern coast and a developing tourist centre. For more information on road trip to Bhubaneshwar, Puri via Konark and Odisha tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agency in India offers Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark holiday packages at economical price. Timing: Open from sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Citizens of India and visitors from SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC countries (Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar): Rs 10 per head Others: US $ 5 or Rs 250 per head (children up to 15 years free) Crowning the hill-top at Sanchi, 46 kms from Bhopal, this group of Buddhist monuments can be seen from a distance. Designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1989, Sanchi in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, is unique in having the most perfect and well-preserved stupas anywhere in India. Built over a period of thirteen hundred years, from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD, it is the largest site of Buddist remains in India. Interestingly, the monuments at Sanchi are not directly connected to the life of the Buddha. Walking around the stiipas, and the ruins of temples and monasteries that lie strewn across the hill, one is transported back in time when Buddhism had spread across the land and / the monasteries at Sanchi teemed with monks and lay worshippers. The foundation of the great religious establishment at Sanchi, destined to become an important centre of Buddhism for many centuries, was laid by Ashoka (273-236 BC), when he built a stupa and erected a monolithic pillar here. The hill-top at Sanchi made for an ideal site for a monastery. Ashoka must have been inspired by its proximity to the rich and populous city of Vidisha, as well as the serene atmosphere and seclusion that it ensured. The dedicatory inscriptions at Sanchi show that the prosperity of the Budadhist establishment here was, to a great extent, due to the piety of the rich merchant community of Vidisha. The nearness of the city to Sanchi, and its strategic location at the confluence of two rivers, the Betwa and the Bes, and two important trade-routes resulted in a great overflow of wealth. This was probably why Sanchi continued to flourish even when the empire of the Mauryas was a thing of the past. It is not known how the end came to the Buddhist establishment at Sanchi. No Buddhist monument can be assigned to the 13th century AD, though a number of Brahmanical plaques containing representations of Vishnu, Ganesha, Mahishasuramardini, datable to this period have been excavated. These can be seen in the Archaeological Museum. Systematic preservation began in 1881 and the monuments have received concerted attention and have thus been saved for posterity. Today the Buddhist stupas, monasteries and temples at Sanchi showcase the finest works of Buddhist art and architecture. The monuments of Sanchi may be divided into two groups — one comprising the edifices situated on the hill-top and the other the isolated ones on the western slope of the hill. The plateau on the top of the hill, shaped like an irregular oblong, measures about 384 m from north to south and 201 m from east to west. It is encompassed by a stone circuit-wall, built in about the 11th or 12th century AD. It can be reached by a halt kilometer drive from the township, or via a meandering path by a stone stairway for those wishing to climb. Within this wall are located the majority of the structures. There are three well-defined areas, the Main Terrace, the Eastern Area and the Southern Area, all lying within the stone circuit-wall. The only modern building in the area is a vihara that stands at the entrance to the complex. The Chethivagiri Vihara has been built by the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka. The relics found in a stupa in nearby Satdhara have been enshrined in the sanctum. For sanchi madhya pradesh tour and travel guide and sanchi tour packages at best price contact Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India. |
AuthorSwan Tours one of the leading travel agnets in India Archives
January 2018
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