More and more people are bringing children to India. Be sure to plan ahead and involve your children in planning your trip. If you are going hiking with your children, you might want to "train" at home, to see how long your they are prepared to walk before getting tired or asking to be carried. Most treks require people to be able to walk up and downhill for four to five hours a day. Many hotels in India offer free or inexpensive baby-sitting service. Some parts of India are probably not the most ideal place to travel with young children, especially if you plan to go to high altitude places such as Leh. The terrain is rugged, and amenities are scarce. Flying If your children are two or older ask about children's airfares. As a general rule, infants under two not occupying a seat fly at greatly reduced fares or even for free. When booking confirm carry-on allowances if you're traveling with infants. In general, for babies charged 10% of the adult fare, you are allowed one carry-on bag and a collapsible stroller; if the flight is full the stroller may have to be checked or you may be limited to less. Experts agree that it's a good idea to use safety seats aloft for children weighing less than 40 pounds. Air-lines set their own policies: U.S. carriers usually require that the child be ticketed, even if he or she is young enough to ride free, since the seats must be strapped into regular seats. Do check your airline's policy about using safety seats during takeoff and landing. And since safety seats are not allowed just everywhere in the plane, get your seat assignments early. When reserving, request children's meals or a freestanding bassinet if you need them. But note that bulk-head seats, where you must sit to use the bassinet, may lack an overhead bin or storage space on the floor. Lodging Most hotels in India, allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents' room at no extra charge, or for half the cost. Still others charge them as extra adults; be sure to ask about the cut off age for children's discounts. Precautions Any precautions recommended for adults are doubly recommended for children. Only drink bottled water; be prepared for changes in food preparation; and watch closely for altitude sickness. Supplies & Equipment
Pack things to keep your children busy while traveling. For children of reading age, bring books from home; locally, literature for kids in English is hard to find. For more information on holiday packages in India contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place New Delhi India.
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Isolated as they are, due to the high altitudes, the people of Himachal Pradesh are by and large, self-contained and have developed through the years a rich tradition of handicrafts, totally original and distinctive. These range from wood-work to leather embroidery, metal wares to carpets and woolen textiles. New designs are being added to the traditional ones and new markets. both in India and abroad, are being discovered. Carpets Brilliant hues, dragons, a garuda on a flowering tree and swastikas for luck are traditional patterns found on carpets from Himachal Pradesh. Sometimes, the weaver may capture the delicacy and color of spring flowers on his carpets. Traditional symbols like the flute, castanets, fish a ornate knots are also woven into carpet patterns. All these symbols carry a meaning behind them--flutes signify happiness, the lotus signifies purity. Most highlanders use carpets for furnishing. Even their sturdy ponies have colorful carpet saddles. 'Chuktu', a blanket, is actually a modified version of a carpet. Some of the earliest carpets were made by weaving four strips about nine inches wide and sewing them together afterwards. Ready-made Garments, Accessories and Dolls Himachal Pradesh with its sturdy hill people is well-known for its centuries old costumes and other garments. The 'Gujjar' folk have a unique mode of dress, quite different from the usual woolen sarees and gowns worn by the rest of Himachali women. Gujjar men and women alike, wear a cotton shirt known as "Kurta". Delicately embroidered with circular and linear patterns, the 'Kurtas' are in deep colors. Interestingly enough the lines and circles on the Kurta symbolize milk, and the dark background the color of the buffalo. The Chamba folk are extremely fond of adornment. Head scarves are worn by the women, and these are usually of bright printed cotton and knotted at the back. Bangles and rings made of horse-hair are the typical accessories worn by the Chamba women. To climb blithely over the rocky hill-sides, the people wear sturdy grass shoes, comfortable and warm inside and brightly patterned on the outside. The local traditional costumes are reflected in the exquisite dolls made by the Himachalis. These beautiful and life-like figurines lend charm to modern environs. Shawls Shawls are a specialist of Himachal Pradesh. In summer, the wild Himalayan goat sheds its fleece on the high mountains. From this, the hill people spin and weave exceptionally fine and valuable shawls during winter, when the fields are covered with snow. Most notable of these is the soft Pashmina Shawl made from the hair of the Pashmina Goat. The exquisite shawls of the Himachal are both plain and designed. The colour of these, largely depend upon the wool, is mixed. The right mixture can result in beautiful greys, blues, mustards and blacks. If the designs of the Himachal Shawls are varied, so are also the methods of wearing them. Every district has improvised its style of drapping the shawl, the most popular styles being 'Dhobroo' and 'Patti'. Movement in embroidery! The Chamba embroiderer has captured it on his rumals. It may be mischievous Krishna at his pranks stealing butter, or dancing with Radha. It may be a lamenting women parted from her lover, or people frolicking at a local fair. All are worked in fine detail with vivid silks and in contrasting colours. The art of embroidery is largely based upon the indigenous Kangra and Chamba schools of paintings. The stitches are so close by, spaced that no gaps are visible. The word 'Rumal' may conjure up visions of a handkerchief to the layman but to the Chamba people, it is a form of adornment. Men drape these colourful embroidered rumals over their shoulders and the women use them as flowing veils. A Chamba rumal is such a priceless possession, that a bride's trousseau would be incomplete without it. Today, Chamba rumal are also used as wall-hangings, door and fire screens, cushion covers while the designs have been adopted for table cloth and bed-spreads. Leather Craft The origin of the present Chamba Chappal makes a very interesting story. An English adviser to the Raja of Chamba State wanted a pair of Chamba Chappals. But the original pattern was too heavy and uncomfortable, so he designed his own chappals and explained to the local cobbler exactly how they should be made. But the chappals eventually produced were nowhere like the ones he had in mind. They were better. The open toe and the partly woven vamp proved exceptionally comfortable and light, and worn with leather socks were ideal for walking and hiking. The Chamba Chappal has survived till today, plain as well as embroidered with Lanthana flowers, leaves and other belt which the locals use to lend glamour to their dresses. Today, in keeping with the modern trends, new varieties and designs of leather goods have been added to the traditional list, fancy shoes, sandals, embroidered leathers, socks and belts. Paintings Himachal Pradesh is the home of the Chamba and Kangra schools of painting--well reputed in the world of art for their excellent portrayal of court and romantic scenes blending of colours and minute details of figures. But there is yet another school of painting that survives in Himachal--the Gompa School. It is Buddhist in origin and at one time was limited only to the Buddhist monasteries. Gradually however, some of the romantic influences of the Chamba and Kangra schools seeped into the Gompa style. New local craftsmen have incorporated the Gompa art of painting into contemporary patchwork pictures. Rugs and Namdas High on the Himalayan reaches of Himachal, the hill-folk rear sheep and goats for the famous wool and hair that goes into the making of traditional blankets, rugs and namdas. Gudma is the name given to the fleecy soft blanket that is made from the wool of Giangi sheep. Gudma weaving is mainly done in the Giabong and Kullu valleys, as these areas have special kind of clay which is used for cleaning and finishing a Gudma. The Gudma usually comes in natural wool colours finished with a warm red or black edging. Thobis (Floor coverings) and Kharcha (a mattress) are made from goat hair, while 'Pattoo' cloth, carpets and yarn are made from the soft wool sheep. Of more recent origin is the making of namdas of floor coverings. These are made by felting the wool and then embroidering on it. This looks really attractive and gives greater wear to the namda. Some typical designs are Himachal flowers and animals. Woodcrafts and Wicker works Amidst the abundant pine and deodar forests of Himachal also grow walnut, horse chestnut, wild black mulberry and birch--the basic material for Himachal woodcraft. Woodcraft is an ancient traditional art prized for its delicacy and detail. Ancient treatises have been written on the subjects of carpentry and carving on wood. Wood workers occupied an esteemed-place in society for they made the chariots for the warriors, and also drove them. Evidence of Himachal woodcraft is to be found in old buildings-on seats, doors, windows and panels. Most notable was the Vice-regal Lodge at Shimla with its beautifully carved ceilings and panels. The present day wood work displays all the intricacy of the old. The main objects of work are fruit-bowls, beer mugs, wooden jewellery and carved images, both romantic and mythological in origin. All along the crystal clear streams of Himachal grow the bamboo and the willow. When winter approaches, the hill people strip the bamboo. And when the country-side is blanketed with snow they sit around cosy fires and fashion intricate and sturdy bowls, trays and baskets out of the dried bamboo. Oval-shaped, lotus-shaped or egg baskets with tall graceful handles are some of the typical basket patterns of Himachal Pradesh. Metalcrafts and Jewellery
Matalcraft is one of the most ancient and developed crafts of Himachal Pradesh. The traditional metals are pure copper and silver. Local craftsmenship in casting, ornamenting and engraving, show great skill, delicacy and taste. Legend has it that Sita, in the great Indian epic, the Ramayana wore jewelled butterflies and other precious ornaments in her hair and that these types of ornaments were made by the silversmiths of Himachal Pradesh. Jewellery is still a popular product of the Himachal silversmiths. And although the designs are still traditional, the ornaments are lighter and more practical. Modern innovations in the crafts include the making of intricately carved silver lamp stands, tea pots, wine or butter cups and metal sculpture. These follow indigenous shapes and are decorated with finely carved patterns, which in addition to the local flora and fauna, depict stories from the epics. For more information about Handicrafts & Handloom and Himachal Pradesh tour packages, for more information contact Swan Tours one of the leading best travel agency in India. 1. Salooni Chamba is surrounded by places of interest to the enterprising tourist and special look-out points, commanding panoramic views abound on all sides. The river Ravi rises in the snow-peaks of Bara Bangahal in Chamba, and the river Beas from a glacial lake near Rohtang. The last snow range is DhaulaDhar running parallel to the PirPanjal, south of it. Both these ranges enclose the attractive Kullu Valley. The Beas cuts a fantastic gorge through DhaulaDhar at Larji. A smaller and more or less continuous range about 2,000 metres (6,561 ft), high runs south of the snowy ranges, Salooni, at a height of 1,829 metres (6,000 ft) and 56 km from Chamba, offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the snow-covered hills and peaks. Situated at the top of a ridge and opening into the Bhandal Valley, this scenic spot of great beauty leads also to Bhaderwah. 2. Bhandal Valley For lovers of wild life, this beautiful spot 22 km from Saloon' and linked to it by road, offers a wonderful opportunity for a pleasant week-end. The Bhandal Valley, at a height of 1,831 meters (6,006 ft) links Chamba with Jammu & Kashmir. 3. Bharmaur-Ancient Capital Travelling eastwards along the Ravi, one comes to the ancient capital of Chamba, Bharmour, at a height of 1,981 meters (6,500 ft) and 69 km from the new capital. Linked by a road, 46 km are motorable, while 21 km are jeepable. Capital of the state for 400 years, Charmour possesses ancient temples built in the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries. Built in the Shikhara style with a spire, the ancient Pahari architecture fascinates, as does the friendliness of the people. River terraces in Chamba, are developed between 1,000 and 2,000 meters and hence fairly well populated. The people, called Chambials, are very fair complexioned and have attractive features. Indeed, some think them to be the most beautiful race in India. From Bharmour it is an arduous trek over high mountains to the beautiful lake known as Mani-Mahesh where thousands of devout pilgrims gather year after year to offer puja on festive occasions. At an altitude of 4,267 metres (14,000 ft) and 34 km from Bharmour, Mani-Mahesh, Shikhara style temple is one of the most ancient and beautiful in all Himachal. Suggestion Article : Route Information on Delhi to Himachal Pradesh road trip 4. Sarol—Aplan Retreat Just 11 km from Chamba is a remarkable picnic spot where, along with beautiful Agricultural gardens and a Sheep Breeding Farm, there is a Bee-keeping Centre. The honey from the apiary is delicious. To reach this charming spot one has to travel 8 km by bus and the rest on foot. 5. Killar Killar, 137 km north east of Chamba is situated in the deep and narrow gorge of the Chenab river. It can also be reached through the Sach pass. Here you are in the high Himalayas, in the scenic beauty of the valley. It isthe desire of many a hardy trekker to visit these lands of pretty faces, beautiful dances and scenic splendour. From Killar one can trek north west to Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir or turn east about half way to Kishtwar and cross Umasi La Pass into the Zanskar valley. One can also takt south east trek to Keylong and Mandi and while trekking Killar to Lahaul one will come across a very beautiful place, Purthi known for one of the best forest nursuries and historical - Rest House on the right bank of Chandra Bhaga. There are many Rest Houses managed by PWD and Forest Department at reasonable distances in the entire Pangi Valley. For more information on Himachal Pradesh holiday packages contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place. 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. 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. Once a famous centre of Indian Art when the water of river Saraswati flowed through the state is Bikaner. in the course of time the river and artful civilization of the city were engulfed by the growing desert., Today Bikaner is an important part of the Holiday itinerary of Best Rajasthan Tour Packages . The northern most of the state cities deep in the desert, Bikaner is so bleak that it is a wonder men have chosen to risk their lives to win such a kingdom. Bikaner, a true desert city in a camel country is situated on an elevated ground, surrounded by a seven Kms long embattled wall market by five gates. It was founded by Rao Bikaji in 1488, one of the descendants of Jodhaji, founder of Jodhpur. Infact the town derives its name from its founder. This region is well known for the best riding camels in the world and the monuments here chiselled out of red and yellow sandstone display some of the finest creations of Rajputs civilization. What to see:- 1) Junagarh Fort: Raja Raj Singh an outstanding general in the army of Mhal emperor Akbar, built this imposing fort in year l588-1593. It is the chief attraction in the city and encircled by a moat and within, has palaces made of red sand-stone and marble, with Kiosks and balconies embellishing the structure at intervals. Suraj polis the main entrance gate to the fort, Har Mandir (a Shiva temple) the majestic chapael, where the royal weddings and births were celebrated anpole. The palaces worth visiting are Anup Mahal, Karan Mahal built by Maharaja Anoop Singh in commemoration of the gallant victory of his father Maharaja Karan Singh, over attacks of Aurangzeb. Built in Mughal style, the ceilling arches bear rich paintings of 17th and 18th century including a good addition later contributed by Maharaja Gaj Singh. Bijai Mahal, Dungar Niwas, Ganga Niwas, and Rang Mahal. And some of the most beautiful palaces are Chandra Mahal and Phool Mahal. These are exquisitely ornate with mirror work, carvings and paintings. The Palaces with in, are adorned with gigantic columms, arches and graceful screens. The facade of the monument, visible above the high invincible walls offer a splendid view of pavilions protruding out, a row of balconies, kiosks and towers at intervals from a distance. 2) Lalgarh Palace: Lalgarh a magnificent 19th century red sandstone building founded by Raja Rai Singh, is distinguished by its long range of 37 pavilions. It was royal residence, and today is an hotel, marvellous in its proportions where the profusion of lattice work makes intricate lace of red sand stone. Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum: It houses an excellent collection of pre-Harappan, the Gupta and Kushan era and sculptures of the late classical time. It is one of the finest museum in state. Excursions:- Bhandasar Jain Temple: 5 Kms. It is a beautiful 16th century Jain temple of glittering crest and gilded flagstaff commanding dominant position in the city dedicated to the 23rd Teerthankar Parsvanathji. Other intersting temples are Chintamani, Adinath and Neminath, may be regarded as the most beautiful of the temples here on account of more detailed ornamentation and carvings. Camel Breeding Farm: 10 Kms. This farm is one of its kind in the whole of Asia and is preserved by the government. Bikaner's camel corps (former-Ganga Risala) was a famous fighting force and still maintains its importance in desert warfare. It's here that you'd see what an interesting animal the camel is. You could have some thick camel milk while listening to a Raika—a camel breeder's trike tell you about camels and camel-lore and how they are bred. The gamboling baby-camel make a very enchanting sight. Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary: 32 Kms. On Jaisalmer road is Gajner wildlife sanctuary. The lush foliage of the woods here have a number of Nilgai, Chinkara, Black Buck, particularly flocks of Imperial sand Grouse, living here.
A summer resort of kings is Gainer Palace, has now been converted into a hotel, is standing on the banks of a lake. For more information on holiday destinations in Rajasthan, contact Swan Tours , one of the leading travel agents in India. After having been for nearly three weeks in the Almora hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need to go to Europe... MAHATMA GANDHI Almora extends along a 5 km-long horse saddle-shaped ridge, 68 kms north of Nainital. Surrounded by dense forests of pine and fir, the town's sylvan surroundings have attracted people for centuries. Its illustrious visitors include Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Jawaharlal Nehru spent an involuntary period in when he was incarcerated here in 1942, during the Quit India movement. Over the years, many cultural centres have come up here, including the Vivekananda Library and Memorial, Uday Shankar India Cultural Centre and Tagore Bhawan where the Nobel Laureate supposedly penned Gitanjali, earning Almora the title of the 'cultural capital of Kumaon'. Almora is one of the few hill stations in north India which was not founded by the British. It became the capital of the Chand rulers of Kumaon in 1560 and remained with them till the British took over in 1815. Almora's chequered past is reflected in its architecture: one can see indigenous hill cottages with bungalow trimmings, and semi-Indianised British bungalows with stone slab roofs. Like other hill stations, here too the Mall Road is the epicentre of all activity. Uttarakhand holiday packages organised by Swan Tours includes the sightseeing of The fiudden Memorial Church, in Almora Bazaar, is a significant British landmark, as is the Post Office, built in 1905, while the Clock Tower facing the tourist office is a mix of different architecture styles. The Collectorate, was once the Almora Fort and gives stunning views of the surrounding hills. A walk through the Khajanchi Mohalla (literally treasurer's area), gives one many delightful examples of old style Kumaoni architecture. GB Pant Museum houses archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, including articles belonging to rulers of the Chand dynasty and letters written by freedom fighters. Open Mon-Saturday; time. 10.30 am-4.30 pm. A visit to the colourful Lala and Chowk Bazaars is also worthwhile for their woollens - shawls, woven tweeds - and tatitha (hand-beaten copperware) and silverware. Carrying on its Gandhian legacy, Almora has a significant production of khadi or home-spun cotton. Gandhi Ashram is a good place to buy the fabric. Food lovers must sample Almora's famous sweets, bal mithai, and singauri. One of the more popular shops is Khim Singh and Mohan Singh Rautela's sweet shop in the main market. The town and its surrounding hills are dotted with temples. The ancient Nanda Devi Temple is built in the typical Kumaoni style of stone temple architecture, and shows intricate carvings on its walls. Swami Vivekananda is believed to have meditated at Kasar Devi Temple (6 kms from Almora). The temple stands on Crank's Ridge, formerly a haunt of artists and writers. D. H. Lawrence, the English novelist, is known to have spent two summers here. The locally popular Chitai Temple (8 kms) is dedicated to Golu Devta, who supposedly grants every wish made with a clear conscience. Further on is the 800-year old Katarmal Temple (17 kms from Almora). Lakhudiyar (20 kms), meaning one lakh entrances, has a cluster of ancient cave shelters. For more information on Hill holidays in India, contact Swan Tours, a leading best travel agent in India promoting tourism since 1995.
Ignoring the dust and braving the quite long distances, spend some time exploring the Jaipur overspill. Ram Singh 11's splendid cultural park is hard by the city walls, and its museum is a real treat. The splendid Rambagh Palace is south of it, and the beautiful Sisodia Palace lies out to the east. Ram Singh II laid out his Ram Niwas Gardens right outside New Gate, employing a certain Dr de Fabeck to landscape what is now reduced to 14.5 hectares (36 acres). The view down the central road, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, is closed by the palatial Central Museum. On the way there it passes first the Gallery of Modem Art, the zoo, a crocodile breeding farm and the Maharaja College (founded 1845) which taught Urdu, Persian and English. Ram Singh 11 also founded the School of Art (1868) which revived and promoted so many of Jaipur's crafts, including the well-known blue pottery. The Albert Hall, housing the Central Museum, is the park centerpiece. It is a triumph of Raj influence, having been modelled on the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone on his 1876 visit and the architect was Colonel Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob (1841-1917), a British engineer whose knowledge of Indian buildings later earned him a job as consultant for the British capital of New Delhi. Inside the thoroughly Indian palace, locals wander about enjoying models of their festivals, collections of puppets and costumes, and exhibitions of top-quality Jaipur brasswork. The separate room at the front is the Durbar Hall, usually locked, but just ask and it will be opened. It houses several exquisite carpets including the magnificent Persian Garden Carpet, one of India's finest art treasures. Made in 1632 in Kerman, Persia, its design is a paradise garden on char-bagh lines. Fish swim in canals and mother birds feed their young in blossoming trees. It is one of the best of its kind, its fine silk colours still fresh and bright. (Free on Monday, closed Friday). Also Visit - Luxury Golden Triangle Tour Packages India Further down the road, Narain Singh Marg leads past Narain Niwas, a thakur townhouse. Built in 1881 by Narain Singh, Madho Singh Its emissary, it was furnished in the heavy Raj taste so fashionable at the Jaipur court. At the end of the road, Lilly Pool Palace opposite is where the Raj Mata of Jaipur lives. She is the widow of the last Maharaja. Man Singh II Her autobiography, A Princess Remembers, describes a queen’s fairy tale life before Independence and, to a great extent, after it. The Rajmata lived much of her married life at Rambagh Palace, found by turning left down Sawai Ram Singh Road then right at the large crossroads. It was Ram Singh II who made what were originally a few pleasure pavilions outside the city into a hunting lodge, Ram Bagh (garden of Ram). Hunts played an important role in the court calendar Just as Akbar had used hunts to disguise his soldiers' manoeuvres when making his alliances with the Rajputs, so the Rajput prince used large hunting expeditions around his kingdom to visit local thakurs (landowners), deal with political and administrative business and keep himself informed. He could be hawking, using trained cheetahs to catch antelopes, hunting tigers or wild boar, or duck shooting. With Sir Swinton Jacob's help, Madho Singh II later transformed Ram Bagh hunting lodge into a royal playground, with English herbaceous borders, squash court, tennis court, indoor swimming pool complete with trapeze, and polo field next door, Not surprisingly, his adopted son, who succeeded him as Man Singh II in 1922 aged just 11 years, later chose it as his principal home. And when in 1940 he made a love-match marriage with his third wife, Gayatri Devi, Lalique fountains and the latest sleek black marble bathrooms and bold geometric furniture were added. Here the handsome, glamorous couple known to friends as Jai and Ayesha lived, ruled and played out a fairy tale life, mixing medieval with thoroughly modem. The Maharaja's water was brought in daily from a special well by four men and a soldier guard, yet the couple jetted about the world to New York, London and elsewhere. Jai died after a fall during a polo game at Cirencester in England in 1970. Today the palace is a hotel, so the courtyards, public rooms and glorious gardens are easy to see (good shops; drinks in the Polo Bar or overlooking the lawn a treat). And Madho Singh's polo grounds next door are also fun to visit if there is a game on or even a practice—the annual season is March. From here, you can look south to Moti Doongri, the fort, built like a Scottish castle, where the royal treasure was once stored. You can then move west and see Jai and Ayesha's later home, the relatively modest Raj Mahal Palace, built as the British Residency and now, like the Rambagh, a hotel. Here they entertained Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on his 1965 visit which coincided with the Hindu festival of Holi. His letter of thanks shows that the couple, although by then reduced to commoner status, could still entertain royally: 'Every moment was sheer joy and it's only the bruises from polo and the pink stain On my fingers which remain to convince me that the whole thing wasn't some marvellous dream' One last trip makes a delightful end to a city day. Just outside town, on the road eastwards out of the Ghat Gate towards Agra, Jaipur's great architect is honoured with a little garden, Vidyadharji ka Bagh, which is now sadly in need of some restoration. Almost opposite, Sisodia Rani ka Bagh is pristine perfect. This country palace was built by Jai Singh II for his Udaipur queen whom he married to cement a Rajput alliance Large, chirpy, bright murals surround the exterior, lush terraced gardens overlook the open plains, and the watchman will unlock the palace to show you a hideaway home still full of royal atmosphere. Drive on behind the palace to the hillside Hanuman Temple dedicated to the monkey-god. It surges into life each day at 4 pm. Crowds of langur monkeys come to meet the priest who arrives in an auto-rickshaw with sacks of bananas which the animals grab greedily and then sit gobbling in mid-road. The keen can do a small hike from here, up to Galta's hilltop Temple of the Sun God-worth it for its spectacular views.
For more information on Gardens and Palaces in Modern Jaipur Rajasthan contact Swan Tours one of the leading Best Tour & Travels Delhi 8/28/2017 1 Comment Sightseeing in Agra - Swan ToursThe citizens of Agra lived near the fort, outside Delhi Gate (now closed) on the north side. Court patronage abounded, crafts flourished and Agra became a major Centre for textiles and jewelry as well as banking and trade. Although starved of court patronage when the Mughals declined, the city continued to thrive at a quieter level and still does today. A stroll around these lanes brings alive the atmosphere of Mughal Agra. If you get lost, it does not matter much as the area is quite small; but enlist some local help to seek out specific craftsmen. By exploring through a grand old gateway, you may discover Mughal hamams (baths) now used as vegetable storehouses; by peeking through doorways into havelis (courtyard houses), you may see a busy atelier of marble inlay works; by looking behind a shop, you may discover a forgotten Mughal noble's mansion. While on Golden Triangle tour package covering Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, the tour highlights of Agra would be as below: The Jama Masjid (Friday mosque, 1648) is the heart of the old city, in Mantola area, its zigzag red and white domes rising above the lanes. It was built by Shah Jahan in the name of his favorite and loyal daughter, Jahanara. Beside its main entrance stands Agra's one forgivable tourist shop, Mughal Marble Emporium, which stocks splendidly gaudy replicas of the Taj made of soapstone with red and yellow plastic trees, fairy lights and glass baubles, each scene enclosed in a glass box. Opposite, the pot-seller's kiosk overflows onto the road. These beautiful spherical water-pots are natural fridges which keep water cool and fresh but apparently only do their job for a few weeks, keeping their sellers in good business. The cloth market runs round behind the mosque, bustling with ladies bargaining for silks and cottons; the main street, Johri Bazar, runs off to the right. Along here are local dhurrie shops such as Damodar Das Mammo Mal's on the left, men's cloth shops where locals meet to gossip over tea, photographers to hire for special occasions, shops selling glitzy braid and other essential wedding accessories, carts loaded with fresh walnuts or crispy gujak, shoe shops (a major Agra trade) and, on the right, a wonderful shop packed with fancy walking sticks. Further on, Kinari Bazar has the jewellery shops, while Panni Gali off it (found with difficulty via Fulati Guli) has Agra's top master of zari (gold) embroidery work, Sham Uddin. He and his craftsmen work in his family haveli (his name is on the door) with the family pigeons strutting about the roof. Back towards the Jama Masjid, a lane to the left leads eventually to Malka Bazar, street of the great kite-makers, such as Sando and Allo Jamalo, whose creations are flown by children from the flat roofs, fluttering until they are trapped in a tree. Another good area to explore is Nai ki Mandi, found north-west of Jama Masjid and across Hing ki Mandi Road. Here shoemakers work in tiny kiosks, women pile up water-pots to dry beside the canal, cows stand motionless mid-lane and marble craftsmen work quietly behind the old carved doors piercing the whitewashed walls of the narrow lanes. Marble Inlayers Descendants of Taj Mahal Craftsmen Nai ki Mandi is an area north of the Jama Masjid in old Agra. The narrow whitewashed lanes are punctuated by high stone steps leading to blue-painted doors. Behind many of them, groups of Agra's 5,000 pietra dura craftsmen sit on the courtyard floors quietly creating delicate floral patterns like those worked by their distant forefathers for the fort and the Taj Mahal. Mohammad Naseem, a Muslim like most marble workers, is a master crafts-man who runs a typical workshop. His dozen craftsmen work in the shaded, blue-pillared courtyard of his family haveli. He hopes his sons will follow his trade. An apprentice begins young, at eight years old, becomes full-time when schooling ends at 14, and is trained by 20-22 years old. The trained craftsman specializes as a marble-cutter, gem-cutter, gem-setter or chiseller, making his own simple tools and helping his master with special pieces. The expensive raw materials are supplied to the head of the workshop by the merchant. The hard, non-porous (and so non-staining) white marble comes from Makrana, near Jaipur. The precious and semiprecious stones come from all over the world and include turquoise, coral, pink rhodonite, golden tiger eye and the rare, gold-speckled blue lapis lazuli. Naseem's work is distinguished by the fine chrysanthemum designs with feather-light petals. He uses coral, turquoise and malachite for their purity of colour, and lapis lazuli for its colour and luminosity. Such fine work, originally introduced from Persia, takes time and considerable patience. First, the paper design is agreed upon between craftsman and merchant. The marble is cut, coated with red water-based paint and the design drawn through. The stones are selected for colour and clarity—a green might be of jade, malachite, variscite or amazonite. Then the slow precision work of cutting each stone and chiselling a bed for it begins. A large design is tackled by area, a small piece in one go. Big flowers are cut first, such as the fine chrysanthemum petals; Naseem often works with the hard and difficult lapis and cornelian because of the glorious finish they give. Each stone is cut, fitted, fine-tuned with an emery paste wheel and then glued and heated to fuse the stone. Leaves are done next, and finally the stems. To finish, the surface is polished with increasingly fine emery. To make a large tray adorned in multi-coloured flowers takes three workers about six months, working 9 am-9 pm except on Friday, the Muslim holiday. A small box takes ten days, and the top of a box about three. The master craftsman oversees and checks each piece, for it all goes out under his name. Such painstakingly slow work means it takes about 25 Agra workshops to keep Sttbhash Emporium in Gwalior Road well stocked. And when you go to browse and, inevitably, to buy, the Hindu family of Bansal brothers who run Subhash will show you some of Naseem's award-winning pieces. For more info on sightseeing in Agra contact Swan Tours, One of the leading travel agents in India promoting tourism in Agra , Jaipur and Delhi. |
AuthorSwan Tours one of the leading travel agnets in India Archives
January 2018
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