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. Dedicated to Shiva, Pashupatinath (Temple of Living Beings) is the oldest and most holy Hindu temple in Nepal. It is set on the banks of the sacred, but polluted, Bagmati River, a tributary to the Ganges. Historians believe people worshiped here as early as the 3rd century, and there are signs that there was a temple structure here as early as the 5th century. However, much of the present complex was built in 1696.
Legend says that Shiva wanted to escape his heavenly work, so he turned himself into a stag and escaped to the forest here. When the other gods chased him down here, they broke off his horn, which became the Pashupatinath lingam (phallus). It is said the lingam was discovered by a cow. Pashupatinath Temple visit is a must during Nepal tour packages. Pashupatinath is an important ritual bathing and cremation site, since the water flows to the Ganges. The ghats (platforms) in front of the temple are reserved for royalty. If you are cremated here, Hindus believe you will he released from the cycle of rebirths. Husbands and wives who bathe together at Pashupatinath will find one another again, and be remarried, in their next lives. For centuries, women committed sati here, throwing themselves on their husband's funeral pyres. This practice was outlawed in 1920 by the Ranas. During Shiva Rati (February or March), pilgrims from all over India and Nepal flock here. If you (sit during this festival, which celebrates Lord Shiva's birthday, you will see half-dressed holy men with dread-locked hair, women in festive, auspicious red saris, and thousands of people stoned on ganja, which Shiva favored. Throughout the year, devotees come to Pashupatinath on pilgrimage. They take ritual baths, or bring cows, goats, and dogs to the shrine. The animals are not sacrificed, but honored with a tika (red dot on the forehead), which gives them the right to live undisturbed in the complex, as befits the temple's name. Although the main temple is open only to Hindus, you can get a good look from the far side of the narrow river. Cross the bridge; as you climb the path, take the first set of stairs on the left. At the end of the terrace, notice the head of Shiva (its nose is missing) carved on a 5th- or 6th-century lingam. From this terrace you can see the walls and the intricate metalwork of the silver doors surrounding the lower level of the two-tier Pashupatinath, which is crowned with gilded roofs. Within the building is a huge Shiva lingam, and outside stands an equally large gilded bull, Nandi, Shiva's mount. Continue up the path, accompanied by as many monkeys as wandering sadhus (Hindu holy men), and look at the numerous old shrines and small stone lingams. (This is the route to follow if you want to walk to Boudhanath.) Returning to the far side of the river, head left along the bank, so you are directly across the water from the pyres. The actual cremations are remarkably matter-of-fact. Still, try not to be a voyeur of other peoples' grief. At the end of the walkway, look at the 7th-century head of the Buddha. Its presence supports the theory that this temple was also a Buddhist shrine. Timing You can spend an hour here or a half day sitting on the banks, watching life and death unfold. Many people talk about an overwhelmingly calm energy here. If you like, you can walk to or from Boudhanath from Pashupatinath. Simply follow the path back up the hill to where all the small shrines are situated. From the top of the hill you can see the Boudhanath stupa. Go beyond the Hindu shrine, and you will come across a few vendors selling garlands. Pass them to cross the suspension footbridge. Follow the path through pastoral settings with scattered hamlets. If you stroll, it will take about 20 minutes to reach the busy street. The path will dump you onto the main road, just left of Gemini Supermarket. Cross the street, and you will be standing in front of the stupa gates of Boudhanath. For more information on Pashupatinath Kathmandu Nepal contact Swan Tours, one of the leading tour operators in Delhi. 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. 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. 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 |
AuthorSwan Tours one of the leading travel agnets in India Archives
January 2018
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