BIKANER TOUR PLACES TO VISIT
BIKANER
We stopped a few times on the way to Bikaner to see interesting villages, and to rest. That's another great thing about traveling with a private car - trains don't stop and wait for you when you'd like to explore a market. At another rest stop I got the best chai (tea) I have ever had in my life, made by an old man with a prehistoric machine that he had to crank.
Finally, we got to Karni Mata Temple, the Rat Temple. It's a beautiful small marble temple, and it's crawling with holy rats that are considered reincarnations of people. There are bowls with milk and food, but rats run and perch everywhere. Not so many that you'd step on them, like in an Indiana Jones movie, but it's still a very creepy experience. There are little black pellets everywhere. You have to take off your shoes to enter.
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| Tea vendor on the road to Bikaner | Rats drinking from a milk bowl |
In Bikaner, there is a wonderful restaurant on the roof of the Harasar Haveli hotel, another tip by Rawat. The pineapple yoghurt here is great. I had the choice of staying at that hotel, and they showed me a big room with a huge bed, but I was put off by the mounted deer heads over the bed and the sitting room. I don't want the company of dead ornamental animals. So I stayed at the Raj Vilas Palace hotel instead, and got a nice spotless room.
Before night, we went out to the Bikaner fort, a gigantic red sandstone and marble palace that looks exactly like a Maharaja's palace is supposed to look like. It's a maze of courtyards, halls, and roofs. Guides are offering their service in crypto - someone talks at you and you assume it's English because he is looking at you, so you start processing and ten seconds later "ice owe jew blazes" suddenly turns into "I show you places" in your mind, and you shake your head.
Then I had some time in the old town, the usual chaos of honking vehicles, markets, and cows that slowly walk through the place as if they owned it. People sell fruits and vegetables off wheeled carts; there are bicycle repair shops with large stacks of tires, spice and nut vendors with racks of wicker baskets, open-air barber shops, clothing stores with their whole inventory pinned to the outside wall, chai stalls, a juice stall with a vicious-looking machine with big gears that turns meter-long sugar beets into juice, and countless others. Ad posters are often using strained English phrases like "live life non-stop" for a space heater. Well, yes, thanks, that's what I was planning to do.
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| Latticework windows at Bikaner Fort | Weapons display at Bikaner Fort |
There are lots of advertisement. Ads in Europe are mostly for lifestyle products that nobody really needs. In India ads are for things that people do need - mostly cement, although mobile phone providers are catching up. Ads for more expensive items like cell phone service tend to be in English. What you definitely won't find here are those nasty US chain stores like McDonald's, 7-Eleven, or Starbucks that pollute big cities in Asia.
The big thing in Bikaner is pictures, usually of animals or traditional Hindu motifs, in needle-fine accuracy. I saw a picture the size of half a postcard, of a tree with over 17,000 individually painted leaves. They can put black dots so finely that the picture gets an airbrushed look. They use only colored stones that they rub on marble, mix with gummi arabicum, and water, and paint with superfine squirrel-hair brushes on paper, silk, or sandalwood. True human ink-jet printers.
Tourist Information SRINAGAR, KASHMIR, INDIA
SRINAGAR, KASHMIR
Kashmir is an Indian state at the northern tip of India. It borders on Pakistan, and is a disputed territory that has seen a lot of violence in the 1990s. The Kashmiris are very unhappy about the whole situation and would prefer independence, but neither India nor Pakistan would allow that to happen.
The 2005 Lonely Planet guidebook, in its characteristic candor, describes Srinagar as heavily militarized, with paramilitary troops and sandbag bunkers, and looking like an occupied city. Yes, there are many armed soldiers at the airport and at city intersections, with barbed wire and checkpoints and all that. But I'd seen all that in the Thai Golden Triangle and in Egypt too; only the sandbag bunker was new. Just out of the airport, I heard gunshots but that was just soldiers training.
Srinagar has a beautiful lake, Dal lake, with the snow-capped Himalaya mountain range as a backdrop. At the edge of the lake opposite from the town, a long row of houseboats are awaiting guests. I was staying on the Dandoo palace boat. It's beautiful, all wood-paneled with hand-carved ornate patterns everywhere, carpets, old furniture, and all amenities. Of all the boats I saw from the boat, this one looked like one of the best.
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| Boats on Dal lake in Srinagar | My room on the houseboat on Dal Lake |
I got a very large room with separate dressing room and bathroom with a tub and hot shower, taking about a quarter of the length of the boat. In the evening I was served a delicious dinner, sitting on a high-backed chair at the head of the table, in the antique-appointed dining room. Tea here is delicious, made with cinnamon, kardamom, safran, and honey, and not bitter at all. The expenses at the travel agent were starting to pay off!
Lakshadweep Beach Tour / Holiday Package
Cochin-Agatti-Bangaram-Cochin
Day 1 Cochin
Your India beach holiday begins when you arrive in Cochin, the natural port discovered by the Portuguese sailor Vasco De Gama, who stepped on Indian land for the first time in Kerala. Board a flight from Cochin to Agatti Island. Overnight stay at Agatti.
From Agatti move towards Bangaram Island, which is an archipelago formed by the aggregation of 36 tiny islands. Roam around the scenic beaches and other holiday places. Overnight stay at the beach resort.
Day 3 Bangaram Island
In the morning try out for adventure and water sports like kayaks, catamarans, sailing and scuba diving to satiate your sporting spirit. The rest of the day free for leisure at the beaches and holiday shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Next morning watch the coral reefs, one of the best in the whole world. Also explore the deep hidden aquatic flora and fauna in the seawaters on your beach vacation. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 Departure
Early morning leave for Agatti Island. From Agatti board a flight for Cochin. After reaching Cochin, transfer to the airport where the executive from India Holiday Packages will help you to catch a flight for your onward destination.
Sikkim’s Gangtok : nice place to have a great journeys.
Tashi view point which is a 20 minutes drive from the town was built by the late Chogyal (King) of Sikkim; the point commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga Range and the hills of north Sikkim. You should be here early in the morning to witness the sunrise. The early sunrays hit the mountain range and light up the peaks one after another with respect to their altitude. The experience is overwhelming when you see the mountains glow amber taking you to a higher level of spirituality and contentment. Though you would want to stay here forever, there are many places that you can visit while you are in this part of Gangtok.
Ganesh Tok is just about ten minutes drive from Tashi View point.
An independent kingdom until 1975, unknown to the world has now opened up in all its capacity to share the natural grandeur and pleasure of this astonishing land. Fascinating culture, beautiful hills, stunning countryside, meandering rivers, majestic mountains, good food, enchanting lakes and hospitality unmatched in it equivalence, is what Sikkim has to offer to its visitors.
Sikkim is bounded by Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its West and China to its north. The southern boundary is shared with the state of West Bengal. The topography of Sikkim is such that the entire state is covered with beautiful hills and mountains. Not just a tourism destination, it is also a paradise for naturalist and environmentalists owing to its wealth of flora and fauna. There have been many expeditions related to zoological and botanical research leading to the discovery of a number of plants and animals. It is also the spiritual center for Buddhists all over the world and has around 250 monasteries, each having its own peculiar history and traditions.
Gangtok is the heart of all activities and is the capital of Sikkim. You will have to reach Gangtok, for unless you get here, you will have much difficulty reaching other parts of the state. Standing at an elevation of 5,480 feet, overlooked by the majestic Mount Khangchendzonga, Gangtok is perched on a hilltop, stretching wide as if covering the whole mount and making it glow at nighttime like a reaction of some scientific experiment. When you are here, security is the last thing that you’ll have in mind because there is no trouble at all. You can walk in the streets at midnight and you are still safe. There are many hotels, guesthouses and resorts to house the ever growing number of visitors. A number of fine traditional and multi cuisine restaurants, Discotheques and lounges are all in the vicinity of the town. Taxi service is readily available so mobility is not a problem either. After all Gangtok is not just another dead town, it is a vivacious place to spend your vacation.
The adjoining areas around Gangtok are of historical and religious significance and visiting these places will give you an insight into its history, culture and beauty. It is a point where visitors make way to their further destination for tours and treks however when you are here you should go sightsee and make the most of this amazing place.
Opposite to Ganesh Tok is the Himalayan Zoological Park covering an area of 205 hectares which is locally known as Bulbuley. Though a road is built and can take you through the park, vehicles are strictly prohibited inside the park. While inside the park you might catch a glimpse of the adorable Red Panda which is the state animal and is also listed under the endangered species list. In a semi natural habitat the animals here roam about freely without any fear of poachers. There is plenty of food and protection; however you are not guaranteed to see the animals because they normally shy away from humans.
Enchey Monastery is located on a hilltop and is quite close to Ganesh Tok. Enchey monastery means ‘solitary temple’ and true to its name the monastery is rather secluded by the greenery of its compound. This monastery was built around 200 years was blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, who was a great tantrik known for his flying prowess. Legend has it that the great Lama is believed to have flown from Maenam hill which is a hill in south Sikkim to the very spot where the monastery stands now. This monastery is also famous for its Chaam dance (mask) which is organized once every year in the month of January.
You cannot miss the flower show which is on for the entire year. The show is held below the Palace Ridge Park which is about 5 minutes drive from the town. The show has now become an important platform to showcase the floral treasures of the Sikkim. A special competition is organized annually during the springtime where flowers from different parts of the state and the adjoining areas are displayed. This event is truly a bonanza for flower enthusiasts.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center also locally known as Rumtek Gompa (monastery) is situated in the hill adjacent to Gangtok. It is about an hours drive through the beautiful countryside. The Gompa was built by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960 and is an important pilgrimage site for the Kargyudpa sect of Tibetan Buddhist all over the world. It is believed that the monastery has a huge collection of some of the most unique manuscripts and scriptures. It also has the rarest of religious art objects. Very close to the present monastery there is another monastery which is called the Old Rumtek Monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730 and was destroyed in fire which was later rebuilt to its present state.
Rumtek monastery organizes the Mahakala Chaam (spiritual mask dance) once a year in the month of February. This is an extravaganza of enigmatic music, graceful moves, color and intricately painted masks. This event is witnessed by a huge congregation of Buddhist of the Kagyurpa sect and tourists, especially foreigners who gather once a year just for this extraordinary dance.
You should also visit the Directorate of Handicraft if you want to see the age old tradition of craft and weaving. The traditional weaving, painting and carvings are taught by masters to younger generation of craftsmen keeping alive skills passed on through centuries. Here you can actually see how traditional carpets are weaved and masks carved. You may even want to pick some for your friends and family back home.
If you are in Sikkim and you haven’t visited Tsomgo/Changu Lake, you haven’t seen it all. This lake is situated high up in the mountain, 40 kilometers from Gangtok. The lake remains frozen during the winter season.
Changu Lake is revered as the holiest lake in Sikkim. The lake is about a kilometer long and somewhat oval in shape. It serves as a stoppage point for the various migatory birds and ducks and more importantly it is home to the Brahmini ducks. It’s an amazing place with breathtaking views around almost everywhere. There are a number of stalls run by the local people where you can refresh yourself with a hot cup of tea, a much needed beverage in the cold up here. There are yak in the lakeside and you can enjoy a yak ride high up in an altitude of 12,210 feet. A picture with the amiable beast will be your souvenir from this trip.
And if you have never seen China and its red army, this is you opportunity to see the communist china and its army. The Indo-China border Nathula is just 14 kilometers from Changu Lake. The road to Changu Lake and Nathula is rather scary as you cut through the high hills but the scene enroute is simply incredible with the mountains so close, clad with snow and clouds just above you, the word is just ‘awesome’. Though the road seems scary at times when you see the river down below and it looks like a thread, be assured the drivers here are very skilled and will make you feel comfortable as if you are driving on a 6 lane highway.
In the evenings the market place widens as vehicles are not allowed entry after 5 pm. The market becomes abuzz with tourist and local people making it a fun place to hang around. The market stretch is the only “litter and spit free zone” in India, You are cautioned, if you are caught spitting and littering here, you will be fined. You can visit the local curio and traditional stores pick souvenirs of your trip and if that’s not enough there are good pubs, lounge bars and discotheques for party goers around the town and excellent restaurants if you just want to spend a peaceful evening with your family.
Cheap Shimla Holiday Packages
Nitin International :
Shimla, one of India's most famous hill station located in southern parts of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Travel agency based in Delhi and Gurgaon offers many cheap Shimla holiday packages. It is the state capital and is at a distance of 343 km from Delhi. Perched at an altitude of 2159 m above sea level. Shimla is a perfect heaven for the ones in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best locales.
Tour / Holiday Packages Rajasthan India
Royal Rajasthan holiday and be amazed at the variety, cultural diversity and natural wealth that greet you. Rolling dunes, craggy shrubs to water filled valleys and dense forests rich in flora and fauna give royal Rajasthan its countless colors that enchant you in hundred different ways.
See Ghair Ghoomar, Tehrataal and fire dancers in action, listen to haunting love ballads, marvel at brilliant snake charmers, meet fortune tellers and course the Rajasthan countryside on a traditional camel drawn cart with holiday packages in Rajasthan.
Holiday packages in Rajasthan offer you an opportunity to see this grand royal land with its deep history and rich culture that makes it so special and unique. Each home, lane village, district and state in Rajasthan has its own tale of bravery, courage and royal intrigue.
Rajasthan holiday packages help you discover a land of famous love stories, unmatched monumental treasures, adorable camels, brilliant craftsmen, frescoed havelis and all that is glamorous and enticing about Rajasthan, India.
Holiday packages in Rajasthan with Rajasthan Holiday offer you unique opportunities to sit on camel back and accompany brightly turbaned locals, deep into the formidable Thar. Tour the forts, shrines and palaces of Rajasthan with holiday packages in Rajasthan, India and explore an enigmatic land that glows with skillfully chiseled monuments and a strict code of moral conduct.
Find out more about holiday packages in Rajasthan, India by clicking on the page links mentioned below:
Holiday Packages Ajmer
Holiday Packages Bikaner
Holiday Packages Jaipur
Holiday Packages Jaisalmer
Holiday Packages Jodhpur
Holiday Packages Udaipur
Rajasthan Holiday offers online booking for holiday packages in Rajasthan, India. For details please fill up the form provided below.
Kerala Ayurveda Tour
Kerala Tour Packages
Destinations: Cochin - Periyar
Day 01 : Cochin - Periyar
Morning drive to Periyar (180 kms). Upon arrival check-in at Spice Village Resort Visit the resident "Vaidya"(Ayurveda Doctor) for consultation.Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 till Day 08 : Ayurvedic Therapy at Spice Village
Seven days Ayurvedic Therapy -the resident doctor after consultation, plans your programme and will also suggest your diet and the therapy commences in right earnest. Please remember that during this period you should not exert yourself and for best result no alcohol, no tobacco and strict vegetarian diet. The therapy involves various herbal massages, steam baths and yoga. If you follow all the directions of the "VAIDYA", we can assure you that you will come out totally relaxed and a great feeling of wellness.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Periyar
The Rejuvenation Therapy is over, but it is best to relax and allow your body to re-adjust after one week of massage.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Periyar - CochinYour last day at Periyar, perhaps you could do a boat safari in lake Periyar and try to catch a wild elephant.
After lunch drive to Cochin. Check-in at Hotel Casino.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Depart Cochin Morning
Transfer to the airport for flight back home.
India Kerala Wildlife Tour
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations: Thiruvananthapuram - Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin - Ooty - Bandipur - Mysore - Bangalore
Day 01: Thiruvananthapuram
Arrive Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Located at the South Western tip of India, is bounded by the Arabian sea on the West and Tamil Nadu on the East. Transfer to hotel.Day 02: Thiruvananthapuram
Breakfast at hotel followed by departure for full day sight-seeing. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Thiruvananthapuram - Periyar
After breakfast depart for Periyar -a wildlife sanctuary with beautiful lake. It is situated in lush green forest. On arrival transfer to hotel for Overnight stay.
Day 04: Periyar
(By Road) Early morning we take boat ride over the Lake Periyar to watch animals in their natural habitat on the water's edge. While cruising on Lake Periyar, you are likely to see animals like Wild Boars, Sambars, Wild Dogs, Langur Monkeys and Wild Elephants. For the lunch we return back to hotel. Late After noon we again visit the park by cruise, as once is not enough to explore it fully.
Day 05: Periyar - Alleppey - Cochin
After breakfast at hotel depart for Cochin enroute Alleppey -one of best place for nature and backwater lovers. After backwater drive to Cochin. Overnight stay at hotel.Day 06: Cochin
Morning half day tour to visit the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue , Chinese fishing nets, & St.Francis Church . Afternoon free.
Day 07: Cochin - Ooty
After breakfast at hotel depart for Ooty One of the most popular hill resort of India.. Afternoon free to relax and unwind. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Ooty - Bandipur
After breakfast depart for Bandipur National Park.
Day 09: Bandipur
After breakfast drive to Bandipur National Park. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 10: Bandipur - Mysore
After breakfast depart for Mysore - famous for its silk and thriving sandalwood. Check in hotel.Day 11: Mysore
Morning after breakfast proceed for half day city tour visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills and Brindaban Gardens.
Day 12: Mysore - Bangalore
After breakfast depart for Bangalore one of the morden metropolis city of India. Full day free for your independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: Bangalore
After breakfast depart for Afternoon half day guide city tour visiting Vidhan Soudha, Tipu's summer palace, Botanical Gardens and Lallbagh Gardens. Overnight stay at hotel
Day 14: Bangalore (Departure)
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to airport to connect your onward destination flight.