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apabritabasu | Oct 16 2007


The Eastern Indian Himalayas is a range that dominates the Northern part of West Bengal. Located in this part of the world is the Indian queen of the hills, Darjeeling. It is famous for numerous things and one of them include Darjeeling tea.

As the SUV or your van that you travel in makes it’s way up the windy roads, the Himalayan vistas open up. The green slopes welcome you to the heart of the Himalayas. Eventually, the slopes give way to the tea gardens of the area, where workers keep plucking the tea leaves. Evidently, Darjeeling is home to the world’s best tea.

About a whopping 87 estates operate in the area with a large scale tea production. With Darjeeling spreading it’s wings over to Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, there’s plenty of scope for the tea estates to expand and grow. Although, the area is getting used up, there is still some room for development.


Folks come to this area from all around the world and the visitors range from London to Manhattan. Makaibari is probably the most popular among the rest of the tea estates. Travelers in this part of the Himalayas are mostly tea tasters, and tea dealers besides people who are just visiting for a vacation.

As far as I know, tea tasting is not as easy as wine tasting is. You have to know how and where the plants are grown and in what condition. That way you get a better perspective on this specialty.

A few days spent in the tea wilderness will help you get first hand knowledge on the tea plantations and their aspects. So if you are planning a vacation to Asia, I suggest that you better check out the tea estates of Makaibari, Glenburn, and Goomtee. It will be much like a Napa valley wine touring.

Image credits: Mickcanning,

Comments (1) Tags: Goomtee, Makaibari, Darjeeling Tea, Indian teaAdventure amidst Royalty - Explore Rajasthan on a Motorcycle
srinidhi | Oct 7 2007


You want to visit Rajasthan and explore the desert landscapes, culture and experience the royalty at your own pace and flexibility. But your budget is not very high and you want to be on your own. The only option seems to be to load your stuff on a bike and vroom off into the vast open highways and explore the different regions of the royal state.

If you are one of those footloose and fancyfree bikers who wish to travel and explore on a motorcycle, Rajasthan tourism has some really good news for you. The state government has put in place a new policy to encourage tourists to rent motorcycles and explore the state.

Famous for its desert landscapes, rugged and formidable fortresses, grand palaces, serene placid lakes and exotic culture, Rajasthan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, both for international and domestic travellers. In 2005-06 the desert state attracted over 1.2 million foreign and 17 million domestic tourists. Tourism revenues to the state aggregate to over Rs.10 billion annually.

This new plan of hiring motorcycles to visiting tourists who wish to travel at their own pace and style was conceptualised after seeing the grand success of a similar scheme in Goa, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.

Motorcycle rental tariffs other terms and conditions have not been specified as yet. Private operators say that they will ensure that the rentals remain reasonable so that more and more people will hire motorcycles. Moreover entrepreneurs agree that market forces will direct how much rental will be charged. Moreover in a bid to entice entrepreneurs to get into this new line of travel business the state government has decided to cut road tax by three percent for motorcycles purchased for renting out.

The scheme has already been kicked off in Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Mount Abu, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Since the scheme was announced the department of tourism has been thronged by applicants seeking licences to rent motorcycles, but only 12 have been granted to put a total of 70 motorcycles on rent by the government.

Since the response has been very good the state government is considering a statewide rollout of the scheme soon.

For those tourists who want to travel by motorcycle but don’t know how to ride, then they can hire a driver too. The tourism department has implemented a scheme wherein they will issue special licences and identity cards to drivers along with mandating a unique dresscode and a different number series for the motorcycles which are meant for hiring. The colour scheme of the motorcycles have been finalised at black and yellow.

Looks like Rajasthan, which is already popular among tourists is all set to double its tourist inflow. A good sign indeed for the travel industry and the Indian economy.

Comments (0) Tags: Motorcycle travel, Rajasthan, new scheme, business, tourism, popular stateGet High on the Rocks 'Literally'!
srinidhi | Oct 1 2007


Birankal is a typical Indian village sited in Tumkur district, about 500 houses mostly with thatched roofs, a solitary school, two-three buses passing through, few small general stores and tea shops. But what makes Birankal different and worth visiting on a weekend is the towering presence of a massive monolithic rocky hill known as Birankal Betta.

Crowned by a quaint Shiva temple, the hill also has a large and undulating natural stone pond and numerous interesting rock formations. These natural attractions make it an ideal locale for trekking, rock climbing, wilderness camping and hiking.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Tags: Birankal, Rocky hill, Tumkur, Bangalore, weekend getaway, temple, rock climbing, adventure sportsGreat Offers
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Mahimapura – Picnic spot with nature, heritage, history and a dash of adventure
srinidhi | Sep 28 2007

Mahimapura is an infrastructurally underdeveloped village, sited close to the heart of India’s silicon valley, Bangalore. The village is a culturally rich and has exotic heritage and is endowed with unparalleled natural beauty. Simply put Mahimapura is a must visit location for anyone even remotely interested in nature, history and culture & traditions of the state.

The most attractive feature of Mahimapura is its quaint wooded hillock crowned by a beautiful Vijayanagara style Garuda/ Ranganathaswamy temple. According to the temple priest, this is the only shrine in the state where Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, is given the same importance as Ranganathaswamy, the main deity. Mahimaranganathaswamy the central deity appears like a mound of jaggery and is believed to be naturally originated, while the Vishnu image which is worshipped was installed much later during the Vijayanagar period. At the foot of the hill there is the temple in which a finely carved monolithic idol of Hanuman standing tall at about 12 ft is enshrined.

To visit the Mahimaranganathaswamy temple one has to negotiate the steep climb of around 350 ft via a flight of well-hewn stone steps. The top of the hill is a rounded plateau with a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ranganathaswamy, which houses fine statues of Garuda, Hanumantha and Ranganatha (installed). The temple is a small structure with a squarish garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and has square Vijayanagara style pillars endowed with fine relief sculptures. The garbhagriha is crowned by a brick and mortar Shikhara which is visible from a long distance. The main idol of Ranganatha is in Vijayanagara style is actually a Venkataramana image with Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Abhaya and Varada attributes. There is also a beautiful and antique metallic image of Venkataramana which is used during festivals.


The temple is completely built of stone and each pillar is beautifully carved depicting the various forms of Lord Vishnu. But due to faulty maintenance the artistry has become almost invisible. The pillars have been whitewashed resulting in the finer aspects and intricate cuts and curves of the sculptures becoming invisible. The whitewashing has actually covered up most of the artistic images of the pillars. It looks rather odd that natural stone pillars have been whitewashed instead of being cleaned and washed with water.

Worship happens only in the morning in the temple; there is no worship during the nights, as it is believed that divine sages visit the place during the evenings. Many film sequences of local language films have been shot in this place. The rural locales have provided a scenic backdrop to the improbably song-n-dance sequences of many Kannada films.

Legend:
There is an interesting legend associated with the origin of the temple. Mahimapura is believed to be the place where Garuda the vehicle of Lord Vishnu performed penance to cleanse himself of the sin of eating the dead body of a Rakshasi (ogress). It is believed that several thousands of years ago, sage Kashyapa’s wife Aditi is given two eggs by the Sun god, who says that two sons will be born out of the eggs. Aditi waits for several years for the eggs to hatch. Getting impatient she breaks one of the eggs and a child without arms and legs comes out of the egg, curses her with a life of slavery and vanishes. She feels sad and worships the Sun god again seeking forgiveness. The Sun god appears and advises her to wait and that a powerful and strong son will emerge from the remaining egg. After some years Garuda comes out of the egg and immediately demands food from his mother, she directs him to Sage Kashyapa. Garuda who is impatient with hunger disturbs the penance of Sage Kashyapa and asks for food. The sage then gets angry and tells Garuda to go to a rocky place where the dead body of a “Rakshasi” (ogress) is lying, eat it and satisfy his hunger. This place is called the “Rakshasi Bande” and is situated adjacent to Mahimapura hill.

Garuda eats the dead body and later feels that he has committed a mistake by disturbing sage Kashyapa’s penance. He seeks forgiveness from sage Kashyapa, who in turn directs him to Mahimapura with an instruction to worship Lord Ranganatha. Garuda performs intensive penance and after several years Lord Ranganatha appears before him in the Nirakari form or as a mound of Jaggery. Garuda built a small temple in the memory of the lord here. Local chieftains renovated the temple and later during the Chola and Vijayanagara period a new stone temple was built and embellished with grants and renovations.

Festivals and fairs:
The annual jatra on the Magha Poornima day of Hindu calendar, the festivities go on for almost 15 days and a cattle fair is also organised. A Car Festival (Rathothsava) is also conducted. Several village level competitions are also held. Apart from this three important festivals are celebrated with great pomp here, i.e., Janmashtami, Dasara (Navratri) and Narasimha Jayanthi.

Getting there.
Start off on the National Highway 4 (Bangalore – Tumkur Road) and drive for around 45 kms. One can find a large sign on the left side, which reads “Mahimapura” and an arrow points towards a cross. Take left and proceed straight for around 1.5 kms. You will come across a small hillock with a steep flight of steps leading to the top. This is Mahimapura. KSRTC buses ply thrice a day from Bangalore to Mahimapura. Alternatively one can travel to Nelamangala by BMTC and travel by local transport to Mahimapura.

Comments (1) Tags: Hill, trekking, Mahimapura, Garuda, Vijayanagara style temple, JanmastamiWorld’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling-Kailasa Temple: Ancient architectural wonder!
Rajni | Sep 28 2007


We all have read lot about Ajanta and Ellora caves, the architectural marvels of ancient times. Ellora that represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture has 35 caves in all. We all have read so much about these caves that we think we know every fact about these. Well, if this is so I’m sure you know which temple has the World’s Largest Monolith. If your answer is no, then go about reading.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Gallery: World’s largest cantilevered rock ceiling (Kailasa Temple)Tags: Ajanta, Ellora Caves, World’s Largest Monolith, Kailasa TempleBaijnath Shiva temple: Jyotirlingam in the land of the gods, Himachal Pradesh
Kanchan | Sep 25 2007


Himachal has numerous temples, each with some fair or festival connected to it, with legends dating back to countless centuries. The Bajnath temple of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh dedicated to lord Shiva is distinct from the one in Uttaranchal.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Gallery: Baijnath templeTags: Baijnath-temple, India, Himachal Pradesh, kangravalley, Palampur, Shiv-temple, Shivalingam, Jyotirlingam, Shiva, Hindu Pilgrimmage, DhamThe Maldives: Is there any other heaven on the Earth?
Rajni | Sep 25 2007


The Maldives, dream destination of all is the heaven on the Earth! Famous for a cluster of beautiful islands, white beaches and breathtaking underwater scenery Maldives is an absolute bliss. Believe me, there is something magical in the Maldives. Also known as the land of Sun and water, it’s a perfect paradise for those that need to unwind and relax.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Gallery: The MaldivesTags: The Maldives, The National Palace, Mulee-aage, The Huskuru Miskiiy, The Islamic CentreKhandala: Favourite weekend getaway for Bollywood stars
visioninside | Sep 21 2007

Khandala has marked to be the film industries favourtie weekend getaway in recent times. A lot of stars spend their weekend in seclusion away from the city life and take a much needed break from their hours of shooting and rehearsing.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Tags: Khandala, Sanjay Gupta, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt
Luxurious Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru!
Rajni | Sep 20 2007


Maldives, a paradisiacal corner with the untouched nature is the dream destination of all. Right? If you’re planning to spend your next vacation on a secluded tropical isle, then pack your gear for Madivaru, Banyan Tree’s new tented retreat in the Maldives.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Tags: Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru, MaldivesIndia’s longest temple corridor: Superb architectural marvel
Rajni | Sep 7 2007


We all know about the architectural marvels in India and one such is the Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rameswaram in Southern India. The corridor in this temple is the longest in India.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Tags: India, Longest Temple Corridor, RameshwaramIndia tops ‘Most preferred travel destinations list’
Rajni | Sep 5 2007


India, where culture echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthralls and diversity delights is one of the popular tourist hubs of the world. Trailing the beauties of major tourist attractions such as Italy, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand, India has proudly emerged as the numero uno travel destinations.

Comments (1) Read the rest of this post » Tags: India, Conde Nest Traveller, Readers Travel Award, Ambika SoniAgra in flames...Taj Mahal closed to tourists!
Rajni | Aug 30 2007
The Taj Mahal was closed to tourists and Indian city officials of Agra imposed a curfew following riots that left one person dead and 50 injured. The violence started after a lorry crushed to death four Muslim men participating in a religious festival Wednesday morning. The victims were returning from Shab-e-Barat or the night of forgiveness or atonement, when Muslims pray for the dead.

Comments (0) Read the rest of this post » Tags: Taj Mahal, Agra, Shab-e-BaratAngkor Wat and its surroundings being doomed by increasing tourism
Rajni | Aug 23 2007


Cambodia’s best known monument, Angkor Wat and its surroundings are at risk of being destroyed by the nearly one million tourists visiting the historic temples each year, with the Cambodia government hoping for the number to swell to as many as three million by 2010.

Angkor was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1993, since then tourist arrivals have risen meteorically. But when multiplied over millions of visitors, the effects can be alarming. At the same time, it is also hard to ignore that billion of revenue comes from tourism. Keeping this in mind, several government and non-government organizations are making efforts to keep these precious ruins intact.

Heritage Watch is a non-governmental organization founded by Dr. Dougald O’Reilly, one of South-East Asia’s foremost archaeologists and lecturer at the University of Sydney. The organization has implemented many projects to help protect Cambodia’s heritage.

To raise awareness of the vulnerability of heritage and the need for travelers to be responsible when they visit archaeological ruins, the Heritage Friendly Tourism Campaign was launched early this year. Another aim with which the campaign was started was promotion of the arts, culture, heritage and other development projects in Cambodia.

Heritage friendly businesses are also promoted through banners, street signs and stickers to help travelers identify and support those companies that give something back to Cambodia. Government is realizing the need to protect the heritage site and taking steps forward to save the precious ruins. I personally believe that people who visit this heritage site should also realize their responsibility and make their contribution in saving the historic site from being destroyed.

Image Credit

Source: Stuff

Comments (0) Tags: Cambodia, Angkor Wat, World Heritage List, Heritage Watch, Heritage Friendly Tourism CampaignMonsoon magic in Simla hills
Kanchan | Aug 13 2007


Rain kissed roads, rainbows in raindrops and puddles, mist that leads you to a walk in the clouds and a beckoning green that comforts in its lushness and purity. While most people find rainy days gloomy, I just love the monsoon rains!

Raindrops on a calandula flower, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta

I prefer rain to hot humid cloudy days that foretell rain yet cover the sky in unshed forbidding fury.

Clouds, Image credit: Dazzler

As the monsoons hit the hill station, they considerably bring down the mercury by several degrees below normal, forcing many to pull out their woolens.

Secretariat bridge looking eerie yet compelling in the fog, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta

Seasonal springs seem to crop up just about everywhere, consider the enchanting road that leads to the Taradevi temple from Simla, or the road beyond Simla, towards Fagu.

Image credit

Near the streams the rocks seem to glisten like gold, the moss turns greenest ever and the vegetation becomes a thicket.

Navbahar, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta

If the mist and fog is not enveloping all, one can see across the valley as the rain moves from one part of the valley to another and sometimes engulf whole of your side while there is sun shine on the far side of the slopes.

Naldera huts, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta

However, heavy rains have their drawbacks. They loosen the mud and bring forth landslides. Some result in torrents in gentle swaying streams. The blustery winds rock the tinned roofs of temporary homes. Even solid roofs leak and the doggie always carries the muddy mush inside the house.

Kregnanu Flowers, Image credit: Himanshu Khagta

Rains bring havoc especially around roads where the soil seems to have been weakened. Do they however keep the same in mind while building roads? Roads seem to brutally dissect the once pristine, tree-clad slopes. Have they ever wondered what is likely to happen if a major earthquake hits the area?

Pouring on the mall, Image credit: dazzlr

Then there is the ever-present threat of sprays from other vehicles. The lechery looks of gawky boys, if you’re caught in a shower without an umbrella.

Trees and mist, Image credit: Dazzler

Then again their remain other pleasures: cozying up in bed with a good book, steaming coffee and hot delicious pakodas. Simla is a picturesque all-year-round destination, here even the rains can hold a memorable time for you.

Image credit

Image credit for first Image: Himanshu Khagta

Comments (0) Tags: Simla hills, Shimla, Monsoons, Rains, Himachal PradeshThe heart of Himalayas: Khecheopalri makes a great tourist spot
apabritabasu | Aug 12 2007


Khecheopalri Lake, is a holy lake in the Indian state of West Sikkim. With the boom in he tourism industry and the hordes of tourists along with hikers/backpackers going through the region, the fragile Himalayan environment has become one of our concerns.

An interesting fact about this lake is the absence of leaves floating on the water. This is probably due to the presence of duck population, who normally take care of the fallen leaves. From higher ground, the lake looks a lot like Shiva’s footprint. Although, the locals believe that this is the footprint of Goddess Tara.


Nowadays, this is one of the hot tourist spots in the region. To the outsiders, this lake is known as the wishing lake. The biggest city close to the lake is Gangtok. But, it’s still kind of ways. I think the easiest way to get to the lake would be to fly to Bagdogra airport, and then approach the lake from Gangtok/ Pemyangtse.

There is a Khecheopalri Trekkers Hut, at 656 feet(200 meters), where you can eat some grub as well as crash for the night. However, do keep in mind that accommodation is very basic indeed. There are a few booths, where you can stock up your junk food if you want.


Do keep in mind that you will be in the Indian Himalayas the moment you start this journey. The pristine lake, laid back mountain people, and the peaceful environment will make this journey to Khecheopalri lake, unforgettable.


Image Credits: Shunya[1], [2], [3]

Comments (0) Tags: Khecheopalri lake, Trekkers hut, Himalayan environment12345678910NextTags
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