Thursday, December 11, 2008

Attractive India Travel Packages at Budget Prices

India is one of the most wonderful & beautiful tourist locations& is a land of mystical charm in the world. India owns the natural beauty with beautiful hills, many wild lives, natural sceneries and the beaches, the cultural and historical attractions, and finally the adventurous mountains. There are many tour operators in India who provide various quality travel arrangements like escorted tours, incentive travel and discounted hotel booking & more in India.

The geographical features of India converted it to a wonderful land for tourism. The snow-clad Himalaya mountain ranges offer great scope for a variety of adventurous activities such as the mountaineering, trekking, skiing, etc. The Jungle Safari through the wild Gir and the water sports in the long stretches of coastline and the backwaters in Kerala are mind-boggling experience for any adventurous tourists in India. The tour operators in India offer various packages to facilitate the convenient tour for you. Please visit the website www.tourisminnorthindia.com to avail one of the best travel packages in India.

There are lots of travel agencies and tour operators in India who offers a variety of tour packages in affordable prices.

Considering this situation, the tour operators in India are well organized in offering their service to the tourists in very good extreme.

The tour packages are organized as per the taste of the guests. Some of the specific tours are Leisure tour, Pilgrimage tour, the Cultural Tour, Adventure Tours, Beach Tour, Health Tour, Science Tour, Wildlife Tour, etc.

The Golden Triangle, the Backwaters of Kerala, Palace on Wheels, etc., are the popular brand names used often by the tour operators in India. Yes, these are the special attractions that catch the eyes of tourists who land in this land of wonders.

To know more about the culture and heritage of the real Hindustan, get in touch with any of the travel agencies in India and organize a trip to watch the famous festivals, viz,, Diwali, Holi, Dussera, etc. With the help of the travel agents in India, you can plan your travel during the festival season in India.

Another reason for the flourishing tourism in India is the reasonable travel packages offered by the tour operators in India.

They are genuine in serving the customers, both native and foreigners.

To avail one such service, please log on www.tourisminnorthindia.com, a website dedicated to cater the tourist needs of any visitor in India. Pearlsindiatour provides an exceptionally professional service to the tourists and they make their days in India the ever memorable.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Manipur- little Paradise on Earth

ANDRO - the ancient village
27 km towards east of Imphal is the ancient Scheduled Caste village of Andro, there is one Cultural Complex established by the Mutua Museum, Imphal. It consists of potteries of the North Eastern Region of India. There is a 'Doll-House' where dolls of 29 recognised tribes of Manipur (both male and female) are in display.

Ima Market
A unique all-women's market, having 3500 "imas" or mothers who run the stalls, it is split into two sections on either side of a road. Vegetables, fruits, fish and groceries are sold on one side, while exquisite handloom shawls, phaneks, khudeis, bedsheets and household utensils & implements and fruits are sold on the other. Not far away, is a street where beautiful wicker works and basketry and furniture are sold. Other smaller markets are Singjamei, Kongba, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Heirangkhoithong, Terakeithel, Naoremthong etc.

Imphal
The capital of Manipur, Imphal is a bustling minimetropolis situated at a height of 790 m above sea level.

Kaina
It is a hillock, about 920 m above sea level, and a sacred place of the Hindus. The sylvan surroundings, and the aura of serenity that envelopes it, add to the solemnity of the site. Kaina is only 29 kms from Imphal.

Kangchup
At an attitude of 921 meters, 16 km from Imphal to the west, is a health to the hills overlooking Manipur valley. The scenery is picturesque. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong. There is an Inspection Bungalow here.

Keibul Lamjao National Park
The only flaoting National Park in the world , it is situated on the fringes of the Loktak Lake. This is the last natural habitat of the marsh dwelling SANGAI brow antlered deer of Manipur better known as the dancing deer (due to the fact that it has to balance itself on the unique floating wetlands).

Khonghampat Orchidarium
The Orchid Yard of the forest Department, on the National Highway No. 39, about 7 km from Imphal, is another place of interest. More than 110 varieties of Orchids, including several rare species are grown here. Peak season is April-May.

Khongjom
36 km. from Imphal. Situated on the Indo-Burma Road, this is a place of greatest historic importance. It was here that Major General Paona Brajabashi, one of the great warriors of Manipur, proved his velour against the superior force of the invading British Army in 1891. The hillock on the foot of which he laid down his life in defence of his motherland, is reminiscent of the past heroic deeds of Manipuri warriors. A war memorial on the top of this scenic hill feature, adds charm to this heroic site. Khongjom day is celebrated as a State Holiday on every year on April 23.

Langthabal
8 km. from Imphal on the Indo-Burma Road lies this small hill feature with the relics of an old historic palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses amidst pine and jackfruit trees planted symmetrically. Overlooking the Manipur University, Canchipur, it offers a pleasant view of the surroundings.

Loktak Lake and Sendra Island
48 kms from Imphal, Loktak Lake the largest freshwater lake, in the Eastern region of India, resembles a miniature inland sea. From the tourist bungalow set atop Sendra Island, visitors get a bird's-eye view of life on the lake - small islands of floating weed, shimmering blue waters, labyrinthine boat routes, fascinating water plants, the fisherman and their families who live in neat huts on its shores and who make full use of their watery environment. They cast their nets on it, rear fish farms in it using nets as floating walls, harvest it for the water chestnut known as Heikak, and even build their houses on the islands of floating weed that dart around the lake. The Sendra Tourist Home with an attached cafeteria, at the centre of the lake, is an ideal tourist spot. Boating and other water sports are being introduced here.There are buses and cycle rickshaws to cover the last 3 km. to Sendra. The Tourist Home charges Rs. 10 per bed.

Manipur State Museum
This interesting museum near the Polo ground has a fairy good display of Manipur's tribal heritage and a collection of portraits of Manipur's former rulers. Particularly interesting items are costumes, arms and weapons, relics and historical documents. Opens at 10 am through 4.30 pm, sunday & holiday closed.

Manipur Zoological Garden
About 6 km off Imphal towards the west, is this Zoological garden at Iroishemba on the Imphal Kangchup Road. Graceful brow-antlered Deer, one of the rarest species in the world , can be seen here in sylvan surroundings. A trip to this garden, at the foot of the pine -growing hillocks in the westernmost corner of Lamphelpat, is really enjoyable.

Moirang
This town is one of the main seats of early Manipuri folk culture with the ancient temple of pre-Hindu diety Lord Thangjing, situated here. In the month of May, men and women, dressed in colorful traditional costumes sing and dance in honour of the Lord at Moirang, LAI HARAOBA which is a ritual dance festival held every year. It was from the village of Moirang, too, that the graceful Khamba-Thoibi dance originated, traditionally celebrated in May. The town also has a special place in the history of the Indian Freedom Struggle. It was in Moirang that the flag of the Indian national Army was first unfurled on April 12, 1944. The INA Museum containing letters, photographs, badges of ranks and other memorabillia reminds the visitor of the noble sacrifices made by the INA under the charismatic leadership of NETAJI SUBHASH CHANDRA BOSE.

Moreh
110 km. from Imphal. This border town is located on the Indo-Burma Road. A commercial town attracting a large number of people from neighbouring places. It is only 5 km. from Tamu town, its Burmese counterpart. Tamu depicts a total change in the attire and eating habits of the people and in the architecture of its buildings.

New Churanchandpur
59 km from Imphal District headquarters of Manipur South, New Churanchanpur is mainly inhabited by the Kuki and Paite tribes. An ideal place for sightseeing and holidaying, it is also an advanced tribal town where local handicrafts are available in the market.

Phubala
40 kms south of Imphal lies this charming resort, on the western fringes of the Loktak Lake, to the south of Imphal. It joins the mainland by a low causeway.

Sekta- Archeological Living Museum
Sekta Mound locally known as the "SEKTA KEI" is a protected Archaeological Site. The site is located at Sekta village, about 16 km. from Imphal on the Imphal-Ukhrul Road. It is a site where practice of secondary burial was discovered. The site was jointly excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Archaeology, Manipur and is preserved as a Living Museum.

Shaheed Minar
The indomitable spirit of the Meitei and tribal martyrs, who sacrificed their lives, while fighting the British in 1891, is commemorated by this tall structure, at Bir Tikendrajit Park in the heart of capital Imphal.

Shri Govindajee Temple
This temple, adjoining the palace of the former rulers of the Manipur, is a historic center for Vaishnavites. It is a simple and beautiful structure with gods domes, paved court and a large raised congregation hall.

The presiding deity in the center is flanked by shrines of Balaram and Krishna on one side, and Jagannath on the other. Priests come down the steps to accept offering from devotees standing on the paved court.

Singda
At an altitude of 921 m., 16 km. from Imphal to the west is a hill resort on the hills overlooking Manipur Valley. The scenery is picturesque. It is also a mountain pass on the road to Tamenglong. There is an inspection Bungalow here. There is a nice artificial lake called Singda Dam. It is now a multipurpose project.

Tamenglong
It is 156 km from Imphal and is the District Headquarters of the Tamenglong District. This region is known for its exotic orchids. The Tharon Cave, Booning Meadow, Zeliad Lake ,Barak Waterfalls are some of the place of the tourist interest.

Ukhrul
83 kms to the east of Imphal, this district headquarters of Manipur East, is the highest hill station of Manipur. A centre of the colourful warrior tribe Tangkhul Nagas, it is well developed, and renowned for a peculiar type of lily - the Siroi, grown on the Siroi Hills. Siroi Hills and KhangKhui Lime Caves are interesting places for excursions.

Waithou Lake
Situated on the Indo-Myanmar Road, this idyllic spot is famous for its pineapple slopes. There is also a tourist lodge, at the fringe of the lake.

War Cemeteries
The British and Indian Army Cemeteries commemorating those who died in the second world war are serene and well-maintained with little stone markers and bronze plaques recording their anguish and sacrifice. These grave are maintained by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Delhi
Manipur Tikendrajit House
Near Chanakya Cinema Hall, Bir Tikendrajit Road, Chanakya Puri
New Delhi-110021.
Phone_no: 6113150/6870098

Manipur Bhawan
2, Sadar Patel Marg,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
Phone_no: (011) 6873311/6780103/6873009
Fax: (011) 6111803
Website: http://manipurbhawan.nic.in/
Email:rescm-mn@hub.nic.in (Official Purpose only)

Calcutta
Manipur Bhawan
26, Rowland Road, Calcutta
Phone_no: (033) 4758163/4747087/4758075
Fax: (033) 4760310

Government of India Tourist Office
Embassy,
4, Shakespeare Sarani,
Calcutta
Phone_no: 2421475/2423521/2421402.

Imphal
Reception Counter
Tourism Dept. Imphal Airport.
Tourist Information Centre

Tourist Information Centre
Directorate of Tourism, Imphal
Phone_no: 224603/220802.

Government of India Tourist Office
Jail Road, Imphal
Phone_no: 221131

Guwahati
Manipur Bhawan,
Rajgarh Road, Guwahati
Phone_no: (0361) 540707
Fax: (0361) 451968

For Bookings, Guide Services and others information.
Contact:
Tourist Officer
Directorate of Tourism,
(Hotel Imphal Complex)
Government of Manipur,
Imphal.
Phone_no: 220802,222705,222451,224635,224603
Fax: 0385-224354
E-mail: manipur@x400.nicgw.nic.in

HOTEL FACILITIES
Hotel Imphal
North AOC point
Imphal Dimapur Road
Imphal – 795001. Manipur
Tel : 320341/320339/320346
Fax : 320346
Telex: 296202

Location:
7kms from Airport.
215 Kms from Dimapur Railway Station
225 Kms from Jiribam Railway Station.
1 Km from Downtown area.
½ Km from Allied forces World War II Cemetry.

Accomodation:
47 Rooms
12 VIP (A/C) Suites.

Multi-Cuisine:
Emoinu Restaurant.
Conference Hall for 100 PAX.
Facility to hold Banquet for 100 PAX
Approximate Tariff w.e.f. 30th Jan 1999.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Pachmarhi hill resort of Madhya Pradesh

The only hill resort of Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is surrounded by the Satpura hills. Though its not your typical hill resort Pachmarhi still has all the charm. As a hill station this place has been untouched and unexplored. Geographically Pachmarhi is a group of waterfalls. You could spend a sunny summer day at the Bee Falls , the Duchess Falls or the Apsara Falls , which make ideal picnic spots.

Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where Nature has found exquisite expression in a myriad enchanting ways. Each dawn at this lovely hill resort girdled by the Satpura ranges ushers in a day of tranquil beauty.

The valley, ravines and maze of gorges, sculpted in red sandstone by wind and weather aeons ago, add their own coloring to this palette of shades, and cascading waterfalls flash silver in the sunshine.

Forests here are the natural habitat of woodland birds and wild species like langur, sambar, Indian bison and leopard.Complementing the magnificence of Nature are the works of Man, for Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure house. Cave shelters in the Mahadeo hills contain an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Pachmarhi is truly a resort for all seasons. Nature and Man have together created a place of beauty, a world in itself.

What to See

Priyadarshini Point
Handi Khoh
Apsara Vihar
Rajat Pratap
Raj Giri
Jata Shankar
Chhota Mahadeo
Mahadeo
Chauragarh
Dhupgarh
Duchess Fall
Pandav Caves

How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal (195 km), connected by regular flights with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai.
By Rail : Pipariya (47km), on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline via Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead.
By Road : Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Taxis are available at Pipariya.

Proximity in getting to Pachmarhi from major cities;

Bhopal = 195 kms
Jabalpur = 225 kms
Nagpur = 258 Kms
Mumbai = 864 Kms
Delhi = 931 Kms.
Allahabad = 599 Kms.
Indore = 388 Kms

Best Season : Throughout the year.
visit- www.mptourism.com

Info of Himachal Pradesh simla kulu manali

Himachal Pradesh the land of eternal snow peaks abounds in exotic valleys, glorious green hill-slopes, snowcapped mountains, gushing streams and the hills of Himalays welcome the tourists from all over the world. In this mountain wonderland, the pace of life is measured and tranquil. Himachal Pradesh is full of hill resorts, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife that attracts a wide range of tourist traffic. Today, Himachal Pradesh is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It also has excellent trekking. Main tourist complexes are Shimla, Palampur, Dharamsala, Kulu-Manali, Chamba-Dalhousie. Temple at Bhima Kali, Sarahan, Hatkoti, Jwalajee, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni, Renuka and Rewalsar, Deoth Siddh and Naina Devi are major attractions for pilgrims. Tourist complexes are also being set up at Keylong, Kaza, Sangla, Shoja, Kalpa, Khadrala, Kharapathar, Chindi, Bharmour, Chansal and Naggar castle. Hang-gliding competitions are held in Kangra valley. Solang Nallah slopes are getting popular for winter sports. There is an art gallery in Naggar and museums in Chamba, Shimla and Dharamasala. The beautiful tourist resort of Khajjair in Chamba district has been christened as the Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh

Simla/Shimla
How to get there:

Road: The total road length in the state was 21,935km. It has eight national highways with a length of 1, 279km.

Rail: The State has two narrow gauge railway lines connecting Pathankot with Joginder Nagar and Kalka with Shimla and one road-gauge railway line from Nangaldam to Una.

Air: The state has three airports at Bhuntar (Kulu Valley), Jubbarhatti (Shimla) and Gaggal (Kangra). In addition 35 helipads are available for operation in the state. The government has decided to construct helipads at Banjraroo, Satrundi and Khundi-Murahal in Chamba.
Shimla
Shimla, the biggest hill station of the world in the Himalayan foothills, was 'discovered' by the British in 1817, when it was just a small village. Its commanding position on the crest of a ridge, cool air and lust countryside quickly made it a favourite summer resort. By 1864, when it was declared the summer seat of the government of India, the 'Queen of Hill Stations' had become the epitome of everything British. Shimla then becomes a frost-covered silent city. Shimla's mood changes with its season. Shimla, now the state of capital of Himachal Pradesh, is busy, lively and nostalgically "English", with quaint Raj-era hotels and buildings and beautiful walks through Himalayan mountains thick with oak, deodar cedar, and pine trees.

Shimla has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The best season of the year is autumn but the early spring runs a close second. the air is freshest in these periods, the days warm and bright and the nights crisp, clear and cool. Autumn welcomes the visitors with calm equanimity and spring says it with flowers. Here winter is known as the season of 'long moon nights'.

How to get there: Shimla is connected by road and is 375 km from Delhi. It is 116 km from Chandigarh and from Kalka 89 km. The closest railhead is at Shimla near bus stand and is linked with Kalka with the toy train. Kalka is linked with many big cities through narrow gauge. The airport at Shimla is at a distance of 23km at Jubbarhati. Taxis/buses are available from these places to Shimal. Direct flghts from Delhi are available on alternate days.

Christ Church (1844 onwards)

It was designed by Col JT Boileau, consecrated in 1857 and later extended with the addition of a clock (1860) and a porch (1873). The design of the original chancel window was done by Rudyard Kipling's father the Lockwood Kipling. A Library (1910) designed by James Ransome in the Elizabethan style is at next door to the church.

The Town Hall and General Post Office

The town hall (1910) is the reminiscent of the 'Arts and Crafts style, as well as the timbered General Post Office (1866).

Viceregal Lodge (1888)

This was build for Lord Dufferin who played a prominent part in its planning and building. The designers Henry Irwin, who was the designer of famous Madras High Court (Tamil Nadu) and Mysore's Ambar Vilas Palace at Karnataka and Capt HH Cole designed it in the Elizabethan style. It includes a indoor tennis court and electric lights. The lodge also has a botanical garden and a cafe. Towards the rear is a stone terrace with a view of some major Himalayan peaks. There are streams running down from top of the hill, flowing into the Sutlej, Yamuna and Ganga. Now it remains as a Rashtrpati Niwas (The Presidents House), it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS). The magnificent reception hall and corridors are lined from floor to ceiling with heavy teak panelling. The gate house, a chapel and the meticulously polished brass fire hydrants imported from Manchester, U.K. still remind us of its British origin.
It now houses the Institute of Advanced Studies, and is open only in some parts to the public. Open 1000 - 1630. Small entry fee to the house.

Jakhu Temple

This temple (2,455 meter) dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god, and surrounded by monkeys is 2 Km from The Ridge near Christ Church. It is situated in the highest spot on the ridge, with excellent views. It is best to steer clear of them and keep all eatables well out of reach.

Kamna Devi Temple

This temple is 5 Km from Shimla, a 15 - 20 minutes walk from Boileauganj and build at Prosoect Hill. Tara Devi is has an another temple named as Sankat Mochan Hanuman, on the hill top, 7 Km starting from the railway station. You get a grand view of the southern side of Shimla, the undulating hills and valleys of southern Himachal and beyond to the plains of Punjab in the distance

State Museum

This museum is a collection of Himachal Pradesh's rich heritage. Museum has a good collection of archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. The ground floor has a gallery with fine Pahari miniatures, a style developed under the auspices of the Kangra rulers. Closed on Monday and holidays

Manali:
Manali with its unspoilt scenic grandeur is popular as a tourist destination. Log cabins built in the thick forests here present probably the best view in the country. There is an interesting story about Manali which goes to say that Manu, the great Hindu law-giver, after the great deluge, first stepped on to earth from the celestial boat at a place in this land. The particular spot where he established his abode is the present Manali. Manali is the centre of a flourishing orchard industry.

How to get there: The airport at Bhunter is 50 km. from Manali where taxis and buses are available. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at jogindernagar, 135 km. away. The closest broad gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km.) and Ambala (355km.). By road the distance from Delhi to Manali is 570 km. and from Shimla the distance is 280 km.

Dhoongri Temple

The Dhoongri temple (1553) is dedicated to goddess Hidimba. Built in typical indigenous style it has a four-tier pagoda shaped roof. Build by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the 27m high Pagoda temple has fine naturalistic wood carvings of animals and plants. Inside the temple is the small back image of the Devi. The imprinted foot prints on a black rock are believed to be the foot prints of the goddess.

There is a legend behind Hidimba. Hidimba, was the sister of the demon Tandi. Bhima of the Mahabharata fame fell in love with Hidimba. Bhima killed Tandi in battle and married Hidimba, whose spirituality, coupled with her marriage to Bhima led to her being worshipped as a goddess. Today she is seen as an incarnation of Kali. Every May a festival is celebrated in her name.

Tourist information centres

Shimla: Department of Tourism & Civil Aviation
Shimla-171001, Himachal Pradesh
Tel: - (0177)-203346, 3517.
Fax: - 203346, 4973.

H.P Tourism Development Corporation
Ritz Annexe, Shimla-171001.
Tel :- (0177)-203294
Fax :- 203434.

Himachal Tourism Information Centre, Shimla
Phone: 91-177-214311, 78302
Fax: 91-177-212591


Other HP Tourism offices
New Delhi: 91-11-3325320
Mumbai: 91-22-2181123
Kolkata: 91-33-278648
Chennai: 91-44-5385689
Manali: 91-1902-51275
Dharamshala: 91-1892-21232, 24121
Chandigarh: 91-192-708569

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Water Scooters in Goa

Water Scooters in Goa
An ideal destination for water sports, Goa, offers non-parallel opportunities for your thrill and enjoyment. People with the love for adventure have a habit for being on the edge. If you enjoy the speed of life, you may find water scooters really thrilling. These high-speed vehicles can accommodate two persons. Water scooters zoom through the water surface at great speed. These popular form of sports in Goa are generally used by water guards. Water scooter ride may not last longer but you will enjoy even this small but thrilling ride on large ocean waves. The waves may hit your face and you may be tempted to hold the life-jacket of your ride-partner very strongly as the scooter zooms through the waves with great speed. This water sports offers all the thrills of a motor bike with the tenderness of an ocean instead of hard tar road below your feet. The speed of the scooter depends up on the fact how much scared you are. The person handling the scooter decides the speed.

Where to get water scooters
Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula jetty, Majorda and Candolim beach are some of the sites where water scooters are available.

When to go for water scooters

The best season for enjoying water sports in Goa is from October to May. It's the season when the skies are cloudless and blue and the water remains placid.
Something special about Goa
Extremely placid water and gentle breeze at Goa make it a suitable place even for the beginners. They can try riding water scooters without having much fear. Some tourists ride these water scooters because they give an rare opportunity of watching dolphins from close quarters.

Rates

Normally you may be asked to pay Rs 200 per person for water scooter ride. Although the operators may come to even as below as Rs 100 per person.