Varanasi – Come Closer to Indian Art, Culture and Religion

Varanasi GhatVaranasi, which is also known as Kashi or Banaras in situated in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most holy cities for Hindus in India. This holy city is located on bank of the river Ganges, which is again the most religious and respected river in Hindu mythology. Varanasi as a 'Kashi' is derived from the Rigveda (the oldest Hindu scriptrue) meaning "The luminous". Varanasi or Kashi is often called as "city of temples and holy education".

Varanasi is visited by lakhs of people every year due to its art, culture and religious importance. The banks of river Ganges are generally crowded by people because of dense residential structures and temples around it. The city houses almost 100 Ghats (series of steps leading down to water of river or pond) on which, devotees take holy bath. It is believed that bathing with the water of Ganges takes off all your sins and evil spirits. Most of the citizenries also follow holy-bath as daily routine.

The culture of the city is totally religious with strict norms and conditions for religion. Varanasi is famous for the rites performed after death. All the Puja (worshipping technique), Karmakanda (rituals for various duties in the life) and Shraddha (last rites of a person or relative) are performed in unique ways.

Apart from all these religious activities, Varanasi is popular for its unique food. The sweets in this city are rich in taste and are an important part of hospitality for the guests or outsiders. Banarasi Paan (the folded leaf filled with different spices tobacco and sweeteners) notable for its taste and presentation. The Indian women's dress called Banaras Saari is far-famed for its texture and handworks.

Varanasi – The Holy Place

The city is sacred pilgrimage for Hindus of all denomination. More than one million pilgrims visit every year. The city houses the holy shrine of Lord Kashi Vishwanatha who is an aspect of Lord Shiva and comes under one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (the places were Lord Shiva is worshipped the most).

Hindus strongly believe that dying in the holy city of Kashi or Varanasi will perform the Moksha (free from the rebirth cycle) for them. Banaras or Varanasi is also worshipped as the way towards the heaven from the earth.

Varanasi – The City of Legends

The city has witnessed many legendaries in Hindu mythology and scriptures. The art and literature has been rich in all contexts. Great Indian writers are originated from this city. Some of them are Kabir, Tulsaidas, Munshi Prem Chand, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Madan Mohan Malavia and Hari Prasad Dwivedi. Many of the legendaries established many good universities and other schools where the original Hindu scriptures and religious knowledge is passed on to the disciples.

One who visits the Varanasi is considered to be lucky person among Hindus. It is said that once in a lifetime, one has to visit Kashi to get free from all worries, diseases, sins and other misdeeds of the entire life.

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Exploring Rafting Trip to Rishikesh

Rafting Trip to RishikeshEnjoy the excitement and exhilaration of river rafting on the Ganga river in Rishikesh. This is the rafting experience to remember. A true wilderness adventure taking you through the deep jungles and camping overnight alongside the river by an open camp fire under the stars. It allows you to experience something truly sensational. In the Ganga, rapids come in quick succession. After an exhilarating ride through the trashing water, you'll catch your breath and regain your grip on the world only to be confronted with the next rumble of water. The rafting stretch of Ganga is from the Kaudiyala to the Rishikesh. Experience the fast paced adventure and thrills of river rafting in Ganga.

Do not forget to take the safety briefing from the experienced guide before getting kitted out with your helmet paddle and life jacket. For both rafters and outdoor enthusiasts the Ganga river is synonymous with wild forests and natural beauty. Rafting is the adventure not to be missed and Rishikesh offers an ideal location for the white water rafting. So on your next trip to India experience the ultimate encounter with the forces of water on the white water rafting trip to Rishikesh.

Lakshman JhulaYou will also not forget the experience of the the forests wildlife of Rishikesh. It will gives you the unique opportunity to meet the nature at its best. Enjoy the fantastic natural beauty and an insight into the daily life of the tribal people and much more of your choice. Learn about the fascinating tribal people. Witness the women wearing striking headdresses. Spot the tiny species of the deer called Muntjac near the riverside.

You can also spent a night in the village as the quest in one of their traditional stilt houses. Learn about the traditional art of cooking in the open fire. You can kill time venturing around the farming areas in the villages. For those wishing more leisure ride you can make a visit to the local temples dotted on the banks of Ganga in the Rishikesh.

You can spend time taking the gorgeous walk alongside the river and watching the different species of the bird's through the binoculars. Grey horn-bills, peacocks, koel, woodpeckers, lapwings are some of the species of birds that can be found here.

Camping in Rishikesh is the great fun. Engage yourself in star gazing as you relax in the open tent during the night. Take a nature walk admiring the immense beauty of the Himalayas. You can also enjoy swimming at this place. Spend time taking the sunbath for the longer time. Trekking is the another activity which never fails to mesmerize the visitors. Tourists can also enjoy beach volley ball, rugby, cricket, body surfing, kayaking.

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Travel Rajasthan - A Glorious Land of Heroism, Romance and Chivalry

Hawa Mahal, JaipurRajasthan is the land of Royal Grandeur. It is the largest state of India. Today Rajasthan - the glorious land of heroism, romance and chivalry is one of the most tempting travel destinations in India for both domestic tourists and international tourists as well.

Set amidst the deserted landscapes, Rajasthan, the jewel in the desert is a perfect holiday destination and tourists' paradise not to be missed while traveling in India. Rajasthan Holidays offers an ultimate tourism experience to cherish for a whole life span.

On your Tours to Rajasthan you will see that entire land of Rajasthan is dotted with many heritage monuments. This is why Rajasthan is popularly described as the Land of Monuments. Fantastic forts, elegant palaces and terrific temples are the major attractions of Rajasthan Tours and play a crucial role in the boom of Tourism in Rajasthan, India. City Palace complex of Jaipur, City Palace of Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, etc are some major Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan which never fail to impress its visitors with its extra ordinary royal grandeur and amazing architecture.

When you will travel in Rajasthan, you will observe that still Rajasthan Forts and Palaces retain its age old charm and royal grandeur. They depict the culture and tradition of Rajasthan and narrate the tale of bygone era. While traveling in Rajasthan you will have also opportunity to stay in some elegant heritage palace hotels. Besides forts and palaces you will also have opportunity to see some terrific temples when you will travel to Rajasthan, India. Vibrant and colorful state of Rajasthan is dotted with several terrific temples which date back over centuries. These temples make Rajasthan a popular pilgrim centre for people from many faiths. Holidays in Rajasthan also offers you to visit some exquisite miniature paintings and frescoes, and a wide range of beautiful handicrafts. The grand Havelis dotted in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, India are the best place to see and observe beautiful paintings, frescoes and art & culture.

Are you interested in Rajasthan's rich culture, history, and arts? Travel in Rajasthan during Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals. Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan is celebrated with great zeal and full dedication & devotion. It is said that if one want to travel Rajasthan at its high boom one must visit Rajasthan during fairs and festival period. During fairs and festivals entire Rajasthan comes alive and gets filled with fragrance of joy and happiness. Some major fairs and festivals of Rajasthan are Pushkar Camel Fair, Desert Festival, Mewar Festival, etc. Dance, Music, Cultural Programs, Processions, Camel Races & competitions, turban tying competitions, etc are the major attractions of the Rajasthan Fairs and Festivals.

Rajasthan is known not only for its magnificent monuments, rich culture, fairs and festivals but also for rich flora & fauna and windswept sand dunes on vast Thar Desert. Rajasthan Tour Package offers you a glorious opportunity to meet elusive and indescribable wild creatures on Rajasthan Wildlife Tour to Sariska, Bharatpur or Ranthambhore. If you are interested in adventure and sports, Rajasthan Tourism never disappoints you. You can enjoy camel safari on vast Thar Desert. You have opportunity to enjoy windswept sand dunes. Camel Safari in Rajasthan is one of the major attractions of Rajasthan Tours. You can enjoy trekking in the foothills of Arravali Ranges. You can enjoy boat ride over the water of lovely lakes. Besides Camel Safari you may also enjoy elephant safari or jeep safari to explore the wildlife attractions of Rajasthan.

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Come to Kerala - God's Own Country

Come to KeralaCurving along the Arabian Sea along the South West Coast of India lies a great land of natural beauty Kerala. Kerala is one of the smallest states in the sub-continent of India. It has an area of about 1 % of the total land area of India. The great land of natural beauty, Kerala occupies around 40,000 sq km of land. Kerala is considered as one of the most beautiful state in India.

The state of Kerala is surrounded by the state of Tamil Nadu to the east, the state of Karnataka to the north and the Arabian Sea to the west. The capital of the state is Tiruanantpuram (Trivandrum). This city is situated at the southern tip of Kerala.

Mythically Kerala's bond with the sea is that of a child and its mother. A fable says that Kerala sprang forth from the sea when Parasurama threw his battle axe into the sea to atone for his sin of killing thousands of Kshatriyas. The sea forgave and receded bringing into existence the fertile green enchanted land of Kerala.

Blessed with natural beauty, Kerala is one of the most important tourist destination in India as well as abroad. The state is predominantly famous for its beautiful beaches, backwaters, beach resort and scenic beauty. Kerala has some of the finest and beautiful beaches and picturesque places of tourist interest in India. Kerala is also famous for wild life sanctuaries and national parks. The state has two bird sanctuaries, two national parks and ten wild life sanctuaries.

To make your travel in the state of Kerala easier, you may opt for Kerala Tour Packages which are offered by various travel agencies or tour planners in India. When you will be in your Kerala tours, you will be surely surprised by its stunning views, golden beaches and beach resorts. One of the famous beaches in the state of Kerala is Kovalam. Kovalam is a quiet and small resort. Crystal blue water, miles of white sand and a lip-smacking platter have made Kovalam one of the preferred destinations for holiday makes and also for honeymooners. No doubt, why the state is called God's own country?

Three decades back Kovalam was an unknown, tiny remote fishing village. Only some fishermen's family lived there. But today Kovalam is reckoned as the most trendy beach resort in India. Kovalam consists of five beaches. Kovalam beaches with palm fringed coves create a soothing ambience for tourists to enjoy its natural beauty.

Kerala BeachesKerala is also considered as the paradise for honeymooners because of its lovely beaches, stunning beach resort, lovely lakes, houseboats, enticing hill station etc which create a romantic paradise on the earth for the honeymooners. I think you can't find such excitement and romantic ambience in any other tour as you will find in Kerala honeymoon tours. Once you come here, I bet you, you definitely want to come here again or second time.

Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on Backwater Tour Packages and Kerala Honeymoon Tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.greenparadize.com/

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Holiday to Kerala

Holiday to KeralaKerala is a fertile and verdant strip of land on the south west coast of India. Another name for Kerala is Malankara; this name is still used by the Orthodox Christians who have lived in India for a very long time. Strategically located midway on the corridor connecting Europe and the Far East countries, the entire State of Kerala is one extended urban neighbourhood. Kerala is also the most picturesque and versatile tourist destination of India. This beach of Kerala is rich in mineral water springs that are known for their medicinal value.

Mohiniyattam: This dance form of Kerala is one of the most popular and enjoyed dances of south India.

The economy of Kerala is primarily agrarian in nature. Food in Kerala is light, fresh and easy to eat. Being a land of great natural beauty, Kerala is the hottest destination in India right now. Temple architecture in Kerala is different from that you will see in other regions in India. Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (western ghats). Geographically, Kerala is a heady amalgam of Nature's very best that makes it a breathtakingly beautiful lush of green place to be in.

Kerala was one of the few places in India that was not under direct British rule. A happening destination amongst the lovers of adventure, it is one place you should travel if you are interested in visiting the wonders of the mysterious land of India. If Gujarat is the crucible of Communalism, Kerala is the laboratory for Secularism in India. Kerala is a land blessed with classical arts unlike any other States of India.

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Medical Tourism India

Medical Tourism IndiaAfter getting a big WOW in the Information Technology industry worldwide, India is getting a big boom in Medical Industry. The concept of medical tourism is flourishing in India gradually. "India has the potential to welcome over a million medical tourists annually," says the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). According to a study by the Confederation of Indian Industry, Medical tourism in India could become a $1 billion business by 2012.

Of course, in India, cost difference is the major selling point in this sector but it is not at the cost of quality of care provided and hospitality. India's top-rated education system is not only churning out computer programmers and engineers but an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 doctors and nurses each year. Big medical bodies like AIIMS and Apollo are well equipped with most modern state-of-art technology. These medical bodies also have highly qualified, experts and well-experienced team of doctors strengthening the industry. Some of the major contributors in providing internationally acclaimed medical services include

AIIMS
Apollo
B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre
Escorts Hospital and Research Centre
Tata Memorial Hospital
Apollo Cancer Hospital
Indraprastha Medical Corporation
Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases

These bodies have now become the backbone of the Indian medical industry. They have groomed themselves to be at par with the international standards in their respective specialities.

Some of the health services that attract the medical tourism in India

Angioplasty and Cardiac Bypass surgery - (Cardiology)
Knee and Hip replacement, Arthroscopy - (Orthopaedics)
Cataract, Glaucoma, LASIK - (Ophthalmology)
Breast implants and Liposuction - (Plastic surgery)
Removal of Brain Tumour and slipped disk removal - (Neurosurgery)
Dialysis and Kidney Transplant - (Urology)
Cancer Therapy - (Oncology)
Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, Crowns & Bridges - (Dentistry)

Hospitals like Apollo also include the following services for international patients and their family members, ensuring them of a pleasant and comfortable experience through out their stay.

Airport pickup and drop
Travel arrangements (Local transportation and sight seeing)
Translators
Coordinating all appointments
Arranging accommodation for patients and attendants (Guest Houses for Attendants)
Visa and Foreign Exchange assistance
Cuisine to suit your palate
Locker Facility for all valuables

Resource: www.medicaltourinfo.com

Read more on India, India Travel, its hot destinations, culture, art, music, traditional health systems like Ayurveda and Yoga.

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Come to Rajasthan: A Great Place to Visit!

Rajasthan TourFrom each corner of the world, every year a large number of tourists come to travel in India and get pleased with its fascination. Now a question arises why more and more tourists prefer to visit India. Why India is so popular among tourists. I think India has every thing what a tourist can demand for. India fulfills all their desires. Rich culture, historic and timeless monuments, snow capped mountain hills, wide range of adventure and sports, stunning beaches, splendid forts & palaces, blazing deserts, appealing & enticing hill stations, cultural excitement, fair & festivals, enchanting rivers, creating stunning view waterfalls and lovely lakes are some reasons which are enough to answer why more and more tourists prefer to visit India.

During your India travel and tours you will fascinated with its various type tourist attractions. But you can't imagine a complete India tours with taking part in Rajasthan tour. The state of Rajasthan has much to offer tourists around the world. Shimmering sands of vast Thar Desert, Timeless monuments - standing erect and telling saga of bygone era, Colourful fair & festivals, Colourful costumes of local people, Alluring flora & fauna, amazing variety of exciting wildlife parks are some of major attractions of Rajasthan tour.

Rajasthan is one of the most demanding tourist destination in India and also in foreign. According to the area, the state of Rajasthan is the largest state in India. The state capital of Rajasthan is Jaipur which is also popularly known as the Pink City. All the cities of Rajasthan are alluring and captivating where you can observe totally different - different experience.

The land of Rajasthan is dotted with many magnificent and invincible forts & palaces and architectural monuments, such as; City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Mandawa Castle, Havelis, Meharangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace, Nagargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and many more. All these monuments reflect the tradition & culture of bygone era. The reason is clear why the state of Rajasthan is called as the land of monuments.

During your Rajasthan Holidays you will observe that Rajasthan is not only famous for its magnificent monuments but also for its flora & fauna and wild life. Wildlife in Rajasthan is too much fascinating. There are many amazing variety of wildlife parks and national parks. Ranthambhore, Sariska, Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Tal Chappar, Desert National Park, Kumbhalgarh National Park are some of major parks and sanctuaries to view the wildlife in Rajasthan. Wildlife in Rajasthan enhances the charm of your Rajasthan tour and north India wildlife tour.

Rajasthan is also the right place for events and conferences. There are many heritage palaces and stunning hotels which provide the right place & destination for your events or conferences. Weather it is wedding events or business meeting, these palaces and hotels offer a perfect place for your Events and Conferences.

Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Wildlife in Rajasthan and Rajasthan Tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.swagattours.com/

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India Tours - An Ultimate Tour Plan to India

India ToursIndia is one of the greatest civilizations of the world, the continuity of which is traceable back to thousands of years. A decisive factor in shaping India’s culture and history has been its geography and ecology. Beginning from the snow-clad peaks of Himalaya in the north to the sea encased southern peninsula, India is true blend of landscapes and environment.

On account of its diversities, unique culture and an old age tradition of tourism, India has been the most attractive destination for the visitors around the globe. India is big package culture and legend that never fails to captivate the imagination of the visitors. Tourism is a highly fragmented industry with many different participants including tour operators, the transport and hotel industry, and of course, the tourists themselves.

India is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. A reliable India Tour operator plays a very important role in the development and promotion of tourism in India. Many Indian tour operators offer attractive tour packages for the India tours. These include South India tours, Rajasthan tours, Pilgrimage tours, Wildlife tours, Temples of India tours and many more. These tour packages satisfy all types of tourists weather they are culture tours lovers or nature & adventure tour lovers.

If you are nature lover and interested in culture, Kashmir tours and Ladakh tours will be much interesting and pleasant. One can also enjoy thrill experience of wildlife during wildlife tours. India has 80 national parks and 441 wildlife sanctuaries. The Bengal Tiger, the Asiatic Lion, the One-horned Rhino and the Indian Elephant are the prime attractions of the wildlife tours in India.

Being an ancient country, India is a country of magnificient monuments and palaces. During Rajasthan tours one can visit many royal monuments and grand palaces. Rajasthan Tours is considered the most popular tour packages among the all the Indian tours packages. Rajasthan tours package also offers a very exotic tour circuit which is known as Golden triangle tours. Without going throw this circuit no one can think about complete Rajasthan tours. This tour circuit covers Delhi (the capita of India), Jaipur (the capital of Rajasthan, India) and Agra, Uttar Pradesh (famous all over the world for the beautiful love monument Taj Mahal and grand Agra Fort). Apart from Rajasthan tours, one can also visit many royal and picturesque monuments and palaces during Goa tours and South India Tour.

If your heart desires warmth of nature, lovely hill stations, lovely beaches, beautiful panoramas, imperial waterfalls, then you must choose Kashmir tours, Himachal tours, Goa tours and South India Tours. South India tours are also famous among tourists as well as Indian tour operators for its Ayurveda & Yoga tour.

If you want to make an ultimate tour plan to travel India, a reliable tour operator, surely will be very helpful. So, what are you waiting for? Travel to India and experience its culture, exciting adventure, matchless beautiful landscapes which are waiting for your arrival.

Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for Tour Operator India and Golden Triangle Tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.touroperatorsfromindia.com/

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Delhi: A City Of Countless Wonders

Jama MasjidAs the second largest metropolis in India, Delhi has a vast amount to explore. From its rich history and culture to truly thrilling seasonal attractions, anyone who visits Delhi is sure to come away with an experience unlike any other.

For instance, Delhi hosts a number of spectacular celebrations and National events throughout the year. Republic Day (26 January) has a large cultural and military parade, while Independence Day - held on August 15th - invites everyone to celebrate by flying kites - a symbol of freedom. The Qutub is another cultural event which is held every September and sees performances by musicians and dancers from across India. The Spring Festival and International Mango Festival attract countless tourists and nationals each year. So, if you plan your visit to Delhi to coincide with these times of year, you'll have the added pleasure of partaking in the country's most celebrated events.

Holidaying in Delhi wouldn't be complete without a taste of the region's fantastic cuisine. Local delicacies include Chaat and Dahi-Papri, available in restaurants and through street vendors alike but due to Delhi's cosmopolitan population, cuisines from every part of India can be found in the city.

Delhi is also a shopper's paradise. The markets of Old Delhi hold an eclectic range of products - from foods and spices to jewellery and textiles. Visitors can also find arts and crafts unique to Delhi's distinctive style, including Zardozi (embroidery with gold thread) or Meenakari (enamelled art). And if you're after the stunning fashion sense of India, Chandni Chowk, a three century-old shopping district that's popular for its jewellery and saris, is not to be missed.

A glance in any direction in the city of Delhi will reveal some aspect of the city's vast culture and history. Aside from the countless monuments strewn about the city (175 alone are national heritage sites while another two are World Heritage Sites), the city holds legacies of its rich Mughal past among the old city's narrow lanes and crowded markets.

Some of Delhi's top architectural attractions include the Purana Qila fortress, Red Fort, the India Gate and the modern Bahá'í Lotus Temple. One of Delhi's most spectacular sites is undoubtedly the Jama Masjid - the great mosque of 'Old' Delhi. Built in 1644, Jama Masjid was one of the last architectural indulgences commissioned by Shah Jahan - the Mughal emperor, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. And with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 worshippers, Jama Masjid is renowned as the largest mosque in India.

If you're planning a trip to Delhi to experience the Jama Masjid - among countless other splendours - it's best to book your flights well in advance to get the best deals; particularly if you're planning to travel during the spring or autumn months. You'll find a number of airlines which offer direct flights to Delhi from London - so getting there is easy. So, don't miss out on one of the most exciting, beautiful and historic cities in India - visit Delhi on your next holiday!

Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online.

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