GOVARDHAN- THE PEAK OF LEGENDS:
Heralded as the ultimate pilgrim centre for Vaishnavites, Govardhan can be translated to give two meanings, one meaning the giver of nourishment with Go- meaning the sacred Cow, while the other meaning as translated by devotees of Lord Krishna is ‘that which increases one’s senses’. The legends centered on Govardhan Hill dates back as early as the Vedic period and it is believed that the Lord lifted Govardhan Hill with his finger and protected the people of the ancient city of Vraj from torrential rains. Since then, Govardhan has been venerated as a physical manifestation of Lord Krishna Himself.
Govardhan is currently a small town located in Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh. The Govardhan hill is not literally a hill, its highest point measures merely 25m from the base. The town is well-connected by roads to other main cities like Agra, Allahabad, Faizabad and Mathura. The nearest railhead is Mathura which is just 26km away from Govardhan. The only airport at the vicinity of Govardhan is Kheria Airport in Agra which is 62km away.
Govardhan is a land-locked region and experiences extremes of temperatures during summer and winter. Travelling to this place during April-May is a definite no-no. The best times to visit Govardhan are during the festive seasons of Krishna Janmashtami between July and September, Diwali between October-November and during Holi between February-March.
There are not many private hotels in Govardhan; however there are dharamshalas and modest guesthouses which rent rooms at low costs. You can check out the guesthouse with accommodation costs ranging from 300 INR to 750 INR per day. If you wish to book rooms in a standard hotel, you can head to Vrindavan which is just an hour’s drive from Govardhan.
The places to visit in Govardhan are the Kusum Sarovar, Manasi Ganga and Radha Kund. The Kusum Sarovar stirs vivid imaginations in the mind every visitor and pilgrim about Lord Krishna who spends his leisure hours with his sweetheart Radha and the gopis. The Sarovar is surrounded by sprightly Kadamba trees. The lake measures 650 feet deep and 450 feet long with an artfully frescoed cenotaph erected along the lakeside. The Kusum Sarovar is a benign place to spend your evenings in prayer and meditation.
The Manasi Ganga is also known as the Pancha Thirtha Kunda which is considered to contain the waters of five different holy places namely Gomati, Narmada, Sarayu, Kanchi and Vetri. According to legends, the dip in the Manasi Ganga unites a devotee’s soul with Lord Krishna and is the starting point of the Govardhana Parikrama path which stretches upto a length of 40km. Several temples dedicated to the Lord like the Haridev Temple. Mukharibind, ISKON Temple and Daan-Ghati also fall along the Parikrama path. You can spend a day to perform the Parikrama.
A trip to Govardhan can be completed in two swift days with the costs summing upto just around 1000-1800 INR per head. For all those faithful devotees of the Blue God and lovers of Indian mythology, come to Govardhan- The Peak of Legends!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
BANDIPUR- THE TIGER PARADISE:
We’re talking about an evergreen paradise that has many firsts to its credit such as the first Biosphere Reserve of India, the chosen site for Project Tiger and the best protected areas of the country. The answer is of course Bandipur, located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Bandipur is world-famous for the Bandipur National Park situated near the foothills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the south, the Wayanad Sanctuary in the southwest and Nagarhole Sanctuary in the north. The Bandipur Reserve was established way back during the reign of the Maharaja of Mysore in 1931. Now Bandipur is home to several endangered mammals like the tiger, elephant, leopard, Lion-tailed Macaque, Four-horned antelope and many more.
Bandipur lies in close proximity to Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is well-connected by roads. It is 80km from Mysore and 215km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is located in Mysore and the nearest airport is located in Bangalore.
Bandipur enjoys moderate climate throughout the year due to the dense forest cover. The best times to visit Bandipur are during the months of October to March when temperatures lie between 25°C and 11°C. It is advisable to avoid monsoon months due to torrential rains and the summer months due to threat of forest fires.
The government of Karnataka has taken great efforts to provide quality and comfortable accommodation to tourists and visitors. There are affordable forest cottages which range between 1000-3000 INR. To have a fulfilling holiday experience, you can opt for luxury resorts like Country Club, Tusker Trails, Jungle lodges etc. to name a few.
The best thing you can do on a trip to Bandipur is switch off all your electronic gadgets, throw away your worries and immerse yourself in the splendorous serenity and beauty of the forests, the breath-taking varieties of fauna and the gentle pitter-patter of the Kabini, Nayur and Moyar rivers. You can go on safari trips around the entire Reserve and admire the diverse vegetation and sylvan forests. Apart from big mammals, the National Park is home to several endemic as well as exotic birds, reptiles and insects. We recommend you to spend a full two days sight-seeing and relaxing around the Bandipur National Park.
The next spot you must head to is the famous Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta which is about 15km from Bandipur. Rising to a height of 1454m above mean sea level, the peak is so called because it is mostly covered in dense swathes of mist as ‘Himavad’ means fog in Kannada. The peak is an ideal getaway for city dwellers who wish to spend some time amidst tranquility and solitude. There is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy which is almost 700 years old. The hill is almost deserted and there are no restaurants and eateries available in the vicinity.
A trip to Bandipur can be ideally completed in 2 nights and 3 days with the cost summing upto 4,200 to 6,000 INR per day depending on the accommodation facility availed. You can also opt for smart tourist packages which offer discounts for travel and accommodation. Do we need to tell more? Just pack up your bags and cameras and get set to enjoy the wilderness of Bandipur – The Tiger Paradise!
We’re talking about an evergreen paradise that has many firsts to its credit such as the first Biosphere Reserve of India, the chosen site for Project Tiger and the best protected areas of the country. The answer is of course Bandipur, located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka. Bandipur is world-famous for the Bandipur National Park situated near the foothills of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the south, the Wayanad Sanctuary in the southwest and Nagarhole Sanctuary in the north. The Bandipur Reserve was established way back during the reign of the Maharaja of Mysore in 1931. Now Bandipur is home to several endangered mammals like the tiger, elephant, leopard, Lion-tailed Macaque, Four-horned antelope and many more.
Bandipur lies in close proximity to Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is well-connected by roads. It is 80km from Mysore and 215km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is located in Mysore and the nearest airport is located in Bangalore.
Bandipur enjoys moderate climate throughout the year due to the dense forest cover. The best times to visit Bandipur are during the months of October to March when temperatures lie between 25°C and 11°C. It is advisable to avoid monsoon months due to torrential rains and the summer months due to threat of forest fires.
The government of Karnataka has taken great efforts to provide quality and comfortable accommodation to tourists and visitors. There are affordable forest cottages which range between 1000-3000 INR. To have a fulfilling holiday experience, you can opt for luxury resorts like Country Club, Tusker Trails, Jungle lodges etc. to name a few.
The best thing you can do on a trip to Bandipur is switch off all your electronic gadgets, throw away your worries and immerse yourself in the splendorous serenity and beauty of the forests, the breath-taking varieties of fauna and the gentle pitter-patter of the Kabini, Nayur and Moyar rivers. You can go on safari trips around the entire Reserve and admire the diverse vegetation and sylvan forests. Apart from big mammals, the National Park is home to several endemic as well as exotic birds, reptiles and insects. We recommend you to spend a full two days sight-seeing and relaxing around the Bandipur National Park.
The next spot you must head to is the famous Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta which is about 15km from Bandipur. Rising to a height of 1454m above mean sea level, the peak is so called because it is mostly covered in dense swathes of mist as ‘Himavad’ means fog in Kannada. The peak is an ideal getaway for city dwellers who wish to spend some time amidst tranquility and solitude. There is a temple of Lord Venugopala Swamy which is almost 700 years old. The hill is almost deserted and there are no restaurants and eateries available in the vicinity.
A trip to Bandipur can be ideally completed in 2 nights and 3 days with the cost summing upto 4,200 to 6,000 INR per day depending on the accommodation facility availed. You can also opt for smart tourist packages which offer discounts for travel and accommodation. Do we need to tell more? Just pack up your bags and cameras and get set to enjoy the wilderness of Bandipur – The Tiger Paradise!
Friday, January 29, 2010
RANCHI- FANTASY OF FALLS:
Nestled in the backdrop of the hilly terrain of Chota Nagpur Plateau and dense tropical forests, Ranchi stands apart from the rest of the capital cities of India. Named after a sacred bird ‘Rinchi’, Ranchi is currently the capital of Jharkhand State and is a prime industrial hub. Ranchi is blessed with vast reserves of natural wealth like iron, coal, copper, mica etc. abundant water supply from river Subarnarekha and rich biodiversity making it a priceless industrial center. Another facet which adds to the allure of Ranchi is the several tantalizingly beautiful waterfalls which are active throughout the year. Jharkhand is home to vast majority of ethnic Indian tribes and so a visit to Ranchi can give you the opportunity to even rub shoulders with the tribal people and get to understand their cultures and traditions.
Ranchi is situated at an altitude of 652m above mean sea level. It is well connected by road with the State Transport services operating buses from Ranchi to all other important towns and cities like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Patna, Dhanbad and Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Hatia which links all major cities of India. The nearest domestic airport is located in Hinoo about 7km away from the city perimeter while the nearest international airport is located in Kolkata.
Ranchi experiences sub-tropical climate with humid summers and pleasant winters. The maximum temperature goes above 40°C while the minimum is around 8°C. Ranchi can be visited at any time of the year; however it is advisable to avoid the summer months of April and May. Various festivals and melas are celebrated grandly here with the popular ones being Jagannathpur Mela, Diwali, Durga Pooja and Holi.
Since Ranchi is a popular nature tourism hub and industrial center, there is a wide variety of accommodation options available. You can either opt for the traditional budget or business-class private hotels. For a unique feel of the city, you can try out the nature resorts, safari camps and quaint guesthouses.
The most attractive sight-seeing spots in Ranchi are the seven-odd breathtaking waterfalls namely the Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Dasam Falls, Panchghat and Hirni to name a few. You can spend atleast half a day admiring the sheets of silvery water cascading down the lofty hills. The next place to head to is the Birsa Zoological Park located near Ormanjhi. You can leisurely observe the diverse fauna in an eco-friendly environment and spend about half a day there. The devout lot can visit fascinating temples like the Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Angrabadi Temple Complex and Pahari Mandir. You can spend an hour and a half admiring each temple. At the end of your tiring touring venture, you can cool off by relaxing near the tranquil waters of Ranchi Lake.
Cost of living is pretty economical in Ranchi since the city is self-sufficient in several aspects and so you have plenty of avenues to do some shopping. Plan your trip such that you get to stay in Ranchi for 3 nights exclusive of travel time. The cost of the tour may sum upto 2250 INR to 4000 INR per day inclusive of accommodation charges. A splash of nature, a hub of civilization; live that life in Ranchi- the Fantasy of Falls.
Nestled in the backdrop of the hilly terrain of Chota Nagpur Plateau and dense tropical forests, Ranchi stands apart from the rest of the capital cities of India. Named after a sacred bird ‘Rinchi’, Ranchi is currently the capital of Jharkhand State and is a prime industrial hub. Ranchi is blessed with vast reserves of natural wealth like iron, coal, copper, mica etc. abundant water supply from river Subarnarekha and rich biodiversity making it a priceless industrial center. Another facet which adds to the allure of Ranchi is the several tantalizingly beautiful waterfalls which are active throughout the year. Jharkhand is home to vast majority of ethnic Indian tribes and so a visit to Ranchi can give you the opportunity to even rub shoulders with the tribal people and get to understand their cultures and traditions.
Ranchi is situated at an altitude of 652m above mean sea level. It is well connected by road with the State Transport services operating buses from Ranchi to all other important towns and cities like Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Patna, Dhanbad and Kolkata. The nearest railway station is Hatia which links all major cities of India. The nearest domestic airport is located in Hinoo about 7km away from the city perimeter while the nearest international airport is located in Kolkata.
Ranchi experiences sub-tropical climate with humid summers and pleasant winters. The maximum temperature goes above 40°C while the minimum is around 8°C. Ranchi can be visited at any time of the year; however it is advisable to avoid the summer months of April and May. Various festivals and melas are celebrated grandly here with the popular ones being Jagannathpur Mela, Diwali, Durga Pooja and Holi.
Since Ranchi is a popular nature tourism hub and industrial center, there is a wide variety of accommodation options available. You can either opt for the traditional budget or business-class private hotels. For a unique feel of the city, you can try out the nature resorts, safari camps and quaint guesthouses.
The most attractive sight-seeing spots in Ranchi are the seven-odd breathtaking waterfalls namely the Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Dasam Falls, Panchghat and Hirni to name a few. You can spend atleast half a day admiring the sheets of silvery water cascading down the lofty hills. The next place to head to is the Birsa Zoological Park located near Ormanjhi. You can leisurely observe the diverse fauna in an eco-friendly environment and spend about half a day there. The devout lot can visit fascinating temples like the Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple, Angrabadi Temple Complex and Pahari Mandir. You can spend an hour and a half admiring each temple. At the end of your tiring touring venture, you can cool off by relaxing near the tranquil waters of Ranchi Lake.
Cost of living is pretty economical in Ranchi since the city is self-sufficient in several aspects and so you have plenty of avenues to do some shopping. Plan your trip such that you get to stay in Ranchi for 3 nights exclusive of travel time. The cost of the tour may sum upto 2250 INR to 4000 INR per day inclusive of accommodation charges. A splash of nature, a hub of civilization; live that life in Ranchi- the Fantasy of Falls.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
JAMSHEDPUR- THE STEEL CITY:
Touted as the first well-planned city of the country, Jamshedpur was founded by the late Jamshedji Nausherwanji Tata. The city of Jamshedpur leads even big metros like Mumbai in terms of efficient town planning and ranks 28th from over 35 million cities world over. Home to India’s largest and oldest Iron and Steel industry, Jamshedpur plays a vital role in steering Indian economy to its peak. Fed by the waters of Subarnarekha and Kharkai and surrounded by the picturesque Dalma Hills, Jamshedpur is blessed with salubrious climate and a wealth of natural resources. Also known as Tatanagar, Jamshedpur is a unique city which offers the best of aesthetic pleasures as well as robust trade and commerce.
Jamshedpur is well-connected by road, rail and air. There are several Deluxe buses operated by State transport which ply from Jamshedpur to all the neighboring cities, mainly to Kolkata. Tatanagar is a bustling railhead with direct trains connecting all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. Sonari Airport is located in Jamshedpur catering to national and international flights.
Jamshedpur is a landlocked and hilly region which experiences nearly constant temperature throughout the year. The average temperature lies somewhere close to 27°C with ample rainfall during the monsoon season. Ideal time to visit Tatanagar is between the months of October and March.
Since Jamshedpur is an important industrial center, there are several private budget hotels, business-class accommodations, guesthouses and recreational centers. The cost of staying in any of the private hotels can range between 1000-3000 INR per day.
Jamshedpur is truly a tourist’s haven since it has been architected with great attention and deliberation. The city offers all sorts of sightseeing options and tourist attractions. The first pick of the lot is Jamshedpur’s famous Jubilee Park. Stretching over 240 acres of splendorous scenic lands, Jubilee is one of the largest parks in India which encompasses several other parks. The Mogul Garden, Rose Garden and children’s Amusement park offer immense pleasure to visitors of all ages. It would be ideal to spend half a day basking and ambling around the park with loved ones.
The next spot you ought to head to is the beautiful Dimna Lake. It is actually an artificial lake created by Tata Steel which serves as a crucial water reservoir as well as a center for recreational activities. The tranquil waters and lush greenery surrounding the lake make Dimna Lake an ideal spot for boating and picnicking. Spending a couple of hours here would be a rejuvenating experience for tourists.
The other fabulous spots to visit in Jamshedpur are the Bhatia Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Ma Bhuvenashwari Temple, Rivers Meet, Hudco Lake and Russi Modi Center for Excellence and Sir Dorabji Tata Park.
Since Jamshedpur is a thriving commercial hub, there are plenty of shopping markets like Sakchi Market, Bistupur, Jugsalai and Sanjay Fancy Market. There are also big shopping malls like Shopper’s Square housing international brands. Shopping will definitely take 4-5 hours of your itinerary around Jamshedpur.
We recommend you to spend at least 2 nights and 3 days in Jamshedpur have a fulfilling experience of the Steel City. The total cost of the trip may sum upto 8500 INR for a three day trip inclusive of accommodation. So, come and invest your happiness in Jamshedpur- the Steel City!
Touted as the first well-planned city of the country, Jamshedpur was founded by the late Jamshedji Nausherwanji Tata. The city of Jamshedpur leads even big metros like Mumbai in terms of efficient town planning and ranks 28th from over 35 million cities world over. Home to India’s largest and oldest Iron and Steel industry, Jamshedpur plays a vital role in steering Indian economy to its peak. Fed by the waters of Subarnarekha and Kharkai and surrounded by the picturesque Dalma Hills, Jamshedpur is blessed with salubrious climate and a wealth of natural resources. Also known as Tatanagar, Jamshedpur is a unique city which offers the best of aesthetic pleasures as well as robust trade and commerce.
Jamshedpur is well-connected by road, rail and air. There are several Deluxe buses operated by State transport which ply from Jamshedpur to all the neighboring cities, mainly to Kolkata. Tatanagar is a bustling railhead with direct trains connecting all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram. Sonari Airport is located in Jamshedpur catering to national and international flights.
Jamshedpur is a landlocked and hilly region which experiences nearly constant temperature throughout the year. The average temperature lies somewhere close to 27°C with ample rainfall during the monsoon season. Ideal time to visit Tatanagar is between the months of October and March.
Since Jamshedpur is an important industrial center, there are several private budget hotels, business-class accommodations, guesthouses and recreational centers. The cost of staying in any of the private hotels can range between 1000-3000 INR per day.
Jamshedpur is truly a tourist’s haven since it has been architected with great attention and deliberation. The city offers all sorts of sightseeing options and tourist attractions. The first pick of the lot is Jamshedpur’s famous Jubilee Park. Stretching over 240 acres of splendorous scenic lands, Jubilee is one of the largest parks in India which encompasses several other parks. The Mogul Garden, Rose Garden and children’s Amusement park offer immense pleasure to visitors of all ages. It would be ideal to spend half a day basking and ambling around the park with loved ones.
The next spot you ought to head to is the beautiful Dimna Lake. It is actually an artificial lake created by Tata Steel which serves as a crucial water reservoir as well as a center for recreational activities. The tranquil waters and lush greenery surrounding the lake make Dimna Lake an ideal spot for boating and picnicking. Spending a couple of hours here would be a rejuvenating experience for tourists.
The other fabulous spots to visit in Jamshedpur are the Bhatia Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Ma Bhuvenashwari Temple, Rivers Meet, Hudco Lake and Russi Modi Center for Excellence and Sir Dorabji Tata Park.
Since Jamshedpur is a thriving commercial hub, there are plenty of shopping markets like Sakchi Market, Bistupur, Jugsalai and Sanjay Fancy Market. There are also big shopping malls like Shopper’s Square housing international brands. Shopping will definitely take 4-5 hours of your itinerary around Jamshedpur.
We recommend you to spend at least 2 nights and 3 days in Jamshedpur have a fulfilling experience of the Steel City. The total cost of the trip may sum upto 8500 INR for a three day trip inclusive of accommodation. So, come and invest your happiness in Jamshedpur- the Steel City!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
DODA- DENIZEN OF THE DAREDEVILS:
The quaint town of Doda, named after a utensil maker from Multan called Deeda is located in the district of Doda in Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled cozily amidst evergreen mountain forests and ice-fed streams, Doda is one of the prime centers of tourism in Kashmir. It is located at the heart of the bountiful Chenab Valley, which teems with dense forests and exciting wildlife. Due to the torrid climatic conditions and rough hilly terrain, Doda still remains untouched by rapid commercial development. For all those nature-lovers and daredevils craving for some serious adventure, the snowy peaks of Doda are the most happening place to be.
Doda is well connected to different parts of Kashmir by road. It is 200km away from Srinagar and 175km from Jammu. You can make use of the State’s corporation buses or deluxe buses for more luxurious travelling. The nearest major railway station and airport are located in Srinagar.
Since Doda is located at higher altitudes, the temperatures remain cool throughout the year. The summer months of April to June offer the best climate for relaxing outdoors and visiting popular tourist spots. The rainy season from September to November is the best time for nature-lovers to visit Doda as the place brims with verdant vegetation and wildlife.
Doda is a hotspot for tourism and has many private budget hotels to cater to the accommodation needs of visitors. If you wish to feast on the bountiful natural beauty of Doda with your eyes, there are some classy nature resorts available in and around Doda.
The best thing to do on a trip to Doda is to pack up your climbing boots, ropes, camping kits and head straight to the dense forests of the mountains to experience the adventure of your lifetime. The various hotspots near Doda which are ideal for adventure sports are Kishtwar, Chinta Valley and Bhaderwah.
The scenic town of Kishtwar is located in Doda district situated at an altitude of 1640m above mean sea level. While travelling around Kishtwar, don’t miss any of the seven silvery water cascades gushing down from the lofty slopes from a height of nearly 700m! Kishtwar is also home to a few highly revered religious shrines namely Farid-ud-Din Sahib, Ziarat-Zain-Shah-Sahib, Chandi Mata Temple and Athara Bhuja Devi Temple. Kishtwar serves as a connecting link to several popular trekking routes like Paddar, Zumum Palmar, Bhandarkot, Nagseen and Dacchan. It would be ideal to spend a whole day touring in and around Kishtwar.
Bhaderwah is situated 36km east of Doda and is fondly called as ‘Chota-Kashmir’. It is a beautiful and mesmerizing valley town abundantly blessed with sylvan woodlands and breathtaking views of the mountains and meadows. The must-see places in Bhaderwah are Soej Meadow, Sartingal, Padri, Nalthi-Basti and many more. We recommend you to camp outside amidst the wilderness of Bhaderwah for a minimum of two nights to savor nature’s delights. To preserve the effervescent memories of Bhaderwah, you can pick up traditional sculptures which depict the essence of Bhaderwah’s tradition.
All in all, a trip to Doda and the neighboring places can be completed in 4 days. The total cost of the trip per individual can sum upto 14,000 INR inclusive of any adventure trips and accommodation. So, what are you waiting for? Come running to the hills searching for Doda – The Denizen of Daredevils.
The quaint town of Doda, named after a utensil maker from Multan called Deeda is located in the district of Doda in Jammu & Kashmir. Nestled cozily amidst evergreen mountain forests and ice-fed streams, Doda is one of the prime centers of tourism in Kashmir. It is located at the heart of the bountiful Chenab Valley, which teems with dense forests and exciting wildlife. Due to the torrid climatic conditions and rough hilly terrain, Doda still remains untouched by rapid commercial development. For all those nature-lovers and daredevils craving for some serious adventure, the snowy peaks of Doda are the most happening place to be.
Doda is well connected to different parts of Kashmir by road. It is 200km away from Srinagar and 175km from Jammu. You can make use of the State’s corporation buses or deluxe buses for more luxurious travelling. The nearest major railway station and airport are located in Srinagar.
Since Doda is located at higher altitudes, the temperatures remain cool throughout the year. The summer months of April to June offer the best climate for relaxing outdoors and visiting popular tourist spots. The rainy season from September to November is the best time for nature-lovers to visit Doda as the place brims with verdant vegetation and wildlife.
Doda is a hotspot for tourism and has many private budget hotels to cater to the accommodation needs of visitors. If you wish to feast on the bountiful natural beauty of Doda with your eyes, there are some classy nature resorts available in and around Doda.
The best thing to do on a trip to Doda is to pack up your climbing boots, ropes, camping kits and head straight to the dense forests of the mountains to experience the adventure of your lifetime. The various hotspots near Doda which are ideal for adventure sports are Kishtwar, Chinta Valley and Bhaderwah.
The scenic town of Kishtwar is located in Doda district situated at an altitude of 1640m above mean sea level. While travelling around Kishtwar, don’t miss any of the seven silvery water cascades gushing down from the lofty slopes from a height of nearly 700m! Kishtwar is also home to a few highly revered religious shrines namely Farid-ud-Din Sahib, Ziarat-Zain-Shah-Sahib, Chandi Mata Temple and Athara Bhuja Devi Temple. Kishtwar serves as a connecting link to several popular trekking routes like Paddar, Zumum Palmar, Bhandarkot, Nagseen and Dacchan. It would be ideal to spend a whole day touring in and around Kishtwar.
Bhaderwah is situated 36km east of Doda and is fondly called as ‘Chota-Kashmir’. It is a beautiful and mesmerizing valley town abundantly blessed with sylvan woodlands and breathtaking views of the mountains and meadows. The must-see places in Bhaderwah are Soej Meadow, Sartingal, Padri, Nalthi-Basti and many more. We recommend you to camp outside amidst the wilderness of Bhaderwah for a minimum of two nights to savor nature’s delights. To preserve the effervescent memories of Bhaderwah, you can pick up traditional sculptures which depict the essence of Bhaderwah’s tradition.
All in all, a trip to Doda and the neighboring places can be completed in 4 days. The total cost of the trip per individual can sum upto 14,000 INR inclusive of any adventure trips and accommodation. So, what are you waiting for? Come running to the hills searching for Doda – The Denizen of Daredevils.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
EYE GLASS AIDS – CUSHION FOR THE EYES AND EARS!
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
With the advent in innovation and technology in the world of hearing aids, numerous types and styles of hearing aids have been developed which suits the needs of different sects of people. Some of the commonly used hearing aid types are Behind the Ear aids (BTE), In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely in Canal (CIC) aids. During the 1950s to 1970s, a unique type of hearing aid was developed for people who were deaf and also had to wear glasses. Also during that time period, thick-rimmed spectacles were a rage among the people. Combining the two aspects gave rise to eyeglass hearing aids. The hearing aid was constructed in the spectacle such that it was attached to the temple pieces of the glasses. The earliest model of eyeglass aids had the hearing aid component only on one side of the rim due to the bulkiness of the spectacles and other technical limitations. As the bulk of the spectacles reduced in later ears, designs were developed which has binaural fittings. The two main styles of eyeglass aids were bone conduction and air conduction eyeglass aids. As the name suggests, the transmission of the sound from the outside is transmitted to the ear in either of the two media.
Another innovation was made in developing eyeglass aids was installation of the CROS configuration in the aid by which the microphone was placed in the deaf side of the ear and the ear piece was placed in the functioning ear. Eyeglass aids were also developed which used solar energy to function. The other features which have been developed in eyeglass aids are directional sensitivity which enhances the signal to noise ratio and active noise control which effectively channelizes sounds emitted from the sides and back of the head. However, eyeglass aids are not so popular now due to lack of flexibility in the design and popularity of other compact models like BTEs and ITcs.
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
With the advent in innovation and technology in the world of hearing aids, numerous types and styles of hearing aids have been developed which suits the needs of different sects of people. Some of the commonly used hearing aid types are Behind the Ear aids (BTE), In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely in Canal (CIC) aids. During the 1950s to 1970s, a unique type of hearing aid was developed for people who were deaf and also had to wear glasses. Also during that time period, thick-rimmed spectacles were a rage among the people. Combining the two aspects gave rise to eyeglass hearing aids. The hearing aid was constructed in the spectacle such that it was attached to the temple pieces of the glasses. The earliest model of eyeglass aids had the hearing aid component only on one side of the rim due to the bulkiness of the spectacles and other technical limitations. As the bulk of the spectacles reduced in later ears, designs were developed which has binaural fittings. The two main styles of eyeglass aids were bone conduction and air conduction eyeglass aids. As the name suggests, the transmission of the sound from the outside is transmitted to the ear in either of the two media.
Another innovation was made in developing eyeglass aids was installation of the CROS configuration in the aid by which the microphone was placed in the deaf side of the ear and the ear piece was placed in the functioning ear. Eyeglass aids were also developed which used solar energy to function. The other features which have been developed in eyeglass aids are directional sensitivity which enhances the signal to noise ratio and active noise control which effectively channelizes sounds emitted from the sides and back of the head. However, eyeglass aids are not so popular now due to lack of flexibility in the design and popularity of other compact models like BTEs and ITcs.
Friday, January 22, 2010
COCHLEAR IMPLANTS – THE VOICE OF YOUR INNER EAR!
Cochlear implants are small and highly complex electronic devices which enables people with acute degree of deafness to have sense of hearing to some extent. More popularly called the bionic ear, cochlear implants are used at least by an estimated 200,000 people worldwide. This implant is pretty much similar to the basic hearing aids except that this device is fitted deep inside the ear by surgical means. The mode of functioning and usage of cochlear implants is vastly different from that of hearing aids. Hearing aids function by increasing the amplitude of the incoming sound waves and these waves are in turn picked up by the slightly damaged audio-sensory receptors. These devices are fitted outside the ear and are used mainly for people with mild to moderate level of hearing defects. Cochlear implants on the other hand are fixed inside the ear which bypass the eardrum and directly stimulate the auditory nerve which leads up to the brain.
Cochlear implant devices are essentially made of four parts namely a microphone, speech processor and amplifier, transmitter and stimulator and an electrode array which is a set of electrodes that collect signals from the receiving stimulator which in turn activates various regions of the auditory canal. The fitting of cochlear implants to a patient is a big task in itself. The success of installing cochlear implants depends on the age of the person, cause for deafness, minimum hearing capacity of the ear, health and ability of the person to recognize speech. The surgical procedure for fixing cochlear implants is relatively simple taking from 1 and ½ to 5 hours. The surgical procedure is prone to some risk just like in other cases with the possibility of damaging facial nerves while removing the device. Once the device is fixed in the ear, the patient automatically loses his natural hearing ability, so it is advisable to opt for one bionic device than two.
The efficacy of cochlear implants varies from person to person. While some people experience improved hearing ability after getting cochlear implants, there are still others who feel using the implant is worse than hearing without it. However, cochlear implants prove to be a blessing for people who suffer from deafblindness since it orients the person’s sense of balance present in the ear and promote interaction with other people around. It also helps people to regain the ability to understand and remember speech.
There are certain disadvantages associated with fixing cochlear implants in the inner ear. Due the process of implantation of the device, the delicate nerves connecting to the cochlea may be damaged. Candidates seeking cochlear implants go through a series of battery tests to ensure that the cochlear implants will function effectively in the patients’ ears.
Cochlear implants are small and highly complex electronic devices which enables people with acute degree of deafness to have sense of hearing to some extent. More popularly called the bionic ear, cochlear implants are used at least by an estimated 200,000 people worldwide. This implant is pretty much similar to the basic hearing aids except that this device is fitted deep inside the ear by surgical means. The mode of functioning and usage of cochlear implants is vastly different from that of hearing aids. Hearing aids function by increasing the amplitude of the incoming sound waves and these waves are in turn picked up by the slightly damaged audio-sensory receptors. These devices are fitted outside the ear and are used mainly for people with mild to moderate level of hearing defects. Cochlear implants on the other hand are fixed inside the ear which bypass the eardrum and directly stimulate the auditory nerve which leads up to the brain.
Cochlear implant devices are essentially made of four parts namely a microphone, speech processor and amplifier, transmitter and stimulator and an electrode array which is a set of electrodes that collect signals from the receiving stimulator which in turn activates various regions of the auditory canal. The fitting of cochlear implants to a patient is a big task in itself. The success of installing cochlear implants depends on the age of the person, cause for deafness, minimum hearing capacity of the ear, health and ability of the person to recognize speech. The surgical procedure for fixing cochlear implants is relatively simple taking from 1 and ½ to 5 hours. The surgical procedure is prone to some risk just like in other cases with the possibility of damaging facial nerves while removing the device. Once the device is fixed in the ear, the patient automatically loses his natural hearing ability, so it is advisable to opt for one bionic device than two.
The efficacy of cochlear implants varies from person to person. While some people experience improved hearing ability after getting cochlear implants, there are still others who feel using the implant is worse than hearing without it. However, cochlear implants prove to be a blessing for people who suffer from deafblindness since it orients the person’s sense of balance present in the ear and promote interaction with other people around. It also helps people to regain the ability to understand and remember speech.
There are certain disadvantages associated with fixing cochlear implants in the inner ear. Due the process of implantation of the device, the delicate nerves connecting to the cochlea may be damaged. Candidates seeking cochlear implants go through a series of battery tests to ensure that the cochlear implants will function effectively in the patients’ ears.
WIRELESS HEARING AIDS- THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN ELECTROACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY!
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
It has been estimated that only one out of five deaf people actually make proper use of hearing aids. The reasons as to why many people don’t favor hearing aids are that they have proven to be ineffective in noisy surroundings, in large open spaces like museums and large halls. Also they emit unpleasant buzzing noise when other electronic gadgets are brought close to the hearing aid due to interference of the magnetic fields. To put an end to all these persistent problems, the world of hearing aids embraced wireless remote technology to develop wireless hearing aids.
Wireless hearing aids receive sounds by means of a wireless remote controlled device. To minimize the noise from surroundings, a microphone is placed close to the mouth of the talker and the sound is carried to the listener by means of a wireless link by modulating the frequency of the sound. The efficacy of wireless hearing aids is amply proved by the large margin of improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, which has not been achieved by other technologies like digital noise managers and directional microphones. Wireless hearing aid technology is improving by leaps and bounds with several companies manufacturing wireless aids with in-built receivers and frequency hopping features.
Though there is a significant advantage given by wireless hearing aids, there are several other constraints which have halted the foray of wireless technology in the domain of hearing aids. One factor is that unless a microphone is worn by the talker, the listener cannot hear the other’s speech clearly. Also, wireless networks are susceptible to wireless interference causing defects in the output. Since the technology is quite recent, there is also the high cost factor which has not favored the growth of wireless hearing aid technology. However, research on this domain is being pursued actively and in near future, we might just find the right kind of hearing aid, thanks to wireless technology.
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
It has been estimated that only one out of five deaf people actually make proper use of hearing aids. The reasons as to why many people don’t favor hearing aids are that they have proven to be ineffective in noisy surroundings, in large open spaces like museums and large halls. Also they emit unpleasant buzzing noise when other electronic gadgets are brought close to the hearing aid due to interference of the magnetic fields. To put an end to all these persistent problems, the world of hearing aids embraced wireless remote technology to develop wireless hearing aids.
Wireless hearing aids receive sounds by means of a wireless remote controlled device. To minimize the noise from surroundings, a microphone is placed close to the mouth of the talker and the sound is carried to the listener by means of a wireless link by modulating the frequency of the sound. The efficacy of wireless hearing aids is amply proved by the large margin of improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, which has not been achieved by other technologies like digital noise managers and directional microphones. Wireless hearing aid technology is improving by leaps and bounds with several companies manufacturing wireless aids with in-built receivers and frequency hopping features.
Though there is a significant advantage given by wireless hearing aids, there are several other constraints which have halted the foray of wireless technology in the domain of hearing aids. One factor is that unless a microphone is worn by the talker, the listener cannot hear the other’s speech clearly. Also, wireless networks are susceptible to wireless interference causing defects in the output. Since the technology is quite recent, there is also the high cost factor which has not favored the growth of wireless hearing aid technology. However, research on this domain is being pursued actively and in near future, we might just find the right kind of hearing aid, thanks to wireless technology.
WIRELESS HEARING AIDS- THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN ELECTROACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY!
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
It has been estimated that only one out of five deaf people actually make proper use of hearing aids. The reasons as to why many people don’t favor hearing aids are that they have proven to be ineffective in noisy surroundings, in large open spaces like museums and large halls. Also they emit unpleasant buzzing noise when other electronic gadgets are brought close to the hearing aid due to interference of the magnetic fields. To put an end to all these persistent problems, the world of hearing aids embraced wireless remote technology to develop wireless hearing aids.
Wireless hearing aids receive sounds by means of a wireless remote controlled device. To minimize the noise from surroundings, a microphone is placed close to the mouth of the talker and the sound is carried to the listener by means of a wireless link by modulating the frequency of the sound. The efficacy of wireless hearing aids is amply proved by the large margin of improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, which has not been achieved by other technologies like digital noise managers and directional microphones. Wireless hearing aid technology is improving by leaps and bounds with several companies manufacturing wireless aids with in-built receivers and frequency hopping features.
Though there is a significant advantage given by wireless hearing aids, there are several other constraints which have halted the foray of wireless technology in the domain of hearing aids. One factor is that unless a microphone is worn by the talker, the listener cannot hear the other’s speech clearly. Also, wireless networks are susceptible to wireless interference causing defects in the output. Since the technology is quite recent, there is also the high cost factor which has not favored the growth of wireless hearing aid technology. However, research on this domain is being pursued actively and in near future, we might just find the right kind of hearing aid, thanks to wireless technology.
Deafness is a sensory disorder which affects a sizeable number of people all over the globe. The causes for deafness may be inherited or acquired later in life due to certain diseases, wear and tear or due to traumatic experience. The intensity of deafness of the ear may not be absolute and the afflicted person may suffer from partial hearing impairment. To rectify such a deficit, a hearing aid is used to enable the user to hear all frequencies of sound. A hearing aid is an electroacoustic device consisting of a small in-built microphone, amplifier and a speaker.
It has been estimated that only one out of five deaf people actually make proper use of hearing aids. The reasons as to why many people don’t favor hearing aids are that they have proven to be ineffective in noisy surroundings, in large open spaces like museums and large halls. Also they emit unpleasant buzzing noise when other electronic gadgets are brought close to the hearing aid due to interference of the magnetic fields. To put an end to all these persistent problems, the world of hearing aids embraced wireless remote technology to develop wireless hearing aids.
Wireless hearing aids receive sounds by means of a wireless remote controlled device. To minimize the noise from surroundings, a microphone is placed close to the mouth of the talker and the sound is carried to the listener by means of a wireless link by modulating the frequency of the sound. The efficacy of wireless hearing aids is amply proved by the large margin of improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio, which has not been achieved by other technologies like digital noise managers and directional microphones. Wireless hearing aid technology is improving by leaps and bounds with several companies manufacturing wireless aids with in-built receivers and frequency hopping features.
Though there is a significant advantage given by wireless hearing aids, there are several other constraints which have halted the foray of wireless technology in the domain of hearing aids. One factor is that unless a microphone is worn by the talker, the listener cannot hear the other’s speech clearly. Also, wireless networks are susceptible to wireless interference causing defects in the output. Since the technology is quite recent, there is also the high cost factor which has not favored the growth of wireless hearing aid technology. However, research on this domain is being pursued actively and in near future, we might just find the right kind of hearing aid, thanks to wireless technology.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
DISPOSABLE HEARING AIDS – MOVE ON MAN!!
Deafness of the ear is a major sensory disorder which affects scores of people all over the world. The causes for deafness can be either related to dysfunctions of the hearing mechanisms or due to wear and tear, certain diseases and infections or a consequence of shock and trauma. Hearing is a vital and a much cherished human sense without which life will become very difficult. However in most cases, deafness may be manifested only partially. The afflicted people will have problems hearing beyond a certain frequency of sound called individual hearing threshold. The higher the threshold value, more acute is the degree of deafness of the ear.
All is not lost for individuals with partial hearing loss. With rapid advancements in technology, numerous hearing aids have been developed which have minimized the woes of deaf people to a great extent. This contraption increases the amplitude of the incoming sound waves and thereby facilitates the easy stimulation of the inner ear’s auditory system namely the organ of Corti. One must understand that hearing aids do not improve the natural hearing ability of the ear. It merely feeds in sound waves at a suitable frequency and wavelength which can be recognized easily by damaged sensory hairs.
Hearing aids come in either analog or digital configuration. Depending on the use and style of wearing the aid, hearing aids are classified as Behind the Ear (BTE) aids, In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely In Canal (CIC) aids. These types of hearing aids last for a long time and needs to be maintained periodically. The aids must be regularly cleaned to prevent accumulation of earwax and drainage of other fluids, batteries must be changed and the hearing settings must be altered then and there. All this may be an unnecessary hassle for busy people who have partial hearing problems.
This won’t be a problem anymore, as even disposable hearing aids have hit the markets big time. The unique feature about disposable hearing aid is that it can be discarded after a single use. Disposable hearing aids offer several quick fixes like compact BTE or ITC design, sharp digital sound quality, light-weight, zero maintenance, over 400 hours of working capacity, ease of use and dead-cheap affordable prices. Inevitably there is a flipside to disposable hearing aids. It cannot be used by people with severe or acute hearing impairment. Also, these devices get damaged on exposure to water. With proper care and handling of the device, you can derive maximum pleasure and comfort of using disposable hearing aids.
Deafness of the ear is a major sensory disorder which affects scores of people all over the world. The causes for deafness can be either related to dysfunctions of the hearing mechanisms or due to wear and tear, certain diseases and infections or a consequence of shock and trauma. Hearing is a vital and a much cherished human sense without which life will become very difficult. However in most cases, deafness may be manifested only partially. The afflicted people will have problems hearing beyond a certain frequency of sound called individual hearing threshold. The higher the threshold value, more acute is the degree of deafness of the ear.
All is not lost for individuals with partial hearing loss. With rapid advancements in technology, numerous hearing aids have been developed which have minimized the woes of deaf people to a great extent. This contraption increases the amplitude of the incoming sound waves and thereby facilitates the easy stimulation of the inner ear’s auditory system namely the organ of Corti. One must understand that hearing aids do not improve the natural hearing ability of the ear. It merely feeds in sound waves at a suitable frequency and wavelength which can be recognized easily by damaged sensory hairs.
Hearing aids come in either analog or digital configuration. Depending on the use and style of wearing the aid, hearing aids are classified as Behind the Ear (BTE) aids, In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely In Canal (CIC) aids. These types of hearing aids last for a long time and needs to be maintained periodically. The aids must be regularly cleaned to prevent accumulation of earwax and drainage of other fluids, batteries must be changed and the hearing settings must be altered then and there. All this may be an unnecessary hassle for busy people who have partial hearing problems.
This won’t be a problem anymore, as even disposable hearing aids have hit the markets big time. The unique feature about disposable hearing aid is that it can be discarded after a single use. Disposable hearing aids offer several quick fixes like compact BTE or ITC design, sharp digital sound quality, light-weight, zero maintenance, over 400 hours of working capacity, ease of use and dead-cheap affordable prices. Inevitably there is a flipside to disposable hearing aids. It cannot be used by people with severe or acute hearing impairment. Also, these devices get damaged on exposure to water. With proper care and handling of the device, you can derive maximum pleasure and comfort of using disposable hearing aids.
PERSONAL PROGRAMMABLE HEARING AID – TURN UP THE SOUND AT YOUR WILL!
Deafness of the ear is a major sensory disorder which affects scores of people all over the world. The causes for deafness can be either related to dysfunctions of the hearing mechanisms or due to wear and tear, certain diseases and infections or a consequence of shock and trauma. Hearing is a vital and a much cherished human sense without which life will become very difficult. However in most cases, deafness may be manifested only partially. The afflicted people will have problems hearing beyond a certain frequency of sound called individual hearing threshold. The higher the threshold value, more acute is the degree of deafness of the ear.
All is not lost for individuals with partial hearing loss. With rapid advancements in technology, numerous hearing aids have been developed which have minimized the woes of deaf people to a great extent. The modern-day hearing aid is basically an electroacoustic device consisting of an in-built microphone, amplifier and speaker. This small device works like a mini audio system wherein the microphone receives the sound waves and converts them into corresponding electric signals. The amplitude of the electrical signals is increased by the amplifier and the output the generated by the speaker which functions vice-versa to the microphone.
Hearing aids come in two varieties now. One type is the conventional analog hearing aids which functions by converting sound signals into electrical signals and the reverse again. Digital hearing aids employ the same concept of digital music systems in which the sound signals are converted into binary codes and then amplified. Digital hearing aids are completely programmable and offers flexibility to both the user and the audiologist who monitors the condition of the user’s hearing ability.
Hearing aids are of different types depending on the way it is designed and worn. Some of the styles are Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids, In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely In Canal (CIC) aids. Most of the hearing aid styles sport a feature called Personal Programmable Hearing, also known as Consumer Programmable or self programmable hearing aid. This feature gives users that much needed flexibility to set any hearing settings by connecting the device to a computer through USB cable. Programmable hearing aids can also be remotely controlled by employing remote access technology. It’s indeed a boon for the deaf!
Deafness of the ear is a major sensory disorder which affects scores of people all over the world. The causes for deafness can be either related to dysfunctions of the hearing mechanisms or due to wear and tear, certain diseases and infections or a consequence of shock and trauma. Hearing is a vital and a much cherished human sense without which life will become very difficult. However in most cases, deafness may be manifested only partially. The afflicted people will have problems hearing beyond a certain frequency of sound called individual hearing threshold. The higher the threshold value, more acute is the degree of deafness of the ear.
All is not lost for individuals with partial hearing loss. With rapid advancements in technology, numerous hearing aids have been developed which have minimized the woes of deaf people to a great extent. The modern-day hearing aid is basically an electroacoustic device consisting of an in-built microphone, amplifier and speaker. This small device works like a mini audio system wherein the microphone receives the sound waves and converts them into corresponding electric signals. The amplitude of the electrical signals is increased by the amplifier and the output the generated by the speaker which functions vice-versa to the microphone.
Hearing aids come in two varieties now. One type is the conventional analog hearing aids which functions by converting sound signals into electrical signals and the reverse again. Digital hearing aids employ the same concept of digital music systems in which the sound signals are converted into binary codes and then amplified. Digital hearing aids are completely programmable and offers flexibility to both the user and the audiologist who monitors the condition of the user’s hearing ability.
Hearing aids are of different types depending on the way it is designed and worn. Some of the styles are Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids, In the Ear (ITE) aids, In the Canal (ITC) and Completely In Canal (CIC) aids. Most of the hearing aid styles sport a feature called Personal Programmable Hearing, also known as Consumer Programmable or self programmable hearing aid. This feature gives users that much needed flexibility to set any hearing settings by connecting the device to a computer through USB cable. Programmable hearing aids can also be remotely controlled by employing remote access technology. It’s indeed a boon for the deaf!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
LOYALTY CARD PRINTING:
Almost every mid-size to large organization, freelance professionals and various businesses possess their own range of business cards. Business cards are the most hassle-free and easiest way to endorse and advertise an organization or an individual. But inspite of its glowing advantages and relative importance, not many efforts are taken by most endorsing parties to make their business cards more customized, creative and especially unique. People often get tired and bored of receiving plain, outdated business cards. Business cards carry more than the profile and contact numbers of a person or an organization. An aesthetically and creatively crafted business card gives the customer a feel of the organization’s motto and working ethics. In short, it attracts the attention and good-will of the customers in the most subtle fashion.
If you are running a budding organization which is steadily becoming popular with a larger customer base, then you have every reason in the world to celebrate wildly. But along with the joy of an expanding business there comes a responsibility of maintaining the good run and staving off the ever incessant competition from other companies. In such a scenario, you have to be thankful to that bunch of faithful and loyal customers who have contributed immensely to your current success.
Call it a generous retribution or a clever marketing tactic to keep customers on their toes, its high time your company invests in customer loyalty cards. So what is the exact purpose and intention of investing in loyalty cards? One of the best ways to make the customer feel important and pampered is by doling out customized magnetic stripe cards or ones with a microprocessor chip embedded in the card. This may make the customer feel like royalty but the actual purpose is to spy on their shopping patterns and buying behavior. That way, your company can boost its traffic and sales by catering the right stuff to the right people.
Another purpose of issuing loyalty cards is to tempt the customers to buy more merchandise from your shop or outlet by hosting a points program or by offering attractive prizes if the customer buys stuff till they win enough points to take away the prize to their homes. This business strategy works like a dream in retail outlets and in big shopping malls. Apart from these tips there are other smart ways to make your customer use his or her loyalty card more effectively. Also your company can involve in social welfare activities and environmental conservation activities thereby involving interested customers all the more with your business. More attractive measures like offering surprise cash and prize bonanzas, lucky contestant tourist packages and other neat vouchers will bring hoards of customers to your stores.
Loyalty cards, like business cards can be customized and designed in many ways. Some of the popular options are to emboss the card by blind embossing, by foil stamping. You can also give a metallic sheen to the loyalty cards by opting for sliver and gold cardstocks. So go ahead clever businessmen create the apt loyalty cards and win the hearts of your customers!
Almost every mid-size to large organization, freelance professionals and various businesses possess their own range of business cards. Business cards are the most hassle-free and easiest way to endorse and advertise an organization or an individual. But inspite of its glowing advantages and relative importance, not many efforts are taken by most endorsing parties to make their business cards more customized, creative and especially unique. People often get tired and bored of receiving plain, outdated business cards. Business cards carry more than the profile and contact numbers of a person or an organization. An aesthetically and creatively crafted business card gives the customer a feel of the organization’s motto and working ethics. In short, it attracts the attention and good-will of the customers in the most subtle fashion.
If you are running a budding organization which is steadily becoming popular with a larger customer base, then you have every reason in the world to celebrate wildly. But along with the joy of an expanding business there comes a responsibility of maintaining the good run and staving off the ever incessant competition from other companies. In such a scenario, you have to be thankful to that bunch of faithful and loyal customers who have contributed immensely to your current success.
Call it a generous retribution or a clever marketing tactic to keep customers on their toes, its high time your company invests in customer loyalty cards. So what is the exact purpose and intention of investing in loyalty cards? One of the best ways to make the customer feel important and pampered is by doling out customized magnetic stripe cards or ones with a microprocessor chip embedded in the card. This may make the customer feel like royalty but the actual purpose is to spy on their shopping patterns and buying behavior. That way, your company can boost its traffic and sales by catering the right stuff to the right people.
Another purpose of issuing loyalty cards is to tempt the customers to buy more merchandise from your shop or outlet by hosting a points program or by offering attractive prizes if the customer buys stuff till they win enough points to take away the prize to their homes. This business strategy works like a dream in retail outlets and in big shopping malls. Apart from these tips there are other smart ways to make your customer use his or her loyalty card more effectively. Also your company can involve in social welfare activities and environmental conservation activities thereby involving interested customers all the more with your business. More attractive measures like offering surprise cash and prize bonanzas, lucky contestant tourist packages and other neat vouchers will bring hoards of customers to your stores.
Loyalty cards, like business cards can be customized and designed in many ways. Some of the popular options are to emboss the card by blind embossing, by foil stamping. You can also give a metallic sheen to the loyalty cards by opting for sliver and gold cardstocks. So go ahead clever businessmen create the apt loyalty cards and win the hearts of your customers!
EMBOSSED BUSINESS CARDS:
Business cards are vital instruments which are used to promote and advertise about an organization or an individual on a personal level. Business cards are directly handed out to customers or end-users by the particular card-holder. A business card essentially is made of thick piece of thick paper or a plastic sheet over which details about the organization, name and contact details of the cardholder are mentioned. This makes it easier for the customer to retain necessary information about the particular individual or organization and will even pass it on to third-parties who are interested to gain information about the same. In such situations, the design and appeal of the business card speaks volumes about the capabilities and quality of the organization. In short, the first impression of an organization or an individual is heavily dependent on the design of the business card.
In this modern world, there is cut-throat competition among different business organizations to establish themselves in the market. This feat is harder for the small and medium players rather than huge multinational corporations. In such cases, the employees and representatives of such organizations must take more creative and dedicated efforts to enhance the reputation of their organizations without spending excessively for endorsing the brand. The best way to do it is by investing in designer business cards. There are several types of designer business cards which differ in texture, layout, shape, special effects etc. Among such designer business cards, the embossed variety of business cards is favored and liked by many a company.
Embossed business cards are basically manufactured by using a staining dye and a counter dye are used to push up the paper from behind such that the card is raised on one side and indented on the other side. When paper is wedged in between this shape, it takes the shape of the mold. Embossed business cards are favored by card-holders and customers alike because it looks different and has a unique texture. It also adds a rich look to the card depending on the color combination, thus making a wonderful impression on possible clients and prospects. Embossing can be done only in certain sections of the card like the company logo, a customized message or some clever imprints on the card like footprints on the business card of a footwear shop.
There are also customization options available in embossed business cards. There is blind embossing, which merely raises a particular image or text. There is embossing with ink which elevates the shaded area with colored ink. Another form of embossing is foil embossing wherein a shiny metallic coating is applied over the image to be highlighted.
Though embossed business cards are very attractive-looking, there are a few drawbacks associated with it. One is the cost factor, since embossed cards are more expensive compared to normal paper or plastic cards. Secondly, it is not possible to print details on both sides of the cards thus creating shortage of space. However with the right designing and layout you can create that unique, innovative business card which will garner appreciation from all.
Business cards are vital instruments which are used to promote and advertise about an organization or an individual on a personal level. Business cards are directly handed out to customers or end-users by the particular card-holder. A business card essentially is made of thick piece of thick paper or a plastic sheet over which details about the organization, name and contact details of the cardholder are mentioned. This makes it easier for the customer to retain necessary information about the particular individual or organization and will even pass it on to third-parties who are interested to gain information about the same. In such situations, the design and appeal of the business card speaks volumes about the capabilities and quality of the organization. In short, the first impression of an organization or an individual is heavily dependent on the design of the business card.
In this modern world, there is cut-throat competition among different business organizations to establish themselves in the market. This feat is harder for the small and medium players rather than huge multinational corporations. In such cases, the employees and representatives of such organizations must take more creative and dedicated efforts to enhance the reputation of their organizations without spending excessively for endorsing the brand. The best way to do it is by investing in designer business cards. There are several types of designer business cards which differ in texture, layout, shape, special effects etc. Among such designer business cards, the embossed variety of business cards is favored and liked by many a company.
Embossed business cards are basically manufactured by using a staining dye and a counter dye are used to push up the paper from behind such that the card is raised on one side and indented on the other side. When paper is wedged in between this shape, it takes the shape of the mold. Embossed business cards are favored by card-holders and customers alike because it looks different and has a unique texture. It also adds a rich look to the card depending on the color combination, thus making a wonderful impression on possible clients and prospects. Embossing can be done only in certain sections of the card like the company logo, a customized message or some clever imprints on the card like footprints on the business card of a footwear shop.
There are also customization options available in embossed business cards. There is blind embossing, which merely raises a particular image or text. There is embossing with ink which elevates the shaded area with colored ink. Another form of embossing is foil embossing wherein a shiny metallic coating is applied over the image to be highlighted.
Though embossed business cards are very attractive-looking, there are a few drawbacks associated with it. One is the cost factor, since embossed cards are more expensive compared to normal paper or plastic cards. Secondly, it is not possible to print details on both sides of the cards thus creating shortage of space. However with the right designing and layout you can create that unique, innovative business card which will garner appreciation from all.
DESIGNER BUSINESS CARDS:
Almost every mid-size to large organization, freelance professionals and various businesses possess their own range of business cards. Business cards are the most hassle-free and easiest way to endorse and advertise an organization or an individual. But inspite of its glowing advantages and relative importance, not many efforts are taken by most endorsing parties to make their business cards more customized, creative and especially unique. People often get tired and bored of receiving plain, outdated business cards. Business cards carry more than the profile and contact numbers of a person or an organization. An aesthetically and creatively crafted business card gives the customer a feel of the organization’s motto and working ethics. In short, it attracts the attention and good-will of the customers in the most subtle fashion.
Business cards are usually given to end-users during a personal level interaction. This also gives customers an idea about the persona and capabilities of the card-holder. Once the news about a business organization or an individual is known to one end-user, the information will definitely be spread to several other people. At such instances, the uniqueness and composition of the business card will speak volumes about the concerned party. So it can be said that an organization’s business card is a compact promotion tool in the hands of its recipients and prospects.
Creating a good business card suitable to your business or profile is an art. The first thing to be decided and designed is the text content in the business card. One should make sure that the word content is outlined crisply containing all relevant contact information like name of the company with logo, full name of the card-holder, occupation, residence, contact number, e-mail ID and the like. This is the standard format for almost all types of business cards. The individuality and uniqueness of a business card lies in the format and the way in which this information is provided. This is where designer business cards come into the picture. This type of business cards is customized in such a way that it depicts the brand image of the organization.
Designer business cards in a variety of shapes, sizes, fonts and designs. A designer business card can be crafted by using innovative materials like wool, cellophane paper, parchment, tissue, thread, rubber, glass and even in earthenware. Rather than shaping your card in the usual orthodox rectangular piece of card, you can experiment with an assortment of creative shapes and patterns like a folded card, triangular cards, asymmetric shapes, like an envelope containing a small gift to the customer, in the form of a pocket diary and many more. There is no end to the kind of innovations that can be incorporated in your business. But you must make sure that the business cards are cost-effective and within your budget range.
With an ever-increasing awareness about environmental conservation, you can make a small but solid contribution towards protecting the environment by making eco-friendly business cards made of recyclable paper or that can be recycled. You can also opt for print inks that are not made of synthetic chemicals and resort to natural dyes or vegetable based inks. Such measures can go a long way in boosting your self-image as well as the social status and reputation of the organization.
Almost every mid-size to large organization, freelance professionals and various businesses possess their own range of business cards. Business cards are the most hassle-free and easiest way to endorse and advertise an organization or an individual. But inspite of its glowing advantages and relative importance, not many efforts are taken by most endorsing parties to make their business cards more customized, creative and especially unique. People often get tired and bored of receiving plain, outdated business cards. Business cards carry more than the profile and contact numbers of a person or an organization. An aesthetically and creatively crafted business card gives the customer a feel of the organization’s motto and working ethics. In short, it attracts the attention and good-will of the customers in the most subtle fashion.
Business cards are usually given to end-users during a personal level interaction. This also gives customers an idea about the persona and capabilities of the card-holder. Once the news about a business organization or an individual is known to one end-user, the information will definitely be spread to several other people. At such instances, the uniqueness and composition of the business card will speak volumes about the concerned party. So it can be said that an organization’s business card is a compact promotion tool in the hands of its recipients and prospects.
Creating a good business card suitable to your business or profile is an art. The first thing to be decided and designed is the text content in the business card. One should make sure that the word content is outlined crisply containing all relevant contact information like name of the company with logo, full name of the card-holder, occupation, residence, contact number, e-mail ID and the like. This is the standard format for almost all types of business cards. The individuality and uniqueness of a business card lies in the format and the way in which this information is provided. This is where designer business cards come into the picture. This type of business cards is customized in such a way that it depicts the brand image of the organization.
Designer business cards in a variety of shapes, sizes, fonts and designs. A designer business card can be crafted by using innovative materials like wool, cellophane paper, parchment, tissue, thread, rubber, glass and even in earthenware. Rather than shaping your card in the usual orthodox rectangular piece of card, you can experiment with an assortment of creative shapes and patterns like a folded card, triangular cards, asymmetric shapes, like an envelope containing a small gift to the customer, in the form of a pocket diary and many more. There is no end to the kind of innovations that can be incorporated in your business. But you must make sure that the business cards are cost-effective and within your budget range.
With an ever-increasing awareness about environmental conservation, you can make a small but solid contribution towards protecting the environment by making eco-friendly business cards made of recyclable paper or that can be recycled. You can also opt for print inks that are not made of synthetic chemicals and resort to natural dyes or vegetable based inks. Such measures can go a long way in boosting your self-image as well as the social status and reputation of the organization.
AUSTRALIAN PLASTIC CARD COMPANY:
Plastic card manufacturing companies in Australia are flourishing due to the evergreen demand for versatile plastic goods and advancements in technology augmenting the growth of the plastic card manufacturing sector. Plastic cards serve a variety of purposes which act as tools of communication and as a medium of endorsing or advertising businesses and organizations. These cards also cultivate customer loyalty, serves as attractive vouchers thereby increasing the customer base. Australian plastic card companies create attractive and customized plastic cards for businesses belonging to multifarious sectors like manufacturing, retail, education, marketing, hospitality, travel and so on.
The earliest Australian card company was established about 20 years ago. The plastic card manufacturing sector came into prominence in Australia about 20 years back. Now there are several frontrunners in plastic card manufacturing like AP Com, Australian Plastic Card Co Pty Ltd, Cambrian Business Solutions, Crown Tech, JCB Credit Cards etc. The plastic cards are manufactured using traditional high-quality PVC plastic. For developing tamper-proof laser engraved cards, polycarbonate cards are employed. The Australian plastic card companies are also doing their bit to preserve the environment by manufacturing recycled PVC cards and cards made of environmentally friendly plastic like PLA, teslin and corn starch. These companies also cater to online orders placed by clients. Normally they undertake bulk orders ranging from 100 cards to 30,000 cards. These companies employ talented and well-qualified card designers and the cheapest plastic cards can cost about $65.
The companies employ sophisticated, state of the art technology in developing customized and creative plastic cards satisfying every client’s demands. The features offered by plastic card companies are as follows:
Manufacturing of cards on customer demand basis
Duplex personalization of plastic cards in full color
Various card thickness offered
Bar-coding
Scratchy features
Security features
Gloss or matte finish for all plastic cards
Magnetic stripes
Variety of colors.
The different types of cards manufactured by Australian companies include gift cards, membership cards, library cards, loyalty card, luggage cards, combo cards, smart cards, key cards, laser cards, credit and debit cards and many more. These companies also undertake manufacturing of key tags which are vital for the promotion of an organization without having to spend a lot of money. With the foray of digital print on-demand plastic cards, the cards can be made all the more unique and colorful by using any font of choice and incorporating personal titles or texts, images, logos, barcodes, variable texture etc.
The uses of plastic cards are immense and diversified. The simplest forms of plastic cards are ID cards containing information of the card-holder and the card-issuing party. In these modern times, most of the money transactions are made using different types of financial cards such as credit card, debit card and cheque guarantee card. Plastic cards are invaluable in large scale and sophisticated organizations which are used as electronic personal identification cards and for gaining access into restricted areas of an organization like scientific laboratories. Plastic cards embedded with magnetic stripes and integrated chips are used commonly in everyday life, notably in the well-developed nations. Plastic cards also serve as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) which is a form of smart card used in GSM phones to establish connectivity and wireless networking. Other forms of plastic cards serve as memory cards with variable capacities to store data in different forms. From this exhaustive list, we realize the significance of plastic cards and its manufacturers.
Plastic card manufacturing companies in Australia are flourishing due to the evergreen demand for versatile plastic goods and advancements in technology augmenting the growth of the plastic card manufacturing sector. Plastic cards serve a variety of purposes which act as tools of communication and as a medium of endorsing or advertising businesses and organizations. These cards also cultivate customer loyalty, serves as attractive vouchers thereby increasing the customer base. Australian plastic card companies create attractive and customized plastic cards for businesses belonging to multifarious sectors like manufacturing, retail, education, marketing, hospitality, travel and so on.
The earliest Australian card company was established about 20 years ago. The plastic card manufacturing sector came into prominence in Australia about 20 years back. Now there are several frontrunners in plastic card manufacturing like AP Com, Australian Plastic Card Co Pty Ltd, Cambrian Business Solutions, Crown Tech, JCB Credit Cards etc. The plastic cards are manufactured using traditional high-quality PVC plastic. For developing tamper-proof laser engraved cards, polycarbonate cards are employed. The Australian plastic card companies are also doing their bit to preserve the environment by manufacturing recycled PVC cards and cards made of environmentally friendly plastic like PLA, teslin and corn starch. These companies also cater to online orders placed by clients. Normally they undertake bulk orders ranging from 100 cards to 30,000 cards. These companies employ talented and well-qualified card designers and the cheapest plastic cards can cost about $65.
The companies employ sophisticated, state of the art technology in developing customized and creative plastic cards satisfying every client’s demands. The features offered by plastic card companies are as follows:
Manufacturing of cards on customer demand basis
Duplex personalization of plastic cards in full color
Various card thickness offered
Bar-coding
Scratchy features
Security features
Gloss or matte finish for all plastic cards
Magnetic stripes
Variety of colors.
The different types of cards manufactured by Australian companies include gift cards, membership cards, library cards, loyalty card, luggage cards, combo cards, smart cards, key cards, laser cards, credit and debit cards and many more. These companies also undertake manufacturing of key tags which are vital for the promotion of an organization without having to spend a lot of money. With the foray of digital print on-demand plastic cards, the cards can be made all the more unique and colorful by using any font of choice and incorporating personal titles or texts, images, logos, barcodes, variable texture etc.
The uses of plastic cards are immense and diversified. The simplest forms of plastic cards are ID cards containing information of the card-holder and the card-issuing party. In these modern times, most of the money transactions are made using different types of financial cards such as credit card, debit card and cheque guarantee card. Plastic cards are invaluable in large scale and sophisticated organizations which are used as electronic personal identification cards and for gaining access into restricted areas of an organization like scientific laboratories. Plastic cards embedded with magnetic stripes and integrated chips are used commonly in everyday life, notably in the well-developed nations. Plastic cards also serve as Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) which is a form of smart card used in GSM phones to establish connectivity and wireless networking. Other forms of plastic cards serve as memory cards with variable capacities to store data in different forms. From this exhaustive list, we realize the significance of plastic cards and its manufacturers.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
MORNI HILLS – THE HILL OF MYSTIQUE:
Mysterious mountains, picturesque landscapes, cool tingling climate and fascinating wildlife; all these describe the quintessence of Morni Hills. Branching off from the formidable Shivalik Range, Morni Hills is the only hill station situated in the state of Haryana. The only inhabited region of Morni Hills is the Bhoj Jabial village. This tiny hamlet is a paradise for nature lovers, young lovers and weary souls looking for peace and quiet.
Morni Hills is situated in Panchkula District in Haryana and is just 45km away from Chandigarh and is a 5 hour drive from Delhi. The hill station is accessible most conveniently by road. There are not too many buses and taxis plying towards Morni Hills, so taking your own vehicle is the most hassle-free option.
As the village is situated at an altitude of 1220m above mean sea level, the summers are mild and the winters are pretty chilly. The temperature during summer hovers between 18-40°C while the winter temperatures can go down to 4°C. The ideal period to visit Morni Hills is during the months of March-September.
The Haryana Tourism Board has developed Morni Hills to attract adventure tourism. It runs a popular tourism complex called the Mountain Quail which is the best lodging facility in Morni. The other accommodation options are the Lal Munia Tourist Hut and PWD guesthouse maintained by Haryana Tourism.
Morni Hills is almost exclusively meant for undertaking daring trekking and rock climbing expeditions. The popular trekking routes here are the one across the river Ghaggar flowing past Morni Hills and the other along the ruins of an ancient fort situated near the Mountain Quail tourist complex. Nature lovers and bird watchers can feast their eyes upon the exciting flora and fauna dwelling in the evergreen forests of the hills. You can come across magnificent and rare bird species like Wall creeper, Bat-tailed Tree creeper, Crested Kingfisher, grey and black francolins, Oriental Turtle Dove and Himalayan Bulbul. The fascinating animal species found here are the Neelgai, Kakad (Barking Deer), Leopards and Sambar. The vegetation of the hills is dominated by pines while the slopes are covered by swathes of oak, neem, sal, pipal and jamun.
Another interesting spot to visit in the Morni hills are the two lakes which adorn the heart of the forests. A mysterious attribute to these lakes is that the water level always remains constant in both the water bodies even though they are separated by a hillock. This is because of a hidden underground channel connecting the two lakes. The serene and placid waters of the lakes are ideal for boating and bathing leisurely.
After basking in the salubrious environ of Morni Hills, you can descend down the hills and head straight to Pinjore. Located just 15km away from Panchkula and 20km from Chandigarh, Pinjore is a major tourist attraction renowned for its magnificent gardens. We recommend you to visit the much-famed Yadavindra Gardens adorned with the Mughali style Shish Mahal. Also don’t forget to gorge on sumptuous ‘fruit chaat’ sold in the eating outlets of Yadavindra Gardens.
You can spend quality time in Morni Hills in just 2 days. The total cost of the trip can sum upto 2000 INR per individual. So pack your bags, rev up your car and head to Morni – the Hill of Mystique.
Mysterious mountains, picturesque landscapes, cool tingling climate and fascinating wildlife; all these describe the quintessence of Morni Hills. Branching off from the formidable Shivalik Range, Morni Hills is the only hill station situated in the state of Haryana. The only inhabited region of Morni Hills is the Bhoj Jabial village. This tiny hamlet is a paradise for nature lovers, young lovers and weary souls looking for peace and quiet.
Morni Hills is situated in Panchkula District in Haryana and is just 45km away from Chandigarh and is a 5 hour drive from Delhi. The hill station is accessible most conveniently by road. There are not too many buses and taxis plying towards Morni Hills, so taking your own vehicle is the most hassle-free option.
As the village is situated at an altitude of 1220m above mean sea level, the summers are mild and the winters are pretty chilly. The temperature during summer hovers between 18-40°C while the winter temperatures can go down to 4°C. The ideal period to visit Morni Hills is during the months of March-September.
The Haryana Tourism Board has developed Morni Hills to attract adventure tourism. It runs a popular tourism complex called the Mountain Quail which is the best lodging facility in Morni. The other accommodation options are the Lal Munia Tourist Hut and PWD guesthouse maintained by Haryana Tourism.
Morni Hills is almost exclusively meant for undertaking daring trekking and rock climbing expeditions. The popular trekking routes here are the one across the river Ghaggar flowing past Morni Hills and the other along the ruins of an ancient fort situated near the Mountain Quail tourist complex. Nature lovers and bird watchers can feast their eyes upon the exciting flora and fauna dwelling in the evergreen forests of the hills. You can come across magnificent and rare bird species like Wall creeper, Bat-tailed Tree creeper, Crested Kingfisher, grey and black francolins, Oriental Turtle Dove and Himalayan Bulbul. The fascinating animal species found here are the Neelgai, Kakad (Barking Deer), Leopards and Sambar. The vegetation of the hills is dominated by pines while the slopes are covered by swathes of oak, neem, sal, pipal and jamun.
Another interesting spot to visit in the Morni hills are the two lakes which adorn the heart of the forests. A mysterious attribute to these lakes is that the water level always remains constant in both the water bodies even though they are separated by a hillock. This is because of a hidden underground channel connecting the two lakes. The serene and placid waters of the lakes are ideal for boating and bathing leisurely.
After basking in the salubrious environ of Morni Hills, you can descend down the hills and head straight to Pinjore. Located just 15km away from Panchkula and 20km from Chandigarh, Pinjore is a major tourist attraction renowned for its magnificent gardens. We recommend you to visit the much-famed Yadavindra Gardens adorned with the Mughali style Shish Mahal. Also don’t forget to gorge on sumptuous ‘fruit chaat’ sold in the eating outlets of Yadavindra Gardens.
You can spend quality time in Morni Hills in just 2 days. The total cost of the trip can sum upto 2000 INR per individual. So pack your bags, rev up your car and head to Morni – the Hill of Mystique.
DWARAKA – GATEWAY TO DIVINITY:
Capping the westernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula and established on the banks of the holy River Gomti, the city of Dwaraka is one of the seven most ancient cities of the country. The city was the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom, thus rendering much mythological and historical significance to Dwaraka.
Dwaraka is well-connected by road and is 216km from Ahmedabad. Dwaraka has a railway station which falls along the Ahmedabad-Okha railway line lying 137km away from Jamnagar. The airport nearest to Dwaraka is located in Jamnagar with regular flights shuttling to and from Mumbai.
Since Dwaraka lies in close proximity to the Gulf of Kutch with zero elevation from the mean sea level, it experiences pleasant moderate climate throughout the year. You can visit Dwaraka during any time of the year. While the months of March to June is ideal for visiting temples, the winter months of October to February is suitable for engaging in sight-seeing and outdoor activities in Dwaraka.
There are several accommodation options available in Dwaraka and most of them are strategically located near the tourist spots. You have options to choose between upper, middle and lower budget class hotels. You can even opt for special guesthouses and dharamshalas located in the city outskirts.
The stand-out tourist destination of Dwaraka is the Dwarkadeesh temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is one of the oldest temples in India possessing a rich history dating back to nearly 2500 years. The main attraction of this temple is the grandiose 5 storied spire supported by 60 columns bearing intricate carvings. The devotees must take a dip at the Gomti River before entering the temple. The temple is bathed in festive regalia on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
The next important pilgrim site in Dwaraka is the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas as mentioned in the Puranas and attracts thousands of devotees during the festival of Shivarathri. Devotees searching for spiritual solace can find their calling in Gomti Ghat. It is a popular belief that one visit to this place washes off all the earthly sins of the visitors. The other famous religious sites in Dwaraka are the majestic Rukshamanee Temple, Shree Swaminarayan Temple and the Dwaraka Peeth established by Adi Sankara. Another historic landmark worthy of visiting is the splendorous Dwaraka Lighthouse which offers stellar views of sunset in Dwaraka.
Once you are finished paying respects to all the holy sites of Dwaraka, we recommend you to head straight to Bet Dwaraka for some relaxation. Situated in the Gulf of Kutch about 30km away from Dwaraka city, Bet Dwaraka possesses one of the best beaches in the world. It is also dotted with several temples revered by the Vaishnavas.
To preserve the austere memories of your trip to Dwaraka, you can buy some antique foreign coins sold near the Lighthouse. You can complete a fulfilling tour of Dwaraka in about 2 days with the total cost of the trip amounting to 2650 INR per individual. So pick up your bags and make your journey to Dwaraka- the Gateway to Divinity.
Capping the westernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula and established on the banks of the holy River Gomti, the city of Dwaraka is one of the seven most ancient cities of the country. The city was the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom, thus rendering much mythological and historical significance to Dwaraka.
Dwaraka is well-connected by road and is 216km from Ahmedabad. Dwaraka has a railway station which falls along the Ahmedabad-Okha railway line lying 137km away from Jamnagar. The airport nearest to Dwaraka is located in Jamnagar with regular flights shuttling to and from Mumbai.
Since Dwaraka lies in close proximity to the Gulf of Kutch with zero elevation from the mean sea level, it experiences pleasant moderate climate throughout the year. You can visit Dwaraka during any time of the year. While the months of March to June is ideal for visiting temples, the winter months of October to February is suitable for engaging in sight-seeing and outdoor activities in Dwaraka.
There are several accommodation options available in Dwaraka and most of them are strategically located near the tourist spots. You have options to choose between upper, middle and lower budget class hotels. You can even opt for special guesthouses and dharamshalas located in the city outskirts.
The stand-out tourist destination of Dwaraka is the Dwarkadeesh temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is one of the oldest temples in India possessing a rich history dating back to nearly 2500 years. The main attraction of this temple is the grandiose 5 storied spire supported by 60 columns bearing intricate carvings. The devotees must take a dip at the Gomti River before entering the temple. The temple is bathed in festive regalia on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
The next important pilgrim site in Dwaraka is the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas as mentioned in the Puranas and attracts thousands of devotees during the festival of Shivarathri. Devotees searching for spiritual solace can find their calling in Gomti Ghat. It is a popular belief that one visit to this place washes off all the earthly sins of the visitors. The other famous religious sites in Dwaraka are the majestic Rukshamanee Temple, Shree Swaminarayan Temple and the Dwaraka Peeth established by Adi Sankara. Another historic landmark worthy of visiting is the splendorous Dwaraka Lighthouse which offers stellar views of sunset in Dwaraka.
Once you are finished paying respects to all the holy sites of Dwaraka, we recommend you to head straight to Bet Dwaraka for some relaxation. Situated in the Gulf of Kutch about 30km away from Dwaraka city, Bet Dwaraka possesses one of the best beaches in the world. It is also dotted with several temples revered by the Vaishnavas.
To preserve the austere memories of your trip to Dwaraka, you can buy some antique foreign coins sold near the Lighthouse. You can complete a fulfilling tour of Dwaraka in about 2 days with the total cost of the trip amounting to 2650 INR per individual. So pick up your bags and make your journey to Dwaraka- the Gateway to Divinity.
AMBAJI – ABODE OF MOTHER GODDESS:
Merged aesthetically in the backdrop of the elegant Arasur Hills, the holy town of Ambaji in the state of Gujarat is one of the most venerated places in India. Ambaji is dotted with several temples and shrines dedicated to various sects of Hindu religion. Unlike other pilgrim centers Ambaji is surrounded by dense forests of the Aravalli Ranges, giving visitors the perfect blend of devoutness and nature tourism.
Ambaji is well-connected by roads and is 180km away from Ahmedabad, 45km from Mt Abu and 65km from Palanpur. The nearest railhead is located 20km away from Ambaji at Abu Road Station which is connected to almost all the major cities in India. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad. You can directly proceed to Ambaji from the airport by taking a taxi.
Ambaji is blessed with moderate climate with hot summers. The best times to visit Ambaji are during the months of October to February with the temperature hovering between 10-25°C.
Since Ambaji is a renowned pilgrim center, visitors will have no problem in finding an accommodation which suit their needs and budget. The Ambe Mata temple is surrounded by plenty of private hotels, guesthouses and dharamshalas which are furnished with all facilities for a comfortable stay. Traditional Gujarati meals and breakfast is the main cuisine served in Ambaji.
The premier tourist attraction here is the magnificent shrine of Ambaji Mata. The temple is believed to be one of 51 Shakti Peethas and is several centuries old. A peculiar aspect about Ambaji Temple is that the sanctum sanctorum does not have an idol of Ambe Mata; instead it is graced by a triangular Vishwa Yanthra. Another peculiarity which adds to the mystique of Ambaji temple is that devotees are not allowed to have ‘Darshan’ of the deity with naked eyes. The temple is at its extravagant best during Navarathri, with the entire town celebrating the Lok Mela vibrantly.
The next spot to head to is the Gabbar Hills, located south-west to the Aravalli Range and 3km away from Ambaji city. Believed to be the original Shakti Peeth of Ambe Mata, the shrine atop the hill houses the sacred footprints and chariot wheel marks of the Goddess. To reach the shrine, you can either climb 999 steps upto the hills or travel by a trolley. Another must see pilgrim center are the Kumbhariya Jain temples which are almost 900 years old. These temples are dedicated to the five Jain Theerthankaras.
After paying respects at all the pilgrim spots, you can unwind by going on a fascinating safari trip through the deep forests of the Arasur Hills. These forests are also home to the ethnic Bhil and Garasia tribal communities. To preserve the effervescent memories of your stay in Ambaji you can pick up souvenirs like Pashmina stoles, brassware jewellery, traditional paintings done on palm leaf, silk, ceramics and gorgeous silk saris. A trip to Ambaji can be ideally completed in 3 days and 2 nights with the total cost of tour amounting to 5250 INR per individual. So pack your bags and head to Ambaji to experience the most peculiar form of pleasures!
Merged aesthetically in the backdrop of the elegant Arasur Hills, the holy town of Ambaji in the state of Gujarat is one of the most venerated places in India. Ambaji is dotted with several temples and shrines dedicated to various sects of Hindu religion. Unlike other pilgrim centers Ambaji is surrounded by dense forests of the Aravalli Ranges, giving visitors the perfect blend of devoutness and nature tourism.
Ambaji is well-connected by roads and is 180km away from Ahmedabad, 45km from Mt Abu and 65km from Palanpur. The nearest railhead is located 20km away from Ambaji at Abu Road Station which is connected to almost all the major cities in India. The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad. You can directly proceed to Ambaji from the airport by taking a taxi.
Ambaji is blessed with moderate climate with hot summers. The best times to visit Ambaji are during the months of October to February with the temperature hovering between 10-25°C.
Since Ambaji is a renowned pilgrim center, visitors will have no problem in finding an accommodation which suit their needs and budget. The Ambe Mata temple is surrounded by plenty of private hotels, guesthouses and dharamshalas which are furnished with all facilities for a comfortable stay. Traditional Gujarati meals and breakfast is the main cuisine served in Ambaji.
The premier tourist attraction here is the magnificent shrine of Ambaji Mata. The temple is believed to be one of 51 Shakti Peethas and is several centuries old. A peculiar aspect about Ambaji Temple is that the sanctum sanctorum does not have an idol of Ambe Mata; instead it is graced by a triangular Vishwa Yanthra. Another peculiarity which adds to the mystique of Ambaji temple is that devotees are not allowed to have ‘Darshan’ of the deity with naked eyes. The temple is at its extravagant best during Navarathri, with the entire town celebrating the Lok Mela vibrantly.
The next spot to head to is the Gabbar Hills, located south-west to the Aravalli Range and 3km away from Ambaji city. Believed to be the original Shakti Peeth of Ambe Mata, the shrine atop the hill houses the sacred footprints and chariot wheel marks of the Goddess. To reach the shrine, you can either climb 999 steps upto the hills or travel by a trolley. Another must see pilgrim center are the Kumbhariya Jain temples which are almost 900 years old. These temples are dedicated to the five Jain Theerthankaras.
After paying respects at all the pilgrim spots, you can unwind by going on a fascinating safari trip through the deep forests of the Arasur Hills. These forests are also home to the ethnic Bhil and Garasia tribal communities. To preserve the effervescent memories of your stay in Ambaji you can pick up souvenirs like Pashmina stoles, brassware jewellery, traditional paintings done on palm leaf, silk, ceramics and gorgeous silk saris. A trip to Ambaji can be ideally completed in 3 days and 2 nights with the total cost of tour amounting to 5250 INR per individual. So pack your bags and head to Ambaji to experience the most peculiar form of pleasures!
Friday, January 15, 2010
VAISHNO DEVI – THE ALTAR OF DIVINITY:
Nestled high above the jagged peaks of the Trikuta Mountains of the Himalayas, Vaishno Devi is the abode of the holy Mother Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi. Thronged by millions of devotees every year from different parts of the world, Vaishno Devi temple is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrim sites in India and is believed to be built by the Pandavas. The deity Vaishno Devi is a powerful embodiment of the Goddesses Maha Kali, Maha Saraswathi and Maha Lakshmi.
Vaishno Devi pilgrim centre is actually a cave located in the Trikuta Mountains at a height of 1,615m above sea level. Katra is the town lying at the foothills of the mountain and serves as the camping site for Vaishno Devi pilgrims. Katra is well-connected to Jammu, Udhampur, Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 48km from Katra. The nearest airport is Jammu’s civil airport located at Ranibagh. To travel from Katra to Vaishno Devi cave, you have to make a 13km steep ascent to the temple. You can also hire ponies or palanquins from Katra to make the climb less tedious.
The abode of the holy Mother Goddess is open to pilgrims throughout the year; however winters can be extremely harsh in Vaishno Devi with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels. The ideal time to visit Vaishno Devi is between March and October. Pilgrimage to the shrine is most active during March-April and September-October.
To have a fulfilling ‘darshan’ of Mata Vaishno Devi, you must make appropriate travelling and lodging arrangements. There are several private budget hotels, dharamshalas and tourist accommodations in Katra. The tourist accommodation facility is maintained by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) which even offers rented rooms to pilgrims on advance booking. The Shrine Board is also responsible for issuing ‘Yatra Slips’ to visiting pilgrims.
It is essential to buy the right traditional offerings for the Goddess which include a red-colored drape, silver or gold ornaments, flowers and dry fruits. You can buy the ‘Prasad’ from ‘Bhaint Shops’ maintained by the Shrine Board. To preserve the divine memories of your tour, you can collect a wide variety of souvenirs. You can take home saris and shawls offered to the Goddess, audio cassettes and CDs of Vaishno Devi, photos of the temple and even gold and silver coins carrying inscriptions of the holy Pindies.
There are several other places worth visiting after completing your ‘darshan’ at Vaishno Devi temple. Pilgrims can head to the holy cave of Shiv Khori, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another major pilgrimage centre about 30km away from Katra is the shrine of Dera Baba Banda, which is visited by both Hindus and Sikhs. A famous fair called the ‘Jhiri Mela’ is held every year in a place called Jhiri, which is 20km away from Jammu. You can even head to Patnitop and bask in the beauty of the surrounding natural scenery.
It is recommended to avail tourist packages offered by various travel agencies as they provide lucrative itinerary schedules. A trip to Vaishno Devi can be ideally completed in 4-5 days inclusive of travel and sightseeing. The cost of such tourist package starts from 4250 INR for a couple inclusive of accommodation, limited meals and travel charges. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack plenty of woolen clothing and blankets for a safe, cozy trip to the hills.
Are you still waiting for the Mata’s Divine Call? Pack your bags and head to the hills of Vaishno Devi- the Altar of Divinity.
Nestled high above the jagged peaks of the Trikuta Mountains of the Himalayas, Vaishno Devi is the abode of the holy Mother Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi. Thronged by millions of devotees every year from different parts of the world, Vaishno Devi temple is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrim sites in India and is believed to be built by the Pandavas. The deity Vaishno Devi is a powerful embodiment of the Goddesses Maha Kali, Maha Saraswathi and Maha Lakshmi.
Vaishno Devi pilgrim centre is actually a cave located in the Trikuta Mountains at a height of 1,615m above sea level. Katra is the town lying at the foothills of the mountain and serves as the camping site for Vaishno Devi pilgrims. Katra is well-connected to Jammu, Udhampur, Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is around 48km from Katra. The nearest airport is Jammu’s civil airport located at Ranibagh. To travel from Katra to Vaishno Devi cave, you have to make a 13km steep ascent to the temple. You can also hire ponies or palanquins from Katra to make the climb less tedious.
The abode of the holy Mother Goddess is open to pilgrims throughout the year; however winters can be extremely harsh in Vaishno Devi with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels. The ideal time to visit Vaishno Devi is between March and October. Pilgrimage to the shrine is most active during March-April and September-October.
To have a fulfilling ‘darshan’ of Mata Vaishno Devi, you must make appropriate travelling and lodging arrangements. There are several private budget hotels, dharamshalas and tourist accommodations in Katra. The tourist accommodation facility is maintained by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) which even offers rented rooms to pilgrims on advance booking. The Shrine Board is also responsible for issuing ‘Yatra Slips’ to visiting pilgrims.
It is essential to buy the right traditional offerings for the Goddess which include a red-colored drape, silver or gold ornaments, flowers and dry fruits. You can buy the ‘Prasad’ from ‘Bhaint Shops’ maintained by the Shrine Board. To preserve the divine memories of your tour, you can collect a wide variety of souvenirs. You can take home saris and shawls offered to the Goddess, audio cassettes and CDs of Vaishno Devi, photos of the temple and even gold and silver coins carrying inscriptions of the holy Pindies.
There are several other places worth visiting after completing your ‘darshan’ at Vaishno Devi temple. Pilgrims can head to the holy cave of Shiv Khori, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Another major pilgrimage centre about 30km away from Katra is the shrine of Dera Baba Banda, which is visited by both Hindus and Sikhs. A famous fair called the ‘Jhiri Mela’ is held every year in a place called Jhiri, which is 20km away from Jammu. You can even head to Patnitop and bask in the beauty of the surrounding natural scenery.
It is recommended to avail tourist packages offered by various travel agencies as they provide lucrative itinerary schedules. A trip to Vaishno Devi can be ideally completed in 4-5 days inclusive of travel and sightseeing. The cost of such tourist package starts from 4250 INR for a couple inclusive of accommodation, limited meals and travel charges. Most importantly, don’t forget to pack plenty of woolen clothing and blankets for a safe, cozy trip to the hills.
Are you still waiting for the Mata’s Divine Call? Pack your bags and head to the hills of Vaishno Devi- the Altar of Divinity.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
ZANSKAR – THE ZENITH OF ADVENTURE:
Nestled in the snowy peaks of the formidable Zanskar Range, Zanskar is a sub-district of Kargil located interior of the Leh Ladakh region with Padum as its administrative center. Zanskar is the most isolated part of the Trans Himalayan region and the least interfered microcosm of Ladakh. Once a part of the Guge Kingdom in Tibet, Zanskar is now an integral part of India famous for its high mountains and picturesque gompas, which are Buddhist monasteries found only in Ladakh, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.
Accessing Zanskar is the toughest task since it is connected to the rest of the mountains only by passes, the most famous being the Penzi-La. It remains closed for 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall. Zanskar can be accessed through Padum from Kargil across Suru Valley which is a 235km journey. One can also take the Manali route from Shimla to touchdown at Padum. Numerous Deluxe Buses operate between these areas during the months of July-November. The nearest railway station is located in Jammu. The nearest airport is in Leh, an hour’s flight from Delhi. To travel within the local area, you can hire jeeps and taxis.
Temperatures in Zanskar can plummet to a bone-chilling -30°C during winters, while it remains pleasant and dry during the summer months. The best times to visit Zanskar are between June and September. Nevertheless, it is mandatory for travelers to carry several woolen clothes, windcheaters and snow-goggles as the weather can be pretty unpredictable.
Now that the travelling part is taken care of, the next step is to find the right niche to camp at during your stay in Zanskar. There are ample accommodation facilities in Zanskar and its neighboring places like Leh. Padum has a Tourist Complex and some private budget hotels to cater to the needs of tourists while Karsha offers dormitories for campers. For a thoroughly engaging adventure, you can even try camping in one of the hospitable Buddhist monasteries and rub shoulders with the esoteric Tibetan-Buddhist monks and nuns.
Zanskar can prove to be a tough terrain for even seasoned mountaineers and trekkers. Touted as one of the best mountaineering destinations of India, Zanskar offers infinite joy for adventure lovers and mountain-climbers. The most famous trek is the Chador Ice Trek which is actually formed by the freezing of the Zanskar River. The Valley offers stellar view of the magnificent ‘Drang-Drung’ glacier, which is the largest glacier in Ladakh. The Zanskar Valley is separated from the Suru Valley by the Penzella Pass which serves as an excellent camping site, offering breath-taking views of the lofty mountains and breezy grasslands. Zanskar is encompassed by the Zanskar River and its other tributaries which serve as one of the best places in the world for river rafting.
Some of the must-see places within Zanskar district are the spectacular monasteries found in Zangla, Zongkhul and Stongdey. These monasteries are several centuries old and carry numerous tales of legendary scholars like Naropa. Panikhar is an important town in Zanskar bordering the Suru Valley and is home to the famous fort of Zorawar Singh. Padum and Karsha are typical human settlements with basic facilities. Weary tourists can get a feel of civilization after hours of camping amidst the barren wilderness. Karsha is a place of religious importance in Zanskar as it is home to the Gelugpa Monastery. Another tourist attraction in Zanskar is the mural art exhibition in Labrang.
Once you’re done with all the adventuring in Zanskar, we recommend you to head straight to Leh for a fascinating shopping experience. Leh’s bustling Main Market is loaded with exquisite items such as Kashmiri and Persian carpets, Tibetan handicrafts, Burmese and Afghan jewellery and many more. You can pick up several interesting souvenirs like T-shirts emblazoned with Tibetan slogans or colorful face masks.
And finally, your travel plan to Zanskar can extend from 14 to 25 days if you are planning to go for full-fledged trekking and river rafting. Several tourist packages are available which are customized to suit the likes of different tourists. The total cost of the trip will be approximately 30,000 INR which includes accommodation, internal transport, trekking gear, camping equipment, professional guide services, food, first-aid medicine and also complementary souvenirs of Ladakh.
For all you brave-hearts, Zanskar awaits; The Zenith of Adventure!
Nestled in the snowy peaks of the formidable Zanskar Range, Zanskar is a sub-district of Kargil located interior of the Leh Ladakh region with Padum as its administrative center. Zanskar is the most isolated part of the Trans Himalayan region and the least interfered microcosm of Ladakh. Once a part of the Guge Kingdom in Tibet, Zanskar is now an integral part of India famous for its high mountains and picturesque gompas, which are Buddhist monasteries found only in Ladakh, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.
Accessing Zanskar is the toughest task since it is connected to the rest of the mountains only by passes, the most famous being the Penzi-La. It remains closed for 8 months a year due to heavy snowfall. Zanskar can be accessed through Padum from Kargil across Suru Valley which is a 235km journey. One can also take the Manali route from Shimla to touchdown at Padum. Numerous Deluxe Buses operate between these areas during the months of July-November. The nearest railway station is located in Jammu. The nearest airport is in Leh, an hour’s flight from Delhi. To travel within the local area, you can hire jeeps and taxis.
Temperatures in Zanskar can plummet to a bone-chilling -30°C during winters, while it remains pleasant and dry during the summer months. The best times to visit Zanskar are between June and September. Nevertheless, it is mandatory for travelers to carry several woolen clothes, windcheaters and snow-goggles as the weather can be pretty unpredictable.
Now that the travelling part is taken care of, the next step is to find the right niche to camp at during your stay in Zanskar. There are ample accommodation facilities in Zanskar and its neighboring places like Leh. Padum has a Tourist Complex and some private budget hotels to cater to the needs of tourists while Karsha offers dormitories for campers. For a thoroughly engaging adventure, you can even try camping in one of the hospitable Buddhist monasteries and rub shoulders with the esoteric Tibetan-Buddhist monks and nuns.
Zanskar can prove to be a tough terrain for even seasoned mountaineers and trekkers. Touted as one of the best mountaineering destinations of India, Zanskar offers infinite joy for adventure lovers and mountain-climbers. The most famous trek is the Chador Ice Trek which is actually formed by the freezing of the Zanskar River. The Valley offers stellar view of the magnificent ‘Drang-Drung’ glacier, which is the largest glacier in Ladakh. The Zanskar Valley is separated from the Suru Valley by the Penzella Pass which serves as an excellent camping site, offering breath-taking views of the lofty mountains and breezy grasslands. Zanskar is encompassed by the Zanskar River and its other tributaries which serve as one of the best places in the world for river rafting.
Some of the must-see places within Zanskar district are the spectacular monasteries found in Zangla, Zongkhul and Stongdey. These monasteries are several centuries old and carry numerous tales of legendary scholars like Naropa. Panikhar is an important town in Zanskar bordering the Suru Valley and is home to the famous fort of Zorawar Singh. Padum and Karsha are typical human settlements with basic facilities. Weary tourists can get a feel of civilization after hours of camping amidst the barren wilderness. Karsha is a place of religious importance in Zanskar as it is home to the Gelugpa Monastery. Another tourist attraction in Zanskar is the mural art exhibition in Labrang.
Once you’re done with all the adventuring in Zanskar, we recommend you to head straight to Leh for a fascinating shopping experience. Leh’s bustling Main Market is loaded with exquisite items such as Kashmiri and Persian carpets, Tibetan handicrafts, Burmese and Afghan jewellery and many more. You can pick up several interesting souvenirs like T-shirts emblazoned with Tibetan slogans or colorful face masks.
And finally, your travel plan to Zanskar can extend from 14 to 25 days if you are planning to go for full-fledged trekking and river rafting. Several tourist packages are available which are customized to suit the likes of different tourists. The total cost of the trip will be approximately 30,000 INR which includes accommodation, internal transport, trekking gear, camping equipment, professional guide services, food, first-aid medicine and also complementary souvenirs of Ladakh.
For all you brave-hearts, Zanskar awaits; The Zenith of Adventure!
LAKSHADWEEP – THE LAGOON PARADISE:
Overpopulation, excessive commercialization and ever-increasing pollution; these are three killer factors which are ruining the beauty of almost all popular hill stations and natural resorts in India. The very intention of experiencing a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday takes a beating with hordes of people thronging the same popular tourist destination, travelling along dirty roads, beggars irritating you for alms at every corner and what not! If you are looking for that exquisite destination brimming with Nature’s beauty, untouched by human activities and isolated from the maddening grip of commercial development, the answer is Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep comprises of 36 islands with the prominent ones being Agatti, Amini, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy. Situated in the middle of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India with a total area of 32 sq km and one of the least populated regions of India. The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The most spectacular aspects of Lakshadweep are the abundant marine wealth, the beautiful sandy beaches, the precious coral reefs and the pristine colorful lagoons. The tradition and culture of Lakshadweep is centered on the conservation and protection of its extremely fragile ecosystem. Due to these reasons, Lakshadweep has emerged as a pioneering destination of eco-tourism and coral reef conservation.
Lakshadweep can be accessed by air and through sea. The islands are about 220 to 440 km away from Kerala’s Malabar Coast. There are primarily four all-weather ships which shuttle between Kochi Port and the different islands namely, M.V.Tipusultan, M.V.Bharatseema, M.V.Minicoy and M.V.Aminidivi. Indian Airlines flights fly non-stop from Agatti and Kochi except on Sundays. Another airport is based in Kavaratti for high-value tourists.
The best times to visit these tiny islands are between the months of October and May as tourists can avail attractive ship-based holiday packages. Also the temperature during these months is well below 30°C, making it an ideal tropical getaway. Some islands notably Agatti and Bangaram can be visited at any time of the year as they are exclusively maintained as holiday destinations.
A striking aspect about tourism in Lakshadweep is that only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit the different islands at a time. This is a clever measure implemented by the Tourism Administration of Lakshadweep to prevent over-crowding and consequently upset the delicate ecological balance of the islands. So, make sure you book your travel tickets and lodging reservations well before scheduling the holiday. All information about tour packages, boarding & lodging can be availed from the tourism wing of Lakshadweep Administration called ‘Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports’ (SPORTS).
There are different types of package tours like ‘Taratashi’, ‘Marine Wealth Awareness Program’, ‘Swaying Palm’ etc. which cater to different audiences. The total cost of the tour can range from 5000 INR to 50,000 INR for an individual depending on the accommodation class. Tourist huts and island resorts are the form of accommodation available in Lakshadweep. Dishes whipped up from coconut and fish dominate the cuisine of Lakshadweep with rice being the staple food of the islanders.
Lakshadweep is the ultimate paradise for water-lovers and adventure buffs. Numerous water-sports like kayaking, canoeing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, free-diving and wind-surfing give tourists that adrenaline rush and experience of the wild side of life. Tourists wishing to spend a quiet holiday can engage themselves in sight-seeing and recreational fishing using pole and line method. The must-see places in Lakshadweep are the several picturesque mosques in Kavaratti, of which Ujra Mosque is the most beautiful. The famous Dolphin Dive Centre is also based in Kavaratti which is ideal for scuba-diving. The island of Minicoy is culturally distinct from the rest of the islands and is also quite far, separated by 200km. Minicoy has 11 clusters of villages each presided by an elderly head called Bodukaka. Minicoy is an important center of tuna fishing and processing. Bangaram is totally uninhabited and offers all sorts of luxuries for tourists to unwind and soak themselves in the pristine beauty of the sand and sea.
Since Lakshadweep is not open to commercialization, it does not have too many shopping avenues. Rather, one can take scuba-diving and snorkeling lessons here which serve as souvenirs for a life-time. However, there are some activities which are taboo in Lakshadweep such as consuming alcoholic beverages, picking up corals and polluting the surroundings which are punishable offences. So do keep these tips in mind and get ready to sail towards Lakshadweep- the lagoon paradise.
Overpopulation, excessive commercialization and ever-increasing pollution; these are three killer factors which are ruining the beauty of almost all popular hill stations and natural resorts in India. The very intention of experiencing a peaceful and rejuvenating holiday takes a beating with hordes of people thronging the same popular tourist destination, travelling along dirty roads, beggars irritating you for alms at every corner and what not! If you are looking for that exquisite destination brimming with Nature’s beauty, untouched by human activities and isolated from the maddening grip of commercial development, the answer is Lakshadweep.
Lakshadweep comprises of 36 islands with the prominent ones being Agatti, Amini, Bangaram, Bitra, Chetlet, Kalpeni, Kavaratti and Minicoy. Situated in the middle of the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India with a total area of 32 sq km and one of the least populated regions of India. The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The most spectacular aspects of Lakshadweep are the abundant marine wealth, the beautiful sandy beaches, the precious coral reefs and the pristine colorful lagoons. The tradition and culture of Lakshadweep is centered on the conservation and protection of its extremely fragile ecosystem. Due to these reasons, Lakshadweep has emerged as a pioneering destination of eco-tourism and coral reef conservation.
Lakshadweep can be accessed by air and through sea. The islands are about 220 to 440 km away from Kerala’s Malabar Coast. There are primarily four all-weather ships which shuttle between Kochi Port and the different islands namely, M.V.Tipusultan, M.V.Bharatseema, M.V.Minicoy and M.V.Aminidivi. Indian Airlines flights fly non-stop from Agatti and Kochi except on Sundays. Another airport is based in Kavaratti for high-value tourists.
The best times to visit these tiny islands are between the months of October and May as tourists can avail attractive ship-based holiday packages. Also the temperature during these months is well below 30°C, making it an ideal tropical getaway. Some islands notably Agatti and Bangaram can be visited at any time of the year as they are exclusively maintained as holiday destinations.
A striking aspect about tourism in Lakshadweep is that only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit the different islands at a time. This is a clever measure implemented by the Tourism Administration of Lakshadweep to prevent over-crowding and consequently upset the delicate ecological balance of the islands. So, make sure you book your travel tickets and lodging reservations well before scheduling the holiday. All information about tour packages, boarding & lodging can be availed from the tourism wing of Lakshadweep Administration called ‘Society for Promotion of Nature Tourism and Sports’ (SPORTS).
There are different types of package tours like ‘Taratashi’, ‘Marine Wealth Awareness Program’, ‘Swaying Palm’ etc. which cater to different audiences. The total cost of the tour can range from 5000 INR to 50,000 INR for an individual depending on the accommodation class. Tourist huts and island resorts are the form of accommodation available in Lakshadweep. Dishes whipped up from coconut and fish dominate the cuisine of Lakshadweep with rice being the staple food of the islanders.
Lakshadweep is the ultimate paradise for water-lovers and adventure buffs. Numerous water-sports like kayaking, canoeing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, free-diving and wind-surfing give tourists that adrenaline rush and experience of the wild side of life. Tourists wishing to spend a quiet holiday can engage themselves in sight-seeing and recreational fishing using pole and line method. The must-see places in Lakshadweep are the several picturesque mosques in Kavaratti, of which Ujra Mosque is the most beautiful. The famous Dolphin Dive Centre is also based in Kavaratti which is ideal for scuba-diving. The island of Minicoy is culturally distinct from the rest of the islands and is also quite far, separated by 200km. Minicoy has 11 clusters of villages each presided by an elderly head called Bodukaka. Minicoy is an important center of tuna fishing and processing. Bangaram is totally uninhabited and offers all sorts of luxuries for tourists to unwind and soak themselves in the pristine beauty of the sand and sea.
Since Lakshadweep is not open to commercialization, it does not have too many shopping avenues. Rather, one can take scuba-diving and snorkeling lessons here which serve as souvenirs for a life-time. However, there are some activities which are taboo in Lakshadweep such as consuming alcoholic beverages, picking up corals and polluting the surroundings which are punishable offences. So do keep these tips in mind and get ready to sail towards Lakshadweep- the lagoon paradise.
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