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.
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