Ponmudi situated 65 km from Trivandrum. Enjoy the drive through the narrow, winding roads in the cool, green rain forests. Ponmudi is located 3020ft above sea level and the final drive to the peak is along tea plantations. Enjoy the cool salubrious climate and the spectacular view from the peak. In this tour you shall be driven to Mankayam. From there proceed to Brimore for trek to Ponmudi and back.
Vizhinjam is known as Fishing Village. It is 2 Km south of Kovalam. The busiest fishing harbour in Trivandrum region humming with day long activities. The sight of hundreds of fishing boats crowding on the harbour is delighting.
Walk through the fishermen village, gazing at their day to day activities, repairing of nets, lined boats etc. continue walking towards dwarf area, chatting with the villagers and passing through the fish selling market.
This walk takes one along the east bank of the river, which has seen the city as it developed over the last three hundred years or so. It should be kept in mind, however, that in the seventeenth century the river flowed forty to fifty yards east of its present course.
Since about the end of the eighteenth century, the river started shifting its course westwards. Some of the landmarks as seen in the old aquatints, therefore, appear more inland today than they originally were.
The crazy streets of Amritsar are where the history of this iconic city was born. There is a story behind every alley and by-lane we cross and a legend to every monument we visit. Amritsar played a vital role in the freedom movement of India and you’ll learn about it all as you stroll the streets.
You’ll begin your Amritsar tour at the Town Hall and then head back about 400 years as we explore the streets of the historic city. We’ll first move toward the Gurudwara Saraghari, a monument erected to commemorate the Battle of Saragarhi, an iconic battle in Sikh and British military history, and considered one of the world’s most significant battles by war historians. We’ll then proceed to Qila Ahluwalia and Jalebiwala Chowk, the latter home to some of the most famed jalebi (sweets) shops and other eateries in Amritsar — a must for fuelling you up as we keep moving! We’ll wander through the bazaars, bustling with locals and selling a mix of Fulkari textiles, colourful turbans, hair accessories, antiques, and more. Strolling through, we’ll soon reach the chitta akharas, 250-year-old hostels for spiritual seekers and saints. No doubt hungry from all that walking, you’ll then devour a taste of Punjab, with satiating Amritsari kulcha (hot potato bread) and a chilled Punjabi lassi (sweetened yogurt).
Then it’s back to the streets! We’ll pass through Taksal Chowk and reach the infamous “Crawling Street,” where a 1919 order made by General Dyer (nicknamed “the Butcher of Amritsar”) required people to crawl for 150 yards if they wished to cross the main street. The incident, along with the related Amritsar Massacre, laid the foundation for the freedom movement in Punjab and brings us from Amritsar’s past through to modern-day India. From there, we’ll head to a local turban shop and teach you the tricks and techniques for tying a three-metre turban. Women will be fixed with a beautiful paranda, colourful lengths of thread that are braided into the hair.
We’ll finish up at the Harmandir Sahib, famously known as the Golden Temple, the most sacred place for Sikhs in the world. The Gurudwara, or Gateway to the Guru, sits in a sacred pool of water, which is believed to wash away pain and grant health and happiness forever.
Konark – Sun Temple – is a 13th century architectural marvel. The third link in the Orissan Golden Triangle, Konrak is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architiecture in the world. The glorious ruins of the Konarak Temple, dedicated to God Surya, has become so renown even internationally, that it is now protected under UNESCO’s World Heritage Site Project.
The Sun Temple conceived as a massive chariot hauling the Sun God across the heavens by the mighty of seven splendidly carved horses, standing aloft on 24 chariot wheels-intricately carved-symbolizing the march of tiem, lies in partial ruis on Konarak Beach. Rightly listed as a World Heritage Monument, the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of the world. Nobel Laureate Poet Rabindranath Tagore said, 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man'.
It is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words. The massive structure in solitary splendor surrounded by drifting sand is located three kilometers from the sea, but originally it was reported to be closer for which it was used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.
Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Known as the Gateway to the Gods, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, The city stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
See a great statue of Shiva at the fork of the river followed by visit to Har-Ki-Pauri or the sacred Ghat. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony. Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here everyday at sunset is an unforgettable experience as most of the tourists say.
Delhi no es solamente la capital política de la India, es también la capital culinaria y sus bebidas y comida exquisita alcanzan fama en todo el país. Ahora puedes unirte a la gente local y disfrutar del ambiente en las calles del barrio de Kamla Nagar, mientras pruebas bocados típicos de la India en algunos de los sitios más frecuentados para comer.
La excursión comienza con un viaje en rickshaw, que es uno de los medios de transporte más originales y apreciados, en trayecto que pasa por el barrio universitario y hará parada en el Templo de Hanuman o el dios mono. Tras visitar el templo, iremos en dirección a nuestro primer punto de interés culinario en el cual presenciaremos cómo se cocina un shawarma fresco. De aquí nos desplazaremos a un comedor popular de barrio. Es el lugar indicado para degustar la especialidad local: los momos (albóndigas envueltas en masa al estilo tibetano), ello regado con cerveza de frutas frescas y banta, una bebida refrescante de limón. Reanudaremos la marcha y nos situaremos al mercado Kamla: un estrecho pasaje saturado de callecitas que muestran alimentos deliciosos. Es el momento indicado para perderse un poco y disfrutar del colorido del mercado; quedarás deslumbrado ante la variedad de productos que hay a la venta. Probaremos unas patatas muy crujientes, y también el que presume de ser ''''el mejor helado de Delhi''''. Tras andar un rato más por las calles ajetreadas de esta interesante ciudad, llegaremos a nuestra parada final: una pastelería en la que tendrás la oportunidad de probar algunos dulces tradicionales de la India.
Esta ''deliciosa'' ruta gastronómica por Delhi te hará querer volver a esta ciudad enigmática por más tiempo tan pronto como te hayas despedido de ella.
Rishikesh, a most tranquil place in northern Uttar Pradesh, surrounded by hills and bisected by the wide and sluggish Ganges, is often claimed as the `Yoga Capital of the World'. Rishikesh has numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized. During the visit an Ashram where solace-seeker come to spend their time in the serenity of meditation and godliness. The Shivananda Ashram is among the most visited where discourses in English on Hindu religious texts can be heard. Also visit the Lakshman Jhoola, a suspension bridge spanning the Ganga before returning to Haridwar.
Spend a day full of mindful thinking, peacefulness and clarity with this tour through some of the most important temples in Varanasi
HIGHLIGHTS:
* Visit 4 beautiful temples
* Be guided by an insightful local
* Relax, breathe and enjoy naturally calming surroundings
Start the tour with a visit to the Tulsi Manas Temple, a marvelous place constructed in 1964 made of a precious white marble boasting lush expanding gardens. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Rama, featuring beautiful images of Lakshhman, Sita, Ram and Hanuman throughout. It is thought that this temple is built where Saint Tulsides wrote the sacred Ramcharitamanasa. Amongst the gardens you’ll find a statue of Tulside that illustrates a particular verse from the book.
Next we’ll make our way to Durga Temple, also known as the Monkey temple due to the many monkeys that surround the area. Admire its typically northern Indian structure with multi-tiered shikharas, it really is a symbol of the local culture. Outside there is a peaceful pond surrounded by stone stairs and pillars, creating a quiet little area perfect for reflecting.
Our next stop is the Vishwanath Temple, located in the grounds of the Banaras Hindu University famous for being constructed by the Birlas family. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this wonderful temple is constructed with fine marble and is specifically open to all religions and races. Everyone should feel welcome and at peace here.
The last stop is to the newest of the lot, Sankat Mochan Temple. Founded by Baba Hari Dass, a silent monk who saw a beautiful statue of Hanuman and wrote on his board, “it needs a temple.” From that moment on construction began, opening its doors for a “Prana Pratishta Ceremony” in 2003. Stroll around and take note of the differences from the other temples we’ve visited, embracing the wonderfully serene location.
The Dayal Bagh is commonly known as Swami Bagh Samadhi and is mainly the mausoleum of Huzur Swamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth). He established the Radhaswami Faith. The devotees regard the Samadhi to be sacred. Radha Swami Samadhi is the head quarter of the Radha-Swami sect and attracts innumerable devotees every year. This 100 year old structure preserves the sacred ashes of the spiritual leader of the faith.
Afterwards proceed to Sikandra. The emperor Akbar chose this as a site for his mausoleum but he died before it could be completed. The work was completed by his son Jehangir in 1613. The tomb is a combination of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. The building of red sandstone is four storeys’ tall and the first three storeys are of red sandstone, while the fourth is entirely of marble.