Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Punjab Famous Festival Lohri
Lohri is the popular festival of Punjabi people. Like all the other harvest festivals, Lohri celebrates for joyousness and prosperity to the land and people. all Punjabi people celebrates Lohri with happiness and enthusiasm. Lohri festival falls on 13 January 2012, Lohri is celebrated in the evening before Makar Sankranti. Lohri event celebrates on the birth of a male child or a marriage in the family, it assumes even a larger significance.
Although Lohri is a festival of Punjab, it is also commemorated in other parts of India with lots of exhilaration. In states like Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, festive preparations start days in advance while the actual day is marked with endless rejoicing, festivities, fun and frolic.
Folk dances on the beat of Dhols, bonfires and huge feasts are part of every family get together during this festival period. People give offerings like Popcorns, peanuts, Rayveri and sweets during bonfire. The traditional feast includes “sarson da saag” and “makki di roti” with desserts like “rau di kheer”. The best time to visit Punjab is during Lohri festival.
Although Lohri is a festival of Punjab, it is also commemorated in other parts of India with lots of exhilaration. In states like Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, festive preparations start days in advance while the actual day is marked with endless rejoicing, festivities, fun and frolic.
Folk dances on the beat of Dhols, bonfires and huge feasts are part of every family get together during this festival period. People give offerings like Popcorns, peanuts, Rayveri and sweets during bonfire. The traditional feast includes “sarson da saag” and “makki di roti” with desserts like “rau di kheer”. The best time to visit Punjab is during Lohri festival.
Friday, December 9, 2011
The Fort Nalagarh
Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India. The Fort is located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas affording a panoramic view of the Shivalik Hills beyond the Sirsa river. The Garh rises above a 20 acre estate of forest and orchard and is built on five levels three of which have well manicured lawns. The Fort was built during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand in 1421. The impressive Diwan-E-Khas at the Fort (now the Conference /Banquet Hall) was built by Raja Sansar Chand in 1618.
Nalagarh is one of those places that soothes the eyes as much as it calms the soul. The retreat is an ideal place to unwind from the heat and dust of the overcrowded Indian cities. There is plenty to explore by way of nature walks in the lush green surroundings of Nalagarh. The famous Mughal Gardens at Pinjore are only 35 km away. In season, fishing enthusiasts can look forward to exciting times at the Gobind Sagar Lake, Gambar River (22 km) and the Sutlej Barrage (22 km). For the devout, the famous Naina Devi Temple is only 60 kilometres away.
An excellent excursion from Nalagarh is to the impressive Ramgarh Fort. Built by Raja Ram Chander in 1540, the Fort is situated at a height of 4000 feet. The Fort is located 21 km north of Nalagarh. The Fort ramparts command a breathtaking view of the plains and towns of Punjab, and the perennially snowclad peaks of the Himalayas.
Ramgarh is an important landmark of the famous Gurkha Wars of the mid nineteenth century.
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Nalagarh is one of those places that soothes the eyes as much as it calms the soul. The retreat is an ideal place to unwind from the heat and dust of the overcrowded Indian cities. There is plenty to explore by way of nature walks in the lush green surroundings of Nalagarh. The famous Mughal Gardens at Pinjore are only 35 km away. In season, fishing enthusiasts can look forward to exciting times at the Gobind Sagar Lake, Gambar River (22 km) and the Sutlej Barrage (22 km). For the devout, the famous Naina Devi Temple is only 60 kilometres away.
An excellent excursion from Nalagarh is to the impressive Ramgarh Fort. Built by Raja Ram Chander in 1540, the Fort is situated at a height of 4000 feet. The Fort is located 21 km north of Nalagarh. The Fort ramparts command a breathtaking view of the plains and towns of Punjab, and the perennially snowclad peaks of the Himalayas.
Ramgarh is an important landmark of the famous Gurkha Wars of the mid nineteenth century.
Read More
Tourist place in Amritsar
Places To See In Amritsar
GoldenTemple
The Golden Temple is a colossal masterpiece constructed by the epic Guru Ram Das during 14th century. Also identified as Sri Harmandir Sahib, there is no grander holy shrine for the Sikhs than this is! Golden Temple is a paradoxical albeit mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and is thus, easily on every tourist's agenda! Its huge profusely gilded dome tempts us all to use our cameras like never before. This pilgrimage site caters to visitors throughout the year by arranging Bundara (Lunch/Dinner). This esteemed shrine is also a storage place for the holy script of the Guru Granth Sahib. Explore the temple to find the beautiful holy lake. Be courteous enough to wear a handkerchief or a scarf over your head before entering.
Jallianwala Bagh
Very close to the Golden Temple you will find Amritsar's second most popular site, Jallianwala Bagh. It pays homage to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. On 13 April, 1919, during the festival of Baisakhi Day, thousands of Punjabis had gathered to celebrate but the reveling met a gruesome fate, when the British General Dyer opened fire. That day, India lost a great number of men, women and children who were only in the quest for freedom. You can revive the unfortunate and ghastly incident by witnessing the bullet marks on the boundary walls and mull over the nasty repercussions elicited by the colonial rule. Don't visit Amritsar without devoting a few minutes to the martyrs of this massacre in this aesthetic memorial spot.
Wagah Border
We all know that India shares international frontier with Pakistan. Amritsar is unbelievably close to this, for just 28 kms from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Wagah Border is an army outpost on the Indian and Pakistani border. Located in between the cities of Amritsar and Lahore, the Wagah Border makes for a fabulous spectacle and gives tourists a great opportunity to witness the change of guard ceremony by the border security forces of the two arch rival nations.
TarnTaran
Built in honor of the renowned Guru Ram Das, Tarn Taran is another Sikh shrine situated about 22-24 kms to the south of Amritsar. At this site, you will encounter a quaint lake which is popular for its holiness as well as the claimed medically healing properties (for skin diseases and leprosy in particular) of its water. This structure was constructed by Ranjit Singh and is now used to host fairs during the zealous celebrations propelled by every 'Amavas' night.
ShriDurgiana Temple
The Amritsar pilgrimage wouldn't be half a complete if not for the beautiful Shri Durgiana Temple. Alternatively known as Shree Durgiana Tirath or Sitla Mandir, this magnificent temple can be spotted straight outside the Lohgarh Gate in Amritsar. In fact, this site is located barely a few yards away from the Amritsar railway station. The Durgiana Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib
Don't miss the Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib as many believe it to be the most important tourist spot of Amritsar. It was built 1778-1784 and does enrich the heritage image of Punjab. This statuesque Gurudwara is octagonal in shape and forty meters tall. This tower is said to be erected over the spot where Guru Har Gobind died.
GoldenTemple
The Golden Temple is a colossal masterpiece constructed by the epic Guru Ram Das during 14th century. Also identified as Sri Harmandir Sahib, there is no grander holy shrine for the Sikhs than this is! Golden Temple is a paradoxical albeit mesmerizing blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and is thus, easily on every tourist's agenda! Its huge profusely gilded dome tempts us all to use our cameras like never before. This pilgrimage site caters to visitors throughout the year by arranging Bundara (Lunch/Dinner). This esteemed shrine is also a storage place for the holy script of the Guru Granth Sahib. Explore the temple to find the beautiful holy lake. Be courteous enough to wear a handkerchief or a scarf over your head before entering.
Jallianwala Bagh
Very close to the Golden Temple you will find Amritsar's second most popular site, Jallianwala Bagh. It pays homage to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. On 13 April, 1919, during the festival of Baisakhi Day, thousands of Punjabis had gathered to celebrate but the reveling met a gruesome fate, when the British General Dyer opened fire. That day, India lost a great number of men, women and children who were only in the quest for freedom. You can revive the unfortunate and ghastly incident by witnessing the bullet marks on the boundary walls and mull over the nasty repercussions elicited by the colonial rule. Don't visit Amritsar without devoting a few minutes to the martyrs of this massacre in this aesthetic memorial spot.
Wagah Border
We all know that India shares international frontier with Pakistan. Amritsar is unbelievably close to this, for just 28 kms from Amritsar is the Wagah Border. Wagah Border is an army outpost on the Indian and Pakistani border. Located in between the cities of Amritsar and Lahore, the Wagah Border makes for a fabulous spectacle and gives tourists a great opportunity to witness the change of guard ceremony by the border security forces of the two arch rival nations.
TarnTaran
Built in honor of the renowned Guru Ram Das, Tarn Taran is another Sikh shrine situated about 22-24 kms to the south of Amritsar. At this site, you will encounter a quaint lake which is popular for its holiness as well as the claimed medically healing properties (for skin diseases and leprosy in particular) of its water. This structure was constructed by Ranjit Singh and is now used to host fairs during the zealous celebrations propelled by every 'Amavas' night.
ShriDurgiana Temple
The Amritsar pilgrimage wouldn't be half a complete if not for the beautiful Shri Durgiana Temple. Alternatively known as Shree Durgiana Tirath or Sitla Mandir, this magnificent temple can be spotted straight outside the Lohgarh Gate in Amritsar. In fact, this site is located barely a few yards away from the Amritsar railway station. The Durgiana Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib
Don't miss the Gurdwara Baba Atal Sahib as many believe it to be the most important tourist spot of Amritsar. It was built 1778-1784 and does enrich the heritage image of Punjab. This statuesque Gurudwara is octagonal in shape and forty meters tall. This tower is said to be erected over the spot where Guru Har Gobind died.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Best Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
This summer, take a break from the unbearable heat of the season. Hilly states in India welcomes you take nap in the lap of Mother Nature. Owning to your comfort and desire, let me bring to you a travel guide, which will offer you a snippet about the top 5 hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.
Dalhousie
Trip to Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is just more than any leisure activities. The charming hill station is sandwiched between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The hill station, now-a-days is gaining attention in the sector of travel and tourism in India. Tourists from different corner of the world visit the place all through out the year. A walk down the way to Satdara and Panchpullah offers the ultimate beauty of nature. Other attractions of note are Kala Tope Khajjiar Sanctuary, Jhandrighat, Chamera Dam and Lower Bakrota Hill, which is home to more than 50-odd Tibetan families.
Manali
Manali, a sought after destination for adventure seekers is not just a place to undergo adventure activities. This hill station in Himachal Pradesh is home to temples, gompas, tribal villages and lot more. Where adrenaline lovers participate in heli-skiing and explore the place, nature lovers dare to capture its eternal beauty on foot. Most popular place to visit in Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Gulaba Camp, Malana Valley, Solang Valley and Rahala Falls
Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the indomitable beauty of nature. The summer capital of India was discovered by British Government in 1819 and since then, the place continue to attract tourist all the year round. Major attractions in Simla are Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Chapslee, Christ Church and St. Michael's Cathedraland Kotesvara Temple. Its worth a while to stay at popular resorts like Shilon Resort, Honeymoon Inn, The Cecil Oberoi Resort and Springfield and enjoy its scenic beauty.
Dharamshala
Perched high in the slopes of Kangra Valley, Dharamshala is dotted with tall pine trees Deodar forest. The hill station in Himachal Pradesh preserves the unique culture of Tibet in the form of colorful temples and Gompas. Tourist places to visit in Dharamshala are Chamunda Devi Temple, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Nurpur Fort, Dall Lake, Dharmkot, Namgyal Monastery and Pong Lake Sanctuary.
Palampur
Popularly known as the 'Tea Capital of North India', Palampur hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is a newly explored tourist destination in India. Legend has it that the place was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom and later came under the regime of British Government, during the colonial period in India. Till today, tourist can witness its glorious past, preserved in the form of colonial architecture. Besides, the place is highly explored by adventure trekkers and para-gliders all the year round.
Chail
Chail is heaven amidst the mountains, 43 km from Shimla. It was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before India's Independence. It is surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Chail is also famous for its hotels. The forests near Chail have many species of birds and deer. Another unique feature of Chail is its cricket ground - the highest cricketing venue in the world.
Kufri
A scenic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. A large number of tourists throng to Kufri to participate in the annual winter sports festival organised every year in the month of February. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots.
Kangra
The natural beauty of the valley can best be enjoyed during the winters when freshly fallen snow spreads its white charm throughout. As far as the vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed tropical and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak and cedar growing at higher altitude. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the lower Himalayas.
Chamba
Chamba is a small town but its natural beauty will touch your senses and soul. It is a wonder in itself for every visitor. Chamba valley has magnificent sceneries with well defined snowy ranges.
Renuka ji
This place in the Sirmour district is famous for being the largest natural lake in Himachal. It is named after the Goddess Renuka who was the mother of the legendary sage Parashurama. The lake is believed to be sacred by Hindus as it is in the shape of a reclining woman, which is supposed to be the embodiment of the goddess. The lake is full of colorful fish and other aquatic animals and is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, a few other temples and green hills.
Dalhousie
Trip to Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is just more than any leisure activities. The charming hill station is sandwiched between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The hill station, now-a-days is gaining attention in the sector of travel and tourism in India. Tourists from different corner of the world visit the place all through out the year. A walk down the way to Satdara and Panchpullah offers the ultimate beauty of nature. Other attractions of note are Kala Tope Khajjiar Sanctuary, Jhandrighat, Chamera Dam and Lower Bakrota Hill, which is home to more than 50-odd Tibetan families.
Manali
Manali, a sought after destination for adventure seekers is not just a place to undergo adventure activities. This hill station in Himachal Pradesh is home to temples, gompas, tribal villages and lot more. Where adrenaline lovers participate in heli-skiing and explore the place, nature lovers dare to capture its eternal beauty on foot. Most popular place to visit in Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, Gulaba Camp, Malana Valley, Solang Valley and Rahala Falls
Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the indomitable beauty of nature. The summer capital of India was discovered by British Government in 1819 and since then, the place continue to attract tourist all the year round. Major attractions in Simla are Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Chapslee, Christ Church and St. Michael's Cathedraland Kotesvara Temple. Its worth a while to stay at popular resorts like Shilon Resort, Honeymoon Inn, The Cecil Oberoi Resort and Springfield and enjoy its scenic beauty.
Dharamshala
Perched high in the slopes of Kangra Valley, Dharamshala is dotted with tall pine trees Deodar forest. The hill station in Himachal Pradesh preserves the unique culture of Tibet in the form of colorful temples and Gompas. Tourist places to visit in Dharamshala are Chamunda Devi Temple, Maharana Pratap Sagar, Nurpur Fort, Dall Lake, Dharmkot, Namgyal Monastery and Pong Lake Sanctuary.
Palampur
Popularly known as the 'Tea Capital of North India', Palampur hill stations in Himachal Pradesh is a newly explored tourist destination in India. Legend has it that the place was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom and later came under the regime of British Government, during the colonial period in India. Till today, tourist can witness its glorious past, preserved in the form of colonial architecture. Besides, the place is highly explored by adventure trekkers and para-gliders all the year round.
Chail
Chail is heaven amidst the mountains, 43 km from Shimla. It was the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala before India's Independence. It is surrounded by lush forests with a commanding view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Chail is also famous for its hotels. The forests near Chail have many species of birds and deer. Another unique feature of Chail is its cricket ground - the highest cricketing venue in the world.
Kufri
A scenic destination of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is located at a distance of 13 km from Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. A large number of tourists throng to Kufri to participate in the annual winter sports festival organised every year in the month of February. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots.
Kangra
The natural beauty of the valley can best be enjoyed during the winters when freshly fallen snow spreads its white charm throughout. As far as the vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed tropical and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak and cedar growing at higher altitude. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the lower Himalayas.
Chamba
Chamba is a small town but its natural beauty will touch your senses and soul. It is a wonder in itself for every visitor. Chamba valley has magnificent sceneries with well defined snowy ranges.
Renuka ji
This place in the Sirmour district is famous for being the largest natural lake in Himachal. It is named after the Goddess Renuka who was the mother of the legendary sage Parashurama. The lake is believed to be sacred by Hindus as it is in the shape of a reclining woman, which is supposed to be the embodiment of the goddess. The lake is full of colorful fish and other aquatic animals and is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, a few other temples and green hills.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Science City in Jalandhar, Punjab
Science City in Jalandhar provides full of knowledge of science, information and fun to ensure longer and repeated visits.
Aim of the project to create interest in science through open-ended exploration away from text books and black boards, with a scientific approach to problem solving.
The project has something for everyone, regardless of age, education, profession or social strata and is intended to make science accessible to people who are not part of the formal education system.
Booking Contacts & Enquiries
Pushpa Gujral Science City
Jalandhar-Kapurthala Road, Kapurthala, Punjab.
Tel. No.: 91-1822-501963,501964,501965
Fax No.: 91-1822-501966
Read More About Science City in Jalandhar
Read More About Punjab Tourism
Chandigarh Travels & Tourist Attractions
Chandigarh Travels & Tourist Attractions
Sukhna Lake
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Sukhna LakeSukhna Lake in Chandigarh, India is an artificial lake at the foothills of the Himalayas, the Shivalik hills. This 3 km² rainfed lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream coming down from the Shivalik Hills. Originally the seasonal flow entered the lake directly causing heavy siltation. To check the inflow of silt, 25.42 km² of land was acquired in the catchment area and put under vegetation. In 1974, the Choe was diverted and made to bypass the lake completely, the lake being fed by three siltation pots, minimising the entry of silt into the lake itself. The creation of the lake was one of the greatest gift from Le Corbusier and the Chief Engineer P L Verma to the city of Chandigarh. |
Rock Garden
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| Rock Garden |
An embodiment of imagination and novelty, the Rock Garden in Chandigarh is a rare scenario, which cannot be equated with anything else. Only one of its kinds, the garden is put up with the urban and industrial wastes. It is sandwiched between the Sukhna Lake and the Capitol Complex in Sector 1. This wonderful artwork is the innovative creation of Nek Chand, a former Road Inspector in Chandigarh. Molded in the form of an open-air exhibition hall, Rock Garden is spread over an expanse of 64 acres.
It displays various sculptures made up of broken ken glass bangles, china ware, discarded fluorescent tubes, clay and coal. Walls of terracotta pots and the maze of paths, canyons and chambers proffer the glance of a dream world. The fantastic 14 chambers with a waterfall, puddles, statues of animals, birds this garden helps one to stretch ones imagination. A garden without a single flower is the venue of the annual Teej Festival. The builds in the garden prove high similitude to Mughal ethnicity.
It displays various sculptures made up of broken ken glass bangles, china ware, discarded fluorescent tubes, clay and coal. Walls of terracotta pots and the maze of paths, canyons and chambers proffer the glance of a dream world. The fantastic 14 chambers with a waterfall, puddles, statues of animals, birds this garden helps one to stretch ones imagination. A garden without a single flower is the venue of the annual Teej Festival. The builds in the garden prove high similitude to Mughal ethnicity.
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| Rose Garden |
The largest rose garden in Asia, started in 1967, Zakir Rose Garden is spread across a vast area of 17 acres. It exhibits all types of rose plants numbering up to 1,600 plant varieties. It is not just roses that this garden houses, but it is also a hub of rare plant species, which has got enormous medicinal value. This well planned and neatly maintained garden is open to public from morning to evening.
A perfect symphony of colours and the rich fragrance of the lovely flowers is eye catching spectacle which tempts the visitor to come back again and again. The therapeutic plants that can be marked here include bahera, bel, camphor, harar and yellow gulmohar. Rose garden serves as the venue for hosting the annual festival of gardens, a major cultural event of the city. Each year this garden hosts a rose festival with cultural festivities and contests, which turns to be a major crowd puller in the city.
A perfect symphony of colours and the rich fragrance of the lovely flowers is eye catching spectacle which tempts the visitor to come back again and again. The therapeutic plants that can be marked here include bahera, bel, camphor, harar and yellow gulmohar. Rose garden serves as the venue for hosting the annual festival of gardens, a major cultural event of the city. Each year this garden hosts a rose festival with cultural festivities and contests, which turns to be a major crowd puller in the city.
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| Leisure Valley |
Leisure valley is the most beautiful and popular tourist attraction destination in Chandigarh. A continuum of various theme gardens to take care of the body and spirit of the city. Le Corbusier retained the eroded valley of a seasonal rivulet on the original site of the City and sculptured it into a Linear park now over 8km long. Chd Leisure valley is like a garland of gardens that beautifies the entire city. It begins from Rajendra Park in Sector 1 that is basically used for long walks, yoga and other fitness workout activities and stretches till the Bougainvillea garden in Sector 3. It also covers the splendid garden of roses in Sector 16. Leisure valley takes a curvaceous turn, when it enters Sector 23. It is in the Leisure valley in Chandigarh, India that different kinds of theme gardens are set up.
RAJENDRA PARK, Sector
SMRITI UPAVAN, Sector 1
BOUGAINVILLEA GARDEN, Sector-3
FITNESS TRAILS, Sector 10
BOTANICAL GARDEN, Sector 14
ROSE GARDEN, Sector 16
SHANTI KUNJ, Sector16
TERRACED GARDEN, Sector 33
TOPIARY PARK, Sector 35
HIBISCUS GARDEN, Sector 36
GARDEN OF FRAGRANCE, Sector 36
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| Museum & Art Gallery |
On display here one can have the glimpse of the original documents pertaining to the planning and evolution of the city, and also of some rare plans, sketches and relevant photographs prepared by Master Planner of the City. The detailed information about this Chandigarh Architecture Museum can be had from a beautifully published handbook for the Museum which is on sale at its reception counter.
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