A well-planned trip is not only blissful but lingers fresh in the memory for a long time. One obviously would love a hassle-free holiday, as it is meant for rest and enjoyment and above all to escape from the daily ordeal of life. If on a holiday too, one finds oneself running from pillar to post and making last-minute arrangements, one would love to forget the holiday and the horrifying memories associated with it. India is a tough country, in terms of temperament and terrain. Before venturing on a sojourn to India, one needs to follow some simple guidelines to make the stay a pleasant one. Follow the tips in earnest and put your best foot forth and come to India with a desire, and India promises that you will leave the land with an ardent wish to come back again.

DO’S AND DON’TS
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Kedarnath is a small town in de midhills of the Himalaya mountains in the state of Uttarakhand in north-western India. It is a Hindu holy town and is one of the Himalaya Char Dham yatra. Kedarnath is located at about 3584 mtrs. above sea level and lies near to the head of river Mandakini. It is flanked by many breathtaking peaks. If you arrive in the early or late season, you will most likely find your path in the morning and evening to be frozen and slippery. Then the the temple and houses are all under a pack of snow and the people around packed with many layers of clothes and all chiffering, sipping tea at the teashop next to the temple. Sadhus camp on the streets while trying to stay warm by burning locally found woods.

Kedarnath hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples and is a ever more popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. In a scenic spot at the origin of the river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is most venerated amongst the Hindu pilgrims. Read the rest of this entry »

Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam or the house of the Lord Tirupati is most likely Hindu India’s visited holy place. Located amidst verdant greenery atop a hill enclosed by outcroppings of red rock, the temple draws the devout in thousands daily, is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, one of the personifications of Vishnu. The temple is the cause that this town gets visitors, frequently pilgrims who have traveled hundreds of kilometers to get a wish of the Lord.

Tirumala is one of a small amount of temples to allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. Remember, to leave the footwear behind at the stall outside the temple complex. Do not give way to the high-pressure tactics of ticket toting touts. Get it from the temple’s official counter.

The temple houses has a lot of decorated idol of Sri Venkateswara before whom one is permitted only a few moments before the next area load of visitors is to be ushered in.

Tirupathi receives a record number of pilgrim’s daily, other than any holy city in the world. These record crowds overthrow bigger records during the festivals and on weekends. According to whether disorder is the cup of tea or not, one can choose high-season weekends or off-season weekdays. Read the rest of this entry »

Amritsar City

With a part of the land granted by Emperor Akbar, the foundation stone laid by a Muslim Sufi Saint, Mian Mir, the construction was completed in 1601. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions, the scripture is unique, and it contains the divine message as received by saints, bhagats and pirs of all the faiths of India.

The Baisakhi and Diwali fairs in April and October every year are celebrated with great fervor and gusto.On the fair of Baisakhi all the jewelry in the toshakhana (treasury) of the temple, which consist of indescribable ornaments, is displayed around Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Diwali of Amritsar is out-of-the-world. The entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colours. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool binds the eye, to the many-a-splendoured pageant. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the times gone past

Temple construction
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Reach Amarnathji From Pahalgam
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 Kms from Pahalgam and 141 Kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribe that Yatra be undertaken from Srinagar , the more common practice is to begin journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. the trek from Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregerine route. pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out. The first day’s trek of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through spectacular primeval country side and the main centre of attraction is Sheshnag a mountain which derves its name from seven peaks resembling the head of mythical snake. A cascading stream accompanies you with wild scenery untouched by modern civilzation. The second night camp at Wavjan overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake and glaciers beyond it. The tales of love and revenge associated
with Sheshnag are recounted by campfires to the stillnes of pine scented Himalyan night.

The second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descendeing to the meadow land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.

From Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6kms and an early morning start is recommended for there is long queue awaitning entry at the cave. The same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for night halt.

For those who journey with faith it is a rewarding experience Read the rest of this entry »

The nearest Railway Station and Airport are at Jammu, at a distance of 50 Kms from Base camp Katra. A regular bus services are plying from Railway Station, Air port and General Bus Stand Jammu to Katra. Also number of Taxies, Tourist vans, Deluxe Busses are available at these places. However number of inter state busses are available for Katra from almost all the major cities of North India.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is linked to the Base Camp Katra with a 13 Kms track. The entire uphill Journey from Katra to Bhawan is on foot, however, one can hire ponies, palkies or pithoo for ease of journey.

Recently Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started the air taxi services between Jammu, Katra and Sanjichat at the normal rates.

Route of shri Mata Vaishno Devi

The 13 Kms hilly track between Katra and Bhawan contains number of ancient temples and view-points for rest and enjoy natural beauty. The first stop is at Banganga, 1 Km away from Katra where one can have holy bath in the Banganga and have a Langer/Parshad (free food) run by famous T-series Industries. Read the rest of this entry »

Zanskar experiences drastic fluctuations in the daily temperature even during the height of summer. While the days are pretty warm, even hot at times due to the desertic effect, the evenings can become quite chilly thus requiring additional clothing. It is advisable to be prepared for this situation with a pullover and a down jacket. Other essential items include a sturdy pair of walking shoes, a good sleeping bag, and a pair of woolen socks or some thick cotton socks. It is also essential to bring a quality tent if the intention is to travel or trek around on your own, and a good quality rucksack for back packing. It is also important to carry your provisions from Srinagar or Kargil, if a longer tour of the adjoining villages is intended.

Banks
The State bank of India (with money changing facility) and J&K bank have a branch each in Kargil.

Communication
Kargil has world wide direct dialing telephone facility, besides post and telegraph offices. In addition J&K Tourism operates its own wireless Radio phone network with field stations at Kargil, Padum and Leh which are connected with controlling stations at Srinagar, Delhi and Jammu. During the tourist season mobile wireless stations are also established in key places in the remote areas. Read the rest of this entry »

Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar range. In geological terms, this is a young land, formed only a few million years ago by the buckling and folding of the earth’s crust as the Indian sub-continent pushed with irresistible force against the immovable mass of Asia. Its basic contours, uplifted by these unimaginable tectonic movements, have been modified over the millennia by the opposite process of erosion, sculpted into the form we see today by wind and water. Read the rest of this entry »

Royal experience of Rajasthan can be seen on a tour package of the Palace on Wheels, a journey that is much more than a luxury train ride. Palace on Wheels epitomizes the rich Indian heritage and journeys through one of the most exotic regions in the world - Dazzling Delhi, Amazing Agra, and specially Royal Rajasthan. Pamper yourself with royalty unlimited. Where else can you relax in comfort and witness exotic India passing by. Welcome aboard the royal journey called Palace on Wheels. Read the rest of this entry »

For Incredible India , Like all other things, planning plays a key role for a successful and happy traveling experience. Here are some important travel tips that could help you plan and enjoy your holidays. Travel tips such as Air travel tips, cheap airfare tips, travel insurance tips, and travel packing tips would save you from hassles of being caught off guard during travel. Read the rest of this entry »