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Archive for the ‘Deserts of India’ Category

Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Island. It is the largest city of the Union Territory as well and located on the east coast of south Andaman Island. The city is named after the Lieutenant Archibald Blair who established a colony here in the year 1789.
The city is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places of this exotic island. Remarkable for its clean and serene beauty, Port Blair is visited by thousands of tourist from all over the world.

This wonderful place is treasure house of marine life thriving on its wide starched coastal beaches. Known for famous beaches and eye catching vistas, this place is heaven for travelers. Tourist can reach to the city through air and sea route from the main land of India. The whole city is connected with bus and auto services from one end to another. There are numerous places worth visiting at Port Blair. These are some of the famous destinations for Sightseeing in Port Blair:

CHIRIYA TAPU – This fishermen’s village should be on any excursion itinerary from Port Blair. It is made special by its beaches and mangroves. It is just 30 kms from Port Blair.

CINQUE ISLAND – It may be regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the whole of the Andamans. It is surrounded by pristine coral reefs and some extraordinary beaches. It allows one a closer look at the underwater coral gardens. This island also provides ample opportunities for scuba diving, swimming, fishing and camping. However, a visit to this place requires permission from the Department of Forests.
HAVELOCK ISLAND – The home of the Onges in Dugong Creek, this island with its pristine beauty, is certainly not a place to be missed during a trip to the Andamans. However, this island also requires one to have a permit from the Department of Forests.

JOLLY BUOY ISLAND – Another important destination to be visited from Port Blair is the Jolly Buoy Island. This island attracts visitors because of its unique Marine National Park. It also has options for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking in the sun.

MOUNT HARRIETT – It is a wonderful natural park which is well worth a visit. Not very far off from here is Madhuban, a wonderful place cradled in the lap of nature. Here, one can see elephants being trained to carry logs.

ROSS ISLAND – One among many excursion points from Port Blair is the Ross Island. Spread over an area of 200 acres, this island houses old British bungalows from the colonial rule. The ruins of bungalows, churches, ballrooms, bakeries, clubs and dungeons attract tourists here. The island is now inhabited by herds of deer and majestic peacocks.

NEIL ISLAND – Located not more than 40 kms from Port Blair, this island is primarily populated with Bengalis. It has some wonderful beaches where one can go snorkeling. Interestingly enough, the beaches are numbered and have their own specialties. Beach No. 1 offers you relaxing hammocks while all the beaches maintain their common feature of being picture perfect.

SIPPIGHAT FARM & WATER SPORTS COMPLEX – Located at a distance of 15 km from Port Blair, Sippighat is known for its government-owned farm dedicated to research on various kinds of agricultural products, especially different variety of spices. Sippighat also has a water sports complex with a range of water sports.
VIPER ISLAND – This island is of great historical importance, having been used by the British to harbour convicts. In fact, the first jail was constructed on this island, which later was shifted after the Cellular Jail was constructed. A wonderful picnic spot, the island contains dungeons, a natural amphitheatre and ruins of gallows which are reminders of a grim past.

WANDOOR – Around 29 kms from Port Blair, the Wandoor is a group of 15 stunningly beautiful islands. This is also a part of the 280 sq. km Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. It is full of coral reefs and has a wonderful beach. But one has to careful and not be too adventurous, as the underwater current is very strong.

The Sundarbans is a vast delta formed by the rivers Ganga and Brahmaputra at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal. Losing velocity as they meet the plains, the sluggish waters widen their channels to form an enormous network of waterways and canals, inaccessible except by boat. The Sundari tree that dominates the coastline lends its name to the delta region. The coastal forest gives way to mangrove swamps which penetrate 60-80 miles inland.

A hundred islands have been created by the criss-crossing of the river channel, spread over the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. The Sundarban National Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site and covers 4262 sq. km in India. The Royal Bengal Tiger has adapted remarkably to the park (yes, it can even swim here!) though the marshes are not its original habitat.

The unique eco-system of the Sundarbans shields 200 birds and 84 species of mangroves.Organised trips into the Sundarbans start from Port Canning or Basanti to Sajnekhali, where there is a wild life sanctuary with accommodation facilities. The Bhagatpur Crocodile Project is a crocodile breeding farm, while Kanak is the nesting place of the Olive Ridley turtles.

To explore this wondrous, uninhabited land, nothing could be better than a luxury cruise through its still waters. Luxury cruises into the Sundarban network of rivers and creeks with services that match the highest standards are available, with onboard facilities like a multi-cuisine restaurant, a gym, an ayurvedic spa, bar, art gallery, library, and lively on-board entertainment.Cruise operators cover Namkhana, Bhagatpur Crocodile Project, Sagar Island and Jambudweep. The cruise from Sajnekhali plies through Sudhanyakhali, Buridabri – Netidhopan and Holiday Island. From Sonakhali the cruise moves into Gosaba; and from Raidighi to Kalas. Wild life can be observed from the watchtowers at Netidhopan, Sajnekhali, Sudhanyakhali and Haldi.

Foreign tourists may collect their permits for the Sundarban tour from the Secretary, West Bengal Forest Department, Kolkata.

Location : Western Rajasthan, 795 Km from Delhi

Must Visit : Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Patuwon Ki Haveli,

Temperature : Max 46 º C, Min 35 º C (summer); Max 14º C, Min 02º C (winter)

Languages : Hindi, Rajasthani and English

Ideal Time : October to March is the ideal time to visit Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer STD Code : 0141

The Rajasthan desert or the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan is the biggest desert in India. The Thar Desert or the Great Indian Desert encompasses about 70% of total landmass of Rajasthan and hence it is identified as the “Desert State of India”. The Thar Desert embraces the districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur.

Actually, Rajasthan desert is a greater part of the Thar Desert that is spread across the western part of India and the southeastern Pakistan. Thus this huge stretch of barren land extends into the southern part of Haryana, Punjab and Northern Gujrat and Sind province of Pakistan. The desert in Rajasthan is bounded by the Sutlej River in the northwest, the Aravali mountains in the east and the salty marshland of the Rann of Kutch in the south and the Indus River in the west.

The battle with Ala-ud-din Khilji resulted in the death of Duda, son of Jaitasimha and a Bhatti hero. Jaisalmer continued to be ruled by the descendants of Duda afterwards. The year 1541 saw another battle in Jaisalmer, with Mughal Emperor Himayun. Later Sabala Simha ruled Jaisalmer under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shahajahan. He earned this right as a reward for battle distinctions in Peshawar. During the British rule, the state of Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

The city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. Once surrounded by a now battered wall, the old city has seen ages coming and going on. Amongst the many attractions of the city, the main one is Jaisalmer fort. Built in the 12th century, this fort provides a magnificent view of the golden desert below. The other attractions include massive havelis built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. Also, a desert safari of the city, providing a glimpse of sand dunes, will leave you with a sight forever etched in your memory.

In the medieval times Bidar belonged to the Chalukyan branch who established their capital in 977 A.D. at Kalyani, 57 kms away. Falling to the Yadavas of Devagiri (Daulatabad) and to the Kakatiyas of Warangal in 1322 A.D., Bidar fully rose to prominence under the sultanate regime.

The imposing fort of Bidar is a magnificent fort, the main gateway of which was originally built by Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali in 1429 AD. Further improvements to the citadel were carried out by the Barid Shahi Sultans. Ahmad Shah Wali (1422 – 35) the ninth Bahamani Sultan decided to shift his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar for reasons of health.

Palaces, pavilions and seraglios; lush gardens, decorated fountains and perfumed baths have all the trappings of an Arabian Nights fantasy when Bidar was ruled by the Bahamanis and the Barid Shahi Sultans of the Deccan. Sprawled on a plateau 2, 200 feet above sea level and overlooking the Manjira River Valley, cool and exhilarating Bidar was most certainly a part of ancient Vidharba mentioned in the Mahabharata. The fort is surrounded by three miles of walls with 37 bastions, most of them surmounted with cannons. This fort was a source of irritation to the Mughal rulers of Delhi, and was finally conquered by Aurangazeb. The fort now lies in ruins.

Handicrafts In Bidar

Bidriware, popularly known as “A Magic in Black and Silver” is a delicate metal ware containing silver and gold inlaid on iron. It is a very popular art form of over 800 year vintage art form of Persia promoted in Bidar with specific link to the foundation soils contained in the forts precincts. This art is exported to other countries. Zinc and copper are the basic metals used to make this handicraft. The design patterns are inlaid on pure silver wire or thin sheets. They are normally “damascened (ornamented with wavy lines) in floral and geometric designs”.

Another important ingredient in making this handicraft, made by highly skilled labour, is the soil from the basement of ancient buildings inside the Bidar Fort. It is claimed that this soil gives a lustrous black colour to the Bidriware because such soil has not been exposed to rain or sunlight for centuries. In view of high skill and special materials used in its manufacture it is possible to make it only as a handicraft.

Day 01 : Delhi
Arrive Delhi – one of the most important metropolitan, as it is the city of power. It has a very good combination of both modern, as well as ancient culture. Transfer to your hotel and rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Over night stay at the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi – Jaipur
Today you will drive to the pink city of Jaipur (260 Kms). Enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Check into your hotel on arrival and rest of the day is at leisure. This evening you may optionally visit to Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic Rajasthani village near Jaipur.

Day 03 : Jaipur
This morning visit the Amber fort, built in 16th century, enjoy an elephant ride at Amber. Drive past the Hawa Mahal, a Palace of winds. In the afternoon you will visit the city palace and museum, walk to adjacent Jantar Mantar an astronomical observatory. Rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 04 : Jaipur – Jodhpur
After breakfast proceed by surface to Jodhpur (340 Kms), Upon arrival check-in to the Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Over night stay at the Hotel.

Day 05 : Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
After breakfast drive to Jaisalmer (285 kms). Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert, like a golden mirage, is the magical city of Jaisalmer. With the crenellated golden sandstone town walls and narrow, streets, lined with exquisitely carved buildings, through which camel carts trundle leisurely, it has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. Arrive and check in Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Jaisalmer.

Day 06 : Jaisalmer
After breakfast visit to the Fort, bazaars and the old mansions known as Havelis. People still live in these ancient buildings dating from 12th to 15th century. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Over night stay at Jaisalmer.

Day 07 : Jaisalmer
The day is at leisure to explore the city and shopping. Over night stay at the hotel.

Day 08 : Jaisalmer – Bikaner
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Bikaner (333 Kms). Check in at the hotel on arrival. Later visit Junagarh fort, Lalgarh palace, Museum and the camel-breeding farm. Over night stay in hotel.

Day 09 : Bikaner – Pushkar
Breakfast at hotel. Later drive to Pushkar (250 Kms). Check in at the hotel on arrival. Later visit the Bramhas temple and the ghats on the banks of holy lake. Over night stay in hotel.

Day 10 : Pushkar – Delhi
After breakfast drive to Delhi (400 Kms). Arrive and check in at the hotel. Over night stay at the hotel.

Day 11 : Delhi
Transfer to the airport/ Railway station for homeward journey.

The city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. Once surrounded by a now battered wall, the old city has seen ages coming and going on. Amongst the many attractions of the city, the main one is Jaisalmer fort. Built in the 12th century, this fort provides a magnificent view of the golden desert below. The other attractions include massive havelis built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. Also, a desert safari of the city, providing a glimpse of sand dunes, will leave you with a sight forever etched in your memory.

Withstanding the harsh climate and battering winds of the desert, the city of Jaisalmer has kept its age-old charm. Jaisalmer travel and tourism will take you back to the royal bygone era of the once princely state. The age-old traditions and culture of the city makes it a unique experience. This desert city weaves magic on you, leaving you speechless and mesmerized. The hostile terrain of the city fades in front of the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Legendary Tales

According to myth, Lord Krishna, the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendant of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom at the top of Trikuta Hills. His divination was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. When the Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodhruva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, nestled on the top of Trikuta Hills in Rajasthan.

Places Of Interest

Desert National Park

It is an excellent ecosystem and covers a total area of about 3162 square km and was notified a National park in the year 1980. The National park is rich in diverse varieties of fauna, important among them include the Chinkara, Desert Hare, Blackbuck, Desert Snake, fox and vultures.

Sonar Fort (Jaisalmer Fort)

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include a visit to the Jaisalmer fort. Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in the state of Rajasthan. It hovers on a 250 feet high hilltop, providing an amazing view of the vast desert below. The fort has five palaces namely, Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Exquisitely carved jail screens were put up to protect the interiors of the palaces from the desert storms and sweltering heat. The arches and spandrels of the palaces have been painted with mesmerizing murals. The fort has four namely, Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. There is also an umbrella, Meghadamber, perched on the highest point of the place that represents Lord Krishna.

Tazia Tower

Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is one of the major tourist attractions. If you have done with the various Rajputana architectures scattered in the city, Tazia tower will come as a welcome break to you. It is situated in the excellent ‘Badal Palace’ complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons. Tazia Tower was erected in 1886 AD. The architecture is eye catchy and shades of brilliance often leave the observers spellbound. Each floor of the tower stands out with its unique style and the accompanied balconies exhibit artistic design and master craftsmanship, a testimony to Muslim architectural style of the ancient period.

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Nathmal ji ki Haveli built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things.

The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmedabad. The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens.

Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions, Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.

Places To Visit

Kusum Vilas Palace

Kusum Vilas Palace conglomerates the architectural style found in Champaner, elevators and modern functional requirements. Kusum Vilas Palace of Gujarat is a picturesque and historically significant tourist destination in Gujarat.

Kusum Vilas Palace along with Prem Bhawan Palace are two of the finest examples of 12th century palace architecture in Gujarat. History of Kusum Vilas Palace in Gujarat: Kusum Vilas Palace was constructed by one of the most famous architectural firms of Mumbai, Bhatkar and Bhatkar, in the early 1920s.

Dwarkanath Temple

The Dwarkanath Temple is situated in Dwarka which is about 145 kilometers from Jamnagar and considered as the the entrance of Western India. The Dwarkanath Temple of Dwarka is the holiest temples of the Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth Avatara of Vishnu and the hero of the Mahabharata epic. According to the legend, Lord Krishna left his birth place Mathura and came to this place where he settled down with his �Yadava� clan. Here he constructed the golden city and named it as Kushasthali or Dwaravati which later came to be known as Dwarka.

Marine National Park

Marine National Park of Gujarat encloses an area of 458 square kilometers in the Gulf of Kutch, that is 30 kilometers from Jamnagar. Marine National Park of Gujarat is the first marine park of the country, acknowledged in 1982. The protected area of Marine National Park of Gujarat comprises of an archipelago that is made up of 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch.

Introduction

Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab and also one of the important town in North India with an estimate population of 1.4 million people. Ludhiana is one of the richest town in Punjab state and also the industrial capital of the state because of the largest hosiery and woolen garments industry is set up there which produces one of the fine quality textile products famous all over the world. The land used for irrigation and farming is the most fertile and expensive land all over India.

It is also a home of dozens of NRI who comes every year to invest their money in hotels and condos. Apart from industrial capital, there are many places to visit in Ludhiana like it is a home of the finest Gurdwaras and other sacred shrines. Ludhiana is a famous tourist destination and a important stopover for the tourist doing the Punjab tour. Tourist will surely like the culture and warm hospitality of the people which gives a home feel to tourist. The city holds a long history and before tourist start a trip to the place it is advisable for them to get some information about the city.

Originally known as Lodi-Ana, meaning Lodi’s Place, Ludhiana was formed during the Lodi Dynasty. Lodi chiefs, Yusaf Khan and Nihang Khan, fixed the present site of Ludhiana that was a village called Mir Hota. Nihang Khan renamed the place to Ludhiana after he stayed back at the village as the Emperor’s Lieutenant. The Fort of Ludhiana was constructed by Jalal Khan.

Considered as the “Manchester of India”, Ludhiana is a major industrial hub of Punjab and is one of the high capita income cities of India. The city largely consists of knitwear factories, hosiery yarn mills and worsted and woollen yarns. It is also the location of the Punjab Agricultural University, which is one of the largest agricultural universities in Asia.

Tourist Places

Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum is situated about 5 KM from Ludhiana Railway Station, near Hotel Amaltas and it spread over an area of 4 acres. The museum was instituted in 1990 with a motive to give tribute to the gallant soldiers and to create awareness among the people about the role of defence services and how it can strengthen Indian National integration and unity. Punjab Government is still in a process of establishing a War Museum of International standard at Ludhiana, consisting of galleries like History, War Heroes, Uniforms, Air and Navy Gallery, Signal and Medical Corps, Kargil. There is a light and sound hall in a museum which conducts regular shows highlighting the stories of brave Indian soldiers especially Punjab Soldiers.

Gurdwara Charan Kanwal Sahib (Machhiwara)
Gurdwara Charan Kamal Sahib is the important Sikh shrine having a beautiful building situated on the Charan Kamal named after this Gurdwara in the city of Machiwara. Gurdwara marks the site of the garden where the 10th Guru – Guru Gobind Singh had a sip of water from the same well which is believed to be used for watering the garden on that time and then after he took a good sleep. Anyone can reach Gurdwara easily as it is well connected by Ludhiana to Chandigarh highway at Samrala (42 Kms) and to Ropar (46 Kms) by Guru Gobind Singh marg. It is known as the place where his three devotees had joined him whose names are Dhram Singh, Daga Singh and Manu Singh.

Lodhi Fort
The fort was built by the Muslim ruler Sikander Lodhi now has gone to ruin and rack. Lodhi Fort was constructed on 16th century on the strategic location near River Sutlej which earlier used to flow near it but now has changes his direction. Due to the lack of protection and conservation by ludhianvis, the fort today is only a ruin having few structures in good condition. The residents are equally responsible as they have weakened the structure by digging up borrows to make space for construction of houses and shops. The State Conservation Department, the District Administration, and the Municipal Corporation still have been showing no interest to its conservation and protection.