Archive for the ‘States of North India’ Category
January 30th, 2012 | 
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How To Get There
Air : 127km from Almora, Pantnagar is the nearest airport. At present flights are however not operational.
Rail : Kathgodam (90km) is the nearest railhead with connection to Delhi, Howrah & Lucknow.
Road : Buses connect Almora with Kathgodam, Nainital (66km), Ranikhet, Pithoragarh(122km) & Delhi (380km) directly. There is also direct connection to Nepal Border, Banbassa (7 hours). Buses depart at a regular interval, every half of an hour for Kathgodam (3 hours). It takes about 2 hours to travel to Nainital & 4 hours to Pithoragarh. Infact road transportation is the most convenient way to travel to Airnora.
About The Place
At an altitude of 1638 meters and located on the ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills of the Himalayan range, Almora is at a distance of 380 km from Delhi. In the shape of a horse saddle shaped hillock it is surrounded by thick forests of pine and fur trees, flowing alongside the city are rivers of Koshi and Suyal and to top it all are the snow capped Himalayas in the background.
It is a town bustling with activity, and has a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, with a mesmerizing panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty.Almora is a scenic hill station in the northern state of Uttarakhand.
Located on a five km long ridge which is shaped like a horse shoe, Almora is a quaint town in Kumaon Hills in the Himalayan range. It is at an average height of 1,651 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by greenery all around with beautiful thick forests of fir and pine trees covering the hills.
Almora offers amazing views of the snow capped mountain peaks of the Himalayas and is popular among visiting tourists for its natural splendour. The Kosi and Suyal rivers run alongside the town adding to the beauty of the place. It is surrounded by the hill ranges of Kasar Devi, Banari Devi, Shayahi Devi and Katarnal, all of which are adorned by temples at the peaks.
There are many beautiful temples in Almora. The 1000 years old Temple of Goddess Nanda Devi is located right in the middle of the town. The Chitai Temple is the temple of Lord Golu, worshipped by the people of the Kumau region of Uttaranchal. There are quite a few temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, few dedicated to Goddess Durga, and another few Vaishnavite temples scattered all around the town.
Tourism In Almora
Situated on a 5 km long mountain range, the small town of Almora has a unique historical, cultural and political importance. Unlike other cities in the vicinity such as Shimla, Ranikhet and Nainital that were developed by the English, Almora was set up by the Indians. The way this hill station has lived up to its ancient traditions makes it different from other hill stations in the state and the country.
A popular tourist destination among vacationers, Almora is often referred to as the ‘town of temples’. Situated in the centre of the town is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi, known as Nanda Devi Temple. Though the temple is a major attraction of the town, other places that interest tourists include State Museum and Bright End Corner. Tourists can even travel to the outskirts in order to visit the Deer Park in NTD.
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There is ample justification for regarding Mount Kailash – the highest mountain exclusively within Tibet – as the holiest of all holy places. For Hindus, this awe-inspiring lone peak is the representation on earth of Mt Meru, the spiritual centre of their universe and a ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves. Hindus believe that Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, who sits at the summit with his consort Parvati, otherwise known as the daughter of the Himalayas.
The ‘Parikrama’, circumambulation, or journey round the base, of Mount Kailash, is said to wipe out a whole lifetime of accrued sins and many people report that they feel renewed or changed for the better after undertaking this spiritual journey. It is not just Hindus for whom Kailash is imbued with such great meaning. The Jains regard the mountain as the place where their first prophet achieved enlightenment and it is also of great spiritual significance for Buddhists and for those who still follow the ancient Bon religion. Buddhists call Kailash the “Precious Jewel Peak” and they, too, make many circumambulations in order to achieve enlightenment.
Day 01 : ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our representative will meet you at the airport & transfer to hotel. Evening, tour briefing.
Day 02 : FLIGHT, KATHMANDU TO NEPALGUNJ
Morning, Pashupati Darshan & Pooja, afternoon visit Budhanilkanth (sleeping Bishnu), monkey temple then transfer to domestic airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. 
The flight takes an hour to reach Nepalgunj (the administration head quarter of Western Nepal). In Nepalgunj airport, our representative receives you & transfer to Hotel.
Day 03 : FLY, NEPALGUNJ – SIMIKOT – HILSA, THEN DRIVE TO PURANG (Taklakot – 3400 m.).
Early morning transfer to airport (10 minutes from Hotel) for flying to Hilsa (the boarder between Nepal and China). But before reaching Hilsa, your Helicopter must land at SIMIKOT (the administrative head quarter of Northern frontier of Nepal) because the boarder immigration office is situated here only and according to the regulation of Nepal government, you must go through the immigration check before you get entered into the China side. The entire formalities take about 30 to 45 minutes. After completing the formalities in Simikot, you will continue the journey to Hilsa. Once you land at Hilsa, you will cross the River Karnali through a suspension bridge and get entered to the China side then continue TREKKING up to the “Sher village”. The Chinese immigration Office and Boarder Check Post is situated in Sher village. Our vehicles (Land Cruisers & truck) are waiting there as well. The actual trek takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Sher from the suspension bridge. Due to the different pace of walking, it may take at least two hours to gather all group members & luggage in immigration office up in Sher. However, the formalities don’t take long time but it depends on the mood of Chinese Police. From Sher, it takes another an hour to reach Taklakot (Purang -3700 m.).
- Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour.
- Simikot to Hilsa flight: 20 minutes.
- Hilsa to Sher trek: 1 hour.
- Sher to Taklakot drive: 1 hour.
Day 04 : REST DAY IN TAKLAKOT (PURANG) FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
Today, you will have rest in Taklakot for acclimatization purpose. In fact, you have gained an enormous height within a day while coming in Taklakot, so before making any further journey to the higher elevation, your body should be acclimatized properly with the atmosphere in high altitude. 
So, it is significantly important to spend a day here for your health. However, we can also arrange a short visit to the Khojarnath temple (the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman) which is an optional program and you have to pay for transport (going and coming back) as well as the entrance fee of the temple. OR, you may stroll around the city on your own and visit the ruins of ancient Taklakot.
Khojarnath temple: Khojarnath temple is the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman. The temple (Monastery) is 1100 years old. – Takalakot to Khojarnath temple: 45 minutes (one way) by Jeep.
Day 05 : DRIVE, PURANG TO LAKE MANSAROVAR (Chiu Gompa – 4550 m.)
Early morning (after breakfast) you will depart for Lake Manasarovar (4560 m- Chui Gompa). The drive takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. On the way, you will have a short break in Rakshas Taal (Lake Ravana) to take some pictures & observe the sceneries. After taking a short break in Rakshas Taal, you will continue your journey to Lake Manasarover. After having holy dip and lunch at Lake Mansarovar, you will start for circumambulation around the lake by jeep. The journey around the lake requires approximately 3 hours.
- The distance of Mansarovar circumambulation: 72 km
- Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
- Jeep tour around Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
Day 06 : DRIVE, LAKE MANSAROVAR TO DARCHEN (4664 m.).
In the morning, perform Pooja (worship) & Snan (holy dip) after that we head out to Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp, 4662m).
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen – 40 km
- Lake Mansarovar to Darchen drive – 1 hour & 30 minutes.
Day 07 : DRIVE, DARCHEN TO YAM DWAR THEN TREK TO DERAPHUK (4920 m)
Early morning, drive to Yam Dwar (OR Serson, 10 kms / 4750m), the auspicious gateway to the Parikrama (circuit) around Mt. Kailash. As well as, this is the sky burial sites of local Tibetan people. From here, you can see the closest view of Mt. Kailash. This is the particular place from where the group normally splits in two parts. Those, who are willing to perform the holy circumambulation around the Mt. Kailash will start trekking from this place and the rest of the people who are not willing to go for trekking will return Darchen on Jeep and wait for others to come. The trail to Deraphuk is easy & flat but because of the high elevation of the area, you will find this trek a tough one. The total journey to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m/18 km). requires 5 to 6 hours respectively. However, it depends on your pace.
- Darchen to Yam Dwar drive: 45 minutes.
- Yam Dwar to Deraphuk trek: 5 to 6 hours
Day 08 : TREK TO ZUTULPHUK (4780 m). VIA DOLMA PASS (5600 m.)
Early morning start up hill trekking to Dolma-La (5600 m). This is the toughest day of this journey. The entire trail up to Dolma-La is gradually up and from here the trail rapidly drops down to the next valley (Zutulphuk). 
The holiest water pool (glacial lake – Gauri kunda) is just situated beyond this pass. This is the lake, people believe, where Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath. After making down hill trek to the valley (the next side of the high pass), the trek up to Zutulphuk Gomba requires another two hours. From here, the train is easy and flat.
Day 09 : FINISH TREK NEAR DARCHEN THEN DRIVE BACK TO TAKLAKOT
Today, you will complete the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash. The trek will be finished near Darchen where our vehicles will be waiting to fetch you and transfer to Taklakot. Evening in Taklakot.
- Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 3 hours
- Darchen to Purang drive: 3 hours
Day 10 : DRIVE TO HILSA – FLY KATHMANDU VIA NEPALGUNJ
Early morning (after breakfast), you will drive to Sher village then trek down to Hilsa (45 minutes) and take Helicopter flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
- Purang to Sher: 1 hour.
- Sher to Hilsa trek: 30 minutes.
- Hilsa to Simikot: 20 minutes flight.
- Simikot to Nepalgunj: 1 hour.
- Nepalgunj to Kathmandu: 1 hours
Day 11 : BACK HOME
Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for your flight back home. Reporting time at the airport counter: two hours prior to the departure time.
Udaipur Airport : 26 KM
Udaipur Railway Station : 4 KM
Roadways Bus Stand : 3 KM
Location:
Shiv Niwas Palace is located in the heart of the city.
Accommodation:
The hotel offers luxurious accommodation in its 6 Royal Suites, 3 Imperial Suites, 8 Terrace Suites, and 19 Palace Rooms. Each of its room is a masterpiece of art and royal taste. All the accommodations feature modern amenities.
The feeling of royalty and comfort of home, Shiv Niwas Palace is one of the prominent heritage hotels of Udaipur. The palace built in the 20th century serves high profile guests business executives, and honeymooners. While the look is that of century old architecture, amenities here would give you a complete different feeling. With Udaipur city views and a splendorous garden, this palace hotel of Udaipur has made a mark among the heritage hotels of India. Shiv Niwas Udaipur has 17 well-decorated and furnished suites for the royal visitors. This hotel is also popular for hosting wedding ceremonies and other banquets. Guests here also enjoy car parking, pick and drop, and laundry services.
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.
Location : At a distance of 16 km from Palampur in the Beas valley
Built by : Ahuka and Manyuka
Built in : 1204 A.D
Dedicated to : Lord Shiva
Significance : Water of this temple has medicinal properties
How to reach : One can easily reach Baijnath Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Himachal Pradesh
Baijnath is located at a distance of 16 km from the town of Kausani, in the Katyuri Valley. Lying in the ancient town of Baijnath, the town is historically and religiously significant. Once known as Kartikyapura, 
Baijnath was the capital of the Katyuri dynasty of kings who ruled Uttaranchal during 12th and 13th centuries. Constructed in the 12th century, the Baijnath Temple holds significance. This is because, according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.
Located at an elevation of 1,125 m above sea level, the town is famous for its temples of Shiva, Ganesh and Parvati, along with those of Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahma. Temple of Maheshsur Mardini portrays the slaying of the bull-headed deon by the Goddess Kali. On the banks of the Gomti River, in the Garur Valley, Baijnath Temple is located. At a distance of 3 km from the town, Kote-ke-mai temple is located. This temple is famous for the sculpted statue of Vishnu, who is the presiding deity of the temple.
History Of Baijnath Temple
Lord Shiva is commemorated here as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physician) and is placed in the form of ‘Lingam’ (phallic form of Lord Shiva). The main sanctum comprises five projections on every side and a tall curved shikhar (spire). The history of Baijnath temple is inscribed on the stone slabs inside the complex. As per the beliefs, Ravana (King of Lanka) had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.
The water of this temple is believed to contain medicinal properties, 
which can cure diseases of people. Due to this reason too, Baijnath Temple receives thousands of people every year. Shivratri is the major festival that is observed at this temple with full gusto and fervor. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek the blessings from the God.
Besides the shrine of Lord Shiva, there are many other small shrines dedicated to Gods and Goddesses. In the early 20th century, the temple was suffered from an earthquake. Raja Sansar Chand made an effort to renovate the temple after the calamity. The temple complex acquires lush green gardens, which makes a perfect foreground to the ancient and unique structure of this temple. Baijnath temple is considered as a part of Indian Heritage, so security arrangements are made here to avoid any unwanted element.
If your are short on time, the ‘Best of India Tour’ is the best tour package to explore India. The ‘Best of India Tour’ combines the Golden Triangle tourist circuit and Udaipur to bring you the best of India.
Tour Information
Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights
Destinations: ( Delhi- Agra- Fatehpur Sikri- Jaipur- Udaipur )
Day 01: Arrival Delhi
You will be received by our representative at the airport, who will take you to the hotel. You will be accorded a traditional welcome. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
After breakfast, head on a guided tour of New Delhi. Some of the monuments you visit on your sightseeing tour include Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, Connaught Place and India Gate. In the afternoon proceed on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, visit Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat and other memorials. You also take a ride on a cycle rickshaw.
Dinner with an Indian family is the main highlight of your evening activity. You visit an Indian family for dinner to get an insight into the Indian way of life. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi- Agra
After breakfast proceed to Agra. In the afternoon tour the massive Agra Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort houses various beautiful palaces and mansions that you can visit on your tour of Agra Fort. In the evening visit Taj Mahal and watch the wonder monument change color as the sun sets. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Agra-Fatehpur Sikri-Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to the Pink City—Jaipur. En-route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of Akbar, the Mughal emperor. The city has some palatial buildings, a mosque and the shrine of saint Salim Chisti. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
This is the day to take in the architectural beauty of the Pink City. You visit Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal and other important places on your sightseeing tour of Jaipur. Jaipur is rich with ancient monuments, which were built centuries ago. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur-Udaipur
After breakfast transfer to airport to catch a flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at hotel. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh about four centuries ago. On your tour you visit many important tourist places in Udaipur, which include the Jagdish Temple, the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Day 07: Udaipur-Delhi
The day is at leisure. Take independent walks in the bustling bazaars of Udaipur. You can also visit Shilpgram, the crafts village to shop for some exquisite handicraft items. Afterwards transfer to airport to catch a flight to Delhi.
Day 08: Delhi
Upon arrival check in at hotel. Refresh and relax. Later transfer to airport to catch a flight back home. Tour ends.
Altitude : 2730 meters
State : Jammu and Kashmir
Languages : Kashmiri and Hindi
Attractions : Skiing
A huge cup shaped meadow, lush and green with slopes where the silence is broken only by the tinkle of cowbells, Gulmarg looks like a fantasy set in a film and not surprisingly have been the venue of several films.
The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 metres, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means ‘Meadow Of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Not’s and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide.
All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It’s a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there– roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature’s colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travelers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
Shimla is a beautiful Hill station in the lap of Himachal Pradesh and is also its capital. It is located at an altitude of 2213 m. Shimla derives its name from goddess ‘Shayamla Devi’ , another form of Goddess Kali. Shimla has been blessed with natural beauty and is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. Its green valleys, the beauty of its trees, pine, oak and deodar and its beautiful weather attract the tourists throughout the year. The spectacular cool hills accompanied by the structures made during the colonial era create an atmosphere, which has given Shimla Hill Station the title of ” Queen of Hills “. Though Shimla has a regular flow of tourists throughout the year, maximum tourists come in May and October. In December, tourists flock to Shimla to enjoy the pleasant snowfall.
Shimla retains its colonial heritage, with grand old buildings, charming iron lampposts and Anglo-Saxon names. Besides the old Tudor and Georgian cottage-pattern houses erected by the British, new edifices have also been constructed in Shimla. Shimla is also famous for its flowers like lily, rhododendron and many undiscovered and anonymous beauties.
Apart from its natural attractions, Shimla is also famous for its architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. The Mall, The Gaiety Theatre, Himalayan Bird Park, Kufri, Chail, Nalderao, Fagu, Viceregal lodge, Himachal State Museum, Sanjauli, Temples and Daranghati Sanctuary are just some of the famous tourist spots of the hill station. Shimla is also famous for its adventure sports, which include trekking to the Kullu valley and trout fishing at the Pabbar River . The more adventurous can also opt for skiing at the Narkanda and Kufri . The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.