The Queen Of The Hills - Darjeeling

Darjeeling is popularly known as the "Queen of the Hills", and for those who are a bit tired of the hustle and bustle of Kolkata it is the ideal place to go. Old colonial style mansions and lush green hills are waiting for you.

Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful Hill Stations in India coming under the state of West Bengal. The view of Kanchenjunga, and other ranges of the Himalayas is the attraction of this little city. Darjeeling can be reached either by Air and the nearest Airport is Bagdogra. By train, you will have to travel overnight from Kolkatta at alight at New Jalpaiguri, then take the famous Toy Train which is running for more than a Century. Winding itself into the hills there is a fantastic history behind the laying of tracks for this rail route. Darjeeling can also be reached on road by jeep, van or car. But the rail route is the most enjoyable.

As per Railway authorities during the British period in India, Darjeeling was their attraction to spend in summers and they decided to lay the railway track from the plains to the hill top. The distance was less and the height disproportionate.

The Engineer behind the construction and planning the rail route lost all hopes of laying the track and frustrated, he sent a telegram to his wife in England. She replied him saying "GO BACK" meaning dont give up. This word struck his mind and he lay the route succesfully. That is why when one travels in this train would suddenly find himself or herself going on reverse and then forward again. When the train goes on reverse, it also covers a height of 12-15 feet and then forward again. Hence, he finally succeeded in laying the track and it is being maintained as the most precious piece of engineering.

Well, the train goes slowly along the road and many Hindi movies are picturised for the scenic beauty of the hill and the train and road routes going hand in hand. There are many small stations in between like Kurseong. Until you reach Ghoom (meaning round), once cannot see the city of Darjeeling. After the train takes a 360 degree round, you see the beautiful hill station lit up because the train reaches late evening it appears like lakhs of Fireflies flying in the air.

In Darjeeling, you have many places to visit. The famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoo, Foot Ball Playground, Buddhist temples, Japanese Styled Buddhist Temple, The Rock Garden, innumerable Tea Estates, a park in memory of the Soldiers, and the Tiger Hills a spot where people go to watch the sunrise from below the mountains and before it actually rises, there is a ray of golden shine on the snow covered Himalayas giving a feast to the eyes of the nature lover. One cannot also, miss to visit the House of Tenzing Sherpa, the first man to conquer Mount Everest. There is a famous lake called the MIRIK, almost on the border of India-NEPAL, one can go boating too in the calm atmosphere.

The native of this place are called the Ghurkhas. They are mongoloid like, very affectionate and loving. We coiuld see small little children attired from head to toe from the freezing cold walking along the ups and downs of the city to reach their school in the morning. They look like toys in motion. Jeeps are available for local sight seeing at a very reasonable rate. Though this Station is also getting crowded during the seasons, it is a beautiful Hill Station to be visited for relaxing and enjoying nature. Obviously, it is one of the precious jewel of India, with a touch of the British influence.

Some Useful Travel Tips

Keep the copy of your Passport, Visas, Airline Tickets and Travel Documents, besides the Original Documents separately.
Keep all the documents under lock and key in the safety of a hotel room or always carry them with you. Never show or hand them to others.
Avoid tap water or water from unknown sources. Always drink packaged drinking water.
Use only authorized taxis and buses and negotiate rates before the start of the journey.
Never share your taxi or hotel room with strangers.
Be careful of imposters posing as guides and porters.
Change currency from official moneychangers only and retain the currency exchange slip of every transaction.
Get a prescription from your doctor for some general medicines. Use mosquito repellents, coils or nets.
Wash fruits or vegetables properly brfore eating.
Always carry sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and umbrellas.
Respect the religious faiths of the locals and sanctity of the religious place. Observe a decent dress code in places of worship.
Do not insist on entering religious places restricted to outsiders or followers of different faiths.
Do not take photographs where photography is prohibited like military places, religious places, railway stations, airports and bridges.
Offering tips is a matter of personal discretion.
If you ever land in trouble, contact your Embassy and the nearest Police Station.

India Travel provides you complete India Tour information and more travel services for India Travel.

Nearest Locations of Chennai

As a city Chennai continues to maintain the best of South Indian traditions. Besides the modern city itself, there are several interesting towns like Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram, each with a rich collection of ancient temples and an array of traditional handicrafts which are very much their own.

MAHABALIPURAM: Famous for monolithic sculptures on the seashore. These sculptures belong to the period of Pallava Kings who ruled this part of South India many centuries ago. Chariot, Elephant and other huge sculptures out of single stone is worth seeing.

KANCHIPURAM: A famous place for temples and silk sarees. Also one of the place where the Hindu mutt called the Shankaracharya Mutt is situated. Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kanchi Kamakshi temples are very famous. There are many colonies who involve in weaving pure silk sarees worth seeing and purchasing too as it ranges from a simple Rs.2000/- to Rs. 1 Lakh also.

SRIPERAMBUDUR: On the way to Kanchipuram is another place called the Sriperumbudur, came to light from a sleeping village after the assassination of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, India's youngest elected Prime Minister on May 21, 1991, who in a short span of his politics, brought in a rapid change Information Technolocy, Communications Systems in India.

DAKSHINCHITRA: Situated on the ECR High way at about 25 Kms. from the centre of Chennai. It is worth spending atleast a day here to see the ancient type of common houses of the South India as it depicts the variety of houses built in those days to suit their needs. For e.g the fishermens' house in Kerala, Weavers house in Tamilnadu (Kanchipuram), Karnataka, and Andhra. One can also find the handicrafts of these states and many families actually live here and show you how they work on a potters' wheel, weave silk sarees, make glass idols and the same items are sold here. Many volunteers work here to promote the work of these artisans.

MUTTUKADU: This place is a picnic spot where you can go for boat ride, or row your boat along the backwaters and enjoy the cool breeze of the sea after 3.00 PM.

Toy Train - The Classic View

Toy train is a very well known attraction for tourists in Darjeeling. Toy train Links the town of New Jalpaiguri with the east Indian hill station of Darjeeling, this famous little trains is drawn on its 86 km journey by a 100-year-old engine in 7.5 hours.To reach Darjeeling by train, you can take the famous Toy Train at New Jalpaiguri, which is running for more than a Century. There is a fantastic history behind the laying of tracks for this rail route.

As per Railway authorities during the British period in India, Darjeeling was their attraction to spend in summers and they decided to lay the railway track from the plains to the hill top. The distance was less and the height disproportionate.

The Engineer behind the construction and planning the rail route lost all hopes of laying the track and frustrated, he sent a telegram to his wife in England. She replied him saying "GO BACK" meaning don't give up. This word struck his mind and he lay the route successfully. That is why when one travels in this train would suddenly find himself or herself going on reverse and then forward again. When the train goes on reverse, it also covers a height of 12-15 feet and then forward again. Hence, he finally succeeded in laying the track and it is being maintained as the most precious piece of engineering.

Well, the train goes slowly along the road and many Hindi movies are picturised for the scenic beauty of the hill and the train and road routes going hand in hand. There are many small stations in between like Kurseong. Until you reach Ghoom (meaning round), once cannot see the city of Darjeeling. After the train takes a 360 degree round, you see the beautiful hill station lit up because the train reaches late evening it appears like lakhs of Fireflies flying in the air.

Obviously, Darjeeling is one of the precious jewel of India, with a touch of the British influence.

Kalimpong - A Bustling Town

Kalimpong - A small but bustling town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok. The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding to the beauty of the scenery.

The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

The town is 1250 M above sea level and offers excellent views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks. The popular view points are Durpin Dara and Deoro Hill.

This bazaar town was originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal. Kalimpong has several monasteries and also a Kali temple, Churches and a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, culture etc. The Tibetan Monastery and curio center and Dr Graham's home are important tour stops.

Lava (32kms), a small village is another good place. Lava is also the base for trekking to the Neora National Park. Lolegaon is 25 kms from Lava and one can see the Singalila ranges from here.

Some facts:

Language: Gorkha, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, English.
Weather:
Summer:
Mar to Jun 15°C -25°C.
Monsoons:
Jul to Aug. Rainfall: Average Annual 2030 mm (80 inches)
Autumn & Winter:
Sep to Feb 7°C -15°C.

Source:- National Information Technology Promotion Unit, Kolkata

The Heaven of India - Kashmir

Welcome to the beautiful nature blessed land of Jammu & Kashmir. Whether a boat ride at the Dal Lake or a visit to the highest Golf Course in the world at Gulmarg or travelling to the delightful Pahalgam, Sonamarg or the serene Leh and Ladakh – a tour to Jammu & Kashmir is overhelming in every way. Explore and cherish the beauty of this wonderland with exclusive tour and travel packages of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir tour is an ideal getaway for all nature-lovers and a paradise for all honeymooners. Come and Enjoy your Jammu & Kashmir travel and relish the magnificent beauty of this heaven on earth.

Strategically located the state of Jammu and Kashmir constitutes the northern most extremity of India. Jammu & Kashmir with its summer and winter capitals at Srinagar and Jammu, respectively, is divided into 3 major and distinct regions - Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Goa-Pearl of the Orient

Goa is variously known as "Pearl of the Orient".The state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.
Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks
and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.
Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.
Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travelers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

Source:-Department of Tourism Goa

RAJASTHAN--Country of Rajputs

At the time of independence on 15th august 1947, Rajasthan was known Rajputana (country of Rajputs). It comprised of 18 Princely States, two chieftains and a British administered province of Ajmer-Merwara besides a few pockets and territories outside its main boundaries. It took seven stages to form Rajasthan as defined today. In March 1948 the Matsya Union comprising of Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli was formed. Also in March '48 Banswara, Bundi, Dungarpur, Jhalawar, Kishangarh, Kota, Pratapgarh, Shahpura and Tonk joined the Indian union and formed a part of Rajasthan. In April '48 Udaipur joined the state and the Maharana of Udaipur was made Rajpramukh. Therefore in 1948 the merger of south and southeastern states was almost complete. Still retaining their independence from India were Jaipur and the desert kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. From a security point of view, it was vital to the new Indian Union to ensure that the desert kingdoms were integrated into the new nation. The princes finally agreed to sign the Instrument of Accession, and the kingdoms of Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur were merged in March 1949. This time the Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh II was made the Rajpramukh of the state and Jaipur became its capital. Later in 1949, the United State of Matsya, comprising the former kingdoms of Bharatpur, Alwar, Karauli and Dholpur, was incorporated into Rajasthan. On January 26th 1950, 18 states of united Rajasthan merged with Sirohi to join the state leaving Abu and Dilwara to remain a part of Greater Bombay and now Gujarat. In November 1956 under the State Re-organisation Act, 1956 the erstwhile part 'C' State of Ajmer, Abu Road Taluka, former part of princely State Sirohi (which were merged in former Bombay), State and Sunel Tappa region of the former Madhya Bharat merged with Rajasthan and Sirohi sub district of Jhalawar was transferred to Madhya Pradesh. Thus giving the existing boundary Rajasthan. Today with further reorganisation of the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. Rajasthan has become the largest state of the Indian Republic. The princes of the former kingdoms were constitutionally granted handsome remuneration in the form of privy purses and privileges to assist them in the discharge of their financial obligations. In1970, Indira Gandhi, who was then the Prime Minister of India, commenced under-takings to discontinue the privy purses, which were abolished in 1971. Many of the former princes still continue to use the title of Maharaja but the title has little else power other than status symbol. Many of the Maharajas still hold their palaces and have converted them into profitable hotel while some have made good in politics. The democratically elected Government runs the state with a Chief Minister as its executive head and the Governor as the head of the state.

Source:www.rajasthantourism.gov.in

Simple Online Hotels Booking

You can make you journy simple & easier in this era of Information Technology.You can collect the information about city and also book hotels online.
It is very simple and easy. There is no speciality is required. The traveler needs to know the following things :
A location map that shows where the hotel is compared to the city centre, airports, freeways, rail stations, etc
Quality rating (eg so many stars or category description)
Complete lists of hotels per city with helpful summary information per hotel.
Rates that clearly indicate what currency is being quoted, whether the rate is per person or per room, and what is and what is not included in the rate, and, if taxes are not included, how much they will be
Ability to quickly get rate and availability information without providing any personal information or credit card number
Instant availability and confirmations of bookings
No prepayment for hotel bookings
No website consistently offers all these features. Yes, some are better than others, but none is yet perfect.