Bangalore weekends getaways…Getting closer to nature!

A nature lovers’ dream-come-true! That’s how weekend getaways from Bangalore can best be described! Known for its rich flora and fauna Bangalore is surrounded by some of the most enthralling national parks, bird sanctuaries and mesmerizing hill stations. If you have nature on your mind and are looking for a perfect weekend getaway in Bangalore, here are some amazing destinations you can choose from.

Situated 1,478mt above sea level Nandi Hills or Nandidurg hill station at 65 km from Bangalore is one of the nearest getaways and was a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan and also frequented by the British! It is named after the ancient Nandi or bull – the mount of Lord Shiva.

Lying between the Shivasamudra falls and Mekedatu falls, Bheemeshwari is a small town that lies on the Cauvery River, a great spot for eco-tourism. This place is not only home to many animals like elephants, crocodiles, otters and leopards, but also to a variety of water birds like herons, ibis, cormorants and kingfisher.

At a height of 920m above sea level, the Yellagiri hills, though in Tamil Nadu, is barely a 3-4 hours drive from Bangalore and are surrounded by orchards and green valleys. Home to spectacular scenery, one can enjoy the peaceful, picturesque and unexplored ambience of the place. The Punganur Lake here with its pretty garden surrounding it, boat club offering pedal and motor boat rides, children’s park and mini zoo are an added attraction.

Kabini is also another popular wildlife destination and probably has the single largest congregation of Asiatic elephants (estimated at around 6,000).Home to water bodies; crocodiles can also be spotted here besides other wildlife.

Considered one of the best wildlife parks of India, try the Rajiv Gandhi National Park aka the Nagarhole National Park, for its large elephant and bison population. Tigers, Leopards, Leopard-cat, Sloth bears are also some of the wildlife found here.

Another beautiful forest reserve, the Bandipur National Park of Karnataka is a part of the vast Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is considered as the extensive tracts of protected forest in India. In 1973, it was also declared as the Tiger Reserve of India. From pugmarks to the big cat here’s your chance to come face-to-face with some great wildlife!

Also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and adjacent to Bandipur National Park and Wynad Sanctuary, Mudumalai is located on the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. One of South India‘s richest wildlife sanctuaries Mudumalai is known for its thick wooded hills, deep valleys, waterfalls and herds of wild elephants. Also spotted here, besides wildlife like tigers, leopards, gaurs, hyenas, sloth bears, are approx 200 species of birds.

Thought Yercaud is known for its coffee, cardamom and black pepper plantations, its picturesque man-made lake has made it an ideal spot for picnickers. The perfect spot for those looking to catch up on some trekking as it is home to some interesting walking trails rich in flora and fauna.

No mention of Karnataka and its hills can be complete without a mention of the scenic Chikmagalur. At 3,400ft in the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats, barely 250km from Bangalore, this is an ideal getaway offering unending vistas of mountains, streams, and coffee/pepper plantations.

Located in Tarikere, Chikmagalur district, Kemmanagundi is popularly known as K.R Hills after the Wodeyar ruler, Krishnaraje Wodeyar IV, who had made the place his summer retreat. A perfect getaway for nature lovers, these hills are home to numerous tea and coffee plantations, thick forest, bamboo groves,  lush foliage and beautiful waterfalls and provide adventure lovers with some great  trekking routes and mountain trails. The campus of the Horticulture Department is a beautiful place here, with a rock garden and orchid house. The Shanti falls and Hebbe falls are picture perfect picnic destinations for nature lovers

Literally meaning – Lord Ranganatha’s White rock hill in Kannada, Biligiri Rangana Hills, commonly known as B R Hills, is situated in south-eastern Karnataka, and is known for the forest around named Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary or BRT Wildlife Sanctuary. Home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, this sanctuary is known for its population of elephants, gaurs, sambars, chitals, bears, panthers and tigers. One can also find over 22 species of reptiles, 250 species of birds, and an amazing 116 species of butterflies here.

Shimoga is another unexplored region and a great getaway from Bangalore, known for its unspoiled nature, where its dense forests are home to elephants, leopards, tiger, wolves and migratory birds that are found here during the winter months.

Not only known for its natural beauty but also great cuisine, aromas of the coffee plantations and honey, Coorg is one of the most beautiful hill stations found in S. India and is often compared to Scotland. Its verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, make it a perfect place for a refreshing break.

Set on the foothills of the Nilgiris, and only second to Ooty in terms of size, Coonoor is a picturesque hill station known for its tea plantations, peace and quiet. From Coonoor, who can resist the spectacular Ooty also called the Blue Mountains, one of India’s most beautiful hill stations covered with green forests, valleys, tea plantations, streams and mountains! Another beautiful hill, situated in one of the oldest hill stations of the lush green hills of Nilgiri, is the scenic Kotagiri, which literally means the lines of the houses of the Kotas. The Kota tribes that inhabit these slopes are traditional artisans who are experts in the art of pottery and terracotta baking. Surrounded by beautiful tea estates and thick impenetrable Shola forests, Kotagiri is a perfect holiday escape.

Spectacular and magnificent are these getaways and the perfect retreat from hot summers… so start planning today and stay cool this summer!

 

DON’T wait until DARK!

India, a land of great beauty and history… but it is also a land of many a legend! Some mysterious… some haunting!! While ghosts are known to be sighted across the country, here’s one place that has even been mentioned by Wikipedia! Here we take you to the mysterious land of Rajasthan, a land known for its folklore, sandy deserts & havelis, palaces and historical ruins! Herein lies the historical ruins of a city rumored to be the most haunted place in India… A city which according to legends and local folk tales fell prey to curses and black magic leading to its complete destruction! This is Bhangarh a city that one passes by when travelling from Jaipur to Alwar. The place even has a signboard put up here by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the main gate stating (among others): “Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited.” While the reasons behind this may be many – speculating from wild animals to safety concerns as there is  no artificial lighting, tourists and visitors are left wondering given the legends behind the place. While according to the Government of India rules there has to be an office of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) beside every historical structure in India, even government authorities did not dare to open an office here. One can find their office about one kilometer away from the ruins of Bhangarh with even this office being close to a temple as a result of the myth.

A flourishing kingdom in the 17th Century, something led to its evacuation and today it is just a city of ruins with there being different legends to explain why this place is deserted. One such legend takes you back to the first half of the 17th century.  Madho Singh of Amber, who was the brother of Raja Man Singh, a General of Emperor Akbar built his capital here with the sanction of an ascetic Baba Balanath. It is said that the baba who meditated there warned him that the day the shadow of his palace touched him, the city would be no more! In his ignorance, Ajab Singh, one of the dynasty’s later descendants, raised the palace to such a height that the shadow reached the forbidden place leading to the devastation!

Another popular legend about Bhangarh speaks about the King of Sindh, who in order to avenge his insult from the queen of Bhangarh started to learn black magic. A battle between Bhangarh and Sindh led to the destruction of the kingdom and the King of Sindh died cursing Bhangarh. Since then no living soul has been able to survive in the village.

Another legend goes on to talk about a beautiful princess! A princess so charming that there was no match for her in entire Rajasthan. When the princess was merely eighteen years old, she started getting wedding offers from other States. A magician (tantric) named Singhia from the same region was desperately in love with the princess but knew the king would never even allow him to see the princess. One day he happened to see the princess’s maid in the market buying scented oil for the princess. Seeing this he came up with a wicked plan of getting the princess. Using his black magic powers he put a spell on the oil which would hypnotise the princess when she touched it and she would immediately come towards the tantric. However the princess threw it on the block of a stone as soon as she got her hands on the bottle! As soon as the oil touched the stone, the stone started rolling towards the wicked tantrik Singhia crushing him to death. While dying Singhia cursed the palace that everybody in the palace would die and their souls will stay there for centuries without rebirth. The very next year there was a battle between Bhangarh-Ajabgarh and no one survived in the battle or in the palace, not even the princess Ratnawati.

People who visit Bhangarh purely out of curiosity and out of tourist interest say that there is a strange feeling in the atmosphere of Bhangarh, causing a sort of anxiety and restlessness. Bhangarh was also cursed by a prime minister who said that no one would settle there in future and whoever dared would die as well. The local folks say the curse was enough for the whole town to vacate and leave it overnight. According to the story of the curse, if the town was ever rediscovered the township would not be found, but only temples would show up. True to the story only temples dot the landscape and even far up on the mountains only shrines can be seen.

It is said by the local villagers that whenever a house has been built there its roof has collapsed. Strange as it seems, once inside Bhangarh one notices all the houses are without a roof and even at the closest village where people reside, they still have roofs made of straw but not bricks.

Though it is home to many an ancient temple and Muslim shrine, which includes the Dev Narayan Temple, Gopinath Temple, Lord Hanuman Temple, Someshwar Temple and Lord Shiva Temple, this culturally rich but isolated village is a village engulfed in the serenity of seclusion. Dare to visit it as one of your excursions from Jaipur, but we have only one thing to say to you… Don’t wait to stay after dark…

Keeping a date with India’s ‘SILK’ city!

It’s been referred to as the ‘Golden City of a Thousand Temples’. Not only is it a picturesque city but also considered an important pilgrim destination for Hindus due to the cluster of holiest of temples here. One of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, Kanchipuram not only features as one of India’s seven sacred cities, but also the second holiest after Varanasi.

Ruled by several dynasties, the city also served as a royal capital of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar rulers. While the place was ruled by the early Chola kings in the 2nd century, Kanchipuram was the capital city of the BC era and the Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries. The kings of Vijayanagar dynasty ruled Kanchipuram from 14th to 17th centuries.  It was under this rule that many temples were built by each of these dynasties, each one imparting a distinctive architectural style to the temples and historic monuments, attracting tourists from not only India but different parts of the globe.

While today only 126 of these magnificent temples remain with a few more on the outskirts, some of the most important ones around are the Ekambaranatha Temple which is one of the five form of abodes of Lord Siva, (the earthy abode, other abodes include Chidambaram (Sky), Sri Kalahasti (air), Thiruvanaikoil (water) and Tiruvannamalai (fire)), Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kumara Kottam, Kachapeshwarar Temple, and the Kailasanathar Temple.

Built by the Pallavas and later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings, the Ekambaranathar Temple is one of the most awe-inspiring sculptures, sprawling over 11 stories! One of the tallest temple towers in South India, it features a thousand pillared mandapan (hall), and magnificent sculptures. Shiva is worshiped here as Prithvi (earth), one of the five basic elements of the physical world.

Dedicated to Sakthi, the Kamakshi Amman temple is one of the rare temples where Shakti is worshipped. The golden Chariot in the temple is significant as it is taken in a procession around the temple on Fridays. The temple also has an art gallery which displays the history of Sri Adi Shankaracharya and the Shankara Mutt. Built by Pallavas it was renovated in 14th and 17th century, and its gates are of the Vijaynagar period, leading to a mixture of many cultures and styles in architecture.

Situated adjacent to Shri Kamakshi Amman temple, the Vaikunta Perumal Temple dates back to the 8th century and was built by the Pallava king, Nandivarman Pallavamalla. Lord Vishnu its presiding deity is seen here in life-like sculptures in sitting, standing and reclining postures. Battle scenes and description about wars between the Pallavas and Chlukyas are inscribed on the wall, carved on the panels surrounding the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple. The temple is also known for its 1000-pillared hall with each pillar having a statue carved on it that gives the hall a unique look.

Considered to be the oldest and most beautiful temple in Kanchipuram and in the whole of South India the Kailasanatha Temple was built by Raja Rajsimha of Pallava dynasty in the first quarter of 8th century on the request of the queen, while its facade was completed by his son Raja Mahendra Barman III. This temple is known for its magnificent and absolutely beautiful sculptures of Devi Durga and Vishnu, a dance competition between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, and various war-like feats of the Pallava rulers that are also depicted here on the temple walls. A treasure trove the architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram.

In the Varadaraja Temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Devarajaswamy.  Built by the Vijayanagar kings this temple has a 100-pillared hall, and displays the mastery of their artists.  Located in part of Kanchipuram called the Vishnu Kanchi that is a home for a lot of famous Vishnu temples, this temple is visited by thousands during the festivals of  Bhramotsavam in Vaigasi (May-June), Garuda Vahanam.

Moving a little further away from Kanchipuram is Tiruttani, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya. Situated on a hilltop, the temple has 365 steps representing the days of the year, leading to the hill. Tiruttani is said to be the place where the Lord married Valli. The Karthigai festival, one of the oldest festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu perhaps even before people began celebrating Navratri and Deepavali which falls in November/December, is celebrated here with great pomp here.

Sriperumbudur is another important excursion that can be made from Kanchiouram, the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father of the Vishishtadvaita, philosophy of Vaishnavism, an important pilgrim center for Vaishnavites. This is also the place where Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, was assassinated during a public meeting in 1991.

But the trip here need not only be about temples, nature enthusiasts should make an excursion to Vedanthangal and Karikili Bird’s Sanctuaries, a haven for migratory birds especially from November to February. Not only do these sanctuaries receive birds from Pakistan and Sri Lanka but from far flung areas like Siberia and Australia and New Zealand and have recorded some 115 species here. For trekking, hiking or for picnics the Elagiri Hills are a must.

Delighting shopaholics Kanchipuram is a place synonymous with silks, with Kanjeevaram saris of Kanchipuram being one of the finest and the most beautiful saris in the world. What better way to end a holiday than shopping for some of the finest and most mesmerizing range of exquisite silks one can find anywhere in India! Woven out of pure mulberry Kanjeevaram saris are considered the best in luster, contrasting colors, and durability and are woven using a dazzling array of colorful threads and fine golden thread or zari into alluring patterns depicting traditional temple motifs. Besides silks, you can buy artifacts like fruit baskets, candle stands, and jewelry boxes and idols of gods and goddesses.

While today in place of a thousand only some hundred odd temples stand here, these temples grand and majestic  with their striking architecture continue to do what this temple town did years ago…To sweep you off your feet!

A land of peace and harmony – Manipur

Heard about one of these seven sisters attracting people from far and wide? Enchanting, spectacular, breathtakingly beautiful and shrouded in mystery! It doesn’t come as a surprise that folks throng to see her!

Welcome to beautiful Manipur, a place known for its unparallel natural beauty, it literally translates ‘The jewel of a land’. Rich in its culture, tradition, and ethnicity, legend has it that the land of Manipur was discovered as a result of the delight the Gods took in dancing. The concept seems to remain alive in its beauteous folk dances.

A state known for its cascading rapids, meadows of flowers, crystal clear lakes, verdant forests, it’s been given the nickname the ‘Switzerland of the East’. Described by St.Clair Grimwood as “A pretty place more beautiful than many show places of the world” and by the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the “Jewel of India”, here’s what makes this ‘jewel’ sparkle.

Lying in an oval shaped valley, surrounded by rich forests and blue hills, Imphal, the tiny capital city of Manipur is said to look like an exquisite artwork of the almighty and is known for its relics of an old, historical palace, well-planned temples and ceremonial houses. The Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Imphal, a Vaishnavite temple adjoining the palace of the former rulers of Manipur is one of the significant attractions here, a simple structure with a large raised congregation hall and gold domes. During festivals, the temple is visited by thousands of people. The best time to visit the temple is during Holi, also known as Doljatra or Yaosong in Manipur.

Other must visits here include the Manipur Zoological Gardens known for its rare birds, animals and reptiles.  Also found here is one of the rarest species of deer in the world, the graceful brow-antlered thamin deer. The Khonghampat Orchidarium is another beautiful Orchidarium housing over a hundred rare varieties of orchids. The Manipur State Museum gives one an idea of the state’s complex history and is known for its collection of Manipuri costumes, historical documents and relics. Standing in the heart of the city, one cannot afford to give the Shahid Minar a miss, a tribute to the Manipur’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Also try the Imphal War Cemeteries built to honor the British and Indian soldiers, who died during the 2nd World War.

Situated on the Indo-Burma Road, Langthabal, is one of those strikingly beautiful places, housing an ancient historic palace and some temples and is also known for the clear view of the Manipur University from here.

From Imphal we move to the land of dancing deer or Bishnupur! Here one is a part of the last natural habitat of the dancing deer, the “Sangai” at the Kelbul Lamjao National Park, the only floating National Park in the World, on the Loktak Lake. The Loktak Lake is also known to be the largest fresh water lake in the North-Eastern region. Built in 1467, during the reign of King Kiyamba, The Bishnu Temple is another interesting attraction for its antiquity and Chinese design.

Coming to Churachandpur or Lamka, here we find all the communities of Manipur living happily. It is said to be home to about 29 different tribes of which about ten belong to the rest of India, each with different dialects and languages! Visit this place to see how the tribes live in peace and tranquility. Churchandpur is said to be one of the most beautiful places for sightseeing and holidaying that Manipur has to offer!

The Tonglon Cave about 32 km from here is another important tourist attraction.

Sharing its international boundary with Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) on the south, Chandel lies in the south-eastern part of Manipur and is known for Tengnoupal, the highest point on the Indo-Myanmar Road, a place from where one gets a full view of the valley of Manipur.

Of course a mention of Manipur is incomplete without the  splendid dance forms that represent its vibrant culture!  It is said that the 29 tribes of Manipur have different dances to offer! Often devoted to religious themes, the Raas Lila (love story of Radha and Krishna) dominates it.  Other dance forms include the Lai Haroba (feast of dances, representing celebrations of Gods / Goddesses), Pung Cholem (Mridanga dance), Mao Naga dance, the Priestess dance of Malbe Jagoi, Thangal Surung dance etc which reflect the vibrant culture of the 29 different tribes of Manipur. Witnessing the exquisite Manipuri dance – drama, in its original colourful settings, is simply an unforgettable experience. Pung or Manipuri Mridanga is the soul of Manipuri Sankritana music and Classical Manipuri Dance, a highly refined classical dance number characterized by the modulation of sound from soft whisper to a thunderous climax.

Manipur is also known as ‘a land of festivals’ for its numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year with pomp and gaiety. Important ones are Ningol Chakouba and Yaoshang. Ningol Cackouba, a festival of the Meiteis is the celebration of family union. On this day, married women along with their children go to their parental house to be treated to a grand feast. Their parents and brothers give them gifts and the guests in return offer them blessings. It is observed on the second day of the new moon in the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (November).

Celebrated for five days commencing from the full moon day of Phalguna (February/March), Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongba – a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where boys and girls hold hands and sing and dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Boys and girls and old women collect donations from house to house and the money so collected is spent on a number of parties and feasts. Indeed, Yaosang to Manipur is what Durga Puja is to Bengal, Diwali to North India and Bihu to Assam.

Other festivals here are the Kut Festival, a thanksgiving festival in honor of the giver of an abundant harvest, observed on the 1st of November every year. Cheiraoba is the Manipur New Year, when people clean and decorate their houses and prepare special festive dishes. Kang Festival is the Ratha Jatra of Manipur and one of the greatest festivals of the Hindus here and is celebrated for ten days in July.

With the people of Manipur being traditional craftsmen, it is no wonder that you find a loom in almost every household in Manipur, with the womenfolk weaving out enchanting variety of fabric s and embroidery in distinctive shade and design. Artifacts made of bamboo, papier mache, cane and wood, crafted out by the Manipuris make for prized items for shopping in Manipur. Look out for Manipuri dance doll or mats made of water reeds that make great souvenirs.

A visit here takes you to a place where nature has poured her choicest gifts to create it.  A society characterized by its simplicity and egalitarian values, women enjoy high status in the society and old people are given due respect and reverence but most importantly tribes with different dialects and languages still find a way of living together in peace, prosperity and tranquility.

The Royals rule here!

It’s nature at its very best! Where the land meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal therein lays the largest mangrove forest of the country, which forms a major portion of the world’s largest delta. A vast swampy delta of the great Indian rivers, Brahamaputra, Ganges and the Meghana, it is also the world’s largest estuarine forest, extending over areas comprising of mangrove forests, swamps and forests all interwoven in a network of small rivers and streams. Literally translated the ‘beautiful jungle’, it is a place filled with mystic adventure. Bringing you India’s largest Tiger Reserve and National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful Sunderbans.

Located at the South Eastern tip of the 24 Paraganas District in the state of West Bengal, with the islands Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti forming the northern boundary of the Sundarbans, the Matla and Bidya Rivers forming the eastern boundary, the Bay of Bengal covering the south and the international boundary of Bangladesh to the west, this spectacular place – the Sunderbans National Park derives its name from one of the mangrove plants known as Sundari (Heritiera Minor) and consists of a diverse flora population including the Passur, Garjan, Genwa, Dhundal, Kankra and more. Apart from these trees, the impenetrable Goran trees cover almost the entire region. One of the most remarkable features of this place is the bayonet like roots of mangrove forests that stick out above the water level.

Covering a vast area of 4264 square km in India alone, Sundarban National Park forms the core area of Sundarban Tiger Reserve, and was recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Not only is it the single largest home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, but also home to an amazing and extremely rich and diverse aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. They include even endangered species like the Estuarine Crocodile ( Crocodilus porosus ), Water Monitor lizard ( Varanus salvator ) River Terrapin (Batagur baska), Gangetic Dolphin( Platinista gangetica ), Snubfin dolphin ( Orcella brevirostris ),  Olive Ridley Turtle ( Lepidochelys olivacea ), Green Sea Turtle ( Chelonia mydas ), Hawksbill Turtle ( Eritmochelys imbricata ),Hawks Bill Turtle, King Crabs (Horse shoe). Even various species of sharks and rays have been found here making this area a natural biodiversity hot spot!

Besides being every nature lovers dream come true, it is also a dream destination for ornithologists, with about 248 bird species being found in Sunderban National park including a large number of migratory birds from higher latitudes that visit the park in winter months like Green Pigeons, Partridges, Herons, Sand Pipers, Egrets, Cormorants, Storks, Large and Small Spoonbills, Teal, Darters, Seagulls, Yellow Wagtail, a great variety of Wild Geese and Ducks, Red Jungle Fowls, Spotted Doves, Common Mynahs, Jungle Babblers, Cotton Teals, Herring Gulls, Spotted Billed Pelicans and many more.

Some of the important places within the Sundarbans, which one must cover when touring here include Sajnekhali known for its bird sanctuary and watch towers, the Bhagatpur Crocodile Project –a breeding farm for Estaurine crocodiles and Gharials. Bhagabatput is said to be a hatchery of the largest estuarine crocodile in the world. Other attractions here include Piyaly the entry point of the Sundarbans; Kanak famous as the nesting place of the rare Olive Ridley Tortoise; Holiday Island, the home for rapidly decreasing Barking Deer; Gosaba an early settlement colonized by Sir David H Kaikhali Islanda a scenic and ideal picnic spot, where nature comes alive and last but not the least Netidhopani for the ruins of a 400 year old temple, with legends that lend mystery to the atmosphere.

With the best time to visit this exciting forests being between September and May, read up on how you can visit this enchanting land and make your summer vacations a truly memorable experience.

How to Reach the Sundarbans National Park
Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport at a distance of 112 km.

Rail: Canning is nearest railhead, at a distance of 48 km. The nearest town is Gosaba, 50 kms away

Road: Road transportation is available from Kolkata for Namkhana (105-kms), Sonakhali (100-kms), Raidighi (76-kms), Canning (64-kms), and Najat (92-kms).

Water: Sundarbans are approachable only by riverrine waterways. Approximate time from the various destinations is mentioned here: Namkhana – Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (2.5 hours); Sagar Island (2.5 hours); Jambudwip(3.5hours); Sajnekhali – Sudhanyakhali (40 minutes); Buridabri (Tiger Project Area) (5 hours); Netidhopari (3.5hours); Holiday Island(3hours); Sonakhali-Gosaba(1hour);
Raidighi – Kalas (5 hours).

With the Reserve being effectively protected under Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation movement initiated in India in 1972 to protect tigers, Sundarbans remains one of the most attractive and alluring places remaining on earth. Visit it today to explore a truly undiscovered paradise where nature comes alive.

Adding some colour to your life!

It’s that time of the year again when people put aside all differences and just indulge in a bit of unadulterated fun. Celebrated in high spirit across India without any distinction of cast, creed, color, race, status or sex, coming up this weekend is a beautiful festival of colours known to enrich brotherhood in the society.

A spring religious festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikh, today it is known to be celebrated across the globe especially in countries with large Indian Diaspora. It is also known as Dolyatra (Doul Jatra) or Basanta-Utsav (“spring festival”) in West Bengal or Orissa, where a ritual of placing the child-god Krishna in a cradle in front of the bonfire and worshipping him is observed. This festival celebrated on the full moon day that is in the month of Phalugna or Falguna, goes by many names and traditions.

While in some places gram and stalks from the harvest are offered to Agni (the Fire God)… its fun time for the ladies of Haryana, where the lady, all in jest, beats her brother-in-law with her sari rolled up into a rope. In Maharashtra, Holi, which is known by the name of Shimga and Rangpanchami, is celebrated by the fisher folk with hilarious singing, dancing and merrymaking.

Making most of this festive time, Holi in Braj starts a week earlier than the rest of India, and is celebrated as it was thousands years back (during Krishna’s era). Here men from Nandagaon (Village of Lord Krishna) raid Barsana (Radha’s village) to raise a flag on Shri Radhikaji temple.  While the women from Barsana greet them with long wooden sticks and colored water the only self-defense for the men are the water guns which they use at the ladies in order to distract them. Also known as ‘Lathmaar Holi’ it is one of the most popular of the festivals in India.

While there are many legends behind the celebration of ‘Holi’, the most popular one is about the demon king by the name of Hirnakashyip who once ruled the Earth. According to Vaishnava Theology, Hirnakashyip was granted a boon by Brahma, after his long penance, which made it impossible for him to be killed. Legends say he had demanded that he should not be killed “during day or night; inside the home or outside, not on earth or on sky; neither by a man nor an animal; neither by astra nor by shastra”. Consequently, Hirnakashyip grew arrogant and demanded that people stop worshipping gods and start praying to him.

Getting carried away by his mighty powers he started thinking of himself as a superior being to Lord Vishnu, and did not allow anyone in his kingdom to worship Lord Vishnu, prosecuting those found violating his rule. However when Hiranyakashipu failed to make his son Prahlad surrender his fondness and devotion towards the lord, he ordered his sister, the demon Holika, to kill his son. Holika, who was immune to fire, captured prince Prahlad and entered a fire furnace. However it was she who was burnt to ashes. Prince Prahlad was safe and not burnt at all. Legend goes that before the demon aunt died, she begged for prince Prahlad’s forgiveness.The prince forgave her and announced that her name would be remembered once a year, thus the festival of ‘Holi’ was created.

It also goes on to say that later on Lord Vishnu came in the form of a Narasimha (half-man and half-lion) and killed Hiranyakashipu at dusk (neither day nor night), on the steps of the porch of his house (which was neither inside the house nor outside) by restraining him on his lap (which is neither in the sky nor on the earth) mauling him with his claws (which are neither astra nor shastra).

Another story behind this festival is based on the everlasting love between Krishna and Radha. Holi is said to be the celebration of love between the two of them. It is believed that Lord Krishna complained to his mother about the contrast between his dark skin complexion and Radha’s fair skin complexion, so Krishna’s mother decided to apply colour to Radha’s face.

Whatever be the legend, today this festival is celebrated with great pomp and joy across India with the saying that Uttar Pradesh is the best place in India to experience the true flavor of this colorful festival, with celebrations in Mathura and Banaras extending for about a week, and each temple hosting its own jamboree in its unique way.

Traditionally a bonfire is lit a day before the Holi festivity, representing the burning moment of Holika. It also epitomizes the defeat of evil. Being the festival of colours, one can spot large tables with heaps of colored powders called gulal and people rubbing ‘gulal and ‘abeer’ on each other’s faces, young ones squirting water through their water squirting pumps or hurling water filled balloons at passers-by! This forms some of the most interesting ritual of the festival, just gallivanting around the neighborhood with a group of friends playing pranks, like throwing everyone who comes to play Holi into the big tub of water and color kept just for that purpose in the yard.

And can any Holi celebration be complete without a bit of the “Rang barse bheege chunar wali”, a song synonymous with Holi that has become the Holi Anthem of India! Setting the mood and making one sing, dance, and go wild, is ‘bhang thandai’ – that too has become an inseparable part of Holi! The bonhomie ends with visiting people’s houses to share sweets specially made for the occasion.

Marking the beginning of spring in India, Holi is the time when people pray to God for quality harvests and richness of the soil or land, for bright days ahead, a bountiful harvest, the feeling of plenty and the sheer merriment in the air. What better way to celebrate Holi and welcome spring than to play with colors, music, dance and lots of sweets whether you are eight or eighty!

Rediscovering a bygone era!

It was a centre of learning, fine arts, culture and architecture of ancient India… also referred to as the ‘Chola Capital’ city, the ‘Granary of South India’, the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’…A city known for its rich and varied heritage renowned across the globe, the cradle of civilization of many dynasties during the ancient times! That’s how Thanjavur or Tanjore can best be introduced.

Legend has it that this city derives its name from Tanjan-an asura, a demon who was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sri Neelamegapperumal as a penalty for his misdeeds. His last wish was that the city be named after him. The seat of the Chola empire, one of the mightier dynasties in the Indian history and probably the mightiest in South India from 10th to 14th centuries, it was during the rule of the Cholas, that the city being the capital of the Chola rulers, reached a height of glory with successive dynasties contributing more to it. A travel here would take you to a land of several temples and historic ruins which bear witness to the splendor of a bygone era.

Considered second only to Pallavas when it comes to patronizing art and craft, the Chola dynasty constructed some spectacular monuments which portray the unique artistic caliber and architectural imagination of the local craftsmen of ancient times. With temple architecture reaching its zenith during the Chola rule, and said to be pure forms of Dravidian style temple architecture, these architectural marvels today form the city’s identity.

While there are around 74 temples here, must visits are the Brihadeswara Temple and the Airavatheeswara Temple, which have now been recognized by the UNESCO, as world heritage monuments. One of the most ancient and the most celebrated Hindu temple in the world, the Brihadeswara Temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The ‘Vimana’ of the temple is about 70 meters and is among the tallest of its kind in the world while the ‘Shikharam’ (crown) weighing about 81.25 tons has been carved out of a single stone! The mount of Lord Shiva i.e. Nandi has also been made from a single granite rock, weighing 27 tons and is probably the largest of its kind in the world. Another important feature worth mentioning is that the 216 ft. tall Brihadeswara Temple was built in such a manner that throughout the day its shadow never falls on the ground!

The Tanjavur Palace is another magnificent delight, a massive structure with huge halls, wide corridors, observation towers and a shady courtyard. Today it is  home to a library, an art gallery and a museum.The museum is known for its royal memorabilia that truly fascinates one and all. The Art Gallery too has a superb collection of artifacts of the 8th and 9th century, belonging to the Chola dynasty, and is known for the bronze and granite statues displayed here.
The Saraswathi Mahal Library next to the art gallery is also known for its amazing collection of manuscripts written on palm leaves and paper. It is said that there are over 44,000 palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages here.  The Hall of Music situated in the Tanjore Palace is famous for its near perfect acoustics and performance stage, and has been part of many a performance here.

Built in the year 1779 AD the Schwartz Church that stands in the Thanjavur Palace garden is a refreshing change from the Chola temple. The architecture dominates the city and is a beautiful example of religious tolerance of the Cholas. Other must visits include the Sharja Madi or the Royal balcony that offers a panoramic view of the city and is decorated with wooden carvings and sculptures, unique in Peninsular India. The Tholkappiyar Sadukkam a Square enclosing a tower also offers a breathtaking view of the city

Located in the Thanjavur District, is Kumbakonam a famous temple town known for its intricately carved panchaloha idols, fine brassware, lamps, silk and betel leaves. Some of the famous temples here are the Sarangpani temple (a Vaishnavite temple) known for its Chariot festival, which takes place every year, the Kumbeswara temple an enormous temple famous for the Mahamaham festival which takes place once every 12 years during the Tamil Month of Masi (February-March), the Chakrapani temple that has superb early temple architecture and the Airavatesvara temple famous for stories from epics and mythology that are depicted all over it.

But separating this city from other South Indian cities is its classical musicians, Bharathanatyam dancers, and the Tanjore school of painting. It is said that these paintings date back to the early 9th Century! Known for their elegance and rich colors, these paintings have a lot of effort put in them and involve many stages. Usually depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, these painting are mostly of Hindu deities and are adorned with semi precious stones, gold, pearls, glass pieces and gold foils.

While these gorgeous paintings are a must buy for tourists visiting the city, shopping here is a complete delight as this place truly is a haven for craft lovers. Silk weaving is a major tradition here with a lot of people engaged in this profession, so make sure to look out for exquisite silk saris with broad borders and unique motifs laden all over with Zari work. These saris are a huge hit for weddings and religious occasions. Also check out the Thalaiyatti Bommai (literally translated as the head-nodding doll), which serve as great souvenirs of a Tanjore tour. Thanjavur Plates (with sombu, coconut), brass and bronze idols, bowls and vessels are other items one can pick while shopping here.

A spectacular city in every way, a must for every tourist visiting India, as this is the place with its rich architectural legacy and heritage, various temples and structures that is a living testimony to the splendor and skills of a bygone time.

 

Something for everyone

 

 

 

It’s that time of the year again! Summer vacations are getting closer and you are at your wit’s end on how to keep everyone happy! While overworked parents are looking forward to relaxing… kids want their bit of fun and adventure! The holy city of Rishikesh,(also noted for its beauty) might just be the answer to your prayers! Not only famous as a pilgrim centre but also regarded as a gateway to the Himalayas and other pilgrim centers like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, this amazing city has it all! Located in the newly carved state of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), while Rishikesh is chiefly a pilgrimage destination for devout Hindus, enjoy the amazing activities it has to offer from white water rafting, to trekking and mountaineering or even its exotic wildlife!

Derived from the word Hrishikesh, Rishikesh which in Sanskrit means  ‘he who has conquered his senses’, rishik meaning ‘senses’ and ish meaning ‘master’, this holy town has its share of legends and myths behind it! According to some, Hrishikesh is another name of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have slayed the demon Madhu here.  Legend also has it that on the advice of the sage Vasishtha, Lord Rama sought penance here after having killed Ravana. In yet another version, it is said that the sage Rabhiya Rishi, after completing his penance on the riverbanks of Ganga, was blessed with the appearance of god Vishnu or Hrishikesh thus giving the place its name!

While a travel to this holy land where the sages and saints of ancient India chose to do penance has plenty of attractions to keep you busy, here are a few notable ones! The first being the Lakshman Jhula, (a 450-feet-long suspension bridge built in 1939 to commemorate the journey of Lakshmana across the river on a jute rope) a favorite amongst tourists for its breathtaking scenery of Rishikesh, that cannot be viewed anywhere else. Visit this bridge for its panoramic views of the waters flowing below, and the picturesque mountains covering the area.

The Triveni Ghat is another area frequented by tourists, as it is the main bathing ghat in Rishikesh where every morning several devotees take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga. Named Triveni, it is believed to be the place of confluence of three holiest Hindu rivers in India…the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Evenings here are an enchanting experience, with scores of devotees standing on the steps of the ghat while the priests perform the rituals.  Vedic chants fill the air in praise of the goddess of River Ganga, leaf boats float into the river with flowers and lamps burning in them and the sounds of the conchs in the temples are heard all around. The spirituality in the air mesmerizes one beyond expression and no matter what religion the people on the ghat belong to, their souls cannot remain untouched by this.

Built by Adiguru Shankaracharya in 12th century, dedicated to Bharat, younger brother of Lord Ram, the Bharat temple situated in the old town near Triveni Ghat is the oldest in Rishikesh. Attractions here include an idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single Saligram (the divine stone of Mahavishnu), apart from the Shriyantra placed on the canopy above by Adi Shankaracharya. Old statues, coins, pots and other things have also been discovered here.

Other interesting temples here are the Kailash Niketan Temple, a 13 storey temple, said to contain sculptures of all the gods and goddesses. The Geeta Bhawan is unique in its own way and is known for its paintings, statues, scenes from the great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and Ramayana that adorn its walls. The Nilkanth Mahdeo temple has an interesting legend to it. It is said that this is the place that Lord Shiva drank a venom that came out of the sea during the churning the sea, thus earning the name ‘Neelkanth’, the one with blue neck.

Rejuvenating you the traditional Indian way, Rishikesh is known for its Ayurveda that has been practiced since time immoral. Besides the many resorts and spas practicing Ayurveda and Naturopathy there are also plenty of yoga and meditation centres in this Yoga and Meditation capital of India.

While parents get their share of peace and quiet in the above places, kids let your wild side take over! For those who need that adrenalin flowing overtime, the white water rafting that Rishikesh provides promises to do just that! The thrill of rushing down fast-flowing mountain streams, battling with the raging rapids and torrents as the rivers flow through picturesque mountains and icy waters froth over the boulders and cut their way through deep gorge is something that has to be experienced with rivers here providing the best rafting opportunities in the world! Providing courses for one and all is the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam

But if you are looking for something less exciting, then indulge in gentle canoeing here in Rishikesh. Trekking trips are organised to Binsar and Gopeshwar. People also take small treks from Rishikesh to the upper ranges of the Himalayas.

Delighting animal enthusiasts, is the Rajaji National Park just 6 km from Rishikesh, a haven for wildlife lovers – with herds of wild elephants, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, bears, Sambhar, hog deer, barking deer, hyenas, wild boar, and various species of snakes including pythons and king cobra! Also look out for the Red Jungle fowl, Sunbirds, Jungle Owlets, Great Hornbills, kingfishers and other migratory birds from all over the world. It is said that one can find about 400 species of birds from the Himalayas here!

No matter what you’re looking for… from wall paintings to garments, accessories and many more, there is something for everyone in the markets of Rishikesh. But catching one’s eye in particular is the wooden furniture, a popular item sold in the bazaars here. Tourists can select from a wide range of carved furniture made of wood that include chairs, tables, cradles, stools, or chests. Other items also found here include beads of Rudraksha, books and clothes of religious importance. In addition to this Ayurvedic medicines are also a must pick up from here.

From Yoga/ meditation and Ayurveda, to white water rafting/ mountaineering and rock climbing this ‘Gateway to The land of the Gods’ or the ‘Mecca of Yoga’, call it what you will, is the ideal place one should head to rediscover and rejuvenate oneself!

 

Your ticket to heaven!

With a rich heritage dating back to the 3rd century BC, this temple town welcomes pilgrims and tourists alike with spectacular temples and exquisite beaches!  Welcome to Puri, a land of numerous temples shrouded with myths and legends, often better known as the earthly abode of Lord Vishnu or Jagannat.  Puri is one of the four dhams (sacred religious centres) in India, others being Rameswaram, Badrinath and Dwarka and is part of the Eastern Golden Triangle which comprises Puri, Konark and the capital city of Bhubhaneshwar.

The history of Puri dates back to the period when the town was inhabited by the Sabaras, a Pre-Dravidian and Pre-Aryan tribe belonging to the Austro-Asiatic family. During the 7th and 8th centuries, Puri had been a provincial outpost that linked eastern India with the South. Owing to its religious association with Sankaracharya (a Hindu reformer), Puri became one of the new centers for the practice of reformed Hinduism. With the arrival of the Gangas in the 12th century, Puri emerged as one of the centers of Vaishnavism. Anantavarman Chodaganga, one of the powerful rulers of Puri, established the Purusottama temple in 1135 which later came to be known as the Jagannath Temple in the 15th century.

While the Jagannath Temple is clearly one of the biggest tourist attractions this place has to offer, other temples with interesting myths and legends behind them include the Gundicha Ghar Temple, Konark Temple, the Loknath Temple and the Ardhasani Temple.

Situated on the Nilgiri Hills, Jagannath Temple, Puri was established to pay homage to the Lord of the Universe. Even the name of the temple is derived from two different words, ‘jag’ meaning ‘universe’ and ‘nag’ meaning ‘lord’. Legend has it that King Indradyumna who ruled the territory decided to build the temple upon seeing the deity Lord Jagannatha in a dream. Following several difficulties, the temple was built and an old Brahmin agreed to carve the image on a sacred piece of wood but the artisan left the job incomplete since he was disturbed in the middle of his task. The artisan is believed to be Lord Krishna in disguise. This temple is one of the tallest temples in India having a superb architectural skill of the period. The rock-hewn temple has tall shikharas (spires). The pillars that support the building are embellished with scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.

According to popular belief, the Gundicha Ghar Temple another popular temple at Puri is the abode of the aunt of Lord Krishna, who is called Gundicha, thus naming the temple after this mythical figure. According to the myths and legends of Hindu religion, the Gundicha Ghar Temple in Puri is the place where the lord spends as many as 9 days of a year at the time when the festival of Rathyatra is celebrated in the town of Puri.

The ideal time to visit the Ardhasani Temple at Puri is during the celebration of Rath Yatra. It is widely believed by the followers of the Hindu religion that Lord Jagannath halts at this temple of Puri, while coming back from the Gundicha Temple. He comes to this temple to enjoy a special preparation made out of rice, which is termed ‘ poda pitha’.

Paying homage to the mythical figure of Subhadra who is said to have saved Puri from the floods by drinking half the total amount of flood water, is the Ardhasani Temple of Puri.

Last but not the least is the Loknath Temple, which has been put up to pay homage to Lord Shiva. According to popular belief, Lord Rama established the lingam with the help of a pumpkin. Established in the 11th century or the 12th century AD, believers often come here to get a glimpse of Lord Loknath, as it is widely believed that he has the power to cure the common people from all types of problems related to health.

Puri is also known for its numerous maths, each known for their individual character and importance. Some of the most important ones are the Suna Goswami Math, the Jagannath Ballav Math and the Govardhana Math, with the latter being one of the most commonly visited maths in Puri, established around 1000 years ago, by Sankaracarya, one of the most popular religious leaders of Hinduism.

Another region famous in Puri is Swargadwar. Legend has it that if a person breathes his last at this place he gets the privilege of being transported to heaven directly! It is also widely believed that such a person easily attains complete salvation.  It is widely believed by the people belonging to the community of Hindus that a dip in the waters of the sea can help one to attain redemption.

Moving from its legendary temples and maths, another attraction of Puri is the Atharnala Bridge, a tourist attraction that bears testimony to the history of the region. Put up as early as in the 13th century, this bridge was constructed in an effort to develop the transport system for the people there at that time. Situated at the entry point of the town of Puri, other than the historical importance of the structure, visitors to the town also come to view its architectural expertise.

Counted amongst the most beautiful beaches in India situated in the Bay of Bengal, is the Puri beach famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset. One can also take a dip in its holy waters or swim in the sea, stroll around the sandy beach or engage oneself in any other activity. The best time to visit the beach is in November during the Puri Beach Festival. But if you can’t make it  to this festival, Puri has some other interesting festivals like the Rath Yatra Festival, also known as the Car Festival, which commemorates the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. Other important festivals are the ‘Dol Yatra’ a spring festival, or the ‘Avhisheka’, the coronation ceremony of Lord Jagannath that also marks the beginning of the annual cycle of festivals here and the ‘Kumar Purnima Festival’ celebrated during the month of Aswina, when devotees of Lord Krishna, who is known as Lord Jagannath in Puri and Goddess Lakshmi play dice on the behalf of their titular deities.

For those wanting to take back a part of this mystical place, there’s loads of handicraft that make great souvenirs! From horn work to silver filigree, folk painting to metal ware, silk and cotton handloom, applique work, and lampshades, shopaholics this place surely won’t disappoint you!

Visit this place during its festivals to experience its fascinating culture or its exquisite temples or as legends put it…to secure your place in heaven! This land of numerous temples, shrines and maths will surely fascinate you with its myths and legends.

Witness a catwalk of a different sort!

Thought Rajasthan was just about camels and camel festivals? Think again! Read up about the spectacular Elephant Festival – a daylong festival marked by a fabulous display of grandeur and royal finery in the art of elephant decorations. This unique event is held annually in Jaipur, in the month of March, one day before the festival of Holi. Get ready to be enthralled as these magnificent beasts, groomed to perfection and dressed in their finery, are all set  to move gracefully in procession, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi.

Regarded as precious and majestic since “puranic” era, the supremacy of this mighty animal has often been illustrated in Hindu Mythology. According to legends, during the ‘Samudra Manthan’ (also refer to our blog on Maha Shivratri) when the demon and Gods were busy “churning the ocean” the Gods were fortunate to be assisted by an elephant called “Airavata” which later became the divine vehicle (vahana) of Indra. It is said that since then elephants have become a symbol of Indian royalty and a unique part of the Indian culture. The Elephant Festival today is an attempt on the part of RTDC to introduce the people of India and abroad to the royalty of the Rajputs.

The Jataka stories of Buddhism refer to the tradition of Hastimangala (the Elephant Festival). From time immemorial, these animals have been regarded as a symbol of strength and wealth. For Rajput kings, elephants were of special significance not only during war but also during the royal festivities. With Jaipur being a favorite of important personalities, during the British Raj, Maharajas there arranged elephant rides up to the Amber palace for their guests of honor. Nishan-ka-hathi, the flag carrier, led the procession. The king always mounted a caparisoned elephant. Special hunting programs and elephant fights were organized to entertain the royal guests. Keeping up with the tradition, even today, the mahouts take tourists up to the Amber Palace on elephant back. Reviving the tradition, Rajasthan Tourism today organizes the Elephant Festival, the present-day pageant, especially with the tourist in mind, including the game of polo, after being inspired by a cartoon in Punch Magazine that showed the Indian polo team atop an elephant after it won all the international tournaments.

Held at Jaipur’s Chaugan Stadium, near the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), usually in the early evening from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. the festival commences with a beautiful procession of bedecked elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers marching towards the ground. The elephants are dressed in their best with the elephant keepers (mahouts) decorating these magnificent beasts from head to toe with exceptional care using beautiful glittering ornaments and embroidered velvets, each vying for the title of the ‘Best Decorated Elephant’. One of the most noticeable features of this festival is that all the elephants at this festival are female elephants, presenting a wonderful sight with their trunks, foreheads, and feet ornamented with floral motifs and other designs and trinkets adorning them from tusk to tail.

For the audience it is difficult to point out a single elephant that is looking more resplendent than the others since all are draped in finest of colorful saddle cloths and adorned with heavy ornaments. Also adding to the charm of this festival are lively music programs and folk dancers who enthrall the spectators with their sparkling performances. Besides the colorful parades, there are numerous races, also deadly and fierce elephant fights, and the much awaited extremely exciting and sporting elephant polo, where the players wearing saffron and red turbans, sit on elephants and try to score goals with long sticks and a plastic football.

And then it’s time for the men to take on the fierce beasts. Enjoy the tug of war competition between the elephants and humans. It goes without saying, that this is one of the most delightful parts of the festival with thousands of spectators cheering for their favorites!

Since this is celebrated along with Holi, the fun doesn’t stop with the races and parades! Adding to the excitement, the mahouts or people sitting on the top of the elephant start throwing colours (gulaal) at each other and people standing nearby. The fun, quite obviously, reaches its zenith at this point of time with the air filled with colours and loud cheers of the people. Ending the evening is the firework display that lights up the sky.

The ‘Pink City’ has some of India’s most amazing attractions such as the spectacular Hawa Mahal, the City Palace, the Ambar Fort or the Jantar Mantar, but these attractions can be viewed at any time, while Chaugan witnesses a complete change and is brought alive with these magnificent beasts, dancers, musicians, and onlookers just for a day! So book your tickets today and be a part of the magic that Chugan is getting ready for on the 19^th March 2011, for a truly colorful and unique Holi!