Baneshwar Fair Rajasthan - 14th-18th Feb 2011

Have you ever seen an amazing tribal festival? If no, then you must visit Rajasthan  during the celebrations of the Baneshwar festival. A popular festival of the Bhil community of Rajasthan, Baneshwar Fair is grabbing the eye balls of the travelers these days.

In the months of January-February, the banks of Mahi and Som rivers in the Dungapur district, comes alive with several vibrant colors. This year this fair started from 14th February and will last till 18th February. Baneshwar Fair is a four day affair, where Bhil people of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh come together for this fest. It is a festival of great religious importance and is celebrated with much flair and enthusiasm.

According to legends Baneshwar fair is actually a blend of two fairs. One dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev and the other dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Janakunwari a local leader constructed a temple of Lord Vishnu and on the day when the idol was established these two fairs merged together.

The first day of the fair begins with the main priest ( or Mathadhish) taking a dip in the holy rivers. He arrives here from Sabla in a huge procession along with a silver image of Mavji. Next day a grand aarti is performed at the shrine where people also offer wheat flour, pulses, ghee, jaggery, salt, coconut and cash. The ritual of immersing the ashes of their dead relatives is also considered very sacred.

As for entertainment many cultural shows are organized in the evening that are very attractive. You can also see Raslila that is performed in the temple complex after the sunset. Here you will get to see many magical, animal and acrobatic shows that are quite popular among the travelers. You can also buy some really interesting stuff like lac bangles, printed dress material, antique jewelery while visiting the Baneshwar Fair.

So come to Rajasthan during the Baneshwar Fair celebrations and spend some memorable holidays here.

Desert Festival Jaisalmer - 16th-18th Feb 2011

Have you ever seen the vibrant colors of an arid desert? If no, then come to Jaisalmer during the celebrations of the Desert festival, and witness the actual colors of this land. Today it has become an important tourist attraction of this city, that attracts travelers from different corners of the world.

This year Desert festival has started from 16th Feb and will last till 18th Feb. Amazingly beautiful Sam sand dunes, is the location that has been selected by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation for this year fair.

Every year the Tourism Department of Rajasthan has come up with more innovative ideas to attract more and more tourists to this fair. This year the festival started with a huge procession of the beautifully decorated camels, along with the traditional dance performance by the folk artists of this state.

If you are visiting the Desert Fair today, then do not miss to see the competitions like the best mustache, finest turban tying, and the most popular of all Mr Desert. Also visit the various stalls put up by the local villagers, from where you can purchase the local handicraft items, lac bangles, printed dress materials. If you feel hungry then you can try the local delicacies at the different food stalls.

Fun activities like camel races and the camel polo are to going to grab the attention of the tourists. They are going to be a day long affair as it is the last day of the fair. With the setting sun and night coming into full swing the real aura of the desert will be enhanced with the dances performances like moria, ghoomar, dhap, chari, gair and kalbelia. The moonlight falling on the golden sand will definitely make your trip to the Desert Fair a very memorable affair.

Desert Tour

                                                  

When you think of a Desert Tour, the first picture that comes to your mind, is of the golden sand, amazing sand dunes, amazing camel safari and bushes full of thorns. You can experience this whole excitement while visiting the fascinating Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Blend this journey with some beautiful Rajasthani folk performances at the night and a stay in the local villages to make your tour unforgettable.

A desert tour in Rajasthan covers the three most popular destinations Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur. They are also known as the Golden Triangle of this state that attracts the travelers from different corners of the world.

You can start off your desert tour in Jaisalmer which is the base for visiting the famous Sam Sand Dunes. The camel safari in this city will take you to the places that has still remained a mystery to the tourists. En route you can stop at the local rural villages for some refreshing break. This is also a good way to mingle with the local people. Do not forget to buy the interesting local handicraft items from the local markets.

The next stopover of this desert triangle tour is the wonderful city of Bikaner. Also known as the Camel city of India, it is a perfect destination for exploring the real beauty of the Thar desert. Although the climate of this city is quite hot, but a camel safari in Bikaner is a chance of a lifetime, that you should never miss. You can see the true colors of this city during the celebrations of the Camel Festival here.

The last stop of your desert tour of Rajasthan is the Blue city or Sun City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur. A ride of the ship of desert will take you to the most magnificent places of this city. The splendid view of the sunset and its rays falling on the golden sand will leave an everlasting impression on your mind. While in this city shop for the exquisite souvenirs from the markets. Along with it also taste the local Rajasthani delicacies while visiting the rural villages here.

So next time you think of spending some really incredible holidays plan a desert tour in Rajasthan.

Golden Triangle India

                   

The Golden Triangle India tour is like a beautiful bunch of flowers representing the diverse cultural and architectural heritage of India. The Golden Triangle tour comprising of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is a very interesting and gratifying way of exploring three most popular cities of this country. One can call these cities a mirror that shows us the essence of the Indian heritage.

Each city has its own charm, its own uniqueness that distinguishes it from the other. The first of these,
Delhi, is one of the four metropolitan cities of India. This city is a perfect blend of the rich historical past and modern lifestyle. In earlier times it was the capital of many rulers and British settlers who built many magnificent buildings in their times. Here one can visit India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Akshardham temple, Qutub Minar and many more.

Agra is known world wide for the breathtakingly beautiful Taj Mahal that is one of the eight wonders of the world. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed Taj as a loving tribute to his deceased wife Mumtaj Mahal in the 17th century and till date it remains the ultimate destination for lovers. In Agra along with Taj one can see Agra Fort, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-ud-daulah.

The third stop of the Golden Triangle tour Jaipur, is the city of royal Rajput rulers and vibrant colors. A tour of this city will make you feel like a royal prince or princess. In Jaipur you can see Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer fort and many more.

While planning the Golden Triangle Tour do not forget to taste the tasty and mouth-watering local delicacies of these cities. Along with it shop for some really exciting souvenirs in the local markets. The whole experience of the Golden Triangle Tour will be an experience of a life time that everyone should try once.

Jaipur Literature Festival

Do you have a passion for reading and want to meet some of the best international and Indian writers of our times? If yes, then the Jaipur Literature Festival is the ultimate destination for you. For five days the colorful city of Jaipur becomes the hub of the most popular writers, who come here from different parts of the world.

In 2011 Jaipur Literature fest entered its sixth year. The official dates of the fest were from 21 January-25 January and was organized in the beautiful Diggi Palace. Some of the finest Indian and foreign writers like  Salman Rushdie, William Dalrymple, Kiran Desai, Ruskin Bond participated in this  biggest book fest of South-East Asia.

This fest gives a very good opportunity to these celebrities and local people to mingle and to know more about their latest writings and works. Every year these authors come up with some really innovative ideas that help in making this event a big hit and attracting travelers from all around the world.

After so much of intellectual talks and book readings, both writers and visitors refresh their mind and soul with exciting shopping rendezvous and mouth watering local cuisines. If you were not there this year, do not worry as the fest will be back next year again. Do pay a visit then. A visit of the Jaipur Lit. fest will surely inspire you to indulge in book reading.

Camel Festival Of Bikaner

In the earlier times, when there were no modern means of transport available in Rajasthan, camels were used for commuting. They were an important part of the day to day life of the local population and were hence called the 'ship of the desert'. Even today, camels play a significant role in people's life and fascinate travellers coming from far and wide.

For this reason the Tourism department of Rajasthan thought of organizing a festival, telling the travelers about the importance of the camels and boost tourism simultaneously.  Bikaner Camel festival, organized in the month of January, is a two day fest that attracts travelers from all around the world. With the majestic Junagarh Fort as its backdrop, this festival is a real treat for every visitor's eye.

The Camel Festival begins with a huge procession, where the camels and their owners come marching in a grand manner towards the open sand grounds. All the camels are decorated with traditional Rajasthani dress fabric and jewelery for the camel dance which is very new for every tourist. Apart from this there are some really interesting and entertaining competitions. But the main attraction of this entire fest is the Camel beauty pageant giving are very own top model a run for their money.

Along with it the folk performances of the local artists in the evening will make you dance on their tunes. On the last day you will be mesmerized with the beautiful firecrackers, enlightening the whole sky and leaving an everlasting impression on your mind.

While in Bikaner during the Camel festival do not forget to taste the various delicacies made from camel milk and also buy sweet dishes for your home. In the end complete your tour with some exciting shopping of the handicraft items in the local markets.

Rajasthan Tourism

Rajasthan is one of the most colorful states of India. A land of forts, palaces, havelis and majestic cities Rajasthan casts its magic on every traveler. This state has so much to offer to the tourists that they will remember this experience for their entire life. Explore the marvels of the bygone era and make your holidays a memorable affair.

Forts and Palaces Tour:
Rajasthan is a state where you can find several forts and palaces located in every city. They are a true symbol of the rich historical past of this land. They reflect the royal heritage of Rajasthan and attracts thousands of travelers every year. These marvelous monuments tells us the stories of the bravery and the royal life style of the rulers of this state. Amer fort is the most popular fort of Rajasthan. Along with it tourists can also visit Jaisalmer fort, Mehrangarh fort, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh fort, Junagarh fort, Nahargarh and Kumbhalgarh forts.

The palaces of Rajasthan are also worth watching. They are the living example of the lavish and grand lifestyle of the Rajput rulers and royal families. The architecture of all these buildings is very magnificent and worth praising. They are like a jewel in the crown of this state. Lake Palace, Umaid Bhavan Palace, City Palace of Udaipur and Jaipur, Jal Mahal and Lalgarh Place are the most famous palaces of this state. They take us back into the golden era of the Rajput rulers.

Havelis Tour:
The havelis of Rajasthan reminds of the glory of the past. These colorful, splendid havelis are a true testimony of the glorious period of the royal history of this land. They have kept alive the majestic cultural heritage of this state. Samode haveli in Jaipur, Salim Singh ki haveli in Jaisalmer, Piramel haveli and the havelis of Shekhawati are very famous among the travelers.

Wildlife Tour:
Rajasthan is a perfect destination for the wildlife enthusiasts. This state has a rich wilderness wealth and is also a home to different species of animals and birds. There are many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Rajasthan that help us in peeking into the natural habitat of these wild creatures. Ranthambore national park, Bharatpur bird sanctuary, Sariska wildlife sanctuary, Keoldeo Ghana and Dessert national parks are the ideal destinations to explore the wild world of this state.

Pilgrimage Tour:
Rajasthan is known as the land of several temples and dargahs. People of different religion live here in harmony. The temples of this state are not only an important religious center but they are also a feast for the eyes. These shrines and dargahs reflect the ancient cultural tradition of this state. Pushkar temple, Ajmer Sharif dargah, Galta temple, Jain temple, Birla mandir, Bikaner temples are some of the most visited pilgrimage centers of Rajasthan.

Festive Celebrations:
One can experience the true colors of Rajasthan during the celebrations of different festivals here. They offer an excellent opportunity to the tourists to have an experience of the culture and traditions of the people of this state. Some popular festivals that are celebrated here are Mewar festival. Marwar festival, Urs festival, Pushkar camel fair, Elephant and Dessert festivals.

Delicacy Tour:
Taste the delicious cuisines of this state and make your Rajasthan tour complete. Experiment with your taste buds and try the mouth watering delicacies like daal batti churma, Lal mans, mawa kachodi and different types of namkeens and chats.

Luxury Tour:
When in Rajasthan spend your holidays like a royal Rajput prince or princess. Experience their luxurious way of living and their grand lifestyle. Explore this amazing state by planning a luxurious train tour of the Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajsathan on Wheels. These trains have all the modern amenities to make your travel comfortable. They are also a very popular tourist attraction of this state.

Visit Rajasthan and experience the most colorful and fun filled holidays of your life.

North India Tourism

North India is the hottest tourist destination in India. Northern part of India is popular for its rich historical heritage and traditional past. The scenic beauty of the landscapes and the mighty Himalayas and Ganges makes North India a perfect place for some thrilling and memorable holidays. It is a paradise for adventure lovers. Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Kashmir,Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are some of the most visited destinations of North India.


Heritage Tour: No tour of North India is complete without a visit to the heritage sites of this country. Theses structures are a reflection of rich Indian civilization. Red Fort, India Gate and Humayun's Tomb make the tour of Delhi complete. While in Rajasthan visit the magnificent palaces, forts and havelis in Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. The picturesque location and the calm atmosphere simply enchants the mind and soul.


Golden Triangle Tour: The Golden triangle comprises Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. A visit to this golden triangle completes the tour of North India. The main attractions of this triangle are the India Gate, Akshar Dham, Red Fort and Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort in Agra.Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and City Palace in Jaipur.


Wildlife Tour: A heaven for wild life enthusiasts, North India offers a lot of options to travelers to make their holidays really wild. Here one can experience the untouched beauty of the nature and the wild world of various species of animals. One can watch lions and tigers in Jim Corbett and Ranthambore Sanctuaries. Bharatpur is an ideal place to watch and observe different local and migratory birds. Beside these tourists can also visit Kanha, Dudhwa national parks and Sariska sanctuary.


Himalayan Tour: Enter the world of snow and enjoy an exhilarating experience. It is the best destination for the winter sports lovers. Auli, Rohtang Pass, Gulmarg and Leh are very good places for trying your hands in ice-skating, skiing and mountain climbing. Ladakh, Dharmshala and Kangra valley are famous for the temples and monasteries. Devotees throng these cities to visit the holy abodes of the Gods and to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.


Pilgrimage Tour: North India is truly a holy abode that comprises of more than 100 temples, churches and mosques. Each one of them has magnificent architecture and is associated with some myth or legend. In Delhi Isckon temple, Birla mandir, Jama Masjid, Akshar Dham temple and Bahai temple are some of the fine examples of the amazing architecture. A visit of the Golden Temple of Punjab offers a spiritual satisfaction of the mind and soul. The snow covered Himalayas also known as the Dev Bhumi attracts devotees from every part of the world. Pushkar and Ajmer Dargha are also very important pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Muslims. The monasteries of Leh and Himachal Pradesh is visited by several followers of Buddhism.


Adventure Tour: Feel the adrenalin rush with different adventure sports in the North India. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, para-gliding and hand-gliding makes Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal the hottest hub for adventurers. Also try camel and yak safari in Leh-Ladakh which has a charm of its own. 


Luxury Tour: Experience the beauty of North India by taking a luxury train tour of Rajasthan. Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels makes you feel like a Rajput royal. These trains covers all the important destinations. Also a stay in the  exclusive 5-star hotels makes your journey of North India a memorable affair.


Ayurveda Tour: After so much of traveling relax yourself in the spas and medication centers in Himachal Pradesh. Besides them all the 5-star hotels in the North Indian cities also provide the rejuvenation therapies to relax the body and mind.


North India is perfect destination to spend the best holidays of your life. The irresistible beauty casts its magic on every traveler.