Category: North India

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Itinerary North India Rejoice

Trippy Chail

After our last trip to Mashobra, we were excited about further exploring more hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. So we took a bus from Delhi and headed to another one of the places influenced by the British Raj- Chail which is also the summer capital of Patiala. We will share with you the story as told to us by a local Chai wala as we enquired about the history of Chail as soon as we stepped there. It turns out that Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had made Lord Kitchener angry over some matter and he refused him entry into Shimla. But hey, who wouldn’t want to stay at such a beautiful place but instead of bowing down to the Lord, the Maharaja decided to build his own summer retreat. That’s how we got Chail View Palace. But as Irony would have it, the place was gifted to the Maharaja by Britishers earlier.

After hearing that fun tale, we moved on to my Hotel (Ekant Chail) as we were hoping it would be isolated like the name suggests. Good thinking because we got a good room with great view and total calm. After relaxing, I decided to keep the sightseeing for the next day.

The cricket and polo ground built by Maharaja who was an avid cricket fan himself (isn’t that a trait of every Indian?) is the world’s highest cricket ground at an altitude of 2250 meter. The next thing on the list was Palace Hotel view which was built by Maharaja in Victorian style (probably to make the Britishers jealous). Though the palace has been turned into a luxury hotel, it still has the vintage artwork that reminds you of the time it was built in. People can stay here at a normally priced rate and have the luxury of living like a king.

Next, we visited a place of great significance among the locals. It is believed that the king’s palace was supposed to be built where Sidh baba Temple is but the saint came in King’s dreams and told him that it was his resting place. The king stopped the construction of the palace and built a temple dedicated to the saint instead. It is a place of religious significance but all is well since the King’s palace turned out to be spectacular anyway.

While the Maharaja’s hunted the wild animals at this next stop, it was made into a Wildlife century later on and we saw a variety of beautiful birds there. I stayed there for two hours marveling at the beauty of the place. we asked around to find some more wonderful places to see and some other traveller told me that they were travelling to the Kali Mandir.

Trekking to Kali Mandir was not a difficult job but the view from there was breathtaking. The temple itself was beautiful as well but watching the sunset from there is what won me over. While there isn’t some big mall or grand markets there for shopping in Chail, we did find places that sold handmade Pashminas and rugs and shoes there. But I was more interested in trying the apple wine which was delightful. I also bought some jellies and jams to take home.

This beautiful hill station surrounded by deodar forests and valley beneath it, hills covering it and where the river flows down is truly a marvellous place to spend your time. Chail is one holiday destination that you will want to revisit. From a British territory to a gift, to a royal retreat and then finally a tourist resort, Chail has come a long way.

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Adventure North India Travel Tips

Easy steps to rent a bike for your Leh-Ladakh Trip

Exploring the beautiful landscapes of Leh on a bike tops the list of every traveler in the world. The feeling of fragrant breeze trying to embrace you in its arms is phenomenal. However, lack of information on bike rentals in Leh can spoil your trip completely. This is why we have got you a list of few essential tips on renting a bike in Leh

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Here we go:

Find a Bike Rental Shop

 Considering the fact that there are hundreds of bike rental shops in and around Leh, you won’t face a problem in renting the one that suits you. However, it is important to ensure that you rent it from a good reputed shop so as to not face any problem with the bike during the trip.You can take help of locals to suggest you some really good bike rental shops.

Zero in On the Right Price

 Bike rental charges in Leh vary from Rs 800 to Rs 2,000. The price actually depends on the condition of the bike, model, and make. So choose the bike that fits your requirements like duration of the road, destination, and other key factors etc.

 Book a Bike in Advance

 Leh is a heaven for bikers. Almost every traveler in Leh dreams of going for an unforgettable road trip of his or her lifetime. Hence, it is advisable to book a bike for a road trip in advance—may be a day before the trip. This is a great way to ensure that you get the bike that meets your expectations. Otherwise, you will have to bear with just any machine.

Do Not Rent a Bike From Places other than Leh

 Bikes rented from outside Leh are not permitted for sightseeing in the entire Ladakh. Hence, you are advised to rent a bike only in Leh. It is a beautiful city and your trip without exploring it on your bike is incomplete.

However, you can ride your own bike for sightseeing purposes in Ladakh. You must have all the necessary documents to prove that the bike is your property. If the bike is on somebody else’s name, then also you must have a non-objection letter from the owner.

Plan for Big Budget if Planning to Visit Manali or Srinagar

If you want to go outside Ladakh, then you will have to pay a security deposit. This is around 15 k per bike. The deposit will be returned to you once return the bike to the shop. Hence, it is recommended that you plan your road trip according to your budget, days, and convenience. Do not indulge in anything for the heck of it. The real fun is in logical adventures.

Have a Partner on Trip

 While taking a road trip down the lanes of Leh, you will ride through several no man’s land stretches. If your bike breaks down in these stretches then you may get trapped into a big problem.

Hence, it is advisable to always travel in groups or have a partner on your pillion. A partner can help you in such odd times.

We hope that above set of tips will help you prepare much better for renting a bike on your next Ladakh trip.

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Adventure North India Rejoice Travel Trends

Gear up for a great experience amidst the natural beauty of Leh

Leh is not just one of the world’s most exotic destinations on the map today but also the one that emanates spirituality from its every fiber of existence. Surrounded by the Great Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, its beauty cannot be expressed in words even by the seasoned wordsmiths of the country. Full of spectacular attractions, Leh is considered as the heaven on the planet earth. This is only in Leh that people suffer from sunstroke and frostbite at the same time. This place holds many other unforgettable surprises for its beholders.

We bring you some of the best sightseeing options for you in Leh. Here we go:

Zanskar and Ladakh Mountain Ranges

You will not even know when these two mountain ranges become your friends during your trip to Leh. They do not always appear as your beautiful friends. At times, there massive structure might intimidate you. You might feel very small in front of these mountain ranges. However, you should always look at the bright side of their beauty. There are sparkling rivers running through the mountains, snow capped terrains imitate skies above them, and breeze sounds like music to your ear. You cannot get enough of echo points here.

Pangong Tso Lake

Although this lake was always the major attraction of Leh, it got popularity after a scene of the famous Bollywood movie 3 Idiots was shot here. This lake floats across the border of Bhutan. This is probably the most popular site in all of Leh-Ladakh for camping. This lake is visited by millions of tourists from across the world every year. Boating in the lake is not allowed. However, you can do ice skating on the lake in the winters when it freezes.

Tso Moriri Lake

This lake is the heaven on earth for many travelers in the world. People can live here forever. This lake is like the beautiful painting of Picaaso in sparkling vibrant colors. The sky above snowcapped-blue Mountain is blue and white while pastures are green with light hues of yellow, and water is like gold from the distance.  Tso Moriri Lake is not as famous as Pangong Tso Lake but if you are in Leh-Ladakh then you must visit this place without which your trip will be incomplete.

Khardungla Pass

Khardungla Pass does not really look like a road. However, the truth is that this is the highest civilian motor road in the world. It is also called as the gateway to the north. However, you must take extra care of your health if you are paying a visit to this point.

Nubra Valley

Mountains, rivers, lakes, snow, green pastures and what else can you expect in Leh-Ladakh? Nubra Valley is the 8th wonder on the Earth treasured by this beautiful world. It is a beautiful desert that can give you Arabian like adventure right in the heart of snowy mountains.

Magnetic Hill

This magnetic hill should be declared a world wonder. If you park your car at the base of the hill without brakes, then your car starts moving uphill. The science has not been able to define the reason behind it yet.

Untouched and mesmerizing scenic beauty, snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery and secluded spots, so much to experience at Leh. Visiting this beautiful hilly region can be a great experience this weekend.

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Himalayas North India

Chitkul village- The last inhabited village near the Indo China border

At a height of 3450 meters, Chitkul stands tall as the proud crown of India to the Tibet border side. This exotic destination in the heart of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the Baspa River, which travels with you on your right as you mount the Chitkul valley. One of the major attractions of the village is its apple gardens surrounded by several camping sites.

During winters, the place remains covered with snow and the inhabitants creep down to lower regions of Himachal. You can discover one of the best-grown potatoes in the world here but they are very costly. Situated on the banks of Baspa River, Chitkul is the first village of the Baspa Valley and the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. Houses with either slate or wooden plank roofs, the Buddhist temple and a small tower are the things which are of particular interest for the visitors.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Himachal Pradesh is Indira Gandhi National Airport and Palam Domestic Airport in New Delhi. There is a huge bus network for Himachal Pradesh which hails from New Delhi. It is approximately 360 km away from New Delhi.

First, arrive at Reckong Peo which is approximately 60 km away from Chitkul. From there, you can hire a cab or board a bus to the village.

Himachal is well connected by the rail network. There are a number of trains from all major parts of the country to Himachal Pradesh. Pathankot-Joginder railway line is the longest in the state which traverses all the way from neighborhood Punjab. To savor the scenic beauty and picturesque landscape, one can choose to travel by the toy train from Kalka to Shimla.

Places to Visit

Raksham

One of the best places to visit in Chitkul Village is Raksham, which is approximately 11 km from here. This is one of the most exotic places of the country with the abundance of snowfalls in winter. Baspa River flows along and her sound is like music to your ears.

Kalpa

Kalpa is another small town in the heart of Sangla. The town is situated right next to Sutlej River. If you are a nature lover then this is the right place for you. It gives some of the best views of Kinnar Kailash Mountain.

Kagyupa Temple

Kagyupa temple has special significance because it is the home to a rare image of Shakyamuni Buddha with four directional kinds placed on every side. It is believed that the presiding deity of the village, Mathi is alive and must be paid homage to.

Things to Do

Trekking

One of the best ways to explore Chitkul village is by trekking around the hills. The real beauty of the place lies in places where no vehicle can take you. Hence, it is advisable to discover the landscapes of the village on your feet.

Camping

Thousands of tourists from across the country come to Chitkul Village, especially for camping. This village hosts some of the best camping sites in the middle of apple gardens.

Best Places to Eat

There are no luxury hotels in Chitkul village. You can relish the local delicacies of the village at local Dhabas and homestays. Situated right at the Tibetan border, you will find a confluence of Himachali, Punjabi, Easter flavors.

Places to Stay

In Chhitkul, there are wooden houses turned into hotels. These hotels are a bit expensive and most of the tourists prefer to stay at Sangla and plan a day trip to this place.

Hotel Royal Castle, Prakash Regency, and Hotel Rupin River View are some of the best places to stay.

Your discovery of the serene and lesser-known Himalayas begins at the Banjara Camp in the Sangla Valley. The Banjara Camp & Retreat is the pioneer in luxury camping, at a height of 2,700 mts.  The camp is encircled by massive towering mountains on all sides and situated on the banks of the Baspa river that gushes through the valley.

Travel Tips

While you set off for Chhitkul make sure you carry sufficient cash and petrol or diesel for your car as you would not find any ATM facility or fuel stations in this hilly area.

There is also neither a clinic nor any hospital flanking the area and one has to travel back to Sangla for emergencies.

The very cold and windy weather can add to some trouble for those traveling by road. The road usually closes down around November after the first snowfall. So avoid traveling at this time.

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Adventure Himalayas North India

This beautiful lake in the arms of the Himalayas will remind you of the Moon

The Chandra Tal Lake is located in the Spiti part of Lahul and Spiti district of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake got its name “Chandra Tal” from its crescent shape and is also called the Moon Lake. Situated at an altitude of about 4,300 metres in the Himalayas, the place is one of the busiest tourist’s spots in the beautiful state. It is famous for trekking and various adventure sports all around northern India.

Best time to visit

June to September is the best time to visit the amazing lake.

How to reach

A few hours road trip from Delhi via Manali (533 km) will bring you to the beautiful Spiti valley. The place is located at an altitude of about 4000m above the sea level, and no vehicles would get you here. From Batal or Kunzum pass, you would have to walk for a few kilometers to reach the Chandra Tal Lake. The beautiful lake can also be approached from Manali.

About the place

As you walk towards the lake in a trek of about 8 kilometers, it feels like reaching the moon. The total circumference of the lake is about 2.5 kilometers and as you reach there and have a look at the bright blue water of the lake, you feel all your tiredness going away. The lake is the source of Chandra River that flows through the valley.

The clear blue sky and the untouched virgin beauty with the rugged brown mountains devoid of any trees are the perfect picturesque locations one can wish for. In the arms of nature, people also come here to seek peace and soak in the natural beauty of the place. The shining Chandra River flowing below and the surrounding green landscapes make the place nothing sort of a heaven.
Activities

Most of the tourists that come here for their passion for travel and adventure, so the place is ideal for adventure seekers. The mountain peaks and dangerous slopes around the place are the idol spot for the most daring of mountaineers to show off their skills. Apart from trekking, some other activities that you can get indulged into are camping and sightseeing.


The Chandra Tal trek is however deemed to be moderate by most of the people. The level of difficulty for trekking here is average as compared to other challenging treks in India. Along with the trekking, other things tourists like about the place is the incredible beauty of the landscape surrounding it which is a great treat for the senses.

The mythological significance

Once a glacier, the lake now lies amidst the wide grassy plain surrounded by all the natural beauty. The legends that go around the lake is that the last Pandava Yudhishthira was taken to heaven on Lord Indra’s chariot from this particular place. This is the reason why Hindus adds so much religious significance to the place.

Where to Stay
There are not much accommodation options in Chandra Tal. A number of PWD guesthouses and rooms are available at Kunzum Pass and Batal that are lent out by villagers. During summers, a majority of the tourists prefer to stay in camps at Chandratal.

Eating Options

Eating options in Chandra Tal are very limited. You will find mostly Tibetan food here. There are some small dhabas at Batal and Kunzum Pass which offer food to tourists. Some restaurants near Chandra Tal lake are Mahabudha Restaurant, Cafe Kunzum Top and Yak Cafe.

Other attractions

Out of the many wonderful passes in Lahaul and Spiti, the Rohtang la, Kunzum la and Baralacha la are worth mentioning. Also located at the place are some monasteries that are worth a visit such as Dhankar, Gandhola, Gemur, Gozzangwa, Guru Ghantal, Kardang, Key, Kibber, Kungri, Lhalung, Shashur, Tabo, Tangyud, and Tayul.

Chandra Tal, along with some other regions in the place forms a picture perfect image of what heaven would look like if it actually existed. So, pack your bags and embark on the wonderful journey.

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Architectural Itinerary North India

48 hours in Lucknow

Lucknow can be taken as a sweet dish, from the way people speak (ah that accent!) to the lovely architecture of the magnificent mosques to the manners, everything oozes out tons of sweetness. Add the delicious cuisines, especially the Mughlai kebabs, biryani and what not, and the city becomes one delicious dream of a food lover along with a poetry enthusiast and the one who understands the nuisances of what constitutes a great city to live in. Spending some time here amidst the narrow alleys, the crowded markets, and delicate biryani outlets may not set well with you at the first sight. But the city grows on you and then refuses to come out of your system.

Below are the things that you can do on a 2 day trip to this beautiful city.

Day 1

Start the day with breakfast. And what is a perfect place for some delicious breakfast than Moti Mahal? Away from the meaty cuisines of rest of the city, this is an all vegetarian food point and serves healthy and delicious food.

The afternoon would be spent taking a fully guided tour of the famous Bhool Bhulaiyaa which happens to be an iconic spot for the ardent history lovers. It was built in the 17th century and is still a place to get lost in even after all these years. Besides this, there are other things that this historical marvel has which will leave you thrilled. These are such the thick trees and lush gardens, a mosque, tazias (small replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb in Karbala, Iraq), and rooftop balconies that will surround you with panoramic views of the Imambara in Lucknow.

Late afternoon should be dedicated to a place that gives a glimpse into the city’s past during the colonial days, the Lucknow residency. Also known as British residency, this place gives a good peek into the way the British people operated in the city. Visiting it may give you some vague idea about how the foreigners undertook their operations.

Idrish Hotel is the perfect place to end the day with the delicious chicken biryani. Situated in the most historic areas of the city, this one is a wonderful hotel cum restaurant.

Day 2

Start the next day with some vegetarian delights at Brindavan hotel. Located in Hazratganj, the restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in the city and is a decent crowd puller serving some great chaats and chole bhature along with poori and sabzi.

Chattar manzil or the umbrella place is located just at a few kilometers’ distance from the zoo and a great spot to start the part 2 of the 2-day visit to the city. Nawab Ghazi Haider built it but died midway through the construction. His son then took the     Charge of finishing the construction and gave us this wonderful monument to be amazed about.

Most travelers happen to miss the famous 900-year-old Khamman Peer Dargah, which remains unseen in the premises of Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow. The place is filled with the non-stop chanting of the holy Qurans and the crowd is unimaginably heavy, not only Muslims but a great number of Hindus too.

For a relaxing dinner, you must head nowhere but Falaknuma, a classy and sophisticated rooftop restaurant at the Clarks Avadh hotel. The restaurant has a real nawabi feel to it and serves some great Awadhi and Mughlai meals.

Lucknow, fondly called the City of Nawabs is packed with countless tourist attractions, religious centers, and mouthwatering eateries.

Most of the city can be visited in two days but to get the full essence of the soul of the city may take a lot longer than that. But something is better than nothing and these 2 days spent in here will stay with you for a very long time.

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Corporate Outings Festival North India

Music festivals in Delhi

Other than being the national capital, it can also be said that Delhi is the cultural and artistic capital of the country. Hundreds of small and big events take place here to promote art and culture. Ask any outsider and you will know that Delhiites are pure crazy for the music. Whether it is the romantic Bollywood music or the independent pop music, they will consume everything if it strikes a chord in them. No wonder why many national and international artists can’t ignore the capital to do their live shows and events. The happening nightlife of Delhi is somehow illuminated by these events and here are a few you must look forward to in the coming times.

Bacardi Club Nights- Organized regularly at the Nehru Place, right in the center of the city, Bacardi Club nights are electric events that take place yearly. Known as the ‘happiest’ music festival on the block, it’s an event full of loud music, booze and lots of flickering lights. Enough to take you on a psychedelic trip, these events are highly looked after. Who need drugs to get high now when you have the music at its very best? A must visit for the hardcore music lovers. Taking place on 26th August, Sid Vashi will be taking the charge to entertain the public.

Func Live beast- Krunk is known to organize such music nights regularly. Taking place at Hauz Khas, the upcoming event will have the guitarist, dub maestro and a master music producer Randolph Correia as the star of the night. Taking place on 26th August at the Antisocial, HKV, the entry charge is 300 per head with one drink free. The artist works multi-genres and you will have the time of your life. Do not miss this.

Sangeet Martand- Taking place at Kamani Auditorium on 13 September, this time it will be a celebration of the Indian classical music. Ustad Chand Khan will be leading the charge with his golden voice and several other artists will also be there to take the listeners to an all-time musical high. This is going to be the 23rd edition of the festival and like every time, the auditorium is expected to be full before time. So you need to act fast and book your tickets now.

Nightmare Live- Nightmare Live at Kitty Su, central Delhi will take place on 17th August; Tyler Marenyi is the hero of the night. Known as one of the pioneers in the electronic music scene in the world, he is known as the strongest competitor to the living legend Skrillex. The entry charge for females is 500 per head while the men may have to spend 1000 Rs to enter the place. Once the action begins, it will all be worth it.

Music heals the soul and takes you to the world you love and embrace. This variety can only be seen in Delhiites as they love the classic and western music alike. The greatest city in the country is a great host for the musicians from all walks of life.

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Foodie North India

Experience the real Lucknowi food

The city of Nawabs is known for so many things that have secured a good place in the hearts of the Indians for the city. One of those many things is the delicate and tasty cuisines that get served here in the city almost everywhere from the high-end hotels and restaurants to the average street stalls. Lucknow mostly deals in the non-vegetarian food and there is no dearth of delicious options for the hardcore vegetarians as well. So, here are a few cuisines that you must try at any cost whenever you are there in the city.

Galawati Kabab– Kebabs get served here in the city in abundance. And what’s better you ask? There are more than a hundred variety of that are being served here. Out of them Galawati Kabab is the most sought after. There is a story that says that this particular recipe was so special once that it was served only to the Nawab and his family of the city. Galawati means- that melts in your mouth and it justifies its name quite perfectly. Meat and unripe papaya are used in making it and it’s something not to be missed.

Boti Kabab– The delicious meat when gets heated intensively and gets served with some of the best spices, the result is this. Although quite common in the rest of the country as well, it holds a certain charm that is unique for the Lucknowi cooks. This is one of the most popular and the most delicious recipes one can find anywhere.

Rogan Josh– Yes, for the hardcore chicken lovers, the name is enough to bring water in their mouths. Rogan Josh is one of the very few delicious items that are regular with the nonvegetarians. The very soft chicken gets mixed up with spicy curry is all you need for the night. You may have tried it a thousand times, but the one that belongs to Lucknow holds a unique charm and demands to be tried at least once.

Lucknowi Biryani– How could our list be incomplete without this! The Lucknowi biryani has many different varieties but the essence is the same all over. The rice is cooked in the fresh spices and then the chicken is added. This serves as a great mixture of mouth-watering taste and elegance. There are variants where it can be spicier on the request of the customers. To experience the real flavor of Dum Biryani, you can visit the Idris Dhaba, a small shop in the Chowk area.

Tokri Chaat– Chaat is known to be the most favorite snack for the countrymen, there are many ways to prepare it. The one that gets prepared here in Lucknow is not a lot different but it does feel tastier than the chaats prepared in any other parts of the country, especially the north India. Try Royal Café in Hazratganj, famous especially for its lip smacking basket chaat.

Lassi- To enjoy a great variety, you must visit the Sai Lassi Corner. The thick cream layer, top with dry fruits is what makes this place so special among the lassi lovers.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie or not, everyone likes to eat and there is no one in the world that doesn’t get around by a delicious looking plate in front of them. Lucknowi meals are known for their taste and freshness and the best part, most of them are affordable by everyone.

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Corporate Outings Deserts North India

“Jaisalmer”, the Golden City!!

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer represents the early essence of Rajasthan. The history dates back to the 11th century. The beautiful City of Jaisalmer was founded by Rajput king Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156, since then it’s an incredible destination to explore.
The City Jaisalmer, located at the distance of 575 Km west from Jaipur, is the gateway to the famous Thar Desert, which is one of the most loved travel destinations in Rajasthan. Explore the prosperous heritage and the culture of the Rajputana with us.

State: Rajasthan, India

District: Jaisalmer

Distance From New Delhi: 735 Km via NH 11

Distance From Jaipur: 575 Km via NH 11

Route: The Beautiful city of Jaisalmer can be reached via bus, train or flight. The travelers can choose the option according to their convenience.

Things to do in Jaisalmer:

If you have ever desired to explore the thriving history of Rajputs “The true Warriors”, then you should plan a holiday to Rajasthan and it’s different historical cities. The heart of the Great Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, and its rich culture will make you feel like a King. Here are things you can do and explore during your visit to the Golden City.
The Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer!!
The Golden fort, known as the “Sonar Quila” is the largest subsistence fort is the home to about 3000 people at present.The beautiful mountainous, a five-storied monument was built and designed in a traditional Rajasthani Style. The Prosperous and lavish inheritance of the Jaisalmer fort was portrayed by Satyajit Ray in his novel”Shonar Kella”, later the movie” Sonar Kella” was also made on it. The architectural structure of the fort separates into three layers of walls. The outside layer is made up of solid yellow stone blocks.
The Adventurous Camel Safari!!
Tour to the Golden City is incomplete if you miss the fun of experiencing Desert safari and Camel ride.It is most adventurous and thrilling experience you will encounter during your tour. Visiting Sam dunes during sunset and exploring each detail of mysterious desert by camel is mesmerizing and eye delight for travelers.


Magnificent Jain Temple!!
These beautiful and superb artistic sculptures in the temple will surely blow your mind and leave you lost in the scenic view. Each part of the temple was the fine example of the sheer twisted and tangled artwork; it’s beautiful jharokhas and its alluring Torana (entrance gate) are admirable. This beautiful Jain temple is devoted to the 24th Tirthankara is a perfect fusion of Jain beliefs and folklore.


The tranquil of the Gadi Sagar lake!!
Originally made for water conservation tank, its construction dates back to 14th century, the Gadi Sagar Lake is the man-made lake is one of the significant tourist attraction of Jaisalmer. The beautiful lake and its picturesque views are the perfect places for sightseeing in Jaisalmer.
The tranquil water sheet is surrounded by many temples and the ancient Krishna Temple that is located on top of the Tilon Gate is significant among all. During the winter season, the migratory birds settle around the region, which offers bird watching to the travelers. Adding to it, boating in the Gadi Sagar Lake is also an adventurous thing to experience in Jaisalmer.

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Culture Festival North India

Holi in Barsana

Holi is known as the festival of colors and all around fun, but here in Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, Holi is having a completely different facade. The enjoyment level is no less, though. The Barsana village happens to be about 42 kilometers away from Mathura, the birthplace of lord Krishna.

The men have carried on the routine that has been there for ages and they make their trip to Barsana, in order to play Holi with the local girls and women. They play with colors but that is not the case with the women, they are there all prepared to welcome them with sticks. Some men get in the race of hoisting a flag over Radhikaji’s temple but they too get beaten up quite bad instead.

This is all in fun and there are no hard feelings. After all, the festival is popular for the pure fun that it provides all over the country. But as you can guess, in Barsana, the picture is completely different. But then there is the catch that many places nearby, especially in Haryana, the festival gets celebrated with more or less the same brutality as the Holi in Barsana, which also happens to be known as Lathmaar Holi.

But the real fun starts when the men from Mathura plan in advance about how to save themselves from the brutal hits they are going to get. However, they keep in mind the very fact that they can just not retaliate, they can just find ways to avoid the brutal beatings. The spirit of Holi is felt at its very best when despite all the planning, some men get captured by the women of Barsana and receive a tough dose of unconventional love from the women and the girls. And when the time is tougher for them, they are forced to wear women attire and roam around the village. Sounds like quite a lot of fun, but not for men really. The spirit and the level of enthusiasm in people about the festival are magnetic and there is not an ounce of doubt about why a lot of people from different parts of the country come to witness and participate in the madness. 

Poets like Surdas have mentioned in detail how Krishna was also made to suffer these atrocities once. He was known to be quite a charmer and usually went to Barsana to play Holi with the women there, especially Radha. He once got captured and received the severed beating from the women and was made to don a saari and makeup.

Despite all the fun, there are some things that do harm the spirit of the festival. The government has done enough to keep that away. A huge open ground has been allotted to the festivities on the outskirts of the village, where the men and women play freely. The celebrations go on for about a week.

This enthusiastic display of colors and happiness is what makes the country colorful and magnetic. In the recent few years, a few foreigners are also seen dwelling themselves in the colors of Holi and enjoying themselves with an open heart. That is when they give their heart to this beautiful charmer of a country.

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