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Beaches Uncategorized

Five Most Unexplored Beaches of Odisha

Odisha is renowned as ‘Goa of East’ but most of the tourists visiting Odisha mostly have temples on their mind or, if not that, monuments, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries. This means that the sea beaches of the state remain ignored. Even those who have sea beaches as tourist spots of secondary attraction in their mind are contended with beaches of Puri or Konark leaving about a dozen other beaches unexplored.

Odisha has a four hundred and a sixty-kilometer long coastline on the Bay of Bengal and is home to more than a dozen sea beaches. Some of these like those at Puri, Konark, the Chilika lake are rather popular and hectic because of their proximity with tourist spots (Puri sea beach is near the Jagganath temple – one of four Dhams of Hinduism and thus attracts thousands of pilgrims, Konarak sea beach is just three kilometers away the Konark Sun temple and the Chilika Lake is itself a major tourist destination). However, that also means that these beeches are rather crowded and commercialized. To some of us, a crowded and/or commercialized beach beats the purpose of its being beach – for one goes on a beach to be able to lay back and relax and the crowd might mean too little of private space to do that. Moreover, some people only want places that are haven’t got their well-justified attention.

If any of the above is the issue with you, we now bring to you five most unexplored beaches of the Odisha. Whether you want a quiet day, go swimming or fishing or boating, these beaches offer amazing alternatives for the more popular beaches of Odisha. The Balramgadhi Beach, the Astranga Beach, the Paradeep Beach, the Pati Sonalpur Beach and Gopalpur sea beach offer you all the more natural delights that a sea beach is supposed to offer while staying away from the crowds that frequent the most popular beaches of Odisha. Moreover, many of them are such scenic beauty that they offer photography opportunities to their visitors.

Read about them and consider visiting them, they deserve far more attention than they are getting at present. Otherwise, hush! And don’t spread the word, the best part of their beauty is in their virginity – their relative (and fortunately for us) lack of beauty:

1. Balramgadhi Sea Beach

This rather quiet and peaceful beach is situated just three kilometers from Chandipur. It is the meeting place of Budhabalange with the Bay of Bengal. The beach lacks commercialization of the major beaches and offers a calm silent audience to the music of waves. Let the sea kiss your feet or just lay back and spend an evening reading a book inside the cradle of nature. You can also observe locals fishing and boating done by locals here. The tranquility you will find at this beach is simply unmatched elsewhere in Odisha, if not in India.

How to reach Balramgadhi Sea Beach?

From Chandipur, drive for three kilometers on Balramgadhi road.

2. Astranga Sea Beach

The name ‘Astranga’ means ‘color of setting sun’ and, this beach located just three hours drive from Bhubaneshwar deserves this beautiful name for the mesmerizing way in which the light of setting sun plays on its waters and the horizon. The sun itself blushes at its own beauty every evening. The scenery here is any photographer’s delight. Prince Myshkin, the protagonist of Dostoevsky ceremonial novel, ‘The Idiot’, once popularly said, “Beauty will save the world”. He might as well have been talking about this beach.

How to reach Astranga Sea Beach?

The beach is eighty kilometers from Bhubaneshwar on State Highway 13.

3. Pardeep Sea Beach

Located at the meeting point of Mahanadi and Bay of Bengal, this beach offers splendid views to its visitors besides being an important sea-port of the state. Watch the ships, boats, and streamers from the port pass by as you enjoy the passing beauty of setting sun. The blue waters kiss the sands with every wave in amazing ways – your camera will love this sea beach.

How to reach Pardeep Sea Beach?

From Bhubaneshwar, first drive to Cuttack and, from here, take Cuttack-Pardeep road. The distance is 115 kilometers.

4. Pati Sonepur Sea Beach

This beach has been more or less untouched and offers mesmerizing virgin beauty as Bahuda river finds its destination in the Bay of Bengal here. Giving you a chance to dance in the shadow of the stars and kiss in the light of the moon, this beach is an amazing place for a romantic night. Consider making this beautiful little spot can serve as your honeymoon special.

How to reach Pati Soanalpur Sea Beach?

Berhampur is the closest railroad. From Berhampur you need to drive twenty kilometers on National Highway 5.  You can Take a bus from Bhubaneshwar to reach Berhampur.

5. Gopalpur Sea Beach

Lined with coconut trees, the sea beach offers mesmerizing beauty. It also serves as a perfect adventurer’s retreat vailing swimming, surfing and sailing opportunities. You also get to see the local fisherman doing their job. The beach is just a few hours drive from Chilika lake. Despite the commercially created looks, it is not crowded and thus giving the best of both worlds. The seafood is easily available. This beach can be an amazing picnic spot and just the perfect spot if you are traveling in large groups.

How to reach Gopalpur Sea Beach?

Drive for 166 kilometers on National Highway 16 from Bhubaneshwar.

And a bonus beach just for you:

Balighai Beach

This is perhaps the calmest of all beaches of Odisha. The quiet beach is a step away from the urban noises and is the splendid place of feeling wise as you see the sunset on the horizon. The beach is perfect for a quiet beach night.

How to reach Balighai Beach?

A 73 kilometers drive from Bhubaneshwar on National Highway 316.

Conclusion

Please note that if you are considering exploring these beaches, we recommend having a personal vehicle at your disposal as some of these beaches can only be reached via public transport after changing several buses.

There are several other relatively unexplored beaches along the coastline of Odisha. We hope that in times to come, it will be able to attract beach tourism like Mumbai and Goa. After all, it has a far larger number of and far many more beaches than those two destinations. Do try at least one sea beach if you ever visit Odisha.

If you are on a tight schedule and sea beaches are not at the top of the list of attractions you wish to see in Odisha, we recommend you Puri or Konark sea beach which is located conveniently near to major tourist spots. However, if exquisite sea beech experience is of prime value to you, we recommend you to travel a little far to discover these unexplored beauties.

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Upcoming Yoga Festival : Rishikesh

Yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is all set to host the next edition of International Yog Festival (IYF) to be held from 1st March to 7th March 2019 in Hotel Ganga Resort, Rishikesh. This global festival is being organized by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in association with Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), where yoga enthusiasts from around the world will get a chance to experience the divine art of uniting mind, body, and soul.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat and Minister of Tourism, Shri Satpal Maharaj will jointly inaugurate this 7-day life to transform the event.

This weeklong festival has been divided into 3 themes: Traditional Yoga (Day 1 and 2), Contemporary Yoga (Day 3 and 4) and Shakti – the power of creation (Day 5-7). The last 3 days will be a celebration of divine feminine spirit, wherein prominent female spiritual figures and yoga practitioners will share their knowledge and conduct Shakti-energy invoking sessions in a variety of yoga styles.

Besides the yoga classes, various symposiums will be held on the topics, such as  Yoga for women, The Yogic way of Life, Traditional vs. contemporary Yoga, Yoga before and beyond the asanas, The goal and the foundations of Yoga, An integrated (body-mind-soul) approach to Yoga, Significance of the Shatkarma in Yogic advancements , Frontiers of Yoga as per the ancient texts & their attainability, Yoga for me vs. I’m for Yoga ( How to get out of our comfort zone & grasp the goal of Yoga)

In the words of Hon’ble Tourism Minister of the State, Shri Satpal Maharaj, “Uttarakhand is known for attracting a large number of people, who come here with a variety of different expectations. International Yog Festival is the perfect platform for those who are fond of enjoying the ancient art of Yoga amidst pure and therapeutic natural environs. Year on year, International Yog Festival has seen an immense participation and footfall of people from all over the world. I invite you all to be a part of the festival, which will not only offer the opportunity to practice the art of Yoga but will also enable you to immerse in the diverse knowledge tracing it back to its origins”

The festival will host a number of sessions with some of the leading experts who can change your perspective and deepen it by sharing their knowledge. Various Yoga affiliated eminent personalities like Yogi Arun Perumal, Yogi Jaydevan, Trivendaram, Yogi Jeet Anand Ji, Yogi Nitin Virkhare ji, Brahmachari Patrey Ji, Sadhvi Yoganjali Puri, Yogachary Amrit Desai, Yogacharya Kamini Desai, Yogacharya Nirali, Yogacharya Geeta Shankar, Chennai, Yogachary Gandhar Mandlik, Yogachary O.P. Tiwari, Yogachary H.R. Nagendra ji, Yogachary Radhyshyam Ji will grace the occasion.

Shri Dilip Jawalkar, IAS, Secretary Uttarakhand Tourism said, “Each year, IYF grows and expands, embracing more and more people from different parts of the world. Last year, to celebrate the 50 years of the legendary musical band ‘The Beatles’ visit to Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board had specially invited the Mock Beatles from London named ‘Fab Four’ to pay a tribute to the iconic band. To take it to the next level, IYF 2019 will feature an exciting array of activities and the most pronounced of them all is Celebrating Shakti – The Power of Creation. Come to IYF 2019, where these 7 diverse days will make you to discover a new perspective to the art of Yog and to discover a new you”

The pocket-friendly packages for this 7-day open festival can be booked online directly from the official website www.internationalyogfestival.co.in  For the tourists, all the facilities and amenities like food and stay are available 24/7.

To stay in sync with the latest updates about IYF 2019, please stay tuned with the official social media platforms of Uttarakhand Tourism or visit the official website, www.internationalyogfestival.co.in

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Nipah Virus: Lesser Known facts and what is the cure?

Nipah Virus is a newly emerging virus that leads to a severe disease in both humans as well as animals. Though the virus was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore twenty years back, at that time, it was just caused in pigs and through them, it later got transferred to humans. Nipah Virus infected as many as around two hundred people then, out of which forty percent were taken under intensive care because the infection was spread severely. “The natural host of the virus are fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus,” quoted WHO. An unheard virus, NiV is still not completely understood.

Image Source : Internet

The virus can be transferred through infected bats, pigs or humans who have been infected. In 2004, humans who consumed the date palm sap infected by fruit bats caught the virus as well. Humans who were infected by other humans were reported in Bangladesh and India, recently in the state of Kerala. Many people have died in Kerala because of the Nipah Virus and the government is still taking measures regarding it.

Since the Virus is still not completely understood, here are some lesser-known facts about it:

  1. Nipah virus causes a rare brain fever that spreads from fruit bats to livestock as well as humans.
  2. High fever, terrible headache, and breathing trouble are some of the known symptoms of Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate.
  3. It could potentially be a huge health scare this year 2018 as per WHO list of viruses. There is no vaccination available for Nipah virus as of now.
  4. The virus was first identified among pigs in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia in 1998
  5. Last known outbreak in the subcontinent was in 2004 in Bangladesh, and now the Kerala outbreak in 2018.

The incubation period for the virus ranges from 5 to 14 days and symptoms become visible after this period. If you wish to know about Zikah virus, follow Goodknight. The symptoms of Nipah Virus are: –

Fever from 3-14 days of exposure associated with the severe headache due to encephalitis(swelling of the brain) which lead to a state of confusion, disorientation, nausea, persistent drowsiness and fainting.

– Choking, stomach pain, vomiting, fatigue and blurred vision could also be there.

– There are many patients who show neurological, respiratory and pulmonary signs as well

– These symptoms can lead to come in 24-48hours. If any of the above symptoms are present you should visit the nearest hospital and get evaluated.

Since there is no vaccination or cure available for the virus, intensive care is required. Still some measures that can be taken for zikah virus prevention are:

– Do not eat fruits that may have been bitten by bats.

– Do not drink toddy that is brewed in open containers near palm trees.

– Refrain from consuming date palm sap.

– Do not drink unpasteurized fruit juices

– Wash, peel and/or cook all fruit thoroughly before eating

– Safeguard oneself after coming in contact with someone who has contracted the virus. It is important to maintain a distance from the patient, to sanitize and wash hands thoroughly.

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5 Reasons to travel during Monsoons

Monsoon is one such season which is eagerly awaited by most of the people. Rain shower brings joy and happiness to many after scorching months of summer. The season of excessive rain holds back an ardent traveler from exploring the true beauty of nature. Break all the restraints with the 5 reasons to travel during Monsoons and explore your true self.

Romancing with the Rains

Monsoon is truly the best time to go on a vacation with your partner. Did you ever think of “dancing to the tunes of romantic Bollywood songs on a mischievous rainy night” or “singing to your love on a guitar” or just going on a long drive? Well, this is the magic of monsoons. It brings that charm to the ambiance which is undefeatable. All you need to do is, take out some time and express your love in a way like never before.

 

A cup of tea on the captivating hills

Imagine yourself on some early morning at a hill station, rain pouring in front of you, the cool aromatic breeze carrying you away. Well, all you can think of is a hot cup of tea to live that moment. Isn’t it? There are many hill stations in India that add a sensuous touch to the entire landscape and transform it into a magical paradise. Some of the ones to consider are Munnar, Ooty, Coonoor, Darjeeling, or in the Himalayas.

A loner’s retreat

Going on a solo trip can be a life to change the experience.  You never know how it influences your life, who you meet and what all you learn. For wanderer souls, photography buffs, food lovers there is a lot in store for everyone on a trip during monsoons. You can capture some of the most spectacular landscapes, or devour on some special dishes that are exclusively prepared during monsoon season. Be it a hill, heritage or offbeat destination, you will get what you want if you wish for it.

Cheap holiday

Monsoon is not a peak season for traveling, so one can take maximum advantage of it. You get to know the best deals for the stay, food, and activities. This means you can save a good amount and plan your trip more efficiently. Also, the crowd is sparse, so you can enjoy some tranquil moments of solitude in your chosen destination.

Beach love

Beaches are the most neglected destinations during the monsoon season as the water level rises and risk to life increases. Until and unless you are fond of strolling along the seashore and enjoying soothing raindrops is your favorite idea of enjoying this romantic weather. The lush greenery, the roar of the sea and the solitary beaches adds to the charm to the place. You can plan a trip to Goa in monsoons and see the difference as to what it is like to walk along through the winding roads of this sleepy town on a rainy day.

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Empowering Indian Villages: Initiative by Srinivasan Services Trust

All these years, during our travel #ghoomophirosisters have realized each place has its own story and as a storyteller, we are able to find the one because of the local experiences. Special Thanks to Srinivasan Services Trust, which is the social arm of TVS Motor Company and Sundaram Clayton, and works with communities and governments to empower India’s rural poor through awareness, skills, and training programs, to help communities find solutions that are sustainable. When we were asked to visit these villages and look deep into them, at first we were apprehensive due to my previous experiences from the regions of Chennai but eventually, we packed our bags and reached to Thirukkurungudi.

We were not only excited but also geared up for this lifetime learning experience of how sustainability and economic development can go hand-in-hand and helping everyone at the bottom of the pyramid. Our itinerary was divided into two days. Highlights of days were:

Day 1

It started with Eruvadi village, where we met the females who earn their living by teaching each other simple sewing and stitching.

Arasanarkulam, the village is famous for the females who do great work with LEDs and their products are famous across Tamil Nadu. Interestingly all these tasks are being taken care by women only group and TVS is helping them in connecting with banks to expand their business.

Moving next was Patterpuam, which boasts of being only ISO certified Anganwadi school in the region.

Highlights of Day 2:

What caught our eyes at Lakshmi farms was their innovative way of farming, where-in they use everything organic including their pesticides. Most of them were “Dadi ma ke nuskhe” which we, folks from metros have almost forgotten.

This exciting trip came to an end with Pottery making art.

Visiting these villages is actually a reminder to us of the brilliant brain that resides in the heart of India which is yet to be tapped by the government in the best possible way. Through this post, we would like to urge other CSR arms of organizations also to contribute towards the initiatives that could bridge the gap between residents of Indian villages and technology. While passing through these villages, we can eventually see the impact that can even put Tier 1 cities to shame.

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Relax Uncategorized Western India

The hidden treasures of fashion city Mumbai

Exploring the unconventional places in a city that are traditionally famous for its commerce, finance and entertainment, is another experience altogether. Apart from the common tourist spots, there a lot of other places in Mumbai those are worth visiting. They range from waterfalls and beaches to places of historical importance. One should include them in one’s Mumbai itinerary. Some of them which #ghoomophirosisters recommend is what this blog is all about.

Dana Pani Beach:

Dana Pani Beach is located at the end of Madh Marve Road in Malad. This secluded beach is surrounded by resorts thereby making it the best place to chill.

Kanhoji Angre Island – Across the Mumbai harbour:

This island is one of the places which has history attached to it. Earlier it was known as the Khanderi Island. The Portuguese had built this fort and the Marathas were held here. One can find ruins of cannons and a fully functional lighthouse. It is expected to be made into a tourist spot soon.

Arnala Fort – North of Vasai:

This island fortress is another Portuguese creation. The attractions on the island are the octagonal water reservoirs and various temples and tombs of the rulers. One will find comfortable accommodation at the resorts on the nearby Arnala beach.

Mahakali Caves – Andheri East:

These are also called Kondivite Caves. They have the oldest rock cut Buddhist monastery in Mumbai and boast of carvings of Buddha and Buddhist mythologies.

Global Vipasna Pagoda – Gorai:

Located next to Essel world, this is another place which pays gratitude to Buddhism and its teachings. It is amongst the largest dome structures in the world and also has a separate room for monks to meditate in. There is no excuse to skip it.

Vasai Fort – Vasai:

Also called Bassein Fort, the Portuguese had a strong hold over this place back in the old days. This is one spooky fort.  Because of having national importance, it is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Banganga Tank – Malabar Hill:

One should not mistake it for a normal water tank because there is a mythological connection to it. It is believed that when Lord Rama felt thirsty, Lakshman launched an arrow into the ground and thus came out a tributary of Ganga. This is from where the name originated- Banganga Tank.

Pandavkada Falls:

Measured to be 350 metres high, Pandavkada Falls flow in Khargar, Navi Mumbai. During the monsoon time, the falls are covered by lush greenery and also they cover the Buddhist caves behind them making the view serene.

Gilbert Hill:

This structure is made up of frozen molten lava. With a height of 200 metres, it stands tall in Andheri. One will get a great bird’s eye view of the city from the top. Also one will find two temples on the top dedicated to Gamdevi and Durgamata.

Although the list of such places goes on, these are the top ones that deserve a visit!!

How to Reach Mumbai

 By Air: Mumbai has Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport with its two terminals being Santa Cruz and Sahara International airport. It is connected by domestic as well as international flights. Flight Tickets are pretty reasonable if booked early.

By Road: One can travel from Nashik which is 170 km away via Nashik-Mumbai Expressway. Buses also travel from Nashik to Mumbai within 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Mumbai is also connected via road to Pune, Aurangabad, Goa, etc It has a well-connected bus network.

 By Train:  If you’re traveling by railways, you can choose among Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai Central, Dadar Railway station or Kalyan Railway station. It connects Mumbai with all major cities of the country.

 Where to stay:

Since this place is a famous tourist spot, there is no dearth of good Hotels in Mumbai.

Hyatt Regency: Situated on a short drive from airport, it delights is guests with the contemporary interiors and cuisine restaurants

The Lalit Mumbai: This is a great place to stay in Andheri. The highly recommended hotel as it offers a luxurious stay to its guests and staff is very cooperative.

Ramada Plaza Palm Groove: The location of this hotel makes it perfect to stay. The place offers serene views of the Arabian Sea. It is located in the plush location of Juhu and offers the luxurious stay with value for money. Its food joints, The Oriental Bowl, The Tangerine and The Deck Bar are must try.

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5 Best Treehouses of India

Every kid dreams of living in a tree house. Tree houses have been those secluded secret place where one can live out his/her fantasies. But these tree houses are neither secret, not a fantasy. They are very much real and luxurious on top of it. Fulfil your dreams of staying in a tree house by going for a stay in any of these top 5 Treehouses of India as recommended by #ghoomophirosisters .

Treehouse Jaipur

A blend of luxury plus natural experience is what you’ll get at this exotic resort that is just half an hour drive away from the Pink city. There are many deluxe nests, private suites and Luxury nests, some of which have a tree trunk passing through them. It is the largest resort in the world of its kind. Located at Nature farms in Syari, once you stay here, you will go back home with vivid memories and a mesmerized heart. The view of Aravalli Mountains and the dark wood design are sure to leave an imprint behind.

Treehouse Pench

3 hours away from the Nagpur airport, this beautiful place is serene and off the grid. You might recognize Pench as the tribe for the famous Jungle Book character Mowgli. The place is truly natural to its core. With eco-friendly set up in a small village “Sarrahiri”, it is the refuge of all adventurous spirits. A safari is arranged to Pench National Park where you can spot wild species. This is one experience that you will not forget. You might start wishing to make jungle your home like Mowgli.

Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh

Located in the dense forest and tiger reserve of Bandhavgarh, this tree house is built beautifully for traditional forest living. Spread over 21 acres, these tree houses offer a retreat to all nature lovers. It might be a 6-hour drive from Khajuraho airport but the lounges, the thick forest and the animal species you might spot while enjoying on the lounges in the balcony are worth it. Additionally, many excursions are planned like village walks, safaris that will add to your adventurous spirit.

Rainforest Boutique Resort, Kerala

God’s own country is also a country of tree houses but among them all, Rainforest Boutique Tee house resort in Athirapally takes the crown. One can reach the tree house quickly via Cochin Airport that is just an hour’s drive away. The tree house not only makes you feel one with nature but also offers a spectacular view of the Athirapally falls. To shrug off your fatigue, you can always relax in the pool or the sprawling lawns.

Safari Land Resorts, Tamil Nadu

This main resort has tree houses and cottages sprawled over 5 acres of land. The quaint and rustic surroundings in the vicinity of Mudumalai Wildlife sanctuary at the foothills of gorgeous Nilgiris Mountains make for the best nature retreat. Surround yourself with the tranquility of nature and enjoy the traditional treehouse living. You can reach Bokkapuram via road, though Coimbatore airport (120 km away) and railway stations (90 km away) are quite far away. The vast greenery as far as eyes can see and breezy fresh air will give you an inexplicably wonderful feeling.

Among the lush green wilderness and on top of a tall tree, dangle all these tree houses that are the outlet for all your Tarzan fantasies. Whether you wish to experience nature in its rawest form or be adventurous and live in the wild, these are the places for you to unwind. Take your pick and start packing your bags for one hell of a wonderful time! Book Now

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12 hrs in Dubai

One crazy city, Dubai is one most important business center of United Arab Emirates. Being an Islamic city primarily, the sheer variety of different races, communities, and ethnicities is quite surprising, unlike any other Islamic republic in the world. Dubai is known to be a place of opportunities, no wonder why almost entire south Asia is in some way obsessed with Dubai. With Arabic as the official language, the city has made its name for the exotic lifestyle that people over here are known to lead. With a population of around 21 lakhs, the city is one of the most populated cities in the country.

Dubai is the fastest growing international business hub and a very attractive tourist destination. The tourism industry has almost doubled up in the past few years ever since the city has come to limelight. Up until a few years ago, Dubai wasn’t as much popular but thanks to the social media, where the flamboyant lifestyles of business tycoons here were widely advertised, it has given rise to a curiosity about the place. Other than the wild and flamboyant lifestyle of people living here, there is so much more and more about the city that is leading its tourism industry to grow at a rapid pace. Burj Khalifa isn’t the only attraction in the city, you see.

Dubai Marina- Get a good glimpse into the future, as you walk down the Dubai Marina, world’s largest Marina that was made by men. These happen to be some of the world’s tallest buildings with luxurious amenities. Dubai Marina yacht club arranges for you to see the beauty at its best from the water as you sail through.

Desert- At about a 20 minutes ride from what we can call is a futuristic city, is the beautiful Arabian Desert. A desert safari will take you around and you need to beware of the sandstorms though. The camel rides, henna, and barbecues are dreamy at this place.

Burj Khalifa- Here comes the biggie, at 828 meters, stands Burj Khalifa. The tower takes over Dubai’s skyline and is known to be the world’s tallest tower. View of Dubai’s surroundings from the top floor is majestically breathtaking.

The Dubai Mall- Right next to the Khalifa, stands the Dubai Mall. Comparing it with some other shopping mall is an injustice. There are 1200 plus shops and above 150 restaurants and yes, it’s so huge that you can’t see it full in just a day.

Palm Jumeirah- Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island which has been shaped as a palm tree. It’s the world’s largest manmade island and a glimpse into what human mind is capable of artistically. The island is connected with a tram through the city, coming here is quite easy as well.Dubai is the city of dreams, not just for the richer ones, but for everybody. So whether it’s a romantic getaway with your partner or a family trip, the city welcomes you with her open arms, all ready to embrace you.

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North east Tribal Uncategorized

Dirang Monpa, one of the major tribes of the Monpas

The Dirang Monpas are identified as the major division of the greater Monpa Tribe belonging to Tibeto – Burman language family. These tribal people are Tibetan Buddhist and inhabit the north eastern area of India. The Dirang Monpa tribe has been granted the scheduled tribe status in India. During the 1981 census, their total population was 3599, which crossed 5000 in one decade’s time.

The other name used commonly for the Diran Monpa tribe is Tsangla, which suggests that these people are maybe in some aspect, related to Tsangla tribes of Bhutan, China and India, which numbers more than 250,000 people. But when it comes to the language spoken, the difference is vast. A research has been taking place in order to determine the relationship between the two ancient tribes.

History

In India, for the most part, the Dirang Monpa people inhabit the Dirang circle which happens to be located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal people claim that they are the very first people who inhabited the area which takes their origin to a thousand years back. Some of their elders reveal that their forefathers originated primarily in Bhutan and they moved to India later when their native land was constantly being bombarded by the outside invasions.

Customs

When it comes to cuisines, the Monpa people survive majorly on cereals, fish, vegetables, chuung, rice, maize and wheat. Maize happens to be their staple item food. When it comes to meat, they are known to consume everything from beef, pork, mutton, yaks and mithuns to deers and in some areas, there are tribal people who eat snake as well. Bananas, apples and peaches are the fruits most consumed by them.

To perform the marriage rituals, a lama gets hired in order to consult the horoscopes and determine the most auspicious time and day for the marriage to take place. On the day of marriage, the family of the bride moves to groom’s house. The marriage is considered as a simple procedure where a lama simply places a white scarf called Katha around the necks of the bride and groom, showers blessings on the couple and in no time, the marriage formalities are completed. A huge feast is held after marriage at which all the people, including children, often become indulge in consuming copious amounts of strong rice whisky.

Lamas play many other roles as well. When a woman gives birth to a child, she is considered to be in a state of spiritual and physical pollution and nobody is allowed to visit her. On the third day, a lama is invited to name the child and prepare a horoscope for the baby. The lamas are not only present at birth, but they also carry out the funerals. When there is a death in this tribe family, ‘the body is carried to a nearby river and thrown into the water after being cut into 108 pieces as Tibetan Buddhists consider 108 to be an auspicious number. The lamas recite a prayer and on the seventh day, a tree gets erected in front of the house of the deceased to satisfy the soul.

Religion

Tibetan Buddhism has the greatest influence on the Dirang Monpa tribes. At the time of the 1981 census, 99.69 per cent of the Dirang Monpa expressed their belief in Buddhism. The previous Indian census, in 1971, had returned 100 per cent of the Dirang Monpa as Buddhists.

Culture / Belief

The Dirang Monpas feel that the caste Hindus are superior to them, while the Lish Monpas, But Monpas and Mijis are considered inferior.

Occupation

Agriculture is the chief occupation. The people practice both jhum(shifting cultivation) and settled cultivation and also domesticate yaks, cows, sheeps, pigs etc. The cattles and yak are reared for milk and meat, while the sheep is credited for producing wool and meat.

Conclusion

Northeast India boasts of incredible linguistic and cultural diversity out of which the Monpa tribes make up for five percent of the total population of tribal communities spanning the whole Arunachal Pradesh. These tribes are known for their own and unique system of the practices. The tribes are also famous for their artistic creations that include beautiful Thangka painting, carpet making, weaving, and wood carving.

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Architectural Corporate Outings North-West India Spiritual Hubs Uncategorized

Mahabaleshwar is the place to be this weekend

Located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra and nestled among the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, Mahabaleshwar happens to be one of the most important and often underrated gems of a tourism place. There are numerous enchanting places one can visit in the city. A day is far less than enough to totally grasp in everything that the city has to offer. But still, if you are short on time, there is much you can do. Let us start exploring the place through our lens.

After the breakfast in the morning, you must visit the place the city has been named after, the Mahabaleshwar temple. The temple happens to be a great monument full of the architectural magic of the medieval era. The city is, however, full of many different temples dedicated to many different gods from the ancient Hindu mythology which you can visit. Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panchganga Mandir, Shankar Temple, Mahabaleshwar Shiv Mandir, Janni Mata Mandir, Shree Ganesh Mandir are some of the temples to check out. You may have to hurry as there are a lot more places to see during the one day tour.

The next stop could be the Panchganga temple which happens to be around for more than 4500 years. The temple is known to be the origin of seven different rivers. Out of all of them, spring of five keeps flowing in the direction of the temple, hence the name Panchganga- Five Ganges.

Behind the Panchganga temple is the Krishnabai temple where the Krishna River gets worshiped, one of the seven rivers that emerge out of Panchganga. The temple was built in the year 1888 by the ruler of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast. There is a beautiful Krishna statue in the premises along with a very old and beautiful Shiv Linga.

Vena Lake and the elephant point are two more places which you can visit in case you still have the time left before the sun goes down. The elephant point is also known as the needle point. The name was given to it because it has two massive rocks with a hole in the middle. Thus, the needle point.

You can relish some of the most delicious cuisines from all over the country. Some of the best restaurants in Mahabaleshwar one should visit are Mapro, The Grapevine, The Olive Garden, Saayali Restaurant, Little Italy, Sizzler Place and much more. It’s a kind of food paradise visiting these places.

How to reach there

The city is located at about a distance of 250 kilometers from the state capital of Mumbai and the railways are the roads are well connected to ensure a safe and sound journey to the place. The nearest airport to the place is the Mumbai international airport.

Mahabaleshwar happens to be a very ancient city, full of many old temples and monuments that remind one of the eccentric cultures and histories the city once had. Many different rulers, especially the Marathas, have given the city a lot to cherish which, in the present times are the biggest attractions of the city.

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