ncredible India, Incredible India Vacations One

There are lots of travel agents and tour operators in India that offer a variety of tour packages at affordable prices. Tour operators in India are well organized offering the best services to the tourists.  

India is an incredible tourist destination. One can find all types of attractions in the country. . India has immense tourism potential. Tourists from different parts of world visit the country.

India is a culturally rich and diverse nation. One can understand this aspect of the country by looking at the diversity of people who live here. The poor and the beggars, middle class, the stinking rich, millionaires all find a home here. Another distinctive feature rarely found elsewhere is the existence of different religious communities. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, etc flourish in the country.

Indians are extremely hospitable. They go out of their way to make their guest feel welcome. Serving is a way of showing their love and respect to their guest. Many people in India offer genuine service to outsiders who come to visit India. Sometimes, they even sacrifice their own comfort for the well-being of others. This is their principle and they stick to it no matter what.

India also has a rich heritage. It is one of the many reasons why it is so popular internationally. Plan your holiday here and acquaint yourself with its colourful festivals. Indians celebrate a large number of festivals, most of them highly spectacular and lively. Below is the list of some prominent festivals and events of the country.

Republic Day - Celebrated on 26th January every year to commemorate the day when the Indian republic and its constitution came into force. It was on this day in the year 1946 that the country became a sovereign, democratic and republic state.

Holi - The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on February end or early March. The colorful festival bridges social gap and renew relationships. Holi celebration begins with lighting of bonfire on the Holi eve. Numerous legends and stories are associated with Holi making the festival more exuberant and vivid. People rub 'gulal' and 'abeer' on each other’s faces and greet each other saying, "Happy Holi".

Independence Day - India got its independence from the clutches of British on 15th August 1947. It was on this very same day that India’s tricolor flag was unfolded by Pandit Nehru on the barricades of the Red Fort at Delhi. Since then, it has become a day of special significance - celebrated with parades, patriotic speeches and songs. On this day, the Prime Minister addresses the nation after the flag has been unfurled recounting the country's achievements of the year, discussing current major issues and future plans for the progress of the country.

The national flag is hoisted throughout the country fluttering with pride on rooftops and buildings. All government offices host flag hoisting ceremony. Recently, kite-flying has become a tradition on this day and people can be seen flying numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the spirit of freedom.

Krishna Janmashtami - Shri Krishna Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, one of the favorite deities of Hindus. He is worshipped for his immense power, captivating appearance, unique charm and playfulness. For some, he is a hero, a lover or the guide; while for others, he is a child. He resides in the heart of every devotee and fulfills everyone's wish, if he is worshipped with in-depth devotion.

The celebrations of Janmashtami are marked by cultural programmes, chanting of bhajans and special pujas. Dance drama is performed by professional artists, or kids, wherein the formative years of Lord Krishna's life are depicted. The dance, which is known as Shri Krishna Rasa leela, is one of the significant parts of the celebrations, as Lord Krishna spent the decisive part of his life amidst the Gopis in Vrindavan.

Ganesh Chaturthi - It is a festival marked on the occasion of Lord Ganesh’s birthday, the god of wisdom and prosperity. It falls on the fourth day of the moons bright fortnight, or period from new moon in the lunar month of Bhadrapada. The celebrations continue for five, seven, or ten days. Some even stretch it to twenty one days. In the tradition of the right hand path the first day is the most important. In the left hand path tradition the final day is most important.

Dussehra & Durga Puja- Dussehra falling on the last day of Navaratri or Durga puja arrives in the month of October. Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins.  This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnath and Kumbhakarna - are set alight.

Diwali- The Festival of Lights is one of the biggest festivals of Hindus, celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five continuous days but the most important day is the third. It is a festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. On this day, homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. The festival also symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.

To know more about the culture and heritage of India, get in touch with any of the travel agents in India and organize a trip to witness the famous festivals, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, etc. With the help of the travel agents in India, you can plan your travel during the festival season.

What others say about Kerala

The National Geographic Magazine lists Kerala in the 'Ten Paradises of the World'

 
Kerala is truly the undiscovered India. It is God's own country and an enchantingly beautiful, emerald-green sliver of land. It is a tropical paradise far from the tourist trial at the southwestern peninsular tip, sandwiched between the tall mountains and the deep sea. Kerala is a long stretch of enchanting greenery. The tall exotic coconut palm dominates the landscape.

There is a persistent legend which says that Parasuram, the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity, stood on a high place in the mountains, threw an axe far in to the sea, and commanded the sea to retreat. And the land that emerged all from the waters became Kerala, the land of plenty and prosperity.
 

Overview:

Any mention about Kerala, conjures in one’s mind, an image of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages and greenery in profusion. God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature and so it only seems natural when Kerala is referred to, as God’s own country.

A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year.

Be it the sun-kissed beaches or the misty hill stations; the rhythmic backwaters or the forestlands rich with all varieties of flora and fauna; pilgrim centres or historic monuments; Kerala has everything you might travel far and wide to see. Just one visit and you will know why Kerala has the lovely epithets attached to it. It is one of the top 20 tourist destinations of the world where tourists can soak themselves in serene and scenic natural beauty.

Incredible India : Darjeeling---The Queen of Hills

Darjeeling is a small hill-station in West Bengal, India. The city of Darjeeling is widely popular in the name of “Queen of the Hills”. Before the British administrators took control over India, the clusters of the hilly villages of Darjeeling were under the Nepal and Sikkim administrations. In the mid-nineteenth century, during the British rule in India, Darjeeling grew in importance because of its wonderful climatic conditions and the beautiful nature. The British rulers established a hill station in Darjeeling by taking it in lease from the Chogyal (i.e., king) of Sikkim.

Years later, they discovered that the entire Darjeeling region was ideal for tea plantations. Hence they turned this place a tea-gardening hub and the famous Darjeeling tea processing industry was set up. In 1849, the British annexed this place and Darjeeling became a part of British India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was opened in 1881. This railway has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The British’s turned Darjeeling as the de-facto summer capital of India while governing the country from Calcutta---the British capital of India. This is the brief history of this world famous Himalayan vacation destination in India—A world famous vacation leisure spot, the peaceful travelers put on their top preference.

Wildlife Ladakh-Indian Travell

Ladakh has a distinct alpine, floral and faunal variety. Several flowering plants, a dozen important mammals and over a hundred species of birds are found here in this rugged terrain. Most of the species are classified as endangered or rare.

The wild yak is to be found only here. Other animals include the ibex, blue sheep, bharal, docile marmot and mouse hare. Black necked crane, bar-headed geese, ducks and several other water birds breed near the lakes in thousands. The avid bird watcher can spend friutful hours by observing Bactrian magpies, grey tits, chough, raven, sparrow, kite, kestrel, Turkoman rock pigeon, chukor, finches, buntings, larks, desert wheateaters, a many more varieties of birds.

The snow leopard is Ladakh's most rare animal. Another one that is unique is the kyang or the wild horse, while at lower altitudes the musk deer too is a rare sight, precious by virtue of its expensive musk. Visitors are likely to spot many marmots, mouse hares, stone martens, red foxes, wolves, ibex, bharal and shapu during the course of their journey but the habitat of the nyan (big horned sheep), chim (Tibetan antelope famed for its fleece-Shahtoosh), goa (Tibetan gazelle), lynx, pallas cat, kyamg (wild horse) and brong dong (wild yak) are still outside the tourists' domain.

Ladakh photos:

Atraction Climbing in Indian

Amarnath Yatra - Amarnath (India Tourism)

Located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and situated on Mount Amarnath, the Amarnath caves are one of the most famous shrines in Hinduism. Dedicated to the god Shiva, the shrine is said to be over 5,000 years old. The shrine forms an important part of Hindu mythology.

Inside the main Amarnath cave lies an ice stalagmite resembling the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter. This lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. Two other ice formations represent Parvati and Shiva's son, Ganesha.

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary Forces maintain a strong presence in the region due to security concerns.

When To Take UP Amarnath yatra:

The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu and Kashmir Government during the month of Shravan ( July and August); the dates however, vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat).

Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft is full of thrill and joy .The feeling of divine which is always beneath ones' heart , burst out and one realises ‘Moksha’ as one attends the Cave and perform the prayer before the Shivlinga. Surrounded by beautiful valleys, mountains , one will always feel His presence on the paradise of the earth, the memory of which hardly vanishes with time A journey which will rediscover the nature and its love which is always inside but one has never felt.

Amarnath Weather:

The climatic conditions are very uncertain. Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra. It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time. The temperature may fall upto -5 degree C.

How to Perform Amarnath Pilgrimage:

For performing this Yatra, one is required to get registered . The registration is done by J & K Govt. Tourist Offices, located at Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Jammu and Srinagar.

How to Reach Amarnath:

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley, Amarnath Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. and is 363 kms. from Jammu Via Pahalgam and about 414 kms. from Jammu Via Baltal. The detailed description of the two routes to the Holy Cave is given below:

Air:

The nearest aerodrome is Srinagar. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens and what not. It is the most sought after tourist place. It is also known as "Paradise on earth". Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On some week days flights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar .

Rail:

Jammu is the nearest Railway Station . Jammu is winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES". One may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple , Mahadev Mandir and other temples . It is well connected with all stations of India.The various trains coming to Jammu are listed here below.

Road :

Jammu and Srinagar are also connected hrough road. Buses and Taxies are also available for this part of the journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.

Amarnath Yatra Route:

Though it is tough route still nearly one and a half lac pilgrims visit every year. The number of pilgrims is increasing every year. The journey from Jammu onward is by road and there are two routes. The details are given here.

Jammu to Pahalgam to Holy Amarnath ji Cave(Traditional Route):

Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) – The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by Taxi / Buses. These are available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt., Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. But one can also come to Srinagar by air and then move to Pahalgam by road PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE.

PLACE	ALTITUDE		DISTANCE	FROM
	MTRS	FEET
CHANDANWARI	2895	9500	16.0 KM	PAHALGAM
PISSU TOP	3377	11000	3.0 KM	CHANDANWARI
SHESHNAG	3352	11730	11.0 KM	PISSU TOP
MAHAGUNAS	4276	14000	4.6 KM	SHESH NAG
PANCHTARNI	3657	12000	9.4 KM	MAHAGUNUS TOP
SANGAM	-	-	3.0 KM	PANCHTARNI
HOLY CAVE	3952	13000	3.0 KM	SANGAM

Jammu to Baltal to Holy cave (414km) :

The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is :
Jammu – Udhampur – Kud - Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar - Sonamarg – Baltal.

Baltal to Holy Cave:

From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms.

This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims.

The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari - Holy Cave route, moreover, there are some steep rises & falls on the way , as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one day.

Amarnath Pilgrimage:

It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus – about 400,000 people visit during the 45-day season around the festival of Shravani Mela in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shraavana.

Devotees generally take the 42 km (26 mi) pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, about 96 km (60 mi) from Srinagar, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the temple: the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. Some devotees, particularly the elderly, also ride on horse-back to make the journey. Those who so wish and have the money can now make the journey by helicopter.

1990s Problems:

The pilgrimage was banned from 1991 to 1995 due to threats from militants. In 1996 the militants had assured that they would not interfere allowing a resumed yatra with far greater numbers than in previous years. However, unseasonal blizzards in late August of that year caught up to a hundred thousand pilgrims by surprise in a tragedy that claimed the lives of 242 yatris, killed by exhaustion and exposure.

2000 Massacre:

Four years later, the pilgrimage suffered another setback with the massacre in Pahalgam of 30 people by Kashmiri separatist militants. Most were yatris on their way to Amarnath or porters and horsemen who would have ferried the pilgrims to the site. Then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee blamed Lashkar-e-Taiba for the killings.

2006 Artificial Shiva Linga controversy:

In the year 2006, a huge controversy broke up about an artificial Shiva Lingam in Amarnath. In 2006, the natural Shiva Lingam was very small at the onset of the Yatra. Hence to keep the Yatra going Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, under the guise of keeping the cave cool dumped loads of dry ice right over the original shiva linga. This was a huge controversy, but did not impact the Yatra. There are two water channels which flow above and below the ice lingam. The water from these channels leads to the formation of the shiva lingam. During the earthquake of 2005, it is believed that these channels were disturbed which led to the poor formation of the ice lingam. The subsequent years the ice lingam was well formed so the channels must have reformed.

2008 Land transfer controversy:

On 26 May 2008, the Government of India and the state government of Jammu and Kashmir reached an agreement to transfer 100 acres (0.40 km2) of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it will jeopardize the article 370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prevents any Indian citizen to settle in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged widespread protests against this decision by government of India. Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched counter-agitations against this roll back.

Do's & Don'ts in Amarnath Yatra:

Do at Amarnath Yatra:

Prepare for Yatra by achieving Physical fitness

In order to perform smooth and trouble free yatra, it is advisable to start preparatory morning / evening walk of about 4 - 5 kms per day atleast a month prior to Yatra. Apart from above If you can have daily massage of your body with body oil, preferably mustard (sarson) oil and bathe in the lukewarm water, this will help your body to become flexible and you will not feel tired. Moreover the effect of sudden change in temperature & climate on you will be reduced to a large extent. As oxygen gets rare some times, It is better to improve your physical fitness. To increase your body efficiency of oxygen, it is very good to start deep breathing exercises. The Yoga exercise like Prana Yam can be learnt.

Carry needful warm clothings and wind shield and proper shoes.

You have to trek through high mountains and there are cold winds blowing . So during the Yatra, take Woollen Clothings, Small Umbrella (only Head Cover with Elastic around Forehead and supported by strap around the chin), Wind shield, Raincoat, Waterproof Shoes (Preferably Hunter Shoes), Torch, Stick, Cap (preferably Monkey Cap), Gloves, Jacket, Woollen Socks and Trousers. These are essential as the climate is unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temperature may abruptly fall even up to -5 degree C.

• Keep a slip with your Name, Address and the name of accompanying yatri in your pocket
• Take water bottle, dry fruit, and baked grams with you during journey.
• Keep some cold cream or vaseline with you to protect skin from cold winds
• Take a little relaxation on steep inclines and don't exert yourself too much.
• Yatris are advised to follow the instructions issued by Yatra Administration.
• It is requested that do provide all needful help to the co-devotee travelling with you.
• Perform yatra with a pious mind and keep enchanting "Om Namah Shivay" all the way.
• During the Yatra from Pahalgam onward , keep your clothes and eatables in plastic bag to avoid the things being drenched during the rain
• Carry some common medicines such as Glucose, Disprin etc. with you for immediate relief.
• Sari is not suitable dress for the Yatra. Ladies should not wear saris as it may be very inconvenient. Salwar kameej, pant shirt or Track suit will be very comfortable.
• Keep the horses / ponies with your luggage and Coolies along side as it is difficult to trace them in case you are separated from them. More over you may need some of those useful items from luggage any time at a short notice.
• Best suitable shoes are Hunter shoes and most comfortable Dress is woollen track suit.
• The best way to perform Yatra is to keep a steady and slow pace. Don’t exert more by fast walking. The moral of the story of Hare and tortoise is best applicable here.

Don'ts at Amarnath Yatra:

• Don't stop at such places which are marked by warning notices
• Don't take drugs during Yatra.
• The children and aged persons are advised not to perform yatra, keeping in view the tough nature of the yatra.
• Don't use Slippers because of the steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave.
• Don't attempt short cuts on the route as it is very dangerous.

Amarnath photos: