Getting an Indian Visa

If you are traveling to India (or any other place for that matter), then without a doubt visa is a must. Visa procurement application, procedure, and attainment norms are different for different countries.

So, also for getting an Indian visa you need to follow certain guidelines so that your experience of visa procurement is hassle free. Now, let's solve this question of how to get an Indian visa in more detail.

First of all let us clarify, that for better communication and easy visa procurement that you need to apply for Indian visa as early as possible. You can either apply for an Indian visa in person or via mail. If you are applying to get an Indian visa in person then you are requested to fill in all the documents properly( without re writing or over writing) to your local embassy offices between 9 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm.

The facility of document pick up is available from 4:30 pm to 6 pm. One thing that should be keenly noted is the fact that same day visa can only be applied in person and no mail application will be entertained in these cases. In general cases Indian visa application submitted online takes about 5 working days to process. It is generally advisable to sent your application via mail rather then personal application method as mail method is the more convenient and safe.

If you don't wish to take any trouble or want to stay away from the cross lining and confusing procedure of how to get an Indian visa then there are many visa consulars who will get it done for you. It is advisable that you choose your visa consular from your "visa applied for" land or your visiting destination. The consulars of that particular country are more equipped to handle different situations because of their knowledge and experience of working in that country for quite a period of time.

Another very important thing that should be kept in mind, on how to get an Indian visa, is the fact that you should always keep a cautious track of your visa and passport. Try and follow the procedure stages of the visa very carefully and make sure that your Indian visa procurement procedure is legal and upto the standards.

There are generally two broad categories while applying to get a visa in India. One is the business visa and the other is the tourist Visa. A tourist visa is valid from 6 months to 10 years while a business visa is valid for 6 months and more with a multiple entry facility for business person with keen interest in setting up their businesses and joint ventures in India.

Once you are through with your visa and are ready to visit India you should keep few things in mind. You should always keep your visa permission receipt xerox and your passport with you as they can be of high utility in case of an emergency. Make sure you have all the valid details about the visa consular or agent hired for visa procurement. This helps if any authority raises any questions or doubts about the authenticity of your visa.

If you can keep all these things in mind while you wish to get an Indian visa, you will perhaps have no trouble.

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How to Choose Your Tour Package

Choosing a perfect tour package involves many a element, which should be taken care off while deciding your tour. The problem arises because of the fact that we are generally caught unaware of the causes which lead to a wrong choice of tour packages. Let us identify these problems one by one.

The first hurdle that comes to mind is your own interest and choice. We often see cases where there is a possible conflict between what you want to see and what you get to see. So, you should always have a clearcut perspective of where you want to spend your money.

Your ideal travel plan in geometric sense must be directly proportional to your interest. If beaches catch you then go for a package that gives you beaches the most. If adventure is close to you then we advice you to pick a package high on adrenaline, so that you feel a sense of relaxation on spending a reasonable amount of cash and getting the most out of your trip.

The next thing that should be on your mind is your budget. You can only pick a package that you can afford. Allocating your budget first, and then deciding on your tour package is feasible. There are many a tour packages that give you a lot without costing much. All you need to do is put your head down with your travel agent and discuss the possibilities of including your favorite tour package with minimum of cost.

Another issue that needs to be addressed is that of the source by which you are choosing a tour package. In order to make sure that you get the right tour package, it is advisable that you choose the travel agent of your non native land or in other words the place you are visiting. One straight away benefit you consume out of it, is the knowledge that agent has about the place. This piece of knowledge insures that the pattern, positioning and placement- (3p)s of a tour package are in the right place. Planned team of network amongst the locals is also another benefit that you will surely avail.

Another important factor in selecting your tour package can be checking and crosschecking various tour packages at place. As a traveler you should not blindingly follow the advice of a single pattern of tour packages. You should always spend some time in verifying the right tour packages. Checking, cross checking and often re crosschecking different tour packages helps in finding the right tour package at the best of cost.

The fifth and the most important thing that strikes, is choosing the place that can offer you the best. Many travelers these days want to travel with a free mind and that too without any pre conceive notions. This is the ideal thing to do and surely you will not be disappointed. Generally people prefer getting a bit of every thing in a tour package.

One such tour package can be visiting India. A tour package to India cannot be classified as a singular one. The country offers a variety of activities and tour packages to choose from. From beaches to wildlife, from adventure to heritage India gives it all.

As a traveler if you keep these three things in mind there is a strong possibility you will be able to choose the right tour package for yourself.

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Village Tourism in India

Despite all the development taking place in all spheres of India, village tourism in India still remains a strong trend for any tourist visiting India. Many culture and heritage lovers still prefer visiting villages instead of multi faced cities of India. And that too village tourism in India is not new.

For years the growth seen in the number of tourist visits to Indian villages has been immense. In fact it had doubled over the last decade or so. Ask anyone about village tourism in India and the two places that strike are Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Let us now discuss both of them in some more detail.

First we discuss village tourism in Rajasthan. Mandawa village has always been the number one choice when it comes to Indian village tourism. The place is very famous for its painted Havelis or Mansions and many of its lovers call it the "open air gallery of Rajasthan". If you are keen on a visit to Mandawa, it is advised to take a cab from either Jaipur, Delhi or Bikaner.

The best time for a foreign tourist to visit this desert village of India is between September to February when the weather is cool as compared to rest of the months. Though it is recommended that you bring both warm and cool clothes as the temperature varies drastically between day and night. Also make sure that you are high on liquid intake as the scorching heat in the day time can really be energy sapping.

Let's now talk of tourism in the villages of Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur village is a highly visited land if you are on a on a tour of Indian villages. The village is situated on the great heights of Himalayas. Often the route remains close for almost 6 months a year. If you are a trekking or adventure buff then Kinnuar village is an ideal destination for you.

The nature also showers its pride on the village with many beautiful orchards of apricots, peaches, chilgozas and apples. Places like Sangla Valley and Hangrang Valley are also at a close distance from this place. Villages are an important part of tourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Now a note of caution, come to these Indian villages in the months of May to October to explore it better. Always carry light to heavy clothes and make sure that you that you have your travel guides with you for any assistance during village tour of India.

Probably, the youngest and the most talked about destination for village tourism in India is a land in Assam called Durgapur. On the sidelines of Kaziranga National Park, this village is unique in its own way. Durgapur tourism calls its visitors.

A distinctive village where the more than 70 families are trained exclusively just to cater the needs of tourists visiting their villages. Their training programme includes all, starting form catering till the entertainment part making it a must visit for your village tourism in India. Now you can imagine the amount of hospitality you are going to receive in this village of India. Durgapur village also proves as the mirror image of the the culture of Assam and nearby places.

Once you have made up your mind to be a part of village tourism in India then please make note of some useful suggestions. Villages in India are rich on culture and traditions and the locals take immense pride in being part of it. It is advisable that you hire tour guides having exclusive knowledge about tourism in India villages.

This not only makes you aware about the customs of the visited village but also helps you interact with the local people. It is hoped that you develop interest as you tour Indian villages as per a tourists interest and makes it a memorable experience. And always remember : India lives in its villages.

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Budget Tours to India

Deciding to travel to India is good but what is important is that you get the best of holiday deals, budget tours to India. Visitors mostly look for tour packages that have been packaged keeping their budget and interests in mind. You can get in touch with a number of travel management companies and they will all promise you to provide you with a more cost-efficient option.

This is the time when you will need to do your homework. Talk to 4-5 travel agents at one time and ask them for budget tours to India. The process will take up some time but with some good research you can end up having a tour to India matching your budget.

When you choose a budget tour to India, you should be rest assured it will be as good as a luxury one. It really depends on the caliber of the travel agent on how good he manages the budget of the tour to make it as affordable as possible. A lot depends on the contacts and the network of the travel agent.

It is advisable that you choose your travel agent very carefully for a budget package. As far as these budget tours are concerned, they are not confined to any particular region or state of India. You can enjoy affordable and low tour deals for visiting any part of India. Here is some information on choosing Indian budget tours and picking the best tour to India for your self.

First amongst the tourist choices is the Golden triangle tour. The main places included are Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. You must always cross verify the details with your travel agents. The main attractions here includes sightseeing places like Red Fort, Qutub Minar etc in Delhi and Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort etc in Jaipur. Not to forget Taj Mahal in Agra which is a must see.

Many budget tours also offer various other perks, along with these they may also add a tiger safari or any other excursions trip. Another preferred India budget tour is a Goa beach tour. Here you get to enjoy the best of beaches in Goa, along with this you may also get to see some famous temples and churches of Goa. Many budget tours to Goa also include special arrangements for a new year bash and other titles may include exclusive arrangements for night outs. More over there is something really special for adventure freaks.

You can also enjoy benefits of budget tour to India if you wish to travel to Himalayas or any other hill station in India. If wildlife safari is a priority in your travel planning then also budget tours are of high essence.

In India wildlife holidays are pretty much preferred because of the tiger reserves in the country. So, in the nutshell we can say that no matter what the choice of itinerary is, no matter what your tour plans, there are options available to match your budget for a tour to India. Now let's go through some useful details that could help you understand how to select your budget tour package in India.

You should always keep consulting your travel agent about the itinerary selected for your tour. First of all, make sure you are in conversation with not one but multi tour operators (4-5 at one time) in order to get one of the best budget tours to India. You should always keep in mind the ratio of travel covered and the quality of accommodation issued.

The reason for including these two factors are very simple as these factors contribute to more than 80% of your tour cost. If you have some knowledge about the travel plan then you can judge it for yourself or you can always ask the travel agent for a testimonial reference. This helps you get an overview of the authenticity of the budget tours in India on offer. Another important factor that helps you determine a good India budget tour is the amount spent on the aviation and internal transportation. You should always try and settle for the best of services at the lowest of costs.

Last but not the least any traveler visiting any place in the world should always be aware of the hidden taxes and charges that might be thrown at him from behind. Improper estimation of this at times can result on double the charges as planned by the travelers initially.

So, here it can be seen that the opportunities to explore India are plenty and the options available are also wide provided as a traveller you are smart enough to choose the best budget tour to India for yourself.

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Ecotourism Guide - Environment Conservation

At a time when the whole world is concerned about setting off carbon footprints, ecotourism is all that makes sense. Even a maximum number of travelers is looking for travel management companies who have adapted an eco-friendly approach and practice responsible travel.

Over the last few years, India has gained much prominence when it comes to contributing towards ecotourism. Major ecotourism zones in India include wildlife parks, bio-reserves, sanctuaries, Himalayan forests, hill stations, zoological gardens and botanical gardens among others. During your eco tours to India, you will see and experience a lot in terms of vegetations as well as wildlife. Indian ecotourism is today attracting hordes of keen travellers for all across the world. It is a pure joy to become a really responsible traveller.

First benefit you feel straight away is a feeling of uniqueness. Ecotourism in India is all about a healthy traveling experience. Indian ecotourism presents a wide range of flora and fauna that gives you ample opportunities of exploration. Botanical and Zoological Gardens in India, are some of the finest examples of ecotourism in India.

Another benefit that clearly comes out is that you get so enjoy a bit of everything. You choice can expand as much as possible. If you are an adventure buff or a wildlife lover or spa and Ayurveda is amongst your priority list, ecotourism in India gives you all. You can go trekking in the Himalayas or a jeep Safari in Rantambore, you can always be a part of India ecotourism travel. The last and the most important benefit that is present to all is your contribution to the environment sustainability.

One thing is for sure that if you are traveling on the norms of ecotourism , you are going to contribute immensely to the environment. India is one of the travelers hub and growth of ecotourism prospects in India can lead to solving major issues like global warming, pollution etc. Another benefit derived out of ecotourism is you get what is real. There are many things like fresh air, actual mineral water etc which you have just heard of. Here you get to take a real taste of it all. While on ecotourism in India, you are bound to feel something very special in terms of unique accommodations and food that might be on offer. Now you must be wondering who can guide you to through ecotourism in India. Lets solve this query as well.

Whenever you decide to visit any country you come across many travel agents who promise that your tour will be an eco-friendly one. But, that seldom happens. In the name of ecotourism, you are taken to places which you have never heard of. So in order to come over this, it is suggested that you first of all thoroughly go through the brochure of the travel agent. You can also ask the travel agent to give you a reference testimonial regarding ecotourism tours. This helps you check the records of the agent as till what extend his tour programme was in line with ecotourism in India. Now let us discuss how you can conduct your Indian ecotourism.

Indian ecotourism is not a new concept. Though it has been followed and dearly liked over the years it never had a name. This concept brings with it certain responsibilities and duties, if properly followed can prove very beneficial for you.

On ecotourism tour to India your trip can be more enjoyable one if you have an eco-tourist approach. Always keep one thing in mind that ecotourism in India is all about cleanliness and hygiene. As a tourist this mindset of yours can be very beneficial. You should always promote all the eco-friendly measures that are mentioned in the brochure guide of the travel agent. These may include less use of poly bags, proper dumping of garbage etc. If you are on India ecotourism tour one thing is for sure. You are bound to enjoy the most fun filled trip anywhere ever.

Today, the danger of being doomed looms large over us. It is about time that each one of us took measures to contribute towards reducing our carbon footprints. It doesn't mean you need to take steps on a massive scale. We can all do our bit in the tiniest of ways to help curb this deep crisis. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Become a responsible traveller today and make efforts to promote as well as inculcate within us an eco-friendly approach.

Enjoy your eco-tours to India, respect ecotourism and contribute towards Indian ecotourism.

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Bird Watching in India - Birding Special

India is a paradise for bird watchers with around 1200 species of birds. The main reason behind this attraction is the diversity of climate, vegetation and the altitude. Bird watching is one of the best mediums to enjoy for nature lovers. India is also a home to more than 450 wildlife sanctuaries and 90 national parks. Bird watching in India has attracted a number of ornithologists and nature lovers from far away places since very ancient times. Some of the major habitats of birds, including migratory birds from other countries, include Bharatpur National Park, Corbett National Park and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Major Bird Watching Sites in India

Bharatpur National Park

It is also famous by the name of Keoladeo National Park and is a favourite tourist destination of Ornithologists and nature lover for birding in India. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary nests some of the indigenous water as well as migratory birds in India. It is located in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan. Bharatpur is the only place for bird watching in India which has been created by a Maharaja or King. The best time to visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is from March to October and from November to February, specially for migratory birds. Some of the bird species found in this national park are Black Francolin, Common Quail, Indian Peafowl, Marbled Teal, Greater White Fronted Goose, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Baikal Teal, Common Pochard, Woodpecker, Buttonquail, Bunting, Rosefinch, Munia and Baya Weaver.

Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is located in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand in North India. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna besides a number of species of birds. It was established in 1936. Jeep safari is the best way to travel inside Corbett National Park. It can be visited at any time throughout the year except monsoon season by those who want to enjoy birding in India. Some of the species found in Corbett National Park are Francolins, Partridges, Quails, Hill Partridges, India Peafowl, Whistling Duck, Geese, Ducks, Woodpeckers, Buronquails, Barbets, Hornbills, Rollers, Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Cuckoos, Parakeets and Coucals.

Sultanpur National Park

Sultanpur National Park is located about 50 km away from Delhi. It was declared as a water bird reserve in 1972. Though there is a lake in this sanctuary but visitors are not allowed to indulge in boating so as not to disturb the birds from their natural activities. The best season to visit Sultanpur National Park is during the winter months in December, January and February, as it is the best time to spot some of the beautiful migratory birds here. Some of the famous bird species which are found in this national park are Grey Pelicans, Spoonbills, White Ibis, Black-Necked Storks, Grey Pelicans, Cornorants, Egrets, Painted Storks, Pond Herons.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Western Ghats in Kerala. It has a beautiful lake in the center of the wildlife sanctuary. Though it is a habitat of some of the endangered species of wildlife animals but at the same time varieties of birds also inhabitate here. Cormorants, the great Malabar Hornbills, Kingfishers, Racket-Tailed Drongoes, Darters and a number of migratory birds can be spotted in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kaziranga National Park

Kazhiranga National Park is one of the natural habitat of wildlife and birds in North East India. Located in Assam, Kazhiranga is mainly known for its one horned Rhino and a number of bird species. Bengal Florican, Pied Harriers, Pallas Fish Eagle, Jerdon's Babbler, Mash Babbler, Pied Falconet, Mountain Bulbul, Slaty Bellied Tesia, Sultan Tits, Ibisbill, Jerdon's Bushchat and Greater adjutant Storks are some of the famous birds which can be spotted in Kazhiranga National Park throughout the year. Apart from all these national parks and sanctuaries, a number of colourful birds can be spotted in the Himalayan hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh by lovers of bird watching in India.

Ethics of Bird Watching

1. Avoid any unwanted disturbance in the national parks and sanctuaries.
2. Follow all the rules and regulations of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
3. Avoid littering and trashing of such areas.
4. Larger groups should be divided into different small groups, which are more manageable.
5. Extra care should be taken while visiting such destinations during breeding season of birds.

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Goa Wildlife Tours - Exploring Flora and Fauna

Think something beyond beaches and casinos in Goa, the wildlife tours of Goa are equally exciting. The rivers flowing by some of the wildlife sanctuaries are just superb to see, the elephant ride in some reserves is also very exhilarating. Travelers to the state are also fascinated by the rich wildlife of Goa. The variety of species that Goa houses is amazing. The extraordinary varieties of plants, trees, animals and birds is very amusing to see.

Flora and Fauna of Goa Wildlife Sanctuaries
Flora : Cradled by the Arabian sea and western ghats, the forests of Goa are dense and thick. The thick forests provide shelter to many kinds of wild animals and birds. The flora of Goa wildlife reserves includes deciduous forests and evergreen forests. Due to these forests many animals find shelter.

Fauna : Animals : Among the commonly sited wild animals are deer, boars, bisons, porcupines, flying lizards, sloth bears, langurs, jungle cat, gaurs, jackals, panthers, toddy cats, Indian otters, Indian rock python.

Goa is bird watchers paradise as there are numerous varieties of birds both migratory and non migratory. Common found birds here are kingfishers, grey headed mynas, eagles, egrets, common sandpipers, red wattled lapwings, kites, purple moorhen, storks, cormorants, mallards and many more.

Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries of Goa

The famous wildlife sanctuaries of Goa are haven for the wildlife enthusiasts. The state is proud of its rich bio diversity. The sanctuaries are maintained by the the state's Forest Department. The three main wildlife sanctuaries of the state – Bondla, Bhagwan Mahavir and Cotigao – were established in 1960s to save many wildlife species who were declared endangered. Later in 1999 two more wildlife sanctuaries were opened named Netravali and Mhadei.

You can have exciting wildlife tours in:

- Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary
- Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
- Mollem National Park
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sacred Groves Bambar
- Nirancarachi Rai Grove
- Satpal Arboratum

Eco Tourism in Goa : As the state enjoys a rich bio diversity, the wildlife reserves offer excellent options for eco tourism. The Wildlife Department of Goa has plans to begin conducted tours through the water channels. Eco tourism will help the nature lovers to explore the secrets of nature without disturbing the ecological balance of the forests.

So next time you plan your trip to Goa, you have yet another themes tour.

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Himalayas Wildlife Tourism

Himalayas are an abode of exotic wildlife species. The distinguished topography of the Himalayas make the existence of many wildlife species possible in the forests of the Himalayas. Even the climatic conditions of Himalayas help in existence and sustenance of birds and animals in the mighty Himalayas. Different regions of the Himalayas house different kind of forests types. Also the vegetation type differs from region to region. But you can find four kinds of vegetation mainly:

1) Alpine
2) Temperate
3) Tropical
4) Sub tropical

Wildlife Safaris in Himalayas

The wildlife tours in Himalayas are very famous among the adventure freaks. The jungle safaris especially attract the tourists. The rich wildlife and serene ambiance make Himalayas an ideal destination for Safari tours. The adventurers love to venture out in wild and explore the secret mysteries of nature. Bird watchers love gazing and spotting birds of various kinds and the others just love to have nature walks, tiger safari, jeep safari, cycle rides in the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Himalayas.

Wildlife Species in Himalayas

As stated above the wildlife of Himalayas is very rich. The flora, fauna, avifauna, aquatic species all inhabit the wildlife sanctuaries of Himalayas. You will find Tibetan Sheep, Tibetan Blue Bear, Deer, Elephant, Tigers, Wild Boar, Mountain Goats, Pythons, Crocodiles, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard and Musk Deer. Besides, bird watchers can find many species of birds also like Monal Pheasant, Kingfishers, Eagles and many other prey birds.


Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Himalayas

The wildlife safaris are very common in the Reserves and National Parks of Himalayas. People come especially for the adventurous trips to Himalayas. The wildlife sanctuaries are easily accessible and so many travelers frequent them round the year. Some of the famous Wildlife Sanctuaries nestled in the Himalayan regions are:

a) Jim Corbett National Park
b) The Great Himalayan National Park
c) The Royal Chitwan Park
d) Royal Bardia National Park
e) Namdapha National Park

Come to Himalayas for exciting wildlife tours and you are sure carry back some cherish able memories.

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National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala

“God's Own Country”, Kerala is a beautiful state that is one of the hottest destinations in India among travelers. Blessed with natural bounties, Kerala is dotted with natural pulchritude. The state is bestowed with vast coastline, palm fringed exotic sea beaches, exciting backwaters, sedating hill stations and rejuvenating Ayurveda centers. But among these one more thing that makes Kerala a very special state is the rich Wildlife of the Wildlife Reserves here.

Wildlife Tours in Kerala : Kerala beckons all the wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to come and soak themselves in the ecstasy of exotic species of rich wildlife. The lands of the state is dotted with tropical forests that are a haven for many species of animals and plants. And this is what attracts the travelers to Kerala. The wild animals both coy and hostile will offer you some rare scenes of their residence in their natural habitat.

Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala


Some of the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala are as follows:

a) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
b) Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
d) Pappara Wildlife Sanctuary
e) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
f) Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
g) Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
h) Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary


Wildlife of Kerala:

Animals : These wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala abound in a variety of species of flora and fauna. You will find all kinds of animals and birds here. Some of the common animals of all the sanctuaries include

Elephants, Wild dogs, Gaur, Sloth bears, Deer, Sambar, Wild boars, Malabar giant squirrel, Jungle cats, Leopards, Lion tailed macaques, Tigers, Flying squirrel, Langur, Spotted deer, Tiger, Nilgiri Tahrs, Panthers and many more species of animals are present.


Reptiles

The wildlife of Kerala also comprises of reptile like:

Poisonous and non poisonous snakes, Frogs, Crocodiles, Turtles, Tortoises, Vine snake, Rat snakes

Lizards etc.

Birds : Many birds will welcome you to the alluring Wildlife Sanctuaries.
The bird population include

Owls, Cuckoo, Egret, Pea fowls, Peacocks, Grey jungle fowls, Bee eaters, Blank winged kites, Water Duck etc

So plan your trip to Kerala soon and I 'll catch you up there for the exciting wildlife tours.

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Traveling Tips to Historic India

India has started to paint herself since time immemorial and now she is all set to glitz like a rainbow. Her several magical hue, in the form of holiday destination allures individuals, all over the world. The legendary facts, inscribed in the heritage corner or in the precious archives, fuses an earthy flavor to summon the visitors, enter into the era of aesthetic past.

A travel into the historical places in India is indifferent from any other thematic visit. The traveler buzzed their journey with an in-dept preparation. Some handpicked suggestion, will surely ease your way to the ancient Indian colony.

List down the historical places in India. Some very popular sites are Taj Mahal (Agra), Khajuraho(Madhya Pradesh), Konark temple(Orissa), Nalanda(Bihar), Ajanta & Ellora(Gujarat), Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh) etc.

The historical antique pieces in India features from grand Mughal fort to the towering temple and the most striking part is, perhaps, their secular and sacred architecture. Visitors need to collect special permit to explore the places.

The monuments are the real gem to India and as such sightseers are requested not to disturb its inlaid beauty. Instead, you can capture them with several click, or can go for video-shots. The inner complex of the monuments, are not arranged with eatables and visitors need to arrange their food-stuffs from nearby hygienic stalls.

Entry inside the temple and monuments are ruled by strict regulation. Therefore visitors need to take care of not creating any offense in the foreign land.

Travel via privately hired vehicle and guidance under the lo

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Durga Puja Celebrations and Attractions

Occasion: Durga Puja
Location: West Bengal
Festival Time: September- October
Legend or Deity: Goddess Durga
Famous Rituals: Mahasasthi, Mahasaptmai, Mahanavami, Vijaydashmi
Cuisines: Luchi, Begun Bhaja, Chanar Dal, Khichdi, Payasam, Alurdam
Tourists Attractions: Immersion of the idols, Cultural programs, Jatras, chariot processions, Animal Sacrifices
Staying Options: The Golden Park, Hotel Heera International, ITC Sonar Bangala Sheraton, Hotel Hindustan International

Durga puja is a very popular festival of Indian that is celebrated in many parts of the country. During this 9 days celebration, goddess Durga is worshiped. The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated all over the country, it is celebrated in a special way in the eastern states like Kolkata, Jharkhand, Assam and Tripura. Various types of pandals (makeshift structures) are made during this festival. The statues of goddess Durga beautifully decorated in these pandals. Various devotional songs and and religious dance competitions are held in these pandals in which Arti dance competition is the most popular. Special festival dishes, devotional songs and decorations are the vital part of this festival. This festival reflects the victory of good over the evil force. Durga Puja usually falls in the month of September/October.

Legends
According to the Hindu mythology, demon Mahishasur was creating problems for the gods and their king. Then Indra requested holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva to save them from demon. They in turn sought divine help of mother Durga, who fitted with lethal weapons and riding on ruthless lion, killed demon Mahishasur. So, Durga puja is a true celebration of the victory of good over the evil. This festival celebrates life, tradition and culture values of India.

Durga Puja is arrived with the Mahalaya which is actually the first phase of crescent moon in Ashwin (according to the Hindu calendar). On this very day the devotees gets up early in the morning and prays to the godess Durga. The people use to believe to see the facial expression of Goddess Durga in the still water which is known as Tarpan.

After the celebration of Mahalaya seven days after the puja gets started which is known as Mahashasthi. This Mahasasthi follows Mahasaptami, Mahaasthami, Mahanavami and puja ends up with Vijaydashmi.

Attraction and Celeberation of Durga Puja

The festival of Durga Puja is celebrated in all over the country on a grand scale. The major attraction in the festival is the cultural programs like Jatra, folk dances, songs shankh competition are conducted by the local puja communities. The grand feast is also organized for the people. The ritual of animal sacrifice is also performed in which Buffalo sacrifice is performed on the day of Mahaashtami. Every pendal community organizes the feast which includes Khichdi, Payasam, Mix Vegetables, Roshogulla and Chutney.

New gleaming clothes, smiling faces, dancing devotees, chantings of Mantras, amazing display of lights and the rhythmic beat of dhak (drums) all become the part of grand Durga puja celebration. On the tenth day of the festival that is Vijay Dashami (tenth day), the idol of goddess Durga is immersed in the river or pond with full customary rituals. This marks the end of this majestic festival.

Reaching West Bengal during Durga Puja

By Air: Major Indian cities that is Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai is connected with Kolkata via both by the International and domestic.

By Railways: The place Kolkata has two railway stations that is Sealdah and Howarh. Another railway station that is New Jalpaiguri which is near to Jalpaiguri.

By Road: Roadways of Kolkata is connected to the state highways and national highways both through private coaches and state buses.

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