Things To Experience While Visiting India

Any visitor to India is stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture. By its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. Home to more than one billion people, this subcontinent bristles with a mix of ethnic groups, which translates into an intoxicating cultural cocktail for the traveller. Experience the Spiritual, Adventurous, Wild, Ancient, Unexplored - the Real India.

The Spiritual India:- India, known as the land of spirituality and philosophy, was the birthplace of three world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism and about 80% of Indians are Hindus. Spirituality and mystical charm have always drawn people from all over the world to India. As the world becomes increasingly capitalistic and materialist, the quest and urgency for spirituality grows more and more. The traditional Indian way of life has helped in the evolution and growth of Spiritualism. Arts like Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda coupled with religion have played an important role in the evolution and existence of spirituality in India.

The Adventurous India:-Given the various geographical features like the mountain ranges, valleys, desert regions, tropical rain forests, fertile plains and the coastal regions, makes India one of the most attractive adventure destinations in the world. You may say, it is a warehouse of adventure. Whether it is a safari in a nature reserve, a camel ride through the desert or a trek through the mountains, India has a number of exciting and sensational places to offer in its network of adventure destinations. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea are virtually un-spoilt and are some of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Wildlife of India
India is home to a rich diversity of wildlife supplemented by an equally rich variety of flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of a majestic elephant, a peacock’s dance, the stride of a camel, the roar of a tiger are unparalleled experiences in themselves. Watching birds and animals in their natural habitats is an experience in itself. The immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about 400 wildlife sanctuaries including the bird sanctuaries. A paradise for the nature lovers, these forest areas are also crucial for the conversation of the endangered species like the Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the length and breadth of India, these reserves and forest areas, the Indian Wildlife circuit is an Incredible treat, unmatched by any other experience.

The Ancient India:- India is a diverse country steeped in history. Its past has seen a melting pot of different religions, rulers and empires -- all of which have left their mark on the countryside. Many historical places in India are listed as World Heritage sites due to their cultural importance. Visit popular historical places in India and take a trip back in time to ancient India. You'll marvel at the architecture of what are some of the most stunning and captivating historical attractions that India has to offer. Not surprisingly, the spellbinding Taj Mahal tops the list of India's best historical destinations. India also has some evocative, once powerful but now abandoned cities, which are architectural masterpieces. Incredible ruins, thousands of ancient temples, impressive deserted cave temples, immense forts, serve as a reminder of India's tumultuous history.

The Unexplored India From Kashmir in the North to Kanyakumari in the South, India has ample places, still left unexplored.  It is an enchanting land for all seasons, from the snow clad mountains on one side, towards the desperate hot deserts which role down in the lap of cool coastal plains. While moving along the snow clad passes on winding mountain paths in Himachal Pradesh one can observe the landscape changing at every turn. Explore the secluded beaches in the Northern tip of Goa. Northeast India is Nature's own country-by and large, it is unpolluted, unvarnished and holds on to an aura of innocence. Khasi Hills nestled comfortably in the sub-Himalayan hill ranges of the northeastern region of India. See the pristine and quaint beach of Gokarna in North of Karnataka. The beach resembles, "Om", the Sanskrit symbol for the invocation, that is believed to have created the Universe.

The Art and Culture of India:- India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture, food and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality. India is the only country in the world to have so many religions and beliefs. Indian traditional art forms are the most evolved and cultured systems in the world where carnatic music, classical dance styles like Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Manipuri, etc.. Indian classical arts like classical music, classical dance, theatre and drama possesses traditions and history dating back to several centuries. Indian culture is rich, diverse and unique in the whole world as the people in the country belong to different religions, castes, creed; speak different languages. Celebrate different festivals with great enthusiasm and zeal. Crafts and Handicrafts are an integral part in the life of an Indian. In the Western world, special artists create craft objects and they are considered as luxury items.

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Usher in the Year 2012 in India

 

2012 will be a leap year starting on Sunday in the Gregorian calendar. It is predicted by many, that the year will mark the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan calendar, various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae related to this date have been proposed. But, the New Age interpretation of this transition postulates that this date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation.  Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the apocalyptic forecasts as pseudoscience, stating that the anticipated events are contradicted by simple astronomical observations. The New Age movement is a Western Spiritual movement and its commandments have been described as drawing on both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. It aims to create "a spirituality without borders or confining dogmas" that is inclusive and pluralistic.

Be it the end of the world or the beginning of the New Age, it should not be a deterrent factor for the travel buffs. And, if it is one place you would like to visit before December 21, 2012, why not India, a magical country that intrigues everyone. One of the world’s oldest living civilizations - which gave to the world-the concept of zero, the key sound Om…Yoga, Meditation and diverse religions. Situated in the heart of Asia, history in India is called a crossroads of cultures from China to far Europe, and the most significant Asian connection to the cultures of Africa. Venture out and explore the incredible, off the beaten tracks and virgin territories that India tourism has on offer. From the sun-kissed beaches to the snow-capped mountains From the ancient architectures to the divine temples, experience the Spiritual, Adventurous, Wild, Ancient, Unexplored or the Real India

There are so many places you can visit in India. From east to west and north to south everything you see is so different and each place more enchanting than the other. India has a wealthy and robust cultural background which continues to be preserved beautifully over the years. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world. and this led to the rise of many different cultures in this absolutely mystical sub-continent. Any visitor to India is stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty, the Himalayas, exotic architecture and by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. Home to more than one billion people, this subcontinent bristles with a mix of ethnic groups, which translates into an intoxicating cultural cocktail for the traveller.

For those seeking spiritual sustenance, India has many sacred sites and stirring philosophical epics, while history buffs will encounter gems from the past almost everywhere. Ardent fans of the great outdoors can paddle in the shimmering waters of one of many balmy beaches, scout for big jungle cats on a blood-pumping wildlife safari, or simply inhale pine-scented air on a meditative forest walk. And for the foodies, they can look forward to savoring an extensive variety of seductive specialties across the country.

Well, to usher in the New Year, one has to bid a farewell to the Old Year. And what could be a better place for that in India than Goa? The revelry and merrymaking of Christmas in Goa continues with the New Year Celebrations in Goa.

So, before the much speculated year passes, pack your bags and head off to India. Whether you want to be become spiritually enriched or discover the colorful exotic cultures or pump up your adrenalin with some wild life and adventure or just experience vastness and beauty of a land, make the best, of the year 2012 in India.

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Varanasi (Kasi)

The Most Ancient Living City in the World

 

Importance of Kashi: Kasi or Kashi is the placed at the top of the spiritual & holistic cities in India and it has a great historical importance too. Kashi is both, an exalted place of pilgrimage and an

idealized centre of faith, has been likened to Jerusalem and Mecca. Some historians say that this city was founded before the birth of Jesus Christ. Kasi is also referred in the Great Hindi Epic

‘Mahabharata’ and in Buddhism literature called ‘Jataka Tales’.

 

How did it get its name as ‘Varanasi’: Kasi is known as other names as Banaras and Varanasi. For Varanasi which is more popular now, it probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the

Varana to the north and the Asi to the south. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi. According to the well known the American author and litterateur,

Mark Twain, who was enthralled by the legend and sanctity of Banaras, once wrote: "Banaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put

together."

 

Devotees’ hub: Life on the banks of the Ganga begins before dawn when thousands of pilgrims - men, women and children - come down to the river to wait for the rising sun when immersion in the

sacred river will cleanse them of their sufferings and wash their sins away. The city of Varanasi is on the Western bank of the River Ganga with few buildings on the Eastern bank, allowing for a

spectacular view of the rising sun. The view is just spectacular when we see thousands of people set aside their inhibitions and take off their clothes, thus taking off the expression of their wealth, taking

off the expression of their social status, and indeed, an extremely rare phenomena in Indian society, taking off the difference of the sexes, and be just one with their Almighty.

 

At the Ghat of Varanasi: Along the water's edge, there are the burning ghats. The most sacred one is Manikarnika, associated with Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. The most famous temple to

visit is the Golden or Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Shiva. The original Vishvanath Temple was located across the road, but it was destroyed by Aurangzeb who had built a mosque over it. The present

temple was built by Ahalya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1776. The Mosque of Aurangzeb, has been built using columns from the original temple razed by Aurangzeb. This mosque has minarets towering 71

metres above the Ganges. Around this temple evolved the spiritual identity of Varanasi.

 

The Famous Banaras Hindu University: Banaras has always been associated with philosophy and wisdom. A place of learning for many years, the Banaras Hindu University carries on this tradition.

The University campus, to the south of the city, was established in 1916, has a student population of 25,000, most of who live within the 7 sq. km campus, thus making this University one of the largest in

India.

 

Sightseeing: Temples form the major source of attraction in this ancient city. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of many religious activities that

occur in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Some of the other interesting places to visit around the city are Alamgir

Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Archaeological Museum.

 

Renowned Silk Fabric of Banaras: This city is also largely renowned for its silk weavers, who prepare the finest types of woven silk fabrics. A Banaras silk sari or shawl is traditionally a single colored

textile with motifs and patterns woven in gold or silver threads. The technique is intricate, the procedure complex and demands great expertise. As the warp and the weft are interwoven on the loom,

small, often minute shuttles with gold thread are introduced to form the motif. When the design of the motif is completed, a knot is made and the gold thread cut. The weaving continues until the next

design. The smaller the motif or the more intricate the design, the more complex the weaving skills required. Silk weaving in Banaras is a cottage industry and in many areas of the city, especially the

Muslim quarters, one can see looms at work all day. Entire families are involved; children often pick up the art from the elders at an early age. There are shops in Banaras and throughout India that sell

these fine silk fabrics.

 

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A Journey towards Paradise

The Incredible India Destinations
Marvellous!' This is the first thought that strikes through mind when someone thinks of any place to visit. Indeed, India is the land of many gorgeous landscapes and beautiful destinations.

The different geological situations of its various states make this country a paradise for all type of visitors from overseas. Mountains, rivers, planes, grasslands, lakes, sea, deserts, forests, natural fountains, natural geysers & springs and rocky hills whatever you want to see India is a perfect place to give you everything.
From the adventure traveller to the spiritual seeker everyone's dream destination is India. It is because here you can find every means what gives you happiness and mental satisfaction.

The serene land which is belonged to saints and sages and legendary great kings is having variety of things which will enthral you.

Whether it is a safari in a nature reserve, a camel ride through the desert or a trek through the mountains, India has a number of exciting and sensational places to offer in its network of adventure destinations. Just take a trip to the islands of Andaman and Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea and you would certainly feel enchanted with tranquil beauty of this series of around 100 of mini islands. These islands are the virtually un-spoilt and are some of the best destination for water related adventure sports snorkelling and scuba-diving. The crystal water having deep blue hue invites you to take a dip in to get fresh up. And the sun-setting on horizon afar from the beautiful beaches catches up with your ultimate dream to spend time while walking in paradise.

The exceptional topography of Indian subcontinent having every type of climates from hot to cold makes it a most sought after destination in the world. It is covered by the Himalayas in the north and surrounded by the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea on rest of the three sides. The eastern part of India is home to a impenetrable and lush green forest that is spirit rising and has always been subject of great temptation for the adventure junkies to discover through it while the Great Indian Desert of Thar in west part of the India.
Apart from all these India has a high profile-city culture and simple living of village, rushed markets and pubs to the peaceful aashrams (abode of sages) everything, all you need to just make a visit to discover the truly incredible India.