Top things in India
While listing all the things that can be done in India may be an impossible task, we have listed the top 101 things to do in India which are a must for getting a feel of real India. Move away from the usual hill stations and the mall roads therein. There is much more to be explored in this fascinating land. Read on to get some clues about the offbeat India experience that we are referring to.
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1. Visit the Taj Mahal- The Epitome of Love
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When listing the must things to do in India, you can’t leave Taj Mahal out. Built in 17th century, this white marble monument attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. It is the epitome of love as the world knows it. While a visit to Taj Mahal at any time of the day is exciting, consider visiting it during night, preferably on a full moon night. The charges are a little higher for night visits, but it is worth the experience.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE TAJ MAHAL
2. Eat at the highway Punjabi Dhaba- A gastronomical delight
There is nothing like have a gastronomical delight while on the road. While you are on the highway, especially the Delhi-Chandigarh one, don’t forget to have a meal in one of the many Punjabi dhabas, which usually operate 24/7. Murthal, near Sonepat, on NH1 is the hotspot for Punjabi dhabas, Gulshan Dhaba being the most famous of the lot. Don’t worry about the hygiene bit though. Just indulge in lip-smacking food.
3. Old Delhi tour and Chandni Chowk- Fall in Love with the Chaos
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This is where you get to feel the pulse of Delhi. As you make your way through narrow streets filled with people, you start wonder how people can live in such a chaotic place. But soon enough, you fall in love with the chaos and the liveliness of the place. While in Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk area, do not miss a visit to Paranthe Wali Gali, lip smacking Mutton Burra at Karim’s, traditional Indian sweets and a visit to Jama Masjid. A rickshaw ride completes the experience. You will be left thrilled by the way rickshaw puller makes his way through the crowd.
4. Bike trip to Ladakh- An Ethereal Experience
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This one is for the adventure enthusiasts. If you love biking, a bike trip to Ladakh is ultimate fun. You start from Manali and make your way through the stunning Rohtang Pass, beautiful Lahual and Spiti Valley, and cross several high mountain passes before entering Ladakh. While in Ladakh, go a bike trip to Khardung La pass, the highest motorable pass in the world. You can take this biking trip to Ladakh only between June to December, as Rohtang Pass remains closed for six months, starting from December.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LADAKH
5. Rural Olympics Punjab- Back to the Basics
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Forget Olympics. Punjab plays host to something much more exciting, and rustic, every year. Kila Raipur, a small village in Ludhiana, comes alive between February and March each year, as it plays host to a sports festival- Punjabi style. Hundreds of people throng to this fair, some to watch while others to participate. It is pure fun to watch men fight it out in a game of mud wrestling; to watch a bullock cart race; tractor pulling and so much more. The festival sees as many as 40-50 events spread over 3 days. And it is just the locals who participate in these games. You could even spot some Punjabi teams from Canada fighting it out.
6. Valley of Flowers- Beautiful is an understatement
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Do you believe in fairies and Wonderland? If you don’t, the Valley of Flowers will make you believe in them. The National Park and a World Heritage Site is located in the state of Uttarakhand, nestled amidst the majestic treks in Himalayas. The myriad colored flowers are an ethereal experience, complemented by mist covered peaks. Nanda Devi National Park lies to the east of Valley of Flowers. The region is home to endangered species as well, such as snow leopard and Asiatic Black Bear.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO VALLEY OF FLOWERS
7. Corbett National Park- A rendezvous with the wild side
A rendezvous with the wild side of nature is always an exciting experience. Corbett National Park can definitely give a thrilling rendezvous with the wilderness of India. It is one of the oldest national parks of the country, and certainly one of the most popular. Embark on a wildlife safari here, either in a jeep or an elephant. Wildlife safari packages range from short 3 day tours to extensive 11 day tours. You can spot several wild animals here including tigers, leopards, and so much more.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CORBETT
8. Wagah Border Visit- A strange Bonhomie
Source: http://www.ftraveler.blogspot.com
Forget the changing of guard routine in London. The Wagah border ceremony is much more interesting. As the sun goes down, the retreat ceremony at this India-Pakistan border begins. Bugles are sounded from both the sides, which could easily blow the air out of your lungs if you try it; guards from both the sides stomp their feet as hard as possible, trying to get one-up over each other. It is as exciting as watching a last ball India-Pakistan match.
9. A religious landmark, and an architectural one too- Golden Temple Amritsar
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While you visit the Wagah Border, don’t forget to visit the Golden Temple- an architectural marvel and a religious epicenter of the country. The monument witnessed some troubled times during the Blue Star operation, but nothing has taken away the spirituality of the place. The architecture of this monument has influences of Hindu, Muslim and European cultures. A dip in the lake here is rejuvenating, while the langar served here is lip smacking.
10. Take a walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Assi Ghat, Varanasi- Embrace Spirituality
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Talking of spirituality, you just cannot leave Varanasi out. While here, consider taking a walk from Dashashwamedh Ghat to Assi Ghat. The Dashashwamedh Ghat remains most crowded most times of the day. But that shouldn’t deter your spirit. In fact, watching the religious ceremony which happens every evening at 7 is a must have experience. As you walk from Dashashwamedh to Assi, you come across several small ghats, where people are seen revering the Ganges, and some saying their final goodbyes to their departed loved ones.
11. Ramlila at Ramnagar- Watch it with the sadhus
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Watching traditional Ramlilas is always a great experience. Seeing hardly trained actors dorn the role of revered figures in Hindu Mythology for about 20 days is entertainment of the rustic kind. Taking this experience to a whole new level is the Ramlila at Ramnagar, Varanasi. The crowds here could be anywhere between 1,000 and 10,000, which include Sadhus too in their traditional attire. It is like watching a Broadway show live, except that there are much more people watching it.
12. Zing Zing Bar- The perfect stop before a steep climb
The name of the place may mislead you. It is not much a bar, but an army camp where you can grab a few snacks and drinks while you are on a Ladakh biking trip. The so called bar lies at the base to the steep ascent of BarchalaLa Pass. It is a nice pit-stop where you can chat with the army men or just admire the beauty of surrounding you.
13. Stay in a Shikara in Dal Lake- Recreate famous Bollywood scenes
Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org
You might have stayed in the best luxury hotels in the world, but nothing can beat the experience of staying in a Shikara in Dal Lake. There are houseboats in the Dal Lake which date back to the 18th century. They have intricate wood carvings and royal interiors, with all the services you can expect from the best hotels in the world. The beauty of the Dal Lake which surrounds you is a mesmerizing experience.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE DAL LAKE
14. Yoga at Parmath Niketan, Rishikesh- Simply rejuvenating
Located on the banks of River Ganges, nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas is Parmath Niketan in Rishikesh. There is something about this place which beckons you to contemplate nature and be at peace with yourself. Even if spirituality is the last thing on your mind, try an early morning yoga session here. You will love the experience.
15. Visit to Bodh Gaya- It enlightens you too
This is where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Pay a visit to Mahabodhi Temple, which is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist temples. Revel at the spirituality of the place or just chat up with the local Buddhist monks which reside at the place. Either way, it is a different kind of experience you get here.
16. Holi at Vrindavan- Revel in the colors of joy
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Holi is a festival which is a special experience in India. While most places in India celebrate the festival for only a day, if you love the color of festivals, Vrindavan is the place to be. Holi is celebrated for a week here, amidst crowds thronging the various temples dedicated to Lord Krishna here. While you can experience the usual Holi festival with colors here, consider playing the Lath Maar holi when in Vrindavan; or one with flowers.
17. Khajuraho Trip- Where passion is not a sin
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Khajuraho is the place which gave India the name “The Land of Kamasutra.” The erotic rock carvings of the temples here are an architectural delight as well as a symbol of love and passion. Come with your special someone to Khajuraho or just explore the place alone- it is filled with mysticism and a side to India which has got lost in the modern transitions of today’s times.
18. Gastronomical Tour of Lucknow- Sample the delicious royal cuisine
Delhi is not the only place in India famous for its gastronomical delights. For a tryst with the royal cuisine of India, head to Lucknow and savor the various delicacies of the region. Sample the biryani of the region and the various kebabs. Talking of the kebabs, don’t miss out on Tunde ke Kebab. A part of the Awadhi Cuisine, the kebabs are made of succulent minced meat, seasoned with over 160 spices. Tunde ke Kebab has a legacy of over a century.
19. Orchha- A tryst with history
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If you love exploring history, a visit to the town of Orchha is a must. The town is located in the Bundelkhand district in Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Betwa River. There is a old fort here, and a temple to explore as well. It may not be a quintessential touristy experience, but nevertheless, a memorable one.
20. Chadar Trek- An amazing trek over a frozen River
Trekking in Ladakh is a must have experience. There are easy treks and some of the more difficult ones to be had. However, if you have the desired level of fitness, consider taking the Chadar Trek when in Ladakh. The trek can be taken in the months of January and February, and you get to trek over the frozen Zanskar River. There are beautiful valleys and some remote villages to be crossed on the way too. An ethereal experience is what describes it best.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE RISHIKESH
21. Take a dip at Sangam- Cleanse your mind, body and soul
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Sangam is a site of religious as well as national importance. This is the place where three important rivers of India meet viz. the Yamuna, the Ganges and the Saraswati. It is at Sangam that the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years; and it is here that ashes of several important figures have been immersed, including that of Mahatma Gandhi. A dip in Sangam is said to wah away all your sins. But even if you don’t believe in all that spiritual talk, a dip in Sangam would definitely refresh your mind, body and soul.
22. A dig into Beniram Imarti from Jaunpur – It’s sinfully delicious
Usually, places have monuments and famous addresses as their landmarks. But Jaunpur is different. Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh has a sweet house in its list of most famous places, called the Beniram Sweet House. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you must dig into the Imartis you get at this place. They are a heavenly experience.
23. Kumbh Mela- Where Pilgrims Converge
When Bollywood movies of the yore had brothers lost at Kumbh Mela, they weren’t cracking a joke. Millions of people throng to the Ganges and River Godavari to pay their homage during the Kumbh Mela. It happens every twelve years in four cities namely- Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain and Haridwar. An Ardh Kumbh Mela happens every six years in Haridwar and Allahabad. While you visit this spiritual conglomeration of people, make sure you have your belongings and your family tightly wound to you.
24. Kedarnath Temple- An awesome trek and a spiritual experience
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Call it a pilgrimage or an exciting trek in the Himalayan region, either way, it is an exciting experience. The Kedarnath Temple is located near the Mandakini River, and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. You have take an arduous 14 km trek starting from Gaurikund to reach the temple. The Kedarnath temple is opened to public in the month of April till the time around Dusshehra.
25. Drive on Zuluk Loops- Feel the adrenaline rush
If you are looking for exciting road trips in India, don’t miss a drive on the Zuluk loops. Located in the Eastern Sikkim region, Zuluk Loops are exactly that- meandering roads amidst the winding hills. Take in the scenery which surrounds you and experience wind in your face as you make your way through the hills.
26. Get down and dirty at Satpal Singh Akhada Kushti
Source: http://www.kushtiwrestling.blogspot.com
Indian wrestling is a rustic experience. Men wrestling in the mud, executing their signature moods and the crowds cheering them, with the sun beating down- that is the best definition of rustic. The Satpal Akhada Kushti in Rampur in Uttar Pradesh is one of the best places to be at for experiencing Indian wrestling. Satpal Singh has won many battles in his time, including a bronze at Asiad Games, and trains wrestlers at this Akhada. Don’t forget to take some tips for those rippling muscles when here.
27. Experience the colorful culture of Ladakh at Hemis festival
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If you thought Ladakh is just a desolate land inhabited by monks who spend their time meditating, you are wrong. Come summers, and the place comes alive with Hemis Festival. Hemis Monastery is one of the oldest and the most beautiful monasteries of Ladakh. In summers, it plays host to a 2 day festival, which sees traditional dances, and beautiful paintings being drawn by the villagers. The sound of drums, cymbals and trumpets which echo off the Himalayas is a treat for the ears.
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28. Be a part of awesome celebrations at Krishna Janamashtmi in Mathura
Mathura is the hometown of Lord Krishna according to Hindu Mythology. And it is here you get to experience the festival of Krishna Janamashtmi in all its fervor and splendor. Scores of people throng the temple of Lord Krishna, which are decorated beautifully. People can be seen singing hymns and revelling in the festive atmosphere. Even if you are not the religious kind, you will love this experience.
29. Pangong Lake- Where dreams and reality converge
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Remember the lake at the end of the movie 3 Idiots? That’s the Pangong Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes of Ladakh. It is a desolate region of the lost kingdom, nestled amidst the majestic peaks. Take a trek to Pangong Lake or simple drive down to the place. You will be awed by the beauty of the lake, which is said to change colors every season. Spend the day camping by the lakeside.
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30. Tsomoriri Lake- The definition of exotic
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Talking of beauty in Ladakh, you cannot leave out Tsomoriri Lake. This beautiful lake is situated in the Changthang Plateau region, which is the largest plateau in the world. Like most other regions of Ladakh, Tsomoriri lake too is is nestled in tranquility, which calls you to spend some time with yourself, contemplating the scenic views of the region.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE TSOMORIRI LAKE
31. Sonepur Cattle Fair- A rustic and an animalistic experience
Even though you may be least interested in buying and selling of cattle, a visit to the Sonepur Cattle Fair is a must. The fair starts from Kartik Poornima, which falls in the months of October and November, and can go on for as long as a month. It is the biggest cattle fair of Asia, with scores of cattle being traded between those interested. The beautifully decorated elephants at the fair are the highlight of this yearly event.
32. Trip to Nalanda- Explore the enchanting ruins
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda
India is often called a magical land, and snake charmers are not the reason for that. It is places like Nalanda which give India that tag. The ruins of Nalanda date back to 5th century and housed one of the most important universities in ancient times. Located in Bihar, close to the capital state of Patna, a trip to the ruins of Nalanda lets you feel the magic of the land.
33. Feel the Vibe at Durga Puja
When writers referred to India as a country with many colors, they actually meant it literally. Durga Puja is one of the most colorful festivals of India and is a must do thing to do in India East. Scores of people can be seen jiving to roaring drum beats, and reveling in the moment. Like every other festival of India, there are lip smacking delicacies to be had on Durga Puja too. Don’t miss out on traditional Bengali sweets.
34. Darjeeling train journey- Straight out of a Bollywood potboiler
A ride in the toy train of the hills is a scene right out of a children’s story book. The train chugs along the meandering paths of the hills, letting you take in the views of the majestic Himalayas in the background.
35. Attend the Hornbill Festival- Feel the Pulse of Nagaland
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The north-eastern part of the India hasn’t been explored to its full potential. Every year, in the month of December, Nagaland plays host to the Hornbill festival. You come across colorful tribal dances of the region and the rich cultural heritage of the land of the Nagas.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE NAGALAND
36. Visit Tribes of Orissa- Learn skills of survival
The exotic things to do in eastern part of India are all about mystic delights. A part of this mystic experience is the tribes of Orissa. Several tribes inhabit the state of Orissa. Their strange beliefs, rituals and their communion with Mother Nature make for an eventful trip to the land. You will be left awestruck at the way they live their everyday lives. Back to the roots of humanity is what describes this experience best.
37. Visit the Colonial Past with a Tram ride in Kolkata
Kolkata, with its colonial past, is a destination with a rich cultural heritage. a part of this heritage is the tram system which runs through the city- the only city in India to have a tram network. Trams in Kolkata date back to 1902. The transport system is still in good order and connects several parts of the city. It is an experience you cannot have in any other part of the country.
38. Tea Tour in Darjeeling- It refreshes you
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Tea estates in Darjeeling are a treat for the eyes, as well as for your taste buds. There are numerous tea estates in the north-eastern part of the India, some spread over hundreds of acres of land. Your India experience is not complete without a tea tour in Darjeeling. Make your way through vast expanses of tea leaves, watch tea pluckers in action and sample some exotic varieties of tea too.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE DARJELLING
39. Mysore Dusshera Festival- A royal celebration
Dusshera- the festival which celebrates the triumph of good over evil- is celebrated with a lot of fervor all over the country. But none can match the celebrations in Mysore. This famous hill station of Karnataka was once home to royal kingdoms. Come Dusshera and you can see the beautiful palaces of the region decorated even more beautifully. The fervor at the time of the festival is unparalleled.
40. Take a boat ride in the backwaters of Sunderbans- Feel one with nature
The backwaters of Kerala may be a famous tourist attraction. But the backwaters of Sunderbans delta are no less. Sunderbans delta is one of the largest deltas in the world and a boat ride in the backwaters here takes you through lush greenery, and gives you a really serene experience. You could also spot exotic species of birds while taking the boat ride.
41. Visit the Majestic Tawang Monastery
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Located at a height of about 10,000 feet in the Tawang town of Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang Monastery- the largest in India and one of the largest in the world. The architecture of the monastery leaves you awestruck, and so does the spirituality that surrounds this place. Majestic views in the background complete the experience.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO TAWANG MONASTERY
42. Experience the greatness of nature with a walk across the Living Root Bridge
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More than 90% of people in India do not know about this natural wonder that exists in the rainforests of Cherapunji. Cherapunji is one of the wettest places on earth and is ideal for the growth of rubber trees. The local tribes of the region grow rubber trees and use the roots of these trees as bridges to cross the many rivers that flow through the region. Walking on these bridges, which are a gift from nature, is an absolutely awesome experience. What’s even more awesome is the way the roots of these trees are manipulated to grow in the right direction.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LIVING ROOT BRIDGES
43. Spot a white tiger in Sunderban- It’s simply majestic
The Sunderbans delta is home a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Sunderbans National Park is spread across parts of India as well as Bangladesh, and is home to the white tiger and other species of wildlife and birds. Take a wildlife safari through Sunderbans National Park and try spotting the white tiger amidst the dense foliage. Adventure cannot get wilder than this.
44. Take a boat ride in Loktak Lake – It’s the only floating lake in the world
Source: http://www.manipurpage.com
Loktak Lake in Manipur is the only floating lake in the world. The mass of vegetation, soil and other biodegradable mass gives the lake a floating appearance. Take a boat ride on the Loktak Lake, which is a major tourist attraction. The Keibul Lamjao National Park which lies close to the lake makes the area a haven for bird watchers and animal enthusiasts as well.
45. Spot one horned rhinos and more at Kaziranga National Park
The north-eastern part of India is home to plenty of wildlife species. Kaziranga National park in Assam is no different. The national park is home to the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, apart from other wildlife species such as tigers, elephants, swamp deer etc. This World Heritage Site can give you the goose-bumps- the kind that you will love.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
46. Attend the Bihu Festival in Assam- Don’t forget to participate in the dances
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While in Assam, don’t forget to attend the Bihu festivals, if you are there at the right time of the year. Bihu festival is the national festival of Assam, and takes place three times in an year, viz. in the months of January, April and October. The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the land and also the farming seasons of the place. The one that happens in April is the most colorful of the lot as it signifies the onset of spring season.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ASSAM
47. Feel the Pulse of the National with a ride on the Mumbai Local Train
Source: http://www.tnwap.net
For a feel of the pulse of the nation, take a ride in the Mumbai local train. And if you are brave-hearted enough, consider taking a ride in the Mumbai local during the peak rush hours. You get to hear all kinds of discussions while in the Mumbai locals- from politics to economy and sports- people share their opinion about everything. But the biggest wonder of the journey is how the people survive the journey, clinging on to the barest of metal pieces they can get their hands on. Don’t worry about getting in or getting out- the crowd will help you with that.
48. Old Cathedrals of Goa- Exploring the colonial past of the region
Source: http://www.techwep.com
Take a tour of the old churches in Goa, which give a peek into the rich cultural past of the land, The churches date back to the time when Portuguese ruled the land. Some of them have an interesting story behind them, while others have beautiful architecture to be marveled at. Some of the must visits one when in Goa are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mary Immaculate Conception and Se Cathedral.
49. Royal Enfield Tour of Rann of Kutch- Feel the vastness of nature
Source: http://www.indiaghumonow.blogspot.com
Rann of Kutch is a desolate land which holds several mysteries. It was home to the Harappan Civilization, one of the oldest civilizations known to man, and you can visit the ruins of the civilization at Dholavira. Royal Enfield conducts a tour of Rann of Kutch every year, where you get to experience mesmerizing sunsets and get to pay tributes to martyrs who have gond down fighting for the country.
50. Bring back the old times with the Vintage Car Rally in Jaipur
Source: http://www.defenceforumindia.com
Seeing a 1939 Mercedez benz purring to life and making it all the way to the finish line is an absolute delight. The vintage car in Jaipur is increasingly become popular among tourists and is a matter of pride for vintage car owners. The event happens every year in the month of January. Some old beauties you can come across at this event include a 1923 Fiat 501, a 1923 Austin and a 1923 Erskine.
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51. Feel the royalty- Attend a Royal Wedding in Rajasthan
If you get the chance, don’t miss an opportunity to be a part of a royal wedding on a Rajasthan Tour. From the decor to the food and the guests of the honor, and of course the palaces they are hosted in, everything is ornately royal about them. Even if you don’t get an opportunity, try gate crashing one. Maybe you could get lucky.
52. Dhobhi Ghat, Mumbai- A strangely mesmerizing landmark of Mumbai
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Watching lines of dirty linen being washed isn’t so much a marvel, but the organization definitely is. Scores of washer-men wash and dry the clothes of their customers in this Mumbai landmark, and surprisingly, hardly anything gets mixed up. Try chatting with the locals and get an insight into their daily lives. You are sure to stumble upon some interesting stories of celebs and all things Mumbaiya.
53. Kite Flying in Rajasthan- Connect over this traditional Indian sport
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Rajasthan, particularly the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Pushkar, play host to a kite festival every year in the month of January. The festival sees people from all walks of life participating and trying to go one up against each other. Pick up some colorful kites in interesting shapes and take to the skies to settle old scores. You can even spot foreigners trying their hand at the quintessentially Indian sport of kite flying.
54. Feel a strange kind of adrenaline rush with a Camel Safari in Jaisalmer
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Talking of having fun in the desert, you can’t leave camel safari out of the picture. Jaisalmeris one of the best places to go on a camel safari in Rajasthan. There are camel safari packages available of different duration, and longer the duration, the better the experience. For the ultimate experience though, consider taking a night camel safari. Watching the beautiful sunset, while riding a camel takes you back to the days of Alif Laila.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO JAISALMER
55. Explore one of the best wine destinations of India with a Nashik Wine Trip
Indians may not be too fond of having wine, but Nashik definitely boasts of some pretty spectacular vineyards. Book a stay in one of the several resorts of the region which are located close to some of the finest vineyards of the region. Take a tour of the vineyards in Nashik, where you can even taste some pretty delicious wine too- if you know how to appreciate this drink that is.
56. Waterfall Rappelling Vihigaon- It gets your adrenaline zinging
Source: http://www.picstopin.com
Vihigaon in Thane is a small village where you can the adventure of a lifetime. There is waterfall rappelling to be done in the roaring waterfalls of Vihigaon. You get to combine the experience of rappelling, mountaineering and maneuvering the gushing streams of water in this adrenaline pumping adventure. It takes bones of steel and some really technical skills to complete this adventure.
57. Feel the Music with a Garba Dance in Vadodra (Baroda)
Source: http://festivals.iloveindia.com/
Come Navaratris, and Vadodra in Gujarat comes alive with myriad colors and sounds of drums. Garba is a dance form native to the region, where men as well as women in colorful attires dance to drum beats, with dandiyas in their hands. It could also be a fun way of meeting someone special for those who are single. Put your dancing shoes on and give it a shot.
58. Dance, eat and make merry at the Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
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Ganesh Chaturthi is to Mumbai what Durga Puja is to West Bengal. The festival celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is celebrated with pomp and show in the economic capital of the country. It is a 10 day long festival which ends with Ganesh Visarajan. It is marked by immersing the idol of Lord Ganesha in the river. Music, dance and food conquer the hearts and minds of Mumbaikars during this festival.
59. Explore Ajanta and Ellora Caves- A mysterious experience
Most of us have read about them in our books, but few of us have actually explored them. If you haven’t explored the Ajanta Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, make sure you do that at some point in your life. The caves are said to millions of years old. They have rock carvings and some beautiful architecture in the form of shrines, which are said to date back to 8th century AD. While Ajanta Caves are a network of 29 caves, the Ellora caves are a network of 34 caves. Together, they make for a mystical experience indeed.
60. Drink Fenny in Goa- And get high!
A goan experience is not just about the sun, the sand and the sea. It is also about Fenny- the local alcoholic drink of the Goans. Fenny, or Feni, is made by fermenting either cashews or coconut. It is said to have an intoxicating effect within minutes and can give you quite a high. Make sure you are with a trustworthy group of friends though while you decide to give Fenny a shot; or rather, take a shot of Fenny.
61. Watch DDLJ at Maratha Mandir Theatre, Mumbai- Bring back your college days
Even if you have already seen the movie a million times, watch it once more at Maratha Mandir Theatre in Mumbai. The movie has been at the theatre for 15 years now and still gets 60-70% occupancy on weekdays and housefull on weekends. Watching the movie amidst cheers from the crowd with a bucket of popcorn could put you right back in your college days.
62. Explore the Elephanta Caves- They are one big Mystery
Located in Mumbai Harbor, close to the city of Mumbai are Elephanta Caves. They are a network of caves with rock sculptures and engravings which date back to thousands of years ago. There are caves with Hindu engravings as well as those with Buddhist engravings and sculptures. Take an expedition to Elephanta Caves and explore enchanting history of the land. You will be amazed something like this exists so close to the concrete jungle of Mumbai.
63. Interact with Vadi Tribe in Gujarat- India’s Original Snake Charmers
Source: http://www.fooyoh.com
If you have ever wondered from where does India get its tag of “the land of snake charmers”, you will find your answer in the Vadi Tribe. Vadi Tribe in Gujarat is known for its skill as snake charmers. Young children not more than five years old can be seen sitting close to a venomous Cobra and hardly flinching. While they may not let you on the secret to snake charming, they can give you some pretty awesome moments.
64. Pushkar Camel Fair- A riot of colors
Source: http://www.bharatexpedition.com
Pushkar in Rajasthan plays host to a splendid camel fair every year in the month of October or November, starting from Kartik Poornima. The event attracts lacs of tourists every year- some interested in trading camels, while others just enjoying the spectacle. Camels are decorated in colorful attire for selling, and there are local Rajasthani delicacies to be had at the fair. If you want a different experience of India- this is it.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PUSHKAR
65. Stay in a royal hotel in Rajasthan- Feel like a King!
Rajasthan is one of the most royal states of India, and is perhaps the only one where the royal tradition is still intact. Many luxurious palaces of the state have been converted into heritage hotels, and offer a truly luxurious experience. If you are looking for a king like experience, consider a stay in one of the many royal hotels in Rajasthan. Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the best known ones, but there are others too.
66. Experience spirituality at the Haji Ali Dargah
Source: http://www.exploremumbai.in
Located in Mumbai, on the Worli Coast is the Haji Ali Dargah. The monument dates back to 1431 and attracts scores of pilgrims as well as tourists every year. The energy of the music that plays here all day long gets you excited and happy about life. It is said that whatever you wish for at Haji Ali comes true. Have something in your heart which you dearly want to come true? Give it a shot!
67. Visit the Osho Ashram in Pune for Connecting with your Soul
Every year, plenty of foreigners visit the Osho Ashram for peace of mind. Some even decide to stay back for the rest of their lives. If you are searching for that spiritual guidance in your life, consider a trip to Osho Ashram in Pune. There is a reason several people visit this spiritual center every year.
68. Trip on Palace on Wheels- A Royal Experience Indeed
Source: http://www.thepalaceonwheelsindia.com
Palace on Wheels is exactly what the name implies. It is considered as one of the top ten most luxurious train journeys in the world. The train has 14 air conditioned, ornate rooms; two restaurants serving the best of delicacies; a fantastic bar; and the most personalized of services. You have to make your booking for this fascinating train journey well in advance. Currently, there are tickets available for a train journey in October. Grab the tickets while you still can.
69. Chor Bazaar, Mumbai- The Name cannot be more misleading
Source: http://www.letsgoholidays.in
If you love vintage and collectible items, you can most probably find them in Chor Bazaar, located in the southern part of Mumbai suburb. The original name of the market was Shor Bazaar, but you can trust the British accent to make everything sound interesting and exotic. The present name can be misleading, although stolen goods can be found here.
70. Take a Romantic Drive with your Better Half on the Marine Drive
Source: http://www.relax.com.sg
Few places in Mumbai are as romantic as marine drive. The 3 km long drive located in the southern part of Mumbai is actually land reclaimed from the sea. Consider taking a bike or car drive on this 3 km long stretch or just walk along the sea, with fresh breeze to rejuvenate and re-energize you. If you have a special someone in your life, it could be the perfect setting for a romantic date.
71. Dune Bashing Rajasthan- Feel Like a Kid all over Again
We all loved playing with sand and then taking down our beautiful structures when we were young, didn’t we? Replay that childhood adventure on a much larger scale with dune bashing in Rajasthan. It is exactly what the name implies- you get on board an off-roader and take to exploring the sand dunes of the desert state of Rajasthan. Travelling through vast expanses of barren lands seems like an ethereal experience at first.
72. Karni Mata Temple- Of Beliefs and Rituals
Source: http://www.redaccion.lamula.pe
Located in Deshnoke, a little distance away from Bikaner, Rajasthan is the Karni Mata temple. The temple is dedicated to a incarnation of Goddess Durga and sees scores of pilgrims visiting it, especially during the time of Navaratris. Make sure you don’t kill any of the rats here though, because that would mean you need to donate a golden rat to the temple. And in case you spot a white rat among the scores of black ones, you can consider yourself lucky.
73. Camping at Sham e Sarhad- For an Earthy Experience
Sham e Sarhad is a village resort in Gujarat in Hodka Village which seeks to promote eco-tourism. You get to stay in mud-houses here, watch mesmerizing sunsets and explore the local craftsmanship of the region. The resort is open to tourists from the month of October to March. Camping here is one of the most earthy experiences you can have in India.
74. For a Rendezvous with Spirits and Ghosts, visit Bhangarh
Source: http://www.hoparoundindia.com
If stories of ghosts and spirits excite you, head to Bhangarh, which is said to be a haunted town in Alwar Rajasthan. You get to hear spooky stories from the locals here, and travelers have even experienced supernatural experiences while here. Take a trip to Bhangarh, and who knows, you might just start believing in ghosts.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BHANGARH
75. Play Elephant Polo in Rajasthan- It’s an Exciting Experience
Rajasthan is about all things royal. So how could a game of polo be far behind? But there is something more different in store here than the usual horse polo; it is elephant polo. Get atop an elephant and try to take the ball to the goal. You have guides to help you out. It does not matter who wins or loses. It is a great experience to be a part of.
76. Watch a Snake Boat Race in Kerala- Don’t forget to Cheer
Source: http://www.indiaghumonow.blogspot.com
Kerala experiences a festival of a different kind, every year in the months of August and September. Scores of people throng to the backwaters of Kerala to watch men battle it out in exciting snake boat races. Watching them paddling in unison is a great example of how teamwork is necessary to succeed.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KERELA
77. Visit Hampi- The land of a Celebrated Kingdom
Located in Karnataka is Hampi historical Village, home to the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire. You get to walk amidst the ruins of the empire in this village, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are fascinating temples, some waterfalls and enchanting history to be explored here. It is a haven for those interested in stories of kings and queens.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO HAMPI
78. Relax in a House Boat in Kerala- You will Love It
Source:http://www.techwep.com
Houseboats in Dal Lake, Srinagar are a mesmerizing experience. The ones in Kerala are not too far behind either. While a house boat in Kerala may lack in luxurious decor, it more than makes up for it with the serenity that surrounds it. Staying amidst dense foliage, with the most personalized service is exactly the kind of break you need from the stressed routines of today.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KERELA
79. Visit the Sun Temple in Konark- An Architectural Masterpiece
Located in Konark, Orissa, is the Sun Temple, which dates back to the 13th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya, or the Sun, and is an architectural marvel. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the many wonders of the world. Take a trip to this marvellous piece of architecture which will leave you awestruck.
80. Visit the Meenakshi Temple- Of 33,000 sculptures and more
One of the most important landmarks in Madurai, which is also known as the temple city, is the Meenakshi Temple. The temple is thronged by thousands of tourists everyday, which translates to temple’s revenue of INR sixty million every year. The temple dates back to 1623 CE and is an architectural masterpiece, with an estimated number of 33,000 sculptures. If you can brave the crowds, consider visiting it during the months of April and May, at the time of the Tirukalyanam Festival.
81. See the Kathakali Fest- A beautiful art-form
Source: http://www.keralaholidays4u.blogspot.com
Trained dancers dancing in colorful costumes, telling stories of love, passion and betrayal is definitely something that shouldn’t be missed. The kathakali fest happens every year at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum. It is a 10 day long festival, with beautiful dances scheduled on all days.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE
82. Stay in a Tree House- And live your childhood dream
Source: http://www.fotopedia.com.com
The southern part of India, particularly Kerala, has plenty of resorts with tree houses. A stay in one of these tree houses is truly an experience not to be missed. Staying high above the ground, with dense foliage surrounding you can be termed rustic as well as unusual. Even if you haven’t dreamt of staying in tree houses eve as a kid, you have got to try it. You will fall in love with it.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KERELA
83. Stand on the southernmost tip of India- Experience the Bliss
Indira Point in Nicobar Island is the southernmost tip of India, while Cape Comorin in the southernmost mainland. Take a trip to these extremities of the country and contemplate nature. Watching an beautiful sunset while here is surely not to be missed. It will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
84. For a relaxed yet adventurous experience, try Bamboo Rafting in Periyar
You may have rafted in the thrilling rapids of Rishikesh, but this one is a different experience. Bamboo rafting in Periyar is a part of wildlife experience in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You get on rafts made of bamboo and make your way through dense foliage which is home to exotic species of birds and animals. It is a tranquil experience as well as an adventurous one.
85. Auto Rampaging in Chennai- A road trip of a different kind
If you are searching for a different thing to do in India, it cannot get more different than driving an auto through the country. This challenging and fun activity starts from Chennai and lets you drive an auto through the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Tamil Nadu, covering an exciting 1900 km. Sounds exciting? It definitely is.
86. Wash elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp- It is not just for the kids
Source: http://www.theperlmanupdate.blogspot.com
Dubare Elephant Camp, close to Bangalore, lets you be up, close and personal with elephants. You can give the elephants a nice bath at this camp, feed them and even take a free ride if the mahouts are willing. It is not just a great activity for kids. Even the adults would enjoy it, with elephants spraying water with their trunks occasionally.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP
87. Go Scuba Diving in Havelock Islands- There are amazing corals to be explored.
Havelock Islands in the Andamansare one of the best places to go scuba diving in India. There are plenty of dive sites in Havelock Islands, which bring you face to face with the most beautiful corals and aquatic life of the region. Some of the most popular diving sites in Havelock Sites include Dixon Pinnacle, South Pilot Reef, Dungong Dungeon and Elephant Beach.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE HAVELOCK ISLANDS
88. Try the Ayurvedic Massage in Kerala- The Perfect remedy for Stressed Muscles
It has medicinal properties; it is relaxing; and it is divine. Ayurvedic massage on a Kerala Tourcould be just what the doctor ordered for your stressed muscles. Feel the bliss as masseuers work their magic with traditional Kerala massages that put you at ease while exfoliating your mind, body and soul.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KERELA
89. Be a part of the Thaipusam festival- Don’t miss the Kavadi Attam Dance
http://www.photoblog.nbcnews.com
India is a land of colorful festivals, out of which, one of them is the Thaipusam Festival. The festival is celebrated among the Tamil Community during the months of January or February. You can feast your eyes on the Kavadi Attam dance, which is the highlight of this festival. Devouts bring themselves pain in this beautifully choreographed dance in order to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.
90. Experience the Onam Festival and the amazing dance- A Form of Puli Kali
Source: http://godsowncountrys.wordpress.com/
Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. While the festival in itself is colorful, with people reveling in the spirit of the harvest season, the highlight of the festival is Puli Kali. It is a traditional folk dance where people dressed as tigers and hunters in bright yellow costumes dance to drum beats. Watching them perform is a marvelous experience.
91. Take a trip to Cellular Jail in Port Blair- Explore the Tales of Freedom Fighters
The Cellular Jail, colloquially known as the Kala Paani jail, is a national monument located in Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a colonial jail used by the Britishers to send political prisoners of India into exile. Take a walk through the jail and get a closer look at India’s struggle for independence. When you get this close to history, you can feel what the people must have gone through during those times.
92. Take an Elephant Safari in Munnar- It’s fun
Source: http://www.adayinlife.timesofindia.com
The enchanting hills of Munnar have an elephant camp as well, known as Munnar Carmelgiri Elephant Park. Take an elephant safari in this elephant park, which is a great experience for kids as well as adults. Elephant safaris of upto 1 hour can be had here, and you can even feed or bathe the elephants if you life. Don’t worry, the elephants are tamed.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MUNNAR
93. Travel in a train- Discover the Real India
Looking to go on a discovery of real India? Consider a train journey, but not of the first class kind. Travel with the people of “other India” and get to know about varied cultures, traditions and stories from the far-off land. While a lot is said about hygiene and service of Indian railways, a train journey can prove to be really exciting, as you get to make new friends along the way.
94. Take a Bullock Cart Ride- More than an eco-friendly way of travelling
Now, you may fantasize about driving the Ferrari or the Lamborghini, but for once, slow down the pace of your life and consider taking a bullock cart ride. You can choose to make your way through lush fields or even take a bullock cart ride on the highway. Such are the colors of India. There is so much to do here.
95. Participate in Pottery Making in Villages- You never knew you could do this
Consider taking a tour of the villages of India and try your hand at pottery making. Taking clay and seeing it take interesting shapes right before your eyes has a rustic appeal which is sure to give you happiness.
96. Play Kabaddi- Get Soiled, just like old times
Get down and dirty and play a match of Kabaddi. Punjab is the best place to indulge in this traditional Indian sport. Don’t forget to apply loads of oil on your body and practice saying “Kabaddi Kabaddi” without a pause in between. Even if you lose, you will love getting soiled and feeling the adrenaline pumping through your veins.
97. Watch wall of death- Be amazed at the talent of brave heart People
If you ever come across a fair in India, don’t forget to catch a session of wall of death. Expert professionals ride a bike, or even cars on steeply inclined walls, doing all sorts of crazy stunts. Amazement is what you will experience watching these hardcore professionals in action. However, by no means should you try these activities at home.
98. Play Cricket on the Street- You get to make your own rules
Cricket is to India what Brazil is to football. People do not need parks or stadiums to play a game of cricket. All they need is an empty street corner and it is game on. Play a game of street cricket in India, with its peculiar rules and dollops of excitement. Watch out- one-tip-one-hand is out!
99. Pop a Golgappa in your mouth- A burst of flavor
Called a phuchka in Kolkata, Golgappa is one of the best Indian snacks for the evening. Filled with tangy tamarind water, it gives you a burst of flavor as it pops in your mouth. Make sure you pop in the whole golgappa at once. That’s the real fun part of having this Indian delight.
100. Try Snorkelling with elephants- An Unmatched Experience
This one will amaze you. It’s an experience you are going to have to have a tough time finding somewhere else. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have their own snorkeling elephant- Rajan, lovingly called the snorkeling Rajan. See Rajan take a dive into water, use his trunk as a snorkel and finds his way to the top. It’s an experience you will find hard to believe, even as you watch it with your own eyes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO RAJAN
101. Just be in any part of India on Diwali
Diwali is the Christmas of India, the only thing- it is larger, jazzier, and more fun. You could be in any part of India, but you cannot miss out on the celebratory vibe on this festival. If you haven’t experienced this festival ever, you must jot it down in your to-do list. You will love the loud decorations, the awesome food, and the sky lighting up with fire crackers, all of which is typical of this festival.
Top things in India - India Tourism and informations
When I wrote about the 10 things I hate about India, I did not at all realise that my article would trigger such an avalanche of comments. In fact, as I mentioned, it was for me a psychological exercise to express some of the frustrations one faces in daily material life in India.
First, let me be clear, it is because I love this country that I wrote about the 10 things I hate. But as this was misinterpreted by some, I would like to give 10 good reasons why 32 years ago I took the never regretted decision to settle in India.
In the 1970s, the desire for a foreigner to settle in India appeared strange: the general trend was opposite. Whoever had a chance to get a plane ticket to the West, was prompt to try his/her luck and dreamt of a green card or the equivalent.
I must mention a strange reasoning: How one can be accused of being an 'India hater' when one is simply pointing out certain flaws which are obviously wrong. Why should criticism of the Indian government's functioning signify that one is against India?
1. Why I came to India: 'What is India?' Sri Aurobindo the great Indian rishi wrote in 1905: 'For what is a nation? What is our mother-country? It is not a piece of earth, nor a figure of speech, nor a fiction of the mind. It is a mighty shakti, composed of the shaktis of all the millions of units that make up the nation.'
This India: 'that is Bharat,' was what I wanted to discover when I settled in the south in 1974. It was my first and main reason to leave my family, my career (I was a dentist) and my country (I was not so attached!).
Before departing from France on a long overland journey through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, I had seen touching movies shot by a French television director Arnaud Desjardins who in the 1960s spent several months on Indian roads to encounter sages, yogis and saints.
The images of Ma Anandamayi in her Varanasi ashram or of Swami Ramdas had deeply marked me. Desjardins also spent months in the Himalayas guided by the Dalai Lama's interpreter. He recorded images of Tibet's last great Lamas, many of whom had meditated for decades in remote caves of the Land of Snows and had acquired some very special powers.
My decision was taken, I would come and live in India.
Then I read Sri Aurobindo's books and came to Pondicherry (instead of a monastery in Dharamsala). The Bengali sage who had been the first to advocate Purna Swaraj in the early years of the 20th century, did not reject life. According to him, everything had to be transformed by the power of the spirit.
This Indian philosophy of life, whether it is called Sanatan Dharma or by any other name is my first love. Other reasons ensue from it.
2. The mountains: I love the beautiful mountains of India. But are they really mountains? Many believe they are the abode of the gods. And India has so many gods! A friend recently told me there are 330 million gods. I am not sure how the inventory was made, but it must be true.
Is it not better to have such a rich choice? Personally, I always found the single god religions less 'creative.' Even Buddhism, if it had not incorporated thousands of deities in its Mahayanic form, would be rather dry.
It is this divine presence which makes the Himalayas so majestic and imposing. One of the best moments in my life is undoubtedly my trek to Gaumukh, the source of the mighty Ganga. My visit (and bath) to Hemkund Sahib in Uttaranchal will also remain a cherished souvenir.
3. A quality of being: A French journalist recently asked me: 'What was your first impression of India when you reached Pondicherry in 1974?'
I told him that it was probably the kindness and the smile of the villagers around. They were poor but they had such dignity; a quality of being which made them a hundred times richer than wealthy Europeans or Americans.
Countless times, I was told 'India is a poor country,' each time I answered: 'No, India is rich because her people have this special quality. Hefty bank accounts do not make people rich.'
In recent years, Indians have become wealthier (A PIO [Lakshmi Mittal] has even purchased the flagship of French industry), it is good but I hope that people will not lose their inner qualities in the process.
4. Hospitality: The first thing a tourist or a visitor in India discovers is the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people. Just board a train, you will hardly be seated, that the family on the next berth will open their tiffin, with rotis, sabzi and pickles and generously offer to share their food with you. (The biscuit gangs operate on this principle: food has to be offered and can't be refused.)
I was told by a friend teaching in IIT, Mumbai, the story of an American professor. He was on a one-year sabbatical and had found a teaching assignment at the IIT. From the airport, he took a taxi to the campus.
Unfortunately for him, it was the day of the July 26, 2005 floods in the city. Soon his taxi was stuck in the traffic and the water level began mounting. Seeing his gloomy situation, an Indian family passing by, offered to take him and his luggage to their nearby home.
They eventually offered him their bed while they slept on the floor. The American professor was so deeply moved. He had touched one of the core qualities of the Indian people. Everyone in India knows hundreds of such incidents.
5. The economic renaissance: Sri Aurobindo, in the article already cited, had written that at the beginning of the 20th century, Mother India, the Great Shakti was 'inactive, imprisoned in the magic circle of Tamas, the self-indulgent inertia and ignorance of her sons...'
Nothing pleases more that to see that since the beginning of the 1990s, India had taken an upbeat turn in the economic field. Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and his Finance Minister Manmohan Singh will be remembered in history as those who dared to abandon the old Soviet path of a planned economy.
It is significant that these changes came after the Non Resident Indians began doing extremely well in the West. One could ask, why were Indians doing so well outside India and not in India?
It is probably because in India, creativity, an engrained Indian quality has been too stifled by bureaucratic rules and babus of all types. The Indian government is unfortunately a serial killer of creativity.
6. Creativity: In India, I have always found remarkable the individuals' creative genius.
To quote Sri Aurobindo (1905) again: 'For three thousand years at least -- it is indeed much longer -- she (India) has been creating abundantly and incessantly, lavishly, with an inexhaustible many sidedness, republics and kingdoms and empires, philosophies and cosmogonies and sciences and creeds and arts and poems and all kinds of monuments, palaces and temples and public works, communities and societies and religious orders, laws and codes and rituals, physical sciences, psychic sciences, systems of Yoga, systems of politics and administration, arts spiritual, arts worldly, trades, industries, fine crafts, -- the list is endless.'
It is only now, nearly 60 years after Independence that this Indian creativity starts expressing itself whether it is in India or abroad.
7. Political hospitality: I have often criticised Jawaharlal Nehru for his numerous blunders in foreign policy, but I must acknowledge that he had the courage and the wisdom to give asylum to the Dalai Lama and his followers in 1959 and this despite his friendship with Zhou Enlai and the Chinese leadership.
The Dalai Lama told me once that during his first meeting with Nehru in September 1959, the Indian prime minister told him, 'I will not support you politically, but I will educate your children.'
Thanks to the political kindness of the Indian people, Tibetan Buddhism and its rich tradition have been able to survive, when they were erased in their own land. This personally touches me deeply.
8. Human babus: I often criticise the babus, 'a native clerk who knows English', according to the Hobson Jobson dictionary, but I must admit that despite all his failings, the Indian babu is a human being with whom one can always discuss and who is susceptible to understand the human side of personal predicaments.
This is not the case with 'the Administration' in the West.
9. The Indian Army: Something has always amazed me: the untamable courage and abnegation of Indian jawans and officers. During the Kargil conflict for example, is it not incredible that despite a terrain entirely in their disfavour, the Indian troops managed to recapture all the peaks occupied by Pakistan?
American Marines would never have succeeded in doing what the Gorkha regiments or the Ladakh Scouts achieved. Hundreds of similar examples could be given. One still remembers how Major Somnath Sharma (the first Param Vir Chakra awardee) saved Srinagar airport (and Kashmir) from the raiders in November 1947 at the cost of his life and his men's lives.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
10. The grace: One day an Indian friend of mine was visiting Israel. His guest asked him: 'How does India work?' My friend was a bit surprised by the question, but before he could answer, his Israeli colleague told him: 'Here we work with our guts.'
My friend's answer came at once: 'In India, it is the Grace which sustains us.' This exchange has come back to my mind in innumerable circumstances. I think it is very true.
One more reason to love India!
If one balances the 'hate-able' and 'lovable', the irritating aspects are just superficial prickly heat; the deeper one goes, the more one sees the inner qualities of Bharat. No doubt, this will make India a truly great nation in the years to come.
Friday 29 March 2013
Top things an Indian does after returning to India from Foreign
Top things an Indian does after returning to India from Foreign
22. Use Nope for No and Yep for Yes.
21. Tries to use credit card in road side hotel.
20. Drinks and carries mineral water and always speaks of health conscious.
19. Sprays deo such so that he doesn't need to take bath.
18. Sneezes and says 'Excuse me'.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
17. Says "Hey" instead of "Hi".
Says "Yogurt" instead says "Curds".
Says "Cab" instead of "Taxi".
Says "Candy" instead of "Chocolate".
Says "Cookie" instead of "Biscuit".
Says " Free Way " instead of "Highway".
Says "got to go" instead of "Have to go".
Says "Oh" instead of "Zero", (for 704, says Seven Oh Four Instead of Seven
Zero Four)
16.Doesn't forget to crib about air pollution. Keeps cribbing every time he steps out.
15. Says all the distances in Miles (Not in Kilo Meters), and counts in Millions. (Not in Lakhs)
14. Tries to figure all the prices in Dollars as far as possible (but deep down the heart multiplies by 43 times).
13. Tries to see the % of fat on the cover of a milk pocket.
12. When need to say Z (zed), never says Z (Zed), repeats "Zee" several times, if the other person unable to get, then says X, Y Zee(but never says Zed)
11. Writes date as MM/DD/YYYY, on watching traditional DD/MM/YYYY, says "Oh! British Style!"
10. Makes fun of Indian Standard Time and Indian Road Conditions.
9. Even after 2 months, complaints about "Jet Lag".
8. Avoids eating more chili (hot) stuff.
7. Tries to drink "Diet Coke", instead of Normal Coke.
6.. Tries to complain about any thing in India as if he is experiencing it for the first time.
5. Pronounces "schedule" as "skejule", and "module" as "mojule".
4. Looks suspiciously towards Hotel/Dhaba food.
3. From the luggage bag, does not remove the stickers of Airways by which he traveled back to India, even after 4 months of arrival.
2. Takes the cabin luggage bag to short visits in India, tries to roll the bag on Indian Roads.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Ultimate one:
Example :
1. Tries to begin conversation with "In US ...." or "When I was in US ..."
22. Use Nope for No and Yep for Yes.
21. Tries to use credit card in road side hotel.
20. Drinks and carries mineral water and always speaks of health conscious.
19. Sprays deo such so that he doesn't need to take bath.
18. Sneezes and says 'Excuse me'.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
17. Says "Hey" instead of "Hi".
Says "Yogurt" instead says "Curds".
Says "Cab" instead of "Taxi".
Says "Candy" instead of "Chocolate".
Says "Cookie" instead of "Biscuit".
Says " Free Way " instead of "Highway".
Says "got to go" instead of "Have to go".
Says "Oh" instead of "Zero", (for 704, says Seven Oh Four Instead of Seven
Zero Four)
16.Doesn't forget to crib about air pollution. Keeps cribbing every time he steps out.
15. Says all the distances in Miles (Not in Kilo Meters), and counts in Millions. (Not in Lakhs)
14. Tries to figure all the prices in Dollars as far as possible (but deep down the heart multiplies by 43 times).
13. Tries to see the % of fat on the cover of a milk pocket.
12. When need to say Z (zed), never says Z (Zed), repeats "Zee" several times, if the other person unable to get, then says X, Y Zee(but never says Zed)
11. Writes date as MM/DD/YYYY, on watching traditional DD/MM/YYYY, says "Oh! British Style!"
10. Makes fun of Indian Standard Time and Indian Road Conditions.
9. Even after 2 months, complaints about "Jet Lag".
8. Avoids eating more chili (hot) stuff.
7. Tries to drink "Diet Coke", instead of Normal Coke.
6.. Tries to complain about any thing in India as if he is experiencing it for the first time.
5. Pronounces "schedule" as "skejule", and "module" as "mojule".
4. Looks suspiciously towards Hotel/Dhaba food.
3. From the luggage bag, does not remove the stickers of Airways by which he traveled back to India, even after 4 months of arrival.
2. Takes the cabin luggage bag to short visits in India, tries to roll the bag on Indian Roads.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Ultimate one:
Example :
1. Tries to begin conversation with "In US ...." or "When I was in US ..."
Papanasam Falls Tirunelveli Tourism place- Information and details
Papanasam
Papanasam Falls (also known as Agastiyar Falls) are located in the town of Papanasam. It is a small town, yet popular tourist destination situated in the Ambasamudram taluk of the Tirunelveli (Nellai) district of Tamilnadu. The nearest towns are Ambasamudram, Vickramasingapuram (Vikramasingapuram), Kadayam. The place is also styled as Papavinasam.
Papanasam Falls drop down from a 120 meter high place, conjoined with the rocky walls of Pothigai Hills. The river Tambaraparani (Tamirabarani), which flows from the Western Ghats of the Pothigai Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. You can find a shrine of Agastiyar Munivar at the foot of the falls and every year his idol is brought out as a procession to the Papavinaseshwara Swami temple to witness the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi. The name "Papanasam" or "Papavinasam" means "clemency of all sins". The water of the falls is believed to have healing powers and get rid of sins of the people, who take a drench in it.
Papanasam situated in Tirunelveli District and has a famous temple called the Papanasam Temple. Papavinaseswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of this temple.
Another attraction of this village is the Papanasam Dam, also known as the Thamirabarani River Dam. It is believed to have been built during the British era and is surrounded by high mountains and huge trees. The dam is about 240 m high, 5.4 m wide and 265 m long and has a total catchment area of around 147 sq km.
Monkeys of different breeds can be spotted around this dam. Boating can be done in the nearby lake.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Agastiyar Munivar Temple:
Close to the waterfall, you can also find the temple of Agastiyar Munivar. The temple is situated above the waterfalls; attached to the rocky walls of the mountain. An idol of Saint Agastiyar Munivar is installed here. This is the place where Agastiyar Munivar had meditated, during the wedding of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi, to balance the world on the south. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to him and blessed him.
Kalyanitheertham:
It is a sacred pool from where Papanasam Falls get the water. The pool is situated at an elevation of 125 feet over the head of the falls. A temple of Lord Shiva can be found near the pool
Papanasam is good tourist place
Papanasam is a small beautiful village away from the tourist trail and located at the foot hills of Western Ghats, on the banks of river Thamiraparni. The place is easily approachable from the nearest town Tirunelveli. Papanasam Temple. It is 45km from Tirunelveli from where buses ply to Papanasam. It is located in tirunelveli district of tamilnadu. It is 35km away from courtalam falls tourist place.
It is believed, once there was a Pandyan king who converted to Buddhism and ill-treated those amongst his subjects who did not convert to Buddhism as he decreed. Unable to face the harassment, a family with who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, left their home with their two children and went to a neighboring state.
Unfortunately the family got caught up in a war that was raging there and the children, one boy and the other a girl, got separated from each other. Many years later they arrived in Banares the holy city, where they met each other, fell in love and got married without realising that they were brother and sister. They establish out their mistake afterwards and sought ways of absolving their sin. By chance they met each other, fell in love and got married without realising that they were siblings. They were advised to wear black and to bathe in all the sacred waters in India and when their black clothes turning white sill be an indication that they were absolved of their sin. Accordingly they go from place to place in search of redemption and finally when they bathed in the river Thamiraparni at Papanasam their clothes turned white thus indicating the absolution of their sin. Hence the deity in this temple, Siva, is refered to as ‘Papavinaseswarar’ - the redeemer of sins. The river Thamiraparni passes in front of the Temple. The Papanasam water falls and Banatheertham water falls in the river up hills are very sacred, beautiful places.
There is a Siva temple in Papanasam worshipped by sage Agasthiyar. The deity here is known by the name ‘Papa Vinasar’ meaning one who removes our sins. People have a faith that their sins will be removed if they take a bath in Agasthiyar Falls and worship Lord Papavinasar. A huge mass of people gather here everyyear on the full moon day of the Tamil month Chittirai.
Papavinaseshvara Temple which is nearer to the water fall has broad flights of steps leading down to the water.
Panatheertham: The holy river Tambrabarni commences its course from "Panar theertham". It is located just opposite to the upper dam. One can reach this spot crossing the dam by boat.
Kalyanitheertham : This is a holy Pool which is located at an elevation of 125 feet from Agasthiyar falls is getting water flow from this Pool only. Near the Pool, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Siva.
Agasthiyar Falls & Temple: Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". When Shiva married Parvati, he was worried that the influx of people from the South attending the wedding in the North would cause the North to sink, so he dispatched Agasthiyar to the South (to this waterfall, naturally) in order to balance the world.To commemorate the visit of the divine couple, The Agasthya temple was built there This is located half way to the Panatheertham which is at a distance of 4 Kms from Papanasam Siva Temple. One can reach these Agasthiyar Falls and temple by trekking a distance of 3 kms.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Location:
Papanasam is
45 kms west of Tirunelveli,
180 Kms. south from Madurai,
100 Kms. north from Kanniyakumari and
140 Kms. northeast from Thiruvananthapuram.
How to reach
Airport: Trivandrum-international Airport (140 Kms) / Madurai-domestic Airport (180 kms.)
Railway station:Ambasamudram Railway station 5 kms.
Bus stop: Regular bus services are available to near by towns
Papanasam Falls (also known as Agastiyar Falls) are located in the town of Papanasam. It is a small town, yet popular tourist destination situated in the Ambasamudram taluk of the Tirunelveli (Nellai) district of Tamilnadu. The nearest towns are Ambasamudram, Vickramasingapuram (Vikramasingapuram), Kadayam. The place is also styled as Papavinasam.
Papanasam Falls drop down from a 120 meter high place, conjoined with the rocky walls of Pothigai Hills. The river Tambaraparani (Tamirabarani), which flows from the Western Ghats of the Pothigai Hills, reaches the plains at Papanasam. You can find a shrine of Agastiyar Munivar at the foot of the falls and every year his idol is brought out as a procession to the Papavinaseshwara Swami temple to witness the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi. The name "Papanasam" or "Papavinasam" means "clemency of all sins". The water of the falls is believed to have healing powers and get rid of sins of the people, who take a drench in it.
Papanasam situated in Tirunelveli District and has a famous temple called the Papanasam Temple. Papavinaseswarar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of this temple.
Another attraction of this village is the Papanasam Dam, also known as the Thamirabarani River Dam. It is believed to have been built during the British era and is surrounded by high mountains and huge trees. The dam is about 240 m high, 5.4 m wide and 265 m long and has a total catchment area of around 147 sq km.
Monkeys of different breeds can be spotted around this dam. Boating can be done in the nearby lake.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Agastiyar Munivar Temple:
Close to the waterfall, you can also find the temple of Agastiyar Munivar. The temple is situated above the waterfalls; attached to the rocky walls of the mountain. An idol of Saint Agastiyar Munivar is installed here. This is the place where Agastiyar Munivar had meditated, during the wedding of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvathi, to balance the world on the south. Later, Lord Shiva appeared to him and blessed him.
Kalyanitheertham:
It is a sacred pool from where Papanasam Falls get the water. The pool is situated at an elevation of 125 feet over the head of the falls. A temple of Lord Shiva can be found near the pool
Papanasam is good tourist place
Papanasam is a small beautiful village away from the tourist trail and located at the foot hills of Western Ghats, on the banks of river Thamiraparni. The place is easily approachable from the nearest town Tirunelveli. Papanasam Temple. It is 45km from Tirunelveli from where buses ply to Papanasam. It is located in tirunelveli district of tamilnadu. It is 35km away from courtalam falls tourist place.
It is believed, once there was a Pandyan king who converted to Buddhism and ill-treated those amongst his subjects who did not convert to Buddhism as he decreed. Unable to face the harassment, a family with who were ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, left their home with their two children and went to a neighboring state.
Unfortunately the family got caught up in a war that was raging there and the children, one boy and the other a girl, got separated from each other. Many years later they arrived in Banares the holy city, where they met each other, fell in love and got married without realising that they were brother and sister. They establish out their mistake afterwards and sought ways of absolving their sin. By chance they met each other, fell in love and got married without realising that they were siblings. They were advised to wear black and to bathe in all the sacred waters in India and when their black clothes turning white sill be an indication that they were absolved of their sin. Accordingly they go from place to place in search of redemption and finally when they bathed in the river Thamiraparni at Papanasam their clothes turned white thus indicating the absolution of their sin. Hence the deity in this temple, Siva, is refered to as ‘Papavinaseswarar’ - the redeemer of sins. The river Thamiraparni passes in front of the Temple. The Papanasam water falls and Banatheertham water falls in the river up hills are very sacred, beautiful places.
There is a Siva temple in Papanasam worshipped by sage Agasthiyar. The deity here is known by the name ‘Papa Vinasar’ meaning one who removes our sins. People have a faith that their sins will be removed if they take a bath in Agasthiyar Falls and worship Lord Papavinasar. A huge mass of people gather here everyyear on the full moon day of the Tamil month Chittirai.
Papavinaseshvara Temple which is nearer to the water fall has broad flights of steps leading down to the water.
Panatheertham: The holy river Tambrabarni commences its course from "Panar theertham". It is located just opposite to the upper dam. One can reach this spot crossing the dam by boat.
Kalyanitheertham : This is a holy Pool which is located at an elevation of 125 feet from Agasthiyar falls is getting water flow from this Pool only. Near the Pool, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Siva.
Agasthiyar Falls & Temple: Legend has it that it was close to the Papanasam Falls, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river that as Siva and Parvati appeared before Agasthiya, the falls came to be known as the "Agasthiya falls". When Shiva married Parvati, he was worried that the influx of people from the South attending the wedding in the North would cause the North to sink, so he dispatched Agasthiyar to the South (to this waterfall, naturally) in order to balance the world.To commemorate the visit of the divine couple, The Agasthya temple was built there This is located half way to the Panatheertham which is at a distance of 4 Kms from Papanasam Siva Temple. One can reach these Agasthiyar Falls and temple by trekking a distance of 3 kms.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Location:
Papanasam is
45 kms west of Tirunelveli,
180 Kms. south from Madurai,
100 Kms. north from Kanniyakumari and
140 Kms. northeast from Thiruvananthapuram.
How to reach
Airport: Trivandrum-international Airport (140 Kms) / Madurai-domestic Airport (180 kms.)
Railway station:Ambasamudram Railway station 5 kms.
Bus stop: Regular bus services are available to near by towns
Manjolai - Hill Station Tirunelveli tourist places information details
Manjolai - Hill Station
Manjolai is 57 km away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162 sq. metre. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous one in this area. About 4000 people are working in these tea plantations. Manjolai is noteworthy for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere. This place can easily be compared with Udhagamandalam, the queen of Hill stations as far as the pleasing climate and peaceful natural atmosphere are concerned. Just above Manjolai, there are places like Kakkachi and Nalumukka which are real gifts of the nature.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
On the way to Manjolai from Manimuthar there is a very beautiful place called Dasan Pool with plenty of fresh water, greens and fine climate.
Located between elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 Metres, the Manjolai area is set deep within the the Western Ghats within the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli District. Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam & the Manimuthar Water Falls, the Manjolai area comprises of Tea Plantations, Small settlements around the tea plantations; Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy view point called Kuthiravetti
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
The Tea Plantations and the whole of Manjolai Estates are tea operated by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd on Forest Lands leased by the Government of Tamil Nadu. There are 3 Tea Estates within the Manjolai area - Manjolai Estate, Manimutharu Estate & Oothu Estate. The Estates are located on elevations ranging between 2300 Feet to 4200 Feet. The estates, road & the settlements in the Manjolai area are managed by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Manjolai is 57 km away from Tirunelveli and is at an elevation of 1162 sq. metre. There are many tea plantations in and around this place. Bombay Burma Tea estate is famous one in this area. About 4000 people are working in these tea plantations. Manjolai is noteworthy for the climate, scenery and calm atmosphere. This place can easily be compared with Udhagamandalam, the queen of Hill stations as far as the pleasing climate and peaceful natural atmosphere are concerned. Just above Manjolai, there are places like Kakkachi and Nalumukka which are real gifts of the nature.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
On the way to Manjolai from Manimuthar there is a very beautiful place called Dasan Pool with plenty of fresh water, greens and fine climate.
Located between elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 Metres, the Manjolai area is set deep within the the Western Ghats within the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Tirunelveli District. Located on top of the Manimuthar Dam & the Manimuthar Water Falls, the Manjolai area comprises of Tea Plantations, Small settlements around the tea plantations; Upper Kodaiyar Dam and a windy view point called Kuthiravetti
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
The Tea Plantations and the whole of Manjolai Estates are tea operated by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd on Forest Lands leased by the Government of Tamil Nadu. There are 3 Tea Estates within the Manjolai area - Manjolai Estate, Manimutharu Estate & Oothu Estate. The Estates are located on elevations ranging between 2300 Feet to 4200 Feet. The estates, road & the settlements in the Manjolai area are managed by The Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Swamy Nellaiappar Temple Kanthimathi Ambal Temple Tirunelveli Tourist places
Swamy Nellaiappar Temple & Kanthimathi Ambal Temple
The temple of Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi is situated in the centre of the town and at a distance of two km. from the Railway station. The very name of the town, Tirunelveli which was known in the past as Then Pandyanagaram is a part of the town which has developed around the temple of Nellaiyappar. From the distance itself one can have a beautiful view of the great gopuram tower. Both the gopurams were built according to the rules laid down in the agamasastras by Rama Pandyan.
Nindrasir Nedumaran who reigned in the Seventh century A.D. also contributed by constructing and renovating important parts in this temple. A beautiful flower garden originated in 1756 A.D. next to this Chain mandapam welcomes us with many colourful fragrant flowers. This garden had been designated by Thiruvengadakrishna mudaliar. A square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars is found in the midst of this garden.
Swamy Nellaiappar Temple and Kanthimathi Ambal Temple is located at a distance of around 2 km from the railway station. The temple has been constructed as per the rules written in agama shastras by Rama Pandian. Various important parts of the temple are believed to have been built by the famous ruler Nindrasir Nedumaran of the 17th century.
A chain mandapam is located within the premises of this structure along with a flower garden, which is assumed to have been built in 1756. The major attraction of this garden is the square vasantha mandapam that has around 100 pillars.
The temple of Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi is situated in the centre of the town and at a distance of two km. from the Railway station. The very name of the town, Tirunelveli which was known in the past as Then Pandyanagaram is a part of the town which has developed around the temple of Nellaiyappar. From the distance itself one can have a beautiful view of the great gopuram tower. Both the gopurams were built according to the rules laid down in the agamasastras by Rama Pandyan.
Nindrasir Nedumaran who reigned in the Seventh century A.D. also contributed by constructing and renovating important parts in this temple. A beautiful flower garden originated in 1756 A.D. next to this Chain mandapam welcomes us with many colourful fragrant flowers. This garden had been designated by Thiruvengadakrishna mudaliar. A square vasantha mandapam with 100 pillars is found in the midst of this garden.
Swamy Nellaiappar Temple and Kanthimathi Ambal Temple is located at a distance of around 2 km from the railway station. The temple has been constructed as per the rules written in agama shastras by Rama Pandian. Various important parts of the temple are believed to have been built by the famous ruler Nindrasir Nedumaran of the 17th century.
A chain mandapam is located within the premises of this structure along with a flower garden, which is assumed to have been built in 1756. The major attraction of this garden is the square vasantha mandapam that has around 100 pillars.
Pulithevan Palace Tirunelveli Tourism
Pulithevan Palace Tirunelveli
Nelkattumsevval or Avudaiyapuram, situated in Sankarankoil taluk is to be written red letters in the history of the Freedom Movement of India for it was the headquarters of Pulithevar, the first chieftain in Tamil Nadu to resist the British. The author of the Tirunelveli District Gazetter, H.R.Pate, observes as follows:
"Nelkatumseval is chiefly memorable as having been in the eighteenth Century
stronghold of the redoubtable Pulithevar, who figured for many years as the leader
of the Marava Confederacy against the troops of the Nawab and the Company. He had a shrewd insight into the political situation of the time and was a veritable thorn in the side of the Nawab's agents"
Pulithevar remains one of the illustrious figures in the chequered history of palayakkars. The vivacity of his character gave him an ascendancy over the western palayakkars, while his determined resistance to the Nawab's overlordship made him a potential enemy of the Wallajahs. He was in fact the principal architect of the coalition of the palayakkars organised against the Nawab. The Nawab acknowledged his victory by presenting him with a gold plate and sword.
Pulithevar is regarded as the first south Indian ruler, who sowed seed by his gallant resistance to expel the foreigners from the soil. His services to the nation is honoured in many respects and the government of Tamilnadu has erected a memorial for him in Nelkattumsevval where there is the remnants of his palace.
Nelkattumsevval or Avudaiyapuram, situated in Sankarankoil taluk is to be written red letters in the history of the Freedom Movement of India for it was the headquarters of Pulithevar, the first chieftain in Tamil Nadu to resist the British. The author of the Tirunelveli District Gazetter, H.R.Pate, observes as follows:
"Nelkatumseval is chiefly memorable as having been in the eighteenth Century
stronghold of the redoubtable Pulithevar, who figured for many years as the leader
of the Marava Confederacy against the troops of the Nawab and the Company. He had a shrewd insight into the political situation of the time and was a veritable thorn in the side of the Nawab's agents"
Pulithevar remains one of the illustrious figures in the chequered history of palayakkars. The vivacity of his character gave him an ascendancy over the western palayakkars, while his determined resistance to the Nawab's overlordship made him a potential enemy of the Wallajahs. He was in fact the principal architect of the coalition of the palayakkars organised against the Nawab. The Nawab acknowledged his victory by presenting him with a gold plate and sword.
Pulithevar is regarded as the first south Indian ruler, who sowed seed by his gallant resistance to expel the foreigners from the soil. His services to the nation is honoured in many respects and the government of Tamilnadu has erected a memorial for him in Nelkattumsevval where there is the remnants of his palace.
COURTALLAM water falls Tirunelveli Tourism
COURTALLAM water falls Tirunelveli
It is an excellent health resort. The picturesque surroundings with the backdrops of cloud capped spurs of the western ghats lend an unusual charm to the falls. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by the cool breeze that wafts during seasonal months (June to September) along with intermittent drizzle and sunlight. There are eight places where water pours down torrentially with varying velocity and force according to the height of the precipice. They are Main Falls, Five Falls, the Shenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi.
Visitors to this place like to have bath in these falls from dawn to dusk. One can have bath at anytime in a day and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic joints, chronic headache, nerve disorder get cured by a lengthy stay at Courtallam.
Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is situated at an elevation of about 167m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort and it is Famous for its water falls. It has an interesting legend. Devotees believes that Lord Shiva sent saint Agastheya to the south to avoid imbalance due to the over crowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Courtallam temple is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha. Chitra Sabha (Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The Sabha is one of the five Sabhas, where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance.
Peraruvi(Main Falls), Chitraruvi(Small Falls), Shenbaga devi Falls, Thenaruvi(Honey Falls), Anitharuvi(Five Falls), Pazhathotta Aruvi, puli Aruvi(tiger Falls), Pazhaya Courtallam(old Falls), palaruvi these are not only a tourist spot but also a famous health resort. Every year June to September we can enjoy the falls season. It contains lot of herbs which are good for the health. Courtallam water has medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the falls season thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place.
About City
Courtallam is a well-known bathing place and tourist attraction. Some ofits magnificent waterfalls (there are as many as seven) of the Chittar river are said to have mineral properties. Bathing in these waterfalls is considered good for both mind and body. The best time to visit this health resort is during June-September. Courtallam is 58 Km by road fromTirunelveli and 6 Km from Tenkasi Railway Station. Courtallam has another names like Pithur Kanda Theerthapuram, Mukthiveli, Thirunagaram, Nannagaram,Vasanthaperur and so.
Other Places : Within a distance of 40 to 60 km from Tiruchendur are Tuticorin(port), Tirunelveli (railway junction), Krishnapuram (known for templesculptures) and Tenkasi (temple town).
Places to Visit
It is a big tourist attraction and is visited by young and old alike, because of the herbal medicinal properties the water is believed to contain. The town is noted for its salubrious climate and natural scenery. There are 2 important temples here. One dedicated to Shiva is called as Thirukuttralanathar. The othr temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga (2 Kms from Courtallam).
Another interesting place is Thirumalai - 15 Kms. from Courtallam, where there is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Muruga on the ranges of the Western ghats.
Temples
Thirukuttralanatha Swamy Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Thirukuttralanathar (Shiva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha (Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees,puranic stories and religious events. The sabha is one of the five Sabhas where Lord Nataraja performed the cosmic dance.
Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple is surrounded by mountains and rivers which has placed it's name in the famous Thaevaram. The Lord Shiva only called as " Thirukuttralanathar "and the Amman is named as " Kuzhalal VaiMozhi ". This pilgrimage centre has a famous waterfalls in it known as Shivamathungai. This pilgrimage centre got its name since the famous poet "Agathiyar" worshipped here. Also it was well sung by almost all the community poet's. It has many sub-temples in Courtallam and they were maintained by the temple Devasthanam. The temples are as follows
•ShenbagaDevi Amman Temple
•Koothar Koil
•ChithiraSabai
•ThirugnanaSambandar Koil (Pillaiyar Koil)
•Courtalla NangaiKoil
•AdiyaetumParaipanri Madaswamy Koil
•AavaranapPillaiyar Koil
•NannagaramPillaiyar Koil
•ThittaiPillaiyar Koil
•PasupathaSastha Koil
•PaatapathuSastha Koil
•SundaramoorthiKoil
It is an excellent health resort. The picturesque surroundings with the backdrops of cloud capped spurs of the western ghats lend an unusual charm to the falls. The rapturous scene of the falls gets heightened by the cool breeze that wafts during seasonal months (June to September) along with intermittent drizzle and sunlight. There are eight places where water pours down torrentially with varying velocity and force according to the height of the precipice. They are Main Falls, Five Falls, the Shenbhaga Falls, the Tiger Falls, old Courtallam Falls, Honey Falls, Orchard falls and Sitraruvi.
Visitors to this place like to have bath in these falls from dawn to dusk. One can have bath at anytime in a day and one would not get sneezing or cold as the water is said to possess medicinal qualities of the herbal plants grown in this mountain. Those suffering from rheumatic joints, chronic headache, nerve disorder get cured by a lengthy stay at Courtallam.
Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is situated at an elevation of about 167m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District. It is an excellent health resort and it is Famous for its water falls. It has an interesting legend. Devotees believes that Lord Shiva sent saint Agastheya to the south to avoid imbalance due to the over crowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Courtallam temple is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha. Chitra Sabha (Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees, puranic stories and religious events. The Sabha is one of the five Sabhas, where Lord Nataraja is said to have performed the cosmic dance.
Peraruvi(Main Falls), Chitraruvi(Small Falls), Shenbaga devi Falls, Thenaruvi(Honey Falls), Anitharuvi(Five Falls), Pazhathotta Aruvi, puli Aruvi(tiger Falls), Pazhaya Courtallam(old Falls), palaruvi these are not only a tourist spot but also a famous health resort. Every year June to September we can enjoy the falls season. It contains lot of herbs which are good for the health. Courtallam water has medicinal properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water has therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the falls season thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place.
About City
Courtallam is a well-known bathing place and tourist attraction. Some ofits magnificent waterfalls (there are as many as seven) of the Chittar river are said to have mineral properties. Bathing in these waterfalls is considered good for both mind and body. The best time to visit this health resort is during June-September. Courtallam is 58 Km by road fromTirunelveli and 6 Km from Tenkasi Railway Station. Courtallam has another names like Pithur Kanda Theerthapuram, Mukthiveli, Thirunagaram, Nannagaram,Vasanthaperur and so.
Other Places : Within a distance of 40 to 60 km from Tiruchendur are Tuticorin(port), Tirunelveli (railway junction), Krishnapuram (known for templesculptures) and Tenkasi (temple town).
Places to Visit
It is a big tourist attraction and is visited by young and old alike, because of the herbal medicinal properties the water is believed to contain. The town is noted for its salubrious climate and natural scenery. There are 2 important temples here. One dedicated to Shiva is called as Thirukuttralanathar. The othr temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga (2 Kms from Courtallam).
Another interesting place is Thirumalai - 15 Kms. from Courtallam, where there is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Muruga on the ranges of the Western ghats.
Temples
Thirukuttralanatha Swamy Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Thirukuttralanathar (Shiva). This temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Less than a furlong from here is a small temple called Chitra Sabha (Hall of Pictures) dedicated to Lord Nataraja and decorated with paintings of rural deities and devotees,puranic stories and religious events. The sabha is one of the five Sabhas where Lord Nataraja performed the cosmic dance.
Lord Thirukuttralanathar temple is surrounded by mountains and rivers which has placed it's name in the famous Thaevaram. The Lord Shiva only called as " Thirukuttralanathar "and the Amman is named as " Kuzhalal VaiMozhi ". This pilgrimage centre has a famous waterfalls in it known as Shivamathungai. This pilgrimage centre got its name since the famous poet "Agathiyar" worshipped here. Also it was well sung by almost all the community poet's. It has many sub-temples in Courtallam and they were maintained by the temple Devasthanam. The temples are as follows
•ShenbagaDevi Amman Temple
•Koothar Koil
•ChithiraSabai
•ThirugnanaSambandar Koil (Pillaiyar Koil)
•Courtalla NangaiKoil
•AdiyaetumParaipanri Madaswamy Koil
•AavaranapPillaiyar Koil
•NannagaramPillaiyar Koil
•ThittaiPillaiyar Koil
•PasupathaSastha Koil
•PaatapathuSastha Koil
•SundaramoorthiKoil
Koonthankulam Birds Sanctuary Tirunelveli information
Birds Sanctuary at Koonthankulam
A tiny village in the far south, Koonthankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District is emerging as a new favourite of the migratory birds. It is just 38 Kms. away from Tirunelveli and is in the nearby Nanguneri Taluk. It may soon be catapulted into the list of popular water bird sanctuaries in the country. This village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds start coming by December end and fly away to their northern homes by June or July after they lay eggs, hatch them and the young ones grow old enough to fly with the older ones. About 35 species of birds visit this calm but congenial village for breeding.
The birds called Painted strokes are coming from North India and East European Countries to this place. Similarly the flamingoes which flew in mainly from the Rann of Kutch have hatched and reared their young ones in the village.
Koonthankulam Birds Sanctuary is a unique sanctuary actively protected and managed by the Koonthakulam village community. The largest breeding water bird reserve in south India attracts more than one lakh birs annually. It is located 35 kms away from Tirunelveli in Tirunelveli Thisaianvilai Road comprising of Koonthankulam and Kadankulam tanks covering an extent of 129.33 hectares and declared as sanctuary in 1994.
It is significant that the local people have taken keen interest in protecting this sanctuary and they live together in total symbiotic relationship.
The birds coming to their backyards for five generations are protected vehemently by villagers and regarded as harbingers of luck. The excreta of birds –‘guano’ is collected by villagers in summer along with silt to use as fertilizer in their fields. From children to grannies in the village all protect them, their nests and fledgelings. Chicks fallen are taken care of in the rescue centre till they are able to fly on their own. Anybody troubling the nests are punished inn their own methods of shaving the head, or making the procession on donkey.
A tiny village in the far south, Koonthankulam in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District is emerging as a new favourite of the migratory birds. It is just 38 Kms. away from Tirunelveli and is in the nearby Nanguneri Taluk. It may soon be catapulted into the list of popular water bird sanctuaries in the country. This village is sparsely populated. Migratory birds start coming by December end and fly away to their northern homes by June or July after they lay eggs, hatch them and the young ones grow old enough to fly with the older ones. About 35 species of birds visit this calm but congenial village for breeding.
The birds called Painted strokes are coming from North India and East European Countries to this place. Similarly the flamingoes which flew in mainly from the Rann of Kutch have hatched and reared their young ones in the village.
Koonthankulam Birds Sanctuary is a unique sanctuary actively protected and managed by the Koonthakulam village community. The largest breeding water bird reserve in south India attracts more than one lakh birs annually. It is located 35 kms away from Tirunelveli in Tirunelveli Thisaianvilai Road comprising of Koonthankulam and Kadankulam tanks covering an extent of 129.33 hectares and declared as sanctuary in 1994.
It is significant that the local people have taken keen interest in protecting this sanctuary and they live together in total symbiotic relationship.
The birds coming to their backyards for five generations are protected vehemently by villagers and regarded as harbingers of luck. The excreta of birds –‘guano’ is collected by villagers in summer along with silt to use as fertilizer in their fields. From children to grannies in the village all protect them, their nests and fledgelings. Chicks fallen are taken care of in the rescue centre till they are able to fly on their own. Anybody troubling the nests are punished inn their own methods of shaving the head, or making the procession on donkey.
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve Wild Life sancturies - Tirunelveli tourist places
The Mundanthurai-Kalakad wildlife sanctuary in Tirunelveli district is developed as a National Tiger Reserve from the year 1988 with a total area of 817 sq. km in the south most western ghat ranges. The nearest stations are Cheranmahadevi, and Ambasamudaram which are 20kms and 15 kms respectively from Tirunelveli. The nearest airports are Madurai and Trivandrum. One can reach this place by road also from Ambasamudaram and Kalakad. Frequent buses are plying from Ambasamudaram and Kalakad to this place. Out of 817 sq. kms.459 sq.kms is in core zone and 358 sq.kms. is in buffer zone.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
The mountainous undulating to topography is the characteristic feature leading to tropical dry deciduous forest on the lower slopes and tropical wet evergreen forests on the upper reaches.
The climate is dry humid and hot at plains and pleasant cold in the higher elevations. The reserve is the southernmost habitat of the tiger. Other predators like panthers, jungle cats, civets, dholes, jackals, striped hyenas are also found here.
India is the home of 18 non-human primate species of which five primates occur in this reserve namely lion-tailed macque, slender loris, Nilgiri langur common langur and bonnet macaque. Other endangered species found here are Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear, Indian bison, Indian elephant, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin etc. In addition to that sambar wild boar, spotted deer, porcupine and mangooses are also found here.
We can also come across reptiles and amphibians like king cobra, common krait, russels, viper, darkpit viper, monitor lizard, garden lizard, tortoise, crocodiles and rare species of frogs. Regarding avifauna there are more than 80 species of birds found in this region. To mention a few spotted frequently here are egrets, herons, jungle fowl, spurfowl, partridge, quails, emerald dove, minivets, bee caters, sparrows, owls, night jars, kites, paradise flay catchers, and parakeets etc.
There are 24 identified nature trails which is spread over the reserve. It gives a thrilling experience to trekkers. This Tiger Reserve is open on all days between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year. However the best season is September to January. Forest Rest Houses and dormitories are available at Mundanthurai and Thalayanai.
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri Hills, at a point where the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This sanctuary has a mix of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullahs. The Mayyar River forms a series of spectacular cascades on its 65 kms route on the Udhagamandalam-Mysore highway. This sanctuary can be reached from Mysore too.
The 321 sq kms area of the sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring 103 sq kms. The vegetation here is varied. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai a most attractive wildlife reserve.
The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from the Bandipur sanctuary.
The fauna includes Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common langur, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodile, Giant flying squirrel, Sambhar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
The mountainous undulating to topography is the characteristic feature leading to tropical dry deciduous forest on the lower slopes and tropical wet evergreen forests on the upper reaches.
The climate is dry humid and hot at plains and pleasant cold in the higher elevations. The reserve is the southernmost habitat of the tiger. Other predators like panthers, jungle cats, civets, dholes, jackals, striped hyenas are also found here.
India is the home of 18 non-human primate species of which five primates occur in this reserve namely lion-tailed macque, slender loris, Nilgiri langur common langur and bonnet macaque. Other endangered species found here are Nilgiri tahr, sloth bear, Indian bison, Indian elephant, Malabar giant squirrel, mouse deer, pangolin etc. In addition to that sambar wild boar, spotted deer, porcupine and mangooses are also found here.
We can also come across reptiles and amphibians like king cobra, common krait, russels, viper, darkpit viper, monitor lizard, garden lizard, tortoise, crocodiles and rare species of frogs. Regarding avifauna there are more than 80 species of birds found in this region. To mention a few spotted frequently here are egrets, herons, jungle fowl, spurfowl, partridge, quails, emerald dove, minivets, bee caters, sparrows, owls, night jars, kites, paradise flay catchers, and parakeets etc.
There are 24 identified nature trails which is spread over the reserve. It gives a thrilling experience to trekkers. This Tiger Reserve is open on all days between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year. However the best season is September to January. Forest Rest Houses and dormitories are available at Mundanthurai and Thalayanai.
The Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nilgiri Hills, at a point where the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. This sanctuary has a mix of flat land, undulating parkland, open grassland, swamp, valleys and nullahs. The Mayyar River forms a series of spectacular cascades on its 65 kms route on the Udhagamandalam-Mysore highway. This sanctuary can be reached from Mysore too.
The 321 sq kms area of the sanctuary encompasses a National Park measuring 103 sq kms. The vegetation here is varied. The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, clothed in dense mixed and moist deciduous forests, make Mudumalai a most attractive wildlife reserve.
The Mysore-Ooty highway runs through the Park, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from the Bandipur sanctuary.
The fauna includes Elephant, Gaur, Bonnet, Macaque, Common langur, Tigers and Leopards, Chital, Panther, Sloth Bear, Python, Barking deer, Four-Horned Antelope, Otter, Crocodile, Giant flying squirrel, Sambhar, Hyena, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Hare, Porcupine and Mongoose.
Monday 18 March 2013
India votes against Srilanka in Geneva supports US Resolution
Reasons Why India Against Srilanka?
Srilanka is one of the nearest country So India given full support to them.
India given Millitery support and financial support as well.
But Srilankans miss-used and they killed started Indians(who is citizens of srilanka).
Srilanka get the weapons from India and they attacked Indians in Srilanka.
So India GOT ANGRY.
Srilanka Killed more than 1 lakh Indians (who settled in srilanka)
So India Decided to vote against Srilanka.
Srilanka started attacking again Indian fisher mans.
There is a worst situation in India Srilanka border.
So India supports Srilankan Indians(who is in Srilanka).
India's Action Continues against Srilanka...
India waiting for a fair solution from United Nations.
India votes against Srilanka in Geneva supports US Resolution 2013
Indian Prime minister Manmonah Singh today (March 17) insinuated that India will vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) later this month.
Indian Finance Minister said - "I'm not the Prime Minister nor I am the External Affairs Minister. I'm confident that if phrases in the UN resolution sought credible independent international probe, India would support it," Indian Finance Minister said addressing a budget explanatory public meeting.
The minister also assured students who are preparing protest in Tamil Nadu tomorrow (March 18,) demanding affirmative action against Colombo at the UN session. "I'm feeding you my confidence and you feed this confidence to our students," Chidambaram said.
Indian Finance Minister made this statement after DMK, a constituent party to the government, threatened to pull out its ministers from the union cabinet if India did not amend the resolution to incorporate demand for international probe and time bound action against those who may be found guilty of war crimes.
India votes against Srilanka in Geneva supports US Resolution 2012
India voted for a United States-sponsored resolution - 2012 at the United Nations' top human rights body censuring Sri Lanka for its alleged rights violations during the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
India initially showed reluctance to vote on a nation-specific resolution but changed its stand after political parties in Tamil Nadu exerted pressure on the United Progressive Alliance government to go with the resolution. The DMK, in particular, threatened to pull out its Ministers from the UPA government on the issue. With 24 votes for, 15 against and 8 abstentions, the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted the resolution, which noted with concern that an internal inquiry report in Sri Lanka did not adequately address “serious allegations” of violations of international law.
The resolution asked Colombo to present expeditiously a comprehensive action plan detailing the steps to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and to address the alleged violations of international law. Informed sources said India decided to vote after persuading the sponsor to make two changes in the draft so that it became “non-intrusive” and contributed to a political reconciliation process in the island nation.
India did not participate in the debate, but voted with countries like Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay. Many of India's neighbours, including China, Bangladesh and the Maldives; Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia were among the countries that voted against the resolution, which asked Colombo to implement the LLRC's constructive recommendations.
Sri Lanka's Special Envoy on Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe rejected the resolution, saying it was “misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed” embodying several “harmful” elements that violated important principles having adverse ramifications for his country and others. Warning that the resolution would be counter-productive, he said it would undermine the principle of non-interference in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of the country, a point backed by China and Russia.
Srilanka is one of the nearest country So India given full support to them.
India given Millitery support and financial support as well.
But Srilankans miss-used and they killed started Indians(who is citizens of srilanka).
Srilanka get the weapons from India and they attacked Indians in Srilanka.
So India GOT ANGRY.
Srilanka Killed more than 1 lakh Indians (who settled in srilanka)
So India Decided to vote against Srilanka.
Srilanka started attacking again Indian fisher mans.
There is a worst situation in India Srilanka border.
So India supports Srilankan Indians(who is in Srilanka).
India's Action Continues against Srilanka...
India waiting for a fair solution from United Nations.
India votes against Srilanka in Geneva supports US Resolution 2013
Indian Prime minister Manmonah Singh today (March 17) insinuated that India will vote against Sri Lanka at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) later this month.
Indian Finance Minister said - "I'm not the Prime Minister nor I am the External Affairs Minister. I'm confident that if phrases in the UN resolution sought credible independent international probe, India would support it," Indian Finance Minister said addressing a budget explanatory public meeting.
The minister also assured students who are preparing protest in Tamil Nadu tomorrow (March 18,) demanding affirmative action against Colombo at the UN session. "I'm feeding you my confidence and you feed this confidence to our students," Chidambaram said.
Indian Finance Minister made this statement after DMK, a constituent party to the government, threatened to pull out its ministers from the union cabinet if India did not amend the resolution to incorporate demand for international probe and time bound action against those who may be found guilty of war crimes.
India votes against Srilanka in Geneva supports US Resolution 2012
India voted for a United States-sponsored resolution - 2012 at the United Nations' top human rights body censuring Sri Lanka for its alleged rights violations during the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
India initially showed reluctance to vote on a nation-specific resolution but changed its stand after political parties in Tamil Nadu exerted pressure on the United Progressive Alliance government to go with the resolution. The DMK, in particular, threatened to pull out its Ministers from the UPA government on the issue. With 24 votes for, 15 against and 8 abstentions, the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted the resolution, which noted with concern that an internal inquiry report in Sri Lanka did not adequately address “serious allegations” of violations of international law.
The resolution asked Colombo to present expeditiously a comprehensive action plan detailing the steps to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and to address the alleged violations of international law. Informed sources said India decided to vote after persuading the sponsor to make two changes in the draft so that it became “non-intrusive” and contributed to a political reconciliation process in the island nation.
India did not participate in the debate, but voted with countries like Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay. Many of India's neighbours, including China, Bangladesh and the Maldives; Russia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia were among the countries that voted against the resolution, which asked Colombo to implement the LLRC's constructive recommendations.
Sri Lanka's Special Envoy on Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe rejected the resolution, saying it was “misconceived, unwarranted and ill-timed” embodying several “harmful” elements that violated important principles having adverse ramifications for his country and others. Warning that the resolution would be counter-productive, he said it would undermine the principle of non-interference in matters within the domestic jurisdiction of the country, a point backed by China and Russia.
Friday 15 March 2013
live life happy - 15 Tips and 5 ways of life happy
Tips for live life happy
Someone once said “it takes a genius to live a simple life” and I totally agree with that.
In this world of “dramatic distraction” and information overload it is too easy to become overwhelmed, lose focus and be swept away from the things that matter most.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Here are 16 tips that I have learnt from other leaders, blogs and books, and have been trying to apply in my life to de-clutter, un-complicate and become more intentional about how I spend my time…
1. Turn off all technology for 60 minutes a day and focus on doing your most important work.
2. Don’t check your email first thing in the morning. (This one in particular has been life-changing for me!)
3. Start your day with exercise. (or even better, learn how to surf – no better way to start the day!)
4. Be obedient to the sabbath! (That means learning how to really rest and refuel – taking one full day a week as a complete recovery day.)
5. Learn to say no.
6. Plan your week ahead. (I spend 10 minutes every Sunday evening looking at my diary for the upcoming week and planning spaces for work, rest, exercise, relational meetings etc. It helps me to stay focused on that which is important and gives me permission to say no to that which isn’t.)
7. Don’t answer your phone every time it rings.
8. Get up early.
9. Go to bed early.
10. Eat a big healthy breakfast.
11. Clean out your closets. Get rid of things you never wear or don’t use anymore.
12. Stop watching TV. Or at least cutback to no more than 1hr per day. (Jess and I haven’t had a TV for the nearly 6 years we’ve been married. When you don’t have it, you simply don’t miss it.)
13. Make sure you plan a decent holiday break once a year. (I find it should be at least 10 days for it to become truly regenerative.)
14. Learn to protect your time. The data says workers are interrupted every 11 minutes. Distractions destroy productivity and complicate your life.
15. Do your banking online.
In the end, it’s about priority. About deciding what really matters and, as Stephen Covey says, “putting first things first”! And so, as you simplify your life, may it increase your productivity and grant you a greater sense of purpose, and may it bring you great freedom and peace.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Things That Will Make Your life Happier
1. Be grateful – Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness – over weeks and even months – after implementing the habit. What's even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary. Even when people wrote letters but never delivered them to the addressee, they still reported feeling better afterwards.
2. Be optimistic – Another practice that seems to help is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future – for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling – and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.
3. Count your blessings – People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week show significant boosts in happiness, studies have found. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.
4. Use your strengths – Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit, too, seems to heighten happiness.
5. Commit acts of kindness – It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity, or who altruistically assist people in need, report improvements in their own happiness.
Lyubomirsky has also created a free iPhone application, called Live Happy, to help people boost their well-being.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Someone once said “it takes a genius to live a simple life” and I totally agree with that.
In this world of “dramatic distraction” and information overload it is too easy to become overwhelmed, lose focus and be swept away from the things that matter most.
 |
| Tips for live life happy |
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Here are 16 tips that I have learnt from other leaders, blogs and books, and have been trying to apply in my life to de-clutter, un-complicate and become more intentional about how I spend my time…
1. Turn off all technology for 60 minutes a day and focus on doing your most important work.
2. Don’t check your email first thing in the morning. (This one in particular has been life-changing for me!)
3. Start your day with exercise. (or even better, learn how to surf – no better way to start the day!)
4. Be obedient to the sabbath! (That means learning how to really rest and refuel – taking one full day a week as a complete recovery day.)
5. Learn to say no.
6. Plan your week ahead. (I spend 10 minutes every Sunday evening looking at my diary for the upcoming week and planning spaces for work, rest, exercise, relational meetings etc. It helps me to stay focused on that which is important and gives me permission to say no to that which isn’t.)
7. Don’t answer your phone every time it rings.
8. Get up early.
9. Go to bed early.
10. Eat a big healthy breakfast.
11. Clean out your closets. Get rid of things you never wear or don’t use anymore.
12. Stop watching TV. Or at least cutback to no more than 1hr per day. (Jess and I haven’t had a TV for the nearly 6 years we’ve been married. When you don’t have it, you simply don’t miss it.)
13. Make sure you plan a decent holiday break once a year. (I find it should be at least 10 days for it to become truly regenerative.)
14. Learn to protect your time. The data says workers are interrupted every 11 minutes. Distractions destroy productivity and complicate your life.
15. Do your banking online.
In the end, it’s about priority. About deciding what really matters and, as Stephen Covey says, “putting first things first”! And so, as you simplify your life, may it increase your productivity and grant you a greater sense of purpose, and may it bring you great freedom and peace.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
Things That Will Make Your life Happier
1. Be grateful – Some study participants were asked to write letters of gratitude to people who had helped them in some way. The study found that these people reported a lasting increase in happiness – over weeks and even months – after implementing the habit. What's even more surprising: Sending the letter is not necessary. Even when people wrote letters but never delivered them to the addressee, they still reported feeling better afterwards.
2. Be optimistic – Another practice that seems to help is optimistic thinking. Study participants were asked to visualize an ideal future – for example, living with a loving and supportive partner, or finding a job that was fulfilling – and describe the image in a journal entry. After doing this for a few weeks, these people too reported increased feelings of well-being.
3. Count your blessings – People who practice writing down three good things that have happened to them every week show significant boosts in happiness, studies have found. It seems the act of focusing on the positive helps people remember reasons to be glad.
4. Use your strengths – Another study asked people to identify their greatest strengths, and then to try to use these strengths in new ways. For example, someone who says they have a good sense of humor could try telling jokes to lighten up business meetings or cheer up sad friends. This habit, too, seems to heighten happiness.
5. Commit acts of kindness – It turns out helping others also helps ourselves. People who donate time or money to charity, or who altruistically assist people in need, report improvements in their own happiness.
Lyubomirsky has also created a free iPhone application, called Live Happy, to help people boost their well-being.
Please visit www.sanjoras.com for more tips and details about this.
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