An image of India for many, conjures up images of ascetics in bare minimum with locks of hair towering above their head like a coiled serpent and a trident or a metal casket in their hands. Needless to say, such saints are in plenty in this birthplace of Hindu religion and though the India showcased to the world today is vary of this image, it is still an undeniable and ingrained part of this country, just as much as the smart professionals who are revolutionising the IT sector of the world with their proven genius.

While modern India is self confident and optimistic and every inch the replica of any other western country, the mammoth cultural heritage of a thousand years or more, cannot be forgotten either. Look a little beyond the showy malls or past the concrete expressways and you can still witness the India of the nineteenth, eighteenth or seventeenth century co-existing with the modern globe.

Some cities are especially a rewarding experience for those in search of the India of fables and fakirs and one such destination is Haridwar. Known as ‘The Gateway to the Gods’ this city has remained for the past thousands of years the focal point of devout Hindus who want to exit the vicious circle of life and death to attain nirvana. And that all important status has been given to Haridwar by its glorious past and the holy river Ganga.

Courtesy mckaysavage via cc/Flickr

Haridwar is the first city where River Ganga enters the plains. Leaving her carefree playfulness behind, Ganga descends from mountains and through valleys to transform into the feisty incarnation of power and composure. She is the secret gateway to heaven, the holy excelsior on Earth that can erase the sins of a thousand births in one drop and take your soul straight to heaven. For Hindus, there is no greater desire than to be soaked in the mystical power of Ganga and it is for this reason that many spend a lifetime wishing to come once to Haridwar and wash away their sins on the banks of the holy river.

Legend says that Haridwar is one of the 4 places in India where a drop of immortality nectar (amrit) fell from the skies when it was retrieved by the churning of the oceans by Gods and demons. That raised the status of Haridwar to a pious strata from where it has never descended. Rather every 12 years the status is all the more glorified when almost 15 million people participate in the Kumbh Mela drowning their sorrows and sins in the biggest communal bath ever witnessed in the world.

Haridwar is also one of the most ancient cities of the world. Archaeological discoveries have shown rare artefacts between 1200 B.C. and 1700 B.C.buried in the depth of this sacred land. It finds its mention in ancient scriptures as Gangadwar, Kapila, and Mayapuri. Indeed from the time when Lord Budhha traversed these paths to the Britishers who came to colonise India, the city has witnessed the rise and fall of many emporers and empires.

Courtesy gbSk via cc/Flickr

Har-ki-Pauri – The main ghat on the river Ganga where devotees gather to bathe and pray. Evening time is especially a treat with floapting lamps covering the entire area with an ethereal glow.

Maya devi Temple – Temple in honor of the presiding Godess of Haridwar after whom it is also known as Maypuri.

Mansa Devi Temple – Atop a hill that can be reached by a cable car. The view from here is breathtaking.

Gurukul Kangri University – A centre of vedic knowledge where teaching by gurus is in traditional oral style.

Riverside bazaars – Mostly selling items related to their religious significance and thronging with small eateries.

For travellers coming from beyond the shores of India, Haridwar is a place to decipher Hinduism. To watch closely how confessions are made not to a priest, but immersed in the vastness of a sacred river that ironically is becoming blacker by the day carrying the burden of so many sins.

Courtesy NID chick via cc/Flickr

The priests chanting hymns, little urchins pulling your shirt to buy a rupees worth flower basket or the brass pitchers filled with the sacred water, the mystical hermits who can tell all about your past births and present gastrointestinal problems in one breath, the thousand and one burning incense sticks camouflaging the smells of wilting flowers, burning pyres and waste, and the flood of human mass all converging to the ghats to find their passageway to salvation, in all these cacophany of sounds,you might just find the answers.The ravaging waters of the cold, torrential Ganga might just be able to dissolve your idea of what it is to be a human being. The cleansing of the body and the soul among a strange gathering might just help you look at life from an Indian’s point of view.

As described Sri Aurbindo once, “This physical world which for us is so real and absolute and unique, seems to them (Indians) but one way of living among many others, In short, a small, chaotic, agitated and rather painful frontier on the margin of immense continents which lie behind the unexplored. “

The Haridwar experience might just help you understand yourself a little better.

Travellers always have this fascination of  taking back a memorabilia from the city they are visiting as a glorious testimony of the journey to an unknown land. While each city has its array of emporiums and curio shops addressing this very need of travellers, it is another matter and an adventure in itself to skew through the unfamiliar surroundings, bargain with the locals and finally take home a souvenir that has somehow more value attached to it because of the preceding hunt.

In Ahmedabad, the vibrant city of Gujarat, India, this discovery may happen in a street market at Law Garden. While pockets become lighter and bags in the hands grow heavier, the eyes continue to be dazzled by the great traditional shopping fiesta offered from one corner of this busy street to the other.

Law garden is called so because of the Law College in the vicinity and it is indeed a peaceful garden in the heart of the city with plenty of play area, lush green lawns, and shaded green avenues for families to spend some relaxing moments all around. But what many come here for is not the peace and tranquillity offered inside the garden gates but the hullabaloo of activities present around it.

Shopper's Paradise. Courtesy Sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

The entire boundary wall of the garden has been utilised by enterprising gujaratis to open up their tea stalls, snack shacks, gaming shops, children rides, soda shops and to the uttermost delight of many traditional apparel hunters, hundreds of shop selling authentic Gujarati costumes and jewellery.  

It seems it is festival time 365 days a year on this side of the garden that plays host to these shops. The shimmering dresses and the glittering jewellery displayed temptingly all across the street coax every passerby to give a second glance and even stop for some impulse buy.

What you can find here

  Those who have visited the states of Gujarat or Rajasthan in India may have been greeted quite often with the sight of local women wearing a voluminous long skirt called the ghagra or the lehenga with a matching top and an unstitched cloth called odni or duppatta covering their head. It is the traditional wear of this part of India made hugely popular by bollywood movies and the great Indian weddings. What you can find in the law garden street shops is exactly the same apparels and ornaments coming straight from the creators of these items. Choices are plenty and before you splurge on the first design that you find, it is wise to traverse the length of the road and shortlist the best of the best.

The Vibrant Ghagra-Choli, Courtesy sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

Here is a list of the things you can get here,

Chaniya choli or ghagra choli – The Indian version of the skirt and top these are the most common of the items in display at every shop and interestingly with the most varied designs. Owing to the creative abilities of the creator each pair of ghagra and choli is a customised work of art. Although certain design elements prevail like the use of flower motifs, mirror work, stars and colored glasses, the ultimate costume is unique in its own respect and it is hard to find two pairs the exact replica of each other. If one notices there are regional difference too in the design patterns. While the more intricate thread work is visible in the Kutchi patterns, the other gujarati designs are adorned more with mirror and glass work. But regardless of their birth place, all are hand stitched and exquisite.

Kurta Tops – Ahmedabad is known to be a very fashion conscious city and there are many who have blended western influences with ethnic Indian wear giving rise to a new breed of garments called the kurta tops that can be worn with an Indian salwar or the ubiquitous blue jeans. The amazing design choices for this particular kind of tops is endless in the law garden shops and with the price range, any sane shopper may wish to take everything home!

Angarakha/Kurta Dhoti – Men may not feel left out after all, because there are plenty of shops selling traditional Gujarati wear for men too. The typical angarakha a frock style loose kurta for men is hugely popular garment choice during the festival season from September to November when the entire country celebrates Navaratri and Diwali. It is especially worn by men performing garba dance. There are special vivid colored, small sized costumes for kids too that can make your little boy the centre of attention of any party.

Silver Jewellery – As you keep buying your dresses it is easy to accessorize them then and there with some shops selling exclusively easy- to- wear silver jewellery. Most of course are not made of the precious metal and thus priced exceedingly low. From small studs, to drop earrings to complete set of a neck piece, matching earrings and bangles you can find almost any design complimenting your buy. The best part is, the shop owners are the creators themselves and if you ask for it, you can get a particular design of your choice with matching coloured stones, made to order in minutes!

Jewels galore , courtesy mckaysavage via cc/Flickr (This particular photo is of a shop in Rishikesh but the merchandise and display is very similar to the ornament shops in Law Garden, Ahmedabad)

Bed sheets/Cushion & Bolster covers – There is no easier way to make India come alive in your home than with these amazingly beautiful hand stitched bed sheets and bed covers. The colours are as dynamic as the country itself and patterns showcase the traditional Indian love for elements of nature and wildlife. There are again plenty of designs, shapes and sizes to choose from. For those who want a special something to adorn there walls there are also many wall hangings that you can get here. Peacocks, lotuses, creepers and the lovable Indian God Ganesha, the artisans have much in store for the connoisseurs of wall art. 

Stationary – Folders, visiting card holders and pen stands get a visibly new meaning around these street shops. The designs are simple and more essentially hundred percent eco-friendly made of cloth and hardboard. They not only make good souvenirs to gift friends back home, but also can be great to portray your love for the eco-friendly goods the chic way.

Hand bags – Cloth hand bags never cease to go out of fashion and that is why here too you can see unlimited shapes and sizes of bags that can be used anywhere, from carrying college notebooks to loose change or to just ethnically accessorise a party dress.

Handy tips

• Bargain, bargain and bargain. The rule of thumb at these street shops is to give less than half of what is asked for. Do stick to your price once you have quoted it and you would surely reap the rewards of buying much more than you expected at the same price.
• Take a local with you. It is best to have a local as an aid if you are here for the first time as the shop owners are quick to recognise an outsiders especially if you come from another country. Apart from the ease in conversation, the local friend may also save you from the job of bargaining.
• When buying any apparel, whether a chaniya choli or a top, make sure that the shop owner unpacks and shows the complete set to you. There are sometimes stitching errors that go unnoticed if you do not check before you buy.
• Always dryclean the first wash as the colors run and may spoil the entire dress if not washed carefully.

To know more about Ahmedabad, visit Gujarat Tourism

For people living in coastal towns, the sea I believe becomes such an indispensable part of their lives that they can sleep without even thinking about it, trusting that it is and will always remain where they last saw them. But for us, the not so blessed travellers from the plains, who can only see the sun, sand and surf on occasional visits to such coastal towns, the visit to the sea is a dream we sleep with and the final rendezvous is like a revelation, a meeting with a gigantic, fascinating creature that makes you realise its enormity and your miniscule stature, and yet dances around your feet like someone friendly and eager to get acquainted.

For me, in spite of having visited many coasts and having seen the sea in its various moods, the excitement of watching the waves touch my feet does not cease to end and it was no different when we visited Elliot’s beach in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu in Southern India.

Courtesy dwimalu via cc/Flickr

Elliot’s is one of the many beaches of Chennai that also boast of one of the longest beaches in the world-the Marina Beach. Elliot’s is in fact the southern tip of this Marina beach but calmer and more serene. Walking from a residential part of the town called Besant Nagar; it is fairly simple to reach the sea just y taking any road going towards the coast. It is although a different matter to navigate all the way to the shore with a labyrinth of sellers, selling everything from snacks, toys, shoes, ice creams to even telling your fortune with the aid of a parrot or a hamster. It may seem a nuisance sometimes when all you want is to be at peace with the deep but for many the attraction of a spicy peanut snack or a quick reading of the palm is hard to resist.

Elliot’s beach which is also known as ‘Bessei’ among the locals was discovered by the colonials who made it something of a private beach for themselves. But gradually the popularity of the beach began to grow among the natives too and soon; the beach became a frequent haunt of those who wished to avoid the crowd of Marina beach.

Courtesy Sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

Although today Elliot’s beach is as crowded as any other sea shore in Chennai, it is still a nice place to unwind with your family and kids. There are plenty of clean places to sit back and relax while the kids are busy building sand castles. The water is quite calm and cool for a refreshing dip. You can also walk along the shores, take a rented horse ride and if it feels like, visit the relatively new Goddess Lakshmi temple in the vicinity called Ashtalakshmi Kovil. There is also a church called Velanganni church frequented as a pilgrimage by many Christians.

Another noted landmark on the Elliot’s beach is Shmidt memorial, a structure in neglected condition presently but built once in the memory of a Dutch sailor who lost his life while saving a drowning man.  

The street near the beach has a good number of decent eateries that serve meals and snacks at a very affordable price.  

Elliot’s beach is for those who are happy just looking at the waves. There are no adventurous water sport activities you can participate in here but plenty of shore space to just relax and let the sea do the talking.

Courtesy VinothChander via cc/Flickr

As children, my brother and I always looked forward to our summer holidays when we would be visiting some unknown part of India with our parents and spent glorious days frolicking and exploring a place. The memories of these visits today come in flashes and almost always revolve around particular incidents rather than the whole trip and the sightseeing. Like what I remember of Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations of India is not the hills or picturesque locations, but a toothbrush (a childhood treasure) bought from the town Mall that could be detached, kept in a box and joined together again to be used for brushing. I also faintly remember looking from a roadside telescope towards the peak of a hill that on keen observation looked just like a seated camel. It is only now that I know that the rock is still there and indeed known as camel rock, one of the hotspots of Mussoorie.

Courtesy crowGraphy via Flickr

Mussoorie was discovered like many other hill stations of India, by British Army personnel named Captain Young in 1820. With the hues of blue and white decking the entire region, clouds, trees, mountains and waterfalls etched like a perfectly painted picture, the small hill town was fondly known to be called as the Queen of the hills and soon became a much sorted summer destination for British officials and later also for Indians. The town was home to Sir George Everest too, the first surveyor general of India and the man who gave his name to Mount Everest. His home, Everest House is still here and can be visited.

Mussoorie lies 35 Km north of Dehradun, the provisional capital of Uttaranchal and a gateway to the Garhwal Hills. Perched on a horse-shoe shaped ridge above the Doon valley, the life in this small town centres around the Mall, the main street decked with eating joints, shops, and interesting buildings, some of the Raj era. Many fascinating items are up for grabs in the array of small shops in the Mall but what is a real bargain here, is the varied range of woollens made by the Tibetan community living in the region and working wonders on yarns for centuries.

While street shopping has its charm, the real glory of Mussoorie can be felt when you take time to wander off towards the hills. There is a ropeway from the Mall to Gun Hill, a hill called so because of the gun that was perched on the peak and fired blank exactly at mid-day to help people adjust their watches. This pre-Independence practice has now ceased however the hill still succeeds to fire-up exhilarating emotions when on a clear day it blesses mankind with heavenly view of the greater Himalayan peaks of Nandadevi, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Kempty falls, Courtesy bijoy mohan via Flickr

Where there are the hills, there are also the waterfalls, and true enough Mussoorie has its share of gurgling water cascading down the twists and turns of the mountain paths and creating magical rhapsodies on the way. The refreshingly cold water of most of this falls, like the Kempty falls lying 12 km northwest of town, the Jharipani falls or the Bhatta falls on the Mussoorie-Deradun road, gives every visitor a chance to feel the magic of the mountains, soothing the body, mind and soul.

Mussoorie is best visited in summer months from April to June, but September till November is also a good time when the view of the Himalayan ranges is particularly awe-inspiring. Uttaranchal as a state is known to be blessed with natural beauty all around. For hikers, lovers of adventure sports, trekkers, and nature-lovers, the whole area is like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Budget travellers and those who can travel the world with a rucksack are particularly in for a delight with the warm smiles and cool breezes giving you company all the way. Just keep your camera handy and breath-in every fraction of this picture perfect setting.

At the start of the sixteenth century, India was invaded by a man named Babur who overthrew the Sultan of the day and proclaimed himself to be the ‘Emperor of India’. He eventually did manage to invade and bring a vast territory of India under his rule and thus began the great tryst of Mughals with India.

But even among the Mughals there was one emperor whose approach to governance, broad mindedness, acceptance of different religions and his intelligence not just made him a beloved king among his people but a visionary who is still respected for his great forsights. He was Mughal Emperor Mohd. Jalaluddin Akbar.

Akbar brought many changes in his lifetime, like strengthening Hindu and Muslim ties, introducing a modern system of an army owing allegiance to the state, creating a new religion that was an amalgamation of many, and also creating the first planned city of the Mughals known as Fatehpur Sikri, now also a World Heritage Site.

Sikri by Jorge Bassy- 2KPhoto.com via Flickr

Sikri

It is said that there was a Sufi saint named Salim Chisti who lived at a place called Sikri in the Vindhya mountain ranges about 26 miles from Agra. Akbar made a pilgrimage to this saint and was blessed with a son Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) and so as a token of his reverence to the saint he dreamt of building a city at Sikri that he named Fatehabad.

The new capital thus began taking shape with a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. In 1585 the construction was complete giving shape to an Emperor’s dream and one of the most enchanting works of architecture done in India.

What to see

For those visiting Agra to have a look at another Mughal masterpiece the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri will be a sharp contrast to the white marble monument as the later is predominantly made of red sand stone. Although time and weather have had there chance to ruin the splendor of the place, what remains is still remarkable and that is sensed even as you just see a glimpse of the city from a distance.

With plenty of time, a local guide and a thirst to relive the golden days of Indian history, tread on to witness one outstanding monument after another some of which are as follows,

Buland Darwaza

 Literally translated as the Mighty Door, this gate erected in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan is regarded as one of the biggest and grandest gateways of the world. The 13 meter flights of steps to the gate only add to its grandeur.

Jami Masjid

One of the largest mosque in India, it has a central courtyard, a hall and also tomb of royal ladies.

jami masjid by amanderson2 via Flickr

Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti

It is the place of worship where the emperor himself went in need of a son. Saint Salim Chisti’s dargah is still frequented by many looking for a blessing or answers to their problems. The beautiful lattice work done on the dargah is eye-catching.

Dargah by paul-simpson.org via Flickr

Anup Talao

A square water body that has pathways leading to the central platform. It is believed to be used for artistic performances as well as casual game or chat session for the Emperors and his Queens.

Turkish Sultana’s house

At the corner of the pool is this pavilion with beautiful carving adorning the ceiling.

Daulat Khan-i-Khas

It is the private chambers of the emperor himself. The structure is two storied with library and common room in the ground floor and royal bed chamber in the upper floor. This chamber has been connected well with all the queens’ chambers through corridors.

Palace of Jodha Bai

Known to be Akbar’s favorite queen, the palace of Queen Jodha Bai is the largest monument as well as the most lavish.  It has a 9 meter guarded gate to the east and also secure high walls.

Sunehra Makan

The golden house as it is called was palace of Queen Mariam-Uz-Zamani. The palace I called so because of the heavily ordained golden murals all across the palace. It also has inscription of verses written by Akbar’s brother Faizi.

Panch Mahal

It is one of the most beautifully crafted monument of Fatehpur Sikri. A five storied structure with each upper floor smaller than the one below giving a tower like appearance. The single dome kiosk at the top gives a magnificent view of the city.

Panch Mahal by paul-simpson.org via Flickr

When in Agra it is a must to reserve half a day visiting this intelligently planned city of an emperor. It was only for 13 years that the royalties lived in this city, before moving back to Agra because of water scarcity. But what remains here to this day is helping breathe life into past people and history even today.

In India it is still fairly simple to leave urbanization behind and reach a place where the only things you run into are lush green meadows, wild flowers and quaint hill tops. These destinations are not what you will find in tourist maps, but what the path going out of a crowded city will automatically lead you to.

Saswad near the city of Pune in Maharashtra is one such destination. Hidden amidst the effervescent Sahyadri mountain ranges, the place is a jewel of an abode for someone who weighs far more importance to nature than nightlife. If you are living in Pune and desperately in need of a break or if you are a traveler dying to see the India of the small towns and villages, Saswad is a good place to begin.

Flickr photo by Swami Stream

This fledgling town has as much natural beauty as history hidden inside the walls of long forgotten fortresses and temples. In fact it has given to India many of its eminent saints, leaders and authors. Saswad was also once the epicenter of many activities of one of the greatest Maratha rulers- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Things to See and Do

The exploration of Saswad can begin right for the foot hills of the mountain one has to climb to reach the town. The valley is known as Dive ghat and has a beautiful lake call Mastani Lake built by Maratha ruler Bajirao Peshwa for lady Mastani.  As you climb along the serpentine path cut through the mountain, the view becomes ever more mesmerizing and trekking is most certainly a viable option here.

Saswad looks particularly heavenly during the monsoons and if that is the time you opt to visit, the gurgling sounds of seasonal waterfalls, cascading from every crevice down the mountain will only add to the adventure. Some of these falls are at a distance, but most are easily approachable and irresistible when all you wish to do is splash around in the cool natural springs.

Once you reach the plateau, it has its share of roadside eateries, mountain caverns turned into temples, and scattered villages, but what you see most are green pastures, fields and acres and acres of land with freshly grown figs, custard apples and sapodilla. Women and men sitting at the roadside shacks are more than eager to part with these delicious, freshly picked fruits at an easily bargained price. But be sure to buy ample as once you have tasted them you will definitely want to have some more.

One of the first historical monuments that comes into picture as you approach the town is Fort Jadhavgarh, a 300 year old fort that has been recently renovated and converted to a hotel. If you have the time and the money to spent, it is a fantastic experience in itself, with also a museum attached with the hotel.

The town itself looks sleepy, and laid back with just one main market place and fewer eating places, but as you dig deeper into the small lanes, another fort wall shows its existence. It is actually the Purandar Wada, a dilapidated structure today, but considered to be Maharashtra’s oldest standing structure of the era when Peshwas rules the kingdom. It was the residence of a minister in Peshwa’s court named Ambaji Purandare most probably in the year 1710.        

The road to Saswad and beyond is also a major pilgrimage route. There are ample temples and shrines spread within the town limits and also further at places known as Narayanpur, Jejuri, Pandharpur, Morgaon and Bhuleshwar.

Sacred Nandi Bull at Sangameshwar Temple

A temple worth a visit in Saswad more so for its historical significance rather than the religious one, is the Sangameshwar temple at the confluence of two rivers Karhe and Chambli. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be built during the Yadav era what is particularly interesting about the temple is the huge Nandi Bull adorning the path leading to the sanctum sanctorum and looking majestic in every way. During monsoons, when the rivers are overflowing, the view of the ancient temple and the water bodies is breathtaking.

A short distance from Saswad at a place called ketkawale is also a temple dedicated to Lord Balaji, which is a magnificent replica of the world famous Tirupati Balaji temple.

View from malhargad fort, Flickr photo by DraconianRain

For historians, the area is flooding with information on India’s great past. The forts of Malhargad, Vajragad, Rajgad and Torana are all located at a yawning distance from the town. Maratha Rulers were known for their ace gorilla warfare skills and the knack to built forts that lie hidden behind the great Sahyadri Mountains. There are many instances in history when the mighty Mughals attempted to scale and conquer these forts but failed. One look at the way the forts stand today is enough to realize the immense difficulty the Mughals must have faced and the brilliant architectural knowledge the people living in those era had.   

You can have an impromptu picnic at any of the many meadows you see here, or you can live for a few moments like a king in the heritage hotel in the vicinity. You can forget frozen foods and taste the goodness of farm fresh fruits for a change or you can even get yourself invited to the small huts of villagers living in the area with a big smile and even bigger hearts. You can walk, ride a bike or climb a mountain. You can even ride a wild horse grazing happily somewhere around if that is what you feel like doing.

What you can experience best in a place like Saswad, is an India untarnished, unpolished and unspoiled by commercialization. Spend a day just exploring and accepting the place as it is, and you will have seen a part of India, not shown in any guide books.

Good weather while traveling is like the precursor of all good things to come. When the sun is shining gently and the breeze is soft and cool, even the uninteresting start looking like the perfect setting for a photographic pause or simply a moment to introspect.

In India, the weather is hot almost all through the year and although a well versed tourist is ably prepared to deal with the extra hard sunshine, with lots of sun-screen lotion, hats, sunglasses and loose clothing, you might also want to double check and avoid the scorching summer months, before you embark on the journey to this land.

With India, another important reason to be extra cautious about the weather is because of the visible dissimilarity of the whole thing. Being such a dramatic combination of different topographies, the same month and the same season may look and feel quite different, depending on your choice of destination.

Here is a rough guide of the weather scenario in India and the best time to visit the different regions of the country.

The Weather

India is primarily a country of three seasons, summer, rains and winter broken by short spells of spring and autumn.

The summer temperatures in the month of April-June across the country can go as high as 47-48 degree Celsius though the northern parts like Kashmir are still blessed with cool climates. Winter months from October to February are cooler and pleasant and many trip advisors do suggest traveling during these months, to avoid extreme heat, humidity, sudden rain spells, and sunburns. Winter is also the time for many major festivals and therefore a good time to see the country in all its colorful glory.

North

Mountain Region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The states have short spells of summer but prolonged winters that are cold and dry. The lowest temperatures are recorded in the Himalayan belt averaging below 7 degree Celsius.

Dal Lake, Kashmir. Courtesy Tony George via Flickr

North-East

Himalaya Region including Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Cold, humid winter with short and pleasant summer months. The states are still worth a visit any time of the year except rainy months from June to September.

Rain. Courtesy judepics via Flickr

Northern and North-Eastern Plains

This area includes states like Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and part of Assam and Sikkim and other north-eastern states. Also parts of central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh.

The states broadly coming under humid subtropical category, experience very hot summers, followed by heavy rainfall and dry winters.

Hill-stations located in these states can be visited in summer months. Other destinations make good winter vacations.

West

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the major states of the region with low rainfall, and extremes of temperature in summers and winters. Months from September till March are good for traveling to these destinations especially if you are interested in the desert safaris.

Sun 'n' Sand, Rajasthan. Courtesy ManojVasanth via Flickr

South, South-West, South-East

The states in this area experience tropical Savannah climates with long, dry seasons, high summer temperature and mild winters. Coastal areas are mostly humid in summers and extremely humid in rainy season.  The eastern coast receives winter rainfall from the receding Southwest monsoon.

This area includes states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Again summer is avoidable, as is the monsoons.

Weather Enduring Tips

• To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids.
• Add an extra pinch of salt to the food.
• Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
• Use hats, sunglasses, sunscreens profusely.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothing.
• Prefer wearing sandals over covered shoes.

For most tourists, Goa in India is the place where you can forget time for a while. Here things move in their own sweet pace without the hassles of a fast edged life and the need to do ten things at a time. It is an ideal location for the counter therapy needed by work obsessed individuals. A land where you can just laze around, relax and keep laptops & planners at bay while enjoying a dip in the sea and the fiesta on land.

Recline and Relax, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

Although every single shore of the Arabian Sea touching the Goan landscape is mesmerizing, there are a few beaches that seem like the crowning glory of this spectacular destination.

One among them is the Calangute Beach in North Goa.

The Beach

Calangute beach is just 15 Km away from the state capital Panajim and that makes it very easy to locate and reach. With narrow roads and coconut trees lining the path, a rented two-wheeler seems like the most preferred choice to move around while you also take in the beauty of the land.

As you reach closer and closer to the beach, two things catch your attention. The strong smell of wet shores alluring you towards the sea and the countless shops lining the street sides selling everything from trinkets, toys, books, bells, hats, grocery to the obvious beach wear.

Street Vendors, courtesy Paul Mannix via Flickr

Nearer the shores, are endless shacks smelling of sea-food and busy preparing some of the most mouth-watering preparations of sharks, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, mussels and other catch-of-the-day.

It isn’t easy to leave all those temptations behind, but not difficult either once you have seen the sea. Calangute is like one large stretch of uninterrupted, heavenly piece of land where the sea loves to dance around like a flamboyant flamenco dancer.

Once you are here, the feet automatically choose the shortest distance towards the water leaving footprints on the golden sand and finally letting the saline water engulf you with open arms.

Coastline, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

The complete stretch is safe and filled with everything a beach essentially means. Frolicking families, aroma of sea food wafting from the shacks, eager hands building sand castles, colorful crowds, beach umbrellas, and also hippies scattered here and there, who actually discovered this beach in the 60s and made it so popular around the world.

What to do

Along with the sun, sand and the sea to your disposal, Calangute also offers adventure sports like parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing. The seafood is well accompanied by local liquor made of cashew nuts called the feni. And during the afternoons, when the sun is a little hard to bear, you can always indulge in endless street shopping at the Tibetan market, Saturday bazaars or other street shops.

Up, up and Away, courtesy $holaydevil via Flickr

When to visit

The period from June to October brings heavy rains in Goa and therefore is avoidable. Anytime after October till February is good time to visit. March to May is good too if you do not mind the sunny summer.

Sunset, courtesy diametrik via Flickr

The followers of Sikh religion make a beeline to Amritsar, India all through the year, to a place which is considered the most sacrosanct abode of worship in their community. This place is Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple and one of the most ordained temples of the world.

The Golden Temple. Courtesy travelmeasia via Flickr

History of the golden temple

It is said that the fourth guru or spiritual guide of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das excavated a tank in 1577 which was called as Amritsar (Pool of nectar of immortality). Eventually people inhabited the surrounding area and a town started taking shape.

The fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev planned to build a temple in the area as he felt a need for a central place of worship for the followers of Sikh religion. It is then that the foundation of the temple was laid by the Sufi Saint Mia Mir in December 1588 and by 1604 Harmandir Sahib was built in the middle of the lake.

At a time in India when Hinduism and Islam were the major religions followed by most people, the building of this temple played a significant role in strengthening the roots of Sikh religion and unifying the community.

It was Guru Arjan Dev’s plan to keep the temple doors open for all sections of the society devoid of any religious differences. That is why he ordered the temple to have four entry points instead of one. Also unlike a Hindu temple where the lord is placed in the highest pedestal, here the temple was built in a lower level and inside was kept Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest literature of the community and considered the 11^th and eternal guru of the Sikhs.

Later on, the temple suffered attacks by men of Ahmed Shah Abdali and was substantially rebuilt in 1760s. But it was the great donations of wealth and material made by the revered king of Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh that gave the Golden temple its rich architecture and opulence. The golden plates which cover the exterior of the temple’s upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under his patronage.

Architecture

Courtesy txd via Flickr

The golden temple is an exquisite example of synergistic blending of the Hindu and Muslim architectural style. It is built on a square platform in the centre of the pool, with heavily ordained doors each in the East, West, South and North directions. There is a causeway from the main entrance that leads to the temple. The other end of this bridge is connected to the pradakshina path or the circumambulatory path that allows devotees to move all around the temple.

The main structure is a three storied building on top of which is a low fluted dome having lotus petal motif at the base.

What to see

For a first time visitor, the Golden temple can easily become a quick lesson in the history of Sikh religion along with the spiritual experience. The premises has many shrines in memory of past Sikh gurus, heroes and martyrs and also a museum teaching the values of the religion and giving a glimpse of its past.

Walls in the premises are adorned with memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and include commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars.

There is no discrimination aganst any caste in these sacred grounds but it is ensured that a visitor does not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine.

Community Service. Courtesy travelmeasia via Flickr

What is a practice in any gurudwara or temple of the Sikhs in the world and quite a sight in the Golden Temple is the langar or the community meal that is organized everyday here. It is one of the most organized community services that even a first time visitor can be a part of. The meal is prepared by the devotees as well as served by them. And any person can come and have this meal in the divine grounds.

Best time to visit

Amritsar is in the state of Punjab, known for its lush green fields and jubilant people. Winter months are best to visit from October to March, although any time of the year, Golden Temple has its door open for all.

As the world welcomes the Chinese year of the Tiger, it is certainly not welcome news to know that only about 3500 tigers survive in the world right now. This regal animal, which is the national animal of India, is facing immense danger from human population, industrialization and natural erosion of habitat, not to forget poaching to acquire the highly mystical medicinally useful tiger parts.

Royal Bengal Tiger. Courtesy Siddy Lam via Flickr

While efforts pour in from all directions to help preserve these shy yet majestic creatures, what a traveler can do best, is to go see the tiger. See where it loves to tread, the animals it loves to hunt and how the young ones learn the fine art of hunting and survival. Go see the dense dark forests, and the thick grasslands that provide perfect ambush to the striped carnivore. Get the whole family together for a vacation, sitting in a jeep and waiting in anticipation to catch a glimpse of a crouching tiger.

What this travelling can do most is spread awareness about the tiger and its needs. It can help make better amenities and improve protection efforts, so that more and more can travel from far and wide to see the animal. It can help pour in the always useful funds for conservation efforts. And it can surely help instill an appreciation for nature into young minds.

If you are really looking forward to a trip into the tiger’s den, here are some of the best places in India for a rendezvous with this critically endangered species.

Jim Corbett National Park – Named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, this park is in the state of Uttaranchal and one of the oldest national parks of the country.

The park boasts of 488 different species of plants and equally diverse varieties of animals. It is also a fine place to try adventure sports as the area is blessed with hills, mountains, rivers, marshes, grasslands and lakes.

This park was the first to come under the banner of the Project Tiger initiative in India.

Best time to visit – September to June

Bandhavgadh National Park – Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the area of the park is about 437 sq. km. About half the park is covered with fine trees of Sal and stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills.

This area was once the hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa but in 1968 was declared as a protected area and since then has been a tiger reserve.

The best season to visit is from November to June. Elephant and jeep safaris are available.

Ranthambore National Park – While on a trip to royal Rajasthan, it seems easy enough to slip a day or two in your shedule  for this national park in Rajasthan bound by the river Chambal and Banas.

The landscape is dotted with ancient Banyan Trees, Dhok & Pipal trees, clusters of mango trees and crisscrossed with evergreen belts.

Sighted in Ranthambore. Courtesy Koshyk via Flickr

It is also a favorite haunt of wildlife photographers, always eager to capture classic shots of the easily sighted tiger. For a relatively small area, the park has a rich diversity of fauna and flora – including 300 tree species, 50 aquatic plants, 272 birds, 12 reptiles including the Marsh Crocodile & amphibians and 30 species of mammals.

The best time to visit this park is from October to March and April to June.

Kanha National Park – This horse-shoes shaped area nestled in the state of Madhya Pradesh has long been known as the tiger country. It is a vast area that is protected – almost 1940 sq. km. and therefore apart from the tigers; other wild animals too are easy to sight like the Porcupine, Gray Langurs, Mongoose, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard, varieties of Deer, as well as the majestic Gaur or Indian Bison.

 Best time to visit in from April to June or November to January. This is also a good place to observe tribal cultures of the area.

Sundarbans National Park – If it is the Royal Bengal Tiger, you wish to feast the eyes on; the place to find them is here.

The vast swampy delta of the two great Indian rivers, Brhamaputra and the Ganges extends over areas comprising of mangrove forests, swamps and archipelago of 54 forest islands all interwoven in a network. The park area of approximately 1330.10-sq-kms is the largest mangrove forest in the world, forming the core of this area. The Sundarban region has got its name from Sundari trees, once found in abundance here.

Pair of White Tiger Cubs. Courtesy Koshyk via Flickr

It is said that this area is home to almost 400 tigers but the animals are shy and the camouflage is excellent, so patience is of greatest virtue if you wish to meet the tiger here.

Sundarbans is also noted for its conservation of the Ridley Sea Turtle and incredible variety of reptiles like King Cobra, Rock Python and Water Monitor.

Best time to visit is September to May.

Bandipur National Park – If you are in the southern parts of India, enticed by the fine temple architecture, what can add a dramatic wild element to the tour is visiting this park hidden in the wrinkled folds of the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

In 1973, Bandipur became one of the first of India’s Tiger Reserves and the southernmost of the nine reserves specially established under Project Tiger. It is after the monsoon showers that the glory of this park unfolds and wild animals can be seen easily roaming around.  

Best time to visit is from October to April.

So it seems wherever in India you are, you are never really far from a spectacle of wild chases, telltale paw marks and the elusive royal Tiger.