Thursday, March 24, 2011

The mystery...the charm..the beauty...the passion....It's all in Delhi....

Delhi


Delhi, the proud capital city that holds India’s head high is home to various fairs and festivals. Delhi, the city of dreams, is where every Indian wants to settle. The beauty and the endless opportunities of the place is what attracts the masses. The Qutab Minar, Redfort, the romantic beauty of the millennium- the Taj Mahal, the Raj Bhavan and all things monumental as well as beautiful adds glory to the capital city.
Delhi MonumentsApart from being the political hub of India, Delhi also possess galleries, museums, bustling markets, awesome eat-outs, active arts clubs and all things nice.
Delhi is a combination of 2 cities – the Old Delhi and the New Delhi. In the old Delhi, you could see the typical havelis and narrow roads while the New Delhi has been a contribution of the British architecture. Delhi in its culmination is a whole new world altogether.
Delhi HaatDelhi is home to many events that attract tourists from across the country. The diversity and the variety of these fairs are commendable. The Itra Mela or the Sugandhi Mela is all set to be on air this weekend from the 25th to 27th March, 11 am to 9 pm at Dilli Haat, Pitampura. The first of its kind, an initiative by the Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (DTTDC), the fair will also have a presentation of Aroma therapy, quiz contests on Itra, live demonstration of Rose water distillation and presentation of perfumes in traditional bottles. There will also be practical demonstration of Kuppimaking, teaching of Agarbatti and Dhoobatti making and various other competitions.
The key idea of DTTDC is to highlight the ancient and rich heritage of India in the field of natural perfumes and essential oils. Visitors can experience the fragrance and can buy also itra, perfumes, sugandhi and essential oils & allied products. Visitors can reach the venue easily by Delhi Metro or can drive to the place via outer ring road and ring road of Delhi.
These small yet significant Melas make our culture so special. The emphasis given to them, the unity achieved during the assembling of people and various other things makes each and every Mela in our country unique and memorable. Be part of this unforgettable event this weekend. For more information, visit The Other Home or email us at support@theotherhome.com.
Delhi
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Buddha’s Footprints in India

Buddhism in India


Budham Saranam Gachami.. Dhammam Saranam Gachami, Sangham Saranam Gachami…Buddhism, as a religion has come a long way, with India having a prominent role to play. Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal and roamed around the north eastern parts of India teaching Buddhism. He made a difference in the life of every person associated to him making him one of the greatest spiritual leaders the world ever saw.
The concept of ‘Buddha’s footprints in India’ is an interesting one. There are many holy places where Buddha left his foot print across Asia during his life as a teacher. Those marks have been preserved intact each with its own story. Over 3000 footprints have been found out with a distinguishing feature like the Dharmachakra or 132 auspicious signs on the sole.
But out of these, four are considered to be very important as they are the landmarks in Gautama Buddha’s life – Lumbini (Nepal), Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh), Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) and Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh).
Prince Siddhartha who later on became Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini. The sacred garden which contains the site of the birth, Ashoka Pillar, the Pushkarni pond and the Mayadevi Temple are places to be seen there. The sacred Garden is one of the World Heritage sites and is home to many Buddhist monasteries from across the world. The sacred pool is the place where Buddha’s mother took bath before she gave birth to him.
NirvanaBodhgaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained Nirvana or found enlightenment after meditating for 49 days. The Mahabodhi Temple, the Vajrasan throne donated by King Ashoka, the holy Bodhi Tree, the Animeshlochana  chaitya, the Ratnachankramana, the Ratnagaraha, the Ajapala Nigrodha Tree, the Muchhalinda Lake and the Rajyatna Tree are the main attractions here.
Lord Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath after the enlightenment. At Kushinagar Buddha left the world in 543 BC.
In the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, Buddha advises his followers that they can attain nirvana and a noble rebirth if they go on a pilgrimage to all these four places. The Buddha footprints not only attract people from all over India, but the entire world actually. Lot of tourists, especially from the South Asian countries, visit these places annually. Sometimes the tour is not just only to satisfy your curiosity but also an informative one. Sometimes it is quest for answers while at other times it is to pay homage to a great leader who once lived on this earth. In order to provide easy travel to the Buddhist followers a special circuit train (Mahaparinirvan Express) has been launched that will take you to all these places. The tour dates commencing from Delhi are:
March 2011: 26th (Sunday)
September 2011:   17th (Saturday)
October 2011: 01st (Saturday) & 22nd (Saturday)
November 2011: 06th (Sunday), 15th (Tuesday) & 26th (Saturday)
December 2011: 05th (Monday) & 17 (Saturday)
January 2012: 07th (Saturday) & 21st (Saturday)
February 2012: 04th (Saturday), 13th (Monday) & 25th (Saturday)
March 2011: 10th (Saturday) & 24th (Saturday)
April 2011: 07th (Saturday)
There are also special charter trips available on request. Alternatively, you can prepare you own trip plan and hire a vehicle. There are two plans:
Buddha TourOption 1 (8 Nights / 9 Days):
On the very first day, you travel to Lucknow from New Delhi by train or air. On the second day, you reach Sravasti by the Pilgrims coach. On the third day, you travel to Kapilavastu, followed by Lumbini on the fourth day and Kushinagar on the fifth day. On day six, you visit Vaishali and Patna and on the seventh day, Rajgir, Nalanda and Bodhgaya. On day eight, Varanasi and Sarnath are the places you will visit while on the ninth day you will return to Delhi by flight or train.
Buddha Tour 2Option 2 (7 Nights / 8 Days):
On the very first day you reach Gaya from Calcutta. The next day you travel to Buddhagaya by the Pilgrims coach. On the third day you visit Rajgir, Nalanda and on the fourth day Varanasi and Sarnath. On the day five, you will see Kusinagar while on the sixth day you get to see Lumbini and Kapilavastu. On day seven, Balarampur, Sravasti and Lucknow are the places you will see. On the eighth day you will return to Delhi or Calcutta by train or flight.
To make your journey and stay comfortable and safe, The Other Home is offering you the best of services. For an exotic, Indian experience please contact us at support@theotherhome.com .

Monday, March 21, 2011

Own a Dream House in Himachal Pradesh – Part II

HIMUDA


After a successful of the demand survey conducted for owning property in 15 cities, Himachal Pradesh Urban Development and Industrial Authority (HIMUDA) is conducting second round for smaller towns in the state. HIMUDA has received 45,000 application forms for all the cities combined and currently, the authority is in the process of sorting them city wise. The authority has already acquired land in these places. In view of that, the authority is now assessing demand in 40 more cities across 10 districts in Himachal Pradesh. Kinnaur, Lahul and Spiti have not been included this time.
HIMUDA
HIMUDA
The terms and condition of the application forms for plots, flats or houses is same as before and the last date of submission is April 30, 2011. The authority has indicated that this would be the last demand survey for these cities. We at The Other Home, bring to you the USP of each towns for investors to explore the potential investment options.
Shimla District
Shimla, a summer capital of British Raj, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular tourist destination and referred to as the “Queen of Hills”. It is situated at an average altitude of 2,205 meters (7,234 ft), surrounded by forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak.
Taaz - Green ValleyTheog is a town in Shimla district, only 32 km away from the capital. About 7000 people reside here and their e main occupation is growing vegetables and fruits. Not many people are aware that Theog is the top producer of vegetables in Asia. Think about small and cozy houses, windows with amazing views of the Himalayas and fireplaces at chilly nights and Theog is the place to be.
Kumarsain is another beautiful and peaceful place in Shimla. The town is situated 80 km from the state capital, 34 km from Theog and 16 km from Narkanda.
Solan District
Solan is a district headquarter, located 50 km south of Shimla. It is known as the “Mushroom city of India” because of vast mushroom farming locally. The Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge heritage railway line and National Highway (NH) 22 pass through Solan. Solan is also known as the industrial hub of Himachal Pradesh.  The famous temples of Shoolini Devi, Lord Shiva and Buddhist Monastery (18 km) are important tourist attractions.
TrolleyNalagarh is an emerging town for industries as it hosts production units for leather, steel, chemicals, thread mills and breweries. Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India, 300 km of north Delhi and 60 km from Chandigarh.
Baddi is an industrial town in Solan district and part of an industrial corridor stretching from Barotiwala to Nalagarh along the western border of Solan district. More than half of India’s pharmaceutical production, mainly formulations, would originate from Himachal Pradesh in few years as 200 odd medium and large-scale units are coming up in and around Baddi. The major attractions for investors included 100 % outright excise duty exemption for a period of ten years from the date of commencement of commercial production (the past budget stipulated it to industries starting on or before 31st March 2007), 100 per cent income tax exemption for an initial period of five years and thereafter 30 per cent for companies for a further period of five years, capital investment subsidy of 15 per cent on plant and machinery subject to a ceiling of Rs 30 lakhs, applicable also to existing units.
Kasauli is a cantonment town located 77 km from Shimla, 65 km from Chandigarh and 50 km from Panchkula and is situated at a height of 1,800 meters.
Kandaghat is a small town on NH 22 in Solan District. The famous tourist destination of Chail is at a distance of 29 km. The town is situated at an altitude of meters 1,422 meters (4,667 ft) above sea level. Kandaghat is presently undergoing a green revolution under a Himachal Government agricultural project. The agro-climactic condition of the town is congenial for the production of off-season vegetables and seeds for temperate vegetables.
Sirmaur District
Sirmaur is known worldwide for the tourism triangle of 3 towns namely Nahan, Renuka and Paonta Sahib. The district headquarter of Sirmour is Nahan. It is largely mountainous and rural, with 90% of its population living in villages. Agriculture is the backbone of economy here. Sirmaur is known for growing tons of fruits every year.
Renuka Ji Lake
Sarahan is the gateway of Kinnaur, located 564 km from Delhi and 174 km from Shimla. The road to Sarahan winds past flowering Pine trees that give way to stately Oaks. It is a place of pilgrimage, a heaven for nature lovers and the Bhimkali temple complex attracts a variety of admirers.
Rajgarh is a lush green valley in Sirmaur district, located about 40 km from Solan. There are many tourist spots and trek routes such as Sailpaw-Dokhta-Churdhar (7 km), Haripurdhar-Churdhar (17 km), Nohradhar-Churdhar (14 km), Sarahan-Churdhar (7 km) and Habban-Churdhar (15 km).
Paonta Sahib is a town founded by the tenth sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh on the banks of Yamuna. The approach road passes through Sataun and follows Giri River (a tributary of Yamuna) along beautiful scenery. One of the most important holy places of Sikhs, this is also a bustling township with growing industries.
Renuka lake is situated at a height of 672 meters, 60 km from Paonta Sahib via Sataun and 38 km from Nahan via Dadahu. With a circumference of 3,214 meters, Renukaji is the largest natural lake in Himachal. Shaped like the profile of a reclining woman, this is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess Renuka. There is another lake nearby associated to the legend surrounding her son, Sage Parshurama. Both have temples built around them, dating back to the 18th century. The lake is full of colourful fish and other aquatic life forms. The lake is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary and a few other temples. Boating and trekking are the additional attractions here. This placid stretch of water is fed by underground springs and the surrounding hills are padded by lush forests that support a large variety of plant and animal life. Other attractions include Jamu Peak (8 km), Mini Zoo (2 km), Lion Safari (2 km), and Jataun Dam (5 km)
Shillai is a small town situated in the Sirmaur district on the south east facing hill called Dhar Shillai at an average elevation of 2,000 meters. The climate is temperate; the maximum temperature in summer ranges from 24°C to 28°C, but winters are very cold. Shillai is connected by State Highway No. 1 (now National Highway) with Poanta Sahib and Rohru. The nearest railway station and airport is in Dehradun and Chandigarh respectively. Shillai is famous for producing good varieties of ginger.
Mandi District
Mandi is a historic town situated on the banks of Beas river. Mandi is renowned for its 81 old stone temples and their enormous range of fine carving, it is often called the ‘Varanasi of the Hills’. The town has remains of old palaces and notable examples of ‘colonial’ architecture. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Shyamakali are among the more famous ones. The week long international Shivratri fair in Mandi is the major annual attraction. In 2011, the fair was held from 3rd-9th March.
Pandoh houses the reservoir of the dam that diverts the water from River Beas to River Satlej. Located 15.1 km from Mandi and 32.7 km from Kulu, Pandoh is a quiet hilly nook.
Joginder Nagar is terminal point of 163 km long Kangra Valley Narrow gauge railway track. It is the only town in Asia to have 3 hydro-electric power stations, and hence it is popularly known as The Electric City or The City of Powerhouses. The narrow-gauge railway from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar has been nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list. Barot, 40 km from Jogindernagar via Ghatasani is a trout breeding centre, ideal for angling.
Sunder Nagar is a beautiful town, 26 km from Mandi towards Shimla, at a height of 1,174 meters. The biggest hydro-electric project in all Asia, the Beas-Sutlej project, irrigating nearly one-fourth of the northern plains of India, has brought unprecedented prosperity to Sudernagar. The town is famous for its temples with Mahamaya Temple being the most prominent among them. Sukhdev Vatika is another famous attraction. Sundernagar is easily approachable by road from Mandi. Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar is the nearest airport. Nearest railway station is at Joginder Nagar.
Sarkaghat is a beautiful tehsil famous for its temples, such as Nawahi Devi, Awah Devi and Kamlah Fort, which is a trekkers’ delight.
Karsog, although strategically located betweenthree rivers, Tirthan, Beas and Sutlej, and a vibrant market town, is not one of Himachal’s major tourist destinations. This area is a warren of small valleys traversed by pot-holed twisty roads, with stunning landscapes of rolling terraced hillsides and pine forests. The spot is ideal for exploring on a bike, and if you can have a Royal Enfield Bullet, there’s nothing like it. Karsog abounds in temples. You do not have to be a religious person or even a Hindu to appreciate the beauty of the shrines. Kamaksha Devi temple will stun you with its splendid layers of carved wood roofing. Each temple is like the other, and yet, totally non-paralleled. The deities are wrought in styles that are almost pagan. An air unsullied by urban greed and hypocrisy surrounds them. And above all, there is natural beauty no matter where the eye turns.
Ner Chowkis located 15 km south of Mandi, on NH 21 and is an important road junction in the district. Roads to Rewalsar and Janjehli diverge from here. It is an industrial hub for Automobile and Wooden & Steel Furniture. About 14 km from Ner Chowk is the Rewalsar lake, famous for its floating islands of reed. One such island has a Shiva temple (Lomesh Rishi), Guru Govind Singh’s Gurudwara and a Buddhist monastery founded by Guru Padmasambhava. It is a spot revered by people of three faiths.
Kullu District
Kullu was known as “Kul-anti-peetha” which meant the end of habitable world. Today, the town has become the center of many adventure activities like trekking, mountaineering, river-rafting etc as well as a pilgrimage destination.  Located on the banks of Beas river about 10 km north of the airport at Bhuntar, Kullu is a broad open valley famous for the beauty and majestic hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range. Shawls from Kullu are famous worldwide.
Snow Peak
Ani or Ahi, is located in the center of Ani Valley, south-east of Kullu Valley at an altitude varying from 1,240 meters to 3,560 meters. Devi Ambika Temple, Deccani Mahadev Temple at Nirmand, Jageshwar Mahadev temple of Dalash and few Buddhist monasteries are close by. In the neighborhood are Chehni Kothi, Khanag and Seruvalsar Lake (20 km). In addition, several trek routes adjoin the town.
Nirmand, known as ‘Kashi of Himalayas’, is the largest and most ancient village, situated in Kullu District. This beautiful hamlet stands overlooking the Satlej Valley and is about 150 km from Shimla. Renowned for its exquisite wood and stone temples of 6th and 7th centuries, it is replete with myths, legends and folklore clustered around Parashurama, the irascible sage. The village is well worth a visit for a lover of temples, sculptures and antique sites, also for pilgrims, large numbers of whom visit this place all throughout the year. The area is rich in herbs and fruit trees laden with golden apricots, green almonds, plums, cherries, pears and luscious apples.
Manali is perhaps the most important town in Himachal Pradesh for tourism. Located at an altitude of 1,950 meters in the Beas River valley and about 250 km north of state capital, Manali is the beginning of an ancient trade route to Ladakh. There are high mountains surrounded by snow and deep boulder strewn gorges, thick forests full of cool breeze, fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit laden orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley. It is known as the “Switzerland of India”. Manali, with its Mountaineering Institute, is a popular base for trekking and mountaineering in summer and skiing in winter.
Bhunter is the gateway of Kullu district, situated at the sangam of Beas & Parvati rivers.  The Kullu-Manali airport is situated at Bhuntar. Bishweshwar Temple is located in the village Bajaura just 5 km from Bhuntar. It is the largest and the most attractive stone temple of Kullu Valley. This temple, built in the 9thcentury in pyramid style, has withstood the severe earthquake of 1905.
Manikaran is situated in Parvati Valley at about 32 km from Bhuntar. The water from the hot sulphur spring at Manikaran is said to have medicinal value and is a cure for an number of chronic ailments. Manikaran is also known for temple of ‘Lord Shiva’ who remained in ‘Samsadhi’ for eleven thousand year in ‘Treta Yug’ . Temple of ‘Maryada Parshotam Ram’ Naina Mata and Gurdwara are also there. An experimental Geothermal Energy plant has also been set up here. Situated at an altitude of 1,760 meters, it is ideal for viewing the Dio Tibba Glacier (6,001 meters) and a place for hikers to stay for a few days and catch their breath before trekking on to Lahaul & Spiti.
Hamirpur District
Initially a part of Kangra district, Hamirpur is known for famous tourist attractions of Deot-Sidh, Temples of Sujanpur Tira and Nadaun. Hamirpur is well connected by roads from all sides and thus can be promoted as a tourist destination by developing some historical and religious places. Baba Balaknath temple is one of the famous temples of the Northern India. The elevation varies from 400 meters to 1,100 meters, see-sawing between the almost flat-lands that border the portion of rivers Beas to the lofty heights of cliffs. There are three principal ranges which run in the south-east direction, Shivalik being the most important one. Beas river flows through the north and Satlej river flows through the southern part of the district.
Barsar is a tehsil in the southwestern part of Hamirpur district famous for Pine Tree forests, good educational institutes, fairs and cultural festivals.
Bhoranj is a cozy little village tucked away from urban commotion and has a peaceful atmosphere.
Jahu is a small town located on the borders of three districts Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Mandi. The terrain is relatively plain. Jahu market is known for variety of articles at very reasonable rates. Many small scale industries, such as Snow factories and fishery industry are found here. Fishery is the major source of income for people in Jahu. The town is well connected to its region by road. The Bollywood actress, Ms. Kangana Ranaut has done her primary education from Jahu.
Kangra District
Lying 526 km north-west of Delhi, Kangra valley is one of the most pleasant, relaxing and spiritual places in the Himalayas. Marvelously scenic, and well wooded with oak, cedar, pine and other timber yielding trees, the towns offer lovely walks and breathtaking views. Kangra district derives its name from Kangra town, where Kangra Fort of the Katoch dynasty is situated. Kangra temple has a lot of significance in the Hindu mythology. The narrow gauge railway track from Kangra to Palampur has been declared as World Heritage.
Palampur is a fascinating green hill station, surrounded on all sides by tea gardens and pine forests before they merge with the Dhauladhar ranges. Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India but tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur special. Palampur is at the confluence of the plains and the hills and so the scenery shows the contrast the plains on one hand and the majestic snow covered hills on the other. Behind this town stands high ranges of Dhauladhar mountains, whose tops remain snow covered for most part of the year. A ropeway and an amusement park is also on the way to be established here. Several trek routes lead out of Palampur, particularly over the Dhauladhar Mountains towards the town of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Some important treks are over the Sanghar pass to Bharmaur via Holi, the forest trek from Mcleodganj to Treund and from Baijnath over the Jalsu pass to Bharmaur. A four-day trek will lead the traveler to Holi, via Waru La. 28 km from Palampur is Billing, near Bir, an important centre for the adventure sport of paragliding. Palampur also has numerous Buddhist monuments and is famous for its Tibetan handicrafts.
Nurpur is a city known for its orchards of mango, oranges, lichi and amla. Nurpur is also noted for poultry, silk and pashmina shawls. The Brij Raj Swami temple inside the Nurpur fort dates back to the 16th century and is the only temple in the world, where Lord Krishna and Meera are worshipped. It is said the statue of Lord Krishna was worshipped by Meera herself. The Nagni Maata temple, located about 6 km from Nurpur town on Pathankot – Kullu highway, is also very famous.
Jawalamukhi is a town where the famous temple to the goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity with a flaming mouth (built over some natural jets of combustible gas) is located on a small spur on the Dharamsala-Shimla road at a distance of about 20 km from the Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station. Just a few feet above the Jwalamukhi temple there is a six-feet deep pit with a circumference of about three-feet. At the bottom of this pit there is another small pit about one and a half feet deep with hot water bubbling all the time. The temple is identified as one among the 52 Shakti Peeths.
Bilaspur District
The Bilaspur district is situated in Satlej valley. The township of Bilaspur should be regarded as the first planned hill town of the country. The best months from visiting this place are from September to December. The district is mostly hilly and elevation of the lowest point is about 290 meters and that of the highest is about 1,980 meters. Due to the seven hill ranges Naina Devi, Kot, Jhanjiar, Tiun, Bandala, Bahadurpur and Rattanpur, the district is also known as Satdhar Kahloor. There are two national highways passing through the district (Chandigarh-Manali, Kangra – Shimla via Jhukhala). Bhakra Dam, the highest straight gravity dam in the world situated is in Naina Devi sub-tehsil occupies the predominant position amongst the places of tourist interest. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru  in 1955. The Gobind Sagar reservoir is famous for water-skiing, sailing, kayaking and water scooter racing.
Ghumarwin is a beautiful town situated on the Shimla- Dharamshala National Highway. The nearest railway station is the Kiratpur Sahib Railway Station and the nearest airport is at Shimla. Vyas Cave, Jalpa Mai Sangirathi Temple, Sagirthin and Govind Sagar Sanctuary are exciting tourist options in the vicinity.
Naina Devi is a town on NH 21. The temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji is situated on a hilltop . One can climb by concrete steps or cable car facility that moves pilgrims from the base of the hill all the way to the top. The hills of Naina Devi overlook the Gobind Sagar lake, created by the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. It’s scenic beauty is marvelous. Naina Devi is thus a great source of comfort, strength and influence for those yearning for solace, peace and salvation.
Chamba District
The town of Chamba, the district headquarters of Chamba district stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. It seems the original name of the town was Champa due to the abundance of highly fragrant Champaka trees. The best tourist season to visit Chamba is round the year. Adventure tourists may like to undertake winter trekking from November to March when the higher reaches of the district are snow clad and access to most of the villages is on foot.
Mountain LifeDalhousie is a hill station inwestern Himachal Pradesh, full of old world charm and lingering echos of the Raj era. It covers an area of 14 km2 and is built on five hills – Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. It is named after the British governor General of the 19th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town’s average height is 2,036 meter, and is surrounded by varied vegetation – pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town. Dalhousie is 485 km by road from Delhi and 52 km from Chamba. The closest railhead is Pathankot, 80 km away. The airport at Gaggal in Kangra is at a distance of 135 km. Taxis and buses are easily available from these places.   There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew’s Church and St. Patrick’s Church at Balun, St. Francis church at Subhash Chowk and St. John’s Church at Gandhi Chowk. There are several hydroelectric projects and dams being developed. There are several national forest and wildlife sanctuaries including Kalatop-Khaijjar located within its confines. Pilgrimage to Mani Mahesh Temple and Lake is an annual trekking event. Many trekking routes over Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges present a challenge to the serious trekker, while there are ample opportunities for the budding trekker.
Banikhet is located about 7 km from Dalhousie and is known for the Chamera Hydro-electric Project. The road leading to Dalhousie and Chamba bifurcates at Banikhet. Situated in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 5,500 feet above the sea level, the town experiences daytime temperature of 25°C and the night temperature of about 15°C during summers. Banikhet also possesses a number of tourist attractions that attract tourists from the different parts of the world such as Chamera Hydro-Electric Project and the Nag Temple.
Una District
Una district of Himachal Pradesh is famous for ‘Chintpurni’ Goddess temple, Dera Baba Barbhag Singh, Dera Baba Rudru, Joggi Panga, Dharamshala Mahanta, Dhunsar Mahadev Temple Talmehra, Shivbari Temple Gagret and Mini Secretariat.  It is well developed in the industrial sector due to close proximity to Punjab. Mehatpur, Gagret, Tahliwal & Amba are main industrial centres of Una. In 1991, Una was connected with a 14 km long broad gauge track from Nangal(Punjab) to Una. In winter, climate is cool, woolen clothes required. In summer, climate is hot, cotton clothes required. From July to September, it is rainy & humid. As per local folklore, Una was so named by the 5th guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjun Dev ji. The altitude varies from 350 meters to over 1,200 meters. Shivalik ranges experience heavy rainfall. The hill ranges are covered by scanty vegetation comprising mostly of shrubs. A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in Una such as Holi Mohalla, Chintpurni, Sawan Ashtami, Paanch Bhisham, Piplu, Baisakhi and Prakash Utsav.
Mehatpur Basdehra is a town mainly known because of politics. It is 241 km far from Shimla.
Chintpurni is located in Una district, surrounded by the western Himalaya in the north and Shivalik range on the eastern side, bordering Punjab. Apart from being a popular holy shrine, the place is full of picturesque surroundings. Beautiful locations for sight seeing, indoor and out door activities are situated nearby. Chintpurni is very well connected through roads and with good number of hotels and dharamsalas erected in and around the town, accommodation is not a problem at all. You can come here for a religious visit, on a holiday or for both and would return with everlasting memories.
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Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Key Information for Foreign Travelers in India

India - Taj Mahal


Visiting India can be a wee bit unnerving for the first-time visitor as the lifestyle and culture is totally different from that of the West. We’ve made a list of some important dos and don’ts for hassle-free and enjoyable travel.
General Tips for Travel to India
Bullcart India
  • A proper visa and complete paperwork to enter and stay in India is a must, except for some countries which can get Visa on Arrival.
  • Do not encourage beggars.
  • Don’t trust strangers with money. Trust your hotel, but not people you may bump into on the streets.
  • Don’t offer bribes to get any job done. Bribe-taking and bribe-giving are a common practice in India but they are intended to speed up things or win a favor that you are not entitled to. Plan well in advance. Seek help from travel consultants or trade and industry associations. If you expect favors, let them come free or not at all. Warn anyone (even in government) who asks you for a bribe that you would report him to the Anti-Corruption Bureau or the nearest police station. If he persists, do it discreetly so that he can be caught red-handed.
  • Indian English may sound different to foreigners of English origin. Don’t show amusement at the different Indian accents and choice of words.
  • It is advisable to cover yourself with travel insurance for thefts, loss and medi-claim.
  • Carry proper maps of the places you plan to visit in India, as signboards are often absent. Try to reach a station during daytime if traveling on your own. In any case avoid persistent touts and taxi-drivers at airport/stations/bus stands to help you find your hotel. Always use tourist assistance desk for proper advice.
  • Women traveling alone in certain deserted places should avoid walking at odd hours.
  • While changing money, insist on getting encashment certificate.
  • Do not checkout of the hotel in hurry. In some hotels, there may be errors in your bill, which you would end up paying if you don’t cross-check.
  • Do not leave your cash and valuables in your hotel rooms. Keep your cash divided in different pockets on your person. Otherwise, deposit the extra money in the safe keeping of the hotel, but remember to take a receipt.
  • Take care of proper disposal of your waste materials always whether you are exploring desert, or Himalayas or beaches or anywhere else. Your behavior is your identity.
  • Don’t accept offers of visiting anyone’s home unless you are confident of the person.
  • Use licensed guides for sightseeing.
  • Always use strong suitcases/baggage, as mishandling is common at airports/stations.
  • Don’t tip unreasonably and unnecessarily in a hotel. The news soon spreads in the hotel and by the time you checkout there will be a group of them saluting you to expect something.
  • In monsoon time avoid night stay in the desert while you do camel safari.
  • Check out the weather as per your time of travel and come prepared accordingly.
Car – Private Transportation for Travel
Bike - Foreign Traveler
  • Best way to travel in India.
  • Avoid driving in India unless you have been trained on Indian roads.
  • As a driver you should always have one person alongside to help you and your luggage.
  • It is better to hire a commercial taxi with a professional driver. Never use your personal vehicle, as in case of any accident, your insurance policy may not cover the damages incurred in a foreign country.
  • Be abreast of the traffic rules in any country you visit. For any offense, however unintentional, the traffic police or Regional Transport Officer can penalize you heavily.
Religion
Sikh - Big Turban
  • Do not visit places which encourage orthodoxy, social injustice and inhuman practices (like visiting a sati temple)
  • Politics can be freely discussed in India and most people will have an opinion which they will not mind being contradicted. But avoid discussing religion as you might hurt someone’s sentiments.
  • Avoid offers of spiritual salvation and magic remedies from saints, or anyone. There may be some spiritually elevated people in India, but there is no way you can distinguish genuine ones from crooks. If you are seriously interested in these aspects of India, take help from someone you know or visit one of the respected and well known spiritual organizations in India.
  • Don’t ever enter a temple, mosque, tomb, dargah or Gurudwara ( Sikh Temple) with shoes on. Avoid being scantily dressed. Things to remember include that one should cover his/her head with a cloth while in a Gurudwara or Dargah, and the parikrama or walking around the sanctum should always be in clockwise direction.
Food & Water
Indian Food
  • Take care of contamination of water and food poisoning. Always drink safe mineral water and take well-cooked food from a joint that appears neat and hygienic.
  • Drink bottled water only. Even many Indians who have lived out of India for a few years sometimes suffer stomach upsets on drinking local tap water. If there is no alternative to tap water, ensure it is boiled. Some popular brands of mineral water are Bisleri, Aqua Fina, Kinley and Himalaya.
  • Avoid eating buffet meals, even in expensive hotels. The food may become contaminated due to over-exposure.
  • It is advisable not to buy food from roadside stalls or mobile canteens. Not that they are bad, but your system may not be accustomed to such delicacies and you might end up with an upset stomach.
  • Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Curry and Naan are the most common dishes preferred by western people, but  the Indian cuisine is very diverse and you can choose as per your mood and preferences.
  • Lassi, aerated cold drinks & mineral water are popular drinks. Kingfisher large beer is one of the most preferred alcoholic brands consumed by foreigners.

Traveling in Trains, Buses, Cars & Flights
Indian Railways
  • While traveling, don’t act confused. Keep a posture of a person known to the region.
  • If you are traveling in the trains then you may have to reserve your seats in advance, as it may not be easy to get confirm seat reservations at the last minute.
  • Some buses may not be as comfortable as trains. If you wish to travel by bus, choose the class of travel carefully. A ride in a Volvo bus could be very relaxing.
  • Be careful about your luggage while travelling.
  • Flights to and from popular tourist destinations are often over booked so try to get a booking as soon as possible.
  • Trains and buses are the best and cheapest option if you are traveling for more than one month. Also not all cities have an airport.
  • It is always better to arrive one hour before scheduled departure at the railway station/ airport.
  • Always chain and lock your luggage under your berth in a train. Don’t keep anything valuable near the window. Always carry plenty of water, fluids in trains. A lone woman traveler may request to be accommodated near other female travelers.
  • Don’t eat anything offered by fellow travelers. It might be contaminated by drugs.
  • Trains and domestic flight’s can get cancelled without any prior notice but it wont happen unless there is some major problem.
Shopping
Shopping in India
  • Don’t buy antiques more than 100 years old. Selling and buying “shahtoosh” shawls is a crime. The same goes for ivory and wildlife.
  • Buy at genuine shops only. Bargaining is a popular practice in India and necessary too. Don’t ever believe in lucrative offers of antique dealers in which they offer you to carry a parcel of some other buyer back home with your own margin described. Entire transaction should be legal and transparent so that you may claim later if dissatisfied.
  • Guides & Taxi drivers often get commissions if you buy anything from the shop they take you to. Percentage of commission depends on your bill, so more you bargain, lesser is their commission.
  • If you are buying from roadside stalls or hawkers, bargain you must. Start by offering half the price they ask for and settle for 70 – 80%. Don’t bargain in shops, especially those that display “Fixed Price” signs,  that will be seen as bad manners. It is always better to buy from the shops which have price tags attached on their merchandise.
Society & Trends
Indian Wedding
  • Participating in a social occasion or visiting a person’s home requires conservative dress codes. Do not shake hands with ladies. Always pick up a thing and eat with your right hand. Take only as much as you can eat, do not leave anything uneaten over the dish.
  • Do not point your finger at any person. It is taken as a sign of annoyance.
  • Be careful of cultural and social sensitivities of the regions. There is no single rule for that, the best way is to observe and follow.
  • The “NAMASTE” is a local form of greeting. It involves the joining of your palms as during prayer in church (in church, the two thumbs are crossed, in the Indian “NAMASTE” , the thumbs join but remain parallel to each other: this is only for information as the difference is not visible to the person in front of you).
  • If you find the lady is not extending a hand shake, go for the “NAMASTE”. Even with men, the “NAMASTE” can be an excellent little PR gimmick! Follow it up with a “AAP KAISE HAIN” (how are you?) and you have broken the first block of ice if there was one ever.
  • If somebody has invited you home for dinner, carry with you a box of sweets or at least a chocolate bar for the kids.
  • Don’t show your amusement even if some practices you witness may appear funny.
  • Don’t photograph women without permission.
  • Enjoy Indian weddings and other festivities to the full, as they are very colorful and gay.
Tipping
  • Tipping in India is a common practice. There are basically two types of tips. In the first case, the tip is paid after the work is completed. In the second case, tip is given beforehand to ensure a good service. In hotels, porters and room service attendants are generally tipped at the end of the stay. However, the amount of tip varies depending on the type of services rendered and the type of establishment.
  • In restaurants, the tip to waiters is around 10-15 percent of the bill. In cases of restaurants of famous and prestigious hotels, generally a 10 percent service surcharge is added to the bill. Tipping at such a place is discretionary. In smaller places, the tip is not a percentage of the bill. Rather, few rupees are given as a tip, depending on the quality of service.
  • Tipping taxi and three-wheeler a driver is not too common but still they expect from foreigners. It is up to your discretion. However, if you want to tip, then, 10 percent of the fare or leaving the change is enough. If you are hiring a car throughout your stay, then, tip the driver Rs. 100-200 per day, depending on the distance travelled. At railway stations, pay the porters around Rs. 10-20 per bag. But, make sure to set the rate beforehand. If you stay at somebody’s house, ask your host before tipping their domestic help.
Customs & Airport Authority of India
  • Please confirm with the Indian Customs department at the airport before carrying any liquid item, especially medicines.
  • Remember to announce your weapons, if any.
Monuments
Some important monuments are closed on particular days of the week, or during specific times of the year. So one should plan accordingly:
  • Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
  • Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
  • Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
  • Lotus Temple in Delhi is closed on Monday.
  • Akshardham Temple is closed on Monday.
  • Most of the national parks in India remain closed from 1st July onwards till 30th of September but Corbet National Park is open after 15th November.
  • National Museum in Delhi closed on Monday.
As the temperature rises as the day progresses, it is advisable to start sight seeing little early in the morning. If you start around 8:00 AM, you can avoid the scorching heat of the northern plains. Also the traffic encountered on the city roads is lesser during the early hours of the day.
India - Taj Mahal
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