Glaciers In Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal is the land of snowy mountains, gushing waterfalls and icy glaciers. Nestled amidst the snowy Himalayas, from these glaciers a number of rivers and waterfalls originate that are the source India’s biggest rivers and river valleys. From the Ganges to the Yamuna, most of the rivers originate from glaciers in Uttaranchal.

From the great Gangotri glacier to the breathtakingly beautiful Satopnath Glacier, they are the most sought after destinations for the adventure tourists. Considered to be sacred and with mythological importance the glaciers in Uttaranchal are also important for religious tours.

Famous Glaciers In Uttaranchal :

Bandarpunch Glacier :
Bandarpunch Glacier is located in the Yamuna basin of Himalayas. This glacier is important as well as interesting for geologists because of its interesting formation style. It is formed on the northern slopes of three peaks, Bandarpunch peak (6316m), Bandarpunch west (6102m), and Khatling peak (6387m). This 12 kilometre long glacier owes its formation to three cirque glavier and it later joins river Yamuna. Some moraines left by the glacier mark its last level.

Khatling Glacier :
This lateral glacier serves as the source for river Bhilangna. The glacier is surrounded by snow capped peaks of Jogin group (6646M), Sphetic pristwar (6905 m), Barte Kauter (6579 m), Kirti Stambh (6902 m) and Meru. The moraines deposited by the glacier on the sides give impressions of gravel walls bordering the glacier. Coming under the Tehri district, the trek to Khatlang Glacier is one of the most sought after treks in Uttaranchal. A moderate trekker can under take this trek easily.

Gangotri Glacier :
A well known religious pilgrimage by Hindus, Gangotri Glacier is the source of the holiest river of Hindus, Ganges. Gangotri is one of the largest Glacier in Himalayas, its volume is estimated to be approximately 28 cubic kilometres. The glacier originates at a height of 7,100 meters above the sea level. It is formed as a result of coming together of several small glaciers.

Dokriani Bamak :
Dokriani Glacier or Bamak (bomak means glacier) is a glacier in Bhagirathi basin. The glacier originates at a height of approximately 6000 meters and is formed due to joining of two cirques at the northern slopes of Draupadi-ka-Danda (5600 metres) and Jaonli (6000 meters).

Chorbari Glacier :
Originating from the Southern slope of Kedar dome, Chorbari Glacier is six kilometers long. Kirti stambh, Bhartekhunta and other glaciers divide it from the Gangotri glacier group. It comes under Rudraprayag district. At the snout of the glacier, there are huge deposits of moraines and debris. The glacier melts into streams of water called Mandakini, which merges into Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.

Satopanth Glacier :
Satopanth is formed with two words, Sato meaning heaven and panth meaning path, literally meaning the path to heaven. Satopanth along with Bhagirathi Kark serve as the sources of river Alaknanda. The glacier is just 17 kilometers from the famous holy temple of Badrinath in Chamoli district. The glacier originates at a height of 7000 meters. The peaks of Chaukhamba (7068 meters ) and Badrinath (6974 meters) serves as the originators of this glacier.

Tiprabamak :
There are some 16 glaciers forming in the Bhuyender Ganga Basin and Alaknanda catchment but only Tiprabamak and Ratanban are of some significance. There is a cave at the snout of this glacier where the melted water of the glacier comes out from. You will see that the surface of the glacier is covered with heavy deposits of debris.

Doonagiri Glacier :
One of the important glaciers of Dhauli Ganga basin, Dhoonagiri is one of the five hundred glaciers that are formed in the basin. Small large, in assorted shapes, these glaciers lie in the valleys formed here. Forming at a height of some 5000 meters, the glacier's snout is at 4240 meters. Water stream from the glacier merges into Dhauliganga near Juma Village.

Pindari Glacier :
One of the most easy treks in Pindari Glacier in Kumoan region. Every year hundreds of trekkers undertake this trek. What lures people here is the rugged beauty of the place. Lying between Nandadevi and Nandkot peaks is Pindari glacier which terminates at a height of some 3000 meters. This five kilometer long glacier gives birth to Pindari river which drains the valley.

Shopping In Agra

Shopping in Agra is nothing short of an excursion to tourist attractions in India. Agra has both traditional markets that have been in the trading business for centuries. Then, there are the modern shopping sites and complexes especially the state emporiums where you can purchase antique souvenirs to luxury items.

A miniature marble Taj Mahal is a popular souvenir that tourists prefer to walk home with after a day's shopping in Agra. Besides the pietra dura marble items that are inlaid with colorful stones, other popular items that are worth buying during your shopping in Agra are rugs, leather items, gemstones, ethnic handicrafts and jewelry.

Sadar Bazaar and south of Taj Gang are popular shopping areas in Agra. Shilpagram, a craft village on the eastern side of Taj Mahal in Agra, is a popular open-air emporium that is frequented by many tourists on their shopping in Agra. With number of expensive emporiums lining the street, these shopping areas have plenty of rest houses and restaurants to choose from on your tour to Agra, under the Golden Triangle Tours package offered by Adventure Tours of India.

The Kinari Bazaar, also known as the old marketplace, near Jama Masjid, has many small distinct trading areas that date back to the Mughal period. The Loha Mandi (Iron Market), Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) and the Nai-ki-Mandi (Barber's Market) are the main markets though the latter no longer functions as a barber's area, rather it is famous for its textiles.

Agra Brassware
The main markets for shopping in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of brassware.

Agra Leather
Apart from clothing and accessories; you can also buy decorative pieces made entirely of leather. The skilled leather workers make beautiful animals like deer, tiger and the lingering symbol of maharaja's elephant are all made of leather. These items on the walls of your living room will surely invite appreciation from your peers.

Agra Marble
Returning from our visit to the Taj Mahal, we were guided to a marble factory by our guide, under the auspices of using the restroom. What a surprise, a guide who led us to a friend's or relative's shop! However, not to worry, as he assured us that this is the "best marble factory in Agra"--lucky us! At any rate, it was interesting watching how the designs we had just admired at the Taj Mahal were produced and continue to be manufactured for consumption around the world.

Agra Rugs
The main markets for shopping for rugs and carpets in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of rugs and carpets. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue where rugs and carpets are on sale, directly by the craftsmen themselves.

Hill Station in Kerala

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kerala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidaying in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India.Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds.Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Changanacheri, Ponmudi, Vagamon and Thiruvananthapuram. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities.

Tourist Attractions Agra

Location : 58-km From Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Founded By : Badal Singh
Established In : 1475
Main Attractions : Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort

Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction in Agra, and is open to all even on full moon nights, so that you can take your beloved by the hand and walk down the gardens as moon and its entourage of stars light your path on your tour to Agra under the Agra Travels by Adventure Tours of India. Besides Taj Mahal, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Agra that will keep your hands full on your tour to Agra.

Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, Agra Fort is another major tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, after Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565. Some of the prominent mosques within Agra's Red Fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque). Upgraded as a palace under Shah Jahan's reign, Agra Fort is famous for Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace). Other places to see at this tourist attraction Agra include Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Ladies' Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj.

Chini-Ka-Rauza (China Tomb) is another tourist attraction in Agra. A Persian style tomb, it is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, prime minister in the court of Akbar. Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by empress Nur Jahan (Jahangir's wife) in memory of her father, wazir in the Mughal Emperor's court is another tourist attraction Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Built from 1622 to 1628, the tomb makes use of pietra dura (the delicate marble work) that was later to become the hallmark of Taj Mahal.

Another popular tourist attraction in Agra is the dome-shaped Jama Masjid, located near Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb. Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in the name of his daughter Jahanara, Jama Masjid is a distinct mosque for its minaret-less courts. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself, it is a must see on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

The Persian styled Mughal Gardens of Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh are other tourist attractions in Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Excursions to nearby tourist attractions such as Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Patna Bird Sanctuary and Sur Sarovar are popular diversions on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

Taj Mahal: The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. The most impressive and remarkable features of the Taj Mahal are its four tall minarets (162.5 feet high) at four corners of the structure, the black and white chessboard marble floor and the majestic dome (213 feet high and 58 feet in diameter) in the middle. Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world.

Agra Fort: The Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It took eight years to complete this massive fort at a cost of 3.5 million rupees at that time. After Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan also added some new features to the fort. The fort is known for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in its various features. Some of the main attractions in the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Nagina Masjid and the Palace of Mirrors.

Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Built by Noor Jahan - the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir -- in memory of his father, the white marble tomb represents a fine example of Indo-Persian architecture. Enjoying the privilege of being the first marble tomb of the Mughal period, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah must be visited to see its beautiful inlay designs and carvings, which are considered even superior to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is popularly known as the 'Baby Taj'.

Jama Masjid: Built by Jahan Ara Begum -- the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan who was also imprisoned with him -- in 1648, the mosque has a unique shaped dome with no minarets.

Akbar's Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Akbar is located at Sikandra at about 10 Km from Agra. Akbar himself designed and started its construction. The beautiful tomb enjoys a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain motifs.

Fatehpur Sikri: Located at a distance of about 37 Km from Agra, the Red Sandstone town of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar as his capital during 1571 and 1585. The city represents a fine blend of Indo- Mughal architecture. The main attractions Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (54m high) - the largest gateway in the world and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.

Tourist Attractions In Kerala

Kerala is a green strip of land, in the South West corner of Indian peninsula. It has only 1.1 8 per cent of the total area of the country but houses 3.43% of the the country's population. In 1956, when the states were reorganized, Kerala was formed after tying the princely states of Travancore and Cochin with Malabar, a province under Madras state.

Kerala may be divided into three geographical regions: (1) High lands, (2) Midlands and (3) Lowlands. The Highlands slope down from the Western Ghats which rise to an average height of 900 m, with a number of peaks well over 1,800 m in height. This is the area of major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber, cardamom and other spices.

The Midlands, lying between the mountains and the lowlands, is made up of undulating hills and valleys. This is an area of intensive cultivation. Cashew, coconut, areca nut, cassava (tapioca), banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane and vegetables of myriad varieties are grown in this area.

It is a purified world in Kerala, the land of trees. A big, spreading tree purifies as much air as a room air-conditioner. And the former is never switched off. The prolific, bustling, vegetation acts like a massive, biological, air-filtration plant working round the clock, round the year. Hence spending days in Kerala countryside is as if spending in an air- purified environ; some times better than it. So is the rejuvenating effect of the lush greenery of the state.

The wanton growth of trees makes Kerala a herbarium. The four month-long, copious monsoon and recurrent flurry make this land a perfect nursery for all living beings. Loitering under the canopy of the foliage, you will feel blossoming the dreams. Thus, on a sojourn in Kerala, away from the rough and tumble of cities, you're breathing freshly purified air all the time.

»	Ayurveda In Kerala	»	Backwaters In Kerala
»	Beaches In Kerala	»	Hill Stations In Kerala
»	Spice Plantations In Kerala	»	Wildlife In Kerala
»	Eco Tourism In Kerala	»	Monuments Of Kerala
»	Museums In Kerala	»	Religious Places In Kerala

Uttaranchal Pilgrimage

Uttaranchal is also called 'devbhoomi' which means, the land of gods. The state is home to some of the holiest and the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the country. Often called the abode of Gods, Uttarakhand is a state that offers to captivate tourists with its mystic charm. Home to countless holy sites - temples, shrines, rivers and lakes, every year Uttarakhand attracts visitors in huge numbers for pilgrimage.

Uttarakhand, with its numerous sacred shrines, is the most preferred destination of every devout Hindu. A visit to holy places like the Char Dham, Haridwar and Rishikesh is considered a must for every Hindu. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, a visit to the Char Dham leads one to salvation. This abode of Gods is dotted with ancient temples and shrines made thousands of years ago giving testimony to the rich religious heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to Uttarakhand for pilgrimage.

Uttarakhand is a state that is completely enveloped by spiritual air. It is not surprising to find a holy site or temple every few meters in this enchanting state. While in terms of natural treasure, Uttarakhand is blessed with the best - deep cut valleys, virgin sylvan surrounds, snow capped Himalayan peaks, beautiful meadows, icy glaciers, shimmering lakes, springs and waterfalls and so on, in terms of spiritualism and religiosity, the state is home to some of the holiest shrines, temples and rivers.

What makes the pilgrimage a lifetime experience for any pilgrim is the presence of numerous hot water springs, virgin forests, snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and gushing waters of holy rivers that surround the holy shrines and temples here. No soul comes back untouched from this mystic land where the faith runs strong, the spirituality is unfaltering and whose aura is pure and divine.

The Char Dham (four abodes) which is considered the most important Hindu pilgrimage includes the holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Badrinath, considered to be the holiest, is located between the mountains of Nar and Narayan with River Alaknanda flowing peacefully beside it. It is known as Badrinath since the entire region is covered with Badri trees. Kedarnath shrine, situated at a high altitude of 3580 meters above the sea level is another revered pilgrim destination which was set up by Hindu Guru Adi Shankaracharya in early 8th century. It is one of the twelve 'Jyotirlingas' of Lord Shiva.

Gangotri which is believed to be the earthly throne of Goddess Ganga is a revered pilgrim destination near which the holy river Ganga originates (at Gaumukh). Yamunotri, the starting point of the holy river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas. The main attraction for the pilgrims to this sacred place is the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.

Other temples frequently visited by pilgrims include Neel Kanth Mahadev (Rishikesh), hill top shrines of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi (Haridwar), Vishwanath (Almora) and Binsar Mahadev (Near Almora). Hemkund Sahib is an important pilgrimage destination for people belonging to Sikh faith.

Badrinath
Badrinath Temple is considered the holiest of the Char Dham Hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. It is delicately placed between the mountains of Nar and Narayan with River Alaknanda flowing peacefully beside it.

Char Dham
The Char Dham (four abodes) is considered the most important Hindu pilgrimage in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal), the Chardham Yatra consists of four sacred sites- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Gangotri
Gangotri is the place of the origin of the holy River Ganges, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year. Gangotri is the earthly throne of Goddess Ganga and is one of the four sites of the sacred Char Dham circuit. It is situated at an altitude of 3,753 m (about 12,313 ft).

Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered and most visited pilgrimage places in India. This centre of pilgrimage was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in early 8th century. Situated at an altitude of 3,580 m (11,750 ft), this renowned Hindu pilgrimage spot in the high Himalaya Mountains is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the starting point of the holy River Yamuna. It is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal range of the Himalayas, balanced on the borders of Bandar-Poonch Parvat. The main attraction at Yamunotri is the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal Sulphur springs, almost 7 km away at Jankichatti.

Hotel Rajvilas Jaipur

Ratings: 5 Star Deluxe

Address:
Goner Road, Jaipur - 303012, Rajasthan, India.

Accessibility :
20 km. from the Airport
14 km. from the Railway Station
12 km. from the Bus Stand

Locational Advantage :
Hotel Rajvilas is well connected to the airport and the Railway Station.

Hotel Description :
Hotel Rajvilas is spread in the thirty-two acres of beautiful gardens, pools and exotic fountains right in the heart of Jaipur. This five star deluxe hotel is situated on the Goner Road in Jaipur. Hotel Rajvilass is an oasis of elegance and luxury, offering consistently high standards of facilities and services.

Accommodation at Hotel Raj Vilas, Jaipur :
Rajvilas Hotel offers 71 rooms categorized into 54 Premier Rooms, 14 Luxury Tents, 2 Pool Villas and 1 Kohinoor Villa. All the fifty-four premier rooms are set around tranquil courtyards in a traditional Rajasthani setting. Each premiere room and villa features a regal teak four-poster bed and a sunken white Italian marble bathtub. This hotel is an ideal destination for corporate gatherings, planning sessions and board meetings.

Amenities and Services at Hotel Rajvilas, Jaipur :
Jacuzzi, electronic safe, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, two line phone with voice mail, color television, complimentary tea / coffee kettle in-room, well stocked mini bar, swimming pool, room service, h/c running water, conference hall, beauty parlor, baby sitting, shopping arcade, coffee shop, sauna, health club, spa, travel desk service.