Of colors in stone

Captain Forsyth described it as a "Gorge in the River Narmada" though simple English the phrase appears to be poetic - by all means. Marble Rocks or Bhedaghat, the latter precisely means a gorge is actually composed of rocks of raw marble saturated with hues of mind boggling colors. Through the steep rocks flows the river Narmada.

The river enters the gorge at Dhuandhar Falls. The fall was once impressively deep, but after Bargi Dam was built the water level has risen reducing the depth. Nevertheless the spread of the falls is still impressive, the speed with which the waters gush through makes it enchanting.

The white waters rush through the narrow and steep inlet of the gorge at a breakneck speed. At this juncture the river is impossible to navigate. The boat rides at Marble Rocks begin at the right bank of the river at place called Panchavati. The river is spread wide here, but soon narrows down as the cliffs arrive. The slow hand row boats offer the greatest pleasure in boating betwixt the amazing color splattered rocks of marble. Visitors are wonder struck by the hues of colors. The shapes intrigue as well.

The fast rushing waters make boating a little tense affair nevertheless the boatmen are highly experienced lot. Before inundation by Bargi Dam, the river was much more placid in summers and boating was a serene experience. This river ecosystem harbored many life forms including crocodiles once. I have seen them myself in younger days.

Marble Rocks in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh is worth visiting for the magnificent falls and boat ride in the river Narmada. The place is about thirteen kilometers from main town Jabalpur with private taxis, buses and other means of accessing it.

There is an old temple on the hills called "Chausath Jogini" with set of idols. The idols have been plundered by a barbaric Moghul invader, but nevertheless the place is worth visiting.

Accommodation is available in Jabalpur Hotels and  for those interested in a night stay at Marble Rocks MPTDC owns resort nearby. The booking can be done from MPTDC office at Railway station or through MP online kiosk or regional offices.

Gujarat Wildlife & Birding Tourism

Though still not a very popular travel destination in India Gujarat has lots to offer. It is not only the holy pilgrimage to Krishna's Dwarka, Gujarat state is one of the finest birding and wildlife destination in India. The Dwarkadhish Temple is built in he honor of Lord Krishna and is visited by thousands of pilgrims ever year.

Gujarat also boasts of a marine National Park at Pirotan of the Jamnagar coast. Apart from mind boggling marine life forms birds such as Flamingos, Godwits, Puffins, Cranes, Herring Sea Gulls, Blackhead Gulls, Crab Plovers and other interesting wetland avifauna can be seen here with ease.

Wildlife & Birding

Gir National Park is the home of Asiatic Lion the only one in the World. About 350 lions survive in this National Park in Western India. The park is close to the district of Junagadh and is famous for lion safaris in Gujarat in India. Gir National Park is an excellent among top birding tour destinations in India with wide variety of bird species seen. Animals seen in wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in Gujarat are Lion, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Wild Ass, Caracal, Indian Wolf, Blue Bull, Sambar Deer and Spotted Deer. Many lesser mammals like chinkara, jungle cats and other species can be sighted in many places in Gujarat in India.

Little Rann of Kutch this magnificent salt desert is home to Greater and Lesser Flamingos which breed here. Indian Wild Ass, Great Indian Bustard, Hubara Bustard and Macqueen's Bustard are found here. The Rann of Kutch is home to great number of birds . I t is included in itinerary of western India birding tours by package tour operators in India.


Among well known birding destinations in India are Velavadar, Dassada, Nal Sarovar and Thol apart from Gir and Rann of Kutch. Besides Bustards and Flamingos one can see variety of birds in Gujarat - pelicans, geese, wintering ducks, desert birds, and many forest and wetland birds in India.


There is luxury and budget accommodation available in wildlife places and birding spots in Gujarat. Government based Gujarat Tourism corporation offers package tours and travel services to many destinations in the state.

Temple Tours - Khajuraho

Undoubtedly the country's top attraction Khajuraho Temples are a marvel in stone that exhibit luminous grace and architectural splendor unsurpassed. The structures reflect the glory India's golden past that now survives amidst emerging modern chaos. Khajuraho temples are an epitome of liberal ideological values that were the main stays of ancient Kingdoms in Central India.

These magnificent piece of architecture lay hidden in the deep confines of Central India or the State of Madhya Pradesh. The discovery was made during the British Rule in India. The archeological finds are now maintained by the Archeological Surveys of India.    

Khajuraho is spirituality in art with expression of liberal sexual values engraved in the walls carved out of stone. The Kamasutra sex treatise is expressed here through delicate carvings and statues. The temples were built by Chandela dynasty in 10th and 11th century AD. The temples are situated in different complexes. These complexes also contain Jain Temples built during the Chandela Era. 

The purpose of this treatise in stone was perhaps a manual for young boys growing up in gurukuls or religious schools. It could also have been to please pleasure loving rain God Indra. The carved figures of men, women and animals are intertwined in various sexual positions. The carvings are intricate and explicit on the out walls of the Hindu Temples.

This hypothesis can best be left to eminent historians and scholars. Khajuraho temples are a must visit destinations. These are included in itinerary of many organized tour packages to Madhya Pradesh in India.

Khajuraho is a chaotic village that harbors these monuments of sublime beauty and exquisite artistic delights - the carving in stone - and not just erotic expressions that some of the travelers to India may be coming to see. This becomes evident on tour to Khajuraho as you visit one temple after another. You get immersed in the erotic carvings displayed on the walls.

Best way of reaching Khajuraho is by Air from Delhi and some other major towns. The nearest rail head is Satna. While one can access the temple town on Jabalpur - Bandhavgarh - Khajuraho route by taxi or personal vehicle.

The Panna National Park lies just forty five kms from the temple town of Khajuraho. Panna NP offers tiger safaris, exciting wildlife sightings and birding trips in the dense deciduous forests.

Indian Handicrafts on Travel

Not only exports, handicrafts in India are a major attraction for tourists. All Indian states have their unique native skills that result in creation of exotic crafts. The traveler comes across works of art and crafts all over his route.

Those on tours to Kerala or Rajasthan states are likely to discover and be impressed by Indian handicrafts since these are popular destinations. In popular tourists states an infrastructure has been laid down in bringing forth all elements of tourist attractions.

But as rest of India opens up to tourism, more and more states are gearing up to display and promote the local talent which produces unique works of arts. Be it jewelry, wooden statues, brass works and designer dresses. Those on travel to India must read and know about before hand the craftsmanship popular in the parts of India they are visiting. Find out where to see and buy them.

There are many Government Agencies that promote handicraft trade in the country to assist local communities. These efforts provide economic assistance and empowerment to locals especially the women.  

The government has taken lot of steps forward to encourage exports and exposure on crafts from India. EPCH has been set up for this very purpose.

EPCH full form Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts under Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Textile Ministry GOI was set up under EXIM policy in yr 1986-87. It helps create infrastructure and encourages marketing by offering information to member exporters and importers.

It Offers professional advice in areas of technology up gradation, quality and designing in improving standards and specifications, development of products and encourages creativity.
• EPCH organizes visits of members to foreign countries to explore overseas marketing potential.
• Participating in International Trade Fairs of Handicrafts & Gift.
• Organizes Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fairs.
• Acts as intermediately between exporters and Govt. at Central and State level. It represents all the committees / panels of Central.
• EPCH creates awareness through Workshops on "Export Marketing, Procedures and Documentation", Packaging, Design Developments, Buyer Seller Meets, Open House and other such programs.
• EPCH disseminates notification, orders, information on trades etc issued by GOI.

Of late tour operators offering package tour to Kerala include visit to handicraft fairs. This is also done in package tours to Rajasthan in Western India. The villages in the states which produces handicrafts are unique in nature.

Travel in India - Winter

Though winter is the peak season in India for tourism the arrivals are year around. Most of the foreigners visit India in this season. But as I have seen many tourists from different parts of India and inbound travelers are not fully informed as to how bitter cold is North India and some part of Central India.

In some parts of Himalayan regions and its foothills the snow falls unannounced. This takes tourist by surprise. Cloud bursts and flash floods also create a risk factor for tourists to Northern India. Though the infrastructure and disaster management services are in place on rare occasions these calamities surface.     

The tourists come directly under the effect of cold. Those traveling to North India like Kashmir, Leh and Laddakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Utter Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh should be vary of cold. The season begins from November and carries on till February or March in some cases.

The requirement of warm clothing are fulfilled by the markets hence the trouble caused is minimal. Many lodges and resorts have heating systems and emergency arrangement. During snowfall and rains landslide can occur hence on prior warning the tourist should avoid such destinations.    

In case of travel to National Parks, Hill Stations and Resorts in higher reaches extra warm clothing is a must. Clothing such as sweater, jackets, mufflers, hand gloves, head gear are a perquisite. Warm inner wear is very useful. Due to extreme cold tourists suffering from lung ailments and age should not travel without proper assistance. The high reaches of the Himalayas create breathlessness as oxygen is low.

The degree of difficulty and weather conditions should be highlighted by the tour organizers in India. But not many bother to emphasize upon the tourist to carry all sorts of warm garments. Though cold is not comparable with North America, Canada or Europe the trouble is there is no climate control in most of the places including in accommodations.

Luxury Hotels at National Parks

Tiger Tourism is on rise day by and there is a greater rush during holidays and week end. The accommodation has to keep pace with rising number of tourists every day. A number of hotels, wildlife lodges and jungle resorts have been set up around the periphery of the park.

Some of the hotels in the tiger reserves are high priced like the Celebration Van Vilas at Kanha and Celebration at Bandhavgarh while the semi luxurious hotels are affordable. Courtyard House Kanha is in the same price range but nonetheless offers luxurious amenities.

Besides the above two there are many other wildlife resorts and camps that offer accommodation. The accommodation types range from cottage, tents to standard hotel rooms. Some of the star properties provide luxurious amenities and cater to upscale tourists from India and abroad.  

There are many budget hotels in Kanha which are at best comfortable. During vacations it is advised to book hotels in advance since the room rates skyrocket as the rush begins and at times all room at the National Parks are fully booked. I have on number of occasions seen FITs turning back due to lack of accommodation.

Some of the finest hotels in NPs established in recent times are as follows:

Celebration Van Vilas Kanha Hotel



Celebration Hotel at Bandhavgarh


The hotel websites have option of booking online, which is fast and comfortable.

Khajuraho temples

Khajuraho is synonymous with 9th to 11th century temples which are a treatise on Kamasutra. The temples have been carved out of igneous rocks and are an architectural marvel thanks to Chandela dynasty which built them. Khajuraho was the capital of Chandela Kingdom.

The temples center around sex and males, females and animals are intricately involved in sexual postures and acts in the temple wall carvings. Nobody has an exact idea of the concept behind the temples but it is thought to depict tantric mysticism. The temples escaped the marauding Muslim invaders from destruction as they where located in forested areas. They where discovered by British Explorer T.S. Burt during the British Raj.

The main temples a must visit on Khajuraho tours are as follows:

1) Kandariya Mahadeva

2) Chaunsat Yogini

3) Chitragupta Temple

4) Vishwanath Temple

5) Lakshamana Temple

6) Matangeshwara Temple

7) Parsavanatha Temple

8) Ghantai Temple

9) Adinatha Temple

10) Duladeo Temple:

11) Chaturbhuj Temple

In ancient times there where eighty five temples built but about twenty two now remain at Khajuraho. There are many package tours available for Khajuraho and nearby destinations. Panna National Park is close to Khajuraho about 45 km drive.

Sikkim

Sikkim a Royal independent Kingdom amalgamated into Indian Union in the year 1974. It's earlier name was Suk-Heem or peaceful home. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim state is approx 190 kms from New Jalpaiguri which is a rail head. It is the smallest state in India after Goa.

Known for its magical beauty and pristine wilderness the Himalayan Kingdom is a favorite tourist destination. The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Sikkim is a land of mystic culture and colorful traditions. It is densely forested with abundant floral wealth hence popular among trekkers and lovers of adventure sports in India.

Sikkim has abundant ecological wealth and bio diversity hot spot. The State is rich in wildlife and birds with many endemic species making it their home. On a tour one can experience the grand mountain peaks, tropical green valleys, numerous waterfall and turbid rivers. Visit Buddhist monasteries and terraced hills of agrarian villages.The culturally rich populace is a mix of Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha and other communities. Hinduism and Buddhism are the major religions.    

The Himalayan Kingdom now an Indian State is an ideal trekking venue. There  are many pristine forest trails that lead to monasteries, villages and hilly regions. The mountainous terrain offers rugged treks to the adventure seekers. The remote locations offer ideal camping experience to the trekkers. 

The Sikkim tours is a wonderful adventure trek with a visit to sanctuaries to see unique wildlife. Tourism plays and important role in the little state's economy and there are many treks organized by tour operators in India. The treks are usually of fourteen days and the packages are all inclusive. There are many high altitude treks in this Himalayan Kingdom.

Fairs & Festivals in Rajasthan

The people of Rajasthan lead a colorful life and celebrate all joyous occasions with fun fair and gaiety. There Marwari life is full of music, dances, fairs and festivals. The state is mostly desert country, but yet, the most colorful and picturesque in the world.

Rajasthani's celebrate all kinds of fairs and festivals - animal fairs as cattle and horse fair which also offer trading in the live stock, religious fairs and fairs to mark the change of season. The celebrations are almost year around and offer insight into lifestyle of the locals. There are traditional fairs and fairs organized for the tourist attraction like elephant fair, camel race, dances and music . A tour should time with major fairs and festivals in order to experience the golden heritage and cultures of Rajasthan.

Some major fairs.

1) Nagaur Fair held January -February. A cattle fair and offers local sports and traditional music and local cuisine..

2) Kite Festival held on Makar Sakranti on14th January. See the splendor of colorful kites all over Rajasthan. This is the best event for Kite lovers.

3) Desert Festival at Jaisalmer. An exciting journey into the heart of Rajasthani desert life. Main attraction is the exotic city of Jaisalmer.

4) Baneshwar Fair Held on January-February, a festival exhibits religious and traditional rituals. The fair is attended by tribal communities of state of Madhya Pradesh and the state of Gujarat to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.

5) Gangaur Festival - held on March-April at Jaipur. This festival is devoted to Goddess Parvati. On this occasion young girls pray for best grooms while the married women pray for the well-being and safety of their husbands.

6) Pushkar Fair at Ajmer in November. An important pilgrimage center and the venue of a mammoth cattle fairs. Visit bazaars, partake or see cattle auctions. Find lovely music and partake in sports. Find the sole temple devoted to Lord Brahma the creator at Pushkar.

7) Teej Festival at Jaipur in July-August. It marks the coming of monsoon rains. In principle a women's festival decked in exquisite finery with activities in groups and at various bazaars.

8) Mewar Festival - March-April held at Udaipur held welcome the heralds of spring. There are songs and traditional dances, processions, religious music and colorful fireworks during the events.

9) Elephant Festival to celebrate Holi in March or April. Play and throw at each other water colors. colored powder and dyes watch several elephant sporting events.

10) Marwar Festival devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region at Jodhpur. This is an apt occasion for tourists to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of the state.

11) Camel Festival in January at Bikaner the exotic desert city is live with folk music and dances. The camels and camel race and dances are the key events.

Apart from fairs and festivals Rajasthan offers wonderful tiger safaris tours for lovers of nature. Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska and Bharatpur are prime wildlife watching destinations. The Rajasthani cuisine is unique and world famous. It is an experience of life time to partake this wonder full food.

Places of interest in Central India

Madhya Pradesh: Must See Travel Destinations

Bandhavgarh National Park: is situated near Jabalpur it is one of the finest tiger reserve Park in India. Offers highest tiger sightings and wildlife as deer and other carnivore like the leopard and Indian wolf and it is good place for birding.

There are many resorts at Bandhavgarh and which offer varied accommodations starting from budget resorts to luxurious accommodation. The park can be reached from Jabalpur city which is connected by air lines and railways with Delhi.

Khajuraho Temples: is situated in the district of Chhatarpur in MP it is Worlds most popular destination thanks to the 10 century erotic temples carved out of rocks. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Khajuraho has Kama Sutra encripted in the walls of the ancient temples.

Pachmarhi Hill Resort: Situated in the confines of the Satpura Ranges, Pachmarhi is a tourists paradise. Most of the tourists come here for sightseeing on holidays. The resort has much to offer. There are numerous water falls, deep valleys, caves and high mountains.     

Pench Tiger Reserve: It is believed to be the real Kipling Country on which the Jungle Book was based. Pench Tiger Reserve is home to many mammals, birds and reptiles. The prime predator is tiger which draws many tourists on wildlife safari. 

Kanha National Park: is situated near Jabalpur it is one of the finest National Park in India. Offers best tiger sighting and other Indian wildlife and birding. It is large park with scenic landscape and dense Sal forests (Shorea Robusta). It is most famous for tigers and Hard ground Barasingha.

There are many hotels in Kanha and offer both luxury and budget accommodations. The park can be reached from Jabalpur which is well connected by air and rail with Delhi.

Other Places of interests are Orchha, Chanderi, Mandu, Maheshwar and Ujjain.