1. Get Indian In Your Attire:
For the ladies,
wearing the Indian 'sari' will be a delightful experience. After you've managed
to put on one that is. There is an art to it, which the friendly Indian ladies
will only be too happy to help you with. Gentlemen may try out kurta-dhoti and
'sherwanis' with the famous gear for the head, turban.
2. Get Married Indian Style:
Indian marriages are
symbolised by a host of rites and rituals, traditions, pomp and festivity and
numerous customs passed down. from generation to generation. Take a quick peek
into the world of Indian weddings in all their glory by getting married Indian
style at a luxurious heritage hotel. The groom dresses in traditional attire
and is welcomed by friends with flower garlands by the bride's 'close
relatives' (hotel staff and guests in the case of international visitors). The
bride and groom exchange garlands during this ceremony. The mahurat or
auspicious time for the wedding ceremony is usually set after dinner. The
couple walk around the sacred fire. At the end of the ceremony, the newly-weds
touch the feet of elders to take their blessings.
3. Design Your Hands:
Mehendi, "henna
colouring", has become the in thing for women. No Indian wedding is
complete without mehendi. Whichever part of the country the bride may be from;
her hands are adorned with the lovely red hue of mehendi. Visit a local bazaar
and get your hands coloured. Popular traditional images used in mehendi designs
are the peacock, the national bird of India, the lotus flower, and an elephant
with a raised trunk -a symbol of good luck. It usually takes over six hours for
the mehendi to set properly. The intricate patterns are dabbed with cotton
balls doused in sugar syrup and lime juice to make the mehendi darker.
4. Visit An Indian Home:
Indians are hospitable
people and respect religious and social customs. Chances are that if you show
an inclination, you will get invited to their homes. Indians have always
believed that 'the guest is God.
5. Watch An Indian Film:
Be it the Oscars or
the friendly neighborhood theatre in our country, Indian movies have made a
mark in the world. When in India, it will be a good idea to hop into a
movie-theatre and experience an " exciting array rama, emohon an ance
music. You will not only be thoroughly entertained but you may also find enough
inspiration to make a flick of your own.
6. Play Cricket In The Park:
Cricket is a national
passion. The obsession for - the game has bewildered historians who are at a
loss to describe the enthusiasm. At every park in the country, cricket is
played by youngsters. Particularly on weekends. I So grab a pair of sports
shoes and join in the fun and frolic. The game of cricket was brought to Indian
shores by British sailors and subsequently by the soldiers and civil officers
posted to the sub-continent during the Raj era. The romance has become thicker
with the passage of time. The game transcends social barriers.
7. The Indian Digestive:
The Indian paans are
famous for their taste and digestive properties. Paans are special leaves
commonly had with betel nuts which can also be tailor-made on request with
coconut powder, clove, sugar, camphor, gulkand (a sweet paste), etc. Go ahead
and eat your heart out and top it up with a paan.
8. Holy Holi:
Welcome to Holi,
India's fluorescent Mardi Gras where no one is safe from being turned into
something that resembles a Jackson Pollocks canvas, It is the most colourful,
friendly battle on earth. Holi is a time for celebrating the arrival of spring
and the approaching harvest season. The frenzy takes place all across northern
and eastem India. Join in the celebration as vibrantly coloured powders are
thrown on friends, relatives, and strangers. The festival is accompanied with
noisy makeshift parades, feasts and dancing in the streets, and in true Indian
fashion.
9. Delhi Haat:
Situated in the heart
of the capital city, Dilli Haat is the first ever permanent crafts market
showcasing crafts from allover India. The word Haat implies a weekly market in
rural and semi-urban India. The Dilli Haat offers a delightful amalgam of
craft, food and cultural activities. The 62 stalls selling handicra&s are
allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of India
for a maximum period of 15 days. This ensures visitors buy authentic wares at
prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs. Savour the
inimitable flavours of the delightful local foods from the 25 food stalls, be
it the momos from Sikkim or the bamboo hot chicken from Nagaland.
10. Lal Quila:
The Lal Quila (Red
Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its
magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. IIt is a calm haven of peace, which
helps one to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of the
Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence. Sound and light
shows, highlighting particular phases of history are held here and are worth
attending. The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and light shows are also
held at other important monuments.
11. Indian Habitat Centre:
The Habitat Centre
prides itself on being the epicentre of the cultural and entertainment life of
the capital. With several performance venues, almost all operating daily, every
evening can be leisurely spent enjoying a spectrum of performances. In
addition, delectable cuisine is available at its' food court.
12. Sip Tea :
On the way to Kerala's
hill country, Munnar, stop at a tea stall and sip a cup of the brew. The cool
mountain If makes the experience invigating. 'Kawa' is a light. tea, without
milk, topped. WIth grated almonds, popular III Jammu and KashmIr. The masala
tea served in the Dhabas in north India is another speciality.
13. Read The Classifieds :
Check out the Sunday
newspapers in India and you will find amusing reading under
"Matrimonials'. The advertisements give an idea of the social milieu and
society in the country.
14. A Palace In The Hills :
Situated on a 15 acre
forested estate surrounded by tea gardens of the Kangra valley, one of the most
scenic and unexplored areas of Himachal Pradesh, is the Taragarh Palace. It has
comfortable furnished rooms with attached baths, teak panelled dining hall, old
colonial furniture, swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts. While at
Taragarh, visit the Tashijong Monastery which has a commanding view of the
Kangra Valley.
15. Catch The Rapids During Full Moon :
River Running is the
most organised water sport in the country. It includes rafting, canoeing and
Kayaking. India's rafting stretches are mainly on the river Beas, Sutlej,
Mahakali and Ganges, of which Ganges is considered the safest. If you're lucky
you might catch the night rafting, when the runners raft by the light of the
full moon that casts eerie all over the flat Himalayan deserted land.
16. Walk In The Bazaars :
Walking in the narrow
winding streets of bazaars is in itself a novel experience. The bazaars are
certainly not the mall. Put aside any notion of peace and jump into the thick
of it. Chandni Chowk, in Old Delhi, has all kinds of shops, from gold and
silver to hardware. If you get lost, just hail an auto rickshaw, they will take
you where you want to go.
17. A Modern Ashram :
The Osho Ashram, Pune,
better known as the ashram of Bhagwan Rajnesh, attracts a thousands of the
western visitors every year. It boasts of modern facilities and offer numerous
courses. Walk around this beautiful edifice and take a course in meditation.
18. Monsoon Magic At Mandu :
Mandu in Madhya
Pradesh in a celebration of Life, a tribute to the tender to the tender love of
the poet-prince, Baz Bahadur for his consort, Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of
Malwa still sing of their love. Roopmati's Pavilion gazes down fondly upon Baz
Bahadur Palace, an outstanding examples of Mughal Architecture. The other
structures of interest are the massive Jama Masjid and Hoshang Shah's Tomb,
which served as models for the master-builders of the Taj Mahal, centuries
later. The magic of Mandu lives on it's palaces, mosques, and in its ballads.
Mandu comes to life in the monsoon season. But anytime is a good time to see
this spectacular place.
19. Yak Safari :
Get onto a yak while
others trek along the spine of the Singelila Range to the 4572- metre-high Dui
La, the pass of the devil. The route with no habitation, follows the ancient
grazing trail of the Yak herdsmen. It is the dimain of Yaks, their lonely
herdsmen, lakes, glacial valleys, gurgling streams, cascades, chiselled snow
peaks, meadows, forests, Rhodidendrons, wildlife, birds and breathtaking views
of 6000 to 8000 metre-high peaks of the Khangchendzonga group, and the Mount
Everest group. This an experience unique to Sikkim.
20. Jingle Jangle Bangles :
Visit a fair and buy a
host of multi coloured glass bangles to match eyes, dress, shoes or taste.
Ferozabad, a town in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its glass bangle
manufacturing. In each region,bangles are made using the material available
locally like wood in Kashmir and lac in Rajasthan.
21. Golden Temple :
All that glitters
here, for certain, is gold. The Temple complex is Amritsar, Punjab is the most
sacred place for sikhs. The holi waters of the surrounding sarovar (pool)
mirror the gold of the temple making it an enriching experience.
22. Have Lunch In Punjabi Dhaba :
Expect to receive
hospitality that is overwhelming. Punjabi Food is centred around bread, corn
bread, greens abd buttermilk (Lassi. Buttermilk is whipped of yogurt and can be
sweetened or with salt and is usually very thick. Wheat is the staple food
here. Shredded vegetables mixed with spices and stuffed with dough are rolled
and roasted to make delicious stuffed parathas. 'Tandoori' food, a favorite
with many foreigners, is a gift from Punjab. After eating this meal, you can
safely miss the next two meals!
23. Bargain Your Way :
When cities like Delhi
or Mumbai visit the local markets like Janpath in Delhi or the Fashion Street
in Mumbai. Here you will find an amazing variety of clothes and Junk Jewelley
but the real fun of it is bargaining with the shopkeepers. Not only will you
take home a lot of goodies at throw away prices but you will also enjoy the
experiences.
24. Visit The Oldest Restaurant :
In Old Delhi, close to
the Red Fort, is India's Oldest restaurant, Karim's. Founded by the family of
chef's who fed the Mughal emperors exotic dishes, the tradition of great
cuisine lives on. Try their Kofta, peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a
boiled egg; and succulent chicken yougurt laced with spices that burst upon the
palate lie star shells.
25. Sip Tea At A Wayside Stall :
On the way to Kerala's
hill country. Munnar, sto at a tea stall and sip a cup of brew. The cool
mountain air makes the experience invigorating." Kawa" is a light
tea, without milk, topped with grated almonds, popular in Jammu ana Kashmir.
The Masala tae served in the Dhabas in North India is another speciality.
26. Road Tripping :
Take a road trip from
Bangalore to Goa. Passing through some astonishing landscapes, this is one of
the most fascinating road trips down south. Another beautiful trip by road is
from Chennai to Pondicherry via the East Coast Road. Also try a road trip from
Rani ket to Kasuni in the Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal.
27. Cultural Delhi :
The habitat centre
prides itself on being the epicentre of the cultural and entertainment life of
the capital With several performance venues, almost all opertaing daily, every
evening can leisurely spent enjoying a spectrum of performances. In addition,
delectable cuisine is available at its food court.
28. Vintage Car Drive :
Hyderabad love affair
with automobiles dates back to the days of the nizams.Even today expect to see
Rolls Royace, Packards and Candiallacs on the streets. Experience an exclusive
drive around town in the vintage or classic car.
29. Walk In The Bazaars :
Walking the narrow
winding strrets of bazaars is in itself a novel experience. The bazaars are
certainly not the mall. Put aside any notions of peace and quiet and jump into
the thick of it. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, has all kinds of shops, from gold
and silver to hardware. If you can get lost, just hail an auto rickshaw,
they'll take you whre you want to go.
30. Mount Abu :
Discover a tropical
hill resort in the middle of the Rajasthan desert.Surrounded by the forests and
flowering shrubs, Mt Abu was selected as the site of the most sacred mystic
rites in ancient times, the sacrifice of the fire pit. Also, it is the centre
of the Jain Pilgrimage. Check out the intricate carvings of the marble Dilwara
temples and expect to get lots of spicy vegetarian food.
31. Indian Derby :
The racing season at
Mahalaxmi Race course, Lala Lajpatrai Road, in Mahalxmi run from November to
April. The highlight is the Indian Derby in Feburary. The elegant stands
provide first class viewing of the racing on the flat, oval track; the entry
fees range from Rs 12 to Rs 200. The race course is a popular place for people
to visit, to jog or simply take in fresh air.
32. Celebration Of Good Over Evil :
In October, a ten- day
long festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Prince Rama over the evil
king Ravana. Ram Lila, a drama which brings to life the legends of prince Rama
is held in various parts of the country. On the tenth day a huge effigy of
Ravana, filled with crackers is burnt. This becomes a most spectacular display
of fireworks that fills up in the evening sky.
33. Spring Ahoy :
From the backwaters of
Kerala and the waters of Goa to the northern frontiers in Kashmir, cursing on
the calm waters surrounded by the scenic beauty adds a magical charm to a
unique holiday. You could choose to stay on a houseboat or Shikara in Kashmir.
Or relax in the Kettuvallams in Kerala, houseboats made out of jackwood planks
sewn together with coir ropes.
34. Sailing The Sea :
The yearly Kingfisher
Sea Bird race from Mumbai to Goa has become a major sailing event of the year.
At the Royal Bombay Yacht Club and Colaba Sailing Club, one can learn sailing
or just sail.
35. Temples On A Hill On A Moonlit Night :
Palitana, city of Jain
temples, lies at the feet of Shratrunjya hills, in the eastern part of the
saurashtra. From this town, a flight of steps lead to a cluster of 863 temples
built over a period of 900 Years. On a moonlight night the ivory coloured
temples are a delectable sight.The ornate temples with deities studded with
gems and jewels, can be reached after 90 minute climb.
36. Meet A Real-Life Maharaja :
Visit a heritage hotel
where members of the royal family, having turned their palaces into hotels,
hobnob with their guests. They are inclined to talk of the past and many
revealing tales will make your experience an interesting one.
37. Sunset Of The Dunes :
Take a Camel Safari
out in the desert to watch the sunset over miles upon miles of sand. Camp on a
solitary oasis, experience the dark starry nights and dance to musicians
playing haunting music.
38. Hole In One :
Play a round of Golf
at the Classic Golf Resort ( CGF), the first South Asian Signature Championship
course designed by te great Jack " Golden Bear' Nicklaus. The resort has
been built on a 300 acre expanse, at the foothills of the picturesque 20
million year old Aravalli Hills.
39. Ballooning :
Ballooning is a great
way to see a city. New Delhi's Safdarjung Airport provides some opppurtunities
to float past the old monuments.Ballooning events are also held annually in
Rajasthan's three cities - Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
40. Khajuraho :
While many people come
to Khajuraho to see the erotic sculpture, this is a spectacular place for those
interested in art and sculpture. Khajuraho is a must for students of arts.
41. Check Out The Heart-Beat Of Kolkata :
Check out the Howrah
bridge. See the New Market where everything from needles, textiles to squirrels
is available. The Jewish street is a delight. Here they continue to have their
own courts that follow Jewish Law.
42. Be A Sahib For A Day :
The club culture in
Kolkata is a British Raj legacy. Today the exculsive clubs of yesteryear are
haunts of the native sahibs. Some of the clubs have strict dress codes and
adherence to it is recommended. Sip a cup at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club
(established 1829, the oldest Golf Club outside the UK) and experience what it
was to be a "burra sahib" (big boss) in the days of British Raj.
43. In The Footsteps Of Kiplings :
Relieve the good old
days of the sahibs and shikari(hunter) by going on an elephant safari.
Elephants might seem huge, intimidating beasts but they are quite gentle really
and one can soon get used to the swaying motion of the elephant's gait.Travel
through the hills and wide river valleys of the Corbett National Park, named
after the famous hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. Wild Boar and herds
of deer browse the vegetation in this scenic reserve, becoming a convenient
prey for the park's leopards and tigers.
44. Pearls And Happiness:
Ever since the Diwan's
patronage of the pearl industry, Hyderabad has remained the premier centre for
buying, sorting and selling of pearls. The pearls are polished and graded and
are then patterned into strings, jewellery, or simply sold by weight
45. Rhinos Aplenty:
For wildlife buffs,
the Kaziranga Wildlife Reserve on the banks of the Brahamputra river is famous
for the last major home of the 'Rhinoceros Unicornia'. Discover the park that
also has the wild buffaloes and tigers atop an elephant's back.
46. Follow The Buddha's Trail:
Visit the quiet little
village of Bodhgaya in Bihar. It is here that the Buddha is said to have
attained Nirvana. Onece here, you can visit the Bodhi Tree (the fifth in
succession of the original tree) under which the Buddha had attained
Enlightement. Other places of interest are the spectacular Mahabodhini Temple,
Vajrasna and the ancient railings that surround the temple.
47. Tiger Tiger:
Tiger Safari offer a
full experince of Indian Wildlife. The Periyar Tiger trail is an exciting
trekking programme through the deep forests in the Periyar river valley, near
the Thekkady tourist resort in Idukki district, Kerala. Led by a small team of
experienced guides having quit their former jobs as poachers, hike into cool,
green forets and out again into vast, sunny meadows. One can hang out with an
astounding array of wildlife including elephants, sambar deer, birds like the
brilliant blue kingfisher and the great Indian hornbill, and more than 100
species of butterflies.
48. Watch A Kathakali Dancer Apply Makeup:
A Kathakali
performance is a major social event that starts at dusk and goes on through the
night. Kathakali is performed only by men. The makeup is so elaborate that it
is more like a mask. The materials that comprise the makeup include rice flour
for ehitr, the red is made from Vermillion (a red earth such as cinnabar). The
black is made from soot. The colours are not merely decoration, but are also a
means of portraying characters. For instance, red on the feet is used to
symbolize evil character and evil intent.
49. Get A Pair Of Shoes Made:
A Chinatown in Kolkata
buzzes with activity the year round. It has rows of shoe stores and shoe
makers, where you can get a pair of shoes designed at an amazingly reasonable
cost. .
50. Where Washerman Of Mumbai Meet:
Visit Asia's largest
open air laundry in Mumba. Here hundreds of washermen wash clothes and leave
them out in the sun to dry. This Dhobi Ghat could not be further removed in
spirit from the manicured lawns of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, although it is
only a few hundred yards away. This is where much of the Mumbai's laundry is done,
by hand in concrete sinks and dried by the sun, as it has been for
generationst.
51. The Fish Business:
Take a tour to
Kolkata's fish markets and see the numerous varities of fish from the lively
Koi(Climbing perch), the wringling catfish family of tangra, magur, shingi and
the pink-bellied Indian butter fish, the pabda. Among the larger fish, are rui
(rohu) and behtki, weigh upto eight kilograms. Baskets of pink and silvery
ilish (hilsa) match the shime on the glistening blade of the fishmonger. Top this
with atrue Bengali meal of fish curry and rice.
52. Border With Myanmar ( Manipur):
Manipur is a great
place to see over two dozens tribes. Famous for Manipuri dances and handloom
textiles, the capital is surrounded by hills and lakes where one can go on
nature walks and understand the meaning of true peace.
53. Live Corals:
Experience the beauty
of the fields of coral. Visit Cinque Islands, one of the most beautiful islands
of the Andamans. It is surrounded by pristine coral reefs. Prior permissions is
required from the forest department to visit the island and only day trips are
allowed.
54. Live In A Tree House:
About 65 km from
Kozhikode on the road to Udhagamandalam, one reaches the base camp of the
resort by jeep. The virgin travk from the camp to the tree houses has been
retained in its prmitive condition. The dwelling, 400 sq ft each, took nearly
five months of the collective effort by an engineer, carpenters and Pandya
tribals to complete. Living in a tree house brings stories of Robinson Crusoe to
life.
55. Ride A Thoroughbed:
In Mysore, ride
thoroughbed and half bred, Indian Bred Marwari and Kathiawari horses, retired
from racing. The average distance covered by the horse safari daily is 20-35
kms. Accommodation is in deluxe tents with seperate baths. The best time is
between November to March.
56. Land Of Silks:
Kanchipuram, the town
of thousands temples is one of the seven sacred cities in India. Kanchipuram is
famous forits hand woven silks in the form of saris and yardage.The timeless
appeal of the vibrantly coloured silks makes them prized collections.
57. In The Footsteps Of Maharajas:
These days one would
find golfers on the ground where royals once moved on their chargers. The
Rambagh Palace Polo and Golf Club in Jaipur is an eighteen-hole course with
nine greens and nine browns. It overlooks the picturesque Moti Dhongri Palace
and the historical Nahargarh Fort. The fairway passes through the Rambagh Polo
grounds, which have seen some of the finest polo matches in the time of the
late Sawai Man Singh.
58. Endangered Olive Ridley Turtles- A Rare
Sight:
Every year, as winter
starts, thousands of baby Olive Turtles make their journey from India's eastern
coast to the sea. Near Bhubhneshwar, about 200,000 baby turtles crawl out of
eggs laid on the sandy shores, one of the world's largest nesting grounds.
59. India French Connection:
A quaint enclave in
Tamil Nadu, 120 kms from Chennai is Pondicherry, once a possessions of French.
It joined the Republic of India in 1960. The town is home to acclaimed
philospher Shri Aurobindo. The Auribindo ashram is must for those visiting this
region. The French will find it particularly charming as the homes, culture and
cuisine are distinctly French.
60. Let Your Hair Fly:
Windsurfing is now so
popular that most good sea side resorts offer it. Winter Months are best for
amateurs as the wind remains gentle. The lagoons at Lakshdaweep Islands are
excellent for windsurfing.
61. Experience The Juggernaut:
Did you know that
Juggernaut, defined in the English dictionary as an "irrestible
destructive force" was coined by British settlers in India when they
witnessed the annual spectacle at the 12 th Century,Jaganath Temple in Orissa?
A reason to see the Rath Yatra, or the Car festival is because it is one of the
most stupenduous processions on the globe. Tens of thousands of ecstatic
singing and dancing people crowd in front of the Chariots as they make their
way through town,. The temple is one of the four holy Dhams, or "abodes of
the Divine" and millions of pilgrims come each year to pay homage to the
deity Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The festival takes place once a
year in July.
62. Museums Of Utensils:
A unique culinary
experience awaits visitors on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, where visitors can
savour authentic Gujurati Village cuisine, before wandering through the grounds
to see a museum devoted to Indian Utensils.Utensils have been placed in a
simple structure set around an open courtyard. Collected from all over India,
the endeavour is to demonstrate the purity of form and shape in these objects
of Utility.The museum celeberates the simple but perfectly designed objects of
everyday use.
63. Stand On The Tip Of India:
Kanya Kumari, the
southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of
Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet- a place from where one can
see spectacular sunrises, colourful sunsets and the full moon rising from
another part of the sky.
64. Participate In The Paranormal:
A Shrine in Shivpur,
near Pune, named after Sufi Qamar Ali witnesses an unusual event. In the
courtyard, visitors to temple are asked to assist in a demonstration of Qamar
Ali's divine presence. The experiment involves a large boulder in the
courtyard. When eleven people stand around the largest boulder and lightly
touch it with a single forefinger and chant unison, the phrase, ' Qamar Ali
Dervish' the stone rises. If the chanting stops or just one person removes his
finger from the stone, the stone instantly falls. Believe it or not!
65. An Oil Massage In Kerala
Ayurvedic messages may
have tongue twisting names, but have close guaranteed remedies for many
ailments. A synchronized massage uses traditional herbal oils as measures kneed
the body. The efect of this is obvious as the body relieves itseilf as the
exceesive fluids. An unusual feeling of wellness is experienced with sirodhara,
as a medicated oil is poured in an even stream onto the forehead, said to
pacify and revitalize the mind and body.
66. Experience The Juggernaut:
Did you know that Juggernaut,
defined in the English Dictionary as an "irrestible destructive
force" was coined by British Settlers in India when they witnessed the
annual spectacle at the 12 th Centuary Jagannath Temple in Orissa? A reason to
see the Rath Yatra, or the Cra festival is because it is one of the most
stupendous processions on the gloobe. The Temple is one of the four holy Dhams,
or the "abodes of the Divine", and the millions of Pilgrims come each
year to pay homage to the diety Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The
Festival takes place once a year in July.
67. Untouched Mangrove Forests:
Take a cruise around
the untouched evergreen forests of Mangrove, the Sunderbans, the largest
mangrove forests in the world. The vast spaces of densely wooded islands of wild
beaches are sprinkled with baking deer and wildlife sanctuaries. Little wonder
then that at Sunderbans, tranquality, peace and serenity get their true
meaning. It has the largest species of mangroves, Royal Bengal Tigers,
estuarine crocodiles and is one of the few large coastal wetlands left in the
world.
68. Beating The Retreat:
At the majestic Vijay
Chowk, the " Beating the Retreat" ceremony is held every year against
the backdrop of the setting sun in Delhi. A centuaries old military traditions,
" Beating the Retreat" dates back to the days when troops disengaged
themselves from the battle at sunset. As soon as the bugles sounded retreat,
the troops ceased fighting,sheathed their arms and withdrew from the
battlefield. The custom has been retained to this day when colours and
standards are cased and the flag lowered.
69. Visit An Artist Village:
Cholamandalam in
Chennai, Shilpgram in Udaipur, Pinjore in Haryana and Chowkidhani in Jaipur are
some of the artist villages worth a visit. Here one can see artists at work- be
it pottery, embroidery, painting or various other art forms.
70. Watch Idols Immersed In The Sea:
Ganesh is the
well-endowed god of prosperity. So it pays to treat him well! Celeberate the
birthday of lord ganesh along with a million others as they move towards the
sea to immerse his idols. The biggest public culmination of Ganesh Chathurthi
happens on Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai, in a large scale immersion. The city comes
to a standstill as hundereds of thousands of worshipers crowd the beach. As the
King sized idols are dragged into the sea, the crowd wild and chants, "
Ganapati Bappa Maurya.
71. Sore Ankles And Rustic Fun:
Riding a camel fun can
take some getting used to, similar to the first time trying to sit cross-kneed.
It's not like an elephant ride where one can sit back comfortably and let the
animal do the rest. Be prepared for sore ankles and knees. It will be better to
try a one day safari before getting on to anything major. This is an ideal way
to spend time exploring the rustic Rajasthan. A camel safari moves through the
golden sands of the savage Thar Desert passing through remote villages. The
fortified cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner are the best areas for camel
safari.
72. India's Only Wild Ass Sanctuary:
The Rann of Kutch,
which covers an area of roughly 5,000 square Km, is primarily known as the
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is the last natural habitat of the
Indian Wild Ass, one of the surviving species of the Wild Ass in the World -
the other two being found in the Central Asia and in and around Tibet.
73. Ancient Monastery:
Visit the 17th
Centuary monastery of the Mahayana Buddhists in Twang, Arunachal Pradesh, at an
altitude of 10,200ft. Home to over 500 Lamas, it is surrounded by mountains.
The temple contains a huge statue of Buddha and other priceless images and
Tankhas. It also has a wealth of old scriptures, beautifully illustrated
religious books (some of them in Sanskrit) and a Library containing antique
books invluding gold-lettered copies of the sacred Buddhist Scriptures.
74. Temples On A Hill On A Moonlit Night:
Palitana, city of Jain
Temples, lies at the feet of Shatrunjya hills, in the eastern part of the
Saurashtra. From this town, a flight of steps lead to a cluster of 863 temples
built over a period of 900 years. On a moonlit night the ivory coloured temples
are a delectable sight. The Oranate temples with deities studded with gems and
jewels, can be reached after a 90 minute climb.
75. Lunch Anyone:
A sight exclusive to
Mumbai is its legendary dabbawallahas an army staff that supplies lunch boxes
to Mumbaiites. To see them in action drop by Mumbai's Churchgate Station or the
suburban section of Chattrapati Shivaji Station between 11 am and 12 noon on
any working day. This unique system works a little like the Internet. Each
lunch container has a code which directs its routing. The simple colour-coded
instructions determine not only packed prioritization as lunches transfer from
train to bycyle to foot. Thousands of Lunch boxes are delivered everyday.
76. A Wig Industry Blooms:
On an average, daily,
tens of thousands of pilgrims offer their har at Trimula, in fulfillment of
their vows. The tonsuring centres are busy day and night through the year. Over
200 tonnes of hair are collected every year, wigs are made and exported.
77. Rock Climbing:
Bangalore is the
centre of rock climbing destination like Ramangaram, Savandurga, Thuralli,
Kabbal, Raogodhu and others. Kambakkam, around 100 kms from Chennai, provides
good climbing in many grades while Hampi in Karnataka has some of the best
granite rocks in India, providing climbers ample oppurtunity to test their
skills. In a 300 kms radius adjoining Kolkata, there are some rock climbing
destinations such as Purulia, Matha Bura, Jai Chandi and Susunia hills.
78. Palace Of Winds:
More famous by the
name Hawa Mahal is one of the Jaipur's major landmarks. This five storeyed
building built in 1799 looks out over the main street of the buzzing old city,
is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its pink delicately
hoenycombedsandstone windows of which there are 953.
79. Paintings:
The history of
painting in Rajasthan can be traced to the prehistoric period, as evidenced by
the discovery of painting in rock shelters in the Chambal valley. Fragments of
paintings found on pottery shards recovered from Kalibangan, Ahar and Gilund
among other places indicate the antiquity of its pictorial art tradition. The
most characteristic paintings of Rajasthan are miniatures, small paintings
crammed with detail and executed in vegetable and mineral colours generally on
handmade paper, but also non ivory, marble wood, cloth and leather.
80. Rural People:
Indians are hospitable
people, respect religion and social customs. Indians always believe that
"The guest is God".You may stop your vehicle en-route , make friends
and with permission you can take their photographs also.
81. Eco Tourism Efforts:
While in Jodhpur,
visit the Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi clan holds a special significance in the
culture of India. Their commitment to the natural environment is extraordinary.
The basic philosophy of the clan is that all living things have a right to
survive and share all resources. The Blackbuck and the Chinkara are not afraid
of humans here and often seen near the village eating out of the villagers
hands.
82. Enjoy Fairs And Festivals:
Festivals hold an
unusual lure for the Rajasthanis and they find any number of reasons to
celebrate. While some of these are traditional festivals, there are also a
large number which have been recently introduced to showcase the heritage of a
region. During your tour you might come across to any fair or festival in which
you can participate and get the feeling.
83. A Palace Shimmers In The Lake:
The Lake Palace,
Udipur is one of the most beautiful places in the world, arising out of the
turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake, an elegant fantasy in white marble. The
palace was built in the 17 th Centuary on a natural foundation of 4 acres of
rock. Run by the Taj Group, the rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland
stones of pink, green lotus leaves and painted mirrors.
84. Bird-Watching At The Pathiramanal Island:
Go bird-watching at
the Pathiramanal Island Sands of night. This little island on the backwaters is
a favourite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of
the land. It lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom and is accessible by boat
only. It is surrounded by the Vembanad Lake, stretching from Alleppey to Kochi
and the Kayamkulam Lake. The green island thus forms an ideal place for a break
in the journey while on a backwater cruise. Boats to the island now operate on
Sundays from Muhamma and Kumarakom.
85. Kuttanad:
Don't miss Kuttanad,
the rice bowl of Kerala. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad, with its
shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas, cassava and yams, which
accompany the rice bowl as "side dishes". This is perhaps the only
land in the world where farming is done below sea level. Inland waterways,
which flow above land level, are an amazing feature of the unique landscape.
86. Champakulam Church:
Don't miss visiting
the Champakulam Church, one of the oldest churches in Kerala, the St. Mary's
Church is believed to be one of the seven established by St Thomas. For
interests sake, the annual feast at this church falls on the 3rd Sunday of
October every year and the feast of St Thomas is celebrated on March 19th.
87. Bird Watching:
Bharatpur is the real
kingdom of avian fauna with approximately 377 birds species already spotted. In
early October the first migrants arrive from central Asia, Mongolia and
Siberia, the most eagerly awaited of the lot being the gravely threatened
Siberian crank. Get ready for a sudden encounter with the elusive Siberian
crane wintering here. Bharatpur is one of the known wintering haunts of the
Siberian Crane.
88. Rajasthani Music:
Folk music is a vital
part of Rajasthani culture. Through songs the legendary battles of the Rajputs
are told. The music engenders both a spirit of identity and provides
entertainment as relief from the daily grind of wrenching a living from the
inhospitable land.
89.Shopping:
India is a paradise
for shoppers. From traditional Indian bazaars to modern shopping arcades, India
offers splendid buys to suit individual taste and pocket. No matter where you
are in the country, you will encounter a bewildering array of shopping options.
You could shop for fine brocades, shimmering silks, woolens, cool cottons and a
range of other fabrics. There is rich embroidery and mirror work as also an
amazing variety of gold and silver jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones,
miniature paintings, metal, marble and stone-wares, pottery, jute and bamboo
crafts, to choose from.
90. Darjeeling Train Journey :
Make sure to be on
board the Darjeeling Himalayan Train. Described by the guiness Railway Book as
' one of the world's most spectacular' rail journeys, it si one of the the
things you must do when you are in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a
piece of inspirational railway engineering.
91. Frozen River Trek:
A Challenging and
exciting trek over the frozen river Zanskar is the only access to the isolated
capital of Zanskar during the harsh winter period. This dramatic and
challenging trek begins with sight-seeing in the Tibetan influenced kingdom of
Ladakh. The trek is on the frozen river with night stops in the villages and
natural caves. Best time is between mid-January to mid-Feburary.
92. Kite Festival:
Enthusiasts from all
over the world converge in Ahmedabad for the International Kite Festival in January
on Makar Sankranti (according to the calendar is the 13th or 14th). Competitors
prepare their kite strings with special mixtures of glue and ground glass as
they try to cut the lines of other kites. Special foods and other celebrations
accompany this festival marking the end of winter.
93. Sound And Light:
The Lal Quila (Red
Fort) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its
magnificence simply leaves awestruck. It is a calm haven of peace, which helps
one to break away, from the noisy and busy life outside the walls of Fort, and
transports the visitors to another realm of existence. Sound and Light shows,
highlighting particular phases of history are held here and worth attending.
The shows are in Hindi and English. Sound and Light shows are also held at
other important monuments.
94. Golf In The Summer Capital Of The British:
Shimla was the summer
capital during the British Raj. Since no English township could be complete
without a golf course, a suitable site was finally chosen at Naldehra 23 Km
from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy turf, which requires
little maintenance.
95. Get A Pair Of Shoes Made:
Shimla was the summer
capital during the British Raj. Since no English township could be complete
without a golf course, a suitable site was finally chosen at Naldehra 23 Km
from Shimla. The course is carpeted by a fine springy turf, which requires
little maintenance.
96."Pardesi" Synagogue In Cochin:
The Magnificent
synagogue is named after "Pardesi" who are the 'White Jews': a
mixture of Jewish exiles from Spain and Portugal. It is the oldest synagogue
built in the former British Empire. The synagogue houses 1600 year old copper
plates on which the community charter of independence and the privileges were
granted to the Jewish community are inscribed.
97. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai:
Madurai, in
southernmost point of peninsular India, is where the waters of the Bay of
Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea meet - a place from where one can
see spectacular sunrises and colourful sunsets and the full moon rising from
another part of the sky.
98. Healing Gems:
The Navaratna (nine
gems) is an exquisite piece of jewellery and every woman must own one.
Traditionally the stone and its weight are decided according to the
individual's astrological chart. The Navaratna consists of diamond, ruby,
emerald, coral, pearl, sapphire, garnet, topaz and the cat's eye. This
combination of gems is considered highly auspicious and is said to protect the
wearer.
99. Gold Facial:
Get a 22 carat gold
facial at any of the premium parlours like the Shahnaz herbal parlours in
India. The facial involves a massage with 22 carat pure gold gel and cream to
stimulate blood circulation and lyphatic drainage. This is an intensive age-
control and rejuvenating treatment, leaving you as good as gold.
100. Aarti - Homage To The Ganges:
In Rishikesh and
neighboring Haridwar, each evening, as the sun's last rays reflect off the
boundless water of the Ganges, people gather for the aarti. This divine light
ceremony is filled with devotional songs. The aarti, ornate oil lamps are
released into the water. Aarti is a time whem people break free from stresses
and strains of everyday life, and gather together in joy, reverence and peace.
As bright yellow sun dips in the water, one is filled with deep sense of bliss
and spiritual connection.
101. Adventure Sports:
India's wide choice of
adventure sports ranges from the daring to the exotic. A test of skill,
toughness, endurance... and always exciting. Choose your kind of adventure -
the perennial challenge of the Himalayas for mountaineers, the coniferous
forests and flower meadows for the trekker, the rapids of snow-fed rivers for
white water rafting, and the lonely stretches of the Thar desert for camel
safaris and motor rallies.
The streets, beaches, churches, restaurants and nightclubs are adorned and beautifully decorated. Dancing and parties form an inevitable part of Christmas in Goa. The celebrations begin with the singing of Christmas carols, which is followed by offering prayers in the church and exchanging gifts. Like all other parts of the world, people decorate their houses with Christmas trees with buntings such as, candies, sparkling stars, cakes, socks, gifts and cotton flakes. 
The variety of different states and regions of India has made it possible for different religions, ethnicity and culture exist. Each state in India has its own culture and they all stand unified forming one single culture of India. The various arts forms were developed right from the Stone Age and has developed to a much more refined formed of painting as time went by. The custom of painting the exterior walls of houses can still be seen in modern India in many parts of India. Music and dance have developed to a beautiful refined form and took the form of present Indian classical music and dance forms. Different Indian cultures have their own style and tastes in their respected cuisines. Every part and region of India has its own kind of food specialty and famous dishes.
