Fair Festival & Events

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan is the auspicious day when Lord Krishna took birth on this planet. The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervor and zeal in India in August or September. As per Hindu Calendar, this festival is celebrated on the 8th day of the dark fortnight which is called as Ashtami of Krishna Paksh. Lord Krishna is believed to be the most powerful soul and incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. His birth took place in Mathura before 5,200 years. And, that’s why the Mathura is called is Krishnabhumi.

This festival is celebrated all over India by the Hindu majority. The people called this festival by different names like Krishna Janmashtami, Sree Jayanti, Gokilashtami, and Srikrishna Jayanti. The birth of Lord Krishna took place to dispel evil from the earth and spread the message of love and brotherhood. Lord Krishna was the eights child of the Devaki and Vasudeva and he proved the prophecy to kill Kind Kansa. However, King Kansa tried many times to kill Bal Krishna when he was very small but every time his efforts were in vain Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan

Important Rituals of the Festival

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan Some of the important rituals of this festival include:

  • Devotional dance and songs
  • Rocking baby Krishna in a cradle
  • Night long offering of prayer and puja
  • In some temples, the Bhagavad Gita is also read
  • DahiHandi is an important ritual of this festival in Maharashtra.

Dahi Handi involve building a human pyramid and breaking a handi or earthen pot, filled with buttermilk, which happened to be Lord Krishna’s favourite as a child.

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan

What is the Story of Janmashtami?

The story of Janmashtami is the story of the Advent of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated each year on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. The Supreme Lord appeared in Mathura in a dungeon to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva, Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

The story goes that Devaki’s brother; the tyrant Kansa, was told by a voice in the sky that one of her children would kill him. Kansa decided to kill Devaki so that she does not give rise to any children, but Vasudeva, her husband begged Kamsa to forgive Devki and promised that he will give any of her child to Kamsa, so then Kamsa on this assurance from Vasudev, let Devki go. He imprisoned both Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva. Kansa made sure that none of her children survived.

On the night of Lord Krishna’s appearance, Vasudeva was asked by the Lord Himself, to take Him as the baby to his friend Nandraja in Gokul. Nandraja’s wife as we know was Yashoda. Vasudeva was having a hard time to take the baby as Lord Krishna across the raging river Yamuna, Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

This is when Lord Vishnu’s Shesh Naag arrived and helped Vasudeva to carry the child across the river safely. Vasudeva then exchanged Lord Krishna for a baby girl that Nandraja and Yashoda had that very night and headed back to the prison with the girl child.

When the cruel Kansa came to kill the baby girl, a divine miracle happened. The baby transformed into Goddess Durga who then warned Kansa about his impending doom. This is the story of the Supreme Lord, Krishna’s advent in this world.

Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan

Why do We Celebrate Janmashtami?

Janmashtami is a grand celebration to commemorate the appearance of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the Supreme Lord or the Lord of the Lords. It is the celebration of joy, love, and divinity. The story of Krishna’s appearance reminds us through Kansa’s actions that ego and pride are the major faults in human beings which can only doom them Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

It is because of our ego that we end up doing things that are not Godly. But with humility and love, we can defeat ego. The image of baby Krishna is the image of unbridled love. Lord Krishna’s appearance is a symbol of the mind’s prosperity, and it is this, that we celebrate.

How is Janmashtami Celebrated?

On the day of Janmashtami, the temple hall is decorated with beautiful and fragrant flowers, and thronged by devotees who are eager to have Darshan of the Lord and serve Him. There are varieties of flowers used for the beautification of the temples, and the festival starts from the early morning. One of the main rituals on this day is the ceremonial bathing of the deities Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

Both the deities of Radha Krishna, and even Balaram get the ceremonial bathing, and then there is Mangal Aarti and more. Prasadam is distributed among devotees, and as mentioned earlier there are activities going on throughout the day with melodious Kirtan and chanting of the Holy name practically the entire day.

At midnight, the Lordships are offered an Aarti yet again, and hundreds of men and women watch with teary eyes, full of love and devotion for the Supreme Lord. The festivities go on until the next day as well. This is when Nandotsav is celebrated Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura Vrindavan.

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Abhaneri Travel Guide

Abhaneri Travel Guide – Chand Baori (stepwell) in the Abhaneri village is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in Rajasthan. It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in 9th century AD. One of the largest stepwells in the world, Chand Baori was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat. It was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals. Chand Baori is an architectural wonder with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps. It is this exquisite geometry that draws local and international visitors to it every year. But Chand Baori is not easy to find, making it one of India’s hidden wonders.

Abhaneri Travel Guide The play of light and shadow on the steps is what makes the structure so captivating. The baori narrows as one gets closer to the bottom. A double flight of steps on three sides takes one to the surface of the water below. The fourth side is a three-storeyed pavilion with intricately carved jharokhas (windows), galleries and balconies meant for the royal family to sit in. Adjoining the Chand Baori is the Harshat Mata Temple. This 9th-10th century temple is dedicated to Harshat Mata, who is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness for the whole village.

Abhaneri Travel Guide

History of Abhaneri Step Well –

Abhaneri Travel Guide With its history dating back to the 8th Century, Abhaneri Step Well was built by Raja Chanda. Raja Chanda belonged to the Nikhumba Dynasty which ruled the region for almost 400 years.

Raja Chanda had his faith in Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness. To please Harshat Mata and help the people in his kingdom, Raja Chanda built this step well. Also, there was a temple attached to the stepwell dedicated to Harshat Mata.

It was partially razed in the 10th century but with time, the temple was repaired. Due to its geographical setting and climatic resolutions, the region often faced water scarcity. Abhaneri Travel Guide To cope up with this problem, Raja Chanda started the construction of the stepwell. In its original setting,

Abhaneri Step Well was only a step well with steps leading to the bottom. In the 18th century when the Mughals invaded the region, they rebuilt the stepwell and constructed walls and built some galleries around the well.

Abhaneri Step Well houses the annual Abhaneri festival which occurs before the Sharad Navratri. The festival is celebrated to embrace and thank Goddess Harshat Mata in a period of 3-days.

During the festival, a diving competition is conducted where the young men of the village participate. Also, the step well is very popular globally that it attracts more international visitors than national.

The Harshat Temple near the stepwell is older than the stepwell and was built around the 7th century. The name of the village, Abhaneri is said to be originated from the blessings of Harshat Mata who endowed to spread brightness (abha) in the lives of the people.

Abhaneri Travel Guide

Travel Tips

  • Abhaneri is in Dausa district of Rajasthan, about 90 km from Jaipur. It is best to do it as a day trip from Jaipur.
  • On the way to Chand Baori, you can also visit Bhangarh Fort – the most haunted place in India.
  • You need 30-60 minutes to see Abhaneri. I spent about 2 hours as I was exploring all possible sculptures.
  • Guides are available at the site, but if you have read this post, you would not really need them.

Architecture of Chand Baori Abhaneri

The architectural masterpiece that it is, Chand Baori is a four- sided structure with the famed 19.5 metres deep geometric steps of the step well covering the Baori from three sides and the fourth side is covered by the prominent corridor building with multi-storeyed pavilions.

The top of the pavilions have several jharokhas (windows) to get the view of the well from here. The bottom most part of the pavilions has recesses that hold stone sculptures in them along with religious carvings.

The pavilion houses a grand room with a separate stage that is believed to have been meant for the royals to enjoy performances by artists of the court. There is also a room that appears to be the royal residence. There are galleries that take visitors towards the balconies projecting out, that are supported by pillars and house beautiful sculptures of Goddess Mahishasurmardini and Lord Ganesha.

The structure of the palace building was renovated or retouched by the Chauhanas and the Mughals. This is proved by the presence of trabeated arches that were typical architectural style used by the Chauhan rulers and the cusped arches, famous in all structures built by the Mughals. The entry to this part of the corridor is now restricted for tourists.

The major attraction of the baori is the incredibly designed double flight geometric steps descending into the water body. There are 3,500 steps built in 13 levels that finally lead to the well and tapers down as one reaches to the bottom, nearer to the water.

It should be noted that the entire structure is built out of porous volcanic rocks and stones. This enables the water to seep through the stones and reach to the bottom of the water pool or the well. As one climbs down towards the end of the steps, the temperature surrounding the area drops by almost 5- 6 degrees as compared to the temperature on top of the Abhaneri Travel Guide.

The triangular pattern of the steps makes one climb down sideways and this adds to the aesthetics of the architecture. The other possible reason to build the steps in such fashion is to allow access to more people at one time. Abhaneri Travel Guide A closer look at the bottom of the steps would reveal the presence of concealed shafts that were supposedly used to pull water out from the pool.

Abhaneri Travel Guide

Best time to visit Chand Baori

October to March is the best time to visit the place. Preferably September or October is the ideal time to visit because of the Abhaneri Village Festival. Even the place is a small rustic village it provides as the perfect long weekend goal.

How to Reach Chand Baori

Air: Delhi and Jaipur provide convenient access to Abhaneri Travel Guide. They are the nearest airports. From there you can take a bus or cab to Abhaneri.

Rail: Jaipur offers the most expedient railway access to Abhaneri. It is the nearest railhead.

Road: Abhaneri lies off NH-11 connecting Agra to Jaipur. You can drive to Abhaberi from these places or you could come by bus too. Buses are available to get to Abhaneri Travel Guide.

The Chand Baori can be found in Abhaneri, about 95 km from Jaipur. A convenient detour off the much-feted Golden Triangle route-Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, Chand Baori is a less sought after destination that is worth the effort to visit it.

Abhaneri Travel Guide can be best reached from Jaipur. There are no direct bus lines, thus you have two options to reach Abhaneri by public transportation.

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Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide

Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide come alive with splendour, beams and the hustle-bustle of art lovers at the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The event is organised by the Department of Culture and assisted by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. Hosted each year at the magnificent city of Khajuraho located in the district of Chhatarpur, the artists perform in the backdrop of historical monuments. Like each year, the one-week long dance gala will take place to promote and encourage dance, artists, culture and heritage of India with several Indian classical dance forms like Kathak, Odissi, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniattam.

Watching live performances at the festival will unveil the year-old traditions that are recognised in the field of dance. Plan a trip and experience the spectacular Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide from 20th – 26th February!

Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide

History of Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide

Khajuraho is one of the intriguing temple sites in India. The temple have an awe-inspiring association with classical dance forms. The temples of the historic date back to the 10-12th century to the rule of Rajput Chandela Dynasty. These exquisite temples were built around for 200 years. The temples are a treasure of carvings. The carved art ranges from day to day lifestyle to karmic sexual activities. Dance forms have been magnificently portrayed in the carvings. The once powerful centre of Indian culture and traditions had been lost in changing times before being rediscovered recently. Now, Khajuraho draws tourists from all over the world.

Dance is a celebrated art in Hindu Mythology. In the olden times, the temples were the centre for the art of dance. Hindu myths have various tales of great dancers. The most legendary dance pieces are Shiva’s cosmic dance, Tandava, Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela with the gopis (female partners) and the mesmerizing pieces of fabled apsaras (heavenly beautiful women) such as Menaka, Urvashu and Rambha. The Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide was started in 2002. The traditions paying tribute to classical dance, music and art of India were rekindled in the form of the festival.

Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide

Major Attractions of Khajuraho Dance Festival

  1. Bharatnatyam

It is an Indian classical dance form that originated in the state of Tamil Nadu. It showcases the South Indian culture while majorly interpreting themes from Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

  1. Kathak

It is one of the eight forms of Indian Classical Dance. The literal meaning of the word Kathak is storytelling that is interpreted in the form of this particular Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide. During the performance, the dancers make use of various gestures and postures which define the story in a very expressive manner.

  1. Kuchipudi

It is believed that this dance form was established in a village named Kuchipudi, situated in Andhra Pradesh. It is like a dance-drama performance with its roots in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit text of Natya Shastra.

  1. Manipuri

This form of dance is also known as Jagoi. It is interesting to know that Manipuri was named after the region of its origin – Manipur which is a northeastern state of India popular for its rich heritage and culture.

  1. Musical Extravaganza

The festival also witnesses the soulful musical performance of great Indian classical music artists of India. One can enjoy the melodious sound of artists playing Mridangam and Tabla in coordination with the dancers.

  1. Artists Lined Up

The festival is organized in front of Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanath Temple. This year the stage will be mesmerized with artists like ArushiNishank, Radha-Raja Reddy, Lakshmi Vishwanathan, and Darshna Jhaveri.

Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide

How to Reach Khajuraho to celebrate Khajuraho Dance Festival?

Ans: Here are the complete details about how to reach Khajuraho to celebrate Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide by air, train, and road.

By Air: Khajuraho has its own airport. The domestic air terminal is connected with various cities of India. The monuments are just 12 km away from the airport that can be reached by buses, taxis, and cabs.

By Rail : Khajuraho city has its own railway station. The monuments are just 5 km from the railhead. It has a good railway network with major cities of India.

By Road: Khajuraho enjoys smooth connectivity by roads to cities in Madhya Pradesh and all over India. State owned buses, taxis, and private vehicles make commuting within the city convenient Khajuraho Dance Festival Guide.

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Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Gujarat

Kutch Rann Utsav Festival is one of the most awaited and deeply cherished festivals whose focus is the celebration of life, festivities and culture of the Kutch and Gujarat. For more than two months, the world gathers around this small oasis, when rich colors are sprinkled over the barren lands of the Rann. The festival offers the incredible opportunity for visitors to experience the varied traditions and hospitality of the people of the Kutch.

On a clear, full moon night, the region awakens to an all-new charm when the full glory of the white desert of Rann rise to its splendor. This amazing time is celebrated with an endless cycle of dance when age-old traditions and customs are revived.

Exhibiting colors all over, the numerous fairs held near the banks of a lake fills one with a memorable spirit of festivity, fervor and joy. On the other hand, various organized tours around Kutch Rann Utsav Festival is a wonderful opportunity to mix with the people and be a part of the region while experiencing the exclusiveness and enthusiasm of the local life and occasion.

Besides, Kutch Rann Utsav Festival also plays host to wide range of engaging activities like Camel Safaris, Pool, Table Tennis, Bird Watching, Horse Riding, Para-motoring, Archery, ATV, Giant Chess, Bicycle, and Net Cricket etc. It is definitely one of the most remarkable and memorable moments for visitors.

Kutch Rann Utsav Festival

History of Kutch Rann Utsav Festival

The festival of Rann Utsav was designed by the tourism authorities of Gujarat. They planned to increase the foreign tourism in the state and also to present the pulsating Gujarat to all the people around the world. Various events are organized in Kutch, every year, during the Kutch Rann Utsav Festival, to put on display the vibrant and rich cultural aspects of Kutch, which is one of the oldest and popular towns in the country.

Tourists from all over the world gather, during this festival, to glance at the naturally stunning surroundings of Kutch. The month of December is approaching and the excitement has already reached to the top regarding the Kutch Rann Utsav. Rann Utsav in 2021 promises to be bigger, better, grander and larger than ever seen before!

Kutch Rann Utsav 2021 is offering a lot of events to the viewers. Firstly, this year, the inauguration will be done by Shri Narendra Modi. Creativity of craftsmen; Folk Musical and Dance Carnival in moonlight; Cultural shows in White Salt Desert; Air conditioned and non-air-conditioned tents; Kutch Rann Utsav 2021 will be one of the most delightful experience.

Kutch Rann Utsav 2021 is an opportunity for all to visit Kutch and witness the exotic flavors of the region. Book your tour to Kutch. now, to experience the extravaganza of such high magnitude!

Kutch Rann Utsav Festival

Venue of the Rann Utsav Fest

The Carnival of Kutch Rann Utsav Festival venue is at Dhordo village popularly known as “Tent City” in Kutch. Every year the festival will take place here only. The Dhordo village sets up with nearly 400 Tents to stay.

Here tourist’s can choose different tents according to their requirement. And here the available tents types are Premium tents, Deluxe AC Swiss tents, Non-AC Swiss tents, and Economy Non-Ac Swiss tents. So as per the tourist’s luxurious elements and amenities they can select any one of them.

And the venue also houses clubhouse for various indoor games, conference hall for business meet-ups, spa, meditation hall, kids zone area for kids to enjoy the games, cafe, and Golf carts to explore the surrounding village attractions. Everything arranged at the venue for tourists is more and more to enjoy the festival with regal lavishness and opulence.

Kutch Rann Utsav Festival

How is Rann Utsav Celebrated and Where to Go

Kutch Rann Utsav Festival is a carnival of art, culture, crafts, cuisine, music and nature, all bringing out the uniqueness of Kutchi traditions. An event organised by the Tourism Department, the festival offers various adventurous activities, avenues for shopping, sightseeing and discovering the rich local heritage.

The majority of festivities take place in Bhuj and a small village called Dhordo, both in Kutch district. Here are some of the things you can look forward to at Rann Utsav 2021:

Full Moon Night – The white expanse of Rann glistening in the moonlight and the starlit sky is a truly breathtaking sight. While making your Rann Utsav booking, be sure to look at the dates of the full moon as it is a sight you do not want to miss.

Sightseeing – Apart from the surreal landscapes of the white salt marsh desert, various tours are organised for travellers to go out and explore the beauty of Kutch. There are villages nearby where you can witness first hand the indigenous craftsmen at work, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, the picturesque Mandvi Beach and numerous stalls.

Adventure Activities – The festival offers a wide array of activities like paramotoring, zipline, ATV rides, desert safaris and camel rides. The hot air balloon rides, with scenic views of the resplendent vibrant colours of the festivities amid the vast white desert, are sensational Kutch Rann Utsav Festival.

Culture and Cuisine – There are numerous craft bazaars set up where locals can showcase their ethnic arts and crafts. Travellers often indulge in a shopping spree, picking up unique items like carvings, paintings, embroidered and bandhani garments and silver jewellery. There are magnanimous food halls and stalls for tourists to taste the delicious Kutchi cuisine.

Dhordo Tent-City – Be sure to make reservations at the Tent City near Dhordo Village. It is a temporary human settlement with AC and non-AC tents that have amenities like room heaters, shopping complex, exhibition centre, round-the-clock hot water and dining halls.

How to Reach

Rann of Kutch is the largest salt deserts in India, located in the Thar Desert region of Kutch Rann Utsav Festival District in Gujarat. This salt marsh area is divided into Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch, home to endemic and endangered animal and plant species.

By Air:

Bhuj is an important administrative center of the Kutch and flights from all the major cities of India land here. Moreover, there are daily flights from Mumbai to Bhuj as well. For reaching Kutch Rann Utsav Festival, one can hire, taxi and auto rickshaws from the airport.

By Road:

The road to Kutch is full of picturesque and delightful views. The city is connected to the neighboring town through highway number 8. Moreover, state and private buses are available after specific time intervals.

By Rail:

The rail journey to Kutch is one of the most convenient, comfortable routes. Trains from all the major cities are connected to Bhuj rail route. In addition, one can also take a long route and catch Kutch express from Mumbai.

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What is Lathmar Holi?

What is Lathmar Holi is one of the local variations of the most famed Holi festival of India. Described as the festival of colours, Holi celebrations are very much unique in combining enthusiastic dances, cheerful moods, joyful unions, exciting colours and festive merriment all around. According to myths, Holi began in the Barsana region of India, which includes Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgaon and Barsana. Interestingly, the festival here is celebrated with not just colors, but with lathis.

As suggested by the very name of this local variation, Holi events here is associated with sticks known as ‘Lath’ and beatings known as ‘Mar’. As per the customary practice, the women carry sticks in their hands to beat up the men whom they catch and the men have to do a lot to save themselves from the beatings from the energized and charged women folk. Lets know the story behind this unique form of the What is Lathmar Holi.

What is Lathmar Holi

Story of Lathmar Holi

The legend behind Lathmar Holi is closely associated with Lord Krishna and Radha.

While the celebration of Holi festival takes place in every region and city of India, Holi celebration in Barsana has remained famous since last many years. This is because; Barsana is a historical area covering a huge area of Vrindavan, Mathura and other nearby areas.
Here, the festival entices worldwide pilgrims and tourists in the name of Mathura Vrindavan Holi, while it has many special traditions and customs. Mathura is popular as the birthplace of the deity Lord Krishna and Vrindavan serves the place, where Gopala (Lord Krishna as a small boy) grew up during his childhood.

Krishna during his young age cribbed in front of his mother Yashoda about fairness of Radha, while he had a dark complexion. On listening this, Yashoda suggested Krishna to color Radha with varying colors in a playful way. What is Lathmar Holi Over the years, Lord Krishna thus travels from Nandgaon, his own village to Barsana, where Radha stays. This leads to the evolution of a new tradition i.e. Barsana Holi, in which Krishna colored Radha and other Gopis (her friends). On the other side, Radha and other girls playfully beat Krishna with sticks.

If you follow Hindi calendar dates and days, you will likely come to know that Holi in Barsana, also popularly known as Mathura Holi begins just before one week of the actual date for the Holi festival. Barsana is a nearby village of Mathura and native place of Radha. Since many years, the place has remained famous for Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat women with the sticks. On the other side, men use shields to protect them as much as they are able to do so. Lathmar holi in Barsana would be celebrated.

Lastly, if you give your time to know unique aspects of Vrindavan Holi, you will likely come to know about the famous Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan known popularly for the celebration of Phoolon wali Holi on 11th day i.e. Ekadashi before the actual date of What is Lathmar Holi. According to this festival, temple gates opened at about 4pm in the evening, while priests throw flowers at their devotees.

What is Lathmar Holi

Why is Lathmar Holi Celebrated?

According to legend, it is believed that Lord Krishna from Nandgaon visited Radha’s (his beloved) town in Barsana during Holi. Lord Krishna who was known to be friendly with all the ‘Gopis‘, applied colour on Radha’s face in jest. The friends and the elder females of the town, in turn, took offence and drove him out of Barsana, with bamboo sticks.

Lathmar Holi thus keeps in tune with this tale and is a recreation of this episode from Lord Krishna’s Life. Every year, men from Nandgaon visit the town of Barsana and the women there, drive them out, playing with sticks (i.e., lathi) and colours, What is Lathmar Holi.

What is Lathmar Holi

How is it celebrated?

The festival of Lathmar Holi is celebrated for four days, the women start preparing for the festivities a month in advance.

First-day in Celebration of Lathmar Holi:

The celebrations begin with both men and women gathering at the temple premises to begin the rituals leading to the festivities. After the rituals are complemented, men and women throng the colorful bylanes. What is Lathmar Holi The women smear the men with colorful powders and ensure that no one is spared. The women folk dance to classical songs sung by elders and indulge in festivities the entire day.

Second Day Celebration of Lathmar Holi:

On the second day, Gops also known as “shepherds” from Nandgaon visit the village of Barsana. They celebrate Holi with the Gopis of Barsana by smearing their faces with color powders and tease them playfully.

Third-Day Celebration of Lathmar Holi

On the third day, Gops from Barsan heads to the village of Nandgaon to celebrate Holi with the Gopis in Nandgaon. The men visit the Shri Radha Rani Temple, the only temple in India built in the honor of Radha.

The villagers enact the scene at the time of What is Lathmar Holi to celebrate the long-standing tradition. The men sneak into the compound of the Shri Radha Rani Temple built in the honor of Radha. The men begin teasing the women by singing provocative songs to attract their attention.

In turn, women express their displeasure by playfully beating the men with bamboo sticks to chase them away from the temple.

The men come well-prepared by carrying shields and wearing padded clothing to bear the brunt of the beatings from women. Moreover, men playfully shield themselves from women who throw sticks at them.

After the scenes are enacted, men and women celebrate What is Lathmar Holi by smearing color powders and splashing each other with watercolors. They also repeatedly chant the names of Lord Krishna and Shri Radha.

The entire village displays a colorful look during the Lathmar Holi festivities. The unlucky men who are captured by the womenfolk are dressed in women’s clothes and made to dance in public.

Fourth or Final day Celebration of Lathmar Holi

On the final day, the womenfolk from both the villages gather and celebrate Holi among themselves by smearing each other with color powders. The mischievous men sneak into the festivities and douse the women folk with watercolors and annoy them What is Lathmar Holi.

How To Reach the Lathmar Holi Venues?

The nearest Railway Station is Mathura, located at a distance of 12kms from Nandgaon and the nearest Airport is in Delhi (142kms). There are also state buses and taxis available from the nearby cities.

The festival may seem intimidating but it is definitely not. The celebrations are in good spirits and so is the commemoration of the tales associated with the place. There is vibrance and good cheer all around, that depict the true spirits of Mathura. It is one of the biggest festivals of North India that is closely associated with Indian mythology. One must definitely visit Mathura during the festival of Holi to immerse themselves in the wonderful colours of love and happiness.

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Konark Dance and Music Festival

Konark Dance and Music Festival is an ideal festival with a unique identity which is more than enough to have a close interaction with the renowned national and international artistes. However, it is a best chance to witness the spiritual and aesthetic essence highlighting the cultural awareness of Orissa continuously for 3 days.

Prepare yourself for an open-air cultural treat on the entrancing stage of the Natyashala that includes the dignified dance performances of the experts like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniattam, Kathak and Manipuri. Plus, the delightful ambiance of casuarinas and cashew trees motivate them to execute some classical, tribal and folk flavors of India in front of all, Konark Dance and Music Festival.

The Founder-Director of this stately recreation of the past sculptural masterpiece is late Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, who was an eminent Odissi dance guru and mardal player of international status. The dance event is jointly organized by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre, which also gives you an option to visit crafts mela, where you have ied options of purchasing handmade items. However, for big foodies there is a special arrangement of delicious cuisines which are worth-satisfying their appetite.

Thus, it is one of the biggest festivals of India to be enjoyed and brings in many artistes to create international cultural accord and brotherhood Konark Dance and Music Festival.

Konark Dance and Music Festival

History of Konark Dance Festival

Konark Dance and Music Festival was founded by Padamashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan in the 20th century, with the aim of identifying and working on the progress of different Indian classical dance forms, which are part of the integral heritage of India.

Also, these dance forms are majorly linked to temples. Konark Temple is deeply connected to India’s soulful heritage of classical dance and music. The temple is one of the reasons to keep organizing such events & festivals. The Konark Temple was constructed by Raja Narasingha Deva I who hailed from the Ganga Dynasty.

The first Konark Dance Festival was organized in the year of 1989 by Odissi Guru and the founder of Konark Dance Festival, Padamashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, Konark Dance and Music Festival.

Konark Dance and Music Festival

Highlights of the Festival

  • Konark Dance Festival is organized in the world heritage site, the Sun Temple.
  • It is held during the first five days of December month.
  • The dance performances take place in the Natyamandir, an attractive piece of Indian architecture where the walls are covered with beautiful artistic designs from the ancient times.
  • Celebrated dancers from all across the nation take part in the Konark Dance and Music Festival in an open-air auditorium.
  • The sound of classical music fills the air with eternal delight.
  • Dances forms like Odissi, Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam are chief attractions here.
Konark Dance and Music Festival

Major Attractions of Konark Dance Festival 2021

  1. Cultural Activities

Classical dance and music performances are staples of this festival. Internationally famous artists show their talents in Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak, and Kuchipudi, Konark Dance and Music Festival.

  1. Folk & Tribal Dance and Music Performances

You will get to enjoy performances on several folks and tribal dance forms of Bihar, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and more. One can enjoy melodious music of the flute, drums, tabla, and even veena played by talented folk artists, Konark Dance and Music Festival.

  1. Violin Brothers

Deb Sankar and Jyoti Shankar Roy are the founders of Violin Brothers. The former has performed at several international events and has also composed music on several songs of Rabindra Nath Tagore. He attended Meridian Arts Centre as a guest conductor which is a great honor in itself. In the past years, he has graced the stage of the Konark Dance and Music Festival with his soulful music. Jyoti Shankar Roy, on the other hand, is also known for his tremendous contribution to Indian Classical Music. Together, Violin Brothers have expanded the horizons of Indian classical music, composing soulful violin melodies.

  1. Brajeswar Mukherjee

He has been a disciple of Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty since 1997. He is known for his talent in playing Indian musical instruments including Tabla, Veena, and Harmonium. In several musical events, he has even accompanied his guru on harmonium Konark Dance and Music Festival.

  1. Artist Line-ups

Meenakshi Sheshadri, a famous Bollywood actress, who is known for her South Indian classical dancing talent too, also graces the Konark Dance and Music Festival. She is a trained dancer of Kathak, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, and Odissi. Other major artists are Guru Lingara, Padma Subrahmanyam, Nandini Singh, and Rupashree Mohapatra.

  1. The Lit-up Amphitheatre

The amphitheater, where the dance festival is organized, is fully lit up with fairy lights. It is situated against the magnificent Konark Temple. Decorated with colors, lights, and beautiful flowers, the whole ambiance ensures a great experience for the audience and artists to get involved and enjoy. Also, the Konark Temple is situated amidst the charming coconut, casuarina, and mango trees that hold a positive environment. One can surely have a good time while exploring the temple and enjoying the cultural Konark Dance and Music Festival.

  1. The Craft Bazaar

Apart from exploring cultural extravaganza, one can enjoy roaming in the crafts bazaar. Konark Dance and Music Festival It is set outside the amphitheater showcasing the works of talented artisans and craftsmen across the country. The articles include jewelry, handicrafts, embroidered clothes, woodwork, and paintings on palm leaves, etc.

  1. The Food Fiesta

There are several food stalls aligned that will let you explore different Indian cuisines from across the country. Konark Dance and Music Festival Do not miss this unique opportunity to relish the different regional cuisines of India.

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Fair Festival & Events

Alwar Matsya Festival

Alwar Matsya Festival is a colorful, multi-day fiesta celebrated in Alwar, Rajasthan and is one of the most prominent festivals of the state. This Alwar festival honors and celebrates the rich social culture, legacy, and history of the region and attracts locals as well as tourists from across the world. During the two day festival held in late November or early December, you will get to experience adventure, the vibrancy of culture, the fascinating traditions of Alwar– all against the backdrop of its opulent palaces and forts.

There are also various adventure sports that you can partake in. The festival includes local sightseeing or Alwar Darshan that will give you an insight into the lifestyle, traditions, customs, and culture of the locals. This year, the Matsya Festival will be held on the 25th and 26th of November. Alwar Matsya Festival is an expression in Sanskrit that means fish. According to Hindu folklore, the symbol of fish was used to depict the supreme Lord Vishnu.

As one of the many avatars of Vishnu, Matsya was believed to be a protector of the primary man, Manu, from the gushing water. The ancient city of Alwar was a part of the Matsya Kingdom, one of the sixteen Mahajanpadas. The Matsya festival has a substantial historical and cultural value where people come together to take part in games, sports, dance and sing, and make merry Alwar Matsya Festival.

Alwar Matsya Festival

History of Matsya Festival

The name Matsya has been derived from the Sanskrit word Matsya which means fish. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took Matsya’s avatar to save Manu, the very first person on earth. During the Vedic period, an Indo-Aryan clan that resided on the west side of the Yamuna river named its kingdom Matsya Mahajanpada.

The present-day Alwar, Bharatpur, and some areas of sub-urban Jaipur are located on the same spot as Matsya Mahhajanpada. This historical significance has led to the naming of the Alwar Matsya Festival.

Since the events of the Matsya festival, Alwar is held at different historical, ancient, and cultural spots in the city, people can gather information about and explore these wonders while enjoying the festival.

Indira Gandhi Stadium, Siliserh Lake, Nangli Circle, Mahal Chowk City Palace, and Fateh Jung Gumbad are a few popular places where events of the festival are planned.

Alwar Matsya Festival

Significance of Matsya Festival

The Sanskrit word for Fish is Matsya. As per the Hindu traditions, it is used as a sign of Lord Vishnu. Alwar Matsya Festival is regarded as one of the many avatars of Lord Vishnu which is said to have saved the primary man, Manu from the substantial gush of water. During the Vedic time, one of the Indo-Aryan clans mounted their Kingdom known as Matsya Mahajanpada located in the southern part of Kurus and west of Yamuna River. This spot is now separated into Alwar, Bharatpur and Jaipur suburban communities. Viratnagari is the capital of Matsya which is now called as Bairat.

Special highlights of the festival:

  • It is a two-day festival and is called ‘the Pride of Alwar’.
  • One of the biggest attractions of this festival is the Shehnai-wadan (Flute recital) performed by many esteemed artists.
  • An Archaeological Exhibition called the Dharohar, is organized at the site of the festival.
  • The Matsya Festival with its Alwar Darshan, offers the opportunity to get a closer look at the lifestyles and customs of the locals.
  • The game of Rassa Kasi /Tug of War is played by women wearing traditional attires.
  • The festival offers the chance to experience many water sports at the famous Siliserh Lake.
Alwar Matsya Festival

What is the Alwar festival about?

This three-day festival organized annually by the district administration body is one of the most widely awaited times of the state. Held usually during the spring season, in the months of February and March, it boasts of a wide variety of showcases, ranging from cultural to modern. There is something in the Alwar Matsya Festival for every kind of person that pays a visit and knows the right keys to find enjoyment.

Major Attractions of Matsya Festival

  1. Enjoy Fun Activities and Adventure Sports

Trekking, parasailing, and hot air balloon rides are the major attraction of the Alwar Matsya Festival. The locals and tourists participate with great enthusiasm. Besides these sports, people can also participate in fun games such as tug of war, Rumal Jhapatta (handkerchief snatching), and Teerandazi (archery).

  1. Exhibitions and Excursions

The festival also features an exhibition wherein handmade craft items are displayed. One can also witness ancient artifacts that have been extracted in excavations by ASI. Tourists can also opt for Alwar Darshan which is organized by the government during the Matsya Festival. The excursion tour will take you to several forts, palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, and lakes located in Alwar Matsya Festival.

  • Day 1 Activities

The first day of this Rajasthani festival will begin with an aarti in the Shree Jagannath Ji Temple. The aarti will be followed by many fun activities such as eco trekking, hot air balloon ride, sand art performance, paddleboat race, along with folk music, and dance performances.

  • Day 2 Activities

It has a lot more to offer as one may participate in a mehndi rangoli competition, a painting competition, and then concludes the day with a musical night with Asit Tripathi.

How to Reach

Alwar Matsya Festival is a nice blend of Indian traditions and culture. It is located at an approximate distance of 166, 1,292, 1,474, and 2,095 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel here by the following means of transportation.

By Air

Jaipur International Airport, that is approx. 160km away from Alwar is the nearest airport. Direct and connecting flights from all metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more arrive here. From the airport, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Alwar.

By Rail

Alwar Junction Railway Station is the nearest station to reach Alwar. From the station, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach the desired location in the city. There are regular and frequent trains to Alwar hence one may consider traveling by train if looking for a budget-friendly travel option.

By Road

Depending upon your location you can consider traveling to Alwar by road via a well-maintained motorable road network. For traveling, you can take interstate or private buses, hire a cab, or if it is suitable, you can also self-drive.

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Top Attractions

Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Most of us had visited the Pink City of India, Jaipur. Jaipur is known for its Royalty, forts, and ancient sites. However, the foremost thing that strikes our mind while thinking about Jaipur is the Hawa Mahal. Although, Hawa Mahal is considered as an emblem of Jaipur. Also, the significant monument with countless windows always attracts the tourists to take selfies in front of it Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

Moreover, at night the scenic beauty of Hawa Mahal increases with lightning. On your trip to Rajasthan or maybe a Trip to Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is surely in your bucket list. Sawai Pratap Singh Ji built it in 1799. It was said that he builds Hawa Mahal so that his queens can enjoy the scenic beauty of the market. However, there are many interesting facts about Hawa Mahal that you must know. If you plan to visit Jaipur, you must be aware of these facts about the Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal

Interesting facts about Hawa Mahal

Jaipur is the best tourist spot and located in the heart of the city. The Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. It is a historical place presently and has its own attractive features to make the people thrill after visiting here.

Well, Rajasthan is a place of beautiful historical places and forts in the present scenario. People would love to see the monuments and very interesting architectural work in today’s time. The rising demand for visiting the Hawa Mahal is due to its elegant features which are attached to Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

  • One of the most renowned ancient monuments of “Jaipur Rajasthan.
  • It is located in Jaipur city, the capital of the Rajasthan.
  • Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh constructed the Palace in the year 1799.
  • Also renowned as “Palace of Winds”.
  • The Mahal comprises of five floors.
  • 953 windows of mahal keep the palace cool.
  • All the Jaipur royals utilized this building as their summer retreat.
  • The building was specially erected for the royal ladies of Jaipur.
  • The meaningful purpose of this building was to allow Royal ladies to watch street festivals.
  • It is a unique building which consists of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
  • The palace is also constructed of pink and red-colored stone.
  • Hawa Mahal is the tallest building without any foundation in the world.
  • Hawa Mahal has 5 floors and it is still standing upright because it is curved and leaning at an angle of 87 degrees.
  • It is a five-story pyramidal shaped monument that rises 50 feet (15 m) from its high base
  • Hawa Mahal is built in the shape of the”Lord Krishna’s crown”.
  • The jaali work in the windows of “Hawa Mahal” is similar to the honeycomb of a beehive.
  • There is no front entrance to the Hawa Mahal. If you want to get in, you have to enter from the rear side.
  • The Hawa Mahal has only ramps, instead of regular stairs to reach the upper floors of the building.
  • In the present day, the “Hawa Mahal Jaipur” has become a famous tourist spot and one of the spectacular sights in Jaipur
  • The palace has become a famous spot for the shooting of several Indian and international films.
Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal

History of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal was commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. The architect of this monument was the Lal Chand Ustad. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Sing was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and ordered Lal Chand to built Hawa Mahal significant to Lord Krishna. That’s why the Mahal was constructed in the shape of Lord Krishna crown. Another major attraction of this Mahal is the exterior. The exterior of the Mahal resembles the structure of honeycomb of a beehive.

Nearly 953 small windows were constructed and they are known as “Jharokhas”. Actually, this Mahal was the extension of City Palace and this one used by royal women of Rajput. As per the purdah system, Rajput women was not allowed to come out. So, they used to see the fairs, festivals, and the city from this Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

The other benefit of this Mahal is the cool breeze. Due to the latticework of the Mahal made the whole area of Mahal as air cooler even in summers. Due to this reason the name “Palace of winds” came to Hawa Mahal. This was the reason behind to construct Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal

Architecture of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, features a splendid fusion of Islamic, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. Its domed canopies, floral patterns, lotus motifs, and fluted pillars, all reflect the rich Rajput style. Complementing these elements is the filigree work in stone and lavish arches, both of which draw influence from the Islamic style of architecture.

Designed in red and pink sandstone, this one-of-its-kind palace boasts of a pyramidal shape. It has five stories and rises up to a height of 50 feet. The 953 windows featured on the front part of the palace lend it a honeycombed hive look. Thanks to the exceptional latticework on these windows, the palace experiences a cooling effect as the breeze blows in through them. Delicately designed hanging cornices are another attractive aspect of Hawa Mahal’s architecture.

The interiors of the palace consist of pillared chambers and minimally ornamented corridors that reach up to the top floor. Patios adorn the front part of the first and second floors. Unlike the lower two floors, the top three floors have a width that’s not more than a single room. There are fountains adorning the center of the building’s courtyard Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in between September to February. During these months the temperature will be comfortable and ideal for visiting. The time required to round up this Mahal is nearly one to two hours. For the clear and neat explanation hire a local guide. The best time to visit this Mahal during the morning. The morning sunlight falls on the structure and it lights up in Golden color Top 10 Facts About The Hawa Mahal.

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India Tourism

Shopping Guide Agra

Shopping Guide Agra is also known for its handicrafts and fine arts traditions – Your Taj Mahal tour is incomplete if you return without taking a replica of the Taj Mahal. It is a mini Taj Mahal that you can take back home. These mini Taj Mahal are made by local artisans and is must included in every visitors Agra shopping list.

You can take it as gift for someone you love – Some of the fine work for which Agra is famous includes marblework, such as inlaywork of the kind seen within the Taj Mahal. Leather goods are the other major Agra shopping products. All leather items like bags, shoes, belts, leather jackets etc are availablein various designs. Shopping Guide Agra Rugs and Carpets are also very popular.

There are many leather industries in Agra so leather goods are available in large variety. A good range of decorative articles made up of metals like brass, silver, copper are also available. Sadar Bazaar, Munro Road and south of Taj Ganj 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.

While shopping in Agra be careful about the quality of the stone of marble products. Genuine marble is opaque and does not allow light to pass through. Do as much bargaining as u can during Shopping Guide Agra.

Shopping Guide Agra

Shah Market

If you thought Agra is all about petha and textile shopping, well then you need to visit the Shah market. It is located near the Sanjay Place market of Agra and is a haven for smartphone lovers.

Yes, this market has several wholesale and retailer shops and you should be visiting it to shop for smartphones. You can easily get smartphones of every and any brand in this market. Besides, there are also many shops dealing in second-hand mobile phone and repair service. So, if it is anything to do with mobile phones, then Shah market is the place that you should be visiting.

This market is usually open from 11 AM to 11 PM. So, if your phone breaks in Shopping Guide Agra even at dusk, you don’t need to panic. Instead, head straight to Shah market and easily get your phone mended or treat yourself with a new one.

Shopping Guide Agra

Kinari Bazaar

A visit to this bazaar will be an experience of a kind. One of the largest wholesale markets of Agra, it also has a great history. It is located near Jama Masjid and should be the go-to option for leather and handicraft shopping.

There are many wholesalers and retailers in this popular bazaar. Wondering what to buy in Agra from here? You should shop for marble, glassware, handicrafts, textiles, leather and rugs Shopping Guide Agra.

A usual day in this market starts from 11AM and you will have plenty of time to shop as it mostly starts getting closed from 9PM onwards. Besides, it is closed on Tuesday so you should make a note of this if you are planning to visit this market during your next Agra visit.

Shopping Guide Agra

Shoe Market

Don’t ignore shoes when you are making a list of things to buy in Agra. Agra is a popular footwear industry and you can easily shop for the best pair of shoes from this market. It is in Hing Ki Mandi area of Agra and you cannot go back home without buying a pair of shoes.

The market is famous for its shoes, which you can get at a reasonable price. So, the USP of this market is quality shopping at an affordable pricing. But this market is open from 10 AM to 4 PM and is quite congested. This makes it essential that you come to this market a little early and shop before the shops start closing.

Moreover, even wholesalers come to this market to buy shoes, so you can well understand how crowded it can get. You should make a note of the fact that you can get astounding deals on your favourite pair of shoes Shopping Guide Agra.

Sadar Bazaar

This famous bazaar is located near the Agra Cantonment railway station. Being one of the most popular places for shopping in Agra, it is a great haven for shopaholics. You can find anything and everything here from garments to handicrafts and from leather products to sweets.

So, as there are so many options here, it might become difficult to actually settle on one product. Most people find it difficult to choose among the many options at their disposal in this market.

But this market is primarily famous for leather products and ethnic wear. So, if you are looking for some of those, then head straight to Sadar Bazaar and get your hands on a fantastic collection.

Once you are done shopping,you can re-energise yourself with some delicious bites. There are many cafes and restaurants in and around this Shopping Guide Agra.

Subhash Bazaar

This is another place where you should do shopping in Agra. Located in the Halwai Gali, to the north of Jama Masjid, Subhash Bazaar is a popular market of Agra. Though it is famous for silk products like sarees and dress materials, you can also find various other products in this market.

Being one of the favourite destinations among locals, you may find a large footfall in this market. It usually remains open from 11 AM till 9 PM, giving you a wonderful time window for shopping for a range of Indian wear. But keep in mind that this market remains closed on Tuesdays. So, if you happen to be in Shopping Guide Agra on a Tuesday, then you will sadly have to skip your silk shopping and explore the other markets mentioned in this article.

Raja Ki Mandi

This market has it all! With shops for garments, jewellery, household essentials, sweets, religious items and more, the list of things to buy in Agra from here can get pretty long.

The name of this market has been derived from its location. The place where this market is located is in Raja Ki Mandi. As it has a very high footfall, this market becomes really crowded on weekends. There is also a railway station beside this market which is also known as Raja Ki Mandi.

Located in the Lohamandi region of the city, this is one of the most popular markets here. A retreat for people who love street shopping, you must include this market in your itinerary for your visit to Shopping Guide Agra.

Shahganj Bazaar

You will have plenty of things to buy from this evolving market. It is called so, as it has been gradually growing over the years. However, with its growth, the only constant is the quality products that you get from this bazaar.

If you are looking for ladies’ bags, shoes, clothes or even furniture, Shahganj bazaar can give you plenty of options. So, pen down all that you need and go on a shopping spree in this local market.

Moreover, after you are done shopping for yourself, you can also explore the vegetable market, which is a part of this bazaar. It is known for the best quality vegetables Shopping Guide Agra.

The Emporiums

If you are done with street and local shopping and wish to indulge in some art and handicraft items, then visit the UP Handlooms and UPICA on MG Road. Besides, there is also the Subhash Emporium, which is famous for its marbles. The marbles in this shop are of premium quality and the fine craftsmanship surely speaks volumes. What to buy in Shopping Guide Agra from Subhash Emporium? Consider getting tabletops, lamp base, trays and candle holders.

TDI Mall

There are not just bazaars and local marketplaces in Agra. The fourth largest city of Uttar Pradesh is also seeing the growth of mall culture. When in Agra, visit the famous TDI Mall. It is located on the Fatehabad road near Taj Mahal. So, you can easily club your visit to this mall along with Taj Mahal.

This mall houses several domestic and international brands and makes for a great shopping spot in the heart of the city. Along with Shopping Guide Agra, you can indulge in several delicacies at the many restaurants in this mall.

The mall is usually open from 10 AM to 10 PM and is a great place for shopaholics. It also gives a feel of the growth and development that is taking place in the city of Taj.

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Wildlife in Rajasthan

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is now the third tiger reserve of Rajasthan is also known as Darrah wildlife sanctury in the past is located in the southerneastern part of Kota town of Rajasthan. In the past it is the Royal Hunting Ground of the Maharaja of Kota. This place is located at a distance of about 50 km from Kota. It is located on the eastern bank of Chambal River and its tributaries toches this area.

The Darrah wildlife sanctuary was declared NATIOANL PARK Mukundra Hills Natioanl Park in 2004. Total area of the National park is about 200 sqkm. Mukundra Hills National Park is constiting of three wildlife sanctuaries namely Darrah wildlife sanctuary, Chambal wildlife sanctuary and Jaswant Sagar wildlife sanctuary. This park got the approval of Natioanl Tiger Conservation authority NTCA in 2013 and then the Rajasthan gets its third tiger reserve in the form of the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, and now it is the home of four tigers which is recently shifted here from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

History

The core area of Mukundra Hills National Park & Tiger Reserve is one of the oldest sanctuaries of India, popularly called as ‘Darrah Sanctuary’

Darrah was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary ( Protected Area ) in 1955.

Before Independence, it used to be the hunting protectorate of Kota state and was famous for its tigers, other big cats and deer.

It was declared as a National Park in 2004 and was given the name ‘Mukundra Hills ( Darrah ) National Park’ which was formed by combining three wildlife sanctuaries: Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary and Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

In 2013, National Tiger Conservation Authority passed its approval and Rajasthan got its third Tiger Reserve after Ranthambore and Sariska. While being declared as a Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve failed to get a single tiger for many years.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

Other Attractions at Mukundra Hills

The rich biodiversity of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve Kota with the enthralling view of Chambal makes it different from the other Tiger Reserves of its kind.

  1. Migratory Birds

Mukundra Hills Kota hosts a variety of migratory birds in winter including gray pelicans, Bar Headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gray Lag Goose along with the Pied cuckoo, Jacobin cuckoo, Eurasian cuckoo and many more.

If you are into bird watching, then this place is a true heaven for you!

  1. Waterfalls

Waterfalls greet their visitors with bundles of joy and serenity along with thrill and amazement.

The beauty of a waterfall is impossible to convey in a mere combination of words.

Some of the breathtaking Waterfalls which you can find here are: Geparnath Waterfall, Padajhar Waterfall and Garadia Waterfall.

  1. Water Safari

This is one of the most exciting features of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is perhaps the first tiger Reserves to host both water Safari and Jungle Safari in its stretches.

Aren’t you excited to be dabbed by some cool splashes of Chambal on your visit to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve ? wink wink

  1. Flora and Fauna

The Mukundra Hills Kota has gently sloping hills covered with ‘Dhok’ trees and a mixed jungle of sheesam, belimali, arjun, ficus, khair, gurjan and salar. Sambhar, cheetal, chinkara, Neelgai and four-horned antelope are the true deer, gazelle and antelope found in the reserve. Leopard are common and so are the wolf, jackal, hyena and sloth bear.

Paradise flycatcher, Golden oriole, a variety of woodpeckers, flycatchers, doves, babblers, mynas, sandgrouse, nightjars, eagles, owls and vultures form the most important and conservation dependent avian species of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve.

The lakes and ponds within the Reserve support a wide variety of migratory and resident waterbirds, including geese and ducks.

  1. Breathtaking Views

With the azure streams of water, the region is a blessing not only for the wildlife photographers but also for those who love capturing the adorable and mesmerizing sites of nature.

Visit Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve to lens some of the finest and most picturesque landscapes found in nature.

Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve

Best time to visit

Tourists can visit the sanctuary from October till July, but the ideal time to visit Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is between February to May. The sanctuary is open throughout the year except between 1st July to 30th September.

Timings are from 10 am till 5 pm everyday. However, for visiting the sanctuary, tourists have to take a signed permission from the local forest ranger.

How to reach?

By air – The nearest airport from Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve/Darrah National Park is Udaipur, which is around 300 km from Kota.

By Rail – The closest railway station is Kota railway station located about 50 km from Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve/Darrah National Park.

By road – The distance between Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and Kota is close to 50 km only. It is also well connected all the major cities of Rajasthan like Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, etc.

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