Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh

August 23, 2022 rtp123

Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh by bike or cab is during the month of June. The months from mid-September to mid-October are considered to be the best season to enjoy the stunning beauty of the landscape of Ladakh and Leh. The month of March is considered to be the best time to visit Ladakh for adventure trip. While the months from April to mid-May remain the peak season for Ladakh tourism. During the months from August to December, it gets quite risky and dangerous to visit Ladakh as monsoon and winter take a toll on Ladakh during these months.

Hotel, flights and food may get expensive during the peak season in Ladakh. If you are planning to visit here during these months, book your tickets in advance.

Well, when it comes to asserting the Ladakh best time to visit, it is discovered that a few people suggest summers to be the best season to visit Leh Ladakh as the climate is more obliging and for many others winters have their own appeal with almost everything covered with snow. Having that said, here is a detailed season-wise guide that will help you to know the Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh and plan your spree better. Read on!

Bike Trip to Ladakh:

Best time to visit Ladakh on bike is during summer season. Summers in Ladakh are characterized by comfortable, and cozy weather with sun shining over the snow clad mountain peaks. The plain sailing roads without any blockage by landslides or snowfall, also make it the best time to visit Ladakh on bike. During winters and monsoons, it becomes quite difficult to travel by road Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh.

Warmer weather in summer months (May through early October) makes sightseeing in Ladakh quite enjoyable, and one can cover almost all major Ladakh places such as Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley that are open for tourists. The best time to visit Ladakh by road is from mid-May to September as the Leh Manali Highway opens up via Rohtang Pass. Mid-September to mid-October is an amazing time to visit Leh and Ladakh as the place is permeated in flamboyance through the Srinagar-Leh as well as Manali-Leh roads.

Road conditions are better during this time. For enthusiastic bikers, the best time to visit Ladakh on bike is during the months of July and August as all passes and streets to the land are opened and the land turns exceptionally welcoming. Let’s have a look at the segregation to decide on which is the Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh.

April – June ( 2°C to 19°C ) :

With the month of April, travel passes for tourists are open. Hence, summer season is the best time to visit Ladakh. The weather during this time is crisp and the skies are clear, offering splendid views that can be enjoyed through a ride on bike or jeep.

During the late April, the region sees the melting of the lakes, and one can witness a spread of brilliant colours everywhere. And, with the beginning of the month of June, one can hop on an excursion to Rohtang Pass as well.

July – September ( 3°C to 17°C ):

Experiencing irregular heavy rainfall during the monsoon season starting from the month of July, it is advised not to get on an excursion to Ladakh this time. With frequent landslides, roadblocks, and snow slides, it becomes quite difficult to walk or drive here.

Though, the month of September can be considered as a good time to visit Ladakh. For, the precipitation stops and there is hardly any humidity Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh.

October – March (-9°C to 2°C) :

With temperature dropping to minus degrees, it is not recommended to visit Ladakh during the winter season. Covered with snow, driving through roads can be quite dangerous.

However, adventure lovers can choose to hop on Chadar Trek during the months of January to March.

Festivals in Ladakh

Festivals enhance the beauty of any destination, and that is true for Ladakh as well. The deserted land of Ladakh comes to life during these festivities wherein the natives gather around to become a part of the celebrations. Monasteries of Ladakh become venues of celebration where the locals perform famous folk dances, songs, and dramas of the region. Some of the popular festivals in Ladakh are –

Hemis Festival: Hemis festival is an important festival of Ladakh organised in June to celebrate the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Monks can be seen wearing sparkling brocade robes and colourful face masks. They perform a dance-drama displaying the life, principles, and mission of the Guru.

2. Thiksey, Karsha and Spituk Gustor: This two-day festival is celebrated in different months every year in Thiksey, Karsha, and Spituk. These Gustors signify the victory of good over evil. The performers wear variety of masks while they perform, and these masks symbolise gods, goddesses, guardians, and protectors. As the festival comes to an end, the evils are figuratively killed, and their images are burned Best Time To Visit Leh Ladakh.

3. Dosmoche Festival: Celebrated in May in the regions of Liker, Deskit monastery, and Leh, this is one of the most renowned festivals of Ladakh. The courtyard of the Leh Palace is the venue to enjoy this two-day festival in Leh. It is celebrated in the beginning as well as at the end of the Tibetian Year. Monks make their offerings using crosses made of threads to turn evil and ghosts into protectors and guardians of people against natural calamities that might occur in the following year.

4. Ladakh Harvest Festival: The Ladakh Harvest Festival commences from 1st September and lasts for 15 days thereafter. The natives celebrate their rich diversity with enthusiasm and vigor. Locals take part in dance performances, wedding ceremonies, drama, music, and many other forms of art.

Climate in Ladakh

For many people, visiting Ladakh is a dream. The seemingly unending winding roads, the open skies, the rugged mountains and the snowy peaks in the distance – who wouldn’t want to be a part of the world here? But Ladakh is also rugged terrain and you have to know the best time to visit Ladakh before you plan your trip.

Most people have this image of themselves on a touring bike, zooming down the roads in Ladakh. But it is not like that all the year round. It is a good idea to read up on the best time to go to Ladakh before you plan your trip. Here’s a month-wise guide the best time to visit Ladakh.

Summer Season in Ladakh

Summer (April-June): With the mountains warming up and the land blooming, it is a tourist season in this region. The landscape is quite barren framed by the snow-capped mountains giving it a beauty that is like no other, making it best season to visit Leh. The lakes begin to melt (Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri) painting the landscape with beautiful colors. Travelling by road is a popular way to see this region. The Passes Khardung La and Chang La are popular routes to take granting breathtaking vistas to be captured by the cameras.

The Rohtang and Baralacha Pass are an ideal way to complete the circuit. This is a trip of a lifetime and the best time to visit Leh by road, many traversing it on a motorbike consider it a rite of passage.

Monsoon Season in Ladakh

Monsoon (July-August): With the heavy rains and with all hilly terrains, this region too gets blocked. Tourism shuts down due to the landslides and the ‘moving’ earth. Even though there is a different sort of beauty granted to the region during this season, only tourists in four wheel vehicles brave this region.

Winter Season in Ladakh

Early Winter (September-October): This is the time for trekking and exploring the region on foot making it the best time to visit Leh Ladakh. The cool mountain breeze begins to set into the region. Occasional snowfall lends the region a dreamy glow. This along with the water bodies turning the most alluring shades of blue, the region seems to transform into a dream land turning this time best season to visit Leh Ladakh.

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India Tourism

Places to Visit in India in October

August 22, 2022 rtp123

Places to Visit in India in October is one of the best times to travel and take a trip to the most beautiful places in India as the weather becomes very pleasant in October. Neither too rainy nor too hot, October is the perfect time to pack your bags and embark on a trip. This is the peak time of traveling in India.

Whether you’re looking for a calm and tranquil spot amongst the hills, or you want to go sightseeing to tourist places which are less crowded than other times, you’re sure to find something that suits you on this list Places to Visit in India in October.

You can visit Himalaya or Beaches or Deserts, anything you want in the month of October in India. So, there are plenty of places to visit in October in India. Therefore, we curated this list of best places to visit in India in October to narrow down your search Places to Visit in India in October.

Jaipur

Surrounded with rugged hills and featuring a number of tourist attractions, Jaipur is the royal Pink City of India. It is full of forts and palaces and most of which are colored in Pink. These architectures enhance the grandeur of the city and make it appear more lively & vibrant. The popular city of Jaipur was designed by a Bengali architect with a unique blend of Rajput and Mughal structural planning. Everything about this royal city has been organized in an intended way. You can witness here an extraordinary majesty in each aspect of the city Places to Visit in India in October.

It is an ideal destination to visit in the month of October as the place says good bye to the humidity and welcomes a pleasant weather this month. On your Jaipur trip, you will come across a number of tourist places constructed by the skilled architects of that era to create a wonderful experience India Tour Package.

Activities to Enjoy in Jaipur: There are numerous things to do in Jaipur, including shopping, hot air balloon, sightseeing, trying out delicious cuisine and many others Places to Visit in India in October.

Tourist Attractions in Jaipur: Top places to visit on your Jaipur trip are Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Observatory, Albert Hall, Dolls Museum, Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, Sisodia Rani Garden, Vidyadhar Garden, Ram Niwas Bagh and Zoo and Kanak Vrindavan Places to Visit in India in October.

Agra

The home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Taj Mahal, Agra is among the most stunning tourist destinations of India and perfect place to visit in October month. No other city in the world is admired so much due to a monument and never a monument has been so beautiful due to symbolizing love. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra features three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. It has served as the imperial capital of Mughal dynasty and reflects an architectural richness and unspeakable grandeur.

The city allows the visitors enjoying the romantic aura of Taj Mahal located beside River Yamuna. The beauty of place will melt your heart with romanticism. October is the ideal time to visit Agra as it experiences an enjoyable climate this time Places to Visit in India in October.

Activities to Enjoy in Agra: Along with watching Taj Mahal, Agra offers few more amazing things to do. You can enjoy the pleasant views of sunset in full moon near Yamuna, take heritage walk of the city, relish delicious street food, shop for souvenirs and buy petha Places to Visit in India in October.

Tourist Attractions in Agra: Agra is home to several places to see, including Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad ud Daula, Chini-ka-Rauza, Mehtab Bagh, Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Tomb of Akbar, Moti Masjid, Ram Bagh Garden and more.

Rishikesh

If you are still wondering about where to go in October in India, Rishikesh is your answer.Situated at an altitude of 1,745 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is a small yet prominent place in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Popular among the pilgrims as well as adventure seekers, it turns out to be one of the apt places to visit in October. In this beautiful town of Rishikesh, River Ganges flows in its wildest form. At present, it has also serves as yoga capital and hub of adventure sports. If you are restless with the messy city life and want to enjoy a memorable break, a relaxing holiday trip is waiting for you Places to Visit in India in October.

Activities to Enjoy in Rishikesh: Among numerous things to do in Rishikesh are: River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Taking Yoga and Meditation Sessions, Sightseeing, Attending Ganga Aarti and a lot more.

Tourist Attractions in Rishikesh: There are several places to visit in Rishikesh, including Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Bharat Mandir, Neelkanth Mahadev, Triveni Ghat and more Places to Visit in India in October.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, also known as the ‘Golden City’ of India, does perfect justice to its name as a reflection of India’s grandeur and magnificence. A trip to Jaisalmer is every history buff’s delight, nature lover’s paradise and travel junkie’s dream. Famed for the grand welcome it gives to its visitors, presenting them with awe-inspiring sights from sand dunes to magnificent forts- Jaisalmer is loved by Indians, foreigners and locals alike Places to Visit in India in October.

With its towering forts, authentic crafts, rich culture, traditional souvenirs, unique cuisine and warm vibes- Jaisalmer tourist places are in the go-to list for all kinds of travellers, specially in the month of October when the moon-lit dinners, cultural dance performances, well-lit forts in the night and glistening lakes transcend you into another world.

Top tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwa Haveli, Vyas Chhatri, Salam Singh ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli

Best time to visit Jaisalmer: Between October to February

Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport but it is a Military Airport so you can except less flights to Jaisalmer than any other airport in Rajasthan. It is around 3 KM from Jaisalmer city. Next nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur Airport which is approx. 270 KM.

Via Road: Bus services to Jaisalmer are available from all major cities in Rajasthan like Jodhpur and Jaipur. There are no direct buses from Delhi but you can switch buses in Jaipur and continue your journey from there to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi Places to Visit in India in October.

Jodhpur

Jodhpur often called ‘Blue City’ gets its name from the Old City which is completely painted in blue colour. It attracts a lot of explorers and photography enthusiasts. This city hosts a number of festivals in October and one of them is Marwar Festival. Marwar festival celebrates the contribution of the unsung heroes of Rajasthan. Tourists can become a part of the festival that takes place in the month of October. The celebration includes folk dances and songs which describe the activities and contribution of the heroes, horse polo, horse riding and camel tattooing, Places to Visit in India in October.

There is another festival which is celebrated with the same zeal and enthusiasm. It is the International Folk Festival which includes folk performances by singers and dancers, fusion performances by local as well as established singers. This grand celebration takes place in Mehrangarh Fort and it adds an extra joyful experience to your travel in India during Places to Visit in India in October.

When in Jodhpur, take the desert safari and play by the sand dunes as you ride your favorite SUVs. The finely scattered sun rays playing along the contours of sand make a pleasant sight as you contain every bit your mesmerizing trip at one of the preferred places to visit in October in India.

Places to visit : Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Mandore Gardens

Things to do : Dine at Indique Restaurant and Pal Haveli (breathtaking sunset view is complimentary), relish Makhani Lassi at Mishrilal Hotel, make a wish at Jaswant Thada, and experience desert safari Places to Visit in India in October.

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India Tourism

Somnath Temple in Gujarat

August 20, 2022 rtp123

Somnath Temple in Gujarat, literally meaning ‘lord of the moon’s is a pilgrimage centre and is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is a town which derives much of its identity from the mythology, religion and legends that surround it primely a temple town, Somnath is a place where a strong scent of religion and legends lingers around tourism and even daily life. It’s spiritual environment is surrounded by the huge number of temple in the area, however Somnath also offers beach, museums and other attractions. While the Somnath temple and Somnath beach are primary place to visit here, Gina Mandir,Balukh Tirtha, Kamnath Mahadev Temple, Somnath museum are some of the other place that one can visit.

The Somnath Temple located is Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Saurashtra on the western cost of Gujarat. It is on important pilgrimage and tourist sport of Gujrat. Reconstructed several times in the past after repeated destruction by several Muslim invaders and Portuguese the present temple was reconstruction in Chalukhya style of Hindu temple architecture and completed in May 1951. The reconstruction was completed by Vallabhbhai Patel. The site of Somnath has been a pilgrimage site from ancient times on account of being a triveni sangam, three rivers –Kapil away, Hiran and Sarasvati.

The name of the town Prabhas, meaning lustre, as well as the alternative names Someshvar and Somnath “The lord of the moon” or “the moon God “arise from this tradition. The temple is considered sacred due to the various legend connect to it. Somnath mean “lord of the Soma“ Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

The Somnath Temple is known as “Shrine Eternal “. Somnath is 12 Jyotirlingas in India, where Shiva is believed to have appeared as a flery column of light. The Jyotirlingas are taken as the supreme, undivided reality out of which Shiva partly appears. At all these site the primary image is a lingam representing the beginningless and endless stambha, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva. The present temple is built in the chaulukya style of temple architecture or “Kailash Mahameru Prasad “style and reflects the skill of the Sompura Salat’s one of Gujarat’s master masons Gujarat Tour Packages.

History of Somnath Temple

Since ancient times, the Somnath temple has been treated as one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in India. The major reason for this is the fact that it is located on the confluence of three rivers – also known as Triveni Sangam – namely Kapila, Hiran, and Sarasvati, Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

Many legends are associated with this place. According to one such folklore, once upon a time, Soma, the Moon God, had lost his luster. To regain it, he decided to bathe in the holy waters of river Sarasvati. And it is owing to this that people started believing in the phenomenon of waxing and waning of the moon Gujarat Tourism.

According to the documented works of J. Gordon Melton, it was this place that witnessed the first temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Somnath. And the second temple is believed to have been built on the same site by the Yadava Kings in around 640 BCE. However, it was in the year 725 BCE that the Arab Governor Al- Junayd is said to have destroyed this temple when he invaded the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Then, in 1024, the cruel Turkic ruler Mahmud of Ghazni did many raids in Gujarat breaking the temple and severely damaging the Jyotirlinga from various places. It is said that he took away with himself a booty worth 20 million dinars.

Architecture of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Reconstructed in the Chalukya style of architecture, it showcases the fine skills of the oldest and best temple architects or the Sompura Salats. An arrow pillar mentions that it is located at such a location that it is the first point of land in the north to the South Pole at that particular longitude. The recesses of a balconied corridor also house a rather mutilated form of Nataraja, or the dancing Shiva. The flag atop the temple tower bear the symbols of Nandi and Trishul. Jain influence on the carvings and the overall design is clearly visible despite it being a Brahmanical temple, Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

Major Attractions Around Somnath Temple

Somnath Beach

Somnath Beach is quite an amazing place to relax and unwind yourself. It is worth noting that the waters around this place are not exactly recommended for swimming because of high and violent waves.

Paanch Pandav Gufa

Discovered by a saint named Baba Narayandas, this place has been dedicated to the five Pandava brothers. What is really interesting to know is that one can easily get a view of the entire city from this place.

Laxminarayan Temple

The major highlight of this temple is that it is famous for the 18 pillars on which inscriptions from Bhagwad Gita have been carved out.

Chorwad Beach

It won’t be wrong to say that Chorwad Beach is actually one of the most culturally thriving places to experience in Gujarat. However, the waters of this place too are not quite ideal for swimming around.

Suraj Mandir

Located near the Triveni Ghats, this is actually one of the only Sun temples located here. Anyone who is spiritually inclined will like the aura of this place.

Best Time to Visit Somnath:

Somnath Temple in Gujarat is a place which offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. This is why; people from different parts of the world keep visiting here all through the year. But to make it easier for all, we have listed below the type of weather that prevails during different seasons of the year.

a. Summers (March to June) : The maximum temperature in Somnath during summers is somewhere around 42 °C and minimum temperature level is around 24 °C. The temperature remains high during April and May. So, those who dislike high temperature should avoid visiting the place in summers.

b. Monsoons (July to September) : Monsoons in Somnath come with strong winds and rainfall. The climate during monsoons keeps swinging between humid and cool. Those who wish to enjoy a cool and soothing climate can visit during this period.

c. Winters (November to February) : The temperature during winter season ranges from 10 °C to 34 °C. It is considered the best period of for pilgrimage visits and sightseeing. It is the best time for those who enjoy a cooler climate.

So, the ideal time to visit Somnath is from October to March. This period offers a pleasant and cool atmosphere to the travelers, Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

How to Reach Somnath :

By Air : Keshod is the nearest airport at a distance of 55 km from Somnath. This airport is well-connected to Mumbai. Further, Mumbai is connected to major cities of the world. After reaching Keshod airport, travelers can take any local means like bus or taxi to reach Somnath.

By Train : The nearest rail head is Veraval which is 7 km from Somnath. There are special trains running from Ahmedabad to Veraval. Ahmedabad is further connected to major cities of the country. After reaching Veraval, travelers can take bus, auto or taxi, Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

By Road : All the important places of Gujarat are connected to Somnath. While Ahmedabad is 400 km, Bhavnagar is 266 and Porbandar is 122 km away from Somnath. All other major cities of the country are also connected to Somnath via road.

So, it’s time you pack up your bags and visit this pilgrimage site to seek blessings. When you visit Somnath, don’t miss paying a visit to some more attractions in Somnath which include Parasuram Temple, Panch Pandav Gufa, Balukha Tirtha, Suraj Mandir, Junagadh Gate, Triveni Ghat and many more.

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Fair Festival & Events

Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami

August 19, 2022 rtp123

Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti, Janmashtami, Ashtami Rohini or Saatam Aatham is an annual celebration of the birthday of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) in the Hindu calendar. Krishna Janmashtami is an important festival which is celebrated with great fervor. The magical festival is celebrated in numerous ways in different parts of India. Young kids are dressed up as Krishna and Radha is also a specialty of the day.

As a child Sri Krishna was very naughty and he was very fond of butter. In states like Maharashtra people enact incidents from Krishna’s childhood by placing an earthen pot high above the ground and then forming a human pyramid to try and break it. Many youngsters participate in this activity with great enthusiasm. This ritual of breaking the pot is known as Dahi Handi. The crowds at Dahi Handi, street performances of singing and dancing and night celebrations in the temples are the most exciting activities to be explored during the festival Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

features 6 places to visit in India to celebrate Janmashtami in the grandest way. Krishnashtami is the prime festival for these places & temples and the celebrations offer unforgettable experience to visitors. Some of these places are associated with Krishna’s life and witness tremendous crowd on this festival day.

Mathura

One of the best places to visit in India during Janmashtami is Mathura. According to the legends, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. Therefore, it is one of the most important places for the Hindu community in India. And as we talk about Janmasthami, the festival is celebrated with great zest. There are two parts in which the celebration takes place. The first part is Jhulanotsav and the second is Ghatas. In Jhulanotsav, people put swings for Lord Krishna in their homes. The idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with honey, curd, and milk and people even apply ghee to the idol. This happens early in the morning and the name of the ceremony is Abhishek.

Once the bathing ceremony is done, people decorate the idol with new clothes as well as ornaments and place it in the swing. The swings can be found in the courtyards of the temples and houses in Mathura and the idols of Lord Krishna are swung on them. Another beautiful thing about Janmasthami in Mathura is Ras Leela. Kids not older than 10-12 years perform drama describing the various stages of Lord Krishna’s life. People from nearby towns and cities also visit Mathura to see Ras Leela, Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Without any doubt, Mathura is the best place to visit in India for Janmashtami any day.

Janmashtami pooja at Mathura

The pooja time is between 12:00 am to 12:48 am, the birth time of Lord Krishna. There are 400 temples in Mathura, and all the temples have different festive vibes on the day of Janmashtami. Many celebrations are carried out, such as the reading of Bhagavad Gita, performing Raas Leela, DahiHandi, etc.

How to reach Mathura

Mathura is the main railway junction. You can find many train options to Mathura, and it is well-connected with major metro cities like Hyderabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, etc.

You can also go by air. The nearest international airport is Delhi, and the closest domestic airport is Agra. And, from the airport, you can book a taxi to Mathura.

The best time to Visit Mathura for Janmashtami Celebration

The best time to enjoy this festival here is during Janmashtami day, either in August or September. The whole day is enjoyable when you are here in Mathura for Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Vrindavan

It was at Vrindavan that Lord Krishna spent his initial days of life when he was growing up. When Krishna went to Gokul, Kansa sent his army to kill Krishna. To escape the army of Kansa, Krishna was brought to Vrindavan. It was at this very place that he started performing Krishna Leela and dancing with his friends, also known as gopis.

Some of the best places to visit in Vrindavan to witness the enthusiasm of Janmashtami include Prem Mandir, ISKCON Temple, and numerous other temples that are present here. It really gets crowded during this time of the year at Vrindavan but it also makes the atmosphere lively. People of Vrindavan celebrate Janmashtami by chanting mantras, singing songs, organizing dance and dramas, playing with curd and turmeric, preparing special dishes, etc.

Are you also willing to pay a visit and enjoy Vrindavan Janmashtami 2021? If yes, this will be the best decision taken, as Vrindavan is one of the most preferred places to visit in India for Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Janmashtami pooja at Vrindavan

Lord Krishna spent his earlier days in Vrindavan. The holy town is located on the banks of the Yamuna river, the place where Lord Krishna used to play Raas Leela with his Gopis. In Vrindavan, the Janmashtami celebration starts before ten days itself, and the professional artists perform Raas Leela, enact the life scenes of Lord Krishna and epic scenes of Mahabharata. The pooja time is between 12:00 am to 12:45 am on the day of Janmashtami.

How to reach Vrindavan

The nearest domestic airport is Agra, and the closest international airport is Delhi. You can easily hire taxis from the airport to reach Vrindavan.

And, one can also catch a train to Mathura. You can hire auto-rickshaws, taxis, or even take a suburban train from Mathura to Vrindavan, Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

The Best Time to Visit Vrindavan for Janmashtami Celebration

Generally, the best time to visit Vrindavan is during the winter months, but it is recommended to travel here at Janmashtami time, which can fall in August or September Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Dwarka

Dwarka is a historical city in India. The word Dwarka means doors to salvation and is the top place to visit in India for Janmashtami. Janmashtami in Dwarka is celebrated like no other place in India. Dwarka is one of the four Char Dhams, ruled by Lord Krishna and known as the golden city. The buildings were made out of gold, crystals, and diamonds. Krishna lived here for 100 years, and soon after this death, a part of Dwarka immersed into the water.

During Janmashtami time, the celebration starts with mangala aarti, and the temples distribute Utsav Bhog and Banta Bhog after midnight (the birth time of Lord Krishna). You can check Dwarka with Somnath Tour Packages listed on our website and plan a trip here. Plan a visit to Dwarka for Janmashtami to witness something grand this year Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Janmashtami pooja at Dwarka

The day starts with a mangalarti at 7 am. The priest offers Banta Bhog (milk & milk products) to Lord Krishna and cleanses Lord Krishna’s face with water. And then the devotees can do their darshan.

How to reach Dwarka

Jamnagar airport is the nearest one, around 135 km from Dwarka City. Dwarka has a railway station well-connected with major cities (Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Vadodara, etc.). And, you can also travel by road to Dwarka, Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

The best time to Visit Dwarka for Janmashtami Celebration

August & September are the best months to plan a visit to Dwarka for the Janmashtami celebration Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

Gokul

Gokul is certainly one of the top attractions in Janmashtami since Lord Krishna was taken immediately to this place after his birth. Janmasthami in Gokul is called Gokulashtami and is celebrated one day after the rest of the country celebrates this festival. During the celebration, devotees chant mantras, sing bhajans, ring chimes, blow shells, etc. A road trip to Gokul will not only give you the pleasure of witnessing the beautiful celebration of Janmashtami but you can also see rural India Places to Visit in India to Janmashtami.

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Religious Destinations India

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi

August 18, 2022 rtp123

Most Famous Temples In Varanasi also knows as Banaras or Kashi. Do you know that apart from Baba Kashi Vishwanath temple there are many other temples famous for tourist attraction in Varanasi city? Baba Vishwanath Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temple in India Varanasi.

People are trying to find out how many Temple in Varanasi? Well, it’s hard to answer how many temples are in Varanasi. The question sounds like how many droplets are there in a gallon of water. You can find temples at every nook and corner of the city. The more you visit the city, the more you discover the temples.

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir

Situated on the western banks of the River Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Mandir is one of the 12 holiest jyotirlingas or sacred centers of Shiva worship across India. This significant Varanasi Shiva temple even finds mention in the holy Puranas. While the temple has been subjected to destruction and re-construction a number of times over the course of history, it has never bowed to the dictates of time and even today it stands as one of the most popular religious sites in Varanasi.

One of the fascinating facts about this temple is that it features a gold dome and a gold spire on top. Legend has it, that if you make a wish after seeing the dome, Lord Shiva fulfills your wish Varanasi Tour Package.

Address: Lahori Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 11 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivratri

Bharat Mata Mandir

This is one of the most significant temples in the city located on the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith campus, and is visited by people from all corners of the country. The temple is believed to be one of a kind as it is one of the few temples that are dedicated to Mother India and is touted as one of the greatest and most famous religious sites in Varanasi. The place is a beautiful spiritual retreat for all its devotees. The temple was built by one of the freedom fighters, Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta in 1936, and does not have any deity, but features a relief map of the country carved in marble Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: Cannt Road, Guru Nanak Nagar Colony, Chetganj, Varanasi

Timings: 9 AM to 8:30 PM, open all days

Best Time to Visit: Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and Republic Day

Sankat Mochan Mandir

This temple is dedicated to the all powerful Lord Hanuman, and is frequented by devotees who can be seen chanting verses related to the lord, praying to him to save them from all troubles. The temple is located along River Assi, and was constructed in the early 19th century under the initiative of the famous freedom fighter and educationist, Madan Mohan Malaviya.

The main idol is embellished beautifully with marigold flowers and lip-smacking besan ke ladoos are a special Prasad here. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every Tuesday and Saturday and one can see devotees feeding the monkeys who live here, which is considered auspicious Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: Sankat Mochan Saket Nagar Road, Saket Nagar Colony, Sankata Mochan Leprosy, Varanasi

Timings: 6 AM to 9:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Hanuman Jayanti

Kanaka Durga Mandir

One of the important holy places to visit in Varanasi is the Kanaka Durga Mandir, which is adjacent to a kund. The temple has an interesting story related to it. Legend has it that the existing idol of the Goddess is not a man-made structure, but appeared by itself in the temple complex. Also known as the Monkey Temple, the shrine is a fine example of the Nagara style of architecture that is prevalent in North India, and is adorned with multi-tiered spires. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 18th century under the reign of a Maharani from Bengal Most Famous Temples In Varanasi.

Address: 27, Durgakund Road, Anand bagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi

Timings: 6 AM to 10:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Navratri and Nag Panchmi

Sankata Devi Mandir

One of the most recognized temples in Varanasi, is the Sankata Devi Mandir situated next to the Sindhia Ghat. Here, the Sankata Devi, a four armed idol is worshiped. The temple features a massive statue of a lion which is also her wahana or vehicle. Besides, you can also see statues of nine planets in the temple. On both sides of the Goddess, there are idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Bhairava. It is believed that Pandavas during their exile had visited this place to worship Goddess Sankatha. According to mythological beliefs, Sankata Devi or Goddess of all Answers protects her devotees from all the dangers in life with her magical powers.

Address: CK 21/20, Shitala Gali, Garwasitola, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 4:30 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM, open all days

Best Time to Visit: Navratri

Annapurna Devi Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and the symbol of food and nourishment. The temple enshrines a golden image of Maa Annapurna who is said to protect the entire Kashi from food crisis. The temple was erected during the early 18th century by Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao, who was one of the generals of the Maratha Empire. It is said that Parvati fed Shiva with her own hands after she came back to Kailasha and the Lord agreed to the fact that material world cannot be dismissed as an illusion, something he was not ready to accept before, thus upsetting Goddess Parvati.

Every year, during the grand Annakoot festival, the temple brightens up with a real carnival spirit, and coins are meted out to the pilgrims. It is said that one who worships these coins ardently can achieve peace and prosperity in life. Being one of the most popular religious sites in Varanasi, it brims with devotees throughout the year.

Address: D 9, Annapurna Math Mandir, 1, Vishwanath Gali, Godowlia, Varanasi

Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Round the year

Lalita Gauri Temple

This is one of the most beautiful and historic temples in the holy city of Varanasi, dedicated to Goddess Lalita Gauriand, and it is situated on one of the ghats of the Ganges named after the Goddess herself. Constructed in the 19th century under the orders of King of Nepal, Rana Bahadur Shah, the temple complex also houses the famous Nepali Mandir. Rana Bahadur Shah took exile in Varanasi from 1800 to 1804 and called himself as ‘Swami Nirgunanda’, and decided to build a ghat to house replica of Pashupatinath Temple in Varanasi. According to legends, one who worships this goddess with all his heart will attain massive wealth and prosper a lot in future.

Address: Ghats of varanasi, Ghasi Tola, Varanasi

Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and open all days

Best Time to Visit: Round the year

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Pushkar Fair, Pushkar Cattle fair, Pushkar Fair Festival, Pushkar Fair Tour

Famous Temples in Pushkar

August 17, 2022 rtp123

Famous Temples in Pushkar is the land of temples and one of the most auspicious cities of Rajasthan. Pushkar is one of the most important cultural destinations of India that is visited by a lot of globe trotters. Pushkar Mela, traditionally a religious and cultural event, attracts tourists from across the globe. Since it is one of the religious sites, a traveller makes sure to include as many temples and religious sites of the cities in their itinerary to have a complete outlook of the city.

In this city, here are temples that are almost 2000 years old. The temples here have enough stories to tell and everyone must explore them to the fullest. Below are listed the 6 temples in Pushkar that are the most Famous Temples in Pushkar.

This temple is very important and special because it is the only temple in the world that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The image of the swan and the red spire are the highlights of this temple. The inner sanctum of the temple has the Chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma. There is also the statue of the Sun God or the Surya Devta inside the temple. Ratri Shayan Arati must be attended here.

Savitri Temple

The Savitri temple in Pushkar is situated on the Ratnagiri hill, a considerably formidable climb around the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is in the Ajmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan and is a small religious hamlet with a rich history and a popular pilgrimage spot for Hindu school of religious philosophy, Pushkar Attractions.

The Savitri temple has a strange story owing its origin and subsequent installation to that can be traced back to various Hindu epics and mythological references in the religious texts and scriptures. It is said that the temple dedicated to Goddess Savitri, was built when she cursed her husband Bramha for compromising her prized position beside her husband as the orchestrator of an important religious ceremony with an inferior mortal. According to the curse, Bramha was doomed to be restricted to only one place of worship by devotees and that was in Pushkar.

Tradition still reveres and obeys the Goddess Savitri‘s wishes to be worshipped first before one proceeds to pay their tributes for worshipping Lord Bramha, thereby saving themsleves from the folly. As mentioned earlier, the climb to the temple premises after scaling the Ratnagiri hill is quite challenging and not for the faint-hearted. However, legend has it that the hard work and toil spent in scaling the hill to reach the temple is credited to one’s spiritual accumulation of wealth Famous Temples in Pushkar.

Although there is a rope way cable car for those who cannot climb stairs, if your visit is a pilgrimage, avoiding the toil of climbing stairs will not make the pilgrimage successful, or so it is believed. The temple houses the idols of both wives of Lord Bramha, Savitri and Gayatri, the one he replaced the original wife with. However, in accordance with ritual belief the Goddess Savitri is worshipped first before one approaches Gayatri.

Brahma Temple

The Brahma Temple is one of the temples in Pushkar that needs no introduction across India. It is the only temple in the world that is dedicated to Lord Brahma. The red spire and the image of the swan (considered sacred to Lord Brahma) are the identifying marks for this temple. The inner sanctum of the temple has the Chaturmukhi (four-faced) idol of Lord Brahma. Apart from this, a marble statue of the Sun God stands guard at the doors of the temple. It is said that the Brahma temple in Pushkar is about 2000 years old.

If you want to visit Brahma temple, then the best time is the Ratri Shayan Arati. This temple remains open from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. Brahma temple is only 10 km away from the Ajmer city and you will easily find buses, taxis, and trains to commute. Brahma temple conducts three aratis on a daily basis, first is the Sandhya arati which happens during the evening around 40 minutes past the sunset, second is the Ratri Shayan Arati which happens after 5 hours of sunset, and in the morning, the Mangalaarati is held, Famous Temples in Pushkar.

Varaha Temple

According to legend, once upon a time, a demon called Hiranyaksha was going about destroying all life on earth and threatened to finish off the planet. Seeing his destruction, Lord Vishnu appeared in the avatar of half a boar-half man and killed the demon. At different times, when the forces of evil were gathering strength, Lord Vishnu would take on an avatar and appear on earth to defeat these evil forces. According to Hindu mythology, he embraced nine such avatars, one of which was Varaha. This temple is dedicated to the Varaha avatar of Vishnu.

The Varaha temple was built in the 12th century by King Anaji Chauhan. Varaha or the boar is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was partly destroyed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb but was renovated again in the 18th century by the Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

The temple has a huge statue of the Lord Varaha in its inner sanctum which is white in colour. Apart from this, there are many intricate carvings and pillars depicting Garuda and life-sized statues of dwarpalikas or sentries guarding the temple doors Famous Temples in Pushkar.

The best time to visit Varaha temple is during winters which are from October to February. You can visit the temple anytime from sunrise to sunset. Once you reach the railway station or airport, you will easily get buses and taxis to Varaha Temple.

Old Rangji Temple

One of the most popular religious sites in Pushkar, the Old Rangji temple is a 150-year old temple dedicated to Lord Rangji who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Embodying a fine mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the temple also has shades of South Indian architecture with its high-rising Gopuram. Old Rangji Temple is dedicated to Lord Ranga.

The temple was commissioned to be built in the year 1823 by a rich merchant Seth Puran Mal Ganeriwal of Hyderabad. The temple houses the idols of Lord Rangji, idols of Lord Krishna, Goddammahi, Goddess Lakshmi and Shri Ramanujacharya.

Almost all the major festivals on the Hindu religious calendar are celebrated here and they draw huge crowds of devotees from across Rajasthan.

Old Rangji Temple is only one km away from the Pushkar bus station. It will take around 30 minutes to completely explore Old Rangji Temple. This temple remains open from 6 am to 7 pm and it is close to Pushkar Lake.

Apteshwar Temple

Apteshwar Temple is one of the religious sites in India, that boast of spellbinding architecture and religious rituals. A temple that endured the ravages of time, this 12th-century structure was destroyed by Aurangzeb but reconstructed again.

The main deity here is the Shiva Lingam that is served with curd, milk, ghee, and honey. Apart from this, devotees also offer ‘bel’ leaves to the Lord, which they believe helps in fulfilling their wishes.

Devotees and tourists from all parts of the world visit this temple to take part in the rituals and admire the architecture. Shivaratri is the main festival here, which is celebrated with great fervour and joy.

The distance between Pushkar Bus Station and Apteshwar Temple is only one km. It is located near the Brahma temple and you can visit this temple from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. The Apteshwar temple is famous for its architecture, the white marbles and the serene beauty of Shiva make Apteshwar temple a must-visit Famous Temples in Pushkar.

Raghunath Temple

Pushkar has two Raghunath temples with the older one being built in 1823 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here, Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Lord Rama who is one of the nine incarnations of Vishnu.

Like other religious sites in the area, this one too has beautiful architecture and has deities of Lord Venugopal, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Narsimha.

The newer Raghunath temple has deities of Lord Vaikunthanath and Goddess Lakshmi. This temple has seven other shrines with one shikhara each. Only Indians are allowed to enter this temple.

Raghunath temple remains open from 6 am to 9 PM and the best time to visit this temple will be during winters. During summers, the temperature soars, making it extremely difficult for the visitors to explore the temple wholeheartedly. To completely explore Raghunath temple, it takes somewhere around 1 to 2 hours.

Gayatri Temple

The Gayatri temple is a hill-top temple dedicated to Goddess Gayatri who is said to be the consort of Brahma. Along with Goddess Gayatri, Lord Brahma and Godess Savitri are worshipped in this temple.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma dispatched a swan with a lotus in its beak to drop at a place where he would perform a yagna. The place where the swan dropped the lotus was Pushkar and thus it is considered a major pilgrimage spot for Hindus.

The prime attraction at this temple is the Rajasthani architecture. Devotees throng the temple to worship and enjoy the scenic views from the hill-top.

You can visit Gayatri temple from 6 am to 9 pm. If you are travelling by train, then the Gayatri temple will be 11 km away. You can easily reach by bus and private taxis.

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Fair Festival & Events

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival

August 16, 2022 rtp123

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival has a lot of importance in Hinduism. The birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna is known as Krishna Janmashtami. According to religious beliefs, Lord Shri Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month and in Rohini Nakshatra. The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp. On this day, Lord Krishna’s child form Laddu Gopal is worshipped. A fast is also observed on this day.

Krishna Janmashtami (Lord Krishna birthday) Mathura is a world famous festival in India. Krishna was born in Mathura. So, especially at Mathura –Vrindavan where the lord spent his childhood, birthday (Krishna Janmashtmi) is celebrated with Great Spirit, devotion and pleasure all over India.

Celebrations of Krishna birthday (Janmashtami) takes place at midnight as Krishna god is said to have made his divine appearance in that hour. Krishna janmashtmi celebrations are performed at the all temples of Mathura Vrindavan but at Dwarakadhish temple some special events in the form of Jhulanotsava and ghatas…

Important information

Krishna Janmashtami 2022
Thursday, 18 August 2022
Ashtami Start Tithi : 18 August 2022 at 09:21 pm
Ashtami End Tithi : 19 August 2022 at 10:59 pm
Did you know: It is the 5249th birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna. On Janmashtami, devotees usually observe fast through the day and the night.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival also known as Krishnashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti or sometimes merely as Janmashtami, is an annual celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Krishna belonged to the Vrishni clan of Yadavas from Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and was the eighth son born to the princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Lord Krishna reciprocates in unique, personal ways with every devotee who offers Him love. He is the most adorable, mischievous son, the most romantic lover, the most compassionate friend as described in ancient scriptures.

The festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Shraavana (August-September) in the Hindu calendar. The dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna, Rasa lila, are organised in different regions of Mathura, Vrindavan, and regions following Vaishnavism in Manipur and many other places across the world. The Dahi Handi event also celebrate God’s playful and mischievous side, where teams of young men form human towers to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it, Rajasthan Budget Tours.

Birth of Lord Krishna

King Kansa, Devaki’s brother, ascended the throne by imprisoning his father, King Ugrasena. There was a prophecy which predicted that Kansa would be killed by Devaki‘s eighth son. Kansa got scared of that prophecy and locked Devaki and her husband in a prison cell. After Kansa killed the first six children, and Devaki’s apparent miscarriage of the seventh child, Lord Krishna was born as eighth child to the couple Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival.

Just after the birth, Lord Vishnu ordered Vasudeva to take Krishna to Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul so that Krishna can live and grow up safely there away from his Uncle Kansa. Vasudeva took Krishna with him and crossed river Yamuna and reached Gokul. When everyone was asleep, Vasudeva quietly exchanged him with Yashoda’s daughter and returned. Kansa, thinking her to be Devki’s eight child, threw her on a stone.

But she rose into the air and became the lightning in the sky and announced that Shri Krishna has already incarnated, and his destiny is in His hands and He is going to kill him and then she disappeared. Krishna grew up in Gokul with his brother, Balram and returned to Mathura and killed Kansa with the help of Balram.

Celebrations

Janmashtami is celebrated all over India and abroad with great enthusiasm. The celebrations start from early morning and go past midnight, the time when Krishna is believed to have been born. The temples are decorated with flowers and lights. The idols of Krishna and other deities in the temple are bathed with a variety of auspicious liquids including yogurt, honey, ghee in a kind of ablution ceremony called abhisheka. After that they are decorated with new clothes and jewellery Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival.

Images and idols of Krishna’s infancy are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. Before midnight, devotees gather around in the temples and sing devotional songs and dance in the praise of Lord Krishna. At midnight devotees welcome the birth of Lord Krishna and exchange sweets and gifts. Children also enjoy dressing up as Radha, Krishna and their associates, and re-enacting Krishna’s pastimes and childhood events.

Janmashtami Fast & Puja Vidhi

The celebration begins with the fast & Puja of Ashtami, and ends with the Parana on Navami.
One who is observing fast must have some light Sattvic food a day before i.e. Saptami. Avoid any physical intimacy with the life partner on the following night and keep all the senses under control.
On the day of fast, get ready early in the morning and pay homage to all the deities; then sit facing East or North.
Take Sankalp of the fast while keeping holy water, fruit, and flowers in hand.
After that, sprinkle the water mixed with black sesame over yourself and make a labor room for Devki Ji.
Now, place a baby bed in this room and a holy Kalash on it.
Additionally, place an idol or picture of Devki Ji feeding milk to Krishna.
Perform the Puja by taking the names of Devaki, Vasudeva, Baladeva, Nand, Yashoda, and Lakshmi Ji respectively.
This fast is opened only after the midnight. Grains are not consumed in this fast. Only fruits and something like that can be taken e.g. fried balls of Kuttu flour, sweets made of condensed milk, and Halwa made of water chestnut Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival.

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Fair Festival & Events

Independence Day

August 15, 2022 rtp123

Independence Day On August 15, every year, India celebrates its Independence Day, which marks the event when it attained freedom from the British rule. Independence Day celebrations are centred in the national capital, Delhi, where important government landmarks are bedecked and roads are decorated with the National Flag. Moreover, the ceremonial National Flag hoisting takes place at Red Fort from where the Prime Minister delivers a speech to the entire nation. The day is observed as a National Holiday all over the country, and people across the nation fly kites to celebrate their liberation.

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” These were the famous words said by Independent India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his maiden speech as the leader of the country. And rightly so, India broke free from the shackles of colonialism after waging a long fight against the British. Many key revolutionaries and leaders emerged during the movement, chief of whom was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who has been honoured with the title of ‘Father of the Nation.’

Independence Day Celebration 2022 Special Facts

This year we are going to celebrate the 76th anniversary of its independence with great enthusiasm on 15th August in 2022.
To mark this glorious year, the day has been named Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi started 75 weeks ago from 15 August 2022.
This year the Indian flag will be hoisted in every house under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’.

What happens on Independence Day?

Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort and makes an address to the nation, which is followed by a military parade. The President of India also delivers the ‘address to the nation’ speech. In honour of the occasion, twenty-one gun shots are fired.

This day is observed as a national holiday across India, with offices, banks and post offices remaining closed. Independence Day is observed with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events in all Indian states and Union Territories.

Preparations for the Independence Day start a month in advance. Schools and colleges organise cultural events, competitions, debates, speeches, and quiz competitions.

Background of the Independence Day

India’s struggle for independence started in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut and it gained momentum after the First World War. In 20th century, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress (INC) and other political organisations launched a countrywide independence movement and revolt against the oppressive British rule.

During the Second World War in 1942, the Indian Congress launched the Quit India Movement demanding an end to the British rule which prompted colonial rulers detaining many campaigners, nationalists, and ministers including Gandhi.

During the partition of India in 1947, violent riots, mass casualties, and displacement of nearly 15 million people took place amid religious violence.

History of Indian Independence Day

The British Empire’s rule started in India in 1757, followed by the English East India Company gaining control over the entire country by winning the Battle of Plassey. The Indian independence movement began during World War I and it was led by renowned leader Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi staunchly advocated a noncooperation, nonviolent method of protest, after which the civil disobedience movement took place.

After relentlessly long campaigns for independence, India’s struggle paid off. Britain had weakened after the two world wars and began thinking of ending its rule in India. In 1947, the British government declared the transfer of all powers to India by June 1948, but continuing tensions and violence between Muslims and Hindus led to a consensus for the partition of India into two separate states. To deal with this, the British government proposed on June 3, 1947, that any constitution framed by the Constituent Assembly of India will not be applicable to parts of the country that refuse to accept it.

On the same day, a plan for partition was put into action by Lord Mountbatten — the then viceroy of India. Mountbatten’s plan was agreed to by both the Congress and the Muslim League. As new borders were drawn and the world map changed forever, between 300,000 and 500,000 people died on both sides. On August 15, 1947, at midnight, India gained independence and was concluded by the iconic speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, “Tryst with destiny.”

The great British rule over India came to an end with the powers transferred to the newly independent entities Pakistan and India. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the new Dominion of India and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister of Independent India. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the Parliament of Indian Dominion.

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Religious Destinations India

Jagannath Temple, Puri

August 13, 2022 rtp123

Jagannath Temple Puri in Odisha is one of the four must-visit pilgrimage sites for Hindus because of Jagannath Temple that forms the part of Char Dham in India. Puri is a beach city located on the coast of Bay of Bengal which is one of the favourites among people of West Bengal for a short trip.

Having gained popularity among hippies back in the 1970s due to the legalisation of Bhang, Puri is still a popular destination among backpackers, however, the availability of bhang is now limited. With a plethora of hotels and homestays, the local tourist like to stay near the New Marine Drive and the backpackers prefer to stay near Chakra Tirtha. The Rath Yatra (chariot festival) which takes place during the month of June-July should not be missed if you are planning to visit during this time.

Known as the resting place of Lord Shiva, the majestic history and heritage of Jagannath Temple Puri date back to the 3rd century B. C. Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar complete the Golden Triangle of Orissa, with their religious significance and cultural heritage being the centres of tourism in this state. There are a lot of places near Puri that one must visit, like the Chilika lake, Puri beach, Gundicha Ghar and the very famous Sun temple of Konark. Puri is soon turning into an industrial hub with major manufacturing companies coming here.

Some of the architectural feats of the temple

The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.

The Nilachakra – Or the Blue wheel perched on top of the temple is made of eight metals or asta dhatu. It is believed that if you see the Nilachakra it is as good as seeing the Lord himself.

The flag or the Patitapabana flows in the opposite direction of the wind and is changed every day at sunset and is changed every day. The feet of changing the flag’s rests with a family appointed by the King. They have been doing this ritual for over 800 years, climbing 165 meters, bare feet without any support.

The Mahaprasad or the offering to the Lord is prepared on fire lit by wood charcoal and rice and vegetables, cereals etc. are put in earthen pots and placed on the fire one on top of the other. The pot on the top cooks first.

The Aruna stambha- the 33 ft monolith structure pillar in front of the Singhadwar or the main entrance of the temple was originally located at the Sun Temple, Konark.

Another unique feature of the temple is that the idols of the holy trinity are carved out of wood rather than stone or metal idols. They are also the only deity with the trappings of mortality.

Festivals

There are many festivals and rituals associated with the Lord, we list a couple.

Devasnana Purnima – the annual bathing ritual, where the holy trinity has brought out from their sanctum on seated in a raised platform and bathed with purified water drawn from a well within the temple premises.

Chariot Festival – This happens during the month of June/July. During the festival, the Lord comes out to the street to greet his devotees, people irrespective of caste, creed & colour can seek his blessings.

Religious places of attraction in Puri

Apart from tourism attraction the prominent religious attraction at Puri is its Jagannath temple, which is built in the 12th century by the Ganga dynasty. Other prominent attractions are its all festivals. Among all celebrations Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is the most pious one. The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival, one of the much-awaited Hindu festivals, honors the Lord Jagannath’s visit along with his siblings – lord Balabhadra and deity Shubhadra – to the temple of Queen Gundicha. As many as three new splendid chariots are created for the elegant Rath Yatra Puri that believed as the journey of the Gods – Lord Jagannath and his siblings – every year.

And that’s not all about Puri. The city also witnesses a lot of vibrant festivals and fairs. Have you ever heard of the ‘Pancha Tirtha‘ bathing spots of the city? These include the Mahodadhi of the Puri Sea near Swargadwar, the Rohini Kunda, the Indradyumana Tank, the Swetaganga Tank, and the Markandeya Tank. The sea, the beach, and the aura make the land all the more welcoming.

Shree Jagannath Temple Puri

The Jagannath Puri temple was built in the 12th century by the ruler of the Ganga Dynasty. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are the main deities that are worshipped here. “Rath-Yatra” is the most pious festival of Puri that is associated with the Rath Yatra.

Ganesh Temple

The temple that was built decades ago is dedicated to Lord Ganesha or Vinayaka. The temple is an intricate piece of art, adorned with numerous carvings and patterns.

Markandeswara Temple

Markandeswara Temple is located near Bindu Sagar, and was built in honor of Lord Shiva in the 13th century. The temple is visited by numerous devotees and travelers who pay their homage to the Lord and seek blessings.

Narendra Tank

Erected in the 15th century, Narendra Tank is located at Mauza Dandimala Sahi. This tank is a sacred place where the famous Chandana Yatra popularly known as ‘Chandana Pushkarini’ takes place.

Puri Beach

The Puri Beach is one of the best places to bask out the days of your Puri tour. The beach provides impeccable sunrise and sunset views. Moreover, one can find numerous food stalls that offer the best sea food in Puri.

Swargadwar Beach

The word Swargadwar stands for “door to heaven”. The beach is one of the most visited places in Puri that boasts serenity and the best beach experience in the city.

Best time to visit puri

Weather in Puri is highly influenced by sea as it lies on the banks of Bay of Bengal. The tropical climate of Orissa with pleasant winters, hot and humid summers and heavy rainfalls makes the period from October to April the best time to visit Puri. White Sands of Puri Beach attract lots of tourists to Puri from October to April

How to Reach Puri

Puri is located close to Bhubaneswar which has great air, road and rail connectivity. Puri itself is accessible by road and rail from most major parts of India. Here is how to reach Puri:

By Air : Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, which is nearly 56 km from the heart of the Puri city. The airport is connected to Delhi and Mumbai. International travelers need to get connections through Delhi or Kolkata.

By Train : Puri is a major railway junction. Regular direct train services are available from many cities in India, including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata.

By Road : Puri is connected with the neighbouring cities through well constructed roads. Buses are considered to be the main option to travel to Puri as the bus stand in near the Gundicha Temple. Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack can be reached in 15mins by bus.

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India Tourism

Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi

August 12, 2022 rtp123

Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi are plenty as it is surrounded by some of the most amazing tourist destinations. There are a number of places to visit near Delhi within 100kms, 200kms, and 300Kms which are perfect for weekend trips from Delhi. Nowadays, our life becomes so busy; everyone needs a short break from his or her nine to five tight schedules to rejuvenate you again. In this whole scenario, weekend plays the vital role, like other metro cities peoples of Delhi also love to make a plan for weekends. Wanna go to the hill station, historical places, religious place, wildlife sanctuaries or adventure destinations, Weekend Destinations near Delhi has the option for everyone.

Shimla – The Queen of Hills

A short trip to Shimla is one of the excellent ways to spend your weekend near Delhi within 400Kms. Come summer and you won’t regret giving up into the charm of one of the best hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. The capital city of the state, Shimla is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. Once, the summer capital of the British during their reign, the lovely place still carries that colonial feel in its air. Nevertheless, its popularity amidst honeymooning couples as well as family vacationers is matchless.

Perched at a height of 220 m above the sea level, the picturesque hill town has a number of attractions. Do not miss the enjoyable ride on Kalka-Shimla Toy Train and admire the lush scenery. A leisure walk at the Ridge and the Mall Road would be ideal during the evenings. Again, do not forget to carry wooden handicrafts as souvenirs back home. A day’s excursion to Naldehra, Kufri and Shaily Peak can also be planned Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi.

Places to visit in Shimla during a weekend getaway

Jakhoo temple – an ancient temple of Lord Hanuman consisting of his footprints
Christ Church – Second oldest church in North India
Annandale – a serene location offering mesmerizing vistas
Chadwick Falls – flowing from a height of 1586 m, the Chadwick Falls is a stunning waterfall
Rashtrapati Niwas – constructed for the then viceroy of India, Lord Dufferin
Scandal Point – a meeting place for tourists, locals and lovers

Unusual things to do in Shimla

Go for camping.
Enjoy white water rafting in Shimla from Chabba to Tattapani.
Brace yourself for trekking.
Visit Rothney Castle.
Delight in nature walks through pine forests.

Distance from Delhi to Shimla: 342.9 km
Traveling time: 7 hours 38 min
Best Time to visit Shimla: Throughout the year except for monsoon season

Jaipur – The ‘Pink City’

Jaipur is an iconic city of Rajasthan and is a part of the very popular Golden Triangle Tour, that also includes Agra and New Delhi. A wonderful getaway from Delhi during the weekend, the ‘Pink City’ fascinates by offering wonderful sightseeing opportunities. Visiting Jaipur is like living some of the wonderful phases of a fairy tale. Moreover, the Walled City of Jaipur may soon become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The forts and palaces provide glimpses of the magnificence and grandeur of the erstwhile royalty of the region. Besides, savoring Rajasthani delicacies is an added plus. Relish Mewa Kachori, Dal Bati Churma, Ghewar, Mirchi Bada, Besan ke gatte, etc. Moreover, Jaipur is surely is a paradise for shopaholics. So, shop for some great stuff like handicrafts, traditional apparels, imitation jewelry, lac bangles, precious and semi-precious stones, juttis, marble carvings, pottery and so on Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi.

Places to visit in Jaipur during a weekend getaway

Amer or Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) – an imposing building with maze-like passages
Jaigarh Fort – a palatial structure cradled on the top of a cliff
Jantar Mantar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) – a royal observatory with a collection of nineteen astronomical instruments
Nahargarh Fort – an impregnable fortification embellished with stonework and delicate carvings
Hawa Mahal – a signature building flaunting a distinctive architecture
Jal Mahal – a low rise symmetrical palace positioned amidst the lake
Birla Mandir – Also famed as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi
Albert Hall Museum – oldest museum of Rajasthan
Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur

Unusual things to do in Jaipur

Learn to cook a Rajasthani cuisine.
Enjoy an excursion to the City Palace.
Visit Elephant Farm.
Watch a Bollywood movie at Rajmandir.

Distance from Delhi to Jaipur: 281 km
Traveling time: 5 hours 13 min
Best Time to visit Jaipur: Early November to February

Agra – The ‘City of the Taj’

Lying on the banks of River Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, the Mughal City of Agra is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi within 300 Kms. As a matter of fact, the ‘City of the Taj’ offers a sneak-peek into the rich and glorious Mughal history.

Flocked by visitors from all around the globe, Agra houses a number of architectural marvels worth visiting. The metropolis also finds mention in the great Hindu epic Mahabharata, as Agraban, a forest of Mathura Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi.

Dal Moth and Petha are two specialties that you must definitely get your hands on while shopping in the local markets of Agra. In addition, learn about the rich historical past of India. Interestingly, the city is a part of the immensely popular Golden Triangle Circuit, together with Delhi and Jaipur.

Places to visit in Agra during a weekend getaway

Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Agra Fort – the dwelling place of the Mughal emperors till 1638
Fatehpur Sikri – short-lived capital of the Mughals
Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb – known as the ‘Jewel Box’, the tomb is considered as the draft of the Taj Mahal
Mehtab Bagh – the last of the 11 gardens built by the Mughals

Unusual things to do in Agra

Soak in the beauty of the Taj Mahal aboard a boat during sunrise, sunset or on a full moon night.
Attend the Taj Mahotsav.
Shop till your heart’s content at the Kinari Bazaar.
Witness the saga of love with Mohabbat – the Taj Show.

Distance from Delhi to Agra: 233.1 km
Traveling time: 4 hours 3 min
Best Time to visit Agra: October to July

Jim Corbett National Park – The home of Majestic Tigers

Situated in the alluring district of Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park is the supreme destination for all wildlife admirers and nature enthusiasts. Named after the celebrated British Indian hunter, this sanctuary has different species of flora and fauna in abundance. The main tourist attraction here is the plentiful number Royal Bengal Tigers. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett is the ultimate weekend trip from Delhi to get away from the blinding city lights and the all-day long traffic hubbub. Jim Corbett National Park is 300 kms from Delhi.

How to Reach:

By Rail: The best train to get to Corbett from Delhi is the Ranikhet Express, which runs directly from Delhi to Ramnagar.

By Road: 245 km from Delhi and takes 5 hours.

By Air: Delhi is the closest Airport.

Best Time to Visit: Remains closed from July to October during the monsoons.

Distance from Delhi: 300 Km

Haridwar – The City of Temples

The religious hotspot of Haridwar is 219 kms from Delhi. For ages, the historic city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand has been a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination. It is one of the Sapta Puris, located in the Himalayan foothills, where the sacred River Ganga rises. The Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years, is also conducted in this city. Haridwar, the sacred city, offers a colorful and intriguing combination of culture, as well as the top tourist attractions in Haridwar. Haridwar, one of India’s seven holiest towns, is often bustling with pilgrims. Its advantageous position near the holy River Ganga has increased its appeal Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi.

How to reach:

By Rail: There are 6 trains running from Delhi to Haridwar on a daily basis. The following trains start from Delhi to Haridwar. Like Shatabdi express

By Road: It will take 4hrs to reach by road

By Air: Nearest Airport is in Haridwar that is Jolly Grant

Best Time to Visit: November and March

Distance from Delhi: 213 Kms

Alwar – A Heaven for History Lovers

Once a city struggling for visibility, Alwar now has a plethora of tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. There is no room for boredom in Alwar, since there are numerous sightseeing opportunities, travel activities, and tourist attractions. Alwar, one of the go to weekend getaway from Delhi is 203 kms from the city.

Jet skiing, pedal boating, and crocodile sighting are just a few of the popular adventure sports available on the lake’s premises. A jeep safari in Sariska National Park is one of the top tourism activities that visitors to Alwar should partake in. Indian leopards, striped hyenas, Indian jackals, chital, sambhar, nilgai, wild boars, and other animals may be found deep into the park, which is surrounded by gentle, Top 6 Weekend Destinations from Delhi.

How to Reach:

By Rail: Frequent trains are available from Delhi to Alwar

By Road: It will take 3 and a half hours to reach.

By Air: Nearest Airport in Alwar is Jaipur International Airport

Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit are October, November, December, February and March

Distance from Delhi: 164 Km

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Shimla – The Queen of Hills

Places to visit in Shimla during a weekend getaway

Unusual things to do in Shimla

Jaipur – The ‘Pink City’

Places to visit in Jaipur during a weekend getaway

Unusual things to do in Jaipur

Agra – The ‘City of the Taj’

Places to visit in Agra during a weekend getaway

Unusual things to do in Agra

Jim Corbett National Park – The home of Majestic Tigers

How to Reach:

Haridwar – The City of Temples

How to reach:

Alwar – A Heaven for History Lovers

How to Reach:

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