 |
Treatments in India |
|
|
Tourism Attraction |
| |
|
|
A perfect blending of old and new alike, Delhi is a haven to the culture that is amazingly unique. Containing Mughal and British monuments, the city is a commercial and political hub of the country. Visit the city's busy shopping malls, ancient monuments, and ravishing temples to have its flavor.
The city also affords a secular perspective to the visitor with plethora of forts, mosques, temples and churches. As a national capital, Delhi is a must visit city with host of impressive museums, appealing nightlife and plethora of options.
Places must visit...
India Gate
At the center of New Delhi stands India Gate that is 40 meter high. The huge monument commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War.
Laxmi Narayan Mandir
Located in Connaught Place, Laxmi Narayan temple was built by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. Commonly known as Birla Mandir. You can see and read many enchanting shlokas and quotes from the Gita and the Unpnishadas.
Delhi Haat
Situated oposite INA market, Delhi Haat is famous food and crafts bazaar. Here you can find various art and handicraft items that are exquisite and exotic.
Pragati Maidan
A vast exhibition ground on Mathura Road is a venue for domestic and international trade fairs. Big corporate houses from all across the world participate in these fairs throughout the year.
|
|
|
Established in 1475 by Badal Singh, Agra finds reference in the Mahabharata as Agraban. During Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art, culture, commerce and learning. This trend reached its height when Akbar's grandson Shah Jahan became the ruler. In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century, Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love- Taj Mahal was constructed.
The buildings made in this era followed contemporary Mughal Style. They reflected their inherent charm and high quality in the kind of building material was used in making them. The Mughal royalty reached its zenith during this ear only. Major tourist attractions include:
Places…must visit
Sikanadara
The mausoleum of Akbar is situated just four kms from Agra. Commemorated by Akbar, this structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.
Fatehpur Sikri
Built by Mughal Emperor Akabr, Fathepur Sikri is just 37 kms from Agra. Built during 1551 and 1585, the city was planned as Akbar's capital. Made predominantly of Red Sandstone, the city affords a wanton yet royal view to the visitor.
Mariyum Tomb
Dedicated to Mughal Emperor Akabr's wife, Mariyam, this tomb is made of red Sandstone. Made in 1611 on the Delhi-Agra highway, the carving on the tomb of Mariyam-us-Zamani are worth appreciating.
The city comes alive with…
Taj Mahotsava
One of the most awaited cultural festivals in India is the Taj Mahotsav. The festival is organized during February. This ten-day extravaganza is held in the Shilpgram close to the Taj. Taj Mahotsava brings the extensive arts, crafts and culture of India on display. |
|
|
Rajasthan is one of the most colourful and exotic states in India. Much of it is desert. There are beautiful palaces and huge stone forts all over the state built by the Rajputs who held power here for a thousand years. Rajput means "son of a prince", and the Rajputs were fierce and brave warrior clans who had a sense of honour and chivalry like that of the Knights of Old England. This led to many feuds and battles over the centuries, and because the Rajputs would rather die than surrender, many many lost their lives this way. Later the Rajput rulers became very friendly with the British and began going to Europe, often with the entire family, spending huge amounts of money shopping and staying in the fanciest hotels. In the meantime, they lost control of a lot of their lands in Rajasthan to the British. When India became independant in 1947 the Rajputs one by one were convinced to become part of the new India and signed away their lands and their lifestyles. Many families converted their palaces to museums or hotels in order to continue to have an income.
There are many colourful events and festivals in Rajasthan. Every year in November a huge camel fair is held in the desert when traders of camels, buffaloes and oxen come together to buy and sell their animals. There is singing, dancing and camel races and the traders and visitors stay in tents set up in the sand specially for this event. In March, in Jaipur, there is the Elephant Festival, when hundreds of elephants are decorated with beautiful fabrics and jewels and paraded through the streets. Rajasthan is a land of colourful festivals, history and traditions, and in some parts of the state you can almost imagine that not much has changed in hundreds of years.
|
|
|
Andhra Pradesh, the symbol of true spirit of Indian secularism where people of all faiths -Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu form a symphony of religions. History has forged, and left behind vital links with the state, as is evident from the many edifices, monuments and architectural ruins, the legacy of dynasties as old as 300 B.C. Traces of the diverse and variegated facets of the culture of the Mauryas, Pallavas, Cholas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Vijayanagar, offer imposing vistas, that continue to fascinate the observer. Situated south of the Vindhyas, it shares a common history with its neighbours, Maharashtra , Orissa , Madhya Pradesh , Tamil Nadu and Karnataka . The medieval city of Hyderabad is its capital.
Andhra Pradesh is known for the famous Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirupati, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Golconda Fort in Hyderabad and Buddhist viharas at Nagarjunasagar. Also visit the wildlife and bird sanctuaries of Kolleru, Manjira, Kawal and Papikonda. Andhra has a nearly 1000 km-coastline with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Famous beaches are Visakhapatnam Bheemunipatnam, Kakinada, Chirala, Kalingapatnam and Mypad.
Capital of Andhra Pradesh
Once a medieval city, Hyderabad is a modern metropolis. A revolution in etiquette is under way, recasting values. The yuppie ethos has invaded the city and western haute couture is slowly being preferred over the sherwani and burqa. This is the city that has even been the home of a Miss World. Fortunately, gourmets have not let the Deccani cuisine, the Hyderabadi biryani in particular, pass into legend.
History of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh was, in fact, created by combining the old princely state of Hyderabad with the Telegu-speaking portions of the former state of Madras . The Chalukyas held sway till the 10th c. when the Cholas seized power. In the 14th c., Muslim power reached this southern state and for centuries ruled over this princely state. It was finally was taken over by a General of the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb. The General's successors, called Nizams, ruled the state till Independence.
Culture of Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful crafts, vibrant religious festivals, a varied cuisine and the sonorant mother tongue, Telugu, are some of the indelible impressions of this state. Kuchipudi is the famous classical dance form of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal dances contribute in equal measure to the artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh. Tholubommalaata, a shadow puppetry theatre is a fascinating folk art.
Society
Friendly and warm, the Andhras are an ancient people, who can trace their roots and history to the Mauryan period, an interest in arts, crafts and dance. Andhra Pradesh is also a rich mosaic of cultures. Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus live in relative peace and harmony. The Tirupati is, however, the trump card for the state's tourism industry drawing people from all over the country and worldwide. Donations from Tirupati alone, have led to the establishment of a university, several hospitals & schools.
Occupation in Andhra
More than 70 per cent of its population live by agriculture, growing rice, other cereals and pulses. The major bulk of India's virginia tobacco crop is grown in Andhrapradesh. Industrial growth has transformed the landscape into precious pits of copper, mica, coal and manganese.
Andhra's Handicrafts
Lacquer toys, Anakapalli articles, Ikat weaving, Pembarthi Sheet Metal Ware, Nirmal pottery, Bidriwork as well as Gadhwal, Pochampalli and Dharmavaram silk saris are some of the amazing handlooms and handicrafts Andhra Pradesh is renowned for. Durgi, Allagadda and Tirupati are three of the major centers of stone art. Telengana is particularly well known for its folk paintings. Banjara needle craft, Kalamkari, the pen-painted fabrics of Machilipatnam and Kalahasti; Silver Filigree of Karimnagar and Budithi handicraft of Srikakulam are other handicraft specimens.
Climate of Andhra Pradesh
varies from 41-20 degree centigrade in summer (March to May) to 32 -13 degree centigrade in winter (january to February). June to December are the monsoon months and the weather remains hot and sultry. October to February is the best season.
Population of Andhra Pradesh
74 million
Festivals of Andhra Pradesh
The Deccan Festival, with its cultural programmes is celebrated in February. Bakri-Id is celebrated with ritualistic fervor in Andhra Pradesh and in particular, the old city of Hyderabad. The Andhra Ugaadi which heralds the New Year also means a season of mango-pickling and more literary pursuits such as poetry competitions.The state also observes typical indian festivals such as Nag Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Gandhi Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and others. |
|
|
Kerala - Gods Own Country
Sandwiched between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats, Kerala is a bustling little green-and-silver, coconuts-and-water state on the west coast of India. It is bounded by Karnataka to the north, Tamil Nadu to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west. Thiruvananthapuram is its capital.
Every district in Kerala has it's own unique culture and characteristics. Thiruvananthapuram is known for it's beach- Kovalam, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and various museums and palaces; Alappuzha for it's backwaters, Thrissur, the cultural capital, Kottayam for it's ancient churches, Kozhikode for it's old world charm and the entrancing Ponmudi or Golden valley.
Kerala Fact File
| Location |
: Southwestern Tip of India |
| Area |
: 38,863 Sq. Km |
| Population |
: 29,011,237 (Census 91) |
| Capital |
: Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) |
| Language |
: Malayalam, English Is Widely Spoken. |
| Religion |
: Hinduism, Christianity, Islam |
| Time |
: Gmt + 5:30 |
| Currency |
: Indian Rupee |
| Climate |
: Tropical |
| Summer |
: February - May (24 - 33 Dg. C) |
| Monsoon |
: June - September(22 - 28 Dg. C) |
| Winter |
: October - January (22 - 32 Dg. C) |
Capital of Kerala
Though a bit of a tongue-twister, Thiruvananthapuram - the present official name, is closer to it's mythological origins. The word ' Thiru ananthapuram' means the city of Anantha or the abode of the sacred thousand-headed serpent Anantha, who forms the couch on which reclines Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity.
Built on seven hills, it was the capital of the Venad chieftains. The city has grown as a tourist and commercial centre, with the International airport becoming the main gateway into Kerala. Being the state capital, it also throbs with political activity.
History of Kerala
Original inhabitants were animists, followed by the Dravidians. After Alexander's triumphant sweep over Asia Minor, the ports of Kerala became a link between the Middle East, the Mediterranean and China.
In 1498, Vasco da Gama made his historic landing on the Malabar Coast. In 1723, the East India Company signed a strategic treaty with King Marthanda Varma. For a few decades, Hyder Ali and his son -Tipu sultan proved to be a thorn in the flesh of the British, sweeping down several times into Kerala. In 1947, it was the turn of the British to pack their bags.
A hundred percent literate people. Worldclass health care system. India's lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rate. The highest physical quality of life in india. Peaceful and pristine, kerala is also india's cleanest state.
The People
Kerala also has considerable ethnic diversity. The Malayali majority belong to the Dravidian group (local race) of early Indian peoples.
There is a small population of descendants of Indo-European migrants from the north. Certain hill tribes exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast Asia. Most Keralites are Hindus, but there are also large Christian and Islamic, and lesser Jain and Jewish, minorities.
The official language is Malayalam. A long contact with the outside world has led to an intriguing blend of cultures and given Keralites a cosmopolitan outlook
Culture of Kerala
One aspect of the state's rich cultural heritage is manifest in its varieties of religious architecture: ancient Hindu temples with copper-clad roofs, later Islamic mosques with "Malabar gables," and colonial Portuguese Baroque churches.
Splendid paintings, especially murals, exhibit distinct local traditions and styles. The land is a flourishing center of the Kathakali dance form. The state has also a rich theatre tradition: the only surviving Sanskrit drama, Koottiyattam, is still performed by the Chakkiars of Kerala. Some principles of the Natya-Shastra are evident in their presentations.
|
|
|
Capital of Tamilnadu : Chennai
Cradle of : South Indian Temple Architecture
Official State Language : Tamil
Best Time To Visit Tamil Nadu : December To February
Tamil Nadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka . Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful beach resorts.
Tamil Nadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.
The Nilgiri Panorama
In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards.
Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.
History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.
In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.
By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
An Agro-Based Land - Tamilnadu
Although Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states of India, it is still a rural land; agriculture is the mainstay of life for about three-quarters of the rural population. The principal food crops are rice, maize, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, and pulses. The cash crops include cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, coffee, tea rubber, and chillies.
The major industries of Tamil Nadu include cotton textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, paper and paper products, printing and allied industries, diesel engines, automobiles and parts, cement, sugar, iron and steel, and railway wagon and coaches. The state of Tamilnadu is the largest textiles producer in India and an important exporter of leather and leather products, cotton piece goods, tea, coffee, spices, tobacco, etc.
There are a number of hydel power stations in Tamil Nadu. The atomic power plant is located at Kalpakkam, in the Chengalpattu MGR district.
Tamil Nadu is rich in handicrafts; notable among them are hand loomed silk, metal icons, leather work, Kalamkari (hand-painted fabric, using natural dyes), brass, bronze, and copper wares, and carved wood, palm leaf, and cane articles. For the best Chola bronzes and a glimpse of the magnificent paintings that flourished under Maratha rajas in the 18th century, travellers should head for Thanjavur.
Capital of Tamilnadu
Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.
The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.
The People
Tamil, the official state language, is spoken by most of the people. The main religions in Tamil Nadu are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. There is an established caste system, and the traditional differentiations here are a lot more pronounced than in many other parts of the country. The Brahmin community in Tamilnadu is very pious and people normally have a white mark on the forehead to signify caste.
Performing Arts in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is synonymous with the Indian musical maestro of the 18th century, Thyagaraja. The land of Carnatic music, Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of many other music legends as well. The main instruments used are the Violin, Wooden flute, 'Veena', 'Gottuvadayam', 'Mridangam' (also spelt as Mridanga), 'Nadaswaram' and 'Ghatam'.
Bharatanatyam, one of India's major classical dance forms, and Carnatic music are both widely practiced. Painting and sculpture, however, are less developed, although there are schools that teach the art of sculpture in stone and bronze. Tamil literature rapidly adapted to the Western literary forms of the novel and the short story. Since the 1940s, cinema has become the most popular form of mass entertainment. There are both touring and permanent cinema theatres; and sentimental and spectacular films, often featuring light music and dancing, are produced by the film studios situated largely around Chennai.
Festivals of Tamilnadu
The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale.
Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.
Climate of Tamilnadu
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.
Population of Tamilnadu
55,638,318 |
|
|
Capital of Tamilnadu : Chennai
Cradle of : South Indian Temple Architecture
Official State Language : Tamil
Best Time To Visit Tamil Nadu : December To February
Tamil Nadu is bounded by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in the north and Kerala in the west. The eastern and western tips of the Tamilnadu are defined by the Point Calimere and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuaries while the northern extreme is Pulicat lake and the southernmost tip is Kanyakumari, the land's end. Tamil Nadu is principally washed by the Cauvery, originating in Coorg in neighbouring Karnataka . Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is known for its beautiful beach resorts.
Tamil Nadu - A Temple State
Tamil Nadu, the cradle of south Indian temple architecture, is a living museum of styles that originated in the 7th century and matured in the huge temple complexes studded with towering gateways-"Gopurams"-that soar above the markets of almost every town. Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Rameswaram, Palani, Srirangam, Tiruttani and Kanyakumari are some of the famous pilgrim centres in Tamil Nadu. The famous Meenakshi temple of Madurai is a must see.
The Nilgiri Panorama
In the west of the state, where the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Ooty are the premier travel attractions, sylvan hills offer mountain views and a network of trails winds through forests and tea and coffee plantations. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast spread of deciduous forest in Tamilnadu dominated by teak, offers a good chance of spotting elephants and dholes, wild pack-hunting Dogs, Tigers and Leopards.
Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, closer to Kodaikanal in the Palani hills, is better known for its Lion-tailed Macaques (black-maned Monkeys). The wetlands of the coast provide perfect resting places for migratory birds, whose numbers soar during the winter monsoon at Vedathangal, near Chennai, and Point Calimere.
History of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu was ruled by three major dynasties-the Cholas in the east, the Pandyas in the central area and Cheras in the west. This was during the Sangam Age-the classical period of Tamil literature-that continued for some 300 years after the birth of Christ. The Pallava dynasty was influential particularly in the 7th and 8th centuries, the testimonies to which are the monuments at Mamallapuram.
In the 13th century, with threats of Muslim invasions from the north, the southern Hindu dynasties combined and the empire of Vijaynagar (also spelt as Vijayanagar), which covered all of South India, became firmly established. However, by the 17th century, due to the disintegration of the Vijaynagar Empire, various small rulers like the Nayaks ruled southern India.
By the middle of the 18th century, there were frequent conflicts between the British, French, Danes, and Dutch due to their interest in these areas. The British were finally victorious, while small pocketed areas including Pondicherry and Karaikal remained under French control. Under the British rule, most of south India was integrated into the region called the Madras Presidency. In 1956, the Madras Presidency was disbanded and Tamil Nadu was established.
An Agro-Based Land - Tamilnadu
Although Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states of India, it is still a rural land; agriculture is the mainstay of life for about three-quarters of the rural population. The principal food crops are rice, maize, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, and pulses. The cash crops include cotton, sugarcane, oilseeds, coffee, tea rubber, and chillies.
The major industries of Tamil Nadu include cotton textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, paper and paper products, printing and allied industries, diesel engines, automobiles and parts, cement, sugar, iron and steel, and railway wagon and coaches. The state of Tamilnadu is the largest textiles producer in India and an important exporter of leather and leather products, cotton piece goods, tea, coffee, spices, tobacco, etc.
There are a number of hydel power stations in Tamil Nadu. The atomic power plant is located at Kalpakkam, in the Chengalpattu MGR district.
Tamil Nadu is rich in handicrafts; notable among them are hand loomed silk, metal icons, leather work, Kalamkari (hand-painted fabric, using natural dyes), brass, bronze, and copper wares, and carved wood, palm leaf, and cane articles. For the best Chola bronzes and a glimpse of the magnificent paintings that flourished under Maratha rajas in the 18th century, travellers should head for Thanjavur.
Capital of Tamilnadu
Chennai (formerly, Madras), the largest city in South India and the fourth largest city in the country, is located on the Coromandel Coast. The city's British lineage is evident in the various cathedrals, buildings in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, wide tree lined avenues but there is no denying its traditional Tamil Hindu culture either. This is not surprising because this region had remained a centre of Pallavan culture long before the British came here.
The varied aspects of traditional South Indian culture existing alongside the lifestyle of a modern city complete with its plush hotels, restaurants offering a range of continental to typical South Indian cuisine, long and uncrowded stretches of beaches, modern shopping malls, cinema halls, etc.
The People
Tamil, the official state language, is spoken by most of the people. The main religions in Tamil Nadu are Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Jainism. There is an established caste system, and the traditional differentiations here are a lot more pronounced than in many other parts of the country. The Brahmin community in Tamilnadu is very pious and people normally have a white mark on the forehead to signify caste.
Performing Arts in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is synonymous with the Indian musical maestro of the 18th century, Thyagaraja. The land of Carnatic music, Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of many other music legends as well. The main instruments used are the Violin, Wooden flute, 'Veena', 'Gottuvadayam', 'Mridangam' (also spelt as Mridanga), 'Nadaswaram' and 'Ghatam'.
Bharatanatyam, one of India's major classical dance forms, and Carnatic music are both widely practiced. Painting and sculpture, however, are less developed, although there are schools that teach the art of sculpture in stone and bronze. Tamil literature rapidly adapted to the Western literary forms of the novel and the short story. Since the 1940s, cinema has become the most popular form of mass entertainment. There are both touring and permanent cinema theatres; and sentimental and spectacular films, often featuring light music and dancing, are produced by the film studios situated largely around Chennai.
Festivals of Tamilnadu
The main festival of Tamilnadu is Pongal, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of January. Feasting, music and dance mark this festival. "Karthigai Deepam" and "Varushapirapu" (Tamil New Year's Day) are also celebrated on a grand scale.
Several temple festivals are held throughout the Tamilnadu, of which The Mahamagam festival celebrated once in 12 years at Kumbakonam, Meenakshi Kalyanam festival at Madurai, Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram are the famous ones.
Climate of Tamilnadu
The climate of Tamil Nadu is essentially tropical. The temperature in summer seldom 43º C and in winter seldom falls below 18º C. The lowest temperatures are recorded during December and January, and the highest in April to June. The average annual rainfall, falling mainly between October and December, ranges between 25 and 75 inches. The most precipitation falls in the Nilgiris and other hill areas.
Population of Tamilnadu
55,638,318 |
|
|
Goa State Information
Picture yourself on a beautiful Beach of Goa with silver sand to swim and surf, white Churches surrounded by green paddy fields and coconut groves, going for a long stroll on a starry night, and somewhere someone is playing a romantic tune on his guitar. That's Goa for you.
The various places to visit in Goa are: Anjuna Beach, Aguda Fort, Calangute Beach, St Cathedral Church of St. Francis, Bom Jesus Basilica, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Carambolin Lake.
It is a blend of the east and west, with Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically as Diwali and Durga Puja. In its Latin architecture there is also a preference of a fish-meat cuisine. The prevalence of cheap beer blends perfectly well with the traditional tipples of Feni, the local hooch and toddy.
Panaji in Goa still looks and feels like any Portuguese town with grand public buildings and old houses with over-hanging balconies and numerous bars & cafes.
Tourism is the main money-spinner business in Goa. But on the coast, coconut cultivation and fishing are still the main sources of income. Goa Tourism happens all over the year but if you want to enjoy the Carnival better visit in Feb-March.
Panjim, Goa
Called Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji, which means "the land that does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more charming.
The European Ambience
Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled with brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine view.
Vasco Da Gama, Goa
Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast.
It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.
Goa Beaches
Anjuna Beach, Goa
With its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, ANJUNA, 8-km west of Mapusa, is Goa at its most "alternative". Designer leather and lycra may have superseded cotton Kaftans, but most people's reasons for coming are the same as they were in the 1970s: dancing and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing in the area have a day trip to the famous flea market.
Baga Beach, Goa
Baga Beach, Goa
Baga, 10-km west of Mapusa, is basically an extension of Calangute; even the locals are unable to decide where ends and the other begin. Lying in the lee of a rocky, wooded headland, the only difference between this far northern end of the beach and its more congested centre is that the scenery here is marginally more varied and picturesque.
Calangute Beach, Goa
"A Topping On Tourist Pie" A mere 45 minute bus ride up the coast from the capital, Calangute is Goa's busiest and most commercialized resort, and the flagship of the state government's bid for a bigger slice of India's package-tourist pie. In the 1970s and early 1980s, this once peaceful fishing Village epitomized Goa's reputation as a haven for hedonistic hippies.
Goa Tourist Attractions
Aguada Fort, Goa
Location : 18-km From Panaji, Old Goa
Built By : Portuguese
Built In : 1609-1612
Houses : The Central Jail And A 19th Century Lighthouse
A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.
Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. Built in 1612 to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders, it is home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water available to ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon. Click here to visit Aguada Fort in Goa
SE Cathedral Church, Goa
The Portuguese Viceroy Redondo commissioned the Se, or St. Catherine's' Cathedral, southwest of St. Cajetan's, to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific". Today it stands larger than any church in Portugal, although it was beset by problems, not least a lack of funds and Portugal's temporary loss of independence to Spain. It took eighty years to build and was not consecrated until 1640.
A Cross Shaped Church
This is the largest church among the group of churches in Old Goa. Built on a raised plinth of laterite, covered over with lime plaster, the church has, besides the main altar, eight chapels alongside the aisles and six altars in the transept. |
|
|
