Kashmir Valley

Kashmir Valley                                                                                                        
Perfection beyond this world makes Kashmir a paradise. The land of sparkling rivers and sleepy lakes, of startling gardens and regal Chinar trees, Kashmir boasts of some of the most beautiful flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. The abundance of natural beauty has earned the valley a nickname of the 'Switzerland of the East'. It is mesmerizing to see how this endless beauty never fails to charm the viewers with its changing scenes from dazzling white snow of Winters to blooming fragrance of Spring. The sparkling greenery of Summers are welcome too as the flaming beauty of Autumn. The art house of the Seasons, the beauty of Kashmir is complete to the giggling girls with fair Indian complexion and rosy cheeks and the exquisite handicrafts of the area.

Kashmir's Topography
The high snow-capped ridges of the Himalayan range in the east and the Pir Panjal range in the west and south enclose Kashmir. Jhelum River glides across Srinagar and swiftly flow through the winding ways of the valley. The geologists have confirmed the truth behind the popular belief that Kashmir was once a huge lake called the Karewa, which was formed by the blocking of the Jhelum River. However, the river formed a deep gorge through the Pir Panjal range at Uri and carved out its new way. Thus, the waters of the Karewa gradually drained away, leaving behind the stunning valley of Kashmir. One can still find corals and other marine fossils in this region.

The Glorious Name
There have been different versions of the legend behind the name of Kashmir. It is said that the great saint Kashyap Rishi went on a pilgrimage to the place. When he reached Naukabandan near Kaunsarnag, at the request of the people he killed Bahudev, the giant of Satisar and let the water of the lake flow out near Baramulla. Thus, the place came to be known as Kashyapmar or the some other historians dispute that this valley was so called only when the people of Kash caste settled here permanently.

Kashmir-Vaishnodevi Tour

DAY-01: Departure from Nagpur to Delhi by G.T. Exp. at 12.15 pm.

DAY-02: Arrival at Delhi at 7.00 am. Check-in Hotel. After Lunch Departure for Delhi

local sightseen. Back to Hotel at 8.00pm. Dinner & Night Halt.

SWARNA MANDIR

DAY-03: Departure at 5.30 am for Amritsar. Enroute Breakfast & Lunch. Arrive

WAGHA-BORDER at 5.30pm for sightseen. Check-in Hotel. After Fresh-up

Sightseen of SUVARNA MANDIR. Dinner & Night Halt

VAISHNO DEVI

DAY-04: After Breakfast Departure for KATRA. Enroute Lunch. Arrive Katra at 6.00 pm

Check-in Hotel. After Dinner departure for VAISHNODEVI [14 km.up & 14

Kms. down].

DAY-05: Free Day.

DAY-06: After Breakfast departure for SRINAGAR. Via Patnitop. Lunch will be taken at

Patnitop. Arrive Srinagar at 9.00 pm. Check-in Hotel. Dinner & Night Halt.

DAL LAKE

DAY-07: After breakfast Srinagar local sightseen. Night Halt.

GULMARG

DAY-08: After breakfast Departure for GULMARG. Back to Hotel. Dinner & Night Halt.

DAY-09: After breakfast Departure for SONMARG. Back to Hotel. Dinner & Night Halt.

DAY-10: After breakfast Departure for PAHALGAM. Check-in Hotel. After Lunch

departure for Pehalgam sightseen. Dinner & Night Halt.

DAY-11: Departure for Jammu Railway Station. Enroute Breakfast & Lunch.

DAY-12: Train Journey.

DAY-13: Arrive Nagpur at 12.30 pm.

Tour Ends.

Tour Cost: Rs. 16,500/- per head. [Adult]

Beauty                                                                            
Kashmir is famous for its beautiful and natural scenery and varieties of flora and fauna throughout the world. It is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and finest kind of embroidery on clothes.



                                                                 
        

                                

 Yusmarg is an ideal day-picnic resort.

Yusmarg is a small meadow set in the heart of mountains to the south-west of Srinagar. It is an ideal picnic spot and the Nilnag Lake can be visited from here. A two hour drive from Srinagar ( 47 kms ) will take you to acres upon acres of grassy meadow ringed by forests of pine, and towering beyond them, awesome and majestic snow clad mountains. 

Nearby are several peaks-Tatta Kutti and Sang Safed to name a couple of them. About 13 kms from Yusmarg, a short detour away from the Srinagar road, is Charari- Sharief, the Shrine of Kashmir’s patron saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din or Nund Reshi, now rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1994 which engulfed the entire building.

MANSAROVAR YATRA

            

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by Luxury Coach/Jeep - 14 Days (Guaranteed Fixed Departure Date 2013)
Months	Fixed Departure Dates by Luxury Coach/Jeep
May	08, 15, 19 (FULL MOON) , 22, 29, 31
June	05, 12, 17 (FULL MOON) , 19, 26
July	03, 10, 16 (FULL MOON) , 24, 31

Location:Tibet China,Asia Over view:

Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world’ . Mt. Meru is depicted as a mandala, and its image occurs throughout both Buddhista and Hindu parts of Asia. Mt Kailas is holy to followers of four religions. To Hindus, Kailas is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake is the means or soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailas Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion’s founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailas as the soul of Tibet. Mt. Kailash has long been an object of worship for four Major religious, for Hindu, it is domain of Shiva, It is also the abode of samvara-a multiarmed, wrathful deity worshipped in the chakrasamvara Tantric cycle of Tibetrian Buddhism. The joins of India also reverse the mountain as the site at which the first of their saints emancipated. And in the ancient Bon religion of Tibet, Kailash was the secred nine storeys Swastika Mountain, upon which the Banpo founder Shenrab alighted from haven. The 53 Km. Kailash circuit is the holist of all-Hindu as well as Buddist pilgrimages and the beacon, which draws most traveller to western Tibet. It is said that a single Parikarma erases the accumulated sins of a lifetime,while 108  cicurmbulation will achieve Salvation.
Lake Mansarovar: At an elevation of 4510m, is more important to Hindus than to Buddhists. Hindu pilgrims make an 85km. circuit around Manasarovar that is made longer and more difficult by marshes and complicated stream crossings. The Tibetans, being more pragmatic, often make a circuit of the lake in the winter when the streams are frozen and the route is shorter. Near Manasarovar is another large lake, Rakshas Tal, the ‘Demon Lake’ that holds far less spiritual significance.
Sprawling below Mount Kailash is the sacred lake Manasarovar (4510m), where ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to brahm's paradise and drink of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes. 
ITINERARY: MOUNT KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA -15 DAYS
Day 01: Katmandu (1300 mts.) Arrival, Our representive will meet at the airport and escort to the Hotel, Free at own and Evening dinner, overnight stay at Katmandu.
Day 02: Katmandu - After breakfast start to Katmandu sightseeing including Pashupatinath and Budha Nikanth Darshan, back to hotel and rest of the day is free for packing and program briefing.
Day 03: Katmandu to Nyalam (3700 mts. - 160kms.) - This is the first day of the Yatra. After breakfast depart from Katmandu to China border by reserved tourist coach. It takes about 05 hours. Our agent will complete custom formalities and check into Tibet - an autonomous  part of China. After lunch drive to a small Tibetan town called Nyalam by Land Cruiser. Overnight stay at Nyalam hotel. Breakfast and dinner in camp side and packed lunch will be provided.
Day 04: Nyalam Full day acclimatization - Full day free for excursion of Nyalam city.
Day 05: Nyalam to Saga / Dongba (4500mts. - 375kms) - After breakfast drive from Nylam to Dongba for about 08:00 hours. Overnight stay at Dongba in tent or Hotel.
Day 06: Saga / Dongba (4500mts. - 335kms) to Paryang / Chui Gompa - After breakfast drive from Dongba to Chui Gompafor about 07:00 hours. Overnight stay in tent or Hotel.
Day 07: Stay at Mansarovar (4510mts.) - free for pooja and hawan, This is the first day stay at the bank of the Manasarovar Lake. Overnight stay in tent.
Day 08: Mansarovar to Darchen (4600mts. - 110kms.) - Mansarovar Parikrama by Land Cruiser. We will choose the special point to take dip in Manasarovar Lake and do Pooja of Lord Shiva. Full day free for spiritual activities. Drive around 2.30 hrs to Darchen and overnight stay there. Astapad excursion can be done at extra cost.
Day 09: Darchen to Diraphuk (4890mts. - 12kms.) - This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama. We should start our journey after breakfast as early as possible. This day we have to walk continuously for about 6 to 7 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment. Overnight stay at Diraphuk in tent.
Day 10: Diraphuk to Zhulthulphuk (4790mts. - 22kms.) - This day is very sensitive and we have to pass Dolma-La Pass, which is 5400 mt. above sea level. The weather in unpredictable in Doma-la Pass and at any time snowstorm can fall. So we try to start our journey
as early as possible. In route we can have Darshan of Gaurikund but it is very difficult to go and touch. Overnight stay in route to Zhulthulphuk in tent.
Day 11: Zhulthulphuk to Horquo - We will Trek down to Darchen later our tour starts back for Kathmandu following the same route and same system applies for all subjects of our accommodation and meal.
Day 12: Horquo to Dongba - Drive back to Dongba.
Day 13: Dongba to Nyalam - Drive back to Nyalam, which is the last stay in Tibet part.
Day 14: Nyalam to Kathmandu - After custom formalities we will be picked up by Nepal side and continue drive to Kathmandu for about 05.00 hours and check into same hotel.
Day 15: Morning check out hotel, transfer to airport, catch flight for your- Destination. OR  Dep. At 7 am after breakfast  To Gorakhpur and Arr. Gorakhpur at 6 pm Transfer to Railway station train your Distination. 

IMPORTANT PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
Clothing: Casual wears and comfortable walking shoes are the rule of Tibet . Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings can be quite chilly to down right cold. Indian Pilgrims strictly no Sari. Bring all the film, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilet items etc. that you will need from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain on the way. A small first aid kit is also a good idea. Also quite useful is a route map, to know where you are going and have been each day.
 What to take: Winter wear: Gore-Tex material, though expensive, is highly recommended. Down jacket, raincoat or windbreakers, thermal under wears, Jackets, warm trousers & woolen shirts (cotton will also do), warm sweaters, woolen gloves, sun hat, comfortable shoes, light leather boots in case of snow, woolen balaclava ('monkey cap') & scarf/dust mask to protect your eyes & nose from dust.
 Bring with you: Snacks along the way. Chocolates, dry fruit, toffees, glucose; 'namkeen' etc. Strong water bottle & water purifying tablets. Personal medical kit and Diamox tablet (for high altitude). Sun glasses (to protect your eyes from UV, which is especially strong in high altitudes). Sun block or sun screen lotion, wet tissues (Fresh-ones are excellent to wipe off the dust), clothes-line/clips, needle & thread, deo-spray (handy for smelly boots/feet and for a round of spray in the toilet tent!), toilet paper, torch & spare batteries, daypack (small shoulder bag), Camera & films, Binocular.

Health: This is one of the toughest high altitude road journeys on earth. You Must be physically fit - no two ways about that. Generally patients with asthma & heart problems have a problem acclimatizing to high altitudes. In your interests it is essential you should be examined by your doctor to know about your health condition and your ability to cope up with the rigors of high altitude travel for days in 'no road' conditions, extreme cold, dust, trekking to an altitude of 19500ft during the Parikrama, etc

Beauties Of Goa...

DHANLAXMI TOURS AND TRAVELS

Saturday, 3 December 2011

Goa, The lonely planet

oa tourism is one of the most popularly known words to travel freaks throughout the world. Goa as a tourist destination offers a multi-dimensional attraction. Starting with the exotic beaches to the beautiful natural exhibits, there is no dearth of tourist attractions in Goa. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty, tourism of Goa also offers a number of other attractions like beautiful temples, churches, bustling nightlife, various festivals, shopping areas and casinos. All these attractions give a complete shape to the tourism industry in Goa. Hence, it manages to draw a lot of tourist by offering something for tourists of all types.

Places of tourist attractions in Goa
As said earlier, Goa tourism has no dearth of attractions. Embedded with a Portuguese flavor, Goa tourist attractions will surely be a great experience for tourists. The presence of wide variety of tourist attractions has actually helped in the continuous rise in the number of tourists to Goa. However, unless and until you are aware of the type of tourist attractions in Goa, you won’t be able to explore the beauty of Goa in a proper way. Hence, let’s have a closer look of Goa tourist attractions.

Beaches in Goa
Beaches in Goa are the most important part of Goa tourism. The exotic beauty of the beaches offers a perfect place to leisure travelers. Having a vast coastline, Goa beaches are the most beautiful beaches in the world. The best part of these beaches from a tourist’s point is that some of the beaches are bustling with activities while others offer serene beauty and a enchanting feeling. Hence, the beaches of Goa are able to serve the varied taste of travelers. Moreover, the huge variety of beaches in Goa offers adequate beach space for travelers. The following list contains the famous beaches of Goa:

• Anjuna Beach – Popular for its full mon beach parties, the Anjuna Beach in Goa offers an exotic beauty. Moreover, the beach is very close to the other tourist attractions like Albuquerque Mansion, built in 1920. You can also visit the Chapora Fort and the Mascarenhas Fort as these places are also close to the beach.
• Baga beach – The presence of a number of water sport facilities in the Baga beach is the prime reason for a huge number of tourists to visit the place. Moreover, the 30 kilometer stretch of coastline is a treat to the eye.
• Arambol beach – Located close to the city of Mapusa, the beach offers a taste of tranquil beauty. The beach also has the added attraction of the hot water springs, and a large number of shops nearby. The beach is a great place for food lovers as there are a huge number of shops in the area that serves exotic sea food.
• Dona Paula beach – Dona Paula’s tourist attraction goes much beyond natural beauty as the beach also has facilities for a number of water sports. Hence, the particular beach Goa has multi-dimensional attractions.
• Colva Beach – As said earlier, Goa possesses a number of isolated beaches as well. Among those, the Colva beach is the most prominent one. The serene beauty of the beach added with calm surrounding offers the perfect place for relaxation.
• Calangute beaches – Popular as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, the Calangute beach is a great experience for tourists as the golden sands, the palm trees make it a picturesque place. The fired prawns and the beer available will make it a truly relaxing experience.

Other famous beaches of Goa tourism include:

• Vaiguinim Beach
• Varca Beach
• Miramar beach

Temples in Goa
A lot of tourists often nurtures the idea that Goa tourism thrives only on the beaches but it is an entirely wrong idea as the temples of Goa are also a great attraction for tourists. You need not be a devotee or ardently spiritual to find a reason to visit the temples. These temples offer a great place to visit as they are great monumental structure as well. There are huge numbers of temples in Goa. Some of the most prominent among them are as follows:

• Shree Mallikarjun Temple
• The Hari Mandir
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Ram Mandir
• Bodhgeshwar Temple
• Shree Mallikarjun Temple
• Vithal Temple
• Shantadurga Temple

Churches in Goa
Churches in Goa are also an integral part of the Goa tourism. These churches are not only attended by the Christmas as a large number of people from other religions also visit the place to make the most of their trip to Goa. The beautiful architecture, the calm ambiance of the churches in Goa offers a refreshing experience. There are plenty of churches in Goa but some of them manage to attract a lot more tourists than the others. Some of the most famous churches in Goa are as follows:

• Convent & Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• Se Cathedral
• The Church of St. Alex – Curtorim
• Se Cathedral

Monuments and museums in Goa
Monuments in Goa also occupy a significant place in the map pf Goa tourism. Being a Portuguese colony, Goa also boasts a rich history. The various monuments and historical structures of the place reflect the rich history of the place. Hence, tourists often visit these monuments in Goa to get an idea about the history of place. Moreover, it also reflects a flavor of Portuguese architecture. Thus, tourists who are interested in various forms of architectures visit these monuments to get an awesome experience. Moreover Goa tourism also offers visits to a number of museums in Goa. These museums are the best place to visit in Goa to get a clear idea about the history and culture of Goa.
Some of the most famous monuments and historical structures of Goa are as follows:

• Aguda Fort
• Fortress of Colvale
• Fort of Sanquelim
• Cabo da Rama
• Mormugao Fort
• Chapora Fort
• Tiracol Fort

List of museums are as follows:

• Sculpture Gallery
• The Christian Art Gallery and The Cultural Anthropology Gallery
• The Religious Expression Gallery
• The Contemporary Art Gallery and the Western Bronzes Gallery
• Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery
• Banerji Art Gallery

Heritage sites in Goa
Goa tourism also offers the thrill and excitement of visiting the heritage sites in Goa. The various heritage sites not only reflect the history of the place but also the richness of the history. Visiting the heritage sites of Goa are also a great experience as it will like a walking down the pages of history. Hence, visit to the heritage sites of Goa are always an integral part of tourism in Goa. There are many heritage sites in Goa and each of them offers a great experience. Some of the most famous heritage sites are as follows:

• Caves at Mangueshi
• Buddhist Caves of Remona
• Statue of Abbe Faria
• The Viceroy Arc
• Caves at Khandepa

Goa tourism also offers an array of other attractions. If you have had enough of history and culture of Goa, you can now move your focus towards something more exciting, more thrilling and more adventurous. The presence of a number of water sports facilities in the various beaches of Goa adds to the dimension of tourists attractions. In fact, a lot of tourists come to Goa from various far off countries only to enjoy the thrill of water sports. There are various kinds of water sports available in the beaches of Goa. Some of them are as follows:

• Water sking
• Surfing
• Snorkeling and scuba diving
• Parasailing
• Jet-skiing
• Speedboat rides
• Knee and wake boarding
• Banana, Bump and bingo rides

You can also enjoy beach volley ball as this particular sport is very popular here and have the perfect surrounding to play this sport.

Nightlife in Goa
As said earlier, Goa tourism has no boundaries as you won’t be able to take proper rest after enjoying the water sports when you will have to gear up for a happening nightlife of Goa. Presence of a huge number of night clubs, discos restaurants and restaurants impart a happening nightlife to Goa. These places attract a huge number of tourists and most of them are equipped with world class facilities to serve the needs of a large number of foreign tourists that flock Goa throughout the year. Some of the famous restaurants of Goa are as follows:

• Sublime
• Zoori’s
• Britto’s
• Stone House
• Bean Me Up
• Quarterdeck

Casinos in Goa
The definition of Goa tourism is incomplete without a mention of the casinos of Goa. The Casinos of Goa are simply superb as the nice ambiance, huge crowds, flurry of lights provide the best décor to provide a great casino experience to the tourists. The casinos are usually flocked by the highest number of tourists during the end of the year. However, there is enough number of casinos in Goa to accommodate a large number of tourists. Some of the most famous casinos of Goa are as follows:

• Casino Goa of MV Caravela
• Winners at Goa Mariott resort
• Chances at Vainquinim Valley Resort
• Las Vegas Casino
• Floating Mint Casino

Festivals of Goa
The various festivals of Goa are also a major part of Goa tourism. These festivals are a great way to get close to the rich culture of Goa. The various festivals and carnivals of Goa mostly mark the onset of a particular season and bid adieu to other. The joyous mood that prevails in the region and huge number of participation in the hotel makes it a great experience to tourists from different parts of India as well as abroad. The colorful festivals also give a new dimension to Goa tourism as it offers a rare opportunity to tourists to take part in local festivals besides having great fun. Moreover, the festivals are not all about fun and frolic, people of Goa celebrate these festivals on the basis of a strong belief. Hence, these festivals are an integral part of the culture of Goa as well. Some of the most famous festivals of Goa are as follows:

• Feast of three kings
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Goa Carnival
• Bonderam Festival
• Christmas
  Food and Cultural Festival of Goa