Vaishno Devi - Jai Mata

Travel the spiritual path to find your way to salvation and attain the ultimate. Devote yourself to the gods and goddesses pray for peace.

State
Jammu & Kashmir


Location
Nestling on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1,700 mt is the sacred cave shrine


Distance
At a distance of 61 kms from Jammu


Journey Time
By Road By Rail
9-10 hrs +1 hr by road 1hr+10 mins +1 hr by road


Route
NH 1A from Jammu


When to go
The main season for visiting the shrine is from March till July. The area's very cold through most of the year, so this is the best time to visit. Even during the summer, the temperature's not exactly high, so take along light woollens just in case it gets cold.


Indian Spiritual tradition has propounded four Purusharth (objectives) of a human life. These being Dharm (Righteousness), Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh (Enlightenment). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to grant all the four boons to those who visit Her Holy Shrine. She is considered to fulfill anything and everything that a person wishes for in life, in a righteous way. It is an experience of all, that no one goes empty handed from Her Great Pilgrimage.The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is thus an enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and penances. The culmination of this journey is at the Holy Cave where She merged Her Human form with the astral form of Her creators, the three Supreme EnergiesThe Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims cover 13km of terrain on foot to reach the holy Darbar. There is a common faith among the folk that Goddess-Vaishno sends a 'Call' to her devotees : and that once a person receives it, wherever he or she is, marches towards the holy shrine of the great Goddess. Howsoever difficult the passage may be.

Pilgrimage Destinations *Amarnath

Travel the spiritual path to find your way to salvation and attain the ultimate. Devote yourself to the gods and goddesses pray for peace.

State
Jammu & Kashmir


Location
In Kashmir valley to the north of anatnag. The base village is bailganv (pahalgam). One has to trek 32 km from chandhanvari (16 km from bailganv) to reach the holy cave, the Lord's abode. It is at an altitude of 13500 feet above sea level.


Journey Time
By Road
8 hrs

By Rail
8 hrs

BY Air
55 mins


When to go
September to March


A legend goes that.. Lord Shiva recounted to Parvati, his wife and the daughter of the Himalayas, the secret of the cosmos (the Amar Katha) in the Amarnathji cave. Parvati fell asleep during the discourse, but two pigeons continued to listen to Lord Shiva's story and attained immortality. The holy place came to be known as Amarnath. Every year on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana, a pair of pigeons is seen inside the cave. One of the holy trinities, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig-Veda, evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. Lord Shiva, in the form of a Lingam or the phallus, is formed naturally of an ice-stalagmite. Lord Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. An ascetic, he is the wild god, sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud. According to an ancient folklore, a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik discovered the holy site. Yet another legend has it that Bregish Reshi found the cave and the Lingam, while Kashap Reshi drained the Kashmir valley off the water. Soon people from far and wide heard of the phenomenon and Amarnathji evolved as Lord Shiva's abode and a centre of pilgrimage. Amarnath caveThe famous Amarnath cave is the destination of thousands of pilgrims during the full moon in Shravana (July-August). The cave is about 150 feet wide at the entrance, 90 feet high, and can accommodate about 600 people. Here the devotees can view the representation of the Lord in the purest form of white ice-mound, formed by a steady stream of water that trickles down in a slow mysterious rhythm from the top. It piles up to shape itself into a Lingam, the phallus symbol representing the Lord Shiva, which begins to rise undiscernibly to acquire a full shape on the full moon night. It is believed that water from the Ramkund Lake, situated above the cave, falls drop by drop on the holy Shivlingam. By its side are two fascinating ice lingams, representing his wife Parvati and son Ganesha. The Lingam rises up to eight feet in height in July, reduces to about four feet in August, and drops to just about a foot in September.

Beach And Backwater Destinations

South India is a cultural region of India that comprises the four Indian states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , Kerala and Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Pondicherry ,
This region includes the entire Indian Peninsula , south of the Vindhya Range . The Narmada and Mahanadi rivers form the northern boundaries of the region, while the Arabian Sea , Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal surround the peninsula in the west, south and east respectively.
The southernmost point of the region (and of mainland India), is Kanyakumari . The geography of South India is diverse, encompassing two mountain ranges - the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats and a plateau heartland. The Tungabhadra , Kaveri , Krishna and Godavari rivers are important non- perennial sources of water )

Star Cruises - Luxury on the high sea

Star Cruises, the third largest cruise operator in the world is a global cruise brand with a combined fleet of 22 ships in service including two to be delivered with about 35,000 lower berths, cruising to destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean, Bermuda and the Antarctica under the Star Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, Orient Lines and Cruise Ferries brands.
Vessels operating under the Star Cruises' brand in Asia-Pacific are SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Gemini, SuperStar Libra, Star Pisces, MegaStar Aries and MegaStar Taurus. The NCL group has a fleet of sixteen ships in service and due to be delivered under three brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America and Orient Lines.
The NCL fleet includes the Norwegian Dream, Norwegian Majesty, Norwegian Wind, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Jewel. Two newbuilds, the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem, are due to be delivered by 2007.
NCL America currently operates the Pride of Aloha, Pride of America and the Pride of Hawai'i. Orient Lines is an award-winning single ship line with the Marco Polo offering niche destination-focused cruises. Both NCL and Orient Lines market primarily in North America but also extensively in the UK, Europe, South America and Asia whilst NCL America offers inter island cruises in Hawaii.

Hills and Tigers

Hills & Tigers Hills in India lie mostly in the Himalaya and are covered in Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir , Himachal Pradesh , Uttarakhand , Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh In India, the tiger is found practically throughout the country, from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin, except in Punjab, Kutch and the deserts of Rajasthan. In the northeast, its range extends into Burma. Tigers occupy a variety of habitats including tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, mangrove swamps, thorn forests and grass jungles

Port Blair - Unspoilt Beach Resort

State
Andaman Islands


Location
Kumarakom in Kerala, South India is just a few miles (16 km) from the nearest city, Kottayam.


Journey Time
By Air 2 hours.


By Sea
ex Chennai - 60 hrs, ex Calcutta - 66 hrs


When to go
October to March.


Island Tourism Festival : A fifteen day long festival is organized during December & January. Port Blair is connected both by air and sea from Calcutta and Chennai. Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands, consisting of more than 572 islands and islets is spread over 8,249 sq kms of the Indian Ocean. It's that rare phenomenon:an unspoilt beach resort, whose principal attractions are the clear sapphire waters of the sea, the golden shores, the breathtaking coral formations, the flora and fauna, the endlessly fascinating marine life and the native people.More than 90% of the islands are dense forests and the bright green of the tropical vegetation gives the islands an emerald glow. The rustle of salt-laden winds through the coconut trees, the rush and murmur of the ceaseless waves, the rich melodies of birdsong. are all that disturb nature's tranquility.To water sports enthusiasts, the Andaman Islands lay out a rich spread of para-sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. ENTRY FORMALITIES Foreigners Foreigners require a permit to stay in the Islands, which can be easily obtained on arrival at Port Blair, from the immigration authorities, for 30 days stay. This can be extended for another 15 days with permission. Permits can also be obtained from Indian Mission overseas, Foreigners Registration offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta and the immigration authorities at the airports at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Calcutta.

Srinagar - The Lake City

State
Jammu & Kashmir


Location
Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m


Distance
850km N of Delhi


Journey Time
By Air By Rail By Road
1 hr 20 mins 8 hrs +8 hrs by road 22 hrs


Route
National Highway 1-A, connecting Srinagar with Jammu, is a good, all-weather road


When to go
April-June and November -February

Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.Kalhana, the author of 'Rajtarangini', states that Srinagri was founded by Emperor Ashoka (3 rd Century BC). The present city of Srinagar was founded by Pravarasena-II , and Hiuen Tsang, who visited Kashmir in 631 AD, found it at the same site as it is today. Laltaditya Muktapida was the most illustrious ruler of Kashmir in the Hindu period, which ended in 1339 AD. King Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-70 AD), popularly known as 'Budshah' , was a great patron of Sanskrit. Akbar captured Kashmir valley for the Mughals, who endowed Srinagar with beautiful mosques and gardens. The Sikhs overthrew the last Muslim ruler in the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1819. In 1846 the Dogras secured the sovereignty of Kashmir from the British under the Treaty of Amrjtsar, and in 1947 the state of Jammu and Kashmir with Srinagar as its capital, became part of the Indian Union.Today Srinagar is a resort for the tourist who can experience, at first hand, the peculiar beauty of the valley that has attracted the Chinese , the Mughals and the British to it.Its waterways with their own quaint lifestyle, the unique Houseboat, the blossoming gardens, water sports activities, shopping for lovingly hand-crafted souvenirs and the nearby resorts make it a cherished spot among those looking for a memorable holiday.

Chamba

State
Himachal Pradesh


Location
By the Ravi River, bordering J&K, 52 km north-east of Dalhousie


Distance
600 Km from Delhi


By Road
The best option is to travel from Delhi by road. Delhi to Haridwar is 229 kms. On National Highway no. NH-47. The climb from Haridwar to Joshimath is 257 kms. and takes about 13 to 15 hours. We suggest a stay at Rishikesh to break the journey if required


Route
NH1A to Jallandhar via Ludhiana; NH1A to Pathankot; NH20 to Chakki; state roads to Chamba via Dalhousie


When to go
April to October

Chamba was founded by Raja Varman who named the town after his daughter Champavati.The small town of Chamba is located amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the unmatched architectural superiority of the Indian sculptures.Chamba has a grassy promenade which is the focus for the Sui Mata and Minjar festivals.
Nestled on the bank of the river Ravi, Chamba. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas

Singapore - Lion City

According to Malay legend, a Sumatran prince encountered a lion - considered a good omen - on Temasek, prompting him to found Singapura, or Lion City. It mattered little that lions had never inhabited Singapore (more likely the prince had seen a tiger); what did matter was the establishment of the region as a minor trading post for the powerful Sumatran Srivijaya empire and as a subsequent vassal state of the Javanese Majapahit empire in the mid-13th century.Singapore might have remained a quiet backwater if not for Sir Stamford Raffles' intervention in 1819. The British had first established a presence in the Straits of Melaka (now called Malacca) in the 18th century when the East India Company set out to secure and protect its line of trade from China to the colonies in India. Fearing another resurgence of expansionism in the Dutch - which had been the dominant European trading power in the region for nearly 200 years - Raffles argued for an increased British presence, which he was promptly given. Under his tutelage, Singapore's forlorn reputation as a fetid, disease-ridden colony was soon forgotten. Migrants attracted by a tariff-free port poured in by the thousands, and a flourishing colony with a military and naval base was established.At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions from feng shui to ancestor worship creating part of the everyday landscape. It's these contrasts that bring the city to life.

When to go
Go anytime. Climate is not a major consideration, as Singapore gets fairly steady annual rainfall. Co-ordinate your visit with one of the various festivals and events: Thaipusam is a spectacular festival, occurring around February. If shopping and eating are major concerns, April brings the Singapore Food Festival and the Great Singapore Sale is held in June.

Phuket - Pearl Of The South

Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.

When to go
Phuket's idyllic tropical weather pattern makes it a favourite with beach-lovers. There are, broadly speaking, two seasons: the dry and the wet. The dry season begins in December and lasts until April, when rainfall starts to pick up again. Wet or dry, temperatures remain remarkably consistent, nestling around 30°C (86°F), with an ever-present dash of humidity thrown in for good measure.

Nepal - Himalayan Kingdom

Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures.It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.

When to go
Because of the varied topography, the weather in Nepal can vary wildly from one district to another. As a general rule, temperatures fall and rainfall decreases the higher up you go. In the high-altitude deserts of the Tibetan Plateau, temperatures hover just above freezing for most of the year and it almost never rains. From March to April and October to November - the best times to visit Nepal - days are generally warm with little rain, decent sunshine and temperatures in the 24-28°C range. From November to March, night-time temperatures can drop close to freezing, and snow can block mountain passes, though Pokhara and Kathmandu rarely see more than a few flakes. May and early June are unbearably hot and sticky and rain buckets down most days from May to September. Kathmandu is generally drier than Pokhara at this time of year.

Mauritius - Island Relaxation

Mauritius, a tropical island situated in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, is 60km long and 40 km wide, with a coastline of 160km which is completely surrounded by coral reef. Mauritius has all the beauty of the most exotic retreats, the island basking in splendid isolation of the warmest ocean.Mauritius is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean, boasting as much tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique and, better still, offering it at a bargain price. Though nestled up alongside Africa, it's actually more influenced by its British and French ties and predominantly Indian workforce.

When to go
Arguably the best time for a Mauritian visit is when the rain eases off from May to December. Maximum temperatures during these months average around 25°C (77°F) compared to only slighly warmer 30-32°C (86-89°F) in January, and you'll stay drier.

Maldives - Last Paradise On Earth

Resorts in the Maldives woo tourists with promises of 'the last paradise on earth'. If your idea of paradise is a pristine, tranquil tropical island with swaying palm trees, pure white beaches and brilliant turquoise lagoons, then the Maldives won't disappoint.This group of 1190 coral islands is also a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous reefs and the wealth of marine life; however, this is not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists who want to travel independently and live as the locals do.

When to go
While it's always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain, storms and the least sun. The other monsoon period is perhaps more friendly: the northeast monsoon or ruvai lasts from December to March, which are quite dry and slightly cooler months. Daytime temperatures hit about 30°C (86°F) all year round and lows average in the low 20°Cs (low 70°Fs). Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.

Langkawi - Eagle Island

Langkawi is an chain of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea , some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia . The islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi. The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka , itself a version of the Malay negari alang-kah suka ("the land of all one's wishes"), centred in modern-day Kedah . The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. 'Langkawi' means Eagle Island, it may be noted, and indeed there is a great abundance of eagles in the area. In Kuah , the capital, a huge eagle statue can be found.

Kuala Lumpur - An Asian Tiger

Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in almost 150 years, it has grown from nothing to a modern, bustling city of almost two million people. Take in its high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of the world's tallest building, then dive down to explore its more traditional culture in the back lanes of Chinatown.It's a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of the local colour that has been wiped out in other Asian boom-cities such as Singapore. It has plenty of colonial buildings in its centre, a vibrant Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India.

When to go
KL is hot and humid almost all the time. Although there is rain through the year, March to April and September to November are the wettest months. KL's wide ethnic diversity means that celebrations of one kind or another are usually going on somewhere around the city; these can make transport more crowded than usual. Public holidays are a surprisingly good time to be around, as most locals head for the beaches and hills. In more liberal KL, Ramadan doesn't pose the same 'where to eat?' problems that affect the more devout Muslim areas on the east coast.

Ko Samui - Party Island

Party island Ko Samui has long been the locale of choice for paradise-seeking voyagers of all stripes. Its turquoise waters and sun-bleached, sandy bays are lined with multiple bungalows and resorts, a plethora of restaurants to satisfy hungry epicureans, and thumping nightlife providing a soundtrack to the temperate, starry nights.

When to go
The best time to visit the Samui group of islands is during the hot, dry season from February to late June. From July to October, during the southwest monsoon, it can rain intermittently, and from October to January, during the northeast monsoon, there are sometimes strong winds. However, many travellers have reported sunny weather (and fewer crowds) in September and October. November tends to get some of the rain that also affects the east coast of Malaysia at this time.

Dubai - Shopper's Paradise

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. It boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty-free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area.Dubai is the quintessential home of sand, sun and shopping. A century ago, it was a tranquil town whose coral-and-gypsum huts housed Bedouin traders and pearl divers. Today the merchants have gone international and science-fiction skyscrapers stand alongside the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai.

When to go
The best time of the year to visit Dubai is between November and April, when the weather is coolest. The rest of the year you're more likely to be running from one air-conditioned environment to the next instead of getting out and exploring. Ramadan, which takes place at a different time each year on the Western calendar, is the Muslim month of fasting and is strictly adhered to throughout the UAE. That means that it's illegal, not to mention rude, to eat, drink or smoke in public from sunrise to sunset at this time. On the 'up' side, hotel rates drop to 50% of their usual cost.

International Destinations

Travel is to gain experience, learn, enjoy and respect for all cultures. Join the quest to learn different cultures and traditions of the world.

Before becoming Thailand's capital in 1782, Bang Makok or 'Place of Olives' (now Bangkok) was an outlying district of Thonburi, a town founded as a trading post in the mid-16th century. Due to its proximity to Siam's capital, Ayuthaya, the town also developed military significance. In the 18th century a fortress was built on the banks of the Chao Phraya and a great iron chain hung across the river to block unwelcome arrivals.Bangkok has dominated Thailand's urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Although you can shop in air-conditioned comfort in its Western-style malls, the city is a long way from being tamed by commercial homogeneity.

When to go
While there's really no bad time to visit Thailand's capital, rain and extreme heat are less frequent between November and February. April is only recommended to those with portable air conditioners, while October brings the heaviest rains - these are probably the best times to be out of Thailand. The tourists flock to Bangkok in December and August, while the least crowded months tend to be May, June and September.

Wildlife Destinations

Beckon the call of the wild, unleash the wild in you, come face to face with the king of the jungle, and live by the law of the jungle.

CNP is closed from mid June to mid November, Wildlife sightings are maximum between March and June. Between September and November, the weather is better but the tall grass after the rains is an impediment to wildlife spotting

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett supports a variety of vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey.Jim Corbett National Park is 115-km from Nainital, via Kaladhungi. The pride of Corbett National Park is the distinction of being the first national park of India. It sprawls over an area of 1,200-sq-kms and was established in the year 1935 as the Hailey National Park, after Sir William Malcohm Hailey, an enthusiastic conservationist who was at that time governor of united provinces.In 1957, the park was re-christened as the Corbett National Park in the memory of late Jim Corbett, legendary sportsman, great naturalist, eminent conservationist and a profilic writer, who spent some of the best and happiest years of his life in Kaladhungi and Nainital.

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