Clinical-laboratory Investigation of Involvement of Systemic Fungus in Outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Broiler Chicken in Kathmandu Valley Nepal

Clinical-Laboratory Investigation of Involvement of Systemic Fungus in Outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Broiler Chicken in Kathmandu Valley Nepal  

Dr.Kedar Karki 

Central Veterinary Laboratory in Kathmandu Tripureshwor, Nepal

1: Introduction

2: Material and Methods.

3: Result and Discussion.

4: Conclusion:

Introduction:

The incidence of sudden death of broiler birds above 40 days suddenly increased in the month of August-September 2008 in Kathmandu valley. Birds that were presented for post-mortem examination in Central Veterinary Laboratory Tripureswor Kathmandu were usually found dead on their backs with wings out-stretched. Incidence rate was recorded between 1.5 to 2.5% of the flock. The mean mortality due to sudden death syndrome was 1.3 – 9.6% and mortality usually occurs after 6 week of age. There are no outstanding gross lesions on post mortem examinations, except for muscle oedema, pulmonary, renal and liver congestion, and congestive spleenomegaly.

 

ABSTRACT:

Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Candida spp, E.coli, Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were the usual organisms isolated from culture samples of liver, lung, spleen and Proventriculus. Reduction of mortality was achieved by feed restriction, supplementation of glucose containing electrolyte, liquid toxin binder, Immunomodulaters, acidifier and antibiotic therapy. The condition seems to be related to fast growth rate. A practical approach seems to use diets with 5-7% reduction in nutrient density. The provision of more space and supportive treatment with anti-stress medicine may also be beneficial.

                                                                                       

Key word:

Sudden Death Syndrome, broiler birds, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Candida spp, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Material and Methods: Background of outbreak of Sudden Death Syndrome in Kathmandu Valley.

 

During the first week of August 2008 there sudden increase in mortality of broilers above 3-6 week age (Table 1). There are no premonitory signs. Just before death, birds appear normal and it is common to observe the birds feeding, drinking or walking normally. Then suddenly, affected birds exhibit clinical signs such as extending their neck, squawk and start wing beating as well as leg extension before falling back on their back and use to die suddenly. Most of birds in flock were diagnosed as suffering from diseases like C.R.D,Coccidiosis,Gout,Lichchi heart disease, and were treated with using drugslikeTylosine,Cholestin,Enroxin,Gentamycine,Anticoccidiostates,MultivitaminBcomplex and liver tonics alternately but there was no improvement of flock health rather there was continuous but death of birds were recorded in every flock .

 

Table: 1. Epidemiology of Affected flock with sudden Death Syndrome in Month of August 2008:

 

Duration

no.of farm

Population at risk

Morbidity

(%)

Mortality

(%)

No. of samples examined

 

First week

22

16620

4250 (25.57%)

369

(2.22%)

44

Second week

14

15450

1235

(7.99%)

232

(1.50%)

28

Third  week

20

10260

848

(8.26%)

157

(1.53%)

40

Fourth week

30

15700

2380

(15.16%)

149

(0.94%)

60

Total

86

58030

8713

(15.01%)

907

(1.56%)

172

 

Postmortem finding of SDS birds:

 

Postmortem examination of birds that died of sudden death syndrome revealed showed no outstanding gross pathology. All birds were well fleshed, with muscle oedema and general pulmonary congestion and oedema. Feed was present along the entire digestive tract and the gall bladders of birds are usually empty. The liver and kidneys were usually slightly congested and have patchy subcapsular haemorrhage. Usually, the proventriculus contains a milky fluid, and intact food particles are present in gizzard. Congestive splenomegaly was observed in almost all birds. All these post mortem observations conform to the descriptions of the syndrom made by Ononiwu et. al. (1979).

 

 

Laboratory Finding of Mycobiota and Microbiota of Postmortem Tissue samples:

 

A total 86 tissue samples of lung, Liver, spleen, Proventriculus and gizzard, were collected during postmortem examination and were subjected for both bacterial and mycological culture. Results of microbiological examination done are given in Table 2.

 

Table: 2.

 

No. of samples

Bacterial isolated

Fungi isolated

Positive no

negative no

86

E.coli,

Streptococcus,

Staphylococcus

 

59

27

86

 

Aspergillus,

Penicillium,

Candida

58

28

172

 

 

117

55

 

Treatment and Preventive measure given to the rest of birds in flock:

 

All birds remaining in flocks were subjected to restricted feed up to 8-10%, and feed to twice daily only. Supplementation with glucose containing electrolyte, liquid toxin binders, Immunomodulaters, and simple broad-spectrum antibiotics were provided in water. Vitamin B complex supplementation was totally withdrawn. All birds remaining in all affected farms responded well to the above management and there were marked improvement in the overall condition of the flock.

 

Discussion.  

Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is an acute heart failure disease that affects mainly male fast growing chickens that seem to be in good condition. Although a common condition in fast growing birds, the pathogenesis remains unclear (Ononiwu et. al. 1979). Cardiac arrhythmias are involved in the pathogenesis of SDS with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) being the most common observation representing premature ventricular contractions and fibrillation (Olkowski and Classen, 1997; 1998). It has been reported that broilers fed with high vitamin D3 diet above the recommended levels in an attempt to prevent commonly occurring leg problems were 2.5 fold more likely to succumb to acute heart failure and die of SDS (Nain et. Al. 2007). SDS was also experimentally induced by feeding diets containing the mycotoxin moniliformin that resulted to cardiac injury with subsequent alterations in cardiac electrical conductance (Reams et al, 1997) suggesting the possible role of chronic mycotoxicosis to the causation of SDS. Other implicated causes of SDS include continuous artificial lighting (Ononiwu et al, 1979b), deviations in dietary calcium and phosphorus (Scheideler et al, 1995),  feeding crumble-pellet diets (Proudfoot et al, 1982), dietary fat content (Rotter et al, 1985) and feeding frequency Bowes et al, 1988). The latter recommendation of restricted feeding supports well the previous observation that abdominal fat deposition increases the risk of SDS such that restrictions on calorie:protein ratio decreases the incidence of SDS (Mollison et al, 1984).

 

Conclusion and Recommendation:

The present investigation indicates that broilers in good body weight condition when not harvested timely and remain in poultry shade for prolonged periods suffer stressful events and even sudden death. Also, it is possible that the increased humidity and hot season favors the growth of mold and fungus in stored feeds increasing the risk of birds to Mycotoxicosis. This incidence of sudden death syndrome in birds in Kathmandu Valley was reported for the first time and needs to be investigated further.

References.

 

Bowes VA, R.J. Julian, S. Leeson and T. Stirtzinger (1988). Effect of feed restriction on feed efficiency and incidence of sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 67(7):1102-4

 

Mollison B., W. Guenter,and B.R. Boycott (1984). Abdominal fat deposition and sudden death syndrome in broilers: the effects of restricted intake, early life caloric (fat) restriction, and calorie: protein ratio. Poultry Science 63(6):1190-200

 

Nain S, B. Laarveld B, C. Wojnarowicz C, and A.A. Olkowski (2007). Excessive dietary vitamin D supplementation as a risk factor for sudden death syndrome in fast growing commercial broilers. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology 148(4):828-33

 

Olkowski, A.A., C. Wojnarowicz, S. Nain, B. Ling, J. M. Alcorn, and B. Laarveld (2008). A study on pathogenesis of sudden death syndrome in broiler chickens. Research in Veterinary Science 2008 Aug;85(1):131-40

 

Ononiwu, J.C., R.G. Thomson, H.C. Carlson, and R.J. Julian. (1979). Pathological Studies of “Sudden Death Syndrome” in Broiler Chickens. Canadian Veterinary Journal 20(3): 70–73

 

Ononiwu, J.C., R.G. Thomson, H.C. Carlson, and R.J. Julian. (1979b). Studies on effect of lighting on “Sudden death syndrome” in broiler chickens. . Canadian Veterinary Journal 20(3):74-7

 

Olkowski A.A. and H.L. Classen (1998). High incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in broiler chickens. Zentralblatt für Veterinärmedizin. Reihe A 45(2):83-91

 

Olkowski A.A. and H.L. Classen (1997). Malignant ventricular dysrhythmia in broiler chickens dying of sudden death syndrome. Veterinary Record. 15;140(7):177-9

 

Proudfoot FG, H.W. Hulan, K.B. McRae (1982). The effect of crumbled and pelleted feed on the incidence of sudden death syndrome among male chicken broilers. Poultry Science 61(8):1766-8

 

Reams R.Y, H.L. Thacker, D.D. Harrington, M.N. Novilla, G.E. Rottinghaus, G.A. Bennett , and J. Horn (1997). A sudden death syndrome induced in poults and chicks fed diets containing Fusarium fujikuroi with known concentrations of moniliformin. Avian Disease 41(1):20-35

 

Rotter B, W. Guenter, and B.R. Boycott (1985). Sudden death syndrome in broilers: dietary fat supplementation and its effect on tissue composition. Poultry Science 64(6):1128-36

Scheideler SE, D.V. Rives, J.D. Garlich, and P.R. Ferket (1995). Dietary calcium and phosphorus effects on broiler performance and the incidence of sudden death syndrome mortality. Poultry Science 74(12):2011-8

 

 

Acknowledgment:

 

We would like to thank Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari SVO and incharge of Central Veterinary Hospital Tripureshwor, Kathmandu for providining early indication of problem. Thanks are due to Dr.Praggya Koirala V.O.,Dr. Banshi Sharma S.V.O. Dr. Salina Manandhar V.O, Mr.Bal Bahadur Kunwar Srnior Vet.Technician and Mr.Bhimsen Adhikari Vet.Technician of Microbioly Unit of Central Veterinary Laboratory for doing the microbiology works, Dr Esmeraldo M. Cabana, Veterinary Pathologist, Animal Health Laboratories, Diagnostic Services Branch Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania, Australia, and Dr. Lin Tsang Long, Avian Pathologist, and Dr. Stephen B. Hooser, Stephen, Head, Toxicology Section and Assistant Director, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory Purdue University U.S.A for their critique of the manuscript. Dr.Poornima Manandhar, Chief of CVL Tripureshwor deserve special thanks from this investigation team.

 

Ayutthaya活著的僧侶和死去的城市

曼谷以北80多公里的大城（Ayutthaya）幾乎是一個由廢墟構成的城市，這是我在城中穿行的感覺。 随便一个路口就会撞见一座废弃的佛塔，鸽子在上面做了窝，来回盘旋。隨便一個路口就會撞見一座廢棄的佛塔，鴿子在上面做了窩，來回盤旋。 当你靠近这个城市的中心，眼前就只有连片的红褐色和黑色了，红褐色的是塔，黑色的是佛像。當你靠近這個城市的中心，眼前就只有連片的紅褐色和黑色了，紅褐色的是塔，黑色的是佛像。
佛像绝大多数没有头，有时地上只剩下一只巨大的手，一颗被树根包裹的佛头，还有一些曲线非常优美、一时让人无法明白是什么东西的东西，那是佛像身上的某一个部分。佛像絕大多數沒有頭，有時地上只剩下一隻巨大的手，一顆被樹根包裹的佛頭，還有一些曲線非常優美、一時讓人無法明白是什麼東西的東西，那是佛像身上的某一個部分。 巴士旅遊
大城建于1351年，15世纪中叶继素可泰之后成为第二任暹罗首府，直至18世纪，历时417年。大城建於1351年，15世紀中葉繼素可泰之後成為第二任暹羅首府，直至18世紀，歷時417年。 17世纪初期，大城已是亚洲最富庶的城市之一，人口百万，控制着其北方各地的外贸交易，来此交易的商人不仅有中国、爪哇、马来西亚、印度、斯里兰卡、伊朗、日本人，甚至还有葡萄牙、法国、荷兰人。 17世紀初期，大城已是亞洲最富庶的城市之一，人口百萬，控制著其北方各地的外貿交易，來此交易的商人不僅有中國、爪哇、馬來西亞、印度、斯里蘭卡、伊朗、日本人，甚至還有葡萄牙、法國、荷蘭人。
欧洲人在他们的早期文献中曾提到大城，敬畏地说这里存有大量有价值的庭院和2000座镀金尖塔式的庙宇。歐洲人在他們的早期文獻中曾提到大城，敬畏地說這裡存有大量有價值的庭院和2000座鍍金尖塔式的廟宇。 但1767年缅甸军队的攻入，使这一切灰飞烟灭。但1767年緬甸軍隊的攻入，使這一切灰飛煙滅。 现在的大城差不多成了一座死城，保留下来的除了残垣断壁，最多的就是骨灰塔，仿佛当年的人修建这座华丽都市，只是为了未来有一个存放骨灰的地方。現在的大城差不多成了一座死城，保留下來的除了殘垣斷壁，最多的就是骨灰塔，彷彿當年的人修建這座華麗都市，只是為了未來有一個存放骨灰的地方。
位于大城古王宫遗址内的菩斯里善佩寺，被联合国教科文组织誉为“莫高窟第二”，是目前世界上仅存的三座建于15世纪的佛塔。位於大城古王宮遺址內的菩斯里善佩寺，被聯合國教科文組織譽為“莫高窟第二”，是目前世界上僅存的三座建於15世紀的佛塔。 15世纪的泰国，国库充足，人民安居乐业，只是没有发展军事，以至于被邻国缅甸入侵，不仅盗走了170公斤的金箔，还放火烧毁了整个寺院． 15世紀的泰國，國庫充足，人民安居樂業，只是沒有發展軍事，以至於被鄰國緬甸入侵，不僅盜走了170公斤的金箔，還放火燒毀了整個寺院． 命运与中国的圆明园极其类似。命運與中國的圓明園極其類似。

Senior travelers: What you need to know about travel health insurance – Part 2

When traveling to foreign countries, I truly believe that there is no such thing as having “too much” travel health insurance. If anything, I would tend to err on the side of caution and be over-insured.

It’s important for seniors to give careful consideration to the options that are available with travel insurance. It’s true that seniors will pay more for travel insurance but also, they are more likely to use it.

First of all, will you want to have insurance that will reimburse the non-refundable portion of what you paid for your vacation in the event you cancel? This is an importance consideration for seniors as unexpected illnesses are more likely too occur as we age.

It is also very important to fully understand what your policy covers. For instance, what does it cover in the way of evacuation insurance? Say for example you are on a cruise and have to be rushed to a hospital on the mainland. It can be very expensive to be transferred to a location that can provide adequate care.

Also, if you are going overseas, your own personal insurance may not cover you(as is the case with Medicare) and as a result seniors should purchase sufficient independent travel insurance to cover any medical emergency.

When you do purchase a policy, be sure you fill out any necessary portions ahead of time. Also, make a note of the insurance company contact number should you need to reach them in case of a medical emergency.

It would be wise to always carry your travel insurance with you at all times while on vacation. Personally, I think it would be a good policy to circle the contact number for the insurance company and attach a photocopy of your passport to the policy. In the event something happens that a person is unable to make arrangements for themselves, hospital officials can take care of it if they find your policy among your effects. In most cases, insurance companies like to be notified as soon as possible.

Be very careful to read the fine print of your policy. In some cases, it will be necessary to pay your own medical costs yourself and collect the insurance later. medical costs can be tens of thousands of dollars and be beyond your means. It’s very important to find a policy that takes care of your medical bills as they arise.

A guide to Travel Health Insurance

None of us want to think about all the things that can go wrong when we’re on that much needed vacation, but the truth is, many things can. You could become ill while away, or you could even get sick right before the long awaited day has arrived and not even board that pre-paid cruise ship at all. Travel health insurance is set up to protect you from all the above-mentioned occurrences and many more but before you purchase this type of health insurance, you need to know what it is and just what coverage to look for.

What Is Travel Health Insurance And When Do I Need It?

We consider that we have only touched the perimeter of information available on health insurance. There is still a lot more to be learnt!

Travel health insurance is an insurance policy that you can purchase prior to your departure that covers you for a variety of occurrences, whether medical or not, while you are away. This insurance can be pricy so you should take some things into consideration before you buy it. If you are going on a short trip that only requires one round-trip airline ticket of $250 then travel health insurance may be overkill. If you have booked a $5,000 once-in-a-lifetime cruise well in advance, then travel health insurance begins to makes more sense. You need to decide if the cost of the policy is worth it.

What Should It Cover?

Reading all this about health insurance is sure to help you get a better understanding of health insurance. So make full use of the information we have provided here.

People have an inclination of bragging on the knowledge they have on any particular project. However, we don want to brag on what we know on health insurance, so long as it proves useful to you, we are happy.

A good travel health insurance policy should offer you coverage for a number of things. First, you should be covered the entire time you are on your trip and at any destination. It should cover personal injury or death to you or anyone else named on the policy. It should cover the costs of all medical-related expenses you incur while on your trip. Travel health insurance policies can also cover you in the event you need to be evacuated due to a medical emergency.

Should you be visiting a third world country where medical experience and supplies are limited, make sure your policy covers any type of transportation to a more adequate country to receive proper medical care. If you travel often, you can purchase a multi-trip travel health insurance policy.

Where Do I Get It?

First, check into the coverage you are entitled to under your regular health insurance plan so you don’t end up paying more for coverage you already have. Once you know what you need, you can buy travel health insurance from your cruise line, travel agent, or an independent insurance agent. Although the independent insurance agents can be the most expensive, you don’t have to worry about your cruise line going bankrupt and not honoring your travel insurance.

Movie reviews: Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4)

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) Starring Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant, Cliff Curtis, Zelko Ivanek, Maggie Q, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kevin Smith, Yancey Arias, Hristina Chang, Yorgo Constantine, Andrew Friedman, Sung Kang, Matt O’Leary, Cyril Raffaeli, Jonathan Sadowski, Jake McDorman, Rosemary Knower, Gerald Downey, Allen Maldanado, Chris Ellis Jr., Regina McKee Redwing, Tim Russ, Nadine Ellis, Diana Gettinger, Melissa Knowles, Christopher Palermo.

Directed by Len Wiseman.

Running time: 129 minutes.

Rating: AA

“I’m getting too old to jump out of cars”

Tough guy New York police detective John McClane (Willis) apprehends smarmy hacker Matt Farrell after a security breach in the Pentagon, which an FBI agent named Bowman (Curtis) correctly suspects him of playing a role in. McClane thinks of it as a nuisance assignment particularly when he meets Farrell but then guys with high-powered machine guns start shooting the place up indicating things might be a bit more serious than they looked.

NASDAQ, transit control centres – what have you – in what is called a “fire sale” are commandeered and manipulated to generate chaos by an evil group of hackers in coalition with what look to be military trained thugs, their megalomaniac leader (Olyphant) and his cute girlfriend Mai (Maggie Q – a Mary Crosby type).

The minor hackers like Matt who were in on writing the code to breach some of the security networks are killed by the evil group to then cover it up. But after McClane saves Matt the young hacker proves useful in helping McClane bridge the digital divide which separates him from the villain’s crew. Once again the Emersonian theme of character triumphing over intellect is punctuated by brute force in a Hollywood film.

We even see what Hollywood deems to be the proper circumstance for a man to strike a woman – after she has pretty much kicked his head in a few times. Then, apparently it is okay. As a typical heterosexual guy I hate to be the one to blow the whistle on the misogynist fantasy for insecure males that this series of films is but when it is so obvious I can’t resist.

Though a lot is injected from present day reality (anthrax alerts, references to government failures in wake of Katrina, internet use, GPS etc) to try to inject relevance this remains a half-hearted attempt to cash in on a past box office bonanza after a dozen years since the second sequel.

Then there are the familiar Die Hard elements that cross all

Trip to India

India is a vast country and while planning a trip to it, a bit of confusion is bound to happen. For those of you who have very little knowledge of tourism opportunities in India, it is all the more difficult since a number of options spring up when you start researching. At the end of it, you are left wondering as to where to start from? Through this article, I intend to introduce you to two of the most famous themes around which you can plan your trip to India. The reason why I am picking up themes instead of attractions themselves is that it is good for those who donot know about destinations in particular but know what they exactly want to enjoy. For them, this article will serve as a quick guide. Also, the reason for why I will be discussing only two themes is that it is difficult to cover all of what India has to offer in one article. So just two themes for now.

Let’s begin with those who are interested in pilgrimage tours in India. India is a secular country and hence people of different religion reside here. Moreover, India is also the birthplace of four important religions of the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. Hence, scope of religious tourism in India is immense. For Hindu pilgrims, visits to Varanasi, Gaya, Chardham, Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Puri, Tirupati and Amarnath are extremely pious. These are places to which most of the Hindu pilgrims flock to whenever they feel the need to take spiritual shelter. As for Muslim pilgrims, a visit to Ajmer Sharief is of paramount importance. Apart from this, the Dargah of Haji Ali in Mumbai, the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya in New Delhi, Jama Masjid in Old Delhi and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti in Fatehpur Sikri also hold immense reverence in the hearts of Muslim pilgrims.

The Golden Temple at Amritsar is where the Sikhs head to when they think of pilgrimage. For Buddhist, it is the four sacred sites that are extremely important – Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Saranath and Kushinagar. Lumbini is actually in Nepal but can be accessed from India as well. The churches of Goa draw maximum number of Christian pilgrims from all over.

Locations of Hindu Pilgrimage Spots in India

Varanasi – Uttar Pradesh, north India

Gaya – Bihar, north India

Chardham – Uttaranchal, north India (Chardham comprises forus destinations – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri)

Vaishno Devi – Jammu Kashmir, north India

Haridwar – Uttaranchal, north India Rishikesh – Uttarnachal, north India

Puri – Orissa, east India

TTirupati – Andhra Pradesh, south IIndia

Amarnath – Jammu Kashmir, north IIndia

Location of Muslim Pilgrimage Spots in India

Ajmer Sharief – Rajasthan, north India

Dargah of Haji Ali – Mumbai, Maharashtra, west India

Dargah of Nizammudin Auliya – New Delhi, north India

Jama Masjid – Old Delhi, north India

Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chisti – Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, north India

Location of Sikh, Jain and Buddhist Spots in India

Golden Temple – Amritsar, Punjab, north India

Bodhgaya – Bihar, north India

Sarnath – Uttar Pradesh, north India

Kushinagar – Uttar Pradesh, north India

Lumbini – Nepal

Shravanbelagola – Karnataka, south India

Moving over from pilgrimage to adventure, India boasts of umpteen options. The Himalayas are the prime drawers. Mountaineers just love to try out their luck by climbing this towering mountain range. The rivers emanating from this mountains have a speed that create abundant opportunities for rafters to enjoy themselves. The coastal areas of Goa and Kerala are perfect for those interested in sea surfing, swimming and kayaking. The islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar are paradise for those interested in exploring the underwater world of colourful creatures. Camel safari in the desert regions of Rajasthan and animal safari in the wildlife sanctuaries of the country are equally sought after adventure options in India.

Where to Go if interested in

Mountaineering – Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Ladakh regions in Jammu Kashmir, Sikkim in north east India

Trekking – Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal and Jammu Kashmir

Rafting – Rishikesh in Uttaranchal,

Skiing – Auli in Uttaranchal, Gulmarg in Jammu kashmir, Shimla, Kullu Manali (both in Himachal Pradesh)

Scuba diving & Snorkelling – – Andaman Nicobar Island, Lakshadweep

Desert Safari – Jaisalmer in Rajasthan

Wild Safari – Corbett National Park in Uttar Pradesh, Periyar in Kerala, Gir in Gujarat, Kanha in Madhya Pradesh, Kaziranga and Manas in Assam, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh

Sea Surfing – Goa

There are various tour operators in India who will help you out while planning your trip to India. If you wish to know about them for your trip to india, you can visit the following link ITOPC

Backpacking In Thailand

Planning a trip to Thailand appeals to travelers of all shapes, sizes and budgets because it is quite easy to navigate about the different cities and main attractions. The travel is also inexpensive, leaving you with more money to explore the booming silk industry, as well as the delicious cuisine. Thai food melds a combination of mind, body and soul into their spicy and sweet balanced meals, offering some of the best dishes in the world.

Why Thailand is So Popular

When planning a backpacking trip to Thailand, you may have heard of what attracts tourists to the various areas about the country. In the North, trekking through the mountains is quite popular. More than 300 temples can be located in the beautiful natural surroundings of Chiang Mai. Top-notch quality and inexpensive stays can be found at every corner, offering flavorful food and interesting shopping outlets.

As a backpacker, you will find an abundance of places to stay at in the area, including Julie’s Guesthouse. At this establishment, you will be able to sign up for a couple of days trekking through the jungle that features lovely views and a first-hand look at how the locals thrive. To avoid getting hit by the monsoon rains, plan an adventure for this area between the months of October and April.

Central Thailand brings the allure of Bangkok, which overflows with shopping, addicting cuisine, palaces and temples. The Chao Phraya River provides a great scene to explore. Main attractions to consider include the Royal Palace, the Wats and Chinatown, as well as the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Notable festivals can be experienced in Ayuthaya, where scenic riverside gardens await in Sukhothai. The endless possibilities for exploration are mind-boggling. The islands of Southern Thailand bring you closer to white sands and warm waters. The largest of the bunch is called Phuket, where other notable selections include the Phi Phi Islands and the waterfalls of Krabi.

Nightlife

Many tourists enjoy the overall aspect of Thailand nightlife. This is one of the main reasons a large amount of travelers backpack throughout the country: nature, culture, food and fun. If it’s a good time you’re looking for, try the many go-go and beer bars in Pattaya, as well as Chaweng Beach (Ko Samui) that parties into the wee hours of the night. Koh Phangan is the site where thousands of locals and tourists gather to celebrate by the light of the full moon. It’s a world famous beach party that never seems to end, offered once every month. It is one of the best places to experience the food, drink and dance of Thailand island life in an event that literally rocks the senses.

The law of the land states that bars and nightclubs close at 2 in the morning when visiting Bangkok, but there is always somewhere to go, whether it’s just a delicious restaurant tucked away on a side street. The largest area to explore is called Patpong, which provides three streets to explore. For more information on the ins and outs of Thailand, check out the latest information posted on www.jeng-thailand.com.

Discover the Spiritual Heritage of India With a Well Organized Temple Tour of India

The land of mystics, deep spirituality and broad based cultures, India upholds the institution of secularism to the hilt. Churches, mosques and temples are found galore in this country of pied cultures and communities. However, Hinduism, having the major influence among people as far as statistics are concerned, has its evidences in the form of temples across the country. A temple tour in India will help one trace the variety of interpretations within the Hindu religion.

East to west, north to south, temples happen to be some of the tourist attractions in India – thronged by hundreds and thousands, some as pilgrims and some as sheer tourists and knowledge seekers. A temple tour in India can be started from the north. Garbhagriha, where the main deity is kept, happens to form the most important aspect of the north India temples. The prominent roof called the shikhara which surmounts the top of the Garbagriha, resembles an upside down conical shaped structure that is adorned with smaller conical shikharas.

Start with the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Shakti. The journey, the major portion of which has to be covered by foot, is a tough trek and demands a lot of willpower and luck to get through. The Lotus Temple in Delhi is a manifestation of the Bahai faith and the structure of the temple in the form of a lotus is a major tourist draw as well.

A tour of the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh can be utterly satisfying for the tourist with an eye for artistic values. Built by the Chandela rulers from 950 to 1050, the sublime love scenes of Indian gods and goddesses are intricately carved giving art and architecture a new dimension. As a part of the temple tour in India, you must visit the Varanasi – the immaculate land of utter holiness and piety. Be there and you will know the meaning of self and its surroundings.Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is the main temple to be visited here. Excursions from here will take you to the magical land of Sarnath – the land of stupas.

A temple our in India through the southern belt will acquaint you with Vimana and the Gopurams – a tall pyramidal tower and the two storeys separated by a horizontal molding.

Badami Cave Temples, Guruvayoor Temple, ISKCON Temples, Jagannath Temple, Kailash Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple and Tirupati Tirumala Balaji are the main temples in the south each of which deserves a dekko. Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar and Jagannath Temple in Puri are other of the excellent manifestations of architectural genius.

Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Meenakshi. In Tirupati Tirupati Tirumala Balaji dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara is another wonderful specimen of architecture.

On your temple tour in India you will agree to the statement that these temples are essentially visited by most enthusiastic travelers as they bear the essence of the respective religions, be it Hinduism or Jainism or Buddhism.

Pushkar Lake

One of the premier pilgrimage destinations in India, Pushkar is an interesting town located in Ajmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Dotted with spectacular temples, Pushkar boasts of a rich heritage and culture. Pushkar is among the oldest towns in India and Lord Brahma is often associated with its creation. Pushkar is also home to a 14th century temple of the Hindu god of creation – Lord Brahma. This is one of the few temples of the deity in the world.

Pushkar literally means born due to flower and lies on the shore of the Pushkar Lake. The creation of the Pushkar Lake is associated with an interesting legend. It is believed that the lake was created when a lotus flower escaped from the hands of Lord Brahma into the Pushkar valley. Immediately a lake was formed from the dew in the flower. The sage Vishwamitra is also said to have meditated here for thousands of years.

A dip in the holy waters of the sacred Pushkar Lake on Kartika Poornima is considered same as performing yagnas for several hundred years. Lined with fifty-two bathing Ghats, the lake exudes an unmatched air of peace and tranquility. The water around each Ghat on the Pushkar Lake is believed to have extraordinary powers. The Naga Kund, for instance, is considered to bestow fertility. The Roop Tirth Ghat imparts beauty and allure and its placid waters.

Verdant hills on three sides and the desert on the other side surround the Pushkar Lake. The lake is most attractive and throngs with tourists during the Pushkar Camel Fair and the day of the Kartik Purnima, when the new moon rises. The Pushkar Lake is said to be at its most benevolent and influential during this phase of the moon’s cycle.

The true fervor and impact of this majestic lake can only be felt on visiting the sacred Pushkar Lake.

Rajasthan India Tours Tours In To Enticing World

Rajasthan, the land of kings is the largest state of India. With record arrival of foreign tourists as well as domestic tourists it is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. It is a globally famous tourism destination of India and grabs the attentions of tourists from each corner of the world. Tourists from France, USA, Germany, Britain, Italy, Canada, Japan, Australia, Switzerland and Bangladesh visit this royal state of India in quite good number.

Drenched into royal splendor and enduring legacy the desert state of Rajasthan has more than lots to offer tourists with invincible monuments and elegant palaces that grandly stand to narrate the saga of bygone era of the state. Rich culture, glorious past, rich cultural heritage, colourful culture & tradition, majestic monuments, fantastic forts, palatial palaces, terrific temples, historical cities, rustic villages, shimmering sand dunes, exciting desert safaris, camel ride, forest safari, mountains, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, etc are prime attractions of Rajasthan India tours. You too will love to explore these attractions of the state on your visit to this vibrant and colourful state of India. It fact, Rajasthan is as an open-air-museum where its relics have been well preserved for the delight of tourists. This historical state of Rajasthan is able to grab the heart of even the most skeptical and negative tourist.

The historical cities of the state are also worth visiting attractions of Rajasthan tourism. Jaipur the City of Victory world wide popular as the Pink City of India is the capital city of the state. It is a must visit destination of the state having several attractions like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort Palace, Samode Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Garden, Museum, etc. The city of lakes, Udaipur is also a worth visiting city of the state. It is one of the most beautiful cities of India. It is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world with its beautiful ambiance, beautiful landscapes, beautiful palaces, beautiful lakes, and those things which are beautiful. Truly, a romantic city Udaipur is. Jodhpur the Blue City of India, Jaisalmer the Golden City of India, Bikaner the Camel City of India, Mandawa the City of Mansions, Pushkar the Sacred City of India, ets are few names to worth visiting cities to Rajasthan India.

Magnificent monuments have a great place in Rajasthan Tours package. How can be a complete tour package without including majestic monuments of the state? Almost entire Rajasthan is dotted with several magnificent monuments standing majestically on the desert-landscapes with tells the saga of glorious past and heroism of erstwhile rulers. City Palaces, Amber Fort Palace, Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort, Udaipur Lake Palace, Udaipur Fateh Prakash Palace, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Pushkar Temples, Ranakpur Jai Temples, Mount Abu Dilwara Jain Temples, Ajmer Sharif Dargarh, etc are some of prime monument attractions of