Put Yourself In India Tours And Experience The Glimpse Of India

December 27, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under India

Are you looking forward to a place where you can make your holiday a memorable experience? Are you in search of a place which is full of wild and wonderful experiences? Your search ends here. Put yourself in India tours and experience the glimpse of India. Crowned by the world’s highest mountain range “the Himalayas”, India is the seventh largest country of the world and the land of India is full of is full of beauty and ecstasy. The sub-continent of India is surrounded by Nepal, Pakistan, China, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The sub-continent of India is surrounded by Indian Ocean in the south, Arabian Sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

India is a land of cultural excitement. With a 5000 year old culture, the sub-continent of India has a glorious history. Previously India was a very rich country and famously known as the “Golden Bird”. No any where in the world one can find so much rich culture and history. Today India is one of the most demanding tourist spot in all over the world. Every year a large gathering of tourists come for India tours and enjoy its fascination. India has a lot to offer the tourists. From luxury to adventure, beaches to deserts, wildlife to hill stations what a tourist can demand for. The charisma of India, rich history, exotic religions and historical monuments always hypnotize the tourists.

There is so much to experience and explore in India. In fact the glimpse of India is never-ending. No matter for what purpose you travel to India. Whether your put yourself in India tours on business or just pleasure, you will find that there is so much to offer you. There is a lot to see and to do in India. The sub-continent of India has exceptionally rich and diverse heritage. One can see India’s living heritage in the form of stunning architecture, cultural traditions and arts & crafts during India tours. One can see the best of heritage of India during Delhi Agra Jaipur Tours. Because the land of Rajasthan, India is full of many heritage monuments and also the state is culturally rich.

India tourism has a lot to satisfy tourists. If you want to live in luxury and feel like kings/prices, then the country has many palace hotels to satisfy you where the old-charm has been preserved well. During your India luxury tours one can visit such heritage palace hotels. Come to India; stay in these exotic palace hotels and experience the luxury and feel like Maharajas. There are many Important Places in India where one can experience the glimpse of heritage of India. Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bangalore, Mysore, Varanasi, Khajuraho etc are some important places in India where one can experience the charm of heritage of India. Delhi Agra Jaipur Tours tourist circuit (famously known as the Golden Triangle) is considered to be one of the most popular tourist circuits in North India.

India is not only famous for its rich culture and heritage monuments but also for its flora & fauna, exhilarating wildlife or the lovely beaches. During your India wildlife tours you will see many exciting wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which won’t fail to allure you with their fascination. If you are interested in lovely beaches, India satisfy your this choice also. There are many lovely beaches and stunning beach resorts in India which will you see during your India beach tours. Making holiday on the lovely beaches of India can be a unique experience. Over all India has a vast choice of attractions to see.

Best Asian destinations for the US dollar

December 18, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Nepal

Looking for a place to just sit back and let curiosity drive you to each corner while your wallet still feels the same size like when you were at home? How do the Himalayas sound? Yes, I am talking about Kathmandu, Nepal. It is the ideal destination to feel like Switzerland but not spending like Swiss prices.

For many, Nepal is an escape not necessarily away from reality, but where one explores numerous venues like temples, art, wild areas; valleys and mountains of so much beauty that the air is worth inhaling will you are riding a taxi cab or hiking your way inside or outside the capital.

For accommodations, Kathmandu has some of the finest hotels and accommodation services in the world. You have the luxury of staying in a five star hotel with two star prices. Food, beverages are plenty and compared to the US dollar, not even a worry. The venues are to just enjoy, as the city is surrounded by a valley continues to have delightfully cool weather; neither humid nor too dry depending at the time of the year you visit.

The nightlife, such as Durbar Square and Thamel are amazing places to take walks or even the night clubs and bars where one frequently sees the wannabe Westerner is entertainment enough. Not to mention lights of the many temples that Kathmandu is surrounded by is often so enchanting after dark, because you have a pleasant setting to a festive atmosphere of lights and sizzling local crowd eager to sell you items less than a $1 of which you would spend a minimum of $10 in downtown Washington DC.

With few tourists and some political tension, restaurants may not have a variety of all cultures, but they certainly will entertain the local Nepali cuisine, which in itself is a dish worth reminiscing of. Just a mineral bottled water is advised to carry with you at all times is recommended for safety of health.

Taxis and buses are the forms of transportation one should take for the real experience; it’s great way to interact with the locals and get a hint of what and where to explore. After a while, temples, markets and restaurants can only lift the spirit so much, so take a chance and indulge yourself in hikes outside from Kathmandu. Areas like Pokhara where trails are long but feels like just minutes away from the Himalayas.

Just in case you are missing home, you are more than welcome to drop by at the Lincoln American School where there is a compensary for you to purchase any American junk food you might be missing, or get a taste of meeting some expats who’ve been here longer than one could imagine.

One can recommend places, but my idea is often to explore by oneself; that is what really makes Kathmandu enjoyable. This valley is well worth a week of your time, and just to get your engine started you can visit places like Tiger Tops (a Forrest resort which houses everything from trekking in the mountains to seeing live animals like Rhinoceros); or if you just like to enjoy high altitude hills, look forward to the Boudanath temple where the setting will encompass your imagination, leaving you to indulge with safe monkeys who will not harm you, but to whom you will have a joyous time throwing bananas at.

Backpack fitting tips

December 10, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Travel Tips

You will never appreciate how important and comfortable it is to have a correctly fitting backpack until you’ve used one that is of poor quality. An incorrectly fitting pack doesn’t just feel uncomfortable, it can also cause severe back and neck pain as well nasty blisters on your shoulders. There are many issues to look at in regards to fitting a pack, from what type of backpack you need to your own personal requirements.

The first aspect you should look at when fitting your backpack is what type of travelling you will be doing. For example are you spending three months trekking through the Himalayas where you will be wearing your pack all day everyday, or are you slowly backpacking through the backwaters of Asia where in all likelihood you will be only lifting you back when travelling to you next destination?

If you’re doing any type of long term hiking it’s important to get a pack that is light, fitting your body with correct lumber support as well as good quality tightening straps and internal metal support so you can manage the weight distribution. A pack that can be easily adjusted to the height and weight of your body is essential, especially if you need to change it quickly depending on the type of terrain you’re walking on. Having to undo six straps, open the back padding up and then try to work out the height adjustments whilst sitting on the edge of a rocky outcrop, is not something you want to be doing.

Compared to hiking, a Backpacker who is travelling lazily over a period of time can be fussier with the look of their pack and the design. It doesn’t need to be as light or the best fitting pack, as in all honesty you will be only picking it up in between walking from your hostel to your next bus connection. Where space and size is more important to hold all those souvenirs and extra clothes, functionality that is required for hiking is less desirable.

However with any pack, the weight and design of it should not make you hunch over or pull you back so your chest comes forward. The shoulder straps should be well padded and of a good width, minimising the potential for the straps to dig and rub into your shoulders. The backpack should also have a waist and chest strap, allowing for correct adjustment to your body thus spreading the weight evenly.

In regards to weight distribution, pack heavy items in the middle of the pack and pack lighter objects around it, this places less strain on your neck or on your lower back. A backpack should fit to you like an extension rather than an attachment. A helpful hint is if you feel your body being pulled back; wear a day pack on your front which can aid you in correcting your balance, also a good place to hold that guide book your reading.

Budget is important and a backpack can range anywhere from forty dollars all the way up to an easy thousand. Why some objects with a lower price don’t affect quality, you should always buy the best pack for your budget and your needs. If you are serious about making your pack fit, any good camping or hiking store will be able to provide you with knowledgeable advice on how to adjust your pack correctly for your personal requirements.

From a hiking pack, a backpack or to a hybrid (a mix of both), you’ll appreciate it when you slip it on, pull two straps and it hugs into your back like a long lost travel companion. All with a quiet smile that you made the right choice as you notice other travellers with cheap nasty ones struggling to get it to sit tight. Grimacing as they lift it into place whilst stumbling backwards or even worse as they fall on to their backs like an upside turtle, it does happen.

Himalayan Tours Welcome To The Paradise On Earth

December 2, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Nepal

From time immemorial the majestic Himalayas have attracted the attention of both Indians and foreigners. Not only do the local tourists take up tours to the Himalayas, but overseas travelers and pilgrims frequent the mighty Himalayas whenever they come to tour India. Himalayan Tours takes you to the unexplored places like Delhi, Darjeeling, Pemayangtse, Gangtok, Pheul Tsoling, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Agra, Kathmadu, Gorkha, Tansen, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lhasa, Tsedang, Gynagtse, Shigatse and more.

The soaring mountain range of the Himalayas is surrounded by India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet (China). Whether you are coming to India for leisure or to spend your honeymoon, your Humalayan tours would remain etched in your memory. You can contact the tour operator and grab the best deal available. The most popular Himalayan tours available are the India Cultural Tour and the India Nepal Tibet Tour. You can make a choice from these tours suiting your budget and convenience.

India Cultural Tour

This tour itinerary takes you to Delhi, Darjeeling, Pemayangtse, Gangtok, Pheul, Tsoling, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. The scenic beauty of these places is sure to enchant you. Losar, which marks the Tibetan New Year, is a popular tourist draw. Try to plan your tour during this festival. You can visit Pemayangtse and Rumtek monasteries to enjoy this festival.

Other place that draws your attention is Agra. Who can miss out the most beautiful Taj Mahal during their tour to north India? Your excursion to Agra gives you an opportunity to explore Taj Mahal, Red Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb. Bagdogra, Mirik and Darjeeling are your next destinations. The beautiful sight of the tea gardens, sloping hills, waterfalls and the unique flora makes your day.

There is more to follow. Yuksom Monastery in Pemayangtse and the Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok offer you a glimpse of the Buddhist customs. The Tashiview, Phudong Monastery, Chorten painting school, Dechencholing Palace, Handicraft center, Gold & Silver Smith and the National Libraryare are the other famous tourist attractions.

The last days of your seventeen day tour takes you to Thimphu, Wangdi / Punakha and the beautiful Paro. Those fond of religion and history can embark on this wonderful India Cultural Tour and have a great time.

India Nepal Tibet Tour

The India Nepal Tibet Tour gives you a unique opportunity to explore the other interesting parts of Himalaya. This tour would take you to Delhi, Agra, Kathmadu, Gorkha, Tansen, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lhasa, Tsedang, Gynagtse and Shigatse.

Unravel the magic and mystery of the hills as you visit the sacred shrines in the enchanting Himalayan topography. Starting with the tourist attractions in Delhi and Agra, this tour takes you to the wonders of the Patan city, Pashupatinath, Bodhnath and Bhaktapur. Gorkha, Pokhara, Tansen and Chitwan are the other natural splendors you can visit during this Himalayan tour.

The twenty day tour offers you the best days of your life in the lap of the mighty Himalayas.

Travel destinations: Nepal – Part 1

November 17, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Nepal

Nepal, with the full name as Kingdom of Nepal, is an inner land country in south east Asia, with many wonderful ancient legends. There are many wonderful places for you to pay visits to. If I were you, I would arrange my trip like this:

One the first day, I would fly to Kathmandu,the capital of Nepal, and live in Royal Singi, which is a three star hotel, and it is only 10 minutes drive from the center of the city. I will pay a visit to Durbar Square, which is the legal approved by UNESCO. Then, I will enjoy the beauty of the palace of the emperor. There are some famous temples worth visiting, too. However, I think that the time is limited for me to pay visits to all of them. I may choose the most famous one to pay a visit to.

Next day, I would spend about 120USD to fly over the Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. With my heart, I admire the snowy scenic view of the Everest. If there is time, I would pay visits to some wonderful places in Kathmandu by following a guide there. When returning from the trip, I would still live in Royal Singi hotel. Then, I would have a good rest there, preparing for the coming trips in the following days.

On the third day, I would go to Baglung, and enjoy the excitement of drifting in the river. Also, in the morning, I could get a wonder photo of the sunrise there. Walking along the lake, and enjoy the gorgeous beauty of this city: scenic view of Himalayas, clear water and rivers. Really a great place.I would check in in Blue Bird, which is a four-star hotel. This is one of the most enjoyable day!

On the fourth day, I would go to Chitwan National Park, to enjoy elephant riding, boating, hiking etc. It is really a nice place to go close to nature. It will take me about four hours to enjoy all of the activities there. The next day, I would still hike there, and enjoy the excitement of watching the catch of crocodiles. Later in the day, I would appreciate the native and original ancient dance there.

If I have more time, I would pay a visit to other places. Then, I will go back to Kathmandu. This is the end of my journey there.

We Want To Learn To Play The Harmonica!

October 16, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Nepal

The humble harmonica has to be one of the easiest musical instruments to master in the world. Okay, so there are some great Folk and Blues musicians out there that can make this little mouth piece talk their language, but what I’m talking about here is for Joe Average, without a musical bone in his body, being able to knock out a melody in no time at all. What other instrument allows you to do that? You really can learn how to play the harmonica in a matter of days or weeks, depending on your commitment.

Most instruments require you get a beginners book, or if you’re really enthusiastic, a private tutor or perhaps joining a local class so that you can get a head start with your strumming, blowing, picking, or beating, depending what it is you’re trying to master. But with the pocked sized mouth organ, there’s no such learning curve. Just pick one up from your local music store and learn to play the harmonica your way.

I remember the time I purchased my first ever harmonica. It was back in the 1980’s when I was bumming my way around the world, that I struck a fascination with the sounds and notes that could be plucked from this musical mouthpiece. It all began when I came across this Danish couple who were journeying through Western Asia.

Tucked away in their backpacks were an Irish tin whistle and a tuppeny ha’penny harmonica. After dinner one evening, on the outskirts of the Chitwan jungle of Nepal, they began to entertain a small group of us happy hippies with their music. It was at this exact moment in time that I fell in love with, and made a decision to, learn to play the harmonica.

It was some weeks later before I found a place to purchase one. Funnily enough, there’s not a lot of call for music stores in the foot hills of the Himalayas or along the swamps of India, so it wasn’t until I’d landed in Georgetown, on the Malaysian island of Penang, that I found a rickety little shop that had harmonicas on sale for a mere two dollars a piece. I could hardly wait to get started, and so rushed off excitedly to my grimy guest house where I began to lean to play my new toy.

It proved to be a great companion on my travels. The first tune I knocked out was the Christmas carol ‘Silent Night’. Well it was December! But soon afterwards I was doing impressive little instrumentals and jamming sessions with fellow travelers who were trudging the circuit with bulky guitars strapped to their backs.

Whether you’re planning a long trip, or just looking for something to do outside the virtual world of a computer, then why not learn to play the harmonica? It’ll give you heaps of fun without the frustration that comes with more serious musical instruments. Hey, who knows where it could lead you Mr. Dylan!

If you really get a knack for the hand harp, you could then progress onto to say Chicago Blues, Country, Bluegrass, Folk, or even some unique style of your own. Good luck!

Nepal- Land Of Scenic Splendor

October 12, 2009 by scaremonger  
Filed under Nepal

Nepal, draped along the spine of the Himalayas, is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east and west. For a relatively small country, the Nepali landscape is uncommonly diverse, ranging from the humid terrain in the south to the lofty Himalayas in the north. It is notable that within a very small width the elevation of Nepal increases from the plain terrain to the tallest Himalayas leading to a great vegetation. Nepal boasts eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest on the border with Tibet. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city. The other main cities include Biratnagar, Birgunj, Janakpur, Pokhara, Nepalgunj, Mahendranagar etc. The origin of the name Nepal is uncertain, but the most popular understanding is that it derived from Ne (holy) and pal (cave).

Nepal is a land of sublime scenery and some of the best hiking trails on earth. Nepal is rich in scenic splendor. Nepal is commonly divided into three physiographic areas: the Mountain, Hill, and Terai Regions. These ecological belts run east-west and are bisected by Nepal’s major river systems.

The Terai Plains bordering India are part of the northern rim of the Indo-Gangetic plains. They were formed and are fed by three major rivers: the Kosi, the Narayani (India’s Gandak River), and the Karnali. This region has a hot, humid climate.

The Hill Region (Pahar in Nepali) abuts the mountains and varies from 1,000 to 4,000 m in altitude. Two low mountain ranges, the Mahabharat Lekh and Shiwalik Range (also called the Churia Range) dominate the region. The hilly belt includes the Kathmandu Valley, the country’s most fertile and urbanised area. Despite its geographical isolation and limited economic potential, the region always has been the political and cultural centre of Nepal. Unlike the valleys, elevations above 2,500 m are sparsely populated.

The Mountain Region contains the highest region in the world. The world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali) at 8,850 m is located on the border with Tibet. Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains are located in Nepal. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, is also located on its eastern border with Sikkim. Deforestation is a major problem in all regions, with resulting erosion and degradation of ecosystems.

After a long and rich history, during which the region splintered and coalesced under a variety of absolute rulers, Nepal became a constitutional monarchy in 1990. However, the monarchy retained many important and ill-defined powers. This arrangement was marked by increasing instability, both in the parliament and, since 1996, in large swathes of the country that have been fought over by Maoist insurgents. The Maoists, alienated from mainstream political parties, went underground and started a guerilla war against both monarchy and mainstream political parties. They have sought to overthrow feudal institutions, including the monarchy, and establish a republic. This has led to the ongoing Nepalese Civil War in which more than 13,000 people have died. On the pretext of quashing the insurgents, who now control about 70% of the country, the king closed down the parliament and sacked the elected prime minister in 2002 and started ruling through prime ministers appointed by him. He then unilaterally declared a “state of emergency” early in 2005, and assumed all executive powers. Following the Loktantra Andolan, the king agreed to relinquish the sovereign power back to the people and reinstated the dissolved House of Representatives on April 24, 2006. Using its newly acquired sovereign authority, in May 19, 2006, the newly resumed House of Representatives unanimously passed a motion to curtail the power of the king and declared Nepal a secular state. An eventual and total rewrite of the realm’s constitution is expected to happen in the near future.

Nepali culture is influenced by the cultures of Tibet, which borders to the north, and India, which borders to the south. There are similarities in clothing, language and food. A typical Nepali meal is dal-bhat, boiled lentils served with rice and vegetables, and some spicy relish. This is consumed twice daily, once in the morning and again after sunset. Between these main meals, snacks such as chiura (beaten rice) and tea are consumed. Meat, eggs, and fish are also eaten, particularly in the mountainous regions, where the diet tends to be richer in protein. Millet-based alcoholic drinks are popular, including chhaang and the distilled rakshi.

Folklore is an integral part of Nepali society. Traditional stories are rooted in the reality of day-to-day life—tales of love, affection, battles, and demons and ghosts; they reflect and explain local lifestyles, cultures and belief systems. Many Nepali folktales are enacted in dance and music. The Newar people are well known for masked dance that tell stories of the gods and heroes. Music is percussion-based, sometimes with flutes or shawm accompanying the intense, nasal vocal lines. Musical styles are a variety of pop, religious and folk music, among other styles. Musical genres from Tibet and India have had a strong influence on traditional Nepali music. Women, even of the musician castes, are less likely than men to play music, except in specific situations such as traditional all-female wedding parties.

Telecommunication in Nepal is growing up steadily. Nepal has just recently begun to privatize telecommunications within the country. Cell phones and pagers have been made available from Mid-1999. VOIP (Voice Over IP) license is not yet provided. AT&T has linked up to allow card calls and access number is 0-800-77001. Nepal’s Country Code is 977, and Kathmandu’s city code is 1. Normal and Mobile phone numbers are 7 and 10 digits respectively. So, calling Nepal is bit costly though phone cards are available on net. In most services, Nepal calling rates starts from 15 cents per minute. Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies are available to call both to and from Nepal.