Legends of warrior princesses, the gods falling in love anddivine promises abound. Always an important city politically, it is now among the most important pilgrimages for Hindus. Madurai is a renowned pilgrim destination with its chief attraction being the imposing Meenakshi temple, which was built mainly by the Nayaks. Madurai was important to all the major south-Indian empires. From seesawing between the Cholas and the Pandyas, to being...more
Yet this does not prove to be a deterrent to the thousands of visitors who come to this holiest of cities every year. In Mathura, you cannot escape the mystical and spiritual aura that this place weaves around you. In this popular pilgrimage destination amidst the hymns, chants and songs your spiritual self feels complete. Historically SpeakingThe earliest references of Mathura are some 2,500 years old. The Buddha is said to have visited the city...more
With the resurgence of Hinduism and fading popularity of Buddhism, the site was ultimately abandoned around the 9th century AD and fell into ruins with the coming of Muslim invaders. Today, it has regained its importance in the Buddhist world and several institutions have their centres of learning at Sarnath and it is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations among Buddhists. Historically SpeakingAfter Buddha attained enlightenment he came to Sarnath where he delivered his first Sermon. He found his five former companions to teach them everything he had learnt because he believed that they would be able to understand Dharma quickly. Buddhism flourished in Sarnath with the help of thekings and rich merchants of Varanasi. During the Gupta period it reached its peak as an important centre for the arts. By the 7th century Sarnath was home to 3000 monks and 30 monasteries. At the end of the 12th century Sarnath was plundered by Turkish Muslims. It lay completely deserted and in ruins until the early 19th century when the British began its restoration and excavation.ShoppingThere is not much scope for shopping here. You can but the Ashta-dhatu (eight-metal) image of Lord Buddha or...more
Thrissur is actually built around the hill (locally called Round) that this temple to Shiva is on. Though dedicated predominantly to Shiva, there are some shrines to Vishnu and a Jain saint. Open to non-Hindus only during Pooram, this temple is renowned for its richly carved timber roofs and the elaborate murals inside. Visit the city in the months...more
The temple is the reason that this town gets visitors, usually pilgrims whove travelled hundreds of kilometres to undertake this sacred pilgrimage to ask a wish of the Lord. Tirumalas Balaji shrine is among the more famous pilgrimage temples of India and attracts the largest number of pilgrims for any shrine in India. Tirupati is also known for...more
Despite the decay that has set in, the town comesalive with major festivals like Janamashtami, Holi and Radhashtami. It is estimated that half a million pilgrims visit the town every year, mostly during the festivals. Vrindavan -a perfect pilgrimage destination attracts half a million people to its major landmarks- temples, ghats and groves. ShoppingVrindavan is a holy place visited mainly only by pilgrims hence, there is very little scope for shopping here. Most shops only sell items that are used to perform rituals and used as offerings. Vrindavan is also famous for marble and alabaster items.EventsHoli celebrated between the month of February and March depending on the Hindu calendar is a major festival here and is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm. Other major festivals, like Janmashtami marking the birth of Krishna and the birth of Radha fall in the month of August.This is an auspicious time for undertaking the chaurasi kos parikrama (circumambulation) or Ban Yatra around the holy sites in Braj Bhumi.Night OutThere''s plenty of eating joints where you will get good South Indian and North Indian food. The MVT restaurant behind Krishna-Balaram Mandir (ISKCON) is a great...more
If the Knight Riders could start the tournament by beating the Deccan Chargers (defending Champions) and the Royal Challenger (runners-up) and then, when the supposedly out-of-form Rajasthan Royals who stared at three successive defeats prior to this...more
Witness to the rise and fall of several kingdoms, Ajmer''s history tells the tales of great romances, heroism and valour. The social fabric in Ajmer is a truly secular one with both Hindus and Muslims cutting across religious divides to revere its...more
Located on a strategic point in the heartland of India, Allahabad was also of great importance for the Mughal rulers and later the British. In Allahabad, the British formally transferred the governance of India from the East India Company to the...more
There are several other methods which allow you free local as well as Cheap International Calls like calling cards.Previously it was quite an impossible task to send messages to your relatives and friends living far away. People used to send messages...more
Delhi is the biggest metropolis in India widely known for its cultural diversity while being the political and cultural hub of India. New Delhi preserves many historical and traditional structures that one can observe as paradigms of this thriving...more
Nestled within the middle of Delhi is Indias capital city New Delhi, teeming with scores of tourist attractions. It is a city that boasts breathtaking and inspiring landmarks representing architectural masterpieces of yesterday and today. New Delhi...more