Travel Category

Discover India’s Glorious Heritage with Handicrafts in India

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Dec 24, 2021

India’s glorious heritage has many forms of which handicrafts are a significant part. Following customs, traditions, arts and crafts, these handmade beauties are skilfully produced in many regions of the country. On a holiday in India, discover the glorious heritage, experience the culture and get your hands on these masterpieces to bring back home.

The handicrafts of India have been loved and respected worldwide and have left everyone awestruck. Many rural people still earn their livelihood from their creative pieces of art and India has still managed to preserve its artisans, its art and its handicrafts.

Jewellery

Jaipur’s crowded markets is akin to sensory overload but those in the know head for Jaipur’s jewellery workshops. Available in a multitude of styles, two types to highlight are Kundan and Meenakari jewellery, associated with weddings and royalty. Many pieces are designed to be customised to each client so stay longer in Jaipur in order to secure the bespoke Indian jewellery piece of your dreams.

Marble Inlay Work

India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal in Agra is well-known pf beautiful intricate marble inlay that the Mughals were famous for perfecting. Journey into the bustling markets and vibrant streets of Agra and you can visit artisans descended from those that worked on the Taj Mahal, continuing these old traditions in workshops specialising in Marble Inlay Art. Working with both precious and semi-precious stones, creating both colourful geometric patterns and images from nature, these craftspeople might even inspire you to take home your own masterpiece vase or statue.

Bararasi Saris in Varanasi

Varanasi’s kaleidoscopic colours and busy swirling crowds of pilgrims are reflected in the gold/silver brocade embroidery that Varanasi’s artisans are famous for. No clothing item is more synonymous with India than the sari and Banarasi Saris produced in Varanasi exclusively are genuine works of art. The most complicated garments with the finest weaving and the gold Zari embroidery work can take up to 6 months to create by a team of craftspeople. Don’t worry, you can visit a local sari salon and select your own ready-made sari without needing to wait as long!

Pashmina Shawls

Pashmina is a fine type of wool. Its textiles are first woven in Kashmir. These shawls are made from a fine type of cashmere wool and are then transported to the valley of Kashmir in northern India, where it is entirely hand processed. All steps from combing and spinning, to weaving and finishing, is entirely carried out by hand by dedicated craftsmen and women. The major centre of Pashmina fabric production is the old district of Srinagar. The approximate craft time put into producing a single Pashmina shawl is 180 hours. They come in beautiful vibrant colours and have exquisite embroidery on them and at the same time can keep you warm and are also known for their softness.

Woodwork

The northern states of India have a rich tradition of the woodwork. Regions in Punjab are famous for its exquisite wooden furniture. Kashmir is famous for its artefacts made from the walnut trees. The artisans of Chhattisgarh specialise in wooden crafts like masks, doors, window frames and sculptures. Jharkhand is famous for its wooden toys which are always in a pair. The woodcarvings of Goa are an aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, and the designs are primarily floral, animal and human figures.

Endowed with abundant forests, woodwork is a popular craft in South India. It is mainly done on rosewood and sandalwood. Red sandalwood from Andhra Pradesh is used to make cutlery, dainty boxes and paper knives in various designs. Madurai (a city in Tamil Nadu), is popular for its rosewood carvings. Karnataka is famous for beautiful elephants, images and furniture made from rosewood. Sandalwood is also used to make utility and decorative items, which are etched with designs of flowers, creepers, birds and animals. Magnificent figurines of females are carved out of Kumbli wood in Kerala.

Leather

The age-old convention of leather skill in India is proved by ancient sages and ascetics. In the past, leather was not only used in making clothes and footwear but also in making caps, bags, saddles, shield etc. India is famous worldwide for its leather products. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its leathercraft. Various leather items are produced like shoes, bags and garments. Maharashtra is also famous for its leather shoes called Kolhapuri chappals.

Jute

Jute craftsmen have created a worldwide position in the field of jute handicrafts. The huge range of jute crafts includes bags, office stationeries, bangles and other jewellery, footwear, wall-hangings and many more. India is a centre for jute handicrafts and people all over from the globe visit the jute handicrafts fairs to buy these works of perfection. West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, being the leading jute producers, pilot the jute handicrafts market in India.

Brass Handicrafts

Brass is known for its durability, and this feature adds to its advantage when used as handicrafts. Different items made of brass like Lord Ganesha's figure in different postures, vases, tabletops, perforated lamps, ornament boxes, wine glasses, and many more are widely used in many Indian houses even today. These artisans dealing with brass handicrafts are distinctively known as "Kansaris". The manufacturing of brass handicrafts is mainly done in Rajasthan.

Bamboo Handicrafts

Handicrafts that are made by using bamboo are the most eco-friendly crafts made in India. The diverse items made from bamboo are baskets, dolls, toys, furniture, mats, wall-hangings, crossbows, jewellery boxes and many more. Bamboo handicrafts are predominantly prepared in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.

On the whole; we can see that each region of India is endowed with unique handicraft that adds charm to the state and the country as a whole. The tradition of craft has evolved through generations, and there is a quest for innovation and invention that continues to give each craft a contemporary look but at the same time preserving the Indian heritage and culture.

One of the greatest treasures to discover on a holiday in India is of course your guide. Although part of the fun of shopping for crafts in India is stumbling upon an unexpected market stall of incredible items and artworks. These wonderful creations give access to the true spirit of India and its incredible traditions.

5 Reasons Why Ranthambore National Park Should be Your Next Travel Spot in Winter

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Dec 24, 2021

A haven for Tigers, Rajasthan's iconic Ranthambore National Park is one of the best wildlife holiday destinations in India. Located close to the town of Sawai Madhopur, the wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful getaway in the wild owing to its amazing wildlife population, a gamut of wildlife resorts and properties and an incredible tale to take home. Ranthambore's proximity to Jaipur, a popular tourist destination in North India and a point on the Golden Triangle Tour establishess its populartity among tourists in India.

Previously the hunting grounds of the royal family, it is now a reserve for many species of the animal kingdom. The winter season in India, between October and March is considered the best time to visit this park due to the pleasant weather condition when the temperature ranges between comfortable 10℃ and 30℃. During winter, animals can be seen in the broad daylight basking under the sun. 

Well, here we have listed out five more interesting reasons to visit this stunning wildlife reserve on your next trip during Winter holidays.

1. A Birdwatcher’s Haven
This stunning wildlife reserve is home to many beautiful bird species like flamingos, flycatchers, waterfowl, sarus crane, grey hornbills, cormorant, serpent eagle, bronzed-winged jacana, painted spurfowl and nightjars among others. A huge number of migratory birds flock near the enormous water bodies at the park.

2. Easy Wildlife Spotting

Here comes the fun part! You can take a safari ride through the Ranthambore National Park and spot absolutely gorgeous and elegant Bengal tigers and leopards, who roam around freely and bask under the sun during Winter season. Apart from the large tiger population, the place is replete with chital, nilgai, wild boar, sambar, rufous tailed hare, toddy cats, sloth bear, mugger crocodile and more.

3. Mesmerising Nature's Beauty

The Aravalli and Vindhya ranges pass through this iconic wildlife reserve, overlooking stunning lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Surwal Lake. The hilly terrains also house many ancient temples like the Chamatkar Jain Temple, Kala Gaura Temple and Amreswar Mahadev.

4. Ancient Banyan Tree – Perfect Spot For Insta-Worthy Pics

Clicking Instagram-worthy pictures have become a part of traveller’s life. Don’t you agree? There is a gigantic Banyan tree in the Ranthanthambore National Park, which is known as the second-largest banyan tree in India. It sits near the Padam Talao lake and is one of the best places to click social media-worthy pictures!

5. The ancient Ranthambore Fort

For the unversed, the Ranthambore National Park is named after the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort, that is perched on the hilltop and sits within the park. Earlier, the Chauhans were on the authority of this fort. The Delhi Sulnature captured it in the 13th century. Now, it stands as a striking old-world edifice, in the middle of the wilds. It is counted among the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.

Ranthambore park opens in the mid of October every year. So, get your family members, siblings or friends together and enjoy a wildlife jeep safari through the stretches of the beautiful jungle.

Wildlife Safari in India- The Best Places

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Dec 24, 2021

India abounds in jungles and with it the exciting thrill of wildlife safari. The vast and diverse country is home to many wild species of the animal kingdom. Jungle safaris are very popular in India as you enjoy a wide diversity of flora and fauna. While most species of the animal kingdom abound in the landscape, there is a particular fondness for Tigers. Along with spotting the wild species in their natural habitats, get to enjoy at eco-friendly wildlife resorts, campsites, treehouses, etc. Go for jungle treks, bird watching, elephant rides, jeep rides and even boat rides which adds to the fun of the wildlife holiday.

To enjoy the pleasures of wildlife tours in India, here are the top choices:

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in India, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh has the highest density of  tigers the country’s national animal. Besides the Royal Bengal Tigers, this park was also famous for white tigers. Other animals inhabiting the jungles are sambar, chital, wild boar, wild dog, Indian fox, leopard, bison, blue bull, antelope, nilgai and others.

Wildlife safari in Bandhavgarh includes options of jeep or elephant rides, stay at the jungle resorts, visit to the Bandhavgarh Fort and certainly exciting memories.

2. Ranthambore National Park

Once the hunting grounds of the royal family of Jaipur, Ranthambore is the most popular option for wildlife tours in India. The favourite resident of the jungle, tigers bring visitors in huge numbers from all across the globe. The many water sources in the jungle are home to a huge number of crocodiles, nilgai, sambhar, birds and more.

Stay at the heritage jungle resorts, the very ones used by the royalty on their hunting trips is particularly exciting as is exploring the 10th century Ranthambore Fort atop a hill overlooking the wilderness.

3. Gir National Park

The exclusive home of Asiatic lions in the natural habit, Gir National park in Gujarat is among the most visit places for a wildlife getaway. Besides, the king of the jungle, there are many inhabitants such as leopards, jackals and the Indian fox. Jeep safari brings you close to the lions.

4. Kanha National Park

Said to be the inspiration of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, Kanha National Park lures quite a huge number of wildlife lovers and animal enthusiasts. Apart from spotting tigers, you can find gaur, palm squirrel, striped hyena, chinkara, mouse deer, black buck, jackal, porcupine, sambhar and others. The best way to spot tigers is by taking the early morning elephant safari from Mukki entrance of the park.

5. Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The bird sanctuary with a status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, earlier known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places to go for jungle safari in India. Bird watching is a pleasure here as the nature reserve is home to more than 450 species of birds including migratory species that fly in for a winter visit as far as from Siberia and other cold countries. Keeping the natural beauty intact and noises at the minimum, safari at the bird paradise is available only on cycle rickshaws.

6. Periyar National Park

Settled in God’s Own Country of Kerala, Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places in for wildlife safari in India. Elephant’s and tigers are the most popular residents but there is the Indian wild dog, sambar, wild pig, barking deer, mouse deer, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr and others.

Early morning safaris are known for the decent chance of getting close to the wildlife as is boating in the Periyar Lake where the beasts come to quench their thirst. Eco-lodges and treehouses are popular options to stay while the national park also offers the chance to explore spice plantations of Thekkady.

7. Jim Corbett National Park

The oldest wildlife sanctuary in India, Jim Corbett National Park is settled on the mighty foothills of Himalayas. The residents of the jungle include tigers, sloth bear, goral, fishing cat, leopard, chital, barking deer and others. The best way to spot tigers is jeep safari in the Bijrani zone while some glimpse of the wildlife is also available from the watchtowers in Dhikala and other regions.

Unmissable Highlights of South India

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Dec 17, 2021

India is an incredible land of diversity. South India is a perfect example of India’s rich diversity with its beautiful geography, culture, history, heritage and travel experiences. The land is flanked by Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean, hence some of the most beautiful beaches. Scenic hill stations are nestled in the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. Kerala’s’ unique backwaters are also a treasure of South India. Besides, the land has been home to ancient empires, and breath-taking temples, while foreigners arriving to the shores of India have also settled in the land leaving behind their legacy. The vast region has some of the most amazing holiday experiences that one vacation certainly falls short.

So, when making plans for South India tours, here are the unmissable highlights.

Backwaters of Kerala

A unique nature’s blessing, the Backwaters of Kerala are a delight. Formed by a network of lagoons, rivers, lakes and water bodies, these unique ecology can be explored on a traditional houseboat. Be it an overnight stay on a houseboat or a day cruise, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush greenery, the placid waters and thriving birds and animals. Any Kerala tour is incomplete without a houseboat cruise of the backwaters.

Royal Palaces of Mysore

A city of palaces, royal Mysore is a treasure of incredible architecture. Nestled in the lush hills of Western Ghats, the city has the incredible Mysore Palace and the amazing Mysuru Dusshera that makes it a place to definitely visit. Explore the intricate craftsmanship of the royal palaces.

Scenic bliss of Ooty

A popular hill station of the Western Ghats, Ooty enjoys the bliss of Nilgiris. Nestled amidst lush tea gardens, the town is beautiful with specimens of British architecture. The best part about Ooty is the ride on the Nilgiris Toy Train, a UNECSO World Heritage Site.

Ancient ruins of Hampi

A UNECSO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Hampi are the remnants of the grandeur of the Vijayanagar Empire. Set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the historic town is a treasure of heritage sites. Walk through the ancient ruins and experience the historic feel.

UNECSO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram

South India has many of the impressive UNESCO listed heritage sites. Mahabalipuram, the coastal town is a testimony to the grandeur of the Pallavas, an empire that was once the pride of India. Here too, explore the majestic architecture, intricate craftsmanship and relive the days of the past.

Pray at the UNESCO listed Great Living Chola Temples

Temples of South India are some of the most beautiful architectures in India. Besides being centres of religion and traditions, these masterpieces serve the testimony to the finest craftsmanship and dedication of the rulers of the yore. The Great Living Chola Temples are some of the wonderous temples that has an unmissable legacy.

Soothing traditional Ayurveda treatments

South India is believed to be the land where Ayurveda finds its roots. The ancient of wellness works wonders to date. Traditional treatments, the use of nature’s produce and professional services, makes Ayurveda one of the best experiences while traveling in India.

Bask in beaches of South India

Goa’s beaches have a legendary reputation among visitors in India. Just as beautiful are the several other pristine beaches lining India’s south western shoreline. Coastal jewels such as Marari Beach in the heart of Kerala, the lesser known Neeleshwar and Kasargod, and Gokarna beaches offer quieter alternatives to ever-popular Goa for your leisurely South India vacation.

Wildlife Wonders in South India National Parks

South India tours takes you deep inside vast, untamed wildernesses that are home to thousands of animals and birds. Elephant hordes, spotted deer and peacock peeks in Nagarhole. Wild boars grunt past your safari jeep, and crocodiles bask in the sunshine on odd winter days at Kabini. In Bandipur National Park, spot tigers or elephants. Spend your days enjoying safaris in the wild and your evenings gathered around bonfires at stylish lodges. Or while away time in Periyar, watching giant herds of elephants frolic by the waterside all day. Unique wildlife experiences await on your South India vacation.

Durga Puja in Kolkata joins the list of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

• By Debasree Chakraborty
• Dec 17, 2021

Kolkata’s Durga Puja has been officially recognised by UNESCO. The incredible cultural feast has made it to the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. While it is a moment of pride for India, it is in fact a moment of pride for all of Asia. This is the first festival in Asia to achieve the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status.

Durga Puja is celebrated in Kolkata with great pomp and show when the city completely halts for five days. The festival sees beautiful ornamental pandals being made, wherein large idols of Goddess Durga and her children are placed for worship. A celebration of art, culture, and of great religious importance, the festival is truly unique.

Kolkata, the city of Joy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and a gateway to eastern India. The former British capital of India is a colorful palette of art and architecture, museums, temples, football clubs, Coffee houses, lip-smacking street food along with plethora of cultural festivals. It is a place where you will be able to see a unique blend of old and modern culture. The city of joy Kolkata is known for its liveliness and rich culture and heritage. The city of Kolkata comes alive in the festival of Durga Puja.

Being the most prominent festival of Kolkata, Durga Puja is the soul and pride of West Bengal. Every year in Kolkata the festival of Durga Puja brings great enthusiasm, joyous moments and a chance to get together with families and friends in a way like never before.

Durga Puja is celebrated in the honor of Hindu goddess Durga. It is a festival of the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated because Goddess Durga defeated the demon named Mahishasura as he waged the war against gods. It is said that he got a boon that no man and any other creature on the planet cannot kill him but every boon has a loophole. As no man could kill him, all the gods assembled in the mountains where they combined all their energies in the form of weapons to Goddess Durga. As a result, she was able to defeat the evil demon Mahishasura. (As death would only be possible in the hands of a woman). Since then, to honor the power of Shakti, the festival of Durga Puja is celebrated all over India. The last day of the Puja is known as Vijaya Dashami. It is said that Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana and since then Vijay Dashami is also celebrated as Dussehra.

Through every story we get a glimpse of the victory of good over evil. The Durga Puja Festival has been celebrated in Bengal since the 16th century. The zamindars of West Bengal used to celebrate Durga Puja and with time it became an emotion for the Bengali community.