Monsoon Destinations of India

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

The mesmerizing monsoon season in India brings a pleasant relief from the fierce heat of the summers. The fragrance of raindrops on sun baked earth refreshes the senses. India celebrates monsoons like a festival. The air is fresh and vibrant and the landscapes are a panoramic view of lush greenery. Monsoon in India is joyous; here is our pick of the Best Monsoon Destinations in India.

Munnar (Kerala)

Wildlife, valleys, lush green tea gardens and numerous waterfalls is what Munnar is known for. It is best to explore the contours of the misty mountains of Munnar in monsoons as the chill in the air leaves you refreshed. Rains result in numerous streams and streamlets in the area, and the beauty of the vast expanse of cloud kissing hills never misses to captivate a travelers’ mind and soul.

Munnar-in-monsoons

Cloud-kissing Tea Gardens of Munnar

Darjeeling (West Bengal)

Visit Darjeeling in Monsoons for an ambience so serene that you can hear raindrops and leaves talking to each other. The dense evergreen forests of sal and oak make a perfect home for different species of ducks, teals, plovers, gulls and wide variety of rare orchids. One of the main attractions is – Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, which offers splendid panoramic views of the Himalayas. For those inclined towards adventure, river rafting and mountain treks are the perfect getaways.

Darjeeling in Monsoons

Rain Drenched 'Queen of the Hills' - Darjeeling

Coorg (Karnataka)

Better known as the ‘Scotland of India’, Coorg is carpeted with coffee and spice plantations all through and in monsoons the aroma spreads across the Western Ghats. The early morning mist covering the mountains makes is the perfect honeymoon destination. Coorg is also known for it’s cuisines, traditions and hospitality. The dense forest area of Karnataka makes it a biodiversity hotspot for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The astonishing Jog falls (the highest un-tiered waterfall in India) is a major tourist attraction.

Coorg in Rains

Romantic Scotland of India - Coorg

Goa

Goa is known to be a winter destination with sun-surf and sand, along with some lazy lounging alongside the beach. However, monsoons offers a unique Goan odyssey where Mother Nature in her full element brings a fresh aroma, romance and liveliness to this beach state. The famous Dudh Sagar falls and the gorgeous spice plantations in Savoi are spectacular in the rains. It’s also the ideal weather to indulge in Ayurvedic massages and therapies, whether it’s to shed off some extra pounds or to restore the natural glow of your skin!

Goa in Monsoons

Aroma of Love fills the air of Goa in Monsoons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leh (Ladakh)

Though there is hardly any relation between monsoons and Ladakh, the region is best visited when it rains elsewhere in India. Set between the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram Range, Ladakh spells untouched scenery with blue lakes, snow laden mountains, rugged topography and a clear blue sky. Centuries old monasteries, colorful markets and stunning views of the Himalayas make Leh an incredible destination. The icy cold waters surging down from the glacial heights look stunning as the Sun shines brightly, and the rhythmic chants of the monks in an ancient monastery takes you on a different plane.

Leh Rainbow

Rainbow adorning the Indian Pot-of-Gold - Leh

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Kayakalp : Enchanting Indian Handicrafts

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

India has an exceptionally affluent craft heritage, marked by diversity, renowned artistic tastes and an enchanting history of art patronizing kings. Labyrinthine designs, transcendent paradigms, extravagantly crafted memorials, ostentatious shrines and opulent carvings, all are treasures of abysmally impeccable artistry. All Indian crafts and patterns were mostly depictions of mundane life, socio civic circumstances and palace and court proceedings.

Indian Handicrafts

Village Artisans making colorful handicrafts

The evidence that Indian crafts can be traced back to ancient ages can be well derived from the very fact that Harappans knew the art of spinning and intertwining cotton 5000 years ago. The affirmation proving that the discovery of Block Print fabric from the Gujrat region of India, in the Egyptian tombs proves the capacity that India had been producing cotton textiles in medieval age.

Indian Handicrafts

Indian Handicrafts - Clay Pottery Statues

Rock cut temples, wood and stone carvings and unmatched craftsmanship of jewellery confirm the testament that Indian crafts flourished during Mauryan Empire. Connotation of Indian Handicrafts can also be found in the Vedas

Ajanta Caves

Rockcut Buddhist Temples - Ajanta

Handicrafts vary across different regions and states. Rajasthan forms the essence of Colours and attracts tourists from all over the world to see its enchanting and enduring handicrafts like Puppets and carved wood item. Andhra Pradesh in the southern part of India is famous for its exquisite stones, silk, pearl jewellery and many more. The largest craft center in North-East India is Assam, pioneering in silk craft. Bihar is famous for its carpet development activities and the capital city Delhi is well known for its intricate ‘kundan’ work and ‘meenakari’.

Indian Arts and Crafts

Indian Arts and Crafts - Fabric Embroidery

 

Indian Arts and Crafts of each age reflect the myths, heritage and episodes of that particular epoch. Every age, regime and dominion has its impact and crux in the crafts belonging to those eras, thus making India’s heritage culturally diverse and plush.  This can be attributed to the rise in export of handicrafts from Rs. 387.00 crores during1986-87 to Rs.12975.25 crores in year 2011-12 with major exports to US, UK, Germany and France.

 

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Formula One Racing in India

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

Formula One Racing comes to India this season for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix 2011. New Delhi plans to wow the International sporting stage yet again, after successfully hosting the 2010 Commonwealth games. Speed racing lovers across the world are looking at India this October, as the national capital region gears up for the ultimate adrenaline rush at the brand new Buddh International Circuit in the Jaypee Sports City in Greater Noida, India.

F1 Racing Track in Noida, India

About Buddh International Circuit

The 5.14 Km track , located on the outskirts of Greater Noida (35 kms from Delhi), is being built by Noida based Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) and is designed by  renowned circuit architect Hermann Tilke, who has designed F1 circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, UAE and South Korea. The track is expected to seat up to 1,50,000 spectators.

Buddh International Circuit in Jaypee Sports City

Information for Visitors/Tourists

NOIDA: One of the largest Industrial Townships of Asia. Not very far from Delhi is the industrial fairy land of the nation. Unlike other industrial areas, Noida is a green heaven, totally free from pollution, with wide roads and hi-rise buildings. With Delhi and Agra, very near to Noida, people coming to witness the Indian Grand Prix will surely take this opportunity to visit the various tourist attractions of India (specially the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur).

Speed thrills!

There are also a number of world class hotels in Noida to serve the accommodation needs of the visitors. These hotels match the world standards in every aspect and will provide a comfortable experience to the visitors.

Pioneer Journeys is offering special travel packages to visitors and tourists coming to India to witness the Indian Grand Prix. For Packages, visit www.vacationstoindia.com.

For a customized quote, write to us at reservations@vacationstoindia.com.

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The Mooch Tales of India

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

India tops the list of moustache dense nations across the world. The ‘Mooch’ or moustache was considered a significant symbol of masculinity and pride in Indian History. India’s love affair with moustaches, according to historians, started in the era of the Rajput kings (the former Hindu ruling class).

'Mooch' tales of India

The concept of grooming the ‘Mooch’ as a status symbol is still a part of the lifestyle in princely state of Rajasthan. Every year, in the world famous Pushkar fair held in Rajasthan, a ‘Mooch Competition’ is also held. Proud moustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels. Mooched Men come all the way to claim to have the longest and best styled moustache. These men use special shampoos and wax and spend a considerable time for grooming everyday. Last year’s winner Chouhan sports a moustache that is 11 feet (3.35 metres) long and took 18 years to grow.

Chouhan, winner of Moustache competition

From curly twirls to man-tastic military styles, in India, you will see it all. So if a man without moustache is like tea without sugar, you’ll surely witness some of the sweetest tea in the world, right here in India.

Mooched local smoking pipe

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Bhimbetka Stone Caves – an archaeological treasure.

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

Bhimbetka is an archaeological treasure in Madhya Pradesh, which exhibit the earliest traces of human life in India. The rock shelters and caves have a number of rock paintings from the Stone Age, with an age of about 30,000 years. Evidence suggests that at least some of these shelters were inhabited by man in excess of 1,00,000 years.

Rock paintings at Bhimbetka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These shelters are located amidst the beautiful and lush landscape of the Vindhyachal hills. Just 35 kms from Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, this area is rich in natural resources such as water-resistant springs, and a variety of flora and fauna.

A view of the Caves amidst beautiful Landscape

The rock caves and caverns of Bhimbetka have a myriad of interesting paintings which depict the Stone Age lifestyle. While some rocks contain elephant tusks, other have pictorial representation of rising sun, and animals and birds such as bison, deer, tiger, rhinoceros, peacocks.

Paintings inside the Rock Shelters, unique and timeless.

Its miraculous that this natural art gallery has survived through thousands of years. It is believed that the colors were made of vegetable dyes, roots and animal fats. Whereas, the brushes were made of plant fibers.

Carved Rock Structures

Bhimbetka amazes not only because of its caves and rock paintings. In fact, numerous other archaeological remains which have been excavated are delightfully being savoured by both the archaeologist and the tourist. A trip to Bhimbetka is a journey into the past, and can serve as an adventure for the more discerning visitor.

Sheltering the Past, a UNESCO world Heritage Site

Best season to visit Bhimbetka is from July to March. For tailor-made tours to this archeological marvel, write to us at reservations@vacationstoindia.com.

 

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White Water River Rafting, Rishikesh

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

India has the largest network of rivers in the world. The rivers originating from the lofty snow-peaked Himalayas provide an exciting adventure for the white water enthusiasts. These rivers surge through the steep Himalayan slopes, as they rejoice and whirl in their swiftness. As they approach the plains, the froth and gush is replaced by the calm and freedom of the Great Plains.

The Holy city of Rishikesh

Of all Indian rivers, Holy Ganges is the mighty haven for white water rafting. Rafting on the waters that symbolise purity and wisdom is sure to give you a high, if the speed fails to thrill enough. To ride these currents and to experience their strength and power is the very essence of the feeling of ‘awesomeness’.

White water river rafting in the Ganges

The best season for white river rafting in Rishikesh is from September to December and from March to July. If the nature beckons you like nothing else, there is no other option but to respond to the lure of the Ganges. You can also try another adrenaline pumping activity, the cliff jump into Ganges.

Cliff Jump in the Ganges

We offer the white water river rafting experience in combination with a Yoga experience in Rishikesh and a visit to the famous Corbett National Park. To view the tour, click here.

For a customized itinerary, write to us at reservations@vacationstoindia.com

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Pushkar fair – A desert carnival in Rajasthan

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment
Pushkar is a small holy town about 15 kms. away from Ajmer in Rajasthan, India. According to a legend, a lake was created here by Lord Brahma (the creater of the universe according to Hindu mythology). Pushkar boasts of having the only temple of Lord Brahma in the world.
Pushkar city near Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
Pushkar city near Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
Every year in the month of November the famous Pushkar fair is held for seven days. The fair is predominantly a cattle and camel fair during which the people from nearby villages gather to buy and sell camels and livestock. It is undoubtedly one of the most important fairs and festivals in Rajasthan and is popular all over the world.
pushkar-fair-in-india

Pushkar Camel Fair

Pushkar fair is a lot more than a mere camel and livestock fair. It is distinguished by a large scale participation of the people from far and near and has become an important place of tourist attraction.
FOR PUSHKAR FAIR 2011 TRAVEL PACKAGES : CLICK HERE
pushkar-fair-man-with-big-moustache

Tourists having fun during the fair

Accomodation
Various tourism companies and hotels set up their tents during the period of Pushkar fair to cater to the large influx of tourists arriving from all over the world.  The tents are complete with modern amenities and make the stay in desert comfortable and enjoyable. Make sure to book at least a few months in advance!
pushkar-fair-tents

Tented accomodation during Pushkar fair

Various Activities during the fair
The distinct features of Pushkar fair are spectacular fair grounds filled with beautifully decorated camels and cattle, adventurous competitions, events, thousands of people, meditating sadhus, holy dip in Pushkar lake, large number of stalls, folk dances and colourfully dressed people from all over the world. Over the years, this fair is one of the major cultural reflectors of Rajasthan and people from different parts of the world gather to participate in the events held here.
pushkar-fair-colourful-people

Colourful people, a common sight during the fair

Shopping in Pushkar
Visitors enjoy Pushkar’s exquisite bazaars. Be it miniature paintings, embroidered beads, colourful bangles, leather goods or lovely brass utencils, Pushkar has every thing for everyone. If You are in love with traditional things such as mesmerising Puppets and pottery, Pushkar is considered as one of the most interesting places to shop such things.
pushkar-shopping

Shopping in Pushkar

Cuisine
Due to religious significance of the place, food served here is stictly vegetarian with delicacies of both Indian and Continental dishes.
pushkar-cuisine

A Typical Rajasthan Thali in Pushkar

FOR PUSHKAR FAIR 2011 TRAVEL PACKAGES : CLICK HERE

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Kingdom of Dreams…a world of imagination!

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

If you’ve always loved Indian song and dance, Bollywood musicals, magic shows, heritage, traditional crafts and cuisine of India…this is your chance to get it all under one roof. The Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon is the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination for you. Located at the apex of the Golden Triangle (Delhi - Agra – Jaipur), in close proximity to the New Delhi International airport, this iconic destination is attracting both domestic and international audiences in large numbers. It showcases conventional as well as modern India and presents Indian culture in an enjoyable format to all visitors. Here, you can experience the best of India in the form of music, drama, crafts, cuisine, carnivals, street dances, mythological shows and much more.

The Kingdom of Dreams

Culture Gully :This airconditioned boulevard is an elaborate presentation of India’s culture and heritage, with theme restaurants and souvenir shops from 14 states of India,housed in respective interiors and architecture. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy street performance and magic shows along with local handicrafts and delectable food.The grand entrance to the Culture Gully is made of tiny dazzling mirrors in the shape of a Golden Lotus.

Famous Bollywood Actor Shahrukh Khan in The Culture Gully

Nautanki Mahal: Nautanki Mahal is a 848-seat auditorium showcasing larger than life cinematic and theatrical play ‘Zangoora-the gypsy prince’. Zangoora stars famous Bollywood actors Hussain Kuwajerwala, Gauhar Khan and Kashmira Irani. There are special screenings which cast Shahrukh Khan as the gypsy prince.

A still from the theatrical 'Zangoora, the gypsy prince'.

iifa Buzz: iifa Buzz is a glamorous Bollywood theme resto-bar on the first floor of the Culture Gully. It showcases bollywood memorabilia and posters, along with iifa trophies.

iifa Buzz Resto-Bar Lounge

Showshaa Theater: This covered amphitheater seats about 350 people and hosts interactive theater acts, The Great Indian talent show, a Mock wedding show and take-offs from reality television.

 

Bollywood style dance & drama at 'Showshaa'

Kingdom of Dreams is capturing the fancies of people from all across the globe. Its a one-stop peek into the richness and grandeur of Indian Culture. Its a destination worth experiencing for one and all.

 

The Grand entrance of Nautanki Mahal, with life-size elephants on both sides.

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Luxury Trains of India

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

‘Experience desert adventures and heritage attractions through luxury trains of India’

Luxury Trains in India come with luxuries befitting the rajas and maharajas(the Kings and the Princes) of the bygone royal era. It gives the tourists an opportunity of a lifetime to explore the tourist hotspots, superb architecture and exquisite art of this marvelous country.

Palace on wheels (8 days / 7 nights ) : It is a journey through the dramatic desert landscape. No wonder it is the ultimate choice for leisure travelers. The exquisite and exclusive Palace on wheels has luxurious cabins,wall to wall carpeting,a well stocked bar,two dining cars and a very personalized service—–in fact ,almost every thing that could compromise of a heaven on earth for seven days.

Destinations: Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi.

 

Tourists boarding the Palace on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels(8days/ 7 nights): The luxurious Royal Rajasthan on Wheels takes you through a seven day exploration of the vibrant Rajasthan.It is modelled on Palace on Wheels. The land of sand, Rajasthan has palaces that are considered amongst the most gorgeous and captivating piece of work. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is a regal delight where every moment is one great experience leads to another and to be lived and cherished forever. Here one experiences the luxuries on the train in a truly royal fashion with magnificent interiors,sumptuous meals,expensive wines and personalized services.

Destinations: New Delhi-Jaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur-Bharatpur-Agra.

 

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels ~ Suite

Indian Maharaja(7 days/6 nights): The Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey journey includes various colourful and best known destinations covering the vast expanse of Konkan route.The route includes Mumbai and travels to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune, Nasik, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora and back to Mumbai. This aims to be a complete 5 star hotel on wheels, restaurants and bar, a sauna, business centre, and other such amenities.

 

Indian Maharaja ~ Restaurant

Mahraja Express (8 days/7 nights): Be a witness to the beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces of the bygone era of the Maharajas of India. An expedition to Amber Fort, Taj Mahal and Champaner assure a peak into the royalty of ancient and medieval India along with a regal retreat in the Ranthambore National Park.

Maharaja express offers distinct itineraries : Destinations(1)-Mumbai-Vadodara-Udaipur-Jodhpur-Bikaner-Jaipur-Ranthambore-Agra-Delhi. Destinations(2): Delhi-Agra-Gwalior-Khajuraho-Bandhavgarh-Varanasi-Lucknow-Delhi.

 

Decor inside Maharaja Express

The Golden Chariot (7 days/6 nights): The name of this luxury train is inspired by the stone chariot in Hampi-a world heritage site.This luxury train takes on a journey of a life time-a voyage through the southern state of Karnataka.An epitome of  luxury and excellence, this train lives up to its name and is no doubt The Golden Chariot.It is a beautifully designed train in which you can see the Mysore and Hoysala architecture as the interiors of the train.

Destinations:Bangalore-Kabini-Mysore- Hassan-Hampi-Badami-Goa-Bangalore.

Golden Chariot traversing through south India

For More details about Luxury Trains of India, visit our website :  http://www.vacationstoindia.com/luxury-trains-india.htm

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The Golden Triangle of India: Part 1 – Delhi

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Pioneer Journeys| Leave a comment

India is huge. If you are a first time traveler to India and are wondering where to start exploring this vast subcontinent, the most obvious choice is what is popularly called the “Golden Triangle“: the Northern cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The three cities make up a microcosm of modern India: a long history, breakneck economic development, the existence of the ancient with the modern, a collection of UNESCO heritage sites, busy streets, bustling bazaars and of course, mouth- watering North-Indian cuisine. So let’s start on a whirlwind tour of these three vertices of the “Golden triangle”.

India's golden triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

India's golden triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur

Delhi – land at the T3 terminal
First impressions are the strongest impressions. Delhi government certainly had this in mind while constructing the new Indira Gandhi international airport terminal which opened in 2010. The new T3 terminal now boasts to be one of the swankiest airport terminals in the world. Visitors are struck by the large size, efficiency and beautiful aesthetics of this new airport. Paintings, sculptures and other art is littered around the airport and gives a feeling of walking through a museum rather than an airport.

New Delhi airport t3 terminal

Giant hands depicting Indian dance mudras overlook the immigration check-point

Delhi – the old and the new
The city of Delhi is a giant melting pot: Hindus and Muslims, ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers, rich and poor, world-class metro rail and rickety buses, vegetarians and meat-lovers, humans and animals, the religious and the atheists… all are to be found here living side by side. Many a travelers have been overwhelmed by the sheer energy and differences in the city and have thus dubbed India popularly as “the land of contrasts“. This is in a big way made possible by the variety of rulers that Delhi has had: Hindu kings, Mughal rulers (who were Muslim), the British. Now Delhi serves as the seat of power and political capital of the World’s largest democracy.

lotus-temple-delhi

Lotus temple, Delhi. Built by the Bahai Faith.

Delhi sightseeing places:
Popular sightseeing places in Delhi include Qutab Minar (the world’s tallest stone tower), Lotus temple, the Red fort of Mughals, the ancient Jama Mosque, Chandni chowk, India Gate, Lutyen’s Delhi (housing the President’s house & Parliament) and countless others.

India Gate in New Delhi

India Gate New Delhi. A war memorial for the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in WW1.

UNECSO World Heritage sites in Delhi:
UNESCO has listed the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort as World Heritage sites.

Humayun's Tomb in Delhi

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

How to get around  in Delhi:
The best way to go around in Delhi is definitely the underground (and sometimes above ground) Metro. The Delhi Metro is one of the largest in the world with more than 150 stations and more being added everyday to cover the large area of this mega-polis. It is also a great way to avoid the hot weather and busy traffic on Delhi roads.

Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro

Taxi and call-a-cab services are also available as is that ubiquitous symbol of Indian city transport:  the Autorickshaw.

Delhi autorickshaw

Delhi autorickshaw

Delhi cuisine:
Delhi is a foodie’s paradise. The melting pot of Delhi is nowhere reflected better than in its cuisine – Mughal, Punjabi, Sindhi, Rajasthani, South Indian, Chinese (made the Indian way), Continental – all of the master cuisines of the world contribute to make what has to be one of the most tantalizing cities for the taste buds of food lovers. Centuries old specialty shops exist side by side with gourmet restaurants and chic outlets. Be it the firni (a milk and rice based sweet) or the Mutton kebabs, Delhi food will leave you wanting for more. A comprehensive list of the dishes of Delhi will take a post of its own so in the meanwhile, enjoy the pictures:

North Indian platter

A typical North India platter featuring Naan bread, kebabs, biryani rice, vegetables, Chutneys (sauces) and Yogurt.

Street vendor in Chandni Chowk making spicy veggie curry with bread - better known as Pav Bhaji

Street vendor in Chandni Chowk making spicy veggie curry with bread - better known as Pav Bhaji

Best time to travel to Delhi and North India: September to March
Delhi Weather: Hot and sunny in summer (April to June), pleasant and sunny in winter (September-March), Occasional rainy during monsoons (July-August). Don’t forget to carry your hats and sunscreen.

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