Switch to “One Tree Hill Point” after a fuss with your Better Half

Squabble is the part of life. Nobody left with this. It happened to you also within the past time with anyone, maybe it was with your friend, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband, sister, brother, father, mother or anybody else. It always stumbles when you are in a relationship with somebody. Whether it is a relation of daughter, son, or wife and husband. So, everybody is a part of this tiff whether he/she is in a relationship with another person or not. No matter if the fuss is with an unknown person. But, it hurts a lot when your beloved one or the better half screwed you on the half-baked points terribly. Oh! That really chopped you.

Neral to Matheran Hill Station by Toys Train

After indulging in fuss, stress is the next thing that knocks at your door. Many things are there to get rid of all this. But, sometimes one needs an irenic place where nobody vexed you. Instead of being a part of the depressed people forum, try to go ahead with your life and rejuvenate it while traveling to some reposing places. 

One Tree Hill Point

"One tree hill point” is one of the places that takes you far from all these squeezed things. It can be your choice to lose your temper perfectly. Being located in the hills of Matheran, Mumbai, visited by a large number of tourists. The name of the hill point clearly confesses you that a tree perched at the top of this huge hill which is a Jambhul tree. To reach the point, you have to hike through Shivaji’s ladder. Hiking up and climbing down from the hill to the valley is really a unique experience that draws you away from all those knick knacks that annoyed you in the day-to-day life. The place is a refreshing retreat from all the frenzied things.

Shivaji’s Ladder

View from "One Tree Hill Point"

Cool air, calm surroundings, glistening sunlight, peaky hills, eye feasting views, picturesque sightseeing, deep valley, etc. all merge together to make this destination one of the best ones. Besides this, palatable cuisines and further opportunities of exploring the surrounding areas make the trip more delightful. Also, it is the best place for writers and poets. Writing in the midst of the same location can be venturesome but really a right choice by them. Due to all these things, one can cite its glory as:-

“Sun shines over the hill,

People start running to the hill,

Sun goes down the hill,

People climb down the hill,

Moon turns over the hill,

And turns it into a rosewood hill”

 This place is adventurous enough for trek lovers. Trekking can be done to reach on the top of the hill. Walking on the foot is another good idea as it gives you a unique experience in the sense of passing through the forested paths. Another way to reach there is horse riding which is a thrilling experience as it passes through the gorges of the valley.

Trekking Route

A single visit to this point makes you feel as you are in heaven and reminds you of the trip again and again. Click all the breathtaking views and in the time of squabble, remind the lush green hills, cozy air, that beautiful Jambhul tree, trek experience, etc.. that gives you peace of mind and relaxes your body. It gives you the feel as you get back to that place where nobody even try to screw you. This really soothes your mind and take you away from the psychotic problems of life. So, make your life strain free by visiting this miraculous destination at least once in a lifetime.

Following the blog ABC Wednesday for "O"

Kanhoji Angre Light House Enters Among the Mumbai’s Tourist Sites

Mumbai is the Bollywood city of India and is most visited by tourists throughout the year. It is the home of many billionaires and also known as the financial capital of India. Its diversity and vibrancy illustrate the city’s uniqueness and displays true images. This city forms one of the most heavily populated regions in Asia, i.e. around 20 million people. People from different religious communities reside there.

Night View of Mumbai

Gateway of India

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai

Being a biggest metropolitan city in India, several travel destinations of tourist interest are there like the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Juhu beach, Marine drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Fashion street, Film City, Chowpatty, Victoria Garden, Hanging garden, Essel World, Great Escape, Nishiland water park, Iscon temple, Haji Ali’s mosque, Siddhi Vinayak temple, Santa Cruz, etc. Nightlife is also very active in Mumbai. Several pubs, discos and casinos are there that offers a vibrant nightlife. Due to all this, globe trotters move to this place to get fun and amusement over there.

Elephanta Caves

Another feature that adds up to the Mumbai is the Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse. It is located on Kanhoji Angre Island which is situated opposite the Thal fishing port near Alibaug. It becomes a new attraction for tourist. It was formally announced by the Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi with the Minister of State for Shipping Milind Deora. Both the ministers announced a plan to develop around 15 lighthouses across the country as a place of tourist interest.

Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse, Mumbai

In the first phase of the plan, the Kanhoji Angre lighthouse near Mumbai, one located at Dolphin Nose Point in Visakhapatnam and the other one is located at the Mamallapuram near Chennai have been built as  a pilot project to attract the tourist in a large number. Of all the lighthouses, this is the only lighthouse that is located in the middle of the sea. 

Back side of Kanhoji Angre lighthouse

Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse includes viewing gallery, conservation of fort wall, tent style accommodation, construction of jetty and passenger terminal and electrification through solar power system. The need of making the lighthouse is to create new destination in an eco-friendly manner. A fort is also located there which was built by the Portuguese but later occupied by the Marathas.

Light House

Thus, the lighthouse seems to be a great tourist attraction in near future. In the next phases of the project, many other lighthouses will be built like the Mumbai, Chennai and Visakhapatnam lighthouses and creates a hub of it that covers the all heritage sites of India to preserve the interest of people in heritage sites.

Reference site: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/pmreleases.aspx?mincode=36

Following the blog ABC Wednesday for M

Lotus Temple-A Graceful Marvel of India

 Lotus Temple or the Bahai temple, a peaceful icon of marvelous India, located in Delhi. It is also recommended by the locals as the Taj of Modern India. This temple is named after its shape and is popular all around for its modern architecture. It is surrounded by a large green landscaped garden. It is a symbol of peace for Bahai’s. Among the religion of Bahai’s, importance is given to prayers which revealed in the scriptures only. According to Bahai’s faith, minor acts of praying is not sufficient, one has to convert one’s prayers into actions that promotes the well being of humanity.

Lotus Temple, Delhi

The credit for the design and architecture of the temple building goes to the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba of Canada. He got the idea of making the temple in lotus shape as the lotus is the symbol of peace, purity, love and immortality. The whole construction took 10 years to complete it and made available for public. Many architectures, artisans, technicians, workers, took the work on their shoulders to complete it magnificently. They work together diligently and finally gave the beautiful iconic structure to the Indians. 

Lotus Temple

The temple was completed in 1986 and after its completion, a technical journal of the United Kingdom was the first to visit it.  Also, he gave the appellation that it is a Taj Mahal of the 20th century. After that lots of people visit this half-open flower surrounded by its leaves and gave many expressions. The shining white marble attracts a large number of crowds from across the globe. It creates a sense of awe among tourists.

Inside Area

The architecture of the temple is so attractive that one gets muse in the architecture. The inner dome is spherical in shape and is like a bud that consists of 24 petals. Flooring inside the auditorium is of pure white marble that shines even today.

Inside view of Temple

Interior View of Temple

 Green landscape, long stairs, nine pools of water, curved balustrades, bridges, etc. surround this half open flower and make it the most attractive icon of Delhi. It is a remarkable shrine of peace that will stand for centuries. This large temple also houses a reception center, a library and an administrating building. The library contains a rich collection of religious books not only of Bahai religion but also of other religions. Also, introductory audio-visual presentation is displayed there for the visitors. 

Model of Lotus Temple

People of any religion can visit this temple and pray or meditate freely. It has the capacity to accommodate nearly 2500 people and has nine doors that open in a central hall through which people enters into the main hall.  Many other nearby attractions are there that are also popular like the Kalkaji temple and the famous Nehru place market. So, visiting this temple is the most memorable part of anyone’s life.

Your can find the other tourist places in Delhi here.

Following the blog ABC Wednesday for L.

Taste the Piquant Cuisines of Gujarat

India has consisted of mixed culture, heritage, occupations, religions, etc. Similarly, food is another thing that varied from place to place in India. Gujarat is one of the Indian places that attracts tourist in a large number. It’s Shoreline and The Great Rann of Kutch allures the people very much. Another best thing of Gujarat is its food. Gujarat’s cuisine is very much different from other states of India. Despite being located on the coast of the sea, seafood is less served there as Jainism and traditional Hinduism are available in large number. So, primarily it is a pure vegetarian cuisine state.

A Vegetarian Gujarati Thali

The orthodox Gujarati food is mainly vegetarian and is of high nutritional value. The typical Gujarati Thali consists of different kinds of lip plumbing dishes. Each dish of Gujarat has absolutely different cooking style. Some of the dishes are stir fried, while others are boiled. Gujarati food is mostly served on a silver platter. Guajarati’s use a combination of different spices and flavors to cook their meals and this is what makes their food truly exotic.

The traditional Gujarati Thali mostly contains roti, deal or Kadhi, Sabzi or also known as shark and rice. Gujarati dishes usually have a very ingenious taste that makes it purely distinct from other Indian Cuisines. A lot of priority is laid on maintaining hygiene while cooking. Almost, all the Gujarati dishes are sweet, while others have a quite larger concentration of sugar as compared to salt and spices. Jaggery is used sometimes as an alternative to sugar.

Traditional Gujarathi Thali

Gujarati food is highly energy providing and thus do not waste much fuel. The staple food of Gujarat consists of homemade Khichdi, pickles, chhaas, salad, etc. and main course includes vegetables which are usually steamed and dal. Vaghaar is another thing used in dal, it is a blend of spices, which is purified in hot oil and then added to the dal. As the temperature in Gujarat soars up to 50 degrees Celsius, so to prevent the dehydration, lot of salt, sugar, tomato and lemon is used.

Gujarat Staple Food (Khichdi)

Some of the most popular Gujarati foods are undhiyu, thepla, bhajja, gathiya and other farsans (snack items). As we discussed above, the typical meal of Gujarati meal is a thali (which means “meal” in Gujarati), so in restaurants as well as in home, it is often served and consist of roti, dal, rice and shaak (cooked vegetables, sometimes with curry), with adjuncts of pickles and roasted papads. Main beverages of the state include buttermilk and tea. Gujarat cuisine is also distinctive in its wide variety of farsan- side dishes that complement the main meal and are served alongside it.

Gujarati Undhiyu Dish

Desserts made from such ingredients as local sugar cane, jiggery, milk, almonds, and pistachios were originally served at weddings and family occasions as an energy booster for relatives traveling long distances to attend. Now-a-days, sweets served as part of a Thali are more typically made from milk, sugar, and nuts. Magas and Ghooghra are Dry Sweets that typically made around celebrations, such as weddings, or at Diwali. Popular sweets include Basundi, Ghari Ghebar, Halvasan, Keri no ras, Malpura, Puran Poli, etc.

Basundi Sweet Dish (Gujarat)

Cuisine of this state also differs from season to season depending on the availability of vegetables. During the summer season, spices such as black pepper and its constituent spices are used in lesser quantities. There, people also fast on a regular basis and limit their diet to milk, nuts and dried fruits. Also, people residing in the urban area are starting some new eating trends.

Many youngsters have started developing a taste for oily spicy food. Also, the modern chefs are coming up with the amalgam food concept by combining Gujarati food and Western food.

Dhokla

Dhokla is a vegetarian food item made with a fermented batter derived from rice and chickpeas. This is also one of the famous dis of gujarat.

In coastal areas of Gujarat, the Kharwa community has developed a cuisine consisting of fresh and dried fish. Common seafood of the coastal area includes pomfrets, khandwas, gedadas, surmai, prawns, crabs, lobster and narsinga.

Gujarat  Malai Prawns

So, one can find variety of luscious food in Gujarat and never forget it in one’s whole life. You will surely remember the culture, tourist places and cuisine of this state and want to visit again and again.

There are lots of great stories and photos on ABC Wednesday

Seven Wonders of Incredible India

 1. Taj Mahal at Agra (also one of the seven wonders of the world)

Taj Mahal, Agra

2. Khajuraho, A town in chattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh (Famous for Erotic Temples)

Outside wall of the temple, Khajuraho

3. Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple of Amritsar, Punjab)

Golden temple, Amritsar

 4. Hampi (Vijayanagara, Karnataka)

Hampi,Vijayanagara in Karnataka

5. Konark Sun Temple, Orissa

Konark Sun Temple

 6. Gomateshwara (Shravanabelagola, Karnataka)

Gomateshwara

Bahubali also called Gomateshwara was an Arihant. According to Jainism, he was the second of the hundred sons of the first Tirthankara, Rishabha and king of Podanpur.

7. Nalanda University, Bihar

Nalanda university, Bihar

It was a religious center of learning from the fifth century AD to 1197 AD.

Following the post ABC Wednesday

Enjoy the Graceful Moments of Your Life in Houseboat of Kerala

Kerala, a famous state of South India is a popular destination among Indians as well as Foreigners. Surrounding by the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, networked by 44 rivers make it unique among the other states of South India.  It is the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A tranquil environs, pristine beaches, exotic lakes, along shoreline, high hills, waterfalls, sprawling tea plantation and the most probable thing is a night on houseboat make you feel marvelous.

kettuvallam (Kerala houseboat) by Nick Williams on flickr

Kerala Houseboat by Flash Graphics on flickr

Houseboats of Kerala are much similar to those of “Shikara” of Kashmir.  There are a large number of houseboats available in Kerala due to its large demand among the visitors. They are basically a slow moving raft used for leisure trips. These are the modified model of Kettuvallam (Boat tied with ropes of coconut fibers), that was used in the earlier times by most of the people for trade purposes. Rice and many kinds of spices were carried by these boats from one place to another and considered as the convenient way of means of transportation. But now-a-days, those Kettuvallam modified to form a beautiful houseboat used for visitors.

Many houseboats are available there for tourist purpose. Some of the houseboats are motorized while the other ones are stationary ones. All the amenities are provided by them in these houseboats. So, the main classification of the houseboat is: Deluxe Houseboats, Premium and Luxury Houseboats.

Inside view of Kerala Houseboat by monishamanral on flickr.com

Kerala Houseboat Inside by Flash Graphics on flickr

First of all, we will discuss the qualities and amenities provided by the varieties of houseboats. Deluxe houseboats are the famous ones as well as the costlier one. Eco-friendly measures are adopted on-board with them to provide the deluxe facilities to their visitors. A right example to show it eco-friendly is the toilet facility. Toilets of this houseboat run on the biodegradable system as the waste developed is brought to land not to the rivers and disposed properly. It does not pollute the rivers and beautiful Lakes. These boats contain spacious hall, two bathrooms attached to the bedrooms with facility of both hot and cold water. For cooking purposes, there is a kitchen in which all the needed things are available. One can cook one’s food by oneself or a maid is available to cook the delicious South Indian food and serve you the quality food in the boat itself.  Also, a generator powered the boat for full time light and a/c facilities is available there.

Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr

Luxury Houseboat by Kerala Boating on flickr

Secondly, there are Premium and Luxury Houseboats that provide the same facility as the deluxe one but, some things can be found different in all the boats. It’s like a dream come true when you float like a leaf on the fluctuating waves of the river or lakes. This type of feeling can easily feel by traveling in Luxury houseboats as these are just like the floating fortresses on wood. With five star facilities these Luxury houseboats are comfortable enough as like a house. These are fully air conditioned boats, elegantly decorated and contains all the modern facilities as per the comfort of the person. Reading, playing and other activities are now easy on backwaters while traveling in a houseboat. Well furnished rooms and magnificent view of the countryside allures anyone. Spacious bedrooms with total privacy make anyone feel majestic. Each room of the boat has attached bathroom facility. Kitchen on-board with palatable cuisine like Karimeen, Kappa and toddy erect your taste buds to the fullest. Many varieties of dishes delight you surely.

Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr

For honeymooners, riding on a houseboat especially on a moonlit night creates the atmosphere of romance everywhere. The upper deck of the houseboat is another good place to hold a party as it is spacious enough with a seating capacity of fifty persons.

So enjoy the beauty of Lakes, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, Tea plantations, Hill side views and many more while on-board on the houseboat. One can enjoy the extreme beauty of the Kerala through the houseboats itself. It became a long lasting and unique experience for anyone riding on the backwaters.

Must Visit Destinations in India

If there is a single planet which can satisfy your needs and demands regarding your tourism and can experience all types of tourism inside it then it can never be any name except India. It is the standalone planet in this world where tourist can turn their dream world into reality and as could be a kind of unique opportunity for one’s life to explore the beauty of various virgin locations of the planet.

Click On the Image for Larger View

The essence of the land has the fullest power to fascinate any heart and can keep them as a guest for a longer period of time by its attractions. The buried history of the past and cultural importance has been favorite tourist attraction since years ago. All age group of people, from the kids to the old one can fulfill their hidden dreams with pleasure by visiting India the one of the world’s wonder, great historical monuments, hill stations, religious places, natural beauty, wildlife, exotic beaches and even sports and adventurous activities in this versatile land.

• Must Visit Destinations in North India -

1. Jammu & Kashmir: The “Paradise on the Earth”, Jammu & Kashmir is the most favored tourist destinations in Northern India. The snowy peaks, icy rivers and exotic valleys of this beautiful landscape promises to offer an enthralling holiday to its visitors all the time. This superlative snowy land is sleeping in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains where natural as well as the adventure fans can get grandiose opportunity to accomplish their secret dreams in an exciting way.

2. Himachal Pradesh: The glorious view of hill stations of the state Himachal Pradesh, never allow you to move your eyesight from the land where the exotic cultures, adventurous activities and breathtaking picturesque mutually greet you and welcome you to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Popular tourist destinations – Shimla, Manali, and Dharmashala. 

3. Uttarakhand: “The land of the god”, Uttarakhand, is home of the many Hindu pilgrims due to the existence of several ancient Hindu temples and it will not be wrong to say one of the popular hill stations landscape of India. Popular tourist destinations – Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Ranikhet, Haridwar, etc. 

4. Punjab: The Sikh’s state Punjab is renowned for its most famous Golden Temple of Amritsar. It not only considered as the pilgrimage site of Sikh’s but also for the other religions as well. 

5. Rajasthan: The renowned land of ancient kings which never let us forget the ancient story of each and every corner of the state which we can experience by visiting the historical palaces, forts and museum of the region offered by Rajasthan Tourism. Popular tourist destinations Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Udaipur, Jaipur, etc.

6. Delhi: The Capital city of India shows a glance of ancient and modern architectures. Worth watching destinations are Qutub Minar, Birla Temple, Red Forts and malls.

7. Uttar Pradesh: Once this state was ruled by different dynasties of different eras and now has become the most populated states in India. The state is holding the world famous beauty in the name of Taj Mahal in the heart of the region. Popular tourist destinations – Allahabad Fort, Agra Fort and Varanasi.

8. Bihar: Popularly known as the birth place of Lord Buddha. Bodh Gaya is the most favored Buddhist pilgrim places of the state.

• Must Visit Destinations in South India-

1. Tamil Nadu: The seventh most populous state in India, Tamil Nadu is specially known for its religious temples, wild life sanctuaries and exotic beaches. Popular tourist destinations – Ooty, Arjuna's Penance in Mahabalipuram, Coimbatore, Marina beach, etc.

2. Kerala: Kerala, the “God’s Own Country” has no explanation. The natural beauty, breath taking view of Kerala Backwaters, Ayurvedic treatment and stunning beaches attracts the honeymoon as well as the holiday lovers to this divine land. Popular tourist destinations – Munar, Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

3. Karnataka: The South Indian state Karnataka is a perfect blend of pilgrimage, archaeological and historical sites. This state is known for its unmatched traditions and modern culture, absolute beauty and excellence. Popular tourist destinations – Chikmagalur, Badami, Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, etc.

4. Andhra Pradesh: Specially known for the great religious Hindu temple Tirupati and is the greatest hub of IT sector. Apart from that the rich history, exotic monuments and beautiful lakes of the state always give a warm welcome to the tourist. Popular tourist destinations - Ramakrishna, Rishikonda, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Amaravati Buddha Stupa, etc.

• Must Visit Destinations in East India-

1. Jharkhand: The state is partly recognized as pilgrimage destination but here one can enjoy heritage tourism as well.

2. West Bengal: The East Indian state West Bengal has a great cultural as well as traditional importance. And is the home of many social reformers.

3. Orissa: The temples city, Orissa is famous for its ideal Jagannath Temple and also occupies some wonderful beaches. Tribals tour of Orissa can help to explore the popular tourist destinations like- Bhubaneswar, Puri, Bhitarkanika National Park, etc.

• Must Visit Destinations in West India-

1. Goa: The Small city of West is renowned for its exotic beaches and one can say the lover’s paradise land. Adventurous activity is the main attraction of its beaches.

2. Maharashtra: The metropolitan city of India dotted with exotic beaches, peaceful temples, most surprised rock-cut caves and man-made architectural structures. Popular tourist destinations – Ellora & Ajanta Caves, Appu Ghar, Shirdi Sai Temple, etc.

3. Gujarat: The state is renowned for its holy temples, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries architectural assets and hill resorts. Popular tourist destinations – Ahmadabad, Dwarka, Gandhi Nagar, Bhavnagar, etc.

• Must Visit Destinations in Central India-

1. Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh tourism gives an opportunity to explore historical monuments, forts and palaces, and delicately carved temples.  Popular tourist destinations – Gwalior, Orchha, Mandu, etc.

2. Chhattisgarh: This central state of India is a natural lover and adventure enthusiast’s paradise. The striking museums and wildlife sanctuaries give a wonderful gift to the tourist. Popular tourist destinations – Dantewada, Bilaspur, Raipur, Bastar, etc.


Planning to Explore Must Visit Destinations of India, Ask for Tour Bookings at: http://www.ercotravels.com/