India - Travel Blog

Teresa Dominici Art with Ricardo Chappe Music

2011-12-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Sharing my latest PowerPoint art presentation. And also, I take this opportunity to wish all my readers, fans, followers and friends a very Happy Holiday Season! Thank you for your continuous support.

Contemporary paintings in acrylic by Teresa Dominici. Visit: http://www.dominicistudios.com.

Thank you to Ricardo Chappe for allowing me to use his music for this presentation. His music can be found at http://ricardochappe.webs.com/.

Teresa Dominici Art

View another webinar from Dominici Studios

Introduction to India Travel

2010-03-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Travel India -- Explore this vast frontier of culture and adventure with Narula Travel Group.

India Introduction

2010-03-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

India's amazing diversity offers you everything you could ever want in a holiday. From the moment that you set foot in India to be greeted by a graceful namaste, a gesture that denotes both welcome and respect, you are on the way to one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacular coastline surrounded by three seas, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes,magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities.

At any part of the year India can offer you a dazzling array of destinations and experiences. In summer, when the subcontinent is sizzling, there are spectacular retreats amidst the heady beauty of the Himalayas or the lush heights of the Western Ghats with cool trekking trails, tall peaks to conqueror stretches of white water for the adventure seekers.

In the cool of an Indian winter, cities come alive with cultural feasts of music and dance. The balmy weather is an ideal time for you to go century hopping in romantic cities studded with medieval forts and palaces. The sun drenched beaches are inviting and wildlife sanctuaries with their abundance of flora and fauna are a buzz with the nurture of the young.

You can taste the delights of the Indian monsoon anywhere in the country- on a camel safari in the Rajasthan desert when nature comes alive and the peacocks dance; along the west coast where the relentless slantingrain paints the countryside in brilliant greens or even trekking amidst the stark grandeur of mountain valleys lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
Experience exotic India live like a maharaja in the rich ambiance of royal forts and palaces that are now heritage hotels; luxuriate in the serene beauty of a coral island with its turquoise lagoon; participate in the exuberance of a village fair or a colorful festival; day dream on a house boat drifting down the palm - fringed backwaters; delight in the grace of a dancer or shop till you drop - buying exquisite silks, carved figurines, brass and silver ware, marble inlaid with semi-precious stones,finely crafted jewelry, miniature paintings, carpets ....at unbelievable prices.

India, always warm and inviting, is a place of infinite variety - one that favors you with a different facet of its fascination every time you come on a visit.

Thillana Bharatanatyam Classical dance India

2010-03-17T01:25:00.000-07:00

Dance in India has a rich history. The cadence of Indian dance has weaved the thread of magic in the midst of its motion, poise, beauty and emotion. It is through the grace of movement, amidst the elegant motion of Indian dance ‘freedom finds its image whilst dreams their forms’. The mystical aura in Indian dance adds to the allure of its beauty and grace whilst mirroring its copious tradition in India.

Alappuzha Beach (Alleppey Beach)

2010-03-17T01:18:00.000-07:00

Alappuzha beach also known as Alleppey beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old.

Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of the East by travellers from across the world, this Backwater Country is also home to diverse animal and bird life.

Adinath Temple Khajuraho (Part 2)

2010-03-17T01:16:00.000-07:00

Adinath Temple is a temple of great reverence dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar. This temple is situated towards the north of the Parshvanatha Temple, which is the largest Jain Temple in Khajuraho. The Adinath temple is the last Jains shrine, which was built in the devotion of Lord Adinath. The temple is excellently built and decorated with numerous sculptures including the figures of "yakshis".

The temple has been repaired and restored over the years. Though a Jain Temple, it looks very similar to the various Hindu temples in Khajuraho. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black image of the deity and this clearly indicates it being a Jain temple. It is actually a small temple but displays brilliant architecture. There are many fine carvings on the three bands of sculptures in it.
The temple's "shikar" is quite simple and plain to look at. On the top of it there is an elegant pitcher. The roof built in lotus like stone makes the sanctum look lovelier. Also, it seems as it the altar has been built later. On the walls of the temple there are figures of the court musicians that have been carved beautifully.

Adinath Temple Khajuraho (Part 1)

2010-03-17T01:11:00.000-07:00

As the name suggests, Adinath temple in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is dedicated to Adinath the Jain saint. This is the last of Jain temples built around here. The temple is magnificently decorated with different sculpted figures including those of "yakshis".

The Adinath temple is situated adjacent to the Parshvanatha Temple, which is the largest of all the Jain temples in Khajuraho. This Adinath temple has been partly repaired over the centuries. This temple is quite similar to the Hindu temples in Khajuraho. Though a Jain temple, it looks more or less like a Hindu temple owing to its architecture and designing. A black image inside the temple gives the indication of it being a Jain temple. The temple has very fine carvings on its 3 bands of sculptures.

Adinath temple is towards the north of the largest Jain temple, the Parshvanatha temple. It is a small temple; its 'shikhar' is simple with a graceful and elegant auspicious pitcher on the top of it. The temple's sanctum is simple as well and it seems that the altar had been built at some time later than the construction of the temple. The roof is constructed beautifully with lotus like stone, which adds to the beauty of the sanctum sanctorum

Zanskar Valley

2010-03-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

Zanskar valley is one of the most fascinating valley in Ladakh.

This small mountain locked valley is located at an elevation of 3, 500m to 7, 000m above the sea level and is one of the remotest regions in the entire world.

Located at the confluence of two rivers that flow towards each other along the northern side of the Great Himalayan and meet in the vast plain of Padum valley. The coldest plains of Zanskar valley is also famed as one of the coldest habitats of world as in mid-winter the temperature of this region drops to -40 degrees.

The main attraction of Zanskar valley is the nearby Drang-drung glacier. The beauty of this glacier is incomparable.

Zongkhul: This place is famous for cave monasteries. There are two cave monasteries that are used by the famous Yogi for the solitary meditation. The walls of the cave are decorated by some ancient frescoes of beautiful designs.

Varanasi Ghats India

2010-03-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

Varanasi, one of oldest living city of world, is famous as the cultural and religious capital of India.

Every year millions of ardent Hindu devotees flocks in Varanasi to pay homage to various God and Goddess. They also offer prayers and performs some rituals in memory of their ancestors.

Wildlife Around Royal City of Jaipur

2010-03-09T01:46:00.000-08:00

Jaipur is not a very big city but yes every place gives the smell of Rajputana Style. Women wearing Ghagra Chunni give the look of Rajasthan. The wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan also deserve a mention. When here, you will see thousands of tourist wanting to indulge in Jungle safari. These Rajasthan National parks are located in many places across the state but some are exceptionally good.

When in Jaipur another halt that you cannot miss is the Ranthambore National Park. This is a tiger reserve country where we saw one tigers with many other animals like the deer and monkeys. There are three lakes here where crocodiles live. We wanted to enjoy a boat ride in this lake, but sadly it was not permissible. We found large varieties of birds and fauna that won our heart. Beauty could be seen and felt everywhere. Inside the park there is also a historical fort that I think is worth seeing.

One should visit the city of Jaipur to experience the heritage and city along with the magnanimous cultural Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary to enjoy some adventurous sight seeing.

Other Waterfalls in Kerala

2009-04-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Thommankuth waterfalls is another marvellous wonder of the nature situated at 74 kms from Cochin. There are buses from Thodupuzha, which is 18 kms away from Thommankuth. Hotels and restaurants are available at Thodupuzha.

Palaruvi Waterfalls This waterfall falls in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Its access is 35 kilometers east of Punalur on the Quilon - Shenkottah road. It is near Ariankavu mountain pass. 5 kilometers away is the spectacular Palaruvi waterfall at an attitude of 300 ft. with smaller cascades nearby. There you can see ruins of ancient temples. The water is said to be medicated as it flows down from the forest and is said to be a preventive for many diseases.

Mulamkuzhi this is a tiny village nearly 15kms from Malayattur. The crystal clear medicated water of the River Mulamkuzhi and the waterfalls of Venanbravady near Malayattur is an enchanting sight. There is also a confluence of the rivers Periyar and Perumthode.

Attukal this place is located between Munnar and Pallivasal, and a beautiful sight of waterfalls and rolling hills can be seen here. Attukal is also ideal for long treks .

The Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls are located between Narimangalam and Adimali on the kochi-Madurai highway. The Cheeyapara waterfalls cascade down in seven steps. It is a real feast for the eyes.

Nyayamkad 10kms from Munnar, located between Munnar and Rajamala Nyamkad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The Waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters, the enchanting surrounding make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point.

Thusharagiri lying 50kms east of Kozhikode, Thusharagiri is a little tribal tourist spot in Kerala. Tow streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the River Challipuzha. The river diverges into three waterfalls, creating a snowy spray, which gives the name 'Thusharagiri' which means 'snowy peak'. A 5km trek upstream will take one to the stream's origin. Of the three waterfalls, the highest is the Thenpara that drops 75 metres below.

The Kesari waterfalls, also known as Valanjamkanam falls, lies between Kuttikanam and Murinjapuzha on the Kottayam-Kumaly route. Valanjamkanam is a 3 hr. journey from Kottayam by any bus to Kumaly; trek to Kuttikanan offers additional adventurous spirit and closeness to nature.

Maramala Waterfall, this lies a few kms away from Eerattupetta. It is exactly 7 kms from Teekoy rubber estate. From here a private vehicle can take you further 2 kms after which the road is not motor able. To reach the falls one has to trek through the estate over the rocky path. The waterfall is about 60 metres in height, falling into a 12-meter deep pool and joins the River Teekoy way down.

A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. A thick reserve forest surrounds it. Dhoni is about 15kms from Palakkad.

A Meenvallam waterfall, is around 8kms from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad- Manarkkad route. It is a combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15-20 feet. There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are located in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible, only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the river Thuppanad.

Perumthenaruvi is a famous waterfall on the banks of the River Pamba. Here, the water flows down a rocky bed into a ravine 60 to 100 feet deep. The place is a favourite picnic spot for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Aruvi Waterfalls, 60 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 7kms from Bonecaud estate are the beautiful Aruvi Waterfalls in the Peppara forest range. This 4 feet cascade is one of the most verdant and untouched spots in Kerala. Road accessibility is only up to Bonecaud, there on; the Kanni tribesmen accompany trekkers along the mountain path. Prior permission from the forest department is required before approaching the area.

Kombaikani and Meenmutti Waterfalls, these are two magnificent waterfalls on the upper reaches of the Neyyar Reservoir. A trek of 2kms through dense forests, would take one to Meenmutti waterfalls and a further 2kms, to the Kombaikani waterfalls. The waterfalls and forecasts around them are worth experiencing.

Chethalayam Waterfalls, is located 12kms from Sultan Bathery. One has to trek around 4kms from Chethalayam for having a glimpse of this lovely waterfall.

Kanthanpara Waterfalls, this waterfall is about 30 m in height and gives a panoramic view. It is located 12 kms southeast of Kalpetta.

Meenmutty Waterfalls, has a cascading waterfall in three tiers, from a height of 500 metres. It is located 12kms east of Meppadi.

Sentinal Rock Waterfall, is 22kms at Soochipara near Meppadi, south of Kalpetta. A three step water fall of more than 200m in height with a fantastic scenery provides for white water rafting, swimming, bathing, etc., The tree top huts at Soochipara will give unique view of the valleys of Western Ghats. It is also an ideal place for rock climbing.

Soochipara Waterfalls, is located 22kms from Hotel Green Gates. One can reach the waterfalls only after a 2-km walk into the dense equatorial forest of Wayanad.

Soochipara waterfall, Kerala

2009-04-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

We found this video on youtube, beautifully done.

Athirampally and Vazhachal Waterfalls

2009-04-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal (Prounced as vaazhachaal).

The charm of the Athirampally and Vazhachal nature cannot be described by words, Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the "Picturesque"...not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. wild and beautiful, unspoilt by the passing of time.

Both this waterfalls are a part of the Chalakudy river and 5 km apart on the road to hill station (valparai) which has excellent tea estate and is one of India's highest elephant density habitats and is a crucial corridor between Perambikulam and Malayattur.

INDIA HIMALAYA - YOU TUBE VIDEO WITH MUSIC

2009-04-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

We found this video on you tube "India Himalaya", great pictures, and music.

INDIAN HIMALAYAS

2009-04-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Traverse through the Great Himalayan Range and appreciate the sheer geographic diversity; from the verdant, forested valleys and tropical jungles of Arunachal and the flowering meadows carpeted with rare orchids, to the rugged terrain of the Trans Himalaya that extends to the Tibetan plateau. The is nothing more challenging anywhere in the world as the mighty Himalayas. They stand aloft, stirring the adventure spirit, challenging to conquer the heights.

The Indian Himalaya provide a stark contrast to the dusty plains of the north and the hothouse of the tropical south. In this region of hill stations, fertile valleys, lunar landscapes and rarefied mountain air, local inhabitants have carved out a spartan existence in the pockets of habitable terrain.

This marks the crossroads of Asia's three main cultures: the Kashmir Himalaya is the cultural boundary of Islam; the foothills of Jammu, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh define the northern limits of Hinduism; while Ladakh is the south-western spur of Buddhism.

Himalayas of India have a unique distinction of being the youngest mountain ranges on earth, coming into existence with the geographically recent joining of the subcontinent of India to the Asian mainland. Also, Himalayas are one of a few 'living' mountains on earth and hence trekking in Himalayas has a rejuvenating effect on the total mind-body potential.

The Himalayan peaks have always attracted mountaineers. Nanda Devi and Kanchenjunga are the two of the highest peaks, which offer very a challenging environment for mountaineers from far corners of the world. Some of the biggest challenges for the intrepid climbers are in the Garwal Himalayas, the Zanskar range in Jammu & Kashmir, Kulu & Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh. There are numerous opportunity for the one with a quest for adventure spread all over North India

TAJ MAHAL

2009-04-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

There is no other monument in the world, which can match the beauty and grandeur of the Taj Mahal. Located at the city of Agra in the State of Uttar Pradesh, the Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Agra is situated about 200 km south of New Delhi, Capital of India.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture in the world. Its curving, gently swelling dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly is a familiar image from hundreds of brochures and travel books. The Taj is renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man's proudest creations and is invariably included in the list of the world's foremost wonders. As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains have never been housed in greater grandeur.

GOA SUNSETS - YOU TUBE VIDEO WITH MUSIC

2009-04-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Great YouTube video and music with lovely sunsets.

GOA

2009-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Goa is also known as 'the pearl of the east' and is known for its Gothic churches, age old ruins, palm fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music.

With its long coastline, Goa is an important destination in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation.

Mouth watering Goan dishes to suit every palate-from Chicken Xacuti and Pork Sorpatel to Prawn Balchao. Apart from the ubiquitous sea food, Goa offers some of the very best of Chinese, Punjabi, Continental, South Indian, and course, Portuguese restaurants. Cashew feni and Coconut Palm feni complete the heady experience of dining in Goa. Drinking Feni is a singularly Goan experience. It is potent, has a very distinctive aroma, and is an experience not to be missed.

Three days a year Goa surrenders to the spirit of fun & frolic and celebrates the Carnival. A Portuguese legacy, Goans celebrate the Carnival with dances, music, food and festivities and float parades in all the major towns. Held usually in February, the Carnival exudes the spirit of joie de vivre, with tourists and locals dancing in the streets.

KERALA - YOU TUBE VIDEO WITH MUSIC

2009-04-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

We found this video on you tube, great photographs and music.

KERALA

2009-04-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Kerala God's own Country Kerala is an enchantingly beautiful, emerald green land, flanked by the Western Ghats on one side, the Arabian Sea on the other, and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation in between.

Kerala offers nature on a platter. Sandy beaches of Kovalam, blue Lagoons at Veli, Hill stations at Ponmudi and Munnar, backwaters of Kollam and Alappuzha, enchanting waterfalls of Athirampally and Vazhachal, greenland plantations in the highranges, wildlife, high mountain peaks, picturesque valleys and intricately decorated temples.