Mawlynnog in Meghalaya : Asia's cleanest village

Recently, a team of experts from 'Discovery India', a popular travel and tourism journal, conferred the recognition of being the cleanest village in Asia to Mawlynnog at Shillong in Meghalaya (north eastern India). Tucked away in the verdant hills of Megahalaya, the village has over 80 houses. All the credit of keeping the village uber clean goes to its villages, who despite their daily activities, work really hard to maintain the cleanliness of the village. The residents of the village perform duties like sweeping the roads and lanes, watering the plants and cleaning the drains on a regular basis.

Cleanliness is infact a tradition here. The civic duties to make the village clutter-free are being performed right from the time of their ancestors. And it is this commitment and dedication that has earned the village the distinction of being the cleanest in Asia.

Bamboo-cane dustbins can be noticed at central points in the village. Villages use the waste collected in the dustbin as manure in farming and cultivation. In addition, the residents of the village also a variety of flowering plants around their houses. This adds much to the overall beauty of this tiny but picturesque hamlet.

The recognition of being the cleanest village in Asia has catapulted Mawlynnog's fame to global level. Hordes of locals as wells as foreign nationals are flocking to the village to experience the singular natural beauty of Mawlynnog.

The village of Mawlynnog is located at a distance of 75 km from Shillong, capital of the state of Meghalaya.

Jammu Kashmir Tourism Department to host winter sports carnival

According to a PTI report, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department is going to host a winter sports carnival in Gulmarg next month. The event will continue for a week and will include international skiing championships in Gulmarg from March 1, 2009 and national snow rafting from March 6, 2009. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jammu and Kashmir, also informed that these events are being sponsored by the Essar Group. He further mentioned that this winter sports carnival will be inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir. Participants at the carnival will include skiers from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. On the other hand, athletes from as many as 13 states from across the country will be joining in the rafting event.

Ballooning in India

If you are fit both physically and mentally and are without any fear of height, hot air ballooning is your sport. You must be aware that the first balloon sent up in the air had a ship, a rooster and a duck as its passengers. But, soon after Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier undertook a flight in the year 1783 along with his companion Marquis d’Arlandes and landed safely, all the human fear was vanished forever. And since then, adventurers have been taking delight in the sport of ballooning. With each passing day, the adventure sport is becoming more and more popular and a hot-favourite of tourists from across the world. India invites a good number of balloonists every year. The Balloon Club of India, founded in 1970 in New Delhi, is an organisation of the first rank in India.

Gearing Up for Ballooning in India
You don’t require any special arrangement to start on a ballooning trip. Your clothing should be normal as you would wear on a hiking trip. You don’t have any seating facility inside the basket which is 4 feet high. If you are 2 in number, you can choose sport balloons, otherwise there are passenger balloons for a group of 12 people. Make sure that the balloon crew is there with you to keep track of your flight. Children can also enjoy the sport but need to be accompanied by elders. Sunglasses, caps, gloves and sturdy shoes are the items you should be equipped with. For specific ballooning equipment, you don’t need to search through the markets of India. Your travel operator will arrange for this all. You’ll need permits for your balloning trip. Don’t worry it will all be arranged in time. But, in any case, don’t forget to bring an extra roll of film with you during your trip of ballooning in India.

Famous Ballooning Sites in India
Ballooning clubs can be found in different parts of India including New Delhi, Guwahati, Bangalore, Dehradun and Jaipur. From ballooning in plains and deserts to ballooning through farms and forests and cityscape, adventurers have a good number of options to choose from. Some of the places where you can soak up the charm of this adventure sport are as follows.

• Agra in Uttar Pradesh
  
• Dehradun in Uttaranchal
  
• Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttaranchal
  
• Guwahati in Assam
  
• New Delhi
  
• Bangalore in Karnataka
  
• Pushkar in Rajasthan
  
• Nagaur and Baneshwar in Rajasthan
  

Flying over the sand dunes of the Thar Desert magnetises a good number of adventure freaks. Particularly, during the Pushkar Fair and the Nagaur Fair, one can see balloonists enjoying their rides over towns and villages of Rajasthan. New Delhi is also quite famous as a ballooning destination in India. Apart from providing you with hot air balloons, the Balloon Club of India also organises the ‘Balloon Mela’ which proves to be a big draw for travellers.

Ballooning Facilities in India
First of the all, the flying crew (usually comprising a pilot and a navigator), studies the weather conditions. If the weather is in favour, the balloon is checked for the final time to ensure there are no technical faults at all. Next, the passengers are taken to board and the balloon takes off. Passengers stand in the basket as it continues to sway in the air. The crew has been provided with a compass and an altimeter. The average basket can carry 2-3 people while a bigger one can accommodate as many as 10 people. Travel operators have come up with interesting options balloon-cum-horse and balloon-cum-camel safaris. Tourists can also enjoy wonderful sights of the Taj Mahal (Agra) with River Yamuna flowing by.

Ballooning Tips for Travellers Ballooning in India is fun and game if you are properly equipped and well informed. Though there is a ballooning crew on board, there are a few things that you should keep in mind during your ballooning trip. Read the tips given below and plan a ballooning trip to India right now.

• First and foremost thing, there are no seats inside the basket. So, you should be ready to stand for about one hour.
  
• It is cautious not to take kids with you; the basket wall is 4 feet in height and you may need to lift them up in order to see. This may be disturbing for other passengers onboard.
  
• Winter is the best time to begin a ballooning adventure. Never set off on a turbulent day.
  
• If the velocity of wind exceeds 8 miles per hour, cancel the trip at once.
  
• Always choose an open stretch of land to avoid any hassle during taking off and landing.
  
• While you are descending, you should be aware of poles, spires and electric wires.
  
  

Romancing By The Lakeside

If you think lakes make for one of the most romantic getaways, India can offer you some of the best ones. These lakes are not only breathtaking but at the same time feature a great lakeside lifestyle. It would be a wonderful idea to spend some intimate moments with your better half while you undertake a scenic ride along these picturesque lakes in India. Right from the extreme north in the state of Jammu & Kashmir to the southern Indian state of Kerala, you have lakes that are waiting to rekindle your love life. During your boat ride on the lakes, you can also visit the islands where you spend some quality time.

If you have made up your mind to embark on romantic lake rides in India, here are a few great options to make you fall in love..

Dal Lake, Srinagar
The Dal Lake occupies a place in the heart of Srinagar in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The lake is popular for its wonderful shikara rides. These shikaras are Victorian-era houseboats and resemble the gondolas of Venice. Picturesque locales, abundant greenery and the heart-stopping view of the snow-capped Himalayas will make your shikara ride on Dal Lake one of its kind. In addition, you will experience how life is lived on the waterways of Srinagar . Along the Dal Lake, you will also find the world-famous Mughal Gardens (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh and Chashmashahi). You can book your accommodation in of the many deluxe houseboats moored by the Dal Lake. There is a lot more.

Useful Link : House Boat Owners Association

Lake Pichola, Udaipur
The city of Udaipur is one of the most romantic not only in India but in the world. It is located in the state of Rajasthan and is nestled in the mountain ranges of the Aravali Hills. If you have heard of Udaipur, you must also have heard about Lake Pichola. The very luxurious Lake Palace Hotel is set in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Regular boat rides are available along the heart-stopping Lake Pichola. During your ride along this lake, you will view the Lake Palace on one side, the City Palace on the other and the Jagmandir Niwas Island just ahead. The island is a great place to meet with locals as well.

Useful Link : Taj Lake Palace

Vembanad Lake, Kottayam
The Vembanad Lake (or Vembanad Kayal) happens to be the largest in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Spreading over an area of 1512 sq km, the lake is surrounded by three districts – Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulum. A narrow barrier separates the lake from the Arabian Sea. Since the Vembanad Lake is the major contributor to the Kerala backwater tourism, it has hordes of kettuvalloms (traditional houseboats in Kerala) crisscrossing it. During your houseboat ride along the Vembanad Lake, you can also visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a real birdwatcher's delight. The Kumarakom Lake Resort, with its extensive backwaters, lagoons and pool, is a great place to enjoy your stay here.

Useful Link : Kumarakom Lake Resort

Budget Hotels in Haridwar

Tucked away in the foothills of the Shivalik Himalayas, Haridwar is a major pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all across the world flock to Har ki Pauri in Hardwar every year. The Ganga Arti (a pleasant ritual of worshipping the Ganga) can be experienced at its best at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar (Uttarakhand).

To cater to the needs of tourists and pilgrims, Haridwar has come up with a wide range of hotels, right from heritage and premium to economy and budget hotels. At the heritage hotels of Haridwar , one can savour the heady mix of the ancient and the contemporary. Those who are travelling on a shoestring budget can choose to stay at one of the budget hotels in Haridwar .

At a Haridwar budget hotel, travellers can get all the standard facilities and services at economy prices. Your budgetary considerations will be well taken care of at these hotels without compromising on the quality of hotel service. Though the Haridwar budget hotels do not feature very lavish rooms, they do provide superior services and follow strict quality control. Multicuisine dishes are also available at these hotels in Haridwar. At budget price, you can book your room at these hotels also in different locations.

It is also feasible to choose your budget hotel as per the location. Haridwar budget hotels are available in various locations – hotels close to the Railway Station, hotels near the Bus Stand, hotels at Har ki Pauri ghat, hotels near Market, hotels near BHEL, budget hotels near SIDCUL, hotels on NH 58, hotels on the Ganga Ghat and hotels between Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Have a look at these hotels in Haridwar location-wise :

Hotels Near Har ki Pauri
Gaurav Lodge, Hotel Aditya, New Hotel Aditya, Hotel Har ki Pauri etc.

Hotels on Ganga Ghat
New Hotel Aditya, Hotel Teerth, The Haveli Hari Ganga etc.

Hotels between Haridwar and Rishikesh
Ginger Hotel, Hotel Disney Inn, Hotel Gyan Heritage, Hotel Khanna Palace etc.

Hotels near Market in Haridwar
Hotel Basera, Hotel Ganga Azure, Hotel Jahanvi, Hotel Jewel etc.

Hotels near Railway Station/ Bus Stand
Hotel Arjun, Hotel Basera, Hotel Classic Residency, Hotel Ganga Azure etc.

Hotels near BHEL in Haridwar
Elysium Guest House, Hotel Classic Residency, Hotel Vinayak, Hotel Skylark etc.

Haridwar Hotels on NH 58
Ginger Hotel, Hotel Disney Inn, Hotel Gyan Heritage, Hotel Park View etc.

If you are on a stricter budget, you can also book a room at the lodges and guesthouses in Haridwar. Shri Vishram Grah, Ram Lodge, Elysium Guest House, Hotel Skylark and Gaurav Lodge are some good options of these lodges and guest houses in Haridwar.

Many of the Haridwar hotels listed above also organise sightseeing tours in and around Haridwar on request. For rituals and poooja ceremony, most of these hotels in Haridwar can also arrange for a priest right in your hotel room.

Useful Link : Haridwar Hotel Guide
Interesting Photos of Haridwar : Photo 1 , Photo 2 , Photo 3 ,
Photo 4

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Lying within easily accessible distance from Shimla, Kufri (2,501 m) is a never-to-be-missed spot for visitors to Himachal Pradesh. In fact, Kufri has gained so much prominence that getting back from Shimla without visiting Kufri can quite be an act of blasphemy. Even the history of both the destinations, Kufri and Shimla, are interlinked. In the bygone years, Shimla, its surrounding areas and Kufri together formed an important part of the Kingdom of Nepal. You have enough adventure options at Kufri to indulge in, aside from getting to feast your eyes on the virgin beauty of this tiny hill resort. Ideal time to visit Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) is between mid-May and mid-October.

Kufri (Himachal Pradesh) Tourist Attractions
A trip to the tiny-yet-exotic Kufri is quite a visual delight for holidaymakers. Whether you are looking for some unusual sight are in search of high-adrenaline activities, Kufri can be a destination of your choice. Given below is a list of tourist attractions in Kufri.

Mahasu Peak
This the most elevated point at Kufri. An exciting trek leads you up to the top of the peak. Apart from that, once you are there, you can have wonderful views of the Kedarnath and Badrinath ranges as well.

Indira Tourist Park
The park occupies a position close to the Himalayan National Park. Here, you can spend some time at the cafe run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department . Exciting pony and yak rides also await the visitors inside the park.

Fagu
Those who are in search of a nice picnic spot can head straight to the village of Fagu, 6 km from Kufri. A three-km-long trek till Chharabra is a wonderful option for trekkers. The village looks over the Giri Valley.

Skiing in Kufri
Kufri during winters is a big draw for skiers from across the globe. From a beginner's run and an advanced slope to slalom run, Kufri is simply irresistible. Beginners can choose to go for various ski courses that are offered by the Himachal Tourism. The Winter Sports Festival, which is held annually, also invites a good number of adventurers and holidaymakers.

Kufri Air/Rail/Road Links
The Jubbarhatti Airport of Shimla, which is 19 km away, serves as the closest air-link. Those who are arriving by rail routes can first reach Kalka, from where they can take up the narrow gauge railway track to Shimla. At Shimla, you can hire frequently running cabs and taxis to get to Kufri. Road routes link Kufri to Narkanda and Rampur as well.

Kufri Hotels (Himachal Pradesh)
Toshali Royal View Resort
Hotel Kufri Pacific
Kufri Holiday Resort
Snow View Resort ( Mahindra Holidays & Resorts )

Trekking in India

Just a pair of strong legs and the spirit for adventure! This is all one needs to start on a trekking expedition. In India, you have the opportunity to walk in the interiors of the country, along ancient trails, through terraced fields, scenic hamlets and tiny mountain villages. An intrepid traveller may choose to penetrate deeper into the alpine valleys and get closer to ceaseless snow and sparking glaciers. An escape to the Himalayan massifs and meeting with some of the friendliest of people along the way will truly prove to be one of the nicest experiences of your life. Not only are there great options of eye feasting and reconnecting with nature but also an opportunity to feel the warmth of people’s traditional hospitality and be a part of their fascinating culture.

Gearing Up for an Indian trekking expedition
Always consider the climatic conditions before you actually set off for your trekking tour in India. What needs to be carried also depends on whether you are starting on a winter trek or you plan it during Indian summer. Basically, you need to keep in mind 5 specific climates in mind: travelling in Indian summer heat, fine weather trekking in hot high country, high country trekking, river crossings and cool high country evenings. Light weight trekking boots, sleeping bags, camp booties, fleece jackets, rain jacket, thermal shirts, trekking pants, sunglasses, fleece hats, torch, first aid kit and water purifiers are things one can never afford to miss during a trekking expedition. For river-crossing you would require trekking poles too. And don’t ever leave your video cameras behind.

Famous Trekking Sites in India
India offers a variety of trekking locales and in a variety of ranges. From elementary treks (below 3,000 m) and medium treks (below 4,500) to strenuous treks (up to 5,500 m), adventurers can choose a trekking route depending upon their stamina, spirit and physical fitness. A trekking adventure in the Himalayas must be planned either between March and May or September and November. Some famous trekking sites in India are as under:

• Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttarakhand
• Chamba in Himachal Pradesh
• Valleys of Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh
• Valleys of Kullu and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh
• Gangatok/Pemanyangtse/Yoksum/Dzongri in Sikkim
• Singalila and Kalimpong in Darjeeling
• Zanskar and Suru Valley in Ladakh
  
• Nilgiri and Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu
  
• Annamali Hills in Tamil Nadu
  
• Annapurna and Mt. Everest regions in Nepal

Travellers have a number of other treks awaiting them in India. A trekking expedition can range from a few days to a number of weeks. You can choose from the range as per your preferences. Travel operators can also customise a trekking tour for you according to individual needs.

Trekking Facilities in India
You can just bring your personal gear with you. For, during your expedition, you’ll be provided with everything from tents and sleeping pads to good supplies of food. Ponies, fantastic staff and guides are also at your service as/when you need them. Sleeping bags and down jackets can also be rented from the travel operator. A variety of food including delectable Indian, Tibetan, Italian, Continental and Thai can be relished during the trip. To make your experiences even richer, travel agencies also organise cultural activities on request. You need not depend only on local food and accommodation during the trip. Camps are set up at pre-decided sites so as to leave you with plenty of leisure to explore the beauty and learn about the local culture.

Trekking Tips for Travellers
It is wise to get yourself equipped with some essential tips so you may enjoy your Indian trekking expedition to the maximum. Trekking doesn’t require you to be a mountaineer or an athlete. Anyone who is physically fit and willing to satisfy the adventure part in him/her can choose to trek. Given below are a few tips that can be of help.

• Travellers need to choose only one place or area at a time.
• In case of areas where you need an entry permit, you should strictly follow the route prescribed by the Department of Immigration.
• It is advisable to start on your trip with an authorised guide and porter along.
• While in a forested area, you are required to uphold the key principles of eco-tourism.
• In case of unavailability of toilet facilities, make sure you are at least 30 m away from any water source. Excreta and toilet papers need to be buried.
• Be careful with matches around wooded areas; grass fire can cause serious damage.
• Take necessary precautions to avoid frostbite , hypothermia and altitude sickness. If not detected in time, the results can be fatal.

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

A pristine hill resort in the state of Jammu & Kashmir , Pahalgam is frequented for its forested mountains, twinkling streams and heart-stirring glaciers. Add to it some fine options of trekking, golfing, angling, sledging and pony riding. Pahalgam is positioned at an elevation of 2,240 m and is skirted by snow-clad mountains while a white-water river meanders through the bottom of the narrow valley. When exotic beauty is all around with many options of indulging in adventure sports, you can never refuse a destination. Pahalgam, however, will keep you coming back here over and again.

Fast Facts
State : Jammu & Kashmir
Population : 5,922 (2001)
Languages : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri & English
Best Time to Visit : April to November
STD Code : 01936

Major Tourist Attractions in Pahalgam
Besides giving one a number of adventure sports options, Pahalgam also provides a number of places for sightseeing. Soak up the spectacular scenery at these sites.

Mamaleshwara
Moving downstream from Pahalgam around a kilometre, one comes across a small Shiva Temple which stands just opposite the Lidder River. The temple is believed to date back to the 12th century when King Jayasima reigned supreme.

Baisaran
The lush meadow is at a distance of 5 km from Pahalgam. From here, you can have captivating views of the town and the Lidder Valley. The place remains surrounded by pine forests and snow-crested peaks.

Tulian Lake
The lake, which is 11 km from Baisaran, lies at an altitude of 3,353 m. The lake stays frozen for most part of the year. It is surrounded by peaks that measure 300 m in height above the shores.

Aru
For those on trekking routes to Lidderwat and Kolahoi glacier, the Aru village (3 km from Pahalgam) is the foremost place they come across. The Gurjars of Aru are an interesting people to meet up with. The sight of log huts and the flock of sheep and goats is a wonderful sight indeed.

Chandanwari
This is the place from where the pilgrimage trip to Amarnath begins. Chandanwari is located at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam. Moving 11 km further from Chandanwari, one can get to the mountain lake of Sheshnag (24 km from Pahalgam).

Activities to Do in Pahalgam
There are hordes of activities to keep you busy in Pahalgam. Trekking is a popular activity in Pahalgam for visitors. Apart from this, you can enjoy activities like Angling, sledging (with the assistance of locals), alpine skiing, river rafting (in Lidder River) etc.

Air/ Rail/ Road Links
Srinagar, 95 km from Pahalgam, serves as the closest airport from here. You can catch regular domestic flights from here to cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Jammu is the nearest railway station with connecting trains to all the key destinations of the country. By road, Pahalgam is a two and a half hours drive from Srinagar. Regular buses ply between Pahalgam and Srinagar.