Wildlife of India is another special attraction to tourists visiting the country. Here are some of the most prominent wildlife sanctuaries where one can visit and savour the enchantment of wandering among the wilds!

• If you want to spot a Tiger in his own natural habitat you should visit the world famous Ranthambhor National Park in Rajasthan. Tiger Safari is exclusively offered for tracking Tigers. Apart from Tigers you can also spot Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazelles, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds. Sariska Tiger Sanctuary - It is situated in the huge and thickly wooded reserve cradled in the scenic valley of the Aravali. The park is noted for its population of rare breed of tigers, leopard, sambhar, nilgai, wild dog, and chinkaras. If you are a bird lover, then there can't be a better place than the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan. One of the finest bird parks in the world. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary supports not only the indigenous water birds but also a large number of exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, Tibet as well as Siberian Cranes from Arctic.
• Kerala being gifted benignly by nature is an enigmatic ecstasy of beaches; palm fringed backwaters, and murky hills, lush green forests and inimitable wildlife. The Midland encompasses valleys speckled with secluded hills. This region presents a panorama of picturesque beauty which not only beckons vacationers to visit this mystic land but also is a home to the wildlife species. One such wildlife safe haven for the world of fauna is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady situated in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. It was set up in the year 1934 to safe guard the territory’s animal world. The Sanctuary upholds the dignity and honour of the place being one of the major attractions in Kerala enveloping the fifty five square kilometres Periyar Lake. The Sanctuary presents admirable sight seeing of wild herds of Asian elephants, gaur, sambar, wild boar and spotted deer. The lion-tailed Macaque monkey, the Malabar squirrel and the ‘flying foxes’ (bats) are few rare creatures to observe here. The sanctuary is a family comprising of 250 species of birds and more than a hundred species of butterflies. It is one of the largest and premium sanctuaries where one experiences joy in game viewing, carried out in a motor-launch cruise on the Periyar Lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary or the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary is situated at Kumarakom in Kottayam district in the state of Kerala on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Set in the backwaters of Kerala, the bird sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise and a favourite hangout of migratory birds. The sanctuary covers a distance of over 14 acres on the southern bank of the Kavanar River. It has well laid out paths for moving around within the sanctuary. Beyond the sanctuary one can take a boat ride in Vembanad Lake or along the Kavanar River. The primary attractions are local birds like the waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, heron, cormorant, darter, moorhen, brahminy kite and the duck, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Teal, parrot, flycatcher, lark and other birds are seen here during their relevant migratory seasons. Some of the migratory birds come from the Himalayas, and a few from far away Siberia.
• Orissa is blessed with extensive stretch of thick foliage and environmental topography which have proffered a shielded, as well as unadulterated haunt, to the state’s treasured wildlife. Some of the distinguished natural habitats where tourists can go and savour the beauty and endowment of nature are Nandan Kanan, Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. The sanctuary cum botanical garden of Nandan Kanan is located near Bhubaneshwar. It is enveloped in the exquisite ambience of the Chandaka forest near the Kanjia Lake. It is renowned for its white tigers, their current number being 34. This Garden of Gods, as the name suggests, is a hot spot for tourists where they enjoy witnessing the various rare animals and birds like the Asiatic lions, Indian crocodiles, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, reserved in the lap of natural – 67 kinds of mammals, 18 forms of reptiles, 81 varieties of birds and 34 aquaria hosting a wide variety of fishes!Similipal Tiger Reserve is a tourist’s paradise. Set in a dense, lush green shrub border with torrential waterfalls, cold rivulets and high mountain peaks, it is a perfect home to the wild animal world. It covers a region of approximately 2750 kilometres. The main aim for setting up this reserve area was to conserve the diminishing number of tiger population. Apart from more than 95 tigers, there are also leopards, crocodiles, elephants, various reptiles and over 231 species of birds living together in this forest.This sanctuary is sited in the second largest mangrove forest in India. It has been the abode of the estuarine crocodiles since the year 1975. There is also a crocodile breeding farm at Dangmal where the white crocodile (a rare species in the world), Sankhua, is found.  It lies in the coastal region of Gahirmatha where one can come across the giant Pacific Ridley sea turtles which are specially safeguarded from the local folks. Animals and reptiles like spotted deer, sambars, Rhesus monkeys, wild pigs, pythons and king Cobra are also seen here. Birds like Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, Darters, Storks and Sea Eagles augment the splendor of the sanctuary.
• Chhattisgarh is blessed with extensive stretch of thick foliage and environmental topography which have proffered a shielded, as well as unadulterated haunt, to the state’s treasured wildlife. Some of the distinguished natural habitats where tourists can go and savour the beauty and endowment of nature are Indravati National Park, Kanger Valley National Park, Sanjay National Park, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. Chhattisgarh provides an exceptional chance to witness the wildlife in its natural abode. The most spectacular bird of the state, Bastar Myna or the Hill Myna, is found here. It is a perfect mimic and very apt in picking up human voice. It is much in demand and hence becoming an endangered species for being hunted illegally and more frequently. The other most important wildlife birds and animals found in the state of Chhattisgarh are the jungle crow, partridges, cattle egret, parakeets, wagtails, quails, bulbuls, flycatchers, woodpeckers, weaver birds, sun birds, parrots, pond herons, babblers, black buck, Chinkara, Sambar, blue bull, wild boar, barking deer, porcupine, monkeys, bisons, hyenas and crocodiles. Tigers are chiefly seen in Kanger Valley National Park, Barnawapara Sanctuary and Kurandi reserve forest. Reptiles like rattle snakes, python, cobra and vipers are also present in the dense foliage of the hill and forest areas. Udanti Sanctuary is popular for the endangered wild buffaloes.

Trekking is a testing as well as stimulating frivolous leisure endeavor tendering infinite escapade, cultural exchange and frivolous activities. In order to stimulate the excitement of the trekkers, the sport is generally carried on mighty mountain regions.  Climbing up the steep, rocky edges provides the thrill of a lifetime. It also provides one the opportunity to enjoy the intoxicating tranquility of the valleys and rocks, amidst the mysticism of the remote nature. Witnessing and imagining the mammoth summits, the rocky walls and the frozen weather along with chilly wind, beckon one to taste the ecstasy of trekking. However one has to be fit and stable in the flesh and mind. Not only have that, a basic on this serve very helpful while executing the risky sport activity. Although the sport is apt for novices as well as trained and experienced mountaineers, yet trekking can be carried out safely by following few basic rules of trekking before progressively start climbing the heights. The risk is not so high for trekking in low altitude regions though. India is blessed with the great Himalayan ranges that facilitate majestic openings, passes and opportunities for the adventure sport. Trekking should be avoided during the monsoon time.

Some of the noted trekking places or zones in India are as follows: Roop Kund, Beas Kund (Himachal Pradesh), Outer Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Manali-Hamta Pass, Sunderdunga Base Camp (Uttarakhand), Everest Base Camp, Mount Ladakhi (Himachal Pradesh), Kinner-Kailash Circuit (Himachal Pradesh), Mount Baljuri (Uttarakhand), Pindari – Kafni Glacier (Uttarakhand), Seven Sisters (Himachal Pradesh),Stok Kangri (Laddakh Himalayas), Mount Shitidhar (Himachal Pradesh), Manali-Leh-Manali, Hanuman Tibba, Mount Bhanoti (Uttarakhand), Pilgrimage /Chardham Yatra, Delhi-Shimla-Kaza-Kunzum-la-Manali, Manali-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi.

Hence trekking, this high spirited, invigorating and revitalizing adventure sport, summons tourists from far and wide to visit India and taste the buzz. Needless to say that it is one of the major tourist attractions in India.

Apart from the numerous treasures and attractions of India, another striking feather on her hat is the assortment of various high spirited, invigorating and revitalizing adventure sports which summon tourists from far and wide to visit India and taste the buzz. It goes without saying that it is one more reason so as to why India is considered as one of the major tourist attractions globally. Here are few of them mentioned below:

Rafting:

A very trendy water sport since the mid 1970s, rafting is a testing as well as stimulating frivolous leisure endeavor employing a raft to propel through the rough water bodies. In order to stimulate the excitement of the raft navigators, the sport is generally carried on whitewater or various levels of rough, turbulent water.  Kayaking over the turbulent, roaring waves provides the thrill of a lifetime. The rivers originate from the mighty Himalayan glaciers and meanders through the valleys and rocks, amidst the mysticism of the remote nature. . The most popular stretch is the 70 kilometres spread out between Rishikesh and Devprayag for setting up camps for the purpose of rafting. The other stretches are of the rivers Yamuna, Mandakini, Bhilangana, Kalisor, Alaknanda, Tons and Bhagirathi. In fact ranges in Sikkim and Laddakh facilitate majestic river stretches for the adventure sport.  All these stretches are apt for novices as well as trained and experienced rafters.

Mountaineering:

Witnessing and imagining the mammoth summits, the rocky walls and the frozen weather along with chilly wind, beckon one to taste the ecstasy of mountaineering. However one has to be fit and stable in the flesh and mind. Not only have that, a foundation course on this serve very helpful while executing the risky sport activity. Although the sport is apt for novices as well as trained and experienced mountaineers, yet mountaineering can be carried out safely either by completing the mountaineering course in an institute or by trekking for some years and then progressively start climbing the heights. India is blessed with the great Himalayan ranges that facilitate majestic openings, passes and opportunities for the adventure sport.  Some of the noted mountaineering places or zones in India are the Laddakh, Nam – Kun, Zanskar, Leh expanses of Jammu Kashmir; Himachal Pradesh etc.

Trekking:

Quite similar to mountaineering, trekking is a testing as well as stimulating frolicsome spare time endeavor, offering never-ending escapade, cultural exchange and perky activities. In order to stimulate the excitement of the trekkers, the sport is generally carried on mighty mountain regions.  Climbing up the steep, rocky edges provides the thrill of a lifetime. It also provides one the opportunity to enjoy the intoxicating tranquility of the valleys and rocks, amidst the mysticism of the remote nature.

Some other adventure sports like - motor biking and cycling in the Himalayas; fishing and angling in the vast Gangetic Plains and the coastline and river areas in down south India; skiing on the snow capped Himalayan mountains – are equally popular, thus attracting tourists from every nook and corner of the world.

The tribal-society of India is the potpourri of diverse ethnicity, values and viewpoints that bond the people together.  These tribal societies embrace the faction of people who understand the meaning of living together and join hands to work together to achieve any shared interest to cater to the benefits of their society. Every society has its own set of rules with respect to business and trade. The rituals and festivals practiced by the tribal groups are still being followed, respected and nurtured since the distant past to the present day. The tribal people are not only religious but overtly superstitious as well. Every aspect of their life revolving the yearly actions is through and through linked with the numerous rituals and religious convictions. Another integral part of the festivals and ceremonies is their affluent and diverse tradition of music and dance which they have retained and gracefully maintained since ages. They exhibit their emotions through the medium of music – their happiness and pathos, their cravings and yearnings, their passion and lifestyle, their fondness for nature and outlook towards the human society. Although the art of performing the songs and dances differ from one clan to another, yet certain features are generally familiar to all. The tribal dances are complemented with rhythmic beats of drum-beats, clapping of hands (by the dancers/spectators) or a diminutive arrangement of musical instruments. The tribal people are supposed to be born poets or musicians. They compose and sing their own melodious numbers to pour out their heart’s content.  The tribal people get wings to their flight of fantasy through the medium of art and craft. Their rich handicrafts help one to envisage their artistic susceptibility and creative nature. It gives an insight to their absolute sense of various geometrical measurements and attractive colour combinations. They are equally expert in weaving clothes on looms, making embroidery work or crafting hand made jewelleries.

Tribal Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh the 24th state of the Indian Union is circumscribed by Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the east, China to the north and north-east and the plains of Assam to the south. Arunachal Pradesh is acknowledged to be one of the most splendid, variegated and multilingual tribal areas of the world. There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub tribes living in the state. Most of these communities are ethically similar but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs. 
The first group of people is the Monpas and the Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng district. The second group of people Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishings, Mishmis, Mijis, Tangsas, etc. The third group comprises of Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap district

Tribal Rajasthan

Rajasthan is home to many tribes who have very interesting history of origin, customs and social practices. While a few tribes are medieval in their origin, mainly due to events in history, there are a few who date their origin back to one of the oldest prehistoric civilizations in world. All the tribes share common traits which seem to link their past but it is the differences in their costumes and jewellery, their gods and deities and their seasonal fairs and festivals that set one tribal sanctuary apart from another. The veiled existence of Rajasthan original inhabitants certainly isolated them from the main stream, keeping them unaware of the changes. Today, they may be considered a backward people but that does not, in anyway, call for any derogatory interpretations of their primitivism.

Tribal Chhattisgarh

The state of Chhattisgarh shaped at the time when the sixteen Chhattisgarhi speaking southeastern provinces of Madhya Pradesh acquired statehood on November1, 2000. It is supposed to be the tenth largest state of India as per its territory.  The most familiar tribes found in the state are Muria, Baiga, Kamars, Halbas, Gonds, Bhumja, Kawars etc. Out of these, few tribal families like the Gonds have exchanged cultural practices with the local Hindus, whereas on the other hand the orthodox tribes like the Baigas and the Kamars have maintained their originality till date. The state has seen many tribal upheavals from the late 18th century to the initial few decades of the 20th century. The Chhattisgarhi tribal sects take equal interests in dance and music. Few of the popular dance styles common among them are the Panthi, Raut Nacha Karma and Soowa. The traditional folk songs which steal a listener’s heart are Sohas, Pathoni and Bihav. These songs and music are no more restricted to the state’s boundaries, but getting worldwide recognition in the present times. Another factor which brings recognition to the territory is that the women population of Chhattisgarh is meant to be the second highest among the other states of India. Women power is respected and regarded widely throughout the state borders.

Tribal Orissa

Orissa bears the credit of ranking an exclusive position for hosting the largest category of tribal population in the ethnographic map of India. One can hit upon them, more or less, in every part of the state, especially in the hilly or forested areas. However, their lifestyles vary from region to region. The tribes of Orissa are chiefly categorized into three linguistic divisions, namely, (1) Indo-Aryan speakers, (2) Dravidian speakers and (3) Austric speakers. All the three classes enjoy a number of socio-cultural resemblances among them.  The tribes of the state can be categorized into six classes, like the hunters, gatherers and collectors, simple artisans, cattle herders, hill and shifting cultivators, advanced agriculturists and urban factory goers. All these enhance and strengthen their unity to live and toil in sync. In Orissa there is a fusion of about sixty two tribes which comprise about 22.21% of the total state population. The typical common distinctiveness shared by the tribal societies distinguishes them from the so-called complex or urban societies.

The oldest system of medicine in the world, Ayurveda, had evolved from the erstwhile period of the Vedas. Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, has originated from the Rig Vedic era (around 2000 BC). As revealed in the Ayurveda, the three most important body fluids- namely wind or vatta, phlegm or kapha and bile or pitta – should be evenly balanced to sustain a wholesome physique. A person gives in to poor health due to the sudden imbalance or absence of any of these three fluids. Fresh extracts of medicinal herbs, flowers, fruits, barks of trees, animal products and minerals are the chief constituents of Ayurvedic medicines.

Kerala contributes greatly in the field of Ayurveda with its rich bounty of green ecological assets. Various kinds of medicinal herbs and plants are found in the dense tropical forests of Kerala. Kerala has once again familiarized the idea of this science of life to the humanity with its proficient herbal therapies.

As the western countries are going gung-ho about the various concepts of ethno medicines, Kerala has also left no stones unturned to bring forth the goodness of Ayurveda. Presently several Ayurvedic treatment and rejuvenate therapy centres have come up all over Kerala. Foreign tourists make use of this treatment by getting themselves smeared with oil and plastered with different mudpacks and herbs, steamed and massaged to enhance their physical as well as mental status. The wide range of the herbal therapies has worked wonders in the field of medicinal treatments, with no side effects, over the period of time. In fact nowadays in India, people from other parts of the country are showing their keenness and belief on these various naturo-therapies of this land, thus imbibing and implementing them.

The assorted sources of herbal cures lucratively lure tourists to the mystic land of Kerala!

India is not only a land of diversified destinations, festivals, cultures and languages, but its cuisines as well. Indian cuisines vary from region to region, state to state. Indians believe that the easiest way to a person’s heart is through his/her stomach. So whenever a tourist emerges onto this land of spices, the person gets a taste of an array of various Indian lip smacking dishes. Presenting some of the most sought after cuisines of India on a platter!

Delicacies of the South:

The extraordinary cuisine of Kerala, in South India, highlights the culinary proficiency of the people of Kerala. The state is considered to be the source of some of the world’s most famous and flavoursome dishes on earth.  The Keralalites are indeed the varied connoisseurs of their cuisines. The recipes are usually crisp, aromatic and tangy. The food, like its land, is abounding with coconuts. One finds it difficult to envisage Kerala Cuisine without proper blend of coconuts, chillies, curry leaves, mustard seed, tamarind and asafoetida. Interestingly, a dash of tamarind can act as a wonder and an appropriate replacement of tomatoes, however there is no true alternative for curry leaves. Coconuts comprise an essential part of the cuisine of Kerala since ages. To savour delicacies of a varied range of fishes, Kerala is the ideal place. Fish curry, fish molly, fish fry and fish peera are the most sought after items usually served with steamed rice or tapioca (cassava). Thakkukadasare where one gets hot, fresh prepared foods and balance food is not preserved in the refrigerators. Karikku or Ilaneer (tender coconut), Sambhaaram (buttermilk) and fresh toddy from local coconut trees not only quench thirst, but also fill one’s mind with ecstasy. Sadya is a calorific and over-elaborated preparation. Avial, an all time preferred combination of vegetables, coconut paste and green chillies. It is usually used for seasoning purposes. 'Kottucurry' on the other hand, is prepared with cubed potatoes, onions and green chillies in coconut milk added with red chillies. 'Olan', is a bland dish of pumpkin and red grams made in thin gravy of coconut milk. The creamy and tempting sweet dishes form an integral part of the meals. These mainly include a variety of Payasam - a thick fluid dish of brown uncrystalised sugar syrup, coconut milk and spices, embellished with cashew nuts and raisins which are dished up halfway during the meals. Rasam is a concoction of chilly and pepper-corn powders boiled in diluted tamarind juice. Appam is a soft pancake prepared from toddy fermented rice batter. Puttu is also another type of steam cake.

Hyderabad is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The place is situated on the Deccan Plateau. Hyderabadi cuisine is very popular all over India, which is a fusion of Persian and Mughal cuisine. The worldwide popular Hyderabadi Biryani, a lip smacking rice dish, is worth having during one’s visit to Hyderabad. Other dishes like Haleem and Paya, Irani chai and samosa are equally popular; so are the sweet dishes like phirni, sewai, dilkhush, badaam ki jaali etc.

Delicacies of the North:

Different forms of Indian breads like Parantha, Naan and Roti are the special attractions of the Northern part of the country, served with scrumptious preparations of cottage cheese, assorted vegetables, chicken or meat.

Apart from these typical Indian cuisines, one can bump on to various eateries providing Chinese or continental dishes.

The ‘backwaters’ are the major attractions in Kerala.  They form a distinctive feature of Kerala. The backwaters are popularly known as kayals in Malayalam. They are basically a wide network of canals, lakes and lagoons extending erratically along the coastal regions. The largest backwater is the two hundred five square kilometers Vembanad Lake, which connects to the Arabian Sea at Kochi Port. Rivers like the Periyar and the Pamba also pump out into this lake. Apart from these two rivers, there are a number of other significant lakes and lagoons which experience a continuous inflow of water by a set of perennial rivers. Nearly forty four rivers cross through Kerala – forty one being west-flowing and three east-flowing. The rivers wash out the salt components from the month of May to September; however, at the end of the monsoons every year, the sea water enters the interiors for a distance of about twenty kilometres. These backwaters facilitate an incessant network of inland communication, due to their linkage with numerous canals, via motor boats, cruise or canoes throughout the year. Especially, cruising through the backwaters in a Kettuvallam or houseboat makes one feel elated. In fact, savouring the joy of this intoxicating boat ride is one of the chief facets of Kerala visit, to the tourists.

The journey is indeed one of the prime attractions for tourists travelling in Kerala. The backwaters of Kerala extend to over nine hundred kilometres approximately. The eight hour long journey by boat between Kollam to Alappuzha is the best ever and the most enthralling experience of vacationing in the lap of the backwaters of Kerala.

The scenic beauty encompassing the land areas of the backwaters are equally enchanting. The lifestyle of the Keralites chiefly depends and orbits around the water bodies. The river banks are embroidered with the palm trees, cluster of mud houses with thatched roofs – depicting the picture of an unadulterated and chaste rural lifestyle. The exquisite natural beauty might change a normal mind to that of a poet – singing away to the glory of Nature!

India is a land of festivals and celebrations. All the major fairs and festivals organized throughout the year not only enhance the spirit of humanity but boosts universal brotherhood as well. India is a secular state, and it is a matter of pride that these fairs and festivals are enjoyment and unanimous efforts of all Indians. Here are few of the most prominent fairs and festivals that the Indians observe with verve and fervour.

 

Festivals:

Dusshera

Celebrating the triumph of good over evil, Indians join hands to observe the Dusshera festival during the autumn season (generally in the month of October). According to Hindu mythology, Lord Rama along with brother Laxman and ardent follower, Hanuman, defeated the villain Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita by unfair means. To mark this victory, Dusshera is celebrated with fun and frolic. Effigies of Lord Rama and Ravana are made and placed at various places where the effigy of the latter is burnt and blown up by bursting crackers and fireworks.

The people of West Bengal, India, celebrate Durga Puja with equal enthusiasm during this time. It is celebrated to venerate the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon in disguise of a bull, Mahishasura.

Mysore Dasara:

Mysore is famous for its palaces, festivals – especially the Dasara festival. The name of the city, Mysore, is supposed to be derived from the name Mahisha, meaning Mahishasura or a demon in Hindu mythology. Mysore is the capital of the state of Karnataka in South India. The place is situated on the south-west part of Bangalore. This ten day festival was introduced by Raja Wodeyar. On the ninth day the royal sword is taken on a procession of horses, camels and elephants. On the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami, a regal procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a platform placed on the back of an elephant followed by a huge mass, tableaux, bands of musicians, dancers, horses, camels etc. The procession initiates from the Mysore Palace and comes to an end after reaching the Banni Tree at Bannimantapa where it is worshipped. Finally the celebrations conclude with a torch light procession, also known as Panjina Kavaiyatthu. Thousands of tourists flock into the city to witness this festival.

Diwali

Following Dusshera, Diwali is the next fun-filled festival that marks the arrival of the trio, Ram-Laxman-Sita, from their fourteen years exile period, as believed by the Indians (and mention in the Ramayana, the oldest Indian epic). Children, men and women, young and old, dress up in colorful clothes and attractive jewelry. Music, colourful decorative lights and lanterns, sweets, visits to the bazaar and the preparation of special dishes are important aspects of the festival.

Ratha Yatra

The city of Puri in Orissa, hosts the famous temple of Lord Jagannatha or Vishnu, one of the most prominent Gods of Hinduism. The word Jagannath means Lord of the Universe. The temple not only endorses a great implication to the people of the state, but Hindus from all over the country and across the globe as well. The extreme veneration reverence of the Lord Jagannatha shoots to the pinnacle during the annual festival of Ratha Yatra in the month of June – July. During this festival, the idols of Lord Jagannatha, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are taken in conventionally richly adorned gigantic chariots, hauled by countless aficionados to the Gundicha Ghar where they lodge for a week. The entire practice is recurred when the deities are returned to the temple. Earlier, the devotees used to throw themselves underneath the wheels of the giant chariots.

Holi

This is a colourful spring festival celebrated by the Indians. People smear and throw colours at each other making the festival fun-filled. Music, sweets, and the preparation of special dishes are chief features of the festival.

New Year

Goa is considered as the smallest state of India with a meager population ratio. The state is situated in the Konkan region on the western coastline of India. Goa is a wonderful beach resort with exquisite picturesque locations, lush green meadows, pristine sea beaches, world heritage architecture, churches and temples. Well known for its New Year celebrations, Goa attracts thousands of tourists during the Goan Carnival. The place takes pride in hosting innumerable number of nationwide and global tourists throughout every year.

Fairs:

The Pushkar Mela

Pushkar is known for the holy Pushkar Lake and the many temples that dot the area. Puskar is associated with Lord Brahma and is the only place in India, which has a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. It is believed that whoever takes a dip in the holy Pushkar Lake on Karthik Purnima day is absolved of all their sins. Pushkar is located in north-west of Ajmer and it is well connected by road with Jaipur and Delhi. Pushkar festival is not about camels only but it is also about horses, cows, goats and sheep and most importantly about the lively people of Rajasthan, who come to the Pushkar fair in their best attires. The festival looks like a riot of colors with men wearing colourful turbans and women in pleated ghagaras (ankle-length skirts) of different hues. The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to see the people selling and buying camels, goats, horses etc. Bargaining, negotiations and transactions remain order of the days during the festival. Pushkar is a religious town and is one of the important pilgrimage centers of Hindus. In the evening as dusk descends on Pushkar, thousands of butter lamps are lighted atop delicate leaf boats, which are released in the serene water of Lake Pushkar. The sight of thousands of flickering butter lamps makes a truly eternal sight. This fair is the world’s most fascinating desert festivals.

The Surajkund Mela

A very successful and praiseworthy initiative by the Haryana Tourism, the Surajkund Crafts Mela (Fair) started in the year 1981. The India was not only to portray the vivacious cultural heritage of India to global tourists, but also to facilitate the glimpses of the entire country in a capsule form. The fair is organized every year in mid – February at Surajkund village in the Faridabad district on the Delhi-Agra national highway. It is basically a handicrafts mela. Stalls from various states of India are put up in the form of huts with thatched roofs. Apart from colorful and attractive handicrafts items, there are also food stalls from almost every state of the country. Often folk artists from different regions colour the air with their foot thumping musical performances.

Kumbh Mela:

Kumbh Mela is considered to be the most sacred of all Hindu pilgrimages. It is attended by lakhs of people on the auspicious day – sanyasis, saints, monks – all ardent devotees of God are eager to take the pious dip in the holy water. This mass pilgrimage takes place four times every twelve years at four various locations – Haridwar, Ujjain, Nasik and Allahbad (Prayag) respectively. Other than the holy bath, people participate in devotional musical performances, religious talk shows, mass feeding etc.