GOA-The hidden gems

Goa continues to enthrall visitors with its beaches and the overall atmosphere. Traveling to Goa for trip or two every year is a known remedy for coping with the otherwise routine life! But then there are decisions to be made, which hotel to stay in, how to travel, should one go for independent planning or go for a holiday package? With so many hotels and holiday packages to choose from travel and with so many decisions to make sometimes planning for a holiday could also seem like work! And we have not even started talking about what to pack!

However having a minimum plan in hand seems like a good idea. After people can help us plan better only if we can articulate what we as a customer want. Goa may mean many things to many people. For some it is the ultimate party destination and apart from North Goa everything else may seem like a waste of time. Others may come looking for peace and quiet vouching the paradise is to be found in the South alone. Then there is Old Goa and the Portuguese connection to be explored. For some the magnet is the water sports. Some of the activities on offer are-

• Banana Boat Ride
• Bumpy Ride
• Parasailing
• Boat Ride

Goa a vibrant, living entity. But more than being a geographical sunspot on the western coast of India, GOA is ATMOSPHERE. Referred to as "the Rome of the Orient" in days gone by, GOA's  recorded history dates back to the 3rd century B.C. A former Portuguese colony.

Goa is a delightfully picturesque tropical paradise, with secluded golden beaches, gleaming white-washed houses and amiable, easy-going people.

Goa has a charming blend of Indo-European architecture and cultural influences. The rich heritage of Goa is manifest in the brilliant expressions of Goan traditional folk arts, dance, music, drama, literature, colorful pageants, feasts and festivals, majestic temples, churches and mosques.

GOA is quietly SEDUCTIVE... A serene countryside amidst sylvan surroundings. With lush green valleys and silver streams. Nature forever in her element. The ideal holiday destination for an entertaining and tranquilizing vacation at unbelievably LOW PRICES. Goa is also famous for its exotic variety of seafood, International, vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.

For people who wish to do more off beat things, there are trekking options in Goa too, check out the Dudh Sagar waterfalls and adjoining areas. Having clarity about what one wants will go a long way in making the vacation memorable. Also it may be a good idea not to try and do everything in one vacation.

Having decided upon the vacation focus the next critical decision would be picking up a hotel in Goa. One is blessed because there are so many hotels to choose from in Goa. Once again having an idea of the budget would give the traveler a better chance at finding the dream hotel. After all Goa has it all, from the big name five star hotels to friendly guest houses. So knowing what one wants may help in receiving a better service when it comes to choosing Goa hotels.

There are some usual suspects on the Goa packing list-

• Sun glasses,
• Sunscreen,
• Beach wear (whatever you are fine with, one can find everything from sari to bikini and trousers to swimming trunks on a Goa beach),
• Hats
• Comfortable footwear.

And visit it during the monsoons, which though is the low season, assures you of a sight you're unlikely to find elsewhere! Lush green hills, swaying palms in the breeze and the wild waves of the sea crashing against rocks! North Goa is where the action is - let your hair down at Tito's, sip some chilled beer at the bamboo shacks and funky restaurants and rummage through the innumerable goodies at the stalls calling you with their fair share of 'heart-shaped keychains', sea-shell anklets, I Love Goa t-shirts, packaged cashewnuts & authentic Goan feni. South Goa is quieter - it has more hotels, almost all boasting of a private beach. Remember, the real essence of Goa lies in its winding lanes, with a church at every corner. So hire a scooty and explore on your own - the smiley locals would only be glad to help you with directions! And if you'd rather spend time on the beaches, just follow the safety instructions and stay within limits! There is much to rave about here - just capture your share of utter bliss!

Though, Goa has a moderate climate ideal for tourism all through the year, still, the best time for a Goa tour is from mid

July to September end or November end to mid February. Situated on the confluence of seven rivers (the principal ones being Mandovi and Zuari) and the Arabian Sea; Goa has many sobriquets "Queen of the Beaches", "Land of Churches and Temples" and is also called as "The Pearl of the Orient/East" by the western countries. Goa is also a bird watcher's paradise; epicenter of water and adventure sports, and is home to some of the most captivating waterfalls in India. The distinguishing feature of Goa tour is the Coco/Sunny beaches, which are small white sand banks by the seashore. The religious tourists can find a pleasant refuge at the ancient temples and churches in Goa.

GOA BEACHES:

Goa's long stretch of sandy coastline is renowned for its multitude of beaches. There's something on offer for everyone, from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, and trance parties to tranquility. The Goa India beach that's right for you will depend on the kind of experience you want to have. Want water sports? Head to Baga. Want to hang with the hippies. Try Arambol. Prefer isolation? Agonda or Patnem might be the beach for you.

Arambol Beach

Arambol served as the rudimentary getaway for travellers from Anjuna Beach when Anjuna came under scrutiny of the police and the locals. Arambol North Goa Beach is a beautiful stretch of silky sand dotted with basalt rocks, and is still comparatively uncluttered. There is a freshwater lake and some sulphur springs, close by.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach in North Goa is a stretch of straight sand, with a backdrop of feathery coconut groves. Its a big favourite with backpackers and travellers staying on for a long time. Anjuna beach took the relay from Calangute, and became the next haven of the flower children. The beach still has an intoxicating atmosphere and draws a motley crowd of passover hippies, travellers, philosophers, thinkers, babacools, rastamen and musicians. Its a great place to meet people and generally collect material for a thesis on human psychology. Anjuna is known for its flea market, held under the shady coconut groves, every Wednesday. You can pick up trinkets, get a tattoo, or just hang around to enjoy the crazy colourful atmosphere.

Chapora & Vagator

The old Portuguese Chapora Fort stands on a hill which looks down on the tiny Chapora village, the estuary, the coconut groves and the beach. With their hidden sandy coves and creeks, Chapora and Vagator North Goa beach are easily amongst the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Besides the strip of the Little Vagator Beach , the North Goa beaches are quite peaceful, as they are not yet a major hub for travellers.

Mount Abu

Mount Abu is a popular hill station surrounding with hills of Aravalli range in Rajasthan. Its ancient name is ‘Arbudaanchal’. It is also called as ‘an oasis in the desert’ because of it is home of rivers, fountains, lakes, waterfalls and evergreen forests.

Mount Abu is connected deeply with ancient Hindu stories like Lord Shiva and hid bull Nandi.

Mount Abu in Rajasthan may not qualify as a cool hill station for those used to the imposing Himalayas or the diverse Western Ghats, but it merits a place in the honours list nonetheless.

Climate
Mount Abu is another favorite destination of tourists want to visit Rajasthan. Its climate has similarity with hill station’s climate and maintains favorable atmosphere across the year. Its maximum temperature remains around 36° C. In winter season, mercury goes up to −2 to −3° C to make feeling of solid chilled winter.

Mount Abu Tourist Places

• Sunset Point at Mt. Abu
• Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
• Vimal Vasahi temple
• Shri Raghunathji Temple
• Arbuda Devi Temple
• Delwara Jain Temples
• Achaleswar Mahadev Temple
• Kantinath Temple
• Nakki Lake
• Maharaja Jaipur Palace
• Achalgarh fort
• Durga temple
• Ambika Mata Temple                                                                                   
• Not many know that Rajasthan has something else to offer to its visitors, beyond just the deserts. It is home to a beautiful and lush green hill settlement of Mount Abu that has plenty of natural beauty to boast off.  There are snow-peaks, lakes, forests, rivers and lakes to pay a visit to. This hill town becomes all the more lively and colorful at the time of its annual Winter Festival, which is a three-day affair.   The Mount Abu’s Winter Festival is a great way of welcoming 2013 amidst fun and frolic.  This festival is well-known for depicting the original feel of the tribal life as well as the color of the state of Rajasthan.  It will not be an overstatement that it is a good way to usher-in the new year in our lives.
•                                                          At the time of the Mount Abu Winter Festival, one can not only take the tour of this hill town but can also take Rajasthan tours along with wildlife tours to Mount Abu National park.  You can take pleasure in savoring the scenic beauty, the rich flora and fauna as well as visiting the Delwara temples, which is well-known for its marble art. Already famous hill station, becomes all the more lively and vibrant during this time.
  
  The celebration of the festival starts from a hotel named Shikhar, a hotel managed by RTDC, while proceeding through the hill and finally coming to an end at the Nakki lake Chowk. This festival is a perfect blend of folk dance and song performances from groups who come from Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan along with various other cultural activities too like poetry reading competition.
  One can relish sumptuous dishes of Rajasthani cuisine. You must not miss doing some shopping and buying most exquisite handicrafts which you get nowhere else in the whole world. The evenings come to an end by beautiful fireworks and deepdaan where numerous lighted earthen lamps are immersed in the river for floating. All this looks beautiful to the eyes. Other highlights are hot air balloon ride and a performance by the Army band.

Jantar Mantar,Jaipur

An observatory constructed in mid way between the years 1728 and 1734, Jantar Mantar is placed adjacent to the city palace. Literally this term means instruments and formula. Maharaja Jai Singh II was the progressive spirit behind this observatory, which has the accolade of being the largest stone observatory in the world. Historians are of the opinion that, Maharaja Jai Singh took long seven years to complete the construction of this observatory.

Renowned for the solid geometrical statuette, this observatory house fourteen major solid and fixed geometric instruments, which are used for tracing the stars and their orbits. Besides this, Jantar Mantar observatory helps to determine the time of eclipses, find out the altitudes along with computing time. A well-preserved monument, Jantar Mantar has been declared as a national monument in the year 1948.

Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country. It has been listed in UNESCO world heritage sites

Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are: Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva', 'Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti', 'Raj' 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas', 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta', Large 'Kranti'

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Amber fort, also known as Amber Palace boasts of an artistic grandeur and structural expertise. It is a reminiscent of the bravery and courage of the mighty Rajputs, who had played a remarkable role in the history of medieval India.

This rambling Palace depicts the true lifestyle of the gutsy Rajputs who are better known for their radical, audacious, volatile and decadent behaviour. One among the best hill top palaces, amber palace presents a curious blend of Muslim and Hindu architectural design. An aide memoir of the yesteryears, this palace is a redolent of creativeness of the artisans of ancient time.

Situated just over 10 kilometres away from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway is Amber, which was the ancient capital of Jaipur State. A bus leaves from Hawa Mahal every 30 minutes and a well-laid out road takes the visitor out of the city and very soon one witnesses lush green hills.

One then notices a lake and standing next to it is the majestic Amber Fort which several rulers of the erstwhile State of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion start of Jaipur recognized as a vantage military building. The excursion starts with the Dil-E-Aaram Garden which is laid out in the traditional Mughal style. The complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples was built by Raja Man Singh, The Rajput commander of Akbar's Army, Mirza Raja Jai Singh an Sawai Jai Singh, over a period of about two centuries. One can climb up to the fort from the road in about 10 minutes, go up by a jeep or even on elephant back. The diwan-E-aam (hall of public audience) has latticed galleries and double row of columns each having a capital in the shape of elephants on the top. To the right are steps that lead to the Kali Temple where everyday a goat was sacrificed right up to 1980 when the practice was banned by the state government. The temple offers a wonderful sight and has huge doors made of silver. It is said that Maharaja Man Singh prayed to the goddess for victory during a particular battle. The goddess was said to have come in his dream and said that if he won the battle, then he should retriever her image which was lying at the bottom of the sea. he won the battle, retrieved the image and installed it at the temple of Shitla Devi.

The maharaja's residence is at a higher elevation and can be entered through a decorated gateway. The Jai Mandir (hall of victory) has a glittering ceiling of mirrors and elegant inlaid panels. In front of the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of pleasure) with a door made of sandalwood, inlaid with ivory with a channel running through which once carried cool water. The zenana or women's apartments were designed in a manner which could easily facilitate the entry of the maharaja to various chambers without any of the concubines aware of any visitor. Mohan Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the Maotha lake gives a scintillation view from the palaces above it.

Pink City Jaipur

Rajasthan means land of Rajas (Kings) that’s why the name ‘Rajasthan’ is royal in itself. Jaipur, it’s capital includes one feather in its crown is also known as the Pink City or Paris of India. Jaipur does not only offers a heritage look or something ancient that you can never find at other places, but it also narrates how to live happily in what we have.

A vibrant city, which was established in the year 1727, Jaipur has been acclaimed as the first planned city in India. The capital of the former Kachwaha rulers, Jaipur offers a multifaceted tourist destination. This thriving city has derived its name from the illustrious ruler Sawai Jaisingh II, whose progressive thinking gave birth to a perfectly planned city. The term Sawai has been bestowed upon him by the then Mughal Emperor as an honour to his multifarious personality. This poetic expression literally means Jaisingh was valuable than one. 
Jaipur, the largest city of Rajasthan is an epitome of magnificence and vibrancy.  This royal place is rich in heritage, culture and architecture. With splendid fortresses, majestic palaces, tranquil temples and beautiful havelis; Jaipur turns out to be an ideal tourist destination. It is not just the royal buildings and palaces that this city offers. Other than these captivating attractions, Jaipur displays exquisite handicrafts and spectacular jewellery. These intricate works of art add life and colour to this Pink City's uniqueness. Also, the serenity of lush gardens and floral array acts as the cherry on the cake of fabulous landscapes. All this make a picturesque view that tends to enthral any visitor.
The best time to visit this place is between October and March. Since the weather is pleasant during these months, that allows one to explore more of this place without getting scorched in the seething heat. This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs and fests that are held on a grand level. The festivals include kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, elephant festival, to name a few. The city witnesses maximum tourists during these days. To add on to its liveliness, this place has brilliant bazaars filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewellery and delicious food. All these things can draw anyone towards them. Dressed in pink, this royal city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is the apt blend of heritage, palaces, culture and art and the flamboyance of this place can be experienced only by visiting it.

The City Palace

One of the most magnificent marvels or Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. In the heart of the old city, it has vast area. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh and additions made up to the 20th century. Many buildings, well-planned gardens and huge courtyards are a part of the complex. For visiting dignitaries, Sawai Madho Singh II, constructed Mubarak Mahal (welcome palace) as a reception centre. The mahal comes before the main complex, though it now forms a part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.

A delight is the Maharani's Palace, now the armory with arms to the 15th century which include the deadly Rajput scissor-action daggers which have a unique working action (after the dagger entered the body, the handles were released and the blades spread. during withdrawal, killing the victim). The guns include the ones that also served as walking sticks, one of the size of a small canon fired from a camel's back, double-barrel guns, early handguns, matchlocks and percussion cap guns, swords with pistols attached to the blades, daggers with handles of crystal and invory, katars, chhuris, peak-kubz jambhiya, Persian and Rajput swords. Deccan hand, bows and arrows, battle axes, shields, maces, breast and shoulder plate gutzis and the ruby and emerald encrusted sword presented by Queen Vicoria to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh (1835-1880). On display are a big range of shields of rhino, crocodile and turtle skin, the shield of Sawai Pratap Singh and Raja Man Singh' sword weighing about 5 kilograms.

Diwan-e-Khas (hall of private audience) is housed between the art gallery (once the diwan-e-aam-hall of public audience) and the armoury. The most attractive feature are the two sterling silver vessels (in the marble-paved gallery) in which Maharaja Madho Singh II, a devout Hindu, took holy Ganga water during a visit to Europe. The two vessels are massive standing 160 cm and have a capacity of 9000 litres each. They are listed in the Guinness book of Records as the biggest silver vessels in the world. From the ceiling of the hall hang a number of chandeliers which are covered with plastic to prevent dust and bird droppings falling on them.
It also has an art gallery with a fine collection of paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit, acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II for his study of planets and their movements.
The art gallery in the erstwhile Diwan-e-aam has a well preserved painted ceiling on which the original semi-precious stones still retain their lustre. Suspended from the ceiling is a massive chandelier made of crystal. The art gallery also has miniature paintings of the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools featuring religious them mainly scenes from the Ramayana. The other exhibits include an unbraided, handwritten version of the Bhagaved Gita, miniature copies of other holy Hindu scriptures, handwritten books in Persian and Sanskrit and early manuscripts on palmleaes There are among the 20,000 manuscripts that the museum boasts of. Howdahs (elephant saddles), palanquins, the swing of Lord Krishna and paper cuttings cut with the thumbnails are among the several other exhibits in the gallery. One can also see the finest carpets from Herat in Afghanistan and Lahore.
Chandra Mahal is the only part of the complex that is inhabited and is occupied by the royal family. The ground floor of the palace, open to visitors, has some exhibits. In the courtyard outside is the elegantly designed Peacock Gate.