Chronicles of Mangroves - Tour to Sunderbans National Park

For the persons having some appetite for wildlife, Sunderbans is the place for them. It is located in the World's largest delta formed by the concourse of mighty Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghana. It is said that Sunderbans gets its name from the popular Sundari trees that were once
abundantly found in the marshy region of the park Sunderbans distinctive geographical location makes it one of the most favorable ecological locations in the world. It is often compared to the Amazon Basin for its heterogeneity.

Offering abundant of eco activities like Wildlife Viewing, Backwater Cruising, Bird Watching and Tiger Trailing; Sunderbans is set to fill your nostalgic album with lots of fond memories. Apart from that the rich greenery, exquisite flora and plenteous wild animals of this national park unbinds lot of suspense for its guests.

Spread across 1,330 sq kilometers of swamp and mangrove forests, Sunderbans is a true paradise for the nature lovers. The park is a home to the world famous Royal Bengal Tigers, aquatic mammals, birds and reptiles. Sunderbans encompasses both land and water, on the northern side it is bounded by three islands namely Goasaba, Sandeshkali and Basanti; while on the south it is fed by the sea (Bay of Bengal).

The greatest thrill of visiting the Sunderbans National Park is being able to stay right within it at Sundar Chital Tourist Lodge. On the one hand you feel completely safe and relaxed at your room, but at the same time you shudder of being the next-door neighbor of the Tiger that is well known for its astuteness and agility.

The Sunderbans National Park contains the rich and wide variety of floral species. Among its most prominent attractions are the mangrove scrub, salt water mixed forest, littoral forest, brackish water forest and swamp forest. Trees such as Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan, Kankra and Goran are commonly found in the park.

Apart from exotic floral asset, not less is its faunal profuseness. Spotted deer, fishing cats, wild boars, ridley turtles, salt water crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, monitor lizards, otters, rhesus macaques, snakes, lobsters, numerous varieties of fishes, shrimps, crabs, worms can be
easily spotted in the park.

Sundarbans is best approached via the river. Motor launch facilitiy are available from Namkhana - Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project- Sagar Island -Jambudwip; from Sajnekhali - Sudhanyakhali-Buridabri- Netidhopan-Holiday Island; from Sonakhali - Gosaba; from Raidighi - Kalas.

Aparana Chauhan

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Journey to the Himalayas -Travelogue, By Aparana Chauhan

Taking the adventurous jeep safari in the scenic locals of the Himalayas has been the long cherished dream for me. When I was recently invited by 'J. Srikant' of 'Visit Himalaya Pvt. Ltd' to undertake a safari there was nothing more I could ask for. I was supposed to travel from Manali passing though the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh to the region of Lehm which is definitely one of the biggest fascinations for the one wishing to have an adventure thrill. The region takes you through the most spectacular mountain terrains, exotic places such as the ancient temples and monasteries, isolated deserts and glittering lakes criss-crossing through the challenging mountain roads.

Manali situated at the spectacular height of 2050 m in the Himalayas is a gateway for the trans-Himalayan highway for the near legendary two day journey to the Ladakh's capital Leh. Manali is one of the most favorable destination in India to indulge in high altitude adventure. During the winters the mountains of Manali remains clad with snow; thus transforming the area into perfect skiing slopes. However in summers the region embellish with apple orchards and all round greenery.

The tour started with an early morning 50 km ascent to Rohtang Pass in the Pir Panjal range. The pass connecting the Kullu valley with Spiti and Lahaul valley of Himachal offers the array of numerous sightseeing places. You will love to take the nature walk along the bank of Dashohar lake amidst the snow capped peaks of mountains. I can never forget the magical spell cast on me by the pristine environs and the mighty mountains. The panoramic view of the pass with its extravagant beauty of the lakes and glaciers was the experience of the lifetime. We were greeted by the numerous glaciers across the pass, one of them being Bara Shigri Glacier which let you witness the solid ice swimming on its surface.

The declivity from Rohtang to the floor of the Chandra Taal affords vibrant glimpses of the valley below. After getting bewitched with the exotic beauty of the valley we planned to move towards the Gramphoo in the Lahaul valley. Gramphoo is a bustling town with lot of shacks offering
momos and thukpa. Here I witnessed the the most beautiful view of the sunset and I captured the moment in my camera.

The next day we moved towards the Gata Loops - a series of 22 hairpin bends loops that take you to the Tanglang La - 17,000 ft pass into Ladakh. Now the climate was getting really cold. But we were enjoying the every bit of it. From the pass we proceeded our journey to the Moray Hills, a 45 km long plateau encircled by rolling hills and spectacular white Himalayan peaks.

Now the Jeep Safari adventure tour to the Himalayas was in its full swing. Today we reaches the Indus Valley - the great river, which was the life line of India for the thousand of years. From here Leh was just 40 km from Upshi. The route now was marked by the high peaks in the horizon and the isloted villages boasted of many white washed chortens, which were built in the earlier times in order to wash away one's sins.

We finally reached Leh. We decided to stop at various monasteries and praying wheels to thank God for the safe journey. I have brimful of pleasant memories for this tour; which I can still cherish.

Aparana Chauhan

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Mohiniyattam Dance of Kerala

Mohiniattam is a personification of feminine charm. It is a highly communicative Indian Classical Dance, which was originated in the palm fringed land of 'Kerala' known for its exotic natural charm, dynamic backwaters, and the spectacular landscape. This unique form of dance is vastly
influenced by the scintillating natural beauty -the dancing and swinging of the trees and flowing waters of the coastal area. The word Mohiniattam is derived from two words - "Mohini" (meaning beautiful women) and "attam"(meaning dance).

Mohiniattam has been handed down through the centuries by temple dancers of south India called devadasis. The dance acquired new identity in the 19th century during the reign of Maharaja Swati Tirunal -ruler of Travancore (Southern Kerala). Great Malayalam poet Vallathol, also played an important part in reviving the position of this dance. He established Kerala Kalamandalam dance school in 1930. Some of the other prominent personalities who are associated with this legendary dance are - Guru Krishna Panicker, Kalyani Kuttiamma, Chinnammu Amma and many more.

It is traditionally a female solo dance. Mohiniattam dancers usually wears off white colored sari with gold brocade borders. They are beautifully adorned with the gold jewelery, necklaces, bangles, waistbands and anklets. The dancers portray the themes of love and devotion through her delicate footsteps and subtle facial expressions. This dance is mainly dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Krishna.

The basic steps used in the dance are known as Adavus namely Taganam, Jaganam, Dhaganam and Sammisram. It is somewhat quite similar to south Indian dance of Bharatanatyam. The lyrics used in the dance is the combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam. The dance involves the swaying of hips and soft movements of orthostatic posture from side to side. There are approximately 40 different movements, known as 'atavukal', in Mohiniattam.

The sensuous style of dance also involves the use of eye movement that are quite elicit in its own manner. The theme behind the dance is to entertain and enchant the viewers without being offensive

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Swami Ramdev Yoga

Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev is today a world recognized figure, well known for his efforts in popularizing and propagating 'Yoga' as pronounced and avowed by Patanjali's Yoga Shaastra. He is one of the co-founder of the Divya Yog Mandir Trust that was established as a world health organization with a aim to popularize ancient holistic system of Yoga and Ayurvedic for the welfare of the humankind.

Swami Ramdev Chilhood : Swami Ramdev original name is Ramkishan Yadav. He was born in 1953 in the Alipur district of the Indian state of Haryana. When he was in eighth standard, he left his school to join Gurukul named Yogic Monastery in Khanput. It is from there his journey of Yoga started. From the very starting he had very deep interest in Yoga and Prayanam. In very less age, he lost all his interest in worldly desires and assumed sanyas and later on became Swami Ramdev. He then moved to district of Jind, where he started offering free Yoga classes to villagers. Over there he also joined Aarsh Gurukul kalva and in no time become a known figure.

Swami Ramdev himself suffered from paralysis, since he was two and a half years of age, which he cured through regular practice of Yoga. He says he was fat child, and his knees would bash. For the last two years he on the strict of milk and fruits.

Swami Ramdev Ashram in Haridwar : Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar is an institution for scientific research and treatment in Yoga, Ayurveda and Spiritualism. It has hot the world's largest OPD with the capacity of over eight to ten thousand patients per day. Among the various facilities provided in the Patanjali Ashram includes Yoga classes, Natural health therapies, ayurvedic treatments, canteen and accommodation. Anyone can visit and stay at the Ashram and can avail the facilities in a very clean, hygienic and well maintained environment. It offers free service to all those patients who can not affort it.

Baba Ramdev Pranayam : Baba Ramdev pranayam comprises of six main breathing exercises that includes : -
Bhastrika Pranayama
Kapal Bhati Pranayama
Bahaya Pranayama
Anulom Vilom Pranayama
Bhramri Pranayama
Udgeeth Pranayama

Swami Ramdev Contribution to Society :

Swami Ramdev established Divya Yog Mandir Trust in the year 1995 with Acharya Karamveer – well versed in all the Yoga techniques and treatments and Acharya Balkrishan who is a renowned physician with the degree in Ayurveda.

Swami's TV programs and Yog camps are equally popular among the people. His TV's programs are broad-casted in several continents including America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. His camps are attended by more than 20,000 people. He was even invited to conduct the Yog camp at Rashtrapati Bhavan – the home of President of India also.

Swami Ramdev's National Issues :
Malpractices in Agricultureal Sector
Consumption on Unhygienic food and soft drinks
Explotation of Farmers
84 crore people living on Rs 20 a day
Baba Ramdev's Gay Verdict

Website of Swami Ramdev : http://www.divyayoga.com/

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Medical Tourism in Kerala India

Medical tourism in Kerala is an upcoming field which is proving a windfall for the tourism sector in India. People from all over the world come here for medical treatments ranging from cardiac care, transplants and various cosmetic surgeries. Apart from that they get the chance to experience the age old Ayurveda along with the view traditional cultural heritage of the state of Kerala

Kerala's proliferating medical tourism industry, expected to be worth atleast US$2.2 billion by 2012, is proving a jackpot for the travel and tourism sector in India. It has been recorded that Kerala attracts more than 20,000 patients from all across the world every every year. Medical Tourism in Kerala has become a common form of holidaying that covers a broad spectrum of cost effective medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry for patients needing surgical and other forms of specialized treatments.

Kerala is a tourists paradise and is no exception for the tourists coming for medical tourism. Patients get the golden opportunity to enjoy the beauty of scintillating backwaters and participate in other adventure activities during their recuperation. An extensive tour to Kerala not just works as an ameliorate experience but also actively contributes to the patients recovery.

The super specialty hospitals in Kerala are true centers of excellence known for providing world-class medical services, expertise and infrastructure to the tourists. There are many factors that have contributed to the recent increase in the popularity of medical tourism in Kerala. Apart from the long waiting lists, you get the affordable medical facilities in combination with the memorable holiday at your favorite destination in India.

While being in Kerala you can opt for various medical treatments that includes neurosurgery, cardiac care, dental care, infertility, heart transplant, hip replacement and cosmetic surgery. Many international patients place their confidence in Kerala's world class health care system, and have suggested other too for the same.

Most of the tourists come to Kerala to experience the enriching power of rejuvenation treatments promised by ancient art of Yoga and Ayurveda. The government's initiative to combine tourism along with medical practices at a cost which is comparatively very low as compared to U.S. or U. K , has contributed to the rapid growth of medical tourism in the state.

So what are you waiting for go for medical tour in Kerala and treat yourself with the best quality care in India.

Aparana Chauhan

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Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Kerala

Location : Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Alappuzha Kerala India
Date : 13 August 2011
Reserve Your Seats : Book Now

Combine the excitement and competition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race with traditional Kerala cuisine, cultural programees, folk dances etc and you have something for the whole family to enjoy.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a top tourists attraction of Kerala, celebrated annually at the Punnamada Lake in the district of Alappuzha in Kerala. Also known as Snake Boat Race or Vallamkali,Nehru Trophy is the most awaited event of Kerala, which is organized on the second Saturday in the month of August. The long dandified snake boats, with crews of over hundred men all vying to win the much desired trophy, attract visitors from all over the world.

Raju Vadakathu has remained three times winner of Nehru Trophy Boat Race from 2004 – 2006.

History of Nehru Trophy Boat Race : The event was started in 1952 when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India visited Alappuzha, during the time of this event. He was very impressed to see the roaring enthusiasm among the people of Kerala for the traditional boat race. He donated a billowing trophy to be awarded to the winner of the race, which is the replica of snake boat in silver, placed on wooden tablet on which the following words are inscribed : -

“To the winner of the boat-race which is a unique feature of community life in Travancore-Cochin. Raju Vadakathu 2004-2006 was a three time winner for the race. He is now retired from theis position as Captain.”

Kaarichaal, Jawahar thaayankari, Paarthasarathy, Chambakulam, St.George, Aanari, Kaavalam, Paayipaadu, Alapaatu, Cheruthana, Aayaparambu, Vallamkulangara, Valiya Divanji, Nadubhagom, Sri.Ganesh, Ambedkar and Pattara are the name of famous snake boats who participate in the Chundan Vallam category.

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Kerala Backwater Holidays

Kerala is a satiating cruise destination. Traditional house boats called Kettuvallam facilitate the most exotic cruise experience while you sail away gently down the placid backwaters and wonder at nature's infinite bounty...endless flora and fauna, dense forests, all virgin and pristine. Traveling on these houseboats invites you to experience the simple pleasures of life introducing to the world so beautiful and dramatic.

The backwater tour to Kerala make you flickr through ancient Chinese fishing nets, water lilies, lush paddy fields, rustic homes, ancient temples and vast coconut grooves. Soak in the age old culture and traditional practices as you ride across the pastoral Kerala embellished with laid back rustic charm.

Witness the enthralling beauty that surrounds the exotic backwaters of Kerala. The amazing shades of the blue depicted through the lakes and cerulean sky as well as the shades of green in the vegetation, green paddy fields cover the verdant backwater sites. Water lilies, lotuses and thousand of species of birds comes as surprise package to the tourists.

What is truly magical about these houseboats rides is the spectacular view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible Kerala that it offers - while you sail. Almost every one who has seen Kerala had a lovely experience on these backwater cruises. They take you into to a magical world where you just float in a steady pace over miles and miles.

A backwater cruise to Kerala is a perfect way to enjoy the vacations in Kerala 'The God's Own Country' as you can laze in the sun, enjoy the authentic Kerala cuisines, indulge in fishing or experience the rejuvenating Ayurveda massage. It is in totality the life time opportunity that can't be missed on the tour to Kerala.

Alleppey, Kumarakom, Mararikulam, Cochin and Kozhikode are the prime backwater destinations in Kerala. You may find number of cruise operators crowed by boat jetty vying your attention. You can serve these houseboats as your mobile home as long as you want.

Aparana Chauhan

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