Published on: 26 February 2016
Last Updated on: 02 November 2024
Before you gear up for the sassy Holi party in Bangalore, take a look at how they celebrate Holi in the other parts of India, which are a tad different from the usual style. Maybe you get an inspiration, or maybe you simply head to one of these places to get the right fervor.
1. Barsana
The ladies of Barsana close to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh beat up men from neighboring Nandgaon town with sticks, in what’s known as the Lathmar Holi festivities. Lathmar Holi happens around a week prior to the primary day of Holi. It is even better if you reach Barsana two or three days ahead of time of Lathmar Holi so that you can even encounter the Laddoo Holi celebrations there. Sweets are hurled around and otherworldly melodies identified with Radha and Krishna are sung.
2. Udaipur
Udaipur is a city brimming with royalty. Various turquoise lakes encompassed by parched slopes and white castles make for a pretty picture, particularly amid the festival of Holi where the initiation is done with the blazing of Holika at the main square outside Jagdish Temple in Udaipur. There is music and the whole city is drowned in revelry after the ‘Holika Dahan’, followed by a spectacle of blasting fireworks. The next morning, the festival of Holi is celebrated with full zeal where cans loaded with hued water and water guns assault clueless revelers from every nook and corner. Local people and sightseers alike participate with awesome energy.
3. Varanasi
Varanasi is effectively a standout amongst the most notable spots to celebrate Holi Festival in India. On the night before the Holi Festival, a goliath blaze is lit on the banks of the Ganges to imply fresh starts and riddance from illnesses. The next day comprises of ladies and kids, grown-ups and grandparents, all running to the roads in a tumultuous bright festival where powders of all hues are richly tossed without thought for who or what may be in their proximity.
4. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab
image credit: tribuneindia.com
Celebrate Holi like the Sikhs does at the Anandpur Sahib in Punjab. Hola Mohalla is a yearly event that dates back to 1701. It was initially sorted out by Sikh Guru Gobind Singh to observe Holi. So rather than tossing colors at one another, hope to see an exhibit of physical nimbleness here during Holi. There’s wrestling, mock sword battles, hand to hand fighting, turban tying, and gymnastic military activities.
5. Goa
Holi in Goa is commended as Shigmotsav and is seen as a sort of combination between the celebration of shading and an undeniable jubilee. People from all religions and walks of life meet up to douse one another with colored water. Shigmotsav is celebrated over a whole fortnight, and the fantastic finale of the celebration includes bright parades and revelry that are performed by the Goan people. It is an awesome time to encounter an extraordinary side of Goa.
Anusha Dixit is a travel writer working on an Online Travel Guide. She guides travelers to various resources where they can find the best places to visit in Udaipur for their journey.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
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Red Sea Star
Image source: Pinimg.com
Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
Image source: ravelingisrael.com
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
Image source: igoogledisrael.com
Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
Image source:.deadsea.com
The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
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Dalhousie, a beautiful town home to vast meadows, old colonial buildings, churches, temples, sky reaching hills capped with snow, and lovely locals, is indeed a perfect place to visit amid vacation. Far from the rat race of modern cities, it is a perfect place to rejuvenate and fall in love with nature.
Dalhousie, a picturesque resort town situated on the western edges of Dhauladhar Range in the Himalayas, was established by Lord Dalhousie and thus has been named after him. This curious little town, which still echoes the colonial essence of British Raj in India was the most loved summer retreat for the whole British administration. It is aptly based nearby five little hills, namely: Tehra, Kadhalagi, Bakrota, and Bhangora . These hills are settled next to one another framing a delightful cover of valleys that lay covered up with snow and hidden from the rest of the world.
Dalhousie is known for its incredible mountains, vast meadows, sprawling valleys and charming perspectives of the splendid snow capped the Himalayas ahead. The various trekking trails that vein down through the blended territory of rough precipices, thick pinewoods, and greenery, and rich mountain glades, stamp some vital areas to look at Mother nature's perfect work of art. This further adds to the wonder of this beautiful place. Dalhousie's shopping centers, initially built by British to cater their promenades, carriages, steeds and such with awesome perspectives, turn out to be a pleasure for both a novice as well as an experienced trekker.
Dalhousie is a walker's heaven as well as a fortune trove of the old cultural legacy of the Himalayan district. The different gatherings of tribes beginning from the old Gaddis that lives at the Bharmour area, the pretty Pangas, and Boots that occupy Pangi valley, add a distinct character to this district. Their rich culture reflects in their vivid artifacts and crafted works that are generally accessible in the local markets.
The city has numerous shops with great options for trinkets and handiworks to take back home. An enchanting destination with its fortifying climate and invigorating surroundings that hold the virtue of nature, Dalhousie is certain to take your heart. Plus, there is a good enough variation in the different Dalhousie tour packages, thus catering to all tourists who visit the place. Trekking is one of the fundamental outdoor activities in Dalhousie. A well-known trekking course is the Khajjiar - Chamba stretch that is ideal for a novice as well as an experienced trekker. Khajjiar is 22 km far from Dalhousie and the course takes after a picturesque walk to Kalatop, which is 3 km away. The course takes around 5 hours relying upon your speed. Another well-known walk is the walkthrough Ganji Pahadi.
There is a lot to do here. Visit an old temple, go on alone walk, look at the ethnic Pahari craftsmanship at the Bhuri Singh Museum, buy some gifts and go on an excursion in the fresh cool neighborhood of Khajjiar with its interesting lake and amazing vistas, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, look up at the stars, or taste on some hot tea while soaking the quietness of the hills surrounding you. Dalhousie is far from the frenzy of urban living. Also, with its old-world ambiance, empowers you to truly unplug from the anxieties of the rat-race. The climate is stimulating, the general population is inviting, and the environment is tranquil and undisturbed. Unquestionably a spot one can come alone to do some spiritual healing.
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7 Travel Tips To Feed Your Wanderlust In Europe
Europe has diverse topographies, cultures, customs, architecture, languages, and heritages. From Kimmel Falls, the world’s 5th highest waterfall, to Gouffre Mirolda, the 3rd deepest cave, Europe has it all. The continent also has a number of architectural marvels, including the much-celebrated Eiffel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa. The diversity of the continent is not just limited to the geographical and architectural marvels; the 24 official languages of the European Union, too, add to its diversity. In the light of what lies in store, it isn’t a surprise that every travel buff has a Europe tour on their bucket list. If you too are planning a Europe trip, there are a few tips you must follow. Take a look.
1. Plan Your Travel
Travel requires planning, and when visiting a continent as vast as Europe, it is important to ensure everything’s sorted. Apply for a visa on time, book your flights and hotels beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles. Check out Europe tour packages offered by travel operators as they mostly include flights, accommodation, and visa assistance, taking care of major travel concerns. If you are considering touring more than a couple of European nations, make sure you plan an extended holiday to explore and enjoy your trip to the fullest. It is advisable to not count your days of arrival and departure in the travel plan because you won’t be doing much on those days.
2. Travel Light
Packing is one of the most stressful aspects of traveling. Most travelers have the habit of stuffing their bags with everything they think is “necessary”. As a result, the bags get full to the brim and inconvenient to carry. Resist the urge to carrying anything that you aren’t sure is necessary and would be easily available, in case you need it. Traveling light will not only allow you the luxury of moving around freely and stress-free, but it will also allow you to avoid that extra baggage fee.
3. Remain Unplugged
If you are a believer in ‘see it, share it’ and are hooked onto the social sites to share updates with your friends, it is time you realize that there’s more to life than just ‘likes’ and ‘shares.’ Try to resist the impulse to reach for your smartphone every time you spot something spectacular. Your phone can be the biggest distraction during your journey. To minimize those distractions, disable the notifications of social media apps. Even better, switch off your mobile!
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4. Interact with the Locals
You are in a new land and it is important that you make the most of your foreign trip. Learning as much as you can about the local culture should be on top of your list. To do so, there’s no better way than interacting with the locals. Learn how to say common words such as ‘hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the local language. Every native resident likes foreigners who are interested in learning about their country and culture. Doing so will not only help you break the ice with the locals, you may even end up enjoying a meal at their place and making friends for life.
5.Travel Green
The number of tourists visiting Europe is increasing steadily. In the year 2015, the continent welcomed over 600 million tourists, the highest number of tourists visiting the continent in the last decade. As a tourist, it is important for us to understand the impact our traveling has on the planet. Go green and adopt measures that do not harm the planet. Steer clear of using plastic and take public transport for the commute. These are some of the many ways you can contribute to the betterment of the environment.
6. Take a Walk
The temptation of checking out the faraway places, monuments, and landscapes, often result in travelers missing out on gems right under their noses. During your European journey, ensure you do not miss out on exploring the local area. Buy a guidebook that includes all the local tourist attractions that you can cover while taking a stroll.
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7. Manage Your Moolah
As a traveler, you will have to carry and spend Euros across Europe. Carrying too much cash, however, can be a concern as money management is a challenge. It is, therefore, recommended that you use an international debit or credit card during your time in Europe. Using plastic money will help you keep a tab on your spending and ensure better money management. Before you fly for a holiday, contact your bank to ensure your card is active for transactions when you are abroad. You also apply in your bank for a forex card. These prepaid cards come in handy in emergency situations as they are pre-loaded and allow you to withdraw cash in foreign currency.
The Bottom Line
Every European nation is unique and has several attractions that charm travelers from across the globe. If you are planning to travel to Austria, France, Italy, Netherland & Switzerland, or any other European nation, it is advisable to book a tour package for a hassle-free journey. To save yourself from the countless complexities involved in travel booking, book a European Tour package that includes air tickets, accommodation, and local travel. Whether you are in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or any other city, contact a reputable travel operator to book a Europe tour package from Ahmedabad/Mumbai.
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