India, officially the Republic of India, has different names in several languages spoken in the country, as its name in Hindi language "Bharat". India is the largest country in the Subcontinent, located in the south of Asia, is the seventh largest country by geographical area in the world, the second most populous country, and the largest democracy of the world. India shares borders to the West with Pakistan, to the North with China and Nepal, to the North-East with Bhutan, to the East with Bangladesh and Myanmar, and to the south with the Indian Ocean.
The country is home of the oldest civilization, the Indus Valley civilization, in fact, the center of the civilization was situated in the province of Sindh, Pakistan, and counts with about 5000 years of glorious history. The history maybe began with the civilization settled along the Indus River, around 2500 B.C., later the Moghuls maintained effective control of the country from 1520s to until the mid 18th century, influx in the culture, architecture, etc. After, British took the control of the whole of the subcontinent, and around the 1880s the country gets its independence, until Mahatma Gandhi began the policy of non-cooperation with the British. And now India is the most populous liberal democracy in the world.
But India is not only history, the rich and exuberance culture of the country is manifested in different forms. India also is a secular state because there is professed several religions as the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian and others. Maybe it is the most multicultural country in the world with 18 official languages and about 1652 dialects. Its principal languages are English and Hindi.
The country is very rich in architecture, the influence of the Mughals, British and other cultures made of the country an exquisite place to appreciate the example of the most exquisite architecture. The most representative monument is the Taj Mahal which in the 2007 was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the modern world, and is certainly a beautiful building of the Mughal age. But India also has many monuments such as Forts in the desert, palaces of the European style, Mughal palaces, Hindu temples, temples of other religions, Churches, and gardens.
India is the country of contrasts, from highest Himalayas in the north, to the beautiful beaches in the south, you can find different places to see and enjoy, such as the desert of Rajasthan, the jungle and wild life in West Bengal, the backwaters in Kerala, the mountains of tea plantations, and many beautiful places. Other attraction are the cities and peculiar towns, such as Jaipur called the Pink City, Udaipur called the City of Lakes, Jodhpur or the Blue City, Calcutta the City of Joy, Mumbai or well called Bollywood by its film industry. To finish the Indian festivals are several and colorful, you can see almost one in any week through the year all very fun and joy.
Monday, 27 June 2011
Amritsar Eating Out
Amritsar Hotels
Amritsar is a holy city symbolizing Sikhism in India. You will find the major residents and market owners to be Sikhs. Not only in the people, you will also get to see an Indian-Punjabi touch in the food and cuisines
There are many restaurants in Amritsar offering you several kinds of foods and dishes. But when you go to Amritsar, the langar at the Golden Temple is a must visit for all people. "Langar" is the food served in the Golden Temple in the main dining hall, for free.
They do not take any charges from you or from the local people.
When you enter in the hall plates and spoons are handled to you at the gate and you need to find a vacant spot in the crowd to get the food. The taste of this food is unmatched with any family restaurant in Amritsar
You cannot afford to miss this opportunity once you visit Amritsar.
Delicious Food Available In Family Restaurants
There are many family restaurants in Amritsar, near to main markets and shopping complexes. At the corner of the Bhandari Bridge is the Country Inn and Suites where you can get excellent Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. However, while visiting to Punjab you should taste the Punjab food which is a specialty over here.
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Many restaurants in Amritsar like New Punjabi Rasoi, Kesar da dhaba and Bubby Dhaba offer you a very good Punjabi food and south Indian dishes like masala dosa.
Most of these are vegetarian restaurants in Amritsar as they are made near to the Golden Temple.
Being a holy place for Sikhs, they do not prefer selling no veg near the temple area. But you will enjoy the vegetarian food at "The Brothers or Bharavans" located just next to Golden Temple.
Coffee and Snacks
When looking for some snacks like Pizza, burgers and some beverages there are few options available like Oka Café which is basically a coffee shop. It also has arrangements for lunch and snacks as well
Another snacks bar near to it is My Kind of place which also provides Indian and Continental food.
Amritsar has very few non vegetarian restaurants and almost none near to the Golden Temple. Hotel Raj Darbar can be a recommended for non veg restaurant in Amritsar near to the Sarai market.
The official American chain of Pizza hut can also be found at a few kilometers from the Golden Temple. You can get local auto rickshaws, which are well known about the place and will take only Rs.20-30 to take you there.
Amritsar is a holy city symbolizing Sikhism in India. You will find the major residents and market owners to be Sikhs. Not only in the people, you will also get to see an Indian-Punjabi touch in the food and cuisines
There are many restaurants in Amritsar offering you several kinds of foods and dishes. But when you go to Amritsar, the langar at the Golden Temple is a must visit for all people. "Langar" is the food served in the Golden Temple in the main dining hall, for free.
They do not take any charges from you or from the local people.
When you enter in the hall plates and spoons are handled to you at the gate and you need to find a vacant spot in the crowd to get the food. The taste of this food is unmatched with any family restaurant in Amritsar
You cannot afford to miss this opportunity once you visit Amritsar.
Delicious Food Available In Family Restaurants
There are many family restaurants in Amritsar, near to main markets and shopping complexes. At the corner of the Bhandari Bridge is the Country Inn and Suites where you can get excellent Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. However, while visiting to Punjab you should taste the Punjab food which is a specialty over here.
Many restaurants in Amritsar like New Punjabi Rasoi, Kesar da dhaba and Bubby Dhaba offer you a very good Punjabi food and south Indian dishes like masala dosa.
Most of these are vegetarian restaurants in Amritsar as they are made near to the Golden Temple.
Being a holy place for Sikhs, they do not prefer selling no veg near the temple area. But you will enjoy the vegetarian food at "The Brothers or Bharavans" located just next to Golden Temple.
Coffee and Snacks
When looking for some snacks like Pizza, burgers and some beverages there are few options available like Oka Café which is basically a coffee shop. It also has arrangements for lunch and snacks as well
Another snacks bar near to it is My Kind of place which also provides Indian and Continental food.
Amritsar has very few non vegetarian restaurants and almost none near to the Golden Temple. Hotel Raj Darbar can be a recommended for non veg restaurant in Amritsar near to the Sarai market.
The official American chain of Pizza hut can also be found at a few kilometers from the Golden Temple. You can get local auto rickshaws, which are well known about the place and will take only Rs.20-30 to take you there.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Amritsar (Golden Temple) India
Amritsar (pronounced Um-rit-sir), meaning the "holy pool of nectar" is one of the major cities in the state of Punjab. It is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. The legend has it that this was the place where, Luv and Kush, the twin sons of Lord Ram, got education and were taught the Ramayana by the learned sage Valmiki, before Sikhism came into existence and present city came to be known as Amritsar. The city was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas. With the respect of the pilgrims that pulls into Amritsar, the city has become the symbol of Sikhism. Today, Amritsar has evolved as a historical place and a religious hub of the Sikhs. A major part of the city's history revolves around the Golden Temple, which is the prime and distinct attraction in Amritsar.
The Golden TempleSri Harimandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. Sikhs from all over the world come here to pay their reverence to Guru Granth Sahib and take a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund for spiritual purification. The Golden Temple is the major landmark of the place. Founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, the Golden Temple is a two storey marble structure, with an imposing dome of pure gold.
Jalianwala Bagh Jalianwala Bagh reminds us of the brutal killing of the innocent people on April 13, 1919 by general Dyer, a British general. The mass massacre took lives of over 2000 unarmed people, who gathered there for meeting. This garden commemorates the martyrs, keeping the tragic episode in its historical context. Today, this site of brutal massacre, encloses a memorial with an eternal flame, dedicated to the martyrs
Durgiana TempleLocated outside the Lohagarh gate of the old city, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is a centre of pilgrimage for devout Hindus. Other attractions of the city are Baba Atal Rai Tower, Ram Bagh garden, Fatehabad Mosque, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary, Wagha Border.
Tarn Tartan24 kilometer south of Amritsar is Tarn-Taran-a town founded by Sri Guru Arjun Dev in 1590. The Gurudwara got constructed by the Guru stands on the side of a large tank. Fairs are held here on every 'Amavas' dark night of the month, birth anniversaries of the Gurus, Baisakhi and Diwali.
Akal TakhatSixth Guru Sri Har Gobind had got it constructed as a seal of temperal authority symbolising the unity of spiritual and temporal life in 1609.
Tower of Baba Atal RaiBuilt in the memory of Baba Atal Rai, son of Sri Har Gobind Ji, this octagonal nine-storeyed structure about 50 meters high has several beautiful frescos on its walls, relating to the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University
Khalsa College, Amritsar was founded in 1892 and built on grand scale in typical Sikh architecture, its distinguished alumni; sportsmen, servicemen, administrators, professionals, fill up India's compilations of Who's Who. On a part of its land a new University called Guru Nanak Dev University was established at Amritsar. Soon it has become distinguished for starting modern curricula and has etched its name on the sports map of India.
There are a number of cotton, woollen and art silk textile factories besides other industries dealing with electric goods, sewing machines, auto parts, carpets in Amritsar. The milk processing plant at Verka about 6 kms. from Amritsar is the second biggest project of its kind in the country. Amritsar is India's leading exporter of goods to the Middle-East, leading distribution centre of dry fruits, tea and condiments. Amritsar is a shopper's paradise and a gourmet's delight. It is world's leading centre of Punjabi publications.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Shopping in Delhi
Delhi is known as shopper's paradise. You can find anything you are thinking of to buy in Delhi. Fabrics or readymade garments, gems or jewelry, accessories or footwear, furniture or crockery and sports equipments or electronic gadgets, you will find the best product while shopping in Delhi. Whether you are shopping for a designer label, a branded product or local made stuff, there are places for all these in Delhi. Enjoy shopping in air-conditioned malls without worrying about scorching heat and sweat or on roadside malls bargaining to your best of ability.
Connaught Place is the first place that comes into the mind when thinking about shopping in Delhi. The big showrooms are attractively decorated with their products such as shoes, garments, toys, household appliances, ornaments and cosmetics both of Indian and international brands. There are cinema hall and some very good restaurants and fast food outlets if you want some entertainment, relaxation and good food after a shopping spree.
In the vicinity of Connaught Place is the National Cottage Emporium in the Jawahar Bhawan in Janpath. It is a huge building complex where several sections displays items like clothes, dress material, jewelry, footwear, accessories, draperies, bed linens, furniture, decorative items and souvenirs. It is a government run showroom, so the quality and price of the items is guaranteed. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, also in the vicinity of Connaught Place, is lined with all the state emporiums where you can find the specialty products of each state along with items like fabrics, saris, dress material, bed linens and decorative items.
If you are shopping for designer labels or imported brands in clothes, dress materials, jewelry and shoes and also want an up market ambiance, then the markets of South Extension and Greater Kailash-I are the right places to check out. Shopping for designer wears made by Indian designers is available at the Hauz Khas Village Complex or Mehrauli Designer's Complex.
If shopping for marriage of a son or a daughter, then you could not afford to miss a visit to Karol Bagh. It is probably the biggest market for shopping of wedding trousseau. Whether it the heavy saris, designer suits, dress material or gold jewelry, you will feel satisfied only in this market
If you are looking for some smart casual wears that are latest in fashion but reasonable in prices, then you can explore the fashion markets of Janpath, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar. Whether you are looking for readymade casuals, bags, shoes or jewelry, you will find the best in the prices that you could afford in these markets.
Chandni Chowk is mother of all markets in Delhi. Here you will find a wide variety at really low prices from any where in Delhi but you will have to walk a lot in order to search for what you are looking for. Check out the saris, suits, dress materials, readymade garments, furnishing, utensils, books, stationeries, jewelry and spices at Chawri Bazaar, Nai Sarak, Katra Neel, Katra Asharfi, Batashe Wali Gali and Fathepuri. Besides shopping, the added attraction of Chandni Chowk are the old and famous eating joints selling Indian chaats, like gol guppas, tikkis, dahi bhallas, aloo chaats, aloo kulle, paranthe, jalebi and several other eatables.
Dilli Haat near AIIMS flyover has become a popular shopping mart over the years. The stalls are given to various skilled artists from different states to exhibit and sale their handicrafts such as jute products, cane items, regional paintings, period furniture, regional paintings, rugs and carpets, ethnic printed dress material and decorative objects. Here you will also fin various food stalls representing all the states of India and you can try the culinary specialties of these states.
On a whole, shopping in Delhi is an extremely pleasurable activity and is but just one of the fascinating ways of understanding the pluri-cultural and pluri- ethic capital city of India.
Connaught Place is the first place that comes into the mind when thinking about shopping in Delhi. The big showrooms are attractively decorated with their products such as shoes, garments, toys, household appliances, ornaments and cosmetics both of Indian and international brands. There are cinema hall and some very good restaurants and fast food outlets if you want some entertainment, relaxation and good food after a shopping spree.
In the vicinity of Connaught Place is the National Cottage Emporium in the Jawahar Bhawan in Janpath. It is a huge building complex where several sections displays items like clothes, dress material, jewelry, footwear, accessories, draperies, bed linens, furniture, decorative items and souvenirs. It is a government run showroom, so the quality and price of the items is guaranteed. Baba Kharak Singh Marg, also in the vicinity of Connaught Place, is lined with all the state emporiums where you can find the specialty products of each state along with items like fabrics, saris, dress material, bed linens and decorative items.
If you are shopping for designer labels or imported brands in clothes, dress materials, jewelry and shoes and also want an up market ambiance, then the markets of South Extension and Greater Kailash-I are the right places to check out. Shopping for designer wears made by Indian designers is available at the Hauz Khas Village Complex or Mehrauli Designer's Complex.
If shopping for marriage of a son or a daughter, then you could not afford to miss a visit to Karol Bagh. It is probably the biggest market for shopping of wedding trousseau. Whether it the heavy saris, designer suits, dress material or gold jewelry, you will feel satisfied only in this market
If you are looking for some smart casual wears that are latest in fashion but reasonable in prices, then you can explore the fashion markets of Janpath, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar. Whether you are looking for readymade casuals, bags, shoes or jewelry, you will find the best in the prices that you could afford in these markets.
Chandni Chowk is mother of all markets in Delhi. Here you will find a wide variety at really low prices from any where in Delhi but you will have to walk a lot in order to search for what you are looking for. Check out the saris, suits, dress materials, readymade garments, furnishing, utensils, books, stationeries, jewelry and spices at Chawri Bazaar, Nai Sarak, Katra Neel, Katra Asharfi, Batashe Wali Gali and Fathepuri. Besides shopping, the added attraction of Chandni Chowk are the old and famous eating joints selling Indian chaats, like gol guppas, tikkis, dahi bhallas, aloo chaats, aloo kulle, paranthe, jalebi and several other eatables.
Dilli Haat near AIIMS flyover has become a popular shopping mart over the years. The stalls are given to various skilled artists from different states to exhibit and sale their handicrafts such as jute products, cane items, regional paintings, period furniture, regional paintings, rugs and carpets, ethnic printed dress material and decorative objects. Here you will also fin various food stalls representing all the states of India and you can try the culinary specialties of these states.
On a whole, shopping in Delhi is an extremely pleasurable activity and is but just one of the fascinating ways of understanding the pluri-cultural and pluri- ethic capital city of India.
Monday, 20 June 2011
Places to Vist in Delhi
Delhi is one of the most historic capitals in the world and two of its monuments- the Qutb Minar and Humayun's Tomb - have been declared World Heritage Sites. It offers a multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that it becomes difficult to decide from where to begin exploring the city.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Modern Delhi, or New Delhi as it is called, centres around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past.
India Gate
India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. The impressive colonial architecture of India Gate is a symbol of modern Delhi. The beautiful stone arch was built by the British in honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. Here you will also find the 'Amar Javan Jyoti', which is a permanent flame in honor of the Indian soldiers who died in wars since 1918.
Laxminarayan Temple
Also called the Birla Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, built this monument in Delhi in the year 1556. The tomb is set on a platform amidst a garden and is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. The structure of the tomb is as magnificent as the Taj Mahal in Agra. The splendor of this grand monument becomes overpowering on entering through the lofty double storied gateway. The fountains with simple yet highly developed engineering skills enhance the beauty of the garden.
Qutab Minar
The Qutab Minar is located at a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aybak of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. Qutb-ud-din Aybak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the Muslim priest, the muezzin, to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first storey was completed by Qutb-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular storeys in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth storey.
Red Fort
When one approaches old Delhi with a somewhat Westernised perception the emotional response can range from wonderment to bewilderment, from utter disgust to ecstasy. Undoubtedly, Old Delhi gives an insight into the multi-layered identity that so aptly characterizes India. The red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33m (108ft) above the clamour of 'Old' Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Moghul emperors. The fort's main gate, the Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd each Independence Day.
Raj Ghat
On the bank of the legendary Yamuna, which flows past Delhi, there is Raj Ghat-the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby.
Lotus Temple
Known in India as the "Lotus Temple", the Baha'i House of Worship attracts an average of three and a half million visitors a year.The Baha'i Temple, situated in South Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design.
Jantar mantar
The various abstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Yet, Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies, it also tells a lot about the technological achievements under the Rajput kings and their attempt to resolve the mysteries regarding astronomy.
The Rail Museum
Its vintage displays include the oldest locomotive in the world-still working; the Viceregal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon (1886). The royal saloons are definitely worth a look for the elaborate interior design.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Modern Delhi, or New Delhi as it is called, centres around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past.
India Gate
India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. The impressive colonial architecture of India Gate is a symbol of modern Delhi. The beautiful stone arch was built by the British in honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. Here you will also find the 'Amar Javan Jyoti', which is a permanent flame in honor of the Indian soldiers who died in wars since 1918.
Laxminarayan Temple
Also called the Birla Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, built this monument in Delhi in the year 1556. The tomb is set on a platform amidst a garden and is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. The structure of the tomb is as magnificent as the Taj Mahal in Agra. The splendor of this grand monument becomes overpowering on entering through the lofty double storied gateway. The fountains with simple yet highly developed engineering skills enhance the beauty of the garden.
Qutab Minar
The Qutab Minar is located at a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aybak of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. Qutb-ud-din Aybak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the Muslim priest, the muezzin, to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first storey was completed by Qutb-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular storeys in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth storey.
Red Fort
When one approaches old Delhi with a somewhat Westernised perception the emotional response can range from wonderment to bewilderment, from utter disgust to ecstasy. Undoubtedly, Old Delhi gives an insight into the multi-layered identity that so aptly characterizes India. The red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33m (108ft) above the clamour of 'Old' Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Moghul emperors. The fort's main gate, the Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd each Independence Day.
Raj Ghat
On the bank of the legendary Yamuna, which flows past Delhi, there is Raj Ghat-the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby.
Lotus Temple
Known in India as the "Lotus Temple", the Baha'i House of Worship attracts an average of three and a half million visitors a year.The Baha'i Temple, situated in South Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design.
Jantar mantar
The various abstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Yet, Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies, it also tells a lot about the technological achievements under the Rajput kings and their attempt to resolve the mysteries regarding astronomy.
The Rail Museum
Its vintage displays include the oldest locomotive in the world-still working; the Viceregal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1875), Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon (1899), Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon (1886). The royal saloons are definitely worth a look for the elaborate interior design.
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