August 19, 2015 Travel, Within India

5 fabulous offbeat attractions

India is a melting- pot of countless cultures, cultural ethnicities, sites. Memories that will be with you long after you have left the country.  Some places in India will always remain popular than others. So, let us then explore here the fabulous offbeat attractions in India.

http://traveldiaryparnashree.blogspot.in/2012/10/bishnoi-community-ecologist.html
Bishnoi village (Image source)

Bishnoi, Rajasthan– It is not very far from Jodhpur and provides a genuine experience of rural Rajasthan. People of this village worship nature and live in harmony with it. They bury their dead instead of burning them like Hindus. You can take the Bishnoi Village Safari which allows a personal encounter with the lives of Bishnois, an old clan of the land. Here you can meet the artisans like the weavers, potters and block printers. While in Jodhpur, don’t miss the blue houses in the old part of the city which often referred to as ‘the Blue City’.

Nuranang Falls (also known as Bong Bong Falls), Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh

Nuranang Falls in Arunachal Pradesh– These spectacular falls are the wonders of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. The falls are 100 meters high in the pristine surroundings, one place; you must not miss while in Arunachal Pradesh. They are commonly known as Bong Bong Falls which also generates electricity for the district.

Darjeeling tea plantations

Darjeeling Tea Gardens– The luscious tea gardens of Darjeeling are located in West Bengal state of India. They are not only renowned for their flavoured tea cultivation but also for their picturesque beauty. The infinite stretch of tea plants which has a tendency to vanish in the mist, transforms into a magical spell for the tourists.

Matheran, Maharashtra– Although, it is the smallest station in India but is beautiful in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2600 feet above sea level. It is around 90 km drive from the city of Mumbai. Vehicles are not allowed here which means you get to breathe in fresh mountain air which replenishes your soul. Beautiful scenery of the natural surroundings can be experienced while on a trek to Panorama Point.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra– This Ghat is nestled in the magnificent peaks of Western Ghats and is a renowned weekend getaway for people of Mumbai. The best time to visit is in August and September where you feel blessed in the refreshing greenery, some gorgeous waterfalls and mist covered peaks. This place is a home for several species of birds like cranes and flamingos which is a haven for a birdwatcher.

So, explore these fabulous offbeat tourist attractions in India and cherish memories for a life time.

August 16, 2015 Weekly photo challenge

Creepy snake

This week, share an image of something creepy. Unsettling. Eerie. Disgusting.

4783089166_b89e993538_o_d (Joe townsend)
Green Snake (image source)

Snake looks scary for us and we look scary for the snake! Always try to see yourself from the eyes of others!

*/ This post was inspired by the daily post photo challenge Creepy  /*

August 14, 2015 Literature/ Art/Music/Education

Remembering Tagore on Independence Day

On the eve of India’s Independence Day, Tagore’s contributions to the nation cannot be overlooked.

  • Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed the national song of India with a title “Vande Matram”. The national song was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore by setting heart touching glorious tone to it. The song was first sung at the session of the Indian National Congress in 1896. Shri Aurobindo translated the national song in the English version which is considered as official and best as per Bhavan’s book, Vande Mataram by Moni Bagchee.
Vande Matram
Image source

The translation in English is as follows:

Mother, I bow to thee!
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
bright with orchard gleams,
Cool with thy winds of delight,
Dark fields waving Mother of might,
Mother free.

Glory of moonlight dreams,
Over thy branches and lordly streams,
Clad in thy blossoming trees,
Mother, giver of ease
Laughing low and sweet!
Mother I kiss thy feet,
Speaker sweet and low!
Mother, to thee I bow.

Who hath said thou art weak in thy lands,
When the sword flesh out in the seventy million hands
And seventy million voices roar
Thy dreadful name from shore to shore?
With many strengths who art mighty and
stored,
To thee I call Mother and Lord!
Though who savest, arise and save!
To her I cry who ever her foeman drove
Back from plain and Sea
And shook herself free.

Thou art wisdom, thou art law,
Thou art heart, our soul, our breath
Though art love divine, the awe
In our hearts that conquers death.
Thine the strength that nervs the arm,
Thine the beauty, thine the charm.
Every image made divine
In our temples is but thine.

Thou art Durga, Lady and Queen,
With her hands that strike and her
swords of sheen,
Thou art Lakshmi lotus-throned,
And the Muse a hundred-toned,
Pure and perfect without peer,
Mother lend thine ear,
Rich with thy hurrying streams,
Bright with thy orchard gleems,
Dark of hue O candid-fair

In thy soul, with jewelled hair
And thy glorious smile divine,
Loveliest of all earthly lands,
Showering wealth from well-stored hands!
Mother, mother mine!
Mother sweet, I bow to thee,
Mother great and free!

  • His poem on freedom

Freedom from fear is the freedom
I claim for you my motherland!
Freedom from the burden of the ages, bending your head,
breaking your back, blinding your eyes to the beckoning
call of the future;
Freedom from the shackles of slumber wherewith
you fasten yourself in night’s stillness,
mistrusting the star that speaks of truth’s adventurous paths;
freedom from the anarchy of destiny
whole sails are weakly yielded to the blind uncertain winds,
and the helm to a hand ever rigid and cold as death.
Freedom from the insult of dwelling in a puppet’s world,
where movements are started through brainless wires,
repeated through mindless habits,
where figures wait with patience and obedience for the
master of show,
to be stirred into a mimicry of life.

  • Ekla Chalo Re was first recorded by Rabindranath Tagore himself sometime between 1905 and 1908.

     

     

    The song exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey, despite abandonment or lack of support from others. The song is often quoted in the context of political or social change movements.

The essence of India, its diversity, defines the nature of its democracy.

Happy Independence Day to all.

August 12, 2015 Round the world, Travel

Bora Bora Island – a Dreamy Affair

Located in the Leeward group of Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora Islands is in close proximity to another famous destination Tahiti Islands. Known for the aqua centric luxury destination that are developed as a part of eco tourism to allure newlyweds from around the globe. The iconic over water bungalows webbed on the vast stretches of lagoon gives a feeling of fantasy come true.  With many choices of activities such as water sports, treks, helicopter ride or just read your favorite author to choose from Bora Bora has something for everyone.


Your dream journey to Bora Bora starts right from the moment you enter the air space of this beautiful archipelago on board your flight. The picturesque views of Mount Otemanu on the little islet of Bora along with the blue lagoon and the white sand beach are breathtaking. If a traveler wishes to visit Bora Bora by the sea, they can arrive in style by the luxury cruise that will pamper you to your soul with their compassionate and courteous services on the cruise.

The locals have built a web of these beautiful small over water bungalows that provide all types of luxuries and amenities possibly available any tourist destination. The best part of some of this accommodations is they have glass bottoms where you can witness the crystal clear water and the rich marine life that Bora Bora is famous for.

The island is full of surprises when it comes to natural beauty and reserved habitats. Since this place of the earth is known to be explored the last on earth, the stunning landscapes are mostly untouched. Twin mountains of Mount Otemanu and Pahia are formed out of volcanic caldera and are best for treks and mountain safari on jeeps


A perfect lagoon destination, Bora Bora offers some of the most exotic and resplendent experiences of water sport. Snorkeling, Scuba diving and swimming in and around lagoons of Bora Bora are the must do activities. Many local operators can help you with the unique experiences of diving with manta rays and sharks that are easily found in this part of the world.

There are some other experiences like Aqua Safari, Aqua Biking and Keishi Lagoon tour that travelers can opt for to make most of your stay at Bora Bora.

It is one of the rare destination that is sure to make a huge dent on your pocket. No matter how hard you try to save you will be quick to realize that Bora Bora is either expensive or indescribably expensive. But this pricey destination makes sure to repay you with all of its heart. The perfect combination of ambiance and service will be hard to match in any other destination of the world and will stay in your conscience for a lifetime.


The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season that runs from May to October.  The rains in these islands are unpredictable and can go on for long hours. During the dry season which is also the peak season, the water stays mildly warm which is perfect for swimming. Since this is a French Polynesian country, the main language here is French, and the other language that has great influence of Bora Bora is Tahitian although most locals have a good understanding of English.



Booking.com

*/For further details do check out source: Bora Bora Island – a Dreamy Affair – bookaHotel.in/*