Thursday 20 February 2014

Colorful Rajasthan Journey of Cultural Rajasthan

Think of Rajasthan and the rainbow colors of turbans and sari is inevitably conjured up in the canvas of imagination. Although a harsh land when it comes to weather and geography, its association with numerous maharajas of erstwhile Rajputana has ensured that the allure of Rajasthan is indelibly itched in the popular consciousness and folklore. Countless stories of valor, romance, intrigues and sacrifices have lent a unique stature to the state and various journals and annals of the British Raj era have only added to that appeal.
Owing to its royal legacy, Rajasthan is dotted with multitudes of fortresses, palaces, temples which form the major attractions of Rajasthan. Then there are vast stretches of deserts and diversity of wildlife which have become intrinsic part of Rajasthan tourism. Further, globally renowned Pushkar fair along with Ajmer Sharif attracts millions of devotees and pilgrims alike from around the globe.
With the ‘things to do’ list in Rajasthan as varied and vast as it is, even a month’s time is too short for a fussy traveler to explore and uncover the treasure troves of this desert state. Although conditions are harsh, traveling is quite easy as the destinations are well connected by road, rail and air with railroad being the best option.
Owing to huge tourist influx, hospitality industry in the state has developed in leaps and bounds. Hotels, guest houses, lodges and homestays have come up across destinations to suit every taste and budget of the travelers. Best time to visit this vibrant state is from October till February when sun is not harsh. Mentioned below are some of the most famous destinations which should be included to make for a memorable Rajasthan trip.
Jaipur
Jaipur also known as the Pink City is the capital and the largest city in Rajasthan. A young Bengali architect Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya designed the city in accordance with the Shilp Shastra - an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. Today's Jaipur is pink, visually described as the city shaded with the autumn colors of the sunset. Major attractions here include Amber Fort, City Palace, ethnic bazaars and Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic resort in the outskirts of the city.
Pushkar
One of the few places with temples dedicated to Hindu creator god Bramha, Pushkar is no more a sleepy little hamlet thronged by domestic and international tourists and pilgrims alike. It is said that when Bramha hit a demon with his weapon – which ironically was lotus flower – it fell to three places and one of them happens to be Pushkar where a lake sprang up. According to the legends a dip in the holy waters of the lake here ensures salvation especially when performed on Karthik Purnima (fteenth lunar day of Kartik month November–December).
Udaipur
Udaipur is another major tourist destination in the colorful state of Rajasthan. Udaipur is popular around the world for its Lake Palace which is considered one of the best honeymoons hotel in the world and which also featured in the James Bond movie Octopussy. There are many attractions in and around Lake Pichola including Jagdish temple, Puppet Museum, City Palace, Monsoon Palace among others. Apart from this, Udaipur is also famous for its festivals, which include Teej, Mewar festival and Shilpgram festival.
 Jodhpur
Jodhpur, also known as “the Sun City” and “the Blue City”, is famous for its historical monuments, palaces, forts and temples. This desert city is one of the favorite destinations of tourists coming from various parts of the country and the world. Some of the well-known sites to visit in the city are Mehrangarh Fort, Balsamand Lake, Osiyan temple, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Ganesha temple, etc. The festivals of the city also have a huge impact on tourists, which include Teej, Nag Panchami fair, Gangaur and Mahaveer Jayanti.
Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore, located in Sawai Madhopur, is one of the most visited national parks in India. Tourists and wildlife lovers from all across the globe are attracted by the fascination of this tiger reserve in Rajasthan. The major attractions of the park are wild animals and numerous species of birds. It includes tigers, panthers, chinkara, sambhar, nilgai, leopards, peafowl, Bonelli’s eagle, jacanas, black storks, etc. Ranthambore National Park is considered to be the best bet in India when it comes to tiger spotting due to its sparse vegetation.

Tuesday 18 February 2014

Fresh water fishes of Kerala

The water figures in Kerala are home to a boundless mixture of fish species. What's more, paddy fields serve nourishment necessity of this little state is likewise home to diverse fish species. New water fishes are typically found in more than one natural surroundings that is paddy fields, lakes, lakes, streams, Backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters that is saline for most a piece of the year turns the new throughout storm.
The Studies have uncovered that there are 210 types of freshwater fishes in Kerala and more than 26 are endemic. The vast majority of these are fancy mixtures utilized within aquariums with high potential in household and worldwide markets. The vast majority of freshwater fishes are decently adjusts to make due in contrasting atmospheres and situations. Also Many different fishes have got extra respiratory organs to empower breathing air while creeping through the land, that empower them to move starting with one then onto the next propensity ground dwelling insect.
There is a verity of Fishes Commonly seen in these Water figures and are recorded as:

Karimeen (Pearl Spot)

An extremely wonderful fish found in both freshwater's and salty Regions of Kerala. Its experimental name is Etroplus suratensis. It is principally found in backwaters, lakes and paddy fields. Its Body is secured over with scales of dark shade, henceforth the name Karimeen(meaning dark fish in the neighborhood dialect) is got. Its figure is oval fit as a fiddle and is horizontally packed. There are eight transverse groups on its physique and a couple of unpredictable dark spots could be seen on the midriff. It has a quite little mouth. It is additionally famous as an aquarium fish.

Chempally(Climbing Perch)

Anabas is an alternate divine fish yet with a hard skin. Its exploratory name is Anabas testudineus and different names of Climbing Perch are Karuveppu, Antikalli, Kallada. It is Also an aquarium fish. They can live without water for around the range of 6 to 7 hrs. It has the propensity of relocating from lake to an alternate lake. This fish creeps through the area to achieve the following objective throughout which time it breaths air through extra respiratory organs on each one side of its head. Keeping in mind in water, breathing happens through its gills. It is called an omnivorous fish.

Varaal (Banded Snakehead(Opheocephalus))

Its logical name is China striates. This fish is striking for its parental minding. It is a predatory fish. Its figure is long and tube shaped with an enormous mouth and serpent like its head. They have got an extra respiratory organ that is 2 air chambers that is to empower breathing air while slithering through area. This fish is frequently found in lakes, paddy fields and additionally in streams. The relocation of these fishes even cruise through backwaters to achieve the following end. This fish is both eatable and additionally favored aquarium animal groups.
Tilopia (Tilapia)


Tilapia is an outlandish fish and its experimental name is Oerochromis mossabicus. it carried to Kerala from Africa. It is found in the water figures like lakes, streams and backwaters. It can reproduce quite quick in an exceptionally obliged water figure like a lake. Its Body is horizontally layered like Etroplus(karimeen), however relatively more lengthened.  It is an omnivorous fish.
Other common fishes are:

Kaari(Stinging Catfish)

Scientific Name: Heteropneustes fossils

Muzhi(Walking Catfish)
Scientific Name: Claris batrachus
 
Manjakkoori(Yellow Catfish)
Scientific Name: Horabagrus brachycome

Vellakkoori(Longwhiskered Catfish)
Scientific Name: Mystus gulio
 
Attu walah or Valah (Boal)
Scientific Name: Walla go Attu

Paral(Giant Danio)
Scientific Name: Danio malabaricus

Kuruva(Peninsular Olive Barb)
Scientific Name: Puntius sarana
Poochutti(Tiger Panchax)
Scientific Name: Aplocheilus lineatus
 

Pallathi(Orange chromide)
Scientific Name: Etroplus maculatus
Kanambu(Mullet)
Scientific Name: Mugil cephalus

Kallaral(Tire track eel)
Scientific Name: Mastacembelus armatus

Poolon(Tank goby)
Scientific Name: Glossogobius giuris
 

Kerala Honeymoon Tour Packages At Kiplingindiatravel.com

Tour Itinerary:
4Nights/5Days Kerala Tour Package
Cochin-Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey/Kumarakom-Cochin
DAY 01: Cochin-Munnar                    
Pick up from Cochin Airport/Railway station meet and assist by our representative and proceed to Munnar, enjoying the scenic beauty and the marvelous waterfalls on the way. Check into the hotel afternoon sight-seeing of Munnar which includes Pothenmedu View Point, Blossom Garden, Tea Museum, etc. and see the Tea Gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 02: Munnar                                             
Moring have your breakfast and to go for sightseeing which included the Rajamalai one of the top peaks of Munnar, where you can spot the rare Neel dhar (Mountain Goats), Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Kundala Lake. If you are interested take a boating in the lake. Overnight stay at Hotel.
DAY 03: Munnar-Thekkady                                        
After breakfast, check out from Hotel and drive to Thekkady.  Drive through the hill points, Natural spice gardens, and small water falls which will refresh your mind. On arrival check into the hotel. Afternoon refreshment, go for visit to the Periyar Wild Life sanctuary, Take a Boating through Periyar Lake is an ideal way to spot wild animals. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 04: Thekkady- Alleppey Houseboat                         
After breakfast you can drive to Alleppey a natural backwater paradise. Check in to the Houseboat and start backwater cruises through Paddy Fields, narrow canals of backwaters, You can witness the beauty of Kerala Village and their daily life through this. Overnight stay at Houseboat.
DAY 05:Cochin Departure                                                                              
After breakfast checkout from the Houseboat and proceed to Cochin Airport/Railway station for your departure.
Standard Package      : Munnar Oak Fields Hotel, Thekkady-Blooming Pradise, A/c Deluxe Houseboat and A/c Indicia Transportation
Deluxe Package          : Munnar - Bracknell Forest Resort, Thekkady –Green Forest Resort, A/C Deluxe House Boat and A/C Indica Transportation
Luxury Package          : Munnar-Spice Tree Resort, Thekkady-Green Woods Resort, House Boat A/C Premium and A/C Innova transportation
COST INCLUDES:
·         Full time assistance to the Customer
·         Daily Breakfast at all Hotels
·         A/C transportation throughout the tour
·         One Double bed room in all Hotels
·         A/C Single Bed Room Houseboat in Alleppey
·         Welcome drinks at Hotels
·         Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and tea with snacks in the houseboat stay
·         Fishing road facility in House Boats
·         All car transportation as per the tour itinerary
·         Toll, Parking, drivers Bata etc.
·         Service of an English or Hindi speaking Driver
·         All applicable taxes.
COST EXCLUDES:
·         Entry Ticket to the sanctuaries
·         Personal expenses in nature such as hard/soft drinks, local guide service, entrance to monuments, video camera fees, laundry, tips & gratuities.
·         Any meals apart from cost includes
·         Flight or Train tickets
Click hera for more KeralaTour Packages