Sunday, January 10, 2010

INTRESTING SAYINGS ABOUT INDIA

Famous Quotes on India (by non-Indians)


Albert Einstein said: We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.

Mark Twain said: India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.

French scholar Romain Rolland said: If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.

Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA said: India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.

FACTS ABOUT INDIA

 India is the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization.

India never invaded any country in her last 10000 years of history.

 India is the world's largest democracy.

 Varanasi, also known as Benares, was called "the ancient city" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C.E, and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.

 India invented the Number System . Zero was invented by Aryabhatta.

 The World's first university was established in Takshashila in 700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

 Sanskrit is the mother of all the European languages. Sanskrit is the most suitable language for computer software - a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987.

 Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago. Today Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place in our civilization.

 Although modern images of India often show poverty and lack of development, India was the richest country on earth until the time of British invasion in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India's wealth.

 The art of Navigation was bornin the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from Sanskrit 'Nou'.

 Bhaskaracharya calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: (5th century) 365.258756484 days.

 The value of pi was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century long before the European mathematicians.

 Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10**53(10 to the power of 53) with specific names as early as 5000 BCE during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera 10**12(10 to the power of 12).

 IEEE has proved what has been a century old suspicion in the world scientific community that the pioneer of wireless communication was Prof. Jagdish Bose and not Marconi.

 The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra.

 According to Saka King Rudradaman I of 150 CE a beautiful lake called Sudarshana was constructed on the hills of Raivataka during Chandragupta Maurya's time.

 Chess (Shataranja or AshtaPada) was invented in India.

 Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he and health scientists of his time conducted complicated surgeries like cesareans, cataract, artificial limbs, fractures, urinary stones and even plastic surgery and brain surgery. Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India. Over 125 surgical equipment were used. Deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, etiology, embryology, digestion, metabolism, genetics and immunity is also found in many texts.

 When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization).

 The four religions born in India, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are followed by 25% of the world's population.

 The place value system, the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC.

 India is one of the few countries in the World, which gained independence without violence.

 India has the second largest pool of Scientists and Engineers in the World.

 India is the largest English speaking nation in the world.

 India is the only country other than US and Japan, to have built a super computer indigenously.

Monday, January 4, 2010

KASHMIR IN 5 DAYS!!

Kashmir is the only place in the world that demands a distinguishing explanation. Nestled in the lap of the snow clad Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is a fertile region surrounded by two major mountain ranges, the Great Himalayan Range on one side and the Pir Panjal on the other. Known as the garden city, the Venice of the East and Switzerland of Asia, Kashmir has been more rightly pronounced as The Paradise on Earth. This amazing land is dotted with verdant hillsides, breathtaking lakes, picturesque gardens, fir and pine forests, sparkling springs, milky glaciers, lush meadows and beautiful Himalayan peaks. A land of scenic mountain valleys, great rivers and enchanting lakes, Kashmir is known for its profusion of different colors and distinctive culture, traditions, religions and languages. Our tour can make you look at a thousand pictures while you travel in this extravagantly beautiful land. For a start, you can imagine yourself lazing on the verandah of your houseboat, moored away from the town sipping a glass of Kashmiri spice tea, overlooking the lake, or spending a day high in the mountains, horse riding across flower covered meadows, or still strolling lazily through the fabulous terraced water and floral Mughal gardens







Duration : 04 Nights & 05 Days.
Highlights : Villages, gardens, octagonal pools, ancient temples, pine forests and sparkling lakes.
Places Covered : Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam.
Focus : Mughal Gradens, Shikara boat rides in Dal Lake and Gondola ride in Gulmarg.

Day 1: Arrive Srinagar
Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative who will escort you to the beautiful city and transfer you to your houseboat. Where you will experience the difference of staying in these luxurious houseboats. . Later in the evening we will take a short boating ride in the backwaters of the lake, visiting some boat communities and steeping on the little floating gardens. Overnight stay in the Houseboat.






Day 2: In Srinagar
Today we will spend the whole day in sightseeing. Our first sightseeing point will be the Shankaracharya temple. Known as Takht-E-Suleiman, the temple is an integral part of Kashmir Shaivism. Later we drive to visit Pari Mahal. Par Mahal was a school of paintings and later an astrology department under the Mughals. It holds commanding views of the lake as well as the world renowned 32 course golf club. Next in line will be the Nishat Garden, known for its well-laid flower gardens, fountains, water channels and huge Chinar trees. Built in the 16th century, the garden overlooks the Dal Lake and has a dramatic backdrop of the mountain ranges behind it. After lunch at one of the roadside restaurants, we will drive to visit yet another garden known as Shalimar. The garden is smaller then Nishat, but nonetheless is very beautiful with huge stone pavilions set amidst water pools and lush green trees swaying to and fro in the light breeze. From Shalimar, we will drive to Hazratbal shrine. The Hazratbal shrine is situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake, Srinagar and is considered to be Kashmir’s holiest Muslim shrine. The Moi-e-Muqqadas (the sacred hair) of Prphet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is believed to be preserved here. From Hazratbal we will drive on our last leg towards the Jama Mazjid. Sultan Sikandar built the Jama Masjid in 1400 AD. The attractions of the Jama Masjid of Srinagar, include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers. The Masjid was ruined thrice in fire and was reconstructed every time. The last restoration was carried out during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh. We will drive past the spice market and then return back to the houseboats, nearly exhausted. Overnight in houseboats.







Day 3: Srinagar – Sonamarg & Sonamarg Nature Resort (99 km – 3 hrs)
We will drive along the banks of the Dal-lake in the morning to one of the many, yet a beautiful mountain resort of Sonamarg literally known as the Golden Meadow. The road taken to this resort runs past many colorful villages, markets and green orchards until we finally arrive at the vast open meadow of Sonamarg. Upon arrival, we will go by horseback to the Thajwas Glacier located near a mountain around 3 km’s away from Sonamarg. Rest of the day will be for individual activities. Later we will drive a little while to stay in one of the finest resorts of the valley just 12 km before Sonamarg. Sonamarg Nature Resort consists of 15 unique, Swiss cottages, the resort is a true haven of secluded tranquility offering guests exceptional levels of comfort in a pristine wilderness setting. Everything, from the earthy scent of the breeze and the spectacular views, to the camp’s delectable cuisine combines to provide an atmosphere of relaxation and well being beyond compare. Nature is all around, but every modern comfort is on hand. Camp fire , Dinner and Overnight at Sonamarg Nature Resort.







Day 4: Sonamarg – Srinagar (75 km – 2 hrs)
After breakfast in the morning we will take a walk along the river Sindh through the village of Kullan where the Resort is based. After exploring the life of these villagers and their expereicning their culture we walk back to the Camp and get prepared for a drive towards srinagar. We arrive in Srinagar in the late afternoon and get transferred to our boats. Evening will be free for any individual activities you can enjoy watching the daily activities of the people. Dinner and Overnight in the lake.






Day 5: Srinagar Departure
You will be transferred in time to the airport for your flight to any onward destination.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

5 days 4 night ladakh

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS LADAKH

Day 1- Arrival and receipt at the Leh Air port, transfer to hotel. A full day rest for acclimatize. In the evening visit Shanti Stupa for enjoying the breath taking view of the Leh city. Halt in hotel




Shanti Stupa is a Buddhist white-domed stupa(chorten) on a hilltop in Chandspa Leh district, Ladakh, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.] It was built in 1985 by the Nipponzan-Myōhōji order of Japanese Buddhism as part of the construction of a series of Peace Pagodas. The Shanti Stupa holds the relics of the Buddha at its base, enshrined by the 14th Dalai Lama himself [2]. The stupa has become a tourist attraction not only due to its religious significance but also due to its location which provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.


Day 2 Sight seeing to Alchi, Magnetic hill, and Sangham confluence of the Indus and Zansker river. Alchi is known for its famous wall painting of the eleventh century. Drive back to Leh and overnight hotel.

Alchi is a village and monastery in the Leh district of Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, situated on the bank of Indus River 70 km downstream from the capital in Leh. Unlike the other gompas in Ladakh, Alchi is situated on lowland, not on a hilltop



Zanskar River (a tributary of the Indus) is only 5m wide in places. In summer it is a spectacular and remote location for rafting. It provides an access route to the Zanskar Valley, but only in winter when the river is frozen.One of the rivers joining the Zanskar is the Doda River which flows through the Padum Valley from its source at the Pensi La



A gravity hill, also known as a magnetic hill (and sometimes a mystery hill or a gravity road), is a place where the layout of the surrounding land produces the optical illusion that a very slight downhill slope appears to be an uphill slope. Thus, a car left out of gear will appear to be rolling uphill. There are hundreds of gravity hill locations around the world
Day 3 Early in the morning drive towards Pangong Lake by crossing Changla passes 5300mtrs, you will take enough time at and around the lake enjoy the magnificent view of the high altitude lake, drive back to Leh.

Pangong Tso (or Pangong Lake; Tso: Ladakhi for lake) is an endorheic lake in the Himalayas situated at a height of about 4,350 m (14,300 ft). It is 134 km (83 mi) long and extends from India to China. 60% of the length of the lake lies in China. The lake is 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its broadest point. During winter, the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water



Day 4 A full day sightseeing to Shey Thiksay and Stok monasteries and royal palaces of the centuries old heritages of the Indus valley. Evening Leh market and shopping Overnight hotel

Thikse Gompa or Thikse Monastery (also transliterated from Ladakhi as Tikse, Tiksey or Thiksey) is a Yellow Hat (Gelugpa) (thiksok Nambar tak pe ling) Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill in the Indus Valley, east of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, India. Its architecture is noted for its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet and is the largest gompa in central Ladakh.



Leh Palace overlooks the Ladakhi Himalayan town of Leh, modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. The palace was built by King Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century, but was later abandoned when Dogra forces took control of Ladakh in the mid-19th century. The royal family moved to Stok Palace. Leh Palace is nine storeys high; the upper floors accommodated the royal family, the stables and store rooms were in the lower floors. The palace, a ruin, is currently being restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public and the roof provides panoramic views of Leh and the surrounding areas. The mountain of Stok Kangri in the Zangskar mountain range is visible across the Indus valley to the south, with the Ladakh mountain range rising behind the palace to the north



Day 5 Transfer to Airport for onward destination with sweet memory of Ladakh.

The taj mahal

 TAJ MAHAL


 
  • The Taj Mahal   is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. 
  • The Taj Mahal (also "the Taj") is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles
  •  In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
  • In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was griefstricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum.
  • Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, one year after her death.
  • The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.
  •  The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later 
  • While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures.
  • Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen.
  • The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
  • Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.
  • Soon after the Taj Mahal's completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and put under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort. Upon Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him in the mausoluem next to his wife. 
  • By the late 19th century, parts of the buildings had fallen badly into disrepair.
  •  During the time of the Indian rebellion of 1857, the Taj Mahal was defaced by British soldiers and government officials, who chiseled out precious stones and lapis lazuli from its walls.
  • At the end of the 19th century, British viceroy Lord Curzon ordered a massive restoration project, which was completed in 1908.
  •  He also commissioned the large lamp in the interior chamber, modeled after one in a Cairo mosque. During this time the garden was remodeled with British-style lawns that are still in place today.


 


Ecstatic South India In 21 days

DAY 1- CHENNAI
vanakam-namaste arrival .greet by ecstatic




DAY 2-KANCHIPURAM
kasinathar temple
kanchi kamatchi



DAY3-TIRUPATHI
tirupathi temple



DAY4-BANGALORE
sivan temple




DAY 5 -MYSORE
mysore palace
brindhavan garden
chamundeshwary




DAY 6-OOTY
botanical garden
lake



DAY 7- COIMBATOOR
marudamalai temple




DAY 8-PALANI
palani temples




DAY9-COCHIN

chinese fishing area
cochin temple



DAY10-ALUPHULA
houseboat stay




DAY11-TRIVENDRUM
kovalam beaches


DAY 12-KANYAKUMARI
valuvar kottam
amman temple




DAY 13-TIRUNELVELI
tiruparakundrum
wateralls



DAY14-MADURAI
tiruchendur
madurai  meenakshi
palamudhircholai



DAY 15-RAMESHWARAM
sivan temple



DAY 16- TRICHY
uchi ganesha
srirenggam temple



DAY 17-TANJAVUR
tanjavur big koburam
swamimalai



DAY 18-PONDICHERRY
aurobindo ashramam
ganesha temple
beaches



DAY 19-CHENNAI
marina beach
mgr samadhi
kamabelswara temple
vadapalani murugan



DAY20 CHENNAI
shoping



DAY21- CHENNAI BACK HOME

Monday, December 28, 2009

Ecstatic tours- your 1 stop travel solution

Ecstatic tours- your 1 stop travel solution: "EcSTATIC TOURS A dynamic travel and tour operator in India,offers a wide spectrum of travel services which includes corporate airline ticketing, worldwide ho..."