The breathtaking landscape of the district of Almora draws thousands of tourists every year and spurts the business hubs of the region of Kumaon. The mountainous town of Almora is surrounded by the district of Pithoragarh in east, the Garhwal region in the west, the district of Bageshwar in the north and the district of Nainital in the south. It offers mesmerizing scenic beauties serving as one of the peaceful places to make a pleasant stay for vacation.
Before Almora was established as a town it was under the direct rule of an ancient Katyuri king named Baichaldeo, who later in his rule donated the majority of the region to a Brahmin of Gujarat origin, Sri Chand Tiwari. During the reign of the Chand rulers the region was known as Rajapur. Currently, Almora is becoming a favourite choice for all the tourists for its magical ambience and heartwarming hospitality.
The geography of Almora is as amazing as the pretty hill station. The location of the town is over a ridge of a mountain that is shaped like a ‘horse saddle’. The eastern part of it is called the Talifat while the western part of the ridge is called the Selifat. The people of this region speak both Kumauni and Garhwali. The river of Gori flows through the district of Almora.
The best time to visit Almora is in the summers and the beauty of the hill station is at its peak post monsoon, owing to the cool and refreshing weather in Almora in November. The warm and breezy temperature in May enhances the experience of sightseeing and widens the scope of Indian tourism on a whole.
The town is blessed with breathtaking scenic beauty in form of lofty mountains, lush green valleys, clear streams, and tranquil weather conditions. The vast number of tourist attractions spots in Almora makes it one of the best vacation spots. The beauty of the region and its people’s lifestyle is immeasurable.
The bright and sunny weather in the summers and the winters’ heavenly snowfall in Almora offer a bouquet of experiences to the tourists. The welcoming behavior of the natives of Almora along with the scrumptious local foods will make you crave to explore more of this gorgeous location. The following are some of the best places to see in Almora:
Other nearby tourist places near Almora include Bhageshwar, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Someshwar Temple, and various other Almora Temples, Baijnath, Ranikhet, Martoli, Pindari Glacier, Chitai Temple, Zero Point, Chaukori and Kausani are among the top destinations near the town.
The shopping hunt in the city is a great experience. Lal Bazaar, Karkhana Bazaar, Malli Bazaar, Jauhari Mohalla, Thana Bazaar, and Khajanchi Mohalla are the popular shopping places in the city. It is famous for rabbit wool clothes. These clothes are made up from wool of special breed of rabbit. You can shop the woolen garments, brass items, decorative items, and different kinds of metal utensils from the market at reasonable price.
The Almora resorts and hotels offer Almora holiday packages and best Almora hotel deals that makes the trip easy on the pocket and comfortable too. You can complete your whole trip at much lesser price by availing the discounts. The town of Almora is well connected through its roads, railways and airways which are important characteristics for the development of Almora tourism. Another excellent feature that enhances the experience of Almora sightseeing is the availability of cheap hotels in Almora.
Indian tourism has brought in several changes to this hidden beauty of Uttarakhand. Almora was unexplored by the zealous travelers for quite a long time but with its unbelievable surroundings, tourists have found interest in planning a vacation in this mesmerizing location.
The post Almora – The Cantonment Town of Uttarakhand first appeared on Ghoomley.]]>The history of Uttarakhand dates back to the ancient Vedic age of India, the land of the divine has been under the rule of the Pauravas, the Kunindas, the Kushanas, the Guptas and other prominent rulers of ancient India. It was also under the rule of the tyrant British for a very long time. The state derives its name from Sanskrit, ‘Uttara’ means north while ‘Khanda’ means land.
It is believed that the Uttarakhand civilization was originally established by aboriginal people, who were of the Austro-Asiatic origin. Those people were known as the Kol people and are believed to be the pioneer of Uttarakhand history. Uttarakhand – The Devbhoomi has also served as an abode for the Rishis and Sasdhus for a long time. Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India when it was separated from the state of Uttar Pradesh in November 2000.
Uttarakhand is situated in the northern regions of India and has the second largest mountain in India, the Nanda Devi, which is situated at an elevation of 7816m above the mean sea level. Uttarakhand is spread across an area of 53,483 Square Kilometers. Almost 86% of the state is mountainous while a luxurious 65% is covered by green forest. Uttarakhand lies with the Tibet in the north, the Mahakali Zone on the far western side, the Nepal on its East and the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to its south.
The climate of Uttarakhand is normally pleasant. The summers are exceptionally hot in some regions while the winters are chilly. Snowfall is a common occurrence in most parts of the state. The nearness to the Himalayas plays a dominant role in the climate of Uttarakhand. The nights are little cooler as compared to some other parts of the country.
Uttarakhand is rich and diverse in flora and fauna. Around 65% of the total region of the state is recorded as forest area. The state is home to various rare species of both plants and animals, many of which are now protected by the reserves and sanctuaries. A number of extremely rare plant species, most of which have not been sighted in other places are found in the valley of Uttarakhand.
Leopards, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats, Fishing Cats, Sloth, Himalayan Black Bears, Indian Grey Mongoose, Otters, Bharal, Rhesus Monkeys, Yellow Throated Mertens and different species of Deer are spotted in the forest regions. Herds of Elephants, Marsh Crocodiles, several Terrapins and Turtles, rare butterflies, and rare migratory birds’ species make the regions of Uttarakhand as their home. Trees like Evergreen Oaks, Conifers and Rhododendrons are found in abundance in the hilly regions of the state.
The diverse ethnicities of the state have lent their color to create a rich impact on the culture and traditions of the region. Music is an important part of the Uttarakhand culture. It is utilized as a mode to invoke spiritualism and God. The popular folk songs of the region are played on a number of instruments like Dhol, Turri, Ransingha, Thali, Damau, Mandan, Dholki etc. ‘Bedu Pako’ is one of the famous folk Garhwali songs, which has a legendary status associated with its name. It is given the status of the unofficial song of the state.
Human existence and myriad emotions are celebrated through the dances of the region. Some of the popular Pahari dance forms of this state include Hurka Baul, Jhumaila, Chauphula, Barada Nati, and Langvir Nritya. The Uttarakhand rituals exhibit the simplicity of the people and their art and craft forms are an exemplary example of their love for nature. The Uttarakhand traditions are both simple and exquisite at the same time.
The following are some interesting facts about Uttarakhand:
The breathtaking beauty of the mountain and terrains make it a favorite holiday destination among tourists. Tourism in Uttarakhand has developed a lot with time. Every season, numerous visitors visit this paradise to attain some peace of mind. The ideal months to visit Uttarakhand are from April to June and October from December.
Almora, Auli, Binsar, Badrinath, Chakrata, Corbett, Chamoli, Gangotri, Haridwar, Kedarnath, Kalsi, Lansdowne, Mussoorie, Mukteshwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Pauri, Ranikhet, Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh, and Yamunotri are some among the most popular Uttarakhand tourist places.
Religious Places in Uttarakhand: The state has a variety of tourist attraction spots that include ancient temples and shrines, national parks, forest reserves, hill stations and heritage sites. The holy banks of river Ganga and the Yamuna, pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Chhota Char Dham attract thousands of Hindu devotees every year. The world renowned Kumbha Mela, is hosted at Haridwar in every twelve years.
Hill Stations in Uttarakhand: The popular hill stations in Uttarakhand include Nainital, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Pauri, Bhimtal, Almora, Sattal, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti, and few more. The Nanda Devi is the highest peak among the other lists of mountains in Uttarakhand. There are 12 national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in the state, which spreads across 13.8% of the area. The fairs of Nanda Devi, Jauljibi and Uttaryani fair draws hundreds and thousands of people to this region are highlights of Uttarakhand tourism.
Adventurous Spots in Uttarakhand: The rivers and high mountains of the state of Uttarakhand draw the attention of many tourists, who enjoy the thrills of nature. The adventure seekers are mostly interested in mountaineering, camping, skiing, rock climbing, parasailing, trekking, kayaking, hiking and yachting.
As a popular destination for adventure sports, it offers exciting experience of skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, and river rafting. Roopkund in Uttarakhand is most famous for other Uttarakhand trekking places, while Rishikesh is known for the offering an unforgettable experience of whitewater rafting.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: A total of forty four (44) nationally protected monuments are located in Uttarakhand. The state boasts of 12 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, which are spread across 13.8% of the state’s area. Jim Corbett national park is oldest national park on the whole of Indian sub-continent and it is an extremely popular tourist spot.
The Rajaji National Park is famous for its majestic elephants. The valley of flowers national park and the Nanda Devi national park form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vasudhara waterfall has a height of 122 meters and is set with a backdrop of the snow-clad mountains of the Badrinath.
The citizens of Uttarakhand are commonly known as Uttarakhandi or to be more specific either Kumaoni or Garhwali as per their origin. The ethnicity of the state comprises of followers of various religions. Hinduism is the most followed religion in Uttarakhand followed by Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Christianity. Uttarakhand is the 19th most populated state in India. Hindi, Garhwali, and Kumaoni are among the languages that are mostly spoken by the people in Uttarakhand.
The most striking feature of Uttarakhand recipes is that most preparations make sparing use of milk and milk based products and tomatoes. Dishes like Chains, Dubuk, Kap, Sei, Chutkani and Gulgula top the popular charts of the Uttarakhand food. Bal Mithai is a fudge-like sweet that tops the dessert list in Uttarakhand.
Like all other states of India, Uttarakhand celebrates all the important festivals that add life to this beautiful tourist destination. Basant Panchmi, Harela and Bhaitauli, Makar Sankranti, Bat Savitri, Khatarua, Phool Dei, Holi, and Olgia are among the major Uttarakhand celebrations in Devbhoomi. Other important festivals like Diwali, Dussehra, Id and Christmas are among the most celebrated festivals in Uttarakhand.
The latest fashion trends in Uttarakhand are a result of modernization and globalization where young men and women have widened their horizon of fashion by adopting and blending foreign trends with native traditions. A blend of indo-western style is noticeable in the choice of attire and fashion accessories in both men and women. Young women prefer wearing Salwar Kameez, Saree, and Jeans-Top. Men mostly wear European style pant and shirts. The climatic condition of the region also affects the choice of clothing of the people.
In India, Uttarakhand is turning out as the second fastest growing state, owing to its rapid rate of development. Tourism, Agro and Food Processing, Hydro Power, Floriculture and Horticulture, Biotechnology, Herbs, and Spices are among the major industries of the state. Higher education, information technology, and banking are also thriving in the state.
By 2006, around 20 industrial sectors were developed in Uttarakhand under the partnership of public and private sectors. There is a noticeable growth in the rate of literacy rand a multicultural effect is evident in form of latest fashion trends in Uttarakhand.
| S No. | District |
| 1 | Almora |
| 2 | Bageshwar |
| 3 | Chamoli |
| 4 | Champawat |
| 5 | Dehradun |
| 6 | Haridwar |
| 7 | Nainital |
| 8 | Pauri Garhwal |
| 9 | Pithoragarh |
| 10 | Rudra Prayag |
| 11 | Tehri Garhwal |
| 12 | Udham Singh Nagar |
| 13 | Uttarkashi |
South Goa has a population of 639,962 as claimed by 2011 census, thus, a population density of 330/km2 (840/sq mi). There has been a major growth in the population rate over the decade 2001-2011, i.e., 8.63%. The mother tongue of the inhabitants of South Goa is Konkani which is spoken by a majority of the people. You can even hear some individuals interacting in Marathi but the number is very less. English and Hindi are understood by maximum people, however, they are just foreign languages practiced in the buzzing South Goa. Even Portuguese is practiced but by a very less number of people.
The colonization of Goa by the Portuguese started during the 1510AD and continued till 17th and 18th centuries. It was due to this colonization Goa was annexed by India in 19th December 1961. South Goa is blessed with different cultures that bring out the true essence of this dreamland. It is divided into three main subdivisions namely – Margao, Mormugao (Vasco da Gama), and Quepem. Mormugao, Salcete (Margao), Quepem, Canacona (Chaudi), Sanguem, and Dharbandora are the six taluks of South Goa and the administrative head quarters is in Margao. You will have some exotic moments in this land that believes in celebration.
Being a district of the alluring Goa, the South Goa extends till an area of 1,966 km². The geographical location of the South Goa is easily tracked from its longitudes and latitudes. 15.1177° N is the latitude while 74.1240° E is the longitude of South Goa.
The land of golden beaches experiences a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification as it is situated in the tropical zone and is near the Arabian Sea. South Goa climate is temperate and most of the times, there is excess of humidity coupled with the hot weather. May is the hottest month and the average day temperatures reach up to 35 °C (95 °F). Monsoon enters South Goa by June and extends till September. It has the shortest winters that have pretty pleasant night with a temperature of 21°C (70 °F) and sweatless days having an average temperature of 28°C (82°F).
Indian Tourism has flourished here and these amazing locations are completes the South Goa sight-seeing. The followings are:
The visitors will never get tired of visiting the tourist places of Goa and when it comes to South Goa, there are uncountable destinations. Varca, Cavelossim and Colomb are some other popular sites whereas if you are looking for exploring the bygone Portuguese culture, Loutolim has all those historic buffs.
There are several cheap hotels in South Goa that can render comfortable stays. You can also check the Goa Holiday Packages that guarantee best South Goa Hotels which also come with exclusive amenities. Here is the list of the best hotels in South Goa:
Be it a luxurious stay or a visit full of events, these resorts and hotels can serve your purpose well. The resorts in South Goa have gained prominence beside all those traditional hotels in the popular South Goa destinations. You are surely going to create some unforgettable memories.
People not always visit South Goa with the purpose of spending some glorious days but sometimes also for the purpose of pursuing higher education. The best education Institutes in South Goa are:
Sometimes uncertain situations might take place while you are enjoying your vacations. The recognized hospitals of South Goa are a boon for both the natives and the tourists. The trustworthy hospitals of South Goa are:
Tourism in India has developed over the years and South Goa has witnessed numerous visitors every season for over a decade now. The admixture of various culture and adventurous activities, South Goa has been favourite of many. Be away from the chaotic life for few days and enjoy the waves of South Goa.
The post South Goa- A Land Full of Cultural Flavours first appeared on Ghoomley.]]>Goa was reorganised into the district of North Goa and the district of South Goa. North Goa is culturally diverse. People of different faith and religion have found their home in religion in North Goa. The Portuguese influenced various aspects of the people of North Goa and it is evident in their culture, language, festivities, faith and cuisine. Konkani and Marathi are widely spoken in North Goa, while a small group still speaks and understands Portuguese.
Territories of North Goa like Pernem, Sattari and Bicholim were under the direct Kingdom of the Sawantwadi. The region of Ponda was a sometimes a part of the Sunda Kingdom or the Maratha. These territories of North Goa were conquered by the Portuguese in the late 18th centuries and were under their rule till 1961 when Goa was seized by India.
The district of North Goa is spread across an area of 1736 km², and is surrounded by Maharashtra in the north and Karnataka in the east, District of South Goa in the south and in the west by the Arabian Sea. North Goa’s geographical location is marked from 15o 48’ 00” N to 14o 53’ 54” N latitudes and from 73o E to 75o E longitudes.
North Goa enjoys a Tropical monsoon climate. The North Goa Climate is influenced by the nearby Arabian Sea that renders the region a hot and humid climate. The average summer temperature is over 35 °C (95 °F) and is usually accompanied with a high level of humidity. The monsoon starts from early June and lasts till late September bringing respite from the unbearable heat. North Goa, witnesses short and humid winter that usually arrives by the mid of December and lasts till the month of February. The average temperature in winter fluctuates between 21 °C (70 °F) – 28 °C (82 °F). October to March is the ideal tourist season, which offers clear blue skies, cool weather and almost perfect temperature of the water.
Other places of interest near North Goa include a number of mesmerising beaches like Mobor Beach, Colva Beach and Varca Beach. One can experience the rich biodiversity of Goa in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and experience the scenic tranquillity at the Chapoli Dam. The Churches of Goa and Mangeshi Temple are among the popular dive abodes of Goa that are rich in architecture and implicit beauty. From North Goa Resorts to North Goa Beach Resorts the visitors can have a comfortable stay with the value for money cheap hotel deals.
The peace that the North Goa Beaches render tends to rejuvenate your mind and soul. The following are 10 best hotels of North Goa that fits your budget and offers you great Goa hotel deals and Goa Holiday Packages:
North Goa Tourism has flourished over the recent years. There are numerous places in North Goa for sight-seeing. Choose your favourite hotels and opt for discounts through Goa hotel deals and have a mesmerising journey that will be forever engraved in your mind.
Tourist places in Goa not only offer picturesque surroundings but also education institutions for interested individuals. Here is the list of some of the institutes making notable changes in the life of the students:
North Goa is safe for both the tourists and its denizens as it has some of the best hospitals in the nation. Several multinational hospitals have been built to provide superior services. The most recommendable are:
North Goa being one of the best vacation spot, tourism has flourished in the land having the non-native essence. The presence of the Portuguese and various other cultures makes the land of foreigners unique from the rest. Plan a stay in this miraculous land offering fashion, beauty and culture in its best way.
The post North Goa – The Land of Shimmering Beaches first appeared on Ghoomley.]]>The epic of Mahabharata refers to the area of Goa as Govarashtra or Goparashtra, which in the literal sense meant “A Nation of Cowherds”. In the 3rd century, Incredible BC the civilization of Goa was known as the Aparantha and has also been mentioned by the renowned Greek geographer, Ptolemy.
By the beginning of the 13th century, the Greeks started to refer to the region of Goa as Nelkinda. While other historical names for Goa includes, Sandabur, Sindapur and Mahassapatam. Vasco Da Gama (1460-1524), a Portuguese explorer discovered the Ocean Route from Portugal to East in. He started his sail to the East from Lisbon, Portugal on 8th July 1497. In recent times, the west coast of India is named after the explorer. It is called Vasco.
The history of Goa dates thousands of years back. Goa was a part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century B.C. The Satavahanas of Kolhapur and the Chalukyas of Badami also had their share of ruling over the lands of Goa. The harbours of Goa had been a crucial stop for the ships that carried Arabian horses for the influential Vijaynagar cavalry. It was the one of an ideal base for the naval Portuguese, who ventured into the ports in 1510 AD with the aim to dominate the route of spice that traversed from the east.
St. Francis Xavier led the Jesuit missionaries to Goa in 1542 and rendered significance influence over the life and religion of the people which altered the Goa history. The Marathas defeated the Portuguese from time to time during their reign in the dominant parts of India till the arrival of British.
The occupational reign of Portuguese on the subcontinent met its end when the Indian army marched its way into the territory. In the fateful year of 1987, under the leadership of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Goa was officially announced as the 25th Indian state.
Goa covers an area of about 3,702 sq. KMs and its coordinates fall under a degree of latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E. The major portion of Goa is a part of a coastal country that is known as the Konkan. The mountainous range of Western Ghats separates the coastal region of Goa from the Deccan Plateau. The highest point of Goa is the Sonsogor, which has an altitude of about 1,167 metres (3,829 feets). Goa has a coastline that extends up to 101 Km (63 miles).
One of the most interesting facts about Goa biodiversity is that The Western Ghats have been internationally recognised among one of the major biodiversity hotspots in the world. Goa in the age of extinction has been compared by the The National Geographic Magazine, in its issue of 1999 with the Congo basins and the amazons for its rich and varied tropical biodiversity.
Goa has renowned ‘National Parks’, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Other wildlife sanctuaries in Goa include the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tropical monsoon climate is widespread in the region of Goa as featured in Köppen climate classification. Its location near the Arabian Sea ensures a hot and humid climate in Goa for most of the year. May is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of over 35°C (95°F) usually accompanied by high humidity.
The monsoon rains set in by early June and brings the much-needed respite from the unbearable heat. The monsoons normally last until late September. Goa, being a tropical zone witnesses short and humid winter season that usually sets in by mid-December and lasts till February. The average winter temperature fluctuates in and around 21°C (70°F) – 28°C (82°F).
The following are some interesting facts about Goa:
The Culture of Goa and Goan Catholics is a combination of Indian and Portuguese culture. Goa was colonised by the Portuguese for about 450 years since they arrived in Goa in 1510. Goa’s cultural heritage comprises of a number of churches, mosques and temples. Goa’s vibrant cultural richness is reflected through its folk dances, folk culture and songs and form a major part of the Goa rituals. Its series of famous monuments reveal the attractive architecture of the 16th century.
The contemporary Gao is a picture of the amalgamation of its past culture and evolving rituals post-liberation, most followed the Portuguese tradition and retained the Hindu caste system and its certain customs, traditions and rituals. The current Catholic culture can be appropriately described as an evolving anglicised Indo-Latin culture.
The residents of Goa are extremely religious-minded and deeply conscious of their ethnicity. The region of Goa comprises of believers of different religions, castes, and creeds. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism are the prevalent religions among the people of Goa.
India is a land of diverse culture and beliefs. Goa being a part of this diverse land enjoys a medley of various cultural zest and festivities. The major festivals of India like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Holi, Baisakhi are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in Goa. Other religious occasions that can be marked as important Goa celebrations include Good Friday, Easter, The Zagor, The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, Moti Fest, Bonderam Festival, Shigmo Festival.
Feast of Passion of Christ, Feast of Holy Cross, the Procession of Saints, Feast of St.John the Baptist, Feast of St. Peter. The Goa Carnival is one of the most colourful and grand festivals of Goan Catholics. The Carnival is a four-day fiesta filled with songs and music that make the Goa culture and Goa traditions come alive. Celebrations including, fetes, fairs and fests comprise an important part of the Goa rituals and attracts tourism in Goa.
The Goan Food forms an essential part of the vibrant Goan culture. The medley of cultures like the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions has lent its colour to the Goan cuisines. Goa is abundant in a vast variety of fishes, especially prawns, oysters, mussels and crabs. Goa is famous for its seafood recipes. Pork sausage, Goa Sausage Risotto, pork ribs, roasted pork and roasted beef are also popular.
People of Goa are attracted to western dresses and they are mostly seen walking around in exuberant dresses that totally manifest the party essence of Goa. The Portuguese influence is still prevalent over the latest fashion trends in Goa and the clothing of the people, especially women who prefer vibrant floral prints on their Skirts, One-Piece and Gowns. Other than those, Sarees, Salwar-Kurtas, Jeans and Tops are also worn by the women. Men prefer shirt and trousers most of the time.
Goa is among the most popular wedding destinations in India, the weddings in Goa are Catholic-themed which involves many diverse customs and popular traditions that are known to capture the happiest times of couple beautifully. Beach themed weddings, weddings by the waterfall or scenic resorts are the hotspots of weddings in Goa. The clothing trends in Goa undergo evolution with time but the authentic costumes can never be fully uprooted from the culture.