This seas shore locale in the state of Maharashtra in India lies along the coast of the Konkan in the state. This is popular for its serene ambience, lovely scenic beauty and a virgin expanse of land and water. It is known by the other name of Dakshin Kashi and has great spiritual importance amongst the Hindus. There is a temple here and the presiding deity is the Indian god Shiva. Many people come to Harihareshwar specially to see this temple.

The city is believed to have been existing since the time of the emperor Shiva and the first Peshwa Bajirao is believed to have come here sometime in the year 1723. There are many temples here which are a complete proof of the kind of architectural intelligence India has and the Maratha influence on the constructions would interest a historian. There are many sculptures here which lend a lot of interest to the people interested to know more about the Indian epics and the extravagant historical tales that India has to relate always.

Shrivardhan is the city located near Harihareshwar and one can reach here from sea too. There are launches which take a person from the city of Shrivardhan to Harihareshwar. There is the Harihar hill or the Pushpadri which is near the Harihareshwar beach .The lovely green ambience shows that Mother Nature has constantly blessed this place and the thick vegetation only adds to the beauty. The glory and grandeur of the past is seen here and one has to just come here and enjoy and feel the difference of being in a paradise away from the rest of the world.

People normally come to Harihareshwar to feel the coolness of the sea breeze here and the tranquility in the beach. This place is the ideal spot for those who want to have the best of ambience, the least of noise and the calmness of spiritual surroundings. The sands in the beach are a perfect blend of softness and purity and people would surely love to lie in the lap of the Arabian sea and feel the serenity of the luscious surroundings enveloping them with thrill and pleasure. The unpolluted sands make a beach lover want to come here more and the sun tanner would love to get tanned here.

Tourists coming here get the lovely water travel on the small boats that are provided specially for this. Tourists are quite enthusiastic about coming here in these small boats and the experience is unbelievably nostalgic. You would always remember a trip to Harihareshwar.

Then you have the Ganesh gully , the land of Ganesh temples and the Kalbhairav temple which is another added attraction. All in all a must visit spot.

Haridwar is the place where the holy River Ganga is said to descend down, and crosses before she gurgles down to  the other town. Haridwar is the place where the Char Dham journey of India begins. The Char Dham journey includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. It is believed that any person who takes a holy dip in the River Ganga here attains salvation.

This pilgrim spot is a heavenly place at 249.7m altitude and has a huge area of around 2360sq km. The summers are very hot and the winters are very cold in Haridwar. There are many religious celebrations here all through the year and the festivals of Ganga Dusshera, Kumbh Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela are all popular. The Kumbh Mela is a unique fair of the Hindus which is held once in 12 years and it is believed that this is the time the planet Jupiter gets nearer to the planet Uranus.

Any devotee would be greatly content if he goes to Haridwar as it is a treasure house of temples and other religious destinations. There are lovely shopping areas for the devotees and also some sanctuaries where wildlife are preserved. It is required that a trip to Haridwar should include a visit to these places too. The Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi temple is a must go destination for anyone coming to this land of God Haridwar.

There are mythological tales related to Haridwar and also many references in the Indian epics too. It is also believed that history proves the existence of Haridwar since the time of the great Mauryan Empire. However the distinction of mention of the city goes to the Chinese traveler Huan Tsang who mentioned it in his works. This is also the place the Sikh founder Guru Nanak had his bath and today it is a Gurudwara .

The Har Ki Pauri is the centre of Haridwar’s attractions. This is where pilgrims go to have their bath and also worship the River Ganga. It is legendary belief that this is where the nectar fell when the ocean was churned while creating the world. And a footprint on the stone wall is believed to be that of the Indian God Lord Vishnu’s. The sight of the floating lamps that are put in the evening in the river at Haridwar is something to remember forever.

Then the Maya Devi Mandir is another important religious spot to be visited and gives Haridwar the other name of Mayapuri.

The Mansa Devi Mandir is also a popular pilgrim spot in Haridwar.

Many more places to see in Haridwar, and do make a point to visit this heavenly entrance.

Of the many places in the world, Trinidad and Tobago comes across as a great place for eco tourism. Just lying around 10 miles from Venezuela, this beautiful region has the best kind of flora and fauna and is said to have been a part of Venezuela but got separated some 11,000 years back. This offshoot of the Ice Age is a beautiful region of mountain ranges and hills with rich alluvial soil dominating the region. The Trinidad island has three mountain ranges – The Central, Northern and the Southern Hills. They are headed west and have the EL Cerro del Aripo as the highest peak. At a height of around 3000 feet, the place is made of quartzite, phylite and limestone. Here the soil quality is not very good and the vegetation is predominantly rainforests and woodlands of elfin. There are some plains having alluvial soil and the savannah belts are found here in plenty. The Caroni floodplains are also a main feature here.

Deciduous forests are found in the southern plains and they border the coastline. The hills are filled with two swamps – The Caroni Swamp and the Nariva Swamp. The Caroni lies in the western side ,the Nariva Swamp lies in the east and the Los Blanquizales Swamp in the south west.

While Trinidad is famous for this, Tobago has the reefs bordering the island and the water here is a beautiful blue green. The ranges here are from north to east and also from south to west. The Pigeon Peak here is a beautiful high locale and is the highest peak point. At an altitude of 1800 feet, a visit here certainly leaves you spell bound. There are lot of islets on the eastern portion of Tobago, and deciduous forests dominate the region mostly. The vegetation here is scrub and xerophytic and limestone is the main rock here. While you take a tour of this place you would be taken to the Pigeon Peak Reserve which is a haven for birds and is existing since 1765.

Eco tourism here is beautiful with the varied habitats and species found here and is a perfect entry for the ecological balance in this part of South America.

Trinidad and Tobago have a seasonal climate and the flora and fauna thrive according to the climate here.

With this kind of variety of animals, birds and trees, Trinidad and Tobago form a perfect place for eco tourism. With the myriad variety around, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss this pristine virgin spot tucked away in this part of the world.

Let us know the destinations one by one

Mayureshwar : The most important of the Ashtavinayak temples, this temple was built with black stone and. The four minarets in this temple give the feeling of being inside a mosque.

Shri Mayureshwar

Situated in Morgaon, this has a nandi which is the divine bull belonging to Lord Shiva. It is unique that you would find a nandi outside the temple of Lord Ganesha as normally only a Shiva temple has a nandi.. The idol has a left turned trunk, a cobra above and also has the two idols of Goddess Riddhi signifying capability and Goddess Riddhi depicting intelligence. The temple is situated in Morgaon.

Siddhi Vinayak temple

Located at Siddahtek, this is the place where it is believed Lord Vishnu killed Madhu and Kaitabh, two demons and prayed to Lord Ganesha. The idol here has a right turned trunk and the only one of its kind.  It is located on the Pune Solapur road.

Ballaleshwar

Legend has it that Lord Ganesha once saved a boy Ballala who was tortured by the locals. The temple is made of wood and was reconstructed by the Indian leader Nana Phadnavis. The idol has diamonds in the eyes and also the bellybutton and the shape is like the mountain behind. . The trunk points to the left. Here instead of the usual modak,besan laddu is given. It is situated on the Mumbai PUne highway.

Dhundi Vinayak

This temple faces west and which is a rare feature. The idol was thrown  by Ballala’s father and is still worshipped today. Even today people come here before going to the temple at Ballaleshwar.

Varada Vinayak

Located at Mahad, this temple faces east with a left turned trunk and has a perennially lit oil lamp. Here the devotees can come near the idol. It is situated on the Mumbai Pune highway.

Chintamani

Located at Theur, this temple faces north. With a left trunk the eyes are filled with diamonds. It is located on the Pune Solapur road.

Girijatmaj

Situated on the Pune Nashik highway it is located near Talegaon in Lenyadri.

Vignahar

Facing east this temple has a idol with a left trunk and ruby filled eyes. With a diamond on the forehead and navel, this also has the Riddhi and Siddhi idols. It is located on the Pune Nashik road.

Mahaganapati

Located in Ranjangaon, on the Pune Ahmednagar road, the idol here faces east with a left trunk.

A visit to the Ashtavinayak temple is a soul purifying experience.

When you visit the religious places in India, then Vaishno Devi in Northern part of India comes across as a must see destination. This pristine locale and virgin surrounding in the land of temples India, is a major attraction. With the lovely background of the snow clad mountains, and the cold surrounding the temple at Vaishno Devi is considered an ultimate spot.

Once you get the Yatra slip you are registered, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to get past the check post at a place called Banganga. It is better to reserve for rooms at the Sanjhichhat Bhawan as it makes things easier. Besides you also get porters, palanquins and porters if you need something different. You are provided with bedding, blanket, drink etc. As you stand in the line, your number will be announced. Then there is a waiting period to reach the temple. For this you have a big hall, and you are given a locker where you could have your articles stored properly.

As is with many other temples in India, Vaishno Devi also has certain rules. You are not allowed to use the cell phones there and photography and videography is prohibited too.  There is a particular dress code too and it is respectable not to have any conversation which is indecent. Please do co-operate with the security force there as it is for your own good that this security is had. There are lot of landslides in this area so protect yourself from this. Be a good citizen and be environmentally friendly by not littering the place and keeping things clean around. It is prudent not to carry valuable things and have any communications with any strangers. Tobacco is also strictly prohibited here.

While you are in this cold place you could fall sick, in which case you have the pony to carry you along. It is not decent to chant mantras, and shout within the temple premises. The authority should also not give any kind of tips or favors.

We can reach Vaishno Devi by taking a bus from Katra. You reach Katra from Jammu. One reaches Jammu by flight from Dehradun. The woolen clothing that you need can be purchased from Katra. You could avail of the walking sticks and other things like umbrellas.

As we go up the hilly tract of Vaishno Devi we pass Banganga the holy water, Charanpadhuka a place where the Goddess is believed to have rested, and then we would reach a place Adkuwari. Here there is an ancient cave. Then you would reach Sanjichat the highest point of the hike. The lovely panoramic view of the place is enthralling.

Thus Vaishno Devi with all its powers is an enchanting Indian festive destination

Ladakh – The land of quiet beauty and silent charm is also the land of the Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake, which lies in the stretch of Himalayan ranges and is an endorheic lake. Ladakhan charm exudes out of the lake as the saline waters of the lake are seen to completely freeze during winter.

Situated in Ladakh, this lake is gaining a lot of importance internationally as this region is being found to be a great wetland zone. Soon this area would be the first ever trans boundary region of wetland in the Southern part of the Continent of Asia.

Pangong Lake in spite of its beauty is also in a disputed territory – The line of control passing through this beautiful water mass. Shared by China, India and Tibet, the China portion is supervised by India. One should surely visit this place for its absolute virgin look and the serenity here is the ideal getaway spot for a tired soul.

The Khurnak fort near the lake is also important but today it is controlled by China. Witness to wars between India and China, the lake has brackish water and very little vegetation. Aquatic life is rare here just for a few crustaceans. But the beautiful ducks and the majestic gulls are a certain feast for the photographer and the nature lover. Besides we do find a good amount of herbs and marshes that grow throughout the year in this land of blue calm in Ladakh.

Migratory birds like the Brahmini duck and the Bar headed goose find Pangong a regular favourite and are seen headed towards this pristine blue zone. Wild animals like the Marmot and kiang are a common feature here.

Pangong Lake in Ladakh was earlier fed by the Shyok River, an offshoot of the River Indus. Geographical reports show how the vast mass of water of earlier days has shrunk to the size it is today.

Pangong is around 5 hours from the city of Leh and has an adventurous terrain stretch. Passing the Changla Pass, and the villages of Gya and Shey, we can see the army here protecting the region as we drive through. The Crazy Stream or Paagal Naala is seen as we pass through. A famous tourist spot, the Pangong Lake is open in the months of May to September.

It is required to take a permit to visit the Pangong Lake and it is sad that boating facilities aren’t allowed here for security reasons.

Thus with its bluish green waters and pristine locales, Pangong Lake is really an amazing destination.

The five day Golden Triangle tour gives you the best yet does not eat up into your time. Beginning at Delhi where the tour representative takes you to the hotel.  Delhi was at strategic advantage in the past and the present.

On the second day, you would head towards Jaipur which is around 562km from Delhi and is a five hour drive. Before that a tour of the capital of India is completed where we can see the Humayun’s tomb, Qutub Minar which is the tallest amongst the brick minarets, and many spectacular sights. It is no wonder therefore that these structures are a UNESCO World Heritage.

Jaipur or the Pink City is a tourist’s extravaganza. The Rajasthan capital is replete with colors, tales of chivalry and bravery and a heritage Indian city. There are nine sectors here depicting the nine universal divisions. The color and vibrancy is infectious here.

The third day of the Golden Triangle tour consists of a visit to the Amber Fort the place where the Indian King Raja Man Singh ruled over. Here the elephant ride is certainly a visual and personal treat and the fort on top of the hill completely leaves the tourist enthralled. The next place is the City Palace which showcases its architectural mix of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. The gardens, and views here from the Chandra Palace in the centre , the solar observatory Jantar Mantar, The Palace of Winds made of pink sandstone and the intricately carved windows or the Jharokas  exhibit the kaleidoscope of sights here.

The fourth day of the tour sees a visit to the historical city of Fatehpur Sikri which is situated around 260km from Delhi. A six hour drive to the city, this is also known as the Ghost city. Here we get to see the residential complex of Emperor Akbar, the tomb and mosque of Salim Chisti.

The last and the fifth day see us headed towards Agra and of course the much awaited glimpse of the Taj Mahal notwithstanding the Agra Fort. The symbol of unconditional love, the Taj Mahal is a feast for the eye and one is completely overthrown with the architectural brilliance of this monument. Then a visit to Sikandra to see Akbar’s tomb and back to Delhi.

At Delhi on the last day of the Golden Triangle tour, you could visit the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, India Gate built in memory of soldiers who sacrificed in the World War I and the Afghan War, and the Indian President’s residence.

All in all this five day mini destination tour is certainly your money’s worth and is worth your time too.

Thus it is not a surprise that it tops the list of tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh and the Khajuraho Dance Festival is another occasion to reckon with. Held in the months of February and March, the venue is the open air auditorium here which is also adjacent to the temple of the Sun God and the temple of the Indian God Lord Vishwanath or Shiva.  These temples come under the Western Group of temples in India which are very well maintained and are easily accessible.

The dance festival at Khajuraho gathered momentum since 2002, and is a weeklong extravaganza. During the festival, the temple looks different as it is decorated and is in full finery. Dancers come in here in great numbers and perform the classical Indian dance style. All the experts in the areas of the various Indian dances like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi congregate here and perform to an audience thirsty for a cultural experience. With the vibrant colors of masks and the equally vibrant dances the Khajuraho Dance Festival is not something to be missed.

The Khajuraho temples exhibit the best form of skills and arts by way of stupendously carved sculptures. All these sculptures exhibit the various expressions of dance and the exponents of music couldn’t be shown better here. Thus this is the ideal place for a festival related only to dance.

When ones sees the intricately set out steps of the Kathak dance, the demureness of Bharatnatyam, the softness and grace of Odissi, the song dance sequences of Kuchipudi, the ancientness of Manipuri and the well laid out stage fights of Kathakali with the masks, then one is ensured that art and culture exists here in the dance festival at Khajuraho the land of sculptures.

This is also the time when the Indian artists get a chance to share their talents with the rest of the world. India is a land of never-ending surprises when it comes to talent and art. With its unique tradition and a culture dating back to centuries, the exponents of all kind of art forms find their way to this festival where all forms of indigenous expressions are given a perfect platform.

Khajuraho is easily accessible by road from all Indian cities and has Delhi, Agra and Varanasi as the nearest airports. Jhansi and Satna are the nearest railway stations.

So if you are looking for dollops of art and culture visit this artistic Indian village. With such mystical values, Khajuraho is a must visit during the Dance Festival.

Today water is the need of the hour and thus water conservation is a must. Let us get to know how we could save wastage of water.

In our gardens we have the system of sprinklers. If we use it such that only the lawns are watered and the water does not splash on the outer boundaries it is a good water conservation tip. Besides it is better to do this in the early mornings or late evenings when the evaporation is less.

Drip irrigation is a good way of saving water while watering big shrubs and huge trees.

When we rinse the fruits and vegetables in the kitchen then these could be reused to water the plants in the house. Plant new plants during Fall when there is lot of rain.

Adjusting the lawn mower to a higher level ensures that the moisture content in the soil is held well. Wash pets while watering the lawn. Reuse water to wash the pets to water plants.

Collect water from the roof and reuse it in the garden area.

If you have a kitchen with two sinks then it is better to fill one sink with water and then use that water to rinse in the other sink .

It is good to upgrade all appliances like air conditioners , ice makers etc as they consume less water and energy.

At home,  ensure that the dishwasher and the washing machine is completely loaded and only then started to avoid wastage of water.

In a spa or a pool at home, covering  it up lessens evaporation. Clean your driveway with a broom instead of a hose. Adjust the temperature of the bath tub as the water fills.

Please remember to turn the tap off as it saves approximately 25 to 30 gallons of water. Keep the tap off while rinsing out lather before washing hands. First shampoo the hair , then start the water to save gallons of water. Similarly ensure that you shave first and then start the water.

At work, encourage water conservation awareness campaigns. At school teachers could educate children on water conservation by asking them to make a project or a presentation on the same.

As alert citizens we could alert any leak on a water hydrant, repair leaking pipes at home and inform owners about automatic errant sprinklers.

Thus it is seen that water conservation is the need of the hour and a reduced water table and increased salt content caused due to chemicals has put the water level at danger. So it is our call to ensure proper conservation of water.

The Hindu temples during Pongal hosts elaborate celebrations garnished with symphony created by clarinets, drums, conch shells etc. Pongal is celebrated primarily to mark the ending of traditional farming season; during this festival the hardworking farmers get breaks from their droning and draining routine.

The festival of Pongal is celebrated most elaborately in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here, Pongal celebration continues for 4 consecutive days starting from the 13th of January till the 15th of January.  On January 13 people of Tamil Nadu celebrate ‘Bhogi’, on January 14 they celebrate ‘Pongal’, the 15th of January sees celebration of ‘Maattuppongal’ and on the final day i.e. January 16 the ‘Thiruvalluvar Day’ is celebrated.

During ‘Bhogi’, the people of Tamil Nadu gather old materials and clothes and put fire to them; this ritual marks the start of new lives for them. On January 14, the residents here start celebrating Pongal with boiling of fresh milk in the early hours of the morning. Allowing the milk to boil above the vessel is a tradition and the act is also what Pongal actually means. Then, throughout the day people continues to exchange greetings. Gifting sweets to relatives and friends is also a part of the Pongal rituals. The next day i.e. the day of ‘Maattuppongal’ is meant for offering thanks to buffaloes and cows as these animals are the ones who plough the agricultural lands. On Thiruvalluvar Day also referred to as Kanum Pongal, the locals go for picnics.