Palace-on-Wheels Train: The best luxurious train
The passenger coaches were meant to be the personal railway coaches of the rulers of states of Gujarat, Rajputana, the Nizam of Hyderabad as well as the Viceroy of British India. After independence, these coaches were not being used by the Indian Railways in normal passenger trains on account of so rich and traditional interiors.
“Palace-on-Wheels” name was derived from its royal back-ground of the coaches. In 1990, Palace-on-Wheels Train was introduced which is new air conditioned meter gauge. The train includes 2 Restaurant cum Kitchen car, sharing toilets had 13 Saloons, 4 Service Cars and one Bar cum Lounge. In 1995, the present 14 Passenger Saloon train was introduced with A/C cabins attached toilets and offers Royal comforts with modern amenities personalised service due to conversion of tracks to broad gauge in Rajasthan.
About Interior Layout:
Each saloon has four coupes or sleeping rooms with attached toilet. There one attendant and is one saloon captain valet in every saloon to look for the personal needs of its tourists. Each saloon has a small pantry to provide ready snacks and tea/coffee.
The Luxury train tours exploring Palaces, Museums, Forts, hills and temples during the day and at night resting in ‘Royal Saloons” of the trains that provide guests a life time experience. The Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey, the Royal Orient and the Fairy Queen cover many interesting historical cities and towns of India.
Therefore, in the past 20 years, Palace-on-Wheels has been rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.
So, I must say that this is my dream train or dream journey.
The Fairy Queen Train: Most famous heritage train of India
The Fairy Queen train is the most famous heritage train of India and it is the oldest working steam locomotive in the world. It is hauled by the Fairy Queen Steam Locomotive started running from 27th October, 2007 during the Tourist season 2007-08 as per the schedule, package, trips and tariff.
The Fairy Queen train was built by the British firm Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson for the British firm East India Railways. It has 50 seats and a pantry car for on board catering. The winner of the National Tourism Award and a Guinness Book of World Records holder, this beauty rolled again from Delhi on 1st February 1997, after a gap of 142 years.
A large glass window is the main attraction of the train that provides a beautiful view of rural countryside and the beautiful as well as unique engine bogey of the train.
The itinerary of Fairy Queen includes 1 Night/ 2 Days journey and it is exclusively designed for those who want to s the beauty of Rajasthan’s countryside and also rich wildlife. The destinations of the train includes Alwar, Delhi and the world famous Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. On every 2nd and 4th Saturday, the train starts its journey from Delhi Cantonment Railway station in the months of October to March.
Package Includes:
The two-day tourist package includes lodging, on-ground catering, boarding, visit to Sariska National Park, transfer facility, cultural programmes etc. In this package, you would be taken to Alwar and would be lodged at Sariska in Hotel ‘Tiger Den’.
So, what is your program?
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: the finest bird park in the World
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world and located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan India. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as ‘Keoladeo Ghana National Park’ and is known as an ‘Ornithologist’s Paradise’. The sanctuary developed by an erstwhile Maharaja of Bharatpur and is the only manmade wildlife sanctuary in India. The sanctuary covers an area of 29 sq km (approximately), out of which, 10 sq km comprises of fresh shallow lakes, water marshes and bogs.
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home of over 400 species of exotic, unique and rare birds that include migratory and indigenous water birds that includes the world-famous Siberian Cranes. This sanctuary also shelters some endangered and rare species of birds, which makes it one of the most inviting destinations in the world for nature lovers and ornithologists.
Other most commonly and important spotted birds at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary are Cranes, Pelicans, Ducks, Hawks, Eagles, Pipits, Wheatears, Warblers, Wagtails, Buntings, Flycatchers, Larks, Painted storks, Shanks, Pipits, Cormorants, White Ibis, Pale, Stints and Marsh Harriers. Thousands of Jacanas and Moorhens can also be spotted in the floating vegetation on the water surface of the park.
Other Travel Attractions near the Bird Sanctuary
• Bharatpur Govenment Museum: After the Bharatpur sanctuary, one of the major attention grabber is Government Museum of Bharatpur that provides a glimpse of the past royal splendour of Bharatpur.
• Lohagarh Fort: The Lohagarh Fort remained unconquered despite many attacks by the British regime.
• Bharatpur Palace: The Bharatpur Palace is not far from the museum, an marvellous structural blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
• Deeg Palace: The Deeg Palace is situated 32-kms away from Bharatpur. Deeg Palace was the summer resort of the rulers of Bharatpur and houses numerous beautiful gardens and palaces.
Best Time to Visit Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is open throughout the year, but the ideal visiting months are from October to February for migrant birds and August to November for resident breeding birds.
I hope would like to find a suitable time to visit the park.
Kaziranga National Park
Kaziranga National Park is the oldest in Assam and lies partly in Nagaon District and partly in Golaghat District of Assam. It covers an area of about 430 Sq. km. Kaziranga National Park is said to be the best home of the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros but also provides shelter to a variety of wild lives. The landscape of Kaziranga is of sheer forest, rugged reeds, tall elephant grass, marshes and shallow pools. In 1974, Kaziranga has been declared as National Park.
Wild life Species
Elephant, Rhinoceros, Indian bison, Samber, Swamp deer, Hog deer, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, hog badger, Hoolock gibbon, Capped langur, Jackal, Goose, lbis, Hornbills, Cormorants, Heron Fishing Eagle, Egret etc. A large number of migratory birds are seen here during winter.
Near Kaziranga National Park, GL’s Resort is located at the foothills of Burapahar in Golaghat District of Assam. This resort offers you an accommodation in well-furnished cottages with all modern amenities. For adventures, picnics, sports tours as well as for students outing there are tents with attached bathroom. The restaurant serves Chinese, continental, South Indian, Assamese delicacies and North Indian. A spacious hall is equipped with modern sound system and other equipments are available for seminars, parties and conferences. Swimming pool, Tennis and badminton courts are the other facilities. The resort also has a children’s park.
Other facilities available are:
• Attached Bathroom with Geyser
• Colour TV
• Restaurant
• Bar and Wine shop
• Children Park
Best Time to Visit
Kaziranga National Park visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. In the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the grasslands and causing animals to migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.
So, I hope in this winter vocations, you would prefer to visit this Kaziranga National Park.
Konark Temple
Konark Temple also known as the Black Pagoda, is a 13th-century Sun Temple situated at Konark, in Orissa. It was constructed from weathered and oxidizing ferruginous sandstone by the Ganga King Narasimhadeva I in 1278 CE of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. This temple is the most well renowned temples in India and it is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the seven wonders of India.
Konark is the most well known tourist attractions of Orissa. Konark temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It is a magnificent temple reflecting the genius of the architects that built it. Konark, Bhubaneshwar and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa.
The Konark name is derived form the words Arka and Kona – Corner: Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra and Konaditya. This temple was referred to as the Black Pagoda. In late 19th century, the ruins of this temple were excavated. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, but the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state and it is awe inspiring.
The Konark Sun temple is famous not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the profusion and intricacy of sculptural work. The temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels of each about 10 feet in diameter with a set of elaborate carvings and spokes. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. Seven horses drag the temple. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.
The nata mandir is also intricately carved, in front of the Jagamohana. Up the walls and roof, around the base of the temple are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of foliage, animals, men, and warriors on horses as well as other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God that positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, sunset and noon.
Wow! So, this is the beauty of famous Konark Sun temple.
Fatehpur Sikri: The culmination of Muslim and Hindu architecture
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Built in: 1571 – 1585
Build By: Akbar
Fatehpur Sikri is about 37 kms from Agra and is built in Red Sandstone during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. For only some 10 years, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire. All the complex of temples and monuments are in a uniform architectural style that includes the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.
Akbar had planned this city as his capital but the shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. The capital of Mughals was shifted to Lahore within 20 years. Fatehpur Sikri is the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height.
During 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was built. Today, this city has a population of about 30,000. This city has many of the old structures because of the efforts of the Archaeological department.
Fatehpur Sikri is a place where you can visit Agra and spend some time. The sunset over the ruins is sight to cherish. It is the best example of the culmination of Muslim and Hindu architecture.
It was the first planned city of the Mughals. The sloping levels of the city were connected into terraces which were utilised for many complexes like Jami masjid, tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti and Buland-Darwazah; Shahi-Bazar, Khass Mahal, Mina-Bazar, the Panch-Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Khwabgah, Anup-Talao, Diwan-i-Am and Chaupar. The efficient system of water-supply and drainage adopted here suggest an intelligent town-planning by the Mughal emperor.
Timings & Entry Fees
• Indians: INR Rs 50/-
• Foreigners: Rs 485/-
• Open on all Days
I hope now you would like to visit Fatehpur Sikri to see its beauty.
Enjoy the 29th INDIA International Trade Fair 2009, New Delhi
The 29th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2009 is presented by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). IITF is a beautiful event that held every year from November 14th to 27th in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
This event is the only event held in India in terms of its content and size, it is both a B2C and a B2B event. The fair shows the latest developments and services in many different sectors of Indian economy and also represents a microcosm of today’s India. It serves to launch new brands as well as put on display a variety of products on the consumer sector that attracts a large number of visitors from India and also from abroad.
The India International Trade Fair deals with Industries like scientific and technological achievements in all sectors of industry, capital goods, agriculture, infrastructural facilities, IT and telecommunications, services sector, food and food products, toys, consumer durables, textiles and clothing, kitchenware, giftware, sports goods and equipment, medical and herbal products, building materials, leather goods and all kinds of electronic entertainment products, engineering goods etc.
This event also includes cultural shows both folk and classical drawn from all parts of the country. Dance, puppetry, theatres, music both instrumental and vocal will be the main attractions in evenings. Also, the visitors can enjoy India’s varied cuisines in every days of the event.
Some other highlights of the fair are:
• Eco-friendly bags made of paper, jute, cloth at nominal rates at 28 kiosks
• Green event with no plastic bags allowed inside the grounds
• Entire Pragati Maidan declared no-smoking zone
• Live theatre, puppetry, dance and music in evenings
• Five days exclusively reserved for business visitors
• Ethnic food from different states
• Special exhibition on India’s space odyssey at the Nehru Pavilion
• Increased frequency of Metro, public transport service
• Special displays on good living, electronics, auto, textiles, jewellery, jute
• International business lounge for professional facilitation services
Important Details:
• Time: 14th -27th November
• Duration: Fourteen Days
• Fair opens half hour earlier, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• During weekends, tickets sale will close at 2:00 p.m. and entry end at 4:00 p.m.
• Free entry for authorised school children in uniform, except on weekends
So, it’s a time to enjoy yourself with your friends, Family, relatives and other people. So, go and enjoy your lovely moments of this year.
The Essel World: India’s Largest Amusement Park
The Essel World is the Mumbai’s hot entertainment spots. This hot spot is Mumbai’s international style theme park and the scintillating amusement center that is located close to Gorai Beach, Borivli (West) Mumbai. Essel World is the wonderful place to be for all in love with racing their adrenaline to the maximum.
You can hire special ferries outside the city to reach the park that sprawls over 64 acres of green landscape. EsselWorld is a guaranteed spot to pep you up with over 34 thrilling and scintillating games, rides and amusements.
In Essel World, the full fun includes Adult’s Rides, Children’s Rides and Family Rides. There are also some of the coin-operated games such as Derby Racer, Crazy Shuttle, Water Lazer, Aqua Blasta etc for you enjoy a lot.
Since the Essel world has something for all palates, you may also rejoice. Food lovers can enjoy a quick pizza or the mushy local delicacy: Bhel Puri or a Chinese meal. After a hectic amusement bout, this place will also provide you to have nice menu of delectable recipes.
Timing:
Everyday, the Essel World is open from 11pm to 7pm, but the time extends to 9pm during the days of school vacations.
Tickets rate:
Adult (4 ft. 6 in. & above): Rs.380 (weekdays) & Rs.480 (weekends & holidays)
Child (between 3 ft. 3 in. & 4 ft. 6 in.): Rs.250 (weekends) & Rs.350 (weekends & holidays)
Child (below 3 ft. 3 in.): FREE
How to Reach Essel World?
The Essel World is well connected from across the city, situated at Location Gorai Island, Borivli (West) Mumbai. The nearest Railway Stations are Borivali or Malad. You get down here and make an exciting journey by sea (Ferry) and road. You could also reach there by road via Bhayandar on Western Express Highway.
So, when you are planning to go?
Dilli Haat promotes the arts and crafts of Indian Industry
Delhi Haat lies in the hub of South Delhi. It is located at Shri Aurobindo Marg, Opposite INA market, one near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and another at Netaji Subash Place, adjacent to Netaji Subash Place Metro Station.
Dilli Haat has various stalls that represent each state of India, gives a complete variety of tastes available all over India. It is a combination food plaza and craft bazaar from all over India and from number of cultural traditions of India. The Tourist Dept. of Delhi has been developed to enhance the craft-manship of India. The place gives a platform to them to show their skilled work. Dilli Haat is mostly filled by tourists in the evening.
They offers the products that may include embellished camel hide footwear, rosewood and sandalwood carvings, sophisticated fabric and gems, drapery, beads, metal crafts, brassware, silk and wool fabrics. So, you can get the products at a nominal price. Handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex.
Architecture
The architectural features of the complex are designed in the traditional north Indian style with brickwork jail and stone roofs. There is a hall in the complex caters for the exhibitions of the handlooms and handicrafts. A souvenir shop displays attractive ethnic products. Without any concrete structures, the small thatched roof cottages and kiosks provide a village atmosphere.
Between the shops, the courtyards are paved in stone and interspaced with grass to retain a visual softness. This place also incorporates colorful flowering shrubs and trees and therefore, the entire complex is in harmony with the environment. The best time to visit Delhi Haat is the evening.
Entry Tickets
Cost of ticket is Rs.5/- for child and Rs.15/- for adult.
So, you can enjoy the glitters of the village set up as well as can to see the wide diversity of Indian culture.
Fare at Fun and Food Village/ Fun ‘N’ Food Village/Fun & Food Village Delhi, Gurgaon
• Attractions- Flying Carpet, Mono Rail and Aqua Pool
• Ticket for adults - 400/- (Mon-Fri) and 450/- (Sat, Sun and Holiday). Fee of the park is subject to change.
• Children upto 33′- Free
• Children below 4’6- 300/-
• Visit Timings: 9.30 am to 8.00 pm on weekdays (in summer) & may vary
o 9.00 am to 9.00 pm on weekdays and holidays (in summer)
o 9.30 a.m to 6.30 pm. (in winter)
• Best time – June to February
Location of Fun and Food Village:
Fun and Food Village is located on the Old Delhi – Gurgaon Highway, three kilometers from the international airport.
About the Park
The Fun n Food Village is also known as the amusement park which is for people of all ages including joy rides and a water park. It is established in 1993 and was inaugurated by former President of India Giani Zail Singh.
Fun and Food Village has two main sections: the Amusement and the Water Park section.
Some of the major attractions of the Fun n Food Village is 22 water slides, 21Amusement Rides and kids water play area. Cultural programs like dramas and dances from different parts of the country are also performed here.
For your convenience, facilities provided are:
• Enquiries
• Credit cards
• Wheelchairs
• Rest Rooms are located in all major areas within the park
• Parent’s nursing rooms are available
• Change Rooms are available for ladies and gents
• Public telephones are available
• Lockers
• First aid and ambulance
Funs and Rides in Amusement Park:
• Tora Tora
• Rock N Roll
• Snow Blasher
• Polo Trooper
• Water Merry
• Eagle Ride
• Magic Carpet
Rides in Water Park:
• Aqua Shute
• Interactive Play Area
• Speed Coaster
• Float Slide
I hope you will have a great time in the Fun n Food Village.
