Tuesday, May 10

Mcleodganj - Dharamsala



Around 4km above Dharamsala, or 10km via the main road, McLeod Ganj is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. It’s also the main traveller hangout in Himachal Pradesh, with dozens of budget hotels, trekking companies, net cafés, traveller restaurants, video movie parlours and wall-to-wall shops selling Tibetan souvenirs.


Dharamsala is situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range, the Pir Panjal region of the Outer Himalayas; and commands majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dhauladhar means "white ridge" and this breathtaking, snow-capped range rises out of the Kangra Valley to a height of 5,200 meters (17,000 feet).


McLeod was established in the mid-1850s as a British garrison and it briefly served as an administration centre for the colonial government until the devastating earthquake of 1905. It remained a back­water until 1960, when the Dalai Lama and his entourage claimed asylum here following the Chinese invasion of Tibet.


Since this time, McLeod has become a major centre for the study of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. There are all sorts of holistic activities and courses on offer, and lots of travellers come here to volunteer on community projects that focus on the refugee community.


Sightseeing 
There are several sight seeing places in McLeodganj. The most important of all is the Buddhist temple, Tsuglag Khang. It is the biggest Buddhist temple outside Tibet and is located opposite to the Dalai Lama's residence. Norbulingka Institute is also a must visit because it is the center for training of traditional Tibetan arts and crafts. You can watch the craftsmen at work. The Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA) is another place to learn about the traditional Tibetan dance and opera. There are several monasteries where you can train yourself to practice Buddhism. Other than that, you can also enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding mountains. Bhagsu Waterfall is an ideal recreation and picnic spot here. You can also go trekking and camping at Triund.


How To Reach
On the MAP:


By Air
The nearest Airport is at Gaggla, approxiamtely 13 km away from the town. 
By Rail
The nearest railway station is that of Pathankot, approxiamtely 85 km away.
By Road
There are regular bus services from Manali, Delhi and Shimla to Dharamsala.

Thursday, April 14

Neemrana Fort - Jaipur


Neemrana town in Alwar and is located on the Delhi-Jaipur highway. Neemrana has got its name from a valiant local chieftain named Nimola Meo. He had to suffer defeat at the hands of the Chauhans and appealed that his name should be given to his lost kingdom. Neemrana is an ideal base to explore the surrounding destinations that have lots in store to offer to visitors. A trip to Neemrana is incomplete without a visit to the Neemrana Fort, which is the most popular among the tourist attractions in Neemrana. Neemrana Fort is located on a high hillock and it commands magnificent views of the surrounding nature beauty. When you step inside this hotel, you will virtually get transported to an entirely different world. The ambiance is simply captivating and features period furniture, antique works of art and frescoed paintings. The nearby town of Kesroli is located at a distance of 155 kms from Delhi and is an ideal base for exploring the grandeur and natural beauty of Rajasthan. This place is only some distance from Neemrana and excursions from Neemrana would be ideal for exploring this magnificent town that has also its mention in the mythology. 
According to the historians this place can be traced to Matsya Janapada of the Mahabharata times. Here you will come across some of the oldest remains of a Buddhist Vihara where the Pandavas are believed to have spent the last year of their exile. One can catch a glimpse of the reclining statue of Hanuman; memorial of the ruler saint Bhartrihari and Talavriksha with very old water reservoirs. 

General Information about Neemrana Fort Palace:
Location: Neemrana on Jaipur – Delhi Highway
State: Rajasthan
Capital: Jaipur
Language: Mewari, Hindi, English
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Neemrana Fort Palace:
By Air :
Neemrana Fort-Palace is India’s oldest heritage resort. It is also Rajasthan’s closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway – only 100 kms from Delhi’s international airport.
By Rail :
Delhi is connected to almost all the cities in the country by super-fast and express trains. The city of Delhi has three major railway stations at Delhi, Old Delhi, and Nizamuddin. Luxury trains like the Palace-on-Wheels; Fairy Queen, and Royal Orient Express can be taken from Delhi Cantonment railway station. Rajdhani Express trains connect Delhi from the state capitals. Shatabdi Express trains connect Delhi to the neighboring cities.
By Road :
New Delhi is connected to all the major cities of the northern India through road.

Friday, July 2

Have You Bought Your Games Ticket Yet

Where to Purchase:

Online: www.tickets.cwgdelhi2010.org

By Phone: 1800-20-1294 (Toll free)

By Person:

Cental Bank of India Branches:

Parliament Street
Greater Kailash -1
Defense Colony
Khan Market
Press Area
Janakpuri

Here Honda Outlets:

Patparganj, Delhi
G.T Karnal Road, Delhi
MG Road, Gurgaon
Neelam Bata Road, Faridabad
Sector - 4 NOIDA