Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Jan 26, 2018

15 Best Honeymoon Places In World

 Honeymoon Places In World

couple enjoying winter honeymoon
Being a key ingredient to spice up a relationship, a honeymoon requires an apt amount of intimacy and seclusion to kickstart a newly built bond. Therefore, it

The Hills From Mumbai!

Beat The Heat 

With the temperature in Mumbai soaring higher each day, one of the best ways to escape the heat is to visit the hill stations around the city. Moreover, these places can be covered over a weekend (preferably a long one), thus saving you precious leaves! All these hill stations are accessible by road, with cabs being easily available and the roads being very scenic. So here’s presenting a list of some of the most-loved hill stations around Mumbai:

Jan 23, 2018

Road trips from Chandigarh to Himalayas

Journey is the Destination

Dan Eldon once said,  “Journey is the Destination“. The landscapes that you witness while travelling to your destination gives you as much peace as the destination itself. The memories that you create while riding on the tough roads rests for the lifetime. There is no reason why should not take a road trip with your friends. India has a lot of scenic road trips to offer, but the trail to the Himalayas steals the show for its scenery that changes its mood very frequently. The Chandigarh city lies very closely to the border of Himachal Pradesh and hence it is quite a famous base to begin your journey towards the majestic Himalayan ranges. Here is the list of best road trips to the Himalayas that you can plan from Chandigarh.

Food of Bihar | 19 Dishes From Bihar Which You Must Try

Food of Bihar

The historically rich land of Bihar is equally famous for the plethora of delicacies that feature in its cuisine. The scrumptious and exotic Bihari dishes are highly capable of tingling the taste bud of every food connoisseur.

Jan 6, 2018

One day sightseeing in Bangalore: Bangalore Sightseeing

Bangalore Sightseeing

“Bengaluru” – A traveller’s delight. A Verdant city amidst the Serene greenery filled with loads of fun and colorful delights. Known as the “Garden City Of India” and also as the “Silicon Valley of India” Bengaluru is the capital of ‘Karnataka’ and one of most Scenic and Pristine Metropolitan cities in India.
Boasting history dating back to the 15th century A.D, this beautiful city was founded by Sri Kempegowda who was a feudatory ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, this city has everything right from the pre historical Temples to one of the most technologically advanced research institutes like “The Indian Institute of Science (IISC)” and many more. Overall, we have some of the best places for one day sightseeing in Bangalore hand picked for you.

10 Getaways for Camping near Delhi

 Delhi

Your weekend is coming up and you are tired of your monotonous life of going back and forth from work and then lazing around during the weekends. Well then, why don’t you bring some adventure and excitement in your life? Probably try a new and different experience? Even escape from the city and go into the wilderness and get in touch with nature? Well, here are 8 one-day camping getaways that you could try and liven up your weekend!

25 Team Outing Places Near Bangalore

Outing Places Near Bangalore

Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India and is home to thousands of offices. The road traffic in Bangalore is also known to be one of the worst in the country, and we always hear stories of people stuck for hours together in roadblocks and traffic jams. If you are one such Bangalorean who wants to have a day or two out with your team to relax, rejuvenate and let your hair down and is looking for the top places for team outings near Bangalore, you have come to the right page.

ADRENALINE RUSH IN DUBAI – Top Adventure Activities

ADRENALINE RUSH IN DUBAI – Top Adventure Activities

With skyscrapers soaring way above the clouds, a desert on one side and the beautiful beach on the other, no place on this planet could redefine the term ‘Luxury’ as well as Dubai. The kind of growth it has shown in the last 2 decades is unheard of. While popularly known for its majestic architectural structures, another aspect of this amazing place is the wide range of adventure sports that Dubai has to offer to tourists from across the world. Each sport guarantees to pump up your adrenaline and give the experience of a lifetime. Whether you’re newlywed honeymooners, a bachelor’s crew or a spinster’s squad, or even a family on vacation, these sports will definitely give you the opportunity to renew your heartbeat and feed the daredevil inside you!

Valentine’s Day Special: Offbeat Romantic Places in India

Valentine’s Day Special

Being in love is great but traveling with the one you love? Priceless. There are some who manage to find romance wherever they go while there are some places so charming that it brings out the romance in people. Places like Auli and Andamans are already among the favorite honeymoon destinations and seem to be overflowing with couples in love. But many a times one wants to spend their time with their significant other in places where love comes from within.
So we said, don’t go to Gulmarg where everyone you see is a couple. Go to Pahalgam where you are the most loving couple. This list comprises of such known and lesser known Romantic places in India which oozes romance and lure you to it. To the singles out there, we haven’t forgotten you. This list is as much for you as it is for the couples. Some of these destinations make for great solo trips to explore your solitude in while being romanced by the place.

Jan 5, 2018

12 Best Resorts with Water Facing View for A Perfect Break

 Best Resorts with Water Facing View for A Perfect Break

You’re just going through the dates, and your eyes glisten with excitement as you see the holiday seasons approaching. Doesn’t this just happen to all of us out there? And what better way to celebrate the well-needed break from the hectic lifestyle other than pampering oneself in one of the posh and lavish resorts of the country! We believe in bringing to our readers, the best places to visit and enjoy all the amenities. This time, our targets are the splendid water face view resorts all across the nation. Scroll down and pick your favorite to spend your time during the coming holidays. You can thank us later folks!

15 Resorts Near Kolkata For A Perfect Weekend Getaway

15 Resorts Near Kolkata For A Perfect Weekend Getaway

I think Delhiites know how to party, but Kolkata has people who know how to celebrate. I think that’s the main difference.– Gautam Gambhir

This one simple sentence encompasses the spirit of Kolkata in all its true sense. Touted as the “City of Joy”, people here sure know how to celebrate and rejoice. When it comes to travelling in luxury and style, Kolkata won’t let you down. There are a number of luxury resorts in and around this city, which will let you unwind amidst total serenity. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway with your family or a place to chill out with your friends, Kolkata has it all in store for you.
These 15 resorts around Kolkata is your heaven for a weekend getaway!

15 Places To Go With Your Friends Just After You Graduate

15 Places To Go With Your Friends Just After You Graduate

Graduating is a monumental time in any student’s life. As someone who’s graduating this very year, I can understand the storm of emotions that we go through, every day and every night. Emotions can be solicited by the smallest of things and there’s full reason for it. This is your big push-off into the real world and every emotion that you feel is  justified many times over.
But, standing at the threshold of your runway, you’ve every right to take things a little slow at the last moment. So, take a trip with your buddies. Life is quite worthless without that last trip you take as students and the memories you pack during that time. Therefore, we at Holidify put together a list of trips that you can take with your amigos before life starts for you in a big way after summer this year.

11 Best Zoos in India – A Zoological Zing For A Break

11 Best Zoos in India

Chhath Puja- Bihar’s Biggest Festival : 7 things That Every Indian Should Know

Chhath Puja- Bihar’s Biggest Festival 

What is Chhath Puja?

A gathering of devotees, Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja, Source

Festivals and Fairs from the Land of Bihar

Festivals and Fairs of Bihar

India is a land of varied culture, festivals, beliefs and religions. Whichever part of the country you visit, you will come across some culture that will be completely different from your own. It is simply amazing how one country houses so many diversified religions. People of this country love to celebrate festivals and feel it is an opportunity to get together with friends and family and have merriment.
Each state of the country has some festivals that are a unique part of its cultural heritage and are different from the rest. It fascinating to witness these festivities. Bihar wholeheartedly celebrates festivals like Durga Puja, Bhaiya Dooj, Holi, Saraswati Puja etc.
But there is one festival that is uniquely associated with Bihar, and that is the festival of Chhath. Today, we bring you a list of festivals from the Land of Biharis- Bihar!

1. Chatth Puja

This is probably the most famous festival of this State. When one hears Chatth Puja, Bihar instantly comes to the mind. This is an actually an ancient Hindu festival which is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and take place 6 days after Diwali. It is an expression of thanks giving and seeking blessings from the Almighty for sustaining life on Earth. During this festival, the person observing Chatth, also known as Parvati, observes a fast from dawn to dusk which concludes with sweets. This fast is followed by another fast for 36 hours till the final day, when puja starts at the river, before sunrise. You can witness thousands of devotees and the river during this time. Witnessing Chatth Puja will let you witness the devotion in its true sense.

2. Sama Chakeva

During the winter when the birds migrate from the Himalayas towards the plains, the celebration of Sama-Chakeva takes place. This festival is celebrated specifically in Mithila. When the colourful birds migrate towards their land, this festival takes place, marking the brother-sister relationship. It starts with welcoming the pair of birds Sama- Chakeva. The girls make an idol of the birds and decorate them in their own traditional way. After this, the festivities take place with full splendour, and ends by a Vidaai of the Sama, with a wish that these birds return to the land the next year.

3. Shravani Mela

This festival or rather Mela is observed every during the month of Shravan (July-August). It is an important month-long ritual which is held along a 108 km long route linking towns of Deogarh and Sultanganj. The devotees who take part, known as Kanwarias, wear saffron-coloured clothes and collect water from the sacred Ghats at Sultanganj. They then walk barefoot on the 108 km long stretch to Deogarh to bathe the sacred Shiva-linga. This festival draws thousands of people from all around the country every year.

4. Sonepur Cattle Fair

This fair of Bihar has its root in ancient mythology and folklore. The Sonepur Cattle fair is the Asia’s largest cattle fair which takes place in the town of Sonepur in Bihar. It is held on Kartik Purnima that is the first full moon after the festival of Diwali. In this fair, domestic cattle like an elephant, camel, sheep and birds are brought in from around the country and sold here. Apart from this, varied handicrafts and handloom stalls are also put up, along with the magic show and folk dances. This fair attracts a large number of foreign tourists each year.

5. Makar Sankranti Mela

The Makar Sankranti Mela is held every year at Rajgir (a town in Bihar) in the month of January. The devotees make flower offering to the deities in the temple and take a dip in the holy water. Another site associated with this festival is the Mandar Hills in the Banka district. According to legends, a great Asura once threatened the gods. The Lord Vishnu cut off the Asura’s head and piled up the body under the weight of the Mandar hill. The famous panchjanya – the sankh (conch shell) used in the Mahabharat war is believed to have been found here on the hills. This makes it a rather famous festival of the state.

6. Pitrapaksha Mela

This mela is held in Gaya each year, in the month of September. In this fair, people from all parts of the country come to worship their ancestors as part of the Shraddha ritual. The gayalis, descendants of the Magga Brahmans perform the Shraddha ceremony. This is a mandatory Hindu ritual which is believed to bring salvation to the departed soul. This tradition traces back to Buddha, who is believed to have performed the first pindan here.

7. Rajgir Mahotsav

Rajgir is the ancient capital of the Magadhan Empire in Bihar and is held sacred by both Jains and Buddhists because of its long association with Buddha and Mahavira. A Rajgir Mahotsav is held every year by the Department of Tourism, Bihar. It is a colourful festival of dance and music. A complete serene atmosphere is created here with the instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet and other dance and art forms. This festival held in the last week of October attracts a large number of tourists from around the world.

8. Bihula

The Bihula festival is mainly prominent in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. This festival is rather famous in the Eastern Bihar and has various myths associated with it. People pray to the Goddess Mansa to protect their families. This festival is held during the month of August each year. The festival celebrates the brilliant Manjusha Art, which is as magnificent as other art forms found in Bihar.

9. Buddha Jayanti

The Buddha Jayanti is celebrated during the month of May, on the Baisakh Purnima (full moon day). It is believed that Buddha was born, enlightened and passed away on the same full moon day. Thus, the festival Buddha Jayanti came to be celebrated. This is especially celebrated in the town Bodh Gaya and Rajgir. This day marks the day of prayer and celebration at the Mahabodhi Temple.
This just shows how great the culture of Bihar really is. Be sure to witness these festivals at least once in your lifetime!

Road trips from Chandigarh to Himalayas
One day sightseeing in Bangalore: Bangalore Sightseeing
10 Getaways for Camping near Delhi
25 Team Outing Places Near Bangalore
ADRENALINE RUSH IN DUBAI – Top Adventure Activities
Valentine’s Day Special: Offbeat Romantic Places in India
12 Best Resorts with Water Facing View for A Perfect Break
15 Resorts Near Kolkata For A Perfect Weekend Getaway
15 Places To Go With Your Friends Just After You Graduate
11 Best Zoos in India – A Zoological Zing For A Break
Chhath Puja- Bihar’s Biggest Festival : 7 things That Every Indian Should Know
9 Colourful Festivals and Fairs from the Land of Bihar


15 Resorts Near Mumbai Where Romance Is In the Air

15 Resorts Near Mumbai Where Romance Is In the Air

Leading a happy life in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of a city isn’t any piece of cake. The hectic schedule spares none. Even the couples do not get to spend some quality time with each other. But whenever you decide to take a break, the city of dreams makes sure that you have the best time in the world. Mumbai hosts a myriad of beautiful Resorts around, each claiming to render the best quality time!

1. The Machan Resort, Lonavala

In the day today, when one decides to get out of the city, nature is the first thing which pops in mind. Deservingly so, as it promises the best heal to city wounds. Machan Resort is one such resort in Lonavala. There are three categories in which the Machans are divided: Forest Machan, Heritage Machan and Canopy Machan. Each Machan is well equipped with modern facilities and with 100% use of natural resources, which lures a traveller to come here even more. This one-of-its-kind green paradise is just 97 km from Mumbai.

2. The Lagoona Resort, Lonavala

Another eco-friendly getaway from Mumbai is the Lagoona Resort in Lonavala. Putatively claimed to be one of the best resorts around Mumbai, this resort promises a peaceful sojourn with nature. In the mid of bounty, nature stands a huge building, with an array of rooms. The accommodation is categorised in standard rooms, deluxe rooms, executive suites and lagoona suites. Each room has big bedrooms and private balconies attached. It is one of the best places for a couple getaway as it keeps you entertained with numerous activities all day round.

3. Della Resorts, Kunegaon, Lonavala

If you and your partner want to relax in peace but also seek some adventure, Della Resort in Lonavala is undoubtedly the best around Mumbai. There are a plethora of adventure activities including flying fox, bungee jumping, paintball, zorbing, etc. This luxurious stay with spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities is situated 84 km.
4. Zara’s Resort, Khandala
78 km from Mumbai lies the finest luxury resort in the region. Situated at Khandala, Zara’s Resort is a delight for a couple seeking some quality time with each other because of its seclusion from the bustling city life. This resort promises a very calm and soothing and peaceful sojourn with your partner. Along with being well equipped with modern facilities in the rooms, it also consists of a lavish restaurant providing delicious food and drinks.

5. The Dukes Retreat, Khandala

Lonavala. Situated on the edge of a precipice that is 500 feet above the ground, this stay will rejuvenate you with the breath taking landscapes and some tranquillizing beauty. Filled with peace and comfort in your heart, you can also enjoy the modern facilities that are rendered here. There is an abundance of rooms here and also houses some excellent cottages. The cottages include living room, bedroom and a courtyard. It offers other luxurious features like a swimming pool and a wellness spa.

6. Mystica Resort, Khandala

Sitting tight and cosy in the lap of Sahayadri Mountains, this modern day resort is every traveller’s dream. With a huge range of beautiful sceneries and serene environment, Mystica resort is one of the best near Mumbai. It is good for almost all age groups and especially a couple with kids. This resort consists of gorgeous rooms with big windows opening to a picturesque view, a private lake with boating, playground for kids and a lavish bar at houseboat. Located at a distance of about 82 km from Mumbai, this retreat is a couple’s paradise. One can enjoy a range of wellness activities amidst nature and also treat their taste buds with luscious international cuisine.

7. Fariyas Resort, Khandala

This legendary five-star stay is filled with comfort, modern day amenities, natural beauty, and recreational activities and proudly boasts to be amongst the best near Mumbai. When you want to relax and get away with the hectic schedule, think no more and head towards the Fariyas Resort in Khandala. At a distance of 84 km from Mumbai, this beautiful abode is built in a contemporary style. The rooms are aesthetically designed and well-furnished to suit modern taste. The lavish restaurant ‘Fusion’ serves a delicious meal, and the bar ‘Tavern’ is the bar which renders some nice spirits.
8. Treasure Island Resort, Lonavala
The Treasure Island Resort is spread over an area of 8.5 km with a large variety of accommodation. The accommodation is categorised in Lagoon Villa, Deluxe Suits, Executive Stays and Economy Room. A lagoon surrounds every villa and is connected with a verandah where you can sit with your partner and enjoy the view of the lagoon. Exquisite patios, bath tubs, spacious rooms are the prominent features of the accommodation here. There are two restaurants: ‘Hide Out’ and ‘Baywatch Branto’ which provide a scrumptious meal for the travellers. The resort boasts a big swimming pool playground for kids, wellness centre and a sauna. It is situated only 91 km away from Mumbai.

9. Upper Deck Resort, Lonavala
At 2500 ft from the ground level, in the lap of lush green mountains lie the tranquil and serene Upper Deck Resort. From this elevated level, the Valvan Reservoir and the Rajmachi Fort in Lonavala can be easily viewed, and it essentially creates a picturesque landscape. It is one of the best honeymoon resorts with a distance of 104 km from Mumbai because of its secluded location with minimal disturbance.
One of the major features of this Resort which makes it a lover’s paradise is the giant heart-shaped swimming pool with an open-air Jacuzzi which gives you a breath-taking view of the valley. Massage Room, indoor games, nature walks and children’s playground are other features which make it one of the best romantic destinations near Mumbai.
10. Citrus Velvett Country Resort
The Citrus Velvett Country Resort is located in a private valley of Khandala. Built in 1991, this three-star resort has 37 well-furnished rooms bathing in modern facilities such as spacious rooms, balconies with beautiful views, swimming pool, gardens, fully equipped gyms and jogging tracks. It also contains the restaurant Farmer’s Kitchen which offers both Indian and international cuisines. Citrus Velvett Country Resort resides in a splendiferous valley of Khandala, located at a distance of 90 km from Mumbai.

11. U Tropicana Resort, Alibaug

Tropicana Beach Resort is located at the edge of a perched precipice in Alibaug at a distance of 88 km from Mumbai. The accommodation is divided into three categories: standard, deluxe and super deluxe rooms. Well-appointed with modern amenities and is decorated with a contemporary style which makes it one of best romantic destinations near Mumbai. Its other facilities include gaming, jogging tracks, wellness spa, etc.

12. Prakruti Resort, Kashid

As the name suggests, it lies in the proximity with the nature in Kashid, hence offering absolute beauty, peace and comfort. Kashid is a sea village near Mumbai at a distance of about 100 km and is a perfect getaway with your partner. Snuggled amidst a blanket of green forest, this 4-star luxury resort boasts a rich scenic beauty. Accommodation is categorised into two types: apartments and villas. There are other VIP Villas and executive villas to choose from if you are on a business schedule. Other rejuvenating facilities include a lavish restaurant, giant swimming pool, gaming zone and an in-house bar.

13. Cloud 9 Hills Resort, Amba Valley Road

Nestled amidst the lush greenery and tranquil stillness of nature, the Cloud 9 Hills Resort is situated on the Amba Valley Road, about 8 km from the Amba Valley. It is located at a lofty height of 1500 ft, which makes it a prominent destination for travellers if they are seeking a quiet rendezvous with nature. Any traveller going to Amba Valley will stop here if a luxurious stay is needed. It is best for a weekend getaway when couples want to spend some alone time together.

14. Radisson Resort and Spa

At a distance of 92 kms from the capital city of Maharashtra, lies a 16 Acre Kingdom of green flora flourishing on the historical ruins. This recommended couple getaway is fledged with 5-star amenities like fully furnished contemporary style rooms ranging from Superior Rooms to Presidential Suite, fine dining restaurants such as Aparanta and Kokum & Spice, The Lounge Bar, discotheque, piano bar and whatnot. If you ever feel wearied by the bustling city life and have a desire to relax like kings and queens, drive to Alibaug, and enjoy your long lost dreams. This can be like your two-three day trip with your partner where you can also enjoy the natural and historic beauty of Alibaug at nearby attractions such as Harnai Fort and Fish Bunder, Kolaba Fort, Janjira Fort & Beach and Kankeshwara Temple.
 15. Ccaza Comodore, Alibaug
To get away from the maddening Mumbai life, there cannot be a better place when it comes to choosing a weekend getaway for couples. Snuggled in the quaint village of Mandawa, this luxurious retreat lies on the Arabian seaside. There is no way that you won’t like chilling in the pools, lazing the sun and feeding on absolutely luscious food without any tension of your office work. Another enticing feature of this getaway is that you can take a ferry ride from Gateway of India to reach Mandawa jetty and 7 minutes from jetty reach this luxurious villa.
So if you ever feel a need to escape the vicious hullabaloo of the city life, pack your bags and drive to one of these resorts within no time. Mumbai has a boon with such natural attractions near its geography and man has left no possible way to make it cozier. And therefore, resorts near Mumbai form a perfect getaway, especially for couples who wish to spend some time with the enchanting beauty of nature.

YOU MAY LIKE ALSO
Road trips from Chandigarh to Himalayas
One day sightseeing in Bangalore: Bangalore Sightseeing
10 Getaways for Camping near Delhi
25 Team Outing Places Near Bangalore
ADRENALINE RUSH IN DUBAI – Top Adventure Activities
Valentine’s Day Special: Offbeat Romantic Places in India
12 Best Resorts with Water Facing View for A Perfect Break
15 Resorts Near Kolkata For A Perfect Weekend Getaway
15 Places To Go With Your Friends Just After You Graduate
11 Best Zoos in India – A Zoological Zing For A Break
Chhath Puja- Bihar’s Biggest Festival : 7 things That Every Indian Should Know
9 Colourful Festivals and Fairs from the Land of Bihar
Food of Bihar | 19 Dishes From Bihar Which You Must Try
Beat The Heat – Head To The Hills From Mumbai!
15 Resorts Near Mumbai Where Romance Is In the Air
कैसे होते हैं कस्बाई मेले ? : सोनपुर मेले की एक झलक ! (Sonpur Fair, Bihar)
Fairs and Festivals in March in India: 2018
Best Places To Visit in March In India – 20 Must-Visit March Delights
Sonepur Mela: The Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia
One Place In Each State That You Must Visit
18 Souvenirs From Indian Destinations That Every True Traveler Must Own
Best Places For Solo Travel In India
Honeymoon Places In India
Best Travel Books That Inspire You To Travel
Luxury Trains in India : Royalty on Wheels
Reasons why I love Travelling: From the eyes of a skeptic traveller
12 Best Places In The World To Go Skydiving
18 Cheap Countries to Visit From India That Will Put You On A Flight Right Away!
Snowfall in India: 17 Best Places to see Snow in India
Travel without a cause: Break free of the conventional journey
Discover Paradise in Pantanal on your Brazil Tour

कैसे होते हैं कस्बाई मेले ? : सोनपुर मेले की एक झलक ! (Sonpur Fair, Bihar)

कैसे होते हैं कस्बाई मेले ? : सोनपुर मेले की एक झलक ! (Sonpur Fair, Bihar)


एक ज़माना था जब शहर या कस्बे में मेले का आना किसी पारंपरिक त्योहार से कम खुशियाँ देने वाला नहीं होता था। हम बच्चों में छोटे बड़े झूले देखने और नए खिलौने खरीदने की जिद होती। छोटे मोटे सामानों को कम दामों पर खरीद कर गृहणियाँ गर्व का अनुभव करतीं। साथ ही रोज़ रोज़ के चौका बर्तन से अलग चाट पकौड़े खाने का मज़ा कुछ और होता। तब इतने फोटो स्टूडियो भी नहीं हुआ करते थे और कैमरा रखना अपने आप में धनाढ़य होने का सबूत हुआ करता था। ऐसे में मेले के स्टूडियो में सस्ते में पूरे परिवार की फोटुएँ निकल जाया करती थीं। और तो और पूरा परिवार फोटो के पीछे की बैकग्राउंड की बदौलत अपने शहर बैठे बैठे कश्मीर की वादियों, आगरे के ताजमहल या ऐसी ही खूबसूरत जगहों का आनंद लेते दिखाई पड़ सकता था। 

Fairs and Festivals in March in India

A festival of turtles, prophecies, puppets, yoga, quirky versions of Holi and one too many elephant festivals, together, welcome spring to the Indian subcontinent, this March. As various parts of the country, welcome the new season in their own way, hue, language, version, parades and traditions, March has enough excuses for you to step out as the sceneries bid farewell to monochrome landscapes and enter the season of countless tints.

Best Places To Visit in March In India – 20 Must-Visit March Delights

 20 Must-Visit March Delights

The month that lies on the brink of summer and spring, March is one of those times in a year when a vacation is practically irresistible to score. With the winter just shedding its coat, misty mornings and a pleasant weather throughout the day are what makes for the ideal getaway. Here are a few places to visit in March in India where you can plan your retreat to prepare for the summers.

Sonepur Mela: The Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia

Sonepur Mela: The Biggest Cattle Fair of Asia

Where and When?

The Sonepur Cattle Fair or Sonepur Mela held in Northern Bihar during the month of Kartik or November is one of the largest in Asia. It is also regarded as a very auspicious time for Hindus as it is held on Kartik Poornima or the full moon night.

How is the festival celebrated?

 The festival attracts a crowd from all over the continent and can stretch from fifteen days to a to a month. The site of the festival is at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Son, Ghagra and Gandak which in itself is a holy spot for Hindus. Being a trade fair, animals of all varieties from elephants and camels to cats and guinea pigs can be bought here.
Praying by the Rive_ Sonepur Mela
Praying by the River in Sonepur Mela (Source)

History

Like other Indian festivals, this also has its roots in our ancient history. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses from across the Ganga for his army. This fair is also the largest marketplace for the sale of elephants in the world. The main buyers are the forest department and those who have logging operations and need hoards of these animals.
Relatively untouched by commercial tourism, it gives a glimpse into the everyday lives of people at a grandiose scale. As any festivity, the first day is the most crowded. You should plan a trip around the second to the fourth day. The fifth would be the quietest and most of the festivities would be over by then.
Since elephant trading is becoming increasingly illegal, most traders get their elephants for pomp and prestige. Horses of fine quality also gallop around for the same reason. The ‘Chiriya Bazaar’ or Bird Market is a space where birds and other small animals can be bought legally. Cow being symbolic of various things in India are also sold as pedigree items as well as other cattle and milch animals.
Staying at the mela can be done at the camps set up for the pilgrims but you will have to be prepared to rough it out in them as they are set up right in the mela grounds. There is also the Bihar Tourism resort which is a viable option. Tourist lodges are set up during the festival with western style washrooms to accommodate the people coming. Small hotels and guest houses are also there. You can also go a short distance to places like Hajipur for staying during this time.
Festival Napping_ Sonepur Mela
Festival Napping at Sonepur Mela (Source)
Performers like dancers, singers, acrobats and circus artists also come to this festival to put up entertainment programs at night once the festival is concluded for the day.

How to Reach

Getting here is relatively easy as the village of Sonepur is just about 30 km from the capital city of Patna – which is well connected by flights, rails and roads.
By Road
Nearest bus stand from Sonepur is Hajipur, located at a distance of 5 km. Local transports like tongas, autos, taxis and buses ply from Hajipur to Sonepur at regular intervals.

By Train

Sonepur junction is the nearest railway station which is well connected with the major cities of India.
However, given how crowded it can get, walking around is your best bet at seeing the entirety of the festival. So keep your running shoes packed and get ready to give your legs an insane workout!


Search This Blog