Khajuraho is a historical town that once served as the capital of the Chandela dynasty. Now it is noted as a popular tourist destination with thousands of tourists (from both within and outside the country) paying a visit or two to this land immersed in the glory of its archaic temples that chronicle Indian erotica in their purest form. Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual event which furthers the cultural image of this destination. Held every year in the month of February (or March), this...

Khajuraho is a historical town that once served as the capital of the Chandela dynasty. Now it is noted as a popular tourist destination with thousands of tourists (from both within and outside the country) paying a visit or two to this land immersed in the glory of its archaic temples that chronicle Indian erotica in their purest form.

Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual event which furthers the cultural image of this destination. Held every year in the month of February (or March), this festival brings forth a legion of classical dancers performing before an awed audience on the backdrop of these glorious temples. The performances are carried out in the evenings after the sun has bid goodbye and the moon stealthily peeps out. The talent on display is incredibly rich. Classical dancers from all parts of India amass at Khajuraho to enslave the visitors with their raw energy, the undying passion, the effervescence of their dancing gestures and the intensity of their talent. Various forms of classical Indian dance are on a fiery display, each trying to outdo the other. Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, etc all seem to be in a battle of some sorts as dancers after dancers assault the stage and literally mesmerize the spectators.

It helps that the temples stand on the backdrop, lit up with evening flood nights of almost every shade possible. But even those glorious and globally celebrated temples for once become eclipsed by the power of the cultural performance on stage. For once, they merely become the mute bystanders of these raging dance performances.

In a way, the combination of these erotic temples and these classical dances are legit. They both combine to remind us of the true charms of the bygone era. It is a mammoth experience to witness this cultural spectacle right at the home of these ancient temples in a town which can so easily be rechristened as the cultural birthplace of India.

The music is equally haunting, the dance steps are nimble and the ambiance is simply arresting.

In recent times, modern dance has also been introduced to add variety to the show and to make the theme more open and interesting. The performances are held in an open-air arena which further strengthens the classical ambience. The temple of the Sun God (Chitragupta Temple) and the Vishwanatha Temple (temple in dedication of Shiva) are the two most popular temples before which the performances are staged.

The 2014 edition of the Khajuraho Dance Festival will be held between 20^th and 26^th February, 2014 (subject to changes). The ticket prices for season tickets are Rs 600. The daily tickets are priced at Rs 100, Rs 50 and Rs 20, depending on the placement of the seat (seats in the front or those offering better views are priced higher). If you wish to carry a camera, you will have to pay Rs 100 extra per camera per day.

For the history lovers and the cultural enthusiasts, the last leg of February 2014 can be a great time to plan a Khajuraho trip.

International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan, has become synonymous with the very culture of Gujarat. It is a festival which speaks for the traditions and for the joie de vivre that is associated with the advent of spring. India has always been traditionally known to be the land of farmers. Gujarat’s Kite Festival, in a way, is a homage paid to thousands of those farmers who await the end of the harsh winter and the oncoming of the spring which marks the beginning of the harvest...

International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan, has become synonymous with the very culture of Gujarat. It is a festival which speaks for the traditions and for the joie de vivre that is associated with the advent of spring.

India has always been traditionally known to be the land of farmers. Gujarat’s Kite Festival, in a way, is a homage paid to thousands of those farmers who await the end of the harsh winter and the oncoming of the spring which marks the beginning of the harvest season. Popularly celebrated during the day of the Makar Sakranti, this festival has now gained international status and it witnesses participation from multiple countries.

It is needless to say that the whole of Gujarat erupts in ecstasy and enthusiasm over this festival. Almost the entire state comes under the grip of the Kite fever a few days prior to the date of Makar Sakranti. During the lead up to the festival, people of all ages throng the shops and stores to buy kites of various designs and colors. In this context, one must acknowledge that the festival is also an opportunity for the kite-makers to display their skills and to design innovative kites.

One must also appreciate the fact that this festival has kept alive the almost-dying tradition of kite-flying. There was a time when the whole of India indulged in kite-flying with utmost delight at various seasons of the year. But with the onslaught of technology and the curse of modern life, such archaic traditions are getting lost.

The International Kite Festival Gujarat, therefore, is symbolically richer as it keeps the flame of the old India alive.

The festival had its inaugural edition in the year 1989 and has ever since become an annual rite of the state. It is observed on the day of 14^th January or as per the date suggested by the Hindu calendar.

Cities like Ahmadabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara celebrate the festival with intense fervor. Some of the best locations to partake in the festival are Sardar Patel Stadium and the Ahmadabad Police Stadium.

With the New Year ringing in, people are getting gung ho about the International Kite Festival 2014 which comes calling on 14^th January, 2014. This day will clearly witness the entire sky in Gujarat turning into a blitzkrieg of colorful and funky-looking kites. By kites, Indians usually mean the triangular-shaped paper kite which we used to fly during our childhood. But make no mistake about it, this festival boasts of international standard not for nothing. The kites that enliven the sky at this event are shaped in almost all forms imaginable. From the birds to the reptiles to the lamps, you can find kites off all dimensions of life.

The best place to enjoy the Kite Festival is the city of Ahmadabad, which is the Kite capital of the country. If you wish to be a part of this festival or be an audience to this magnum opus, make sure that you are in Ahmadabad on the 14^th of January.

Jaisalmer is a golden city of sand dunes and sandstones. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the month of February (or late January) when the famous Desert Festival takes place. This festival is an annual ritual and a part of the state’s tradition which has inspired a chain of foreign tourists to tour this part of the world. While cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur have always been on the wish-list of foreign tourists, the desert city of Jaisalmer had to lie in obscurity and...

Jaisalmer is a golden city of sand dunes and sandstones. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the month of February (or late January) when the famous Desert Festival takes place. This festival is an annual ritual and a part of the state’s tradition which has inspired a chain of foreign tourists to tour this part of the world. While cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur have always been on the wish-list of foreign tourists, the desert city of Jaisalmer had to lie in obscurity and negligence all these years. But the Desert Festival has emerged as its true redeemer and has brought it the shining glory it always deserved.

The festival is a 3-day affair which brings to the fore the quirkiness and the richness of the state’s culture, tradition and talent. So, for the whole of three days, Jaisalmer gets seeped in numerous competitions, events, shows and performances. The fire-eaters showcase their awe-evoking talent to a stunned audience as they swallow fire and set huge balls of fire shooting across the sky. The camel rides also act as big-time lure. Camels are adorned with colorful clothes and jewels and parades are observed. It is a great time to experience the true thrill of a bumpy camel ride across the mounds of sands.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the festival is the moustache competition. The participants of this contest show their long moustaches (they are extremely long and can even run up to several feet in length). Their incredible display of such incredible moustaches earns applause and admiration from all the witnesses. At the end, the person with the longest moustache is declared the winner. This contest has been chronicled in details and almost every tourism booklet of Rajasthan has at least one such picture of a moustache-winner. The tourists, especially the foreigners, love to click pictures with the winners and post them on their social profiles.

The Desert Festival also observes musical shows and dance performances, most of them centering on the folk culture. So, visitors and tourists can enjoy a soothing experience of the folk dance and folk music. They are the real jewels of traditional India and are sadly getting buried beneath the dazzle of modern life.

Handicraft fairs add another layer to this festival. And then there are the ever-popular ‘turban flying’ contest and the ‘Mr. Desert’ pageant contest. They are the big-time crowd pullers and have contributed immensely to Rajasthan and Jaisalmer tourism.

Camels are also made to take part in the extravaganza. So, there is the tug-of-war between the camels which make for an interesting display of the camel culture. And there is the camel polo, which is the Rajasthani alternative for the conventional horse polo.

This upcoming season, the Desert Festival will be held from 12^th– 14^th February, 2014. There will be all sorts of contests, performances and games. And yes, there will be good food.

In addition, tourists can also savor the charm of sightseeing at Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Gadisagar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon ki Haveli, Jain Group of Temples and Bada Bagh Cenotaphs.

A golden triangle tour with Rajasthan should help you to spend some time in Jaipur which sprawls handsomely and encapsulates plenty of landmarks and attractions. While some of them are underrated, there are others that may not live up to your full expectations. Amazingly, a few less talked-about attractions may make you euphoric only if you care to check them out. Here is a quick gist: Albert Hall Museum: Though it is quite famous as an attraction, there are many who give it a skip thinking it...

A golden triangle tour with Rajasthan should help you to spend some time in Jaipur which sprawls handsomely and encapsulates plenty of landmarks and attractions. While some of them are underrated, there are others that may not live up to your full expectations. Amazingly, a few less talked-about attractions may make you euphoric only if you care to check them out.

Here is a quick gist:

Albert Hall Museum: Though it is quite famous as an attraction, there are many who give it a skip thinking it to be just another museum. But the fact that it has a real mummy, authentic Mughal coins and weapons from medieval era make it a surprisingly great destination.

Jaigarh Fort: Jaigarh Fort, at times, gets dwarfed by the name and fame of Amber Fort. But its USP lies in its view which is totally mind-boggling. The fort sits on the top a hill and the journey up and down the slope is another heart-pulsating thing. Plus, this fort houses India’s largest cannonball weapon which needs to be seen to be believed.

Jaipur Zoo: The usual notion is that why to visit a local zoo which is available in almost every city? However, despite its inherent managerial problems, Jaipur zoo provides a balm to the eyes and the sheer presence of tigers, leopards, bear and the crocodiles make it a worthwhile venue.

Hawa Mahal: Its popularity has declined as many say that there is nothing to do there. But for a photographer, the place is a must-see. Also, its ambiance deserves more footfalls.

With 10 days golden triangle tour, you can cover all these attractions and also check out the prominent landmarks of Delhi and Agra.

Pune is not a bad city to tour. It may not have the effervescence of Mumbai or the liveliness of Delhi, but it is great in its own quiet way. Some of its historic attractions would work their way slowly in to your system in their own magical manner. Here is a List of Places to Visit in Pune: Aga Khan Palace: It is a historic palace which holds one chapter of the medieval era intact and juxtaposes it beautifully with some lush green gardens. For photography lovers, Aga Khan Palace would be a...

Pune is not a bad city to tour. It may not have the effervescence of Mumbai or the liveliness of Delhi, but it is great in its own quiet way. Some of its historic attractions would work their way slowly in to your system in their own magical manner.

Here is a List of Places to Visit in Pune:

Aga Khan Palace: It is a historic palace which holds one chapter of the medieval era intact and juxtaposes it beautifully with some lush green gardens. For photography lovers, Aga Khan Palace would be a treat.

Pataleshwar Temple: It is a temple which is not only spiritual but is extremely awe-evoking, when it comes to architecture. If you have never seen those magnetic Elephanta Caves, then this temple would be a great alternative. The rock cuttings are similar, though this temple is also a religious place.

Shaniwar wada: It is perhaps the best attraction which Pune has to offer in terms of history. The stateliness of the monument will floor you. It stands there like an impregnable and behemoth monument- firm in all its glory and portraying its historic face in unabashed manner.

Konark Park: Though this bird park lies slightly towards the outer end of the city, if you have an interest in sanctuaries, then you should go for this one. The place is easily reachable by any car or cab and promises you a delightful collection of rare and colorful birds. In fact, this is a private park since the collections are eclectically handpicked by one Dr. Suhas Jog. Unfortunately, they don’t permit photography inside the park. So, if you were hoping to slam these pics on your Facebook profile, then you will have to settle for some disappointment.

Saras Bagh: It is a garden which houses parks and temples. So, people of all ages drop by at this Bagh to give their eyes and feet some natural relaxation. The best time to visit the Saras Bagh would be the evening hours between 4-7 pm, though you can also come over for an early morning jog.

Bund Garden: Bund Garden is also counted amongst the top places to visit in Pune. It is pretty romantic apart from being beautiful. So, you can spot a lot of young couples rollicking over to this quiet corner.

The list of places to visit in Pune is a long one and it is not possible to pen down vivid details about each and every one of them. Still, a few others which are recommended include Osho Ashram, Panshet Dam and Raigad Fort.

Bangalore is the city which makes Karnataka proud day in and day out. If you still haven’t checked this green and lovely city, then it is high time that you should. There are some lovely sightseeing spots where you can spend hours with your friends and family. The popular places to visit in Bangalore are enlisted below: Tipu Sultan Palace: An 18th century attraction, it is a monument which is the best historic attraction which Bangalore has to offer. It was built during the regime of the...

Bangalore is the city which makes Karnataka proud day in and day out. If you still haven’t checked this green and lovely city, then it is high time that you should. There are some lovely sightseeing spots where you can spend hours with your friends and family.

The popular places to visit in Bangalore are enlisted below:

Tipu Sultan Palace: An 18^th century attraction, it is a monument which is the best historic attraction which Bangalore has to offer. It was built during the regime of the then-ruler Tipu Sultan.

Cubbon Park: It is a simple park but one which is so beautiful that no lover could ask for a more romantic corner. If you are traveling with your spouse or lover, then do make sure to drop by to Cubbon Park for a pleasant few hours. The colorful trees matted with flowers will leave you in a stupor. The best time to visit the park will be during the evening hours.

Bannerghatta National Park: Bannerghatta National Park is one of the favorite places to visit in Bangalore for anyone who loves wildlife. It is a wildlife sanctuary which has a sizeable number of animals and reptiles. From snakes to tigers to crocodiles to everything in between, you will simply get a real flow of adrenaline when at this place.

Wonder La: Wonder La is an amusement park which is your best bet for a day-long extravaganza of fun and thrill with your children. Amongst all the tourist places near Bangalore, this one is the favorite of toddler kids. The entry tickets are affordable and the park is open from morning (around 11) till evening (6 or 7 pm).

Bheemeshwar: Bheemeshwar is another great destination where you can find solace in the arms of nature. With plenty of water bodies, historic attractions and foliage by your side, you will be sure of having a tranquil time in this corner.

Nandi Hills: Nandi Hills is a place which has some quiet and cool hills. Those who are fed up of the relentless sun can find some shade and joy in this corner. The place has good facilities for lodging and eating. And it is a true hub of nature with an excellent ambience and flora. It is situated at a manageable distance of 100 km from the city and can be reached within 2 hours. So, it is no wonder that most tired city-dwellers hop over to this corner for a fresh breath of life.

Namada Chilume: Namada Chilume is one of the most natural places to visit near Bangalore. Its USP is its natural springs and a very endearing Deer Park. It is a heaven for anyone who is in love with the nature. And you can always reach it quickly, since it is less than 80 km away.

Bangalore Aquarium: It is popular but not as popular as it deserves to be. Since, it is situated in the premise of Cubbon Park, visitors check it out while touring the Park. But it can, on its own, stand out as a special attraction. Anyone who likes marine organisms would be fascinated by the collections which they have at this place.

Attara Kacheri: This is the city’s High Court. You may wonder what’s so special about it. Even though it is just a court, its design will throw you back to the early 20^th century. Its architecture has that old world vintage appeal which makes it a photographer’s delight. Sadly, such architecture is running out of age in today’s swanky era. But the presence of such buildings is always a consoler.

Gandhi Bhavan: Gandhi Bhavan is another of those less visited Bangalore tourist places. This place has been built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and you can come across many of his philosophies at this corner. The modern day youths are forgetting his principles and engaging in atrocious acts of felony, crime and violence. The local government would do well to give more footage to such places in their promotional campaigns. It is a heritage building where you can truly feel the presence of the nation’s father.

Lalbagh: Lalbagh is a botanical garden and one of the finest ones that the country has produced. You can really forget count of the number of plants and flowers which grow in this region. It is likely of you to come across some specimens which you have never even heard or seen before. Their colorful appearance and vibrant looks will appeal to your eyes. Some can also be a bit weird in characteristics. So, the place has plenty of attractions to lure you in. And of course, it is extremely serene and romantic too.

Ulsoor Lake: With islands at its centre and some migratory birds flocking in from time to time, Ulsoor Lake is one of the more popular tourist places in Bangalore. You must not miss out on it at any cost.

Vidhan Soudha: Vidhan Soudha is an amalgamation of history and nature. It has some attractions or landmarks which are historically significant. And it is always bliss to take a walk inside its premise. You just cannot leave Bangalore without feasting on its stupendous beauty.

Bull Temple: Bull Temple is the most popular temple in the city and one of the most religious places to visit in Bangalore. It derives its name from the stone-carved figure of bull which has an indomitable presence inside the temple. It is also significant from a religious standpoint and is believed to hold divine powers.