<\/o:p><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Nestled in the serene hills of\r\nMeghalaya, Shillong transforms into a vibrant canvas each year with the advent\r\nof the Cherry Blossom Festival. This event, usually held in November, marks the\r\nblooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms, turning the city into a picturesque\r\nwonderland that attracts tourists from across the globe. The festival is not\r\njust a visual treat but also a cultural extravaganza, celebrating the unique\r\nheritage and natural beauty of the region.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>As the chill of November sets\r\nin, Shillong is adorned with pink and white cherry blossoms. These delicate\r\nflowers, known as Prunus cerasoides, are native to the Himalayas and their\r\nbloom coincides with autumn in Shillong, offering a unique spectacle different\r\nfrom the spring cherry blossoms in Japan. There is a Cherry blossom in Japan we\r\njust wished we could experience the same Fairy tale one day. While visiting\r\nJapan can be costly affair, we stumbled upon a similar experience right here in\r\nIndia.<\/o:p><\/p>
\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>The\r\nfestival\u2019s highlights include:<\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p>Cherry Blossom Viewing: The\r\nfestival offers various spots across Shillong where visitors can witness the\r\nfull bloom. Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, and the Polo Grounds are some of the\r\nprime locations for cherry blossom viewing.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Best\r\ntime to visit<\/span>: 17th Nov 2024 to 26th Nov 2024<\/i><\/o:p><\/b><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Music\r\nConcerts<\/span><\/b>: The festival grounds come alive with performances by local\r\nand international artists, spanning genres from rock and pop to traditional\r\nfolk music.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Dance\r\nPerformances:<\/span><\/b> <\/span>Traditional dances,\r\nsuch as the Khasi dance, are performed, showcasing the vibrant cultural\r\nheritage of the local tribes.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Food\r\nStalls:<\/span><\/b> <\/span>A culinary delight, the\r\nfestival hosts numerous food stalls offering local delicacies like Jadoh (rice\r\ncooked with meat) and Dohneiiong (pork with black sesame seed sauce), alongside\r\ninternational cuisines.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>Art\r\nand Craft Exhibitions:<\/span><\/b> <\/span>Local\r\nartisans display their crafts, including traditional Khasi jewelry, bamboo\r\nproducts, and handwoven textiles, providing visitors with a chance to purchase\r\nunique souvenirs.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/p>Getting\r\nthere:<\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p>\u00a7\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>By\r\nFlight \u2013 Shillong Airport have limited connection and only a few flights are\r\noperated there. Guwahati airport is major airport to reach Shillong. From\r\nGuwahati airport you can get Buses and Taxies easily.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a7\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>By\r\nTrain \u2013 The nearest railway station is in Guwahati. You can get trains from\r\nyour location. <\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/p>
\u00a7\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>By\r\nRoad \u2013 There are State and private buses to reach Shillong. \u00a0<\/o:p><\/p>","image":"img_1717226491.jpg","date":"2024-06-03","created_by":"0","create_at":"2024-06-01 07:21:31","updated_at":"2024-06-20 11:05:41","status":"0","day":"03","month":"Jun"},{"id":"29","title":"THINGS YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE ONCE IN TIRUPATI ","content":"Tirupati\u00a0Balaji \"Abode\r\nof Lord Venkateswara Swamy\"<\/span><\/b><\/p>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
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Situated in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh,\r\nTirupati is known for Lord Venkateshwara Temple, one of the most visited\r\npilgrimage centers in the world. It is also one of the world's richest temples\r\nknown by different names -\u00a0Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0Tirupati Balaji Temple<\/span>. Tirumala is one of the\r\nseven hills in Tirupati, where the main temple is located. The temple is\r\nbelieved to be where Lord Venkateshwara took the form of an idol and is home to\r\nthe deity Govinda. Tirupati is one of India's oldest cities and is mentioned in\r\nmany ancient Vedas and Puranas.<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>

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Tirupati is the main town, while Tirumala Hills is where\r\nTirupati Balaji Temple is situated. Also called\u00a0Sri Venkateshvara Swami\r\nVaari Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, believed to be a form of\r\nLord Vishnu, who appeared on earth to save mankind from kali yuga. The famous\r\nTirupati Laddoo, given as a prasad at the temple, has the\u00a0Geographical\r\nindication tag, which means it can only be made and sold at the temple. It is\r\nhugely loved by the pilgrims and is generally\u00a0included in the paid darshan\r\ntickets or can be bought from the laddoo counters inside the temple complex.\r\nMany devotees also tonsure their heads as an offering to Lord Venkateswara\r\nSwamy once their wish is fulfilled or to get rid of their sins and ego. It is\r\ndone free of cost at\u00a0
Kalyanakatta\u00a0<\/span>buildings.\r\nAnother popular ritual at Tirupati Temple is\u00a0Thulabaram, wherein a devotee\r\nsits on one side of the weighing balance scale. In contrast, the other side is\r\nfilled with materials (like sugar, jaggery, tulsi leaves, banana, gold, and\r\ncoins) more than the weight of the devotee. This ritual is mostly performed\r\nwith children and infants.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>
The non-stop chanting of \u2018Om Namo Venkatesaya,\u2019 the mad pilgrim rush, and the\r\n8-feet tall idol of Lord Venkateshwara \u2013 everything about the Sri Venkateshwara\r\nTemple is majestic. Spread over an area of 26 kilometers and is visited by\r\nnearly 50,000 pilgrims daily.\u00a0The Padmavathi Temple, dedicated to Goddess\r\nPadmavati, consort of Lord Venkateswara, is situated at\u00a0Tiruchanoor in\r\nTirupati town. Many devotees believe they should visit Goddess Padmavati and\r\nseek her blessings before visiting Lord Venkateswara Swamy at Tirumala.<\/div>
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Places to visit:<\/span><\/b><\/p><\/b><\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>The Sri Kalahasti temple<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>Sri Govindarajaswami Temple <\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>Kondandarama Temple<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>Parashurameshwara Temple<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>ISKCON temple<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\nBest Time:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>November and February<\/p>\r\n\r\nGetting there:<\/span><\/b>
<\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>By Flight \u2013 Tirupati is well connected to major\r\ncity. Airport situated Approx. 10 to 15 KM from Temple town. You can get Taxi,\r\ncab and Buses to reach Temple.<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>By Train \u2013 Train is comfortable and convenient\r\noption to reach Tirupati. You can get train connection from your location.<\/o:p><\/p>\r\n\r\n\u00a7\u00a0\r\n<\/span><\/span>By Road \u2013 Bus is one of the most cost-effective options.\r\nThe town is well-connected by a network of state and private buses and making\r\nit accessible from various cities in South India.<\/o:p><\/p>","image":"img_1717222746.jpg","date":"2024-06-02","created_by":"0","create_at":"2024-06-01 06:19:06","updated_at":"2024-06-20 11:06:05","status":"0","day":"02","month":"Jun"},{"id":"28","title":"THINGS YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE ONCE IN SOUTH INDIA TOUR","content":"South India Temple<\/span><\/b><\/p> <\/span><\/b><\/p>1. Rameshwaram \"<\/i>The Bridge on the Indian Ocean\" <\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p><\/p>
Rameshwaram is located on a beautiful island in the South\r\nIndian state of Tamil Nadu. It is separated by a small Pamban channel from Sri\r\nLanka. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Rama created\r\na bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram has the first sea\r\nbridge connecting the town of Mandapam with Pamban Island, and\r\nRameswaram. Abandoned town of Dhanushkodi is also located on Pamban\r\nIsland which was a bustling town until it got destroyed in 1964 by\r\ncyclone.<\/div>\r\n
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Renowned for its magnificent prakaras with massive sculptured pillars on either\r\nside, The Ramanathaswamy Temple houses the longest corridor in the world.\r\nAgniteertham is famous for its sacred waters and Pilgrims perform poojas in\r\nhonour of their ancestors at this seashore. The five-faced Hanuman Temple holds\r\nthe floating stone which was used to build the bridge between India and Sri\r\nLanka.<\/div>
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<\/o:p><\/p> <\/o:p><\/p>Best Time to travel:<\/span><\/b> Throughout the year <\/p>Places to visit:<\/span><\/b> Rameshwaram temple, Dhanushkodi temple and\r\nBeach, Glass Boat Ride at Pamban Bridge, Agnitheertham, Annai Indira Gandhi\r\nRoad Bridge, The Five faced human temple.<\/p>Getting there <\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p>\u00a7 <\/span><\/span>By Train - You can catch a train to\r\nRameshwaram from your location <\/o:p><\/p>\u00a7 <\/span><\/span>By Flight - You can book a flight to Madurai\r\nAirport from major Indian cities. From airport you can get Taxi cars or Buses\r\nfor Rameshwaram.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a7 <\/span><\/span>By Road - Rameshwaram is well-connected by\r\nroad to various cities in Tamil Nadu and nearby states. You can choose from\r\ngovernment-operated buses, private buses, or even luxury coaches<\/o:p><\/p> <\/o:p><\/p>2. Madurai \u201cThe City of Temples\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p><\/p>
Madurai, the\r\ncultural capital of Tamil Nadu has a number of titles to its credit such as\r\n\u201cThe Athens of East\", \u201cSleepless City\" and \u201cThe City of Temples\u201d.\r\nSteeped into history this ancient city is one of the best places to visit in\r\nTamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage destination of India. Legend has it that\r\nMadurai was built after cutting down a forest zone known as Kadambavanam. On\r\nthe day of naming the city, Lord Shiva emerged on the site and drops of nectar\r\nfell from his hair on the ground. Hence the city got its name derived as\r\nMadurai from the Tamil word \u2018mathuram\u2019 which means \u201csweetness\".<\/div>\r\n
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Steeped in traditional Tamil culture the city of Madurai is known for its\r\nmythical, vivacious and soulful essence that will draw your attention as you\r\nenter its precincts. The city exhibits a seamless blend of the traditional and\r\ncontemporary with its historical Dravidian architecture and modern skyscrapers\r\nadorning its skyline. The world famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Idaikattur\r\nChurch, The Pudhu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar Palace are the prominent\r\nhistorical monuments of Madurai city.<\/div>
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<\/o:p><\/p> <\/o:p><\/p>Best Time to travel:<\/span><\/b> <\/span>Throughout the year<\/p>Places to Visit:<\/span><\/b> <\/span>Koodal Azhagar temple, Meenakshi Temple and\r\nthe Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal <\/p>Getting there <\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p>\u00a7 \r\n<\/span><\/span>By Flight \u2013 Madurai is well connected to all\r\nmajor city. Madurai Airport is just 10 to 15 KM from main city center<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a7 \r\n<\/span><\/span>By Train - You can catch a train to Madurai from\r\nyour location. Advance booking is recommended in Holiday seasons.<\/o:p><\/p>\u00a7 \r\n<\/span><\/span>By Road \u2013 You can get Buses, Taxies to reach\r\nMadurai. The city has 3 Bus stand where you can get bus to almost every city in\r\nTamil Nadu.<\/o:p><\/p> <\/o:p><\/p> <\/o:p><\/p>3. Kanyakumari \u201cThe Land's End\u201d<\/o:p><\/span><\/b><\/p>Located at the southernmost tip of the Indian\r\nsubcontinent, Kanyakumari is a captivating coastal town in the state of Tamil\r\nNadu. Renowned for its breathtaking confluence of three vast water bodies \u2013 the\r\nArabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean \u2013 Kanyakumari is\r\ncelebrated for its stunning natural beauty and spiritual significance. Also\r\nknown as Cape Comorin, this town holds a special place in Indian mythology and\r\nfolklore, with legends associating it with the virgin goddess Kanyakumari Devi.<\/o:p><\/p>