theoff.info

Tour, Travel & Write
  • Adventure Travel Centre
    • Trip Ideas
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Diary
  • Travel & Tourism Industry
    • Adventure Travel, Tourism Industry & Market
    • Online Travel Industry & Market
  • Writers’ Corner
    • Observations Opinions Thoughts…
    • Writers’ Tools
  • About Us
    • the Off News
  • Contact Us
RSS

Listen to blogs

 

February 2012
M T W T F S S
« Jan    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
272829  

Adventure Travel Facts

Subscription Options:

Tags

adventure tour Adventure Tourism Adventure tourism industry Adventure tourism market Adventure Tours Adventure Travel adventure Travel idea adventure travel ideas adventure travel industry adventure travel market Adventure Travel Tips adventure trip adventure trip ideas adventure trips Asia Chandigarh free online travel guide free online travel guides Himachal Pradesh how to plan a trip India Indian Himalayas mountain mountains mountains in India Online travel guide online travel guides plan a trip planning a trip planning for a trip the Himalaya the Himalayas Tourism travel travel India travel information travel in India Travel Planning trekking Trip Ideas trip planning week end getaways weekend getaways weekend’s itinerary week getaways

Translate the Off in Language of Your Choice

Feb06

Save cooking time while trekking in Indian Himalaya

by admin on February 6th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Adventure Travel, Travel Diary

If you are planning to trek along a popular route in any of the Indian Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand,  you can savor hot Maggi (instant noodles), omelets and tea, and / or ready to eat snacks, including biscuits, chips…, because locals build temporary tea stalls along these routes during trekking season. In en route villages, you may also get lassi, mattha (buttermilk) and /or milk in these makeshift open-air stalls. So, you can save some cooking time.


Print Friendly
└ Tags: adventure tour, Adventure Tourism, Adventure Tours, Adventure Travel, adventure travel tip, Adventure Travel Tips, adventure trip, adventure trips, Asia, free online travel guide, free online travel guides, free travel guide, free travel guides, Himachal Pradesh, Himalayan trek routes, Himalayan trekking, how to plan a trip, India, Indian Himalayas, mountain, mountains, mountains in India, peak climbing, peak royalty, plan a trip, planning a trip, planning for a trip, the Himalaya, the Himalayas, travel in India, travel India, travel information, Travel Planning, trekking, treks, trip planning, Uttarakhand
 Comment 
Feb05

Fair faith

by admin on February 5th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Observations Opinions Thoughts…, Writers' Corner

Faith is fair if it is fervent.

Faith is a fag if it is feeble.

Faith is the favorite of winners.

Faith is the fruit that flourishes in fertile land.

Faith is the follower who falls in love with fragrant fellows.

Faith is the friend who facilitates, fascinates and funds success.

Faith is the finger that flirts with futile and functions in adversities.

Faith is the fairy who frisks doubts, foils foul play and feeds you on flowers.


Print Friendly
└ Tags: faith, inspiration, observations, opinions, thoughts, Writers, Writers’ tools
 Comment 
Feb04

Acquisition of Sherpa: gain of active holiday segment

by admin on February 4th, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Adventure Travel, Tourism Industry & Market, Travel & Tourism Industry

 

The World Expeditions Group acquired Sherpa Expeditions in January 2012 to expand its niche holiday product portfolio and take advantage of growing demand of the European activity holidays. Since Sherpa and UTracks products are complementary, World Expeditions now offers over 300 European itineraries covering over 25 nations. However, both Sherpa and UTrack will operate as independent companies until the end of the year when both businesses would be combined. The acquisition will further strengthen position of World Expeditions in the European active holiday segment. The customers will have a comprehensive active and adventure travel itinerary database to choose from. 

Sherpa, set up in 1973 in the United Kingdom, sells escorted and self-guided adventure and active holidays across the world, including Europe. The Sherpa itinerary portfolio consists of the Himalayan tours, cycling tours, escorted walks, British walking tours etc. 

The Australian adventure travel company (ATC), World Expeditions, one of the leading ATCs, was founded in 1975 to sell small group adventure holidays.  The ATC owns six brands and active travel companies: Adventure South (New Zealand), Australian Walking Holidays (Australia), Sherpa Expeditions, Tasmanian Expeditions (Tasmania), UTracks (Europe) and World Youth Adventures.


Print Friendly
└ Tags: acquisition, adventure tourism business, adventure tourism case studies, Adventure tourism industry, adventure tourism industry report, Adventure tourism market, adventure tourism market report, adventure tourism market reports, adventure tourism market research, adventure travel business, adventure travel case studies, adventure travel companies, adventure travel company, adventure travel industry, adventure travel industry report, adventure travel market, adventure travel market report, adventure travel market reports, adventure travel market research, adventure travel research, Sherpa Expeditions, the travel market, travel market, World Expeditions
 Comment 
Feb03

The Shivratri fair starting at Krishna temple

by admin on February 3rd, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Adventure Travel, Trip Ideas

 

 

Where to travel 

In Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, a colorful cultural adventure awaits believers and / or keen culture observers. Mandi, located on the Beas River, is the venue for annual International Shivratri Fair, which starts on the day of Maha Shivratri, the night of Lord Shiva. This year Shivratri will be celebrated on 20th February. 

What to do & see 

Mandi Shivratri Fair 

The fair is organized in the month of Phalguna as per Hindu calendar. Phalguna, the last month of the calendar, falls in February-March of the Gregorian calendar. 

The 8-day long fair begins with a procession from the Madho Rai Temple to Bhutnath Temple to Padal Maidan, a plain ground between the Suketi and Beas rivers. Deities from several nearby villages participate in the fair every year. However, deities are welcomed as per their rank and status. Each deity arrives in a small colorful procession consisting of folk musicians and devotees. Deities dressed in bold bright colors cover distance from the village to Mandi in traditional palanquins or ‘raths.’ These small colorful processions are a common sight in the town during fair and worth capturing on reel. 

Cultural programs, featuring folk and non-folk performances focusing on Lord Shiva, are also hosted almost daily. On the last but one day, Chela and Guru predict happenings for the New Year and puja is organized for whole night. 

The Madho Rai Temple is dedicated to Murlidhar, the flute player, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Madho Rai, the ruling deity of Mandi receives the chhari (mace) of Kamaru Naga from the oracle. Kamaru, the principal rain-bestowing deity, sends His mace instead of participating in the fair. Nagas or Narains are revered as cloud, rain and weather gods across Himachal Pradesh. 

The Bhutnath Temple in the heart of Mandi is dedicated to the Lord of Cosmos, an incarnation of Lord Shiva,  the guardian of the town.  The stone temple in Sikhara style comprises a sanctum, porch and sabha mandap. The garbh-griha (sanctum) has a lingam and naga devta idol. Fluted pillars of the porch are decorated with elephant-shaped capitals. In the past, residents of Mandi offered water collected from the Beas to the lingam to invoke the lord of rain during dry spells to avoid draught. They covered the distance between the riverbank and the temple barefoot. This tradition continues, but it lacks enthusiasm and vigor of the past. 

When to go 

February 

How to reach 

Mandi is about 480 km from the national capital Delhi. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers bus service between these towns. The bus fare ranges from INR 387.00 (US$7.81, €5.99, £4.96) to 875.00 (US$17.67, €13.53, £11.23) per person. You can choose from ordinary, semi deluxe, deluxe, air-conditioned (AC) and Volvo buses. Buy bus tickets online. 

Joginder Nagar railway station is about 50 km from Mandi town. You can board the Kangra Toy Train to cover 163-km journey between Joginder Nagar and Pathankot. This narrow gauge track winds through scenic landscape. However, advance-booking service is not available for the train. You can browse the toy train schedule online. 

A number of trains connect Delhi and Pathankot. For instance, Dhauladhar Express runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Second AC class fare amounts to INR 772.00 (US$15.59, €11.94, £9.90) per person for this journey of 496 km,  whereas the Sleeper class ticket costs INR 212.00 (US$4.28, €3.28, £2.72) per person.  

Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar) is 60 km from Mandi town. You can catch an Air India flight from Delhi (DEL) to Bhuntar (KUU) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The air ticket starts from INR 3,985.00 per person (US$80.45, €61.63, £51.12). Book your air ticket.   

Accommodation 

You can stay in a traditional hotel, heritage hotel and / or home stay in Mandi. Home stays are very economical with tariff ranging from INR 150.00 (US$3.03, €2.32, £1.92) to 600.00 (US$12.11, €9.28, £7.70) per room. 

Rajmahal Palace, a heritage hotel with modern facilities, offers standard air-conditioned (AC) rooms, suites and deluxe rooms. Tariff varies from INR 990.00 (US$19.99, €15.31, £12.70) to 2,800.00 (US$56.53, €43.31, £35.92) exclusive of taxes. Book luxury accommodation now.

Updated: 4/02/12

You can watch the Mandi Shivratri Fair slide show at http://theoff.info/


Print Friendly
└ Tags: adventure tour, Adventure Tourism, Adventure Tours, Adventure Travel, adventure trip, adventure trips, Bhutnath Temple, free online travel guide, free online travel guides, Himachal Pradesh, how to plan a trip, India, Indian Himalayas, Madho Rai Temple, Mandi, Mandi Shivratri Fair, mountain, mountains, mountains in India, Online travel guide, online travel guides, plan a trip, planning a trip, planning for a trip, Shivratri fair, the Himalaya, the Himalayas, things to do & see, travel in India, travel India, travel information, Travel Planning, Trip Ideas, trip planning, What to do & see, what to see & do
 Comment 
Feb02

Where is Holi celebrated for over a month?

by admin on February 2nd, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Posted In: Adventure Travel, Trip Ideas

 

 

Where to travel 

If you are an adventurous culture vulture, this is the time to visit Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. Because on January 28, 2012, the day of Basant Panchami (the fifth day of spring), locals worshipped Lord Rama and applied gulal (bright color powder) to His idol to mark the beginning of the forty days long Holi festival. The King of Kullu arrived in a traditional palanquin at Dhalpur Ground from Sultanpur in Kullu to play Holi with average person. This colorful tradition will continue during entire festival period. 

What to do & see 

Kullu has been organizing the Holi festivities since late seventeenth century to commemorate meeting of Bharat and Lord Hanuman. Devotees gather at the Raghunath Temple in Sultanpur to offer obeisance and apply gulal to the Lord Raghunath (Rama). Then, they carry the idols of the lord from the temple to Dhalpur Ground on a chariot. Drum beats, trumpet sounds, a spray of color and sweet smell of incense filling the air lead the procession. The chariot is parked at Dhalpur during festival time so that people can pray, apply gulal and seek His blessings. 

Do not forget to look for the “Hanuman”, a local clan member in disguise of Lord Hanuman wandering in the town. His touch is believed to be auspicious. 

In some parts of Kullu, ice-Holi is also celebrated. Gulal is mixed with ice / snow before applying it to near and dears. Rohtang Pass is one of the venues for the “icy” splash of color. 

When to go 

January-March 

How to reach 

Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs ordinary, semi deluxe, air conditioned (AC) and Volvo buses from Delhi, the capital of India, to Kullu. The fare for this journey of more than 550 km varies from INR 468.00 (US$9.45, €7.24, £6.00) to INR 1,035.00 (US$20.90, €16.01, £13.28) per person. You can book bus tickets online. 

Alternatively, you can catch a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Bhuntar (KUU). Air India flies on this route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The air ticket price starts from INR 3,985.00 per person (US$80.45, €61.63, £51.12). Book your air ticket.   

Accommodation 

Kullu has several hotels, but the best way to enjoy the festival and learn about nuances and rituals is to book a room in one of Home Stay properties registered with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department. The tariff ranges from INR 250.00 (US$5.05, €3.87, £3.21) to 2,500.00 (US$50.47, €38.67, £32.07) per room. Book accommodation. 

Some interesting facts 

Holi is a village in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh.

Holi is the name of festival of colors celebrated across India.

The word ‘Holi’ is derived from the word ‘Hola’, which means to thank divinity for good harvest.

Holi is also called ‘Phagwah’ because it is celebrated in the month of Phalgun as per Hindu calendar. Phalgun is the time when winter fades away and spring arrives. 

Happy and Safe Holi! 


Print Friendly
└ Tags: adventure tour, Adventure Tourism, Adventure Tours, Adventure Travel, Adventure Travel Tips, adventure trip, adventure trips, Festival of Colors, free online travel guide, free online travel guides, Himachal Pradesh, Holi, how to plan a trip, India, Indian Himalayas, mountain, mountains, mountains in India, Online travel guide, online travel guides, plan a trip, planning a trip, planning for a trip, the Himalaya, the Himalayas, things to do & see, travel in India, travel India, travel information, Travel Planning, Trip Ideas, trip planning, What to do & see, what to see & do
 Comment 
  • Page 1 of 60
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • »
  • Last »

Scheduled Posts

  • 02/08/2012 Narkanda ski packages
  • 02/07/2012 Indian Railways goes mobile

Recent Posts: Travel & Tourism Industry

  • Acquisition of Sherpa: gain of active holiday segment
  • An example of social media-based adventure travel campaign
  • Adventure travel show, a contact point for adventurers

More from Travel Diary

  • Save cooking time while trekking in Indian Himalaya
  • Where to refresh yourself while driving to Shimla
  • Leisure in Shimla: enhance your looks

More Adventure Travel Ideas

  • The Shivratri fair starting at Krishna temple
  • Where is Holi celebrated for over a month?
  • Ski Sumnam slopes

Recent Travel Tip Articles

  • Do you need PAP for Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti?
  • Free trip to India
  • Where to check Himalayan road status

Latest from Observations, Opinons, Thoughts... section

  • Fair faith
  • Yearnings for 2012
  • What’s the difference between arrange and love marriages?

Recent Posts: Writers' Tools

  • How to schedule tweets
  • Diwali gift for small business owners using OPGSPs
  • Reading revitalizes resources

the Off News

  • the Off: (ABHA) introduces “Adventure Travel Facts”
  • the Off: (ABHA) publishes “Everest ATP Analysis: Suppliers’ Perspective” report
  • Listen to Our Blogs

Contents

Archives

©2009-2012 theoff.info | Powered by WordPress with Easel | Subscribe: RSS | Back to Top ↑