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Places to see: India

ORISSA

Located on the eastern coast of India bordering West Bengal in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

Pulsating with the spirit of Indian Culture and located in the central part of India, Odisha is like a bridge between the northern and southern halves of the country. It was a formidable maritime empire with overseas trading routes stretching up to Indonesia. 

Odisha has a long tradition of art and architecture. The early monuments date back to the third century B.C. The remnant of an Ashokan pillar, turned into a Siva Lingam and enshrined in the Bhaskaresvara temple at Bhubaneswar and the lion capital of an Ashokan pillar, presently in the State Museum, speak volumes of Odisha's past glory.  

Odisha's temple-culture is a magnificent reflection of the grand temple architectural essence of India. Be it the sanctified environs of the Lord Jagannath temple at Puri, or the mystic eroticism of the Sun temple of Konark, or the deep caves, or the Buddhist monasteries, the vibrant folk paintings or the weaver's handspun magic, Odisha sings with pride a ballad resonant with the richness of a living past and the dynamism of a flourishing present. 

Tribal Culture - Odisha has a large concentration of Tribal population(62 Tribes) who mostly inhabit the jungle and hilly region with wide distribution in Koraput, Phulbani, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal and Mayurbhanj area. The Socio-cultural life of Odisha has been greatly shaped and influenced by the long continuing tribal traditions

They enjoy their lives through dance and music. Tribal villages often vibrate with drum beats and the hills echo with resonance of music. Each tribe has its rich patterns of music and dance which are variegated, specialised and artistic. This form of performing art has inspired the innovation of colourful costumes, varieties of musical instruments and excellent carvings and paintings in their houses. 

Cuisine - Odisha produces a great variety of vegetables, most of which are put to excellent use in the local cuisine. Odisha fish, crabs and prawns are famous and you will have ample opportunity to enjoy them in whatever style you choose. There is also a good variety of other fresh sea food. Preparation of Odia dishes is simple and economic. 

Art and Crafts of Odisha - Once known as Utkala, which means the land of excellence in art, Odisha is a treasure trove of exquisite handicraft and traditional art forms, a rich legacy of an ancient culture. 

Seasons - There are 3 major seasons—Summer, Rainy & Winter

Summer Season (April to June) is usually hot but the forest and hilly areas are fairly cool.

Rainy Season (July to September) drizzles intermittently without hindering mobility of traffic.

Winter Season (November to February) is extremely pleasant.

Clothing - Light weight cotton clothes for summer and rainy season. Warm garments for winter.

Places to visit - Jaganath Puri, Konark, Lingraja, Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, Tribal Culture.

GUJARAT

Aavo Padharo, words of welcome in the language of Gujarat because it is here that these words ring truely and the guest is 'God' and the people of Gujarat are gregariously friendly, inviting and will entice you to come again and again.

Gujarat is one of the most diverse States in India. Its history stretches over a long years from the age old Harappan Civilization to the Mughal period. Gujarat's endless journey from Roots to Wings is timeless with historical and cultural traditions glorifying the State.

The Land of the Legends

Gujarat, the Land of the Legends, is the birthplace of many Freedom fighters like the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and many others who fought the freedom struggle, infusing the qualities of tolerance, brotherhood, non-violence and patriotism into Indians.

Home to incredible diversity due to its geographic and strategic location, Gujarati pride and rich cultural heritage is reflected in the arts, music, literature, religious traditions, cuisine, fairs and festivals of every city and place.

Gandhinagar is the State Capital of Gujarat. Named after ‘Gandhi’, the father of the nation, it is situated 32 kms away from Ahmedabad and is proudly the best planned city in India.

Historical and Archaeological Monuments

The cultural mix enhanced with over 4500 years of history has endowed Gujarat with some of the greatest historical and archaeological monuments. While Lothal offers an unparalleled insight into the Harappan civilization, Ahmedabad has specimens of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, Palitana has a profusion of temples in the Jain style, Junagadh displays Buddhist caves and Rajput architecture appears all over different parts of Gujarat. A major Tourist destination of immense potential, it’s historical monuments represent the great religions of Asia – Hindu, Buddhism, Jain, Islam, Parsi and Sikh.

Places to visit: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Kutch, Gunagad, Surat,

Uttar Gujarat, Rajkot, Gir National Park, Somnath.

ALAPPUZHA

Referred to as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of Kettuvallams of olden times. The original Kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The Kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.

Nearest railway station: Alappuzha
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km from Alappuzha town.

BEKAL

Location: About 16 km South of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, North Kerala

Kasaragod, the Northern most district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location

Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasaragod town