HIDDEN GEMS OF ANDAMAN
Sunset at Andaman Islands by @andaman_nicobar on Instagram Off the east coast of India, in the Bay of Bengal are found the breathtakingly gorgeous cluster of islands called the Andaman Islands of India. The Andaman Islands are one of the most suitable places for vacation for all the nature, adventure, and aqua lovers there. Mangrove Creek at Andaman Islands by @anujuy17 on Instagram The Andaman Islands provide refuge to the Sentinelese tribe known to have zero contact with humanity and society. The area is restricted from visitations by trespassers and the tribal people here are believed to be the only people on the planet to not have reached the Paleolithic standard of development and evolution. Sentinel Tribe at North Sentinel Island by @ourmediaonline on Instagram The mass community of Andaman places their faith in the religion which can be best characterized as Monotheistic Animism. The tribes inhabiting the Island believe in only one divinity Paluga. Keeping in mind the fact that the place is one of kind with its mesmerizing and enchanting beauty, the Islands are also very popular because of their adventure activities. The amalgamation of thrill and adrenaline with serenity and solitude makes the place an extraordinary vacation destination. There are several places here that are still unexplored by many. So why not check out some of the Hidden Gems of Andaman? Wandoor Island at the Andaman Islands by @andaman_nicobar on Instagram Read more about Andaman’s travel experience in the blog written by Medhavi Davda!! A. Barren Island Barren Island by @onhisowntrip on Instagram We have all learned about Barren Island in our Geography lessons as India’s only confirmed active volcano that lies about 135 km south of the sovereignty’s capital, Port Blair. The island lies on the seismically active tectonic plates in the Andaman Sea, and can only be seen from a distance on a ship, and setting foot on the island is strictly forbidden and equally formidable. The volcano last erupted here in 1991 and then again in 1994-95. This excursion is a thrilling ordeal as your vessel travels the enormous spectrum of the sea and you get to marvel at this heated land which is so unique and special. All life here is perished thus earning it its name, Barren Island. Scuba Diving at Andaman Islands by @andaman_nicobar on Instagram Barren Island is enclosed by waters that are respected among the world’s top scuba diving destinations. Primary interests here are the bright and clear vision, Manta Rays, intriguing basalt figures, the terrain of prior lava trickles, and evergrowing coral gardens. This dive destination is secluded but accessible by either a ship or with scuba-operators established at Havelock Island. B. Limestone Caves Limestone caves at Andaman Islands by @pranotiisawant on Instagram The limestone caves in Andaman are proof of the splendidness of nature that can not be found anywhere else and this declaration is no hyperbole. The millions of years aged limestone formations will arouse some never felt emotions in you and therefore every tourist must take a jetty ride to these caves on their Andaman trip. Limestone caves at Andaman Islands by @pranotiisawant on Instagram The Baratang island where these limestone caves are discovered was concealed from the world for a long time, because of inhabitation by the Jarawa tribe, which is recognized as one of the most dangerous tribes of the world. Only recently, the ministry unlocked the gate to the magnificent island to facilitate tourism. C. Red Skin Island Coral Reefs at Red Skin Island by @the.artsy.api on Instagram Red Skin Island is among the several beautiful islands to visit in this archipelago, and one of the least frequented. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park located in the village of Wandoor in the Andaman Islands is home to a total of 15 islands but only 2 are forthcoming for travelers, one of them being the Red Skin Island. Turtles at Red Skin Island by @guruchandratoursandtravels on Instagram The most fascinating aspect of the Red Skin Island is that it is drenched in a huge diversity of flora and fauna. The abundance of Red coral reefs gives the island a reddish hue which also contributes to its name. No one is permitted to stay here overnight and usage of plastic bottles is entirely banned. Variety of Shells found at Red Skin Island by @herjourneyjournal on Instagram D. Active mud volcanoes Mud Volcanoes at Andaman Islands by @uom_geology_ on Instagram The Mud Volcanoes form largely in the belowground gas cavities found in these regions. The cavities emit mud when the gas compels its way out, and in the process blenches out a combination of water and oil that results in the muddy appearance. Mud Volcanoes At Baratang Island by @wizard_kole on Instagram Reportedly there are a total of 11 active mud volcanoes in the Andaman Islands out of which 8 are located in the Baratang Island and the remaining 3 are found at Diglipore in North Andaman. Diglipore is one of the best places to visit in Andaman Island and one of the biggest towns in North Andaman and is also known for the Saddle Peak National Park. E. Cellular Jail Cellular Jail at Andaman Islands by @andman_nicobar on Instagram The beauty and tranquillity of Andaman know no bounds. However, it’s also a truth that before evolving into a popular traveler destination, it was known for its notorious ‘Cellular Jail’ generally known as ‘Kaala Pani’. Discovered in Port Blair, this penitentiary was built by the British during the colonial era in India and it was utilized to banish the most tragic criminals along with political captives who protested against British rule. Cellular Jail at Andaman Islands by @andaman_nicobar on Instagram The magnificent sound and light show at the Cellular Jail in the dusk is worth witnessing while in Andaman.
Hidden Gems of Gujarat
Lions at Gir National Park by @sasan_gir_forest on Instagram An extended coastline with seashores and estuaries, seaside temples and holy conferences, forts, and castles, some of India’s outstanding wildlife reliefs and bird-watching locations, the extraordinary white desert of Kutch, bright and vivid handicrafts, tribal towns, and prospering cities, Gujarat is indeed a traveler’s utopia. Somnath temple by @girnar_premi_official on Instagram Rani ki Vav in Patan is one of the best historical places in Gujarat and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site but everyone knows about this. Did you know that Gujarat is home to not 1 or 2 but 3 Indus Valley Civilization Cities that have been excavated? Today several initiatives are being undertaken by the government to highlight the authenticity and uniqueness of Gujarat and that tourism in Gujarat is broader than just Gir Forests or the Somnath Temple. Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Gujarat or one might call them the Hidden Gems of Gujarat. A. SAPUTARA Saputara by @saputaraindia on Instagram In summers, when we wish to go to the mountains the first destination that comes to our minds is either Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand. A lot of people are oblivious to the fact that Gujarat has a little hill town of its own. Saputara, the only hill station of Gujarat, is snuggled in the Sahyadri range in the Dang district of Gujarat. Visitors consider it a tiny jewel and a haven of peace and tranquility. There are quite a few places to visit in Saputara and after reading this you would like to tour the place asap. Adventure activites in Saputara by @saputaraindia on Instagram Adventure activities in Saputara by @saputaraindia on Instagram The stunning Gira waterfalls are one of the best places to visit in Saputara during monsoons. The focal point of this hill refuge is its lake, which has boating capacities and sporting activities. The best part is for all the animal and wildlife lovers out there as Saputara is home to Vansda National Park, Purna Sanctuary, and Honey Bees Center. Furthermore, Saputara also has a fort and a Tribal Museum of its own. Purna Wildlife Sanctuary by @gujarattouism on Instagram Amazing Fact: According to mythology, Lord Rama visited the place and spent 11 years of his banishment in Saputara. B. LOTHAL Lothal by @gujarattourism on Instagram The numerous historical places in Gujarat highlight the fact that it is indeed enriched with a deep-rooted history that dates back to the time of the Harappan Civilization. Gujarat has more than 200 Indus Valley Civilization sites. About 80km southwest of Ahmedabad, the city that lived at this archaeological site 4500 years ago-Lothal, was one of the most significant sites of the Indus Valley civilization, which extended into what is now Pakistan. Ancient Chess Board at Lothal by @lost_temples on Instagram Excavations have disclosed the world’s ancientest known manufactured dock, which was attached to an obsolete course of the Sabarmati River. Some of the most fascinating elements include the Acropolis or the Citadel, the Lower Town, the Bead factory, the Warehouses, and the Drainage system. The site has also been proposed to be enrolled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tourist can see intriguing discoveries by archeologists like canals and dockyards that deduced the fact that Lothal was a vital trading city. C. BOHRA VAD , SIDHPUR Bohra Havelis at Sidhpur by @untilthenexttime_ on Instagarm Over 103 km north of Ahmedabad, lies the sacred city of Sidhpur. The town is an esteemed destination, flanked by temples, ashrams, and other religious structures. The township derives its name from Siddhraj Singh from the Solanki Dynasty who ruled Gujarat back in the 10th century. The town flourished and reached the pinnacle of glory under the reign of the Solankis. The Sidhpur Camel Festival held annually is a traditional fair organized here during the Kartik month. The camels and horses are adorned brightly by their owners to exhibit or sell them during the fair. Colorful Bohra Havelis at Bohra Vad by @njadwala on Instagram The town also wields significance for the Bohra Muslims, a prosperous Muslim community dispersed all over the world. These aged Havelis and mansions, some over 100 years old, are constructed in such an outstanding way to reflect the European flavor. A stroll through the ‘Bohra Vad’ is like a stroll through England with the surplus of lamplighters at dusk. The architecture of these Havelis is emulating Victorian architecture. The screens are rich in assortment and aesthetic mood with sophisticated details in wood. Hence, these ‘Bohra Havelis’ exemplify a romantic visual right from a Dickenson novel. D. HIDDEN GEM IN AHMEDABAD- THE VINTAGE CAR MUSEUM Auto World – Vintage Car Museum in Ahemdabad by @devchoudharyias on Instagram Ahmedabad is such a vibrant city that has a perfect medley of old and new landmarks that allures thousands of visitors from across the globe. Regarded as the most important city of Gujarat this cosmopolitan has numerous places of interest. Keeping aside all the historical and aesthetic places, Ahmedabad also has some of the most unique places to visit in Gujarat. To all the automobile, bike, and wheel lovers out there let me bring you to one of the biggest personal collections of vintage cars, bikes, carriages, and utility vehicles. Named Auto World, it was developed by Mr. Pranlal Bhogilal Patel because of his love for cars. Among the 300 plus mechanical extravaganzas, some distinguished ones that stand out are a Bentley, Lagonda, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Austin, Jaguar, Mercedes a, and Auburns. The museum has also established a place for itself in the Guinness Book of World Records for this remarkable collection. Auto World – Vintage Car Museum by @life_of_a_l.u.n.a.t.i.c on Instagram E. THE GREAT RANN OF KUTCH White Desert at Rann of Kutch by @white_rann_of_kutch on Instagram The Great Rann of Kutch is a
Ultimate Guide to Bikaner
Rangeelo Bikano by @bikanercityblog on Instagram In the northwestern part of the desert state of India, lies the princely and colorful district of Bikaner. Named after its founder Rao Bikaji, Bikaner is known for generating some of the world’s best camels, consequently earning its nickname of ‘camel country’. When you hear the name of this city what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Probably Bikaneri Bhujiya right! But did you know that Bikaner is home to one of the only 2 models of biplane used by British during the World War I, presented by the British to Maharaja Ganga Singh, the ruler of the time? Likewise, many such unique factors as a temple of rats make Bikaner the fourth-largest city of Rajasthan. HISTORY OF BIKANER Portrait of Rao Bikaji by @narendra.bhawan.bikaner The ancestries of Bikaner can be traced back to the Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, who established the kingdom of Bikaner back in 1488. Bikaji was one of Rao Jodhaji’s five sons, the renowned founder of Jodhpur. According to the Legend, Bikaji left his father’s Durbar in resentment after an unkind remark from his father and wandered far when he came upon the wilderness called Jangladesh where he decided to set up his kingdom and converted it into an extraordinary and stunning city now called Bikaner. HOW TO REACH? Bikaner is placed 330 kilometers northwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Bikaner city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District and Bikaner division. By Road:- Bikaner is well fulfilled with roads and buses are easily available. There are direct routes to major cities of India and Rajasthan like Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Sri Ganganagar, Jodhpur, Alwar, Rewari, Narnaul, Ludhiana, Bhatinda, Ambala, Panipat, Surat, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Haridwar, Jaisalmer, and many other cities. By Train:- Bikaner railway station is an important railway junction in the North Western Railway zone of Indian Railways. Today Bikaner Railway Station is efficiently well connected to National Capital Delhi and Rajasthan State’s capital Jaipur along with major Indian cities like Jodhpur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kanpur, Agra, Allahabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Pathankot, Amritsar, Haridwar, Jammu, Chandigarh, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Puri, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Jalandhar, etc. By Air:- Bikaner has a Domestic Civil Airport which is located 15 km west of the city. Regular flights to Jaipur and Delhi commenced in 2017-18. BEST TIME TO VISIT Bikaner is situated in Rajasthan a desert state, where the climate is of the extreme type therefore summers are extremely hot and winters are extremely cold. Hence the best time to visit Bikaner is during January and March and October and December. During this time the weather is breezy, pleasant, and a bit chill. THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:- Forts and Palaces 1. Junagarh Fort and Prachina Museum Picteresque Junagarh Fort by @narendra.bhawan.bikaner on Instagram Junagarh is a very distinctive fort. Its unique features, like being one of the few major forts in Rajasthan which is not built on a hilltop, make it stand out from all the other forts. Junagarh is also known for being an impenetrable fortress that holds the significance of having never been seized. It was constructed in 1588 AD by Raja Rai Singh, one of Emperor Akbar’s most prominent generals. The fort houses some gorgeous courtyards, balconies, jharokhas, and palaces beautifully designed in red sandstone and marble making it one of the best places to visit in Bikaner. Fun fact: Bollywood movie Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and Nayak were shot at Junagarh Fort. In 1961, Maharaja Karni Singh set up a museum within the fortress that displays royal clothing, essences, accessories of Rajasthani majesty, cutlery, and portraits of the royalty. The ‘Poshaks’ which are the garments worn by Rajput ladies and the family portraits are a constant reminder of the fact that heritage and culture are slowly fading away. The craft of conventional designs, styles, and threadwork on exhibit conveys the fact that Bikaneri culture is so dynamic and vibrant. 2. Laxmi Niwas Palace Laxmi Niwas Palace Laxmi Niwas Palace was the dwelling of the king of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh. Constructed between 1898 and 1902 by British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, this building showcases an Indo-Saracenic architectural character. It is now converted into a luxury hotel that is owned by the Royal Family of Bikaner. Fun Fact: The Palace was portrayed as the gorgeous royal residence of Fawad Khan in the Bollywood movie Khoobsurat and was also used for shooting another Bollywood movie Baadshaho. 3. Lalgarh Palace Lalgarh Palace by @narendra.bhawan.bikaner on Instagram The construction of this lavish and imperial palace was initiated by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902 in remembrance of his late father Maharaja Lal Singh. The palace’s architectural marvel was brought to life by Sir Swinton Jacob, who cultivated this fantasy palace by stirring Rajput, Islamic, and European architecture. Fun Fact: Dum Dum song from the Bollywood movie Band Baja Baraat was shot at this palace. 4. Gajner Palace and Lake Gajner Palace with evening lights Gajner Palace is often nicknamed as an unrivaled gem of the Thar. Maharaja Gaj Singh of Bikaner laid the foundation for Gajner Palace in the year 1784 which was then finished off by the eminent Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner on the banks of the lake. Covering vast lands of 6000 acres this palace has dramatic landscape, picturesque and architectural beauty. The palace is surrounded by forest and thus was meant to satisfy as a hunting and comfortable vacation residence for the royalty and visiting guests. It has now been transformed into a Heritage Hotel. Fun Fact: Bollywood movie Anamika was shot at this Palace. Sunset at the Gajner Lake Temples 1. Karni Mata Temple Entrance of Karni Mata Temple by @deshnoke_darbar_jai_maa_karni on Instagram The Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok is considered the
