South Asian Stone Age
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History of South Asia
(Indian Subcontinent)
Stone Age before 3300 BC

Mature Harappan 2600–1700 BC
Late Harappan 1700–1300 BC
Iron Age 1200–300 BC
Maurya Empire • 321–184 BC
Middle Kingdoms 230 BC–1279 AD
Satavahana • 230 BC–220 BC
Gupta Empire • 280–550 AD
Islamic Sultanates 1206–1596
Mughal Empire 1526–1707
Sikh Confederacy 1716-1849
British India 1858–1947
Modern States since 1947
Timeline
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The South Asian Stone Age covers the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods in the Indian subcontinent.

The absolute time frame of these periods is very different for North and South Indian sub continent: In North, Pakistan (Mehrgarh), the Neolithic begins ca. 7000 and lasts until 3300 BCE and the first beginnings of the Bronze Age, Punjab, Pakistan. In South, India, the Mesolithic lasts until 3000 BCE, and the Neolithic until 1400 BCE, followed by a Megalithic transitional period mostly skipping the Bronze Age. The Iron Age begins roughly simultaneously in North and South India, around 1200 to 1000 BCE (Painted Grey Ware culture, Hallur).

Contents

1 Paleolithic
1.1 Homo erectus
1.2 Homo sapiens
2 Neolithic
3 References
4 See also
5 External links



Further information: Acheulian, Soanian, and Riwat

Homo erectus

lived in the Potowar region of Punjab in Pakistan (near Rawalpindi and the Soan river) during the Pleistocene Epoch. Biface handaxe and cleaver traditions may have originated in the middle Pleistocene.[1] The beginning of the use of Acheulian and chopper-chopping tools of lower palaeolithic may be dated to approx. the middle Pleistocene [2].

Homo sapiens

Analysis of mtDNA dates the immigration of Homo sapiens to South Asia to 70,000 to 50,000 years ago.[3] These populations spread further to Southeast Asia, reaching Australia by 40,000 years ago.
Cave sites in Sri Lanka have yielded the earliest record of modern homo sapiens in South Asia. They were dated to 34,000 years ago . (Kennedy 2000: 180).
For finds from the Belan in southern Uttar Pradesh radio carbon data have indicated an age of 18-17 tya. Palaeolithic rock art is also well-known.


At the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka humans lived throughout the Upper Paleolithic (10th to 8th millennia BC), revealing cave paintings dating to ca. 7000 BC; the Sivaliks and the Potwar (Pakistan) region also exhibit many vertebrate fossil remains and palaeolithic tools. Chert, jasper and quartzite were often used by humans during this period.

Neolithic

Main article: Mehrgarh
The aceramic Neolithic (Mehrgarh I, Baluchistan, Pakistan, also dubbed "Early Food Producing Era") lasts ca. 7000 - 5500 BC. The ceramic Neolithic lasts up to 3300 BC, blending into the Early Harappan (Chalcolithic to Early Bronze Age) period.
One of the earliest Neolithic sites in India is Lahuradewa, at Middle Ganges region, C14 dated around 7th millennium BC.[4]. Recently another site near the confluence of Ganges and Yamuna rivers called Jhusi yielded a C14 dating of 7100 BC for its Neolithic levels.[5]
In South India the Neolithic began by 3000 BC and lasted until around 1400 BC.South Indian Neolithic is characterized by Ashmounds since 2500 BC in Karnataka region, expanded later to Tamil Nadu.
Comparative excavations carried out in Adichanallur in Thirunelveli District and in Northern India have provided evidence of a southward migration of the Megalithic culture[6] The earliest clear evidence of the presence of the megalithic urn burials are those dating from around 1000 BC, which have been discovered at various places in Tamil Nadu, notably at Adichanallur, 24 km from Tirunelveli, where archaeologists from the Archaeological Survey of India unearthed 12 urns with Tamil Brahmi script on them containing human skulls, skeletons and bones, plus husks, grains of rice, charred rice and Neolithic celts, giving evidence confirming it of the Neolithic period 2800 years ago. This proved that Tirunelveli area has been the abode for human habituation since the Neolithic period about 3,000 years ago. Adhichanallur has been announced as an archaeological site for further excavation and studies.[7][8]

References

Kennedy, Kenneth Adrian Raine (2000). God-Apes and Fossil Men: Palaeoanthropology of South Asia. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
James, Hannah V. A.; Petraglia, Michael D. (December 2005). "Modern Human Origins and the Evolution of Behavior in the Later Pleistocene Record of South Asia" (PDF). Current Anthropology 46 (Supplement). doi:10.1086/444365.
Misra, V. N. (November 2001). "Prehistoric human colonization of India" (PDF). Journal of Biosciences 26 (4): 491–531. doi:10.1007/BF02704749.
(Kennedy 2000: p. 136)
(Kennedy 2000: p. 160)
Petraglia 2005, S6
Fuller, Dorian 2006. "Agricultural Origins and Frontiers in South Asia: A Working Synthesis" in Journal of World Prehistory 20, p.42 "Ganges Neolithic"
Tewari, Rakesh et al. 2006. "Second Preliminary Report of the excavations at Lahuradewa,District Sant Kabir Nagar, UP 2002-2003-2004 & 2005-06" in Pragdhara No. 16 "Electronic Version p.28"
Sastri, Kallidaikurichi Aiyah Nilakanta. A History of South India, pp. 49–51.
Subramanian, T. S.. "Skeletons, script found at ancient burial site in Tamil Nadu", The Hindu, 2004-05-26. Retrieved on 2007-07-31.
Zvelebil, Kamil A. (1992). Companion Studies to the History of Tamil Literature. Brill Academic Publishers, pp. 21–22. ISBN 9004093656. “The most interesting pre-historic remains in Tamil India were discovered at Adichanallur.There is a series of urn burials. seem to be related to the megalithic complex.”

See also

Pre History of Sri Lanka
Ancient Pakistan

External links

Introducing Indian Prehistory
Modern Humans Arrival In South Asia May Have Led To Demise Of Indigenous Populations (ScienceDaily 2005)
The Contribution of South Asia to the Peopling of Australasia
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asian_Stone_Age"
Categories: Indus Valley Civilization Stone Age South Asia Prehistory

Pets Care - A pet is for life

Nutrovitasub

Anyone who has ever owned a pet knows how it soon becomes a special part of family life. Our pets are a part of our family. They are our animal children and we adore them. Therefore, pet owners naturally want what is best for their pets. Pets need daily care throughout their lives. Like small children, they won’t tell you where it hurts or exactly what they need. Its up-to you that you must well known of yours pets needs so you can treat them as well as you can.

No matter what pet you choose, it will require animal health care. The basic care begins with you. Every animal needs an appropriate clean environment, a healthy diet, proper exercise and attention from you. From a fish to a horse each has its own animal health basic level of care needs. It would be better to learn the animal health care needs of any potential pet before you bring him home. There is one word we should all strongly associate with animals and that is responsibility. A pet is for life!

Domesticated animals are totally dependent on you for their health and well-being. Our pets need good quality food, particularly when they are young and growing rapidly. Clean water at all times, warmth and shelter are musts. As humans, we have the choice of the types of food we eat, whether it is meat, vegetables, or any other part of the food groups. Unfortunately, our beloved pets are not so lucky in their choice of foods. No doubt what you eat have a significance effect on your daily routines and moods As pet owners, we follow commercial and pet store advice which makes us believe that dry food made with animal byproducts is the best way to go. We do not eat strictly meat diets, so why should that be okay for our pets? Our animals need the green leafy stuff just as we do. It is crucial that we provide this variety of healthy foods for them. Many pet owners have decided on heading the way of homemade pet foods. This way of providing for your pet allows you to know exactly what food you are giving him. A large amount of pet foods contain byproducts of other animals that may not be healthy. Also, many foods do not provide the amount of nutrition needed from such things as plants. Creating your own meals and treats for your pet will guarantee that they are receiving the nutrients and variety they deserve. Doesn't your pet deserve the best? Home remedies are also becoming available to help pets with such things as upset stomach, diarrhea, fleas, bad breath, cuts and scrapes. With very simple ingredients that can be found in most homes. Looking after your pet with the proper food, pets supplements and pet health care will ensure a happy relationship between you both. Although you have a duty of care towards your pet but the benefits of owning a pet are numerous and long lasting. You will be rewarded by many hours of fun, loyalty and companionship.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF PETS OWNERSHIP In our hearts we know that pets enrich our lives, and in recent years scientific studies have begun to pin-point the ways that companion animals improve our minds and our bodies. The bond between us and our pets can result in numerous positive emotional, physical and psychological benefits. Pet ownership has been known to improve the health of people suffering from certain conditions, such as heart problems. The simple act of patting your pet can reduce your blood pressure. Pets provide loyal companionship, can help protect owners, provide an outlet for caring and nurturing particularly in those that live alone, can prompt us to exercise, allow us to meet people with similar interests, provide special services to those with disabilities, and they can certainly entertain us!

If you love animals, and you have both the will and the means to care for them, you may just characterize your pet as a "best friend" or "member of the family," or "animal companion." Any close relationship with another living creature can help you feel needed and loved. Beyond walks and "fetch," beyond lazy days in the sun and eager faces at the end of the day, pets provide documented health benefits. A report in the Health Letter explains that companion animals have more consistent behavior compared to our human companions and that they offer unconditional affection. The effect: lower blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety level for pet owners. We repay them with love and attention. In fact, more than 60 percent of pets receive "as much attention as children," according to a pet owner survey.

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King Kong

The King of Kong

At twenty-four feet in height he was one of the biggest leading men, or more accurately primates, of all time. Even today most people can't see the Empire State Building without having the image of him, perched on its top, flash into their minds. The motion picture that bares his name is arguably the most well-known monster picture in the world: King Kong.

Released in the spring of 1933 Kong, the story of an oversized ape captured on a remote island in the Pacific and accidentally released on New York City, was an immediate hit. The quality of special effects exceeded all previous pictures and audiences sat amazed as the giant gorilla chased actress Fay Wray through the jungles of Skull Island, and later the concrete canyons of New York City.

The idea for the picture came from Merian Cooper. It had formed in his mind as he was talking with W. Douglas Burden, a noted naturalist and explorer with the American Museum of Natural History. Burden had just returned from a tiny island in Far East bringing with him the largest living reptiles ever found: the Komodo Dragon. Cooper rewrote the Burden expedition in his mind changing the lizard to an ape. Later, along with his partner Ernest B. Schoedsack, he produced the picture which he referred to as "the ultimate in adventure."

Kong was actually an 18 inch high, poseable model, covered with rabbit hair, that was filmed one frame at a time by stop-motion photography artist Willis O'Brien and his crew (Despite some stories no man in an ape suit was ever employed) on miniature sets of the jungle and New York City. While the stop-motion technique had been around for over a decade, O'Brien and other special effect technicians were able to combine it with other techniques, such as rear projection and miniature projection, to place the actors in the shots with Kong in a way not seen before.

In rear projection previously shot footage is projected onto a translucent screen from the rear while additional action is photographed in front of the screen. This allows a model Tyrannosaurus Rex to menace Fay Wray as she sits in a full, sized tree in front of the screen.

Rear projection had been done before, but this was the first time a cellulose-aceate screen was used. Earlier efforts had used sand-blasted glass to achieve the effect, but this limited the size of the surface of the screen. The glass screen also had a noticeable "hot spot" in the center of the projection and was a danger should it break during production. The cellulose screen was flexible and stretched over a frame like canvas. It also reduced the "hot spot" by 50 percent while giving better white highlights and intense blacks. Sidney Saunders, who invented the new screen, earned a special award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the scenes shot in Kong with this process.

Miniature projection reversed the rear projection technique allowing full-sized actors to appear on the miniature set. In one memorable sequence Bruce Cabot, the male lead, hides in a cave just below the top of a cliff. The Kong model reaches over the edge of the cliff to grope for him in the cave. Cabot was actually filmed earlier in a full sized cave, then projected from the rear onto a small screen just beyond the mouth of the cave on the miniature set. As the modelers photographed each frame of Kong's actions they moved the film of Cabot ahead one frame also, giving the illusion of a small man hiding from an enormous ape.

In addition, to rear and miniature projection, an improved form of optical processing, using a blue screen behind actors to allow them to be matted into other footage, was used with Kong. Variations on these techniques were used in almost every monster film until the advent of computerized image processing in the 1990's.

Also a number of full-sized props were used including an articulated eight foot long ape hand in which Fay Wray was photographed and a gigantic head and chest which was used to show actors being crunched in Kong's jaws. The latter footage was so graphic that it was removed from the picture before release in 1933 and was only restored recently to video copies.

The success of Kong was not purely based on technique, though. The motion picture's story was just as strong as it's special effects. O'Brien was able to give the mechanical puppet a personality with which audiences were able to identify. The giant ape's gentle fascination with Fay Wray's character provides the centerpiece to the picture: a tragic, at least for Kong, retelling of Beauty and the Beast. As one character at the end of the film relates, as he stands next to the body of the creature which has just been blasted from the top of the Empire State Building, "It wasn't the planes that got him, it was Beauty killed the Beast."

Beaches of India

Shell Beaches in India

The entire coastline of Andhra Pradesh is a good place for a shell collector's exploration tour, starting from Bheemunipatnam near Vishakhapatnam down to Mypad In Nellore District.
Situated 8-kms away from Vizag is another golden, unspoilt beach, Rishikonda, which attract tourists to visit its picturesque beach surroundings and make most of their beach holiday. The beaches of Pondicherry also provide a virgin setting; the golden yellow sand of the beach area is unpolluted, making this place and noteworthy pleasure and relaxation spot.
Mangalore's two beaches Taneerbhavi and Panambhoor are a delight to visit, or check out the coastal pilgrimage beach centres of Ganapatipulle in Maharashtra. One is rewarded with a varied choice of shells over here. Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat has some fine stretches of beach, though crowded by pilgrims; you can always find a quiet spot to relax.
Malpe in Karnataka is another coastal pilgrimage beach centres with a sheltered harbour making it a quiet beach retreat, just 6-kms away from Udupi, the temple town, renowned for a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna. Close to Malpe is Ullal, yet another beach resort, the silvery beaches of which command breathtaking views of the sunset, especially, when viewed through the Casuarina groves. Marwanthe beach is a very family kind of beach where one can come to in the evenings to just relax and let the smooth breeze caress you and tease your hair.
Still, the foremost shell collector's destinations are the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar. The natural beauty has stayed unspoiled, as each island and beaches of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar has existed since time immemorial, with little influence from the outside world.

Beaches in Andhra Pradesh

With nearly 1000-kms of naturally enriched coastline, out of the twenty-three districts of Andhra Pradesh, eight are have direct access to the sea. The beaches of Andhra's coast are pure, unspoiled and ideal for a beach holiday. The sands soaked with golden sunshine are ideal for travellers seeking a healthy tan in the most natural surroundings.
Bheemunipatnam Beach - matchless for its beauty, safest beach sites in Andhra Pradesh state, finest sea resorts of India, known as Bheemli.
Ramakrishna Beach - very picturesque site contrast from the busy city life of Vishakhaptnam.
Manginapudi Beach - must visit place with some of the most mesmerizing scenic sites, a historic port city, popular health resort, ideal picnic spot in Andhra Pradesh.
Mypad Beach - one of the most luring sites for beach lovers.
Rishikonda Beach - golden, unspoilt beach ideal for water sports lovers, especially swimmers, water skiers, and wind surfers.
Vodarevu Beach - a nice weekend hideout in tranquil settings.

Beaches in Kerala

Kerala beaches may be take a backseat because of the backwaters, but entire 900-km length of the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms that definitely merit a visit in every tourist itinerary. Touring the beach sites of Kovalam can make any beach holiday a delightful one, as Kerala's beaches are renowned for the gentle surf and blue waters. Beach travel has never before been so exciting!
Kovalam Beach - small village along the shoreline, fabulous beaches, most popular is the Lighthouse Beach, the northern most Samudra beach, least affected.
Marari Beach - one of the local fishing villages, completely new to the holidaymaker, endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory, local charm and traditional Kerala
Kumarakom Beach - cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Birds include Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian storks. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip.
Alappuzha Beach - a popular hangout and relaxation spot, around 140 years old pier that extends in to the sea, lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland.
Beypore Beach - prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, also known for its ancient ship building industry.
Varkala Beach - the most popular beach resorts in Kerala, mineral water springs with medicinal properties, also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Fort Kochi Beach - historic fort, leisurely walk through the lanes of the city to learn about eventful colonial history and European regimes who ruled it.
Kappad Beach in Kerala - Vasco da Gama landed on its shores on 27th May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. A pillar with inscription "Vasco Da Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498" stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea.


Dharmadam Island - beautiful beach island, coconut palms, green bushes, breathtaking sight. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.
Ezhimala Beach - a picturesque site with a hilly backdrop, carved Stone Pillars, an ancient Burial chamber and an ancient Cave can be seen at the foot of the hills, famous for medicinal herbs.
Mopila Bay - natural fishing harbour with quite a modernised fishing harbour look, built with assistance under the Indo-Norwegian pact, ruined fort and temple.
Muzhappilangad Beach - one of the longest beaches in Kerala, also the only drive-in beach in India.
Pathiramanal Beach - island beach on the Backwaters, a favourite natural hub of hundreds of rare migratory birds that reside over here from different parts of the land.
Payyambalam Beach - beautiful beach sites, surfing in calm and peaceful waters.
Sankhumugham Beach - breathtaking sunset, a favourite haunt of sunset watchers.
Tanur Beach - coastal fishing town believed to be visited by Francis Xavier in the year 1546 AD.
Thangassery Beach - a seaside village of historic importance, ruins of an old Portuguese Fort and churches built in the 18th century. 144 feet high Thangaserry Lighthouse open to visitors from 1530-1730 hours every day.
Thirumullavaram Beach - beautiful beach filled with coconut palms, ideal for an early morning walk.

Beaches in Orissa

The long coastal belt of Orissa offers some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. The Puri beach is the main venue for countless pilgrims, and makes one of the major religiously sacred beach side spots of India. The seaside beach resort of Chandipur is another favourite seaside holiday hideout among beach lovers. Gopalpur-On-Sea, an ancient seaport, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches one should definitely visit, when taking touring Orissa's beaches.
Gopalpur On Sea - a favourite spot for sea and water sport lovers, golden beach, an ideal place to swim or laze around.
Chandipur Beach- famous beach resort, a unique sea beach, seawater recedes 5-kms during low tide
Konark Beach - world famous site of the most exquisite Sun temple,
Paradeep Beach - major seaport of India's trade activities, fine sea, evergreen forests, a huge estuary of the Mahanadi with islands and creeks, a good marine drive and beach, famous for its temple site of Lord Baladeva.
Puri Beach - one of the three major spots of the Orissa Golden Triangle, one of the four major holy places in India. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal it is one of the finest beaches in the world.
Balighai Beach - casuarinas-fringed beach, tranquil atmosphere, Sea Turtle Research Centre.
Talasari - 8-km from Digha (in West Bengal) is the tranquil beach at Talasari.

Beaches in Karnataka

The coastline of Karnataka throws open to the visitors a picture perfect world of fascinating palm-fringed beaches. The 320-kms long coastline offers a perfect excuse for those who are looking for a vacation from their busy work schedule. The scenery and unspoilt charm of the beach areas make Karnataka beaches a must visit beach holiday destinations.
Karwar Beach - gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful alleys..
Malpe Beach - popular picnic spot, pristine beauty and peaceful surrounding of its virgin beach, the St Mary's Island close by.
Maravanthe Beach - unique seaside town of Karnataka, a promising site for water sports and holidaying.
Bhatkal Beach - shimmering sea and rolling hills, favourite tourist spot, gorgeous temple perched on a hillock by the shore.
Murudeshwar Beach - some beautiful carvings and statues

Beaches in Goa

The world famous beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. The first beach stop over in Goa is Anjuna beach also famous for its flea market and rave parties, then the Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. 100-km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day.
Anjuna Beach - fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, 8 km west of Mapusa, most "alternative", the dancing and lying on the beach, famous flea market.
Baga Beach - watch the sun go down in isolation, 10-km west of Mapusa, basically an extension of Calangute wooded headland.
Dona Paula - fine view of the Marmagao Harbour nestled on the south side of the headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, former fishing village, today's commercialised beach resort, idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe.
Calangute Beach - Goa's busiest and most commercialised resort. During the 70's and 80's this peaceful fishing village became the favourite haunt of the hippies.
Benaulim Beach - sea is safe for swimming generally jellyfish-free, village area near beach side boasts a few serviceable bars and restaurants, various culinary delights of the seafood, most succulent, competitively priced seafood in Goa.
Cavelosim Beach - last major settlement in southwest Salcete, visit to Mabor, South Goa largest, and most obtrusive, package tourist enclave.
Chapora Beach - a lot busier than most north coast villages, dependent on fishing and boat building, many regular cafes and restaurants
Condolim Beach - good options to stay offering better value, a good first stop to head North.
Bogmolo Beach - a small-scale beach resort, reasonably safer site for swimming, quite good eating joints and shopping options.
Miramar Beach - just 3-km away from the capital city of Panjim.
Pololem Beach - a favourite beach destination, crescent shaped bay, swaying curtain of coconut palms, irresistibly photogenic, beautiful beach huts.
Vagator Beach - cool rural area, no big shopping complexes.
Varca Beach - community of Christian fisher folk, palm thatched long houses, grassy dunes.






Beaches in Pondicherry


The beaches offer miles of nirvana in Pondicherry to all those in seach. Cool and soothing waters, clear and sparkling sands in splendid seclusion. Many resorts, cottages, cafes and bars command an excellent view of the sea.
Serenity Beach - virgin sands, ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shade.
Plage Paradiso (Paradise Beach) - a stretch of tropical paradise, a relishing experience of the great outdoors, short, pleasant cruise into the sea, memorable sight of playful dolphins in natural habitat, horsing around.
Karaikal Beach - magnificent view of sun rise over the bay, Arasalar river reaching out to the sea, canoe or kayak in picture-book surroundings, a round of beach volley ball, armed with the angling gear, you can reel in a surprise.
Mahe Beach - luxuriant crop of tall palm, dotted with numerous fishing hamlets.

Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep Islands is known as the ultimate exotic diving location. 36 islands scattered like emerald green jewels in a sea popularly known as the Lakshadweep Island Group are also called "the Laccadives". They are located 400-kms away from the state of Kerala on the Indian mainland.
The beaches of Lakshadweep are a paradise for divers, but out of Lakshadweep's 36 Arabian Sea coral islands and islets, ten islands are inhabited, and just two, Bangaram and Kadmat, are open to visitors.
The most romantic feature of an island beach is the quiet and uninhabited atmosphere and that's where the beaches of Lakshadweep come into the picture. The palm-fringed beaches of Lakshadweep provide coolness even at in the hottest summer months, making this island region as a destination that can be travelled throughout the year.
Water Sports At Lakshadweep
Snorkelling in the shallow water around Bangaram Island is one of the favourite water sport activities of Lakshadweep beaches. There are dive centres on both the open islands. Wind surfing and Kayaking are the best day out water sport activities at the Bangaram Island.
Marine Life In Lakshadweep
With 36 coral islands, Lakshadweep's marine life is the most unique and distinctive island treasure found in India. The lagoons located at the Kadmat and Bangaram islands are home to a spectacular and unexplored world of marine life. Popularly known as the diver's haunt, the pure exotic beauty of soft and hard coral of Lakshadweep islands provides an invitation to this island beach paradise.
The Shell Treasure Of Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep Islands present a unique combination of wilderness experience on both land and sea. Beside the marine life, the one thing that can lure to the tropical beach island destination of Lakshadweep are the shells that are as exquisite and beautiful as the island itself. So how about choosing these islands as your next beach travel destination!

DESERTS (RAJASTHAN)

India offers immense climatic diversity and topographical varieties. Deserts form the backdrop of many a legend in India, and in the present times, are touted as destinations of tourist interest.The Thar or Great Indian Desert is an arid region (800 km) long and (400 km) wide, in North West of India and East of Pakistan, between the Indus and Sutlej river valleys on the west and the Aravali Range on the east. Largely a desolate region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation, it receives an annual average rainfall of less than 25 cm. The sparsely populated region has a pastoral economy. Through the extension of canals fed with Sutlej and Beas waters, irrigation has reclaimed some land for agriculture along the northern and western edges.Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert cities of Rajasthan. The camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets.

These places boast of some very fine reminders of the glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value and unforgettable treat for any visitor.Explore the enigmatic desert of Rajasthan that will mystify your mind with its beauty and vastness. The gateway to the great Indian Thar desert through Jodhpur will take enchant you with a vast waste dotted with shifting sand dunes and sparse hamlets with cenotaphs called 'Chattris'. At Jaisalmer in the heart of the desert the majestic golden fort is a memorable sight as is the camel ride at nearby Sam.

Equally enchanting are the forts at Bikaner and Madwa, which drifts your mind to the medieval times.

Rajasthan still retains an elusive fairy-tale character. It is a land where tales of valour of its medieval Rajput warriors are still sung by its travelling bards. Rajasthan is the 'Land of the King'. Opulent palaces dot the desert landscape and battle-scarred fortresses appear on every hill like sentinels of the past. Here, folk culture still retains all its colour and vivacity with exuberant celebrations of fairs and festivals, a music that echoes across the desert emptiness and a tradition of craftsmanship with a highly developed aesthetic sense.

Begin your desert adventure at Jodhpur, a fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert. Then travel to Jaisalmer to see its unforgettable golden fortress. The trade route outpost of Bikaner still retains a medieval flavour and the route to Barmer will take you through typical Rajasthani villages.

JODHPUR

Grandeur by the sand dunes - Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar, where the Rathor clan ruled. Set right at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century.

On top of a hill, at the edge of the town, looms the Mehrangarh Fort, giving it a touch of medieval majesty.Mehrangarh Fort - His formidable hilltop fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and Fatehpol or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals.

Inside the fort, see the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or 'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.Jaswant Thada - Marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.Ummaid Bhawan Palace - Built by Maharaja Ummaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.Shopping - At Mochi Galli. Look for embroidered leather shoes, tie and dye fabrics, lacquer ware, antiques and puppets.Cuisine - Try makhaniya lassie- a delicious creamy drink. And popular desserts - mawa laddoo, mawa kachori, dhood firni.Festivals - Marwar festival, A cattle fair in Nagaur, Shitlamata fair at Kaga, Gangaur Fair at Pipar.

Jaisalmer

The magic of a golden fortress.Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trading route between India and Central Asia.

It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill - a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the 'Havelis' with delicately carved stone facadesJaisalmer Fort - Built in golden yellow sandstone, this fairy-tale fortress stands on Tricuta Hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within the fortress.Havelis - Healthy merchants built these exquisite Havelis, with profusely-carved stone facades. Don't miss Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli.Rishabdeviji Temple, Ashta Padi Mandir & Sambhavnath Temple - Dating from the 12th to 15th century, these three exquisite Jain temples contain a treasure of Jain manuscripts.Shopping - At Manik Chowk, pick up woven blankets and shawls, mirror-work textiles, silver jewellery and block-printed textiles.Festivals - Annual Desert Festival

Bikaner

Bikaner the royal fortified city stands on a slightly raised ground and is circumscribed by a 7 km long embattled wall with five gates. The magnificent forts and palaces created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone bears testimony to its rich cultural heritage. Bikaner more popularly called the camel country is renowned for the best riding camels in the world.

Junagarh Fort - The Junagarh Fort, built by Rai Singh between 1588 and 1593, has a 986-metre-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. Situated at a height of above seven hundred feet above sea level, it towers over the city and can be seen from a distance. The fort and its palaces are profusely decorated with magnificent stone carvings. The major buildings within the fort include the Anup Mahal, Diwan-e-Khas, Hawa Mahal, Badal Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Phool Mahal, Rang Mahal, Dungar Mahal, and Ganga Mahal. The Chandra Mahal has remarkable frescoes. Beautiful mirror work adorns the walls of Phool Mahal while golden pen work decorates the Anup Mahal.Lalgarh Palace - Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, the Lalgarh Palace is situated 3 km north of Bikaner city.

Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the palace is quite imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. Peacocks and blooming bougainvillea in the garden welcome the visitor to the palace. To promote tourism, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation has converted a portion of this palace into a hotel.Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum - One of the best museums in Rajasthan, the Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum has one of the richest collections of terracotta ware, weapons, miniature paintings of Bikaner school and coins dating back to Harappan civilization and Gupta and Kushan era.

Raj Ratan Bihari and Rasik Shiromani Temple - These temples are situated inside the Ratan Bihari Park on the northern side of KEM road. Built in early 19th cent by Ratan Singuji and Sardar Singuji. They are of red sandstone and constructed in a mansion style of architecture.

Barmer

The grandeur of sun-drenched sands.Your journey t Barmer will be through rural Rajasthan. Stop and see the mud-walled houses decorated with delicate folk motifs. Barmer, once on ancient camel trade routes, is today a centre of woodcarving, carpets, embroidery and block printed fabrics.Shopping - Wood carvings, hand-knotted carpets, embroidered and block-printed fabrics.Festivals - Tilwara Cattle Fair, Ramdera Fair

BHUJ (RAJASTHAN)

Bhuj: 48 kms from Gandhidham in the state of Gujarat, has been associated with three pre-historic legacies (the Indus Valley civilization, the Mahabharata, Alexander's conquest of India), Naga chieftains, the Chavda dynasty and the Solanki Rajput kings.

However, it came into prominence during the reign of the Jadeja Rajputs - a clan that claimed descent from Lord Krishna and the moon god. The Jadejas went on to become one of the major Rajput powers of the region, commanding respect even from the Mughal emperors for their naval expertise - all ports other than those along the Gulf of Kutch fell to European maritime invaders.A walled town, pictorially placed between two streams, Bhuj, like Jaisalmer and Bikaner, is a classic example of a desert township. Its' sandstone monuments give it a medieval aura and the 10.5-metre high city wall, forming an irregular polygon with five gates and towers, is an architectural marvel. The Bhujia Fort, from which Bhuj derives its name, overlooks the town from a 160-metre high hillock.

The Kutch Utsav commencing on the last day of February is a window to this ancient land of heroism and romance. It is a journey through a panorama of unending and enchanting images amidst diverse landscapes. Staged on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the festival provides a kaleidoscopic glimpse of the simple and hardy life of the myriad tribes, steeped in artistic tradition and suspended in time.

'What to See Darbargarh Palace' :

This historic palace complex, erected in various stages, is an intricate maze. It has three sections separated by open courtyards. The palace is built in typical medieval Rajput style with fabulous carved jharoka balconies, jail-screens and cupolas offering splendid views of the old fort, which now houses a government office and a school.Sharad Bagh Palace - A retreat of the Maharaos of Kutch, this museum displays a collection of silver caskets, stuffed tigers, elephant tusks and even Maharao Madan Sinhji's tennis trophies!

The folk museum has a re-created Kutchi village in the forecourt and an outstanding collection of beadwork, embroidery, leather articles, woodcarvings, pottery, and historic relics.The Kutch Museum - Founded in 1877, this has a shipping display, Buddhist relics and a memorable collection of musical instruments.Rao Pragmalji's Palace - Built in the 1860's and 70s in a Venetian-Gothic style, Pragmalji's Palace has pointed Gothic arches, classical colonnades and European truss timber roofs. The massive staircases and deep passages are floored with colourful Minton tiles and lined with handrails on classical balusters. The highlight is the Durbar Hall, which has Corinthian pillars, molded ceilings, huge Venetian chandeliers, Greco-Roman statutory, classical balustrade galleries and ceiling murals of Shakespearean characters.

The furnishing is in the Victorian-Edwardian and art deco style. The Hall, which has a collection of hunting trophies, has now been converted into a museum.The Maharao's chattris - The royalty of this desert kingdom made spectacular burial grounds, Chattardis, to match their larger-than-life images. All the funeral rites of the kings of the Rajor dynasty were done at these Chattardis. The grandest among them is the Chattardi of Raja Lakhpat who died in 1796. His 15 queens committed sati after his death and the main hall of his Chattardi has their idols along with his. Located adjacent to Lakhparo lake in the heart of the town, the cluster of cenotaphs have a rich array of beautiful and intricate carvings on sandstone.

Additionally, there are the palias or funeral stones in memory of warriors, bardic poets and queens who committed sati.Rudra Mata Mandir - 14 kms from Bhuj, on the road to Khavada, this temple, located at a scenic spot on the banks of the river Khari, is the presiding deity of the Maharajas of Kutch - the Jadeja family.

According to mythology, it is 400 years old. Stone's throw away from the temple is the Garha Safari Lodge, a theme hotel that has a panoramic view of the river and offers an experience of staying in bhoongas, the traditional dwellings of the villagers but with all the modern comforts.

Madikeri

Lush green forests, misty hills, and acres and acres of coffee plantations. Cool bracing wind whipping the hair about your face as you ramble along the streets that dip and rise delightfully.


Breathtaking views surprise you from pretty cozy cottages with sloping, tiled roofs while you're rounding hairpin bends. You sniff appreciatively the fragrance of coffee blossoms.... Get the picture?


That is Madikeri, an unforgettable holiday destination not surprisingly dubbed as the Scotland of India! This charming town, capital of Kodugu (erstwhile Coorg), is situated at an elevation of over 5,000 ft(1,525 m) above sea level. And for those of you who want to exert yourself take on the Tadiyandamol, the tallest peak in the area that stands patiently, waiting to be climbed.


Check out these while you are there:

• Madikeri Fort - it houses a temple, a chapel, a prison and a small museum all dating back to the 19th century.
• Raja's Seat - The Kings of Kodagu whiled away idyllic evenings here. Would'nt be a bad idea for you to do the same!
• Abbey Falls - (8 kms). The walk to view the falls is through a mini tropical forest. The sound of the insects and birds is at its deafenning best!
• Iruppu Fall - (75 kms). A beautiful picnic spot where the sound of the falls provides a pleasant background music.
• Nisargadhama (25 kms) is on the way to Madikeri from Bangalore. It is another picnic spot with houses on stilts and a rope bridge across the Kaveri river.

Here's an interesting bit of info... the Kodavas are said to be the descendants of the Greeks (Alexander's soldiers)! We've all kinds here!

Languages Spoken

Coorgy, Kannada and English.

Ideal Time to Visit

October to May. Avoid the Monsoons (June to September) if you dislike being trapped inside your rooms!

How to go

By Road
Madikeri is 252 kms from Bangalore.
Regular buses ply from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan & Mangalore.
You can motor out of Bangalore, taking the State Highway via Mysore, Hunsur, Piriyapatna and Nisargadhama to reach Madikeri.

By Rail
Nearest railway stations are Mysore and Mangalore.

By Air
Nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore