Beauty of Monsoon at Puri Sea Beach “Toshali Sands”

Scorched by the summer heat, I lie withered almost defeated
Fervently, silently awaiting, Deliverance by your Healing cooling caresses
That could ignite me….

Quote by Taara Nandita

If it had words such would have been the sea shore’s lament. By June the weather is typically that of a tropical summer, very hot and humid. The parched lands wait for the monsoon rains. By mid July the monsoons arrive low, dark clouds move over from the sea, the wind suddenly stops and there is complete silence – then with a loud thunder clap it literally pours. It seems that the heavy deluge will wash away all the dust and heat of the summer with it. It cools the environs appreciably. Small rivulets make their way through the beach to the sea. Everywhere you look there is greenery, parched vegetation is replenished, new plants spring up, all around it looks greener than ever before.

Traditionally monsoon was the off season for tourists. Monsoon tours started with Goa, it gives you a unique, personal perspective of a place otherwise teeming with tourists. The monsoon mood of a beach resort is guided by the mood of the sea. The Arabian Sea is a much calmer compatriot of the Bay of Bengal. This is a turbulent sea. The beauty of it – especially during the monsoons can be both breathtaking and awesome at Balighai Beach, Puri.

Toshali Sands looks bedecked in emerald. It’s a riot of greens. Every leaf, every blade of grass glimmers. It is instantly refreshing. The otherwise placid Nuanai river is full to the brim. The nearby sanctuary is a riot of colours. In the eastern parts of India it can literally rain for days. The gray, looming sky matches with the slate gray of the sea, the white of the breaking surf adds to the allure. Looking at a foaming raging sea can be somewhat intimidating but it is beautiful, uniquely beautiful. You can rest assured that one single look and you’ll be hooked.

Balighai Beach, Puri

Life in Toshali Sands goes on as usual, a little relaxed. There are a lot of special offers for the Monsoons. This is the traditional rice planting season. While on a trip to a nearby village of artisans, if you wish you can see traditional farming, still practiced in most parts of India. So if you have heard someone asking tourists to give beaches a miss during the rains don’t listen, just go ahead, carry a big umbrella and head for an one of a kind experience at ethnic village resort “Toshali Sands.

Post your monsoon exprience. To book your exclusive Monsoon Package, Honeymoon Package, Wedding Package… post a comment or contact your travel consultant at Toshali Sands “metu@toshali.in

Website : www.toshalisands.com

Career Opportunity for SEO Professional “Search Engine Optimization”

We offer opportunities beyond boundaries, if you have passion, ideas and believe in quality deliverables …..

Toshali Resorts International is celebrating 25 glorious year of customer satisfaction. Toshali Resorts International is – (A division of TK International Limited), owned and managed by travel and tourism professionals with over 35 years of experience. It was incorporated in 1982, is engaged in development of luxury and ethnic village holiday resorts and has become one of the leading integrated tourism companies in India. All the properties are breathtaking tourist resorts in India.

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Job Description

Person should have a good knowledge of designing tools and must be well versed in internet marketing concepts and should have worked extensively in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism related websites with the knowledge of using important key words with search engine optimization for a minimum period of 3 years and along with technical knowledge on hardware and software. Should be a qualified web designer in all respects.

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Qualification : Graduate / Post Graduate in any discipline. Strong Technical Knowledge or Diploma or Degree in Web Designing or Search Engine Optimization “SEO” and having knowledge on overall user interface designing of any kind.

Proficient in : Photoshop, Micro media Flash MX & Micro media Flash Object Models, HTML, DHTML, CSS, JavaScript and Web Design Tools, can use any HTML Designer IDE’s (Dream Weaver/VS.Net/Front Page), Professional Website etc.

Should be efficient in creating web pages for the company .The candidate should have preferably involved in designing of website on Tourism/Travel, Hotels and Resorts Industry.

Experience : Candidates with minimum 3 Years SEO experience. Real time experience on Search Engine Optimization is a must.

Work Location : Gurgaon (Delhi NCR)

Job code : SEO/IM/2010

Salary : It will be commensurate with qualification and experience and will not be a constraint for the right candidate.

Date: July 28, 2010

If you think you are the right candidate and interested in growing your career at Toshali Resorts International, do email your resumes with your photograph to hrd@toshali.in indicating the position and the job code in the subject line.

* Please do not apply, if you have been interviewed in the last 6 months.

Golden Attire – Suna Besha of Lord Sree Jagannath, Puri dham

The Suna bhesa or Bada Tadau bhesa or Raja bhesa happens the day after the return of the Lords from Gundicha. On the day of Bada Ekadasi, the 11th day of the bright fortnight in Asadha. The deities, on their chariots itself don the golden attire or the suna besa, with hands, arms and crown made of solid gold. They are decorated with gold diadems, hands and feet made of gold. Lord Jagannath holds a gold Chakra (Disc) in his right hand and Silver Sankha (Conch) in his left hand. Lord Balabhadra holds a gold Hala (plough) in his left hand and a golden Gada (mace) in his right hand. The dress reportedly weighs one ton. They are also offered sweet drinks, adhara pana, on huge cylindrical earthen pots reaching up to their lips. They are taken down from the chariots in a ritual descent to enter the temple.

Golden attire – Suna Besha of Lord Sree Jagannath, Puri Dham Orissa

Other than the Rath Yatra, the Lord Sree Jagannath is dressed in this regal attire on festivals like Dasahara, Kartika Purnima and Pousa Purnima (Pushyabhiseka Besha).

After this the very human and amusing feud takes place between the Lord and Goddess Laxmi in the main gate of SreeMandir, Puri dham. Ultimately the humility of the Lord prevails and he is allowed entrance to his abode. There is great ullulation and fanfare and in his stately ‘Pahundi’ style the Lord returns to his seat – marking an end to the grand spectacle of Rath Yatra. It is said that a ardshan of the Lords Sree Jagannath in “Suna Bhesa” frees one from the cycle of rebirth.

This year you can see the Lords in their golden attire, popularly known as Suna Bhesa on July 22 and after the symbolic Laxmi-Narayan feud the Lords will enter SreeMandir on July 23’ 2010 bringing to an end the grand festival of Rath Yatra – The Car Festival.

To take part in the conclusive part of ‘Rath Yatra” – The “Suna Bhesa” Festival on 22^nd July 19, 2010, Toshali Sands, Puri has exclusive arrangement to take you on visit to the “Sree Mandir” Bada Danda – The Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri Orissa ‘now called as Odisha”. To Know more, leave your comment or contact travel desk ‘metu@toshali.in, we will get back to you.

I would be glad to hear more about the Holy Ritual Costume or Attires or Bhesas, please post if you feel any information’s in the blog is missing. And would be gald to have you as their guest at Toshali Sands, Puri

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Bahuda Yatra – The Return Festival of Lord Sree Jagannath, Puri Rath Yatra

King Indradumnya asked the Lord to keep him issuless, as then nobody will be able to claim the Jagannath temple as his own. The Lord agreed but queen Gundicha was aghast – with no earthly heirs she took the Lord to be her son and extracted a promise that he will visit his Gundicha home for a week every year. According to some treatises of Mahabharata Subhadra, wanted to visit Dwarka, her parent’s home, and her brothers took her back to Dwarka on this day. Thus, The Chariot Festival or The Car Festival or popularly called as Rath Yatra is a commemoration of that visit.

Another legend says, the festival has its foundation in the residents of Vrindavan bringing back their Lords, Krishna, Balaram and Lady Subhadra from Kurukshetra.

The Bhagavad Purana says that it was on this day that Krishna and Balarama went to Mathura to participate in a wrestling competition, at Kansa’s invitation. When the brothers were ready to leave for Mathura, the Gopis and Gopals – blocked their way and relented only when the Lord consoled them and allayed their fears. The Festival commemorates this overwhelming separation.

On the day of Rath Yatra the chariots of Lady Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra reach directly the Gundicha temple, the chariot of Lord Jagannath stops at his Mausima (Aunt’s) Goddess Ardhamsini temple. Here the Lord is offered with Poda Pitha then the chariot proceeds towards the Gundicha Temple. After reaching the Gundicha Temple the Lords receive all the routine Rituals same as they used to receive in the main temple.

The Lords reach the Gundicha temple. There, in their Garden House, Adapa Mandapa, also known as their place of birth, the deities stay for seven days. On the ninth day of the festival, Bahuda Jatra, the grand return journey takes place. On the way back they stop for a short while and partake of poda pitha (sweet reciepie), a type of cake made of rice, lentils, jaggery and coconut, offered by their aunt. On reaching back the main temple, the deities, on their chariots, don the golden attire or the suna besa, with hands, arms and crown made of solid gold. They are also offered sweet drinks, adhara pana, on huge cylindrical earthen pots reaching up to their lips. They are taken down from the chariots in a ritual descent to enter the temple.

The Lord does not have it easy however – Goddess Laxmi, angry at the Lord having left her alone refuses him entry into the temple. Her anger, jealousy and frustration is articulated by her companions, represented by a group of servitors from inside. Another group representing Lord Jagannatha respond with entreaties and endearments. The Lord has to answer 9 questiones posed by the Goddess. In the answer, equality between all devotees and social status and freedom of ladies are recognised by the Lord. After re-enacting this drama of daily domestic tiffs of mere mortals, the celestial couple finally make up.

The Lord uses Oriya in his cajoling of Goddess Laxmi – there are many versions but it basically starts and end this way:

Who are you? (Kia aschi)

I’m Ramanatha Nathoramayah (husband of Rama or Maya)

But why should Maya’s husband come to see Laxmi ?

Who is Laxmi to Him ?

The Lord says, “Laxmi is my life, she is in my heart”

If Laxmi was in His heart, why should He come searching for her here. The lord wonders – Where is the cool touch of the sea, the liquid lucidity of the looks of Payodhitanaya in her words.

According to some versions Lord Balabhadra or Borthakur intervenes:

“Hey Bhadre ! if my brother, Jagannatha is a wrongdoer for lapses, if any, I too am not free from your accusation. Our darling Subhadra accompanied us because of the candid wish of both the brothers and not of Jagannatha alone. Subhadra cannot remain without her brothers. And so, you were left in the temple for the genuine reason best known to you.

After all, you are the divine proprietress of the grand temple. Mind not my brother’s mistake, if any. Now open the door and let my brother enter the sanctum of the temple.”

The lady ‘Goddess Lakshmi’ gives in and finally the Lord moves into his own house house i.e in devotion called as Sree Mandir – Sree Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri dham.

In the answer, equality between all devotees and social status and freedom of ladies are recognised by the Lord. After re-enacting this drama of daily domestic tiffs of mere mortals, the celestial couple finally make up.

And thus ends with “Bahuda Yatra or Bahuda Jatra” – one of the inseperable part of Sree Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra.

This year the return journey or Bahuda Yatra or Bahuda Jatra or Ulto Rath Yatra is celebrated on July 21’ 2010. Then you can witness the Lords in their Golden Attire – Suna Bhesa ritual on July 22 on Bada Danda, Puri and after the symbolic Laxmi-Narayan feud, the deities “Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra will enter SreeMandir on July 23’ 2010 bringing to an end the grand festival of Rath yatra – The Car festival

Toshali Sands, Puri has exclusive arrangement to take you to be the part of The Lord Jagannath Temple “Bahuda Yatra” on 21^st July’2010, and entry to Sree mandir on 21^st July 2010. To know more, leave your comment or contact travel desk ‘metu@toshali.in, we will get back to you.

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SreeMandir Traditional Holy Attires or Bhesa of Sree Lord Jagannath, Puri

In Hindu mythologies and rituals Gods and Goddesses are revered and loved just as family. Probably belonging to the bhakti yoga culture popularized by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – they wake up to strains of music, are offered prasadas, bathed, anointed with fragrances, dressed in finery and jewelry and fall asleep to lullabies. You can either view it as humanization of a deity or the acknowledgement of the Lord’s omnipresence.

In the Sree Mandir tradition of Sree Lord Jagannath, Puri there are altogether 24 beshas or Holy Attires or Ritual Costumes or the Vastra Shringar of which 22 are used regularly while two beshas are used rarely. The Nagarjuna and Raghunath Besha. In all the attires or bhesas, Sree Lord Jagannath is the focal point except for the Pralambasurabadha Besha used to commemorate slaying of a demon of same name by Sree Lord Balabhadra.

The bhesas or the holy attires are:

Abakasha or Tadapa Uttari Bhesa

This is done daily, after mangala arati. Abakash is the tooth brushing and bathing ritual.

Badasrunghara Bhesa

It is the nightly retirement dress. This is mostly made of different kinds of flowers and silk clothes.

Chandana Bhesa

This bhesa is done for 42 days, beginning on Akshaya Trutiya.

Hati Bhesa or Gajanana Bhesa

On the full moon day of the month of Jyestha, after the bathing ceremony is over, the Deities are dressed to resemble Lord Ganesha.

Suna Bhesa

When the Deities return from the Gundicha Mandir on their chariots, they appear in the Golden dress. It is said that a darshan of the lord in Suna Bhesa frees one from the cycle of rebirth.

Raja Bhesa

The Lord dresses up in this attire on the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Aswina, the full moon of Pousa and the full moon of Phalguna.

Banabhoji Bhesa

On the 10th day of the dark fortnight in Bhadra, the Lords are dressed for a picnic, like the cowherds.

Kaliyadalana Bhesa

On the 11th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra the Lord is dressed as Krishna the slayer of serpent Kaliya.

Pralambasura Badha Bhesa

On the following day, the 12th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra the Lords are dressed to commemorate Lord Balaram’s slaying of the demon Prahlamba. his is the only beshas when Lord Jagannath’s elder brother Lord Balabhadra occupied the central place.

Krishna-Balarama Bhesa

On the 13th day of the dark fortnight of Bhadra, the Lords are dressed as Krishna and Balarama.

Bali Vamana Bhesa

On the 12th day of the bright fortnight Bhadra, the Lord is dressed in the image of his reincarnation as Vamana, the slayer of demon Bali.

Radha-Damodara Bhesa

From the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashwina to the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, the Lords are dressed with a rope around his waist in reminiscence of his bal-leela with mother Yashoda.

Thiakia or Laxmi-Narayana Bhesa

This bhesa is used on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

Bankachuda Bhesa

The curly haired make-up. Used on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

Adakia or Trivikrama Bhesa

Attire used on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

Dalikia Bhesa or Laxmi Nrisimha Bhesa

Used on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Kartika.

Raja Rajeswari Bhesa

Attire on the full moon of Kartika.

Chacheri Bhesa

From the 9th day of the bright fortnight to the full moon of Jyestha except the 14th day, this dress is used.

Nagarjuna Bhesa

In honor of Parasurama. It is used only occasionally – during the month of Kartika, when there are six days of Panchaka. This was done six times in the last 30 years on 11/3/95, 11/16/94, 11/26/93, 11/3/68, 11/16/67 and 11/26/66.

Ghodalagi and Jamalagi Bhesa

From the 6th day of the bright fortnight of Margasira (Odhan Sasthi) to the 5th day of the bright fortnight of Magha (Basanta Panchami) to Dol Purnima – the Deities wear winter clothes.

Padma Bhesa

On Saturdays or Wednesdays between the new moon of Magha and Basanta Panchami. The dresses are made from lotus, sola lace and paper.

Gaja Uddharana Bhesa

On the full moon day of the month of Magha. It commemorates the story of Gajendra, the king of the elephants, and the alligator.

Toshali Sands, Puri has exclusive arrangement to take you on visit to the “Sree Mandir” – The Lord Jagannath Temple, Puri Orissa ‘now called as Odisha”. To Know more, leave your comment or contact travel desk ‘metu@toshali.in, we will get back to you.

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XIX CommonWealth Games 2010 : Impact on India Tourism Industry after Recession

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”-Martin Buber

Like the quote mentions, offbeat, secret, exotic destinations of Incredible India await to be explored by the tourists and travelers, when they arrive for the XIX CommonWealth Games to be held from 3rd to 14th October, 2010 at New Delhi.

However, I agree to witness the changes after the recession a bit – but overall the scenario painted is far rosy than what will eventually materialise. However budget tourism and Northern Indian packages will receive a boost – more as a result of ending of the recession. A personal opinion – the influx of tourists to Northern India will be because of the Dushera / Diwali rush rather than the Common Wealth Game 2010. In fact in view of the paranoia among the Westerners over security I feel that Delhi will not actually be swarming with tourists.

ASSOCHAM predicts India is going to earn around USD 16,915 million in the year 2010 from tourism. The Common Wealth Game 2010 will give them the impetus. Foreign tourists will depend on tour and travel agencies for reservations, flight bookings and other travel services. Expectedly over 2 million foreign tourists and 4.5 million domestic tourists will grace Delhi on the eve of the Commonwealth Games 2010.

The Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India has launched ‘Discover India in Common Wealth Game 2010’ in road shows in CommonWealth countries as heavy tourists arrival is expected from these places. Delhi is getting beautified. Tourists will be able to hop on and off dedicated tourist bus services from mid September. Heritage, religious and adventure tourist sites in the northern states are getting repackaged. From spa to spirituality everything is on the menu. Bhangarh – one of the 100 most haunted place worldwide will welcome tourists under an initiative ‘Ghost to be Host’ :). Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh Nainital, in Utaranchal and Puri, a beach destination and such popular tourist destinations are expected to be crammed with tourists as CWG 2010 corresponds to the domestic tourist season.

Athletes, besides free accommodation, security, transportation would reportedly be offered trips to the Taj and heritage sites likeFatehpur Sikri, Sikandra, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, Sariska, Mathura, Vrindavan among others.

Since Delhi is staging the games Northern Indian destinations in Himachal, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan will definitely see an increase in tourist influx but overall Kerala, Orissa, Goa, Andamans etc will also benefit. Alternative, niche focus areas like Medical Tourism, Yoga, Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages, Tribal and Village tours will get a boost. Already popular destinations like Shimla in the north, Puri in the east etc will be choc a bloc. As there will be a heavy rush in the Northern India, domestic tourists will flock to Orissa and other Southern states. Puri (Orissa) is an evergreen destination and this time a significant number of foreign tourists will also visit the Buddhist circuit in Orissa, driving on the local economy. Chandragiri and adjacent places are nearly perfect destinations for tribal or rural tourism. North eastern states are natural havens and nature seekers will not give it a miss. Kaziranga with the highest tiger density in India is the gateway.

Offbeat destinations like Similipal Tiger Reserve Forest and Sanctuary, Jatinga bird sanctuary, Naga headhunter villages like Mon and Longkhum, adventure tours in caves of Mizoram, including one full of human skeletons from ancient history (Milu Puk) are one of a kind experience. Budget Tourism is a sector that will register heavy growth. The unheralded bread and breakfast scheme, with firm focus on “Atithi Devo Bhava” has open up new avenues of niche accommodation.

Commonwealth Games “CWG” is expected to bring a boom to the medical tourism industry. With such anticipation both the healthcare providers and the medical tourism facilitators, are making extra efforts to gain from this opportunity.

Foreign tourist arrivals between January-June 2010 were 26.32 lakh compared to 23.76 lakh in the same period in 2009 (up 10%). According to India tourism ministry data foreign exchange earned by India increased by 28.1% in June 2010 over June 2009. Foreign exchange earnings during January-June 2010 were $6,842 million with a growth rate of 36.6% compared to $5,007 million in 2009. Foreign tourist arrivals in India during June 2010 were 3.70 lakh compared to 3.42 lakh during June 2009. Forex earned in June 2010 was $1,020 million compared to $796 million in 2009. Things are looking upbeat for CommonWealth Games 2010.

The schedule of the CWG has coincided with the end of recession. This should provide the perfect opportunity for an under pressure tourism sector to erase deficits and launch itself on a path of high growth in the next decade.

For more details on the package and your travel management in India, contact your travel manager – metu@toshali.in

Toshali Royal View Resort is the Highly Recommended Hotel on TripAdvisor

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“Atithi Devo Bhavah”: The Incredible India Initiative

Taittiriya Upanishad is a part of the Yajur Veda. A verse says “Matru devo bhava, Pitru devo bhava, Acharya devo bhava, Atithi devo bhava”. Means – Be one to whom your mother is a god; be one to whom your father is a god; be one to whom your teacher is a god; be one to whom your guest is a god – this Upanisad teaches the importance of following the path of charity, duty and dharma.

‘Tithi’ in Sanskrit means date ‘Atithi’ is one who arrives at your doorstep – unannounced. Emphasis in the Upanishad was on the good treatment of even the unexpected guest – who knows it well may have been god – testing the munificence of the host :). This is the tagline of the initiative of Ministry of Tourism, Government Of India to tap the full potential of tourism in India.

The campaign aims to sensitising key stakeholders towards tourists, through training. Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and China far outstrip us in foreign tourist arrivals. There is no reason why India cannot compete. However we need to change our attitude towards those who visit us. Often tourists are mistreated, cheated and rudely dealt with. It’s simple, if someone in a house is rude to you, you don’t refer it to friends and relations. This is why in spite of an incredible wealth of tourist spots, cultural diversity and destinations for the soul, India still not amongst the top 20 tourist destinations Of the world. We hover around the 40s.

The Charter of “Atithi Devo Bhavah” Program includes Hygiene & Cleanliness issues for transportation, hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, etc., personal hygiene & cleanliness of the service provider and cleanliness of the places of tourist interest.

Conduct and Behavior: The service provider shall be courteous and polite.

Integrity and Honesty: The service provider should display honesty and integrity.

Safety and Security: safety and security of the tourists shall be ensured.

Training of key stakeholders in terms of changing their attitude and behaviour towards foreign tourists. The key stakeholders listed were taxi drivers, tourist guides, operators, immigration officers, tourist police and others who have direct interaction with inbound tourists. Any initiative aimed at changing attitudes and perceptions poses challenges, and designing a training program for the often Semi-literate tourist sector workers and convincing them was tough.

FTAs had increased by 45 percent during 2005-06 and 2006-07. In 2005 and 2006, tourist arrivals in India grew annually at a steady 13 percent. The global economic crisis saw a drop in FTA arrivals in 2008 and 2009 but in the opening months of 2010 India has seen a jump of 17 per cent in FTAs. Government has roped in Aamir Khan as the brand ambassador for Atithi Devo Bhavah. The commercials as well as the print advertisements and posters have gone live from January 21, 2009.

Attitudes need to change drastically. Since time immemorial guests has been well treated in India. Legend and history said that even if a sworn enemy came to a Rajput household as a guest – he need not have feared for his life – such was the standard of hospitality. Terminology reflects social mores – in Germany expat labours are called guest workers. Just last week, I read the news of molestation of 2 tourists – its utterly shocking. Crime against foreign tourists at major tourist destinations will remain – the state is expected to act swiftly to ensure punishment for perpetrators and allay fears about India being an unsafe destination. It has done so in a few cases – it must continue to follow up other cases similarly. Fleecing remains another area of concern – how many times have you seen foreigners being ripped off in flea markets, by auto, taxi and rickshaw drivers. This doesnot happens in popular tourist destinations.

You cannot think about such things in say China or Japan, even Malaysia, Singapore etc. States like Goa and Kerala have succeeded because they have sensitised the local population. Things are good in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal, Orissa and most areas of the North Eastern states. But to make India a most favored destination this change must be all pervasive.

Actually I have seen that tourists going for alternative packages – like say tour of tribal villages etc go back content – because in all their primitive simplicity they have demonstrated values that we have forgotten.

Toshali Resorts, welcomes you to discover Incredible India….. “Atithi Devo Bhavah” – “Guest Is God”

Rural and Tribal Tourism is the New Trend in Incredible India

Rural tourism is a showcase of rural life, art, culture and heritage-on location benefiting the local community and enabling interaction between the tourists and the locals for an enriching experience.

Mandawa Village in semi-desert Rajasthan is an “Open-Air Gallery of Rajasthan”. In Udaipur tribal villages like Devhat, Kol, Timla and Kharakwada are nice destinations.

In Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul were till recently inaccessible. Now you can discover the riotous green of the Sangla Valley and the magnificent desolation of the Hangrang Valley.

In Hodka, in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is Sham e Sarhad resort owned and operated by the villagers. Accommodations are in tents or traditional huts – bhungas. You can attend workshops in embroidery or leather work, interact with communities, go out and see flamingos, pelicans, foxes and leopards. In Gujarat, you can visit Vaso known for its wooden buildings. With special permit you can also visit some of the restricted villages of Zainabad in Bhuj. Rabari, Tunda Vanda and the Banny tribal village.

Amraee resort Pranpur is in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Villagers will look after tourists and mud huts in mango grove is refreshing.

In Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong a community effort has made it the poster boy of rural tourism in India. Similarly tours in Chattisgarh with villages of the Gond, Bhil, Bhilala, Kol, Patelia, Kanwar, etc are unique. The Santhals of Jharkhand are one of the oldest tribes of India, known for their music, dance and colorful attire.

Dongria Kondhs

Dongira Kondhs

One of the most famous tribal villages in Orissa is the Kutia tribal village located at the Baliguda area. The Dongariya Kondh Haat also attracts tourists. Other tribal villages of Orissa include Bonda, Didayee and Gadhaba. All the tribes of Orissa excel in producing wonderful fabric and textile work. Do not forget to watch the graceful dance of the Gadaba Tribe while on tribal tour of Orissa. Bissam Cuttack is home to the Desia Kondh tribes and their weekly market, Chatikona is home to Dunguria Kondh tribe – they follow the barter system exchanging papaya, jackfruit, pineapple with kerosene, salt chicken etc. In Balliguda you will meet the Kutia Kondhs and in Belghar the Malia Kondhs.

Orissa - Jeypore Bonda Women

Orissa – Jeypore Bonda Women

In Orissa, Onkdeli is home to the backward but colorful Bonda tribe and their village Gadaba. In Kundli visit the biggest tribal market to meet the Paraja & Rana tribes and Baligaon to meet the Dhuruva tribes. You can plan a day’s hike with porters in villages of Gadaba and Malli. Jeypore or Rayagada can be your base. As these places are fairly close to Taptapani and the world famous Chilka lake a visit would be convenient.

In Northeastern India also known as the Seven Sisters states, some of the notable places include Pasighat where the Adi village is located. The Nishi village, village of the Apatani tribe and the Hillmiri village and the Tagin village in Daporijo.

Paraja Tribes

These are, but a tiny proportion of interesting rural tourist sites in India, just a beginning…..

Toshali Resorts International continuous effort and pursuit in promoting Rural and Tribal tourism has been a driven success on its own for Incredible India. To know more and book an exclusive India Rural and Tribal Tourism package, contact me – your own travel consultant “Metu”. Its simple just post a message at the blog or send a mail with details at metu@toshali.in. I will get back to you……

India Sea Beach Holiday: Best Beaches in India

Sun, Sand, the Wind and 3000 people around – is that your idea of a lazy beach holiday? Neither is it mine. So a look at some quaint gems of beaches India has on offer, where you can hear the sand blowing, see the waters turn molten gold and the guy from the fishing village trudging back home.

Andamans got some beautiful beaches – Corbyn’s cove, Radhanagar and Vijaynagar in Havelock Island are some of the best tropical beaches. Harminder bay beach at Hutbay Island, Karmatang beach is a turtle nesting ground, Ramnagar beach in Diglipur Island is another serene, sparsely populated beach.
Lakshwadeep boasts of the Kavaratti Beach, Kalpeni Beach has the small islets Tilakkam & Pitti and an uninhabited island on the north – Cheriyam. A huge shallow lagoon encloses them. Bangaram Beach in an uninhabited island, Bangaram is the only one open to foreign tourists. The island has superb beaches and beautiful lagoons.

Konkan coast has some of India’s most serene and quiet beaches Gokarna (Karnataka), besides being a religious destination is also famous for its beautiful beaches. The main beaches are the Gokarna beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half moon Beach and Paradise Beach. Kudle and Om are around 6 km from Gokarna, accessible by rickshaw or foot. Half moon and Paradise are beyond Om beach and are accessible only by foot or boat. Om beach is named so because its shape. Paradise and Half Moon – are smaller and remote beaches. The beaches in Uttar Kannada district have a peculiar landscape, near the Western Ghats, they are bound by hills. The Beach Trekking Route from Bellikere to Murudeshwar is exciting. Among the main rivers Kali and Sitanadi are also famous for river rafting. This list does not even includes beaches like Ullal, Kaupe, Baindur, Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kirki and Kumta.

Goa beaches. Here’s a few along the path lesser trod. 20 km from Margao, Netrolim village is a serene and bountiful worlduntouched by modernity. The facilities are rustic but ok. So is Candolim, the birth place of Abbe Faria, the Father of Hypnotism who counseled Napoleon Bonaparte and finds immortality as the mad monk in Alexander Dumas’s ‘The Count of Monte Christo’. Sinquerim near fort Aguada of white sands has a hiking route to Candolim beach and all the way to Baga. Bambolim beach is largely undiscovered, just before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance lies along the hill between Medical College and the University. Benaulim beach is more peaceful and isolated than Colva. Palolem beach, in Canacona distrct, also called “Paradise Beach” is popular for dolphin cruises and fishing trips. At the northern end of the beach is a tiny, island in the middle of a fresh water stream that can be reached by swimming at low tide. Agonda is a virgin stretch of beach off Palolem. Cavelossim is south of Colva. South of it is the Mobor beach that boasts five star resorts and a small lagoon and fishing village.Manaltheeram Ayurveda Beach Village, near Kovalam, Cherrai beach off Cochin on Yvpeen island, Kappil and Pallikere close to Bekal fort are quite beaches. Near from Fort St. Angelo, the Payyambalam beach is ideal for a romantic walk. Varkala is a quiet beach embroidered with rocky cliffs. Somatheeram – 15 acres of greenery sloping down soft, white sands that lazily stretch into an azure calm sea. A virgin and untouched beach, Poovar is surrounded by tranquil backwaters melting into the sea.

Puri and Konark – no paeans remain unsung but the stretch between them still has undiscovered jewels of sandy stretches. If you have visited Puri you would know there is a sonorous quality to the coastline. The Bay of Bengal, unlike the gentler Arabian Sea crashes around teh beaches with a deep rumbling sound. Just down the road from Puri is Toshali’s private beach – “Balighai” – The Casurina fringed beach is a treat – in solitude and expansiveness. Just laze around and see your worries melt away – the sunset is particularly attractive near the confluence of Nuanai River.

Come and discover them. Of course I was simply name dropping 🙂 what can I do? India has a coastline over 7500 kms long. There are hundreds of places which I haven’t even heard of. So next time you are cycling past some unknown seashore here and come across a sleepy beach village you know where to come and tell me all about it.

July 2010
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