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Festivals of Rajasthan

Map of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the biggest state of India in terms of area covered. The surreal dessert state of Rajasthan is considered as one of the liveliest states of the country. Replete with culture, tradition and history, Rajasthan has a charm of its own. Among other things the festivals of Rajasthan have made this state of India one of the country’s most popular state. Festivals are synonymous with Rajasthan. Whether for celebrating the change of season or for celebrating any religious event, Rajasthan festivals make most the part of the calendar of the Rajasthanis.

Held during January, Camel Festival is an important festival of the state. This grand festival is held in Bikaner once in a year. The parade of colorfully decorated camels marks the beginning of this lively festival of Rajasthan. The festival is also marked by a pageant show where camels are the participants. While on the first day of the festival the contest for the best ornamentation, best breed as well as fur removing design is held, the second day witnesses races of camels along with dance performances of the camels. Music and folk dancing also form an important part of the festival. The festival ends with a brilliant show of fireworks.

Elephant festival is held in Jaipur each year in the month of February and March. The festival is held around the time of Holi, which is the festival of colors. During this festival, elephants which are beautifully decorated make a procession. Parade of horses, camels and elephants along with folk dancing mark the beginning of this festival. Different elephant games like races between elephants, polo matches on elephants and tug of war between elephants and humans make an important part of this festival. However, the showstopper remains the contest of the ‘Best Decorated Elephant’.

Desert festival, a popular cultural festival of Rajasthan is held in January and February in Jaisalmer. A showcase of Rajasthani crafts and performing arts, music and folk dance are the crowd pullers of this festival. Craft shops, camel racing, turban-tying competition, longest moustache competition and Mr. Desert competition are the important events of this festival.

Gangaur festival is the most significant traditional festival, which is celebrated in the months of March and April. The festival is symbolic of marital happiness and is mainly devoted to Gauri. This festival is celebrated for 18 days throughout Rajasthan.

In addition to these, there are several other festivals of Rajasthan that have become a part of the lives of the people living here.

Kerala Tourism

Map of Kerala

Kerala, which is often known as God’s Own Country, is one of the major tourist destinations India. Surrounded by Karnataka, Arabian Sea, Tamil Nadu, Kerala is an important state located in southern part of India. This South Indian state is flocked by a large number of local and foreign tourists all through the year. The amiable weather accompanied by large number of tourist attractions, friendly local people has boosted Kerala tourism to a great extent. The backwaters, the surreal beaches, the hill stations, the wildlife make this state of India an interesting holiday destination.

The backwaters of Kerala form an important tourist attraction. They generally form the networks of deltas, lakes, estuaries and canals. These world famous backwaters form the lifeline of the Kerala. The Kerala backwaters which are actually a chain of lakes and brackish lagoons lie parallel to the coast of the Arabia Sea. One of the most attracting features of the backwaters is the houseboats. Tourists sail through these houseboats amidst the greens of the backwaters.

Kozhikode, which is located on the southwestern part in Kerala is an important tourist destination of the state. The place has a variety of tourist spots which attract visitors from around the world. Kaapad, the Art Gallery, the Dolphin’s Point, Thusharagiri are some interesting places of interest in Kozhikode.

Kerala has long coast line of 550 km along the Arabian Sea. Some of the important beaches of this state include Kovalam Beahc, Cherai Beach and Chowra Beach. Coupled with coconut trees, sands, crystal clear azure water, the beaches of Kerala is flocked by tourist throughout the day and night.

The commercial capital of Kerala, Kochi is an important tourist destination of the state. Travelers visiting Kerala make a point to visit this part for it houses one of the best natural harbors in the world. Kochi is also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’.

Among other things that make Kerala tourism very famous is the hill stations. There are number of popular hill stations surrounding this southern state of India. Some of most visited hill stations are Munnar, Pythal, Ponmudi, Devilulam and Vagamon.

The wet evergreen rainforest along with highland deciduous forest of Kerala is home to a wide variety of wildlife. One of the most protected wildlife conservation areas of this state is the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which is home to leopards, Asian elephants, Indian sloth bear, Bengal tiger and many more. Other famous wildlife sanctuaries of this state are PEriyar Tiger Reserve, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sancturay. In addition to these, numerous other places of interest form an integral part of Kerala tourism.

Textile Industry in India

Map of Major Textile Centers

The textile industry in India is the largest provider of employment after agriculture. This industry is one of the earliest industries of India to come into being; it is presently the second biggest industry in the world after China. Over the years, this industry has proved to be the provider of the basic requirements of the people.

The industry holds a vital place in the Indian economy as it makes a contribution of 14 % to the industrial production of the country and at the same time sums up 4% of the total GDP of India. Along with contributing to the Indian economic scenario in terms of employment, involvement in the industrial production, foreign revenues the textile industry of India also contributes to the global textile economy. It contributes to the global textile fiber and yarn production.

This independent industry comprise of various segments that include Cotton Textiles that encompass Handlooms, Silk Textiles, Handicrafts, Man-made Textiles, Coir and Jute and Readymade Garments.

Over 30% of the textile production of India is exported to the foreign market. USA, UK, Spain, Italy and Portugal are some of the prominent markets of exports of Indian textile production. Some of the close competitors of the Indian textile industry are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

It is expected that the economy of the textile industry in India will grow to $ 85 billion by the year 2010 and will reach the export value of $ 40 billion. It also has been estimated that this industry will create 12 million jobs in the country coupled with an increase in the world share by 6 %.

Some of the most important textile centers of India are located in the states of West Bengal, Maharastra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Solapur, Pune, Nagpur and Amravati are some major centers for the cotton textile production. While the bulk of cotton textile production in Gujarat comes from Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Bharuch, the important centers in West Bengal are Kolkata, Serampur, Howrah and Murshidabad.

West Bengal and Orissa are leading jute textile generation centers. On the other hand, Karnataka is the leading producer of silk textile. Some producer of woolen textile and carpet are Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir respectively.

Commerical Banks In India

Commercial Banks India Map

The banking system in India dates back to the 18th century. During the 1960s, the banking system in India became an integral part of the development of the Indian economy. From the time of its inception till the present year, Indian banking system has gone a long way.

The commercial banks in India are divided into two categories: Scheduled Commercial Banks and Unscheduled Commercial Banks. Some of the important functions of the Indian commercial banks are transferring of funds, accepting deposits and buying houses, capital investment and equipments.

Commercial banks in India

The following is a detailed list of some important commercial banks in India:

• State Bank of India:

State Bank of India, which is also known as SBI, with more than 16000 branches, is the biggest bank in India. This public bank of India offers a huge range of banking products with the help of its large networks both in India and overseas. Considered one of the Big Four Banks of India, SBI presently has 141 offices outside India. As per the second quarter of the fiscal year of 2009-2010, State Bank of India earned a net profit of 2,490 crore, compared to Rs. 2,260 crore profit made in the fiscal year of 2008-2009.

• HDFC Bank:

One of the most important commercial banks of India is HDFC Bank. Built in 1994 August, HDFC was promoted by the Housing Development Finance Corporation. The bank has 1412 branches and more than 3295 ATMs all over India. HDFC bank in the fiscal year of 2009-2010 made a net profit that increased 31.65% to Rs. 818.50 crore in comparison to Rs. 621.74 crore in December 2008. The main area of focus of HDFC bank includes Wholesale Banking Services, Treasury and Retail Banking Services. The bank’s headquarters is located in Mumbai.

• Axis Bank:

Earlier known as United Bank of India, Axis Bank was formed in 1994. This bank was promoted by the Administrator of the Specified Undertaking of the Life Insurance Corporation in India, National Insurance Company Ltd, Unit Trust of India, The Oriental Insurance Corporation, General Insurance Corporation Ltd and United Insurance Company Ltd. The bank has witnessed a stark rise in the loan disbursement by 18% from Rs. 68,853 crores in September 2008 to Rs. 81,044 crores on September 2009. The net profit of Axis Bank rose 30.97% from Rs. 500.86 crores to Rs. 655.98 crores.

• ICICI Bank:

The biggest private sector bank in terms of market capitalization, ICICI Bank has some 1,700 branches with 4721 ATMs in India. The bank is also the second biggest bank in India owning to its net assets of Rs. 3, 562, 28 billion. ICICI Bank in the second quarter of 2009-2010 made a total profit of Rs. 1,040 crores, making a 2.6% increase from the profit made in the previous fiscal year.

Real Estate in Maharastra

Map of Maharastra

Dubbed as the ‘Power House’ of India, Maharastra makes a remarkable contribution to the economy of India. Maharastra, which boasts of its thriving and fast life, is the most industrialized state of India. The progress in the economy of Maharastra has prompted an alarming development in both the commercial and residential property. In fact, real estate in Maharastra has been expanding with leaps and bounds owing to its continuous developments.

The real estate market of Maharastra is mainly based on the industrial growth, development in the commercial areas, retail malls and hotels, residential spaces that includes apartments and condominiums and special economic zones. This state is known for housing the most costly residential as well as commercial properties. Real estate in Maharastra is mainly concentrated in its major cities, Mumbai, Pune and Navi Mumbai.

All these three important cities of Maharastra have an established property market that comprises mainly the commercial projects, luxury hotels and highly expensive residential spaces and malls.

According to the estimation of the census of 2000-01, about 15 million people resided in Mumbai. The real estate of the bustling capital city of Maharastra, Mumbai, is expanding rapidly. More and more developers and builders are investing in residential and even commercial projects. The reason for this rapid expansion can be attributed to many factors, like, pleasant climate and availability of various opportunities. The growing demand to buy properties in Mumbai has resulted in the increase in the prices of the properties.

Ever since the Special Economic Zone as well as the Greenfield airport project was announced in Panvel, the price rates of commercial and residential property have been sky-rocketing in Navi Mumbai.

The property prices in Pune fluctuate between 10 % – 70 % depending on various factors. The Mumbai-Pune highway, especially Talegaon, is witnessing a rapid development, and it is expected that the property builders and developers will be engaging themselves in larger projects.

Along with these three cities, real estate in other cities of Maharastra has been quite promising. Nagpur, which is popular destination for offshore for the IT companies is expecting a rise in its real estate market. Nashik will soon be witnessing an important development in the commercial and residential property. Maharastra, one of those states of India, which will always witness a rapid growth in the real estate and the state considered the safest bet for the investors.

Festivals of West Bengal

West Bengal Map

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Located in the eastern part of India, West Bengal is bordered by Bangladesh, Assam, Sikkim, Bhutan, Orissa, Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar and Nepal. West Bengal is famous for lots of thing, its capital city is known as the ‘cultural capital of India’. Festivals and West Bengal are synonymous. The festivals of West Bengal are celebrated with grandeur and there are plenty of them. In fact, the festivals make most of the part of the Bengali life. The festivals provide a much needed break from the monotony of life.

The Bengali New Year, which begins in mid April, marks the beginning of festivals for the Bengalis. The Bengali New Year, popularly known as ‘Naba Borsho’is celebrated with great pomp and show, mainly by the Bengalis living in West Bengal. Considered as auspicious, the day begins with wearing new clothes, wishing each other, visiting relatives and temples, greeting others, savoring on mainly delicious Bengali cuisine.

One of the much awaited festivals of West Bengal is the Durga Puja. Celebrated throughout Bengal, Durga Puja is the principal festival of Bengal. Deafening beats of the ‘dhak’, ‘dhunuchi naach’, flaunting new clothes, ‘pandal’ hopping are common with Durga Puja. It is celebrated for five days and West Bengal is transformed into a different place altogether during Durga Puja. Preparation for this lively festival begins months before, with idols being built up with clay, shopping, planning for holidays and many more.

Diwali, which is followed by Durga Puja is a celebrated with much grandeur in West Bengal. During this time, Goddess Kali is worshipped all through Bengal. Along with other states of India, whole of Bengal is decorated as well as lit with lamps of various kinds. Burning fire crackers is a common activity of this festival.

Celebrated in late June or early July, Rath Yatra is an important festival of West Bengal. Processions are organized in various parts of West Bengal, this festival marks honoring the Hindu God, Lord Jagannath. This day also marks the beginning of the sowing time of rainy season crops in the eastern part of India. Fairs are held all over Bengal.

Holi or the color of festival, which is an important festival of India, is also celebrated in West Bengal. The festival is marked by splashing of colors into each other; it also marks victory of the good over the bad.

Id-Ul-Fitr, which is an important Muslim festival, is celebrated in this state with great show and pomp. Marking an end to the month long fast in the month of Ramzan, grand feats are organized in every Muslim household. People greet each other, wear new clothes during this festival.

Christmas, the main festival of the Christians is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm. The celebration, mainly in the capital city of Kolkata, continues till the New Year. During this time, the whole city along with other parts of West Bengal is decorated with Christmas trees and lights.

Along with these principal festivals of West Bengal, which have become a part of the lives of the West Bengal people, other festivals of West Bengal like Makar Sankranti, Bakriid, Saraswati Puja, Lakshmi Puka and more are celebrated with much fun and vigor. People from all the communities come together to the different festivals of West Bengal.

Orissa Tourism

Tourist Map of Orissa

Orissa is situated on the eastern coast of India, along the Bay of Bengal shore. Home to the longest earthen dam in the world, the Hirakud Dam, Orissa is a popular tourist destination of India. From temples to monuments, waterfalls, lakes and rivers and beaches, Orissa Tourism has something for everyone.

Temples form the principal tourist attractions of this state of India. Hindu temples are built in almost in every part of the state. Some of the most visited temples include Konark Temple, Jagannath Puri Temple and Lingaraja Temple.  Jagannath Puri Temple is the most popular among the tourists as well as the devotees. Puri is regarded as one of the four most prominent holy places in India.

The capital city of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar is a top tourist site of the state. The city is considered as the city of temple. In addition to temples, Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves are must a must visit. Gupta Ganga, Radha Kund, Akshay Ganga and Shaym Kund are four of the famous caves of Khandgiri. There are in all 18 Udaygiri caves, and the most famous ones are Rani Gumpha, Ganesh Gumpha, Bagh Gumpha and Hathi Gumpha.

The beaches of Orissa draw huge crowds throughout the year. Many of beaches of Orisssa are still unexplored. Puri beach is by far the most popular in Orissa. The beach provides spectacular view of the Bay of Bengal. Locals and tourists in huge number come witness sunrise and sunset from Puri Beach. Creating sand sculptures are common in Puri Beach. The other two beaches which are thronged by large number of tourists are Gopalpur beach and Chandipur beach.

Chilka Lake is one of the prime tourist interests of Orissa. Spread over Puri, along with Khurda and Ganjam, Chilka Lake is biggest wintering water body in India for the migratory birds. There are some islands on this lake like Kalijai Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, Honeymoon Island and more.

In addition to these, Orissa tourism also includes numerous wild life sanctuaries. Bhitarakanika, Nandan Kanan, Simplipal are three of the important wild life sanctuaries of Orissa. Bhitarkanika, for example, is home to some 170 various kinds of migratory birds, animal and plants.

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar District Map

Located in the Indian Ocean, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a chain of 572 beautiful islands and islets. This union territory of the Indian subcontinent stretches more than 7000 km. Crowded with forests, with 92% of the land covered with rain forests, the chain of islands is made of two groups, Andaman and Nicobar, 36 out of the 572 islands have inhabitants.

Andaman and Nicobar Isalnds remained in isolation for centuries, however, in the present day, the islands has emerged to be one of the famed tourist destinations of India. The unrivalled beauty of the islands coupled with picturesque landscapes, crystal clear water, soothing climate and friendly inhabitants, make Andaman and Nicobar Islands a common destination for holidaying among the tourists from the various parts of the world. While one way to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands is by sea, the beautiful can be also be reached by air.

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Air

The capital city of this beautiful group of islands, Port Blair, is connected with two metropolitan cities of India, Chennai and Kolkata. Regular domestic flights are operated from both the cities to Port Blair. Some of the well known airlines of India that provide services to the islands include Jet Airways, Indian Airlines or Alliance Air and Air Deccan.

In addition, charter flights of foreign tourists also carry out services to Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How to Reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Sea

Service of passenger ship is carried out daily from Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair. While there are four ship sailings that is carried out every month from Kolkata as well as from Chennai to the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there is one sailing a month from Vishakhapatnam. Though it takes lesser time to reach this enigmatic islands chain by air, reaching Andaman and Nicobar Island by sea is an experience in itself. Sailing through the Bay of Bengal to the islands is something to cherish throughout the life.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, which is located in the heart of India, is one of the most prominent states of India. This  state of India is known for its varied culture and boasts of numerous places of historical interests, which is thronged by a large number of tourists from around the world. This has prompted for the construction of numerous renowned hotels in Madhya Pradesh.

Majority of the hotels in Madhya Pradesh are located in close proximity of the important tourist destinations of the state. From five star hotels to four star hotels, three star hotels, the state offers a various range of hotels. Whether tourists want to enjoy a luxurious stay or check in a modest hotel or an economic one, Madhya Pradesh houses all. The hotels in Madhya Pradesh are distributed among the major cities of the state.

One of the most renowned five star hotels of Madhya Pradesh is Taj Residency, which is situated in Indore. The hotel boasts of 80 rooms which have been furnished with the state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Tourists can choose from the various room categories. The services and facilities provided by Taj Residency are unparalleled.

Hotel Chandela and Hotel Jass Trident are two other five star hotels of Madhya Pradesh. Both the hotels are located in the Khajuraho, which famous for housing a vast group of Hindu as well as Jain temples. Chandela Hotel which belongs to the Taj Group of hotels offers facilities and services of international standard. Dining in this hotel is an experience in itself, guests can choose from the Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisines.

The picturesque gardens are the most striking feature of Hotel Jass Trident. The white marbled spacious lobby is a perfect combination of style and simplicity. Jass Trident is perfectly located in close proximity of the important tourist destinations of Kahjuraho.

Apart from the five star hotels that meet the different requirements of the guests, some of the other important hotels in Madhya Pradesh include Hotel Noor-Us-Sabah located in Bhopal and Hotel Usha Kiran Palace in Gwalior, two heritage hotels of the state, Hotel Holiday Inn, a four-star hotel in Khajuraho, Hotel Crown Palace in Indore, approved by Government and more.