HAY FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE AND ARTS

The Hay Festival comes to Homeland India!

The festival invited all authors and speakers from India and across the world, gathering among the tranquil waterways of God's own country-Kerala.

Origin: The Hay Festival of Literature & Arts is an annual literature festival held in Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales for ten days from May to June. It was devised by Norman and Peter Florence in 1988. The festival has expanded internationally and sister festivals take place in Nairobi, Zacatecas, The Maldives, Kerala, Beirut, Belfast, Cartagena, the Alhambra Palace, Parc Prison in Bridgend and Segovia.

Highlights of the Festival in India included authors like Vikram Seth, Shashi Tharoor, Anita Nair, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Simon Schama, Bob Geldof and many others.

PUSHKAR - Piston Valve of Rajasthan's diverse culture & heritage

PUSHKAR..a sacred town with numerous ghaats and temples on one hand and a touch of modernity on the other is truly an enticing place for all. Every November, this town in Rajasthan comes live with color and festivity. 

Yes, the much awaited "The Pushkar Camel Fair" which entralls the foreigners and the travellers from all over the globe showcases its pomp and show from November 13-21,this year.

The fair generally takes place for five days from the Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Poornima, the full moon day of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar. The highlight of Pushkar fair is the camel and livestock trading. Camels are bought, sold, decked up and paraded on the sand dunes, presenting a picturesque sight. The town brings alive the rich tradition of Rajasthan enhancing the glory of the golden sand.

Other than this, several competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" attracts enthusiasts from all over.

The major places of visit are Varah Temple, Gayatri Temple, Puskar Holy Lake, Apteshwar Temple, Rose Garden, Brahma Temple, Ghats, etc.

The experience can only be scintillating if you have got a reservation !!

SHIMLA - Feel the Love !

Love is in the air and I can feel it ! Feel it here in Shimla..

The world becomes static..such is the essence of this scenic place.

Shimla has always been a favourite destination for all ages (specially with the Honeymooners !!). Shimla is a true refuge for the sun weary people on holiday in India.        

During the British rule, Shimla was renowed as the "Queen of the Hills". The Kalka-Shimla Railway line has been granted 'World Heritage Status' by UNESCO. The place got its much needed hype with the shooting of the super-hit Indian film "3 Idiots".

After knowing about the acclolades of this picturesque hill station, lets get acquainted with the sight seeing places of Shimla. The major tourist destinations here are: The Ridge, Chadwick falls, Lekkar Bazaar, Jakhoo Hill/Temple, Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Kalibari Temple, State Museum and the very own Mall Road etc.

To add to the fun of visiting Shimla, one can also check out nearby places:

Annandale, Sanjauli, Chail, Kufri, Mashobra,Narkanda, Naldehra.

Hope the visit to this beautiful and entralling hill station is framed in your memories forever!