The holy Amarnath Yatra begins in the month of Sharavan (July and August) every year. Hindu devotees from across the country come and participate in this wonderful journey to catch glimpse of ‘Pavitra Gufa’ or the ‘holy cave’ in Amarnath and pay homage of divine deity Shiva. This place has a great spiritual significance, and is believed to be donor of ‘Moksha’ after death. According to Hindu myths, Amarnath Cave is the place where Lord Shiva verbally rendered the secret of mortality to his better half Parvati. While the lord was narrating the secret, Parvati slept and a pair of pigeon in the cave heard that secret. The pair became immortal, and is still alive and come to the holy cave frequently. It’s therefore believed that someone who completes the journey get ‘Moksha’ and doesn’t have rebirth.

Amarnath Shrine is nestled amidst narrow gorges of Himalaya at an altitude about 14000 ft. Every year in Sharavan month, an iced Shiva lingam takes place inside the cave, which is believed to be an important mark of Lord Shiva. This happens in/around July/August month every year, and at this time thousands of pilgrims flock to Amarnath Cave to see that sacred iced Shiva-lingam.The route passes through wonderful landscapes including deep colorful valleys, snow-laden mountains, serene rivers and lakes, and hence gives the pilgrims an overwhelming pleasure in the true laps of nature. Amarnath is about 45km from Pahalgam and 34km from Chandawari. After Chandanwari, the entire journey to holy cave is complete on foot.

The Amarnath Yatra is organized by Jammu & Kashmir Government. A number of travel agencies and private groups also help pilgrims in completing the journey with minimum possible troubles. Some companies even arrange Amanath Yatra by helicopter, making the journey short-timed and hassle-free. Helicopter services are usually provided from Pahalgam, Baltal and Srinagar. For those with limited time, health related issues or any physical disability, journey by helicopter is really the best idea. Searching through Internet, you can easily find a deal to match your own needs and budget.

HungryBags.com is one of the best and reputed travel portals in India, which provides Amarnath Yatra by helicopter services at highly reasonable rates. If you wish to know more about the deals of Amarnath Yatra by helicopter, call us at +91-11-43955555 or visit at: www.hungrybags.com/amarnath-yatra

Tags: amarnath, amarnath helicopter yatra, amarnath yatra, amarnath yatra 2012// Category Holiday Deals, Holiday Packages, Tourism, Vacation Packages // Add Comment »

Rishikesh, nestled on the bank of holy River Ganga, is a place renowned for its spiritual connections and religious pilgrimage. The city is just 24km from Hardwar – a holy adobe of Lord Shiva, and is home to a number of places of religious importance like Triveni Ghat and Lakshman Jhula. That’s why it allures pilgrims from far and wide. However, Rishikesh has another side to it as well. Its location in the lap of mighty Himalaya and affiliation to the River Ganga make it quite a good option for those with sense of nature and adventure. From trekking to bird-watching and rafting to camping, Rishikesh offers marvelous opportunities for adventure buffs to satiate their fantasy to the core.

Rishikesh is a great place for river rafting. It’s truly a fun, challenging and daring to undergo this sport in shimmering Ganga River in Rishikesh. The sport is mainly practiced in the upper reaches where the straight portion of Ganga flows swiftly and crashes against constrict gorges, rocky outcrops and falls at deep slopes. Sandy shores of the river allow the rafters to pull up alongside and take rest at intervals.  The either side of the river is lined up with oak, pine and fir trees, and dotted terraced fields and occasional villages, and hence provides scintillating natural beauty to explore. Apart from that, enchanting wildlife can be sighted at a distance. In short, Rishikesh river rafting is the experience of a lifetime full of fun, thrill and excitement. The best time to visit Rishikesh River rafting is between September and November and the months of March to May.

Nowadays, many travel agencies organize Rishikesh tours. They offer tour packages with inclusion of Rishikesh sightseeing, accommodation and a well-informed travel guide to allow the travelers have a safe, pleasurable and hassle free travel experience. Deals for Rishikesh hotels are also available in varied price ranges. Searching through Internet, one can easily find a suitable travel deal.

Rishikesh River Rafting  ||  River Rafting Packages  ||  Rishikesh River Rafting Deals

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Leh and Ladakh are the two most beautiful places in the trans-Himalayan district of Jammu and Kashmir. If you go on a package tour to these wonderful holiday destinations, you will benefit a lot.

The tour operators make all the arrangements for hotel bookings, sight-seeing, transportation and also adventure trips. The beauty of Ladakh and Leh lies in the huge mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakoram that surround them. The snow-capped mountains are a wonderful sight. The most interesting places to visit here are the magnificent monasteries and gompas. It is the seat of Lord Buddha and many monks and nuns spend their entire lives in these monasteries. The Shanti Stupa that you see here was built by a Japanese follower of Buddhism. If you happen to be there during the festive season you will surely have a lot of fun. The people celebrate Losar and Harvest Festivals with great pomp and show. Various cultural shows and exhibitions are organized by the pious people of Leh and Ladakh.

Adventure seekers will enjoy skating and skiing in these places. A trip to the Hemis National Park will give you the opportunity to encounter the snow leopards, Asiatic Ibex and the Himalayan Griffon Vultures that are preserved only here with great care. A stroll around the towns will give you pleasure as the weather is very comfortable in summer. You can pick up a few items from the shops that have hand-made local items. The hotels too offer all kinds of facilities and different kinds of delicacies to choose from.

Tags: Ladakh, Leh, Leh and Ladakh// Category Budget Travel, Business Travel, Family Travel, Holiday Deals, Holiday Packages, Sightseeing, Vacation Packages // Add Comment »

January 14th has a tremendous spiritual and cultural significance for the Indian state of Gujarat. Parents who usually find it difficult to get their kids out of bed will find the same kids strategizing and planning aerial battles even before sunrise. The markets turn colourful with a variety of decorative kites and homes exue the sweet fragrance of special recipes – Undhiyu (mixed winter vegetable) and chikkis (made of sesame, peanuts and jaggery).

January 14 is the day Gujarat celebrates the ‘Uttarayan Kite Festival’. People throughout the state fly kites on this special festival – especially kids and the youth. The sense of enjoyment is contrasted against a cutthroat scuffle in the sky as the kids try to out-maneuver each other with their kites.

The meaning of word ‘Utterayan’ itself defines the reason for celebration. It’s made of two words – ‘Uttera’ that means ‘the north side’and ‘yana’ that stands for ‘to go’. On January 14, the sun travels towards the northern hemisphere and indicates winter’s retreat. It’s believed that the God who was sleeping throughout the winter gets up that morning. That’s why people celebrate it in early morning and fly kites to show their happiness. The kites are fabricated with special light paper and bamboo to be sturdy enough to fight with the rival kites

Tags: gujrat kite festival, international kite festival, kite festival// Category Destination Guides, Tourism, Tourist Destinations // Add Comment »

Often quoted as a land of beauty and unparalleled splendour, India entices the backpackers, spirituality seekers, culture vultures and luxury connoisseurs from far corners of the globe. With captivating landscapes, high-allure cultures, wealth of history and rare flora & fauna, India boasts of splendid tourist attractions, which will leave anyone spellbound. The land is, in fact, an undisputed combination of exotic natural beauty and man-made wonders. Now, chest-thumping aside, let HungryBags.com run you through our list of the most enchanting tourist spots this country has to offer. Scroll down the page, and be acquainted to the top 10 domestic destinations you must visit in India!

Valley of Flowers: If you wish to explore the maximum nature has bestowed to India, just come to the ‘Valley of Flowers’. Snow laden peaks flourishing hundreds of shades of flowers, this enchanting valley unveils a heavenly beauty that will make any spectator say ‘wow’. The Valley is home to many floral splendors including BrahmaKamal, Blue Poppy and the Cobra Lily, and has been declared as a ‘National Park’. This magical land is nestled at an elevation of over 3,600 meters, high in the Himalayas of Uttaranchal state.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Uttaranchal Holiday Packages

Andaman: One of the most beautiful archipelagos on the Asian Continent, Andaman features just the right mix of sun, sea and sand. From exotic coral beaches to colorful mountains, to mesmeric waterways and virgin forests, you will get to explore almost every facet of nature in this glorious land. Moreover, interesting cultures and a plethora of water sports and adventures on the Island will leave its visitors enchanted.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Andaman Tour Packages

Lakshdweep: Lakshadweep is far, and relatively untouched – and that’s its charm. This 32 sq. km of land, combining 36 small islands, is endowed with a breathtaking natural beauty; sandy beaches, coral reefs and unpolluted and crystal clear waters. Nowadays, the island has been promoted for recreational tours as well. So, during your Lakshadweep tour, you could enjoy numerous water sports along with a unique charm of natural beauty.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Lakshdweep Holiday Packages

Leh Ladakh: A place filled with majestic mountains and monasteries, Leh Ladakh is a different world in itself. With astonishing natural vistas, thrilling adventures, soothing spirituality and a wide range of flora & fauna, this wonderland is a must-visit tourist spot in India. Surrounded by two of the most mountain ranges in this globe – the Himalaya and Karakoram, Ladakh is a great place for adventure seekers. From mountain climbing to yak safari, from mountaineering to trailing, a getaway to Ladakh has a lot to offer to adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Munnar: Come here to explore the untainted beauty of nature, and to enjoy a tropical atmosphere and vibrant cultures. Perhaps the best hill station in the Indian state of Kerala, Munnar is the perfect getaway for the lovers of nature and adventures. Picturesque tea plantations, colorful valleys, magnetizing mountains and evergreen forests; a visit to Munnar would bestow you an unmatched holiday experience.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Munnar Vacation Packages

Meghalaya: The ‘Abode of Clouds’, Meghalaya, casts a magical spell with its great scenic beauty and climatic delights. This northeastern Indian state is home to several undulating rivers, cascading waterfalls, emerald-green lakes and sparkling mountain streams that makes it a scenic ‘heaven on the Earth’. Apart from that, cultural and ethnical diversity in the state is also alluring. In short, you would get to discover panoramic views of the state along with inviting tribe cultures in Meghalaya.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Meghalaya Tour Packages

Mcleod Ganj: Just 4 km above Dharamsala, Mcleod Ganj is the residence of the great spiritual leader – Dalai Lama and hence attracts thousands of the devotees annually. The Tsuglagkhang – Dalai Lama’s temple – is the main attraction for tourists here. However, presence of traditional architectural designs and a great collection of literature, astrology and medicine are an added bonus. In April and May, a festival that includes traditional plays, dances and music programs is organized in Mcleod Ganj that the tourists find quite alluring.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Himachal Travel Packages

Srinagar: ‘If there is a heaven on this earth, it’s in Kashmir’. If you wish to understand the gravity of this quote, you must visit Srinagar. With placid serene lakes, colorful gardens, enchanting snow-clad mountains and a year round festive atmosphere, Srinagar has a remarkable and unmatched charm. Located in the western part of the state, it serves as the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. And because of its charming natural beauty and a range of adventurous activities, the city draws thousands of travelers annually.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Srinagar Vacation Packages

Dalhousie: For those looking for pleasant holiday amidst calm and beautiful surroundings, Dalhousie is the right choice. This scenic hill resort is known for its excellent combination of past and present along with a mesmerizing beauty gifted by the Mother Nature. A Dalhousie tour makes the visitor explore its unique architectural style through its historical buildings, Victorian mansions and colonial splendors. Besides this, one can find excellent shopping opportunities and delicious cuisines on a Dalhousie getaway.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Dalhousie Holiday Packages

Sunderbans: As the name suggest, ‘Sunderbans’ literally means ‘beautiful jungle’ in Bengali. This enchanting natural adobe is unique given its flourishing greenery and a large fauna population. Sunderbans is the largest delta on the earth, and is a World Heritage Site. This 9630 sq. km. of land is crisscrossed by numerous tributaries of Ganga River, that’s why 70 percent of the area is under saline water, and is home to an immense variety of birds and rare species of wild animals – not to mention the legendary Royal Bengal Tiger.

Wonder how to get there, Check: Sundarban Tour Packages

Tags: india travel destination, indian destination, top 10 india destination, top india destination, tourism india// Category Destination Guides, Tourism, Tourist Destinations // 1 Comment »

As per the Bhavishyottara Purana, the holy sage Bhrigu once visited to three chief divinities – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – to solve the problem of bewildered rishis. The rishis, in fact, wanted know who the supreme power among the three chief powers is. First of all, Bhriguji went to Brahmaloka where he was completely ignored by the Lord Brahma. Then the holy sage visited to shiva, but ignored once again by the lord Shiva who was engulfed with Parvatiji. Finally, enraged Bhrigu went to Vaikuntha, and saw Vishnuji resting with Luxmiji. When Vishniji too didn’t pay attention to him, he kicked Vishnu on his chest. However, Vishnu did not get angry and inquired Bhrigu if he was hurt.

But Luxmiji, after watching the entire episode, got furious and left away from Vaikuntha. Vishnuji now was felling loneliness, and he too decided to leave. He stayed inside an anthill at the bank of Swamipushkarni, and later married to Padmavati who is said to be the incarnation of Luxmiji. Since Luxmiji had left him, Vishnu had to borrow from Kubera for his marriage. That’s why devotees who donate at Tirumala are believed to help Lord Vishnu to repay his debt.
According to Brahma Purana, Tirupati is the place Lord Vishnu selects as an alternate to the Vaikuntha. So, visit to Tirupati has equal importance as going to Vaikuntha. Similary, there are some more stories which present the religious significance of Tirupati darshan. If you too wish to dig in to the spiritual charm of this holy city, buy a suitable Tirupati package from a reputed tour company and do enjoy your Tirupati tour.

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Ooty tour offers an ideal holiday destination to the lovers of serenity and natural charms. Being a small hill resort in South India, Ooty is a very tranquil place and is completely isolated from the fast-paced metro cities that are suffused with pollution and population. Under Ooty packages, you can explore the nature in its vivid presence amidst the panoramic hills and the breath-taking gardens.

Since the climate is very mild and pleasant in this part of India, Ooty tour can be had during anytime of the year though the best time should be between September-February especially if you love the chill. Young couples and honeymooners visit this place to soak in the exquisite natural splendor and go on a sightseeing spree. Some of the notable places include the popular Botanical Gardens (that has a rich historical worth as well), the Dodabetta Peak (which is scenic and delightful), the Lamb’s Rock (another popular scenic spot), the Ooty Lake (a great place for picnic and social gathering) and the interesting village of Kotagiri.

Besides, the Kodanadu View Point and the mesmeric Avalanche proffer solitude and bliss. The Dolphin’s Nose is another crowd-pulling point while the majestic Kalhatty Waterfalls is grand to witness and behold. The mighty drop of 100 feet can simply be ecstatic and thrilling.

Ooty tour is also noted for wildlife and the animal-lovers can view some fantastic beasts and birds in the Madumalai Wildlife Sanctuary or the Sim’s Park. Ooty packages also give you an insight into some of the cultural shows and theme parks like the Flower Show and the Tea and Tourism Festival.

No wonder, Ooty is considered one of the most affordable heavens in the world.

Tags: Ooty packages, Ooty tour// Category Budget Travel, Holiday Deals, Holiday Packages, Vacation Packages // 1 Comment »

If you are bored or wearied with your mundane life or hectic routine, you must take a Goa tour. This is because Goa (a state in south-western India) offers not just a vacation but a whole new world for you to experience. It’s impossible to escape the surreal wonders of this mystical place which is steeped in history and spookiness amidst its hoard of beaches.

A trip to Goa is a life-changing experience as it will show you some never-seen pleasures of life. You shall learn how wonderful it is to walk down the streets lined by churches and mammoth cathedrals standing there for centuries! You shall feel the goose-bumps when you walk by hundreds of dead watching you silently from under the tombs that are etched all over! You will realize the true beauty of vast sky and deep sea as you stand on the soft, sandy carpet of Goa’s exotic beaches!

Goa tour is largely about the fun-filled serene beaches and the tranquil, old villages. But how to explain those wonderful other facets of the place which often get overshadowed by the beguiling sea and nostalgic towns! Goa tour even offers green forests, cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes, sacred temples and hundreds of sight-seeing spots. Bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts rush to this place especially during the autumn and winter seasons.

Spas, luxurious resorts, Ayurveda, casinos, discs, aqua sports, restaurants and exquisite cuisines are some of the other attractions of this place. And yet, you ask, why take a trip to Goa?

Tags: Goa tour, Goa tourism, trip to Goa// Category Budget Travel, Holiday Packages, Sightseeing, Tourism, Tourist Destinations // Add Comment »

Call it the demonstration effect but Bollywood, it seems, is becoming the most sought after travel agent and promoter overseas!

Considering the number of Indian tourists visiting Spain recently after it got featured in Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobaara,  Germany Tourism has now gotten on to the Bollywood movies bandwagon with Don 2 – which it is now sponsoring/producing.

So is it a new fad? Or a sustainable trend? And does a country being featured in a Bollywood movie really influence your choice of international travel destinations?

Let us know by leaving your comments here or on our Facebook Page

Read the entire article by clicking here

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Nature can be breathtaking, beautiful, mystifying and sometimes downright baffling.

Like Naga Balls baffling!

No, we aren’t making any lewd allusions to snake groins (or maybe we are!), but every year during October’s annual full moon over Nong Khai’s Mekong River, an extraordinary phenomenon takes place. From sunset to about 11 pm, under the moon lit night, hundreds of colorful fireballs rise out of the river!

But then watching mysterious, colourful balls of light flying out of a river is a great tourist opportunity and its mystical nature lends itself to the belief that the fire comes from the mythical Naga (serpent) which pays homage to Buddha with this firework display!

To read more about the Naga Balls click on the links below:

Link 1
Link 2

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