“In India, the calendar of every state is full of only religious events and festivals.” If you think so, you are not absolutely right. Indian states boast of culturally rich dance and music festivals, held in different times of the year. The most celebrated music and dance festivals of India are held at seaside temples, historical sites of architecture ruins and shrines in the cave. The interface between art and history, these festivals are cultural celebrations, ceremonious galas and spectacular events, in the open air atmosphere. Indian Eagle offers an ode to the most famous dance festivals of India.

Soorya Dance Festival, Kerala

Interwoven with the cultural fabric of Kerala, the Soorya Classical Dance Festival is held in the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, for 10 days every year. The festival is accompanied by some other cultural programs including theatre, photography, painting and seminars. Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Kathakali, Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi are some of the celebrated forms of Indian classical dance which are staged by eminent artists, during the festival. Organized by Soorya Stage and Film Society, this dance festival of India continues from October 1 to 10.

Elephanta Dane Festival, Maharashtra

Among the dance and music festivals of India, Elephanta Festival is a cultural pride of Maharashtra. The festival is held in the cave shrine of Lord Shiva on Elephanta Island, a 10 km boat drive from the Gateway of India in Mumbai Harbor. Illumined with the interplay of various lights, the Lord Shiva temple in the caves of Elephanta Island comes alive as a seat of art and culture, in the month of March every year. Since its inception in 1989 by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, Elephanta Dance Festival celebrates the folk dance form of each Indian state.

Khajuraho Dance Festival, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho, situated in Madhya Pradesh, holds the cultural traditions of Central India. A small village in Bundalkhand, Khajuraho is famous for its legendary temples where the dance festival is held ceremoniously, in the month of February every year. The festival is a gripping celebration of Indian classical dances, performed in the backdrop of flamboyantly illumined temples – the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanatha Temple under the evening sky. Once upon a time the capital of the Chandela Dynasty, Khajuraho is a dedicated chapter in the thousands-year old Indian history.

Konark Dance Festival, Orissa

One of the most spectacular dance and music festivals of India, Konark Dance Festival is held at an open air auditorium in the backdrop of the Sun Temple which is also known as the Black Pagoda. The marvelous architecture of the Konark Sun Temple is shaped like a chariot with wheels drawn by seven horses. On the Chandrabhaga beach of Konark, near the holy city of Puri, the Konark Temple offers a wonderful ambience when lit colorfully during the festival in the month of December. Odissi Dance, an age-old cultural identity of Orissa, is an exclusive highlight of the festival. Other dance performances such as Chau dance, Manipuri, Kathak and Bharathnatyam make it a lavish feast for the eyes.

READ MORE Interesting Facts of Konark Sun Temple

Ellora Ajanta Dance Festival, Maharashtra

Held in the month of January, Ellora Ajanta Dance Festival is an interface between culture and history of India. The historic Ajanta and Ellora caves of Aurangabad are in the spotlight during the festival. Organized by Aurangabad Festival Committee in collaboration with Maharashtra Tourism Development at Soneri Mahal, the festival presents the best of classical and folk dance forms in a blend. The glittering beauty of the festival and the splendid architecture of Soneri Mahal make a rare spectacle to behold with wonder. The regional art and craft of Maharashtra is also exhibited at the festival site.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Tamil Nadu

Mamallapuram, a seaside temple town in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, prides itself on the popularity of the dance festival. The most important port in the Pallava Dynasty of the 7th and 8th centuries, Mamallapuram is a tourist destination known for its stone temples and monolithic rock sculptures. Arjuna’s Penance, a mammoth architecture with finely carved rock sculptures, serves as venue of the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, in the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal. Lulled by gentle breezes blowing over the sea, the atmosphere of the town is suitable for the festive mood. The festival begins in the last week of December and continues for three weeks in January every year.

Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat

Gujarat does not lag behind other states of India when it comes to claiming fame for art, culture and history. Modhera Dance Festival, an annual cultural phenomenon in Mehsana district of the state, is held at the Sun Temple, an architectural excellence that belongs to the regime of the Solanki King Bhimdev I. Though lying in ruins, the temple exudes its historical charms when the surrounding is illumined for the festival. Dance and music performances by traditionally clad artists add to the spell of the atmosphere. Modhera Dance Festival is held in the month of January.

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The Indian food history is the history of invention in times of necessity and inheritance from diverse cultures. Some dishes were invented for the sake of masses, while some others were borrowed from across geographies. Many such interesting stories of Indian food are still unheard of. Travel Beats, a community portal for Indian Diaspora, takes a few picks from the grave of history to share with you.

Petha is as old as the Taj Mahal 

What to eat in Agra? Whoever has been to the city of the Taj Mahal says that Petha is the best thing to eat in Agra. The invention of Agra ka Petha is linked to the construction of the Taj Mahal in the Mughal Empire. When the colossal monument was under construction, some 21,000 workers were bored of the daily meal comprising only dal and roti. The then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan shared his concern with master architect Ustad Isa Effendi, who requested Pir Naqshbandi Sahib for a solution to the Emperor’s worries. It is believed that the Pir went into a trance during prayers one day and received the recipe of Petha from the Almighty. Then, some 500 cooks made Petha for the workers.

CHECK Best Dishes of Agra

Dal Bati was a means of survival during wars 

What is the best food to eat in Rajasthan? It is Dal Bati Churma in Jaipur, Mewar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. How the recipe of Dal Bati Churma was invented is a story worth sharing. The origin of this Rajasthani food is the famous Chittorgarh Fort in Mewar. Bati is dough of wheat dipped in ghee, a long-lasting food which the Rajput kings of Mewar required for survival in adverse conditions during wars. Bati could be made with the few ingredients and the little water available in the barren lands of Rajasthan. This culinary invention evolved into a delight with two other items – Dal and Churma – over the years.

SHARE Inforgraphic of Chittorgarh Fort

Mysore Pak journeyed from palace to public  

What is the best taste of Mysore? It is the Mysore Pak, a signature sweetmeat of South India. The Mysore Pak history is traced to the kitchen of the Mysore Palace in the early 20^th century when Nalawadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was the king in power. Kakasura Madappa, the then royal cook in the Mysore Palace, used to please the King with different dishes. One day he made new sweet dish with the mix of chickpea flour, ghee and sugar. When the King tasted it, it melted at the tip of his tongue. On being asked the name of the dish, the cook invented the name ‘Mysore Paka’ in a split of second. ‘Paka’ is a Kannada word meaning a sweet concoction. Mysore is a weekend getaway from Bengaluru City.

KNOW Best Food of Mysore

Khaja is inherited from the Mauryan & Gupta empires 

What is the best sweet of Odisha? Undoubtedly, it is Khaja. Though the culinary art of making Khaja is a matter of pride for the people of Orissa, the recipe is believed to have been borrowed from the Gangetic plains of Bihar around 2000 years ago. The history of Khaja dates back to the Maurya and Gupta empires in ancient India. Today, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh are homes to this Indian dessert. Each of these states offers a different taste of Khaja. The Khaja of Rajgir in Bihar is famous for its puffiness, while the Khaja of Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh is known for its dry outside and juicy inside.

Do You Know 10 Varieties of Dosa

Jalebi is not essentially Indian but Asian in identity 

Jalebi, one of the most popular Indian sweet dishes, owes its origin to West Asia. The Persian-speaking invaders introduced Jalebi to India in the medieval era. This sweetmeat was called ‘Kundalika’, and ‘Jalavallika’ in India in the 15^th century. The poor were offered platefuls of Jalebi during Ramadan in Iran. It is called ‘Zalabia’ in the Arabian countries, ‘Zilebi’ in the Maldives, ‘Zlebia’ in Tunisia, Libya and Algeria, and ‘Jeri’ in Nepal. References to the Indian version of Jalebi are found in “Priyamkarnrpakatha” by Jinasura, a Jain author of the mid-15^th century.

HAVE Best Sweets of Bengal

Dum Biryani was a meal for the poor in Awadh  

The origin of Biryani is the princely state of Hyderabad in the era of Nizams, according to several historic sources. The recipe of Biryani is as old as the Mughal history of India, according to some historians. Some debate that Biryani was introduced during Timur’s invasion of India in the early medieval era. Though the origin of Biryani is debated, Dum Biryani or Biryani of Awadh was originated in Lucknow. The Nawab of Awadh ordered to cook a meal in huge handis (round-shaped brass pots) for all the poor people of his region when there was scarcity of food. A huge amount of food was cooked with minimum resources in covered and sealed pots. This art of cooking became known as ‘dum’.

This article featuring lesser-known Indian food facts is brought to you as part of the campaign, “Explore India with Indian Eagle”, aiming to promote what is unheard about India through our overseas Indian community portal, Travel Beats. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of IndianEagle.com, a leading online air travel booking portal for overseas Indians.

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The post Interesting Facts about Origin of Some Popular Indian Dishes from Indian Food History appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Gleaming diyas, glittering lamps, colorful rangoli, succulent sweets, firecrackers and likes – these all make a composite picture of extravagant Diwali celebration in urban India. But, you will find absolutely different pictures of the festival in the rural backwaters of the country where tribal communities live. Indian Eagle explores the rural interiors of India to collect the striking glimpses of Diwali celebration by the tribal people whose multi-ethnic identity and culture are distinctly defined in contrast to the harmony of various cultures in a cosmopolitan society. Lets see how tribal India celebrates the Festival of Lights…

Diwali celebration is synonymous with simplicity for the tribal communities of Jharkhand. They celebrate the festival of lights, known as “Sohrai”, in a more realistic way associated with the means of sustenance in daily life. This festive occasion marks the harvest of rice, and the worship of cattle is part of the celebration in the tribal villages of the state. Harvest and cattle are the main sources of livelihood for them. The women in countryside decorate the mud walls of their houses (mainly huts) with art murals, which is unique to their culture. Also, domestic animals are adorned for the celebration.

The way of Diwali celebration in the state of Odisha is different from the ways the other states of India celebrate the festival in. The tribal folks of Odisha, on the occasion of Diwali, seek the blessings of their ancestors who are believed to be living somewhere in the heaven after the demise of their mortal bodies on earth. The ritualistic manner of worshiping ancestors is unique to their cultural heritage. “Kaunria Kathi” is one of the rituals that they perform during the festivity. As per the ritual, they burn jute stems to create fire as a signal to summon the ancestors and request for their blessings.

Also Check: India Owes Its Safety to These Military Villages

The people of the Sindhi community in the states of India have developed their own way of Diwali celebration, which is unique to their cultural identity in the social fabric of the country. This regional community of India refers to the celebration of Diwali as “Diyari”. Like most of the other communities, they worship Goddess Lakshmi. They clean silver and gold coins using raw milk during the worship. Once the puja is over, they take gold or silver coins and tap the coins lightly against their teeth while chanting “Lakshmi aayi, danat vaai” (When Lakshmi arrives, poverty departs).

The way the tribal communities in Narmada and Baruch districts of Gujarat celebrate defines their traditions in contrast to the common socio-cultural milieu of the country. The tribal people of these two provinces in Gujarat celebrate the festival of lights as a harbinger of good health. It is a 15-day long festivity for them. Unlike firing of crackers in cities and towns, the burning of herbal wood of different types accompanies the celebration for the tribal folks. The smoke from the burning of herbal wood is believed to keep them healthy. This traditional custom also stands for the philosophy, that is, “hard work brings wealth, and good health is required for hard work.” They light a holy fire and march a procession to take the fire across the villages in a bid to prevent evils from intruding their habitats. They enjoy themselves over various folk dance forms on each of the 15 days of the celebration.

Also Check: Inspiring Stories of Toilet in Rural India

The tribal habitants in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh are distinctly identified for their different way of Diwali celebration, known as Diyari. The festivity begins ceremoniously with the marriage of crop in fields with an idol of Lord Narayana. It is followed by the ritual of filling households with food grain. The cattle owners in the tribal community of Bastar are honored with liquor on the first day of the celebration. They offer garlands, paddy and khichdi, a kind of porridge with local flavor, to the shepherds. They perform Gotton puja, another integral part of the festivity, to seek divine blessings for the good health and protection of their cattle. The cattle are adorned with garlands, the drums are beaten, and the crop is worshiped as image of Goddess Lakshmi during the 3-day long Diwali celebration.

Thakar is one of the scheduled tribes inhabiting the forest areas of Maharashtra. Their cultural heritage includes various folk dance forms and songs. The way they celebrate Diwali festival stands for their identity in distinction from that of the other tribes in India. They make lamps from the dried parts of a fruit called chibra, and use the stands made from cow-dung to place lamps on. They worship the grain, stored in a cane basket, as the image of Goddess Lakshmi, on the festive day. On this occasion, they perform a folk dance in rhythm with the beats of dhols.

About Travel Beats

This story is brought to you as part of the initiative, “Explore India with Indian Eagle”, aiming to promote what is good and lesser known about India through our overseas Indian community portal, Travel Beats. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of Indian Eagle Travel, a leading air ticketing partner of Indians abroad.

The post Different Ways of Diwali Celebration in Rural India Define Simplicity of Tribal Life & Culture appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Needless to say, Rath Yatra Festival in honor of Puri’s Lord Jagannath is one of the biggest Indian festivals. It is a grand celebration, cultural extravaganza and stunning spectacle. Nicknamed the Festival of Chariots, it draws pouring crowds of devotees brimming with enthusiasm. Numerous legends of the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Rath Yatra Festival capture the imagination. Indian Eagle curates the most interesting facts of Puri Rath Yatra Festival in Odisha. 

1 The Jagannath Temple of Odisha is one of the few orthodox Hindu temples in India where only the followers of Hinduism are allowed to enter the premises and offer prayers. The people of other religious sects cannot catch a glimpse of the Lord as they get access till the doorstep of the premises no matter how ardent devotees they are, except on some special days. However, the door of the Puri Jagannath Temple is open to all, irrespective of caste and religion, during the Rath Yatra Festival. The people of different Indian communities can worship the Lord and get blessed.

2 Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra – the three deities of the Jagannath Temple – travel in three different chariots. That is why Ratha Yatra is also called the Festival of Chariots. Their chariots are named Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Devadalana respectively. Lord Jagannath’s Chariot Nandighosha runs on as many as 18 wheels, while 16 wheels drive Lord Balaram’s Chariot Taladhwaja, and Subhadra’s Chariot Padmadhwaja has 14 wheels.

3 One of the most interesting facts of Rath Yatra is that the chariots of the deities are newly constructed every year. New materials including wood are used in construction. However, the model, structure, design and dimensions of the chariots remain invariable. Four wooden horses are attached to the front of each chariot.

4 The top of the chariots of Lord Jagannath and other two deities resembles the structure of a Hindu temple. The chariots are pulled with ropes by hundreds of devotees and pilgrims, which makes an inspirational spectacle of devotion and enthusiasm. Canopies for the chariots are made of almost 1200 meters of cloth. A team of 15 tailors make the canopies.

5 According to those who have been to the Rath Yatra Festival of Odisha and have pulled the chariots, Lord Jagannath seems to refuse moving initially when the festivity begins, no matter how many hundreds of people push from behind and pull from the front. Lord Jagannath’s Chariot seems to stand still despite massive push and pull. The Lord agrees to go ahead and His chariot starts moving only after a few hours of cosmic effort.  It sounds offbeat. If the onlookers are believed, it is incredibly true.

6 The monarchy system of India has faded into the past long back. But it is believed that the Majesty of Puri is there, and that Lord Jagannath walks out of temple for the ceremonious journey after the path is swept by the mythical king of Puri with a broom made of gold.

7 Lord Jagannath and His siblings take a halt on the way back to their own abode after a stay at the Gundicha Temple for 9 days. Poda Pitha, a popular dessert in Odisha, is a favorite of the Lords. They find it irresistible to have a bite of their favorite dish during the return journey.

8 Do you know why the main door of the Puri Jagannath Temple is kept shut for one week prior to the festival? The presiding deity Lord Jagannath is believed to catch high fever and, therefore, have rest at this time. That is why the sanctum sanctorum is not open to the public for this brief period. Once the period of rest is over, the Lord takes a break and travels to his maternal aunt’s house for a change.

9 The Puri Jagannath Temple of Odisha is one of the few Indian temples which the deities are taken out of during festivities. Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, is brought from Sultanpur Temple in the palace of King of Kullu to the festival ground during the Dussehra Festival of Kullu. Similarly, the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar are taken out of the Meenakshi Temple for a ceremonious boat ride across the lake on the King Thirumalai Nayak’s birth anniversary during the Float Festival of Madurai.

10 In 2007, the Rath Yatra festival was observed in a different way in Orissa’s Bargarh district. It was an unusual celebration having nothing to do with the traditional ceremonies. Herbal plants and saplings were put in place of the idols on chariots to spread awareness about the need to save environment and forests. It was the first Green Rath Yatra in India which was followed by plantation of saplings.

Indian Eagle, a leading international travel organization, connects Indian Diaspora with the culture and heritage of India through Travel Beats, a digital community portal for Indians Abroad. Check other interesting stories about Indian festivals at Travel Beats.

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Are you bored of the Taj Mahal, the Victoria Memorial, the Charminar, the India Gate, the Red Fort, the Gateway of India and other historic tourist attractions in India? If yes, a whole new lot of things to see in India are awaiting you in 2016 and 2017. The upcoming tourist attractions in India include the world’s highest golf course, tallest rail bridge and tallest clock tower, an Eiffel Tower replica, a river gallery, a Madame Tussauds museum, a war memorial, etc. Each of these is a new reason to visit India in 2016 and 2017. IndianEagle shares tidbits about the upcoming tourist attractions in India.

World’s Highest Golf Course in Sikkim

Have you ever imagined of playing golf at a height of 14,140 feet? If yes, the imagination is not far from reality. The northeast Indian state of Sikkim is going to have the world’s highest golf course near Nathula Pass, a mountainous route serving as a trade link between India and China. Named ‘Yak Golf Course’, it would be not only the world’s highest golf course but also one of the most interesting places to visit in India in 2016.

Jatayu Nature Park in Kerala

Kerala’s Jatayu Nature Park is inspired by the story of Jatayu, a mythical character in the Ramayana, one of the Indian epics. Chatatayamangalam in Kollam district, where Jatayu is said to have fallen from the skies during a faceoff with Ravana, is the scenic location of this upcoming park in Kerala. The park will feature an amazing blend of art, adventure and technology. The world’s largest bird sculpture of Jatayu on the top of a hill, measuring 70 feet in height, 200 feet in length and 150 feet in breadth is supposed to be the center of attraction in Kerala’s Jatayu Nature Park. The Jatayu sculpture will house a digital museum and 6D theatre. The park will house a dedicated adventure zone with several adventure games. A high-tech cable car offering a bird’s eye view of the scenic area will be set up over the park. Evidently, Kerala’s Jatayu Nature Park is among the upcoming Indian tourist attractions to watch out for in 2016.

Replica of Eiffel Tower in Kolkata  

The first replica of the Eiffel Tower in Kolkata is surely among the upcoming Indian tourist attractions which are worth a visit in 2016. Kolkata has already laid the foundation of a replica of the Eiffel Tower in solidarity with the victims of terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, 2015. Part of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ at Eco Park, the tower will have an observation deck at a height of 25 meters to offer sweeping views of Kolkata. It will have a coffee shop as well as a souvenir shop. Read on to know the facts about Kolkata’s Eiffel Tower replica.

World’s Tallest Rail Bridge in India

The Chenab Bridge under construction between Bakkal and Kauri in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is a seemingly impossible technological challenge. Once completed, the 1,315m long bridge will be the world’s highest arch bridge with railway lines at a height of 359m over the River Chenab.

Statue of Unity in Gujarat

The upcoming Statue of Unity in Gujarat is among the new interesting things to see in India. Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an eminent leader of the Indian Independence Movement, the statue will boast a height of 182 meters or 597 feet on a river island near Vadodara. Expected to be the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity will be surrounded by a lake sprawling over an area of 12 km.

Madame Tussauds Museum in Delhi

The list of new tourist attractions to see in India includes an upcoming Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in New Delhi. India’s first Madame Tussauds Wax Museum will house life-size wax statues of not only Indian legends and celebs but also eminent figures from the rest of the world. This initiative is part of the India-UK Year of Culture Celebrations in 2017. Read more about Delhi’s Madame Tussauds Museum.

Rock Garden in Odisha

Odisha’s Rock Garden is also on the list of upcoming tourist attractions in India. Being built in Berhampur, it would be India’s second rock garden after the first Rock Garden in Chandigarh, Punjab. The garden will feature several creative structures and artifacts sculpted out of rock to take your breath away. Known for their rock-carving skills, the artisans of Odisha are expected to make the upcoming rock garden a major tourist attraction in the state. To be powered by solar energy, Odisha’s Rock Garden would be among the eco-friendly tourist places across India.

War Memorial & Museum in Delhi

India has proposed to get the first war museum near the iconic Indian Gate in New Delhi. The museum will be a memorial in honor of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the post-independence era of India. Said to be India’s national war memorial and museum, it had been pending since 1960 due to the lack of approval from the central government. Among the tourist places to visit in Delhi, it will stand as a symbol for the Indian soldiers’ sacrifice in service to the nation. The estimated cost of the project is INR 500 crores. Once completed, the National War Memorial and Museum in Delhi will be among the best things to see in India.

World’s Tallest Clock Tower in Mysore

If Sikkim is to get the world’s highest golf course, Karnataka is to get the world’s tallest clock tower in Mysore. Infosys has proposed to build the 135-m high clock tower in its Mysore campus, a 2-hour drive from Bengaluru. Comprising 19 floors with a boardroom, the tower will reportedly cost a whopping $8.83 million. It will display a digital timepiece on the top. Read more about this wonderful initiative by Infosys among the tourist attractions in India.

River Gallery in Karnataka

Mysore of Mysuru, a historic city in Karnataka, is mostly famous for the Mysore Palace. An upcoming gallery on the River Cauvery would be another tourist attraction in Mysore. Believed to be India’s first river gallery, it will showcase the culture, life and biodiversity supported by the River Cauvery, the main source of water in Karnataka. The gallery will also exhibit how important role the River Cauvery plays in the lives of farmers across the state and highlight environmental threats to the river.

Travel Beats is a culture & entertainment portal for Indian diaspora by IndianEagle, a leading US-India travel booking organization. It publishes interesting stories about USA, Canada, NRIs, aviation and India tourism.

The post Upcoming Tourist Attractions in India: Best Things to See in 2016 and 2017 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The wealth of India was the envy of many in the bygone eras. That is why the Arabs, the Turks, and the Afghans invaded and looted the treasures of kingdoms in different provinces of India. The most of Indian history comprises the stories of invasions and wars, which changed the fate of many, even that of Koh-i-Noor. The most coveted diamond of all times, Koh-i-Noor traveled from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh to London through several dynasties including the Kakatiya, the Khilji, the Mughal, the Afghans and the British over a long span of time. The dazzling beauty of this rare diamond was so irresistible that it enslaved the senses of mighty emperors and kings. This infographic by Indian Eagle depicts the eventful journey of Koh-i-Noor from a mine in India to the Tower of London, on Travel Beats.

About Indian Eagle

Indian Eagle is a USA based leading international travel organization inspiring tourists to travel and explore India at the lowest airfare from major USA cities throughout the year. 

The post Infographic: The Journey of Kohinoor from India to England appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Are you looking to ring in the New Year with a travel wishlist in hand? If yes, we are here to recommend a few tourist destinations for your India travel wishlist 2015. A travel wishlist comes handy when you plan vacations at the onset of a new year. It is an altogether different pleasure to explore the lesser-known tourist destinations rather than visiting the most frequented places in India. Hope, our choice will help you to create a wishlist for India travel in 2015.

Hampi in Karnataka

One of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, Hampi is a historic treasure of rocks and ruins. The erstwhile capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 13^th and 14^th centuries, Hampi was the world’s second most populous city. Do listen to the stories of the architectural ruins dotting the rocky landscape of Hampi.

Fatehpur Sikri in Agra 

If you have already visited the Taj Mahal, add Fatehpur Sikri to your travel wishlist 2015. Though no wonder of white marbles, Fatehpur Sikri is a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site of red bricks and stones. The monument complex boasts of the world’s largest doorway, the Buland Darwaja. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire in Akbar’s regime; Fatehpur Sikri is a living witness to the stories of the Mughal.

Read more The Agra Travel Food Guide

Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh 

Founded in 1123 by a subordinate of a Chalukyan King of Kalyana on the right bank of the River Pennar, Gandikota is a small historical village. The Gandikota Fort was one of the remarkable constructions in the Kakatiya, the Vijayanagara and the Qutub Shahi regime. It is a tourist destination not only for its historic significance but also its geographic beauty. Gandikota’s geography resembles Arizona’s Grand Canyon in the United States.

Mandu in Madhya Pradesh

A ruined city of historic tales dating from the 6^th century till the Maratha regime in the 18^th century, Mandu occupies a significant role in the history of India. Home to palaces, forts, temples and other monuments on a rocky outcrop, Mandu was renamed Shadiabad by Allauddin Khilji in 1305. Mandu was blessed with prosperity when the Ghuri Dynasty was in power. It was incorporated to the Mughal Empire during Akbar’s regime. Later, the Maratha ruler Peshwa Bajirao the First captured Mandu in 1732.

Bishnupur in West Bengal 

Located in the rural tourism circle of West Bengal, Bishnupur is famous not only for the history of the Gupta Period but also terracotta (clay work), a popular handicraft of Bengal. 132 km away from Kolkata, Bishnupur is known for its age-old temples which are adorned with terracotta sculpture depicting the scriptural stories of ancient India. Bishnupur’s terracotta pottery, artifacts, jewellery and home décor items are exported to the overseas markets.

Raghurajpur in Odisha 

 One of the lesser-known places in the rural backwaters of Odisha, Raghurajpur is a handicraft village of patachitra painters and artists. A tourist destination for art lovers in rural India, Raghurajpur has kept alive patachitra, an ancient art of India or an art form of ancient India. The patachitra artists breathe life to the mythological stories and folk tales of India on perched palm leaves and clothes through a rare palette of natural colors. Their creation is not just an art but an enchanting poetry.

Know more about The Artists of Raghunathpur

Silent Valley in Kerala

One of the least explored and lesser-known tourist destinations in India, Silent Valley is part of the green forest belt in Kerala. It was converted into a national park in 1980 and is under consideration for a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A natural habitat of rare species of birds, the Silent Valley in Kerala is an ideal destination for green travel in the Nilgiri Hills.

Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu 

One of the holiest cities in India, the modern-day Kanchi was the erstwhile capital, Kanchipuram, of the Pallava Kingdom. Most of the temples in Kanchi are dedicated to Lord Bishnu and Lord Shiva. Kanchi’s every nook and corner is full of history of different eras when the Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayangar dynasty were in power. Kanchi is a must visit to photograph the delicately sculpted South Indian temples.

Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan 

Kumbhalgarh is famous for its age-old hilltop fort, one of the tourist attractions in Rajasthan. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is famous for its 36-km long wall with watchtowers which command breathtaking views of the peaks of the Aravalli Mountain range. Many tourists do not know that the Kumbhalgarh Fort Wall is known as the Great Wall of India. Listed among the offbeat tourist attractions in India, it is the second largest wall in the world.

Read more The Great Wall of India

Ravangla in Sikkim 

Of the least explored tourist destinations in Northeast India, Ravangla should be on your India travel wishlist 2015. Ravangla is a small town at a height of 7,000 feet in Sikkim. A summer habitat of several species of Himalayan birds, Ravangla is known for its quiet ambience, soulful environment, meditative beauty, simple ways of life, and tryst with nature.

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Winter is the high time of tourism in India not only for festivals and road trips but also for bird watching. India receives the highest number of foreign tourists and migratory birds in winter season spanning from October to March. But, exotic birds outnumber foreign tourist arrivals throughout the season. Millions of migratory birds including Greater Flamingo, Ruff, Common Teal, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, Northern Pintail, Rosy Pelican, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Long-billed Pipit, Black-tailed Godwit and likes fly to the bird sanctuaries of India every winter. Indian Eagle lists the best bird sanctuaries whose diverse geography and natural beauty make bird watching & photography a pursuit of joy in India during winter. Now, go on dating migratory birds across India.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka

One of the best places to see migratory birds in South India during winter, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary consists of six isolated islets on the banks of the Kaveri River in Karnataka. A 16-km drive from Mysore City, the sanctuary is a favorite haunt of exotic migratory birds like Heron, River Tern, White Ibis, Partridge, Spoonbills, Egret and others from Siberia, North America and Australia. A boat ride around the river islets of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary gives the best glimpses of the migratory birds in winter.

Nal Sarovar Bird Santuary in Gujarat

The largest wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is one of the top ten winter holiday destinations for bird lovers in India. Only 64 km away from Ahmedabad, this hotspot of migratory birds consists of a sprawling lake and a large marshy area around the lake. A flock of migratory birds including Flamingos, Pelicans, Coots, Pintails, Spoonbills, Shovellers, small Grebes and Cormorants travel to this sanctuary in autumn and entertain tourists throughout winter as well as spring.

Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary in Odisha

The largest and most beautiful bird-watching place in India, Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is close to Puri, Odisha. Spread over a huge area of 1100 square kilometers, the lake sanctuary is home to 9 lakh migratory birds in winters, and a natural paradise for bird lovers. The sight of the beautiful birds including Flamingos, Herons and Geese flapping their colorful wings on the crystal-clear surface of Chilka Lake is a delight to the eyes. Each of the islands dotting the lake is a tourist spot. The Birds Island in Chilka Lake is a natural habitat for the largest number of birds.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary in Maharashtra

Don’t miss a visit to Karnala Bird Sanctuary during your road trip on the Mumbai-Goa Highway. A 60-km drive from Mumbai, Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a densely forested habitat of birds, sprawling over an area of 4.8 square kilometers. The beauty of birds is in harmony with the beauty of the lush green landscape in the sanctuary. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is an ideal winter destination for bird watching, trekking and picnicking. It is home to a number of migratory birds including red-breasted Flycatcher, black-headed Cuckoo, blue-headed Rock Thrush, and ashy Minivet from October to April every year. Besides, the musical chirping of songbirds is a symphony of nature during monsoons in Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa

Goa is the best coastal destination for not only beach holidaymakers but also bird lovers. Located near the Chorao Island in Goa, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular spots to watch migratory birds in winter. Named after the eminent ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali, the sanctuary consists of mangrove forest trees along the western tip of the island near the Mandovi River. You can best photograph and watch the birds from the watch tower in the sanctuary. Bus and cab transport services to Salim Ali Sanctuary are available in Panaji, the capital of Goa.

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh

One of the natural habitats for Pelicans in Southeast Asia, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is the best place to be for photographers and bird lovers in Andhra Pradesh during winters. Located in Nellore district, the sanctuary shelters such migratory birds as Spoonbills, White Ibis, Night Herons, Painted Storks and Cormorants. Inhabited by endangered species of flora and fauna, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary has a library, a museum and an auditorium. Pulicat Lake is the nearest tourist attraction here. October to March is the ideal time to visit the sanctuary.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan

Apart from the festivals, palaces and forts of Rajasthan, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the best tourist attractions in the Thar Desert. Home to thousands of rare and endangered species of migratory birds in winter, Bharatpur Sanctuary is a World Heritage Site. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the sanctuary is a fairground of Magpie Robins, Lapwings, Herons, Spoonbills, Water Hens, Egrets and the most famous Sarus Cranes. Siberian Cranes used to visit Bharatpur Sanctuary in winter a few years back. But, this amphibian species has become extinct.

Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat

The list of the best bird sanctuaries in India ends with the Little Rann of Kutch. The southern extension of the Great Rann in Gujarat, this wildlife sanctuary is famous for the Asiatic Wild Ass and migratory birds like Flamingoes. It is the only place to watch out thousands of Flamingos at a time, in India. MacQueen’s Bustard, Demoiselle Cranes, European Roller, Lesser Florican, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Collared Pratincole, Red-necked Phalarope, Cream-colored Courser, Dalmatian Pelican and Sociable Lapwing are among the other seasonal birds which have made the Little Rann of Kutch their home. November to February is the best time to visit the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) for bird watching.

Migratory birds fly to India only in winters and summers. But you can fly to India whenever you wish, especially because we at IndianEagle.com book cheap airline tickets to India from USA throughout the year.

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Today is International Dance Day; the day to celebrate dance as a manifestation of creativity and an art of imagination across the world. India too celebrates its classical dance culture, a priceless heritage of the ancient times. The Indian classical dance forms have made it to international heights from the four walls of temples and royal courts. A cultural legacy for generations, the classical dance heritage of India is worth a tribute today. Indian Eagle briefs the classical dances to celebrate International Dance Day.

Bharatanatyam

One of the most celebrated classical dance forms of India, Bharatanatyam is unique to the Dravidian culture of South India. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the South Indian states, have been basking in the glory of Bharatanatyam for generations. The origin of this classical dance is associated with the 2000-year old Devdasi tradition in the temples of South India. Bharatanatyam is mythically believed to be introduced by Lord Brahma and documented by Sage Bharata in the Natya Shastra, a Sanskrit text. Devdasis or temple dancers who were dedicated in service to the presiding deities used to perform Bharatanatyam in temples. Mridangam, Veena, Flute, Violin and Talam are some of the instruments used in this dance performance.

Kathak

If Bharatanatyam is the mainstay of South Indian culture, Kathak is intermingled with the culture of North India. The recitation of mythological tales in rhythm with music and dance in ancient India is believed to be the origin of Kathak. Therefore, this classical dance form is associated with the recital art of storytelling. In the bygone days, kathakars or bards or poets used to depict mythological stories from the scriptures through facial expressions and hand gestures in villages as well as temples. It became sophisticated and popular in the Mughal regime. Kathak has been patronized in Banaras, Lucknow and Jaipur. The story of Radha and Krishna is the predominant theme of Kathak. Such instruments as Tabla, Pakwaj, Harmonium, Sarengi and Talam are used in Kathak performances.

Kathakali

Kerala has its own share of the Indian cultural heritage and that is for Kathakali, a classical dance form. Heavy makeup and colorful costume are the most amazing facets of Kathakali. The painted face and colorful appearance of Kathakali dancers are identified with the culture of Kerala. A most sophisticated form of imagination, Kathakali dance is a highly creative medium to depict the stories of the Hindu epics and mythologies. As it is a group performance, each dancer wears a different makeup as per the role or character. The dancer playing a noble hero or god wears green makeup on the face, while the dance playing a demon smears his face in green with red marks on the cheeks. It has become a popular dance drama over the years. Chenda, Cymbals, and Maddalam are the instruments used in Kathakali shows.

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi has risen to international fame from a village in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This classical dance of India owes its origin to the Telugu Brahmins in Kuchelapuram Village, who were known for their expertise in staging the mythological legends through dance, drama and music. Kuchipudi has evolved from the Bhagavatmela tradition and differed from other Indian classical dance forms by the use of speech. The Kuchipudi dance moves are faster than those of any other classical dance. It is performed to both the Carnatic music and the Hindustani Music. There are a few variations of Kuchipudi.

Manipuri

Manipuri, a distinguished classical dance heritage of northeast India, deserves a mention here. Woven into the life and culture of Manipur, a northeastern state amidst hills, Manipuri is known for its poetic charm, colorful costumes and delicate moves. Since the time when the gods, as it is believed, dried a lake in the countryside of Manipur to make space for dance, this classical dance has been part of the socio-religious culture of the state. Ras Leela and Sankirtana are the devotional themes of Manipuri dance. The Manipuri dancers wear colorfully embroidered skirts with transparent embellished veil.

Odissi

One of the classical dance forms of ancient India, Odissi is the cultural pride of the state Orissa or Odisha. Like other forms of Indian culture, Odissi has its own story of survival. It has evolved through modifications over years. Nritya and Abhinaya are two most interesting highlights of Odissi. In Nritya, the dancers make delicate body movements to create ornamental moves. In Abhinaya, the dancers make myriad facial expressions to interpret a religious story or mythical legend. Odissi is performed in a multiple different styles including tribhangi.

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The worth of Indian art and culture is immeasurable. Apart from the thriving cultural heritage of India in the capital cities, the country’s artistic potential is nipped in villages like Raghurajpur. As focus of the tourism industry is mostly concentrated in adventure, food, beach and luxury sectors; rural areas are neglected in the public eye despite their rich handcraft culture. Most of the folk art forms and tribal cultures remain hidden in the wilderness due to their lack of exposure to the light of civilization. For example, the art and craft of Raghurajpur in eastern India. Indian Eagle, out of its social responsibility, highlights what makes Raghurajpur a must-visit art & culture destination.

Raghurajpur is a handicraft village at a 14-km drive from Puri, the best pilgrimage destination where the most famous Rath Yatra festival is held in the state of Orissa. 50 km away from Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur is a village of artists, painters and craftsmen who live in art, dream of art and drink to art. A micro presence on the macro cultural map of India, this Oriya village is worth the value of a tourist destination not just for its opulence of art but also for its idyllic setting amidst coconut, palm, jackfruit and mango groves on the southern bank of the Bhargavi River. Most of the houses are made of mud in the village, and the outer surface of the walls of the houses is decorated with beautiful mural paintings which visually depict mythological glimpses from two great Indian epics – the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Raghurajpur, the cradle of artists, is one of the thousand places in rural India where handicraft has been a chief source of livelihood for generations. This village in Puri district takes pride in not a single artwork but an assemblage of artworks including stone engraving, wood carving, mask making, Tussar painting, palm leaf engraving, and pata chitra. Craft, carving, painting and dance form the cultural excellence and artistic treasure of Raghurajpur.

Pata chitra painters create enchanting poetry on pieces of cloth, dried palm leaves and paper with the magic of creativity and colors. Pata chitra is an age-old folk art which today’s artists have traditionally inherited from their forefathers. In this art form, a variety of miniature painting, mythological stories and religious themes are depicted as delicately as possible. Natural dyes are used to beautify the painting done on the polished surface of a piece of cloth and a palm leaf.

The most popular theme that most of the pata chitra painters work on is the Dashavatara, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu including Matsya, Kurma, Vaman, Varaha, Narasimha, Buddha, Rama, Krishna and Kalki. The stories of each of these incarnations are depicted meticulously using a complete palette of colors made from natural ingredients. Paintings of Ramlila, Raslila, Ayodhya Vijay and other scriptural themes on Tussar saris are influenced by pata chitra.

Orissa tourism basks in the glory of Raghurajpur art and craft. Besides handicraft, Gotipua Dance is another highlight of this art-loving village. This traditional folk dance form is integral to Orissa’s tribal culture and is performed by boys in the guise of girls. The dance is performed as a worshipping ritual to please the Deity of the Puri Jagannath temple. The performers are called Gotipuas. Some of the Gotipuas like Kelucharan Mohapatra have made their way to international stages abroad. Kelucharan Mohapatra, a legendary Gotipaus, was born in the village.

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage brought Raghurajpur to the light of civilization and put it on the list of cultural tourist destinations by declaring it as a heritage handicraft village. It is one of the villages to be developed under the purview of rural tourism in India.

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