INDIA Galleries

Taj Mahal : Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third w ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 12:14am PST

Darjeeling : Darjeeling is internationally renowned as a tourist destination, along with its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is internationally renowned as a tourist destination, along ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2012 9:33pm PST

Delhi : Delhi: The capital city of India. India Gate Rashtrapati Bhavan Bahai Temple Qutab Minar Vishnu-dhvaja (Iron pillar) Red Fort Jama Masjid Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa Dargah Jantar Mantar Observatory Humayun's tomb

Delhi

Delhi: The capital city of India. India Gate Rashtrapati Bhavan ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 8:58pm PST

Goan Beach and Sea : Goa is famous for its beaches and is a prime attraction to the over 2 million tourists that visit the place. With scores of luxury hotels and resorts scattered around the beautiful beaches.

Goan Beach and Sea

Goa is famous for its beaches and is a prime attraction to the over 2 ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2012 12:53am PST

Anjuna Flea Market, Goa, India. : Anjuna is world famous for its trance parties held on the beach during the tourist season. Anjuna also hosts the famous flea market (Every Wednesday) wherein one can purchase many things, ranging from fruits to jewelry, clothes and electronic devices. Goa, India.

Anjuna Flea Market, Goa, India.

Anjuna is world famous for its trance parties held on the beach during ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2012 12:55am PST

Jaipur: Pink City : Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city has been named. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.

Jaipur: Pink City

Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajastha ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 9:19pm PST

Kolkata : Kolkata or Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river, it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India's oldest operating port as well as its sole major riverine port.

Kolkata

Kolkata or Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal ...

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 1:41am PST

Kushinagar : Kushinagar is a town in Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained Parinirvana after his death.

Kushinagar

Kushinagar is a town in Kushinagar district in the Indian state of Utt ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 1:10am PST

RUINS OF HAMPI : Hampi is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located within the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Predating the city of Vijayanagara, it continues to be an important religious centre, housing the Virupaksha Temple, as well as several other monuments belonging to the old city. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi.

RUINS OF HAMPI

Hampi is a village in northern Karnataka state, India. It is located w ...

Updated: Feb 20, 2012 10:57pm PST

Sarnath : Sarnath is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is located 13 kilometres north-east of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Sarnath

Sarnath is the deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2012 1:22am PST

Kanya Kumari : Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, is a town in Kanyakumari District in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Kanyakumari lies at the southernmost tip of mainland India (the southernmost tip of India as a whole being Indira Gandhi Point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The closest major cities are Nagercoil, the administrative headquarters of Kanyakumari District, [22 km (14 mi)] and Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala (88 km (55 mi)). The town is a popular tourist destination.

Kanya Kumari

Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, is a town in Kanyakumari ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 10:49pm PST

Tirupati : Tirupati: At the feet of Lord Balaji. The countenance of the ardent devotees reveal the life-changing experience twenty million souls have each year on the journey to South India’s most famous Vaishnava temple for the blessings of the Lord of Seven Hills.

Tirupati

Tirupati: At the feet of Lord Balaji. The countenance of the ardent d ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 1:52am PST

Tiruvannamalai: Arunachaleshwor Temple : The 1300 years old Arunachaleshwor Shiva Temple of Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu, with its giant, 217 foot Gopurams (entrance tower), is India's second largest and one of its most sought - after pilgrimage destination. Historical details about it are revealed in stones inscriptions on the walls and copperplate of the temple itself.

Tiruvannamalai: Arunachaleshwor Temple

The 1300 years old Arunachaleshwor Shiva Temple of Tiruvannamalai in T ...

Updated: Feb 17, 2012 1:00am PST

Varanasi :

Varanasi

Updated: Feb 21, 2012 9:02pm PST

Periyar National Park, Kerala : Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the Idukki district and Pathanamthitta Districts of Kerala State in South India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 350 km2 (140 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. The park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also referred to by the name "Thekkady". It is set high in the in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu state. The park is located 4 km (2.5 mi) from Kumily, approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of Kottayam, 110 km (68 mi) west of Madurai and 120 km (75 mi) southeast of Kochi. Kerala, South India

Periyar National Park, Kerala

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2012 9:44pm PST

Swaswara In Karnataka : SwaSwara (www.swaswara.com) is where you can start an inner journey, or continue it. With Yoga at its core SwaSwara is for those who seek not just a mere vacation but a true holiday of the human spirit. Located on the fabled Om beach in Karnataka, India, set amidst 26 acres of green lawns, gardens and rolling hills surrounded by pristine beaches, it is far removed from civilization with its distracting influences. Early morning Yoga on the beaches help wash away the stresses of life and heal the mind and body. Meditation will help you to quiet the restless mind, help you to commune with the inner being and ayurveda will cleanse your body. Swaswara, CGH Earth. Gokarna, Karnataka, India.

Swaswara In Karnataka

SwaSwara (www.swaswara.com) is where you can start an inner journey, o ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 2:10am PST

Umid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur : The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for H.H. Maharaja Umaid Singh ji. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest private residences in the world - set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens. Yellow sandstone monument was conceived on the grandest possible scale, in the fashionable Art Deco Style of that time. After 15 years in construction, the 347 - room palace was finally completed in 1943 - and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since. It was designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105 - foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Umid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for H.H. Mah ...

Updated: Mar 15, 2013 3:31am PST

Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur : The Ajit Bhawan Palace is the residence of the family of the Late General Maharaj Ajit Singh, younger brother of the late ruler, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Built at the turn of the last century, this stately home served as a residence that attracted Princes and Statesmen, Artists and Hunters, an electric mix of the interesting & the mundane - all drawn its true essence of Rajput hospitality". Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Ajit Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

The Ajit Bhawan Palace is the residence of the family of the Late Gene ...

Updated: Mar 15, 2013 3:24am PST

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur : The Mehrangarh fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. Rao Jodha (1438–1488), the fifteenth Rathore Ruler builds the fort. The Chamunda Mataji was Rao Jodha's favorite goddess, he brought her idol from the old capital of Mandore in 1460 and installed her in Mehrangarh fort (Maa Chamunda was the patron goddess of Parihar rulers of Mandore). She remains the Maharaja's and the Royal Family's Isht Devi or adopted goddess and is worshipped by most of Jodhpur's citizens as well. Crowds throng Mehrangarh during the Dussehra celebrations. Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is ...

Updated: Mar 15, 2013 3:59am PST

Jain Temple, Jodhpur : This renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. The dating of this temple is controversial but it is largely considered to be anywhere between the late 14th to mid‐15th centuries. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned it, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, then ruler of Mewar. The architect who oversaw the project is said to have been named Deepaka. There is an inscription on a pillar near the main shrine stating that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect constructed the temple at the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain. This temple was nominated as one of the top 77 wonders in a contest for the new seven wonders of the world. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple, which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Also all the statues face one or the other statue. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest image. The temple is designed as chaumukha—with four faces. The construction of the and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos. Jain Temple, Jodhpur, Nepal.

Jain Temple, Jodhpur

This renowned Jain temple at Ranakpur is dedicated to Adinatha. The da ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2013 9:11pm PST

Marwari horse safari in Ranakpur : On the verge of extinction the Marwari horse breed is the type of horses which were used by the Marwar warriors. One can get a whole new experience of horses from rides to staying in stable home stays, knowing about the horses closely. One can expect from this place; rural stay, Horse ride through the farm lands with lunch near the dam side, getting familiar with the horses, stable stay, local Rajasthani cuisine, Ranakpur Temple. This place is around Ranakpur which is 3 and half hour’s drive from both Udaipur and Jodhpur. Ranakpur, India.

Marwari horse safari in Ranakpur

On the verge of extinction the Marwari horse breed is the type of hors ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2013 3:01am PST

KALACHAKRA-Pilgrims Converge On Bodhgaya-2012 : Tens of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world traveled to Bodhgaya, a town in northern India, to hear exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama give the "Kalachakra" religious teachings. Published in Radio Free Asia: Pilgrims Converge On Bodhgaya http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/buddhists-01052012180155.html Beijing's Pilgrim 'Flexibility' Puzzling http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/kalachakra-01092012124316.html Tibetan Culture Still Strong http://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/kalachakra-01152012155855.html Also featured in Mikel Dunham Blog: http://bit.ly/woaRXo

KALACHAKRA-Pilgrims Converge On Bodhgaya-2012

Tens of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world traveled ...

Updated: Jan 13, 2012 2:47am PST

Goan House :

Goan House

Updated: Aug 09, 2012 11:49pm PST

Brunton Boatyard : Moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour, the Brunton Boatyard Hotel is a tribute to another age. Resurrected from the remains of a Victorian shipbuilding yard, it gives the modern traveler a unique opportunity to dwell amidst the shadow-plays of 19th century history. The recreated period building blends in perfectly with its colonial era surroundings: once-great trading houses from the high era of commerce, when the pepper of Kerala was as precious as gold. Like the cultures they celebrate, the hotel's interiors too, are an eclectic blend of English, Portuguese and Dutch influences.Soaring ceilings, hanging fans, and everywhere, artefacts and curios from the great age of steam and sail. Like everything else, the cuisine too is a melting pot of cultures. The Portuguese came to trade in spice, but left behind the 'Indian' red chili. The Syrian Christians cooked up a variety of Pork dishes that co-incidentally, tasted fabulous with the local string hoppers. The Jews found coriander both Kosher and delicious, so into the cook pot it went. And Dutch puddings were found to benefit greatly from a smidgen of fresh cinnamon. © CGH Earth.

Brunton Boatyard

Moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbour, the Brunton Bo ...

Updated: Apr 03, 2013 11:49pm PST

Chittor Kottaram : Legend has it that the Rajah of Cochin, Rama Verma, was forced to move the royal seat from Perumpadappu to Thripu-nithura, following an  invasion by a rival King. The shift pained the Rajah, more so, because it also meant being away from the Guruvayur Temple in his old kingdom. A fervent devotee of Lord Krishna, he vowed to build a similar one in his territory. And to be close to the diety, in the quiet, peaceful hamlet of Cherranelloor, he built a tiny palace, just for himself. Even today, the modest tiled roofs and clean lines of Chittoor Kottaram reflect it’s raison d’être - devotion and simplicity, rather than regal pomp. Chittoor can accommodate a mere six people. You need to enter barefoot (and stay that way). And the menu features a choice of precisely one. Yet if you’re open-minded enough to consider luxury as a feeling rather than a shiny object, you may be in for an experience. Of a kind you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else. © CGH EARTH

Chittor Kottaram

Legend has it that the Rajah of Cochin, Rama Verma, was forced to move ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2013 12:45am PST

Spice Coast Cruise : Spice Village is the essence of a mountain tribal village, re-imagined for the modern independent traveller. A tribute to ancient ways of life. And to one man's patience and passion. Curling around a misty ridge 2,000ft high in the Periyar vastness, there was a ranger's home,  with fruit trees, rare herbs and a profusion of flowering plants. And here, CGH earth build a resort. A village, produced whole, using mountain spirit and tribal wisdoms as building material. Of course, the comforts of a modern hotel exist, but they never intrude. Modern plumbing, comfortable beds and hot showers find their place, but in a setting stripped down to its natural essence. Hewn stone replaces shag carpets. Birdsong takes the place of television.  Air-conditioning is unnecessary anyway in the fine mountain climate and what would it do but mask the heady scents of spice wafting through the air. South India. © CHG Earth.

Spice Coast Cruise

Spice Village is the essence of a mountain tribal village, re-imagined ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2013 12:47am PST

Coconut Lagoon : There are so many facets to the Coconut Lagoon experience. The heritage of the old fuedal villages of Malabar. The vast frolic of the Vembanad lake. The shimmering waters of the canals that criss-cross the property. The flavour bursts of Kerala home-style cooking. Together, they are a celebration of harmony, life and natural beauty that touches every sense and takes you into a world still unsullied by modern ways. Coconut Lagoon is located in the Kerala district of Kuttanad, or the land of the short people. A wag has it that this name came about because the folks here are always knee deep in paddy fields. Be that as it may, more than 8 of Coconut Lagoon’s 30 acres are actually given over to rice cultivation. There’s only one way to get to Coconut Lagoon: over the water. From the jetty, a boat courses out over a breeze-laden watery highway. You take a sharp turn into a narrow canal, it’s banks decked with wildflowers. And greeted with a reviving coconut cocktail, you step off the boat and straight to  the reception desk, all ready to check in. Kerala, India. ©CGH Earth.

Coconut Lagoon

There are so many facets to the Coconut Lagoon experience. The heritag ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2013 2:03am PST

Spice Village in Thekkady : Spice Village is the essence of a mountain tribal village, re-imagined for the modern independent traveller. A tribute to ancient ways of life. And to one man's patience and passion. Curling around a misty ridge 2,000ft high in the Periyar vastness, there was a ranger's home,  with fruit trees, rare herbs and a profusion of flowering plants. And here, CGH earth build a resort. A village, produced whole, using mountain spirit and tribal wisdoms as building material. Of course, the comforts of a modern hotel exist, but they never intrude. Modern plumbing, comfortable beds and hot showers find their place, but in a setting stripped down to its natural essence. Hewn stone replaces shag carpets. Birdsong takes the place of television.  Air-conditioning is unnecessary anyway in the fine mountain climate and what would it do but mask the heady scents of spice wafting through the air. © CGH Earth

Spice Village in Thekkady

Spice Village is the essence of a mountain tribal village, re-imagined ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 1:50am PST

Marari Beach Resort : The cottages in Marari beach resort is separated by generous stretches of open parkland, dotted with fruit-laden trees. The winding village pathways are a faithful echo of the originals. Rambling walls curve around corners, their rust-coloured stones smothered with trumpet flowers. Completing the picture are rippling lotus ponds, usually with a family of ducklings getting a swimming lesson out in the middle. A typical cottage at Marari looks almost identical to a local fisherman's hut. There is the same palm thatch, swooping low over a raised verandah, complete with a little tap by the steps to wash your feet with. But appearances are deceptive, as you'll discover when you enter. Air conditioning is made possible by a roof invisible from the outside. Simplicity and harmony mark the interiors, which nevertheless contain all the comforts of a modern resort. There are modern twin - or - double beds, elegant, locally-inspired furniture and even a tea and coffee making facility, for all those odd times. The bathrooms are open-roofed courtyards, similar to those in the homes of old Kerala.  There's ultra - modern plumbing of course, and hot-and-cold running water too. For the true sybarite, our spacious Pool Villas are a good option to the cottages. These feature cozy living rooms and -luxury itself- your own private pool. Mararikulam, India.

Marari Beach Resort

The cottages in Marari beach resort is separated by generous stretches ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 10:06pm PST

Cochin : Kochi, formerly Cochin, is a major port city on the west coast of India by the Arabian Sea and is part of the district of Ernakulam of the state of Kerala. Kochi is often called by the name Ernakulam, which refers to the eastern part of the mainland Kochi.

Cochin

Kochi, formerly Cochin, is a major port city on the west coast of Indi ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2013 11:10pm PST