Rajasthan to promote tourism around its salt lake Sambhar

Rajasthan to promote tourism around its salt lake Sambhar

Jaipur, April 15 :-  To attract more tourists, the Rajasthan Government is working on innovating new products in the sector such as salt tourism.

“Sambhar (salt lake) is the largest inland salt lake in the country. The State Government is taking steps to restore basic tourist infrastructure to promote it as a unique destination,” Rajasthan Principal Secretary (Tourism) Rakesh Srivastava said.

He was talking to presspersons on the sidelines of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) being organised here jointly by the Ministry of Tourism, Department of Tourism (Rajasthan) and industry chamber FICCI, which has been organising it here since 2008. It is a pan-India international platform for inbound Tourism.

Srivastava said in the short run, the State Government would focus on restoration of British-era infrastructure including Heritage buildings, the Salt Museum, Circuit House and rail tracks.

In the long run, public sector undertakings Hindustan Salts and India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) will further create tourism infrastructure and promote it.

The State Government is also mulling over the creation of new tourist circuits such as Jaipur-Sambhar-Ajmer and mega tourist hub with Jaipur, being at the heart of it.

Other new tourism products that are being considered by the State include ecological, Sports and Adventure tours.

“We have plans to change the face of tourism in Rajasthan which is known as a Cultural destination, by developing other tourist attractions such as adventure, ecological, archaeological, sports, rural and tribal tours in the State,” Bina Kak, Rajasthan Tourism Minister said while inaugurating the sixth edition of GITB.

“The State Government is working on ways to promote and implement these new segments in the State’s tourism sector,” said Kak.

The Minister added that the State’s tourism sector will not be able to achieve its full potential if it is only known as a Heritage destination and does not focus on new emerging sub-sections.

Articles source;- thehindubusinessline
 
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Fugdi Folk dance form of Konkan region

Fugdi Folk dance form of Konkan region

 
  
Fugdi or "Foogdi" is the most popular folk dance form of Konkan region. It is performed during Hindu religious festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Vrata or towards the end of other dances like Dhalo. It is also performed during various religious and social occasions. It is generally performed during the month of Bhaadrapada, an occasion for the women to take a temporary break from their normal, monotonous schedule. In the Konkan region the women fetch water from long distances.

During the dance performance the women sing and dance. This dance is has different variation. In first variation it is performed in circle. In other it is performed in rows. In villages there is a tradition of performing this dance in circle where in the forest region it is performed in rows.

The speciality of this dance is that no songs are sung during this dance performance. They use their hands for clapping. During the dance performance the women move in the circle. During the dance performance the dancer blow air through the mouth at maximum pace. During this process a sound ‘FOO’ can be heard. It is one of the reason for the nomenclature of the dance.

Fugdi songs which are sung during the dance performance are based on ancient stories, family life, complaints, rivalries or people.

This dance form has many variation like Kalashi Fugdi, Bus Fugdi, Kombda, Ghuma, and Pakhwa. 

Kalashi Fugdi

Kalashi Fugdi is an interesting folk dance performed by the women of Goa. It is performed before Goddess Lakshmi during the vrata. This dance has been derived from a famous dance called Fugdi. In this dance, a group of women dance with copper pitchers in their hands. While dancing to the music, the women blow into the pitchers. The vessel symbolizes the womb, while blowing into it indicates the act of imparting of life into it.

There is an interesting claim to the origin of this dance. In the villages, it is a norm for the women to fetch water from the nearby river or pond. To break the monotony of the long journey, the women developed this dance by blowing into the empty pitchers. 

Goff Dance

It is a folk dance with cords, manifesting joy and happiness of Goan peasants after the harvest. It is performed during the Shigmo Festival in Phalgun (March) month. Each dancer holds a colourful cord hanging at the centre point of the 'Mand' - the place of performance - and starts dancing intricately with the others, forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the end of the first movement.

Article Source by :- desievite

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Kayaking in Konkan Beaches

Kayaking in Konkan Beaches

Beach Camping in Konkan

Beach Camping in Konkan

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Weekend Getaways near Mumbai - Konkan beaches and Harihareshwar Beach

Weekend Getaways near Mumbai - Konkan beaches and Harihareshwar Beach

For those people who don’t have a lot of time on their hands, a quick weekend getaway package is an ideal option to escape from the fast paced drudgery of our metropolitan lifestyles. As we all know, living in Mumbai's lifestyle requires a break once in a while. The good thing about living in Mumbai is that there are a plenty of places to visit and a lot of Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai, making it possible to have some comforting rest and relaxation over the weekend.

Konkan beaches

For folks looking for good weekend getaways from Mumbai you should try going down south towards the Konkan coast. The Konkan beaches are one of the finest beaches in India. There are a lot of beautiful beaches along the entire Konkan coast. Most of these beaches are not yet truly discovered by tourists which makes the beach desolate with crystal clear water and clean seashores. The golden and silver sand on the coastal side of Konkan is perfectly contradicting to the beaches that you find in Mumbai. The water here is clean and safe for swimming. Coconut trees all over the beach with no traffic, no pollution, no horns, no office, makes it an ideal weekend getaway for people looking for a break from their busy lives.

Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar Beach is one of the prettiest and cleanest beaches on the Konkan coastline located at a convenient distance from both Mumbai and Pune. Harihareshwar is a town in Raigad district in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by four hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. Apart from playing in the sands of one of the finest beaches in India, Harihareshwar is also known for its Shiva and Kalbhairav Temple situated on the beach which makes it a famous pilgrimage. Since it was under the dominion of the great emperor Shivaji it has a number of temples and unique architectural style like no other.

The Harihareshwar beach is clean and sandy on one side and rocky on the other. Out of all the Weekend Getaways from Mumbai, this fine beach is one which allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city since it is calm, clean, concrete-free, and not so populated as compared to other beaches on the Konkan coast. Since it’s a coastal area, sea food is a great attraction out here. If you're at a hotel or a resort, don't opt for their food. Instead try local restaurants for their crab and fish curries.

If you really want to explore the Harihareshwar beach, then take a boat ride to the north side of the bay which used to be the residing place of the Peshwas (rulers of the Maratha Kingdom). You can find all types of accommodation within the town itself. There are resorts, hotels, lodges and shacks that you could stay in depending on your preferences and budget. Happy Weekend! 

Article Source: Travelblog

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Beautiful beach in Konkan - Tarkarli Beach

Beautiful beach in Konkan - Tarkarli Beach

Tarkarli is a narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters, located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. It is 546 k.m. away from Mumbai, 6 kms. south of Malvan, on the west coast of India. This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea- bed up to a depth of 20 feet. This beach can be rightly called as ‘Queen Beach’ of Sindhudurg.

Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool river waters add to the beauty of this beach. Here newly built M .T. D.C. Cottages are ready to provide you comfortable accommodation and recreation facilities. Now MTDC has made houseboat facility available at Tarkarli. 2 houseboats, namely, Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat) are at the service of discerning traveler. These fully equipped luxury boats have the Hi-tech equipment and all luxurious amenities on board. For more details and latest tariff visit MTDC site on web.

TARKARLI BEACH

For adventure water sports lovers, snorkeling and scuba diving facilities are also available at Tarkarli. For novice, well-trained snorkeling guides will guide snorkeling trip ensuring safety and make it sure that one can have the first and finest ever experience of marine life.

While at Trakarli, do make a point to taste special Malvani food such as variety of fish items, ‘kombadi-vada’. 
  
Activities to do:  

Scuba Diving: Do you want to explore the Konkan below water in Arabian Sea?   Programs are offered for all ages - Open Water, Advanced Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Certified Diving etc. Water Sport, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling.

Accommodation:

Tarkarli has a huge number resorts, hotels for every budget. During the season these hotels gets full so make sure you book your reservation in advance.. 

Getting there: 
By air: Nearest is Mumbai. 
By rail: Nearest railhead is Kudal, 45 k.m. on Konkan Railway. 
By road:
Mumbai–Tarkarli, 546 k.m.,Kolhapur–Tarkarli , 160 k.m.,Malvan –Tarkarli , 8 k.m. 
State transport buses ply From Mumbai, Kolhapur or Pune to Malvan and from Malvan to Tarkarli . Rickshaws are also available from Malvan.

Places to see nearby:


1) Sindhudurg Fort
2) Devbag
3) Dhamapur Lake 
4) Bhagwati Temple   
5) Bharadi Devi Angnewadi 
6) Jay Ganesh Temple  
7) Rameshwar Temple 
8) Amboli Hill Station 
9) Bhalachandra Maharaj Ashram  
10) Kunkeshwar Temple and Beach 
11) Bhogve Beach   
12) Nivati Beach   
13) Shiroda Velagar Beach  

Article Source: Konkan Online

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Sindhudurg Fort

The name of this fort is given to Sindhudurg district. Tourists from all over the world visit this great sea fort.  Sindhudurg was built with the help of huge rocks on the ‘Kurte' island, which amazes people, and one appreciates the vision and foresight of Shivaji.

History: 

In 1664-67 AD, Shivaji erected this fort on 48 acres of   island. Shivaji Maharaj personally selected this site, a rocky island, Kurte. It took 500 stone splitters and stonebreakers, 200 black smiths, 3000 laborers and 100’s of skilled artists who toiled very hard to complete this fort in three years. A notable feature is that the foundation stones were laid down firmly in molten lead. This is evident from the stone inscriptions. One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 meters high and 3 meters wide rampart with 42 bastions.

SHIVRAJESHWAR TEMPLE

Initially, 3 kms. long outer wall (Tat) was built. Average height of wall is 10 meters and breadth is 2 to 4 meters. The design of main door is an enigma. It has been a hallmark of Maratha Architecture of fort building. It defies detection of its location to the attacker. The technique was so deceptive for the enemy that they could not even realize where the entrance was due to blind curves. Zigzag pattern of outer wall was so built that   the enemy would be visible from any point inside the fort and the troops inside could fire their guns and cannons effectively and humble the enemy. Cores of hones (gold coins) form Surat bounty, were spent to built this wonderful fort.

How to get inside the fort:

The fort is approachable from the Malvan pier by a boat through a narrow navigable channel between two smaller islands of Dhontara and Padmagad. There is even a guide to take you around inside. Fort is completely cut off during the monsoons.

What to see:

Shivaji’s palm and footprints are preserved here on dried lime slabs in a tower. Inside the Fort, temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri, Mahapurush and Shivajeshwar are worth seeing, all of which are in good Condition.

Shivrajeshwar Temple:

Chatrapati Shivaji’s younger son Rajaram in his remembrance built this temple. Shivaji’s idol stands in a boatman’s attire inside the temple and probably only one of its’ kind in the country – where the image of Shivaji is without a beard. Outside the southern wall there is a small beach, called Ranichi Vela (Queen’s private beach), where Queen Tarabai, daughter-in law of Shivaji, used to enjoy her sea-bath. The fort also houses some twenty Hindu-Muslim families, who have been living there for generations. Side the fort there are three wells of drinkable water, which is a nature’s marvel as sea surrounds the fort on all four sides. On a rocky island between Sindhudurg and the coast stood the small fort of Padmagad, now in ruins. It acted as a shield for Sindhudurg and was also used for shipbuilding.


Getting There:

By air: Nearest airports are Goa, Mumbai.

By rail: Nearest railhead is Kudal, 45 k.m. on Konkan Railway.

By road: Mumbai–Malvan, 546 k.m.  Kolhapur–Malvan, 160 k.m.

State transport and private buses ply from Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur.

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Source: Konkan Online