Tamil Nadu: The Land Of Temples

May 21st, 2013 moiblog
 

Tamil Nadu is an Indian state which is located in the southernmost part of India. It is the eleventh largest state by area in the country. The capital city of the state is Chennai and it is the largest city. Tamil Nadu is bordered by the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and the union territory of Puducherry. On the east, it is bound by the Bay of Bengal. Tamil Nadu is the 7th most populated state in India with a population of 72,138,958 people. 

The state is the home of the Tamil inhabitants since 500 BC and is the official native soil of Tamils in the world. Tamil is their official language. The language has been in use in their inscriptions and literature for over 3800 years. The state has a rich history with many empires ruling over the land. Tamil Nadu has many natural resources, hill stations, beaches, pilgrimage sites, temples and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tamil Nadu is spread out over an area of 130,058 sq km. It has a coastline of around 910 km making it the country’s 3rd longest coastline. The state is generally dependent on monsoon rains. If the monsoons fail the area becomes prone ....

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Puducherry: The French Riviera of the East

May 20th, 2013 moiblog

Puducherry is a Union Territory of India. The territory is created from the four enclaves of the erstwhile French India. The union territory was named after the largest enclave i.e. Pondicherry. Later in 2006, its name was officially changed to Puducherry, which means New Town. The four small unconnected regions of Puducherry are Pondicherry, Karaikal, Yanam and Mahe. The first three are located on the eastern coast of India and Mahe is located on the western coast.

The union territory has a total area of 492 sq km. Pondicherry being the largest has 293 sq km, Karaikal comes in second with 160 sq km, Yanam is third with 30 sq km and the smallest is Mahe with 9 sq km. As per the 2011 census, Puducherry has a total population of 1244464 people.

In 1674, the French East India Company had set up a trading outpost at Pondicherry; it ultimately developed into the chief French settlement in India. There is lots of French influence in this union territory. The French and Indian architecture style houses are quite common in these regions. Some descendants of the then ruling French establishment are still present in Puducherry. There are plenty of monuments in Puducherry, dating back ....

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Lakshadweep: A Tropical Paradise

May 18th, 2013 moiblog
Lakshadweep is a group of islands in the Laccadive Sea (Lakshadweep Sea) which are located at a distance of around 200 to 440 km from the South Western coast of India. This archipelago forms the smallest Union Territory of India. Its total surface area is just 32 sq km. The lagoon area is around 4200 sq km, the territorial waters area is about 20,000 sq km and the exclusive economic zone area is about 40,0000 sq km. Lakshadweep has a single district with just ten sub-divisions. The capital of this Union Territory is Kavaratti. There are different views about the history of habitation on these islands. Archaeological evidence says that human settlement existed in the region from around 1500 BC. Sailors know these islands, as indicated in an anonymous reference from the 1st century AD in Periplus of the Erythraean Sea. Muslim missionaries arrived in around the 7th century to spread Islam in the region. In 1498, the Portuguese arrived and by 1799 the British took control. After the British left India, Lakshadweep was made a Union Territory of India in 1956. Only ten islands of Lakshadweep are inhabited with a population of 64,429 as per the 2011 census. The major population is Muslim and the islands culture is similar to the ....Read More →

Kerala: God’s Own Country

May 17th, 2013 moiblog
Kerala, "god’s own country", is blessed with natural beauty. The state is located in the south-west region of India on the coast of Malabar. It is spread over an area of 38,863 sq km and has a population of 33,387,677. The state is bordered by Karnataka in the north and north-east; Tamil Nadu in the east and south; and the Lakshadweep Sea in the west. The capital of the state is Thiruvananthapuram, other major cities are Kochi, Kollam, Kozhikode and Thrissur. There are many beautiful places in Kerala. Kerala has it all, from shiny backwaters, extensive shoreline, tranquil beaches to beautiful lush hills, gushing waterfalls, exotic wildlife and excellent climate. The age old culture and art forms of Kerala entice everyone who visits this state. The state is also famous for its delicious cuisines, captivating festivals and ancient Ayurveda. All these things make this state among the most sought after destinations in India. Kerala is reputed for its beautiful tranquil backwaters. Around forty-four rivers crisscross the state and finally drain into the Arabian Sea. They form a network of lakes, estuaries, canals and deltas. Few of the popular backwaters in Kerala are Kollam, Kuttanad, Kozhikode, Kasargod, Kumarakom, Alleppey, etc. With a 600 km shoreline, Kerala has several sparkling beaches. Most of them have an ....Read More →

Maharashtra: India’s Wealthiest State

May 16th, 2013 moiblog
Maharashtra is located in Western India by the Arabian Sea and is the third largest state by area and the wealthiest state in India. Mumbai (earlier known as Bombay) is the capital of Maharashtra and is the financial capital of India. Maharashtra grew from strength to strength under the rule of the Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who fought against the Mughals, who then ruled large parts of India. By the 18th century, Maratha power had reached its peak, but after the third Anglo-Maratha War, the Maratha Empire came to a crumbling end and Maharashtra came under the Bombay state of the British Raj. Maharashtra experiences a typical monsoon climate and witnesses three seasons in a year: summer, monsoon and a short winter. The best time to visit Maharashtra is from October to February, since the monsoon is over by then and you won’t be bothered by the uncomfortable humidity either. Maharashtra is a tourist’s delight and there are many places to explore in the state. Some of Maharashtra’s popular cities are: Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur. Maharashtra has many popular hill stations as well, such as: Khandala, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran among others. Other popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra are: Alibag, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Film City, Essel World, ....Read More →

Himachal Pradesh: The Land of the Gods

May 15th, 2013 moiblog

Himachal Pradesh is located in northern India and is known for its scenic beauty and popular hill stations. In 1950, Himachal Pradesh was declared a Union Territory, but was later proclaimed a state in 1971, becoming India’s 18th state. The name Himachal literally means, "in the lap of the Himalayas". Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and is a very popular hill station in the state.

The economy of Himachal Pradesh relies heavily on hydroelectric power, agriculture and tourism. Himachal Pradesh experiences three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. Summer begins in April and lasts till the end of June, the monsoons last from July till mid-October, the winter season begins in November and lasts till March. The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from March to June.

Himachal Pradesh is rich in natural beauty and one can find thick deodar forests, snow capped peaks and apple orchards in the state. The state carries strong traces of colonization and you will find colonial-style bungalows in hill stations like Shimla and Dalhousie.

There is a lot to do and explore in Himachal Pradesh and here are a few popular tourist places in the state: Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala and Dalhousie among others. There are many places of religious importance in Himachal Pradesh such ....

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Jammu and Kashmir: Paradise on Earth

May 14th, 2013 moiblog
Jammu and Kashmir, India’s northernmost state is famous all over the world for its natural beauty, making it a popular tourist attraction. Situated in the Himalayan mountains, Jammu and Kashmir comprises of three regions: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital and Jammu is the winter capital of the state. Apart from its natural beauty, Jammu and Kashmir is also a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindu pilgrims, given the numerous shrines in the area. Kashmir is known for its natural beauty, lakes and mountains, while Ladakh is known for its dramatic mountainous landscapes and Buddhist culture. The state is home to many beautiful valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley and Sind Valley. Apart from valleys,  Jammu and Kashmir has many rivers flowing through the state such as the Jhelum, Indus, Tawi, Ravi and Chenab. Jammu and Kashmir experiences pleasant weather and can be visited all through the year. Summers are a great time for sightseeing and enjoying the beauty of the lakes and mountains and in winters one can experience beautiful snowfall. The best time to visit Jammu and Kashmir is from April to October. Jammu and Kashmir has always been an important tourist destination in India. Tourism in the region dropped significantly after militancy grew in the ....Read More →

Goa: A Tropical Paradise

May 13th, 2013 moiblog
The state of Goa is a “tourist's paradise”. Located on the western coast on the Konkan coastal belt, Goa is the smallest state in India by area and has a population of 1,457,723. Panaji is the capital city of Goa and the largest city is Vasco Da Gama. The state of Goa has only two districts, North Goa and South Goa. It is spread out over an area of 3702 sq km. Goa is visited by thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. Over the ages, Goa has been ruled by several successive kingdoms. The most influential rulers have been the Portuguese. On 19th December 1961, Goa was freed from the clutches of Portuguese by the Indian Army and was made an Indian Union Territory. In 1987, Goa achieved statehood. Goa is famous for its renowned beaches, magnificent churches and heritage buildings. Tourism is the prime industry in Goa. The tourism in Goa is generally focused on the beaches. The state receives lots of foreign as well as domestic tourists. Major tourist attractions in Goa are: Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, Wax museum, Heritage museum, the various Churches and convents and the beaches of Goa. Being one of the most important destinations in India, Goa can be reached easily from any part ....Read More →

Rajasthan: The Land of History and Valour

May 11th, 2013 moiblog
Rajasthan also known as "the land of kings" is the largest state of India by area. Located in northwest India, the state comprises of the large and hostile Thar Desert, which is also known as the Great Indian Desert. The state is bordered by Gujarat in the southwest, Madhya Pradesh in the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in the northeast and Punjab in the north. Rajasthan covers a total area of 342,239 sq km and has a population of 68,621,012. The capital and the largest city of Rajasthan is Jaipur. The state of Rajasthan was founded on 30th March 1949. It is divided into 33 districts and 7 divisions. The geographical and salient features of the state include the Thar Desert, the archaeological Indus Valley Civilization ruins at Kalibanga, one of the world's oldest mountain ranges - the Aravalli Range, the state’s only hill station Mount Abu, Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserve. The northwestern region of Rajasthan is generally dry and sandy and covered by the Thar Desert which extends into adjacent parts of Pakistan. The economy of Rajasthan is primarily agricultural and pastoral. The state is one of the largest producers of edible oils in India and the second largest producer of oilseeds. It is also the major ....Read More →

Gujarat: A Combination of Vibrance and Colour

May 10th, 2013 moiblog
Gujarat is an Indian state which is located in western India. The state is bordered by Rajasthan in the north, Maharashtra in the south, Madhya Pradesh in the east and the Arabian Sea and India’s neighbour Pakistan to the west. The capital city of Gujarat is Gandhinagar and its largest city is Ahmedabad. The state has a total area of 196,204 sq km and the population of Gujarat as per the census of 2011 is 60,383,628. The main language spoken in the state is Gujarati. Important historical sites such as the ancient Indus Valley Civilization can also be found in Gujarat. The state has played a significant role in the economic history of India. Today, it is one amongst the most industrialized states of India. Gujarat is a land of rich culture and tradition. Each year thousands of tourists visit this state to explore the many things it has to offer. There are some amazing historical places in Gujarat, which date back from the Indus Valley Civilization, to the origins of the Vedas. The state’s rich traditions and culture revive history with a touch of modernity. Some of the historical places in Gujarat are: • Lothal - a place of tremendous archaeological significance • Hriday Kunj - an important historical site in Gujarat • ....Read More →
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