Maharashtra in the Monsoon

 The state of Maharashtra is replete with amazing natural beauty be it the beaches by the vast Arabian Sea, the mesmerizing Sahyadri ranges, deep green lush forests, the konkan coast,  quaint little villages nestled in deep valleys, by the sea, cascading waterfalls on the winding ghats, sky touching peaks of the hill stations with stunning panoramic views of the undulating hills and mountains. All this becomes even more magical when the monsoon arrives. The views, mist, clouds, meandering streams, overflowing waterfalls have a loyal following of tourists who wait all year round for a chance to enjoy the rains amidst this unending beauty of nature.

Here are a few of the must-not-miss places for the monsoon-lovers ( in random order )

1. Amboli, Sindhudurg

2. Alibag, Raigad

   
   
   

3. Bhandardara, Ahmedabad

4. Bhimashankar, Pune 

5. Durshet, Raigad

6. Dahanu, Palghar

7. Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri

8. Harihareshwar, Raigad 

   
   
   

9. Igatpuri, Nashik

10. Jawhar, Palghar

11. Kalsubai, Ahmednagar

12. Kolad, Raigad

13. Kashid, Raigad

14. Karnala Fort, Raigad

15. Kunkeshwar, Sindhudurg

16. Kamshet, Pune

17. Khandala, Pune

18. Lonavala Pune 

19. Lohgad Fort, Pune

20. Lavasa, Pune

    
    
    

21. Mahabaleshwar, Satara

22. Malshej Ghat, Thane

    
    
    

23. Malvan, Sindhudurg

24. Murud-Janjira, Raigad

25. Mulshi Dam, PuneM

26. Matheran, Raigad

    
    
    

27. Panchgani, Satara

28. Panvel, Raigad

29. Raigad Fort, Raigad

30. Rajmachi, Pune

31. Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg

32. Shrivardhan, Raigad

    
    
    

33. Tapola, Satara

34. Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg

35. Tamhini Ghat, Pune

36. Torna Fort, Pune

37. Thoseghar Falls, Satara

38. Visapur Killa, Pune

The list is an assorted mix of hill stations, beaches, coastal towns, historical forts and numerous waterfalls. Combined with the chilly rain water, spicy corn cobs, and piping hot tea, Monsoon in the state of Maharashtra is absolutely magical to say the least.

Images - www.thrilophilia.com

Guinness Book Record - 50 million Trees planted by India

Trees are the lungs of our very unique planet, Earth in the sense that they filter the Carbon dioxide from the air and give out life-sustaining Oxygen. However, ever since the industrial revolution in the early 19th century the climate of the earth has increased by an average of 1 ℃ due to increase in the amount of Carbon Dioxide. Human activities like overpopulation and modernisation also lead to large scale cutting down of forests. Deforestation has been a major issue threatening the quality of life as well as the survival of quite many animal and plant species. 

The world as a whole has been looking at ways and means to increase the forest cover and try to contain and slow down the climate change. 

On 12 December, 2015, UNFCCC member countries reached an agreement to combat the ongoing climate change and to reduce the increasing temperature on the Earth.

Accordingly, India was a party to the legally binding international treaty on climate change. India has pledged to bring 12% of its landmass under forest cover to bring its total to 29% of forested area or more specifically 235 million acres.Concrete steps were taken by almost all the States with Uttar Pradesh managing to reach the topmost position worldwide by planting 50 million saplings in a single day which was a Guiness Book record.

The saplings were planted across forests, roadways, railway tracks etc. The plant species numbered to 80 with the number of volunteers at a massive  8 lakh people. 

Here are a few facts on the Guiness record set by India with regard to a massive reforestation drive in accordance with the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

When - 11 July 2016

Number of Trees - 50,414,058

Where - State of Uttar Pradesh, India 

Number of Locations - 6146

Locations - Railway tracks, road side, public places and publicly owned forests 

Number of Volunteers - 8,00,000

Number of Species - 80 

Time Period - 24 hours

Amount - 6 billion USD

"The world has realized that serious efforts are needed to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of global climate change," Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh ( U.P )Chief Minister said in a statement to the press.

The Department of Forest and Wildlife, Uttar Pradesh Government has taken measures to keep a watch and thereby reduce the loss of the saplings as previously it had been observed that almost 40 % of such saplings perish within a few years of plantation.

The volunteers include citizens from all the strata of society, right from farmers, laborers, villages, students, government officials to housewives, teachers, professionals. 

Since the year 1990, about 420 hectares of forests have been cut down for human needs like agriculture, industries and more importantly for meeting the housing demands of the growing population. However, reforestation initiatives like the one in U.P. are bringing relief and results with the deforestation rate taking from 16 million hectares every year in the 1990 - 2000 decade to 10 million hectares per year in the years 2015 - 2016. 

The above record broke the previous one held by Pakistan of planting 8,47,275 in a day in the year 2013.

Pictures from www.lifegate.com

Goa Pearl of the Orient

 

Goa is located on the western Coast of India known as "Konkan".Goa is famous for its beaches and Sun-bath in the morning and parties in the night. Goa has splendid nature and pristine beaches. Goa is also  known for its Portugel Architectural heritage. Goa is one of the most favorite tourist destination Youngster are more attracted for its Beaches,foriegn tourist        NightParties,Seafood,Feni ,Goan culture and  Water Sports and Fun. Famous beaches in Goa are Anjuna ,Baga, Candolim, Calangute, Morjim, Aram and many more. In Goa Summers are hot, the winters are mild, and the monsoon is strong. Winter is the Peak tourist season in Goa.    

   We cannot forget to visit famous Churches in Goa like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate  Conception.  Se Catherdal, Church of our Lady of Mount, Mae De Deus Church.As there are 28 Churches in Goa.  Ten best food you  should try in Goa are Pork vindaloo, Crab, Prawn bachao,Sanna,Goan red rice,Chouris pao, Poee,Kingfish,Feni,Bebinca.And you never forget to taste kokum juice, solkadi,kokum kadi, is a spicy -tangy-sweet beverages made with coconut milk,spices and liquid extracted from Kokum peel. 

Shopping in Mapusa market will cherish your experience whether it comes for buying food, fruits, cashewnuts,Clothing, Antiques,souvenirs and textile. Other markets worth visiting include the Anjuna flea Market and Calangute Market square.

Goa can be visited by Roadways, Airways and Waterways. Road transportation in Goa is offered by Kadamba Transports Coporation. Auto-rickhaws,motorbike taxis,and rented cars are available for  travelling within the state. Goa sees a mix  culture with different relegion like Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus that live together in harmony. "Konkani" is the major language spoken.

Couples can enjoy on beaches in Goa by various activites like Have breakfast with dolphins, have private party on butterfly island , enjoy cruise on Chapora river, walk around the old Latin quarters of Panjim, Go crocodile spotting,Enjoy cycling tours,Dinners on beaches offered by lavish resorts . An average cost of Goa tour may cost 1000/- to 1200/- Rupees per person per day. You can compare Rates for best Resorts and Hotels ,as ample of information is served on Holiday sites and so you can get pocket friendly holidays and get Best deals.

Some things you should avoid on your Goa tour,

 *Avoid wearing saree,Lungi,fancy tops on your beach visit or be prepared taken away by the waves on shores.

 *Keep your heels on your rooms and comfort yourselves on sands.

*Stop starring at foriegners or desi sisters let them enjoy the beachwear.

*Enjoy hard drink,Party hard but make sure you don't drink and drive.

*Do not sleep on the beaches how romantic you feel at night or morning will be terrible to wake up with crabs and snappers hanging on you.

*Have handy tips to avoid uncertain. expenses.

• When life hits you with boredom, Escape to Goa!

 

UTTAR PRADESH-The Heartland Of India

 Situated in the northern part of  India,Uttar Pradesh is one of the most popular and an established tourist destination.Uttar Pradesh is India's fourth largest state with an area of 243,290 sq kilometres and is roughly as same size as that of United Kingdom.

The state of Uttar Pradesh has a very beautiful history with best tourist attractions.It attracts many national and international tourists.Agra, Faizabad, Jhansi,kanpur and ,lucknow are some of the famous places of Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi is the holiest city in India that lies along the banks of the Ganges River. It is considered the religious hub and the most sacred place for the Hindus. The water symbolises healing, the banks lead you to God, the chants widen your aura and overall the city brings you peace of mind.

Uttar Pradesh's history is something that attracts the hearts and minds of many..It is a home to Ayodhya and Mathura the birthplace of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna respectively.The famous temples here include,

*The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple

*Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

*Gorakhnath Math Temple

*Kashi Vishwanath Temple

*Banke Bihari Temple

These famous temples add to the beauty and spirutial lives of the people...

The cuisines of Uttar Pradesh is just as diverse as it's geography.Delectable delicacies like chaat,samosa ,pakora that top the list of chaats in India are native to this place.The main genre of Uttar Pradesh cuisine is Awadhi which bears similarity to those of Kashmir and Punjab.

Languages are also a part of its diversity.There are approximately 29 languages spoken which include Awadhi,Bundeli,Bagheli, Kannauji etc.Hindi and Urdu are the major language spoken here.

The dances in Uttar Pradesh can be broadly classified into Classical and folk.Kathak is one of the most famous dances.Uttar Pradesh has produced some of the greatest exponents of art forms.The Architecture of Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its variety of various religious monuments. The architecture of Uttar Pradesh is mainly developed by Islamic Architecture.

Festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Vaishakhi Purnima, Dussehra, Krishna Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepawali, Shivaratri, Holi, Eid, Shab-e-Barat, New Years Day, Christmas, Buddha Purnima, Guru Nanak's Birthday etc. are celebrated in Uttar Pradesh with warm communal harmony like other parts of India.

*Best time to visit*

The months between November and February are ideal for visiting Uttar Pradesh.The temperature here varies according to months.During summer it may range from 24°C to 45°C and in Monsoon it drops from 21°C to 35°C and winters here range from 5°C to 22°C. 

Uttar pradesh can be reached via airways,waterways and roadways...It has a well developed network of roads which also provides a beautiful trip to Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh is definitely a place which ozzez charm and has mesmerizing beauty

UTTAR PRADESH is a place that one should visit in lifetime to experience it's magnificent beauty and places.

Image credits-Google