The concept of ‘eco-tourism’ has become increasingly popular in recent years, and rightfully so. We live in the midst of an ecological crisis triggered by the boom of capitalism and globalization. Along with the many mobilizing opportunities that accelerated financial progress has brought with it, we are also seeing the rapid decline of the natural world. Environmentalists, nature lovers and travelers alike are increasingly noticing this and drawing attention to it in recent times. More and more of us are realizing our duty in preserving the natural world, and eco-tourism is a way of doing just that. By incorporating a respect and care for the environment in preserving natural habitats, through various initiatives operating country wide tourists have the opportunity to appreciate the  natural landscape in a way which is beneficial to its conservation.

As tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, eco-tourism initiatives create opportunities for a genuinely sustainable form of tourism. Great importance is placed upon the value of local traditions and practices relating to the environment, while the local population reaps the profitability of increased tourism to the area.

India is a country rich with natural beauty. The geography of the land is vastly different from corner to corner, and with this variety comes a bountiful variety of ecosystems. India is truly the nature lover’s paradise. In this article, Travel and Deal has picked out some of the most stunning eco-tourism opportunities India has to offer.

“Valley of Flowers Nature Trail” – Garhwal Himalayan Valleys

This recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, as its name suggests, is home to more than 300 species of flowers including rare and medicinal types unique to the region. During summer, the stunning variety of hundreds of different blooms makes this site one of the greatest spectacles of India.

(Photo credit – Prashant Ram – Flickr.)

This unique valley is paradise for lovers of flora and fauna alike, as the huge variety of plants and flowers sustains a rich ecosystem of mammals, birds and butterflies. Some species that can be seen here are the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Bear, blue sheep and hare.  As there are no direct transportation routes to the site, the only way to get there is by trekking. You need not worry about your carbon footprint while at this breathtaking site and the trek is the best way to immerse yourself in the landscape, while being a healthy dose of exercise too.

How to reach there.

The nearest town to the Valley of Flowers is Govindghat. The town of Govindghat is well connected with Jolly Grant Airport by road, and has good road connections with other areas of the country including Rishikesh which is the nearest railway station to the site.

From Govindghat the trek begins, first crossing the Alaknanda River, and then ascending through the terraced fields and lush vegetation of the valley.

The trek to the Valley of Flowers is around 14km, and will roughly take around 4 hours and 36 minutes, meaning this is a full day excursion.

Planned trekking tours can be organised though www.ecoindia.com

2) Bandhavgarh National Park – Sahdol District, Madhya Pradesh

Situated in the North Eastern border of Madhya Pradesh and the Northern edges of the Satpura mountain range, Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the most impressive for its size and variety of flora and fauna. The entire park is a total of 1161 square km; however tourists are restricted to a 105 square km region named the ‘Tala Range’. The lush range of biodiversity in the region is due to the tropical monsoon climate which sees well defined winters, summers and rainy seasons.

(Photo credit – Ishan Manjrekar, Flickr.)

It is the density of its big cat population which has made this national park world famous. Tigers, jungle cats and leopards have been widely sighted throughout the park, especially in its four core zones.  As well as big cats, the site is home to a huge variety of other fauna such as hyena, boars, a variety of deer, wild foxes, wild dogs, jackals and many, many more. The aviary variety is also tremendous, making this national park a prime spot for bird watchers and animal lovers alike.

(Photo credit – Ishan Manjrekar, Flickr.)

How to reach there

The nearest airport o the park is Khajuraho Airport, which is accessible via flight from Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.  The drive from the airport to the National Park is then around 7-8 hours.

Alternatively rail travel is another viable option, with Umaria railway station being only a 40 minute drive away from the Bandhavgarh National Park.

Tours and eco packages can be booked through the Bandhavgarh website http://www.bandhavgarh-national-park.com/index.html and also through http://www.ecoindia.com/plan-your-trip.html

3) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary – Rajasthan

One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park due to the ancient Shiva Ji temple at its centre. The park is inhabited by an impressive variety of waterside and migratory birds as well as Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. The sanctuary has a dense forest cover which is responsible for the epic biodiversity of the park. A notable piece of history behind the park is that it was entirely created by a maharaja in the 1700’s as a hunting range, and at the beginning of the last century a system of dams, dykes and sluice gates was created to save the park from annual flooding. After hunting became prohibited in the 1960’s the site was declared a national park in 1982, and today is one of the most famous spots for bird watching enthusiasts and photographers alike.

(Photo credit – Srikaanth Sakar, Flickr.)

Walking and cycling are two of the best ways to explore the park, allowing you to get as close as possible to the wildlife without disrupting or disturbing it. However rickshaw is also a good way to get around, as most of the rickshaw drivers have been trained to bird spot and will likely know the best locations to find the most breathtaking scenes. Boating is also a popular activity at Bharatpur and allows a whole different experience of the park, and a fantastic vantage point to see the numerous waterside birds.

(Photo credit – Pravine Chester, Flickr.)

How to reach there.

Both rail travel and travel by car are popular travel options for Indian tourists, as the Bharatpur railway station is only 6km away from the park. The town is very well connected via road also, with all major cities of Rajasthan and neighbouring states.

The nearest airport is in Agra, which is roughly a 56km drive from the national park.

Tours and jeep safari can be organised through the sites official website http://www.thewildlifeofindia.com/bharatpur-bird-sanctuary.html as well as http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/bharatpur-bird-sanctuary.html

4) Hemis High Altitude National Park – Jammu and Kashmir

This high altitude national park, with altitudes reaching up to 6,000 meters above sea level, is situated in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. Famous for its rough terrain, and being the largest high altitude national park in India, this park is famous amongst more adventurous travellers and wildlife lovers. One of the famous attractions here is the snow leopard population, giving the region its name as the snow leopard capital of India. As well as snow leopards, Shapu, Bharal, wild cats, wolves, mountain goats and sheep are regularly sited in this unblemished spot of natural Himalayan beauty.

(Photo credit – Adam Greig, Flickr.)

In this high altitude landscape, most of the vegetation consists of alpine plants and trees, along with steppe trees. This site is a true example of the diversity of habitats in India when contrasted to the flat land National Parks.

Given the high altitudes, an easy way to move around the landscape is by Jeep; however this only applies to the easily accessible parts of the park. For the harder to reach corners, the seasoned adventurer may want to opt for one of the breathtaking trekking tours with a trained guide. Such tours really give you the opportunity to take in the mountainous wildlife at a close range, really giving you the experience of a lifetime, you may even see a snow leopard if you’re fortunate.

This is definitely one of the most intrepid and courageous tours to take; definitely not for the faint of heart!

(Photo credit – Adam Greig, Flickr.)

How to travel there

The nearest airport is Leh which is connected by Indian Airlines to major cities including Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar.

The nearest railway station is in Jammu, which is connected with all areas of India and is around  690km from Hemis National Park. While this is a farily remote area, the drive from the airport or railway station can be another opportunity to take in the spectacle views of the Himalayas.

Tours and travel plans can be obtained from http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/hemis-high-altitude-national-park.html

5) Sundarbans National Park – Near Kolkata, West Bengal.

The Sunderbans National Park is located in the South East of Kolkata, where it forms part of the Gangetic Delta. This vast delta area consists of swampy mangrove forests (the largest in the world), forest islands and a network of streams and rivers. The largely aquatic terrain makes this a perfect environment to witness marine and reptile species such as The Ridley Sea Turtle, monitor lizard, crocodiles, water snakes and Gangetic dolphins among others. As well as the impressive range of marine and reptile life, the site is also a noted as being one of the largest tiger reserves in India.

(Photo credit – Mike Prince, Flickr.)

For bird enthusiasts the best time of the year to visit is during winters between December and February due to the large populations of migratory birds at this time.

A popular activity at Sundarbans National Park is boating, which offers the perfect mean to get around the vast aquatic mangrove forest landscape and have a chance to see the array of fauna and flora the park has to offer. There are numerous local boating companies as well as two ‘luxury’ boating companies who offer overnight stays.

How to reach there

Sundarbans is not the most easily accessible National Park as it is only accessible through water ways. The nearest Airport is Kolkata at 112km away, and the nearest railway station is Canning at a distance of 48km. Whether you travel by road, rail or air travel, the waterways to Sunderband are accessible from a veriety of locations including Namkhana, Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project, Sagar Island, Jambudwip, Sajnekhali and more.

Tours of Sunderbans National Park can be booked through http://www.ecoindia.com/parks/sundarbans-national-park.html as well as the sites official website http://www.sunderbannationalpark.in/sunderban-wildlife-tour-packages.html

(Photo credit – Kingshuk Mondal, Flickr.)

There really is nothing like the Great British Festival. And I’m one of many who would argue that you’ve not really experienced true British culture at its finest until you’ve been to one – and that means camping there too!

Music festivals have been an important staple in the culture for decades. Ever since the swinging 60’s and 70’s Britain has been home to world famous festivals such as ‘The Isle of White Festival’, ‘Leeds and Reading Festival’ and ‘Glastonbury’. Ever since the peace and love era, the demand and popularity of festivals in the UK has only grown and now we see a staggering variety of festivals to choose from, with new independent festivals being born all the time!

Whether you want to max out and go ‘Glamping’ at Glastonbury, or on a shoestring budget, you can find something truly magical.

The summertime is without a doubt the best time to visit the UK. In a country plagued with freezing rain and wind for almost all months of the year, Brits really do live for the summer. And it’s no coincidence the summer season is Festival season!

Being at a festival is like stepping into another world; a world of freedom and completely unbridled creativity; a place where kookiness and art unashamedly come to life.

If you’re travelling to the UK this summer, visiting one of its music festivals is the perfect way to explore the gorgeous British countryside as well as get a feel for the great creative culture. Our feature article on the UK’s best and most affordable independent Fests will help you find the right place for you.

1) Love Saves The Day Festival – Eastville Park, Bristol

Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th May 2017

Bristol is one of the UK’s famous art capitals. This city is a hotbed of Artists, Activists, Musicians and performers; it makes a perfect destination for anyone wishing to travel to the UK.

Love Saves the Day Festival is set in the easy to access ‘Eastville Park’ just north of the city.

Here’s the festival creators description of the event “After years filled with attending festivals and club nights, days spent trudging sound systems through muddy fields and even more nights occupied on sweatbox dance floors, the ideas behind Love Saves The Day Festival finally got their first home as a one-day event in Castle Park back in 2012.

Fast-forward 6 years and the original experiences which spurred the festival’s beginning now have a story of their own, as Love Saves The Day aims to combine the best of Bristol’s thriving underground with pioneering artists from across the globe, showcasing a huge variety of different genres and musical styles in one amazing space.”

Love Saves The Day festival hosts an impressive variety of national and international artists on its Main Stage as well as 5 other areas around the site.

Tickets and further information are available at http://lovesavestheday.org/

Day tickets as well as full weekend tickets are available.

How to Travel There

Bristol is easily accessible via train from all major cities in the UK, and advance train fairs can be found at very reasonable prices. Rail travel is incredibly easy to plan through the UK’s national rail website http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Eastville Park is accessible via bus (Number 47) or taxi from the centre of Bristol, and takes around 5 – 10 minutes.

Where to Stay
If you want a genuine experience, pitch up a tent for the weekend. However if you really don’t want to brave the outdoors for the weekend then local B&B (Bed and Breakfast) accommodation can be found from as little as 18 GBP per night.

2) Nozstock – The Hidden Valley. Herefordshire, West Midlands.

21- 23^rd July 2017

“Amid the emerald fields and raggle-taggle farmhouses of Herefordshire’s ruralest countryside lies Nozstock The Hidden Valley”- Nozstock website.

(Nozstock 2016 – photography by Chloe Soffe)

Nozstock is set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside in the West Midlands. A truly family friendly haven of creativity, at Nozstock you’ll find a wonderfully eclectic mix of music, performance art, dance, comedy, film and just about anything else you can think of! Each year Nozstock surprises festival goers with adding something new and exciting to the mix. With its themed weekends, festival goers have the opportunity really dress the part and become immersed in the world of Noz.

Here’s the creators description of Noz:

“Curated by the father and daughter duo of Noz and Ella and a huge extended family who work across the entire festival, there’s a unique charm and energy to Nozstock unlike anything else in the country. Reaching its 19^th year in summer 2017, Nozstock is an enchanting adventure nestled in gorgeous rolling hills.  

 Set on a beautiful working farm in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside, the reassuringly welcoming and independent event has evolved from 50 friends gathered at the inaugural gathering and flourished into an intimate musical odyssey. Joining the dots between pop, ska, folk, funk, soul, indie, drum and bass, psytrance, house and a whole lot more, plus interactive adventure and performance for big and small kids of all ages, Nozstock is a playground for everyone, from seasoned festival goers to newbies setting out for their very first time.

 The festival features a huge range of entertainment, activities and inspiration for families and kids. Nozstock embraces a whole family festival experience from beginning to end, and the Children’s Space is a friendly welcoming environment for both parents and little ones alike.”

Day tickets as well as full weekend tickets are available at www.nozstock.com

How to travel there

The location of this gorgeous festival is slightly remote (which adds to the magic!) but the good news it it’s completely accessible via public transport. The festival site is on the outskirts of a small town called Bromyard in the beautiful rural Herefordshire countryside.

The closest train stations to Nozstock are in Hereford and Worcester. A limited amount of local buses also run from Hereford and Worcester to Bromyard Pump Street bus stop on Friday, Saturday and Monday. You can then catch the free shuttle bus running from The Conquest Theatre Bromyard or Bromyard Rugby Club to the festival site. Coaches straight to the site are also available from both Worcester and Herefordshire train stations. All travel information is available at http://nozstock.com/about/directions/

( Nozstock 2016 – Photography by Charlie Rimmer)

Where to stay

You can bring your own tent and pitch up at the festival campsite, or opt for a pre-pitched tent or glamorous ‘Zoobell’ tent which can be booked through the festival website.

3) Secret Garden Party –  Abbots Ripton (near Huntingdon)

20th – 23rd July 2017.

The festival was launched in 2004 as an alternative to the well established mainstream festivals, Secret Garden Party has increased in size since it first started and is now a popular spot for those wishing to step away for the mainstream crowd for a weekend.

Day tickets and full weekend tickets are available on the website http://www.theticketsellers.co.uk/tickets/secret-garden-party-2017/10041476

How to travel there

The Secret Garden Party is 70 miles out of central London in the East Anglia countryside near Huntingdon. The nearest train station to the site is Huntingdon, and there are also bus services and taxis running to the site. More travel details are available on the festivals website http://www.secretgardenparty.com/whats-what/travel-transport/

Where to stay

The most affordable option is to bring your own tent and pitch up at the festival campsite, however an impressive variety of alternative and boutique camping is through the festival website http://www.secretgardenparty.com/boutique-camping/

4) Barefoot Festival – Leicestershire

Barefoot Festival is set in the Leicestershire countryside at Pretswold Hall, Pretswold.

It’s a weekend full of eclectic music, yoga, meditation, alternative therapies, workshops, dance and much more. There is a real family friendly vibe at this festival so perfect if you have young children.

This festival is by far the most affordable weekend festival featured here, and with the number of workshops and events it has to offer, is fantastic value for money.

Here is the organizers description of the Fest  ”Barefoot Festival™ is all about getting back to basics, getting grass in between your toes and taking time out from the pressures of modern life! Try something you’ve never done before, spend quality time with the family and meet likeminded new friends. You won’t find big fancy sponsors at Barefoot Festival™, we’re a grassroots community gathering and all profits are ploughed right back into improving the facilities at our events. Relax, unwind and refresh yourself with a weekend in the beautiful great British countryside!”

Day tickets as well as full weekend tickets are available at http://www.barefootfestival.com/barefoot-festival-buy-tickets.php

How to travel there

The nearest train station is Loughborough with good rail and bus connections to both the north and south. More travel information can be found at the festival website http://www.barefootfestival.com/barefoot-festival-essential-info-getting-to-barefoot.php

Where to stay

It’s recommended to camp at the site for the duration of the festival, you can bring your own tent or opt for a pre-pitched tent via the website.

5) End Of The Road – Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset

31 Aug – 3 Sep 2017

End of The Road festival began in 2005 as a dream of music lover and festival goer Simon Taffe, who wanted to create an environment where the love of music was the key feature. To this day the festival has remained true to its roots, having no theme, just presenting artists they feel passionate about, and creating a unique, relaxed and friendly environment. The gardens it is set in only contributes to the magic, creating an Oasis away from normality. Each year End of the road festival features art installations and unique decorated spaces.

Tickets can be purchased on their website http://endoftheroadfestival.com/tickets/

How to get there

End of The Road Festival is located at Larmer Tree Gardens, near Blandford, in Dorset.

An affordable way to get to the site is via National Express coaches where you can receive group discounts for groups over 4.

The nearest train station is Salisbury from which there is a direct shuttle bus service to the festival site. More travel information can be found at http://endoftheroadfestival.com/information/travel

Where to stay

There are 6 campsites at End Of The Road festival, including family camping, disabled campsite and quiet area. More information can be found on the festival website http://endoftheroadfestival.com/information/general-information/

 6) Boomtown Fair – Winchester

10 – 13^th August 2017

Boomtown is a music and arts festival, which since its inception in 2009 has grown rapidly to become one of the top 10 most popular festivals in the UK. The elaborate mythology behind the creation of Boomtown Fair is a huge part of the Festival, informing it’s themes of aliens and monsters, Aztecs and cowboys. The festival is set in a makeshift town created especially for the event.

Here’s Boomtowns overview of the event:

“Boomtown is one of the UK’s most innovative independent festivals, leading the way in terms of set design and production values. Offering its 60,000+ attendees a fully immersive, theatrically-led experience, with hundreds of actors bringing the nine uniquely themed districts to life and the mega stage sets create a festival experience unlike any other.  From the mind-blowing stages to backstreet mini-venues, Boomtown offers over 120 music venues to discover a soundtrack consisting of a huge spectrum of musical genres; including folk, dub, soul, funk, reggae, world, drum and bass”

How to travel there

Discounted coach tickets are available thorugh the Big Green Coach company, which run coaches from 55 different locations throughout the UK. More information of travel can be found on Boomtowns website http://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/info/travel/ with travel available from the UK, France and Switzerland. The closes train station to the event is Winchester, and a shuttle bus service operates from Winchester Train Station directly to the site.

Where to stay

There is general and family camping available at Boomtown, along with options for ‘Boutique’ camping available through the website.

On a shoestring budget? 

For many of us who are feeling the pinch this year in terms of budget, a fantastic way to enjoy festivals for free is by volunteering at them.
Almost all festivals, large scale and independent, accept volunteers who all contribute to the vibrant atmosphere at these events. There are many type of volunteers at festivals from bar work to stewarding, and most take a commitment of a few hours work per day.
If you are a performer or have a skill you can show off, many festivals, especially smaller independent types, accept applications for walkabout performers.
Just check out the festival websites for volunteer opportunities.

Hill Station Musical Masti – Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2017

April 14-16 at Baikunth Resorts

Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival is the flagship event of an amazing charity called The Genesis Foundation. The Festival is set in the gorgeous rolling mountain landscape of popular Hill Station, Kasauli, Himachal Pardesh. The small cantonment town is said to be a hiker’s paradise as most of it is easily accessible by foot. Not only is the town easy to travel to it has a rich history as its development took place during the British rule and it’s famous for its colonial style architecture.

In even more ancient, mythological history the town is even features in the Ramayana! Lord Hanuman is said to have placed foot on the town while in search for herbs to heal the wounded Lakshman. So in addition to this accessible, picturesque landscape, colonial and mythological history – The Genesis Foundation creates its own contemporary mark on this wonderful town.

The Kasauli Rhythm and Blues festival is now in its 6^th year running and has been steadily gaining a reputation as one of the most anticipated music festivals in the country.

(photo courtesy of The Genesis Foundation)

Music festivals have long been considered one of the best ways to enjoy and explore new locations. Like minded souls from far and near, all in one place, all enjoying the same creative vibes. It becomes a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and lasting memories. So why not make this idyllic Hill Station fiesta one of your keepsake memories of 2017?

The Kasauli Rhythm and Blues festival is a 3 day event beginning on Friday the 14^th of April and ending on Sunday the 16^th. Friday features performance from the band Late Too Soon, an Indore based 4 piece influenced by Rock n Roll, blues, Funk and Soul. The Rajeev Raja Combine will also grace the stage with his exciting global fusion band mixing elements of Jazz, Indian Classical and world music. Along with Folk-rock band ‘Natsya’, Delhi based, award winning ‘Swatantra’ rock band ‘Eka’.

Saturday brings the Kamakshi Khana Collective, Mumbai-based neo-fusion rock band Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Café, Indo-Canadian singer Jonita Gandhi and our favourite Bollywood hits. And the final day is a fun filled interactive day of drum circle activities and meditation workshops – the perfect way to end the weekend and to refresh you for the trip back to normal life.

Passes for the event can be availed at www.genesis-foundation.net

All money raised through this Festival go back into funding the charitable work of the Genesis Foundation. This facilitates medical treatment for critically ill under-privileged children suffering with Heart Disorders. The support required in the said critical illness varies from specific surgeries (including neonatal), Cath Lab Interventions along with recovery and recuperation post-surgery.

So far, they have supported medical treatment of over 1000 critically ill children. The children supported by the Foundation belong to families with an income of less than Rs10,000 per month and the parents and caregivers are unable to afford treatment of these children who suffer from a serious life-threatening ailment.

As well as enjoying the music, sites and atmosphere over the weekend, it’s also your chance to do your bit to help save those little hearts.

(Photo courtesy of The Genesis Foundation)

How to Travel to Kasauli

The easiest way to reach Kasauli from Delhi is by train. There are numerous trains running daily from Delhi to Shimla and Kalka (Shimla being just 13km away from Kasauli and Kalka 25km)

While Delhi is the closest international airport to Kasauli, it is possible to travel via internal flight to Shimla airport, or to Chandigarh airport, then travel to Kasuali by taxi.

(Route map from Shimla Train Station to Baikunth Resort)

Places to stay in Kasauli

It is indeed possible to stay at Luxury holiday getaway Baikunth Resorts for the duration of the festival, however if you’re on a tighter budget a starting price of Rs. 9000 may not be music to your ears. Fear not though because there is no shortage of accommodation available in Kasauli. There are two bedroom private homes available from just RS. 2069 a night, and with websites like www.airbnb.co.in finding affordable accommodation is simpler than ever.

Sanctioned rainbow anarchy! – Top 5 ways to enjoy Holi this year.

Holi is an integral part of Indian tradition, and in 2017 why not do something a little different to celebrate this wonderful, frenzied festival of color?

The celebration is rooted deeply in Hindu mythology; with the word ‘Holi’ originating from ‘Holika’ the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu, who according to legend was the king of Multan, Punjab. He earned a boon that made him virtually immortal, and with his indestructibility his arrogance grew.  Eventually the contemptuous king began demanding to be worshiped as a god. However his pious son, Prahlad, seeing his father’s delusion, refused to worship him and remained devoted to the one true god, Lord Vishnu. Upon hearing of his son’s disobedience, the king plotted to kill his son. Finally after several attempts, the king asked his sister Holika to carry out the deed. Holika then coaxed the young Prahlad to sit in her lap while she entered a blazing fire, knowing that she had received a boon whereby she could enter the fire unscathed. However she did not know that this boon applied only if she entered the fire alone. Legend has it that Holika perished in a prismatic blaze, and Prahlad, who was chanting the name of Lord Vishnu, emerged unharmed.

Traditionally Holi is celebrated over three days, the final day being the colorful water and powder fights, where everyone is fair game, regardless of age, gender or background. The night before, huge bonfires are constructed all over the country, and effigies of Holika are burnt to represent the victory of the good over evil.

As well as being celebrated in the religious sense, Holi marks the end of the the long cold Winter and welcomes in the Spring season with zest.

The festival of Holi has been adopted into contemporary youth culture as much as it’s still celebrated in a number of traditional ways, with Festival type events being created by like minded creative souls all over India as a colorful opportunity to embrace the season.

If you’re lucky enough to be in India over this Holi period, you’re spoiled for choice on ways to join in with the festivities. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, or to live it large with some new age fun, our top Holi events pick will help you find the perfect rainbow getaway.

1) Eleholifest, Jaipur

As Holi is most fervently celebrated in the golden triangle tourist spots of India, why not spent it in tourist hot spot, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Eleday is an innovative elephant village dedicated to elephant conservation in India, where visitors can learn about their habits, unique needs and the importance of their conservation. While Eleday operates year round offering an array of elephant activities, they have pioneered Eleholifest as an opportunity to experience Holi in true Rajasthani fashion with the most majestic animals of India, elephants. The Eleholifest package includes unlimited access to a variety of coloured powders and water to join in with the playful Holi colour fight, authentic Indian food and drink, traditional Indian music, traditional rain dance and best of all the opportunity to

feed and interact with the Elephants.

How to travel

Jaipur is incredibly easy to access from most major cities in India via train, which is the least expensive option, or internal flight. The city is connected with most major Indian cities by rail, and Jaipur International Airport has direct air links with many major cities including Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Kolkata.

If travelling from Delhi on a tight budget, there is a regular bus connecting Delhi and Jaipur.

Tickets for the event and more information can be found at http://www.eleholifest.com

2) Holi in Varanasi.

Varanasi is undoubtedly the spiritual hub of India, the land of salvation for diversified Hindu devotees. Where better to experience a festival deeply intertwined in Indian culture?

An ever popular tourist spot for those wishing to enrich their souls by the gorgeous Ganga river banks, Varanasi has much to offer in terms of an authentic Holi experience. Why not enjoy the carefree and zealous celebratory vibes in the city of Lord Shiva as the tranquil banks of the Ganga are transformed by a kaleidoscope of colour. If it’s a traditional experience you’re looking for, Varanasi during Holi is a must. Throw caution to the wind and get involved with the fun.

How to travel

Varanasi is easily accessible via air travel, with the nearest airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, located around 25km North West of the city centre. The centre of Varanasi from the airport is accessible via taxi, bus or Auto-rickshaw. The city is connected with most major cities including Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru via internal flight. Varanasi is also connected via railway to Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata.

3) Holi Moo! Festival, Delhi and Hyderabad

Looking for some new age fun? Holi Moo fest has it all. This event is a wonderful underground movement connecting artists and musicians, coming together to create a collaborative buzzing environment where you can really let loose and join the kaleidoscope of fun. As expected for any Holi event, this wild fest involves lots of color, so you get an element of the traditional game of Holi within this creative contemporary landscape. As their website states, Holi Moo add ‘method to the madness’ of Holi, with simulations stages and a variety of live music acts, food and drink.

(Photo credit – Holi Moo! Festival)

“Right from its inception, the dream of this festival has been to create a creative eco-system that is inclusive and an experience that is ultra-vibrant. This year’s Holi Moo! Festival marks another successful peg in the evolution of the festival as we seed collaborations not just with artists but with leading tastemakers of our scene. Our focus has always been on intensifying the experience of Holi as a cultural step forward, every year. With Wild City, Roost and Krunk curating stages, we believe our audiences will have even more to look forward to,” – Organisers of Holi Moo.

What else to expect at Holi Moo!

It’s not just genre-defying music that one gets to savour at Holi Moo! Festival musts include playing witheco-friendly, organic gulaal(available in abundance) and taking a dip in the inflatable pools dotted around the venue. Stilt walkers, roving minstrels and dhol performers add to the festive fervour, while attendees get to savour traditional Holi delicacies and international favourites like pizzas and grills in an environment that’s safe, secure and welcoming for all age groups. Specially-crafted colourful cocktails for the weekend are always a big draw at the bars, as are the herbal concoctions that the festival is known for.

Holi Moo Delhi features 4 stages and 30 artists performing throughout the day .

Tickets for both the cities are available at http://www.holimoofestival.com/for sale and are priced at Rs 2,500 for Delhi and at Rs 1,500 for Hyderabad. While details for the Hyderabad edition will be announced soon, Holi Moo Barn at Asiad Tower Lawnsin the Capital will once again host the day-long festival.

(Photo credit – Holi Moo! Festival)

How to Travel

Delhi

Indira Gandhi international airport is an entry point for many, not only into Delhi but into North India. Once in Delhi, travel between the airport and the city is easy and accessible by metro. The journey to New Delhi Metro station takes around 20 minutes.

From Delhi railway station, the metro is accessible by crossing the city street to reach the station.

The closest metro station to Delhi Holi Moo! Festival venue is Hauz Khas metro station, accessible via the Yellow Line.

Taxis are also a relatively cost effective way to travel within Delhi with many local firms as well as Uber and Ola operating throughout the city.

(Photo credit – Holi Moo! Festival)

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is well connected by train to both Northern and Southern India, and is accessible by bus from most parts of Southern and Western India, and all parts of Telegana.

Once in Hyderabad it’s easy to get around my bus or Auto-rickshaw, just beware of the trains as they tend to be a little unreliable! The venue for Holi Moo! Hyderabad is yet to be announced, so keep an eye on their website for further information.

4) Phoolon wali Holi, Vrindavan

The word Holi immediately invokes images of coloured powders and dyed water being playfully cast about, however in the home town of Lord Krishna one temple does things a little differently to the rest. At the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated in a beautiful and unique way; with flower petals. In the past this event has not been as popular as other Holi attractions but it is quickly receiving the attention of many tourists and locals alike. It’s a fairly short affair lasting around 20 minutes where vibrant flower petals are thrown at devotees by temple priests, making this not only a unique experience but also a perfect photo opportunity for photography enthusiasts. So be sure to arrive on time as it’s easy to miss the narrow time slot!

This event takes place on the Ekadashi before Holi, which in 2017 falls on the 8^th of March, and the temple gates open at around 4pm.

How to Travel

Vrindavan is located in Uttar Pardesh roughly 150km away from Delhi. The nearest train station is located in Vrindavan’s twin town of Mathura around 12km away and is easily accessible by rickshaw. While in Vrindavan travel by foot or rickshaw is easily the most convenient mode of transport due to the small town’s narrow streets and footpaths.

5) UNITE Music Festival, Delhi

(Photo credit – NEONRINGS INDIA)

Yet another contemporary take on Holi is UNITE Festival, organised by Delhi based promotion company Neonrings. Here are a few words on UNITE by the organizers themselves:

“ UNITE is a venture by NEONRINGS INDIA that on the eve of Holi thrives to spread in everybody the freedom of self expression through a unique kind of Dance movement in INDIA

It is a uniquely conceptualized musical event to ever touch Delhi. Introducing a brand new genre in the line up of music spectacles in India where electronic music & Dance meet stagecraft and technical wizardry like never seen before.

An experience based combination of sound, light, video, animation, special effects, aerial choreography, laser show and much more that is sure to dazzle you.” – Neonrings India

So prepare yourselves for a vivid spectacle and embrace those fluid freedom vibes!

How to Travel

For information on travelling to Delhi, see No 3.
Once in Delhi, the events venue is the famous Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is accessible by metro via the Violet Line from the JLN Metro station. Alternatively there are local taxi firms as well as Uber and Ola operating throughout the city.

Holi Safety Tips.

While perhaps the most joyous festival in India, things can get a little crazy at times, so here are some tips for staying safe this season

1) Prepare to get thoroughly splashed! There will likely be colored water and powders hurling through the air all around you on the last day of Holi as people take to the streets to play Holi. While back in the good old days the dyes were made of natural ingredients, there are some fairly nasty chemical dyes around now. Do use some kind of barrier cream to protect your skin, and wear a cap to cover you hair. If you have severe asthma or sensitive skin, it may be better to stay indoors. 

2) Wear some old clothing! Unless you are purposely out to tie-dye your entire outfit (each to their own!) wear something you don’t mind getting stained as it can be tough to wash out some of the harsher chemical dyes.

3) Women and girls need to be particularly careful at Holi. There have been cases of women being targeted by mischievous local guys, so its best to stay in the safety of a group.  

4) If you’re a photography enthusiast, be sure to use some protective camera equipment to avoid your camera being damaged from the dyes and water.

5) Don’t be afraid to join in the fun! Have a glass of Bhang Lassi and let your hair down. 

Happy Holi!

From West to East: Travel Interview

For decades India has been a most sought after holiday destination for westerners.  Since The Beatles made their first pilgrimage to Transcendental Meditation retreat in Riskikesh in 1968, India has been ever popularised and its image imbued with a sense of exotic mystery, spirituality and an essence of the unknown. Indian aesthetics are used throughout western popular culture and fashion, with designers in film, television and the music industry looking to India’s rich and beautiful culture and have woven it into western contemporary culture. To the western mind, India is a land rich with oriental magic, the ultimate escape for those wishing to ditch the overcast cold which plagues the UK most of the year.  Advancements of globalisation mean it is now easier than ever to make these long haul journeys across the world to experience it firsthand.

Travel and Deal interviews Raj Singh Gore, a young British National of Punjabi origin about his recent trip with friend Sophie (also a young British National) as they travel to various destinations in Northern India.

On the banks of the Ganga (photo credit – Raj Singh Gore)

T+D:  So first of all, tell me why you chose India as a holiday destination. What in particular drew you to travel here?

RSG:  I traveled to my family home in Punjab earlier last year, in April, to attend the wedding of a family friend. I spent time with my cousin as he showed me around Punjab, and after seeing how amazed I was by the sites and scenes in Punjab said to me “If you think this is good, just wait until you see the rest of India!” and urged me to travel to other areas. I was just so intrigued by how vast India is, and amazed at how such a variety of cultures, landscapes and wildlife can exist within the same country. I mean, you’ve got beaches, snowy mountains, deserts, forests, hill tops and flat lands all in the same country.  And the weather is so different from North to South. I wanted to explore different places in India and experience the rich variety the country has to offer, rather than only going to Punjab.

T+D: So as you’ve told me, this isn’t your first time travelling to India. How many times in the past have you visited?

Previous to this trip, I have been twice. Once when I was very young, I don’t remember much of that trip, and then again last year. The first two trips were with family, and this time I traveled with my friend Sophie.

T+D: As you mentioned before, this was Sophie’s first time travelling to India, and your first time without your family; did you have any concerns about that?

RSG: I was very nervous on the flight to India from the UK, but also excited at the same time. As soon as I arrived in India I realized that I had to learn to be independent, and the whole experience definitely has taught me that.

T+D: How did you travel once you arrived in India?

Our flight departed from Heathrow Airport in London, and our connecting flight was from Bahrain straight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

While in Delhi we took the metro to travel around the city, which was absolutely amazing! The Delhi metro system is even better than the London Underground! It is much easier to use and more efficient.

We originally planned to stay at a hotel in Paharganj, but our hotel wasn’t as nice as it seemed on the website and we wanted to escape the hectic atmosphere of Delhi. So we found a tourist information center and booked a tourist taxi straight to Jaipur, Rajasthan. Once in Jaipur we used a mixture of public transport like trains, buses and rickshaws, and also walked wherever we could. I was lucky as a few of our rickshaw drivers spoke Punjabi, so language was less of an issue.

T+D: What did you do first once you arrived in Jaipur?

We only spent two days in Jaipur, and in that time we tried to see as many of the frequented tourist attractions as possible. First we visited Amber Fort in Amer, we were captured by the beautiful architecture of the building and the gardens. After visiting Amber fort we went to the famous Galta Ji ‘Monkey Temple’.

(The pink city – photo credit Raj Singh Gore)

However our favorite site during our time in Rajasthan was Pushkar. We explored the whole of Pushkar including the famous Jagatpita Brahma Mandir and were stunned by the vast rolling desert landscapes. Pushkar really stood out as my favorite place in Rajasthan, the atmosphere there was just so peaceful. I have seen a lot of the congested, chaotic side of India, particularly in Delhi which is known for its intense traffic and constant hustle. Pushkar was like an oasis of calm for me. There was just something about the place, something completely tranquil. It was refreshing to see places of worship of so many different religions all on one place; there were Gurdwara, Jain temples, Hindu Mandirs all in the same vicinity. You could really sense that this was a spiritual place; there was an almost holy presence there. I would definitely recommend going. Just hop on the train and go!

(Pushkar -Photo credit – Raj Singh Gore)

T+D: And after Rajasthan, what was next?

RSG: We went from Rajasthan to Varanasi by train.

It was just out of this world. I don’t even know how to explain how amazing it was! Soon after arriving there, we just sat on the bank of the Ganga River, not even doing much; we just sat there for hours on end. And what’s best is that we got to spend Diwali there! The fireworks were breathtaking, and we must have been out until 2 am joining in with the festivities.

One of my best memories of my entire trip to India was going to the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, which was absolutely magical. It’s difficult to convey in words how brilliant it was. You just have to be there to really understand it.

T+D: How did the reality of India differ from your preconceptions of how it would be? And this goes for Sophie as well, what was her perception of seeing India for the first time as a UK national.

RSG: I really love India, I have been twice previously and already had an idea of what to expect, and this trip has only led me to appreciate it more. But I think Sophie found it a little more difficult to adjust. She found it very hectic, and the food didn’t agree with her. She found certain things shocking, for example the living conditions of the poorest in society, which is visible in the majority of places you go in India, and also the stray dogs and the condition many of them were in.

(Photo credits – Raj Singh Gore)

T+D: What did you find to be the most different culturally?

RSG: Definitely the driving! And the fact that people seem much friendlier in India. I think that was mainly due to the fact people knew we were tourists from the UK, but we found everyone to be so helpful.

T+D: Has your recent trip to India influenced where you would travel next?

RSG: Yes of course. It’s made me realize the possibilities of travelling alone, without family. So I am going to travel more of India, and hopefully more of the world! I think my next trip will be to South India.

TIRUKURUNGUDI

The place where the Kaisiki natakam began….-   Hema Iyer Ramani

“Pacchai mamalai pol meni

Pavala vai kamala chenkan…”

Tamizh Paasuram, Divya Prabandham -  Thondaradipodi Aazhwar, 8^th Century AD.

(The One whose form is like the green-hued mountain…

Whose lips are like red corals and eyes like a lotus…)

As we alight at Thoothukodi (Tuticorin) airport, we are immediately transported into a different era. It is a quaint little airport, and the ones who have checked in their baggage have to wait for a good twenty minutes because the airport employee is wheeling each baggage individually!

As we get into the car that has been waiting to take us to the little village called Tirukurungudi, I am amazed at the number of Neem trees that I see from the airport and all along the road. Green landscapes with the pacchai mamalai and the clean air soothe the senses and we reach the quiet village town of Thirukkurungudi that is nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats. We reach our well-equipped guest house located in the midst of a beautiful farm with orchards, plantains and coconut groves on one side, flanked by the green hills and pacchai malai on the other side. We are awoken by the call of the peacocks, and it is a wondrous sight to see so many birds all at once. There are no other sounds to break the birdsong and it seemed a sacrilege to break the sacred silence. It is also near Thirukkurungudi that you see the famous Mahendragiri hills, where Hanuman is said to have stood atop the hill to take the leap to Lanka.

In the village, the 1300-1500- year-old Nambirayar temple is located in the centre of the town flanked by four Madha veedis (agraharam streets) and at the outer side by ratha-veedhis (car streets) to draw the temple chariot-cars. These are broad, and the chariots are maintained well too.

Madha veedis are typical village row houses and in front of each of them a beautifully patterned kolam with rice flour adorns the vaasal (entrance) which are unmistakably inviting and welcoming.  They are an array of designs in varying shapes and sizes, each distinctly different from the other. This speaks of the creative streak inherent in the seemingly simple life of the village-folk.  When the temple elephant is brought around for a procession carrying the deity, women rush in to wash the streets and adorn it with fresh kolams all over again. An offering is made to the deity and the elephant which stops at every doorway!

It is that time of the year when the otherwise quiet village comes to life bubbling with activity and untold energy. It is the month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec) on Kaisiki Ekadasi Day, when  magically the temple town of Tirukkurungudi is streaming with devotees from far and near to be with their favourite Nambi ( Vishnu) and also to experience the ethereal performance  put  up at the temple  called the Kaisiki Natakam.

There are no lodges in this village that houses the Nambi temple which is also one of the 108 divyadeshams! Thankfully some of us have been lucky to be there on invitation by the charming host, Dr. Anita Ratnam and it makes me wonder aloud whether the village belongs to their family- the TVS family! She laughs it off and understands the reason behind my question and slowly unfolds the story of why one corporate family took charge of spending so much of their time, money and energy into the upkeep of a village.

Whether in public or personal life, it is so important to give back what you have gained. This seems to be the focal point on which Anita works. Having been exposed to the media and dance world, she gave back to her Arts community when she first came out with Narthaki as a dance reference portal (where she listed the entire community under one umbrella). Before the internet boom, this directory became the Bible. Today, the Narthaki online newsletter is the clear voice that fearlessly opens platforms for unheard voices to be heard.

The Thirukurungudi story is no different. Anita tells me about the time when as a young girl of eight or nine, her father, Ratnam, brought her unfailingly to the village. The TVS family was known for its spirit of service too- Anita remembers the quaint little temple town, where her father set up appalam (papad) units and even some canteens for providing opportunities to people.

It was here that she learnt the simple joys of village life, watching the elderly woman, Meenakshi Ammal teach Kummi and Pinnal Kolattam to the young girls. I get distracted by the look of genuine happiness as she sinks her teeth into the hot vadai , generously complimenting the chef and insisting that we try it as well. The endless supply of filter kaapi, steaming idlis, vadai, sambar and akaaraivadishal are definitely to die for!  I also see Anita less guarded and completely at ease in her home-town. There is often a mask that I see among city-bred folk that comes detached as one begins to enjoy the village life.

Thirukkurungudi Vengaram Sundaram Iyengar of the TVS was not only a great businessman with a sharp intellect, but he was also wedded to the cause of Arts.  The Kaisiki Natakam, an all-night drama and dance performance, was performed until his death in 1955 after which it slowly faced a decline.  Anita remembers with fondness her involved interest in the cause which she says is truly because of her father who inspired her like no one else had, and so it was natural that when Na. Muthuswami, well known Tamil theatre-activist and Director of Koothu-p-pattarai, came along with theatre director/consultant Prof.S.Ramanujam of Tanjavur, to see Anita and tell her about the dwindling tradition in her home-town, she was naturally geared into action. So she propelled herself into action working towards the revitalization of the forgotten art of Kaisiki Natakam. Help to her came in the form of key researchers, consultants, artists. But that alone was not enough.   When she lost her father in 1998, Anita knew that she had to keep alive the unfinished dreams of her great grandfather shown to her by her dear father. Help came in a big way when Anita’s uncle Venu Srinivasan took upon the cause of the upkeep of the temple itself. The family also generously contributed in a large way; financially, morally and physically too, for every single factor was important for the dream to become a reality.

The temple renovations were taken up in all earnest and the work we see is an on-going process. The walls of the temple are tall and fort-like, and when you enter the temple you are awe-struck by the beauty of the sculptures that come alive. The friezes tell you stories of a bygone era, if only you cared enough to observe. Every temple is the story of a kingdom long gone, the stories of artists, courtesans, of kings and rulers and also tales left behind by the sculptors carefully about things that they had observed.

So the Nambi temple too was the reading of personal diaries told by men in stone and wood. It is not often easy to get to see the inside of a gopuram (monumental tower) but at the beautiful old temple, we managed to climb the very narrow staircase that was winding and difficult. Though I told myself I would stop climbing the other storeys, I just could not resist. We reached the top, and each floor was magnificent and more glorious than the earlier one. Wooden carvings, friezes, wooden pillars and ornate ceilings had us spell-bound.

After we climbed down, the stories carved in granite were even more spectacular. Details of an aged horse and a young stud, the ornament around the queen’s waist or the woven basket the woman carried, or Meenakshi holding proudly the third breast in her hand were all memories I unfailingly took back home.

Young art students/ sculptors were seen taking down drawings to fill in the gaps or renovate the broken ones. There are five Nambi temples in the town- Thiruparkadal Nambi located near the river, Thirumalai Nambi on the Mahendragiri hills and three within the Nambirayar temple itself. Interestingly, the temple has the Nambi in three positions- Ninra Nambi(standing position), Irundha Nambi(sitting posture) and Kidandha Nambi( sleeping position). It perhaps symbolizes the three states of man- in his childhood, in his youth and in his old age. It could also speak about the philosophy of how we need to accept these three inevitable stages with calmness. Interestingly, there is a shrine of Shiva within the Nambi temple, a rare sight in Vaishnavite temples usually!

Anita also speaks about the affinity of the temple to the Travancore royalty because it did come under the same presidency in the British time. So when the new prince ascends, the first maryada went to Travancore from this beautiful Nambi temple. It is perhaps because of this bond that we see a lot of white-clothed devotees here. The temple does not have too many visitors on a normal day. But on Kaisiki Ekadasi day, the place comes alive. A few thousands throng to watch the Kaisiki Natakam that is performed until the wee hours.

The performers do not act. They own the part. They become the characters, and the young and old from near and far wait to watch the performance in great devotion. It is considered an act of great piety.  When the music and dance finally ended (extolling tales of a chandala, it was not about caste divisions, it was a lesson from early times that no matter what the caste, prayer is superior to all divisions, something we wish would be understood by all who bring the caste divide) the devotees stayed back at the temple to spend the rest of the night.  As I mentioned earlier, there are no lodges in the village though it is one of the 108 divyadeshams. People who have arranged for transportation and come from nearby (10 kms) Valliyoor return after the performance, but a large majority stay back seeking the safety of the temple, where they can spend the rest of the night in the Lord’s company.

To me Thirukkurungudi is also the human story of how a single family played a major role in keeping lost traditions alive and an entire temple and its town in constant move towards progression. Just as the performers come to own their part, the TVS family have truly made it their cause to keep the age-old cultural history alive.

As I leave the village and reach the city, I understand with suddenness the import of the several Neem trees. I wonder whether they were meant to keep away all bitterness from the temple town.  The magical memories of the temple town where people had so little and yet exuded only happiness reminded me that perhaps we need to have more Neem trees in our cities.

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( A  former lecturer of Political Science  at Mount  Carmel  College,Bangalore , Chennai-based writer Hemalatha Ramani contributes to newspapers,magazines and blogs.She is the author of a travel book, Soulscapes:Travels and Conversations in India.  She writes under the name of Hema Iyer Ramani. )

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Photo credits :  Vivek