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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Incredible India! Lansdowne: A Seculded Hill Station in Uttarakhand

Fastfacts about Lansdowne

Located in the State: Uttarakhand

District: Pauri Garhwal

Famous as: A Quaint Hill Station of North India

Local Languages: Garhwali & Hindi

Best Time to Visit: March to October


Are you looking for a quaint break in this summer away from the heat and mundane city life? If you answer affirmatively, then the small but beautiful hill station of Lansdowne in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand can be a perfect place for you. Little explored and blessed with unspoiled nature, soothing breeze and amazing surroundings, Lansdowne is a place for all including family vacationers, honeymooners, adventure seekers and groups. Lansdowne is located on the Kotware-Pauri Road at a height of 1,706 meters on a hillock. Lansdowne, named after its founder Lord Lansdowne, was the main base of independent movement activities of India during the British Raj.

Not only in summers, the hill station of Lansdowne is visited by tourists almost all through the year. The characteristic pleasant climate of Lansdowne makes the town very comfortable for vacationing tourists. In fact, Lansdowne is considered a gateway of romance, thanks to the natural comforts, nice accommodations, pleasant weather, calm environment and secluded atmosphere.

Lansdowne is surrounded by lusting greeneries of thick Oak woods and blue Pine forests. Magnificent views of snow covered mounts and forests, bracing cool air and unpolluted clean fresh atmosphere altogether make Lansdowne a perfect place for eco-tourism. The annual festival ‘Shardotsav’, celebrated during the season of autumn is a major attraction for the travelers to Lansdowne.


Things to Do & See in Lansdowne
The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is a prime attraction for the travelers to the hill station. Places of interest around the city include Tip-n-Top (Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the hill town are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi Temple, Bhim pakora(a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.

Jungle Safari in Lansdowne: The hill station of Lansdowne is surrounded by dense forest that offers an ideal setting for Jungle Safari. The Oak trees and blue pine woods make the landscape of Lansdowne challenging for the adventurous tourist. While on Jungle Safari you can see many wild flora and fauna. There are a number of tour agents who arrange the planned jungle safari at an affordable price in the forests surrounding the hill station of Lansdowne.


Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Set at a close distance from Lansdowne atop of a hill of height 2092 meters, this temple is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPitas. The main deity of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers with the belief that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled. Mahashivarathri is celebrated annually with grandeur.

Kanvashram: This a sacred ashram located near Lansdowne hill station. Kanvashram is considered a gateway to Puri, the most sought temple town in India. This ashram is bordered by thick forests and hillocks, making it a beautiful place for feasting the eyes of tourists. A spectacular attraction nearby is the famous Malini River flowing near to this Ashram. This ashram bears mythological importance related to the Sage Kanvan.

Accommodation in Lansdowne: Good accommodation options are available in Lansdowne. You can stay at hotels, resorts or guest houses dotted across the town.

How to Reach Lansdowne: You can reach Lansdowne through Air, Rail and Road.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradoon, which is about 100 kms. away. Jollygrant airport is connected to IGI Airport in New Delhi. Taxi services are available from Jollygrant Airport to Lansdowne and it costs about Rs. 2000. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 235 km away from Lansdowne. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

By Train: Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Lansdowne, which is nearly 40 kms. away. You can hire a taxi from the railway station to Lansdowne that will cost you about Rs 750.

By Road: Good roads connect Lansdowne with New Delhi, and other major cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Newspapers of India

Since its inception the newspapers are considered to be the most authentic means of communicating facts and vital information to a large number of people. In fact, like other parts of world the newspapers in India have become synonymous with the morning tea or breakfast. A majority of the people love to start the day with a quick view on their favourite newspapers.



The history of first newspaper in India goes back to 1780 when The Bengal Gazette was started under the British Raj. Since then there has been no looking back of the newspapers. Even in the time of television, Internet, radio and mobile phones....newspapers have not lost their significance and still remain the most sought after means of communication for the masses.

The newspapers consist of current news related to political events, crime, business, sports, entertainment, culture and opinions. Besides these, the newspapers of India carry numerous information about the tourists exploring the vast country. The travelers visiting India can also get the interesting details about the tourist destinations and major attractions through special supplement circulated with the leading newspapers.

Types of Newspapers: Nowadays various types of newspapers are available in the market. Readers use to read the newspapers as per their choices and requirements. The most common types of newspapers available in the market include:

Daily Newspapers

Weekly Newspapers

National Newspapers

International Newspapers

Local Newspapers

Tabloid Newspapers

Fortnightly Newspapers



Major English Newspapers in India: In a survey conducted in 2007, India consumed 99 million newspaper copies as that made it the second largest market in the world for newspapers. As of now 40,000 different types of newspapers publish in India. Some of the popular newspapers are as follows:

Hindustan Times

The Times of India

The Asian Age

Deccan Chronicle

Deccan Herald

The Hindu

The Pioneer

The Telegraph

The Indian Express

DNA

Midday

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