Incredible India! Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar, Kerala

The highest tea estate in the world at 8,000 feet, Munnar, Kerala

Thirty-five km outside of Munnar, India, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is built high atop the precipitous ridge that rises above the plains. Known for its excellent, flavorsome teas, this estate is also known for its panoramic views and the for the rugged mountains that surround it.

It's remote - it takes about 90 minutes to reach Kolukkumalai from Munnar - but on clear nights, you can see Kodaikanal from the estate because of its height. The factory at the center of the estate has stood for several generations, having been built more than 70 years ago. It uses traditional techniques even today that serve as a draw for tea enthusiasts. Orthodox tea-making is a seven-step process that includes withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. All of this work happens in the small factory that has not been changed since the British constructed it in the 1930s.

The estate was the 2005 Southern Tea Competition winner of the Golden Leaf India Awards.

Incredible India! Wagah Border, a masterpiece of bonhomie between India and Pakistan

If you have not seen the Wagah Border ceremony live, you have really missed something in life. Here ICD (Incredible India Directory) takes you to a a part of our country’s culture that can reduce the mammoths into a blubbering mass. It’s an hour’s drive from Amritsar. Do visit if ever in that part of the country you will really come across a pleasant expereince and come back with lifelong memories.

Each evening the Indian military, and the Pakistani Rangers step out to the cheers of thousands of spectators. While one side screams "Pakistan Zindabad", the other shouts "Jai Hind". Wearing almost identical military regalia of boots, spats, uniforms, metals, and plumed hats the two sides are distinguishable by the differing colors of their uniforms: dark green for the Pakistani Rangers and tan for the Indian Military. Heated looks, mimicked threats, goose stepping and the slap of boots hitting the pavement are all part of the ritual and the movements all bear a distinct resemblance to those of angry birds. Carrying loaded weapons the two sides perform a final elaborate series of steps, speed marching towards each other in an aggressive dance before meeting in the middle and taking the flags down simultaneously. There is the briefest of handshakes with the angriest of looks in their eyes and then the gates are closed. The ceremony, for that day at least, is over.

If you step there once, you’ll see the fervor that spreads amongst the crowds of both sides. You can slice an axe though the emotional thickness in the air. People are so overwhelmed & overcome with the patriotism and the display of anger and pride by their respective militaries that the majority break down and shed a tear or two. Angry shouting of slogans of Jai Hind (on the Indian side) by grown men with tears in their eyes is what marks the actual end of the evening’s ceremony. The same is reciprocated on the other side. As you step down, you notice that you do not hate the other side of the bordered land, it’s just you love the one you live in too much; and then shed another one in pride as you walk back to you waiting car.

Incredible India! Unexplored Attraction! Masrur Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

Intricately carved from one single piece of sandstone, almost nothing is known about the Masrur Temples. Besides conjecture and legend, there are no hard facts connecting the complex to a people or even a time period. When the temples were first constructed, there were 19 in total, all ranging in size and complexity. Over the years, invasion and natural disaster has left only 15 ruins standing, but the high concentration and unique architecture make it one of the most intriguing temple sites in India.

The temples were built by the Pandava, five brothers who engaged in a massive war with their cousins in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Later archeological speculation supposed the temples were built in the 9th century by wealthy traders, who built the complex as a shrine to Shiva, Rama, Lakshman and Sita. A number of stone statues depicting these deities still exist inside of the larger temples. Along with the actual structures, a 50 meter-long reservoir that is also hollowed from sandstone lies in front of the main structure, and reflects the stone-carved mystery in its waters.

The setting, the carvings and the layout is a must-see.

Incredible India! Bodh Gaya - The sacred town for Buddhists

Situated in the state of Bihar, Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred places for the followers of Buddhism. Bodh Gaya is renowned worldover for its conncetion with founder of Buddhism Gautam Buddha who had spent many years of his life in the sacred town. Buddishts throng the town of Bodh Gaya from different parts of India and abroad from China, Tibbat, Bhutan, Japan, Thailand, Korea and many parts of the world. Bodh Gaya has an international airport which is served by flights from several cities of India and foreign destinations.

It took a 1,000 years post the sacred enlightenment for the authorities to build a monastery & temple where Buddha was blessed. The Mahabodhi Temple reaches up to 180 feet  at its highest point and has the tree which sheltered Buddha. Though not the same tree from 2500 years ago, it is the descendant of the original Bodhi tree. Although the tree at Mahabodhi is considered a cutting from the original tree and in the original meditation location, a number of other cuttings exist around the world and are also frequently visited by Buddhist pilgrims.

Besides the sacred tree and temple, the area is similarly dotted with Buddhist relics, marking the locations where Buddha reflected on his enlightenment. One of the most prominent sites, is the the unblinking stupa, which stands in front of the tree. Following legend, the stupa is supposedly in the same place where Buddha stood and stared at the Bodhi tree after attaining enlightenment. In 2002, the entire area was nominated for preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is frequently visited by pilgrims and curious onlookers alike.