Dussehra Festivities Call For The Triumphant Victory

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the many known Hindu festivals celebrated in India, which is full of vibrancy and fireworks. The day is known to be celebrated for more than one reason.

On this auspicious day, Lord Rama killed the ten-headed demon Ravana, who had abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita. Since then it has been a ritual for fellow Hindus to celebrate good over evil in quite an intriguing way, like the one which is observed in Rishikesh, where you will witness huge towering effigies of Ravana, which is burnt on bonfires with fireworks marking evil’s destruction.

Ram Lila:

Another interesting fact is, in most parts of Northern India, the “Ram Lila”, a story which talks about the victory of good over evil is enacted by performance artists, which depicts the true story of Rama, Sita and Lakshamana.
The “Ram Lila” is based on the very sacred Hindu Text Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas. In most places, the “Ram Lila” lasts for a month while in other regional cities it is enacted exactly nine days before Dussehra.

These performing arts come to an end on the night of Dussehra, when the victory of Rama is celebrated by burning the effigies of evil Ravana.
The “Ram Lila” is observed in cities of Ayodhya, Varanasi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among many other notable ones.

Goddess Durga's Victory Over Mahishasura:

Another interesting story behind the celebration of Dussehra is the Victory of Goddess Durga over the Demon Mahishasura. The demon was undefeatable and had destructed many through his evil powers. Goddess Durga fought against the demon and defeated him successfully.

In the remembrance of Goddess Durga’s victory, the Goddess is worshiped by a holy ceremony, Durga Puja, majorly in West Bengal, Bihar and Assam among other parts of India.

The Festival of Durga Ashtami As Celebrated in Different Parts of India

The story of good winning over evil, the charm of eight or in some places as a nine-day and night celebration holds a special significance in its own way.

The sacred festival of Durga Ashtami or Navratri falls in the month of September this year. So, ask Kesari Tours as your travel partner to get a memorable experience of a lifetime.

Durga Puja in Bihar, Assam, and West Bengal

In the Eastern parts of India, the last four days of Navratri hold a special significance. Especially in West Bengal - Durga Puja is one of the most popular festivals celebrated. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Even in Assam and Bihar, the festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and zeal.

Gujarat:

The whole atmosphere of Gujarat resonates with Dandiyas and Dhol during this time of the year. During the nine days of the month of Ashwin, the devotees observe a nine-day fast and worship the Shakti avatar of Goddess Durga. The Garbi, which is an earthen lamp, is lit in the evening and used to perform the Aarti followed by the Garba -a traditional dance that everyone in the country indulges in. Both men and women participate in the dance and celebrations equally.

Karnataka:

The festival is also known as Nadahabba in Karnataka. On the tenth day of the festival that is Vijayadashami, which marks the victory of good over the evil, people of Mysore march the elephants on the streets. There are exhibitions and fairs all over the state of Karnataka.

Maharashtra:

The festival of Navratri symbolizes a new beginning, so people in Maharashtra consider it as the best time to buy property or start a new venture. All nine nights during the festival the state celebrates with Garba and Dandiya.

Himachal Pradesh:

In this heavenly paradise state, the celebration begins on the tenth day. To celebrate the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya, Kullu Dussehra is celebrated. The other nine days there is a family get-together observed by the people in different localities.

Feeling enchanted by these rituals and diverse culture’s; well ask Kesari Tours and book a custom holiday to witness the Durga Puja at your preferred destination.

Explore the Wonders of Yellowstone National Park, USA

Don’t you just love parks, especially national parks where you can see animals, birds, reptiles and other marvels of nature? We are sure you have plenty of options on our must-visit list, but if The Yellowstone National Park doesn't figure in it, then make sure you include it on your bucket list.

One of the first known national parks in the world, Yellowstone, is almost 3500 square miles recreational backwoods that sits on a volcanic hot spot. Located in Wyoming, it also spreads to parts of Idaho and Montana. The park is home to beautiful lakes, a hidden volcano, colourful hot springs, captivating geysers, and mud pots, hilly rivers, enchanting canyons. You can explore lush forests, lofty mountains, mountains, catch glimpses of flora, fauna and animal species, together with wolves, bears, elk, bison, and antelope while observing the wonders nature reveals.

If you are planning a Yellowstone vacation, then the best time to travel is between mid-June to early September when the weather is mild and dry. If skiing and snowshoeing catch your fancy, then November to March are ideal, though most park facilities and roads are closed in winter. There are plenty of things to do in the park with an option to stay at the Yellowstone national park lodging as well.

Top sights in the Yellowstone park location,

Old Faithful: It is most well known cone-shaped geyser in the national park. This fountain was named during the Washburn-Langford-Doane expedition in 1870 and one of the first geysers to be identified in the park.

Grand Prismatic Spring: The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone is the not only a geyser but a hot spring too. It is one of the largest hot springs in the USA and the third largest in the world. This rainbow-coloured spring is a marvel that you must experience once in your lifetime.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center: Among the animals in the Yellowstone park, the grizzly and wolf discovery centre is not to be missed. You can catch glimpses gray wolves, grizzly bears and birds of prey in their natural habitats. Open throughout the year this centre is to the west of the park in Montana.

The Morning Glory Pool: If you want to experience something more dramatic than the Old Faithful at Yellowstone, then this spellbinding colourful hot spring in the upper geyser basin is a must visit. It is dark orange on the outermost border and turns green, and then a brilliant blue at it moves inside towards the centre. You may have to ride a bike or walk it down, but the panoramic vista makes up for the exercise.

The Yellowstone National Park has so much more to offer and spending a few days exploring its beautiful sights makes for a fantastic vacation spot with your family. What are you waiting for? Get planning and packing to create memories of a lifetime with Kesari Tours.

The Adventures of Mount Kilimanjaro

If adventure is what you seek, Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest and most recognizable mountain in Africa, fits the bill.

With three volcanic cones, “Kibo”, “Mawenzi”, and “Shira”, Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and rises approximately 4,900 m from its base to 5,895 metres above sea level.

Thousands of trekkers flock to Kilimanjaro every year with the sole aspiration to stand on the Roof of Africa. However, it is certainly a test of one’s endurance, with altitude sickness as the main problems.  Although it’s a challenge, it’s still highly recommended for anybody who has an interest in mountaineering. It’s also a highly recommended destination by Kesari Tours.

It takes hikers through five different ecosystems – from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic snow cap – and climbing 19,340 feet to the top is one of the most empowering adventures you can experience without serious training.

The landscape on Kilimanjaro is very beautiful. The mountain can be divided into 5 climatic zones, each with its own fauna and flora. The lower parts of the mountain are dominated by evergreen forests. At approximately 3,000m the landscape starts to change into a shrub land setting. At around 4,000m the landscape becomes very arid and rocky, similar to a lunar landscape.

The fourth zone consists of a very fine glacial dessert setting. The top of Kilimanjaro is partially snow-capped with large glaciers interspersed between the volcanic craters. The glaciers have been receding over the past 40 years, though.

Though there is not much of wildlife on the mountain, you can see some wild buffaloes, elephants and leopards while traversing through the Lemosho Route.

Although it is possible to simply trek a route to the pinnacle of Kibo without relying on professional climbing equipment, it’s an incredibly challenging endeavor that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes. Kesari Tours will guide you through the entire process beforehand. People take approximately 6-8 nights to complete an ascent, depending on the route.

The wonders of Amritsar

Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, Amritsar is home to Sikhism’s holiest shrine and one of India’s most serene and humbling sights.

Amritsar is a city with the perfect blend of tradition and culture. With important religious centers and historical sites, the city paints a picture of a magnificent past and a promising future.

Located near the border of India and Pakistan, Amritsar is a city that played an extremely important role in Indian history, especially towards the end of the British rule in India. From food, music and art to history, religion and traditions, there is a lot to experience in Amritsar and here is just how you can spend a day in Amritsar.

Although the whole of Amritsar city is worth experiencing but the following places are on Kesari Tours must-not-miss list

Golden Temple 

The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome and is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. It’s widely known for bringing out serenity and peace in the visitors.

The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers free food to around 20,000 people every day. The number shoots up to 100,000 on special occasions. Every visitor is required to remove their shoes and cover his / her head before entering the temple premises.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar famous for one of the most tragic yet landmark events in the history of India. This park commemorates the 1500 Indians killed and wounded when a British officer ordered his soldiers to shoot unarmed protesters in 1919.

Some of the bullet holes are still visible on the walls, as is the well into which hundreds desperately leaped to avoid the bullets. There’s an eternal flame of remembrance, an exhibition telling stories of victims, and a Martyrs’ Gallery, with portraits of Independence heroes.

Wagah Border

Wagah border lies between Amritsar in India and Lahore in Pakistan and the whole experience is taken care of by Kesari Tours.

The daily highlight is the evening “Beating the Retreat” ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, bringing down their respective national flags. From shouts of patriotism to the powerful show put up by the soldiers, make for a gripping experience.

 

Eclectic Experiences in the World’s Most Visited City – Hong Kong

On your visit with Kesari Tours, you will realise that the world’s Most Visited City is vibrant, varied and keeps visitors fascinated!

Disneyland

Who can be immune to the enchantment of the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland! You and your special ones are bound to create some indelible memories on your day full of magical adventures here.

Victoria Peak

The most spectacular views of the lively city of Hong Kong are to be had from the 360-degree viewing platform of the Peak Tower, which towers atop Victoria Peak, 396 meters above sea level. Hop aboard the Peak Tram Sky Pass and get going!

Yuen Po Street Market

Songbird owners stroll around Yuen Po Street Bird Market carrying their pets in intricately carved cages. The market has 70 songbird stalls as well as courtyards and moon gates. The Flower Market is redolent with beautiful blossoms and houseplants, while the Goldfish Market vends colourful fresh water fish as well as deep sea species.

Symphony of Lights

Acknowledged by Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light & Sound Show’, watch the magic unfold as music and narration come together in a grand celebration of the spirit and energy of Hong Kong.

Tai O Fishing Village

Peopled mainly by the Tanka, who are descendants of Hong Kong’s first settlers, this is Chinese living at its most traditional. With houses built on stilts over the mouth of the river and narrow lanes lined with shops selling fish and other daily essentials, ‘development’ has yet to arrive here.

Ocean Park

On your visit with Kesari Tours discover for yourself why the world famous Ocean Park has won so many awards and distinctions. With more than 40 attractions and rides, the experience is exhilarating! 

Ngong Ping 360 

Custom and culture have been conserved in this heritage village along with the natural ecological environment. From the Po Lin Monastery plaza, lay eyes on the world’s largest outdoor bronze statue – the Giant Buddha.

Aberdeen Harbour & Jumbo Kingdom

The sight of hundreds of people living on traditional fishing junks, against the backdrop of towering skyscrapers, makes for a stunning contrast. For an experience of the Aberdeen way of life, Jumbo Kingdom is recommended.

Lan Kwai Fong

 

 

Taste Hong Kong’s buzzing nightlife at this lively center of clubs, bars, delicatessens and Western-style restaurants.

 

Hollywood Road 

 

  

Along with Upper Lascar Row (also known as Cat Street), Hollywood Road buzzes with antique shops and an open-air curio market. The nearby Man Mo Temple is an interesting tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). 

 

Stanley Market 

 

Famous for its relaxed vibe and great buys, this is a great place to pick up silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewellery and souvenirs.

Jade Market

Admire the vast range of jewellery and statutes crafted out of the beautiful green jade. Hong Kong is, after all, the world’s biggest trading center for this ornamental stone.