I was probably the happiest person in the world when the Indian border with Pakistan was reopened. Now was my chance to fulfil my fantasies of savouring the delights that lay on the other side of the border, which, till a century ago still formed part of the great subcontinent of India. I was...
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On the August full moon, some Indians, especially in the North, celebrate Rakhi Day, which John Friend sweetly writes about here. On Rakhi Day, traditionally, sisters tie a rakhi, which is a string bracelet, around a brother’s wrist, in hopes of binding him to her in protection throughout the year. I don’t have a...
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We’ve been delighted to discover a company called India Travel Plan recently, an internet based tour specialist who run what they call ‘bite-sized India tours.’ This intriguing concept had us curious, so we gave them a call to find out more. Tell us more about these ‘bite-sized tours?’ Well, a lot of our customers...
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Donate Now to the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal or call 0370 60 60 900 now. Over 1,600 people are reported to have died and 20 million people are believed to have been affected by the floods. In the aftermath there is now a serious risk to survivors from potentially deadly diseases, including cholera, which...
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If you have never been to India before, or explored its majestic northern region known as the Golden Triangle, here’s an ideal package to ease you in, which we highly recommend. An eight day package put together by bespoke agency Destindia, and comprising heritage accomodation, a visit to the Taj Mahal, an elephant polo...
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1. You arrive at the yoga studio just a couple of minutes late but the class is very full. The teacher is speaking and everyone still has their eyes open. You: a) enter full speed ahead, and without hesitation and at full volume, ask a couple of people to move their mats so you...
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Goan Chef Zubin escapes the kitchen for an Indiana Jones-like adventure with snakes Naag Panchami or the great Indian Snake festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu season of Shravan. It is a day to celebrate and repay the snakes for blessing our way of life. Snakes occur very commonly in...
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The best way to see India, by Mariellen Ward I am very excited to share my passion for India by taking people to see the places I love. Together with award-winning tour operator Indus Travels, I am presenting two tours this winter. Dream in India (starts Jan. 8, 2011) is for people who want...
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I am, in many ways, a creature of habit. My classes have occupied the same slot on the schedule for the last five years. Sure, new folks wander in regularly but for the most part, I know my students and they know me. Very often when I see new faces, it’s because they’ve intentionally...
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Check out this superb north india tour package from experts Intrepid travel. It’s a 22 day extravaganza, taking in many of the classic cultural sites of north india. You can book or ask for more info here 22 days (Delhi to Kolkata) Highlights: Bargain for souvenirs in Delhi, Experience Rajasthani nomad life in Jaisalmer,...
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How nice to see the Yoga scene becoming more eco-friendly. Yoga-Mad are amongst the pioneers in the development of a green alternative to the traditional yoga mat, generally made of PVC we’re afraid to say. Yoga Mad’s version is constructed from durable natural rubber, and in our opinion actually gives better traction than a...
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Deprivation Is Depressing Would you believe I am still going on about depression? Welcome to my cyber house of conviviality and festivity. Come inside; make yourself comfortable. Would you care for a Xanax? Can I interest you in a cup of hypericum tea? I just brewed a fresh pot and it’s no trouble at...
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If you have never been to India before, or explored its majestic northern region known as the Golden Triangle, here’s an ideal package to ease you in. An eight day package put together by bespoke agency Destindia, and comprising heritage accomodation, a visit to the Taj Mahal, an elephant polo game, authentic cookery class...
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For more than two thousand years, India has been a massive component in world history. But what are the country’s origins and how did it come to be what it is today? These are the big questions behind this intrepid (more…) Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share...
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Indiaphile presents a three weeks India travel tourism adventure with long established Intrepid Travel. Shop for Indian wares in the bazaars of Old Delhi, experience the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal, mingle with saddhus in Varanasi, Go tiger spotting, Sway high above the ground on a camel safari, delight in colourful Jaipur, Stay...
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American yoga teacher and blogger Bernie Birney writes about the problem of depression. When I’m teaching a yoga class, and look around the room to notice several people struggling in the same pose, then I know it’s time to give a demonstration. I stop the class for a moment and we all take a...
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More inspired Indian culinary adventures with leading Indian chef and gourmet traveller Zubin D’Souza I was reading Woody Allen’s ‘Without Feathers’ and I really got a kick out of his quote, “Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage” and this got me thinking....
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One of the oldest systems of music in the world, Carnatic or classical south indian music is a very complex system that requires a great deal of training, both artistically and technically. Classical south indian music is based on a system of ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic cycles), and is generally highly devotional....
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