The quaint seaside village of Kuchhadi, located at a little distance from Porbandar has many archaeological sites of historic importance. One of the hidden gems found on this unexplored seashore is the ancient Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple. Legend has it that the Pandavas along with Draupadi spent a great deal of time in this place... Continue Reading →
Bhuragarh Fort, Banda, Banda District, Uttar Pradesh
Banda district in Bundelkhand region has carved a unique identity for itself synonymous with great wars, patriotism and rich heritage. Mighty rulers like the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, Bundelas, Marathas and others have contributed significantly to its history, culture and tradition. One of the most picturesque forts built in this region which is the resting place... Continue Reading →
Banaras Metal Repoussé Craft, Uttar Pradesh
The ancient repoussé craft, considered to be even older than the Banarasi Silk handloom industry has flourished in the heritage city of Varanasi since the Vedic times. Traditional artisans use the repoussé technique to make faces of gods and goddesses, gold and silver dresses, traditional ornaments, doors, wall decorations in temples and unique gold and... Continue Reading →
Jalna Sweet Orange, Maharashtra
Jalna district is the largest producer of sweet oranges in Maharashtra with more than 85 percent of the geographical area under agricultural cultivation. Jalna has many agro-climatic advantages that aid the growth of this traditional variety of sweet orange. Located in the upper Godavari basin, the rich black soil along the river banks of Ambad... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chimaji Appa and The Battle of Vasai
It all started in 1498 when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the shores of Calicut around the Cape of Good Hope opening up a whole new sea route that would change the course of Indian history. On the pretext of expanding the Indian spice route to Europe, the Portuguese soon established their authority on... Continue Reading →
Jagannath Mandir, Behta Bujurg, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
A most curious metrological temple has piqued the interest of scientists, historians and devotees for centuries. This temple has the uncanny ability to accurately forecast rainfall in the region! Villagers say that about 5 - 7 days before the onset of rains, water droplets start dripping from the monsoon patthar (monsoon stones) that have been... Continue Reading →
Devgarh Fort, Deogarh, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, called as kubera ka khajānā attributes this title to the unrivalled, undiscovered treasure hidden in its many splendid forts. One of the grandest forts built at the zenith of the Gond dynasty is the Deogarh or Devgarh Fort at its capital city of Deogarh. Built in the 18th century by King Jatav and perhaps... Continue Reading →
Farrukhabad Prints, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest and most famous industries that has flourished for more than a thousand years in Farrukhabad is the artistic cotton printing industry. India has long been considered to be a pioneer in the art of calico printing with many craftsmen across the country engaged in creating designs that are typical of their... Continue Reading →
Beed Custard Apple, Maharashtra
Beed’s most famous fruit, the deliciously sweet custard apple has been thriving in the dry Balaghat Range for more than four centuries. This organically grown fruit attributes its name to Sita Mata who used to eat this fruit during her exile. Sitaphal derives its name from the Sanskrit words śīta which means cold and phala which means fruit and custard apple... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Umberkhind
The imposing persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, undisputedly the greatest, most astute strategist the world has seen is imprinted in the lush green picturesque Sahyadri mountains. He possessed all the virtues extolled by Vidura Mahātma in his treatise Vidura Neeti of a king who can oversee the three worlds and it is unsurprising that he... Continue Reading →
Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most impressive edifices built by the Guptas is the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh village in Jhansi division of Uttar Pradesh. Deogarh or Devgarh derives its name from dev which means God and garh which means fort. Though only a single temple with a square sanctum sanctorum is seen today, excavations have revealed the... Continue Reading →
Narwar Fort, Narwar, Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh
The ancient city of Narwar is a glorious example of art, culture, heritage and historical ups and downs! Derived from the words nara which means man and vara which means excellent or exemplary match, Narwar has been the birthplace of many romantic stories like Raja Nala and Damayanti, Raja Man Singh Tomar and Gujari Rani Mrignayani and Prince Dhola... Continue Reading →
Kanyakumari Cloves
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of clove in the country with Kanyakumari district contributing a sizeable portion to the total production. Clove was introduced in India around the 1800s by the East India Company in its spice garden in Courtallam. The dense wooded areas of Maramalai, Karumparai and Vellimalai in the Western Ghats of... Continue Reading →
Peer Kho Cave Temple, Jammu, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
One of the most ancient Shiva temples in Jammu also known as the "City of temples" is the Peer Kho cave temple. This historic temple is situated on the banks of the holy Tawi river surrounded by igneous rocks and acacia forests. Locals regard this cave temple to be the oldest in the Shivalik region.... Continue Reading →
Shankaragaurishvara Temple, Pattan, Baramulla District, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
Shankaragaurishvara Temple in Pattan is an exemplary example of Kashmiri temple style architecture prevalent in the 9th century. Modern Pattan is actually Shankarapattana, the capital founded by Shankaravarman of Utpala dynasty. Both Shankaravarman and his father Avantivarman were patrons of art, architecture and Sanskrit literature. Their noteworthy contribution to the revival of Hindu philosophy and... Continue Reading →
Mahabilwakeshwar Temple or Harihara Temple, Billawar, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
Billawar also known locally as Balaur is a tehsil in Kathua district located on the banks of Bhinni and Naaz rivers. This town is said to have been established by Raja Bhog Pal, a son of the king of Kullu Valley in 765 CE. Subsequently, the ruling family came to be called as Balouria deriving... Continue Reading →
Sangli Turmeric of Maharashtra
Sangli located in the western part of Maharashtra is considered to be the largest and most important trading centre for turmeric in Asia. Popularly known as the 'Saffron City', Sangli has been cultivating its world-famous turmeric since the 1900s. It is said that large quantities of Sangli turmeric used to be exported through the Rajapur... Continue Reading →
Hatu Mata Mandir, Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Hatu Peak at a staggering elevation of 11,152 feet (3400 metres) is the highest peak in Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh. A narrow treacherous single road, a little away from Narkanda passing through dense forests of deodar, fir, spruce, blue pine and others on one side and a dizzying fall into a valley below leads... Continue Reading →
Bijli Mahadev Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in the spectacular Kullu Valley in Dev Bhoomi Himachal Pradesh. This temple is seated at an altitude of 2,460 metres and an arduous trek of 7 – 8 km through a scenic Cedar forest leads you to this divine place that offers a... Continue Reading →
Aadi Brahma Temple and Aadi Purkha Temple, Himachal Pradesh
The breathtaking Kullu Valley flanked by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges of the Lesser Himalayan mountains on either side is referred to as the Valley of Gods or Eden of Apple. This historical place was called as Kulantapitha meaning end of the habitable world and is held in high esteem in the ancient texts of Brahmanda... Continue Reading →
Ajara Ghansal Rice, Ajara Taluka, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra
Scented rice has always been a prized possession in regional economies since the days of yore. Different varieties of indigenous scented rice have been cultivated in different parts of India since ancient times. Both Charaka and Sushruta have extolled the medicinal values of fragrant rice in their respective treatise. Ajara Ghansal rice grown in... Continue Reading →
Hathei Chilli of Manipur
Hathei chilli or umoruk as it is called in the local dialect is considered to be God's gift and the pride of Ukhrul for the people of Sirarakhong. This special chilli along with the seven other organically grown varieties of chilli in Manipur have been cultivated for generations. Hathei chilli thrives only in the Mahadev... Continue Reading →
Parashuram Kund, Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh
Parshuram kund located in Lohit district on the banks of the lower level of Lohit River (a tributary of the Brahmaputra River) is one of the most sacrosanct places not only in Arunachal Pradesh but also in India. This holy place finds mention in Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana and is dedicated to Parashurama, the sixth avatar... Continue Reading →
Malinithan, Likabali, Arunachal Pradesh
The ancient town of Malinithan situated at the foothills of the Siang Hills in Likabali is steeped in religion, history, culture and architecture. Legend has it that when Lord Krishna kidnapped Rukmini Devi, they passed this beautiful location on their way to Dwaraka from Vidarbha. They found Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi deep in tapas in... Continue Reading →
