#Hill Station Culture

[thatdeardelight]

(R): Magic Bus

Explore the a magic bus that takes passengers to a magic tea town under a magic sky.

I hate buses. I try to avoid them as far as practicable. But sadly, they still remain one of the most reliable, cheap, and practicable ways to travel. We still can’t fly to places; we still don’t have the wings or the will – this is one of my top complaints with the human body. I recently went on a backpacking trip across Kerala and there is so much to talk about it (quick review: beautiful,…

[guideoflife]

[himachalstory]

All Information About Himachal Pradesh

In terms of culture, Himachal Pradesh is a melting pot of traditions, influenced by Tibetan, Indo-Aryan, and indigenous cultures. The state celebrates a vibrant tapestry of festivals, including the grandeur of Diwali and the spectacle of Dussehra, where the local culture shines through in traditional music, dance forms like Nati, and colorful attire.

[romanticlamahatta]

NEPALI CULTURE IN DARJEELING

The Darjeeling region, located in the Indian state of West Bengal, is home to a diverse mix of cultures, including the Nepali culture. The Nepali community in Darjeeling, often referred to as the "Gorkha" community, has a rich cultural heritage that reflects their history, traditions, languages, festivals, and way of life. Here are some aspects of Darjeeling's Nepali culture:

Language: The predominant language spoken by the Nepali community in Darjeeling is Nepali. It's an Indo-Aryan language and serves as a crucial link to their cultural identity.

Festivals: The Nepali community in Darjeeling celebrates various festivals that hold cultural and religious significance. Some of the major festivals include Dashain (also known as Vijaya Dashami), Tihar (Diwali), Maghe Sankranti, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti. These festivals are marked by rituals, feasting, music, dance, and communal celebrations.

Religion: The majority of the Nepali community in Darjeeling follows Hinduism and Buddhism. Temples, monasteries, and religious sites are an integral part of their cultural landscape. Darjeeling is also home to several Buddhist monasteries, reflecting the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism.

Traditional Clothing: The traditional clothing of the Nepali community includes attire like the daura-suruwal for men and gunyo-cholo for women. These clothing styles often hold cultural and historical significance and are worn during festivals and special occasions.

Cuisine: Nepali cuisine is characterized by a mix of flavors and ingredients. Dal Bhat (lentil soup and rice) is a staple dish, often accompanied by various types of curries, pickles, and vegetables. Momos (dumplings) are a popular street food enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Music and Dance: Music and dance play a vital role in Nepali culture. Various traditional music instruments are used, such as the madal (drum) and sarangi (string instrument). Folk dances like the Maruni dance and Tamang Selo are performed during festivals and celebrations.

Art and Craft: The Nepali community in Darjeeling has a rich tradition of art and craft, including intricate woodcarvings, thangka paintings (Buddhist scroll paintings), and weaving. These crafts often depict religious and cultural motifs.

Cultural Diversity: While the Nepali culture is prominent in Darjeeling, the region is also home to a mix of other communities, including Bengalis, Tibetans, and indigenous groups. This diversity contributes to a vibrant cultural milieu.

Heritage: Darjeeling has historical ties to the British colonial era, and remnants of this heritage can still be seen in architecture, tea plantations, and the town's layout.

Overall, the Nepali culture in Darjeeling is a beautiful blend of tradition, religious practices, festivals, and daily life that has been shaped by the region's history and geographical location.READMORE ABOUT DARJEELING

[homestay66]

Discovering Hidden Gems: 5 Offbeat Hill Stations in India's Tropical Regions

India is a land of natural beauty and diversity, and its tropical regions are home to some of the most picturesque hill stations in the world. These hill stations are not only famous for their natural beauty but also for their unique culture, cuisine, and adventure activities. In this blog post, we will explore five beautiful hill stations in India's tropical regions and provide insights on what to see, eat, and do during your stay.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene atmosphere. It is located at an altitude of 1220 meters above sea level and is surrounded by verdant forests Some of the popular sights to see in Mount Abu are Nakki Lake, Dilwara Jain Temples, and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. Nakki Lake is a famous spot for boating and has a beautiful garden surrounding it. The Dilwara Jain Temples are renowned for their intricate carvings and architecture. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

When it comes to food, Mount Abu has a unique blend of Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine. The famous dishes include dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and kachoris. One can also try the local sweets, like the ghevar and the mawa. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Yercaud is a beautiful hill station located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at an altitude of 1515 meters above sea level and is known for its scenic beauty and coffee plantations. Some of the popular attractions in Yercaud are Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, and Kiliyur Falls. Yercaud Lake is a popular spot for boating, and Pagoda Point offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Kiliyur Falls is a must-visit during the monsoon season, as it offers a breathtaking view of the cascading waterfall.

When it comes to food, Yercaud is famous for its filter coffee and homemade chocolates. The local cuisine includes dishes like dosa, idli, and vada. One can also try the banana chips and the jackfruit chips, which are popular snacks. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go trekking, camping, and zip-lining.

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is situated at an altitude of 1090 meters above sea level and is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and temples. Some of the popular attractions in Chikmagalur are Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri Hills, and Kudremukh National Park. Mullayanagiri Peak is the highest peak in Karnataka and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Baba Budangiri Hills is famous for its Dattatreya Peetha, which is a sacred shrine for Hindus and Muslims. Kudremukh National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

When it comes to food, Chikmagalur is famous for its filter coffee, which is made from locally grown coffee beans. The local cuisine includes dishes like akki rotti, neer dosa, and koli saaru. One can also try the local sweets, like the mithai and the holige. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go trekking, camping, or on a wildlife safari.

Dhanaulti,Uttarakhand

Dhanaulti is a serene hill station located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2286 meters above sea level and is known for its tranquilly and natural beauty. Some of the popular attractions in Dhanaulti are the Surkanda Devi Temple, Eco Park, and Dashavatar Temple. The Surkanda Devi Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Goddess Sati, and it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The Eco Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The Dashavatar Temple is renowned for its ancient architecture and intricate carvings.

When it comes to food, Dhanaulti offers a unique blend of Garhwali and Tibetan cuisine. The famous dishes include aloo ke gutke, chainsoo, and momos. One can also try the local sweets like the bal mithai and the singori. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go trekking, camping, and rappelling.

Ponmudi, Kerala

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is situated at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level and is known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuary. Some of the popular attractions in Ponmudi are the Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. The Golden Valley is a famous spot for picnics and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Meenmutty Falls is a must-visit for nature lovers, as it offers a breathtaking view of the cascading waterfall. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animals like elephants, tigers, and leopards.

When it comes to food, Ponmudi is famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine. The famous dishes include appam, puttu, and kappa. One can also try the local snacks like banana chips and jackfruit chips. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go trekking, camping, or on a wildlife safari.

Plan your dream trip to India's top 5 offbeat hill stations with the best tour planners in South Kolkata. Book now and explore the hidden gems of India's tropical regions.

Summary, India's tropical regions offer some of the most picturesque and serene hill stations in the world. Each hill station has its own unique culture, cuisine, and adventure activities, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. By following our guide, you can plan a perfect trip to India's top 5 beautiful hill stations, and with the help of the best tour planners in South Kolkata, you can make your dream trip a reality.

[khajjiartourpackages]

Kerala Tourism with Travel Guide

Your trip to Kerala through Kerala environmental trip guide is a special experience of a lifetime giving you the opportunity to encounter the diverse natural beauty, heritage and culture in the form of backwaters, beaches, forts, churches, temples, mosques, hill stations, tea estates and much more. Your Kerala tour package from Mumbai via Konkan railway or by road conducted by Hellovisit will embed in your memory till your last breath.

[rathitravel]

Best Places to visit in Mussoorie | मसूरी में घूमने के लिए सबसे अच्छी जगह

देहरादून से लगभग 35 किमी दूर स्थित मसूरी हिमालय पर्वतमाला की तलहटी में बसा है। यह भारत के औपनिवेशिक वर्षों से लोकप्रिय रहा है, और भारत में सबसे अधिक देखे जाने वाले और प्रशंसित हिल स्टेशनों में से एक है। मध्य मार्च से मध्य नवंबर के बीच मसूरी का सबसे अच्छा दौरा किया जाता है। दिसंबर से फरवरी तक से बचना चाहिए क्योंकि मानसून के दौरान बारिश और सर्दियों के दौरान ठंड इसे काफी दुर्गम बना देती है।

ठंडे तापमान के अलावा, उत्तराखंड का यह शहर ताजी पहाड़ी हवा में सैर, ठंडे झरनों में नहाने के विकल्प, हस्तशिल्प की खरीदारी और प्राचीन वस्तुओं की दुकानों पर कपड़े प्रदान करता है।

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[lua-magic]

Intresting Astrology facts (Vedic Astrology) Part 2.

Venus in fifth house natives will get money when they are into learning, teaching, counseling.

Venus in sixth house actually is debilitated, and gives problems in relationship, but here you can make money from service and charity, good for people who are into job.

Venus seventh house should go buisness in partnership.

Vedic astrology States that men who has their Venus in seventh house shoul not give importance to beauty in their partners because they will spoil their Venus instead focus on compatibility because seventh house is opposite to first house, so your partner should be of your energy match, hence Mars in seventh house should go partners with exalted Mars.

Venus ninth House, Venus with Jupiter, natives should always keep their morality and values on pedestal. Such natives can do work regarding religion and spirituality, and counseling.

Venus tenth House. Tenth house is your job and career and Venus is beauty, luxury, clothes, cosmetics, hence any Venus related work or job would be good as well, but as Venus in the house of Saturn, best remedy for Venus tenth house is take good care of shoes, or wear only branded shoes, as shoes are Saturn.

Venus eleventh House - Work related to social media, networking, even photography and videography would be good.

Venus twelfth house- Twelfth house is of foreign travels and foreign lands, so work related to import export, MNCs, or go to foreign land and work there

Venus is also healing, hence good Venus natives are great in healing others.

Venus with Moon, or Saturn Moon conjunction or in trine should choose work where they can travel alot, as moon is change of place.

Venus Mars Rahu conjunction or in trine should choose place where they get entirely different culture, like culture shock, but this culture shock is gonna be extremely beneficial for their money.

Venus Mars Ketu in conjunction or trine should go to place where people are connected to their roots, as ketu is roots.

Venus Mars, in conjunction or in trine if facing problems in work life, then change your place shift near hill station or mountains, as in vedic astrology Mars is Mountain.

Venus is money and Rahu is cheating, native who has Venus Rahu in conjunction or in trine could get cheated.

Venus moon Rahu - online cheating of Money.

Venus Sun Rahu, cheating by boss or higher authority, or father can get cheated.

Venus Sun Rahu native family will rise once they shift to foreign land, as rahu is foreign land and sun is family.

Venus Mercury Rahu- Cheating in documents or in business or by friends.

Venus Mars Rahu -Cheating in land or by brother, or brother can get cheated.

Venus Saturn Rahu Cheating by employees or people working under you or by elder member

Venus Jupiter Rahu Cheating by guru or teacher or by highly knowledgeable person.

If women has harmonal issues then Venus is afflicted.

If man has fertility problems then Venus is afflicted.

If your Venus is under the influence of malefics then you would fall sick often and has low immunity..

Natives with Saturn retro are obsessed with shoes and cleaning their foot

Natives with Mars Rahu often see or can come in contact with venomous insects, like bees, snakes, spider..

Ketu is Traingle and number of ketu is three, so Mercury ketu Native will always have three best friend.

Ketu is enemy of all planets except Jupiter.

If your ketu is debilitated then pray to your ancestors as ketu is roots

Natives with strong ketu are attached to their roots

Saturn ketu will pull you towards your roots, what work your ancestors were into, same work you will get into..

Whichever planets ketu is sitting or which ever house it is in you have to be spiritual regarding to it,

Venus ketu- spiritual regarding Money

Saturn ketu -spiritual regarding work

Jupiter ketu -spiritual knowledge.

Mercury Ketu -spiritual books or reading.

Mars ketu -spiritual regarding your land and property, and body, you need to treat your body and home as temple.

Moon ketu - Spiritual mindset.

Sun Ketu - Spiritual regarding family, respect every one in the family and think people around you are just big family of yours.

[probablyasocialecologist]

Municipal authorities in Gaza have accused the Israeli army of deliberately destroying thousands of books and historical documents. They have also called for the intervention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to “intervene and protect cultural centers and condemn the occupation’s targeting of these humanitarian facilities protected under international humanitarian law.” As was the case in Sarajevo in 1992—when Bosnian Serb forces, stationed in the hills above the city, razed the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the ground—the targeted destruction of Gaza’s primary public library is a stark reminder that genocide is about more than just the premeditated mass extinguishing of human life; it’s also about the calculated, and often vindictive, destruction of a people’s culture, language, history, and shared sites of community. Like the purposeful wiping out of entire families, a tactic employed by the Israeli army long before this latest assault began, the deliberate destruction of cultural and historic sites is a way for Israel to erase all evidence of Palestinian life, Palestinian humanity, from Gaza. To turn the besieged enclave—with its ancient mosques and archeological sites, its labor-of-love bookstores and meticulously-curated libraries, its pesky health care workers and journalists and sole survivors—into an empty soccer field.

[aheathen-conceivably]

🎶 Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans 🎶

At the end of Rampart Street stood New Orleans’ train depot, long one of the centers for the comings and goings of the busy city. It had opened in 1892, when New Orleans was at a zenith of growth and culture. Now it was beginning to show the cracks and wear of age, but every inch of the space still reflected the spirit of a bygone era.

It was filled with the comings and goings of businessmen, new arrivals, families, and those fleeing the city for greener pastures. Intermingled beneath the shadows of the glass roof, they vacillated between hope and fear, embracing in reunion or waving in farewell.

Near noon, a train pulled into the station and a shiver of anticipation passed through the crowd. A stream of passengers began to exit, filing into the gilded corridors into the city beyond. On the other side those waiting to embark sat at attention or stepped nearer to the platform, listening for the boarding call from the conductor. Amongst them stood a small family of four, each running through a kaleidoscope of emotions all their own.

It seemed positively surreal to each one of them that this was goodbye, that it was perhaps the last glimpse they’d have of New Orleans before it turned into nothing but a colorful blur outside of the steamer’s windows.

Perhaps it was easiest for Zelda and Antoine to board the train, for they both knew the moment they stepped off of it there was more promise for them than there had ever been. It was not the first time that Zelda had left her home on such hope, and a small spark of adventure flared up within her, imagining the towering orange hills of fantasy novels that she would get to see. It seemed like a whole new world, the mere thought of which made her feel young again.

Even Antoine, whose path to reach this point had been more difficult than he would ever admit, felt more excitement at that moment than sorrow. A burden had been lifted from his shoulders, one that would only lighten with each bump along the railroad track West.

His sister, although seemingly more willing to leave than he had ever been, held no illusions about what waited for her at the end of the journey. She knew that at the train depot in New Mexico waited a man she loved and who loved her in return, a man who had offered her a life that she was supposed to want, but that she had turned down once before.

But she had never left New Orleans, never knew what it might be like outside of this crescent of sin and memories surrounded by murky waters. She pulled her niece close and smiled down at her, entertaining for a moment that perhaps she was only afraid, and perhaps their lives would be better at the end of their train journey.

For looking down at Violette, Josephine was sure of one thing: her niece’s eyes held no fear. They stared at the steamer in unabashed, child-like wonder. It was perhaps the grandest thing that Violette had ever seen, grander even than the painted facades of her home city or the glittering electric lights shimmering off of her mother’s dress as she sang.

Why would she be afraid? She was with her family. Her father was with them this time, and he would never leave again, she was sure of it. And the train was there to take them all West, to the seemingly fabled land where her aunt promised her all of her dreams would come true.

[romanticlamahatta]

Tiger Hill | Darjeeling | SUNRISE

Tiger Hill is the most popular destination of tourists who come to Darjeeling. Its claim to fame is the impressive view of sunrise from this point. The first point that a traveller goes is Tiger Hill and then the entire tour for the day follows.

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[tokidokitokyo]

千葉県

Japanese Prefectures: Kantō - Chiba

都道府県 (とどうふけん) - Prefectures of Japan

Learning the kanji and a little bit about each of Japan’s 47 prefectures!

Kanji・漢字

千　ち、セン　thousand

葉　は、ヨウ　leaf, lobe

県　ケン　prefecture

関東　かんとう　Kantō, region consisting of Tokyo and surrounding prefectures

Prefectural Capital (県庁所在地) : Chiba City (千葉市)

Chiba lies on the Bōsō Peninsula on the east coast of Tokyo Bay, about 20 miles (30 km) southeast of central Tokyo, and boasts many international facilities such as Narita International Airport, known as the gateway to Japan); Makuhari Messe, one of the most prominent convention centers in Asia; Kazusa DNA Research Institute, a world leader in cutting edge research; and Tokyo Disney Resort, with two theme parks that draw in 30 million patrons each year. It also boasts beaches for swimming, surfing, and diving and was the location for the first Olympic surfing games. Historically, Chiba was a castle town controlled by the Chiba family in the 12th–15th century, and during the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) it served as a post-station town for several major roads. After the construction of a railway connecting it to Tokyo, the town began to grow in the second half of the 19th century.

Recommended Tourist Spot・おすすめ観光スポット Mt Nokogiri - 鋸山

Mt. Nokogiri - Hyaku-Shaku Kannon carved into stone cliff

Mt. Nokogiri is named for the zigzag shape of a traditional handsaw that its topography resembles. Along with Mt. Kanozan and Mt. Kiyosumi, Mt. Nokogiri is one of Chiba's three most famous mountains. It stands at 330 meters high and features a grand lookout point as well as a temple complex containing one of Japan's largest Buddhas. The mountain is bare granite and has been a quarry since the Edo Period, providing stones for many of Tokyo's most iconic sites, such as Yasukuni Shrine and Waseda University. You can reach the top by an easy hike or via a ropeway to the top. Hell Lookout (地獄のぞき) is a lookout point at the top of the mountain that hangs over the edge of the cliff and offers a stunning view of Tokyo Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the distant forests and hills of the Boso Peninsula, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji.

At the southern base of Mt. Nokogiri is Nihonji Temple (日本寺), an officially designated Important Cultural Property. There's a stairway leading from the top of the mountain down to the vast, picturesque Soto Zen Buddhist temple that dates back 1300 years and is still used to train young monks today. A giant daibutsu, or Buddha statue, is carved into the granite on the side of Mt. Nokogiri about midway up the mountain. It is 31 meters high and one of Japan's largest Buddhas, even larger than Kamakura's famous daibutsu at Kotokuin Temple. The statue was built to pray for world peace and most of the statue was carved over three years beginning in 1780.

In addition to the giant daibutsu, there are around 1500 small statues of various Buddhist deities around the temple grounds. Unfortunately, many of the smaller statues were beheaded during the anti-Buddhist movement that accompanied the Meiji Restoration, but there are ongoing efforts to repair them. This part of Nihonji was a spiritual sanctuary built over 21 years in the 18th century by craftsman Ono Kangoro and his students. Towards the top of the mountain stands a 30-meter tall Hyaku-Shaku Kannon, depicting the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Carved in 1966 into a stone cliff, it is dedicated to those who died in wars, of sickness or in accidents. The Kannon is also worshiped as a protector of transportation due to its protected location surrounded by rocks.

Regional Cuisine - 郷土料理 Sangayaki - さんが焼き

Sangayaki (source)

Namerou and sangayaki are well-known Chiba dishes, especially along the Bōsō Peninsula. Namerou (なめろう) is a dish usually made of minced horse mackerel and sardine mixed with miso, perilla leaves, and leek. When grilled and wrapped in perilla leaves, it is called sangayaki (さんが焼き). The name "namerou" may have come from the fact that namerou is so good that you want to lick your plate clean (nameru means to lick). The name "sangayaki" may be from the fact that the fishermen ate the dish along a river tributary, or sanga, and the word yaki means to grill (like yakisoba or yakitori). Namerou can be cooked in other ways, such as being shaped and grilled like a burger, or being coated in breadcrumbs and fried.

Chiba Dialect・Chiba no hougen・千葉の方言

Note: Chiba dialect is sometimes called Bōsō-ben (房総弁), after the peninsula. Chiba dialect is actually a family of three dialects: Bōshū-ben (房州弁), Tōsō-ben 東総弁, and Noda-ben (野田弁).

Bōshū-ben (房州弁)

1. おいねえ　oinee　not good

はしけえでおいねえや (hashikee de oinee ya)

Standard Japanese: かゆくていけないよ (kayukute ikenai yo)

English: This itches so badly

2. くわっせえ　kuwassee　please eat (command)

ばーさんほら、わーかでいーがらくわっせぇよ (baa-san hora, wa-ka de iigara kuwassei yo)

Standard Japanese: おばあさんほら、少しでいいから召し上がってよ (obaasan hora, sukoshi demo ii kara meshi agate yo)

English: Grandma, come on, please just eat a little bit

3. やんべえ　yanbee　health; condition (often used in a greeting)

いいやんべえだねえ (ii yanbee da nee)

Standard Japanese: こんにちは (konnichiwa)

English: Hello; Good day (lit. "you are in good health today")

Tōsō-ben 東総弁

1. あじょうだぁ　ajyou daa　how is it

あじょうだぁ？ (ajyou daa?)

Standard Japanese: どうですか？　(dou desu ka?)

English: How is it?

2. ねっけぇ　nekkee　warm

今日はずいぶんとねっけぇね (kyou wa zuibun to nekkee ne)

Standard Japanese: 今日はずいぶんと暖かいね (kyou wa zuibun to atatakai ne)

English: Today is fairly warm, isn't it?

3. わんらー　wanraa　you (informal, not very polite)

わんらーよー！んなことやってねーよ！ (wanraa you! 'n na koto yatte nee yo!)

Standard Japanese: あなたねえ！そんな事しないでよ！ (anata nee! sonna koto shinai de yo!)

English: Hey you! Stop doing that!

Noda-ben (野田弁)

1. こわい　kowai　difficult, taxing, bothersome

風邪ひいででまーだこわいだよなぁ (kaze hiide de maa-da kowai da yo naa)

Standard Japanese: 風邪を引いていてまだ身体がだるいんだよね　(kaze wo hiite ite mada karada ga daruin da yo ne)

English: I have a cold and my body still feels listless

2. はらくち　harakuchi　full

はらくちだよなぁ (harakuchi da yo naa)

Standard Japanese: お腹いっぱいだよね (onaka ippai da yo ne)

English: I'm full

3. やっこら　yakora　soon

やっこらいくべ (yakora iku be)

Standard Japanese: そろそろいこうか (sorosoro ikou ka)

English: Shall we go soon?