Author: Vicki

Plan your Janmashtami with us. In this holy month of Janmashtami – the birth of Lord Krishna, Gozocabs brings to you the opportunity to travel to Mathura and Vrindavan which are the most significant places of pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Krishna. Krishna was born in Mathura and spent his childhood in Vrindavan.

In the city of Mathura, celebrations start over a month before the day of birth of Lord Krishna. Two most important aspects of the Janmashtami festival celebrated here are Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. Rasleelas are performed by various groups especially by 10-13 year old kids. Also Jankis are made, which are clay modeled figures on display wherein scenes depicting various stages of Krishna’s life are showcased all over the city of Mathura. Krishna was born at midnight so the celebrations lead up to that time after which various pujas and rituals take place in the temples. The main event is held at the actual location of Krishna’s birth which is now converted into a big Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The idol is kept in a room called Garbha Griha, it is given a ritualistic bath with milk and curd, dressed up in traditional clothes and placed in the cradle. The cradle is then rocked while the devotees chant prayers and sing hymns. It is a popular belief that any wish made while the cradle is rocked, comes true on the day of Janmashtami. As the devotees welcome the lord, the lord is presented with panchamrit and Chappan bhog (56 dishes). This is then distributed among the devotees who break their fast with this.

MATHURA: The city of Mathura is located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura being the birthplace of Lord Krishna depicts the eternal devotion towards the Lord. According to the legends, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. There are innumerable number of holy sites in this city. Each of the ghat speaks of Krishna and the trees of the undying love between Krishna and Radha. The major sites located in Mathura are: Dwarkadhis Temple, Kesavadeva, Temple, Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir, Kusum Sarovar and Radha Kund.

VRINDAVAN: Vrindavan also known as the  ”City of Temples” houses over 4000 temples devoted to lord Krishna. Vrindavan is a small town but a major place for pilgrims, located around 15 km away from Mathura. Lord Krishna is said to have spent his childhood in this city. There are several stories of his mischief with the local people of the city and his raslila with the gopis. The main temples one must watch out for: Madan Mohan Temple, Govind Dev Temple, Radha Gopinath Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple and Banke Bihari Temple.

You can book a Gozocab from Delhi-Mathura, Vrindavan or Agra-Mathura, Vrindavan. Downlaod the Gozo app from Google Playstore and book a cab online or call us at +91 90518 77000.

Haridwar is an ancient city in the state of Uttarakhand, where the River Ganga exits the Himalayan foothill. The city of Haridwar is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, this holy place is so popular, not only in India but also across the world that innumerable tourists and pilgrims visit Haridwar throughout the year mainly on the occasion of religious festivals and fairs. Kumbh Mela is one of the biggest festivals in Haridwar which happens once after 12 years and Ardha Kumbh Mela after 6 years. The fairs and festivals in Haridwar are celebrated ardently. Some of the major festivals celebrated in  Haridwar are Kavad Mela, Somavati Amavasya Mela, Ganga Dussehra, Ram Navami, and Janmashtami.

The Kavad Mela during the pious month of Shravana is one of the most popular festivals celebrated in Haridwar. It welcomes a huge number of devotees of Lord Shiva who come to take the holy water of river  Ganga. The month of Shravana is dedicated to Lord Shiva and most devotees observe a fast on Mondays during the month, as it also falls during the chaturmas period, traditionally set aside for religious pilgrimages, bathing in holy rivers and penance. During the annual monsoon season thousands of saffron-clad pilgrims carry water from the Ganga. While most pilgrims are men, a few women also participate in the Kavad Yatra. Most travel the distance on foot, a few also travel on bicycles, motor cycles, scooters, mini trucks or jeeps. As the sacred month of Shravana starts in the month of July, it lasts for a month.

Opt via Gozocabs

To be a part of the Kavad Festival ,choose  Gozocabs, you can book a Gozo cab well in advance via online reservation. Our cab services have been extended to almost every part of Haridwar, so you may decide your journey or drop anywhere. We have extended our facilities on a full- fledge manner in the inter-city service. Some of the routes being DELHI-HARIDWAR, GREATER NOIDA-HRIDWAR,GHAZIABAD-HARIDWAR and many more. For further information go to www.gozocabs.com .

Himachal Pradesh, a northern Indian state in the Himalayas, recognised for its trekking, climbing and skiing, and picturesque mountain towns and resorts such as Dalhousie. Himachal Pradesh also has a strong Tibetan presence, mirrored in its Buddhist temples and monasteries, and cuisine full of noodles and dumplings, and vibrant Tibetan New Year celebrations. The major and frequently travelled tourist destinations of Himachal are Shimla, Manali (Rohtang, Manikaran), Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu , but today we list down the places that  deserve to be on the list but are less travelled …

MALANA – Pushed away from the rest of the civilization, Malana is a small village in the district of Kullu. This place has a rich historical background as it is believed that the people of Malana are the descendants of Alexander the Great. They have their own administrative system very similar to the Greek system of law and administration, concept of purity, language and social structure. The lofty peaks of Chandrakhani and Deotibba shelters the village.You can reach Malana via Kasol by hiring a cab from Kasol and it will drop you at the steps leading to the village, from where the trek starts. It will take you approximately two hours to reach the village.

KHEERGANGA – Kheerganga is in the district of Kullu in the lap of the Parvati Valley. One can go till Barsaini from where the four hour trek starts till Kheerganga. It is believed that Lord Shiva had his abode here and meditated for thousands of years. The best thing about the place is the hot water spring which is said to have healing properties.

BAROT – Barot is a track destination in Himachal Pradesh. It has some wonderful terraced fields, thick cedar forests and a variety of outdoor activities. The Uhl River flowing next to the Barot Village mostly on both sides adds to its unique beauty.

KALPA – Kalpa is one of the biggest villages in Kinnaur and is best known for its lush green pine nut forests and the outstanding landscape covered with snow against the morning sunshine. The numerous apple orchards add to the beauty of the place. The holy Kailash Shivling rock that changes shades with the different times of the day can be beheld from here.

CHITKUL – Chitkul is a small settlement in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, situated on the Indo-Tibetan border. Interestingly, it is the last inhabited village on the border and the last destination in India that can be crossed without the need of a permit. One can stay at Sangla and make a one day trip to Chitkul. The river Baspa runs all along the journey making it a beautiful sight.

Agra is a city situated along the banks of river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a tomb built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal attracts a large number to tourists every year making it one of the most visited tourist spot. Apart from the Taj Mahal, there are a number of places visited by tourists,

Jama Masjid – The mosque also known as the “Friday Mosque” is one of the largest mosques in India. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Agra district. Some of the designs of the mosque reflect beautiful Iranian architecture.

Red Fort/Agra Fort – Situated right opposite to the Jama Masjid, the fort contains marvellous palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by Akbar and later Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Akbar’s Tomb – This mausoleum is situated on the outskirts of the Agra City. It houses the mortal remains of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is not as magnificent as the Taj Mahal or grand as the Red Fort, but it is still worth a visit for its Mughal Architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri – It is a city in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. Some of the places to visit here are Bulland Darwaza, Diwan-I-Khas, Jodhabai Palace, and Panch Mahal.

Opt via GOZOCABS

Well, to simplify your trip Gozo cab has introduced various routes from Agra. We have tailor-made trips to suit your itinerary. If you are planning to explore Agra and its nearby places, you can book a Gozo cab well in advance via online reservation. Our cab services have been extended to almost every part of Delhi, so you may decide your journey or drop anywhere nearby Agra. We have extended our facilities on a full- fledge manner in the inter-city service. Some of the routes being DELHI-AGRA, GURGAON-AGRA, GWALIOR-AGRA, LUCKNOW-AGRA, VARANASI-AGRA, and many more. For further information go to www.gozocabs.com .