Gozocabs take on festivals of Srinagar

Srinagar celebrations

If you look at the ethnicity of Srinagar, the Brahmins, also known as Kashmiri Pandits were among the earliest inhabitants, followed by Muslims. The present-day Srinagar has become a cosmopolitan city homing folks from Rajasthan and other North-Indian states. Despite the diversity in religion, the locals live a harmonious life in Srinagar. People respect and celebrate the religious festivals with a charm. Here is a list of some distinct native festivals of Srinagar.

Navroz Festival

It is a festival of Shia Muslim community. The festival is celebrated for 9 days, usually in the month of March or April. During this festival, people gather in mosques, offer prayers, and embrace each other.

Navroz literally means a new day and this festival marks the beginning of Persian new year.

Urs Festival

Urs festival is meant to commemorate the death anniversary of the Muslim saints. The festival is held at the respective Saint’s tomb and on this day, meat is forbidden.

Ganga Ashtami

It is a festival of the Hindu community residing in Srinagar. On this day, Shraddha (special prayer for the departed) is performed in the memory of the departed ancestors.

srinagar festivals
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

Nureh Mavazi

It is a regional festival fair in the Northern parts of Srinagar. On the 15th day of the dark fortnight of Chaitra Month, a fair held at Vichar Nag town of Srinagar.

Kheer Bhawani Festival

The Brahmins of Srinagar have a special faith in Goddess Kheer Bhawani, also known as Raganya Devi. The deity is an avatar of Goddess Durga and has been blessing the town for untold years. Kheer Bhawani festival is held during Navratri (9 days of a year dedicated to Goddess Durga) at Kheer Bhawani Temple in the Tulla-Mulla town of Srinagar.

Although Srinagar has faced terrorist attacks in the past, still the culture here is alive. And so is the faith in the shrines, in whose praise these festivals are celebrated.

You can also rent a car in Srinagar for your itinerary and enjoy a comfortable trip.

Useful links-

Find a quick way to reach Srinagar

Exploring Srinagar in one day

5 places near Srinagar that will keep you awestruck

Fall in love with these amazing food of Srinagar

These things you can shop at Srinagar while spending less

Srinagar: These pictures say it all

5 amazing getaways from Ludhiana

fateh burj mohali punjab

Ludhiana is a large industrial city in the Punjab state of India. If you are seeking quick getaways from Ludhiana, here is a list.

Panchkula

cactus garden panchkula
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

It is a well-planned city in the Haryana state of India. The city homes the headquarters of the Western Command of the Indian Army. The must visit sites in this city are-

  • Chhatbir Zoo
  • Sukhna Lake and wildlife sanctuary
  • Cactus garden or National Cactus and Succulent Botanical Garden and Research Centre
  • Garden of silence

Distance between Ludhiana and Panchkula: 121 kilometers, 2 hours drive

Book a cab from Ludhiana to Panchkula

Mohali

fateh burj mohali punjab
Courtesy: www.bottlein.com

Known with different names like Ajitgarh or Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS), Mohali is a rapidly developing IT of Punjab. The city has many international level sporting avenues. Some of the interesting sites of the city are-

  • Fateh Burj
  • Rose Garden
  • Silvi Park
  • Gurudwara Sri Amb Sahib Patshahi Satvi
  • Valley of Animal Park

Distance between Ludhiana and Mohali: 99 kilometers, 2 hours drive

Book a cab from Ludhiana to Mohali

Dehradun

George Everest's House
Courtesy: beqesh.wordpress.com

Dehradun is the capital city of Uttarakhand state of India. It lies in the foothills of Himalayas with river Ganges and Yamuna on either side. Dehradun displays a mix of Bengali, Punjabi, Nepali, Tibetan, Garhwali, and Kumaoni cultures. Here are main attractions of this city-

  • George Everest’s house
  • Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple
  • Rajaji National Park
  • Buddha temple
  • Lambi Dehar mines

Distance between Ludhiana and Dehradun: 260 kilometers, 5.5 hours drive

Book a cab from Ludhiana to Dehradun

Amritsar

Golden Temple
The Golden Temple of Amritsar, India

The Golden Temple of Amritsar, a holy gurudwara or the Sikhs place of worship is famous all over the world. Well, not only the Golden Temple but the city homes to a number of mesmerizing sites. Some of them are-

  • Jallianwala Bagh
  • Wagah-Attari border ceremony
  • Akal Takht
  • Partition museum

Distance between Ludhiana and Amritsar: 142 kilometers, 2.5 hours drive

Book a cab from Ludhiana to Amritsar

Chandigarh

Chandigarh Capitol Complex
Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Chandigarh is a capital city of two states of India- Punjab and Haryana. The city is extremely well planned and you can cover many sites on just a day’s getaway. Here are some-

  • Chandigarh capitol complex and open hand monument
  • International dolls museum
  • Shantikunj park
  • Zakir Hussain rose garden
  • Government museum and art gallery

Distance between Ludhiana and Chandigarh: 53 kilometers, 1.5 hours drive

Book a cab from Ludhiana to Chandigarh

Useful links-

5 places to visit if you only have a day in Ludhiana

The delicious Ludhiana food we call fall forever

Travel options to reach Ludhiana and the best time to visit

Easy ways to reach Kasol

Chalal Trek Trail

Kasol is a place where you can find wooden hanging bridges over narrow tributaries of the river. Who would not like to walk over shallow clear water on a swinging rope bridge? What’s more, the place is least crowded unlike many hill stations of the north. If such is your fantasy of holidays, then Kasol is your place.

Let’s have a look at possible routes and travel options to reach Kasol.

Reaching Kasol by air

Kasol is a small village town amidst the Parvati river valley. There is no direct airport in Kasol. The nearest airport is the Bhuntar airport, which is about 31 kilometers far from Kasol. From this airport, you can hire private cab or taxi or even take local transport to reach Kasol.

Reaching Kasol by train

The nearest railway station from Kasol is the Pathankot railway station, which is about 150 kilometers far from Kasol. We suggest checking the railway time-table and connectivity before opting to this rail route.

Alternatively, you can also board the train towards Chandigarh railway station, which is at a distance of about 310 kilometers. This station is well connected with major Indian cities and has regular trains. From Chandigarh railway station, you can take government bus or private taxi to reach Kasol.

Reaching Kasol by road

The road to Kasol is beautiful and worth spending time. The midway breaks are equally fascinating. Kasol has frequent buses from Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi operated by HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation). There are also many tour bus packages covering Kasol and neighboring cities.

You can also opt for self-driving or ride a private cab to reach Kasol.

Trout fishing in Kasol
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

Please note, if you are looking for an affordable stay in Kasol, you can check room availability at Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib. It offers free of cost lodging and food to the travelers. More information to inquire about stay in Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib- here.

Useful links-

Kasol: One-day trip planner

Stunning places to visit on your Kasol trip

Offbeat things to do in Kasol

Fascinating places you can visit on one day Ahmedabad trip

Adalaj Stepwell ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is an important city in the Gujarat state of India. If you have only a day’s time to spend in Ahmedabad, you can visit the following places.

Adalaj Stepwell

Adalaj Stepwell ahmedabad
Courtesy: kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com

Also known as Rudabai stepwell, the Adalaj stepwell is an ancient water source for the residents of Adalaj village, a rural town close to Ahmedabad. It is believed to be constructed during the 1400s by the king of Vaghela dynasty.

Address: Adalaj, Gujarat 382421, India

Visiting time: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Time to spend: 45 minutes

Next destination: Sabarmati Ashram, 30 minutes drive

Sabarmati Ashram

Sabarmati Ashram
Courtesy: commons.wikimedia.org

Located on the banks of Sabarmati river, the ashram is now a museum depicting the life and work of India’s leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027, India

Contact: +91 79 2755 7277

Time to spend: 1.5 hours

Next destination: Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, 10 minutes drive

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

sidi saiyyed mosque ahmedabad
Courtesy: www.flickr.com

It is one of the famous mosques of Ahmedabad. It was constructed in the year 1572 AD.

Address: Opposite Electricity House Gheekanta, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India

Contact: +91 79 2550 7147

Time to spend: 1 hour

Next destination: Jama Masjid, 10 minutes drive

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid Ahmedabad
Courtesy: www.youtube.com

The Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad is an iconic landmark in the town. It is a yellow sandstone mosque with 15 domes.

Address: Manek Chowk, Gandhi Road, Danapidth, Khadia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India

Time to spend: 1 hour

Next destination: Bhadra Fort, 10 minutes walk

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fort
Courtesy: www.flickr.com

Built by Ahmed Shah I of Muzaffarid dynasty in the year 1411, the Bhadra Fort is almost ruined with surviving walls and gate.

Address: Court Road, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India

Time to spend: 30 minutes

Next destination: Sabarmati Riverfront, 5 minutes drive

Sabarmati Riverfront

Sabarmati Riverfront
Courtesy: sabarmatiriverfront.com

It is a promenade (paved walking path) along the banks of river Sabarmati. You can enjoy boating, strolling in the park, etc.

Address: Sabarmati Riverfront Walkway East, Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001, India

Visiting time: 04:00 AM to 01:30 AM

Time to spend: 45 minutes

Next destination: Kankaria Lake, 20 minutes drive

Kankaria Lake

kankaria lake ahmedabad
Courtesy: www.traveldglobe.com

Also known as Hauj-e-Qutb, Kankaria Lake is the second largest lake in Ahmedabad. The lakeside offers soothing breeze all time.

Address: Kankaria, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380002

Time to spend: 45 minutes

You can also rent a car in Ahmedabad for your itinerary and onward journey.

Route plan

One day in Ahmedabad
Courtesy: Google Maps

Useful Links-

The Ahmedabad food that wins your heart

5 amazing and accessible places from Ahmedabad

Offbeat hangouts in Ahmedabad

Nearby places that compliment Lakshadweep trip

Kumarakom

Lakshadweep is a serene group of islands and a Union Territory of India. Sparsely inhabited, the island is a perfect destination for those seeking quite and solace. In general, the tour packages (especially the cruise tour packages) comprises 5 days and 4 nights trip. But, if you have more vacation, you can visit these coastal cities of India to complement tour trip.

Kochi

St. Francis Church fort kochi
Courtesy: www.flickr.com

You will be anyhow visiting Kochi on your endeavor to reach Lakshadweep because the ships and flights to Lakshadweep starts from Kochi. It is a lovely coastal town in the Kerala state of India. On your trip, grab some time to visit Fort Kochi area, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace, and Cherai Beach.

Via flight, reaching Kochi from Lakshadweep shall take 1.5 hours and via cruise or ship, it might take 15-20 hours.

Idukki

eravikulam national park idukki kerala
Courtesy: eravikulam.org

Idukki is a densely forested and mountainous region of Kerala. The forest of Idukki is known for the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms every 12 years. Well, some interesting sites in the city include-

  • Periyar National Park
  • Eravikulam National Park
  • Mattupetty Dam

Distance between Kochi and Idukki: 130 kilometers, 4 hours drive

Book a cab from Kochi to Idukki

Curious to know more about Neelakurinji flower? Here is an information from wikipedia.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom
Courtesy: www.happinessplunge.com

It is a village on the Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala. The village is famous for the houseboat voyages in its canals. More serene sites in this village include-

  • Pathiramanal
  • Bay Island Driftwood Museum
  • The Great Backwaters
  • Chavara Bhavan

Distance between Kochi and Kumarakom: 48 kilometers, 1.5 hours drive

Book a cab from Kochi to Kumarakom

The Kumarakom village is very close to Kochi, and you get to see, two entirely distinct water bodies- one, a clear water and open sky from Lakshadweep and two, the water through a dense forest.

Useful links-

How to reach Lakshadweep island?

Make the best out of your Lakshadweep trip

A sneak peek into the beauty of Lakshadweep island