Travelblogged » Cultural Holidays

Christmas Markets in Germany

Priya — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:09:52 +0000

The Advent Markets of Central Europe are a well established seasonal attraction drawing locals a well as visitors from across the world to visit their stalls, enjoy their ambience and snack on traditional winter dishes. One such market is in Bavaria, south of Germany where the tradition of Advent markets is long established. Munich, Augsberg, Nuremberg also boasts of many such markets in their public squares. People throng to buy gifts such as handcrafted candles, and wooden children’s toys.

These markets are locally called Christkindmarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt. The stalls of Munich’s biggest Christkindmarkt are built to resemble wooden alpine huts with seasonal decorations and handcrafted wooden goods. It’s hard to escape the tantalizing aromas of food, of confectionaries and roasted nuts and country wine heated in vats.

Every evening choirs sing and musicians play on the balcony of the Gothic style town hall. A 30 m high fir tree dominates the centre of the square and 2500 lights illumine its branches. This is a tradition dating back to 1830, when Therese von Sachsen, the wife of King Ludwig1 brought the first decorated Christmas tree into the royal palace. People gather work to bite into Sweet/spiced pieces of bread, biscuits with groundnuts, hot chestnuts, potato fritters with pureed apple and varieties of spiced ginger bread.

Throughout Advent a Christkindl tram runs along a route which takes several of Munich’s Christmas markets. Some of Germany’s most popular Christmas markets are located along the scenic route of the Romantic road, famed for its attractive walled cities with long histories. Foodies and shopaholics will have a great time in these markets.

Chokhi Dhani: Simulation of a Rajasthani Village

Priya — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:49:56 +0000

Chokhi Dhani Village, located around 18 km from Jaipur is a simulation of a Rajasthani Village. It was started in 1989 as part of ambiance for a restaurant and over the years it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of Rajasthan.
It is spread over 10 acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look, and is dotted with machaans & platforms where different folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich & vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

The display of traditional huts and workmanship transports you back in time with live dance and music performance all through the evenings. The magic show, the puppet show, acrobatics on a bamboo, the astrologer, the fortune teller parrot all leave the visitors spellbound.

The Chokhi Dhani Village also has a photo studio with traditional look, a national art and craft market, a museum and many more places showing rajasthani village culture, villagers’ lifestyle with a dining hall, renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food.

You can ride a camel, a horse drawn Tonga or an elephant and have a round of whole village in style, savoring the sights and sounds at a leisurely pace. Chokhi Dhani has its own beautiful village Lake “Tal Talaiya” where one can enjoy boating. There is a Museum for display of old locks, arms and utensils give you a glimpse of an age gone by.

Chokhi Dhani – Ethnic Village Resort
12 Miles, Tonk Road, Via Vatika, Jaipur – 303 905, INDIA
Tel: +91-141-277 0555, 277 0556
Fax: +91-141-277 0558
E-mail: info@chokhidhani.com

Jaisalmer: The Golden City

Priya — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:03:05 +0000

Jaisalmer also called the “The Golden City” is a town in Rajasthan, India which stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort. Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns.
The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in good condition. The main attraction is the fort built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156, which stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, housing the Raj Mahal, Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.

Among the many havelis theres is Patwon-ki-Haveli , an ornate 5 storey complex, built in a period of 50 years by Guman Chand Patwa (and later by his five sons), a wealthy merchant and banker who had over three hundred trading centres from Afghanistan to China. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli was built by Salim Singh in 1815 and has a beautifully arched roof capped with blue cupolas and carved brackets in the form of peacocks. Then there’s Haveli Shreenath, which is 450 years old has gorgeous archways, alluring alcoves, and magnificent rooms opening onto small balconies.

Also visit the Gadsisar Lake to have a view of the migratory birds as they indulge in amorous fight and the Desert Cultural center to take a sneak peek of Rajasthani culture. There are camel safaris available that take you to watch the sunset over the sand dunes for a mesmerizing experience. Jeep safaris are available too and are affordable.

On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, there are Sam Sand dunes where you can stay in the camp in solitude and just look at the sun setting behind the horizon. Another option is the Khuri sand dunes if you want yourself to get pampered by Rajasthani hospitality where you can listen to local folk music and enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Also visit Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis and appreciate the Dilwara style paintings scattered all around the ruins.

Best time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Delhi: 793 km
How to reach:
By Air: Jodhpur Airport (300 km)
By Rail: Jaisalmer Station

Dilli Haat: The Indian Experience in a Microcosm

Priya — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:07:03 +0000

Dilli Haat is a joint collaboration between the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Department, for promoting Indian handicrafts industry and Indian cuisine. It’s a shopper’s paradise, located in the heart of Delhi, near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, on Sri Aurobindo Marg, and offers a kaleidoscopic view of the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts and artifacts.
There is a nominal entry fee of Rs 15 per head in Dilli Haat. It is spread over a spacious six acre area; and the imaginative landscaping, creative planning, and the traditional village architectural style have combined to produce the perfect ambience for a Haat or market place. Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, the Dilli Haat is permanent. Some shops are permanent but most other stalls take turns to put up their wares for a period of 15 days.

The variety of products available is huge ranging from Kashmiri shawls, Jaipuri Mojris, Manipuri cutlery, Orissa tribal jewelry, rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, gems, Nagaland beads, brassware, and silk and wool fabrics. There are also stalls for organic food items and for promoting handicrafts and handlooms which are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process and spaces are allocated depending on which state the seller is from.

There is a food plaza that enables visitors to savor the inimitable flavors of cuisines from different regions of India. The different stalls offer a wide choice of ethnic food but are excessively priced. The Dilli Haat is an Indian experience in a microcosm. It’s a destination in itself and a window to a land filled with myriad colors and vibrant contrasts.
Dilli Haat, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Opp. INA Market, New Delhi, India 110023.
Phone : +91-11-4629365, 6119055