Gangotri- One of the Dham

The position of initiation of shri Bhagirathi is positioned at a distance of 28 kms. The place of worship of Bhagirathi is located at Gangotri. In this place of worship figures of Shri Ganga ji, Yamuna ji, Lakshmi ji, Saraswati ji, Parwati ji and Annapurna ji are seen. All items of Pooja are prepared up by Gold only. An impenetrable jungle of deodar is also to be found here. The shrine of Ganga is sited on the right bank of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) and its voyage can be observed in a variety of moods profound and quiet in the lower plains, but at Gangotri, Bhagirathi it is splashing, hurling, frothing and lively in an overjoyed air. Bhagirthi is pretty diverse from Alaknanda, Saraswati and Yamuna, so the stream of Gangotri is taken to Rameshwaram in south India and presented to Lord Shiva. There are in addition a few Ashrams and Dharamshalas on the left bank of Bhagirathi.

Gaumukh
Gaumukh is the known resource of Ganga. The Gangotri Glacier which is approximately 6 to 8 KM in breadth and just about 24 K.M in distance end to end is positioned at an altitude of 4255 m beyond sea level and placed in the mind of the Gangotri Peaks. The most excellent time to holiday in Gaumukh is from June to Septmber every year. Earlier than June and subsequent to October the bristle pathway can be full of danger.

Devotees take one dip very soon in the freezing water of Gaumhukh and the Hindus with parochial outlook suppose that even a lone dip in the Gaumukuhi water is enough to clean away all the sins and accomplish the intention of one's life. Just 3 kms from Gaumukh, amid the two Glaciers, Meru and Gangotri, there extends a huge plain Known as "Tapovanam". It is an enormously stunning spot that enthralls the mind by its usual charisma. Nandanvan is opposite Tapovan.


Yamunotri
The shrine of Yamuna ji is the chief place of worship. In the vicinity of this temple there are a small number of hot water springs where the water comes out of the mountains hollow space and is scorching hot. Surya-Kund is the main kund. A dash of rice or potatoes, put with a loose knot in a cloth, are put in it and following a few minutes when taken out they are wholly cooked. These are taken home and used as prasad. In the close proximity to the Surya Kund there is a shila called Divya-Shila which is respected before puja is offered to Yamunaji.

Close by is the Jamuna Bai Kund constructed about 75 years ago and is used for a sacred bath. The water is pleasingly warm and comforting.

Relax in Paradise: Fort Lauderdale Inns

Although some go to Fort Lauderdale for business, one of the main reasons that people go to the Florida Keys is for a bit of sun and relaxation and to have a vacation from their crazy lives back home. Whether you choose to stay in one of the many affordable Fort Lauderdale Inns, or else spend a little extra to stay in one among the wonderful Florida Keys hotels, resorts, or various lodging options, you will definitely find that relaxation and solace that you are searching for. If you are looking for just an inexpensive getaway to clear your head and get you the sunshine and silence that you have been craving or if you are looking for the luxury of a high class resort where you can be pampered and waited upon like you really deserve, there is a place for you in Fort Lauderdale where you will find everything that you are looking for. Fort Lauderdale presents a wide variety of lodging to meet the needs of everybody who may want to arrive and see their excellent town. From pretty hotels which peak out amongst the wide variety of restaurants, cafes, theatres, nightclubs and shops to the huge five star resorts that are more or less like tiny towns all on their own. Those who have limited budget, can easily afford these inns for accommodation which are easy to find so that you can stay in an area where you feel most comfortable and relaxed. Whether you want to be in front of the white sand beaches or faraway from all the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd, there is a Fort Lauderdale inn out there for you, providing all which you may want throughout your lodging. From the several accomodations, beach resorts are just ideal if you are planning to spend your day lavishly and luxuriously. As regards the whole nightlife, shopping and cuisine pick one of these Florida Keys hotels. You wont be bothered about your work as you are away from the hectic schedule of your life. Majority of them provide all from directing tours of the town, to treatments in spa to create the fantastic peaceful trip and also pools and hot tubs in case swimming in the ocean is not your choice. You can inquire about different packages that they might have so that your vacation can be as hassle free and relaxing as possible. If you book in one of these wonderful sites, you definitely will have warm memories to take back home and make your pals jealous. You must know all the details about the package offered by the travel companies as you shouldn't be surprised with anything unusual while on holidays. You have to assure that your vacation goes exactly as intended and ensure that you are at peace by the time you get back home to normal life. So no matter how you plan your vacation or where you stay, whether it is in one of the wonderful little Fort Lauderdale inns where you can be close to everything that you might want to see for an affordable price or in one of the Florida Keys hotels, resorts, or inns where you can be pampered like royalty and are given bragging rights for when you go back home, your stay in Fort Lauderdale will be a good one. You'll bring back warm memories of your holiday to the sunny white beaches and it will be one of those places which you will constantly be struggling to come back even if it's merely for a few days each time. Florida will surely compel you to plan your next trip back here again.

Big City Sounds With A Caribbean Twist At The Aruba Music Festival

As an island known for its vibrant tropical energy and diverse entertainment options, Aruba is one of the best destinations in the Caribbean to experience live music. The capital city of Oranjestad is known as a hotbed of Caribbean jazz and latin music, as numerous clubs and concert halls host live bands throughout the year. Even outside the main tourist areas of Oranjestad, live music can be heard in restaurants and on the beaches. The island is also home to major music festivals, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival - an annual event held each May that showcases internationally-renowned soul and R&B artists - and the Aruba Music Festival - a two-day festival that welcomes top-selling classic rock groups, up-and-coming superstars and lesser-known regional artists. While events like the Aruba Music Festival are staged throughout the world, few festivals can boast the event's unique combination of big-city entertainment and inviting Caribbean atmosphere.

Though only in its 8th official season, the Aruba Music Festival has already lured an incredible array of top-selling performers. Prior to becoming the Aruba Music Festival, the event was known as the Aruba Jazz and Latin Festival. Developed in the 1980s to showcase the Caribbean region's rich musical tradition, the Aruba Jazz and Latin Festival was expanded and renamed in 2002. Though the Aruba Music Festival was created as a way to present top international touring acts, the festival has remained true to its roots and continues to offer performances by jazz and latin artists from throughout the Caribbean region.

While the lineup for this year's festival has not yet been announced, the event is sure to feature famous classic rock acts, as well as many local, regional and up-and-coming international performers. In recent years, headlining acts at the Aruba Music Festival have included well-known classic rock bands such as Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Queen and Crosby Stills and Nash. The festival has also lured several internationally-recognized singer-songwriters such as Lionel Richie, Jackson Browne and contemporary favorite, John Mayer. Before the headliners take the stage each day at the Aruba Music Festival, the side stage heats up with a diverse array of musical styles, most provided by groups specialized in dance-friendly Caribbean genres.

The Aruba Music Festival takes place each year at the state-of-the-art Aruba Entertainment Center. The spacious outdoor venue allows concert-goers to enjoy the cool evening weather in a scenic setting located only five minutes drive from downtown Oranjestad and fifteen minutes drive from the island's Hotel Zone. The Aruba Entertainment Center offers superior acoustics and the open, but intimate design ensures that all concert-goers have excellent views of the main stage. The venue features large general admission and open grass areas that allow concert-goers to stretch out on blankets and enjoy a relaxing, picnic-like experience, while those that prefer reserved seats will find excellent views near the stage. Behind the seating areas, a number of concession stands serve up food and drinks, including local brews and snacks.

As the Aruba Music Festival is staged just before the beginning of the peak tourism season, budget-conscious travelers visiting the island prior to the winter holidays are granted an excellent opportunity to experience the island's vibrant music scene. Tourists visiting Aruba during the fall season will also be assured of excellent weather, as the island falls outside the storm belt that affects many Caribbean islands.

The Aruba Music Festival will take place this year on the weekend of October 9-10. After this year's schedule of headlining acts is developed, updates about the festival can be found on Aruba's official tourism website (http://www.aruba.com). As the schedule will appear prominently in local travel publications, travelers can also contact their resort for more details about the festival.

Day-Tripping To Isla Holbox

Though there are numerous day-trip opportunities available to tourists staying in Cancun, locals and experienced travelers return to a charming destination known as Isla Holbox time and time again. Located 40 miles northwest of Cancun, Isla Holbox is known for its exotic scenery and unique local culture. Much like the remarkable beachfront Hotel Zone in Cancun, Isla Holbox rests just off the Mexican mainland along a picturesque section of the Caribbean coast. As a result, the 7.5-mile-long island is known primarily as a beach destination where day-trippers can stretch out on quiet stretches of sand or play in the warm Caribbean water. While enjoying the views, visitors to the Isla Holbox can also indulge in local delicacies and revel in the island's inviting atmosphere.

Like many destinations in the Cancun area, Isla Holbox possesses both Mayan roots and a modern history dominated by generations of fishermen. In Mayan, Holbox means "black hole," a reference to the dark, seemingly bottomless lagoon located on the southern tip of the island. Just as the ancient Mayan civilization relied on the vibrant, fish-filled waters surrounding Isla Holbox, the island's current population of just over 1,000 residents are known as expert fishermen that regularly offer their freshest catches to restaurants and resorts throughout the Mexican Riviera.

While much of the seafood caught offshore from Isla Holbox finds its way to Cancun, there are several remarkable cafes and food counters on the island that feature fresh, local fish and unique regional recipes. Both in the main village and near the beach, visitors will find affordable snacks such as ceviche, empanadas and fresh tropical fruit on sale throughout the day. Coconut cocktails - available mixed with rum or as non-alcoholic treats - are the island's favored drinks, as numerous plantations provide locals with endless supply of the tropical fruit. Amongst the small cafes and food counters in the main village, visitors will also find a number of souvenir shops that sell everything from handmade arts and crafts to locally-produced hammocks.

While there are plenty of ways to enjoy an afternoon in the main village, the scenic beach remains the most popular attraction. The white sand beach of Isla Holbox boasts excellent views of the Caribbean Sea and opportunities to swim amongst dolphins and the world's largest fish, the whale shark. The beach of Isla Holbox is home to a wide array of hammocks and shade umbrellas for year-round relaxation, while coconut trees and other native plants add an off-the-grid, tropical atmosphere. On the inland side of the island, visitors can witness flocks of flamingoes, pelicans and other tropical birds amongst a vibrant lagoon ecosystem. Recognizing the environmental diversity present on the island and in the surrounding waters, Mexico created the Yum Balam protected area in 1994 to preserve the island's natural treasures for generations to come.

Those that want to explore the lagoon and some of the island's other natural destinations will find an interesting method of transportation available to tourists. While there are a small number of automobiles on the island, the primary method of transportation for locals and visitors alike is the golf cart. As there are no golf courses on the island, these tiny vehicles were adopted by locals for their ability to maneuver the village's white sand streets, while the modest top speeds have always seemed like a perfect match for Isla Holbox's laid-back lifestyle. Visitors hoping to enjoy the island at an even more leisurely pace will find plenty of bicycles for rent, while small motorbikes are available for those in search of a bit more adventure.

Isla Holbox can be reached from Cancun by ferry or airplane. Families that rent automobiles in Cancun can drive to the village of Chiquila and board the ferry to Isla Holbox with their vehicles, while bus and shuttle services can also transport visitors from Cancun's Hotel Zone to the ferry dock. Those hoping to enjoy a speedy trip to Isla Holbox can book a seat on one of Aerosaab's Cessna flights from Cancun to the new airstrip on the island. The five-seater aircrafts that fly to Isla Holbox each day also provide excellent views of the Caribbean Sea and lush rainforest areas north of Cancun.

As few destinations near Cancun truly provide the sensation of taking a trip back to a simpler time, Isla Holbox stands as one of the region's most fascinating day-trip opportunities. Resting only 40 miles from Cancun's Hotel Zone, Isla Holbox is also a convenient tropical hideaway for families hoping to experience a different side of the Yucatan region.

Music Of The Holiday Season In Aruba

As Aruba boasts a rich culture with strong Latin American, Caribbean and European influences, the island is home a wide array of unique traditions and events that can't be found anywhere else. While exciting elements of Aruba's culture are on display throughout the year, the holiday season features several events that highlight the island's melting pot culture and diverse musical history. From the beginning of November until after the New Year's holiday, bands and performers can be found at locations across the island, including many popular tourist destinations and even the resorts. Best of all, wherever visitors encounter Aruba's holiday performers, they will be welcomed by locals to join in the island's celebration of the holiday season.

Prior to the Christmas holiday, Arubans celebrate St. Nicolas Day, a festive day that shows off the island's Dutch heritage. A few weeks prior to St. Nicolas Day, Sinterklaas - the traditional Dutch version of the modern Santa Claus - arrives on boat at Paardenbaai Harbor where he is greeted by excited crowds, festive brass bands and other performers. The brass bands then lead Sinterklaas and his helpers in a parade through the streets of Oranjestad where visitors of all ages will have a chance to join locals in celebration, enjoy live music and catch a coveted first glance of Sinterklaas. Leading up to St. Nicolas Day, Sinterklaas can be spotted across Aruba, handing out treats to children and spreading holiday cheer to locals and visitors alike. On the December 5th holiday, local children leave their shoes out at night, alongside treats for Sinterklaas and his white horse, in hopes of receiving presents and sweets. As many local resorts also participate in this tradition, visiting children can also receive small gifts and treats from Sinterklaas.

One of the most interesting holiday musical traditions is known as Gaita, a unique genre of Venezuelan folk music born in the 1960s that Arubans have since combined with popular Latin American and Caribbean dance rhythms. Most of Aruba's Gaita groups begin practicing for holiday performances during the summer months, while the most talented ensembles often make professional recordings in September and October. Usually composed of 18 to 20 musicians, the Gaita groups incorporate instruments such as acoustic guitars, bass guitars and plenty of percussion instruments with origins ranging from Latin America, Africa and the other parts of the Caribbean. Many Gaita groups also utilize rarely-heard traditional instruments such as the cuarta - a small, four-stringed guitar known in Venezuela as a cuatro - the raspa - a gourd instrument with grooves that is played with a scraping motion - and the wiri - a metallic, often homemade, scraping instrument. As most Gaita groups begin playing throughout the island in early November, the unmistakable sound of Gaita music signals the beginning of the holiday season for locals. Until Christmas Day, Gaita groups can be seen and heard in venues as diverse as resorts, restaurants, night clubs, concert halls and throughout the streets of Oranjestad.

The holiday season also brings the Christmas Day tradition known as Aguinaldo. Known in Venezuela as Noche Buena, Aguinaldo is similar to the caroling traditions found through Europe and the United States. Groups of performers visit the homes of locals, as well as resorts and popular tourist destinations across the island, to share songs and the story of Christmas. Aguinaldo performers are known for their friendliness towards the island's visitors, as tourists are welcomed to join in a sense of community and mutual celebration for the holiday. Families staying in Aruba on the Christmas holiday will certainly spot and have a chance to interact with plenty of Aguinaldo performers, both at the resorts and throughout Oranjestad.

On New Year's Day, the caroling continues as small bands - typically five or six performers - roam the island spreading good cheer and blessings for the year to come. Known as Dande, this spirited musical tradition includes an upbeat combination of guitars, accordions and percussion instruments. Each Dande group features a singer that performs their own version of a traditional New Year's song, adding stories, fortunes and blessings for the audience. Tourists will also hear the other musicians sing the phrase "ai nobe" - "new year" in Papiamento - after each of the leader's improvised lines. While New Year's Day brings out the greatest number of Dande groups, many of the bands continue performing across the island throughout the first week of the year. Prior to the New Year's Day holiday, the island also hosts a festival to anoint a Dande King and Queen. The celebration, which features plenty of live music, takes place each year on the Saturday before New Year's Day.

With so many unique cultural events on the schedule each year, the holiday season is a great time to visit Aruba. As the excitement is known to spread across the island, visitors won't have to look far to find some of Aruba's most interesting holiday traditions.