Events - 11 Nov 16

One of the world’s classic trek. The ethereal views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam. A walk to the Mecca of mountaineering.

Mt. Everest! The mountain that has captivated the imagination of our race, sacred to both Hindus as well as Buddhists, this mountain now has acquired modern lore of its own, of heroic feats and tragic episodes. Walk with “Countryside” the route to the base camp of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8848m/29,030 ft. straddling the border of Nepal and Tibet. This mountain stands its solid and squat shape beside its neighbors Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Nuptse. This route is the most famous of all trekking routes in the world, and goes through some of the most stupendous landscapes anywhere. This is a region where superlatives start failing to describe that magic of a phenomenon that draws people of all kinds. We arrive into the exotic city of Kathmandu, capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal and next day – fly to Lukla, from where we begin our trek. This route through the Khumbu region goes up the Valley of Dudh Kosi River, through forests of rhododendron and pine, passing quaint Sherpa villages and remote Buddhist monasteries. En-route, we get spectacular views of Mounts Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest itself. Our route will directly take us to Kala Patthar and the Base Camp, from where we would get grand views of the Khumbu glacier and the Western cwm. Here’s a chance to have the experience of a lifetime…

The sprawling annual festivities of the 100 year old Pushkar Mela through its dramatic collage of diversified pictures, mirrors the vibrancy of the gracious state of Rajasthan. Held each November at the time of the full moon, the Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela is one of India’s most highly-rated travel experiences – a spectacle on an epic scale that attracts more than 50,000 camels, horses and cattle, 8,00,000 tourists and 60,000 expats from across the world, to the tiny desert town of Pushkar, on the edge of the Thar Desert.

Images of silber bells making heart pleasing jingles, animals walking over sparkling sand dunes and beautifully decked up camels with their owners sitting on their backs has become the most fascinating norm at this stunning cultural retreat. A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the world.

Thus, the grand occasion of the Pushkar Mela is definitely a priceless treat for those who wish to eye the vibrant culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

“A three-day festival like this would give a big boost to bird tourism in this coastal State, which is at a nascent stage”, said President of Goa Bird Conservation Network (GBCN) Parag Rangnekar in a report by The Hindu.

Goa is set to host its first ever bird festival from November 11 to 13. The festival is touted to be attended by  domestic as well as international guests. ‘Ruby throated yellow Bulbul’ Goa’s state bird has been chosen as the logo for the festival.

The Western Ghats constitute one of the 25 mega bio-diversity hot spots in the world and by virtue of its location, the State represents a unique confluence of two diverse eco-systems, one influenced by marine environment and the other by terrestrial forest resulting in an astonishing diversity of species with high endemism, habitats and diversity, said Goa Minister for Environment and Forest Rajendra Arlekar in a report by The Hindu.

Goa’s list of birds is very rich. The state has recorded 432 bird species out 1224 species found in India and 10293 spicies world wide. The registration for the festival is on first cum first served bases for 200 delegates.

Bird watching trips will be organised in wildlife sanctuaries of Bondla and Mollem and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao. Technical sessions would be conducted by renowned personalities from the field of Ornithology. Also, video films on birds will be showcased as part of the bird festival.