RAO TRAVEL- SHIMLA

The once summer capital of the British, now the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is surely a delight for the eyes. With its spectacular vista, Shimla is a region that is highly appreciated for its ethnic culture and eternal beauty. “Nati”, a local form of dance could be seen performed by the ever-friendly jubilant locals. Shimla is also an architectural paradise, flaunting many splendid colonial architecture buildings.

Rao Travel - Tour Itineraries

Tour Itineraries By Rao Travel

	Sacred Saurashtra – 7 Nights -/ 8 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra – 7 Nights / 8 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra – 4 Nights / 5 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra – 4 Nights / 5 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra – 3 Nights / 4 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra – 6 Nights / 7 Days
	Sacred Saurashtra with Headband & Mt. Abu 8 Nights / 9 Days.
	Sacred Saurashtra –7 Nights / 6 Days
	Gujarat Itinearary 15 days
	Days Tour De Gujarat
	13 Nights / 14 Days
	9 Nights / 10 Days
	11 Nights / 12 Days
	17 Nights / 18 Days

RAO TRAVEL- Along

Mopin is the main festival starts from 5 April to 6 April, people celebrate Mopin for rich crops cultivation and to blessed by nature. The Yomgo River Festival, held every year during peak tourist season, and lasting 3–4 days, is celebrated from 11 January to 15 January. This festival is celebrated with a view to promote tourism, indigenous culture and tradition, handloom & handicrafts and showcase its rich cultural heritage.

Aalo is a census town and headquarter of the West Siang district of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is located about a days drive 220 kilometres (140 mi) from Likabali which is at the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

RAO TRAVEL- CHHARI DHANDH

CHHARI DHANDH:

Chhari dhandh is known for its fresh water wet land in the grassland of banni, more than 20000

species of birds visit every year.

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RAO TRAVEL- AINA MAHAL

AINA MAHAL:

A walk through the maze of winding streets leads to the exquisite Aina Mahal Palace (Palace of Mirrors). It showcases a fascinating Indo – Dutch style of Architecture.

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RAO TRAVEL- MATA NO MATDH AT KUTCH

 The temple was built in the 14th century by two Karad Vanias, Ajo and Anagor. They were the ministers in the court of the father of Lakho Phulani. The temple was damaged by the earthquake in 1819. The temple was rebuilt by Sundarji Shivji and Mehta Vallabhaji, two Brahmakshatriya in 1823 (Samvat 1880). The temple is 58 ft. long, 32 ft. wide and 52 ft. tall. Except that it has a passage for walking round the deity, it is much the same as the temple at Koteshwar.^[1] The temple was damaged again by the earthquake in 2001but was repaired again.

The image of Ashapura Mata in the shrine is a red-painted stone, about six feet high and six feet broad at the base, narrowing to a point in a shape, with some rough likeness to a human form. It is said to have come from Jashod in Marwar. Here every year during the Navaratri, the Rao of Cutch used to offer a sacrifice of seven male buffaloes.^[1] The practice of animal sacrifice has been stopped.

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RAO TRAVEL- NAINITAL

Based in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand surrounding the volcanic lake Nani, Nainital is adored by millions and is often referred as the ‘Lake District’ of India. It is a destination for all, whether you are looking for a perfect family outing, or a romantic getaway. It is well connected by the major cities and offers a lot to rejuvenate your body and soul. Nainital Mountaineering Club; the name is enough to cheer the adrenaline seekers. With the variety of treks and the picturesque locations, Nainital is surely a must visit location.

MOST FAMOUS PLACE IN NAINITAL

• Raj Bhawan
• Naini Lake
• Gurney House

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RAO TRAVEL- FOLK DANCE OF GUJARAT

Garba (ગરબા in Gujarati) is a form of dance that originated in the state of Gujarat in India. The name is derived from the Sanskrit termGarbha ("womb") and Deep ("a small earthenware lamp"). Many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti. The circular and spiral figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances, such as those of Sufi culture. Traditionally, it is performed during the nine-day Hindu festival Navarātrī (Gujarati નવરાત્રી Nava = 9, rātrī = nights). Either the lamp (the Garba Deep) or an image of the Goddess, Durga (also called Amba) is placed in the middle of concentric rings as an object of veneration.

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RAO TRAVEL- BLACK HILL AT KUTCH

KALO DUNGAR (BLACK HILL):

25 kms north of Khavda, the top of the Black Hills is the highest point in Kutch, at 462 m. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the Great Rann, the desert and sky often becoming indistinguishable. It is one of the few non-coastal locations where one can feel like being at the edge of the earth, on the brink of incomprehensible vastness that fades off towards infinity.

RAO TRAVEL- MUNDRA PORT

Mundra is a census town in Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Mundra Port is the largest private port in India.

Mundra was well known for salt and spice trading in the past and now more for tie-dye and block-print textiles. The harbor is virtually unusable today, and only small local fishing craft navigate its silted waterways up the river.

Old Mundra town was walled and fortified with the masonry from the ruins of ancient town of Bhadresar, twenty seven kilometre to the north-east. The town was associated with Cutch State. Fortified in 1728 by Devkarn Seth, Mundra was in 1755 held and defended by Godji when in revolt from his father. In 1801 it was given by Fateh Muhammad to Dosal Ven, and in 1815, when held by Muhammad Sota, was unsuccessfully attacked by Rao Bharmalji. In 1818 it is said to had a population of 1200 souls and to have yielded a revenue of £3000 (Rs 30,000). In 1855 it was in good repair and contained 1500 houses. In 1861, it was noted for petty carpets of stamped cotton. In 1879, there was a considerable trade with Kathiawar, Khambhat, Surat, and Bombay, the chief exports being cotton, castor seed, pulse, wool and dyed cloth and the chief imports were metals, timber, grain, dates, grocery , and piece goods. In 1872, it had population of 7952.

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Rao Travel - Kutch Mahostav

Traditions/Rituals

Kutch Mahotsav serves as the guided tour of the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat and lasts for six day. This tour takes you around the venerated places in Kutch. It provides an opportunity to experience the magic of the place and to explore its beauty, nostalgia, ethos, traditions, culture and spirit. Kutch Mahotsav is usually organized in the months of February and March, each year. The Kutch peninsula of India has a lot to offer to the tourists, who come here.

From sandy beaches to ancient fortresses, from plush green landscapes to earthy deserts, Kutch is the perfect place to unwind, away from the hustle bustle of daily life. The tour takes you to a number of exotic locations situated in the heart of Kutch Peninsula, like Bhuj, a major city that acts as the center of all activity during the Mahotsav. Other places include Mata no Madh, a 1200 year old temple dedicated to Mother Godess and Lakhpat, a banished port that reminds of the days of the yore, when it was the hub of Gujarat's sea trade. 

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The Kutch Mahotsav also takes you to a number of religious places. The major Hindu pilgrimage sites are Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar and Bhadreshwar. Apart from this, the enthralling experience is enriched by the visit to Anjar, the beaches of Mandvi, Dhola Vira's archaeological ruins and the rural fair at Dhrang. The Mahotsav is a life time experience, as it unleashes the various colorful aspects of Kutch. Don't forget to savor the local delicacies, the taste of which you will not forget in a long time to come.

You will be awe struck when you explore the lifestyle and culture of 18 different tribes of the Kutch peninsula. The artistic and skilled craftsmanship of the local tribes is a marvel to cherish. Not only this, the Mahotsav also presents a glimpse of its cultural heritage through the various folk dance and music performances. The soul stirring Bhajans and Kirtans are a feast for the ears. Bhuj is well connected to all the major cities of the state by varied means of transport, making it easily accessible for the tourists.

Location : Ahmedabad
Time : January

Rao Travel - Kites

International Kites Festival

Traditions/Rituals
Started in the year 1989, International Kite Festival attracts the connoisseurs of kite from all corners of the world. Today, the entire sky of Ahmedabad is covered with a plethora of designer kites and the whole atmosphere reverberates with the shouts of over-energetic people. Excited spectators watch shapes like snake and eagles soar into the sky and musicians and singers cheer the winners of the competitions.

Kite-flying starts at dawn and continues without a pause throughout the Day. A tremendous variety of kites is seen and the connoisseur can choose Precisely what he wants. Even the lines with which the kites are flown are Specially prepared by experts. Special mixture of glue and ground glass Cover the lines which are dried and rolled onto reels know as " firkees ". So sharp are these lines that, carelessly used they can cut a finger. At Nightfall it is the time for illuminated box kites, often in a series Strung on one line, to be launched into sky, it is called " tukkals ".

Location : Ahmedabad

Time : January

Rao Travel - Dang Darbar

Dangs Darbar

Traditions/Rituals
Musical performance to enthrall the tourists & guestThe annual Dangs Darbar Fair is held every year in the cool and pleasant climate of Ahwa. It is known as Darbar because during the time of British, Darbar of Rajas and Naiks of neighboring districts used to gather here. Today, it is reputed as one of the biggest fairs held in Gujarat and is also known as Janambadi Darbar.

Countless tribal people from the adjoining districts participate in the fair dressed in colourful traditional outfits and sounding the shehnai and beating their drums. the fair also attracts merchants from the far away districts of Nasik, Surat and West Khandesh. The major attractions of the fair include ras and garba performances, songs and dramas that give a close look at the local culture and traditions.

Location : Ahwa

Best time to visit : March / April

Rao Travel - Navratri

The nine-day cultural extravaganza wraps the entire Gujarat during the first nine days of Ashwina. The festival is dedicated to goddess Amba, Godess of Shakti or forces which supports the entire universe. During Navratri, a pot with attractive designs is ceremoniously placed a light is placed inside. The Devi Mahatmya and other texts invoking the Goddess who vanquished demons are cited.

Interesting feature of navratri is the " garba " , a circular dance Performed by women around an earthenware pot called a " garbo ", filled With water. As the dancers whirl around the pot, a singer and a drummer Provide the musical accompaniment. The dance usually starts slowly, it gets Faster and faster as the music too gets more rapid. Another dance which is Also a feature of navaratri is the " dandia - ras " or ' stick dance ', in Which men and women join the dance circle, holding small polished sticks or Dandias together, adding to joyous atmosphere. The dances usually commence Late in the night and continue until early morning, testifying to their Great popularity.

Location
Gujarat

Time
October

Rao Travel - Vathula Fair

Traditions/Rituals
Vautha Mela is reputed as the most colorful festival in Gujarat. The fair has both mythological and religious associations and is considered at par with the Pushkar Fair in terms of entertainment and frolicking. However, the animals traded here are donkeys. About 4000-5000 donkeys are brought every year for sale, usually by Vanjara (Gypsy) traders. Every year fair attracts a considerable number of people from across India.

The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles in area. The site, also known as Saptasangam, is at the confluence of seven rivers. During the fair the whole site comes alive with the beats of traditional musical instruments, tribes dressed in colorful attires and breathtaking performances by the jugglers.

Location: Vautha, a place where two rivers Sabarmati and Vatrak meet.

Vautha Mela is one of the largest rural fairs organized in Gujarat. The Vautha Mela of Gujarat holds both mythological and economical importance. Vautha Mela is organized every year in the month of Kartik as per Hindu calendar which coincides with the month of November as per the English calendar.

Vautha Mela at Gujarat is organized near the concourse of seven rivers and is named after Vautha, the place where the two rivers Sabarmati and Vatrak merge. Though the Vautha village is small and consists a population of around 2000 people, during the Vautha Mela, the population of Vautha rises to 2,00,000.

As per the mythology, Lord Kartik, the son of Lord Shiva had visited this place, this is why the Vautha Mela in Gujarat is organized every year. The Vautha Mela starts from the full moon night in November which is the month of Lord Kartik. The place where the Vautha Mela is set up is also the homeland of the seven sages. So religiously also, this place is very significant.

Commercially, Vautha Mela of Gujarat is very important for it is the largest animal trading fair of Gujarat. Every year around 4000 to 5000 donkeys are sold here by the Vanjara tribes of Gujarat. Another important feature of Vautha Mela at Gujarat is the fact that it is organized in an area of 3 square miles.

Vautha Mela has been a great tourist spot which has attracted thousands of tourists, both national and international, every year. Do not miss the chance to explore the rural Gujarat!

Best time to visit
November

Rao Travel - Tarnetar Fair

Popularly known as Tarnetar Fair, it is one of Gujarat's most colorful fairs in which tribal from the adjoining districts participate and experience the summits of fun and frolic. Various colorful events including dancing, singing and rural sports are held in the fair in which tribes like Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan participate and display their skills.

The fair is also reputed as 'marriage mart' for the tribal youth who visit this fair to choose a suitable life partner. Tradition holds that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.

There are exhibitions of rural handcrafted items, embroidery, a cattle show, and competitive sports. The famous ras, garba and hudo are features of the fair. The Umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work are sure to catch your attention. Due to its unique character, the fair is well attended by the tourists from across the world

Location
Near the industial town of thangadh - Saurastra

Best time to visit
September

Rao Travel - Shamlaji Fair

Traditions/Rituals
Shamlaji Melo is a great spectacle of fun and frolic in which tribal of Gujarat participate with total zeal and enthusiasm. The fair is also known as Kartik Purnima Fair and attracts countless tribal not only from Gujarat but also from the adjoining state of Rajasthan. The fair stretched for about two weeks and provides a great opportunity to the experience the summits of zeal and enthusiasm.

The fair is also popular with the tribal people of the area, particularly the Bhils, who revere Shamlaji, the deity they refer to as 'Kalio Bavji', the dark divinity. Visitors participate in the fair in groups and sing devotional, carrying religious banners. Apart from a darshan of the deity in the temple, a bath in the river Meshwo is also considered auspicious.

Location
Shamlaji , a little town located on ahmedabad - delhi highway

Best time to visit
November

Rao Travel - Chitra Vichitra Fair

Traditions/Rituals
Chitra Vichitra Fair is a hit event among the tribal of Gujarat. Tribal women gather at the river to mourn their dear departed ones. Countless tribal dressed in beautiful traditional costumes attends the fair. Men wear blue shirt, dhoti and red or saffron turban and the women wearing ghagharas (skirts) are covered from head to toe with exquisite silver jewelry. Every group visiting the fair carries its own drum and puts up lively dance performances. The whole atmosphere comes alive with the incessant beat of countless drums.

The Chitra Vichitra fair is a colorful celebration of the tribal culture & costumes of the Bhils. Tribal use this occasion to find their spouses. Numerous stalls in the fair display the best of rural handicraft including exquisite silver jewelry. In addition to this, breathtaking performances by the skilled jugglers add to the attraction of the fair. A visit to this fair is sure to give you a close look at the rural lifestyle of Gujarat.

Location
Chitra Vichitra Temple, which is located at a place where Aakar, Vakar and Saraswati rivers meet.

Time
April