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BMTimes >> Destinations in India
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
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Daman and Diu - Twin delights
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Daman and Diu, along with Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961. The three became a part of India after that and were administered jointly as a union territory until 1987, when Goa became a separate state. Daman and Diu continues to be administered by the home minister of the central Indian government till date. These two former Portuguese colonies are a major tourist attraction for people who are visiting Gujarat and also for the residents of neighbouring states in search of a quick weekend getaway.
Daman or Port. Damão (as it was called earlier), situated at the mouth of the Daman River on the Gulf of Khambat, was occupied by the Portuguese in 1588 whereas Diu had been acquired earlier in 1535. So you can well imagine the impact that over 400 years of Portuguese influence can have on the socio-cultural matrix of the region. There is still a Portuguese influence in the town, shown by the churches, old buildings, the impressive fort and the local customs and conventions that are followed.
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Coorg - for a cup of coffee
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Coorg offers everything an ideal holiday getaway should consist of. Great location, fascinating history, numerous tourist attractions, various activity options, timeless leisure opportunity and fabulous cuisine. Could anybody ask for more? Described as the Scotland of India, Coorg lies at an altitude of 1,525 m on the Western Ghats. It lies on Karnataka's south-western end, covering an area of 4,102 sq.km. Coorg has the reputation of being the Scotland of our country, but honestly, the place is so unique in its enchantment that it does not really need any foreign tag to qualify its beauty.
Coorg district is known as Kodagu and comprises different communities like Kodava, Tulu, Gowda, Moplah, etc.
One of the many versions of the name is that Kodagu or Coorg is derived from the local version “Kodavu” and its people the Kodavas. According to mythology the land of initial settlement was called “Krodadesa” (literally meaning land of anger). It is also said that Kodagu is derived from the word Kodava, 'Kod' meaning 'give' and 'avva' meaning 'mother', that is mother Kaveri, the river.
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Jayanti Forest, Alipurduar
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The beauty of North Bengal is very difficult to describe to somebody who has not been to the place even once. Believe me, this is not an over-rated claim in any way. Darjeeling had not been called 'The Queen of the Mountains' for nothing. But unfortunately, for the last two decades or so, the cloud of political disruption has cast a long shadow on the majestic Kanchenjunga. The fact that tourists have still flooded these regions during vacations and trekkers have continued to carry their rucksacks to the hills have more to do with the indomitable spirit of travelers than anything else. But just as every cloud has a silver lining, the inability to reach a popular destination has led mountain lovers seek out the other escapes that are nestled within the forests and mountains of North Bengal. Jayanti forest is another such place from where, after you have discovered it, you will never want to come back.
Generally people travel to Buxa National Park, in the subdivision of Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri district and make a detour through either Rajabhatkhaoa or Jayanti. But both the places are so enchanting that they deserve a visit in their own right.
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