Mahindra Homestays » Jammu and Kashmir

The Ladakh Festival

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:00:34 +0000

With the Himalayan wonder, Ladakh, becoming more accessible to visitors from across the country, it is a great opportunity to get an intimate view of the unique festivals of the region.

One of the most exciting cultural extravaganzas, the Ladakh Festival, is celebrated between every 1st to 15th September. Great weather and fewer tourists make this a great time to enjoy the region’s heritage, depicted in dances, music and local food.

About the Festival
The Ladakh festival was the brainchild of the state tourism ministry and local communities to bring forth the rich cultural heritage of the region for everyone to enjoy. Leh, Kargil and the farway Zanskar valley participate in this festival.

The festival starts with parades of local dance and music troupes which slowly go past the main Leh market to finally end in the Polo Ground. The most important part of the Ladakh Festival is the polo match. The winners are conferred with the Ladakh Festival Cup. This was introduced to take forward the lineage of this traditional sport of the Western Himalayas. Some of the other events include archery, singing contests and dance competitions.

The most exhilarating performance is that of the Lamas, who dance to haunting tunes in traditional colourful masks. These monks are chosen from a handful of monasteries and their performance is one of the highlights of the festival.

Local food stalls line up at the venues so dig into some Tibetan food like Thukpa and Tsampa. Skyu is also something worth a try. This is a pasta dish with vegetables. Apart from the local food, you can also find local versions of other cuisines.

The festival marks the end of the pleasant weather as soon after the festival, the weather gets chilly and the in a month’s time, the high passes close due to snow. The Ladakh Festival leaves visitors and locals with colourful memories before the cold takes over the region.

How and When to get there
Leh, the capital city where the festival is held, is accessible by both road (via Manali or Srinagar) and air. The road trip itself is magnificent, but if you are planning on arriving on the opening day, you should keep 2 days for road travel. You can also fly in from Delhi, but arrive at least a day or two early to acclimatise to the altitude. With much walking, participation and following the parades, it can get very exhausting.

Tips for Visitors

Get local help beforehand to get seats in the Polo Ground if you want to watch the entire procession. Alternatively, a great vantage point from atop a building also makes a good viewing point.
With prior permission from the Tourism office, you can also get close access to the parade to get brilliant photo-opportunities.
If you can arrange to meet some of the troupes before or after the parade, more up-close pictures can be obtained.
This is also a good time for shopping for handicrafts as locals bring out their best wares and the variety is incredible. Although be prepared to bargain as visitors can be over charged a little. Local help will come in handy to get a decent bargain. Silver jewellery, mementos, prayer flags and more elaborate souvenirs like shawls and rugs are in plenty.

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

Kashmir cuisine; Wazwan

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 01:46:51 +0000

Kashmiri cuisine tends to be very meat dominated, in particular mutton is used in a wide variety of dishes such as the well known Rogan Josh which can be found on Indian menus throughout the world.

Wazwan
Wazwan is a traditional Kashmir multi-course meal. The word Wazwan comes from waz which means a chef with rare culinary skills that have been passed on through generations, and wan which denotes a shop with abundant supply of meats and delicacies.

Hours of cooking and days of planning go into the making and serving of a wazwan and the preparation is considered an art. The pride of Kashmiri cuisine Wazwan is a 36 course weddings banquet is now also served on other special and important occasions. Traditionally 15 to 30 dishes of Wazwan are comprised of meat. Many of the delicacies are cooked all through the night and under the expert supervision of a Vasta Waza or head chef, assisted by an entourage of wazas under him.

Wazwaan is a beautiful blend of the Mughal style with that of the Kashmiri Panditsr. The basic difference between the two schools is the abundant use of heeng (asafetida) and curd amongst the Pandits, and the use of onions and garlic amongst the Mughals. It is interesting to note that the meat for some of the Wazwan items requires being really fresh. Timing is very crucial! More than half an hour cannot elapse between the slaughtering of the goat and the pounding of the meat.

Dishes included in a Wazwan feast
At a typical Wazwan it is observed that guests are grouped into fours for the serving. The meal begins with ritual washing of hands, as a jug and basin are passed among the guests. A large serving dish piled high with heaps of rice, decorated and quartered by four seekh kababs, four pieces of meth maaz, two tabak maaz, (ribs of lamb simmered in yoghurt till tender, then fried,sides of barbecued ribs), and one safed kokur (white chicken), one zafrani kokur (masala chicken), along with other dishes is brought out for the diners. The meal is usually garnished with Kashmiri saffron, salads, Kashmiri pickles and dips.

Some of the most popular dishes served at a typical Wazwan are:

Rista which are meatballs in fiery red gravy
Lahabi Kabab which are flattened mutton kababs cooked in yogurt
Waza Kokur two halves or two full chicken cooked whole
Rogan Josh, tender lamb cooked with Kashmiri spices
Yakhni, delicately spiced yogurt curry
Dum Aloo, potatoes cooked in yogurt gravy

The man meal concludes with the very exclusive Gushtaba which is a velvety textured meatball in white yogurt gravy, a speciality, and one that is never refused. Then finally comes the Phirni a dessert of semolina thickened in milk set in earthenware topped with nuts and silver leaf. Served at the very end is a cup of Kahwa, the green tea flavoured with saffron, cardamom and almonds.

It can be safely concluded that Wazwan is not simply a meal; it is in fact an art that must be experienced at least once to understand and appreciate all the effort that goes into this centuries old tradition.

It is possible to take a Kashmir cooking lesson if you are staying in the region where you can learn some of the component dishes of a typical Wazwan.

Kashmiri Pulao
Try some simple Kashmir cuisine at home with this easy recipe of Kashmiri Pulao, a popular rice dish in the region.

Ingredients

2 cups – Long grain rice (basmati)
2 cups – Milk
1/2 cup – Cream
1 tsp – Sugar
Salt to taste
1/2 tsp – Cumin seeds
3 nos – Cloves
1 inch – Cinnamon Stick
3 – Cardamoms
1 No – Bay leaf
2 tbsp – Ghee
1 cup – Canned chopped mixed fruit (drained)
2 nos – Rose petals

Cooking Instructions

Wash and soak rice for 15-20 minutes.
Mix milk, cream, sugar, salt. Drain rice, keep aside.
Heat ghee in a heavy pan, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, bayleaf, cardamoms, cloves.
Allow to splutter, add rice and fry in ghee for 2 minutes.
Add milk, cream, mixture.
Add 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer till cooked.
Mix in drained fruit very gently, garnish by sprinkling finely broken rose petals.
Serve hot with a curry or tadka dal.

10 stunning photos of Ladakh and Leh

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 20:00:56 +0000

The stark, stunning beauty of Ladakh will impress even the seasoned travellers as you drive or fly over snow capped mountains into the region. Considered among the most extreme of environments, Leh with its gorgeous mountains, its arid desert terrain sprinkled with ancient Buddhist monasteries, and its dignified popplar trees is a photographers dream destination and the natural beauty means that as long as you have a camera you are guaranteed some amazing photos of your trip.

The relatively warmer months of May to October are the perfect time to visit this breathtaking region. We pick out our 10 favourite photos of Ladakh and Leh.

The magnificent Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh

Jewellery shop, Ladakh

Arriving at the pass Lanyal La

Portrait of a child in Ladakh

En-route to Nubra Valley

Village homestay, Leh

A view from Namgyal Hill, Leh

Lamayuru monastery, Ladakh

Cloth pieces with scriptures in the local language, Ladakh

Viewpoint, Leh

Thanks to the photographers who shared their images under Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source by way of credit.

The Hemis Festival in Leh, Ladakh

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 02:54:27 +0000

Hemis Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Ladakh (in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir). Located 45 km from Leh, the 300 year old monastery is home to the famous Hemis festival which falls in June or July every year.

History of the festival
The Hemis Festival is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava who founded Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. Also known as Second Buddha, the festival is of huge importance to those celebrating.

Hemis is celebrated on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month in the Hemis Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh.

The ceremonies begin with an early morning ritual atop the Gompa where, to the beat of drums and the resounding clash of cymbals and wail of pipes, the portrait of the sacred Guru Rinpoche (another name for the Guru) is brought forward so that all devotees can take blessings.

The most esoteric of festivities are the mystic mask dances. The Mask Dances of Ladakh are referred collectively as chams Performance.

At the Festival
A bevy of locals and tourists alike are seen making a beeline in local buses and cabs to the cosy monastery, clearly not equipped to handle the massive surge of humanity. Many travellers also camp outside the night before to get early entry and row side seats to the wonderful traditional dances.

Masked lamas perform elaborate dances, special music performances and commentaries in front of a large but intimate crowd. The half day ceremony is watched in awe by thousands. As a spectator try and get a seat as close to the main courtyard. These fill fast, so arrive at the festival as early as 7 in the morning. Tickets are available for Rs 500/- to sit very close to the performance. It is a great experience to sit and watch this marvellous show with the locals. They too, come dressed in their traditional cummerbunds and head gear for this annual ceremony.

Outside the monastery, the ambience is nothing short of a fair. Local food, artefacts and knick-knacks are on display. This is a good occasion to pick up local handicrafts as all merchants come and display their wares at the festival.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

Travel Now To: Srinagar in May

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:38:11 +0000

Come May the hill-stations of India start to receive an influx of visitors looking for cooler respite from the hot plains. Amongst the favourite is the beautiful Kashmir Valley. Its capital Srinagar has some of the most the most enthralling sites that are perfect to enjoy in the early months of summer, after the snow has melted and the weather is more appealing for travellers.

Srinagar in May

May is late spring in Srinagar so you will beat the main crowds who arrive during the summer months of June through to August. The weather is pleasant (an average of 25 C) although you might still want to pack a light jumper for the evenings.

Of course Srinagar can be enjoyed throughout the bustling summer months and into the autumn. If travelling during peak season it is important to book your accommodation and any transport well in advance.

What to see in Srinagar

Here are our top five picks of how to spend your time in Srinagar if you are visiting this May.

1. Dal Lake – The Dal Lake is always featured in lists of things to do in Srinagar beacuse of its unparalleled beauty. Stay on the lake so you can enjoy the activity at close quarters. Watch how the water body comes alive with action with houses, shops, fruit sellers and school children, all aboard on boats in the mornings. This may be a unique sight for you but its business as usual in Srinagar.

2. Apple Orchards – The weather is just right to visit the apple orchards of Srinagar at this time of the year. The season is just starting at this time and there is plenty of activity in the farms. It is recommended to stay in a farm house to get an intimate experience of the farm life.

3. Saffron Fields – It is a little known fact that apart from apples, Kashmir is also one of the largest producers of saffron. This much coveted ingredient is a favourite in Indian puddings. Saffron is not only grown in large volumes but also in households. Though May not be the appropriate month for saffron flowers to bloom, you can still see the plush fields at this time. Get a local guide to show you the large expanse of fields – another natural element of Kashmir that you are going to love.

4. Cricket Bats – For a cricket crazy country, the production of bats happens in very small and choicest areas. Kashmir is one such limited source from where the bats are procured. A trip to the factory is going to be very exciting for children

5. Verinag and communities around Jhelum – Just a short ride away from Srinagar, a small unassuming town called Verinag sits at the source of the river Jhelum. It is a great weekend getaway at a short distance from the city. The scenic vistas are awe inspiring.

Where to stay in Srinagar

A visit to Srinagar is incomplete without a couple of nights in a houseboat. Srinagar and the life in it, revolves around the Dal Lake. The walks on the Boulevard, the shikara rides and the beautiful sunsets are best viewed with the lake in the foreground (see the view from a houseboat below). The Green Paradise offers a fleet of family owned houseboats, all falling within the super deluxe category. Each houseboat has its own crew that takes care of your food and any activities that you want.

Combine a houseboat with a few days in the mountains. Hillscape Inn offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake and you can spend your days trekking in the mountains before heading back to your homestay for a bonfire dinner.

Trip to Ladakh in April

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:00:37 +0000

With the influx of local and foreign tourists in the Ladakh region, during the summer season the hotels are packed and it can be hard to find the quiet ambience you might be looking for. Explore before the peak tourist season and plan your trip to Ladakh in April.

How to get there?
The roads to Ladakh from Manali and Srinagar open only in the beginning of summer when the snow melts. June through mid September the army controlled roads are opened to civilians. This is recommended as the best way to travel as the changing topography on the way is breathtaking and unique from any other region in India. However, in April, you will have to take a flight to Leh. The closest and robust connection is from Delhi. This too is beautiful as the flight crosses over the high mountains and snowy tall peaks in the distance.

Why April?
April is good time to travel to Ladakh as you get the best of both weathers. The snow covered peaks are still close to you, yet the weather in Leh town is pleasant in the afternoons. This is great for photography. One can walk peacefully in the market without rubbing shoulders tourists from the planes. Though many cafes still maybe shut, you will still be able to find enough food on the menu. The other advantage is that you can get a good bargain on the souvenirs which are inflated during the tourist season.

One of the main reasons to visit Ladakh now is the famous Lamayuru festival. Other monastery festivals like Hemis happen in July and it is impossible to get seats at that time. Take a ride to the monastery from Leh and watch the traditional mask dances and other ceremonies. This is a great photo opportunity for photographers.

Trekking with local experts is a good option to try in April. This is usually impossible and not as exciting in summers as most operators are busy in overland journeys. The weather is challenging for those who wear adventure on their sleeve.

This trip might be good second trip to Leh after you have seen the Pangong Tso Lake and Nubra Valley as the roads still may be blocked due to weather conditions.

Packing Tip
Don’t assume that the dreadful summer heat of Delhi will follow you to the hills. It is going to be extremely cold so gather all your woollies and heavy jackets for this trip.

Where to Stay
Stay in a remote homestay in the mountains of Northern India. Friendly farm hosts will show you simple living in the land of snow leopards and clear night skies. Find out more about Ladakh homestays. Alternatively contact our reservations team or leave us a comment with your requirements.

National Parks of India – Dachigam National Park

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:52:03 +0000

The Northern most state of India is by far one of the most mesmerising in terms of its natural wonders. A mixture of of cold desert, verdant hills and the Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir is truly a travellers delight.

Amongst many other things to see in J & K, try the Dachigam National Park, just 22 kilometres from Srinagar, the capital of the state.

Spanning a lifetime of over 100 years and an impressive coverage of 141 sq kms, Dachigam can be translated into meaning ‘ten villages’. With the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop of the National Park, the park is not only rich in flora and fauna but also makes a great place to just take in the varied landscapes of the region.

The terrain of the park ranges from grasslands to cliffs, making it uneven and exciting to traverse. Even amongst the flora, the forest is a mix of coniferous trees and grassy meadows. The forest opens out into the famous Marsar Lake which is the starting point of the Dagwan River. The river flows through a large part of the forest and is famous for its population of trout.

Wildlife: Where animal sightings are concerned, be prepared to look out for the famous endangered Hangul, or Kashmir stag. The Himalayan black bear, grey langur, weasel, jungle cat, musk deer, the elusive leopard, fox, marmot and musk deer are seen in plenty. The park also has a notable population of birds.

The national park makes for a good weekend getaway or day trip from Srinagar. It also gives you the opportunity to see the wide array of natural delights in the region without having to travel a large distance. Great for photography and wildlife enthusiasts, this is highly recommended. Try and explore this wonderful National Park on foot with a guide to get the best experience.

Timings: The Park is opened between 5.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m.

Fees: There are no fees to enter the park. However, the rules are subject to change, so please find out earlier.

Best Season: Dachigam cannot be visited during the winters due to heavy snow and windy climate. The best time to go is during the summers.

Stay: There are two forest guest houses inside the park where one can stay with prior permission. The park is easily visited as a day trip from Srinagar. The Almond Villa homestay, a colonial house in 40 acres of orchards by Dal Lake is an ideal place to stay, offering traditional Kashmiri food and large comfortable bedrooms.

If you are interested in visiting Dachigam National Park then our reservations team can help you plan a trip based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more!

Best places to take a boat trip in India

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:11:25 +0000

The oceans, numerous lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunities to take a boat ride in India. Just watch life go by as you lazily float along or take a raft to enjoy wildlife spotting, snorkelling or even to discover submerged temples. Here are our top five interesting boat trips you can do in India.

1. Shikara on the ‘Dal’ Lake – The Bollywood endorsed ‘Dal’ Lake in Kashmir has been a legendary spot for travellers. The thin Shikaras (boats) traverse through the water carrying tourists, vegetables, supplies and locals. The whole life system on the lake is supported by these unassuming boats, whether it’s supporting full-fledged markets or serving as a school bus for children. The rides on shikaras are extremely fascinating and help understand the local life better.

2. From the Himalayan foothills, it’s down to the tropical weather of Kerala. Alleppey, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is by far one of the best destinations to experience the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. Well equipped houseboats add to the charm of getting to know the vast network of backwater in and around the town. Recently, the house boats had come under the scanner for lack of a proper system to dispose waste from the boats. Now there are mandatory treatment methods without which these boats do not get permissions. Watch the local life pass on the banks of the waters, while you glide past in luxury. Off season rates for fully furnished house boats are quite affordable. Between October and March, it can cost anywhere between Rs 7500 to Rs 20,000/- depending on the number of hours on the boat.

3. There are some very unique experiences with respect to boats in India. The famous rock temples of Mahabalipuram near Chennai have always garnered the interest of travellers. Two of the seven temples are said to be submerged in the sea. Few know that some fishermen take eager visitors out to sea, where one you have a look at the submerged temples. An experience which comes with serious caution, as there are no life jackets on these boats, it’s not for the faint hearted. A mere Rs. 100-200 for an adventure of a life time – try it!

4. The Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in the Idduki District of Kerala is one of the most unassuming wildlife destinations of India. Without fanfare but with plenty of exciting experiences in store, there are a number of ways to see the jungle. One unique way, is wildlife watching on a huge bamboo raft, with a forest guide and copious amount of sunscreen. The Periyar Lake is flanked by thick forests and animals often come for a drink of water. The raft ride starts early in the morning and goes on till about 4.00 p.m with breakfast and lunch by the edge of the jungle. This trip needs to be booked in advance. You can also take a more conventional wildlife spotting boat trip here.

5. While Goa has always been on top of the list for many, its Southern neighbour Karwar in Karnataka is fairly unknown. Serene and relatively untouched by tourism, Karwar has several water based activities. One of them includes snorkelling off the quiet coastline. Trips go out on speed boats with trained instructors to help novices.

If you would like your next trip to include some great boating activities then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to help you find the best places locally for a good night out!

Indian Festivals in September

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:37:49 +0000

Almost the entire country comes together in an effusive welcome for the month of September and it is a great season for travelling across the country. Colourful festivals are accompanied by singing, dancing and delicious feasts so get the camera ready and move your feet to the sounds of India celebrating.

Ganesh Chathurthi
While this is a national celebration it is most elaborate in western and southern India
Undoubtedly one of the most vibrant festivals of India, this one celebrates the devotion for the elephant God, Ganesha. Preparations for the festival can be seen almost a month in advance with small pottery towns in south India toiling at different sizes of Ganesha statues. The first week of September sees processions and celebrations and with that, lots of photo opportunities and a local flavour.

At the end of the festival, the clay statues are immersed in a local water body. For this, Mumbai is the perfect place to join the fun! Hoards of crowds converge at the beaches to immerse these statues amidst a din of dance and music.

Ladakh Festival
Base yourself in Leh for this lively northern festival
September is a perfect month to visit the mountains of Ladakh, perfect as you can also enjoy the Ladakh Festival. At the festival, which is held between 1st and 15th of the month, you can try various local cuisines, and see music and mask dances. The locals have a very strong sense of pride attached to this festival and it is a fantastic cultural event which has become a showcase for the region.

For full cultural immersion you can stay with a local family and join them in visiting Leh and other villages along the festival dates.

Onam
The largest festival in the southern state of Kerala
The harvest festival of Onam combined with a perfect setting of the backwaters makes September the perfect time to visit Kerala.

The Onam feast is known as ‘Sadhya’ and the flower carpet in front of every house is called ‘Pookalam’. Elaborate feasts on banana leaves, snake boats out for competitions, new clothes, dance and music bring a contagious energy and vibrance to the region.

September celebrations brings you a choice across the length of the country so take your pick! Is it going to be the serene landscapes of Ladakh or the mania at Ganesh Chathurthi?

If you would like to join in with some Indian festivals in August yourself contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you plan a trip.

Homestays offer the perfect opportunity to get a local insight into festivals and your host family will be happy to provide guidance on the best way to experience the celebrations. Check out our Indian homestay collection.

Get Festive in an Indian Summer: July Festivals in India

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:15:55 +0000

During the Indian summer a series of monsoon festivals waft through the country in the month of July. Here are some of the July festivals in India that will be a definite trip highlight. If you can’t stretch yourself across the country, take your pick from one of the regions!

Ladakh – Hemis Festival
Ladakh is maybe best known for it’s overwhelming topography but there is also a strong cultural tradition deep rooted in the region. The Ladakhis showcase their rich culture in an array of festivals through the year. The month of July brings with it the colourful Hemis festival.

Just off the Leh town, the ancient Hemis Monastery commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava of Tibet. Colourful masked dancers, local craftsmen and food stalls take over the otherwise serene landscape. A photographer’s delight, plan your Ladakh trip with a slight twist and add to this to your itinerary if you are visiting in mid July.

Orissa – Rath Yatra Festival
If heading to the East, Orissa is a novel destination to explore. Off the radar for many travelling into India, the Rath Yatra Festival of Puri is a burst of colour and culture.

A ten day extravaganza, the festival sees Lord Jagannath with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra be brought out of the temple’s sanctum with hysterical reverence from the locals. Orissa offers a variety of experiences to the traveller so build time into your itinerary to see the wildlife sanctuaries, monuments of great historical relevance and smaller fairs and festivals that the region has to offer.

Haridwar and Rishikesh – Ganga Dusherra Festival
Looking for some spiritual awakening? The banks of the mighty Ganga might be the apt place for your next holiday in July.

The Guru Purnima and Ganga Dusherra festival in Rishikesh has a strong local flavour that immerses you in it. Watch hordes of devotees come into the town in caravans and take over the streets of Haridwar and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Chants, devotional songs and prayers resonate in the streets. The banks are packed with people who want to take a holy dip. So if you are looking to absolve your sins, take a plunge into the religious mayhem!

Kerala – Snake Boat Races
‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala throws up its unique culture towards the end of the month with the start of the famous Snake Boat Races.

The Pampa River is the first to witness the battle amongst the villages that put their entire pride at stake. More than 100 seater boats line up on the calm waters of the Pampa River for the Champakulum Race at the end of July. Regarded as one the most prestigious races in Kerala, centuries have passed but the fervour has not paled at all, here is a slice of authentic Kerala! For one of the best vantage points for the Champakulum Race stay at the Akkarakalam Memoirs homestay, which is situated at the banks of the Pampa River. Your host Jobin will be happy to help you understand the subtleties of the race right from his backyard.

Have a wonderful and festive July!

If you would like to experience some of the July festivals in India contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans. There is currently 50% discount on selected homestays so it’s the perfect time to travel!