, Author at All India Tour Packages by Indus Trips

Maral Village Rishikesh Uttarakhand

The break neck speed of fast city life, pollution, stress are the biggest reasons in the favor of a peaceful and rejuvenating break in the abundance of nature. There is no better place than the Himalayas to experience serenity and tranquility.

On my recent vacation, i found myself at Village Maral, which is located just about 7 Kms before Neelkanth Mahadev Temple on Neelkanth Road, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, India.

This is a quiet hidden Himalayan village which is every photographers delight. I spent 2 days at this village and did this short recording on my mobile.

If you are looking for a weekend destination for nature photography, birding or just to experience the relaxed village life then head over to Maral Village in Uttrakhand.

The locals are friendly hardworking and simple minded people who always greet strangers with a smile. Next time you are around rishikesh and want some rich experiences then visit Maral Village You won’t be disappointed.

Given below are some pics i took there.

The place has a good variety of birds, insects, butterflies, spiders and it was a great time clicking these shot.

Best Time to visit Maral Village: October till March ( Winter season)

How to reach Maral Village?

Village Maral is on Neelkanth Road some 20 Kms ahead of Rishikesh.

Till Haridwar you can come by train as it is most convenient. From there, take an auto or bus to Rishikesh. Take a one way shared cab from Neelkanth Taxi Stand behind Ram Jhula, Rishikesh. They charge Rs.100/- per person for one way. You can tell the driver and get off en route. While coming back from Maral, wait by the road side and you will get a shared cab on its way back to Rishikesh.

The best way is to arrive by own vehicle or cab. Park it by road side, explore the village, spend some time and go back to Rishikesh or Haridwar for stay.

Want to plan a tour of Rishikesh and Maral?

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Pragpur Heritage Village Himachal Pradesh

History – The area of Garli – Pragpur came within the Jaswan kingdom whose rulers were the cadets of Katoch of the Kangra lineage. Around the 16th” –17th century, bands of marauders started laying waste the pretty and peaceful foothills of the Kangra Valley. Prag Dei, a princess of the royal house of Jaswan, successfully organized resistance to these marauding bands. To commemorate this princess, an area was selected using ancient Indian shastras (texts) which, it was believed, received the good astral influences of prayers said for thousands of years at nearby shakti (primordial energy) temples of which three” Brajeshwari (Kangra), Chintpurni and Jwalamukhi are famous.

Here, Pragpur was founded and its lay- out carefully planned. Various clans and communities were allotted distinctive living spaces and by and large this continue to date.

One of the important communities that settled at Garli-Pragpur and nearby hamlets such as Rakkar, Pir Salui etc. were some of the 52 clans of the hill Soods. Being enterprising, many made their fortunes at other destinations, especially Shimla. They, however, did not forget their root. At Pragpur and Garli, they built elegant havelis, mansions and Italianate buildings that are interspersed amongst lovely mud-plastered and slate-roofed houses which lie alongside streets paved with dressed cobbled stone. They also invested in schools, dharamshalas and water systems. In course of time, they settled where their economic interests lay.

Their magnificent buildings – some decaying and crumbling -have largely remained unspoiled, giving Garli-Pragpur a medieval ambience. Recognizing that this unspoiled traditional area could contribute to rural heritage tourism, in December 1997 the Government of Himachal Pradesh notified Pragpur as a Heritage Village and followed this up by making Garli – Pragpur Heritage Zone in 2002. This Heritage Zone has now been brought under a Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and is integrated with the national wetland – Maharana Pratap Sagar (PongDam)Tourism Development Project. Located at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, Heritage Village Pragpur is ideally suited to explore the Kangra Valley.

The area has several streams that drain into the river Beas -the mythological river Vipasa meaning release from bondage. Many places of historic, religious and cultural importance are within easy reach. In the distance, the Dhauladhar mountains make a stunning backdrop. With its equitable climate, easy access, safe passage and a rich flora and fauna, Pragpur and its surroundings offer an ideal location for Village Tourism.

Heritage Zone – The ambience of the Heritage Zone of Garli -Pragpur is zealously protected by the local residents. In their endeavor that Garli – Pragpur retains its unique character, panchayats preserve their heritage buildings and advise on new construction. Several heritage structures are now being restored using original techniques but with modern facilities to facilitate tourism.

Places of Interest in Pragpur village

The Taal – Dating before 1868, the Taal or pond forms the core of Pragpur village and serves as a recreational space for young and aged alike. It was constructed by the village brotherhood known as the Nehar Committee, which has records of its meetings since 1864. This body continues to be responsible for the maintenance of this ancient water system. The Taal is surrounded by many heritage structures -the NEHAR BHAWAN (nearly 250 years old); NAUN (dated around 1864), a drinking water facility by the Nehar Committee; DHUNICHAND BHARDIAL SERAI (village inn) and RADHA KRISHNA MANDIR.

Butail Niwas – This is a unique building. Over a hundred years old, it was built by Lala Buta Mal, a scion of the Chaujjar Sood clan. It includes six identical apartments built for his six sons. These lie around a sunken courtyard. In warmer weather, this courtyard is flooded with water to provide cooling. The water for this has been brought by the Butails from the nearby Nalsuyah Khad and provides drinking water to several villages along the way.

Nakki – This is the one of the entrances to Heritage Village Pragpur. Since ancient times, the Rerumal family provided a water point for common use, the overflow of which falls into small tanks where the village people bathed and washed.

the judge's court pragpur — the judge’s court pragpur

The Judge’s Court – Completed in 1918, this is a splendid country manor designed in Indo- European tradition. The visionary behind this bold structure was Justice Sir Jai Lal. It stands in 12 acres of greens, and is just a short walk from the village core and the Taal. It is now run by the owning family as a heritage hotel. Other places of interest within Heritage Village Pragpur are LALA RERUMAL HAVELI built in 1931 by a Rais of Pragpur which has a Mughal style garden, pleasure terrace and a large water reservoir; BUTAIL MANDIR; CHAUJJAR MANSION; COURTYARDS of the Sood Clans, an ancient SHAKTi MANDIR bearing inscriptions in the largely obsolete Tankry script; and ATIYALAS or public platforms. The area is inhabited by many crafts people -weavers, basket makers, silversmiths, painters, musicians and tailors etc. The residents of Garli -Pragpur are hospitable. There is always a warm welcome for tourists and the area provides a safe passage.

Around Pragpur, River Beas with its unspoiled beaches (6 kms). offers a possibility of boating, swimming and angling during season. SERI and Naleti (4 kms) are epitome of pastoral tranquillity. Natural underground seepage feeds both Garli and Pragpur.

Lovely country walks radiate from Garli and Pragpur. These include meandering country paths through rolling hills and valleys with gurgling brooks and a meadow where mint grows wild. Rakkar (6 kms) and Pir , Salui (20 kms) are both old Sood settlements. Other places worth visiting are Kalesar ( 16 kms by road / 6 kms by walk) on the banks of river Beas. It is famous for its panchtirthi waters and parasmani (touchstone).

Dada Siba Temple – (22 kms) has beautiful wall paintings and is reached via CHINOR ( 17 kms) that has a temple and water mills. Dangra (2 kms) has an old temple.

Masroor – (57 kms) is known for its Ellora styled rock-cut temples. PONG DAM (8 kms) is a national wetland and is renowned for its bird life. More than 240 varieties have been identified.

Comfortable day excursions are possible to DHARAMSHALA (60 kms), McLEODGAN) (68 kms) – residence of his Holiness Dalai Lama and PALAMPUR (95 kms) with a vista of green tea estates and the artists’ complex of Andretta. HARIPUR GULER (27 kms), the cradle of Kangra school of paintings, is nearby.

The indomitable KANGRA FORT is easily achievable. For the spiritually inclined, Pragpur offers the ancient altars of worship of BRIJESHWARI (40kms), JWALAMUKHI (25 kms), CHINTPURNI (25 kms) and BAGULAMUKHI (35 kms).

The BAIJNATH TEMPLE beyond Palampur is amongst the oldest Shiva shrines. Kangra Valley is served by the beautiful narrow gauge train system that runs from Pathankot to Jogindernagar. GULER and RANITAL stations are nearest to Garli-Pragpur (30 kms).

Activities in Pragpur Village

The beautiful landscape of Pragpur region offers ample opportunities for cycling, trekking, nature walks, bird watching, fishing or simple relaxation.

Interested in visiting Pragpur Heritage Village in Himachal Pradesh?

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12N/13D Odisha Rural Tour

Odisha (formerly Orissa), an eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal, is known for its tribal cultures and its many ancient Hindu temples. Kond is one of the largest tribe in Odisha who worship hills, nature, and streams. Sauras. Sauras is one of the ancient tribes in India that also find their mention in the Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Bonda. Santhals. Gonds. Bhumias.

Odisha has a rich cultural and artistic heritage. Due to the reign of many different rulers in the past, arts and crafts in Odisha underwent many changes giving an artistic diversity today in the forms of traditional handicrafts, painting and carving, dance and music.

Major handicrafts in Odisha include applique work, brass and bell metal, silver filigree and stone carving. Other forms include Lacquer, Papier Mache, and tribal combs, handlooms and wood and traditional stone carving.

Tour Overview

Embark on an enthralling cultural expedition through the heart of Odisha, India’s land of artistry and tradition. Beginning in Bhubaneshwar, our journey unwraps the essence of this region through captivating city tours, delving into the intricate world of temples, caves, and local crafts.

Enriching encounters await in Nuapatna, where weavers breathe life into fabrics, and Sadeibareni, a haven of mesmerizing Dokra metalwork. Padmakesharpur enchants with snake charmers’ mystique. The trail continues to Puri, where artisans’ magic adorns the landscape in Bell Metal, Appliqué work, and Raghurajpur’s artistic village. We delve into the heart of local life, witnessing the dawn of Potters’ Village and meandering through the charming labyrinth of stone carvers and fishermen en route to Konark.

In Baliguda, Kutia Kondh’s vibrant culture unfolds, while Rayagada unveils the captivating Dongria Kondh tribe. Jeypore unveils the fascinating Bonda and Gadaba villages before the captivating Paraja village enchants us. Dhruba villages and their bustling market offer a captivating glimpse into local life before concluding our odyssey in Vishakhapatnam, a trove of memories, before bidding adieu with cherished experiences and heartfelt connections.

Destinations Covered

Bhubaneshwar: The starting point of your journey, Bhubaneshwar is known as the “Temple City of India.” Explore its ancient temples and caves, which hold centuries of spiritual and architectural significance, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Nuapatna: A weaver’s paradise, Nuapatna showcases the intricate art of weaving, where vibrant fabrics come to life under the skilled hands of local artisans, each thread weaving a story of tradition and craftsmanship.

Sadeibareni: Delve into the world of Dokra metalwork in Sadeibareni, where skilled artisans create intricate and unique metal sculptures using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, a tradition passed down through generations.

Padmakesharpur: Immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of snake charmers in Padmakesharpur, where you’ll witness captivating performances and gain insight into the mystical traditions surrounding these creatures.

Puri: A coastal gem, Puri boasts the iconic Jagannath Temple and offers a chance to witness the artisans’ prowess in Bell Metal work, Appliqué craftsmanship, and the enchanting Raghurajpur Artisan’s village.

Baliguda: As you journey to Baliguda, you’ll encounter the vibrant culture of the Kutia Kondh tribe, known for their distinctive traditions and way of life that blend harmoniously with nature.

Rayagada: The captivating Dongria Kondh tribe calls Rayagada home, providing a rare opportunity to engage with their unique customs and traditions, offering insights into their deep-rooted connection with the land.

Jeypore: A gateway to indigenous cultures, Jeypore introduces you to the fascinating Bonda and Gadaba tribes, each with their own distinct practices and vibrant attire that reflect their cultural identity.

Paraja Village: Paraja Village offers an intimate encounter with the Paraja tribe, allowing you to witness their daily life and immerse yourself in the rhythm of their traditional village and bustling local market.

Dhruba Villages: In the Dhruba villages, you’ll witness the vibrant community life and bustling marketplaces, providing a glimpse into the everyday experiences and traditions of the local people.

Vishakhapatnam: The final stop of your journey, Vishakhapatnam is a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and cultural diversity, serving as a fitting conclusion to your exploration of Odisha’s rich heritage.

Each destination on this remarkable tour presents a unique opportunity to engage with local cultures, traditions, and art forms, creating a tapestry of experiences that will linger in your memory.

Detailed Tour Plan

Day 01: Arrival at Bhubaneshwar. Transfer to hotel.

Day 02: City tour of Bhubaneshwar, covering Temples & Caves. Overnight at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 03: After breakfast we will start our excursion to Nuapatna (Weaving Village), Sadeibareni ( Dokra Metal work village) & Padmakesharpur(Snake Charmers Village).

Overnight at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 04: Drive to Puri enroute visiting 64yogini village with Bell Metal work village, Pipli Applique work village & Raghurajpur Artisan’s village.

Overnight at Puri.

Day 05: Early morning visit of Potters’ village.

Excursion to Konark enroute visiting Stone Carvers village & Fishermen’ village.

Overnight at Puri.

Day 06: City tour of Puri & drive to Bhubaneshwar.

Overnight at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 07: Drive to Baliguda. Overnight at Baliguda.

Day 08: Visit of Kutia Kondh village & drive to Rayagada.

Overnight at Rayagada.

Day 09: Visit of Dongria Kondh village & drive to Jeypore.

Overnight at Jeypore.

Day 10: Visit of Bonda & Gadaba villages.

Overnight at Jeypore.

Day 11: Visit of Paraja village & market.

Overnight at Jeypore.

Day 12: Visit of Dhruba villages & their market. Drive to Vishakhapatnam.

Day 13: Departure transfer to the airport for the onward connection.

End of Tour

FAQs about the Tour

Q: What is the duration of the tour?
A: The tour spans across 13 days, allowing ample time to explore and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures and traditions of the destinations covered.

Q: Is the tour suitable for all age groups?
A: Yes, the tour is designed to offer enriching experiences for travelers of all ages, catering to cultural enthusiasts and those seeking authentic encounters.

Q: What types of art and crafts are highlighted in the tour?
A: The tour showcases a rich array of traditional crafts, including weaving in Nuapatna, Dokra metalwork in Sadeibareni, Bell Metal work and Appliqué craftsmanship in Puri, and much more.

Q: How do I reach the starting point of the tour in Bhubaneshwar?
A: You can reach Bhubaneshwar by air, rail, or road, depending on your convenience and location. Our tour organizers can assist you with transportation options.

Q: Are the visits to tribal villages respectful and ethical?
A: Yes, the tour is conducted in a respectful and ethical manner, allowing you to engage with local tribes while prioritizing their dignity, traditions, and privacy.

Q: Are meals included in the tour package?
A: The tour typically includes meals as mentioned in the itinerary, ensuring you have a delightful culinary experience throughout the journey.

Q: Will there be English-speaking guides?
A: Yes, you will have knowledgeable English-speaking guides at each destination who will provide insights into the local culture, history, and traditions.

Q: What is the level of physical activity involved in the tour?
A: The tour involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking and exploring various sites. However, the pace can be adjusted to accommodate different fitness levels.

Q: Can I purchase local crafts and souvenirs during the tour?
A: Absolutely, the tour offers opportunities to purchase unique local crafts and souvenirs at various villages and markets, providing a chance to support local artisans.

Q: Is the tour customizable or extendable?
A: While the tour follows a specific itinerary, you can discuss with the tour organizers about potential customization or extension options based on your preferences and interests.

Get a Quote: Call/Whatsapp: +91 9810954649 or Fill Contact Form