Book Chardham Yatra Packages at Best Price in 2022, 2023

 Abode of God’s and Goddess in the far corners of north India, lies the state of Uttarakhand. Here in Uttrakhand every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the region for Chardham and Om Parvat & Kailash Yatra 2023 from April to October. But now we even find Pilgrims traveling for winter Chardham where they are able to have the darshan during the lean period as well.

Spiritual circuit of the ‘Four sacred abodes’ consists of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in a clockwise manner. The most ought after Yatra is now a year-round destination for the Pilgrims where summer Chardham start from the month of April/May and ends by October & in winter month we find God comes

About Winter Seats of Char Dhams

The deities from all four Dhams – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are relocated to shrines of Kharsali, Mukhva, Ukhimath, and Narsingh Temple (Joshimath) respectively for the six months of winter.

Ever since as a tradition, the pilgrimage of Char Dhams starts in May and ends in October with the start of winters. As the Shrines receive heavy snowfall during winters and are inaccessible, the Idols and symbols are moved to nearby Temples which remain open during winters.

Know more about Winter Char Dham Shrines of Uttarakhand

Ukhimath (Kedarnath)                          Narsingh Temple, Joshimath (Badrinath)

Kharsali (Yamunotri)                   Mukhwa (Gangotri)

The schedule of Summer Chardham Yatra 2023 is announced by the Char Dham Temple Committee, Kedar-Badri Mandir Samiti after consulting the holy Hindu calendar known as the ‘Panchang’ before the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya also known as Akha Teej. There is a belief that if you buy the gold of Akshay Tritya it will always grow and never fade away.

Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates and Closing Months

Yamunotri Dham: The Yamunotri Temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.Which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. Yamunotri temple always closes on the day of Deepawali with a brief ceremony.

> Every year the Yamunotri temple opens its gates to the devotees on the day of Akshaya Tritiya which tentatively will be on  May & expected to close on  October.

Gangotri Dham: The Gangotri Shrine opens on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. Which generally falls during the last week of April, or the first week of May. Gangotri temple always closes on the day of Deepawali The pujaris with an array of lighted oil lamps perform the closing ceremony.

> There after is the Gangotri temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga, which will be open for visitors starting May & expected to close on October.

Kedarnath Dham: The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is fixed by the pujari and temple administration at Ukhimath temple on the auspicious day of Maha Shiva Ratri. Kedarnath temple closes on (Bhaiyadooj) the day after Deepawali with a brief and simple ceremony.

> The temples of Kedarnath and Yamunotri close doors on Bhai Dooj/Yama Dwitiya, which is two days after Deepawali on October.

Badrinath Dham: The opening date of Badrinath Temple is fixed on Basant Panchami by the former King of Tehri and Raj Purohit. Badrinath temple closing day was decided by Rawal on the auspicious day of Vijya Dashmi. ( The Dusshera festival). Normally the temple closes on the second week of November.

 As the colder days descend upon the Char Dham, the deities come down to their winter homes. During this time the deities of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are worshipped at the Yamuna mandir in Kharsali village, the Ganga mandir in Mukhba village, the Onkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, and Narsingh temple in Joshimath respectively.

These temples are open and accessible even during the winters so that the inaccessibility of the roads due to snowfall does not get in the way of the devotees’ bhakti until the next year.

We would always say that the perfect time to start planning your spiritual journey to the Char Dham and go on an entrancing journey of a lifetime. So please keep on checking and plan to look out for updates on the opening and closing dates for Char Dham Yatra 2023.

How NTP Groups foresee Tourism In 2021 - 2022 ??

Hemant K Sharma Mentor/ CEO NTP say “If you observe the macro picture post Covid19, there’s massive slowdown and loss with the world economy in the coming years, with big recession that all are talking around”. We can observe the change with the energetic Asian market and demand in the American & other Eastern locations - with probable stagnation of overall consumable items & limited interest in the service products like hotels, restaurants, Destination sales .New emerging perspective will be self-catering and quality control thrust – Observed and taken care by the Destination Sales Agents & tourism board.

  “Concern in the industry right now is that at what stage international travel will resume and with what restrictions,” As the Virus is having impact all over the world at various levels with different timeframes – so I hope travel to start gradually In a controlled manner and then move ahead in full swing in all the markets & global locations .The process will be slow meticulous and steady now.

Travellers Affected by the pandemic situation & recession along with the slow economic growth will always seek either an economical or more value-added products with quality standards.  It has become amply clear to us that value bound products, especially in the hotel , hospitality & brand segment with quality control will become first choice of the tourism sector, hence service providers and infrastructure will have to work on the subject during the COVID 19 phase so that once the period is over we are able to better sell the destination. People will not trust the showcasing but will always prefer to look for the quality standards offered by the service providers. Now the concept of flexibility & self-catering convenience would emerge in order to be doubly sure

NTP is working on the subject by coordinating with the service providers like Hotels, transport & airlines & would ensure 24 x 7 assistance. NTP would opt for the properties, food / restaurants and services for the guest that are maintaining quality control and checks with the maintenance. We have re augmented our business and sales strategy - only those hotels which have marked to our parameters of hygiene and quality control for the holidays and pilgrimage bound to Nepal www.nepaltourism.net and India www.ntpindiatourism.com will become our promotion and sales choice .We would always prefer sending our kitchen and manpower with the Kailash Yatra Groups like other times (purely dependent upon China Government for the allocation of services & conduction of the Yatra Via Nepal Route)

 NTP with the guidelines & approvals of Ministry of tourism India and Nepal, Hotel & Hospital owner, Transport and Sightseeing management authorities facilitates a full turnkey service including reservations, marketing,, on-site staffing, revenue management, housekeeping & quality control services. All NTP offices offer preliminary site visit before the guest check inn, 24-hour support for the Guest, in house hygienic pantry for the guest and staff, ensure technology and connectivity amenities. NTP Foresee Hospitality & Service industry emerging up in 2021 second or third quarter -2022 only with altogether new perspective of catering & serving Guest i.e, more technology driven, assured quality control & accredited (to check and balance the system).Finally all this would become a subject of appeal, add wow factor for the tourist & become subject of interest for the Destination India, Nepal & Kailash Yatra www.ntpgroups.com.

Travel News

The deadly coronavirus hasn't just upset the plans of many travellers who are cancelling their bookings with fear of contracting the infection, but, has also adversely affected the airline and travel industry.

Industry people say that even though India is largely unaffected with the deadly coronavirus as of now, the happenings in the rest of the world have hugely created negative sentiments in the county and, hence, impacted the air travellers as well. This, in turn, has adversely impacted the business.

Talking to India Today TV, Travel Agent Association of India President Jyoti Mayal said, "Coronavirus has affected our travel and tourism business entirety in a very negative way. Globally, the travel industry has come into a deficit of nearly $80 billion. The Indian industry has already suffered huge losses and continues to do so".

It's not only restricted to the countries where the virus is active. Travellers are scared of being confined into aircraft space, cruises, being quarantined and more. We are advising our members to look at opportunities around them and request the government to give subsidies and rebates to our industry to sustain these difficult times," she added.

The airlines are reeling under sudden fall in demand which is hampering their business.

Diwali – India’s Best Lights Festival

During Diwali, days houses, shops and establishments are thoroughly cleaned, white-washed and repaired and then tastefully decorated. All over the cities, towns and villages there are meals and fairs and special shops are set up to sell sweets, fire crackers, lamps, pots and pans, fruits, flowers, toys, gift items etc. People are on a buying spree and purchase a lot of things including sweets, jewelry, new clothes and costly gifts. The bazzars and fairs are overcrowded and the businessmen have excellent sales and profits.

It is an occasion of merry-making, exchange of sweets, gifts, greetings, good-wishes and for asking forgiveness from one another. At night earthen lamps are lit, fire-crackers burnt and visits are paid to friends and relatives. The exchange of pleasantries, gifts and sweets etc. give the much needed relief from the tensions, worries and routine of daily life. But gradually the earthen lamps are being replaced by candles and electric lights. This has affected the potter badly and his income has dwindled. The festival reminds us of Lord Rama’s triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana of Lanka. On this day Rama was crowned as king of Ayodhya and celebrations were held on a large scale. And every nook and corner was lighted with lamps at night. During night Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped and her blessings sought. The businessmen close their old accounts and open new books on this auspicious day. The Jains celebrate it because Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara obtained Nirvana on this day.

 The festival is being increasingly used to give expensive gifts by the contractors, businessmen, power brokers etc., to the politicians, bureau crates, and officers to seek their illegal favor in near future. This is a very corrupt practice being indulged in. Gifts worth crores rupees are showered with a definite purpose of getting undue favors, sanction etc. drinking and gambling are other evils associated with the festival. People indulge in drinking and create scenes. Many people play cards and gamble. The stakes are very high and bids placed amount to lakhs of rupees. Thus, black and ill-gotten money is free.

Lord Jesus – Light in the World

This is exactly what the Lord Jesus has done. The Gospel in the Veda Pusthakan (or Bible) describes Jesus in the following way:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 1-5)

So you see, this ‘Word’ is the fulfillment of the hope that Diwali expresses. And this hope comes in this ‘Word’ from God, which John later identifies as the Lord Jesus. The Gospel continues by stating that

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—  children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:9-13)

 This is explaining how the Lord Jesus came to ‘give light to everyone’. Some think that this is only for Christians, but notice that it says that this offer is for ‘everyone’ in the ‘world’ to ‘become children of God’. This offer is one that everyone, at least everyone who is interested in, like Diwali, Light overcoming the darkness inside them.

8 Winter Festivals in India that are Worth Travelling – Culture India

Whether you're looking for an excuse to party or end the year on a meaningful note, winter is the best time to trip on culture. Whether it's a celebration of local customs in the hills of Nagaland or a dance music festival on a Goan beach, each of these festivals offers a unique way of experiencing a destination and bonding with like-minded folks. A heady mix of glamour, culture and unbridled fun, they are the perfect way to drown out the winter blues. Take your pick from music, art, cinema and dance, and get ready to join the jamboree.

International Sand Art Festival and Konark Festival, Odisha

19-21 Feb 2017

The seaside town of Konark is already famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was designed as the cosmic chariot of the sun god Surya. Its most impressive features are its gigantic stone wheels driven by galloping horses, but a closer look also reveals intricate carvings of rulers, armies, animals, performers and mythological figures. This rich heritage is the perfect stage for two parallel festivals of dance and art in early December. Organised by the Odisha tourism board, the Konark Festival shines the spotlight on classical dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Manipuri. The performances are held in a magical setting, in an open-air auditorium under the night sky with the magnificent Sun Temple as the backdrop. A crafts fair and food festival are also organised alongside. If you need more reasons to visit, this is also the time when the International Sand Art festival is held at the beautiful and quiet Chandrabhaga Beach nearby. Sand artists from India and other countries come to Konark to make breathtaking sculptures using just sand and water.

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland 

When: 1-10 December, 2017

A fusion of colour, music, dance and food, the week-long Hornbill Festival celebrates the culture and traditions of Nagaland's 16 tribes and is one of the state's major crowd-pullers. Named after the bird, it is held at the Kisama Heritage Village, situated near the capital Kohima and surrounded by green valleys and hills. During the day, the village reverberates with the sound of drum beats and folk songs, performances of war dances and head-hunting rituals, and local games. The festival packs in everything from adventure car and bike rallies, to fashion shows highlighting Naga textiles. Brave souls can try their luck at the chilli eating contest, where participants have to eat the fiery bhut jholokia or the hottest chilli pepper in the world. There's a carnival-like atmosphere all around: shops selling beaded jewellery and bamboo products and tribal huts which double up as restaurants serving local delicacies such as rice beer. After sundown, the focus shifts to the Kohima Night Bazaar's food and handicraft stalls, and the tremendously popular rock and metal festival that features the region's best bands.

 Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2014, Kerala

When: December 12, 2016 until March 29, 2017

First held in 2012, the second edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale promised to transform the historic port town of Cochin into an open-air art gallery once again. Dubbed as India's first contemporary art biennale, it is spread across three-and-a-half months and brings together artists from over 30 counties. Called "Whorled Explorations", its inspiration is the city's history as a vital centre of maritime trade, astronomy and mathematics over the centuries. Curated by Indian artist Jitish Kallat in 2014, it comprises of a series of film screenings, art exhibitions, cultural programmes and children's workshops organised in heritage sites spread across Fort Kochi and Ernakulam. The main venue, Aspinwall House, is a large sea-facing mansion which was originally the office of a trading company. A unique chance to see the past meet the present, this is also the ideal season to explore Cochin's cosmopolitan history and the surrounding backwaters.

 Sunburn Festival, Goa

When: 27-29 December, 2017

Sunburn, India's first and biggest EDM festival will return to north Goa's Vagator Beach for its eighth year at the end of December. Known for its mix of Indian and international DJs, it features big names from all genres of dance music. In 2014, the festival plans to up the decibels with a line-up of 150 artists, with multiple stages for EDM genres such as dubstep, house and psy trance. You can also expect huge stages, good acoustics, plenty of drinks and food, and after-parties. In case you want to take a break from all that head-banging, there are flea markets, sunset cruises, and adventure sports like zorbing, volleyball, bungee jumping and stunt biking.

 Magnetic Fields Festival, Rajasthan

The second edition of this boutique music festival unfolds in the dream-like setting of the Alsisar Mahal, a 17th-century palace-turned-hotel in Shekhavati. Known as Rajasthan's open art gallery, this area is dotted with painted havelis decorated with colourful, centuries-old frescoes. Marrying this heritage with alternative dance music, it brings together a mix of Indian and international artistes. The three day jamboree includes night-long music sessions, pop-up parties, morning yoga sessions, workshops and demonstrations by local artisans, costume balls, and an array of food stalls dishing out local delicacies. Expect stylish flourishes everywhere—the accommodations include palace suites with painted walls and ceilings and antique furniture as well as luxury tents set up in the bedouin village camp just outside Alsisar Mahal.

 International Film Festival of Kerala, Kerala

When: Dec 04 - Dec 11, 2017

Widely considered to be one of India's best film festivals, the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has been regularly drawing film buffs for the last two decades. It screens a well-curated set of recent national, international and regional films in Malayalam. Spread across various theatres in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram, its retrospectives and selection of otherwise hard to see world cinema attracts a loyal stream of cinephiles and regulars year after year. In between films, you can hop between the city's British-era museums and sneak off to the beach towns of Kovalam and Varkala close by.

Rann Utsav, Gujarat

A vast glittering expanse of white, Gujarat's Rann of Kutch is carpeted with salt marshes and inhabited by numerous tribal and nomadic communities. This beautiful and barren land comes alive during the government-backed Rann Utsav, a celebration of the area's people, history and culture. Held for three months every winter, the desert carnival offers a mix of folk music and dance performances, camel rides, as well as adventure sports such as dirt biking and hot air is ballooning. The crafts bazaar showcases local artisans working with colourful Kutchi embroidery, hand block printing, wood carving, seashells and silver jewellery. Guests can stay in comfortable desert tents on the outskirts of the Dhorad village, situated on the fringes of the salt desert. There are also safaris to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, the home of the endangered wild ass and several exotic bird species; the white sand Mandvi Beach; and Kala Dungar, the highest point in the region.

 December Music Festival, Chennai

Every December, music is in the air in Chennai. One of India's biggest cultural festivals, this month-long extravaganza is the best time to see and hear the finest classical musicians and dancers in south India performing live. The festival dates back to 1929, when Chennai's oldest sabha or concert hall, the Madras Music Academy held its first conference. Deeply rooted in the city's cultural ethos, this period is locally known as the Kutcheri (concert) Season, the December Season or simply the Season, as most of the concerts are held in December, one of the most pleasant months in Chennai. The focus is on instrumental and vocal Carnatic music as well as traditional forms, with the performances spread across various sabhas in the city.

Best Himachal Packages with Exclusive Deals on Simla, Manali and Dharamshala Tour

Himachal Pradesh is a Honeymoon Paradise with mind and eye drenching semblance and place with meandering rivers, valleys, beautiful temples and enchanting flora and fauna. At this location we involve ourselves absolutely with adventures activities and have fun with family and friends. Himachal is a perfect spot for the tourist with Nature Interest.

One could spend quality time amidst the florescent of nature with Himachal hotel providing attractive and economy travel packages at affordable rates to high end relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Enjoy the most authentic locations of Himachal Pradesh with Himachal tour packages like:-

•    Honeymoon Packages – Best deals on seasonal location of Kullu Manali Shimla honeymoon package with memorable experience by visiting adjoining locations like valley of flowers, Rohtang Valley, Kufri, and Chail are best known to us. This package is available from Delhi and Chandigarh directly to Kullu, Manali and Simla by bus and rail route.

•    Adventures Packages – Several seasonal group and family packages combined with adventure can be explored, where most of them are adrenal experience. 

•    Weekend Packages – During the weekend we could drive and enjoy the holidays in Himachal that include Shimla, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, McLeodganj, Dharamsala and Manali whereas adventure can be enjoyed at Lahaul and Spiti. 

•    Pilgrimage Packages – The region has more than 2000 Temples in Himachal devoted to the local gods and goddess.  People with sacred and special interest find it mesmerizing with widespread religious feel all around with caves and natural ambiance as if Gods own world showering peace, relaxation, rejuvenation and blessings.

•    Family Packages – The locations of Himachal paradesh are absolutely ideal for the family vacation since it adds natural, cultural and mesmerizing experience with true feel and benefit of togetherness and reunion vacations.

•    Group Packages – Since the region has showering climate and absolute ambiance created by people and nature is good for the Group activity and team building exercises.

NTP India tourism offers absolutely well connected holidays from various locations like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad to Himachal Pradesh with comfortable, budget and luxury packages of various themes suitable to our budget.