Letein Valley

Fast Facts:

Situated: Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, North Eastern Part of India

Apt time to come here: Any time of the year

Main Modes of Communication: Rail. Road and Air

Closest Airport: Borjhar, which is (124 kms away from Shillong

The quietly undulating slopes of the southern part of (Jaintia Hills) are just so gorgeous that they cannot be described in words. Only those who have visited this unexplored destination have been banqueted in incomprehension of the exceptionality of the loveliness of Jaintia Hills. The hills can fully appreciate the valley’s panoramic splendor. The country side of the English would be not as much beautiful than the Letein Valley as it sways like a dancing valley that is placed in each sides of the Kwai River in Nongkhilieh Elakas and in Sutnga of (Jaintia Hills) district.

This region,is better called as (Letein Valley) can be aptly viewed from the plateau on which (Shnongrim village) in (Nongkhlieh Elaka) is placed. Shnongrim is effortlessly reachable from the village of Sutnga, that is (16-km) off NH-44 and is very well linked with a beneficial-tarred road. Letein valley appears as a fine irrigated and well inclined, never-ending golf-course also with flat green turf, beguiling glens and blissful enjoyable dales which vanishes into the secluded fog of the sphere under a lucid and blue sky.

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Churches in Andhra Pradesh

Churches in Andhra Pradesh are among the splendid monuments that breathes history. In Medak District there is glorious Catholic Church known as Medak Church which is said to be among the three biggest Churches in South India. There are huge crowds attracted towards the Church on special occasions like Christmas, Easter and New Year. The Cathedral of Saint Joseph and St. Mary’s Church in the twin cities and in Vijayawada there is Gundala Church are among the renowned churches in Andhra Pradesh.

The Churches in Andhra Pradesh attracts number of tourists from all the corners of the country as well as abroad. Hyderabad being the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is such a place that can be reached without any problems. The most substantial attraction of tourists here are Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Tirupati and Puttaparthi, Vijayawada. The best time to travel around and enjoy the Churches in Andhra Pradesh is from October to March. This style of architecture is famous all over the country and number of people comes to visit the temples and mosques and the architecture of this places which adds a grandeur and majestic touch.

Churches in Andhra Pradesh

Gundala Church is located in Gundala at Vijayawada. The deity presiding here is Mother Mary. This is a place which is visited by most of the people and attracts on special occasions like Christmas and New Year.

Medak Church was earlier for flourishing Buddhist culture. This place is richly gifted with archaeological materials. In South India there are three huge churches from which this is one of those splendid churches. In 1914 the foundation of this church was laid and in 1924 it was completed. The church attracts number of people on special events like the New Year and Christmas 

St. Joseph Cathedral is placed in the area of Gun foundry and is perhaps the most beautiful twin cities. In around 1860 AD it was constructed and in architecture is has a distinctive Italian touch. The deity presiding here is Saint Joseph. This is one of the famous churches in Hyderabad and visited by number of people. 

St. Mary’s Church is a popular church situated in S.D road in Secunderabad. There are many people who visit this place regularly and some people are there who only visit this place on special occasions. The Sunday’s of this place sees a huge crowd coming from different corners of the city and state. Bible reading is practiced here and songs are sung to praise and worship the mother. This is one of the popular churches which have many visitors.

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Mosque of Kerala

Kerala is a place where people of all religions inhabited there which number of Muslims has located here. There are some Mosques in Kerala, from which some of them are constructed in agreement with art and architecture of Hindu Style. Some of the important mosques of Kerala are Cheraman Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque and Madayi Mosque.

The best time to visit the Mosque of Kerala is from August to March which can be easily reached by Air, Road and Rail. The best and important accessible points in Kerala are Trivandrum and Kochi. The most of the local people and people from neighbouring stated come here to visit this mosque. Many Muslims who are very religious come here every day for the prayers and some of the only visit once a week that is on Friday.

Mosque of Kerala

Cheraman Juma Masjid is one of the earliest mosques in India which is situated in Kondugallur center that is 1500 m away from Masjid in Kerala. It is located in Methala village. The main importance of this Mosque is that it is the First Juma Mosque in India. The name of this Mosque is influenced or kept in respect of King Cheraman Perumal. The Mosque was founded inn around 17^th century.

Kanjiramattom Mosque is situated in Kochi which is around 30 kms away from the Mosque. The important attraction of the people here is Kodikuthu Festival which is celebrated here with lot of joy. It is to be believed that this Mosque is constructed over the earthly remains of Sheikh Parid. Baver, one of the great Muslim Saints is said to be attended salvation and prayed here.

Madayi Mosque is located in Kannur that is at a distance of around 22 kms. It is one of the famous mosques and is also popularly known as Mallik Ibn Dinar. It is constructed in 1124 AD. The other attraction near to this Mosque is a fort that is said to be built by Tipu Sultan.

Pazhayangadi Mosque is a prominent pilgrim center of Muslim that is situated towards the east of Manjeri which is around 18 kms away. This Mosque is also popularly known as Kondotty Mosque and it is associated with Muhammed Shah who was a Muslim Saint. The main attraction of this place is Valia Nercha Festival for which people from different states come to celebrate this festival.

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Overview of Andhra Pradesh Pilgrimages

At a glance

Region: Andhra Pradesh

Attractive Tourist Places: Tirupati, Vijaywada, Hyderabad, Visakhpatnam, Puttaparthi

Capital City: Hyderabad

Perfect Visiting Time: Month of October and March

The entire Andhra Pradesh state is a religious place and huge numbers of pilgrim do visit this state and also the tourists. The state contains many spiritual shrines, which are main attractive characteristic of this state. This state is very much rich and one of the most spiritual lands in the entire world. As per the other beautiful shrines of Southern India, shrines of Andhra Pradesh are also amazing and delightful because of its considerable architectural structure. One of the highly religious shrines and most visited pilgrimage Lord Venkateshwara is located in the state. Annually huge thousands of pilgrim visits this temple. This is a famous spiritual shrine, which is located within this state. There are plenty shrines, located at different places of state, but Lord Venkateshwara's temple is highly popular. Andhra Pradesh also has a pilgrimage, which is located at Amravati, over the Krishna River's banks. This pilgrimage is very essential point for Buddhists and also Hindus. The temple of Lord Amareswara is a must visiting destination of Hindu religion people. This is very old structure of Buddhist, which also attracts the Buddhist religious people. At this place, you will get to see the biggest stupa of Buddhist in the whole India. There is too Srisailam place, which was a residing point of the one Jyotirlinga among rest of twelve. This is a very historical shrine in the whole Southern part of India; this temple is worshipped and visited by Buddhists and also Hindu people. Andhra Pradesh state's city Hyderabad is majorly covered by the Muslim religion people; that why you will get to see several essential Muslim places. Among those essential temples of Muslim, Mecca Masjid is everybody knows, it is located in the popular Charminar's area.

 Birla Temple

This temple of Andhra Pradesh state is committed to the Lord Venkateshwara. This temple is situated in Hyderabad city. This is a most visited shrine of this state. This shrine has been constructed by the rich Birla Industry. The entire shrine is made of marble, from Rajasthan state, this marble was carried. This shrine is located over the hill called Kala Pahad. There are other attractive spots of the state such as Tankbund and Hussain Sagar Lake. The evening time is perfect time to have a view of this beautiful shrine, because at that time the whole temple enlighten. If you will carefully observe the difference between the South India's temples and North India's temple, you will surely get to see that incorporation in both the place's employs, works in the shrine. The internal structure of this temple is exactly similar to the temple of Tirupati. The shrine is decorated by elegant carving, which depicts the poetry belongs to the Ramayana.

Mecca Masjid 

This Muslim pilgrimage is located in the close area of the popular Charminar. This religious pilgrimage is admired structure of the Andhra Pradesh state. The bricks which were used to build this Mecca Masjid are carried from the Mecca region, that’s why this spiritual Masjid got the name Mecca. During the 1617, Qutb Shahis begun to build this Masjid, but he didn't completed the construction of this mosque. Later on, the construction was finished in 1694, through the initiative of Aurangazeb. This holy mosque is believed to be very spiritual because it contains many remnants like Prophet Mohammad's hair. The huge major hall of this mosque is a major attractive part, the height of this hall is about 75feet, length about 180 feet and wideness is around 220 feet. This mosque contains fifteen bows, each side has five. There are graves of marble of Nizam Khan, on the southern side of Mecca Masjid and also the Asaf Jahi emperor's families.

Lord Venkateswara Temple

This temple is situated at Tirupati. This religious temple does not need any kind of introduction for the Hindu religion people and also for entire the world. This is located over the Tirupati hill, this hill is about ten kilometers long from the Tiruapti. This is second most worshipped temple, after Vatican. People come to this temple to worship the Lord Venkateswara, as per the legends, the idol which this temple has is a self evidenced. This is a richest spiritual place within the entire world. The millions of pilgrims gifted many offerings to this temple; which shows there believe and love of devotees towards the Lord Venkateswara.

 Amaravati

This pilgrimage is essential for Buddhists and also Hindu religion people. Both religions' people worship this pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is committed to the Lord Shiva; the sculptures of this temple are Buddhist. It is located over the Krishna river banks, it is a very holy place and people say it has Sthalamahatyam. This shrine's major idols are Lord Amareswara and Bala Chamundika Goddess. At this pilgrimage, Lord Shiva is present in 5 Lingas, which have names like Kosalaeswara, Pranaveswara, Parthiveswara, Agasteswara and Someswara. This pilgrimage's architecture type is of Dravidian type and here you will get to see huge Shivalingam about fifteen feet. This huge Shivalingam is decorated by the carving of Vimana & Gopurams. Amravati place is very ancient site of Buddhist in the whole India and it has huge stupa.

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Theater in Kerela: Various Phases

The theater art in Kerela developed in late nineteenth century. In its earliest form, the theater saw the development of famous arts of Kootiyattam and Kakkarissi Natakam. Kootiyattam was meant for the learned people while Kakkarissi was a major folk art of the state. Theater in Kerela also flourished with the advent of Christian theaters which were popularized by the Kerela Christians. The plays that were played at that time were based on Christian themes like Old Testament, Charlemagne's history, and lives of numerous saints.

 Attention to the theater art was drawn by the Malayalam translation of the famous Kalidasa epic "Shakuntala" by Vaila Koyil. This first translation led to an array of other translation works from Sanskrit and soon the theater in Kerela was flourished with the countless number of acts, dramas and plays that attracted the audience by their classical appeal. The period also saw adaptation of a number of English lays, particularly that of Shakespeare. Varghese Mappilai borrowed the theme of Taming of the Shrew, a renowned Shakespearean play. The dramas of Sheridan found their manifestation in the plays of the novelist Raman Pillai. The satirical works of Krishna Pillai paved the way for the further development of theater in many forms. 

With the advent of modern theater movement, works of several progressive writers found a way to penetrate in Kerela's artistic culture. As the play Ningalenne Kammunistakki opened in Malayalam theaters, a new era of theater in Kerela was heralded. The popular modernist plays like Crime 27 and Avan Vintum Varunnu saw the light of the day by the efforts of C. Thomas. Further adaptations of the plays by Krishna Pillai in Bhagnaa Bhavanam and others paved the way for future translation works. 

 The next phase of theater development in Kerela saw the popularization of touring companies. With the strenuous efforts of N.N.Pillai, Thoppil Bhasi, and Muhammad, this new form gained significance. The psychological thrillers became the call of the day and soon the theaters were flooded with dramas based on unique themes. With the commercialization of Malayalam Theater, the ethnic art forms of drama and plays failed to attract the audience. This new wave of 60s saw the brilliant performances by a number of professional groups as well as amateur companies. Among the most famous ones, the plays by Kalnilayam and Alleppey groups were highly appreciated by people. 

 In seventies, there was the development of a drama school called Thanathu Nataka which tried to revive the ethnic arts of the state. Later years of theater in Kerela became famous for road shows and street plays. These were the new elements that played a major role in developing awareness among masses regarding the fields of science and technology. Other prominent names that are associated with the development of theater companies are Kainikkara Pillai, Ponkunnam Varkey, Thikodeyan, and C.L. Jose. 

 In last hundred years, Kerela's theater has undergone sea changes its form, structure as well as content. Recognizing the potential of te progressive dramas, a number of playwrights wrote works like Pattabakki, Koottukrishi, Ruthumathi etc. Most of these dramas aimed at social reforms and tried to awaken the society the harm created by shedding superstitions and irrational practices. A number of sensible productions were produced during this time. It aided in creation of an enlightened class of Kerelites that had rational outlook. Soon the theater in Kerela became flourished with the run of the mill creations that had become characteristic of that period. A pleasant change was brought about by Sreekantan Nair whose plays were different from their Malayalam contemporaries. 

 A new type of school, based on theater, was opened at Trichur. Theater workshops were opened by Sankara Pillai; these workshops were called Nataka Kalaries. A number of productions were made by S. Ramanujam and Kumar Verma in several parts of Kerela. Later, as the aesthetic and performance standards were raised, the state saw brilliant productions like Avanavan Kadamaba, Karutha Daivathe Thedi and Karimkutty.

In the modern era, a number of theater competitions are organized; these introduce experimental theater to the villagers. Meaningful productions take place at several parts of the state these days. Efforts have been made to revitalize the theater art and take it to the next level of progress. Numerous groups are working together to imparts training the folks; some of these groups include Lokadharmi Thrippunithura and Abhinaya Thiruvanathapuram. The encouraging works have been done by people like Desaposhini Kozhikodu, Annor, and Janaanayana Vadanappalli. The theater in Kerela is ready to face the new challenges of the modern world and is going to fight all odds that have previously put obstacle in its path.

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Endemic Maharashtra

Tips on clicks

• Capital city of the Maharashtra state – Mumbai.
• Major attractions in Mumbai and other cities – Gateway of India, Ajanta and Ellora caves, Marine Drive, Hanging Garden, many other temples, church and mosques.
• Basic and most common language – Marathi.
• Ideal season to visit Maharashtra – From September to June.
  

Indigenousness of Maharashtra – Welcome!

There are many exotic facets of the Maharashtra state. From art and architecture to beaches; from caves to ancient monuments; from temples, gurudwaras, mosques and churches to hill stations and hot springs; from costumes to music; from cuisines to picnic spots; much much more – Maharashtra is just the abundance of tourism. This is what indigenous Maharashtra is. 

Caves like Ajanta and Ellora make an introduction, worth the while, to the rock- cut architecture of the caves and the temples there. Numerous and various other abodes of religious venerations and forts are examples of the martial times of Maharashtra. The modern times of the state witness the movie buffs which one visiting the state would definitely not like to miss. The dreams of being into the city of the famous Bollywood – Indian Hindi Film Industry and an integral part of endemic Maharashtra – are about to come true.

 The basic indigenousness of endemic Maharashtra comes from the panorama of the Malvan region of the state. Some of the basic ingredients that make the tour of endemic Maharashtra so refreshing and enthusiastic are the Caves of Ajanta and Ellora – the most ancient tourist attraction in Maharashtra; Konkan Coast – the longest coastline on the western side of India; Bollywood – India’s largest film making industry in Mumbai and the epicenter of worldwide entertainment; other numerous temples and places of worship – witnesses of the age old devotional practices going on in the state of religious splendor.

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Shawls of Nagaland

Fast Facts:

Region: Nagaland, India

Prime Colors: Yellow, Red, White and Green

Nagaland is one of the hilly states of India that is located on the Northern eastern side; it is exactly located on the border of Myanmar. The major aspect is a national identity of this state is its tribes. This state contains almost sixteen prime tribes that are derived from mongoloid group. This ethnic group includes rich and beautiful tradition of weaving. Nagaland is very famous for their intricate shawls which are hand woven. The artists of Nagaland use a very unique way to weave the beautiful shawl. Usually they use loom, which are made of wood and bamboo, the loom always has 2 similar bamboo ends. They attach one end of the loom to the wall and the other one to any leather strap. Because the loom is adaptable and light, artist can connect it to any plant or tree and he can start weaving on the outdoor portion. They tie the wrap ending points of threads to 2 bamboo trails, the time women start weaving, they go towards the leather strap to so that the wrap threads remain nicely polished, they use bamboo sticks so that it is stretched, they also use it to create a shed on the wrap thread. 

Because the loom's back strap is tiny, the weaving which is created by the artists is thin. To gain the expected breadth of the shawl, the artists weave 3 or 2 length. The most attractive element of the Shawl is located on the center point of the shawl, it is connected to the shawl through beautiful stitches. If you observe the Nagaland shawl, you will find that artists majorly design the shawl by using the single strip and vertical strip designs with edge similar stripes, different patterns bands. Shawl's stripes might be edged along with contrasting multicolored threads to make it noticeable. Some times they also use tiny geometric motifs that are made by extraordinary threads that artists can’t wove again. In a few shawls, artists use weft threads in different sections to give a decorative look to the shawl because of which the Shawl also get ribbed texture. 

The overall look of the Nagaland shawl is very impressive due to its striking textile and colors like blue, white, green, red and many more. During the ancient time, the colors which were used by the artists to color the Shawl were obtained through vegetable sources like roots, yarn, flowers, berries and leaves. Artists used to color the threads at their home but in today's developed world they use already colored yarns, which are colored in the synthetic dyes. A very sober black color shawl, colored by multicolored stripes is made as a sack for weaver to carry their baby while climbing the hills. The shawls of Nagaland comprise of a number of Naga Shawls, which includes various patterns. The motif of Shawl indicates the wearer's identity, from which tribe that person belongs and it also displays the social status of that person. The people of Nagaland state are martial people; every tribe of Nagaland has their own traditional exclusive shawl, which was the only dress by the courageous warriors. Within few tribes, the wife of the warrior's dress in exclusive shawl like Tiger shawl made of nice blue lines over black and blue ground. You will also get to see one more type of shawl which is only used by the male member whose family had pragmatic a specific feast for 3 generations. Shawls of Nagaland are not just attractive and beautiful but they are too functional, their shawls are used by the people to satisfy their cultural and physical needs from many generations. Apart from the changes which have happened in their life, who are still practicing their traditional art of weaving with lots of enthusiasm and pride. 

Meta Description:

Shawls of Nagaland is one of the prime and attractive aspects of Nagaland state, it is a historical and traditional art form, practiced by expert artists.

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Kerala House Boats

Situated: Kerala, (India)

Also popular as Kettuvallom (The traditional house boat)

Grandness: Means of Transport initially

Measure: 80ft long.

“House boats” are the exciting way to rejuvenate yourself from all the tensions and worries of life. Just    imagine yourself floating on the water, cool and soothing breeze blowing across and also with all the facilities inside your houseboats. It is really an enchanting experience. If you have not tried then you are missing some thing big time .Do visit the world famous “Backwaters of Kerala”.Its an unforgettable experience.

The houseboats are slow moving huge and enchanting barge are used for relaxation and ease. These boats are also called as Kettuvalloms.In the olden days these boats were used to transport tones of spices and rice from Kuttanad to Kochi Port.

The Kerala House boats soaring past and are provided with Gondolier on both sides one by sail and other with poles.Kerala s backwater sessions are not a restricted to only

The wildlife and the enthralling water sports like water angling, water skiing and water sailing are really exciting. The popular backwater cruise in Kerala is from the small place of Kollam-Allappuzha.

The Conventional House Boats:

Kettuvalloms are the stitched boats and are really huge country Rafts. These houseboats are the best modes to enjoy the thrilling and enchanting colorful waters of Kerala.These boats are measured up till 8o feet. The traditional boats were basically used in Kochi, Minicoy and Tranvancore islands. The link between Kerala and the backwaters is inseparable. The wood that is used to make this giant boat is Anhili this wood is found in plenty in central Travancore.Huge planks are entangled together with the help of coir ropes that is hand made and coconut fibers.

The Kettuvalloms are strong enough to withstand the huge and enormous waves in the sea .The huge angular boats are a regular sight over here. These boats form the best image ever for the backwaters of Kerala.

At present the carrier of rice and spices Kettuvalloms are the romantic getaways for newly wed couples and rejuvenating affair for the families. These boats are world famous and tourist from all around the world comes here to enjoy this session.

Making of these royal boats:

The making of these giant boats are really amazing. The manufacturing of these boats is done at a serene spot over the small village of Karunagapally that is located some 23km away from North side of Quilon.Kettuvallum boats are made without using nails. It requires great adroitness and great skills to build these huge boats. These boats are constructed with the help of giant planks of jack woods .The boats are implemented with cashew nut oil and fish oil and are left for many days.

Oil is also implemented atleast for three times before setting out on water. Each of these Jack wood plank is tied with each other with the help of coir rope and then this constructed boat is coated with black resin .This mixture is prepared by boiling cashew Kernels. These boats last for many generations with proper maintenance.

Enjoy the Palatial Ride:

A visit in Kettuvalloms, the palatial Houseboats of (Kerala) offers a bird’s eye view of the most lovable view of Kerala, also called as Gods Own Country. You can cruise through the colorful water with coconut trees on the sides and fringed backwaters throughout the night with the company of the adoring moon light.

The cradlesong of the cool waves blowing and the eye popping light of the moon can be an enchanting experience for many nights in Kettuvallom. The picturesque locales of Kerala will turn you crazy and this part makes Kerala the most enduring locations. The houseboats were initially known as Kuttanadan Kettuvalloms.

The Luxury:

These boats are changed over to floating luxury residence units. These boats are available in different shapes and sizes. The suites are attached with bedrooms, Kitchen, open lounge, living room, deck and also crew comprising of a cook, guide and oarsmen.

These houseboats are functioned using a tiny outboard engine. You will be amazed to k now that now a day a small conference room is also introduced for an innovative meeting.

The Prices of these houseboats are quite reasonable. A 24hrs stay in this houseboat will cost you starting from Rs 6000.You can also avail the cheap ones that include one bedroom and dormitories. There about 250 boats, that operates as the houseboats in the Backwater of Kerala.

Cheap boats are also available but as the price soars down the fun also starts diminishing. You can avail all the services of houseboats at Alappuzha also known as the Finishing Point. At this place, you will get your type of houseboat rates .The rent of the boats stars from Rs 500-Rs 1000 per day.

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Bollywood – The Hindi Movie Industry

Bollywood, Mumbai, Maharashtra – Welcome!

Television and movies are something that haven’t yet been tried to be quit, and never would be in near future. Anyone who has brought up watching TV or has been a part of an actor family is not unknown of the power of Bollywood that has been wielding in the Indian minds since it had been born, back in 1899. Initially, the number of people working with it, the number of people involved in it by various means, the number of people watching it and the impact of it on every kind of mind was quite less than the figures of today. Bollywood derived its name from the American Film industry situated in Hollywood. This was the Indian Film Industry needed a similar name to be recognized as a film industry, initially, and thus, Bollywood came to picture.

Bollywood – The Hindi Movie Industry – was Maharashtra’s very first film producing business. In the prior days of Bollywood, there were a very few movies being produced, on an average, every year. But as the population grew, the demand from the entertainment sector grew due to various factors. And today, over 300 movies per year are produced, including all kinds of movies. The film producers are known to invest millions and more in the creation and development of one film, and also are famous for extracting profit, doubled the investments. Such is the demand for entertainment in every region of Maharashtra, which Bollywood is known to satiate to a great extent.

State of the Cinema Estate

Originally there used to be cinema halls, only a few in numbers, for the purpose of watching a newly released movie. And in the initial days of Bollywood, watching a movie in the theatre house was no less than a celebration and occasion. But today, the scenario has completely changed; every village has a cinema house to watch every new movie, located at walking distance from the main centre of the village. Talking about the cities, there are cinema houses at every new turn of the road, and each cinema house has got multiple cinema halls, which is called a multiplex.

Mumbai and Bollywood:

Mumbai is the capital of the Maharashtra state as well as that of the Hindi Blockbuster movies, or the All India Films, Bollywood – The Hindi Movie Industry. When Bollywood was born, Mumbai was still Bombay. Bollywood could be called the Hollywood of India, and it seconds Hollywood of the USA in making quality films and well as in producing many of them in number. Annually, more than 300 films are produced with Mumbai as the epicenter of shoots and other production related stuff. The Bollywood trend, now-a-days, is seen to shoot films abroad, because of the requirements of location and climate that suits the theme of the movie.

Bollywood Movie Themes:

Coming to themes, there are movies released in Bollywood based on all kinds of themes – love, romance, action, festivities, family, friendship, humanity, patriotism, religious, social values, and so much more. There are various types of categories in which the Bollywood movies are categorized based on their themes – like Masala Movies, Parallel Movies, Musical, and so many more.

The movie stars:

The Bollywood movie stars and actors are the most adored people in Maharashtra and India. They are the most respected celebrities of the country, as well as abroad. Each of the stars has their own number of fans, which is still great, pertaining to the Indian population. These celebs are adorned so much due to their work in the movies, which entertain the viewers and enchants them to become fans of the most beautiful, hard working and well- presented stars. Apart from being adorable and respectable, the Bollywood movie stars are also famous and rich; the two things that every person dreams of. They are also in the vision due to the luxurious lives they live.

The gist of the whole Bollywood thing lies in the film studios. These are places where the actual shooting of the movies and various other activities related to the films take place. From inaugurations to rehearsals, from the first take to the conclusion, and from sound recording, to dance practice – these film and sound studios are like a mother’s womb to the movies, without which the entertainment busters wont be conceived and grow.

Screenings of movies:

Whether local, resident or tourist – any visitor in Mumbai is not left untouched by the magic of Bollywood movies, and hence, there have been built numerous theatres and cinema halls, even multiplexed ones, for the visitors to enjoy the Bollywood movie screenings in these halls. If you wish to make a good decision, for which you wont have to repent, on which movie to watch an in which theatre, it is better to purchase a movie magazine that is full of authentic reviews and listings. The most famous and reputed cinemas in Mumbai are Regal in Colaba, the Sterling, the Inox, the PVR, the Eros in Church Gate, the New Excelsior and the New Empire. There are various other cinemas in various regions of Mumbai and Maharashtra, to suit the resident people.

It is really challenging to wrap up Bollywood – The Hindi Movie Industry – in one page. It would be most appropriate to visit Maharashtra and Mumbai and have a look an feel of the Bollywood industry with personal eyes and heart.

Read more : Traveladda

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Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Tips on clicks:

Located - At a distance of 99 km away from Aurangabad in Maharashtra.

Striking features - Ajanta caves are declared a World Heritage Site, and Ellora caves possess a blended architecture of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

Total number of caves present – 30 in Ajanta and 34 in Ellora.

Dates back to – 2nd BC to 6th century AD for Ajanta and 5th to 10th century AD for Ellora.

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra:

At a distance of 99 km from the historically significant city or Aurangabad, there are located the Ajanta caves of Maharashtra. These are the most famous cave structures throughout Maharashtra, India and the world. Hence, the Ajanta caves have been awarded the title of World Heritage Site. These caves had been carved in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, means they can be traced back to the pre- historic periods. These were basically built for the ancient Buddhist monks to live and pray over here. Hence, the caves can be seen to have a touch of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist architectures. The walls and ceilings of the Ajanta caves portray every aspect of the contemporary world related to every kind of human being – from kings to slaves, man to woman, children to adults, and every other style that is a part of the contemporary world living. 

Also, the Ajanta cave carvings depict different types of human beings like the Yaksha, the Kinneras – meaning partly human and partly birds, Apsaras – dancers of the heavenly courts, Gandharvas – divine mucisians, etc. These carvings and designs came out of imagination, since these things were of importance for people of then. The Ajanta caves were discovered in the 19th century itself. Prior to that they were built and later forgotten, due to the chisel, and were left hidden under the thick blanket of nature’s wild growth. There are as many as 30 astonishing caves, each leaving the visitors with jaw- dropping expressions.

Ellora caves:

These are located at a distance of around 18 miles away from Aurangabad and to its north west, cradled and the round of the Chamadari hills. They extend over a mile and a quarter more in the north – south direction. These set of caves are icons for the experiments carried out on them for over 300 years. An irregular vertical rocky ridge that rises upwards from the Earth – this is what the first impression of the spectators of Ellora is. The array of 34 and more caves in Ellora is an instance of great temple architectures. Looking at the designs and the sculptures on the cave walls, the Ellora caves seem to display, in their architectures, a perfect unification of the Jain, Buddhist and Hindu mythology. The Chalukya – Rashtrakuta rulers of the 7th – 10th century had undertaken the donation for the building of the caves. There are numerous mural paintings in Ellora caves. But, since they are quite ancient, only in one of the 5 caves, in which the paintings were made, they are even preserved now in somewhat decent and visible manner. Not only on walls, but the paintings also decorate the ceilings of these two- storied caves. There is a festival arranged by the MTDC in Ellora caves in which there are competitions of classical music and dancing.

Thus, Ajanta and Ellora serve as the most ancient icons of heritage and richness of the state and thus they preserve the indigenousness of endemic Maharashtra. It is worth visiting once a life time – the Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra.

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