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"Travel Guidelines to Indian Subcontinent - Updated 18 Feb 2022"Learn More


21Kraft is a premier Inbound Luxury Lifestyle and Travel Management Company for the Indian subcontinent. We are committed to provide travel management services for Leisure and business travels.



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Festivals
PUNAKHA TSHECHU Festival, Punakha, Bhutan
HOLI Mathura/Vrindavan/ Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, India
RISHIKESH International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

BEST MONTHS: March
FESTIVALS:
PUNAKHA TSHECHU Festival, Punakha, Bhutan
HOLI Mathura/Vrindavan/ Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, India
RISHIKESH International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

CITIES TO VISIT: Punakha, Mathura and Rishikesh



The joyful festivals, charming weather, and colorful nature make for some of the best places to visit in India and Bhutan in March. The month of March marks the spring season in India and Bhutan. This time the blessed nature of the country reveals the most colorful panorama. Pairing with the incredibly colorful natural beauty, the lovely Indians start celebrating joyful festivals of color. So, this riot of color allures the travelers to pack their bag and head to the best holiday destinations in India in March.
A great month to travel, March adds to the brightness of New Year with a new season and colorful festivals. During this month, the weather remains pleasant in most parts of the country. It is a great month to indulge in all tourist activities in India. For those who love to participate in different culture and festivals, it is a great time to visit the famous festival destinations in India and Bhutan. And congratulations to the newly-weds! The spring season specially adorns the honeymoon places in India in March for you.



PUNAKHA





Punakha is a town in the Himalayas of Bhutan. It's known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. The fortress hosts the Punakha Tshechu, a religious festival featuring masked dances and music. In the surrounding Punakha Valley, temples include the fertility-focused Chimi Lhakhang and the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which has river and mountain views.


HOTEL


Six Senses Punakha




Flying Farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields, this beautiful lodge has a rustic feel inspired by the valley’s farmhouse architecture and is blessed with a warmer climate. You’ll find a choice of suites and villas, pool, boutique, yoga and meditation huts, and from here you can visit one of Bhutan’s highlights: the majestic Punakha Dzong.

One-Bedroom Villa




This generously proportioned villa offers relaxation and privacy while connecting with the natural beauty and lush Punakha Valley. Traditional architectural forms are reflected in simple lines and the introduction of local decor. Relax in an indoor and outdoor living room with private dining for up to six. The deck provides striking views of Punakha Valley and the beautiful Choten Ningpo Temple.


PUNAKHA: ACTIVITIES / SITE SEEING



Limbhukha Village




This peaceful village that is only a half hour drive away from the Punakha city centre epitomises the serene beauty of the kingdom of Bhutan. A paddy village set in the heart of the Punakha valley, the village has a long standing tradition for peace. It is believed that peace negotiators in the medieval times came from Limbukha, and even today, the village celebrates the Serda festival where the village marches with flags of peace in place of swords.


Jigme Dorji National Park



The Jigme Dorji is the second largest national park in Bhutan. On the list of tentative World Heritage Sites for a long time, the park is spread most of Gasa district and other districts as well, including Punakha. Because it covers areas ranging in elevation from 1400 to 7000 metres, it houses an incredibly varied biodiversity. The place is one of the best places to see in Punakha and indeed Bhutan for birdwatchers. You may chance upon the occasional red panda or blue sheep here. The endangered Himalayan Black bear, snow leopard and Bengal Tiger are also found here.


Dochula Pass



The road from Thimpu to the Punakha is marked by the Dochula Pass, located at a height of 3100 metres. The pass does not only have all the scenic views of valleys on both sides but also is the site of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens, built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Besides the chortens, you will also find here the Druk Wangyal Lakhang, which is the site of the annual Dochula Druk Wangyel festival. The Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain peak, has a commanding presence around the pass, and the place is one of the essential Punakha sightseeing places.


PUNAKHA: PRODUCTS



Himalayan Beads (Dzi Beads)




Dzi beads or Himalayan beads are the types of beads used in making necklace or bracelet. It is believed that it provides positive spiritual benefit. Most expensive beads are from the ancient time and made of natural agate. The beads come in various shapes and composed of ovals, circles, squares, waves, stripes, zig zags, lines, dots, diamonds, and other symbolic patterns. These beads are the most expensive beads found on the earth.


Hand-woven Textiles





Bhutanese textiles are woven from cotton, raw cotton and silk with intricate motifs woven into the cloth. Raw cotton, silk and woven cotton are some handmade textiles famous in Bhutan. Some traditional textiles are bura textiles produce at Rahi and Bidung villages, Kushithara made in Khoma village, Dungsam Kamtham, a cotton fabric made at Pemagatshel. Punakha in Wangdue Phodrang is known for textiles like Adang Rachu, Adang Mathra and Adang Khamar.


Bhutanese Handicrafts Bhutan





Bhutanese Handicrafts Bhutan has developed a perfect science to make arts and crafts where the skills represent the tradition, culture and history of Bhutan. Local people are manufacturing wonderful crafts such as Wooden Bowls and Cups, Cane and Bamboo Products, Woven Fabrics, Handmade Paper, Jackets, Containers, Rugs, Wall Hangings, Bags, Blankets, Wooden Masks and many more things. They have developed mainly thirteen categories which are known as ‘Zorig Chusum’, represent the history, culture and tradition of Bhutan. One must buy these things, available in major handicraft shops, as souvenirs while visiting Bhutan.



PUNAKHA: CULINARY DELIGHTS



Ema Datshi



If there is one national dish to eat when touring Bhutan, this is it. It’s so ubiquitous that some say if you haven’t eaten ema datshi, you haven’t been to Bhutan. The locals eat the stew, which is similar to a curry, daily along with red rice. It’s made of green, yellow or red chilies, yak or cow’s milk cheese, onions and tomatoes. Taste very carefully, though. The chilies of Bhutan are high up on the Scoville Heat Scale and are meant to make you warm enough to sweat.


Jasha Maroo or Maru




Although this mix of chilies, onion, tomato, garlic, coriander leaves and ginger is usually made with finely diced chicken, you will occasionally find it made with beef. Though often called a stew, there’s actually a hefty portion of liquid (chicken broth) in the finished dish. Like most Bhutanese food, it is served with red rice.


Momos – (Dumplings)




This is one food that Western travelers may have sampled, since the momo has immigrated to India and is quite similar to the Chinese dumpling. Throughout the Himalayas–from Nepal and Tibet to Bhutan– these steamed buns are eaten as treats. They may be stuffed with almost anything, but the typical fillings are minced pork or beef, cabbage, or fresh cheese mixed with spices such as garlic, ginger and coriander.


Mathura/Vrindavan/ Barsana




Mathura is a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The deity Lord Krishna is said to have been born on the site of Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi, a Hindu temple. Dotting the Yamuna River are 25 ghats (flights of steps down to the water), of which Vishram Ghat is considered the holiest. Sati Burj is a 16th-century memorial tower. Dwarkadhish Temple has a carved entrance and a black-marble idol of Lord Krishna.


HOTEL


Nidhivan Sarovar Portico




Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Vrindavan, is a contemporary hotel that perfectly captures the essence of this sacred city. Located in the Mathura district, the hotel is just 6.8 km from the revered Banke Bihari Ji Temple and 11.3 km from the magnificent ISKCON Temple.
It exudes an ambience of warmth and cosiness in a contemporary setting. Situated strategically, close to temples and major tourist spots, this hotel in Vrindavan offers air-conditioned rooms in three categories. With modern-day amenities, fine furniture, and pleasing decor, we ensure that your stay in Vrindavan is a pleasant one. The in-house restaurant - Tripti, serves pan-Indian delicacies and is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vrindavan. Our event venues include 2 banquet halls, featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, high-speed wireless internet, and customised menus.

Deluxe Queen Bed




Deluxe Queen Bed Rooms at Nidhivan Sarovar Portico are spacious and some of the finest rooms in Vrindavan. These rooms are defined by tasteful interiors and facilitated with modern amenities like central air-conditioner, wireless internet, work desk, 40 inches LED television with premium satellite channels, minibar, tea/coffee maker, personal electronic safe, and round the clock dining and housekeeping service. Furniture includes upholstered king-size beds, sofas, and wardrobes among other things. The vanity essentials that we provide at our Vrindavan hotel are all herbal.


Mathura/Vrindavan/ Barsana: ACTIVITIES / SITE SEEING



Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple




Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is located in the holy city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It is built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is of great significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna


Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura




The Dwarkadhish Temple, touted as one of the holiest temples in Mathura, is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and paintings. Built in 1814, the temple is relatively new but is highly revered. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, depicted in a black marble idol.


Celebrate Holi Like Krishna




Celebrate Holi Like Krishna is certainly an experience for a lifetime for the believers. It is in the suburbs of Mathura that the love life of Krishna and Radha sprouted and grew. Legends say that Krishna was jealous of her fairness and used to complain about his ‘dusky’ face to his mother. It was only to balance the skin tones of each other that he used to throw colors at Radha and paint her face with multiple colors. From his village Nandgaon, Krishna and his friends used to come to Barsana – Radha’s village to color Radha and her friends. The girls used to beat the guys, playfully though, with sticks.


Mathura/Vrindhavan/ Barsana: PRODUCTS



Clothes to home decor




Clothes to home decor, your curtains, blinds, and other window dressings can be influential in creating your home’s aesthetic ambiance. Not only their appearance but how they filter the light into your home can be important! Whether real or artificial, plants can create a certain mood that enhances your home’s appearance. Buy special one from Mathura for your home.


Handicrafts, well-made idols




An idol is a representation of divinity, made usually of stone, wood, or metal which serves as a means through which a divinity may be worshiped. An idol is means of communication with the god.


Well-crafted utensils




Well-crafted utensils, the metals used – copper, brass and certain alloys – are believed to be beneficial for health. The process begins with procuring cooled cakes of metal that are flattened into thin plates and then hammered into curved shapes, creating the required small bowls, rimmed plates, to larger pots for water and milk, huge cooking vessels and other artefacts.


MATHURA: CULINARY DELIGHTS



Mathura Ka Peda




Whenever we talk foods of Mathura, the first thing that one can think of is Peda. Mathura is considered as the brand name for peda sweet. It is prepared as bhog (offering) for Lord Krishna. It is a rich caramelised reduction of milk, with tinge of cardamom and ghee, giving a rich flavour to the sweet.


Khaman, Dhokla And Poha




Mathura has a large influence of Gujarati food in their cuisine and the reason behind the same is the Gujarati sect of Hindus, who are religious followers of Lord Krishna. Hence, one will surely find khaman dhokla and poha in this city, alongside kachori and samosa.


Milk, Rabri And Lassi




Milk vastly dominates the cuisine of Mathura, be it in its original form or as any product. If you are lactose-addict, then you will surely find heaven in kadhai wale doodh. It is basically milk, simmered all day in iron kadhai, which turns thick when consumed, with a layer of malai on the top. Rabri is also a famous food of Mathura.


RISHIKESH




Rishikesh is a city in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town.


HOTEL


Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa




Experience the quintessential life by The River. Blissful & blessed is Taj Rishikesh Resort and Spa, Uttarakhand, our 5 star resort in Rishikesh which sits by the banks of the majestic Ganga and is placed right in the foothills of the Himalayas. 30 kilometres away from the world renowned spiritual & yoga capital of Rishikesh, in an introverted gentle village called Singthali, this nest of utter, gentle calm is where life takes a restful pause to meditate on things far more profound than the worldly. This is an address that is other-worldly all right!
Welcome to a luxury hideaway by the Ganges called Taj Rishikesh

Junior Suite King Bed




At a generous 60 square metres in size including the wrap-around covered balcony, these sumptuous Junior Suites include a king-sized bed and are highly recommended for extended stays and for their jaw-dropping views. Tasteful furnishings and provincial influences of the Himalayan vernacular architecture are all around. The bathroom offers a rain shower and an elegant freestanding bathtub. During your stay, you are accompanied by attentive service, WiFi, and a large flat-screen television, just so that you don’t miss what is happening in the rest of the world. In most likelihood you won’t, given the mesmerizing views of the Ganges.



RISHIKESH: ACTIVITIES / SITE SEEING



River Rafting



River Rafting is an activity that involves sailing on rapids on a rubber boat. It’s an adventure filled activity that has gained a popular momentum in the Indian adventure sports scene. Rishikesh’s proximity to the upper Himalayas along with the passing of the Ganges through this city makes it a very popular spot for River Rafting in Rishikesh.


Giant Swing



Much like Bungee Jumping, giant swing works on the same principle. But unlike Bungee Jumping which is a free fall, on a giant swing, a person’s rope harness is connected to a holding point from where he swings. To put it simply, imagine the person being a pendulum ball and swinging from one end to another.


Spiritual Walk




Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a popular stop on foreigner’s spiritual travellers and trails. Rishikesh is a spiritual destination with Himalayas peaks and gushing rivers, that attracts thousands from all over the world to offer pilgrim.


RISHIKESH: PRODUCTS



Ganesha Singing Bowl Centre




If you love things musical and spiritual, then Ganesha Singing Bowl Centre is a must visit place. I picked up a tongue drum made from alloy with C major notes from this shop. They also make hang drums on order and ship it to any part of the country.


Ramphal




This unique fruit is available only in this region. Served with a tangy sweet masala, this purple fruit will definitely grab your attention. This fruit is native to mountains surrounding this region and is plucked during winters by the villagers. It is sold in the market next to Ram Jhula.


Kwality’s caramel stick jaw toffee




Roshikesh’s famous Kwality stick jaw toffee has a long history. And if you would want to taste a piece of history then you should get a box of this confectionery. These toffees are cooked in small batches in copper kettles and are very addictive.


RISHIKESH: CULINARY DELIGHTS



Aloo Poori




Aloo Poori is a traditional breakfast that is served across the country and Rishikesh is no different. It consists of potatoes cooked in a savory gravy along with a deep fried bread called a poori. Rishikesh is well known for the aloo poori it serves. This breakfast is usually served in dishes fashioned out of dried leaves, giving you an organic vibe when you eat out of it.


Pani Puri




Pani Puri are crispy wheat gram pockets filled with spiced water, with a variety of fillings ranging from mashed potatoes to boiled chickpeas. This is one of India’s favourite street foods and can be sampled in almost every part of the country. Rishikesh has a plethora of hawkers as well as restaurants who serve this snack.


Masala chai




Masala chai is a classic Indian spiced tea served sweet and piping hot around Rishikesh. The age-old beverage is one of the most favored drinks in India. In Rishikesh, you can saveur a hot cup of tea and spend a quiet chilly evening by the banks of the Ganga admiring the serenity the view has to offer.



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"Travel Guidelines to Indian Subcontinent - Updated 18 Feb 2022"Learn More


21Kraft is a premier Inbound Luxury Lifestyle and Travel Management Company for the Indian subcontinent. We are committed to provide travel management services for Leisure and business travels.



@21kraft