7 Reasons Why Gold Jewellery Is Good To Buy & Wear

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7 Reasons Why Gold Jewellery Is Good To Buy & Wear

The practice of wearing jewellery is as old as mankind. The history of Indian jewellery can be traced back 5000 years. Indian Jewellery is the creator’s artistic expression, the wearer’s emotional and aesthetic expression, and the gift givers priceless expression of love. 

Indian Jewellery has travelled through history. Starting, perhaps, from the Indus Valley civilization, through the Sangam era, the Mughal era, and the British Raj, the designs have changed, been adapted, been embellished, gained richness, but the base has always remained that precious, yellow metal – gold. 

Collection of gold jewellery for the daughter of the house as part of the wedding trousseau is a well-planned scheme in most Indian families. It often starts even before the baby reaches her first birthday and with a range of facilities to buy gold Jewellery online, it has become even more convenient.

But have you ever wondered why gold is the popular option for jewellery?

Well, here are seven reasons why… (Disclaimer: The list of reasons is not complete or comprehensive. There could be several more!)

  1. It’s Traditional

Gold jewellery is an inseparable, integral part of Indian society and culture. It is considered auspicious, a symbol of well-being and prosperity and believed to usher good luck.

Take the gold mangalsutra, for example. It is a symbol of married status. It is a way of exhibiting marital stability. No matter what the economic status of the Indian woman’s family, the gold mangalsutra is something she will definitely get at her wedding.

Wearing gold jewellery demonstrates your respect for traditions and your roots. You’ll be looked at with disdain or suspicion if you turn up at an auspicious occasion like a wedding, house-warming or any other special social event with no jewellery. And this is true across religions and regions in India, especially in South India.

 

 

  1. It’s Beneficial

Gold is believed to react well with the body’s energy and aura. Gold, according to ancient astrological beliefs, can help unblock constrictions and improve blood flow through the body. It is said to bring mental peace and dispel stress and depression. Gold tipped needles used in acupuncture unblock energy flow and reduce pain.

So, wearing gold is good for you – both physically and mentally.

  1. It’s Timeless

The magical eternity and timelessness of gold jewellery add a value to gold jewellery that is beyond measurement or quantification. Gold jewellery can be worn through generations. Some classic designs, have been around for centuries and are still in vogue. 

  1. It’s Investment

 

Buying gold has always been considered a wise investment decision. It is viewed as a better investment than paper currency, which is so dependent on several social and economic factors, both domestic and global. Jewellery given to a bride during her wedding is also seen as a source of financial security to be used in case of an emergency.

  1. It’s Versatile

 

As far as accessorizing, fashion rules and norms go, gold is the most versatile. You can wear gold jewellery during the day or night. You can wear gold jewellery to work or for an occasion. You can wear it as daily wear, or you can wear it for special events. You can wear it with any outfit, Indian, Western or Fusion. You can wear it whether you are a man, woman or child. It is age neutral. There can be none that can match gold in versatility.

 

  1. It’s Prestigious

 

The prestige attached to wearing and possessing gold is undebatable. The amount of gold one possesses is often an indication of where one can be slotted in the socio-economic scale. Of course, modern times and younger generations have perhaps changed the yardstick to measure success and affluence, but it has historically been gold. And the respect for gold will never diminish.

 

  1. It’s Beautiful

 

The seventh and last reason, but definitely and by no means the least, is that is beautiful! It can be crafted to produce aesthetic results that can elicit squeals of delight or dumbstruck silences of awe.

 

Whether it’s a simple gold mangalsutra for the neck, or an elaborate choker for the throat, the variety that is available is astounding. Gold necklace designs, gold bangle designs, gold earring designs – there are so many creative pieces available and possible, with several more waiting to be imagined and crafted!

 

So, pick up your laptop, and check out the Vaibhav Jewellers website to buy gold jewellery and temple jewellery online. On their website, you can indulge in state-of-the-art video shopping. They also offer free transit insurance on international shipments, and free domestic shipping.

Dharmasthala and Sringeri: More than just a paradise for Pilgrims

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Dharmasthala and Sringeri: More than just a paradise for Pilgrims

It was in the month of March last year when my parents wanted to visit Dharmasthala and stay at an ashram for a month. There was no plan for Sringeri at that time. My sister and I tagged along thinking it would be good to keep them company for the long drive and we will also find out the kind of place they will be staying. We managed to get a safe and reliable car on rent in Bangalore and headed towards Dharmasthala. It took us nearly seven hours via NH 75, including breaks and refueling. Finally, when we reached and got our parents settled with their accommodation and all, my sister and I decided to explore a little and extend our stay by a couple of days. We made Dharmasthala as our base and planned a quick tour.

A different Dharmasthala

Of course, Dharmasthala is primarily a pilgrimage hotspot. But we were pleasantly surprised to find two remarkable sightseeing places-

The Netravathi River Barrage- One of the most unpolluted water bodies that I had found in the open nature, this river area was quite scenic. There were arrangements for pilgrims and tourists to take bath and there was quite a crowd in the bathing areas. So we left the crowd behind and reached a natural enclave on another end of the barrage, where it was surrounded by huge boulders and lots of greenery. This site was divine in its own way and much cooler than the rest of the town.

We continued our exploration and headed to Ujire. Now, this was my sister’s suggestion. An avid reader, she always comes across strange locales that I have never heard of. Apparently, this is an obscure little town near Dharmasthala which is famous for the Bandaje Falls. It was another 25 Km from where we were. I had probably underestimated this place because once we reached, I was in absolute awe.

Surrounded by thick deciduous forests and steep cliffs of sandstone and granite, the Bandaje Falls was a real visual treat. And since it was still not peak summer, the mountain tops remained misty, adding to the drama. We could spot a few trekkers and assumed this was a good place to trek or probably camp. I asked a couple of them and learned that there is a regular trek route to the Alekan Falls nearby.

Scenic Sringeri

While talking to locals, trekkers, and people here and there en route, we figured that Sringeri, about two hours from Dharmasthala would be another interesting place to visit. This is yet another famous pilgrimage destination. They say a visit to Dharmasthala goes hand in hand with a trip to Sringeri as well.  To ensure a pleasant journey, always book a top-rated cab from Bangalore to Sringeri.

Our first stop was at Kalasa. The town is famous for a host of temples. But as I had expected, the place had more to it than being a divine destination. The town is settled in the middle of dense greenery, and I could already see how it would look during the rains. There was a hanging bridge which looked like the main attraction of the place. We were just in time for sunset. We stood there on the bridge, watching the sun paint the sky, clicking photos and wishing our parents could join us.

We stayed over for the night because we had big plans for the next and the last day of our trip.

Discovering a rare rainforest

As a kid from the 80s, I would feel nostalgic if I could be at the same location as my favorite TV show. That’s why we headed to Agumbe the next morning.

At barely 30 Km from our hotel, we could reach one of the rarest and last remaining rainforests of the country. It took us less than an hour to reach the valleys below from where most treks started. A place so rich in vegetation, that the sun hardly reaches the interiors of the forests and the adjoining valleys, keeping the region cold, dark, and moist. No wonder they call it the Cherrapunji of the south. And cutting through the monotony of green, there were these milky white waterfalls, turning the entire horizon into live painting.  As we continued to walk through the narrow, earthen roads, we could hear a few wild birds like the trogon, hornbills, and yellow-throat bulbuls. We reached all the way to the Sunset Point Hill, where there was a sighting area made for tourists to enjoy the panorama. They said one could even catch a glimpse of the Arabian Sea on a bright sunny day! It was hard to believe that we lived so close to such an abundance of nature.

With temples, mutts, and spiritual centers (like the one my parents went to), anyone seeking peace and respite from life’s complications can find solace in these pilgrimage destinations. But without visiting any of these places, we also found our place of serenity, amidst the magnificent gifts of nature. At Dharmasthala and Sringeri, I discovered the magic of Karnataka’s rich natural heritage and that changed my perception towards these destinations forever.

Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time

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Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time

Food for the Soul: Go solo and treat yourself with some “ME” time
 
In our ever-changing lives, filled with people and materialistic things, we often get so mixed up with so many personalities and need a constant fix of ourselves. No other person can tell you what you want like you can. Travelling solo can be challenging but also puts you out of your comfort zone and is a fantastic way to find yourself- mind soul and body fully in sync. So get your bike or car out and just drive away. If you don’t have one, there’ always the option of getting a self drive car. If you’ve got just weekends, spending time alone can be fun in other ways than travel too.
 
Here are some amazing solo activities you can do in and around Bangalore. This year, meet a new you and make new friends along the way!
 
 1. Take a long drive 
For those who love driving, they know what a long drive with some favourite music can do to the soul. Life is good, and nothing can make your mood better like music can. While people love drowning in their thoughts over a coffee or a book or block them altogether by binge-watching shows and tv, giving your thoughts and feelings time to sync with you is a great effort towards being happier as well as self-aware. One of the best drives you can take is an early morning drive to Nandi Hills Give this a shot!

2. Camping and Trekking tours
Luckily, the options from Bangalore are plenty if this is something that excites you. Wayanad, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Ooty are all hill stations and amazing places to go camping and trekking at. What can be more therapeutic than a book, great coffee amidst the hills, their scenic views and chilly weather? That’s a lot more than you can ask for. You can drive yourself to these places directly for camping and trekking tours that are organised or directly go with the groups that leave from Bangalore by bus/train according to the itinerary.

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3. Stand Up Comedy Shows, Plays and Movies
The best thing about stand-up comedy shows, plays or movies is that you are in your zone and connecting to somebody on stage or on the screen to see new perspectives. It’s a great way to rewind and get out of your brain. When you can laugh by yourself, trust me you’re already halfway down the road to being comfortable in your own company.

4. Food and Wine Tours

Bangalore has so many places to try that you’ll lose track of what all places were on your to-do list when you first arrived here. Try a new place each weekend, experience the thrill of learning about different wines and exploring vineyards.
 
Zoomcar offers the best self drive car rentals in Bangalore with affordable pricing and is the quickest way to find yourself the car of your choice to drive yourself around. They also have monthly car rentals. Get 24X7 assistance, fuel included pricing, quick pick up and drop off options and amazing deals!

8 Heritage Sites in Uttarakhand

Sakshi Kaushik
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8 Heritage Sites in Uttarakhand

Home to some of the most iconic and spiritual hubs in the world, Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is more than just lush green rolling valleys and snowcapped mountain peaks. Dotted with temples dating back to the ancient ages and a well preserved range of national parks and sanctuaries, Uttarakhand represents a complete picture of how coexisting with nature and preserving heritage looks like.

If you are planning on a visit to Uttarakhand then these heritage sites should not be missed out on:

Valley of Flowers

Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand this UNESCO world heritage site is known for its colorful and rich diversity of flowers. Perched at an elevation of 3,352 to 3,658 metres above sea level this rugged mountain wilderness filled with pleasing sights, charming vistas and a colorful collection of birds and animals. During the ancient ages this valley was frequented by a number of rishis looking to meditate in its lush green undulating landscape. If you want to encounter the valley in its full bloom then the post monsoon month of August is recommended. The valley explodes with colors and springs to life after a refreshing rainfall.

Nanda Devi National Park

Established in the year 1982 at an elevation of more than 3,500 metres above sea level this national park is deemed as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1988. Dominated and framed by the majestic Nanda Devi peak and situated in the district of Chamoli this national park is known for its spectacular collection of some of the most stunning Himalayan and high altitude fauna. The entire ecosystem of this park displays a unique climate and topography which is believed to be the reason that supports this type of a wildlife culture. The park remains open to visitors for a period of just 6 months which starts from May and ends on September.

Jageshwar Group of Temples

Jageshwar is a complex of over 100 Hindu temples and is also known for being one of the most legendary holy establishments of India. Located close to the district of Almora and established between the period of 7th and 12th century this cluster of temples has been created from a cut stone. Where some temples among the group are elaborate and impressive looking the other temples here are small and insignificant. The temples showcase a north Indian Nagara style of architecture and looks like a sight to behold amidst the surrounding lush greenery. While some temples here are dedicated to Lord Shiva other temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Surya and Goddess Shakti.   

Dwarahat

Popular nicknamed as ‘the village of temples’, the scenic town of Dwarahat is perched amongst the Kumaoni hills at an elevation of 1,510 metres above sea level. Translating literally into ‘way to heaven’ in the local Kumaoni language this place is extremely famous for its numerous temples constructed by the Katyuri Kings. The most popular attraction here is the group of 55 ancient temples here. This hill town of Dwarahat springs to life during the festive occasions when all the temples are decorated with colorful lights and decorative items. You will be able to visit temples dating back to 11th century where you can get to know about culture and customs of this region.  

Katarmal Sun Temple

Sun Temples

Built by the Katarmal sun temple by the Katyuri king between the 9th and 13th century this magnificent looking temple cluster is located at a comfortable and scenic distance of 17kms from the district of Almora. After the sun temple of Konark in Orissa this Katarmal sun temple is considered to be significant and is believed to be the only sun temple on the hills. The temple can be reached after covering a steep climbing distance of 2kms which is fruitful since the resulting views of the surroundings are stunning. Perched at an elevation of 2,116 meteres above sea level the main shrine of this temple is surrounded by a collection of 45 small shrines. Every feature of the temple, from walls to pillars and from doors to panels are covered in elegant and intricate carvings.

Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple. Mystery Of India

Baijnath group of temples consists of one main shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva accompanied with 17 subsidiary shrines. These temples form an impressive sight which is set against the pleasing backdrop of the snow clad mountain peaks. The temples are constructed by utilizing the Nagara style of architecture and dates back to 9th and 12th century AD. As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva i.e. Vaidyanath and this place holds immense significance since it is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married right on the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.

Narendra Nagar

Situated in the district of Tehri Garhwal and brought to life in the year 1919 by Maharaja Narendra Shah of Tehri Garhwal this place is home to the small town of Odathali that is situated amongst the foothills of the mighty Shivaliks. This place is known for its scenic vistas as well as its proximity to the plains of Rishikesh and Haridwar which can be gazed upon during a clear day. This place holds immense mythological as well as historical significance since this was a hub for spirituality and meditation ever since the ancient ages. Sage Uddhav is believed to have performed penance here. Purasara, the founder of astrology, is also believed to have performed various experiments on the movement of planets and stars here.   

Chaukhutia

Charukhutia – Mystery Of India

Situated in the hilly and stunning district of Almora right on the bank of river Ramganga, this place derives its meaning from the Kumaoni term ‘Chau-Khut’ that translates in to 4 feet or in this context it means ‘four ways’ or directions. The place is famous for its group of small temples that date back to the 9th century AD and was discovered during an excavation project in 2016-17. These temples consist of intact Shiv Lingas and are considered to be a [art of a bigger group of temples that adds to the heritage factor of this place. The place is a beautiful blend of spirituality and history combined in beautiful proportions with each other.

Ahmedabad: Calling You for Fun

Sakshi Kaushik
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Ahmedabad: Calling You for Fun

Ahmedabad: Calling You for Fun

 

Ahmedabad is the city that is one among those places settled in India that are seemed to be flooded with tourist attractions.

Recognized as the largest of all cities in Gujarat, Ahmedabad enjoys an esteemed reputation for being the most entertaining places of India. It is located at the bank of River Sabarmati. This tourism spot accommodates some of the popular textiles as well as pharmaceuticals industries.

When talked of tourist attractions, the rate of tourism is always recorded in rising numbers due to the fact that it has many historical as well as many political cultural facets associated which can be explored by availing a travel package to Ahmedabad. These aspects draw major count of the population each year. Take a look at the tourist attractions here:

The Walled City

First and the foremost in the list to mention the Walled city, which is a prominent tourist attraction recommended to those who are traveling around Ahmedabad. This attraction favors the tourists to take a glimpse of the affluence of the ancient buildings that were made during the 18th century.

Gandhi Ashram

Ahmedabad features Gandhiji Satyagraha Ashram, yet another admired tourist attraction which got set-up in AD 1920. It is located on the lull western banks of the River Sabarmati.

Mosque of Sidi Saiyad

Moving to some of the religious attractions, the Mosque of Sidi Saiyad is must-see here in Ahmedabad. With its stone tracery and alluring patterns of the banyan tree on the windows, it throws a great impression keeping the visitors spellbound while praising its beauty.

Hathee Singh Jain Temple

Another religious attraction which was built by Sheth Hathee Singh, in the year 1848 is the Hathee Singh Jain Temple.

The temple sits just outside Delhi Gate which has a pure white marble construction. It comprises of 52 shrines, each having an idol of Jain Tirthankar.

Sidi Bashir Mosque

This famous tourist spot is located outside the Sarangpur Gate, and has got minarets. If one of them gets shaken, it leads to the vibration in another which is an impressive quality of the sight.

Kankaria Lake

This is a circular lake that was constructed in AD 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-din. This lake handover a number of tourist places to the travelers such as island garden also known as Nagina Wadi, parks, a natural historical museum, a boat club, an aquarium, and a zoo. An all-in-one attraction for tourists who carry diverse interests!!

Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza

Also recognized as the venue for Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations held in Ahmedabad, Teen Darwaza of Ahmedabad accommodates a temple that is devoted to the Mother Goddess, Bhadrakal.

Calico Museum

When we count on some of the renowned museums featured by the city, this is the one stands on the upper edge. The Calico museum is a museum of fabric, yarn and textiles that was established in the year 1949. It is a result of the meticulous efforts of Ms Gira Sarabhai.

Nalsarovar

This place dishes up some exclusive and attractive visit sites for wildlife lovers. One of such is Nalsarovar, which is a 116 square km lake where from November to February, vast flocks of indigenous and migratory birds-ducks, pelicans, geese, and flamingos can be seen.

Akshardham

This monument was built to commemorate Lord Swaminarayan and is an inimitable cultural complex located in Gandhinagar. It is an intricately carved, regal monument that was constructed using 6000 tons of pink sandstones. Sounds interesting…no?? The monument was constructed without taking steel into use. Also, it consists of 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan along with his holy relics.

Don’t miss out watching this place, if you are at Ahmedabad.

Hussain-Doshi`s Gufa

Again something interesting for art lovers, it is gallery that is located in the campus of the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology. It houses the collaborative efforts of artist M.F.Hussain and architect B.V.Doshi. Here, where art and architecture seemed merged together and thus complement each other admirably.

Art lovers can never ask for something more than this!!

Jama Masjid

How can this be missed out from the must sees of Ahmedabad? One of the finest mosques in India that comprises of 260 pillars and supports 15 domes at different elevations, this religious attraction was built Ahmad Shah in 1423. It is settled in an easily accessible location which is in the centre of the old city.

The other sites worth visiting in Ahmedabad are the Utensil Museum, Rani Rupmati Mosque, Shreyas Museum of Folk Art, Raj Babri Mosque, Rani Sipri’s Mosque and the Kite Museum.

Events and Festivals

Counting on the major events to be attended in Ahmedabad, Navratri and Rath Yatra are the mains. Also, the city hosts the contemporary International Kite Festival which can be seen to enjoy something different and novel.

Places to Visit in Gangotri and Yamunotri

Sakshi Kaushik
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Places to Visit in Gangotri and Yamunotri

Places to Visit in Gangotri and Yamunotri

Gangotri and Yamunotri Yatra form two of the most crucial and scenic pilgrimage destinations in India and probably the world. These two destinations witness an immense amount of devotees and pilgrims from across the subcontinent when the Kapat of the temples are opened for Darshan. During the off-season, when the temple Kapat closes for Darshan, the entire region remains covered in a thick layer of stark white snow.

Apart from the main holy temple sites Gangotri and Yamunotri are also home to a number of other interesting tourist attractions which are:

Bhagirathi Shila (Gangotri)

Located among the scenic and picturesque surroundings of the radiant Gangotri Bhagirathi Shila is a holy rock where King Bhagirathi is believed to have meditated. This stone signifies the exact spot where Goddess Ganga had laid her first step down on the earthly realm. It is also believed that the Ganga water or Ganga Jal from here never gets old or goes bad. The entire region is extremely breathtaking and a sight to behold.

Saptarishi Kund (Yamunotri)

Located at a mere distance of 10 km from the main Yamunotri Dham Saptarishi Kund is considered to be the original source of the holy River Yamuna. Sitting in the upper parts of the massif which is created by the famous and picturesque BandarpunchMountain the deep blue colored lake water is home to the famous and rare Brahma lotus which only grows here. The trek to this place takes you through the dense forests and rugged mountains. Saptarishi Kund is also famous for its natural source of high-quality blue sapphires.

 

Gauri and Surya Kund (Gangotri)

Located at a mere distance of 500 metres from the main Gangotri Dham Mandir, GauriKund and Surya Kund are located on the either sides of the main iron bridge. These places are considered to offer some of the most spectacular views of the gushing and cascading waterfalls. These waters are a part of the holy River Bhagirathi which runs downstream from here. People visit here to witness the spectacular falls and sit and listen to the calming sound of the fast running river water.

DivyaShila (Yamunotri)

Sitting among the massive snowcapped Garhwal Himalayas lays one of the famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations of Yamunotri Dham.Before setting foot inside the Mandir pilgrims and devotees are required to first worship this rock pillar.A visit here is advised to be mandatory in order to have a complete and immensely spiritual journey to Yamunotri Dham. This popular pilgrim destination is located at a whopping height of 3,000 metres above sea level.

Jalmagna Shivling (Gangotri)

Apart from the main Gangotri Dham, Jalmagna Shivling is another prime tourist attraction. This unique and naturally created Shivling’s feature is the fact that it remains submerged in the water during summer season when the snow melts. It is only clearly visible during the winter months when the water level goes substantially down. This place is believed to be the exact spot where Lord Shiva had held the holy River Ganga inside his matted locks making it extremely pious.

Hanuman Chatti (Yamunotri)

This holy and extremely sacred site is located right on the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and River Yamuna. Situated at a comfortable distance of 13 km from the Yamunotri Dham this place is known for its unparalleled serenity and untouched beauty. This is the perfect place to observe some peace and quiet among the nature. This place is also a famous trekking destination for every adventure enthusiast. Engulfed in the green natural surroundings Hanuman Chatti is a must visit.

PandavGufa(Gangotri)

Located at a trekking distance of 1.5 km from Gangotri Dham this Gufais the exact spot where the Pandavas from Mahabharat had spent some time meditating on their way to Kailash Parbat. Situated en route Chinchali village this Gufahas 5 different rooms or Khandaswhere the biggest one is said to be of Bheem. This is also one of the best locations to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

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