Have you ever considered travelling to India ?
Having just come back from India ( my third trip there as a repeat offender) it got me thinking about what I consider to be the best cultural experiences one could have in this amazing country. A country that certainly never ceases to amaze me. With a population of over one billion people, India is a land of incredible cultural diversity. In fact, it’s one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse countries in the world. So here I’ve chosen some of the best cultural experiences to have in India that you may wish to include on your own itinerary. And if India is somewhere you would like to travel to, then why not talk to me today. The best time to travel here is from now through to May before the Monsoon rains arrive!
Watch a Kathakali dance show
Originating in Kerala in South India, Kathakali has been around for over 300 years. This form of storytelling retells myths and legends through dance, music, elaborate costumes and heavy make up. During a Kathakali performance, dancers use strong facial expressions and stylised movements to convey the story. One of the best places to watch this art form is the city of Kochi. Get their early and you may also catch the performers getting ready.
Spend a night in a palace
The ruling days of India’s Maharajas may be a thing of the past, but their legacy lives on in the form of their palaces and royal residences. Many of these have been converted into palace hotels, where you can gain a taste of what their life was once like. Floating on the waters of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most iconic. Built in 1746 for a young prince, this spectacular palace hotel starred in the James Bond movie ‘Octopussy‘. Also found in the state of Rajasthan, Bhanwar Vilas Palace in Karauli is home to the current Maharaja and Maharani. Their sprawling Art Deco palace has been open to guests for over 20 years.
Ride the Himalayan Queen Toy Train
Running daily between Kalka and the hill station of Shimla, the Himalayan Queen Toy Train is one of the most beautiful railways in India. Built in 1903, it was considered the ‘crown jewel’ of Indian National Railways during the British reign. And a ride on this historic rail-route is like stepping back in time.
The 96-kilometre route winds its way steeply through rugged mountains and pine forests, with a total of 800 bridges, 103 tunnels and an impressive 900 curves. When going to Shimla sit on the right-hand side for the best views.
Sail the holy Ganges in Varanasi
India’s holiest city, Varanasi is a melting pot of colour, chaos and spirituality. A total of 84 iconic ghats, or stone embankments, lead down to the River Ganges. These draw thousands of pilgrims for cremations and to pay their respects.
Visiting Varanasi can no doubt be overwhelming, but will offer an incredible insight into the practices of ancient tradition and devotion. Take a sunset boat ride on the River Ganges to see the evening Aarti ceremonies, with devotees waving candles before deities. And if there is a sitar player on board your boat this experience gets even better.
Take a rickshaw around Chandni Chowk bazaar
Not only is Chandni Chowk bazaar one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, but also one of the largest wholesale markets in all of Asia. Thought to be established under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it’s divided into several smaller markets which sell sertain commodities such as textiles, jewellery and shoes. Many stores also specialize in bridal wear and traditional Indian dress, making it a must-see cultural hub during any visit to the capital. Take a rickshaw ride around the area to experience its hustle and bustle.
Namaste from Go4iT Travel!
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Rehomeing My Cat
I need to rehome my old cat as I am moving overseas, and just can’t put her down. Can anybody help me out please
HOUSING AND COUNCILS 10 YEAR PLAN
Housing and the Council’s Ten Year Plan…
Actually, housing gets barely a mention in the Council’s Ten Year Plan.
And that is a significant problem because we all, except it seems the Council, are aware of the effects of the ‘baby boomer’ generation is happening now!
We have a rapid increase in the number of older adults over the age of 65 and a dramatic increase in adults over the age of 85 years.
Age Sector NZ has stated that 61,121 retirement units will be needed within the next ten years.
Statistics NZ estimates by 2040 approximately 600,000 65+ will be renting, so many of them will be living alone.
More older adults will experience housing insecurity in the coming years unless the country dramatically increases its supply of affordable homes for people ages 65 and up, who make up roughly one-fifth of the nation.
The Council currently operate 145 housing units for the elderly in a self-funded model. This approach is not keeping up with the need to upgrade and expand the housing stock. We are proposing to create a working capital fund of approximately $4m at a cost of $200,000 per
annum to provide for:
• Improvement and expansion of the housing for elderly service noting that this is contrary to
the current self-funding position of the Housing for the Elderly Policy.
• Expanding Council’s role in the provision of housing beyond housing for the elderly.
Given the crisis facing housing for older people this demonstrates a clear lack of interest, let alone commitment to the growing plight of so many of our older citizens.
An increasing share of people with low and fixed incomes will struggle to afford appropriate housing in the coming decade and we just don't have the housing and supports that we need for this growing population.
Our Council seems to continually dodge this issue - but it is growing larger day by day.
What can you do?
Contact your Council and tell them your concerns re housing for older adults.
If you can – urgently contact the Council by emailing a submission detailing your concerns to submissions@npdc.govt.nz or going online to: npdc.govt.nz/10-year-plan
Affordable housing for vulnerable older adults in our community is a ‘must’ not a ‘nice to have’
Gordon Hudson, Communications… 021 133 7244, gordonandjanr@xtra.co.nz
Positive Ageing NP
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