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So you are hankering to visit southern Italy in February, but just aren’t sure what to see and what to do. Don’t despair; there are lots and lots of special events that simply aren’t available in the good old summertime. Here are a few of them. Get rolling; February is almost upon us. We start our virtual counterclockwise tour in Apulia, the heel of the Italian boot. Then it’s northwest to Campania on the Tyrrhenian Sea and then south to the island of Sicily.

On February 13th, the coastal city of Barletta, Apulia hosts the Commemoration of the Challenge of Barletta. This event recalls the historic challenge between 13 Italian horsemen and 13 French horsemen first held on February 13th, 1503. This is one beautiful traditional ceremony. The small town of Vico del Gargano whose nickname is “The Village of Love” celebrates The Feast of Saint Valentine by decorating its main church and statue of Saint Valentine with bay leaves and literally thousands of oranges. You won’t be surprised to learn that this area is known for its oranges.

The city of Mugnano di Napoli is home to the headquarters of the Pirotecnica Snc or Schiattarella fireworks firm. Can you guess how Mugnano di Napoli celebrates its Patron Saint Biagio? This family-run firm has won many national competitions so you may expect a real blast. For a complete change of pace visit Today’s Spouse in the regional capital of Naples, especially if you are planning a wedding. This event is held starting on the second Saturday of February in the spectacular Twelfth Century Castel dell’Ovo overlooking the harbor in romantic but sometimes dangerous Napoli.

On February 4 Sicily’s second largest city Catania situated on the island’s eastern coast facing the Ionian Sea honors its patron saint, Saint Agatha with a festival that boasts what may well be the world’s second largest religious procession. Saint Agatha’s statue is placed on a “fercolo”, a 40,000 pound silver carriage, which is pulled up Monte Sangiuliano by an unbelievable 5,000 men. This great festival lasts for two days and two nights and culminates in a monster fireworks display. Don’t forget to taste some of the marzipan specialties. Across the island on the western (Mediterranean) coast lies the town of Agrigento whose Almond Blossom Fair spans the first two Sundays in February. The ceremonies include an International Folklore Festival complete with music, singing, parades, puppet shows and open-air performances. You’ll enjoy traditional Sicilian sweets based on almonds and other goodies.

Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French, German, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/i-love-italian-travel-southern-italy-february-attractions-1696813.html

Amarnath shrine is are one of the most renowned shrines in Hinduism, and is devoted to the god Shiva. The shrine is claimed to be over 5,000 years old and forms a significant part of old Hindu mythology. Inside the main Amarnath cave is an ice stalagmite which looks like the Shiva Linga, which waxes during May to August and gradually wanes thereafter. This lingam is said to become big and get smaller with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.

Shiva popularly known as “Bhole nath” is a living god. The most pious and most ancient book of India, the Rig Veda calls to mind his existence in its hymns, Vedic Myths, rituals and even confirm to his presence from the dawn of time.

Legend has it that Shiva told Parvati the secret of creation of this universe in a cave in Amarnath. Not known to them, a pair of doves heard their conversation and having learnt the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their everlasting habitat. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they go to pay their respect to the ice lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

The annual yatra to Holy Amarnath Cave, located at 14000 ft. above sea level, is arranged by the State Government during the month of July and August. The wanting pilgrims are permitted to perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi which sprreads over a month or so. With a vision to work out and finalize several arrangements, a sequence of core meetings is held at Srinagar as well as Pahalgam (the base-camp for Amarnath Yatra). Among other matters connected with yatra, a verdict is taken for managing the yatra traffic within the prescribed daily ceiling as per Sen Gupta Report on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes. Concurrently, the J&K Tourist offices situated outside the State, are asked to start advance registration of yatries on first come first serve basis, within a fixed period and thereafter `current registration’ of yatris is done by the Tourist offices within the State which continues till conclusion of yatra. The detailed information with regard to Yatra, including other related issues like Do’s and Don’ts, installation of free langers by NGOs is revealed by the Tourism Department in leading national dailies as well as local news papers. However the intending Yatris can have the comprehensive information in the form of printed material at all the Tourism Offices located within and outside the state.

Author is an associate editor for Amarnath Yatra. Get all possible information about Amarnath Yatra 2009 and Amarnath Yatra Registration. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/amar-nath-ji-yatra-1697568.html

Shiva is one of the holy Trinity. Vedic myths, ceremonies and even astronomy bear witness to his existence. But Shiva, the destroyer, the mendicant, is hard to define.
 
Amarnath Caves
The Yatra (pilgrimage) on foot to Amarnath Cave, regarded as one of the holiest naturally occurring shrines of the Hindu faith, is done annually past more than a hundred years. Extending up 130 feet, the Amarnath Cave is towering and shallow. 
 
A Linga Of Ice 
Within the large opening, behind an open-gated iron fence, an underground trickle of water comes out 10 feet up from a small crevice in the sedimentary rock and solidifies its drops to form an even cone of ice.
 
Legends of Amarnath
 
Kashmir – An Ancient Shaivaite Centre
According to the myth, Shiva made the Gods immortal by giving them with the celestial nectar, and resided here upon their appeal. This blessing of immortality gave this the name Amarnath. 
 
Kashmir was a great Shaivite hub in the 1st millennium CE. . 
Tales Of the Cave Discovery 
Legend has it that Lord Shiva narrated to Goddess Parvati the secret about how world is created in a cave in Amarnath. They did not know that a pair of mating doves having heard this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their everlasting abode. Many pilgrims state seeing the doves pair when they trek the grueling route to pay their respect before the ice-lingam. 
 
According to a very old tale, there was once a Muslim Shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a bag of coal by a Sadhu (saint). Upon reaching home he found that that the sack, in fact, contained Gold. Overjoyed, Buta Malik rushed back to look for Sadhu to thank him. But on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave, and ultimately this became a place of pilgrimage for all followers. To date, a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendents of Malik, and the remaining to trust which handles the shrine. 
 
Yet, another legend has it that when Kashyap Rishi exhausted the Kashmir valley of water the cave and lingam were found out by Bregeish Rishi who was going to the Himalayas. When people heard of lingam Amarnath for them it became Shiva’s home and a hub of pilgrimage.
 
Getting Away
 
Road: 
From Baltal there is a frequent bus service during the pilgrimage period, getting back to Srinagar that night. At other times, pilgrims stay at Baltal and continue to Sonamarg at a more relaxed pace the following morning. From Sonamarg there are three buses a day to Srinagar and the drive takes almost five hours.

Author is an associate editor for Amarnath Yatra. Get all possible information about Amarnath Yatra 2009 and Amarnath Yatra Registration. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/amarnath-famous-pilgrimage-hub-1697571.html

Legend has it that Shiva narrated the secret of creation to Parvati in a cave in Amarnath. They did not know that, a pair of mating doves are hearing this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their everlasting abode. Many pilgrims report seeing this pair Amarnath shrine to pay respect to the lingum (the Phallic symbol of Shiva). 
 
The trek to Amarnath, in the month of Shravan (July-August) has the devoted flock to this mind- 
The trek from Chandanwari to Amarnath Cave is only on an ancient route. The 30 Km. distance is wrapped in two days, with night stoppages at Sheshnagh (Wawjan) and Panchtarni. The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari (16 Km.) is now covered by vehicular transport, and the track runs along the Lidder River. Pilgrims stay at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out. 
 
On the first day trek is of 12 Km. from Chandanwari. On the second night pilgrims stay at Wawjan.. 
 
The second day’s trek of 12 Km. progressively gains height, at the maximum across Mahagunas Pass at 4,600m and then downhill to the meadow-lands of Panchtarni, the last camp on the route to the sacred Cave. 
 
From Panchtari to Amarnath it is just 6 Km. but an early morning’s start is suggested for there is a long line awaiting entry to the cave. The same day, following darshan, pilgrims return to Panchtarni in time for lunch, and then proceed towards Sheshnag to spend the third night out. They can even spend the night at Panchtarni and go back to Chandanwari/Pahalgam on the next day. Entrance to the cave is synchronized and darshan is a quick affair as there are many others waiting outside to pay homage before the breathtaking Shivalinga. The devotees sing hymns, chant incantations, and priests perform arti and puja, calling upon the blessings of Shiva, the divine, the pure, the complete. For those who journey with trust and devotion, it is a satisfying experience, this simple visitation to a cave-shrine, the home of the Himalayan mendicant who is both destroyer and healer, the supreme Hindu god. 
 
Day 1: Srinagar – Sonmarg 99 Kms 
 On coming to Srinagar airport a three hours drive will take you to Sonmarg. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel 
 
Day 02: Sonmarg – Baltal 15 Kms drive and Amarnath 24 Kms return 
It is better to leave very early in the morning round about 4AM and short drive to Baltal from Sonmarg will take 10 minutes by helicopter to Amarnath Cave and within two hours time you will reach back to Baltal. From Baltal three hours drive will take you to Srinagar. 
Day 03: Srinagar 
 After breakfast one can go for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake and visit exciting places around the lake.

Author is an associate editor for Amarnath Yatra. Get all possible information about Amarnath Yatra 2009 and Amarnath Yatra Registration. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/amarnathabode-of-shiva-1697576.html

Shiva is one of the holy trinity. The most holy and oldest book of India, the Rig Veda brings to mind his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy bear witness to his existence from the time immemorial. But Shiva, the destroyer, the mendicant, can not be defined: he is a big yogi, the guardian of the unlimited.

Shiva is considered to have made his abode in the Himalayas. He built no cottage or shelter, for himself or for his wife. He was a hermit.

Legend has it that Shiva narrated to Parvati the secret of universe in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves listened to this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their everlasting abode. Many pilgrims state seeing the doves-pair when they trek the strenuous route to pay their respect before the ice-lingam (the phallic representation of Shiva).

The trek to Amaranth is done in the month of Shravan (July-August). A large number of pilgrims flock to this unbelievable shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the shape of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice-stalagmite, and which waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side are, interestingly, two more ice-lingams, one of Parvati, and other of their son, Ganesha.

Positioned in a tapered gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Amarnath is at a height of 3,888 m and is 44.8 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. Though the initial pilgrimage meant that the yatra be undertaken from Srinagar, the more widespread practice is to begin journey at Pahalgam, and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in five days. Pahalgam is approximately 96 km from Srinagar. 

The trek from Pahalgam to Amarnath cave is on a very old peregrine route. The distance is 45-km and is covered in four days, with night stoppages at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawjan) and Panchtarni. The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari (12.8 km) is covered up in about five to six hours, and the track runs along the Lidder River. Pilgrims collect here on the first night out. A major draw here is a bridge covered, year round, with ice even though the environs are free from it. 

The next day’s trek, of 13 km, is through stunning, primeval countryside, and the main centre of magnetism is Sheshnag, a mountain which derives its name from its seven peaks, similar to the heads of a mythological snake. The third day’s 13 km trek gradually gains height, winding up across Mahagunas Pass at 4,600 m and then downhill to the meadow-lands of Panchtarni, the last camp on the route to the holy cave.
 
From Panchtarni to Amarnath it is only 6 km, but an early morning’s start is suggested for there is a long queue awaiting entrance to the cave. The same day, following darshan, devotees can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch, and carry on to Wawjan to spend the fourth night out; or continue further to Zojibal, coming back to Pahalgam on the fifth day.

Author is an associate editor for Amarnath Yatra. Get all possible information about Amarnath Yatra 2009 and Amarnath Yatra Registration. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/trip-to-amaranth-shrine-1697582.html

Starting with just one vehicle Joe Bessani, Regency Sedan Service Founder, has devoted himself to the company’s success. Today Regency Sedan is one of the best limo service providers in NY with thousands of happy and satisfied clients, as we specializes in limo service for weddings, airport transportation and corporate events. This limo service covers the Capital Region from Albany and Saratoga as far south as New York City.  Albany NY Limo Service by Regency Sedan offers you a selection of limousines, buses, town cars and vans for all your travel needs. Tailgate party or prom, we will make sure you travel in style. Make your wedding a day to remember with Albany NY Limo Service for the bridal party with a fully stocked coach!

Our commitments for clients are attention to detail, providing the highest quality transportation service to our clients, continuous improvement to the skills and abilities of our employees, on-time service, clean new vehicles & professional chauffeur. You need a JFK Airport shuttle, a limo service for your corporate travel, a limo for your wedding day or proms, NYC cruise piers, sporting events, Anniversaries……… Regency Sedan is available 24 hours 7 days a week.

While providing Albany Limo Rental for your corporate travel, we make sure that all requirements are met like prompt on-time service, professionally managed limo, 24 hours reservation, vehicle and flight tracking, availability of corporate accounts for hassle free billing, fax, telephone & email confirmation and trained & experienced chauffeur to give VIP treatment to your guests and insures they are safe and have fun during their stay.

Regency Sedan Service serves all local airports, public and private including Capital District & beyond like Albany NY, New York City, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and that too on a short notice! We are always ready to get you variety of vehicles to choose from for any occasion like executive town cars, corporate SUVs, stretch limousines, passenger vans, specialty vehicles and many more. On your wedding day regency sedan caters to your needs. Providing you with luxury service with are professional chauffeurs and our luxury limousines. Services include 3 hours and Complimentary Champagne, Soda & Bottled Water on Ice.  Make that special occasions such as Birthdays, baby adoptions, weddings, night outs, airport service, proms, NYC cruise piers, sporting events, Anniversaries a memory you won’t forget with a ride in a luxury limousine here at  Regency Sedan. Our professional chauffeurs will get you there safely and stress free as possible. All you need to do is sit back relax and enjoy our Complimentary Champagne, Soda & Bottled Water On Ice.

Founded by Joe Bessani, Regency Sedan is one of the best limo service providers in NY with thousands of happy and satisfied clients, as Albany Car Service & Albany Airport Shuttle offers you a selection of limousines, buses, town cars and vans for all your travel needs. This limo service covers the Capital Region from Albany and Saratoga as far south as New York City.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/regency-sedan-the-best-limo-service-provider-in-albany-ny-for-all-your-travel-needs-1697636.html

Day 01: Delhi or Jammu-Pahalgam
Distance: 320kms.
Driving Time (App.): 8-9 hrs
On reaching the Srinagar airport a person has to head towards Pahalgam. Or one can come via train to Jammu and then drive down to Pahalgam. . On reaching Pahalgam there is overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 02: Pahalgham – Chandanwari – Sheshnag
Distance: 16 kms+trek*13 kms
Driving Time (App.): 6-7hrs.
From Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) one has to drive to Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the ideal base for most of the treks. Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off vale, at the intersection of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg.

On arrival to Chandanwari, trek to Sheshnag which is approximately 13 kms (3576 Mts.). First it is uphill climb to the Pissu Ghati and then climb is gradual to the Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag is a very the windy place in this valley. . Dinner and overnight stay is in tents at Sheshnag.
 
Day 03: Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Amarnath -Panchtarni
Distance: Trek*17kms +Visiting the holy cave+trek*6kms
Driving Time (App.): 11-12hrs
The trek begins from Sheshnag to Panchtarni (3657 Mts.) The walk is through Mahagunas Pass (3200 Mts), and then a gradual walk to Panchtarni. 
 
Further trek is from Panchtarni to Amarnath cave. Amarnath is just 6 kms away from Panchtarni. One can have a dip in the ice-cold water of Amarnath Stream, which flows, outside the cave. Inside the cave there is surroundings are of calm and tranquility of white and shinning three massive Lingmas are symbols of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. Later one has to trek back towards Panchtarni. Dinner and overnight stay is in Panchtarni.
 
Day 04: Panchtarni – Chandanwari – Pahalgam – Srinagar
Distance: 16 kms+trek*24 kms
Driving Time (App.): 10-12hrs
Then one has to trek down to Chandanwari. On arrival in Chandanwari, one has to drive to Srinagar. One can have dinner and overnight stay is in the houseboats.
 
Day 05: Srinagar 
In the morning one can visit Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh (Abode of bliss, built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 A. D) And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of eternal love built by Jehangir fro his wife Empress Noor Jehan). All the gardens are located on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the backdrop. One can also go and see a carpet weaving factory. After lunch you can go on a Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc.
Dinner and overnight stay can be done in Deluxe Houseboats.
 
Day 06: In Srinagar 
The day is free for shopping.

Author is an associate editor for Amarnath Yatra. Get all possible information about Amarnath Yatra 2009 and Amarnath Yatra Registration. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages in India and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/trip-to-amarnath-and-back-to-srinagar-1697656.html