Kerala lies on the southwestern part of India, with the Arabian Sea on the west with the Western Ghats on the east, and bordering Karnataka to the north and Tamil Nadu to the east and south. The state is known for its high literacy rate (89.9%)and a unique decentralized development model. With its captivating scenic beauty, the state has been named as one of the ‘ten paradises of the world’ and ‘50 places of a lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveller magazine. Kerala also has some unique art forms like kathakali, mohiniyattom and ottanthullal. The main festivals are Onam (August September) and Thrissur Pooram (April). Elephants are an integral part of the daily life and the festivals in Kerala. Malayalam is the language spoken in the state.

A Valley

Kannur is in the northern part of Kerala, part of the Malabar coast. It is known as ‘the land of looms and lores’ because of the famed handloom industry of the district and the varied festivals and folk arts in the temples and sacred groves. The Biodiversity Centre set up at the District Agricultural Farm at Karimbam here under the aegis of the district panchayat is opened. The Biodiversity Centre was started by the Agriculture Department with the co-operation of the Community Agricultural Biodiversity Centre at Puthur Vayal near Kalpetta as well as the Kerala Agricultural University, voluntary organisations and research institutions. The centre has been set up with the objective of achieving village-level food security, environmental safety and economic self-reliance. An 800-metre-long pathway for visitors to walk and see the biodiversity closely has been arranged in the centre. An outlet for sale of planting materials and seeds produced at the farm will also be opened .

A bridge

Gujarat is situated in the western coastal region of India. It is one of the first and most industrialized states in India. It has a varied range of industries covering electrical engineering to manufacturing of textiles, chemicals, cement, vegetable oils, etc.

Ahmedabad is situated on the bank of River Sabarmati. It is the largest city and the commercial capital of Gujarat. Due to its growing textile industries, it is often called the ‘Manchester of the East’. The city is also known for its craftsmanship and architecture. It has several well known higher education institutions including Indian Institute of Management, National Institute of Design, Mudra Institute of Communication and Centre for Environment Planning and Technology, attracting a cross section of students from all over India. In 2001, Ahmedabad was ranked as the topmost polluted city in India, out of 85 cities, by the Central Pollution Control Board. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board gave auto rickshaw drivers an incentive of Rs. 10,000 to convert all 37,733 auto rickshaws in Ahmedabad to cleaner burning compressed natural gas to reduce pollution. As a result, in 2008, Ahmedabad became the 50th most polluted city in India In 2005, AMTS began a drive to convert all of its

The most famous Navratri ( Nine nights) celebrations are held in Gujarat in the form of Dandiya and Garba dances. The dancers move around in a circle, with different steps around a lamp, which represent the Eternal Light of the Durga Mata. Generally Gujarati women dance around the circles by clapping their hands or decorated sticks to the rhythm of the devotional songs.

The Sasan Gir Sanctuary lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula. The sanctuary is home to some 300 Asiatic lions. The sanctuary was created in 1913 to provide protection to the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given the status of the sanctuary in 1965.

In 2001, Ahmedabad was ranked as the topmost polluted city in India, out of 85 cities, by the Central Pollution Control Board. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board gave auto rickshaw drivers an incentive of Rs. 10,000 to convert all 37,733 auto rickshaws in Ahmedabad to cleaner burning compressed natural gas to reduce pollution. As a result, in 2008, Ahmedabad became the 50th most polluted city in India In 2005, AMTS began a drive to convert all of its petrol and diesel engine buses to run on compressed natural gas engines to reduce the effects of air pollution. Source: Internet, Wikipedia.

Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram, is located in the Ahmedabad suburb of Sabarmati and on the western banks of the Sabarmati River. This was one of the residences of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. It was from there that he started the Dandi March in 1930.

The Nalsarovar bird sanctuary, 54 kms from Ahmedabad and connected by State transport buses with the city, offers one the most pleasant trips out of Ahmedabad, but tends to get crowded on sundays. The sanctuary mainly comprises a huge lake of about 100 sq kms, and ambient marshes where you can see flamingoes, pelicans, , geese, cranes, storks, ibises, spoonbill, wading birds, swallows, fishing eagles, osprey, harriers and in great numbers.

Uttarayan ( Kite Flying Festival) is celebrated every year on 14th January. It is a time when people crowded on their rooftops to enjoy the festival from morning till sunset.

Adalaj step-well is a popular tourist attraction of the city and is situated 18 km. north of Ahmedabad. It was built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai. The step well or Vav, as it is called in Gujarati, is intricately carved with designs of leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. In the past, these step wells were frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along trade routes.

Karnataka is one of the Southern states of India, bordered by the Arabian Sea to its West. The name of the state is believed to have originated from “karu”, meaning elevated and “nadu” meaning land. It is one of the states where exceptional economic growth has occurred and therefore, there is a need to address the negative repercussions of this growth. The state has been instrumental in developing both types of Indian Classical Music – Carnatic and Hindustani. Karnataka has a vibrant culture and has been instrumental in providing valuable inputs into developing India into a global power, while still maintaining its charm. The state has very varied geographical and cultural niches making it an attractive state for tourists.

Open billed storks nesting in Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Coorg in the Western Ghats

Gaur in the Nagarahole National Park

BANGALORE, India — For years, hordes of morning joggers, yoga addicts, bird watchers, fitness fanatics, laughter club devotees and kissing couples have congregated in Bangalore’s two sprawling public parks. But those days may soon be over. If the government gets its way, public entry into the verdant areas, Lalbagh (or Red Garden) and Cubbon Park, will be regulated and restricted. Authorities are now accepting applications for identity cards and will make these mandatory for entry into the parks during early morning and late evening hours. During regular hours, the parks will be open to visitors at a fee. The move has sparked outraged protest and a public debate on the government’s attempts to encroach on people’s right to freely access public spaces. Some here see this step as the beginning of the privatization of India’s public spaces. Lalbagh dates back to two-and-a-half centuries and spans more than 200 acres. The Cubbon Park was created by the British more than a century

Kaveri river