Yoga Festival in Goa

Goa, in December , is about all-night partying, love music bands, and unlimited food and drinks. But this year, try something different, says Times Life, a Times of India Sunday Supplement. Instead of hitting the usual party scene, detoxify and rejuvenate your mind and senses by attending India's first and biggest toga festival, Zambhala. This two-day event (December 21-22) promises to bring together 70 of the best yoga experts, spiritual teachers, practitioners and healers from all over the world. Apart from yoga sessions, the festival also promises to have activities like Sufi whirling. Shamanism and workshops on different meditation techniques, crystal healing, chanting, past-life regression and star-gazing.

Gulmarg, Kashmir Valley

Gulmarg, the closest to Srinagar, is a cup-shaped meadow of rolling grassy slopes. There are heritage hotels and alpine huts, cozy places of retreat. Temperatures plummet in Gulmarg even in summer evenings. The gondola cable car is a tourist attraction in its own right, but it really comes into its true elements in winter, when the slopes are blanketed with snow and Gulmarg turns into one one vast skiing resort. Skiers form the bulk of visitors to Gulmarg in winter, From Kongdori, at an elevation of 1300 feet higher than Gulmarg, limitless ski runs are possible, weaving between fir trees, to 3 km below.Gulmag holds plenty of thrills for the absolute beginner. Ski runs of 400-500 meters are connected to Poma ype ski lifts. The skiing season starts when there is sufficient snow, usually around the middle of December. Gulmarg comes into own in the four months of winter - mid December to mid April. During this time, Gulmarg experiences at least 2 feet of snow, usually more.

Gulmarg is 53 km from Srinagar along the Baramulla Highway. One of the most beautiful resort towns in the Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg is surrounded by thick ir and deodar forests on three sides, and the peaks of the Affarwat tower above Gulmarg. The most pleasant aspect is that from virtually any point in Gulmarg, you can see the rest of it. During summer, you can take a walk or a ride on horseback around Gulmarg, acros the grassy meadows and the road that runs around the resort for 7 km. 

From May to September, the temperature during the day in Gulmarg seldom exceeds 25 degrees Celsius. At night, light woolens are usually required. October and November are cold during the day - moderate to heavy woolens are necessary. During December to April, temperatures, especially during the night, are well below freezing. Heavy woolens are a must. Walking shoes are necessary throughout the year.