Tourism in india

Gangtok

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Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.

With different cultures and religion existing in perfect harmony, Gangtok has shown that "Unity in Diversity" exists in Sikkim. Sikkimese have strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. However, a quick survey of Gangtok shows that the bubble of modernization has burst with a bang in the town. The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization - Broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A stroll along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper's delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available. Be here to experience the magic.

History

Like the rest of Sikkim, not much is known about the early history of Gangtok. The earliest records date from the construction of the hermitic Gangtok monastery in 1716. Gangtok remained a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. After the defeat of the Tibetans by the British, Gangtok became a major stopover in the trade between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. Most of the roads and the telegraph in the area were built during this time.

In 1894, Thutob Namgyal, the Sikkimese monarch under British rule, shifted the capital from Tumlong to Gangtok, increasing its importance. A new grand palace along with other state buildings was built in the new capital. Following India's independence in 1947, Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital. Sikkim became a suzerain of India, with the condition that it would retain its independence, by the treaty signed between the Chogyal and the then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Trade between India and Tibet continued to flourish through the Nathula and Jelepla passes, offshoots of the ancient Silk Road near Gangtok. These border passes were sealed after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, which deprived Gangtok of its trading business. In 1975, the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India's twenty-second state, with Gangtok as its capital. Gangtok has witnessed annual landslides, resulting in damage to life and properties. The largest disaster occurred in June 1997, when 38 were killed and hundreds of buildings were destroyed.

Transport

Taxis are the most widely available public transport within Gangtok. Most of the residents stay within a few kilometres of the town centre and many have their own vehicles such as two-wheelers and cars.The share of personal vehicles and taxis combined is 98% of Gangtok's total vehicles, a high percentage when compared to other Indian cities. City buses comprise less than one percent of vehicles. Those travelling longer distances generally make use of share-jeeps, a kind of public taxis. Four wheel drives are used to easily navigate the steep slopes of the roads. The 1 km (0.6 mi) long cable car with three stops connects lower Gangtok suburbs with Sikkim Legislative assembly in central Gangtok and the upper suburbs.

Gangtok is connected to the rest of India by an all-weather metalled highway, National Highway 31A, which links Gangtok to Siliguri, located 114 km (71 mi) away in the neighbouring state of West Bengal. The highway also provides a link to the neighbouring hill station towns of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which are the nearest urban areas. Regular jeep, van, and bus services link these towns to Gangtok. Gangtok is a linear city that has developed along the arterial roads, especially National Highway 31A. Most of the road length in Gangtok, is of two lane undivided carriageway with footpath on one side of the road and drain on the other. The steep gradient of the different road stretches coupled with a spiral road configuration constrain the smooth flow of vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic. The nearest railhead connected to the rest of India is the station of New Jalpaiguri, a suburb of Siliguri, situated 124 km (77 mi) away from Gangtok. The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 16 km (10 mi) from Siliguri. Although Gangtok does not have an airport, it is linked to Bagdogra airport via a daily helicopter service.

Abbey Falls

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Abbey Falls (also Abbi Falls) (Kannada) is in Kodagu, in the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. It is located 10 km from the town of Madikeri and 270 km from Bangalore.

In the mountains of the Western Ghats, several streams combine, swelling with the monsoon rains and plunging down the mountain slope at enormous speed, hitting the huge boulders hard and forcing through the crevices and ravines. A misty cloud hangs over the falls. From here the water flows into the Kaveri River.

The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools.

During the monsoon season the water flow is very high. During the dry seasons the flow is considerably diminished.

Transport

From Madikeri the falls are accessible by a narrow road to the coffee estate. A path through coffee and cardamom plantations leads to the waterfalls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons have brought plenty of water.

Athirappilly Falls

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Athirappilly Falls is situated in Athirappilly panchayath in Thrissur district of Kerala, on the southwest coast of India.

Located on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and the Sholayur ranges, this 24-metre (80 ft) waterfall and the nearby Vazhachal Falls are popular tourist destinations.

The Chalakudy River,145 kilometres (90 mi) long, originates in the Anamudi mountains (Western Ghats) and flows through the Vazhachal Forest toward the Arabian Sea. Forest wildlife includes the Asiatic elephant, tiger, leopard, bison, sambar, and lion-tailed macaque. Plantations in the area contain teak, bamboo, and eucalyptus. The river initially runs smoothly but becomes more turbulent as it nears Athirappilly. At Athirappilly Falls, the water surges around big rocks and cascades down in three separate plumes. Below the falls, the river remains turbulent for about 1 kilometre (0.6 mi) until it reaches Kannamkuzhi. Then it calms and flows smoothly until reaching the dam at Imburmuzhi.

The railway station nearest Athirappilly Falls is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west in Chalakudy, and the nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, about 55 kilometres (34 mi) southwest of the waterfall and 58 kilometres (36 mi) south of Thrissur.

Athirappilly is easily reachable from Chalakudy by taxi or by bus from the Chalakudy private bus terminal. Athirappilly is situated on the highways connecting Tamil Nadu and Kerala, amidst thick forest, so night riding is not advised.

The journey from Chalakudy to the Athirappilly Falls passes through a landscape of winding roads, small villages and lush green trees. Visitors can reach the top of the waterfall via a paved path that leads through thick bamboo clusters. A steep narrow path also leads to the bottom of the falls.

The falls attract visitors from across India, especially during the monsoon months (June-September). About 7 million tourists visit the falls and the Vazhachal picnic spot each year.

Monkey Falls

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Monkey Falls is located near the ghat road uphill Valparai on the Pollachi-Valparai road in the Anaimalai Hills range. Its a refreshing natural waterfalls.

An interesting trek route at the Monkey Falls; a linear stretch of evergreen forests surrounded by rocky cliffs, is avaialable and regular guided treks are conducted during favourable season. Prior notice should be given to the Tamil Nadu Forest Department before a fortnight.

How to reach:

you can get a bus or travels from pollachi which is 29km away from monkey falls.

Nearest tourist place - Top slip

Courtallam

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Courtallam, the 'Spa of the south', is a panchayat town situated at an elevation of about 167 m on the Western Ghats in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts.

About coutrallam

Courtallam the Spa of south and poor man's ooty. It is dedicated to Lord Thirukutralanathar (Siva). It is said that Lord Siva send saint Agastheyar to the south to avoid imbalance due to overcrowding in the mount Kailas on his celestial wedding. Another notable feature of Courttalam is Chithra Sabha (in which a number of mural paintings of rural deities and stories from epics are depicted in the central hall. This sabha is one of the five Sabas where Lord Nataraja performed the Cosmic-dance. Moreover this temple contains many inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Chitra Sabha is made out of medicinal herbs. The wooden carved planks serve as doors. Numerous rivers such as the Chittar River, the Manimuthar River, the Pachaiyar River and the Tambaraparani River originate here. It is famous for its waterfalls and has a number of health resorts. The nearest railway station to courttalam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here. This is not only a tourist spot but also a health resort. Courttalam water has medical properties since the water runs through forests of herbs and the water therapeutic qualities to cure physical ailments. During the season (period June to September in every year) thousands of tourists from far and near visit this place. The waters of the falls are believed to have medicinal properties as they run through forests of herbs before their descent. Tourists who visit and bathe in the waters claim that the water has a smoothing effect, help the old feel young and the sick heal rapidly. This place has a chill and a superb climate with sizzling of rain drops over us removes the stresses in our mind. The pure wind that starts from pothigai malai (mountain) removes the tiredness from our body. 'The Fruit Garden falls' is the pampered kid of Courtallam. Seeds and cuttings of different plants and trees that give exotic varieties of fruits can be got from here. Some of the fruits that grow here are ramdan, mangoosten, egg fruit, dorian...... The main produce is clove, cardamom, jack fruit and mangoosten. These are exported not only to other parts of our country, but also to foreign countries. For those 'urbanites' who bathe under a 'shower' the experience of bathing in the falls will be something to cherish. When one puts one's head under the huge amount of water hurtling down the mountain, one does feel scared, but once one stands under the falls, it is nothing but bliss. With the advent of the season the masseurs are in great demand.

Location

Courtallam is 6 km from Tenkasi, 160 km from Madurai, 137 km from Kanniyakumari and 112 km from Thiruvananthapuram, 64 km from Rajapalayam. The nearest airport to Coutrallam is Tuticorin Airport (TCR) approximately 86 km away. 152 km from Alleppey. The nearest railway station to Courtallam is Tenkasi which is just 5 km from here. Either private auto, bus or share van can be taken from Tenkasi to reach Courtallam.

How to Reach

From Chennai Direct train is available every day (podhigai express ) alight at Tenkasi or at Sengottai From Bangalore 6732 Train (Mysore- Tuticorin Express) to Madurai, then Local Tenkasi Train from Madurai (3 trains per day) & reach courtallam by Auto or Taxi.

Water Falls around coutrallam:

Gundarau Falls
Kummaroutti falls
Paalaru
Agastiyar Falls
Baanatheertahm

Jog Falls

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Jog Falls created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 meters (829 ft) is the highest plunge waterfall in India and the 7th deepest in the world.[citation needed] Located in Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

River Sharavathi splits up into four different tracks which are named in accordance with their perceived trajectories. Going from left to right respectively in the picture, the names and the reasons for naming are:

Raja (King): Named so because of its apparently 'dignified' and 'serene' fall.

Roarer: This stream appears out of a mass of rocks, making a tremendous amount of noise.

Rocket: Consists of a large volume of water streaming out of a small opening at a very high speed.

Rani (Queen), also called Lady: The stream has a winding, twisting trajectory, said to resemble the movements of a female dancer.

Significance of Jog Waterfalls

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi, and the hydro-electric power station that it serves. The power station has been operational since 1949, and is, at 1200 MW capacity, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in India and a significant source of electric power for Karnataka. The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, thanks to visions of Sir M. Visvesvarayya, Linganmakki Dam, built across river Sharavathi is being used for power generation.

Change in flow

August-December is the season of best flow and best time to visit. Jog is situated at 30 kilometres (19 mi) away from Sagara, and 379 kilometres (235 mi) away from Bangalore.

Nearest Bus Stations - Jog, Sagara. One can reach Jog from direct buses to Jog from Bangalore. Alternative way is to take direct bus to Sagara from Bangalore and local bus from Sagara to Jog. Distance - 379 kilometres (235 mi) from Bangalore, 102 kilometres (63 mi) from Shivamogga and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Sagara.

Nearest Train Station - Shimoga. One can take train to Shimoga from Bangalore and can travel to Jog in buses from Shimoga.

Airport - Bangalore airport is the nearest operational airport. Another convenient airport is Mangalore.

Bangalore

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There are a number of tourist attractions to visit in and around the city of Bangalore. Of historical, religious and contemporary interests, these tourists spots are easily accessible and worth a visit. The Vidhan Soudha makes the major attraction in Bangalore. The building is a massive neo-Dravidian architecture presently functioning as the state legislative assembly. The Cubbon Park in the heart of the city, Lal Bagh (famous for the blooming red roses), and the Bangalore Palace are some of the other must see attractions of this garden city. The Venkatappa Art Gallery houses about 600 paintings on display. The Tipu's Palace and the adjoining fort are fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture that also offer a glimpse into the Mughal lifestyle of the day. Among the religious places, the ISKCON Temple, Shiva Statue, and the Bull Temple are worth visiting. Besides, one can also visit the Aquarium, which is the second largest in the country, as well as the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium.

Lal Bagh Gardens

Lal Bagh is a must see while visiting Bangalore. The name Lal Bagh has been given to it for the wonderfully bloomed red roses that remain blooming all through the year in this garden. The garden has also a collection of famous Botanical species. Though the flow of visitors to the park is a regular affair, the garden gets a festive look during the Republic Day and on the days of flower shows that are held here.

Vidhan Soudha

Vidhan Soudha, built in the year 1954 is one of the major centres of attraction in Bangalore. The architecture of the building is based on the neo Dravidian style and it presently houses the Legislative Assembly of the state of Karnataka. The building also houses a part of the Karnataka secretariat.

Cubbon Park

Situated in the heart of the Bangalore city, the Cubbon Park is an interesting tourist spot which one should not miss out. The park was laid by Lord Cubbon in the year 1864. It is spread over an area of about 300 acres and the layout is absolutely exquisite.

Bangalore Palace

Built in the year 1887, Bangalore palace is a must see tourist spot in the garden city. The architecture of the palace is based on the Tudor style. The palace is situated in the middle of the Bangalore city making it easily accessible for the tourists. Covering an area of about 800 acres, the palace gives a look of the Windsor Palace of England.

Venkatappa Art Gallery

Venkatappa art gallery is a pleasant treat for the art lovers. It has about 600 paintings on display that you can see all through the year. The art gallery also has some of the exclusive collections of scenic displays.

Tipu palace

The palace and the fort of Tipu Sultan are the must see spot in Bangalore. The architecture, the layout and the overall look of the palace gives you the idea of the ethnic Mughal lifestyle. The fort and its remains present the history of the era in which it was built. The construction of the Tipu palace was started by Haider Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan himself.

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Among the other places to visit, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a must see. Visiting any of the shows here gives you a good view as well as factual knowledge on astronomy. Easily accessible from any corner of the city, the planetarium hosts daily shows of astronomy. It is a fascinating experience for the children.

Bull Temple (Dodda Basavanna Temple):

The gigantic image of the celestial bull, Nandi, which stands at 4.57 meters. in height, is a classic example of Dravidian architecture. A yearly festival to celebrate the harvesting of peanuts, (Kallekai parse) is held here during the month of Nov-Dec. which attracts large crowds from all over the state.

Dodda Ganapathi Temple:

A huge monolithic statue of Gapnapati, which attracts thousands of devotees every day. One of the oldest temples of Bangalore.

Bugle Rock:

This rock stands as a mute witness to the bygone era of the founder of Bangalore, when it served as the watchtower and incase of any attack, a bugle call from here alerted the inhabitants of the town.

Sri Gavi Gangadareshwara Temple:

A unique phenomenon of this cave temple is the sunlight passes through the horns of the bull to light up the Gavi Ganagadareshwara idol on the day of Makara Sankranthi i.e. January 14th or 15th every year.

Hyderabad

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The Charminar

Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100 feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and horizontally. The prominently projected cornice on the first floor upholds a series of six arches and capitals on each façade, rising to the double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, ornamental brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the structure. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of square jali or water screens lends a fragile charm to the sturdy appearance of Charminar. This courtyard was used as a school and for prayers from the nearby mosque. The minarets, their domed finials rising from their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground.

The Arches Of Charminar

Near the Charminar stand four magnificent arches called Char Kaman, which served as the gateway to the Zilu Khana (ante chamber) of the royal palace and are named Machli Kaman, Kali Kaman, Sher Gil Ki Kaman and Char Minar ki Kaman. The Char-su-ka-hauz, a cistern with a fountain in the center of the arches is now called Gulzar Hauz. The royal residential palaces stood around the Charminar. Of the Qutb Shahi royal palaces in Hyderabad nothing of importance has survived; not even the Qutb Mandir, the pleasure of which admitted only Muhammad Quli and his female companions. The gardens have simply vanished. The mosques have been however spared.

The Mecca Masjid

Near the Charminar stands the Mecca Masjid, begun by Muhammad Qutb Shah in 1617 and completed by Quranzeb in 1693. It is a grand edifice with a huge courtyard which can accommodate nearly ten thousand men at prayer. Tavernier has provided a graphic description of the mammoth boulders cut to size and carted for use in the building of the mosque. The minarets look rather stunted in comparison with the grandeur of the whole massive structure. But it looks more Mughal then Qutb Shahi in its perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A particular stone brick in the mihrab is believed to have been brought from Mecca. Other Mosques - The other two mosques--the Jami Masjid and the Toli Masjid-are small and modest structures.

Muhammad Quli Shah built the Jami Masjid in 1592, after founding Hyderabad. Musa Khan, a supervisor of works at the Mecca Masjid, levied a damri for every rupee spent on the building of the Mecca Masjid. With these collections he built the Toli Masjid, near the Purana Pul. Two buildings, the Badshahi Ashur Khana and Darul Shifa-built in 1594-are much dilapidated and in need of large scale repair.

Naubat Pahad: a hilltop crowned by the Birla temple is a tourist spot affording lovely views of the city. In old days royal firmans (announcements) were read to the people to the beat of drums. The Bagh-I-Aam stretches below this hillock where stands the State Legislative Assembly building. Among the newer additions to Hyderabad's grand buildings are the Osmania University, the high court and the Osmania General Hospital.

Birla Planetarium: is situated on a hill near the Birla Temple and offers educational shows as well as a fine view of the city and Hussain Sagar Lake.

The city straddles the Musi river which, in 1908, had caused much destruction by flooding the city. Under the supervision of India's greatest engineer Sir M.Vishweshvarayya, two large reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were constructed to save the city from devastation by floods in the future.

Nehru Zoological Park: This sprawling zoo follows the open plan model and ensures the animals are seen in naturalistic surroundings. The crocodile hatchery and lion safari are prime attractions.

Salar Jung Museum: is one of the most visited places in the city. With a collection of fine art, tapestries, jade artifacts, weaponry and sculpture, it is well worth seeing. The clock in the courtyard that has little figures that appear every hour is a favourite of children.

Hyderabad is one of the first cities in India to have an IMAX movie theatre. It is situated near the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Kerala

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Kerala known as as the land of spices, letters, culture and hospitality. Its tropical paradise of waving palms and wide sandy beaches, made Kerala one of the most beautiful states in India. Kerala has legendary orgins, as it is believed that Parashuram the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu threw his axe into the sea from Gokarna and the sea retreated from where his axe fell to give birth to Kerala. Ancient mariners from Arabia ,China, Holland, Britain and Portugal have all left their mark in this state. People of there major religion co-exist here, Temples, churches and Mosques are its rememerence. The main festival of Kerala is Onam. It is in the month of August– September, it commemorates the home coming of legendary king Mahabali. Kathakali is the most Popular dance of the state. Mohiniyattam, is another typical dance of Kerala. Ottam Tullal is a solo dance in which the dancer wears colourful costumes as in Kathakali.

Alappuzha :

Alappuzha is a Land Mark between the broad Arabian sea and a net work of rivers flowing into it. In the early first decade of the 20th Century the then Viceroy of the Indian Empire, Lord Curzon made a visit in the State to Alleppey now Alappuzha. Fascinated by the Scenic beauty of the place, in joy and amazement, he said, "Here nature has spent up on the land her richest bounties". In his exhilaration, it is said, he exclaimed, "Alleppey, the Venice of the East". Thus the sobriquet found its place in the world Tourism Map. The presence of a port and a pier, criss -cross roads and numerous bridges across them, a long and unbroken sea coast might have motivated him to make this comparison.

Ernakulam :

Ernakulam is the green commercial capital of Kerala with one of the finest natural harbours in the world. From here, ships set sail for foreign ports with pepper, sea food, rubber and coir. From times immemorial, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Cochin and left their impression in the town. The harbour is the nucleus around which Cochin has grown to become the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

Idukki:

This beautiful High range district of Kerala is geographically known for its Mountainous Hills and Dense Forests. For the people of Kerala, Idukki is always associated with Power Generation. About 66% of the State's Power needs come from the Hydroelectric Power Projects in Idukki. Idukki accounts for 12.9 percent of the area of Kerala and only 3.7 percent of the population of Kerala. About 50% of its area is Reserved Forests.

Kannur :

Kannur district derived its name from the location of its headquarters at Kannur town. The old name 'Cannanore' is the anglicised form of the Malayalam word Kannur. According to one opinion, 'Kannur' is a derivation from Kanathur, an ancient village, the name of which survives even today in one of the wards of Kannur Municipality.Another version is that Kannur might have assumed its name from one of the , deities of the Hindu pantheon, a compound of two words, Kannan (Lord Krishna) and Ur (place)making it the placeof Lord Krishna. In this context, it is worth mentioning that the deity of the Katalayi Sreekrishna temple was originally installed in a shrine at Katalayi Kotta in the south eastern part of the present Kannur town.

Kasaragod:

Kasargod, the land of seven languages and several cultures. The name, Kasaragod, is said to be derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom). Kasaragod district was formed on May 24. 1984, with the intention of bestowing maximum attention on the development of backward areas that. With the formation of the new district, comprising the erstwhile Kasaragod and Hosdurg taluks, it has become possible to develop this coastal area fruitfully.

Periyar :

Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial source of water for the local wildlife. Herds of elephant and sambar, gaur and wild pigs wander down to the lakeside and can be observed from the launches that cruise the lake. In March and April, during the driest period here, the animals spend a lot of time near the lake and the elephants can be seen bathing and swimming in the reservoir.

If it's beaches, temples and village life you are looking for, then Trivandrum and Kochi should be good choices:

Things to do in Trivandrum:

Kovalam: This beach evokes mixed responses, but i feel that if you go South of Kovalam towards Vizhinjam the beaches improve dramatically. Surya Samudra Beach Resort, which has been mentioned earlier offers a mix of the modern and traditional. There's also a place called Karikkathi Beach house right next to Surya Samudar. IT's a small homestay facility, with no TV or air conditioning though. They have only 2 rooms so if you are the only guests staying there it's almost like having your own beachside vacation home. And the views from there are fantastic. The only drawback is that it has no road access - you need to walk through Surya Samudra or another nearby coconut grove to get there.
The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: it's also been mentioned before. It's right next to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple and is a good place to visit. Some of the guides are not too great though.
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple: in the heart of the city's Fort area. Entry is restricted to hindus only, but non-hindus can go right up to the front entrance.
Padmanabhapuram: it's about 60 kilometers South of Trivandrum - a little more than an hour's drive away - in Tamil Nadu. Is the old capital of the former princely state of Travancore. is a must see if the Kerala style of archtecture interests you. will take half a day if done at a leisurely pace. This visit could be combined with a visit to Kanyakumari - the Southernmost part of mainland India.
The Museum and Art Gallery: both in a state of some disrepair, but still worth a visit, especially the Art Gallery.

In KOCHI

Fort Cochin: the synagogue, the 'antique' shops, the Chinese fishing nets, the seaside cafes where you get to eat fresh fish and so on.
Kumbalangi: this is a village close to Kochi that is being developed as a heritage village. It offers some insights into village life. Not too sure if tourist accomdation is available there.
If temples intersest you a visit to TRICHUR about 70 kilometers south of Kochi is a possible option. IT would take about 2 hours by road. Trichur is full of temples including the famous Guruvayur temple about 30 kilometers away from Trichur town. also check out the elephant stables at Punnathoor Kota about 3 kilometers from Guruvayur. it has over 60 elephants of different ages there.

Mumbai

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The Gateway of India by the water's edge at Apollo Bunder is the most famous colonial monument , and Mumbai's most famous landmark. Designed by GeorgeWittet, it is one of the last imperial monuments built by the British in Mumbai. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Mumbai, Lord Sydenham on 31st March, 1913.

It is a solid structure consisting of eight open door ways, above which is a perforated design. It was completed in 1924 and was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar on the 2nd December, 1911.

Initially used as a disembarkation point for passengers alighting from steamers, ironically twenty-four years later it became an exit point for the British troop who had to leave India when it got its independence in 1947.

Hutatma chowk :

Erected in 1869, in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, (governor of Mumbai1862-67)) to whose progressive policy Mumbai owes many of her great public buildings, and growth it is situated in the heart of the city, Decorated at its four corners with mythological figures, the Fountain is a structure in dull stone with a figure of 'Flora' the Roman Goddess of flowers, at the top. Today the Hutatma Chowk area is one of the busiest places in the city, with many banks, shops and offices surrounding it.

Marine Drive:

The city's pride and joy, and it's most spectacular verandah. Built on land reclaimed in 1920 and running parallel to the shoreline of backbay, from Nariman Point it sweeps past Chowpatty right up to Malabar Hill. Also known as "Queen's Necklace" it is a crowded thoroughfare .by early morning joggers who pound the promenade during the day, and an equally crowded promenade in the evening. by lovers canoodling at Marine Drive. Except during the monsoons you can board a hovercraft. from here. Best viewed from Hanging Gardens.

Town Hall

Both the Mint and the adjoining Town Hall with their pillars and Grecian porticos, were built in the 1820's. The Mint was sanctioned by the East India Company in 1823. An inscription on the building shows it was designed by Major John Hopkins of Bombay Engineers. The construction commenced in 1824 and was completed in 1827. The site was originally reclaimed from the sea. as early as 1823.

VICTORIA TERMINUS MUMBAI

Designed by FW Stevens and built in a style that combines Gothic and Indian influences. This is the city's most prominent building and considered architecturally one of the finest station in the world. Built in 1878, the Italian Gothic building has a frontage of over 1500 feet. The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden, the entrance gate guarded by a massive stone lion and tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the center. On top of the giant dome is a figure of a woman with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress. The tower clock visible from outside has a diameter of 9' with a 3' & 10" minute hand and a 2'3" hour hand run mechanically. Still ticking 120 years later it is only one of its kind in the country.

Marble columns support the entrance facade. The main entrance has four great doorways which open to the booking offices. The internal arrangements were designed to afford a maximum of convenience.

Amidst the cacophony of rushing commuters and hooting trains about one thousand trains and nearly two million commuters pass through the Terminus of this country's largest railway station. The local electric trains that ferry in and out of the city leave every three to four minutes. On the other side of the building, the trains pulled by heavy diesel or steam locomotives depart to different cities and towns. Trains from the central, southern and eastern region arrive here.

Hnamgimg Gardens :

Situated on top of the Malabar Hill, these gardens were laid out in 1881. Also known as Sir Pherozashah Mehta Gardens, but more popularly known as Hanging Gardens. because of its location on the slope of a hill. Built on reservoirs that supply water to Mumbai the way up to the gardens from Marine Drive is by Walkeshwar Road and Ridge Road. . The gardens are popular with local residents for their early morning or late evening walk.

Kamala nehru park :

Adjacent to Hanging Gardens This park opened in 1952, it covers an area of 4,000 square yards and commands a superb view of Marine Drive and beyond. A constant source of enjoyment is a giant old woman's shoe meant for the young to play in. There is a lovely pavilion which is another feature of the garden, surrounded by beautiful flower beds and huge lawns.

Stock Exchange :

It was in 1840 when a small group of stock brokers gathered together and sat under the shade of a cluster of banyan trees to manage their limited business where the present stock exchange is. The Bombay Stock Exchange was established in 1887. It is the largest in Asia and third largest in the world. Its imposing building is a well known landmark and accounts for 2/3 of the total business conducted in the country’s stock markets.

Kolkata

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As a city, Kolkata is a class apart. It has an identity that makes it unique in its own right. A city is all about its inhabitants and it is they who make Kolkata so special. They are greatly opinionated and are fond of arguing, and many a times their opinions are backed by lots of passion, and utter ignorance. Indeed a miniscule section of the people of this city is well-read and culturally evolved, but what makes this city different is that here all and sundry harbor pretensions of being art and literary connoisseurs. As a tourist, what will strike you most when you visit Kolkata is passion. Be it a cricket match, a film festival, a poetry reading session or a theatre performance; Kolkata wears its heart on its sleeves, though many a times quite clumsily.

Kolkata has a rich colonial legacy which is manifested in its several tourist attractions like Victoria Memorial, BBD Bagh, Fort William, Writers Building, etc. Shahid Minar, Marble Palace, Botanical Gardens, Nicco Park and Science City are some of the other tourist attractions of Kolkata.

As far as entertainment and nightlife is concerned, Kolkata is one of the hot spots of India. Take for example the Park Street, which is the most happening place in the whole of Kolkata. You can techno-dance in the discos till 2 AM or just fill yourself with gastronomic delights in the fashionable eateries which serve anything from Japanese to Lebanese and Swedish to Samoan. And if you are a film buff, just visit Nandan to view a selection of great cinemas from maestros ranging from Satyajit Ray to Kurosawa. Theatre is still alive and kicking in Kolkata, despite the onslaughts of Bollywood, and many of them present revolutionary content and treatment for the viewers.

Kolkata today boasts of international standard shopping malls, multiplexes, pubs and various fine restaurants. The youth brigade in Kolkata is far more exposed to western culture and has a completely different outlook towards life as compared to their predecessors. "Work hard party harder" is their new-age mantra.

Places to see in Kolkata

Birla Planetarium : Only the second of its kind in the commonwealth and similar to that in London. Regular astronomical shows are presented here with commentaries in different languages. Shows are held on all days excluding Mondays.

Kalighat : According to the legend, when Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati’s body was cut up, one of her fingers fell here. Rebuilt in 1809, this is an important shrine of Hindu Shakti worship. The temple is in the southern part of the city.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple Belur Math : Built in 1847, on the banks of the Hooghly, north of Calcutta, the temple is associated with Shri Ramakrishna, the eclectic 19th century saint who revived Hinduism during the British Raj. Across the river stands Belur Math, headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The Monastery is a haven of peace and religious harmony.

Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture : Commemorates the birth centenary of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa. Religious discourses and cultural exchanges are held here among international scholars. The institute is located at Golpark.

Nakhoda Mosque : Modelled on Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra, the red sandstone mosque has two minarets 46 mts high, a brightly painted onion shaped dome and can accommodate 10,000 people. Built in 1926 and located on Chitpur Road.

St. John’s Church : Built in 1787 with Grecian columns. The burial ground has the mausoleum of Job Charnok, founder of Calcutta. On the north-west side of Raj Bhavan.

Pareshnath Jain Temple : The temple is an ornate mass of mirrors, coloured stones and glass mosaic, and overlooks a beautiful garden. It is in Shyambazar.

St. Paul’s Cathedral : Constructed between 1839 and 1847 in Gothic style with stained glass windows and two Florentine frescoes, the cathedral is the largest in the city and next to the Birla Planetarium. St. Paul’s was conscerated in 1874.

Armenian Church : The oldest place of Christian worship in Calcutta. The church of Holy Nazareth was built in 1764. Among the other churches to visit are St. Andrew’s Church. The Old Mission Church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

Jewish Synagogues : The Maghen David Synagogue on Jewish Synagogue Street and the BETHEL on Pollock Street are very old worship houses and a reminder to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

Parsi Fire Temples : They cater to the religious needs of the prominent Parsi community of Calcutta. Located on Metcalf Street and Beliaghata.

Indian Museum : Built in 1875, it is an impressive building in the Italian style of architecture. This is the largest museum in the country. The Museum has six sections : Art, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Industry (Economic Botany).

Shahid Minar : The monument is situated on the ‘Maidan’ and was built in honour of Sir David Octerlony who fought the Nepalese War (1812 - 1814) to victory. The 48.16 metre tall monument has been named Shahid Minar since 9th August, 1969.

Eden Gardens : Named after Lord Auckland’s sister, this picturesque garden has a tiny Burmese pagoda set in a small lake. It also houses Calcutta’s Cricket Stadium.

Howrah Bridge : A miracle of engineering skill, the Howrah Bridge is a huge cantilever bridge supported by two piers 270 ft. high from the road level. The span of the bridge between the piers is 1,500 ft while the total distance between the two sheet anchors is 2,115 ft. There are eight vehicular ways and two footpaths on the 71 ft. wide bridge.

Marble Palace : Situated in an artistically laid-out garden, the place is full of rare collection of antiques of immense artistic and historical value. Wonderful curios, china and a couple of paintings by Rubens are only a few to mention of the spectrum of attractions of the palace. The Marble Palace is situated on Muktaram Babu Street, off Chittaranjan Avenue. Open on all days except Mondays and Thursdays.

Zoological Garden : Covers 16 hectares of land and built in 1876. The lakes within are a favourite retreat for migratory Siberian birds.

Horticultural Garden : The lush environment is also the venue for exotic plant and flower exhibitions.

Delhi

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Delhi is a truly cosmopolitan city which has brought within its fold people of all ethnic groups and their traditions and culture, reflected in a variety of arts, crafts, cuisines, festivals and lifestyles. Delhi offers the tourist a range of tourist attractions -from historical monuments to modern architectural marvels, from traditional bazaars to mega malls and from parks to spiritual centers.

The monuments in the city, which now have got the status of historical tourist attractions in Delhi, are replete with the ancient history of Delhi. The historical tourist attractions in Delhi are the Qutb Minar, in Mehrauli in South Delhi, famous as the highest stone tower ever raised in India and a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it is an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times, which has stood for millennia without rusting . The Qutb Minar along with the Humayun's Tomb, is enlisted as UNESCO'S World Heritage Site. It is believed to have influenced the design of the later mughal monuments including the TajMahal. Another attraction is the Red Fort, on the banks of river yamuna,from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. Purana Quila is another good example of medieval Indian military architecture. Another fort that is worth visiting is the Tughlaqabad Fort, which looks colossal and magnificent even in its ruined state. Planned by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted, Chandini Chowk or 'light of the moon'is a fascinating bazaar even for the modern day tourist interested in shopping in Delhi.

Delhi also has many reminders of the British rule in India. Among the colonial tourist attractions, the foremost is the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.Once the erstwhile residence of the Viceroy of India, it is now the residence of the ruling President of India. The stretch from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan to the India Gate is called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. Another tourist attraction within the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Mughal Gardens. Straight down from the Rashtrapathi Bhavan is the India Gate. This 42-meter high arch was designed by Edwin Lutyens, as a war memorial to commemorate the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War and the Afghan War of 1919. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. Delhi has many modern architectural marvels. The most unique among the modern tourist attractions is the Lotus Temple Reputed as the Taj of modern India; it is a serene house of meditation built by the Bahai community. The Garden of Five Senses is among the latest tourist attractions in Delhi inaugurated only in 2003. One of the every few Amusement Parks in India, Appu Ghar offers exciting games and rides and even ice games. The Dilli Haat, a food and crafts bazaar,provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, in the heart of the city. The Parliament House, an elegant building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, in Central Delhi, is where India's lawmakers and statesmen decide the future of India.

Delhi also has some important spiritual attractions for the spiritually inclined tourist. One is the Lakshmi Narayan Temple built by the renowned business family of the Birlas, better known as the Birla Temple. The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated in this temple complex in 1948. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is another famous temple. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib sees thousands of devotees every day not only of Sikh faith but also from other religious beliefs and faiths.

The Delhi visit is not complete without a trip to the memorials, museums and parks in Delhi. On the bank of the legendary river Yamuna, which flows past Delhi, there is Raj Ghat, the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated.The National Museum is the biggest museum in India and the most apt place to learn about the history, culture and heritage of Delhi. The Rail Transport Museum is among popular tourist attractions in Delhi, which helps to trace the history of 150 years of railways in India. The National Musuem of Modern Art, located in central Delhi, has a permanent collection of over 14,000 works of art by both modern Indian and Western artists. Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory is located near Connaught Place in the center of Delhi with instruments, which were used to observe and measure the movements of celestial objects. Lodi Gardens, located in South Delhi, contains the tombs of the Lodi Sultans of Delhi and is now a venue for fitness walkers and a popular picnic spot.

Many tourists who visit Delhi make excursions from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur on their India tour. Agra is the city immortalized by the architectural marvel in marble, the Taj Mahal. Jaipur or the rose-pink city, founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743), is the capital of Rajasthan. Fatehpur Sikri said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Coimbatore

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The city of Coimbatore is one of the largest cities in Tamil Nadu and is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal. It is also referred to as the "Manchester of South India". The city is a perfect destination for spending a vacation because of its wonderful picturesque places. The city has also a large number of clubs to chill out.

The city is well connected by air, roads and train services. Three National Highways pass through the city connecting it with other parts of India. Peelamedu Airport is the nearest airport which is connected with other states in India by regular domestic carriers. Besides this, the railway junction at Coimbatore serves as the major railhead of the city.

Some of the major tourist attractions in Coimbatore include:

Madhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary has a rich bio-diversity and is situated between the Bandipur and Annamalai sanctuaries and forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the Country, the major attraction being the elephant. Other animals that abound the sanctuary include Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Deer, and Snakes.

Kodaikanal: It is situated 138 km from Coimbatore at the top of Palini Hills and is one of the most poplar hill stations in South India. Kodaikanal has some picturesque places to visit like Bear shola falls, Silver cascade, Kodai Lake, Bryant park, Coaker's Walk and Kukkai caves.

Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary situated along the Western Ghats has an exotic collection of fauna which includes elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, pangolin, black headed oriole, green pigeon and civet cat. The sanctuary also has a large number of crocodiles in its Amaravathy reservoir.

Thirumurthy Dam: The dam is situated at the foothills of the Thirumurthy Hills and is about 20 km from Udumalpet. There is a perennial stream which flows by the side of the Amalingeswarar temple which gives an additional beauty to the place. Situated near Pollachi at a distance of around 90 km, the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary forms an interesting excursion from Coimbatore. The sanctuary, situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres in the Western Ghats, is home to different kind of animals and birds like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, re-whiskered bulbul, black-headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, and green pigeon. The Amaravathy reservoir in the Annamalai has a large number of crocodiles. Annamalai also has many places of scenic beauty such as Karainshola, Anaikunthi shola, grass hills, waterfalls, dams and reservoirs.

The city also has a large number of temples to visit. Important among them include the Perur Patteeswara Swamy temple, Marudha Malai Temple, Arulmigu AranganathaSwamy Thirukoil, and the Arulmigu Eachanari Vinayagar Temple.

VOC Park and Zoo (Amusement Park)

The VOC park is named after the famous freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram. It is an interesting place to visit along with children. The park is maintained by the Coimbatore Corporation. There are several attractions for the young ones. Some of the main attractions within the park include the aquarium, having a good collection of different species of fish, a mini zoo and models of prehistoric dinosaurs. Apart from these children can also enjoy themselves on swing, slider, seesaw, toy train and other play equipment.

Agriculture University

This University is definitely an interesting place to visit in Coimbatore. It is situated about 5 kms away from the Coimbatore railway station and is considered as one of the best institutions of its kind in South Asia. The university includes a botanical garden which is the main source of attraction here. It is located towards the west of the city center and is sprawled over an area of 300 hectares. The garden here owns a wide range of species of flowering plants and trees.

Perur Temple

Perur, a small town, situated about 6 km from Coimbatore is famous for the holy Perur Temple. This temple is considered one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams. The outer buildings of the temple was built by Karikala Cholan, a ruler of Madurai in the 17th century but the inner shrine is much older. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the extraordinary features of this temple is the figure of a sepoy (Indian soldier). The figure of the sepoy is loading a musket carved on the base of the pillar near the entrance, wearing identical dress to that of the Aurangzeb's soldiers. The significance of Perur temple in earlier days is unfolded in the poetic creations of Arunagiri Nather and Kachiappa Munivar.

Marudhamalai Temple

The Marudhamalai Temple is located on a hillock about 12 kms from Coimbatore Railway Station. The temple of Marudhamalai, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is one of the most visited temples in the region. Large number of devotees flock the temple because it is believed that the residing deity Dandayuthapani performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple.

Forest College

The Forest temple is located about 3.5 km north of the Coimbatore Railway Station. The College is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. The museum of the College is a must visit. This museum has an interesting collection of different minerals, rocks, pests, snakes, insects and fossils of plants and animals. The museum also has a special advisory counter offering service to promote businesses related to plant husbandry. The college also trains forest rangers.

Chennai

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Chennai, being the gateway to south India is a very culturally rich city and offers something for everyone, with a south Indian flair. From Christian churches to Hindu temples, from military forts to motorcycle factories, there is something for everyone here.

If you are a history or a culture buff, then welcome to the melting pot of south India, for Chennai is its capital, and over the centuries has attracted people from not only over South India, but also from all over the world. A must visit place is Mylapore, with its numerous Temples depicting the classical architecture of South India over the centuries.

Chennai is more or less divided into 3 sections: George Town, Egmore and Central Chennai, and South Chennai. George Town, named in honor of King George V being crowned emperor of India, is reminiscent of Chennai's colonial past, where as the other parts of Chennai have a more ethnic feel.

Places to See in Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is a popular tourist destination for people who travel to South India. There are a number of travel attractions in Chennai, including temples, gardens, museums, caves, beaches, churches, wildlife parks, etc. All these attractions make Chennai a perfect gateway of South India.

Vivekananda House & Museum

The state government had leased this building to Sri Ramakrishna Mission. It is an imposing structure on the Marina beach along the South Beach Road. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda visited this city and stayed in this historic building in the year 1897 on his way to Calcutta, after his acclaimed speech at Chicago for the Parliament of Religions. The Government took over the building in 1930 and in 1963 it was named after Vivekananda. Photographs depicting the historical happenings associated with his life and books about him and his own written works are on display and sold here in the Museum.

Gudiyam Caves

The Gudiyam Caves are situated about 17 kms. behind Poondi reservoir in Chennai. Except some adventurous trekkers and the stout villagers, hardly anyone goes here. The reason is its tough terrain that takes 4 kms. of walk by foot. These prehistoric natural caves are evidence of the primitive tools that our ancestors had used.

Elliot's Beach

The Elliot beach is a calmer and quieter beach. It is an ideal place for lazy lounging and picnicking on your travel holidays in Chennai. The beach is situated near Adayar and the sea is safe for swimming.

Fort St. George and St. Mary's Church

Fort St. George is the first fortress of British power in India and was built in 1654 and remodeled in 1749. The fort has a six-meter tall wall that withstood many invasions by Mughals in 1701, Marathas in 1741 and Hyder Ali during the late 18th century. Now the fort is turned into the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

The St. Mary church was built in 1678-80 and was the first English church in Chennai. There are reminders in the church of Robert Clive, who married here in 1753.

Government Museum and National Art Gallery

The Government Museum at Chennai is one of the finest museums in India. It has sections devoted to anthropology, botany, geology, numismatics, sculpture and zoology. The relics from the 2nd century AD Buddhist site 'Amaravati' and the souvenirs of the prehistoric South India are the most prized assets of the museum. The museum has a vast collection of carvings of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. There's also a good collection of South Indian musical instruments and jewelry, that are worth seeing. The bronze gallery that has a superb collection of ancient icons and modern bronzes are really lucrative.

The Art Gallery at Chennai has a fine collection of paintings, handicrafts and bronze. The collection is housed in a Mughal style building. Bronzes from 10th and 13th century, Rajasthan and Mughal paintings from 16th and 17th century and Indian handicrafts from 11th and 12th century are displayed here.

Kapaleswar Temple

The ancient Kapaleshwar temple, situated in Mylapore, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The fragmented inscriptions here dates back to 1250 AD. But the present temple was rebuilt by Vijayanagar Kings in the 16th century. The magnificent 37m carved 'Gopuram' of gods, goddesses and saints depict important 'Puranic' legends.

Marina Beach

This popular beach runs for 12 km and is the second longest beach in the world. The beach drive runs between magnificent stately buildings like the Chetpauk Palace, University of Madras, Icehouse etc. on one side and a very wide sandy beach on the other. The aquarium is at the beginning of the beach, is another important attraction near the beach.

San Thom Cathedral

Built in 1504 and rebuilt in 1608 and 1893, the cathedral is said to house the remains of Apostle St. Thomas. The basilica has an tremendously stained glass window and a beautiful one-meter statue of Virgin Mary that was brought from Portugal in 1543.

Sri Parthasarathy Temple

One of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai, the Sri Parthasarathy temple was built by the Pallavas in the 8th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The Vijayanagar rulers renovated it in the 16th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, this temple was the scene of many battles and Golconda, Dutch and French occupied the temple at various times. This is one of the oldest surviving temples in Chennai.

Valluvar Kottam

This befitting memorial for the poet-sage Thiruvalluvar, a replica of the famed temple chariot of 'Thiruvaroor', was built in 1976. The life size statue of the sage sits in the 33m chariot with 1330 couplets of Thirukkural inscribed on the panels.

Covelong Beach

Located at a distance of 40 km from Chennai, Covelong is a refreshing beach. It is a quiet peaceful village away from the Hustle Bustle of Chennai. A best weekend travel getaway from the busy city life, Covelong is famous for its fishing activities.

Anna Zoological Park

This Zoological park is situated on the outskirts of Chennai and is created out of the Reserve Forests of Vandalur to the west of Chennai. In 1855 the first Zoo in India was established in Chennai, near the Central Station. In 1979, this zoo was shifted to the 510-hectare sprawling location. It presently occupies the slope of a hill. This Zoological Park is said to be one of the biggest in the South East Asia. More than 170 species of mammals, birds and reptiles can be seen here. The lion safari, the elephant ride, and battery-operated vehicles take you around the park.

Ranthambore National Park

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Ranthambore National Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger’s conservation efforts in Rajasthan. The forests around the Ranthambore Fort were once, the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The desire to preserve the game in these forests for sport, was responsible for their conservation, and subsequent rescue by Project Tiger.

The Park sprawls over an estimated area of 400 sq kms. Steep crags embrace a network of lakes and rivers, and a top one of these hills, is the impressive Ranthambore Fort, built in the 10th century. The terrain fluctuates between impregnable forests and open bushland. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type, with dhok, being the most prominent tree. The entry point to the Park, goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second-largest banyan tree in India. The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Malik Talab are some of the lakes in the area, that attract the tiger population. They have been spotted at the edges of these lakes, and Jogi Mahal itself. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. The entire forest is peppered with the battlements and spillovers of the Ranthambore Fort - tigers are said to frequent these ruins, too. As a result of stringent efforts in conservation, tigers, the prime assets of the Park, have become more and more active during the day. More than in any other park or sanctuary in India, tigers are easily spotted here in daylight. They can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes.

Park Safari Timings in Ranthambhore National Park:

October-March : 06.00-09.00(morning) 15.00-18.00(Afternoon)

April-June: 06.30-09.30(morning) 15.30-18.30(Afternoon)

Reaching Rantahmbore National Park

By Air : The nearest airport is that of Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of various airlines.

By Rail : Sawai Madhopur, the nearest town from the park provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km from Ranthambore.

By Road : From Jaipur one has to take the road to access the national park.

Panchgani

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Only sixteen kms from Mahabaleshwar, the hillstation of Panchgani is lesser known to tourists but no less inviting. Swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other. Once strongly recommended for consumptive Britishers, the air here is rich in oxygen content and the water is said to contain traces of hemoglobin boosting iron.Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more. A key geographical feature is the table topped plateau (panch = five, gani=plateaus) shaped by flattened volcanic rock.

In the evenings it turns into a makeshift fair with ferris wheels, pony rides and a variety of food stalls.Panchgani is often referred to as the 'Mecca of Maharashtra' If you want to enjoy the beauty of the hill Station Panchgani you may go for a pony ride. The ride through the hamlets, farms and ravines with the gorgeous greens and the ravishing river Krishna of Panchgani will surely enchant you.

Location

The hills of Panchgani is about sixteen km from another popular hill station of Maharashtra namely, Mahabaleshwar. Situated in the Western Ghats Panchgani is close to important cities like Mumbai and Pune.

Places to See

In Panchgani there are so many old British buildings and Parsi houses though the most famous are the educational institutes. There are as many as twenty boarding schools in Panchgani.

Panchgani with its pristine natural beauty and rejuvenating oxygen levels boats of a TB Sanatorium. Patients are known to get better faster at Panchgani owing to the pure environs offered at Panchgani.

Weather

Panchgani is a pleasant hill resort that does not experience major temperature variations. Though the monsoons are rather heavy. The temperature ranges between sixteen and thirty-five degrees throughout the year. The months from September to May are the best time to visit Panchgani

How to Reach There

By Air: The airport at Pune is nearest to Panchgani at a distance of 98km.

Road & Rail: Pune is a popular railway station for tourists to Panchgani at a distance of 98 km from Panchgani. Though the railway station nearest to happens to be at Wathar. Panchgani is well linked with Mumbai and Pune through road.

Accommodation
Accommodation is available in the hill station of Panchgani. Hotel run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is one of the many better accommodation options at Panchgani

Coonoor

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Coonoor is a fabulous hill station in the Nilgiri hills about 19 km from Ooty. Coonoor, located at an altitude of 1,856 metres, is the second largestCoonoor Hill Station,Coonoor hill station tours hill station in the Nilgiri hills.The Sim's Park with all its natural beauty was constructed in 1874 has unique trees and plants. Facinating and unforgetable view points for tourist are Lamb's Rock, Dolphin's Nose, Lady Canning's Seat to name a few.Tourist can avail of the Toy train facility to get a detailed view of this place.

Visiting Time

Though Coonoor has a beautiful weather but even then it is best to visit this place between the months of October and March.

HISTORY
Britishers developed Ooty as a very popular hill station for them to avoid the devastating Indian summer. But,soon Ooty became a popular tourist spot and lost its charm by the high traffic of visitors visiting the place.Soon a need was felt to have another eqally beatiful hill station.This gave birth to Coonoor.The grassy meadows, lovely sunflowers, marigolds and rhododendrons became a benchmark for this beautiful hill station.

The Toda tribes belong to this region.

Tourist Spots

Sim's Park - This is a beautiful park famous for vivid varieties of fruits.Thus, it is a very important site for the tourists.

Lamb's Rock - It is a splendid landscape having beautiful carvings imposed on it.It is on the way to the dolphine nose.

Dolphine Nose - This is a dolphine shaped unbelievable rock which should undoubtedely visited by tourists. From this point the tourists can view almost the whole expansion of the beautiful Nilgiri hills. Catherine Falls can be viewed from here.This famous point is about 10 km away from Coonoor.

Kotagiri - This place is about 21 kms from Coonoor.It is famous for Coffee plantations, Elk Falls, Rangaswamy Pillar and Peak, Kodanand view point.

Other places important places near Coonoor are Lady Canning's seat, the Pomological Station and the Ralliah Dam.

Coonoor’s has many hillocks which are perfect for trekking.This place attracts tourists for birdwatching as an extensive variety of birds can be spotted at the Nilgiris. Various species of vultures, eagles and owls, song birds like bulbuls, thrushes, babblers, larks, cuckoos, robins and several others act as melodious music for the visitors who are accustomed to the huzzle and buzzzle of city sound pollution.Coonoor has a number of perfect picnic spots.

Festival

Tea Coffee festival during the winters and fruits & vegetable festival arranged during the month of May are quite fasinating for the tourists.

Communication

By Air: Coimbatore airport is nearest to Coonoor, it has daily flights to and from Madras, Bangalore, Cochin and Trivandrum.

By Rail: Toy train route between Mettupalayam and Ooty has Coonoor in its route.Another alternative is from Coimbatore, it takes around 3 hrs to Coonoor.

By Road: Regular bus services from Coimbatore,Ooty and Kotagiri makes Coonoor well connected.

MANALI

2008-05-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

History

Manali has a pre-historic legend behind its name. Vaivasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu, the first creation according to Hindu mythology, found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion, for one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish until it grew so huge that he released it into the sea. Before departing, the fish warned Manu of an impending deluge when the entire world would be submerged and bade him to build a seaworthy ark. When the flood came, Matsya (fish), the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, towed Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages to safety. As the waters subsided, the seventh Manu's ark came to rest on a hillside and the place was named Manali after him.

Introduction

Manali is an important hill station of northern India and is the destination of thousands of tourists every year.Manali derived its name from Manavalaya meaning the abode of Manu or "Home of Manu" and here, the temples are treated as pilgrimages. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Location

Manali is situated in the central parts of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is 32 km from Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is located at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas.

Weather

In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song.

Places to see

Arjun Gufa

On the left bank of the river Beas, near Prini village, is the "Arjun Gufa" or the cave of Arjuna. It is believed that Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.

Hadimba Temple

Built in 1553, this four-story wooden Hadimba or Dhungiri temple is famous for its exquisitely caved doorway. It is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.

Jagatsuhk

About 6 kms. from Manali is the famous Shiva Temple in "shikara" style. It houses temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.

Kothi

This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town. It offers a magnificent view of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Manu Temple

Manali is named after the sage Manu who was the creator of human race on the earth and it is believed that he meditated here. This is supposed to be the only temple of Manu in India.

Monasteries

Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Rahala waterfalls

About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

Rohtang Pass

(3979 m)Rohtang Pass is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road. It provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly a breath taking sight.

Solang Valley

Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple

(3 kms)Across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. There is a pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni and another Temple of Lord Ram.

Murudeshwara

2008-05-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Murudeshwara (Kannada: ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ) is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwara" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's tallest Shiva statue, this beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwara Temple.

Etymology

The origin of the name "Murudeshwara" dates to the time of Ramayana. The Hindu gods attained immortality and invincibility by worshipping a divine lingam called the AtmaLinga. The Lanka king Ravana wanted to attain immortality by obtaining the AtmaLinga. Since the AtmaLinga belonged to Lord Shiva, Ravana worshipped Shiva with devotion. Pleased by his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted him a boon. Ravana asked the AtmaLinga as the boon. Lord Shiva agreed to give him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground. If the AtmaLinga was ever placed on the ground, it will get stuck to that place. Having obtained his boon, Ravana started back on his journey to Lanka.

Sage Narada, who came to know of this incident, realised that with the AtmaLinga, Ravana may obtain immortality and create havoc on earth. He approached the Lord Vishnu and requested him to prevent the AtmaLinga from reaching Lanka. Lord Vishnu knew that Ravana was a very devoted person who used to perform prayer ritual in the evening every day without fail. He decided to make use of this fact and with the help of Lord Ganesh came up with a plan to confiscate the AtmaLinga from Ravana.

As Ravana was nearing Gokarna, Lord Vishnu blotted the sun to make it look like evening had appeared. Ravana now had to perform his evening rituals but was worried because with the AtmaLinga in his hands, he would not be able to do his rituals. At this time, Lord Ganesh in the disguise of a Brahmin boy came near him. Seeing him, Ravana requested him to hold the AtmaLinga until he performed his rituals, and asked him not to place it on the ground. Ganesh struck a deal with him saying that he will call Ravana thrice, and if Ravana does not return within that time, he would place the AtmaLinga on the ground.

As predicted, before Ravana could return after completing his rituals, Ganesh had already placed the AtmaLinga on the ground. Vishnu then removed his illusion and it was daylight again. Ravana, realising that he had been tricked, got really angry and tried to uproot and destroy it but could not. Then he decided to destroy the covering of the AtmaLinga, and threw the case covering it to a place called Sajjeshwara, 23 miles away. Then he threw the lid of the case to a placed called Guneshwara (now Gunavanthe)and Dhareshwara, 10-12 miles away. Finally, he threw the cloth covering the AtmaLinga to a placed called Mrideshwara in Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill). Mrideshwara has been renamed to Murudeshwara.

Major attractions

Murudeshwara Temple and Raja Gopura: This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is a temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva, and a 20-storied Gopura is being constructed on the temple. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The entire temple and temple complex, including the 249 feet tall Raja Gopura, which is considered the tallest gopura in the world, was constructed to its present form by businessman and philanthropist Mr R.N. Shetty.
Murudeshwara Fort: A fort present behind the temple is said to have been renovated by Tipu Sultan.
Statue of Lord Shiva: A huge towering statue of Lord Shiva, visible from great distances, is present in the temple complex. It is the tallest statue of Shiva in the world. The statue is 123 feet (37 m) in height, and took about 2 years to build. The statue was built by Shivamogga's Kashinath and several other sculptors, financed by businessman and philanthropist Mr R.N. Shetty, at a cost of approximately 50 million Rs. The idol is designed such that it gets the sun light directly and thus appears sparkling.

Getting there

By Road

Murudeshwara lies at a deviation of 1 kilometer from the National Highway NH-17 between the towns of Honnavar and Bhatkal. A big arched entrance on the Highway marks the entrance of the road to Murudeshwara. From Mumbai and Mangalore, one can take the NH-17 to reach Murudeshwara. From Bangalore one can take the NH-206 to reach Honnavar and then take NH-17 to reach Murudeshwara. Total distance from Bangalore to Murudeshwara works out to be 455 km.

By Rail

Murudeshwara station lies on the Konkan Railway. Some trains from Mumbai and Mangalore stop here. There are no direct trains from Bangalore. Alternatively, one can alight at Bhatkal station.

By Air

Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, 165 km away. Hubli and Panaji airports are other alternatives.

ELAGIRI HILLS

2008-05-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

It is situated 25 kms off Jolarpet Junction, on Chennai-Coimabatore rail track. The hills have a salubrious climate. It has a beautiful environs and a small lake for boating. The trek from Elagiri Hills to Jalagambarai Water Falls at the down hill, takes a couple of hours and is recommended for starters.

Another trek route to Jalagambarai, runs through villages, will take about 4 hours. This trekking trail recommended for normal trekking. A trek through the forests to reach the peak is little tedious.

Elagiri hill is a part of Javvad Hills of eastern ghats. One can reach Alangayam, situated at the foot of the hills. From Vaniyambadi, buses ply to Alangayam, from where a ghat road leads to the top of Javvad Hills surrounded by thick sandal wood forests. This steep road leads to Kavalur, where an Astronomical Observatory is situated. By trekking, one can reach the southern part of the Javvad Hills & reach Polur, a taluk headquarters, which is about 30 kms from Temple Town Thiruvannamalai.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Rail: It is situated 25-km from Jolarpet Junction, on Chennai - Coimbatore rail track.

Road: Elagiri is part of Javad Hills of Eastern Ghats. One can reach Alangayam, a village situated at the foot of the hills. From Vaniyambadi, buses go to Alangyam, from where a Ghat road leads to top of Javad Hills, surrounded by thick sandalwood forests. This steep road leads to Kavalur, where an Astronomical Observatory is situated. By trekking, one can reach the southern part of Javad Hills and reach Polur, a Taluk (also spelt as Taluka) headquarters, which is about 30-km from the temple town of Thiruvannamalai.

WHERE TO STAY:

A solemn summer resort, this place has comfortable lodging houses and rest houses.

Bhawan Palace

2008-05-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur (Rajasthan, India) is one of the largest and grandest private residences in the world. The palace was built by 3000 artisans worked over 14 years. The palace consumed one million square feet of the finest marble.

However Umaid Bhawan is best experienced than described. Umaid Bhawan dominates Jodhpur Panorama and a visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without a stay at the Palace.

Ever since its opening In 1977, Umaid Bhawan has remained one of the top heritage hotels in India and the very best in Jodhpur and has come into Taj Hotels fold since 2005 and now a luxury palace experience in Rajasthan such as other Taj Palaces like Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Lake Palace in Udaipur.

Facilities at Umaid Bhawan Palace comprise :

A choice of 98 air-conditioned rooms and suites, Telephone with direct dialling facility in every room, Television in every room with satellite channels, 24-hour room service, Money exchange, Travel counter, Doctor and beautician on call ,Laundry and dry cleaning service , TV lounge , Shopping arcade ,Palace museum, library ,Golf and riding (on request) ,Private auditorium/home theatre ,Health club, indoor swimming pool ,Sports facilities ,Billiards, tennis, squash ,Modern conference facilities.

Weather: Jodhpur receives 359.5 mm of rain every year, most of it during the monsoon (July/August). Summer-Maximum temperature in Jodhpur during the summers remains in the range of 40ºC Winters- In the winters the minimum average temperature is 11ºC.

Rambagh Palace

2008-05-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Rambagh Palace (Taj Group) at located at Jaipur (Rajasthan, India) is an architectural masterpiece that's elegance personified. The palace is situated in the heart of the city, close to the main shopping areas and historical monuments. The palace has 106 rooms that allow guests to relax in the lap of regal luxury.

Sightseeing : Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa mahal (Palace), Jaigarh (Fort), Jantar Mantar (Observatory), Museum, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh (Garden), Ramgarh

Excursions: Ramgarh Lake (32 kms), Bairath (Buddist Temple - 86 kms)

Distance:

Shekhavati : 180 kms, Delhi : 259 kms, Agra : 232 kms, Sawai Madhopur : 180 kms, Bharatpur : 170 kms, Udaipur : 400 kms, Jodhpur : 317 kms, Bikaner : 321 kms, Samode : 40 kms,

Jaipur is generally visited as a weekend getaway ex-Delhi or as a part of larger Itinerary covering other areas of Rajasthan

Standard Rooms

All rooms are elegantly appointed and offer modern guest amenities.

Superior Rooms

These are spacious rooms, tastefully decorated in traditional Rajasthani style and offering a view of the garden.

Luxury Rooms

Each boasts a unique theme

Historical Suites

Exquisitely designed with decor befitting royalty.

Grand Luxury Suites

Luxuriously appointed Maharaja Suites

Presidential Suites

These rooms were formerly the personal chambers of the royal family.

Lake Palace

2008-05-21T21:08:00.000-07:00

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (Rajasthan, India) is in fact a white marble palace that seems to float miraculously on the still waters of Lake Pichola. Probably the most romantic hotel in the world, this 250-year old palace offers guests a unique blend of serenity and opulence.

Udaipur, the famed 'city of sunrise', was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a fearless Rajput king. This languid lake city with its fantasies in marble, picturesque hibiscus-covered gardens and elaborate fountain pavilions, embodies the glory of the Rajput era.

Sightseeing in Udaipur - Lake Pichola (Boating), City Palace, Vintage Car Museum, Saheliyon ki Bari (Royal Garden), Jagdish temple, Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden)

Excursions : Ranakpur Temples, Jaisamand Lake, Kumbhalgarh fort, Chittaurgarh Fort, Nathdwara (Srinathji Krishna Temple), Eklingji (Jain Temple).

Distance : Ahmedabad : 250 kms, Nathdwara - 42 kms, Mount Abu : 180 kms, Kumbhalgarh : 60 kms, Ranakpur : 80 kms, Jodhpur : 260 kms, Eklingji - 25 kms, Chittaurgarh : 120 kms, Bassi - 140 kms, Kota - 270 kms, Jaisamand : 50 kms.

Hotel Taj Lake Palace offers the following facilities:

Multicuisne Restaurant and Bar, Swimming pool, Mini Gymnasium, Puppet Shows & Folk Dances, Boat Rides on Lake Pichola, Babysitting, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Shopping Arcade, Foreign Exchange, Safe Deposit Lockers, Medical Assistance, Laundry service, Conferences

Accommodation

84 centrally air-conditioned rooms including 17 suites.

Standard Rooms: All rooms overlook either the Lily Pond or the terrace. The rooms are elegantly appointed and offer guest amenities like international direct dial facility, channel music and colour television with satellite programmes.

Lake-Facing Rooms: These rooms offer a breathtaking view of the lake.

Small Suites: These suites are tastefully appointed large rooms with a living room and private balcony.

Deluxe Suites: Grandly decorated spacious suites.

Historical Suites: Opulent suites, decorated with miniature paintings and glasswork

Red Fort Delhi

2008-05-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.

The entry to this splendid fort is from the Lahori Gate or the Chatta Chowk. Lal Quila is now a busy market place called the 'Meena Bazaar'. This bazaar has an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewellery. The bazaar also sells some fabulous carpets beautifully woven. Just beyond the Chhata Chowk, is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khana, or the Drum House. Musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana, and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.

The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital centre of Mughal governance: halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur, despite being attacked by the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739, and by the British soldiers, during the war of independence in 1857.

The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, where the Emperor would sit on a marbled paneled alcove, studded with gems, and hear complaints of the common people. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of Private Audiences, where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble, and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was studded with rubies and gems and was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739. Today, although the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the verse of Amir Khusro " If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here" reminds us of its former glory.

The Rang Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours' as it is known, holds a spectacular Lotus shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The palace was decorated with excellent paintings, gold bordered projections, mosaics of mirrors and the ceiling was made with gold and silver which wonderfully reflected in a central pool in the marble floor. The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use.

Even today, the Lal Quila is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal era, and its magnificence simply leaves one awestruck. It is still a calm haven of peace, which helps one to break away, from noisy and busy life outside the walls of the Fort, and transports the visitor to another realm of existence. Sound and light shows or son et lumiere as it is better known, highlighting particular phases of history are held here. The shows are in Hindi and English with tickets costing Rs. 20, available at the Fort. The English seasons are from November to January at 7.30 p.m., in January to April and September to October at 8.30 p.m. and from May to August at 9 p.m.

Transport Accessibility:
Air : All the major National and International Air Lines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Rail : The Indian Railway with their modern and organised network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi Rly. Station, Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Rly. Station.

Bus :Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport Corporations of the neighbouring states provide frequent bus services.

Hawa Mahal

2008-05-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Hawa Mahal, which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. As one looks at this building, one realizes that the rear side of the building is comparatively very plain and lacks much of ornamentation. One is rather surprised at the contrast, since in the front there is intricate carving and much attention has been paid to even minute details yet the backside is more a mass of pillars and passages.

Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. This does explain why Hawa Mahal has such tiny windows and many screened balconies. The royal ladies could look below at the people without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.

The Hawa Mahal is a great example of the Rajputana architecture, which was strongly influenced by Mughal style of architecture. This particular style of building that we observe in Hawa Mahal, uses the best features of Mughal architecture with other features that could better adapt to the in hospitable weather conditions of Rajasthan.

The Hawa Mahal is a popular place among visitors to Rajasthan because of the amazing view it offers of the city and particularly Jantar Mantar (another tourist attraction). Many insist that the best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning, right when the sun is rising. As the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun, it looks like a fantastic image conjured up by the mind in a trance. The palace glows like an impalpable dream, which makes you feel that even if you dare blink your eyes, it will quickly dissolve into thin air.

If you want to see this beautiful palace up close, then pack your bags and come to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and spend your holidays visiting Hawa Mahal and other numerous tourist attractions in an around the city.

Climate:
Summer (Mar. to Jun.): Warm
Winter (Nov. to Feb.): Pleasant
Monsoon (Jul. to Aug.): Warm
Best time to visit: October and March

Transport Connectivity:
Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.

Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.

Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

Qutub Minar Delhi

2008-05-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5mts is an architectural marvel of the 13th century. Also a must is the visit to Ashoka Pillar dating back to the 5th century. Though made of iron it has with stood the weathers of time.A very interesting belief is assigned to this pillar- Stand with your back to the pillar, and if you can hold your hands around it, then make a wish and it will surely come true. Try it.

You don't have to an archaeologist to find out about the past of your country. Simply visiting historic monuments helps you to understand it & can also lead you to grab some useful information, you never realized before. A distinct present from the past, Qutub Minar has inspired explorers and travelers through the ages. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199 for the use of Mu'azzin to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iitutmish.

Viewing it is a truly surreal experience as Qutub Minar is still the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. It is covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran.

Beautiful calligraphy adorns the adjacent edifices. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone.

Climate :
The city has an extreme climate. December and January are chilly with night times lows of 4 °C. The city has spring months in February and March. The summer months of May & June are scorchingly hot with mercury soaring to a high of 46 °C. The city does not have much of rainy season. The monsoon lasts from July to September.

How to Get there:

Air : All major international airlines in the world fly through Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5km away from the international terminal.

Rail : The city has two major railway stations in New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station is within walking distance of Connaught Place and Main Delhi station is about 7km from Connaught Place. Delhi offers Express trains to all parts of the country.

Bus : Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.

Kaziranga National Park

2008-05-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the far North East of India, Assam, Kaziranga National Park covers an area of approximately 430-sq-kms with its swamps and tall thickets of elephant grass making it the ideal habitat for the Indian One-Horned Rhino. Due to limitless poaching of this prehistoric survivor, the Kaziranga National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.

Major Wildlife Attractions of Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary

Beside of course the great one horned Indian Rhino, the other major wild attractions include a large population of Indian Elephants, Indian Bison, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Hog Deer, Sloth Bears, Tigers, Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats, Otters, Hog Badgers, Capped Langurs, Hoolock Gibbons, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Buffalo, Pythons, Monitor Lizards, etc.

Kaziranga National Park is a birding paradise; the grasslands are a raptor country that can be seen on safari makes a remarkable experience. These include the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black-Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey-Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, etc. Huge numbers of migratory birds descend on the parks lakes and marshy areas during winters, including Greylag Geese, Bar-Headed Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Falcated Duck, Red-Crested Pochard and Northern Shoveller.

Best Time to Visit Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga's visiting season is from mid-November to early April months. During the monsoons, the Brahmaputra River bursts its banks, flooding the low-lying grasslands and causing animals to migrate from one area to another within the Kaziranga National Park.

Kanha National Park

2008-05-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful.

If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife.

The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.

By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book.

How many of you have seen a tiger before? Most of the answers will be ambiguous because everyone wants to see a tiger. Then where can one spot TIGER? Well, even if there are circuses and zoo's all over India, there's some kind of a thrill you experiences when all of a sudden you came across a TIGER roaming freely in the wilderness of its natural habitat: the fields and forests of India. There are numerous Tiger reserves in India, that are preserving this ferocious beast, but nowhere can you see them as often, and as regularly as in Kanha National Park.

Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha national park cum Tiger reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central Maidans, grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escrapments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.

Major Wildlife Attractions Of Kanha

The main wildlife attractions in the park are tiger, bison, gaur, sambhar, chital, more pictures.... barasingha, barking deer, black deer, black buck, chousingha, nilgai, mouse deer, sloth bear, jackal fox, porcupine, hyena, jungle cat, python, pea fowl, hare, monkey, mongoose, tiger, and leopard.

The birds species in the park include storks, teals, pintails, pond herons, egrets, peacock, pea fowl, jungle fowl, spur fowl, partridges, quails, ring doves, spotted parakeets, green pigeons, rock pigeons, cuckoos, papihas, rollers, bee-eater, hoopoes, drongos, warblers, kingfishers, woodpeckers, finches, orioles, owls, and fly catchers.

However, if one animal species were to represent Kanha, it would probably be the barasingha, or the swamp deer. The barasinghas at Kanha are unique, being the hard ground variety, which populate the large open tracts of grass amidst the forests of teak and bamboo. Twenty years ago, the barasingha was faced with extinction but some desperate measures including the fencing-off of some animals helped save them and again the air in Kanha bugle with their rutting calls.

The open meadows during the cold winter months are usually teeming with barasinghas and there is plenty of tiger activity around the fringes. A female with two small cubs would circle around at least two or three times during the day and the swamp deer would go berserk, their husky alarm calls ringing through the jungle. Far from being the cunning, smart aleck, portrayed in Disney's adaptation of the Jungle Book, the real "Sher Khan" is true blue-blooded royalty.

There is a museum at Kanha depicting attributes and activities of the park and tribal culture. It is closed every Wednesday.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate of this region is tropical. Summers are hot and humid with a maximum and minimum temperature of 40.6°C and 23.9°C. Winters are pleasant with an average maximum and minimum temperature of 23.9°C and 11.1°C, respectively. The annual average rainfall is 152 cm. The park is closed from July to mid-November during monsoon.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

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Set high in the ranges of the Western Ghats, in God’s Own Country, Kerala, is the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Periyar wildlife sanctuary has a picturesque lake at the heart of the sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. Though its a Tiger Reserve, tourists come here to view the Indian elephants in the act of ablution and playfulness by the Periyar lake.

Major Wildlife Attractions in Periyar National Park
Apart from Elephants, the other animals to be seen in the Periyar sanctuary are Gaur, Wild Pigs, Sambar, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Dole or Indian Wild Dog and very rarely, a Tiger. There are, now, an estimated 40 tigers here. Four species of primates are found at Periyar - the rare lion-tailed macaque, the Nilgiri Langur, Common Langur And Bonnet Macaque. Periyar also happens to be the habitat of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, which is rarely to be seen.

The birdlife comprises of Darters, Cormorants, Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill and racket-tailed Drongoes. The reptilian population boasts Of Monitor Lizards that can be spotted basking in the sun, on the rocks along the lakeshore. Visitors who trek into the Periyar national park often see a Python and sometimes even a King Cobra.

In the lap of the mountains, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary's environ is like a canvas of many shades. The fresh air of the moist deciduous forest gives one a chance to experience the peace and serenity and long to return for more.

Climate:
The temperature during summers (April-June) ranges from 21°C to 24°C. During the monsoon (July-August), it ranges from 19°C to 21°C. Winter season lasts from October to March and is cool and pleasant. The best period to visit the place would be November-April.

Wheels To Periyar:

Air: The nearest airheads are Madurai (140 kms) and Kochi (190 kms).

Rail: The nearest railheads are Theni (60 kms), Changanassery (114 kms) and Kottayam (114 kms)

Road: The nearest bus station is Kumily (4 kms) which is well connected to Ernakulam, Kovalam, Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu), Trivandrum and Munnar.

Kanha National Park

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Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

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One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana Natiuonal Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Flora in Bharatpur

More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.

A Man Made Natural World

While many of India's parks have been developed from the hunting preserves of princely India, Keoladeo, popularly known as Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, is perhaps the only case where the habitat has been created by a maharaja. In earlier times, Bharatpur town used to be flooded regularly every monsoon. In 1760, an earthen dam (Ajan Dam) was constructed, to save the town, from this annual vagary of nature. The depression created by extraction of soil for the dam was cleared and this became the Bharatpur Lake.

At the beginning of this century, this lake was developed, and was divided into several portions. A system of small dams, dykes, sluice gates, etc., was created to control water level in different sections. This became the hunting preserve of the Bharatpur royalty, and one of the best duck - shooting wetlands in the world. Hunting was prohibited by mid-60s. The area was declared a national park on 10 March 1982, and accepted as a World Heritage Site in December 1985.

Major Wildlife Attractions

The major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory birds, who come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.

Best Time to Visit Ranthambore National Park

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Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan India has an extreme climate. The weather gets extremely hot during the daytime in summer and the nights are freezing cold in winter. However winter and spring days are pleasant and are the best time to visit Ranthambore National Park. The dense forests and greenery make a trip to the Ranthambore National Park an enjoyable experience.

The best time to visit Ranthambore is from February to April when the weather is mild and you see the animals without any discomfort due to the weather.

Summer temperatures in Ranthambore can cross 45 degrees C in the daytime. Nighttime winter temperatures can go down to 2 degrees C. Winter daytime temperatures are a pleasant 16-20 degrees and are ideal for touring the Ranthambore National Park. The park is green after the monsoon and wildlife is abundant. You can also see many migratory birds that come to Ranthambore to spend the winter. If you wear adequate protective clothing, the wind chill aspect will not be a bother, even in the early morning or late evening. If the summer heat is not unbearable for you, summer can be a very fruitful time to visit Ranthambore National Park since the animals can be clearly seen in the leaf-denuded forests and along the lakes and watering holes as they are driven by thirst to the water's edge.

Ranthambore National Park is open for tourists from October 1st to June 30th and is closed for the rest of the year.

Birds in Ranthambore National Park

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Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan India is best known for its tiger population. However nature lovers who visit this tiger sanctuary will be delighted to see over 300 species of birds in this wildlife reserve.

The birds can be seen in the early morning and late evening as they leave their nests or head back to roost. They can be seen amidst the trees, looking for food, building their nests and hunting for prey. Ornithologists studying the birds in Ranthambore National Park have recorded the presence of over 300 species of birds in this wildlife sanctuary.

The birds in Ranthambore National Park include brilliantly colorful peacocks, which can be seen through Ranthambore National Park. Their strident cries can be heard early in the morning and late in the day. The male peacock's mating display in which he spreads his iridescent tail and pirouettes while calling loudly, is a mesmerizing sight. Kingfishers can be seen in the trees along the lakes Padam Talo and Malik Talao, waiting for fish, frogs and other aquatic life to come near the water's surface. Herons, moor hens, storks, cranes and plovers are some of the other birds seen at the waters edge. Kites, hawks and eagles are the birds of prey seen in Ranthambor National Park. Vultures, which are natural scavengers, pick clean the bones of carcasses killed by tigers and other predators, thus providing a valuable natural waste-removal system.

Many ground dwelling birds like grouse, partridges and bustards are seen in the tall grass and undergrowth of Ranthambore. Woodpeckers tap on the trees and branches with their sharp bills, looking for insects to feed on. Shrikes catch grasshoppers and dragonflies and impale them on sharp thorny bushes as a ready food store, before eating them. Babblers, called 'Sat Bhai' by the local people, cluster in little groups. Sparrows, mynahs, bulbuls and pigeons are visible in abundance. Weaver birds including the Baya weaver bird weave their distinctive hanging nests. Wrens, larks, thrushes, wagtails, munias, minivets, orioles and cuckoos can be seen and heard in the forest. The crow pheasant's booming call and black and rust colored wings flash by as it flies. The blue jay adds a touch of color to the brown trees. Parakeets screech and flap their way through the trees in busy feeding groups. The Sarus Crane, one of the most elegant birds is seen flying gracefully in the air or walking in a stately manner along the edge of the lakes. The white ibis, egrets and sandpipers are also native birds in Ranthambore National Park.

As evening falls, the birds of Ranthambore head back to their nests and you can see the storks and egrets fly back in V-shaped formation as the day comes to an end. You can enjoy seeing the birds in Ranthambore National Park on bird watching tours of Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary, with India wildlife tours.

Wildlife in Ranthambore National Park

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Ranthambore National Park is home to a rich and diverse collection of wildlife. The Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is a nature lover's delight. Amateur and professional wildlife photographers will find many opportunities to take pictures of the rare and unique wildlife at Ranthambore wildlife reserve. The dry deciduous forests and scrub jungle across the Ranthambore National Park provide the deer and other herbivorous animals in Ranthambore with enough greenery to graze on through the year. The herbivores form the prey for the predators of Ranthambore such as leopards and the impressive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Naturalists studying the fauna of Ranthambore National Park have recorded over 30 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds as resident species. The animals of Ranthambore National Park are native to the dry deciduous forest environment. The wildlife in Ranthambore National Park includes many species of herbivores such as Chital or spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Chinkara or Blackbuck and Gazelles. Other mammals include wild boar, sloth bear, mongoose, Indian hare and porcupines. There are many species of monkeys in Ranthambore National Park. The monkey species include, Hanuman Langurs or common langurs and macaques. Bats flying foxes and civet cats are seen at night. Predator species of animals in Ranthambore National Park include jackals, Jungle cat, Leopard and Tigers. Monitor lizards and many species of snakes including cobras and kraits are commonly found reptiles in Ranthambore. Crocodiles are also seen in the swamps and lakes of Ranthambore and prey on the deer as they come to the edge of the lakes to drink.

The largest populations of animals at Ranthambore are of the herbivorous deer and antelope species. The tiger population consists of around 36 tigers and there are also around 40 leopards at Ranthambore. The wildlife in Ranthambore can be seen on jeep safaris around the park. The animals of Ranthambore are clearly visible through the dry deciduous vegetation. The jeeps maintain a certain distance so that the animals are not unduly disturbed. You can enjoy seeing the wildlife in Ranthambore National Park on Ranthambore safari tours with India Wildlife Tours.

Ranthambore National Park

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The former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Ranthambore National Park is situated in Eastern Rajasthan at the confluence of the Aravali hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. Two rivers flow through the Ranthambore National Park - the Chambal River in the South and the Banas River in the North. Six man-made lakes and many perennial streams pass through the entire national park. In 1955, the Ranthambore National Park was declared a game sanctuary; and in 1980, it attained the status of a national park. With the initiation of Project Tiger in 1972, it was declared as a tiger reserve in India. The total area of the Ranthambore National Park is 1,334 sq km along with its adjoining sanctuaries - the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary. The typical feature of the park is that out of the entire park some areas are open for the tourists to wander in and explore the flora and fauna of the park. The Ranthambore National Park is nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya mountain ranges. The rugged terrain and the dense deciduous forests are major features of this national park, which has among the the largest and most diverse collection of wildlife species in India.

Ranthambore is also categorised as a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins of the fort that dot the park. The lake palaces, 'chhatris', old fortifications and a majestic fort dating back to 1,000 years overlook the park. The Jogi Mahal and the Padam Talao are the unique features of Ranthambore National Park. The park is famous for the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, which can be seen around the lakes and watering holes, prowling through the forest or resting on the ruins of the fort. Ranthambore National Park is one of the best sanctuaries to see tigers in their wild habitat in India. Many dignitaries have visited Ranthambore National Park to see its majestic tigers. President Bill Clinton of the United States came to Ranthambore National Park on his visit to India and expressed his delight at seeing the tigers of Ranthambore.

How to reach :

Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India, is located 11 Km from the town of Sawai Madhopur. Cars, taxis and buses take tourists to Ranthambore National Park from Sawai Madhopur. You can reach Sawai Madhopur by road or rail.

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Air:

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is the nearest airport to Ranthambore. Ranthambore National Park is about 140 Km from Jaipur. You can fly to Jaipur and proceed to Sawai Madhopur by road or rail.

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Rail:

Sawai Madhopur which is just 11 Km from Ranthambore National Park is accessible by rail and is on the main route from Delhi to Mumbai. You can arrive at Sawai Madhopur by rail and take a car or bus to Ranthambore National Park.

How to Reach Ranthambore National Park by Road:

Ranthambore is easily accessible by road from all destinations across Rajasthan. If you're traveling by road, there are many options from luxury air-conditioned coaches to private taxis and local buses of the Rajasthan Transport Corporation, in which you can reach Ranthambore National Park.

Wild life in Ranthambore

Birds in Ranthambore

Best time to visit Ranthambore

Bandhavgarh National Park

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Bandhavgarh National Park is one of the wild life sanctuaries in the Indian state Madhya Pradesh. The national park is situated at 197 km away north-east of Jabalpur. This wild life park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. Bandhawgarh National Park belongs to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of central India and it boasts to have the highest density of tiger population in the country. Now there are about 46 to 52 tigers one can spot here.

The forests of Bandhavgarh are the white tiger jungles of the yesteryears. However, no white tigers have been reported from the wild in the last 50 years, and it is believed that less than a dozen have been seen in India in about a hundred years. And yet when white tigers were sighted, it was right here in Bandhavgarh.

Once a hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa in more recent times, Bandhavgarh was declared a park in 1968. This is also the site where the famous WHITE TIGERS of Rewa were discovered.
Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are quite good. Among the other wild attractions include, Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.

Weather Wise:

Summers start here in April and continues till June. The temperature touches the high of around 42°C. But these are also the months when you can look forward to sighting tigers and leopard. December to February is the best months climate wise, while the weather is cool and pleasant. The park is closed during the monsoon season, which also coincides with the breeding season, from June till November. Another reason for closure during this season is the torrential rainfall washing away most of the jungle tracks.

Wheels To Bandhavgarh:

By Road: Bandhavgarh is located equidistance from the city of Jabalpur and world famous tourist spot of Khajuraho. You can reach Bandhavgarh by using roads from both these places.

By Rail: Katni at a distance of 120 km on the South-Eastern Railways is the ideal railway connection for reaching Bandhavgarh.

Rameswaram

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The holy island of Rameswaram is known for one of India’s most venerated and most visited Shiva shrines, dedicated to Sri Ramanathaswamy. It is so intimately associated with the life of Sri Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, that both Saivites and Vaishnavites consider every grain of Rameswaram’s sand very sacred.

There is a traditional belief among the Hindus that a pilgrimage to Kashi will be complete only after a visit to Rameswararn, also hailed as “Benaras of the South”. Pilgrims aspire for a holy dip in the sea at Dhanushkodi, revered as Sethu Theertha, where the Mahodathi (Bay of Bengal) meets Ratnakara (Indian Ocean). The sanctity and antiquity of Rameswaram is summed up in the old saying Aa Sethu Himachalam.

The merits of Sethu Yatra are described in the Vedas and in almost all the Puranas -- Agneya, Bhagavatha, Padma, Shiva and Skanda Puranas, to mention a few. Numerous literary works in Sanskrit and Tamil from the period of Valmiki Ramayana extol the significance of Sethu Yatra. The four Saivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar have sung in praise of Lord Rarnanathaswamy. Saint Thayumaanavar was a staunch devotee of Goddess Parvathavardhini.

Rameswaram is the abode of one of the 12 Jyothirlingas of India. It is also considered one among four most sacred pilgrim centers of India. They are Rameswaram in the South, Badrinath in the North, Puri in the East and Dwaraka in the West. Among these, Rameswaram is dedicated to Shiva, while the other three are dedicated to Vishnu.

Rameswaram is an acclaimed Parihara Sthala, where it is believed all sins get absolved. Devotees take holy dips at Sethu Theertha, Agni Theertha and other sacred waters, offer pujas to get progeny, perform Shraadha for their ancestors and do Naga Prathishta (installing serpent deity).

Coonoor

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About Coonoor

Coonoor is the second largest hill station located in the Nilgiri hills in the state of Tamil Nadu in the south of India. Famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds, Coonoor provides a perfect setting for activities like trekking and hiking. It is also famous for its tea plantations and festivals. At Coonoor, travelers can also enjoy the toy train ride, which is also the means of traveling to other hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills from Coonoor. The trip provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills in all its natural glory.

Coonoor

Coonoor provides the traveler with the panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls. Bird watching is a popular activity in Coonoor, as the area boasts of a large variety of species like cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, etc. Travelers can take a walk through the long stretches of tea gardens. There are numerous trekking and hiking trails around Coonoor.

Major Tourist Attractions in Coonoor
Sim's Park
The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. Spread in an area of 12 ha, the park has a collection of over 1,000 plant species, including magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The botanical garden is partly developed in the Japanese style and derived its name from J. D. Sim, the secretary of the Madras Club in 1874. The key attraction of the park is the annual fruit and vegetable show held in May.

Pomological Station

The institute is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates, and apricot.

Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint
The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint is 10 km from Coonoor and is a spectacular spot to visit. It not only provides a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the Nilgiri hills but also of the famous Catherine Falls.

Lamb's Rock
Coonoor Railway StationOn way to Dolphin's Nose, about 5½ km from Coonoor, lies Lamb's Rock, another vantage point to view the fantastic landscape and the tea and coffee plantations.

Droog
At a distance of 13 km from Coonoor, Droog takes one into the past, with the ruins of a fort, which was once used by Tipu Sultan in the 16th century.

Law's Falls
The majestic falls are 5 km from Coonoor, on the way to Mettupalayam.

Ooty
The famous hill station of Ooty, also known as the queen of hill stations is 19 km northwest of Coonoor. Ooty is an immensely popular tourist destination. Like Coonoor, Ooty is also set amongst the green settings of the Nilgiri hills and is famous for its lake, gardens, and colonial architecture. You can enjoy a number of outdoor activities like horse riding, trekking, hiking, and boating in Ooty.

Getting There
Air : Coonoor does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is at Coimbatore located 71 km away.
Rail : Coonoor is on the toy-train line between Mettupalayam (28 km) and Ooty (19 km).
Road : Coonoor is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Tamil Nadu like Ooty (19 km) and Coimbatore (71 km) besides the surrounding areas.

Kanyakumari

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Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin, the southern most tip of peninsular India is sprawled over an area of 1672 sq. km, occupying 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari is also known as Kanniyakumari in Tamil Language. It is the confluence point of three oceans - the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Apart from this, it is also a vital Hindu pilgrim center, renowned for its exotic sunrises and sunsets over the horizon. One of the unique features of Kanyakumari is the multicolored sand found on its beach.

This exquisite land is encircled by majestic hills along with swaying coconut trees and paddy fields. There are also a few elevated patches of red cliffs and some free flowing valleys presenting an eye-pleasing scene. One can also see plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, with Temples and Churches standing proudly. Truly, a beautiful way to mark the end of the land of marvelous India.

History of kanyakumari

Kanyakumari or the Cape Comorin was once known as the Alexandria of the east. A hub of art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years, it is famous for commerce and trade. The architecture of this beautiful beach land is greatly inspired by religions like Islam, Christianity and Jainism. Kanyakumari was ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks, all great rulers of south India. The credit for the architectural beauty of the temples found in Kanyakumari goes to these rulers. Kanyakumari was given the name Cape Comorin by the British as it was easier for them to pronounce.

According to a legend Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was supposed to wed Lord Shiva. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. Therefore the rice and cereals, which were to be used for the marriage remained uncooked. The stones found here resemble rice and cereals and today one can buy these stones. Native population believes that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. and the princess Kanya Devi, became a virgin goddess blessing pilgrims and tourists alike.

How to reach kanyakumari

By Air : The nearest airport from Kanyakumari is situated at Trivandrum about 80 kms away. It is directly connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai by regular flights.

By Rail : Kanyakumari is well connected by rail to major parts of the country. Kanyakumari is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network. Superfast trains connect the southern most railhead of India with northern cities like Jammu and Delhi. Tirunelvelli, situated around 80 kms away from Kanyakumari is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).

By Road : Kanyakumari is connected by road to Trivandrum (86 km), Nagarkoil (19 km), Tirunelvelli (91 km), Tiruchendur (89 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Madurai (242 km), Thekkady (358 km), Kodaikanal (362 km), Palani (370 km), Ootacamund (576 km), Cochin (309 km), and Coimbatore (478 km).

Goa Chruches

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The Reis Magos Church or Church of the Three Magi Kings, built in AD 1555, was once a mission center of the Franciscan Order of Monks. Also in Bardez Taluka, at Saligao, amongst picturesque surroundings, stands the Church of Mae de Dens or Mother of God. The statue after whom this church was named once occupied a convent, now no longer extant, and was known for its miraculous powers. This church is a fine instance of Gothic architecture. The Church of St. Alex at Curtorim, too, dates from the 16th Century. The Church of St. Anne, at Talaulin Iltias, affectionately called Santana by the people, is dedicated to the Mother of Mary. It is situated on the right bank of the Siridao River.

While these Catholic institutions have survived the ravages of time, a visit to the ruins of lost churches, of which there are many, would help to discover further the truths of a remarkable period of religious activity on the shores of our country.

To know more about goa chruches click here

Goa Beaches

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The state of Goa in India, was a Portuguese colony until 1962, and is famous for its Indo-Portuguese culture and architecture. Goa's beaches reflect its colourful mosaic of history.

The combination of the "sosegãdo" or laid back lifestyle, bracing weather and Goa's carnival-like nightlife has been known to lure many into a psychedelic trance.

As you vacation in Goa and feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you'll find that there is no place like a warm, inviting beach in Goa to make you feel at peace with the universe.

Since we usually stay at my parents' flat at Monte-de-Guirim, near Mapusa, the only time we check into a hotel or resort is when we don't have our own transport and want to spend more time at the beach. The transport in Goa being what it is, its always better to have your own car or bike.

I love to spend my Goa holiday gorging on the local crab, king prawns and typical Goan delicacies like chicken rechãdo and xãcuti. I also make it a point to visit my aunt's house in Mapusa, where she always has a delicious plate of fresh oyster deep fried in rava ready for me.

The local brews, like cashew and coconut "feni," with their strong aroma, are definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach). If you visit in the right season, you can sample the local "Urak," a lighter and sweeter-smelling distillate of feni.

How to get there: You can take a cheap flight to Goa from Bombay (Mumbai). The more adventurous can opt for an eight-hour trip to Goa by Konkan railway or a sixteen-hour bus journey from Mumbai.

Where to stay: Beach resorts and budet hotels are numerous, and accomodation is often included when you opt for a cheap Goa holiday package or tour.

To know more about goa beaches click here

To know more about goa click here

Goa Tourism

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Goa is situated on the western coast of the Indian peninsula. Goa displays colonial heritage that had been patronized by the Portuguese. India's most popular beach resort lures ardent tourists from all over the globe. Afternoon siesta and evening feista rule the way of life here. Goa is a traveller's ultimate destination for its scenic splendor, golden beaches, rocking night life and scrumptious food and of course the good old feni. A walk down the city promises to captivate your attention with the beautiful churches and the towering forts that take you back into the Portugese era. Goan culture is a confluence of many cultures. The vibrant life of Goa makes it an irresistable vacation destination.

Hot spot in goa:

Beaches

Churches

City Palace Jaipur

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City Palace forms one of the most famous tourist attractions and a major landmark in Jaipur. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh during his reign. Among the various forts and palaces of Jaipur, City Palace stands apart, with its outstanding art and architecture. City Palace complex covers a huge area, which is divided into a series of gardens, courtyards and buildings. Initially, Raja Jai Singh built the outer wall occupying a huge area. The additional grand buildings were constructed later by the succeeding rulers.

A part of the exquisite Palace still makes home for the former Maharaja/ King. The premises consists several buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. One would come across the Mubarak Mahal, as one enters the first square. Mubarak Mahal was built by Sawai Madho Singh in the 19th century to entertain his guests. Today, it has converted into a costume gallery, which displays royal attires of the Kings.

After crossing the first square, a beautiful gateway welcomes to Diwan-I-Khas, a hall meant for private audience. It has two sterling silver vessels on display and they are acclaimed to be the world's largest silver vessel. These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from River Ganga to drink on his trip to England. Diwan-I-Aam, which was meant for public audience, forms the other attraction of this courtyard. At present, it makes an art gallery showcasing enthralling painted ceilings and rare ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures.

In the series, Maharani's Palace, which was meant for royal queens, has been converted into a museum, showcasing weapons dated back to 15th century. Chandra Mahal is essentially regarded as the best part, out of the whole tour to City Palace. It has seven stories and each story is known by a different name. The topmost story is known as Mukut Mahal. The wonderful architecture of this Palace with delicate paintings, mirror work on walls and floral decorations, makes it a "must-see" for every visitor. In the present day, this palace serves as the residence of ex-ruler.

Badal Mahal stands opposite to Chandra Mahal and while crossing the path, one would find Govind Dev Ji Temple between them. Above all these, the Palace also offers delicacies in its multi cuisine restaurant. To sum up, the City Palace is a structure of historical importance and a souvenir of the regal past. The palace, with its royal grace stands as a symbol of magnificence. All these features of City Palace leave the tourists with no other option, but to visit it.

Climate:

Climate of Jaipur is extreme with hot and humid summers and chilly winters. Maximum temperatureduring the summers (from April to July) reaches a high of around 45ºC. On the other hand winters have sunny and pleasant days and bitterly cold nights. Temperature can touch a low of around 5ºC, mostly during the nights. Major problems in the winter are fog that envelops the city in the evening. If you are planning to visit Jaipur in summers, bring with you light cotton clothes. Light woolen clothes during would do the needful in the winters. Monsoon starts in the third week of July, but the state does not experience much of rainy days.

Travel connectivity:

Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.
Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.
Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.

Mysore Palace

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140 Kms from Bangalore lies the abode of untold grandeur and glory. Mysore,the capital city of the Wodeyars has always enchanted its admirers with its quaint charm,rich heritage, magnificent palaces,beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings,broad shady avenues and sacred temples. There's an old world charm about the city that reaches out and leaves no one untouched.

Architecture:

The architecture of the palace boasts of the Indo-Saracenic style with arches and colonnades. The royal structure is an aesthetic blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The three storeyed building, 245 feet in length and 156 in breadth has a series of square towers with arches covered by domes. Spread across the palace are a series of galleries which contain a vast and impressive array of memorabilia- from huge paintings to imposing sculptures, weaponry to old costumes and jewellery. On Sundays, government holidays and festivals, the entire palace is illuminated with all of 50,000 light bulbs- a spectacle which is truly magnificent. The entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti or the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial objects. The Kalyan Mandapa or the royal wedding hall, are lined with elaborately detailed oil paintings, illustrating the great Mysore Dussehra Festival of 1930.

Local Sights

Mysore Palace

The Maharaja's Palace is one of the important sights in Mysore. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades,the Palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open on to luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The magnificent jewel studded golden throne of the Wodeyars is displayed here during the Dasera festival. Illuminated on Sundays and public holidays ,the palace presents a spectacle of breathtaking beauty.

Chamundi Hills

A well known 335 metres high landmark,Chamundi Hill can be reached by a 13 km road or by climbing up the 1,000 steps laid out by the Mysore Maharaja in the 17th century.Half-way up along the stone steps is Nandi, Lord Shiva's Bull, a majestic 4.8 metre monolith.At the top is the 12th century temple of Chamundeshwari, the patron goddess of the Wodeyars.Close to the temple is the gigantic statue of the demon Mahishasura. The summit offers a panoramic view of Mysore's lakes, parks and palaces.

Brindavan Gardens

Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights. Timings: Monday-Friday: 6:30 PM - 7:25 PM and Saturday-Sunday: 6:30 PM - 8:25 PM

Mahabodhi Temple

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The life of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is associated with the small town of Bodhgaya. It is one of the four holiest cities of Buddhist faith. The Mahabodhi temple is the main attraction of this town and is located near the spot where Lord Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment. Bodhgaya is not only an important Buddhist pilgrim center, but it is also an important center for the study of Buddhism.

Mahabodhi Temple and other monasteries are the major attractions in Bodhgaya. Places associated with the life and times of Lord Buddha are located inside the Mahabodhi complex including the Bodhi Tree and a pond where according to legends, Lord Buddha mediated for few days.

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Ajanta Ellora

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Ajanta Caves

It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.

The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed.

Ellora Caves

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two - storied structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.

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Khajuraho - Land Of The Moon God

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The 9th to 12th century temples of Khajuraho is the evidences of the architectural geniuses during the times of Chandela dynasty. Situated in Madhya Pradesh, India, Khajuraho oozes with passion, eroticism, dance and music and other finesses of creative arts depicted in sculpture and images of the temples. The 85 temples were built in North Indian 'Nagara' style of architecture, though only 20 of them have survived the rough weather conditions over long years of time. The two richer distinctive groups of temples are the Western and Eastern group of temples.

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not about religion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for the eroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art of architecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, the Moon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in the birth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of the treasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

Location:In Madhya Pradesh, India.
Significance:Well-known for the sculptures in erotic poses in its temples.

How to Reach:

By Air:Khajuraho has daily domestic flights to and from Agra, Varanasi and Kathmandu.

By Train:The nearest railway stations to Khajuraho are Mahoba, Satna and Jhansi. All of these are well connected to most of the major cities of India.

By Road:Khajuraho has frequent bus services and good roads to and from the major cities of India including Panna, Mahoba, Satna, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Agra and Jhansi.

Guruvayoor Temple

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From the time immemorial, India has been a spiritually enlightened country consecrated by Rishis and temples of worship. Holy places like Kashi and Rameswaram have magnificent Temples which, besides their spiritual significance, are noted for their antiquity and historical importance. The artistic excellence and the architectural specialities of Konark and Khajuraho are so indescribable that they always attract not only the pilgrims from within the country but also swarms of tourists from abroad. But Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.

The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA.

Design & Construction

The outer enclosure has a 33.5-m tall gold-plated flag post and there is also a 7 m high pillar of lamps, whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brilliant spectacle, when lit. The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

SANCTITY OF THE LOCALITY

Guruvayur became divine on account of the "tapas" performed by Lord Siva and later by the Prechethas (the ten sons of Pracheenabarhis and Suvarna are together called Prechethas) in the Rudratheertham - the sacred tank on the northern side of the present temple - where Lord Guruvayurappan has His Arattu (holy bath on the last day of Annual Utsavam). Siva worshipped Mahavishnu for years under the waters of the Rudratheertham ( hence the name Rudratheertham due to the presence of Rudra, Siva). Prechethas came to this place to do tapas to attain "prajapathithwam" ( king of all kings) from Lord Mahavishnu. Sensing the motive of Prechethas, Lord Siva emerged out of the Rudratheertham and revealed to them the "Rudrageetham", a hymn in praise of Mahavishnu. Siva suggested them to chant it with all their heart to get their wishes fulfilled. The Princes won the favour of Mahavishnu after rigorous tapas for 10,000 years under the waters of Rudratheertham chanting Rudrageetham

According to the legends, in ancient days Rudratheertham ( present Arattukulam) extended up to Mammiyur and Thamarayur (about 3.00 kms) and was known for its lotus flowers. Melpathur's Narayaneeyam refers to it as the lovely lake of lotus.

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Konark - Sun Temple

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The Sun Temple of Konark often called as the Black Pagoda was constructed in mid thirteenth century by Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty. It is an ample testament to the artistic glory of the time. Conceived in form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels, after the mythical seven horse chariot of Sun God, the temple was a unique in its architecture and implementation. Intricate carvings on the walls of the main temple and the Natya Mandap (a separate structure just in front of the temple) are a sight to behold. It is often considered to be the most artistically superior among the other temples and that is saying something when you are talking about the golden triangle of Orissa which boast of Sri Jagannath temple and Lingraj Temple of Puri and Bhubaneswar . Sun Temple has lost its many of its original structures to time and disrepair but the remaining structures and the remainder of the structures confirm till today the infinite imaginative power of the artistes of the time and their inspiring contribution to Vaisnav Culture.

The crowing glory of the temple architecture of Orissa the Sun Temple at Konark plays host to the annual dance festival featuring Odissi and other traditional dance forms. The open air stage against the back drop of the floodlit temple reverberates with the beats of classical ragas and thalas to transport the audience in sheer ecstasy. The accompanying divine music and the breathtaking movements of the performers turn the event a truly out of this world spectacle. It appears as if the entire monument has come alive. Besides this lavish feast for the eyes and ears, the festival involves display of traditional art and craft marking the glorious traditions of Orissa and an exhibition of exotic Sand Art.

About Konark Sun Temple

The temple complex is enclosed within a compound about 261 m by 164 m. At the eastern entrance is an isolated pillared hall (bhoga mandira) built on a richly decorated platform, some believing it to be a nata mandira (dance hall). To its West is an open space leading to the porch (jagamohana) which from the base to the top stands to about 39 m. The lower section of the original deul (sanctuary) to its East, once over 60 m tall, dominates the landscape for many kms. To the southeast of the deul are the remains of the Mahagayatri Temple while behind this structure is Vaishnava Temple and many a foundations of other structures.

The entire temple was conceived as the celestial chariot of Surya, the Sun-god. Drawn by seven galloping horses (only one is still intact), which represent the days of the week, while the twelve wheels ranged along the base stand for the twelve months. The eight spokes in the each wheel symbolise the eight prahars of the day. The platform (3.9 m high) rests on a low upana (the plinth) with three broad flight of steps, facing North, South and East doors of the porch leadingto its top. Running right round the base of the temple, the facade of the upana has extraordinary friezes featuring military processions, hunting scenes, elephants uprooting trees, feeding young ones, men attempting to capture elephants, journeys, rows of athletes, lady cooking and more secular scenes of every day life. Among the animals carved, the presence of a giraffe on the southern side, significantly points to the trade links with Africa during the 13th century.

The facade of the platform is richly carved bearing a well moulded base. The platform is divided into the same five horizontal layers that characterize the temple itself. These are richly ornamented with creepers and scrolls, and end with tiny motifs of chaitya windows. The lower jangha of the bada is spaced with upright slabs containing miniature representations of temples with 'khakhara-mundis' (wagon-vaulted roofs), which contain niches. Set into these niches are mainly figures of women-a lady leaving for pilgrimage, washing hair, playing the veena, caressing a bird. The slabs between are boldly relieved with various motifs, erotic couples and voluptuous young women flaunting their beauty in various inviting postures, some are of nagas or nagins depicted with a human bust, a multhooded canopy and the tail of a snake. Above the middle of the platform, the upper jangha are large pancha ratha pilasters, elaborately sculpted, sometimes with religious scenes such as images of Mahishasuramardini (Shakti cult), Jagannatha (Vaishnava cult) and a linga (Shiva cult) enshrined in a temple, indicative of a religious tolerance prevailing at that time for different sects. Other sculptures show a king seated on an elephant, a hermitage delivering discourse to a group of nobles or princes whose mounts (elephants and horses) are shown standing below the pavilion and the simple family scenes. The top moulding of the platform though severely damaged, separated by a narrow recess are decorated with motifs of marching armies, hordes of elephants and the royal court.

The intricately carved wheel (2.9 m in diameter) of the chariot on the face of the jagamohana is shown with its axle, a decorated hub and even an axle pin. The hub of the wheel is decorated with beaded rings and a few of lotus-petals. In the centre of spokes are richly carved medallions with gods such as Surya and Vishnu, erotic and amorous figures, kanyas in various mudras (poses), noblemen and animals.

How To Reach Konark

The convenient way to get to Konark is drive either from Puri, 35 km or Bhubaneswar, 65 km. The drive from Puri along the sea front is a treat through coastal villages and its beautiful houses.

Buses as well taxis are freely available from Puri. From Bhubaneswar, however the bus services less frequent and takes about 3-3 V2 hrs to cover the distance, while from Puri the service is very prompt, taking about one hour to reach Konark.

A round trip from Puri to Konark by AC/non AC Car Rs. 750-1000/Rs. 500-750. More adventurous lot cycle to Konark from Puri and stay there overnight.

Golden Temple

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The Golden Temple is the ultimate Sikh pilgrimage. The Harmandir Sahib, as it is traditionally known, actually means the temple of Hari or the Supreme God. Also known as the Darbar Sahib, the stupendous, architectural phenomena is located at the city of Amritsar. The temple's exterior is gold-plated and the structure stands in the middle of a square tank. There is a causeway across the Pool of Nectar to reach the Temple. The shrine is symbolical of the doctrines of Sikhism. It also represents the magnificent strength of all the Sikhs. The amazing thing about Harmandir Sahib is that it has doorways on all four sides, meant to be open for the people of the all four castes. All over the, the Sikhs always look forward to visit to the magnificent temple and offer prayers at the Harmandir Sahib.

The study of the art and architecture of the Golden Temple has, unfortunately, remained a subject of unconcern for art historians and critics. Even scholars of Indian temple architecture have bypassed it and references, whenever made, were mere courtesies. Fergusson considered the Golden Temple an example of the forms, which Hindu temple architecture assumed in the nineteenth century. According to the official list of buildings of interest, published by the Punjab Government in 1875, the design of the temple, as reconstructed by Ranjit Singh, was borrowed from the shrine of Saint Mian Mir, near Lahore. Louis Rousselet, writing in 1882, regarded it as a "handsome style of architecture". Major Cole described it as an adaptation of Mohammadan styles, flavoured with a good deal of Hindu tradition. Percy Brown considered it to be a product of the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim influences, combined with elaborations that imparted it an appearance of its own.

Guru Arjan Dev thought of building a central place of worship for the Sikh community. In 1588, after finalizing the design of the Darbar Sahib, he laid down the foundation of the temple himself. His followers started living in the adjacent area and the town of Ramdaspur came up. The town of Ramdaspur later came to be known as Amritsar, deriving its name from the holy pond that beautifies the area surrounding Hari Mandir. The planning to dig the holy tank or Amrit Sarovar was made by Guru Amar Das. However, the construction of the tank took place under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired free of cost from the zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The first Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh made Amritsar his spiritual capital. He developed the temple further including the gilding of the embossed plates, renewing of the pietra dura and the embellishment of the ceilings with the mirror and floral designs.

Amritsar is an institution by itself. And the Golden Temple is the cradle of Amritsar with the city growing around it nurtured by its divine sanctity. The Golden Temple stands there in simple majesty, the gilded splendor of its paneling, dome and minarets shining in the morning light, silhouetted softly in the water and etched gently across the city escape. For the Sikh community the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara Golden Temple is the final spiritual "vision," journey's end or beginning and, for every other community too, it is a shrine to be visited.

Besides the Golden Temple there are several other Gurudwaras in India that are of great importance to the pilgrims. Another important pilgrimage site is Anandpur Sahib, where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru created the 'Khalsa' or the pure ones by baptizing them. Anandpur Sahib (in Ropar District) is one of the five Sikh takhts or thrones. Sikhs from all over India visit this holy site especially on the occasion of Holla Mohalla which coincides with the last day of Holi and marks the festival's finale. On this day, the Gurudwara Keshgarh is filled with people and colour as men in bright turbans and women in gaily-colored salwar kameezs try to live up to Guru Gobind Singh Ji's vision of Holi.

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Gateway of India

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Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India is a huge archway on the water's edge at Apollo Bunder. It is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911.

The Gateway was built by the British and designed by the architect George Wittet. The first stone was laid by the then Governor of Bombay on March 31st, 1913. The Gate was formally opened in 1924.

It is 26m high structures, complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. Ironically, when the British Raj ended in 1947, this colonial symbol also became a sort of epitaph: the last of the British ships that set sail for England left from the Gateway.

Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, one can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai's splendid natural harbour. One can buy tickets for a short cruise on the motor launches from here.

Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda, that add to the charm of this monument.

ISKCON Temples

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Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the founder acharya of the hare krishna movement. Completed in 1998, this is a complex of temples. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was initially raised as a spiritual society in New York to Propagate the message of the Bhagwad Gita. It was founded by Swami Prabhupada. In India there are 40 ISKCON temples. Contemplating the traditions of the ancient Vaishnava tradition, its philosophy and practice, these spiritual temples have left a mark on all mankind.

ISKCON temples are dedicated to Lord Krishna and were built by the Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers. These complexes are elegantly built and are few of the largest temple complexes in India. There are beautiful paintings of Russian artists on the different past times of Radha Krishna, Sita, Ram, Laxman, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Special programmes like Kirtan, Aarti, Pravachan and Prasadam are held every Sunday.

Some ISKCON Temples In India :

* ISKCON Temple, Delhi
For many this is just a temple, for finding solace, peace and quiet. Sitting amongst Lord Krishna and his devotees with Hare Krishna chants going around is indeed an experience. But for those who are seeking more, there is so much to learn and see, than what meets the eye.

* ISKCON Temple, Bangalore, Karnataka
The ISKCON Temple was built recently by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. As you climb the granite steps you will encounter three small shrines before the main temple. The three idols of Lord Krishna in the main shrine are made of brass.

* ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
It is located within the premises of the Krishna-Baldev Temple in Vrindavan. Beautiful paintings depicting the life of Lord Krishna adorn the galleries leading to the main temple. ISKCON devotees from various parts of the world can be spotted manning the library or ISKCON book stalls and partaking in temple rituals.

* ISKCON Chandradoya Mandir, Mayapur, West Bengal
This is the international headquarters of ISKCON. Surrounded by: a Vedic city, the main Deities are Sri Radha Madhava. The Deities are larger than life-size. There are also eight Gopis, four on each side of Radha-Madhava. Also on the main altar is a small set of Radha-Krishna Deities. On the left altar are Deities of the "Pancha-Tattva-Advaita Acarya", Lord Nityananda, Lord Chaitanya, Gadadhara, and Srivasa Thakur. To the left of this altar is another altar with an impressive Deity of Lord Narasimha.

There are so many

ISKCON temple in world wide

Marudha Malai Temple

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About 12 Kilometers away from Coimbatore Railway Station is the Marudhamalai temple of Lord Muruga. As the name suggests, the temple is situated on a hillock and the presiding deity is called Dhandayuthapani. The celebrations of this temple are ' Thaipoosam' and ' Thirukarthigai ' in January and February. Pollachi, an important commercial centre about 40 Kms away from Coimbatore, is famous for it's Mariyamman and Subramanya temples.The South Banaras or Avanashi Temple is the biggest temple in the district famous for it's exquisite carvings & sculptures

Tirupati

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History

The history of the temple dates back to as far as 9th Century A.D, when Pallavas, the rulers of Kancheepuram, patronized this shrine. But it was not until the time of Vijayanagara dynasty in 15th Century AD that the temple got recognition, and the contributions started pouring in.

From 1843 AD, when the Empire started rising in India till 1933 AD, the administrative activities of the Tirumala temple were overseen by Mahants of the Hatiramji Mutt.

In 1933, the Madras government took over and handed the reins of administration to an autonomous body known as the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Committee.

Again in 1951, the TTD was reconstituted with a board of trustees, while an Executive Officer operated as its administrative head.

Legend Behind the temple

Lord Venkateswara or Balaji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. It is believed that he came to reside on the southern bank of Swami Pushkarni, a tank which passes by Tirumala.

The seven hills around Tirumala-Tirupati are also known as Sapthagiri after the seven hoods of Sheshnag – the cosmic serpent. The temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri.

According one legend, as Saint Ramanuja born in 11th Century AD climbed the seven hills of Tirupati, Lord Srinivas- another name for Lord Venkateswara- appeared before him and gave him his blessings. And after that he is believed to have been blessed to live till the ripe age of 120 years to spread the gospel of Sri Venkateswara.

People are encouraged to visit Tirumala on the day of Ekadasi in the month of Vaikunta, at which time all pilgrims in the abode of God will be forgiven of all their sins. They also would definitely attain salvation after they die, it is believed.

Prasadam

Laddu

The entire Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams share of Anna Prasadams (Pulihora), Chitrannam, Sweet Pongal and Curd rice are distributed free to all pilgrims coming out after darshan.

Laddu Padi (Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Panyarams (Laddus) are sold on all days to pilgrims in the counter outside the temple. Tokens for Laddus can be obtained from bank counters erected in the 'Q' line for Laddus. One Laddu Token is issued per person in the Vaikuntham Queue Complex, on payment, for SarvaDarshan pilgrims. They have to collect their laddu after darshan from the counter outside the main temple.

Laddu Padi Timings :
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Arjitham Big Laddu Padi
Rs. 2500/- (30 laddus)
Rs. 1500/- (15 laddus)
Rs. 1000/- (10 laddus)

Five persons are allowed for Srivari Darshan. Laddus will be given after darshan. Laddu Padi tickets are sold at Vijaya Bank.

Anna Prasadams

Cash payment is accepted at the Vijaya Bank counter for offering the following Anna Prasadams each 1/4 sole. The Prasadams are delivered against the counterfoil at the Prasadam counter.

Sabarimala

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The layout of the Ayyappa temple is believed to have originated from the specific instructions of the Lord himself, who wanted Malikappurathamma, on his left a few yards from Sannidhanam, and his trusted lieutenants Vavur and Kadutha to be positioned as his guards at the foot of the holy 18 steps. The pilgrims worship in this place also. This exemplifies the unique feature of the temple. The temple is open to all faiths. The divine qualities like equality, fraternity, tolerance, humanity etc.. are shining well in the pilgrims.

Ayyappa cult gives much importance for the secularism and communal harmony and has turn out to be a model for the whole world. Another significant aspect of the pilgrimage is that all the pilgrims whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate holding position or not master or servant are all equal before LORD AYYAPPA and all address each other as AYYAPPA.

The pilgrims on their sojourn to Sabarimala worship at Erumeli Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and conduct "Petta Thullal". They also worship in the mosque at Erumeli as a part of their pilgrimage.

According to legend, the temple of Sabarimala and the deity of Ayyappa have always been regarded as the Pandalam Raja's very own. So permission from the King has to be attained before proceeding to the temple. To make it easy for pilgrims to obtain the necessary permission, a representative of the king sits with all the royal insignia, on a raised platform at the base of the Neelimala Hill. The pilgrims offer a token amount (not necessary) to the royal representative, and receive vibhuti from him.

This marks the beginning of the steepest climb of the pilgrimage, the 3 km trek up the majestic Neelimala Hill, atop which sits Lord Ayyappa in all his glory. The pilgrims wind their way up the difficult trail in an unending stream, the hill reverberating with the constant chanting of thousands.

At the first sight of the Patinettampadi, the holy eighteen steps, a full throated cry goes up from the devotees, "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!" It is the realisation of a mission.

The shrine of Lord Ganapati: To the south-west of the main temple is the shrine of Lord Ganapati, known as Kannimula Ganapati. The special offering to this deity is Ganapati homan.

Homakunda: There used to be a large homakunda in front of the shrine, which burned constantly, fed by the coconut shells thrown by the devotees, after offering the ghee. As the coconut shells gets consumed by the fire, the sins of the devotees are believed to be cleansed. Due to the growing crowds in the temple, the homakunda has now been shifted to a location below the temple.

Bhasma Kulam:About a 100 metres away is the shrine of Malikappurathamma. En route to the shrine is the temple tank, Bhasma Kulam, in which hundreds of devotees take a holy bath in memory of the tapaswini Sabari who entered a fire to end her mortal life. It is after her that the peak is named Sabarimala.On account of the number of people who bathe in the tank, the water is frequently drained out and refilled with fresh water.

Malikappurathamma: Situated on a small hillock, the Malikappurathamma temple houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy. Devotees also worship a trident and lamp here, and offer coconuts. The coconuts are not broken, however, but are just rolled on the ground .

To the left of this temple are the shrines of the snake god and goddess, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Here, tribals beat on drums, play stringed instruments and sing sarppa pattu to protect devotees and their progeny from the harmful effects of snakebites.

Shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy: At the foot of the Patinettampadi are the two shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy, who stand like dwarapalakas or guardians of the holy steps, to ensure that they are not polluted by those who tread on them without fulfilling the rigid austerities required of them. They are also believed to protect the devotees from the evil spirits of the forests.

According to legend, Kadutha was a great warrior who helped the Pandalam king defeat the armies of Udayanan and other enemies. When the king came to Sabarimalai to reconstruct the temple, Kadutha came with him to protect him. Ultimately, he became so attached to Ayyappa that he decided to spend the rest of his days with his Lord.

Also near the Patinettampadi is the shrine of the Muslim Vavurswami. While there are several accounts of identity of Vavur, it is generally believed that he was a warrior who was defeated and subdued by Ayyappa, and later became a close associate. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumeli and a shrine at Sabarimalai.

Renovations Done:

Golden 18 Steps: The original granite steps were badly damaged due to continuous breaking of coconuts on the steps by pilgrims climbing the steps. The Devasom Board with the approval of Lord Ayyappan through a devaprasanam, covered the steps with panchaloka. The work was completed by 15th November 1985. Later on these steps were covered with gold.

MIRIK LAKE

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The newest hill-resort in West Bengal, Mirik is at an altitude of about 5,800 feet and almost midway on a 100 km alternative route between Darjeeling and Siliguri. Mirik is an excellent scenic spot, and Kanchenjunga is visible. The 335-acre site for the new tourist resort is shaped like a tiny valley. Within the valley, there is a level stretch of the five acres, rare in the hill areas of Darjeeling.

Along the west of this flat ground, there is a natural lake formation fed with perennial springs and rain water. Now, that the water here is impounded by construction of a weir, there is a 1.25 km long lake. The level stretch forms eastern bank of the lake, the western bank being hill slopes covered by a rich forest of about ten thousand Crypto Maria japonica trees.

Visitors from Darjeeling and Siliguri may however spend a day at Mirik profitably. Walks around the lake or along the numerous walks in the heavily forested ridges on the western bank view of sunrise or sunset from "Rameetay Dara", would all go to make a fine holiday.

For rest and food, the "Day-Centre" at the eastern bank has a comfortable lounge. Tea, Coffee and Snacks are available throughout the day. Visitors may also have lunch here.

Boating, fishing, beautification and overnight accommodation (Youth-Hostel and Tourist Cottages) etc. are ready to receive visitors. Construction of the water supply system and underground sewerage for the whole project area is complete by now.

HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE

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The Happy Valley tea estate is around 3 kms away from the main town (Chowk Bazar), towards the North. If you walk there, you will get a magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga, provided the day is sunny and you are lucky. Also on the way, you will come across the crematorium of some world famous personalities.

The estate stretches to many kilometers and you can hardly see its end. The estate produces world class Darjeeling Tea. It is one of the oldest and most renowned tea estate in Darjeeling. Tea picking, manufacturing and processing of tea can be seen here. Do not forget to buy a pack of tea from here on your next visit to this lovely estate.

BARBOTEY ROCK GARDEN

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Situated 10 km from town, is a very attractive picnic spot with natural water falls. The Rock Garden was constructed by The Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department. The road to the garden is a steep and winding one almost touching the plain. But the sight of the natural waterfall makes you forget all the pain and weariness.

Just below the Rock Garden is the recently constructed Gangamaiah park .Tourists enjoy the beauty of this park as much if not more than that of the Rock Garden. Taxis are easily available to reach you to this location. However local people prefer walking and usually go there for picnics. Outside the garden are available some lovely souvenirs of Darjeeling.So don't forget to take one at your next visit.

BATASIA LOOP AND WAR MEMORIAL

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Aboard the ' Toy Train ' from Siliguri to Darjeeling just below Ghoom and 5 kms from Darjeeling is the Batasia Loop , an engineering marvel and feat.

Almost imperceptibly , the railway line negotiates a circle and descends 1,000 ft in altitude. The train's figure 8s and Z maneuvers are as picturesque as the flowers, streams and water - falls. At Batasia - windy place - one gets a grand view of the town of Darjeeling perched on the slopes of hills and Mt. Kanchenjunga in the background.

The War Memorial constructed in the memory of brave sons of Darjeeling who died in different actions since 1947 , is worth a visit. A glorious view of snowy peak and town can be seen from this place.

TIGER HILL

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Passing through primitive forests of Oak , Magnolia etc. with beautiful ferns ablaze with colour , adorning the hill-sides is the steeply ascending road to Senchal , running through Ghoom on its way to Tiger Hill , 11 kms from the town and at an elevation of 2,590m (8482 ft).

To the summit of this internationally famous 'Hill' journey - mountain and nature lovers to view the world's most majestic mountains- "Khang- Chen-Dzod-Nga" of mighty Kanchenjunga, the king of them all.

Mount Everest , 225 kms away rarely deigns to come out of the cloudy mists , with its two other peaks Mahakalu (27,769ft) and another peak on both sides.About 125 kms away is Tibet's Chomol Hari mountain , said to be the world's most beautiful peak.

DHIRDAM TEMPLE

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Located near the Darjeeling Railway Station,Dhirdham Temple was built in 1939.The Temple was constructed by Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan and the architect was Beg Raj Sakya.

Lord Shiv's statue outside the main temple depicts "Pancha Bakram Tri Netram" meaning five different facial expressions of Lord Shiv in different moods and the Third Eye. The style of the roof shows that of a Tibetan influence. Every morning Aarti is held at 8.00 am and at 6.00 pm in the evening.

Darjeeling

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Darjeeling district with a geographical area of 3,149 sq.kms., is an irregular triangle in shape. The Northern boundary commences on the west at the peak of Phalut nearly 3657.6 meters high,the junction of the boundaries of Nepal and Sikkim. This boundary runs east from Phalut along a ridge descending to the Ramam river. From there , the boundary follows the course of that river until it joins the Rangit and then follows the great Rangit until it reaches the Tista.Proceeding east of that junction, the boundary follows the Tista upstream until its junction with the Rangpochu,thence it proceeds first up the Rongpochu and then up the Rushattchu, thence the Rushattachu and Sikkim and Bhutan boundary as marked by pillars to the Nechu to its junction with the Dochu or Jaldhaka, thence in that river southward until the Jalpaiguri district is reached in the Khumani forest.

Darjeeling district presents a great variation of climate. As the district consists of two distinct tracts, the ridges and deep valley of lower Himalayas and the altitude varies between 300 m - 3,600 m. In the Tista valley, the climate is subtropical while in the hills, it is temperate. The bulk of the forest areas witness temperate climate although considerable local changes in the configuration and aspects influence climatic condition which often varies through a wider range. The winter in Darjeeling is extermely cold and extends from December to March. The Summer spreads from April to mid June and during this period Darjeeling is delightfully cool. The rainy months are June to September when most of the rainfall occur with appreciable amounts in May and October as well.

Climate

Due to tremendous narration of altitude,differences in aspects the climate within the hill areas vary greatly. In general the hill areas enjoy pleasant summer, heavy rain in rainy season due to strong monsoonal winds and cold winter after added with snowfall in higher altitudinal areas. In Darjeeling hill areas, April,May and Sept - October form the peak tourist seasons due to pleasant climatic conditions. Darjeeling receives about 3000mm of rainfall. The mean maximum temperature is approximately 11.1degree celsius and minimum temperature is 1.7 degree celsius.

Places to see

- DHIRDAM TEMPLE

- TIGER HILL

- BATASIA LOOP AND WAR MEMORIAL

- BARBOTEY ROCK GARDEN

- HAPPY VALLEY TEA ESTATE

- MIRIK LAKE

BY AIR - Well connected by Air from all parts of the country to Bagdogra(Siliguri),which is the nearest Airport and is a mere 2 hour drive from Darjeeling.

BY TRAIN - The famous Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah (Calcutta) besides other express trains from all over the country operate on daily basis to the nearest railhead at New Jalpaiguri(NJP/Siliguri).Change over at New Jalpaiguri to the world reknowned Toy Train which winds its way up the hills to Darjeeling.

BY ROAD - Very well connected to Siliguri which is a terminal city.A fleet of luxury State/Private buses run overnight to Siliguri from Calcutta.From Siliguri,a 2 hour scenic drive through tea gardens and forsets either by taxi or luxury bus which operate throughout the day,takes you to Darjeeling.

Kodaikanal

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Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor. With her wooded slopes, mighty rocks, enhancing waterfalls and a beautiful lake, Kodaikanal is a charming hill station.

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The pride of Kodaikanal is the 'Kurinji-flower', which blossoms once in 12 years. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste

Berijam Lake

Berijam Lake located at a distance of 21-km from Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is one among the beautiful lakes of South India. Spread over an area of 24 hectares, the lake is star shaped and is known for its pure water.

Kodaikanal Trekking

Head for Kodaikanal in the Palani Hills for small-time trekking. You can take short treks and hikes to tourist spots close by as well to local viewpoints. Overnight treks are also possible here where one can spend a night at a local village.

How To Get There - Kodaikanal

By Road

Kodaikanal is connected by road with Chennai (520-km), Ooty (264-km), Trichy (197-km), Coimbatore (175-km), Kumili (160-km), and Madurai(120-km). Regular bus services are available from Madurai, Palani, Kodaikanal Road, Theni, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Kumuli (Thekkady) and Coimbatore. Additional buses ply during the season. Taxis and vans are available for local transportation. There are no auto-rickshaws in Kodaikanal.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Madurai (120 km from Kodaikanal).

By Rail

The nearest railway stations are the Kodai Road Railway Station (80-km) and the Palani Railway Station (64-km). Places To Stay - Kodaikanal Kodaikanal offers good accommodation facilities to the tourists. The TTDC run Hotel Tamil Nadu on Fern Hill Road is one example where comfortable accommodation is provided to tourists.

Climate - Kodaikanal The climate of Kodaikanal is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to visit Kodaikanal is from April to June and from September to October.

Ooty (queen of hill stations)

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Udhagamandalam

(Ooty) Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations' among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 km away from Coimbatore. The height of the hills in the Nilgiri range varies between 2280 and 2290 metres, the highest peak being Doddabetta at a height of 2623 metres.

The Tea

The establishment of numerous tea estates made Ooty famous. Lofty mountains, dense forest, sprawling grasslands and miles and miles of tea gardens greet the passengers on most routes. The annual Tea and Tourism Festival attracts crowds in huge numbers. Visit Ooty during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed!

Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are a major tourist attraction for those who visit Ooty, one of the most popular hill stations of India. They sprawl over 50-acres and lie on the lower slopes of Dodabetta peak, which is the highest point in Ooty.

Hills and Views

Udhagamandalam (Ooty), the capital of Nilgiri district, is popularly known as the "Queen of hill stations" among the tourist circuits. It is situated at a distance of 105 kilometres from Coimbatore

Kalhatty Falls The Kalhatty falls are located on the Kalhatty slopes at about 13-km from Udhagamandalam on the Udhagamandalam - Mysore Kalhatty ghat road. Also known as the "Kalahasti Falls", the water here cascades down a height of 122m.

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

The Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary is located where the Nilgiri Hills, the offshoot of the Western Ghats meet the Eastern Ghats. The Mysore - Ooty highway runs through the sanctuary, following the course of the Mayyar River, which separates Mudumalai from Bandipur.

Ooty Lake

The beautiful Ooty Lake is a favourite haunt of tourists. It was constructed in the year 1825, through the initiatives of Mr. John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. This lake was built in order to provide an irrigation tank to the people.

Significance - Udhagamandalam

Historical

It is believed that the name Nila, has been in use for over 800 years since, the King of the Hoysalas Vishnu Vardhana, who ruled from 1104 to 1141 AD seized the Nilgiris Plateau. His general Ponisia recorded this fact in 1117 AD with mention of Todas. The name Nilgiri was due to the blue haze, which envelops the range with most distant hills of considerable size.

This Nilgiri territory came into possession of the East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799. Rev. Jacome Forico, a priest was the first European who visited Nilgiris in 1603 and released his notes about the place and people of Nilgiris. In 1812 surveyor William Keys and Macmohan visited the top of the plateau.

In 1818, Wishand Kindersley, Assistant and Second Assistant to Collector of Coimbatore visited this spot and submitted their experience report to the Collector of Coimbatore Mr. John Sullivan. Settlement in Udhagamandalam began in 1822 with the construction of the Stone House by John Sullivan, the then Collector of Coimbatore. The bungalow, which is locally called "Kal Bangla", is one of the landmarks of Udhagamandalam and is now the Chamber of the Principal of the Government Arts College.

How To Get There - Udhagamandalam

By Rail

Ooty is on the narrow gauge railway, connected to Mettupalayam (47 km), which is directly connected to Coimbatore and Chennai. The famous toy train connects Ooty with Mettupalayam and Coonoor.

By Road

A good network of roads and national highways connect Ooty with all major towns and cities. There are regular bus services to and from Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Mysore, Palghat, Calicut, Tirupati and other important destinations in South India. Ooty is also well connected with major cities of Kerala and Karnataka.

Local Transport

Taxis, tourist cabs, auto rickshaws are available in plenty. There are no standard rates except tourist cabs. Town buses are also available to all important places. Conducted sight seeing tours are arranged by the private operators and the Government Tourism Development Corporation. By Air Coimbatore, 105 km from Ooty, is the nearest airport.

Places To Stay - Udhagamandalam

Accommodation is available at the luxurious and economy class hotels, lodges, and resorts in Ooty. Both Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. Prior booking is advisable, especially during the summer months.

Kailash Temple

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History

The depiction of the demon Ravana shaking Mount Kailash is a masterpiece contain the scenes of semi-mythological history, the royal court and popular life of the ancient times, as told in romances and plays. Some pictures recall the Greek and Roman compositions and proportions, few late resemble to Chinese manners to some extent. But majority belongs to a phase which is purely Indian as they are found no where else. These monuments were constructed during two different periods of time separated by a long interval of four centuries. The older ones were the product of last to centuries before Christ and belongs to Hinayana period of Buddhism in later part of 2nd century AD when Buddhism was divided into two sections, after the conduct of the fourth general council under another great king, Kanishka.

The new feature of Mahayana Buddhism was the concept of future Buddha's. The Buddha, himself probably thought that he was the last of the long succession of earlier Buddha's who lived before him. According to the Buddhist traditions, these former Buddhas were revered even in the historical Buddha's lifetime. By the time king Ashoka, their cult was widespread and was patronized by Ashoka. Later, when the stupas were constructed and beautified, the carvings were executed in a symbolic way. An inspired sculptor began to carve images of Buddha himself and within the few generations, all the Buddhist sects took to worshipping images. The universe of Mahayana contains numerous Bodhisattava, the chief of whom is Avalokitesvara with attributes of compassion. He is also called Padmapani or the lotus bearer. The Manjushri with a naked sword in one hand, stimulates the understanding. The sterner Bodhisattava who is a foe of the sin and evil and bearing a thunderbolt in the hand is Vajrapani. The future Buddha, Maitreya will take birth to save the world.

At ELLORA , 34 cave temples were carved out of the hillside with hand tools. Only 12 of these 34 caves in the centre are the most impressive. The massive Kailash Temple (cave 16) is nearly one a half times taller than the Parthnon and occupies almost twice its area. It is believed that it was constructed by excavating approx. 200,000 tones of rock and is possible the world's largest monolithic structure. Representing Shiva's Himalayan home, the temple is exquisitely sculpted with scenes from Hindus mythology, each pulsing with drama, energy and passion. The Kailash Temple situated near the village of Ellora. It is considered as one of the most astonishing 'buildings' in the history of architecture. This temple is the world's largest monolithic structure carved from one piece of rock and the rock - hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lies just 30 kms from Aurangabad.. Kailash Temple at cave 16, were a big Shiva-linga (form of Lord Shiva) is worshiped. It is the biggest building carved in a stone in the whole world. is a part of Ellora Cave Complex. The Kailasanatha temple is the world's largest monolith structure that was literally scooped out of the hill side. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a giant lingam in the garba griha. Beautiful sculptures from Ramayana and Mahabharatha are carved on the walls of this cave temple.

Thousand Pillar Temple

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About 150 kms. from Hyderabad lies the ancient city of Warangal. Noted today for its beautiful lakes, magnificent temples and wildlife, Warangal possess the marvelous thousand pillared temple, built by King Rudra Deva in the 12th century. The famous Thousand Pillar Temple, built in 1163 AD, by king Rudra Deva is an important monument situated near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. One thousand richly carved pillars and a magnificent black basalt Nandi bull are unique to this temple which is dedicated to Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.

There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.

How to get there?

Air - The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157-km away.

Rail - Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.

Road - APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.

Madurai Meenakshiamman Temples

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History

This is a twin temple. The temple in the southern side is dedicated to Sri Meenakshi the consort of lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and the other to lord Sundareswarar. This is one of the biggest temple complexes of India. The temple is about 258 meters in length and about 241.4 meters in breadth. Of the five Gopuras (towers) that surround the 48.8 meters high southern tower is the tallest. Madurai Meenakshiamman kovil was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th centuries and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple.the temple has many inscriptions of the rulers in the 16th century . it is very interesting to note that the nayaks are so very talented to bring into excistance such a amazing temple with all incidance carved on the great pillars. According to Hindu mythology, Meenakshi was a princess who was born with three breasts, fish-shaped eyes and fishy smell. According to the story, after seeking advice from holy men, she was told that the extra breast would disappear when she met her future husband. She was also told that the fish-like qualities would transform into beauty. This duly happened when she met the god Shiva, whom she married 8 days later in Madurai, the husband taking on the form of Lord Sundareshwara. The Meenakshi temple in south India is named after her.

Structure Of The Temple

The temple is situated in the heart of the city. There are four entrance for the temple in the North West South and East sides of the temple.Its twelve gouprams (towers) are replete with sculpted figures of gods and goddesses. The four tallest gopurams stand on the massive outer walls of the temple, one on each side. The Southern Gopuram is the tallest in the temple and the only one that may be climbed. From atop this 50 m. (160 ft.) high gopuram, one gets a complete view of the other gopurams as well as the two vimanas (roof above the shrine).

Musical Pillars

There are 2 specimens of ingenious ‘musical pillars’ in the Ayirankkal Mandapam. There are five such pillars in North Adi Street also, near the Mottai Gopuram. Each musical pillar has a central column surrounded by groups of slender columns chiselled from the same stone. Each of these thin pillars produce a different musical note when struck Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is very popular because the meenakshi amman is very powerful in hearing to the problems of the devotee. Many people from various cities come here to wash away their sins and to receive Amman’s blessings. During the function times like Sivaraathiri , prathosham etc special pooja’s and rituals are been performed. Annathanam is been given daily for the poor. Recently Meenakshi Amman Kovil was incluted in the list to be selected as one of the wonders of the world. Voting was been done for many days. But unfortunately it was not been selected.It is a place full of devotion, so come forward to visit and receive ammans arul.

Other Attractions

About a kilometre away from the temple is the Tirumalai Nayak Palace, which was built in 1636, by the ruler, after whom it has been named. Much of the palace has now fallen into ruins, and only the entrance gate, main hall and dance hall remain. Gandhi Museum provides some of the little - known facts about Mahatma Gandhi. It has the blood - stained dhoti worn by Mahatma Gandhi, at the time of his assassination. Mariamman Teppakkulam Tank, few kilometres east of the old city, is the site for Teppam Festival (Float Festival) in the months of January and February.

How to Get There

Air
There are daily flights to and from Tiruchirapalli, Madras and Bangalore.

Train
There are train connections to Madurai from Madras, which takes eight hours via Trichy and from Rameshwaram, takes six hours. If you approach Madurai from Kerala, some spectacular scenes of the Western Ghats can be viewed.

Bus
There is very good service from Madurai to most of the major cities.

Location :Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Deity Worshipped:Lord Somasundara (Lord Shiva) And Goddess Meenakshi

Built By:The Pandyan King, Kulasekhara

Important Festivals Celebrated:Meenakshi Kalyanam in April-May And The Teppam Festival

Tajmahal

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Taj Mahal of India - “the epitome of love”, “a monument of immeasurable beauty”. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name “Taj Mahal” was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means “Crown Palace”. The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.

Hampi

2008-01-13T20:50:00.000-08:00

Hampi, as it is popularly known today was the medieval capital of the Hindu empire Vijayanagara (the City of Victory). Hampi in the Karnataka state of India is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. It attracts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Vast stretches of boulder-strewn hills make the backdrop of Hampi unique.

Dotted around the hills and valleys are 500 plus monuments. Among them are beautiful temples, basement of palaces, remains of aquatic structures, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings.., the list is practically endless. Hampi is a backpackers’ paradise, the same way the pilgrims’ delight.

In Hampi at every turn there is a surprise. Every monument hides more than what they reveal. As an open museum, Hampi has numerous popular (100 plus!) locations visitors throng.

For more information log on to www.Hampi.in