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Udaipur India, Udaipur Rajasthan, Udaipur Travel, Udaipur vacation

2008-09-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India-

Udaipur is one of the famous tourist destinations in the state of Rajasthan of India.It is also known by the name of "City of Lakes" or "Venice of the East". It was the historic capital of the Mewar kingdom and presently administrative headquarters of Udaipur district. Nestled between the hills of Aravalli and with many lakes, Palaces, and forts situated here it is one of the most favourite destinations among both domestic as well as international tourists.

The city of Udaipur was founded by the Mewar king , Rana Udai Singh.There is a legend associated with the establishment of the city. According to the legend Rana Udai Singh came here after following a Hermit.Hermit told the king to build a fort here and he will be protected here.The legend has been well described in Wikipedia-

Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.
Source

How to reach Udaipur-

Udaipur is well connected from rest of the country and rest of the cities in Rajasthan by air railways as well as road. Reaching here from the main cities of India is not a problem at all.

Reaching Udaipur by Air-
Udaipur has a small airport named Maharana Pratap Singh Airport and only receives flights from domestic circuit. The airport is situated about 20 kms from Udaipur and from here you can hire a taxi to reach the main city of Udaipur. Flights from some major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur reach here on regular basis.Indian Airlines operate a daily flight from Jaipur and Mumbai. Jet airways and air Deccan has also regular flights from Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Mumbai.

Reaching Udaipur by Railway-
A few years back Udaipur was located on narrow gauge line but now the narrow gauge line have been transformed into broad gauge and travelling by railways has become the easiest and cheapest source to reach this historical city. Many daily trains arrive and depart from here connecting Udaipur to some large cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Jodhpur.For more information and train schedule log onto government railways website.

Reaching Udaipur by Road-
Udaipur is well connected with every major city in Rajasthan and the neighbouring state.Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe, A/C as well as general buses are available from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior , Ahmedabad and many other cities on regular basis. In Delhi you can find buses for Udaipur at Bikaner House as well as ISBT (inter state bus terminus).

Where to stay in Udaipur-

Udaipur has whole range of hotels with budget, mid range and costly splurges all available and scattered all along the city.Finding a hotel hat suits your need is not a problem here at Udaipur. Most of the hotels are located near Pichola lake and it would be advisable to hire a room here as most of the places of tourist interests are located at comfortable distance from here. It would also be advisable to book your room beforehand to avoid hassles after you reach here.

Eating out in Udaipur-

Udaipur has plenty of nice places where you can enjoy some real delicious dishes.Most of the good ones are located near lake and in the heart of the city. You can get all kinds of relishing recipes here like, Italian, Chinese, Indian as well as western. If you are looking for change in taste then try out some Rajasthani delicacies. Dal- Baati- Choorma is one of the famous cuisines of Rajasthan and youy can try this food which is extremely delicious. Other dishes worth eating are Ghevar, Gatte - ki - Sabzi and mirchi bada.
Hukam, The Family Restaurant. Multi Cuisine Restaurant, situated at Sahelion Ki Badi Road serves mouth watering Dishes.aircondition & Ambience Par Excellance.

Weather and best time to visit-

Being very near to Thar desert Udaipur is extremely hot during the months of April to August. It would be good to avoid visiting this place during these months as it will spoil your mood and it is almost next to impossible to move around during these months.
The best time to visit this place would be during winter months from the month of November to February. Take some woolen clothes if you are visiting this place during the month of December and January..

Places to see in Jaipur, Jaipur Palace, Jaipur fort, Places to visit in Jaipur

2008-09-13T02:35:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Jaipur, India

Jaipur , the royal city is one of the most important and famous historical places in India. The fforts and monuments situated here clearly depict the taste and grandeur of Rajput kings who ruled this place for centuries.Jaipur is famed for its rich cultural heritage, glimpses of which can still be witnessed in and around the place, drawing tourists from all over the world.

Forts and monuments in Jaipur-

Amber Fort-

Situated about 11 kms from Jaipur this massive fort was built by Sawai Man Singh -1 and modifications were made by Sawai Jai Singh.The fort was the royal palace of achwahas from 1600 AD to 1727 AD. The fort is named after the town of Amber which in turn is named after goddess Amba. The main sights within the fort include the Sheesh Mahal, adorned with thousands on thousands of mirror tiles on the walls and ceiling.

It's a bit of a hike up from the town, and the touristy thing to do is to hitch an elephant ride to the top (in order to get an elephant it is better to to arrive there in the morning, otherwise at midday the elephants are over.Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds it's ultimate expression.

Jaigarh Fort-

It is said that this fort was never conquered in the battle.It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, gardens open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, and several temples.But the main attraction of this fort is the largest canon of the world called as Jaivana.According to local stories this canon was only fired once and the cannonball flew for 35 kms.

A better reason to visit the fort, though, are the scenic gardens at the other end and the spectacular views over the Amber Fort and the hills around. The remains of the foundry where the Jaivana (and many more) were cast are also in the fort grounds.

Nahargarh fort-

Perched on a hill top this is the smallest of all the forts located in Jaipur and is famous for the view of the adjoining hills and Jaipur city it offers.The fort houses the Madhavendra bhawan.
The fort was initially built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1734 and then modified by Sawai Madho Singh.

Hawa Mahal-

Hawa Mahal meaning "Palace of wind" is one of the most important landmarks of Jaipur. The palace was built by Pratap Singh in 1799. The palace served as the stands for the royal women who used to see the processions and happenings in the city through this palace.The palace is a five storeyed structure having 953 niches and windows.
The Hawa Mahal is built with redstone and is the most striing monuments in Jaipur.From outside it may look like a bee hive but infact if you look closely it is made in the form of the crown of lord krishna.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal which is hindi word for "water Palace" is one of the famous palaces in Jaipur and is located on the way to Sisoia Rani Garden. The palace is an excellent example of the rajput style architecture and sits in the middle of the Mansarovar lake. The lake is dry during summer seasons so excellent view of the palace can only be seen during monsoon and post- monsoon season in the months of September to Februaary.

Jantar Mantar-

The name Jantar Mantar is derived from the hindi words- "Yantra" meaning instrument and "Mantra" . Basically it is an astronomical observatory containing instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes etc. Jantar Mantar was built by Sawai Jai Singh and is the largest of all five observatories bult by him.

City Palace-

The city Palace is a huge complex of many palatial buildings and comprises about one seventh of the pink city in area. This palace in Jaipur was built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The premises of city palace contains many hige and imposing structures inside it.Some of the important ones are-
Chandra Mahal (home to present Maharajah of Jaipur), Mubarak Mahal (housing a textile museum), Diwan-e-Khas (or Hall of Private audience housing the two largest silver vessels in the world, which are duly mentioned in the Guinness book), the Diwan-e-Aam ( or Hall of Public Audience) and the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol (with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons). Another integral part of the palace complex is the Hawa Mahal, standing away from the main complex. The palace is an excellent example of amalgamation of architecture of Rajputs and Mughals.

Moti Dungri-

Moti Dungri means "The Pearl Hill". This small hill lies in the centre of Jaipur.It derived its name as pearl hill because it looks like a pearl drop.A palace is perched on the top of the hill.The palace once belonged to the son of the Sawai Madho Singh. The palace is a replica of the scottish castle.

Gaitore-

Gaitore is the final resting place of Kings of Jaipur. Situated in a narrow valley this place lies just off the Jaipur- Amber road.The cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture.The royal chhatris are engraved with typical Rajasthani carvings. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it. The cenotaphs are erected with a perfect blend of architectural essentials of Islamic tomb architecture and Hindu temple architecture.

Temples in Jaipur-

Govind Devji Temple-
The temple lies in the premises of and is one of the integral parts of the city palace lying between the Chandra Mahal and Badal Mahal.. The temple is dedicated to Govind Devji one of the incarnations of the Lord Krishna. Sawai Jai Singh established the image of Govind Devji in this temple which was brought here from Vrindavan. A legend is attached to this place which has been described as follows-

According to a legend, Govind Dev Ji appeared in the dream of Raja Sawai Jai Singh and asked him to bring his idol from Vrindavan to Jaipur. As a consequence, Raja Sawai Jai Singh brought the idol and placed in the City Palace complex of Jaipur. After the sad demise of Jai Singh, many successors acquired the throne, but Raja Man Singh took the initiative to build the temple in 1890.

Birla temple or Lakshmi Narayan Temple-

The temple is a modern style temple built on a top of hill in South Jaipur .This temple is made up of white marble and one of the must visit place of south Jaipur.The temple stands erect on a raised platform, at the footsteps of the Moti Dungri Hill. Birla Mandir is constructed in the finest quality of white marble. The three huge domes of the temple represent three different approaches to the religion. The beautiful white marble temple mesmerizes the onlookers, when it glows at night. The best time to visit this temple is after sunset as the brightly lit temple is breathtakingly beautiful.

Galtaji-

This temple is located about 10 kms away from Jaipur city on the Jaipur Agra road near the garden of Sisodia Rani.he vast complex of Galta Ji has several temples in it. The Temple of Galtaji is famous for its natural water springs. Set amidst the beautiful landscape, Galtaji Temple offers a picturesque view of the city.

Museums in Jaipur-

Albert hall-
Situated in the middle of the Ram Niwas garden, as a centre attraction was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall Built in hybrid style of English and north Indian architectecture this imposing structure is a well maintained and contains some great collections of paintaings,carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc. This building was built by british architect, sir Swinton Jacob.

Parks and Gardens in Jaipur-

Kanak Vrindavan --
Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land scaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film shooting.

Sisodia Rani ka Bagh --
Sawai Jai Singh built it in 1728. The garden is laid in Mughal style and it depicts the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is located 8 km from Jaipur - Agra road .It consists of tiered multi-level gardens with fountains, watercourses and painted pavilions. Sawai Jai Singh built it for his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur. The palace house has several galleries, pavilions and beautiful murals depicting scenes from the life of lord Krishna.

Vidyadhar Gardens --
Located near the Sisodia Gardens,it is a beautiful vineyard, which unfolds itself in the valley. It is named after Vidyadhar Bhatacharjee the architect of Jaipur. .

Jaipur India, Jaipur Rajasthan, Jaipur travel,Jaipur vacation

2008-09-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Jaipur, India:General Information

Jaipur , once the capital of princely state of Jaipur is now the capital state of Rajasthan in India. Also known as the 'pink city' , Jaipur is a place where history still lives. Jaipur is one of the most famous historical places in India and a number of tourists both domestic and international reach here in great numbers to see the grandeur of Rajput kings who ruled this place in the past.Jaipur was founded by the king of Amber Sawai Man Singh who shifted to this place due to shortage of water in his capital Amber. The construction of the earliest planned city in India, Jaipur started in 1797 and was built following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture.It took around 4 years to complete the major palaces, roads and square. The city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates.

It has been claimed to be the first planned city in India.It was at that time one of the best planned cities in Asia. Jaipur(Amber)'s Kings are not considered to be good rajputs but were certainly good rulers. In an era when most of the rajputs were busy fighting with each other, Jaipur's kings diplomatically broadened their control sphere maintaining good relations with Mughals. But certainly they lacked the well known rajput pride.The city was planned according to Indian Vastu Shastra (Vedic or Pouranic Planning for the comfort and prosperity of the citizens).
source

How to reach Jaipur-

Jaipur is well connected to all major cities of India by Air, Railways as well as Road. By far the best way and cheapest way to reach his historical place by train.

Reaching Jaipur by Air-
Jaipur airport situated in the satellite town of Sanganer. Many flights from many parts of the world operate from here. It recieves direct flights from Dubai, Sharjah, Muscat, London and Dublin. Flights from Singapore and Bangkok reach here via Delhi.

Jaipur airport receives flight from all major cities in India, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and some major cities in the state of Rajasthan like, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

Reaching Jaipur by Train-
This is the most convenient way and the cheapest way to reach this city.Most of the major cities are well connected to Jaipur by train.A number of daily trains connect Jaipur to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Agra,Mumbai, Jodhpur, Kota, Alwar and Ajmer. Daily connections are also available for Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Kolkata, Jammu, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Kanpur, Roorkee, Haridwar, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal.

There are three railway stations in Jaipur namely, Jaipur Junction (main station),Durgapura and Gandhinagar (Jaipur) but most of the trains arrive and depart from Jaipur Junction and other two stations recive only a few trains.
Apart from regular trains that operate from every corner of country there are some special trains that are meant only for tourists.These include-
Palace on wheels- One of the most talked about trains in India, Palace on wheels tour you across seven tourist destinations for 8 days starting on Wednesday.
Heritage on wheels- This train takes you to 3 destinations, Jaipur, Talchhapur and Bikaner which is a 4 days trip.
Royal Orient train- The train take you to & destinations including Jaipur in seven days.

The above mentioned trains are special trains meant only for tourists and tourists don't use these trains essentially to reach Jaipur but the experience is undoubtedly everlasting.

Reaching Jaipur by road-
Jaipur is well connected to all adjoining cities by road. Regular buses operate from neighbouring state of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. A?c, Deluxe, Semi Deluxe and Volvo buses operate from almost all places. Other cities in the state of Rajasthan are also connected to Jaipur by road.There is an excellent bus service between Jaipur to Delhi by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation with buses approximately every half an hour both sides. From Delhi you can board the bus from Bikaner House on Pandara Road next to India Gate.

Where to stay in Jaipur-

Jaipur has a wide range of hotels available through out the city.Jaipur has plenty of hotels well equipped with all modern amenities. The city comprises variety of luxury, deluxe, heritage and budget hotels, one can choose the place of accommodation according to one's requirement and budget. Most of the budget and mid range hotels are located around railway station, and bus stand (Sindhi camp bus stand). Other places where you can get sme budget and mid range hotels are - Civil lines area, Ajmer road and Behari Marg.
Apart from low cost hotels Jaipur has countless number of high range hotels where the facilities are superb and you are treated like Maharaja (The King). Many of these hotels treat you with traditional rajput style showing the grandeur of Rajput Kings who ruled this place for centuries.
A list of some of these hotels is present on wikitravel website here.

Eating out in Jaipur-

Jaipur has many restaurants which range from cheap eating places mainly on the sides of the road to some expensive restaurants with good facilities. There are numerous places in Jaipur which serve a variety of dishes such as, italian, chinese, western ,north indian and south -india. But it would be very nice to try out some rajasthani cuisines like, Daal-Baati-Churma and Pyaaz ki kachori and some sweet dishes like, Ghevar and Rasmalai.
You can find a list of nice restaurants here.

Weather and best time to visit Jaipur-

Jaipur has semi arid climate due to its proximity to the Thar desert. The summer months are extremely dry, hot and desiccating. Jaipur receives more than 50 cms of rainfall annually mostly during the months of July ,August and September. Winters are cold and you would require some woolen clothes when you are visiting it in the months of December and January.

Best time to visit Jaipur is duringwinter seasons as the temperature touches maximum to 22°C and gets down to the extent of 5°C.

In winters, one can enjoy the regal city of Jaipur to its full. The spectacular views offered by the ancient monuments of the city fascinate the visitors. The city looks awesome in the winter evenings when it gets covered with fog. Jaipur offers rich food with lots of butter and ghee, which is best enjoyable in the winter season. To put succinctly, the best time to visit the incredible Jaipur is between the months of October to March.
Source

Chamba India, Chamba himachal, Chamba travel, Chamba tourist information

2008-09-06T22:23:00.001-07:00

Chamba, India: General information

Situated at an altitude of about 960 mts. the town of Chamba has been the capital of Pahari kings since long.The town was founded by the king Sahil Verman who named the town after her daughter, Champavati.Surrounded by higher ranges Chamba has preserved the ancient culture and heritage and Chamba is known for the elegence of its temples and handicrafts. This makes this little hill town a bit different from the ones that are situated near to it.

Chamba valley lies enclosed between two principal spur ranges of the Great Himalaya, the Dhauladhar and the Pangi-Pir Panjal.The sedimentary deposits of the Shivaliks give way to the first granite range in the system, the Dhauladhar. The Pir Panjal runs roughly parallel, to the north but on a converging line, and in between lies the drainage basin of the Ravi, one of the principal rivers of the Punjab.

How to reach Chamba?

Chamba is not directly connected with air and railways thus, reaching here by road is the most convenient way. Although the town can be accessed by railways and air if you are ready to break your journey rather than reach here directly.

Reaching Chamba by air-
Chamba is not directly connected by air route. The nearest airport from Chamba is Gaggal airport in Kangra district but very few flights operate from here and many a times flights get cancelled due ti bad weather. From Gaggal airport you can hire a taxi or travel by bus to reach Chamba.

Reaching Chamba by Railway-
Chamba is not directly connected by railway route.The nearest railway station is Pathankot ( Lies on Broad Gauge).Pathankot is well connected from other parts of the Northern India.From Pathankot regular buses can drop you to Chamba.Alternatively you may hire a taxi to reach Chamba. The nearest narrow gauge head is Jogindernagar.

Reaching Chamba by Road-
Chamba is well connected to rest of the northern India by Road.Regular buses operate from cities like, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala, Amritsar, Shimla and Jammu. Deluxe ,semi-deluxe and A/C buses are available.Afew HPTDC buses also run from different parts of the northern India.

Where to stay in Chamba?-

Numerous budget hotels are there in Chamba with most of them located on the Temple Road and near Post Office. There are only a few good quality hotels and five star and four star hotels are rarity here. During high seasons tourists may get problem finding a good hotel.So, it would be advisable to book a hotel beforehand through a travel agent or on the internet. Tent and huts are also available here in Chamba which can add to your experience when you stay in it.There are some cheap hotels run by HPTDC and can be booked from HPTDC website.

Where to eat in Chamba?-

Chamba has many cheap and and mid-range resytaurants that serve most of the north indian dishes.Many of them are located near Chaugan, temple road and post office. Most of the restaurants lso erve western dishes, south indian and chinese delicacies.Most of the hotels here has small restaurants attached which can be the most convenient place to eat.If you are looking for some local dishes then there are little options available.Just ask a local person for a place serving local dishes and they can guide you to a small restaurant serving some nice local delicacies.

Best time to visit and clothings to carry-

Best time to visit Chamba is between April and October.Weather is cool and sky is generally clear during these days.After October winter sets in making the place extremely cold.

Carry light woolens during summer months and heavy woolens during winter months (October to February).

Places to see in Dharamshala, Dharamshala himachal, Dharamshala India, Dharamshala travel

2008-09-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Dharamshala-

Dharamshala also called as the 'Mini Lhasa' because the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in exile is situated here, has many religious places and some gorgeous natural scenic beauty. The calm and serenity of the place together with the spiritual condiments make this place a delight to watch. The high pine trees , the tea gardens and timber yielding trees make this place breathtakingly beautiful. Some of the places worth watching in Dharamshala are-

Tsuglagkhang complex-

Located on the temple road this place has tha largest Tibetan temple located outside Tibet. The temple complex has a large central meditation hall containing some beautiful statues and thangkas, as well as a Kalachakra temple with beautiful murals. It is the monastery of His Holiness, Dalai Lama. The residence of Dalai Lama is located just in front of this temple.

Jwalamukhi temple-

This is one of the famous temples in northern India and is situated about 56 kms from Dharamshal. The temple is dedicated to the "Goddess of Light". Unlike other Hindu temples, this temple doesn't contain any idol instead , the flame inside the temple is regarded as the manifestation of the Goddess.An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar, The Mughal Badshah.

Jwalamukhi temple also witnesses two fairs held during the festival of Navratra, one in the month of April and other in October. HPTDC cottages and some guest houses and hotels are available near the temple for devotees.

Bhagsunath Temple-

Located about 11kms from Lower Dharamshala and about 3 kms from Upper Dharamshala (McLeodganj) near the village of Bhagsu. Bhagsunath temple is an ancient temple. The temple complex contains a tank and a spring which are considered sacred by Hindus. The temple contains an idol of Lord Hanuman. The Bhagsunath temple is also famous for annual fair which is held in the month of September every year.The temple is the kul devta of the First Gorkha Rifles from the time that the regiment was based in Dharamshala.

Bhagsunag falls-

Bhagsunag falls is located just behind the Bhagsunath temple in the village of Bhagsu.The ideal time to see this fall is during rainy season when it turns into beautiful cascade with a lot of water rolling down from the top of the peak.The mountain side of the fall is decorated with stylish slate graffiti. It is an ideal spot for picnics and recreation.

Dal Lake-

Located about 13 kms from Lower Dharamshals ,Dal lake is beautifully placed spot with Deodar forest surrounding it from all side.It is the starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children's village.There is a small Shiva temple on the bank of the lake. The spot witnesses a fair in the month of September which is attended by Gaddi folk and other people in the district.

Kunal Pathari-

Kunal pathari can be accssed by a 3km level walk from Kotwali Bazaar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari. This rock temple has beautiful rock crvings of Gods and Goddesses. It is believed that the Kapal (skull) of Devi Sati fell here after being cut off by the chakra of Lord Vishnu.

Masroor-

Located about 40 kms from Dharamshala and at an altitude of about 400 mts Masroor is famous for its monolithic rock cut temples. There are about 15 temples that show striking resemblance with the temples located in Elora and Mahabalipuram. The temples ar dedicated to Lord Rama ,Lakshman and Sita. These partly ruined temples are built in Indo- Aryan style and are profusely decorated with sculptural ornamentations.

Nurpur-

Located about 60 kms from Dharamshala this place is named after the wife of Mughal emperor Jehangir, Nurjehan. Nurpur is famous for an old fort and the temple of Brij Raj. You can buy the Nurpuri shawls from here. Options to stay here are limited with a few guest houses and a HPTDC rest house.

Temple of Chamunda Devi-

Located on the Palampur road about 15 kms from Dharamshal this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi. You can watch the exquisitely beautiful sight of Dauladhar ranges and adjoining valleys from here. The Baner Khud flowing from beside the temple adds to the beauty of the place. A legend is attached with this place which has been quite aptly described at India site.

It has to do with the two demons, Chanda and Munda, trying to harass the goddess Ambika. The duo, followers of the notorious demon king, Shumbh Nishumbh, once set out for the Himalayas with their chaturangini army. Upon reaching here, they saw the devi (goddess) sitting high up on a peak, smiling to herself. Chanda and Munda then flew their arrows at her.

Furious at this, Ambika knitted her brows and lo! From their folds emerged this terrifying form of Kali, decked up in a cheetah skin sari (long piece of cloth cleverly draped by Indian women) and a garland of skulls. Kali fought all the demons singlehandedly and killed Chanda and Munda. Pleased, Ambika declared that Kali would now be worshipped here as Chamunda – a compound of Chanda and Munda. That is how the temple is supposed to have come up.
Source

Chamunda Devi temple is said to be more than 700 years old .The temple compound has a small tank in it where devoptees take a dip. The idol inside the temple is considered very much sacred, so muvh so, that it is concealed even for the eyes to a glimpse of it.

Trilokpur-

Trilokpur is situated about 41 kms away from Dharamshala and is famous of natural cave temple dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya Bala Sundri.Temple of Trilokpur contains a stalactite and stalagamite is dedicated to Shiva. High on the ridge of the cave are ruins of a palace and baradari (audience hall) of Lehna Singh Majitha, Governor of Kangra hills during the Sikh rule.The Goddess of the Trilokpur Temple resembles a stone lingam like Lord Shiva.

Triund-

Located about 20 kms away from Dharamshala , Triund lies at the foothill of Dauladhar peak and at a height of about 3000 mts. The snowline starts at Ilaqa wich is about 5 kms from here. Triund is a favourite picnic spot fr tourists and starting point for many trekking camps. A ropeway is being installed from Dharamshala to this place.

The Tibetan Institute of Performing arts-

It is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.

Gyote Ramoche Monastery-

This is an imposing structure called the Gyuto Ramoche Monastery (near Dharamshala). It is the base for the Karmapa Llama who is the second most respected religious authority after the Dalai Lama. He is also controversial ever since he escaped from Chinese control and arrived in India after an arduous 8 day trip across the Himalayas.

Norbuligka institute-

Norbuligka institute provides training ,education and employment to Tibetans.It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. It reconciles the traditional creatively and respectfully with the modern, and seeks to create an international awareness of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature. The inside of the institute is calm ,clean and very beautiful.

Dharamshala Himachal, Dharamshala india, Dharamshal India, Dharamshal travel guide, Dharamshal tour

2008-09-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dharamshala: General Information-

Dharamshala , the district headquarter of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh is famous because of the tibetan community that dwell here. Dharamshal is the headquarters of the Tibetan Government in Exile which is led by 14th Dalai Lama , Tenzin Gyatso. Dharamshala and its beauty has been quite beautifully described by Incredible India as follows-

This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18 kms north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow-capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow line is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after an early morning's start.
Source

Geography of Dharamshala-

Dharamshala is divided into two parts which are separated by a height of about 350 mts.
The lower Dharamshala is a typical small indian town and apart from bus stand there is nothing of interest here for the tourists.Lower Dharamshala is located at a height of about 1400 mts.
The upper Dharamshala is about 9 kms away from lower Dharamshala and is known by the name of McLeodganj.It lies at an altitude of about 1750 mts and is the centre of Tibetan Government in exile. A taxi or bus takes about 10 minutes to drop you here from lower Dharamshala.
Other smaller villages in the vicinity of the town are-
Forsyth Ganj
Bhagsu and
Dharamkot.

How to reach Dharamshala-

Dharamshala is accessible from other parts of north India by buses, taxis, trains and also air (in recent times). But by far the most convenient way is by bus as you don't have to break your journey to reach here.

Reaching Dharamshala by Air-
Gaggal airport is the nearest airport from Dharamshala which lies about 10 kms away from here. From Gaggal you can hire a taxi or travel by a bus to reach Dharamshala. Sadly, not too many flights operate from Gaggal airport. There are only a few flights of Indian Airlines and Jagson air that operate from here. To add to this, many a times flights are cancelled due to bad weather or because enough passengers don't show up.So, travelling by air to reach here is certainly not convenient.

Reaching Dharamshala by Train-
The nearest broad gauge rail head is Pathankot (Chakki Bazaar) which is well connected from the rest of the north India. A bus or a Taxi takes about 3 hrs to reach Dharamshala from Pathankot.

Reaching Dharamshala by Bus-
This is by far the most convenient way to reach Dharamshala and most of the tourists to Dharamshala reach here b Bus. Dharamshala is well connected from rest of the north India by road.Regular buses from Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Ambala and Amritsar run to and from Dharamshala. There are a variety of buses to choose from ,like, Deluxe Ac buses, Semi-deluxe buses and regular buses. In recent time some sleeper buses has also started running from Delhi. Some HPTDC buses also run from the neighbouring states.

Where to stay in Dharamshala-

There are numerous accommodation places situated in Mc Leodganj with a wide selection hotels, guest houses and rented houses. The Lower Dharamshala has also got some hotels near the bus stand but they are relatively dearer and offer lesser facilities than those situated in McLeodganj. If you are searching for some cheap and budget hotels then you can find many such hotels on Jogiwara road. The near by villages of Bhagsu, Dharamkot and Forsythganj also offer some cheaper places to stay in.

Where to eat in Dharamshala-

Dharamshala has a wide range of eating places all scattered around McLeodganj and places around the tourist spots. Here you can enjoy some nice north Indian recipes but if you are here it would be worth to try some Tibetan dishes.Some of the Tibetan delicacies that you should try are-
Momos, Thukpa,Thenthuk, Pocha etc.
Tibetan Chai (Tea) is also worth trying .It is salty with some butter in it.

Apart from Indian and Tibetan food there are plenty of places that offer italian, chinese and western recipes at cheaper rates.

Places to see in Dalhousie, Dalhousie travel, Dalhousie himachal, Dalhousie India

2008-09-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Dalhousie-

Located on the western edge of Dhauladhar peak this famous hill station of India is quite apt to relax, retreat and rejuvenate not only your body but even your soul. The forested hills around the town of Dalhousie give an excellent view and shows the splendour of nature.These hills are covered with a thick growth of ban oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar (cedar) tress, and a large variety of shrubbery.

Some of the places worth visiting in Dalhousie are-

Panchpula-

This exquisitely beautiful place lies barely 3kms from the centre of the town of Dalhousie (GPO). The main water supply of Dalhousie comes from the stream of Panchpula.he stream springs from the north side of Dayan Kund and runs down a picturesque ravine to the waterworks of Panchpula. One of the great revolutionary, Ajit Singh died here and a samadhi has been built in his memory . This monument is beautifully placed at a site where several streams meet at one place.There is a Tourism restaurant and several chai shops in Panchpula that offer hot and cold beverages and snacks.
On the way to Panchpula lies Satdhara ,an overly beautiful stream with cool, clean and freshning water. The water of this spring is said to have medicinal property.

Kynance-

This building was constructed during the year 1933 by Dr. N.R.Dharamvir of Lahore and it used to be the private residence of Dharamvirs. This place gained popularity because Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,3One of the freedom fighters stayed here for a period of seven months. This place of historical importance lies about 50 kms from GPO (heart of Dalhousie).An insignificant looking board bearing the name of Kynance hangs from a tree and is discernible to only those tourists who have an eye for details.

Norwood Paramdham-

Lying about 5kms from Gandhi Chowk this beautiful building is located on the eastern side of the Bakrota hill and is locally popular by name of Kainth wali Kothi. This building surrounded by forest of Deodar tree gained importance due to a Yogi.During 1925 a young Yogi Swami Satyanand came to Dalhousie and stayed here. He meditated here and took a silent vow that he will not break his fast till he finds the truth and God.

Kalatop-

Located about 10 kms from GPO (heart of Dalhousie) this beautiful place is netled at a height of about 8000 feets.Dalhousie water system, Tibetan Handicraft Centre and Dalhousie Potato Farm at Ahla. Lakkarmandi is nestled between 8600 feet high DayanKund peak on its right and Kalatop on the left. Dayan Kund has military installations and is closed to civilians except the local people who visit Bhulwani Mata temple near DayanKund. The best way to explore this place is by walking and trekking towards it but it requires a good health and is pretty much tiring.

Khajjar-

Lying at a height of about 6400 fts. this beautiful place is called as the 'mini Switzerland' ( because of meadowy look) and lies about 23 kms from Dalhousie and 13 kms from Kalatop. Khajjar is a stunning valley with a spring in the middle, while being quite beautiful, it gets littered with trash in the peak season of July when a massive amount of tourists come. Surrounded by a thick forest of pine and Deodar Khajjar is delight to watch and grazing goats and cttles gives a perfect pastoral view. A temple dedicated to Khajji Nag is located here and it is believed to be built in 12th century. The centre of the temple has life size statues of Pandavs and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the roof of the circumambulatory path. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.

Bharmaur-

Lying about 63 kms from Chamba this place is called as the 'land of Gaddies or Bharmaur'. It remained the seat of power of state of Chamba for about 400 years when it was known by the name of Brahmpur. Bharmaur is known for some very old archaelogical remains of temples.All these temples stand on a level area, which call the Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated in Bharmaur over 1000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh. The oldest temple in the complex are of Ganesh and Lakshna Devi. The Manimahesh is the tallest temple in the complex and has been built in Shikhara style.There is a small water source called Ardh Ganda in a corner of the temple complex. Bathing in its water is considered religiously significant.

The place around Bharmaur is believed to be belonging to Lord Shiva and thats why it is sometimes referred to as Shiva Bhumi (Land of Shiva). Just about 4 kms from this archaelogical site lies the temple of Bharmani Devi. It lies on a hill top and trek upto this place is quite revitalizing.

Mani Mahesh-

The place lies about 28 kms from Bharmaur and is one of the most famous pilgrimage centre of the area.In the month of August/September the famous JATRA of Mani-Mahesh commences from Laxmi-Narayana Temple in Chamba.Off late people from north India and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. According to an estimate nearly one lakh people visit this sacred lake every year and take a holy dip. The lake is situated at the base of the hill called as Mani Mahesh Kailash hill and is situated at a height of about 13,500 ft.

Chhatrari-

This small village situated about 45 kms from Chamba is famous for the hill style temple Shamti Devi. The temple is regarded as one of the holiest ones competing with well known temples of "Lakshna Devi" at Bharmour and of "Bhawani" at Kangra.he Shakti Devi temple is of interest owning to the elaborate decoration of its facade, ceiling and pillar. The sanctum, its architecture and sculpture betray a conscious effort on part of its builder to introduce a highly refined post Gupta art in this remote part of Chamba.

Other temples in the region are temple of Gauri Shankar which is believed to be built in 10th century AD.A few minutes walk up the mountain slopes from the main village is the Charauta temple which houses a stone image of BHATOD NAG who gives water to the people in return for one black and four white goats every three years. There are 36 water sources in the village around which beautiful PANIHARS (Fountain slabs) can be seen.

Churches in Dalhousie-

St. Patrick's Church-

This3is the largest church in Dalhousie and is located about 2kms from Dalhousie bus stand on the military hospital road. Built in 1909 the church is still in good condition.This Church was built exclusively from contribution made by officers and ranks of the British Army. At present the Church is managed and maintained by the Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar. Tis church has a sitting capacity of 300 people in its main hall.

St. Francis church-

This catholic church is very prominent structure located at Subhash chowk.Like St. Patrick's church is also maintained by Catholic Diocese of Jalandhar.St. Francis' Church on Prtrain hill is believed to have been built on the lines of a certain church in England. Beautiful glasswork and intricate stonework can be seen in the Church. Beside the church lies the residence of priest.

St. Andrew's Church-

Lying about one and a half km away from Dalhousie bus stand this church is also called as the 'church of Scotland'. This church was built in 1903 by protestant chriatian and is in fairly good condition.Recently a boundry wall has been erected around the church to protect it from any damages.

St. John's Church-

This is the first church built after the establishment of the city of Dalhousie.The church lies about one and half kms from the Dalhousie main bus stand and is the most prominent structure located on Gandhi chowk.Building of this church is a copy of Roman Catholics Church of England but this church belongs to Protestants. Service is conducted on every Sunday.

Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh India, Dahousie India, Dalhousie travel, Dalhousie Tour

2008-09-03T23:39:00.000-07:00

Dalhousie ,Himachal Pradesh,

India: Genaral information-

Dalhousie ,located in the state of Himachal Pradesh on the western edge of Dhauladhar peak of Himalyas. The place has been named after one of the British Governor General of 19th centuryi, Lord Dalhousie. One of the important and famous hill stations of India, Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar Mountains are also visible from this fabulous town of Himachal Pradesh.

The altitude of Dalhousie town varies between 1500 mts to 25500 mts and lies on and aroud five hills named- Kathlog, Patreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun. HPTDC has best described the beauty of Dahousie by saying-

Its location presents panoramic views of the plains and like a long silver line, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town.

How to reach Dalhousie-

Although Dalhousie is accessible by Air, train as well as by road but by far the most convenient way to reach here is by bus from adjoining cities in Himachal Pradesh and other states.

Reaching Dalhousie by Air-
The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal airport in Kangra which is about 134 kms away from Dahousie.From Gaggal airport you have to hire a taxi or travel by a bus to reach Dalhousie. Furthermore, There are not too many flights that operate from Gaggal airport and to add to it many a timess flights are cancelled due to bad weather or due to fog. So, reaching here by flight is certainly not a good option.

Reaching Dalhousie by Train-
The nearest railhead from Dalhousie is Pathankot which is about 84 kms away from here. Trains from many parts of India arrive and depart from Pathankot. From Pathankot you can hire a taxi or rde on a bus to reach Dalhousie.Buses and taxis are easily available from here.

Reaching Dalhousie by Road-
I regard bus journey as the best to reach Dalhousie.Firstly it is convenient as you don't have to break your journey and secondly the view of the mountains from the bus and road is simply astounding. Buses from adjoining states operate on a regular basis. Dalhousie is well connected by other cities of Himachal Pradesh like, Shimla, Chamba, Kullu and Manali. Apart from this buses also operate from Chandigarh , Delhi, Ambala and Amritsar.

Where to stay in Dalhousie-

Being one of the famous hill place in India , Dalhousie has ample number of hotels to meet the needs of every type of tourists.Most of the hotels are located in the main market around the GPO which is at the heart of the town. But generally hotels in this area are dearer so to get a budget hotel you have to move towards either Subhash Chowk or Mall road.
In the month of July you should make prior arrangements for hotel as this is the peak season and most of the tourists flood into the town to get respite from the heat of the summer.

Where to eat in Dalhousie-

There are a few quality restaurants situated in and around GPO which serve delicious north indian, south indian and western recipes.The options are few if you want to taste some local cuisines.Just ask locals for a a restaurant which serves local delicacies and they can lead you to some good restaurants.By far the most convenient and quality place to get your foods is your hotel itself.

Best time to visit and clothings in Dalhousie-

Best season to visit Dalhousie is between June to November as weather is pleasant during these months.July is the peak season when most of the tourists flock in here.

You need light woolens during summer months (June to mid september). During winters you need heavy woolens as the region is extremely cold during winter with temperatures sometimes reaching below freezing point.

Places of interest in Manali, Manali India, Manali travel

2008-09-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Manali-

Manali the land where once sage Manu dwelled has many temples and religious places that are centre of attraction among the tourists. But by far the most important thing that people like is its sheer natural beauty. When you are in Manali you will feel like you are in heaven with nature sprinkled every spells to beautify it.For this reason Manali is somtimes reffered as 'Switzerland of India'.Here in this post I have given a brief but enjoyable account of places of interest in Manali.

Hidimba Temple-

Famous for its exquisitely carved doorway this temple was built in 1553. The temple has four tiered pagoda style roof and it is the most important structure in Manali both archaelogically as well as religiously. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba or Hadimba who was wife of Bhim one of the Pandavs in the epic of Mahabharat.
The temple is situated about 1 km away from main Manali amidst a forest called as Dhungiri Van Vihar.Due to this the temple is sometimes called as Dhungiri temple. The temple has some intricate wooden carvings which depicts mythological characters and motifs of animals and cosmic dancers. Every year in May a major festival is organized here. This place is a popular picnic spot among the tourists.

Manu Temple-

The temple lies about 3 kms from old Manali bazaar (Market) and is the only temple dedicated to rishi Manu , the creator of human race on earth. The temple lies across the Manalsu river which flows beside the Hadimba temple and meets the river Beas shortly after.

Vashisth-

Just three Kms from the Manali lies the village of Vashisth which is famous for its hot sulphur springs. Some temples also lies in this village which is dedicated to Rishi Vashisth and Lord Rama. Thge sulphur springs are said to have miraculous power and patients specially of skin diseases take a bath in the spring to get rid off their diseases.

Jagatsukh-

The village lies 6 kms away from Manali on the left bank of river Beas on the Manali- Naggar road. Th place houses very old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shandhya Gayatri.The temple has been built in Shikhara style and is worth visiting.

Arjun Gufa-

Arjun Gufa lies just ahead of Jagatsukh about 4kms from Manali near the village of Prini and on the road towrds Naggar. It is said that Arjun one of the Pandavs has meditated and performed his penance here. The place gives an excellent view of mountains and panormic view of Manali.

Rohtang Pass-

Situated at a height of about 3700 mts , Rohtang pass is situated on the highway to Keylong or Leh about 51 kms from Manali. The site offers an excellent view of mountains and panorma and one of the most important excursions from Manali. The pass is open from june to October each year It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley.It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby.Just beyond the Pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan.

Rahalla falls-

Rahalla falls are located about 16 kms away from Manali just before the start of the Rohtang pass and at an altitude of about 2500 mts.If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot for tourists and locales alike.

Nehru Kund-

This place is located about 5 kms from Manali on Manali- Leh highway and is named after the first prime minister of India Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. It is said that Pt. Nehru used to drink the water of this spring during his stay in Manali.This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains. The water of this lake is cold and clear and the view of the spring is spectacular.

Kothi-

The village lies about 15 kms from Manali and is situated on the bottom of Rohtang Pass. The village provides a spectacular view of the gorge through which Byas river flows. The village is pictursque and is known for its idyllic view.A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley with a very good view of mountains and valleys. Shooting of many films has been done here and it is the finest place for peace lovers and solitude lovers.

Solang Valley-

The valley is about 13 kms from Manali and lies between the Solang village and Byas Kund (the source of the water of river Byas).Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks.Apart from this the place has some nice ski slopes making it a finest place for people loving ice games.Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.In recent times some hotels has also been erected at this place.

Mountaineering Institue-

This Institute organises basic and advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports and is located about 3kms from Manali towards the kullu.Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here.

Tibetan Monasteries-

Apart from the view of mountains that Manali offers, it is also famous for its Gompas or Buddhist monasteries. These Gompas are maintained by donations or offerings or through sale of hand woven carpets.There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.

Manali Himachal Pradesh India, Manali Travel, Manali vacation

2008-09-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

Manali ,India : General Information-

Manali located about 40 kms from kullu is named after Manu. There is a beautiful mythological story asociated with Manu and the place Manali.The story has been best described on HPTDC (Government official tourism website of Himachal Pradesh)-

One day, Varvasvata, the seventh incarnation of Manu found a tiny fish in his bathing water. The fish told him to look after it with devotion as one day it would do him a great service. The seventh Manu cared for the fish till the day 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 sea worthy ark. When the flood came, Varvasvata and seven sages were towed to safety by Matsya, the fish which is regarded as first avatar of Lord Vishnu. As the water subsided the seventh Manu's ark came to the rest on a hill side and the place was named Manali (2050 m) after him.

Manali is a place of breathtaing and mesmerizing natural beauty. Administratively a part of kullu district, Manali is an important and famous hill station in the northern state of Himachal pradesh of India.it is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti.

How to reach Manali-

Unfortunately there are limited options to reach this exotic hill station. Travelling by bus to reach this place is the best option. Manali doesn't have a railway head and airport so reaching here by these media is somewhat inconvenient.

Reaching Manali by Air-
Nearest airport from Manali is Bhuntar which is about 60 kms away from Manali.Furthermore Very limited number of flights operate from here most of them run to and from Delhi.So reaching Manali by air is somewhat inconvenient as you don't have many options available and to add to it you may have to break your journey several times in order to reach here.

Reaching Manali by train-
Jogindernagar is the nearest rail head to Manali but it is a on narrow gauge line and not too many trains arrive and reach here.Most of the trains reaching here are from adjoining areas. The nearest broad gauge rail head is Chandigarh which is some 354 kms from here.From Chandigarh you have to journey by bus to reach Manali.

Reaching Manali by road-
The most convenient option to reach this place is by road.You can hire cars and taxis or you may travel by bus which operate from many parts of the country on a regular basis.The cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Shimla, Dehradun, Ambala etc. are well connected to Manali via road.Perhaps the road to Manali is the highest motorable road in the country.

Where to stay in Manali-

Manali boasts of having many hotels ,resorts and guest houses.In fact it is said that Manali has more number of hotels than Delhi.Furthermore ,huts and tents on hire are also available which can certainly be a nice experience.But even with so many options available to stay it is sometimes difficult to find a place of accommodation during summer months (May and June). So, you should make arrangements for accomodation even before starting your journey or atleast before reaching here.

Numerous HPTDC run and recognised accomodation options are available which can be booed via internet. For booing a hotel through HPTDC click here. It would be advisable to boo your accomodation places through HPTDC which is the government official tourism website and thus more reliable.If you are not able to find a place through HPTDC then you can go for some other travel websites.You can search for these websites through google with search term " Manali Hotels".

Eating out in Manali-

There are plenty of places to eat in Manali. Most of the eating places are located in the centre of the city and there are many options to choose from.Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find more local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food, to Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.

Places to see in Kullu, India, Kullu vacation, Kullu Travel

2008-08-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Kullu-

Kullu has many temples some of them are as old as of 8th and 9th century.But best thing you can do in Kullu is to just watch the beauty of nature which not only soothes your mind but also your soul.Kullu can also be a hill station of choice if you are fond of adventure sports.Some of the places worth seeing in Kullu are-

Bishweshwar temple -

The temple is located in Bajaura about 5 kms from Bhuntar airport and at an altitude of about 1600 mts. It is the largest and most attractive temple in Kullu valley and is believed to be built in 9th century.The temple has been declared as the protected site. It is believed that the heroes of the epic Mahabharat, Pandavs built this temple in one day.The architecture of this temple is so good that it withstood the eartquake of 1905.

Bijli Mahadev temple-

The temple is located at a height of about 2450 mts at a distance of about 10 kms from Kullu,it is one of the most striking temples and one of the famous place to visit in Kullu. The temple contains a 'Shiv Ling' , the statue of Lord Shiva.The view of the valley and wooded peaks from this temple is spellbinding.A 60 ft long trident which looks like a silver needle is placed vertically on the top of the temple.It is believed that this trident receives blessings in the form of lightening (The Hindi word for lightening is Bijli).

It requires a few hours of trekking to reach here. The trek and the climb is tiring but rewarding.A stiry is attached to this temple or rather a miracle is said to happen here every now and then.It is said that lightening breaks the 'Shivling " into many parts.After that the priest collects all the broken parts of the Lingam and sticks it together with the help of butter which acts as the adhesive.

Manikaran-

Manikaran, situated about 45 kms from Kullu and at an altitude of about 1700 mts is famous for its hot springs.Thousands o people take a holy dip here.The water is so hot that even foods like rice, vegetables and pulses can be cooked using this water.The place is an important pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs because Raghunathji temple and a Gurudwara is situated here. According to Hindu mthology, Goddess Parvati lost her earrings here which gave rise to the hot spring here.

Raghunath temple-

Situated about 1 km away from main Kullu bus stand , the temple houses the idol of Lord Raghunath, the prinipal deity of Kullu valley.It is believed that the idol present here in the temple is the same that Lord Rama used while offering prayers during Ashva Megha Yagya. The world famous festival of Kullu valley ,Dussehra is celebrated after his name. It is believed that Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol from Ayodhya, The birth place of Lord Rama.

Vaishno Devi Temple-

Located just about 5 kms from Kullu on the Kullu -Manali highway (NH-1) lies this temple. There is a small cave here which enshrines the idol of Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Camping Sight Raison-

16 kms away from Kullu and at an altitude of about 1450 mts. the place is ideal for seclusion in the lap of nature and also for organizing youth camps.There are a number of orchards located in this part of Kullu. The atmosphere is mesmerizing with quite places very much apt for someone who want to see the beauty of nature in seclusion.

Adi Brahma temple-

Located in the village of Khokhan about 4 kms from Bhuntar this is a massive temple built with wood.his temple has idols of Adi-Bhahma ji in the center and temple of 'Garh Jogni & Manikaran Jogni' on the left and right side of the temple.

Triyug Narayan Temple-

This temple built in pagoda style lies about 12 ks from Bhuntar in the village of Dyar and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Naggar-

Situated at a height of about 1700 mts. on a wooded slope and on the left bank of river Beas , Naggar offers a commanding view of the Kullu valley. It was the capital of erstwhile Kulu state for about 1400 years. There are large number of famous temples notably Vishnu, Tripura Sundari & Lord Krishana. Cars and jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures , is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.

Khirganga-

Located in Parvati valley and about 22 kms from Manikaran, Khirganga is a place where the elder son of Lord Shiva, Lord Kartik remained in samadhi for thousand years. For reaching Khirganga one have to go by bus upto Barshaini and form there to Khirganga on foot. This trek leads through hilly terrain.

Kasol-

Located am a height of about 1650 mts and about 40 kms from Kullu lies this broad open space.This bewitching open space slopes down towards the bank of Parvati river . This place makes a good holiday destination specially for those who have keen interest in trout fishing.

Malana-

This little village lies just ahead of3Chanderkhani pass.It is believed to be the oldest democracy of world.The place is famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct, social and cultural life.It would be worth while to visit this village to study the style and social system prevalent there.

Kullu India,Kullu travel guide, Kullu vacation

2008-08-29T01:10:00.000-07:00

Kullu, India: General information-

Kullu derived its name from the word "Kulanthpitha" which means end of the habitable world.Easy access to Kullu valley was assured only after India gained independence.So, for long this region of Himachal Pradesh in India has largely been secluded since long. Due to this the culture here is largely retained and looks fresh. The place is also called as "valley of God".

With awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east & west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery.
source

Brief geography of Kullu-

Kullu has an average elevation of about 1400 mts. The town of Kullu lies on the bank of river Beas.

On the east of Kullu lies a broad mountainous ridge having the village-temples of Bijli Mahadev, Mount Nag and Pueed. Beyond the ridge lies Manikaran valley, along the Parvati river which joins Beas in Bhuntar. On the South of Kullu lie towns of Bhuntar, Out(leading to Anni, Banjar and Siraj Valley) and Mandi(a separate district). Historically Kullu was accessible from Shimla via Siraj valley or through passes on the west leading to Jogindernagar and onto Kangra. To the north lies the famous town of Manali, which through the Rohtang pass leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley. One can see an enormous change in the climate as one climbs up the windward side of the ranges to proceed to the leeward and much drier plateaus to the north of Manali.
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How to reach Kullu-

A few decades back access to Kullu was very difficult.Infact easy access to Kullu valley has only been assured after India gained its freedom. Now a days, Kullu is well connected by Air, Railway as well as by road.

Reaching Kullu by Air-
The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport which lies about 10 kms. north of Kullu.Presently the airport receives many flights ,mainly from Delhi, Chandigarh and Jubbar-hatti (Shimla).Nearest international airport is Delhi. Only flights of Indian Airlines and Air Deccan operate from here.So, options to reach here by flights are pretty much limited.The other airport is at Gaggal called Kangra airpot which is around 200 km. from Kullu on the way from Kullu to Pathankot.

Reaching Kullu by Train-
Nearest broad gauge lines from Kullu are Kiratpur and Chandigarh. From these places you can reach Kullu by bus or by hiring a taxi.Jogindernagar is the nearest meter gauge line from where you can reach Kullu by bus and taxis.Chadigarh is about 540 kms away from Kullu while Kiratpur and Jogindernagar are 260 km and 120 km respectively.

Reaching Kullu by Road-
Kullu is well accessible by road from all nearby major places like, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharmshala, Delhi ,Chandigarh etc.Regular buses operate from all these places and there are a variety of buses to choose from, like, Luxury buses, Deluxe buses, Semi-deluxe and also general buses for someone having tight budget.In Delhi you can get buses from ISBT (Inter State bus Terminus).

Where to stay in Kullu-

Being an important and one of the most visited hill stations in India Kullu offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists which ranges from luxury 5 star hotels to budget hotels. Generally peak season rates are double than the off season rates. You can find many budget hotels in Gandhinagar ,Shastrinagar and Dhalpur areas of Kullu.Most of the budget hotels range from Rs. 150 to Rs. 400 range.
There are very few 5 star hotels in Kullu.Most of the 5 star hotels are located in Manali which is located about 40 kms away from Kullu. Most of the five star and four star hotels are located on Manikaran road.

Eating out in Kullu-

Although there are many eating places in Kullu which serve god and tasty recipes but if you are there to taste some local cuisines then the options are pretty much limited.Although you can get many places where you can eat western dishes but most of the places in Kullu serve mainly north indian dishes.

Shimla Himachal Pradesh India, Shimla travel, Places to see in Shimla

2008-08-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Shimla-

Although the best thing to do in Shimla is to walk around and watch the panorma and the wooded mountain ranges.Shimla is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Still Its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions makes it one of the most famous places in India and biggest tourist destination for both local and forgein visitors.Some of the must see places in Shimla are-

The Ridge-

Located in the centre of the city of Shimla, Ridge is the heart and the hub centre for the tourists coming to this famous place of India.Ridge is a large open space with a very wide road.Vehicles are not allowed to come down the Ridge , so, you have to walk to reach this site.
Ridge is famous for the view of mountain it offers.The view of wooded himalyan ranges from here is awesome.Watching a setting sun from here is an immemorable experience.Apart from view it offers, Ridge is also famous as the centre of Shimla's cultural and social centre.

The Ridge is famous for the various government functions and fairs that are held here. It is usually the venue for all such celebrations and events. The most famous festival that is held at the Ridge is the Summer Festival. This famous festival is held during the months of April or May and the whole of Shimla comes alive with colors and a riot of activities.
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There is a water reservoir located in the Ridge which serves as the main water supply of Shimla.
The two famous landmarks of the Ridge are the- Christ church built in Neo-Gothic style and new Tudor library building.

Christ Church-

Located near the Ridge this church was built in 1846 and is one of the oldest churches in India. This church has been built in Neo-Gothic style.The stain-glass windows and 19th century organ are particularly impressive, and the fresco that surrounds the chapel window was designed by Lockwood Kipling, Rudyard Kipling's father.
The church is open everyday.

Mall road-

Also called as the Lower Bazzar ( lower market), this is the main shopping centre of Shimla and the place where you can get cheap and budget hotels.Viceregal lodge is one of the famous landmark present in the Mall road.Another important structure present in the all road is the aiety Theatre, which is a reproduction of an old British theatre and is a center of cultural and festive activities in Shimla.Although less opulent than its upper neighbor, the Lower Bazaar retains an old worldly charm and is an excellent place to try some Shimla specialty dishes, like Uradh Dal with rice or Shepard's Pie.

Viceregal Lodge-

Built in 1888 this is an imposing strucure built during British rule.The building was built under the supervision of Lord Dufferin. The three side of the building is surrounded by British style garden.The fourth side is a very nice place to see the setting sun.
The building is open everyday and the entry fees is Rs. 10. Only the garden the main entrance hall is open for tourists to watch.Cameras are not allowed inside the mansion.

Jakhoo hill and Jakhoo temple-

Jakhoo hill is one of the highest peaks around Shimla and is located about 2.5 kms from the Ridge. Auto rickshaws and taxis and also some buses can drop you to the foothills of the peak.From there you have to walk up to the top which is very tiring.Walking sticks are available on hire in the shops located on the foothills.
Once you reach the top, yoy will find a very nice view of Shimla city and a very mesmerizing view of Deodar and Oak clad mountains. A very ancient temple is located on the top of the hill.The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and it is believed that Lord Hanuman has rested here for a while while His journey towards the Himalyas.
Like many temples in India, the temple and Jakhoo hill has a lot of monkeys ,many of them are aggressive and notorious for snatching things.So, take care of your belongings particularly any eatables.

Summer Hill

Located about 7 kms. away from the main city lies this picturesque site with a bewitching environment.It lies on Kalka Shimla railway line and is at an altitude of 1300 mts.The place offers a great view of adjoining areas and is quite apt for long walks in the shade of trees.Mahatma Gandhi ,the father of nation ,stayed at this place while his visit to the Shimla.The Himachal Pradesh university is situated on this hill.

Prospect hill and the temple of Kamna Devi-

Located on the Shimla -Bilaspur road, the prospect hill is crowned by a temple dedicated to Goddess Kamna Devi.You can reach here by a bus or a taxi which can drop you at Boileauganj from where this place is just 15 minutes walk away.Situated at an altitude of about 2500 mts. this hill gives an astounding view of the adjoining areas.

Chadwick Falls-

Located about 7kms from Shimla this highly dense forested area can be regarded as the paradise for nature lovers.The best way to reach here is by walking from Summer hills.It takes about 45 minutes to reach here from Summer hill.
The best season to visit this place is during August- September when there is a lot of water in the fall and the dazzling water gives a look as if millions of pearls are falling on the ground to hug the earth.

Shimla State Museum-

The museum was opened in 1974 and houses many artifacts and objects related o culture and archaelogical importance of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining states.

At present Museum, has about 9000 objects in its collection. At the outset, museum started with four galleries. Since then more galleries have been added. These galleries pertain to Pre- historic, Indian Archaeology, Woodcarvings, Himachal Archaeology, Pahari Miniature Paintings Monuments, Photographs, Rajasthan paintings, Bronzes, Numismatic, Arms Gallery, Gandhi Gallery, Philatelic, Anthropological, Contemporary Art & Wall Paintings gallery. In addition to these galleries museum has one exhibition hall for arranging the exhibition and other museum activities.
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Image Art Gallery-

This is an excellent place to discover the culture, flora and fauna of this state, Himachal Pradesh.The gallery exhibits some 20,000 photographs of Himachal Pradesh taken by the celebrated photographer, Inder Pal.Potter's Hill is scenic area, so as well as visiting the gallery, visitors can also enjoy hiking, climbing, observing wild life and enjoy the fresh Himalayan air. Entry fee is Rs. %.Cameras are allowed but you can't photograph with flash on (flash not allowed).

Images by: vinodbahal, jz.sinr, gr8.achint

Shimla India, Shimla travel guide, Shimla Vacation,Shimla Travel

2008-08-28T03:31:00.000-07:00

Shimla, India: General Information-

Shimla used to be the summer capital during British rule in India and English people used to caqll it the queen of hill stations. Presently it is the capital city of the northern state of Himachal pradesh and one of the most visited hill-stations in India. Millions of tourists flock here during summer months to get some respite from the scorching heat.

Located in the lap of North-west Himalyas at an altitude of about 22oo mts. vacation in Shimla can be enjoyed by watching the scenic beauty of the place, panormic view and Deodar and Oak clad mountains.

It is a very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well-known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in certain areas of the Mall and The Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon.
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Shimla derived its name from the word 'Shyamla' which means Goddess Kali whose temple existed in the dense forests that covered the Jakhu Hills in the early 19th century. British people named it as Shimla and since then the name has prevailed.

How to reach Shimla-

Shimla is well connected byAir, Railway as well as by road but by far the most convenient, cheaper and gratifying option would be to reach there by train through Kalka Shimla toy train.

Reaching Shimla by Air-
The nearest airport from Shimla is Jubbarhatti airport but it receives only a few flights and all from Delhi. So, reaching here by plane is not a convenient option as you have to first reach Delhi and from there to Jubbarhatti .Apart from this there are not many flights operating between Delhi and Jubbarhatti ,so, may have to wait for some time.

Chandigarh offers far better options. Many flights from all major cities of India arrive and depart from Chandigarh and so it is far better option than Jubbarhatti.From Chandigarh you can reach Shimla by a bus, or by hiring a taxi or through Kalka Shimla toy train.

Reaching Shimla by Train-( Kalka -Shimla toy train)
The nearest broad gauge head is Kalka.From Kalka to Shimla you can travel by toy train.Kaka is about 90 kms away from Shimla and it takes about 5- 6 hrs for a 90 km journey by toy train.In the way the train passes through more than 100 tunnels and passing through the deodar clad mountains and springs feels like you are in heaven .I would recommed travelling by toy train if you are planning to travel to Shimla.Kalka Shimla toy train route has been recently declared as the world heritage site.

**Schedule of trains from Kalka to Shimla**
Train No.	Train Name	Kalka	Shimla
1KS Passenger	Kalka Shimla Passenger	04:00	09:20
241 NG Superfast	Shivalik Deluxe Express	05:30	10:15
251 Mail	Kalka Shimla Mail	06:00	11:00
255 Express	Himalayan Queen Express	12:10	17:20

Reaching Shimla by road-
Shimla is well connected to nearby places in the state as well as outside state by road.Regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dharmshala, Dalhousie, Dehradun, Ambala etc. arrive and depart Shimla.The distance of some important places from Shimla are as follows-

Chandigarh- 117 km,
Kullu- 220 km,
Manali- 260 km, Delhi- 343 km,
Pathankot- 380 km,
Ambala- 151 km,
Chail- 43 km,
Dehradun- 240 km

Where to stay in Shimla-

With more than thousand hotels it is easy to get an accommodation in Shimla which suits your need and pocket.But it will always be advisable to get your hotel booked before hand through any travel agent or by internet. If possible try to find a hotel near Ridge or Mall road as these places lie in the heart of the city and are almost equidistant from most of the places of tourist interest in Shimla.Lakkar Market, which lies down the Mall road can be a very good alternative to these places if in case you are not able to find a hotel near Ridge or Mall road.

Eating out in Shimla-

Most of the restaurants and other eating places in Shimla and offer a variety of cuisines like north indian ,south indian and western also .But if you are looking for some local recipes then options are very limited.A few restaurants near Ridge and in the outskirts of the city offer some local cuisines.
The food is generally hygienic and tasty and it is nice to enjoy some nice food in the lap of nature with a very good atmosphere.

Places to see on Bangalore Trip, Bangalore vacation, Bangalore travel

2008-08-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Bangalore-

Bangalore ,popularly known as the "garden city" has numerous places to see which includes, historical monuments, beautiful parks and gardens ,temples and much more.Bangalore offers a perfect trip to spend your vacation with your friend and family.

Monuments in Bangalore-

Vidhan Soudha-

This place was built in 1956 and is the Legislative House of state of Karnatka. The building has been constructed in neo-dravidian style and is one of the most imposing structures in India. The sight of this building is worth seeing on sundays between 7 pm- 8 pm when it fully illuminated. It was conceived and executed by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka in 1956.
One of the interesting feature of this building in grand stairs in its front. The grand stairs has a flight of forty-five steps 62 m (204 ft) wide 21 m (70 ft) deep giving a direct access to the foyer of first floor leading to an Assembly Chamber.

Vikaas Soudha-

It was constructed in february 2005 and lies just adjacent to Vidhan Soudha.Built in same style as Vidhan Soudha it s equipped with latest gadgets and gizmos to govern the state.

Attara Kacheri-

This building built in Gothic style is the high court of the State of Karnatka.The building was built in 1867 and lies directly opposite to the Vidhan Soudha.

Bangalore Palace-

The palace built in style similar to that of castles of Normandy and Englahttp://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5585635416827887281&postID=8194176807164850742nd during medieval period was built in 1887 by Waldeyar dynasty. The interior of the palace has beautiful wood carvings and Tudor-style architecture.For many years the building was neglected as a tourist attraction, but is now open to the public. The fee is Rs. 100/200 Indian/Foreigner and 500 to take photos even of the exterior. Within the premises of the Bangalore castle lies a well preserved Ganpati temple.

Seshadri Iyer memorial hall-

Located in Cubbon park this place is the state's library and has huge collection of reference books.The building is made from red stone and is a magnificient building in Bangalore. The grounds include a children's recreation area with a toy train, fairground and theater. The library remains closed on Monday.

Tipu Sultan's Palace-

This monument was built in 1790 and was the summer retreat of Tipu Sultan.The building is a two storeyed structure mainly made of wood with finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches. The palace was built by Haider Ali and was completed by his son Tipu Sultan. Tipu Sultan used to call it as 'The Envy of Heaven'.

Gardens in Bangalore-

Lal Bagh-

Covering an area of about 240 acres this park was laid out by Haider Ali in 1760.The Glass House, inspired by the Crystal Palace in London is a favourite spot in Lalbagh which hosts the famous Flower show during the month of August.
It is said to be the most romantic park in India and contains many lotus ponds, glass houses and 3.0 billion years old stone formations.A flower show is held during the week preceeding Indian Independence day (August 15) and Republic day (January 26) in the Glass House. This flower show features exquisite flowers and patterns designed by the experienced gardeners of Lalbagh.

Cubbon Park-

This park is named after Lt.General sir Mark Cubbon who laid out this park in 1864. Spread over a span of 250 acres this park is quite apt for long walks and lazing away sitting in the shade. Inside the park there is a children's amusement park, a doll's museum toy train. Because of its location in the centre of the city ,this park is also called as the lung of the city.

Bannerghatta national park-

Located on the southern outskirts of the city this national park has a span of about250 sq. kilometers and is is home to wild animals like bison, leopard, wild boar as well as being an important corridor for elephants migrating between the eastern and western ghats.

Lumbini Gardens-

This newly built garden is quite an apt one to spend your vacations with your friends and family.Boat rides, wave pool and children' garden are the major attractions of the park. A boat ride here is really enjoyable.

Wonder la amusement park-

Like Lumbini Garden this is also a newly built park in Bangalore and infact most enjoyable spots present in Bangalore .It is located on the outskirts of the city on the Mysore Road.You can get more information about this park on wonderla.com.

Temples in Bangalore-

Bull Temple-

This temple got its name because of a vast statue of the bull that has been carved out from a single boulder, which depicts Nandi, the sacred bull of lord Shiva.The temple is located in Basavangudi.
One of the oldest temples of Bangalore, Dodda Ganapathi is situated just beside the Bull temple.

ISKCON Temple-

ISKCON are centers of spiritual learning through Godly association, where a visitor is inspired to learn more about Spiritual life. The ISKCON temple is situated in Rajajinagar on the top of a hillock and is surrounded by awesome scenic beauty.There is a magnificent main temple hall, which houses the altars of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Sri Krishna Balarama & Sri Nitai Gouranga. Also one can see the Golden Chandelier that is shaped like an inverted Lotus Flower.

Maha Bodhi society temple-

This is relatively anewer structure and is replica of the main Mahabodhi Stupa of Bodh Gaya, in state of Bihar.The calmness of the environment here is mesmerizing.

The Shiva Statue-

Located on the Old airport road this place has a huge statue of Lord Shiva (about 65 mts. high) surrounded by a pool of water.It has the backdrop of Mount Kailash the Lord's heavenly abode and the river Ganga flowing from his matted locks as depicted in the mythology. The place is heavily crowded during the festival of Mahashivratri.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

kolkata ,India: General Information
Places to see in kolkata(coming soon)

Vacations in Agra

Bangalore Trip, Bangalore Vacation, Bangalore travel guide

2008-08-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Bangalore: General Information-

Bangalore now called as Bengalooru is the capital city of the southern state of Karnatka and one of the famous places in India frequently visited by tourists travelling to the state of Karnatka in India.It is one of the most fastly growing metropolitan in India has second highest literacy rate among metropolitans.

A legendry story is associated with the name of this city.The story has been beautifully described at karnatka.com and so I am citing the words from this site.

Legend goes that King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara once lost his way in forest. Hungry and tired, he came upon a lone hut in the thick forest where he met an old woman.When he asked for food, she gave him baked beans ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka).The King found this humble meal taste better than the richest fare.To commemorate this incident, he called the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"(place of baked beans). Bangalore today is getting popular though for a different variety of Beans-JavaBeans.
source

Owing to its predominant contribution in IT industry Bangalore is also known as the 'silicon valley of India'.Bangalore is the "Garden City of India" with its many gardens and boulevards. Its pleasant climate and laid-back charm attracted many senior citizens and thus later on came to be called at "the retired man's paradise". And of course what is Bangalore without all its Pubs. Its is now also called the Pub City with over 200 Pubs all over the town.

How to reach Bangalore-

Being a fastly growing cetre and heart and hub cetre for most of the multinational IT companies ,Bangalore is well connected to most of the parts of India and also to many parts of Asia and Europe.

Reaching Bangalore by flight-
Bangalore international airport was opened in May 2008 and became one of the busiest and moden airports in India. It is located 30 kms away from main city at Devanahalli. It receives direct flights from many parts of Asia and Europe. It also receives many domestic flights connecting Bangalore to almost every major city of India .By the end of 2008 it has started receiving many other parts of the world like USA, Singapore, Australia and middle east.

Reaching Bangalore by Train-
Bangalore two major railway stations-

Bangalore City and,
Yeshwantpur

Bangalore city station is situated in the heart of the city and most of the trains (both intrastate and interstae) arrive and depart from here.
Yeshwantpur junction is located on Tumkur road (NH-4) and it mostly receives a few mostly long distance trains from northern part of India.
Ticket bookings can be done through many railway counters situted all across the country or it may be done online.To book a ticket online visit the official website of railway or search for an online travel agent through google.

Reaching Bangalore by Bus-
The main bus stand of Bangalore is known by three names- 'Kempegowda bus station' or 'Karnatka state road transport corporation' or 'Majestic bus station' and receives buses that run between Bangalore and nearby major cities like Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Mangalore, Coimbatore etc.Buses can be luxury buses, deluxe buses, A/c volvo buses and even buses with sleeper facility for night travel.

The main bus stand of 'the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) ,' which maintains bus services within the city, is located next to the Kempegowda Bus Station. BMTC has now introduced Air conditioned Volvo buses in order to maintain the status of the IT city.

Where to stay in Bangalore-

Being a fast growing metro city, one of the favourite travel destinations in India, and heart and hub centre of IT industry Bangalore has numerous hotels spread all over the city but most of the hotels are expensive.Finding a chjeper hotel in Bangalore is like finding a needle from a heap of straw.Most of the hotels charge higher amount when compared to the facilities they provide.
Wikitravel has got a list of hotels here.

It is always advisable to make prior arrangements of accommodation through a travel agent or through internet to avoid hassles when you reach there or to avoid getting ripped off your money by touts.

Eating out in Bangalore-

Bangalore has numerous fast food stalls spread all over the city.They are cheper option to enjoy to enjoy some nice south indian vegeterian recipes.Idlis, vadas, Dosa and other other south indian recipes are not hard to find in Bangalore.Many restaurants also offer some north Indian cuisines that you would love eating.
Apart from budget places to eat you can also find mid-range, and expensive places to eat.If you are not able to find an appropriate place to eat, just ask some local person.They will help you out.Locals of Bangalore are very much helpful.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

kolkata ,India: General Information
Places to see in kolkata(coming soon)

Vacations in Agra

Places to see in Bangalore

Monuments in Bangalore
* Vidhan Soudha
* Vikas soudha
* Attara kacheri
* Bangalore Palace
* Sheshadri Iyer memorial Hall
* Tipu Sultan's Palace

Gardens in Bangalore
* Lal Bagh
* Cubbon Park
* Bannerghatta national Park
* Lumbini Garden
* Wonder la amusement Park

Temples in Bangalore
* Bull Temple
* ISKCON Temple
* Mahabodhi society Temple
* The Shiva Statue

Images via - wikipedia

Agra Vacation, Places to see in Agra during Agra Travel

2008-08-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Agra-

With three world heritage sites and one of the seven wonders of the world and many other buildings of historical places ,Agra is certainly a place which takes you to the forgotten pages of history.It also shows the architecture of Mughals and persians and the grandeur of the Mughal emperors who ruled India for many centuries. Although the word Agra seems synonymous with Thr Majestic Taj Mahal but apart from it there are many imposing buildings that make your vacations worthwile.So, just take a look at the places you should see during your Agra travel.

Historical monuments in Agra-

Taj Mahal-

One of the best monuments in the world ,Taj Mahal literally mean 'Crown's Palace' and is the final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Taj Mahal is considered as the symbol of eternal love. Finished in white marble this mausoleum was finished building in 1653. It is said that it too 20,000 workers to work for 16 years to build this wonder.

The grounds of the complex include several other beautiful buildings, reflecting pools, and extensive ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes, and a small gift shop. The Taj framed by trees and reflected in a pool is amazing. Close up, large parts of the building are covered with inlaid stonework.

I have found one of the best descriptions of Taj Mahal in Wikipedia-

It can be observed like a mirage from the Agra Fort from where Emperor Shah Jahan stared at it, for the last eight years his life as a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb. It is a masterpiece of symmetry, seeming to be floating in the air from a distance, and each revealed as an illusion experienced as one enters through the main gate. Verses of the Holy Koran are inscribed on it.The Taj Mahal was built on a marble platform that stands above a sandstone one. The most elegant dome of the Taj, with a diameter of 60 feet (18 m), rises 80 feet (24 m) over the building and directly under the dome is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan's tomb was erected next to hers by his son Aurangzeb. Fantastic inlay works using semi-precious stones decorate the interiors.
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The Taj is open for tourists from 6 am to 7.30 pm everyday except Friday.The entry cost is Rs. 250 with a levy of Rs. 500 from foreign tourists and Rs. 20 for Indians.The security is tight and you are not allowed to take pen knives ,cigarettes etc.

Agra red fort-

The Agra fort also called as the Agra red fort is world heritage site and is made of red sandstone with similar outline with Delhi red fort but better preserved than this.It is believed that Mughal Emperor ,Akbar built this fort but on the gate it is clearly inscribed that it is built in 1000 AD. Many historians are of view that it was built in 1000 AD and was vastly modified by emperor Akbar and other emperors who followed him.

You can reach this fort by a shuttle bus from Taj Mahal or by hiring a Taxi or an Auto rickshaw.Transportation is cheaper than many parts in India.The entry fees to enter this fort is Rs. 250 + levy.

Incredible India has best described this fort-

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565, A.D. although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jehan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-I- Am, Diwan-I-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shah Jehan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
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Fatehpur Sikri-

This is the third world heritage site in Agra and lies about 35 kms. from here.The place got it name after the first Mughal emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga at a place called Sikri ( 5 kms from here). 'Fateh' is an Urdu word for victory.Later Akbar shifted his capital here but moved to Agra because of shortage of water here in Fatehpur Sikri.

The site displays a number of buildings of significant historical importance. One of them is Buland Darwaza.was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601 CE. at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The Buland Darwaza is approached by 42 steps.

The Buland Darwaza is 53.63 m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. The Buland Darwaza or the magnificence gateway is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness, here is an inscription one on the monument which is a message from Jesus advising his followers not to consider this world as their permanent home.

Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb-

Sometimes referred to as mini Taj or baby Taj, this tomb was built by empress Noor Jehan for his father Ghias-ud-din who was on one of the ministeers in the durbar of emperor Jehangir.Located on the left bank of the Yamuna river, the mausoleum is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways.It was here that 'Pietra Dura' the inlay work on marble - so characteristic of the Taj - was first used. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.

Sikandra (The tomb of Akbar)-

This place is the final resting place of the emperor Akbar.Located about 13 kms. from Agra fort on Delhi-Agra highway the Akbar's tomb is a vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb with deers, rabbits and langoor monkeys is set amidst a lush garden. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. To construct a tomb in one's lifetime was a Tartary custom which the Mughals followed religiously. Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction of this pyramidal tomb in 1613.Four red sandstone's gates lead to the tomb complex: one is Muslim, one Hindu, one christian and last is Akbar's patent mixture.

Chini ka Rauza-

This mausoleum is dedicated to Shah Jahan's prime minister ,Allama Afzal and is built in persian style.The dome made up of blue gazed tiles gives the perfect influence of persian style in the Mughal architecture.It was built by Afzal Khan a high official during Shah Jahan's reign.

Mariam's Tomb-

The tomb was built in memory of Akbar's Goan-christian wife, Mariam and has some beautiful carvvings on the redstone from which it is built.This building lies west of Akbar's tomb on Delhi-Agra highway and is largely in ruined condition.It lies in the compound of a christian missionary Society.

Religious Places in Agra-

Swami Bagh Samadhi-

Located 10 m north of Agra on Bhagwan takies- Dayalbagh road this place is the mausoleum of Huzur Swamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth) .He was the founer of Radha Swami sect and his samadhi is sacred to his followers.This place also happens to be the headquarter of this sect.
The construction of this temple started abot a century ago and it is believed that it will take another century to complete this building.The construction is still going on.The carvings in stone, using a combination or coloured marble, is life-like and not seen anywhere else in India.When completed, the samadhi will have a carved dome and a gateway.

Mankameswar temple-

Located at Rawatpara near to Agra fort railway station and 2.5 kms from Agra fort this temple is one of the oldest temple of Lord Shiva located on the four corners of the city of Agra.Being located in the old city, the temple is surrounded by Mughal-era markets, some of which date back to the early days of Mughal rule in India.

Jama Masjid-

This large mosque was built by daughter of emperor Shah Jahan, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan.The mosque has a large forecourt and the assimilation of Iranian architecture makes this place particularly wrth seeing.The mosque is far famed for its unusual dome and absent minarets.

Guru ka taal -

Guru a taal is a religious place for Sikhs.It is said that one of the ten gurus of Sikhs visited this place.Originally it used to be a an artificial lake built during Jehangir's reign to conserve rain water.Boasting elaborate stone carvings and 8 towers of the 12 original towers, this gurudwara beckons travelers from far and away to bask in its glory.

Gardens in Agra-

Ram Bagh-
It is the oldest garden made by Mughals and is said to have been laid out by Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty.It lies about 2.34 km north of Taj Mahal and lies on the bank of Yamuna river. The pavilions in this garden are designed in such a manner that the wind from the Yamuna, combined with the greenery, keeps these pavilions cool even during the peak of summer. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.

Mehtab Bagh-

Mehtab Bagh lies directly opposite to the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river.The view of Taj Mahal from this Garden is fantastic.It also provides you the opportunity to take a view of Taj Mahal away from the crowd and with a different angle.It takes about half an hour from the centre of the city by an auto rickshaw.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

Vacations in Bangalore (Banglooru)

Agra : General Information

Short History of Agra

How to reach Agra?
* By Air
* By Train
* By Road

Where to stay in Agra?

Eating out in Agra

Images via- Wikipedia and wikitravel

Agra travel guide, Agra Vacation, Agra travel,travel vacation in Agra

2008-08-22T22:49:00.001-07:00

Agra travel guide for your Agra

vacation-

Agra needs no introduction as it is the city home to one of the seven wonders of the world and also most important monument in India ,the Taj Mahal. Apart from Taj Mahal the city also has two other UNESCO world heritage sites- Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Agra, the land of majestic monuments can be regarded as one of the gems of India.

A short history of Agra

The city of Agra has mystic past.The earliest reference of Agra comes from the epic, Mahabharat where it has been mentioned as Agrabana.The famous geographer ,Ptolmey marked this place as Agra in his map and from then it came to be known as Agra. Agra gained its historical importance when Sikandar Lodi ,the emperor of Lodi dynasty made Agra as his capital. Later Mughals also ruled from here from 1526- 1658 AD. Since then Agra remains to be a favourite travel destination because of its splendid monuments of Mughal period.

How to reach Agra

Agra is situated in the Northern state of Uttar Pradesh and nearest metropolitan to it is Delhi, being around 200 kms from here.Agra is well connected to rest part of the India through Air, Railways as well as Road.

Reaching Agra by Air-
Agra airport is mainly known by name of Kheria Airport.This airport mainly receives flights from domestic circle.some months back only Flights of indian airlines used to operate from here but now Kingfisher airlines has also started to operate from here.An international traveller has to first reach Indira Gandhi international airport in Delhi and from there they can get flights to Agra.

Reaching Agra by Train-
The main railway station of Agra is Agra Canntt which comes in many important routes like Delhi-Mumbai route, Delhi- Chennai route and some trains from Kolkata and other eastern cities also pass from here.So, you can get trains for Agra virtually from any part of India.Another important railway station is Agra Fort but it receives lesser number of trains than Agra Canntt.

Reaching Agra by Bus-
Several buses connect Agra from Delhi and places in nearby states.Most of the buses from other states reach at Idgah bus stand in Agra which lies about 10 kms from the Taj Mahal. Three national highways traverse Agra- National highway (NH)- 2 ,NH- 3 and NH- 11.

Other bus stands in Agra are-
Powerhouse bus stand ( Bijli Ghar bus stand)- 6 kms from Taj Mahal
New bus stand- 12 kms from Taj... It mainly receives buses from nearby states like , Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan etc.

Where to stay in Agra-

Being one of the most visited tourist place in India, agra has a number hotels which suits everyone's needs and pockets.Most of the budget hotels are located near Taj Mahal and near Dayal Bagh.An auto can leave you to these areas.

Mid range hotels are also readily available in Agra. One of the hotels named Laurie's hotel situated in Mahatma Gandhi road is said to be o british era.Although I personally haven't stayed here but people say that the service provided is remember them of british era.

Due to high competition in hotels the service provided is of superior quality if compared with price they charge.Wikitravel has got some good list of hotels with contact numbers here.

Eating out in Agra-

There are numerous restaurants and cafes spread throughout the city of Agra.Most of the places are cheaper and serve north indian dishes.It is not difficult to find a budget restaurant with south indian and western dishes either.You can ask local people for a place to eat which suits your need.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

kolkata ,India: General Information
Places to see in kolkata(coming soon)

Vacations in Bangalore (Bangluru)

Places to see in Agra

Historical Monuments in Agra

* Taj Mahal
* Agra Red Fort
* Fatehpur Sikri
* Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb
* Sikandra
* Chini ka Rauza
* Mariam's Tomb

Religious Places in Agra

* Swami Bagh Samadhi
* Mankameswar Temple
* Jama Masjid
* Guru ka Taal

Gardens in Agra

* Ram Bagh
* Mehtab Bagh

Kolkata vacation, vacation in Kolkata,Kolkata holiday,Kolkata vacations

2008-08-17T06:03:00.000-07:00

Kolkata,West Bengal, India

Kolkata is the second largest metropolitan city in India after Mumbai. Kolkata some times referred to as the 'city of joy' or 'city of processions' is the capital city of West Bengal ,one of the states of eastern India.Vacation in Kolkata are refreshing yet cheaper than rest part of the country.The government tourism website has quite aptly described Kolkata as follows-

Kolkata, on the Hooghly, retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the funloving into a charming fabric. Home to four Nobel laureates - Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. India's quest for freedom began here.
Source

How to reach Kolkata

Reaching Kolkata is not a problem as it is well connected to every part of India as well as some parts of the world.

Reaching Kolkata by Air-
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport connects Kolkata to South east Asia and some parts of Europe.For rest parts of the world, one has to first reach Delhi or Mumbai and from there you can reach Kolkata by Air or Railway.
The domestic terminal is one of the best of the country which connects every major city of the country to Kolkata.
Reaching Koolkata by Railway-
The two major railway stations in Kolkata are Howrah and Sealdah.Trains from every part of India arrive and depart from Howrah junction.Sealdah junction on the other hand receives trains that run to and from north eastern parts like New Jalpaiguri.

Reaching Kolkata by Road-
Mnany national highways connect olkata from neighbouring states.Regular bus service both public and private run between Kolkata and places in nearby states.

Where to stay in Kolkata-

Being one of the largest metro city in India, Kolkata has many hotels in almost every corner of the city.The rates are somewhat cheaper than the rest of the metro cities.Finding a hotel that suits your need and pocket is not at all a problem here in Kolkata.But it would be advisable to make prior arrangements by booking a hotel by internet or through a travel agent.

Eating out in Kolkata-

Most of the Kolkata's recipes revolve around fishes and sweet dishes.In Kolkata you will find a variety of sweet dishes and items made of fishes.I suggest you to enjoy a dish of Macchh-Bhat (Fish and rice).You will find nice restaurants in every part of the city.Please don't eat anything from roadside establishments as it may not be good for your health.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Bangluru)

Chennai Sightseeing, Places to see in Chennai,Chennai Vacation

2008-08-17T00:51:00.000-07:00

Chennai, Tamil Nadu : Places to visit

Chennai is a nice amalgamation of historical places, sea beaches, religious places and fantastic nightlife ,that is why, vacations and holidays in Chennai are suited for everyone.With many monuments ,temples, churches, beaches, amusement parks and fairs and festivals , Chennai can be one of the dream places to spend your vacations with your friends and families.In this post I would talk about some of the most visited holiday destinations in Chennai.

Monuments in Chennai-

Chennai has a very long history dating back to 1st century but it developed as an urban place during british rule.Due to such a long history, Chennai has many historical monuments which every visitor visits when he/she comes to spend a vacation in Chennai.Some of the important monuments in Chennai are-

Fort St. George-

Fort St. George is regarded as the earliest fort built by British.Built in 1640 this fort was used by east India company for trading and later evolved as the birth place of modern Indian Army. There are many monuments situated inside the premises of Fort St. George.
St. Mary's church located inside its boundry is one of the oldest surviving churches made by British.
150 ft tall flagstaff is another imposing structure made in the premises of Fort St. George.The structure is completely build of teakwood.The original flagstaff is no more visible but its remain can still be seen in the premises.
Fort St. George Museum containing the relics of British Personnel who lived here and many artifacts of british colonial period.The museum was built in 1795.

Kamaraj Memorial hall-
Located in T.Nagar this memorial hall is built in memory of Shri Kamaraj, Former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.The two storeyed building contains many his personal photographs,luxuriant Felicitation Shawls, his simple attire, his suitcases, timepiece, pens and utensils. One of the prized possessions of this exhibition is the prison coat, worn by him while serving term in prison in the year 1942.

Freemanson Hall-
Located in the Agmore area of Chennai Freemanson hall was built by British East India Company.It is the living example of the cultural and traditional heritage of the people who inhabited the ancient city of Madras.The building was built with a purpose of creating a military lodge secure to foreign hands.The large sized pillars and italian tiles and marbles ,say loud about the Greek style of engineering.

Government Museum-
A chennai vacation without watching this museum is not complete.The origin of this museum dates back to british colonial period and is regarded as one of the oldest museums in India.The museum was designed by H.Irvin and was inaugurated by Sir Arthur Elibank Havelock, the then Governor.
The museum complex having six independent buildings and 46 galleries in them, has a splendid hall, marvelous reading room and striking Teak wood shelf and stands divided into a number of sections. These sections include those on Geology, Archeology, Zoology, Anthropology, Numismatics, Botany and Sculpture. Also, there are four galleries in the museum. They comprise of the Hindu Sculpture Gallery, Bronze Gallery, Amravathi Gallery and National Art Gallery.

Valluvar Kottam-
Dedicated to Poet Thiruvalluvar , The monument is built in a shape of temple chariot and contains an imposing and lively statue of the poet.It also contains an auditorium of 4000 capacity.The amazing thing about the auditorium is that it stands unsupported from even a single pillar.The verses of Thirukkural, written by the poet has been inscribed on the walls of the monument.

Senate House-

Located in the campus of University of Madras near Marina beach, Senate house is undeniably one of the most commanding monuments in Tamil Nadu.Its structure is a creative and harmonious blend of Indo-Saracenic style, with Byzantine architectural features. The central room of Senate Hall is huge in measurement and is supported with six mammoth stone pillars on each side. With time this magnificent structure has been withering away and losing its age old charm. Ignorance and the fury of the nature are responsible for its deteriorating condition.

MGR memorial-

Dedicated to former actor and politician of Tamil Nadu ,MGR Ramachandran, this memorial was built in 1990.It used to be the residence of the actor.According to MGR's will, the memorial is maintained by the revenue generated from the market he owned at Alandur. From the day of its inception, thousands of his fan and visitors have thronged the place to experience the splendor of the beloved actor-cum-politician and remember him with affection.

Beaches in Chennai

Chennai is located on the shore of Coromondal coast of Bay of Bengal, so , your vacation to chennai is not complete until you enjoy your time here on the beaches of Chennai.Some of the most visited beaches of Chennai are-

Marina Beach-
Marina beach is the most popular beach in Tamil Nadu and one of the longest beaches not only in India but all over world.This sandy beach is around 12 kms long and starts with Fort St. George in north and stretches upto Besant Nagar in South. Many statues of Indian leaders annd celebrities has been established alongside the road of Marina beach.A must see beach to make your vacations in Chennai worthwhile.

Elliot Beach-
Located towards the southern end of Marina Beach,Elliot beach is very popular among foreign tourists for taking a nice sunbath.One of the cleanest beach in Chennai, Elliot beach is largely secluded with very few tourists coming on this beach.So, the beach is quite an apt one for long walks.

Covelong Beach-
Located about 40 kms away from Chennai, Covelong beach is an idyllic beach for peace lovers, as there is no hustle bustle of city here.Covelong is a small hamlet which presents an ideal blend of sun, sand and sea. This has made the beach a sought after tourist destination in every season. It is flanked by beautiful palm trees and white sands.The beach iss famous for fishing activities and provides nice facilities for water sports.

Religious Places in Chennai

Temples in Chennai

Kapaleeswarar temple-
Located on Kutchery road , This 37 m long pyramidal temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture.As you enter the temple you can view a sculpture, which has an interesting story behind it. It is believed that a saint known as Gnanasambandar sung and brought a dead girl back to life in this temple.
Inside the temple ,you will find Goddess Parvati in the form of peacock worshipping the idol of Lord Shiva.You can also see the bronze carvings of the 63-Shaivate saints, which are carried in procession during the Aruvathumoovar festival, which is held in March-April.

Parthsarathy Temple-
Located in the heart of Chennai on the Peter's road, Parthsarathy temple is a great delight to watch during your vacations in Chennai. Parthsarathy temple is dedicated to various incarnations of Lord Vishnu but the main deity in this temple is Lord Krishna.The word "Parthsarathy" is the another name for Lord Krishna.

Adeeswar temple-
Located in the Polal village 9kms from Chennai city, Adeeswar temple is a Jain Temple and is believed to be constructed in 1st century BC.The principal shrine in this temple is the Rishabhadev, and the first Tirthankar of Jainism. During the earlier years the Polal village was flocked with the followers of Jainism and it was developing immensely. Still now you can see the Vaishnavas at almost every corner of the village.

Vadapalani temple-
Vadapalani temple is located at Andavar Koil Street in Chennai.You can reach here by hiring a taxi or an auto-rickshaw.The main deity of this temple is Lord Muruga and its origin dates back to about125 years ago.

Kandaswamy temple-
This temple is located in Cheyyur and you can reach here by a bus or a taxi.Lord Kandaswamy or Shiva is the principal shrine of this temple. There are also the shrines of Lord Someswara, Goddess Meenakshi and Muthukumaraswamy, which is also called as Samharamurthy.

Churches in Chennai

San Thome Cathedral Basilica-
This famous landmark of Chennai derives its name from St. Thomas who is believed to have come to Chennai in 52 AD. He was killed in 78 AD on St. Thomas Mount just outside city and was entombed on St. Thomas beach where a church was built later.After several years ,the church was built further inside the city as a cathedral and in1896 it was made a basilica.The church contains the mortal remains of St. Thomas.The church is built in Gothic style and serves tourist with a spiritual vacation in Chennai.

St. Mary's Church-
St. Mary's church is located inside the premises of Fort St. George. St. Mary's church is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India built by British East India Company.Built in 1680, this church's courtyard contains oldest British tombstones in India.This ancient prayer house solemnized the marriages of Robert Clive and Governor Elinu-Yale, who later founded the Yale University in the States.

Mosque in Chennai

Thousand Lights Mosque-
Built in 1800 AD this mosque is located on Anna Salai Road and is a well known muslim worshipping place in Chennai.In early 19 th century the place used to be the assembly place of muslims. Later on an assembly hall was built after which the Mosque was built.There is an interesting story behind the name of the mosque. It is said that 1000 lamps needed to be lit in order to illuminate the assembly hall.It has an exhilarating structure, with multi domes and spearing minarets. The average height of the minarets is around 64 feet above the ground. Besides, the mosque is adorned with the quotes from the holy book of Muslims, the Quran.

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in kolkata

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Banglooru)

Chennai: General Information

Short History of Chennai

How to reach Chennai
* By Air
* By Train
* By Road

Where to Stay in Chennai

Eating out in Chennai

Chennai Vacation Holiday,vacations in chennai,chennai tamilnadu india

2008-08-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India:

General Information

Chennai, located along the Coromandal coast of India, is the 4th largest metropolitan city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu, one of the states in India.With a rich history, many places of religious interest and some exotic beaches, Chennai vacation is full of enjoyment and some great travelling experience for people visiting this famous place in India.
The city is served by an international airport and two major ports; it is connected to the rest of the country by five national highways and two railway terminals. Thirty-five countries have consulates in Chennai.Chennai hosts a large cultural event, the annual Madras Music Season, which includes performances by hundreds of artists. The city has a vibrant theatre scene and is an important centre for the Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form.

A short history of Chennai

Although the places around Chennai has been a notable administrative ,military and economic centre since 1st century but the credit for establishment of Chennai goes to British. British established this place as one of the important urban centre and naval base.

Prior to that ,Chennai was invaded by Portuguese and then by Dutch but ultimately British east India company raised as supreme powers here.Since then ,Chennai has became a centre around which British expanded their rule over India.Due to its rich historical background ,Chennai vacations are extremely relishing for some one interested in history and historical places.

How to reach Chennai

Chennai is well connected to rest of India as well as by world by air ,railways as well as road.

Reaching chennai by air-
The international airport of Chennai called as Anna International Terminal connects countries of Asia ,middle east, Europe, and north America.Around 30 national and international operate from here.The airport is undergoing further modernisation and a new airport at Sriperumbdur is to be constructed.

The domestic airport in Chennai is known by the name of Kamraj terminal and domestic flights from across the country operate from here.All the major cities of India are well connected to chennai through air.For more details and to know the national and international flight schedule click here.

Reaching Chennai by Railway-
Chennai is well connected from every corner of the country by railway.Trains from almost every route reach Chennai.There are two major railway stations in Chennai- The Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore. Chennai Central mainly handles the interstate trains while Chennai Egmore handles the domestic trains coming to and from within the state of Tamil Nadu.

Reaching Chennai by road-
Five major national highways radiate outwards from Chennai to some famous places in India like- Mumbai, Kolkata, Pondicherry, Trichy and Tiruvallur.Regular buses operate from neighbouring states as well as within the Places in Tamil nadu.

Where to stay in Chennai-

Being one of the largest metro cities in India, Chennai has numerous hotels and accomodation places spread throughout the city.You can find a hotel at virtually any place in Chennai.But it would be advisable to make prior arrangements to avoid hassles when you reach there or to get ripped of by touts and middlemen.The official government tourism website of India has some recommendations and list of hotels that you will find beneficial.Alternatively, you may contact a travel agent on the net to make prior arrangements for you.

Eating out at Chennai-

There are plenty of places to eat out in whole of the Chennai.You can relish the south indian delicacies as well as western foods at every place in Chennai.But don't eat anything from roadside hawkers and unclean places on the sides of the road.Choose clean restaurants and eating places to enjoy your food.Wikitravel has a list of some great places to eat here.

Places to see in Chennai

Monuments in Chennai

*Fort St. George
*Kamaraj Memorial
*Freemanson hall
*Government Museum
*Valluvar Kottam
*Senate house
*MGR Memorial

Beaches in Chennai

*Marina Beach
*Elliot Beach
*Covelong Beach

Temples in Chennai

*Kapaleeswarar Temple
*Parthsarthy Temple
*Adeeswar Temple
*Vadapalani Temple
*Kandaswami Temple

C hurches in Chennai

*San Thome Cathedral Basilica
*St. Mary's Church

Thousand Light Mosque

You Might also be Interested in Following Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in kolkata

kolkata ,India: General Information
Places to see in kolkata(coming soon)

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Bangluru)

Palolem Beach, Palolem beach Goa, Palolem Paradise beach of Goa

2008-08-16T05:04:00.000-07:00

Palolem Beach, South Goa

Just about a few years back, Palolem beach was an undiscovered beach with only fishermen occupying the place.But then it was discovered by tourists and now more and more tourists are reaching here for a perfect calm and solemn holiday in the lap of nature.You will not find the messy city life full of din and bustle here at Palolem beach.The cliffs that surround this beach make it a perfect beach to visit.

Palolem beach is a crescent shaped beach with hills of western ghat surrounding it. This palm shaded beach, with white sand and hills surrounding, it make it the paradise beach of Goa.It is about 2 kms long beach and one can view the whole of the beach from one end as it is semi-lunar in shape with the northern and southern ends full of small pebbles ane northern d many rocks.

The northern end of the beach has a small stream with an island in the middle.You can swim through the stream to reach the island.It is safer to swim during low tides but it would be advisable to abstain from swimming during high tides.You can also request some local fishermen to ferry you across to the island.

The southern end of the Palolem beach is a bit calmer than the northern end.With lesser shacks and less tourists coming towards this end of the beach, this part of the beach is perfect to retire and revitalize yourself.A sunbath here is quite soothing.Southern part of the palolem beach provides a perfect place for seclusion and an bewitching idyllic scenery.

Palolem beach is also famous for its fishing trips and Dolphin cruises.The best part is that the charges are lower than the other beaches of Goa.A dolphin cruise from Palolem beach is undeniably an unforgettable experience.You can request the local fishermen for this.

How to reach Palolem Beach-

The nearest city to the Palolem beach is Margao (locally known as Madgaon). Palolem beach is about 40 kms from Margao and regular buses from Margao drop tourists to Chaudi ( 2 kms from Palolem beach). The nearest railway station is Canacona which is 10 kms from Palolem beach.You may also hire taxis from either Margao or Panaji.Buses from Panaji can drop you to Chaudi.From Chaudi you can either hire a taxi or reach Palolem beach by just walking.

Where to stay near Palolem beach-

Being a newly discovered beach and less crowded one the options to stay near Palolem beach are limited.The accomodation near Palolem revolves round some rented huts and rooms having lesser facilities.But believe me staying in a hut or a fisherman's rented house is a great experience in itself.During high seasons some tents are also available which can be rented for staying. But getting a place to stay is a big ordeal during high seasons and you will get a place only when you are extremely lucky.

Eating out at Palolem Beach-

Unlike accomodation facilities , Palolem beach has plenty of places to eat.You will get many medium sized places to eat where you can get western recipes as well as goan cuisines alike.Like rest of Goa Palolem beach also offers some nice delicacies made of fishes.There are some restaurants on the north side of the beach which offer food right on the beach.You may also find some nice bars where you can enjoy chilled beer.One of the restaurant and bar present on the Palolem beach is Sameer restaurant.This can be a nice place to enjoy food and alcoholic bevearage and also, mingle with some people.

Images by: Jackol, bryce edwards, imsuarez, wnorixx

Baga Beach, Baga beach goa, Baga beach north goa

2008-08-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Baga Beach, North Goa-

Basically a continuation of Calangute Beach, Baga beach is located around 10 kms from the city of Mapusa. Unlike Calangute Beach, Baga Beach is more scenic , unspoilt and less commercialised than its southern counterpart ,probably because , there is lesser number of buses running towards Baga beach and lesser number of tourists come here.

The Baga river flows down from one side and gives an spellbounding look to the beach as well as it is a nice diversion for children.A group of black lava rocks lie at a place where river meets the sea.The exlosion of sea currents against these rocks looks pleasant.

One of the reasons why Baga beach is so famous is because it is more varied and not just a plain beach.Nestled between a rocky and wooded headland Baga is a perfect example of a place where land meets the sea.Furthermore, it offers an astounding view of sea and wooded cliff and has been commercialised to a lesser extent than Calangute Beach.

What to do at Baga Beach?

There are various things you can do at Baga beach. The easiest thing to do is just laze on the sand and have a nice sun bath or enjoy a bottle of beer.You can also enjoy some water sports here. Infact , Baga beach is famous among western tourists because of water sports and fishing trips. Or, you can also enjoy some Goan food on beach or have a nice candlelit dinner with your spouse, family or friends.

Goa Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle-bustle found on the other beaches. Baga beach in Goa looks as if it has come alive out of a painting… majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the brown sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees.
source

How to reach Baga Beach-

Buses leave from Mapusa to Baga beach but the number of buses are less and you may have to wait for a while. You may hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach here.Alternatively, you may first reach Calangute beach and then walkk down the beach to reach Baga Beach. But the walk is long and may be tirin g for some.

Places to stay near Baga Beach-

Being primarily a fishing village ,Baga doesn't hve enough places for accomodattion.Small houses on rent and some rooms ready for hire are available in around the village.During high seasons , it is difficult to find a place to stay. Reasonable budget houses and rooms for rent are also available on the quieter north side of the river.

Eating out at Baga Beach-

The beach once full off fisherman's houses has been replaced by some nice restaurants and small thatched roof eating places.Infact, Baga beach boasts of best restaurants in Goa.From standard beach shacks to swish pizzeries and terraced cafes, everything is available here at Baga.

You can get a romantic candlelit dinner at the beachside to a traditional Goan meal at the shacks and restaurants. Baga offers one of the most swanky and exotic nightlife in whole of Goa.
Source

Images by: Photofusion ,Prince Roy and Valliravindran

Sightseeing in Delhi :Historical Monuments in Delhi, British and Mughal monuments in Delhi

2008-08-13T02:06:00.000-07:00

Famous Monuments in Delhi-

As I have said earlier in my post- Delhi,India, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties.Due to this Delhi has many historical monuments that tell the untold stories of muslim rulers and british reign.For purpose of simplification , I will categorise the historical monuments into three broad classes-

Monuments of Muslim rulers
Monuments of British rule

Monuments built by Delhi Sultans- Muslim and Mughal monuments-

Purana Qila or the Old fort-

It is believed that old fort has been constructed at place where ancient city Indraprastha stood, there is no convincing evidence though. The old fort or Purana qila is one of the earliest Mughal monuments in Delhi. The boundry of this fort was build by the Mughal emperor , Humayun and the buildings were made by Sher Shah Suri, the emperor of Sur dynasty. The fort has got three gates and is surrounded by a ditch or small pond fed by river Yamuna.Although most of the buildings has now destructed but Sher Mandal and Qila-i-Kholina Mosque are two formidable buildings that has survived.

Qutub Minar-

One of the formidable monuments of not only India but world, Qutub minar is located in southern Delhi. It also happens to be the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of the UNESCO world heritage sites.According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the place where Qutub Minar stands today was once occupied by about 27 Jain and Hindu temples.

Controversy surrounds around the origin of this world heritage site.The origin of this monument of Delhi has been variously debated.The various debate that surrounds Qutub Minar has been aptly described by wikipedia.

The purpose for building this monument has been variously speculated upon. It could take the usual role of a minaret, calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the earliest extant mosque built by the Delhi Sultans. Other possibilities are a tower of victory, a monument signifying the might of Islam, or a watch tower for defense.
Source

The nearby Iron Pillar is one of the world's foremost metallurgical curiosities, standing in the famous Qutub Complex. According to the traditional belief, any one who can encircle the entire column with their arms, with their back towards the pillar, can have their wish granted. Because of the corrosive qualities of sweat, people are no longer allowed to perform this act.
Source

Red fort or Lal Qila-

Red fort one of the most magnificient palaces in the world was built by the Mughal emperor , Shah Jahan. Red fort or the Lal Qila also happens to be the place where the the key events of history has occured. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Jafar was deposed by British at this fort. Red fort also evidenced the announcement of freedom of India by the first prime minister, J.L.Nehru.

The Red fort is called so because of the red stones from which it is built.Red Fort showcases the very high level of art form and ornamental work. The art work in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of unique Shahjahani style which is very rich in form, expression and colour.

Some of the important buildings inside the fort are-

Diwan-e-khas
Diwan-e-aam
Khas Mahal
Naqqar hana

Jantar Mantar-

The Jantar Mantar of Delhi was built by Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur with patronage from the Mughal emperor. It is an astronomical observatory and the first of the five observatory built by Sawai Man Singh. The structures inside the Jantar mantar are infact instruments built to take a look at the celestial bodies.

Humayun's Tomb-

Located near east Nizammudin.Like Qutub Minar and Red fort , Humayun's tomb is also a world heritage site. Built by the grieving widow of emperor Humayun , this monument is the first example of an excellent moghul architecture. Build by a Persian architect, the mausoleum looks similar to Taj Mahal.Surrounded by a large square garden, screened by high walls, with gateways to the south and west, the tomb is a square tower surmounted by a magnificent marble dome.

Lodi's Tomb-

The tomb of Bahlol Lodhi, the founder of Lodhi Dynasty was built by his son Sikandar and is located near the Dargah complex in Chiragh Delhi. The mausoleum has five domes with central dome being the highest and largest.

The tomb's of other rulers of Lodhi dynasty lies at the Lodhi Garden, located 3 kms. of Humayun's tomb.he Lodi monuments add to the serenity of the environment of the gardens.

Safdarjung's tomb-

Safdarjung was the powerful minister during the reign of weak moghul emperor Muhammad Shah. It is a garden tomb and built in Mughal style.Infact it is the last of the mughal architectural work here in Delhi.The garden, in the style evolved by the Mughal Empire that is now known as the Mughal gardens style known as a charbagh, is entered through an ornate gate. Its facade is decorated with elaborate plaster carvings.

British Monuments in Delhi-

India Gate-

The most famous monument of Delhi and situated on Rajpath and was built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World war1 and Afghan wars.Formerly called as the "war memorial" , this monument was built by Edwin Lutyens. On the top of the India gate following words has been inscribed in capital letter-

To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afghan War.

The names of the soldier has been inscribed on the walls of this imposing structure. Beneath the arch of India gate there is Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is the unknown soldier's tomb. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was built in 1971.Today, it is customary for the President and the Prime Minister, as well as visiting Guests of State, to pay homage at the site on occasions of State ceremonies.

Rashtrapati Bhawan and the Mughal Garden-

Rashtrapati bhawan the hindi word for 'President's house' is the official residence of the president of India.Formerly it was called as viceroy's lodge as it used to be the residence of Governor general of India. Rashtrapati Bhawan has 340 rooms and it is the biggest residence of any President in the world.The Rose Garden in Rashtrapati Bhavan displays numerous types of roses and is open to public in February every year.

Parliament House-

Built b y the famous british architect Lutyens, Parliament house is the seat of the Indian Parliament.Visitors are not allowed to go inside due to security reasons.

Designed as a circular structure, the House is 171 meters in diameter and about one-third of a mile in circumference. The two semicircular house chambers flank the Central Hall with its impressive dome. The building has a continuous open corridor on the first floor fringed with a colonnade of 144 creamy sandstone pillars. The exterior walls of red sandstone are carved in geometric patterns that echo Moghul jaalis. It is a marvellous piece of architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions.
Source

Teen Murti Bhawan-

Once it used to be the residence of commander-in-chief of British forces in India and after freedom it housed the first prime minister of India, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. After death of J.L.Nehru, it was converted into a national memorial containing a museum and a library.The house gets its name after the Teen Murti (three statues) Memorial, which stands on its extensive grounds. The memorial was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who perished in World War I. The Bhavan is closed to public on Mondays and on all public holidays.

Other Monuments in Delhi-

Akshardham temple-

A mega temple complex, one of the biggest and most intricate places of worship ever constructed, is drawing hordes of visitors and seems set to become a major tourist attraction.

Raj Ghat-
This is the place where the mortal remains of Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.It is a place full of serenity and calm.A must watch for every tourist.

Shanti van-
The place where the first prime minister of India was cremated.

Delhi haat-
A traditional village bazaar (market) where you will find handicrafts, foods and some traditional culture of India.

Further Reading:-

Delhi, India: General Information

How to reach Delhi

* By Air
* By Train
* By Road

Where to stay in Delhi

Weather in Delhi
Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Banglooru)

Delhi india, Delhi vacation, Delhi travel guide, Delhi information

2008-08-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Delhi, India-

Delhi, the capital city of India has a historic past and a vivacious present that make it a very pleasant place for tourists. Since its establishment by Pandavs (called it Indraprastha) ,Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many dynasties.That is why it is one of the most vibrant historical places in India.

Delhi had got an enjoyment package for every kind of tourist.Whether you are a historian, or shopping junkey or love to party or fond of night life , Delhi has certainly got something to offer you. Delhi ,the fastest growing city in India has been described well by Incredible India.

Delhi - a canvas that reflects the complexities, contradictions, beauty and dynamism of a city where the past co-exist with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of city have enriched its character. Exploring the city can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.

How to reach Delhi-

Delhi is well connected from rest of the country by air, railway as well as road. Infact it is the second most important entry point for India (only after Mumbai).

By air- Regular flights both domestic and international, operate to and from Delhi. Every major city of the world is connected to Delhi by air.To get an idea about flight schedule click here.

By Train- Railways connect Delhi from every nook and corner of the country. Regular train service is available to and from every part of India.Get train schedule from here.

By road- Delhi is the intersection point of many national highways. Regular bus service is available throughout the year.The adjoining states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh , Rajasthan etc. are well connected to Delhi via bus. The distances of different important places from Delhi are as follows-

Agra-203 kms, Amritsar -447 kms, Kolkata-1490 kms, Chandigarh -238 kms, Jaipur-258 kms, Lucknow 514 kms, Nainital-318 kms, Shimla -343 kms, Shrinagar-376 kms, Udaipur-663 kms, etc.

Where to stay in Delhi-

With thousands of hotels spread out throughout Delhi, finding a hotel that suits you is not a problem. You can find numerous cheap and budget hotels near New Delhi railway station in Paharganj area (Arakshan road). Apart from these budget hotels, you may also find many five star, four star and three star hotels in Delhi. A list of many of these hotels is given at the tourism site of Government of India.

Weather and best time to visit Delhi-

Delhi has typical tropical climate with summers being too hot and winters too cold. The best time to visit Delhi is from September to March.After the month of March , summer sets in and temperature rises.

Places to see in Delhi

Monuments built by Muslim Rulers

* Purana Qila or Old Fort
* Qutub Minar
* Red Fort or Lal Qila
* Jantar Mantar
* Humayun's Tomb
* Lodi's Tomb
* Safdarjung's Tomb

British Monuments in Delhi

* India Gate
* Rashtrapati Bhawan
* Parliament House
* Teen Murti Bhawan

Other Monuments
Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Mumbai

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

kolkata ,India: General Information
Places to see in kolkata(coming soon)

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Bangluru)

Mumbai: Attractions for tourists, Places to see in Mumbai,Mumbai sight seeing

2008-08-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Places to see in Mumbai-

Mumbai is a place where people from every corner of India come to try their fortunes, thus, you will find a nice blend of culture here in Mumbai.Apart from Goa ,Mumbai is another place where east meets the west.Here in this post I am going to give an account of various places to see in Mumbai.

Beaches in Mumbai-

Being on the coast of Arabian sea ,Mumbai has some great beaches which attracts locals and tourists from other parts alike.Most of the beaches ,especially, chowpatti beach and Juhu beach come to live during evening and the experience of being there is fabulous.

Chowpatti beach- Chowpatti has a magical atmosphere in evening. You will find tons of balloon sellers,fortune tellers, magicians, nut vendors, ferris wheels and shooting galleries.If you are lucky enough ,you may enjoy shooting of some indian films here on Chowpatti.During Ganesh Chaturthi (August - September) this beach is packed to witness the immersion of idols of Lord Ganesha.Apart from this you can enjoy the snacks offered on this beach.Don't forget to relish Bhelpuri, the famous snacks of Mumbai.

Juhu beach- This is the uptown counterpart of the Chowpatty beach but not less than it in anyway.The atmosphere here on this beach is electric.The enjoying childrens , couples and singles make it a beach for everyone.You would relish the bevearages offered here and around the beach.

Gorai beach and Essel world- The essel world located close to the Gorai beach is the only international class amusement park in India.Your visit to Mumbai is not complete if you don't happen to visit this place.Special ferries take you to the park and the entrance fees take care of a limited number rides and entrance into water parks.Although the park is crowded all the year round but during summers it is studded with the visitors.

Marine drive- Marine drive is a broad road which runs along the shores of the Arabian sea. It was built in 1920 and starts from Nariman point and ends at the foot of Malabar hill.Taking a drive along the shores is a long lasting experience, specially in night.The curve of the street lights along the road look majestic and some people aptly call it as 'Queens Necklace'.

Others Places to see in Mumbai-

Malabar hills- In 18th century the hill side was occupied by british colonial buildings but now the colonial structures has been replaced by imposing apartments of Mumbai.On the top of the hill lies the Hanging Garden or Feroz shah Mehta garden.The view of Mumbai,Chowpatty beach and buildings of Nariman point from this site is majestic.This is the preferred place to grasp a look of 'Queens Necklace'.

Hanging Garden or Feroz Shah Mehta Garden- This terraced garden perches on the top of the Malabar hill on western side. This place provides a mesmerizing view of the sunset over the Arabian sea. The park was made in 1880's and a great place to see in Mumbai.

Gateway of India- This is the most imposing and most famous landmark of Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the coming of King George and queen Mary to India in 1911.Amusingly, it also happens to be the place from where the last ship of British sailed off after freedom of India. A few steps lead to the waterline of Arabian sea and you may enjoy short cruise and ferry rides here.The famous Taj hotel, lies opposite Gateway of India.

Colaba area- This is the heart and hub centres for the tourist coming to see places in India.You can find many cheap and budget hotels in this area.The main attraction of Colaba area is the streets lined by plenty of vendors, cafes and shops.A walk down the streets is enjoyable.

Crawford market and Kalbadevi market- If you are fond of shopping then mumbai offers these two markets where you can buy items at cheaper rates.Earlier Crawford market used to be the wholesale centre of Mumbai but now it has been strategically removed from here.

Further Reading:-

Mumbai, India: General Information

How to reach Mumbai
* By Air
* By Train
* By Road

Where to stay in Mumbai

Weather in Mumbai
Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Banglooru)

Images by- Dilly Lama, Swami stream,
Mdiocuh galeals and Curious Liz

Mumbai India, Mumbai travel guide, Mumbai vacation

2008-08-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Mumbai ,India-

Mumbai (formerly called as Bombay) the largest city in India and the busiest too, is located on the west coast of India along the Arabian sea.It is the capital city of the state of Maharashtra.Also called as commercial capital of India ,Mumbai enjoys a pleasant weather all the year round but best time to visit this metropolitan city is during winters (November to march).

Being an age old city and due to its location along Arabian sea ,you will find mumbai to be a paradise for tourists.The city is full of historical places, religious places and some nice beaches and you will find a good holiday spot in mumbai.Apart from this if you enjoy parties, disco theques and night-life then you will rarely find a better place than Mumbai.

How to reach Mumbai-

Mumbai is well connected to the rest of the India (rather say, rest of the world). Reaching Mumbai is not a problem at all, whether you are a domestic traveller or an international tourist.

Reaching Mumbai by Air- Regular domestic flights between almost every part of India run from and to Mumbai.International flights also run from different parts of the world.Perhaps, Mumbai is the biggest international airport in India, so, reaching here from flights from any part of the world is not a problem.To get information about flight schedule from different parts of the world click here.

Reaching Mumbai by train- Being the largest metropolitan and commercial capital of India ,Mumbai is well connected from rest of India by train.Regular trains operate between Mumbai and rest parts of India . Get information about trains here.

Reaching Mumbai by road- Regular bus service, both public and private operate between Mumbai and adjacent states.There are deluxe ,semi-deluxe and luxury buses operating to and from Goa, Karnatka, Gujarat etc.

Hotels in Mumbai-

Finding hotels in Mumbai is not a problem.You will find a hotel at almost every place in Mumbai but finding a best deal or a cheap hotel is what that matters. It would be advisable to make prior arrangements of hotels before starting your journey.Make use of internet to book hotels bfore hand.

Weather in Mumbai-

Weather of Mumbai is largely warm and humid. Arabian sea being next door to Mumabai , gives a pleasant weather to Mumbai but it would be advisable not to visit Mumbai during rainy season, as it rains heavily here during july- mid september.Winter season would be the best time to travel to Mumbai.Sky is clear and temperature is ower during November to March.

Further Reading :-

Places to see in Mumbai:

Beaches in Mumbai-

*Chowpatty Beach
*Juhu Beach
*Gorai Beach and Essel world
*Marine Drive

Some more places in Mumbai-

*Gateway of India
*Malabar Hills
*Hanging Garden
*Colaba area
*Crawford Maret Famous cities in India :

Vacations in Delhi

Vacations in Chennai

Vacations in kolkata

Vacations in Agra

Vacations in Bangalore (Banglooru)

Beaches in North Goa, Vagator Beach,Vagator beach goa,Vagator beach

2008-08-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Vagator Beach, North Goa-

Vagator beach, situated north of Anjuna beach and separated from it by a cliff and some grasslands ,is undeniably one of the best beaches when it comes to scenic beauty.Vagator beach is divided into three parts by a seaside cliff.To the north of the headland is the north Vagator which is the main part and to the south is a smaller beach called Ozrant beach or mini vagator.The area just at the foot of the headland comprises the third part of the vagator beach and is called as Tel Aviv beach.

North vagator beach-

The north vagator beach is the largest and main part of the vagator beach.It is studded with visitors and tourists during high seasons.Generally it is more crowded than its southern counterpart.White white sands, black igneous rocks scattered around the beach and lush greenery and shade provided by coconut and palm trees ,north Vagator beach is a delight to watch.You will enjoy bathing and partying here.Even a bare-footed walk down the beach is an unforgettable experience.

Ozrant beach or Mini Vagator beach-

This is the southern counterpart of the main vagator beach and is separated from it by a cliff on the seaside.It is largely a secluded beach or you can say an undiscovered beach.The beast thing you can do here is retire and relax and revitalize yourself.Just take a book with yourself and start reading it in the calm of Ozrant beach.There is a spring named Zor on the mini Vagator beach or Ozrant beach and bathing here to get clear of salty water is an awesome experience.

Tel aviv beach-

The smallest part of the Vagator beach and situated on the foot of the cliff is somewhat a mixture of its northern and southern counterpart.To the north of the cliff towards the main Vagator beach there lies another spring.Taking bath here in this spring is refreshing.

How to reach Vagator beach-

Vagator beach is situated about 22 kms from Panjim, the capital of Goa and around 10 kms from Mapusa.Buses from panajim as well as Mapusa run every 15 minutes towards the Vagator beach.From the bus sstand you can reach Vagator beach by just walking for a few minutes. Alternatively , you may hire taxis and motor-cycle taxis to reach here. You may asl your hotel manager to arrange for your transportation by taxis.

Places to see around Vagator beach-

Chapora fort-

To the south of the main vagator beach, on a cliff lies the Chapora fort. The view of the sea and the beach from this site is astounding.Chapora fort was originally built by Adil Shah of Bijapur.The red laterite bastion, crowning the rocky bluff, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure.Although the fort today is ruined but the view of the sea from this site is bewitching.

Chapora village-

The village around the Vagator is called as Chapora.The village gives a perfect reflection of the life in Goan villge. Chapora village is largely a fishing village and the fishermen here are quite extravagant in their words while describing their catch.If you are nice enough to them ,they might take you to the sea on a fishing trip.

Places to stay near Vagator Beach-

The options to stay near vagator beach are limited and mostly comprise of rented houses and a few resorts. Getting a place during high seasons is near impossible.

Eating Out at Vagator Beach-

There are many cafes and restaurants on the lane that lead to Ozrant beach.You may enjoy ssome goan cuisines and specialities at the sea-food joints placed around the main vagator beach.There are many fruit sellers on the north vagator beach and you can enjoy some food made of coconut there.

Enjoy this video on Vagator beach-

Images by: special k files ,Argenberg ,c0nd0r2
Video by: RC501

Beaches in North Goa, Anjuna Beach

2008-08-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

Anjuna Beach, North Goa-

Located about 18 kms from Panjim and 9 kms from Mapusa, Anjuna beach is popularly known as the freak capital of the world for its Trance Parties and the Hippies.The Village of Anjuna is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach.Just take a look at what different websites has said about Anjuna beach Goa.

It has an unusual arrangement of red laterite rocks, spread across the white sands, known as the Jewel of Anjuna or Ozran. Anjuna attracts a variety of tourists and is especially popular among foreign backpackers, especially during the Christmas and New Year season.The sea at Anjuna is particularly safe for bathing, while the soft white sands are great for sun bathing, a favourite activity of the sun-starved European tourists.Source

The beach is known for its swaying palms, soft sands and natural beauty. It has an unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of white sand and black rock that juts into the Sea. This area was known as the Jewel of Anjuna and called "Ozran". It was a famous early haunt of the hippies who discovered it in the sixties. The beach is adjacent to Chapora fort. Another must see is the "Albuquerque mansion" located nearby. source

What to see at Anjuna beach-

Although tourists come to this beach due to variety of reasons but the most exciting things you can do at Anjuna beach are-

1) Enjoy full-moon parties
2) Shop on wednesday flea market

Flea Market-
Every wednesday a flea market is organised here at Anjuna beach. It is held at the northern end of the beach and you can shop here for some handicrafts from kashmir and Tibet and gujarati and rajasthani clothes. But be cautious while purchasing from here.You have to bargain to get things at reasonable prices.If you are good at bargaining , you can get commodities at virtually throw away prices. Even if you don't wish to buy anything, I will advice you to just visit this market and you will surely end up buy something.

Full moon parties-
Anjuna beach is also famous for its moonlit parties. You will get a nice confluence of Indian dance and goan dances with the western music.If you are in goa to see the west meeting the east then I would suggest you to take part in the parties organised at Anjuna beach.

Sunbathing-
Bathing is relatively safer at Anjuna beach.Particularly at the southern end of the beach the sea is kept calm by a rock headland. Southern end is calm and quiet and is good for solitude lovers.

How to reach Anjuna beach,Goa-

You can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach this beach.It takes just around 15 minutes to reach here by taxis.If you have tight budget you may reach here by buses. There is regular bus service from both Mapusa and Panjim.

Where to stay near Anjuna Beach-

Although there are limited options available if you wish to stay near Anjuna beach.There are a few resorts near this beach but most of them are full during high seasons.You may stay in the houses of the villagers and fishermen residing here as paying guest.You have to make prior booking in resorts if you wish to stay near Anjuna beach through internet or other sources.

Nearby places to Anjuna beach-

Chapora fort- Near to the Anjuna beach lies the Chapora fort which used to be a Muslim ruler domain prior to Muslim invasion.Except for some ruins the fort is well preserved.

Mascarenhas Mansion-The L-shaped seat along the length of the porch is of expensive wood. It has some of the finest stained glass floral etchings.

Albuquerque Mansion-
This Albuquerque mansion was built in 1920. Octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof border this magnificent mansion.

Eating out-

The beach itself and the village has some good places to eat where you can enjoy some goan cuisines as well as western food.Most of these places are simple semi-open air sites roofed by palm leaves.You can also get some fruits on the beach but don't eat them before properly washing them.

Images by Judepics, nlmAdestiny, Arjunpandey, namit_in_us

Beaches in North Goa: Calangute Beach

2008-07-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Calangute beach, North Goa-

image by jo.in.pink
Discovered by hippies in 1960s ,Calangute beach is also called as the 'queen of beaches'. Located in North Goa and around 8 kms. from Mapusa city and 15 kms from Panjim, the capital city of Goa, it is most commercialized beaches in Goa and crowded by tourists all the year round.

Why one should visit Calangute Beach in Goa:

Calangute beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa and suited for everyone.Whether you are a solitude lover or a party lover or if you love to shop or enjoy some nice cuisines, Calangute has got something to offer to you.This is why Calangute is called as 'queen of beaches'.

image by wnorrixJust take a look at how some of the websites have described calangute beach on their pages-

Once you reach Calangute beach in Goa, then you can spend your vacation soaked in the serenity of the sea, sun and sand. Goa Calangute beach is often crowded with people, children making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea,
hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands. This picture of a perfect tourist haven is completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells.
Source

image by diametrik

Fun in the sun, sand and sea along with great opportunities for feasting on fresh seafood and feni is what a day on the Calangute beach essentially means. Frolicking families, eager hands making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea, hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands are some of the images that characterize this Queen of Beaches. Source

image by diametrik

What to do at Calangute beach-

Eating out- If you are fond of eating then certainly Calangute beach has a lot to offer you. You can enjoy some very nice Goan cuisines in the restaurants and bars situated on the beach.In goa you will particularly get some good servings of sea foods.

Night life- Due to repeated crack down by Goa police the night life here at Calangute beach is somewhat calm.You won't find any rocking parties like on Anjuna Beach but you can always enjoy a bottle or two of beer in hippies hide outs. Most of the bars are closed on the beach by 10 'O clock.

image by diametrikShopping- As I have said earlier , Calangute is the most commercialized beach of Goa, so, always have a good bargain on the commodities sold here. India beaches have some good words to say about the shops around the Calangute beach, Goa.

At the Calangute beach you must check out the Saturday bazaar for some good bargains. The market offers a wide range of items from daily food items to souvenirs. Then there is the Tibetan market that offers gems and silverwork, wooden statues of the Buddha's besides Hindu deities. You may pick up the Kashmiri carpets, embroidery, and papier-mâché boxes from the Calangute beach that makes excellent gift items. For some exclusive art pieces pay a visit to the Cocoon Art Gallery.

image by diametrik

Water sports-Calangute also makes a perfect beach site if you want to indulge in some water sports activities. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing at the Calangute beach starts in the afternoon when the wind is blowing just in the right direction and it goes on till sunset.

How to reach Calangute beach ,Goa-

Calangute beach is situated around 8 kms from Mapusa city and 15 kms. from Panjim. Regular buses can drop you to the beach and it is cost effective. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi or a motorcycle-taxi to reach here.It takes only a few minutes to reach here from Mapusa or from Panjim.

image by diametrik

Where to stay near Calangute beach Goa-

There are numerous options available when you wish to stay near this beach. There are many hotels and resorts in and around this queen of beaches. You may hire or rent a room or a house from the locals residing here.

Goa beach- Fabulous Beaches in Goa

2008-07-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Goa Beach, Beaches in Goa-

Image via WikipediGoa is a place famous for its beaches. Goa is surrounded from its western side by Arabian sea and thus it has very exotic beaches with palm trees and golden sands.The effect of Goa beaches are soothing and mesmerizing.Many of the beaches are mighty long like, Colva beach in South Goa and Calungut beach in North Goa.Many of them like Palolem beach are secluded and perfect for newly married couples and peace lovers.So, no matter what you need your Goa vacations to be, it has a perfect beach for you.

You can also enjoy discotheques, dolphin cruises and fishing trips on these beaches.Or, you can have a nice sun bath if you want to retire on golden sand of Goa beaches.The hills of the western ghat alongside beaches adds to the beauty of the goan beaches.

Here in this article ,I will list some of the beaches of Goa with small description.The details of the each of these beaches has been provided in separate posts.

Anjuna Beach,Goa
Image by Swami stream

Goa Beach- Beaches in North Goa-

Calungut Beach- This beach is called as queen of the goan beaches and is the second most longest beach of Goa.Located about 8 kms from Mapusa city it is the most commercialized beach of Goa.

Vagator beach- Located around 9 kms from Mapusa city. A beautiful view of Chapora fort can be seen from this beach.

Flea Market, Anjuna Beach
Image by Arjun pandeyBaga beach- Basically it is extension of Calungut beach. It lies 10 kms west of Mapusa city. It is more calm and relaxed than its northern counterpart, Calungut.

Anjuna beach- Located around 8kms from Mapusa city it is famous for its palm grooves and full moon parties.Bathing here is safer than others and you can enjoy a nice sun bath here.

Image by

Subhash Chandra

Goa Beach - Beaches in South Goa-

Dona Paula Beach- This beach situated in South Goa about 4 kms from Panaji is famous for ita water sports. A beautiful love story is attached with this beach ,that is why, it is also called as 'Lover's Point'.

Benaulim Beach- A very quiet and largely undiscovered beach famous for fishing trips. You can spend whole of your day here relaxing and spending your days in solitude.

Colva Beach- The longest of the Goan Beaches called as 'king of goa beach'. It was largely a secluded beach a few years back but now many visitors have started flocking here.anyways ,you can still find a lonely southern corner to spent your day in solitude.
Palolem Beach
Image by Jackol A very beautiful beach with white sand and you can enjoy collecting shells here.

Palolem Beach- Also called as 'Paradise beach' or 'Paradise of Goa beach' .This beach is arc shaped and swaying palm and coconut trees add to its beauty and grandeur.A will call it as stunner for people loving solitude.

Goa Holidays: Discover Real Goa from Golden Beaches

2008-07-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Goa vacations & holidays-

Image by PhotoFusion.
Though it may be the smallest state of the country in terms of area, the entertainment and vivre of Goa will always keep you on your toes. On one hand, you can enjoy the serene panoramic views of the place which is adorned with golden beaches and the sparkling blue sea. On the other hand is the exuberant and vivacious nightlife that will keep you rocking all the way from midnight till 5 in the morning. 'The Beachotheque' is the new discotheque where you can dance away your night with family and friends. Titos is another place on the beach that can lift up your spirits. Apart from this, the spray from the pounding waves of the sea caressing your hair can leave anyone mesmerized by its feel. It is also a great place for bird-watchers as different kinds of migratory birds pay a visit to this beautiful State during transit.

Besides, Goa is also famous for its churches, temples and mosques. Shri Bhagvati, Brahma temple and many more can be explored. With the dominant religion of the Goans being Christianity, the culture and religion of the place is exhibited the best through churches like the Se Cathedral Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Paul and many others. In addition, the Bom Jesus Basilica, which is also counted among the World heritage sites, draws millions of tourists to Goa. Fontainhas situated in Panjim has also been a famous site reflecting the culture and zeal of the Goans. You can visit and explore Goa within a span of 2-3 days, but this wouldn’t be fulfilling. To enjoy the real fun of finding sea-shells or crabs beneath stones on the sun soaked beaches along with spiritual fervor and festivals of the place, a long relaxing trip will definitely be a good idea.

Ganesh chaturthi, Christmas and New year’s eve, Diwali and Easter Sunday are some of the festivals that are most enjoyed by Goans. The music played at the festivals make it full of fun and frolic. Enjoying all these adventures and the beauty of Goa becomes all the more exciting when you visit the place on the packages offered by www.t2india.com. They take care of all your needs and make sure that your stay is a comfortable and the most convenient one.

Goa is also one of the most visited holy pilgrimage sites for Christians. The liveliness and spirit of the place brings millions of visitors to Goa adding onto the charm of the place. For more information on Goa packages and tourism, log onto www.t2india.com.

Sudipta Banerjee is well known author who writes on the topics related to tour operators in India, India Travel and Hotels In New Delhi for the site www.t2india.com.

How to reach Goa, India, Access to Goa, Reaching Goa

2008-07-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

How to reach Goa-

Image via WiGoa is located on the western coast of India and is well connected to all major cities in India.

Reaching Goa by air-

Regular flights to and from Dabolim airport connect Goa from other cities of India.Air India ,Indian airlines and many other private airways operate from this place.Dabolim airport is 29 kms. away from Panjim,the capital city of Goa.You can hire a taxi or a bike-taxi to reach Panjim from Dabolim.You can get information on flights from here.

Reaching Goa through railway-

Image by madpaiAll the major cities in India are well connected by railway.Trains from across the country reach Margaon and Vasco. With advent of Konkan railway, it is not hard to reach Goa by train.I have travelled on konkan railway from Mumbai to Goa on a couple of occasions.The train passes from numerous tunnels and through the hills covered by lush green trees.The expreience is captivating.

You can take trains from Delhi (1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably.Get further information on railways from here. Get information on Konkan railway from here.

Reaching Goa by road-

Image by bbjee
Private as well as state corporation buses operate between nearby states and different cities in Goa.Panaji, Mapusa, Margao and other cities are well connected from nearby states through roadways. State corporation buses from Goa, Karnatka, Maharashtra operate on a regualr basis.

Distance of different places in India from Goa-

Delhi- 1875 km (Connected through railway)
Mumbai- 590 km by road and 490 km by railway
Bangalore- 598 km
Hyderabad- 700 km
Mysore- 596 km
Kochi- 830 km

Holidays and Vacation in Goa,india, Goa vacation,Goa holiday,Goa travel

2008-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

Vacation in Goa-

Image by PhotoFusion.About an year ago I visited Goa on my vacations and that was the one of the most memorable moments in my life. Goa holidays are full of enjoyment and you always enjoy the scenic beauty formed by confluence of Goa beach and hills of western ghat. Goa is a place where east meets the west and the mixture of cultures make it a very exotic place to visit.

Goa, on the west coast of India is a land of swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west.

Goa is a southern state of India ,one of the smallest states and most visited tourism place in India.It is particularly famous for its beaches
and churches.Before british rule ,Goa was under the control of Portugal and so, you can see a mixture of culture of british ,portugal and India.

Goa holidays are full of colour for everyone, whether you are married or single, young or old, black or white, Goa has got a great vacation for you. I have visited Goa for around seven times and it still attracts me for a great vacation.It is a clean state and its atmosphere is soothing and mesmerizing.If you are looking for peace ,Goa can be a place for you.If you are looking for some rocking cruise parties ,again, Goa will not let you down.

I have described various places in Goa in great detail , just take a look at the links below and get some great reasons to spend your vacations and holidays. Enjoy your time in Goa with your friend and family.