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Friday, January 13, 2012
Mount Abu is a Jodhpur
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Ayodhya
Ayodhya: Indian Tourist Spot
About Ayodhya: The Atharvaveda describes Ayodhya as ?a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself?. Believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the holy city of Ayodhya, stands on the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaldesa. The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (suryavamsa) was the ruling dynasty of this region. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindus.
For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples. At Ayodhya several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods of time in the past. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jain belief, five tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva), the 1st tirthankar.
How to reach:Ayodhya is situated on Mughal Sarai - Lucknow main
Best Time To Visit: September to February.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Bus, taxi service etc.
Alappuzha: tourism
Alappuzha: Indian Tourist Spot
About Alappuzha: Alappuzha or Alleppey is the centre of the coir trade. This city in Kerala is known as the " Venice of the East". Some lovely backwater connect Alappuzha to Kollam and Kottayam. Idyllic cruises into the interiors of Kerala are possible over the waterways. Alappuzha is famous for the boat races held annually in August/ September.
How to reach:The nearest airport is Kochi which is 64 km away.
Best Time To Visit: September to February.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Bus, taxi service etc.
Alappuzha: Indian Tourist Spot
Alappuzha: Indian Tourist Spot
About Alappuzha: Alappuzha or Alleppey is the centre of the coir trade. This city in Kerala is known as the " Venice of the East". Some lovely backwater connect Alappuzha to Kollam and Kottayam. Idyllic cruises into the interiors of Kerala are possible over the waterways. Alappuzha is famous for the boat races held annually in August/ September.
How to reach:The nearest airport is Kochi which is 64 km away.
Best Time To Visit: September to February.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Bus, taxi service etc.
Digha: Indian Tourist Spot
Digha: Indian Tourist Spot
About Digha: Digha is a great tourist attraction for its fabulous sea beach. The long Casuarina trees fill this area making it a wonderful picnic spot as well as a nice place for the people who love peace & serene atmosphere. Atmosphere is simply stunning & a lovely place for picnic. There are also some artist camps nearby.
How to reach:Digha is accessible from Kolkata by bus. Very soon
Best Time To Visit: September to February.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Bus, taxi service etc.
Darjeeling: Indian Tourist Spot
Darjeeling: Indian Tourist Spot
About Darjeeling: A popular hill station, Darjeeling is located in the northern part of West Bengal. Darjeeling is world famous for its tea. Its a great place for the tourists.
How to reach:Well connected by rail, air and road. The nearest
Best Time To Visit: March to September.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Toy-Train, Bus, taxi, service etc.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Bishnupur: Indian Tourist Spot
Bishnupur: Indian Tourist Spot
About Bishnupur: Bishnupur is famous for the terracotta, metal works. The temples of Bishnupur show the great skill of the builders. Jadu Bhatta is a famous name in Bishnupur Gharana music.
There are lots of temples in Bishnupur. These temples were built in a particular fashion which is unique & the architectural pattern is astonishingly beautiful.
How to reach:This town full of temples is accessible from Kolka
Best Time To Visit: September to February.
Accomodation: Hotels etc.
Local Transport: Bus, taxi service etc.
Place of Tourist Interest in Ajmer
Place of Tourist Interest in Ajmer
Adhai-Din-Ka-Jhopra: The mosque was originally an ancient Sanskrit college within a temple enclosure. Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college in 1193 AD & built this mosque.
West Bengal
West Bengal
Capital : : Kolkata
Population : : 74.5
Language : : Bengali, Hindi
Art : : The handicrafts of Bengal are famous all over the world. Bishnupur's metal works, clay dolls from Krishnanagar get lots of acclaim from the art Mayapur loving people. Rasogolla & other sweets are also very famous.
Culture: :
Industry : : West Bengal is the industrial hub of the eastern India. Major industries include iron & steel, cotton textiles, jute, engineering, tea, food processing, power, Software Industries etc. A number of other projects are coming up in the State.
LUCKNOW
LUCKNOW
Location: 79-km From Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Capital City Of Uttar Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: September & October
Lucknow is caught in a time warp. It exists in an in-between land of the past and the present looking back constantly to the memories of a colonial-Nawabi past. There is at the same time a sense of pride at the thought of being after Delhi, the most important center of power in free India. Politics has indeed been Lucknow's forte but culture has been its historical identification.
Nawabi legacy: Despite the Indo-Persian legacy, Lucknow has a composite Indian culture. The welding of various cultural strains nurtured by centuries of Mughal and later Delhi Sultanate rule, to the folk traditions of the Indo-Gangetic plains has produced a complex, yet rich synthesis. The Urdu language acquired its baffling phonetic nuances and suave perfection here. It was in Nawab Wajed Ali Shah's court that the most advanced of all classical Indian dance forms, the Kathak, took shape. The popular Parsi theatre originated from the Urdu theatre of this city. The table and the sitar were first heard on the streets of Lucknow.
Naming Lucknow: Lucknow-the name can be traced to the epic Ramayana. After 14 years of exile when Lord Ramchandra returned to Ayodhya, he gifted this place to his younger brother Lakshman. Lakshman is believed to have stayed in Lakshman Teela, a high ground near the banks of the river Gomti. Later the region was named after him; 'Lucknow' is derived from the name Lakshman. There are other stories that do the rounds: Lucknow was named after a very influential person called 'Lakhan Ahir' who built the fort 'Qila Lakhan'. The name 'Qila Lakhan' later became Lucknow. Some other source says that one Lakhu Khan who was earlier a non-Muslim by name Laxman Singh has lent his name to Lucknow.
Old City: The ravages of time have left its mark on Chowk, the oldest street of Lucknow. But a walk through of the streets is still a memorable experience because of the series of unfolding scenes. The rhythm of hammers beating silver into paper, the smell of flowers, the fragrance of ittar, the fineness of chicken embroidery and the mouthwatering aroma of roasting meat at a kabab shop. Venturing beyond the streets into the bylines you confront a private world of courtesans' houses with their many stories and anecdotes, past and present.
GOVARDHAN
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Nearest City: Mathura
Attractions: Goverdhan Hill, Mansi Ganga
Languages / Dialect: Hindi, Brij Bhasha
Located 25 kms west of Mathura, Govardhan lies on the State Highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Goverdhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as ‘Giriraj’, which is about 8 km in length.
The place is of immense importance to the devout as lord Krishna is believed to have held the hill by the same name on the tip of his little finger in order to protect the inhabitants of Braj, from the wrath of Indra.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Radhakund: Radhakund is a large lake, which is just 5 km north of Govardhan.
Govardhan Hill: It is believed that Govardhana Hill was about 16 miles (29 km) high, 5,000 years ago. The young lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by lord Indra. A popular Vaishnavaite icon, the entire hill is circumambulated by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Mansi Ganga: Manasi Ganga, the masonry tank is on the right, just as one enters the town of Govardhana. It is a large lake located in the town of Govardhana, in the centre of the Govardhana Hill. Its enclosures were built by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh, who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the end of the tank.
Royal Cenotaphs: Two impressive cenotaphs, opposite the tank commemorate Randhir Singh and Baladev Singh, two of the Bharatpur Rajas. Towards the south is the beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Fine frescoes- illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depict darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.
Harideva Temple: Close by is the famous red sandstone temple of Haridev, founded during the reign of Akbar.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Kheria( Agra), 62 kms.
Rail: Mathura is on the main lines of the central and western railways and is connected with all the major cities.
Road: Mathura is well connected by motorable roads to important tourist centres.
Local transport: Taxis, Tongas and Cycle rickshaws.
PLACES TO STAY
Tourist Bungalow, Radha Kund.
KUSHINAGAR
KUSHINAGAR
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Founded By: Kasaya, Kushinara
Best Season: October-April
Languages: Hindi, English
LAND OF MAHAPARINIRVANA: Known earlier as Kushinara, now Kasaya, Kushinagar is one of the most sacred sites for the Buddhists. It was here that Lord Buddha is said to have attained 'Mahaparnirvana', the freedom from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth at Kushinagar. At the time of the great event, kushinara was an insignificant settlement, a part of the Malla Kingdom.
Kushi Nagar is an archaeological site, significant for its close proximity with the life of Lord Buddha. So far, at least ten monasteries have been discovered. The Mukutabandhana Stupa, which was built to hold the Buddha’s cremated remains is considered of great sanctity. There is also a large reclining stone figure of the Buddha. The original image was made in Mathura and brought to Kushinagar by Haribala, a monk who lived in the time of king Kumargupta (AD 413-455). Although, the original image was destroyed, it was restored in the last century.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Nirvana Stupa: Standing at a height of 2.74m, the Nirwana Stupa is built of bricks. Carlyle excavated this huge stupa in 1876. A copper vessel unearthed here bears an inscription in ancient Brahmin stating that Lord Buddha's remains had been deposited here.
Nirvana Temple: This temple houses the 6m long statue of reclining Buddha, which was unearthed in 1876. Carved from Chunar sandstone, the statue has an inscription below that dates the statue to the fifth century AD.
Mathakuar Shrine: This shrine lies about 400 yards from the Parinirvana stupa. A black stone image of the Buddha in the ‘bhumi sparsha mudra’ was recovered here. The last sermon by Lord Buddha was given here.
Ramabhar Stupa: Referred to as the Mukt Bandhan Vihar in ancient Buddhist texts, this stupa marks the site where the Lord was cremated. About 1 km away, this large stupa rises to a height of 49 ft.
Chinese Temple: Here the special attraction is a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha.
Japanese Temple: On display here is the beautiful Ashta Dhatu (eight metals) statue of Lord Buddha, which was brought from Japan.
Kushinagar Museum: The Buddha Museum contains finds from excavations at the site. Timings: 10:30 am. to 4:30 PM, all days except Monday. Other places of interest include Pawanagar (Fazilnagar) and the Sun Temple at Turkpatti.
EXCURSIONS
Gorakhpur: (51 kms) Rahul Sankratayan Museum at Gorakhpur has an excellent collection of thank paintings and relics of the Buddha. Water Sports Complex at Ramgarhtal Planetarium and the Gorakhnath Temple in the city are also well worth a visit.
Lumbini: Situated in Nepal at a distance of 122 km from Gorakhpur, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Buses ply till the border, from where the remaining 26-km has to be covered by private vehicles.
Kapilvastu: The ancient city abounds in numerous stupas.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: There is no direct air connection.
Rail: From Delhi, one has to reach Gorakhpur, by rail.
Road: Taxis and buses. Gorakhpur is a convenient base for visiting Kapilvastu (110 km), Lumbini (108 km) and Shravasti (195 km).
Local Transport: Cycle rickshaws.
NEARBY CITIES
Gorakpur:51-km
Lumbini:108-km
Kapilvastu:110-km
Shravasti:195-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:6.00 sq. km.
Population:13860 (1991 census).
Altitude:400 m above sea level.
Main Festival:Buddha Purnima.
Clothing:
Summer: Light Cotton.
Winter:Woolen.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Shanku's Water World Resort Mehsana
[Mehsana] [Reservation] | ||||
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Shanku Water Park
Shanku Water Park
Location: | 60 km from Ahmedabad at Mehsana Highway |
Highlight: | First water park of India |
The place is well equipped with all the modern facilities. Reaching Shanku Water Park is very easy, as it lies at a distance of one hour drive from the Ahmedabad city. Accommodation is not at a problem in Shanku water park resort. Also, available is the facility of various kinds of eatables. The main attractions of the Shanku water park comprise of a beautiful lake with clear water, blossoming garden, cottage resort, fitness club and sports complex. It is an ideal destination for rejuvenating yourself.
Garden Tourism Festival of New Delhi
The Garden Tourism Festival of New Delhi offers a nature lover an opportunity to get closer to nature amidst the commotion of the busy city life. It was with this sole intention that the Garden Tourism Festival was started in 2004. With the approach of the Garden Tourism Festival it sees that whole of Delhi dresses with the lovely bright colored flowers. It is for this festival that thousands of flower enthusiasts keep waiting all throughout the year.
GANGOTRI
GANGOTRI
Location: Garhwal
Altitude: 3,200 mt
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
This sacred shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,200 mt is the source of the river Bhagirathi. The mountain peaks of Shivling, Satopanth and Bhagirathi sisters surround it. Accessible by a motorable road, it is one of the most pious Hindu pilgrimages.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Temple Of Gangotri: As the legend goes, Raja Bhagirath used to worship Lord Shiva at the sacred stone near which the temple is located. It is believed that goddess Ganga first descended to earth from Heaven, at this stone. Amar Singh Thapa, the Gorkha Commander of Garhwal, in the 18th century AD constructed this temple. It is also believed that the Pandavas, came here to perform the great 'Deva Yagna' to atone the death of their kinsmen in the battle of Mahabharata.
Submerged Shivling: Submerged in the river, this natural rock Shivling is the place where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Ganga in his matted locks. It is visible in winter months when water level decreases.
EXCURSIONS
Kedartal : A spectacular lake situated at a distance of about 18 km trek from Gangotri, negotiable through a rough mountain trail. The trek is very tiring and testing even for a hardy trekker. There is no facility of any kind on the way and one haste make all arrangements in advance. A local guide is essential. The lake is crystal clear with the mighty Thalaysagar (sphatikling) peak forming a splendid backdrop. The place is about 15,000 feet above sea level and is the base camp for scaling to Thalaysagar, Jogin, Bhrigupanth and other peaks.
Kedar Ganga Sangam: Around 100 yards from the Ganga temple, flows the river Kedar Ganga. Starting from the Kedar valley, this river meets the Bhagirathi River on its left bank.
Gaumukh: This is the snout of the Gangotri glacier and the present source of the Bhagirathi River. The devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water hold it in high esteem. The 18-km distance from Gangotri haste is covered on foot or by ponies. The trek is easy and many people come back to Gangotri the same day. Porters and ponies are available for excursions to Gaumukh and other trekking routes at Gangotri. There is a Tourist Bungalow at Bhojbasa, 14 km from Gangotri where lodging and other facilities are available.
Bhaironghati: 10 km from Gangotri. Astride the road to Uttarkashi and near the confluence of Jat Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers is situated, Bhaironghati . The temple of Bhairav Nath surrounded by thick forests is worth visiting.
Bhairon Mandir: After traveling by road from Lanka to Bhaironghati one has to cross the Jahanvi River on foot. After crossing the Jahanvi river and moving uphill, the Bhairon temple can be seen.
Gangnani: 55 km from Gangotri. Noted for its thermal springs and close-up views of famous mountain peaks, its peaceful and tranquilizing environment provides an ideal setting for meditation.
Bhatwari: 70 km from Gangotri. It is a small upcoming town located at about 25 km from Gangnani.
Maneri: 92 km from Gangotri. It has lately emerged as a place of tourist interest as a result of the construction of a dam across the Bhagirathi River, from where the water is fed to the turbines through an 8-km long tunnel at Tiloth in Uttarkashi. The resultant lake at Maneri has added to the charm of the place.
Uttarkashi: 107 km from Gangotri. An important pilgrimage centre equated with Varanasi, or Kashi in divinity. It is located in a wide stretch of the valley.
Situated at a distance of 155 km from Rishikesh, the last railhead, at an elevation of 1 ,150 mt above sea-level on the bank of river Bhagirathi, this picturesque town is also the district headquarter. From the religious point of view as well, it is considered important because the temple of Lord Vishwanath, is located here where a massive iron trident is erected. Description about this temple is given in 'Kedar Khand' (Skand-Puran). The other important temples situated here are Ekadash Rudra, Bhairav and Gyaneshwar. The temple of goddess Kuteti Devi is situated at the top of hills about 1.5 km away.
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is also located on a hill above the town, 5 km away. Close by at Ujeli are a number of Ashrams and temples. On the occasion of "Magh Mela" (January 14), every year people from far and near visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of they’re village deity.
Dayara Bugyal: Bugyal, in the local language means "high altitude meadow." The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari a place on Uttarkashi-Gangotri road about 32 km from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu from where one has to trek a distance of about 8 km to reach Dayara. Situated at an elevation of about 3,190 mt above sea level, this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty. During winters it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. km. From this spot one can trek down to Dodi Tal, which is about 30 km away, through dense forests.
Aligarh Weather
Aligarh Weather |
Overview & Best Season of Aligarh
The climate in the city of Aligarh can be classified as a sub tropical climate and the conditions are humid during the monsoon season. The conditions are typical of the climate that many places in the northern parts of India experience. Summers are extremely hot and visiting the place during this time is not advisable. Winters in the city are usually mild and this is the main tourist season. The monsoon is quite heavy in Aligarh as well.The summer season in the city starts in the month of March and lasts till May. Temperatures peak during the month of May. The temperatures range from a minimum of 28°C and can go up to a maximum of 40°C during the summer months. The average day temperatures are in the mid thirties.
The monsoon starts in the month of June and ends in September. Conditions are wet and humid during these months. During some years, the rainfall may continue till the month of October.
The winter season is from December to February and the conditions are pleasant during this time. Temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C and climb up to a maximum of 22°C during this period.
Aligarh is a city that
Pic: Mayank Agrawal (Wikipedia)
Fast Facts |
State: Uttar Pradesh District: Aligarh Famous for/as: Historical Languages: Hindi Best Season: Oct - Mar Weather: Summer 28-40°C, Winter 20-30°C Altitude: 178 m Pincode: 20200x STD code: 0571 |
There are a few villages that are located nearby and some of them are worth visiting. Gorai, Sidarmain, and Mangarhi are the main villages.
The Aligarh Fort is one of the main attractions in the city. Many visitors can be seen in the fort throughout the year. Another fort called the Dor Fort is located near the city center. However it is mainly in ruins at present.
There is an 18th century mosque that is located here as well and one can see the tombs of many Muslim saints here. The Methodist Church, Christ Church and the Church of Association are some of the main churches in the city.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Mount Abu Tourism
Mount Abu Tourism
Dilwara Jain Temples in Mount Abu- Rajasthan
Mount Abu, literally ‘Hill of Wisdom’, is Rajasthan’s only hill station. Sprawling along a 2km long plateau, it is at an altitude of 1220 metres, and is the highest point on the Aravalli ranges. Abu was the summer resort for the Maharajas and the princes to escape the sweltering desert. The gigantic blocks of rock, towering along the crest of the hill, the lush green trees and the colourful birds and animals make Abu one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Mount Abu is also a major Rajput and Jain pilgrimage centre.
Mt. Abu Tourism
Mt. Abu Tourism
Prime Sites:
Dilwara Jain Temples: These temples, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, are famous for their rich, intricate marble carvings. | Adhar Devi Temple: A beautiful temple chiselled out of a huge rock, it is formed by a natural cleft. |
Rayadurg
Rayadurg is about 130 kms from Ananthapur town and is well connected by rail and road. The fort located here was built by Venkataparayudu a ruler of the Vijayanagara dynasty. The inscriptions of the Vijayanagara kingdom at Penna Ahobilam dates back to 1536 A.D. Inside the fort you can see the Rasasiddula Temple built from a single stone. Several Jain sculptures can be found inside the fort complex depicting the Jain gurus and their disciples.
Penna Ahobilam
Situated near Anantapur, Penna Ahobilam is renowned for its Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple. The shrine presents a beautiful vista of the bubbling rivulet of Pennar. According to the legends, the temple was constructed on the footprints of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy that measured 5 feet 3 inches. Prominent place for marriage ceremonies, this temple observes an ostentatious car festival every year. Adi Laxmi Devi Temple and Chenchu Laxmi Devi Temple are two other temples in the complex.
Anantapur Tourist Attractions
Anantapur Tourist Attractions
Anantapur always captivates the visitors with its glorious past and colossal monuments. It has many places and attractions to boast of. Be it striking temples or architectural structures, Ananthapur has many sites to formulate your sightseeing tours. All the ancient temples ring a bell and take you back in the erstwhile times, when the kings and queens used to worship here, in the most lavish manner. A tour to Andhra Pradesh is not complete unless you pay a visit to this city of old-age charms. Following are the major places that should be visited in Anantapur.
Puttaparthi
India has always been known for its spiritual and cultural roots. This divine land has given birth to numerous blessed souls and mystics. Puttaparthi is a small village that got recognition with the little boy who took birth here and later came to be known as 'Sri Satya Sai Baba'.