Tourist attractions of Kerala Beaches

Kerala Beach

Kerala – the God’s Own country is blessed with the magical beauty of nature. This is the Indian state, most popularly known for its exotic beaches which are the rich amalgamation of crystal blue water and rocky/sandy beaches. Kerala is located along a 600 km long coastline, engraved with a network of 44 rivers with stretch of alluring beaches. Every year a number of tourists, honeymooners, young couples from all over the world come to visit these magnificent beaches .Kerala, occupying an area of approximately 38,863 sq km is a state in the southern part of India. Known worldwide as ‘God’s own country’, the state has become a popular tourist destination on the world tourism map due to its lush greenery, calm backwaters and scenic beauty. With a wide variety of destinations from hill stations to beaches, from wildlife sanctuaries to pilgrim centres, Kerala has a unique combination of tourist spots. Large number of tourists from India and abroad visits Kerala which is loaded with various tourist destinations. Kerala is full with the picturesque beauty of nature and is a place of spirituality and grandeur. Kerala, The Venice of the East, is pregnant with its prosperous culture and tradition. There are a range of Kerala holiday tour packages available for the tourists so that they can explore the picturesque natural beauty of Kerala and prosperous Kerala’s tradition and culture.

 National Geographic has credited Kerala as one of the paradise among the ten paradises on the earth. Kerala is an ideal blend for a perfect holiday destination because of its demography and its diversified cultural background. Main things that usually comprises Kerala tour package are a visit to Lush hill stations, Sandy beaches of Kerala ,Religious Heritage and cultural sights, Kerala Ayurveda treatment and Unique Kerala backwaters. The name ‘The Gods Own Country’ and ‘Venice of East’ suits most to Kerala and these names are perfectly given to the place. Among Indian holiday vacation spots Kerala has become the most visited place among all Indian places. Kerala is an enchanting mosaic of coconut groves and paddy fields, wide beaches and labyrinthine backwaters, verdant hills and rainforests nesting between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.Tourists from abroad and within year throng the place throughout the year. The houseboat trip, tours, and places of attractions keep them engaged for at least a week. Kerala may be one of the greenest tourist places you ever see. Kerala has got a bunch of exclusive reasons to be called a paradise of tourists. A pleasing climate, sun kissed beaches, backwaters, hill stations, interesting wildlife, overwhelming waterfalls, Ayurvedic health tourism, charming art forms, mysterious festivals and lot more.

 Kerala coastline is beautiful and the sandy sun-kissed beaches of Kerala are also one of the most favorite tourist’s destinations. Kappad Beach, Kapil Beach. Kovalam Beach , Cherai Beach, Alappuzha Beach etc. are some of the beaches that beautify the coastline of Kerala. These beaches are very attractive and clean. When you visit these beaches of Kerala all you need to do is to leave the tension of the rest of your world behind you and just enjoy these beaches to its fullest.

 Kovalam Beach:–

Kovalam Beach

 Kovalam beach is the most sensational beach of the state, which is also a world famous beach since 1930s. It is located 16 km away from Trivandrum. The beautiful palm tress, dotted all around the beach creates a breathtaking sight. It has three adjacent beaches in crescent shape. Kovalam has 3 major beaches in its 17 km coastline. The southernmost beach is called the lighthouse beach. It is the most popular and the largest amongst. Many hotels, restaurants, lodges and shops are located here. It is frequented by outsiders who stay and enjoy Kovalam. . Most of the foreigner’s stay on Lighthouse Beach, which is more developed. There are some vendors on the beach, but they are not too pushy. It takes less than five minutes to walk from Lighthouse Beach to the second largest beach, Hawah Beach Hawah beach is the second largest beach, located in the middle. It is major fishing spot for the localites. While the northern most beaches is known as Samudra. It has not been changed yet with the passage of time. Samudra Beach doesn’t have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

 There are a number of beach resorts, meditation and yoga centers around the beach. The Northern most crescent is crowded on weekends. It is very popular with the locals, day-travelers, and passing-by tourist buses. During the week it’s quiet. Hawa Beach in between is among one of the beaches in India where top-less sunbathing is tolerated and well appreciated by the locals. The tourism department provides a vigilant life guard service on both Lighthouse and Hawa beach. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclave in India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach:

 54 km in the north of Trivandrum Varkala beach which is another superb destination to refresh your body and soul. Adorned with the golden sand and palm fringes this isolated beach enhance the perfect surroundings to enjoy some soothing moments with your dear ones. Besides Varkala beach is also famous for its mineral springs and high rocky cliffs landscape. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

Varkala is a wonderful place to relax and rejuvenate. It’s well known for its dramatic sunsets. Settle into one of the beach shacks with a drink, and you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon. The mineral spring that flows from the cliff at the southern end of the beach is believed to have medicinal properties. You’ll also find plenty of places specializing in yoga, and Ayurvedic massage and therapies. Shop ’til you drop at the endless rows of huts lining the cliff, stocking everything from jewelry to handicrafts. The Janardhana Swamy Temple festival is held every March.

Varkala’s main beach is called Papanasam Beach — which means destroyer of sins. The beach is divided into two parts, with the southern area at the end of the road leading from the Janardhana Swamy Temple considered sacred to Hindus. It’s where they come to perform the last rites after close relatives have died. The tourist part of the beach is located further north, past the mineral spring, at the bottom of the cliff. There’s also another small beach with black sand near the coconut grove where the cliff ends in the far north, past Papanasam Beach.

 Marari Beach:–

Marari Beach

Right in the heart of the “spice coast” just an hour from Cochin and even less to Alleppey(also Known as Alpuzzha) is the most fabulous stretch of soft sandy beach fringed with palm, an idyllic retreat for those who want to “get away from it all”. Marari originates from “mararikulam”, one of the local fishing villages, where life still goes on much as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day to earn a living bringing in the daily catch. Marari offers endless miles of superb sand beaches backed by swaying palms, virgin territory where you can experience to local charm and traditional keralan hospitality at its best.

The Marari Beach is built in the style of a traditional fishing village with thatched villas that have been designed to be in keeping with the local village style. And here, amidst the coconut groves is the Marari Resort. Like the other resorts in this hotel chain viz Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon etc, Marari Beach Resort is also constructed with a strong ethnic flavour. It has 48 cottages and 3cottages with private swimming pools. The restaurant serves delectable fare, both Indian and Continental; there is a large swimming pool also on location.Little known Marari Beach, not far from Alleppey in Kerala, is perfect for those people exploring the Kerala backwaters who feel like some time at the beach as well. This beach is quiet and undeveloped. The name Marari is shortened from from Mararikulam, a small and sleepy fisherman’s village.

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach:

 Alappuzha beach is another famous beach in Kerala, which is also known as Alleppey beach. The pier that expanded into the sea here is 140 years old. The beach is famous for its natural beauty of lagoons, palm trees, lakes and fresh water rivers. Also it is an important backwater tourist spot, which attracts numerous foreign visitors. Because of its charismatic beauty it is referred as ”Venice of the East” by the tourists. Alappuzha beach is well-known for its boat races, houseboat cruises, coir and marine products. Vijaya beach park is a major attraction of Alappuzha beach. It is a mesmerizing place with scarlet sunsetsand silver stretches of sand edged by swaying palm trees. When you visit this beach while the sun is setting behind the horizon of azure waters, you will be be entranced to see the display of wide array of colors reflected in the sea-water. The tinges of green and blue also reflects themselves in the glistening backwaters for which Alappazha is famous. After spending your time near the sloshing sea, you can treat yourself to an unforgettable, romantic boat ride on the emerald backwaters at dusk. 

Kerala has a host of colourful magical festivals and is a land of rich cultural heritage. Kerala is also an ideal destination of health holidays. The landscape is dominated by rice fields, mango, cashewnut trees and above all, coconut palms. The equable climate with copious shower has ensured a never-ending supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts and spices.People have been sailing to kerala in search of spices, sandalwood and ivory for at least 2000 years. Kerala is one of the ten ‘Paradises Found’ by the National Geographic Traveler, for its diverse geography and overwhelming greenery. Figuring prominently amid the manifold attractions of Kerala are its mystical winding beachesKerala, a magic land of wonders and wonderful people. The land is blessed with Golden beaches, Crisscrossing backwaters, Verdant hills, Lush green ubiquitous coconut groves, Palm fringed canals, rich and versatile culture. All these beautiful and ratified circumstances make the land as God’s Own Land.Kerala has a 600 km long shoreline and is known to have some of the best beaches in the world. The beaches of Kerala are beautiful, clean and dotted by the palms and coconut trees.The beaches of Kerala are considered among the best in the world lined with tall swaying palms while the water flirts unabashedly with the sand. The beaches are as peaceful as it is beautiful coupled with a relax on the golden beaches, indulge in beach activities, sip refreshing and fresh coconut water and try the ayurvedic massages by our professional masseurs. All these combine to make Kerala one of the “10 paradises of the world”.Come to the beaches of Kerala to have vacation you will cherish all through your life.

Tourist attractions of Puri

Puri city is in the state of Orissa on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is known for being one of the most favored tourist destinations for the tourists not only from India but abroad too. It is not only known for being tourist attraction but it is also a Hindu sacred place.This place is also the biggest and the well known pilgrimage venue all over the world. There are numerous tourist attractions in Puri which makes it one of the celebrated holiday destinations of India. By checking out the tourist attractions in Puri, you can get a complete idea about the rich history and culture of the city. There are numerous tourist attractions in Puri which has attracted tourist from all over the world. Puri is popular for its historical temples, sightseeing places, beaches and other popular tourist attractions. A visit to these places is a must when on a vacation to this ancient city of Puri.
The city of Puri offers the visitors a plethora of attractions including an array of magnificent temples, sandy beaches, exotic wildlife and a rich cultural heritage. Tourist attractions of Puri are numerous. Visitors not only pay a visit to Puri for its temples and nearby sightseeing places but also for its stunning beaches. One of the popular beach is the well known beach is the Puri beach. This beach is the ideal hang out place with ones near and dear ones. There are numerous tourist attractions in Puri that are worth taking a look. Visiting these places will enable you to learn more about the city and its glorious history and culture.

puri beach

PURI BEACH:–
Puri Beach is located at the city of Puri and the distance between Puri railway station and the beach is only 2km. Nearest airport is located at Bhubneshwar which is 60km away. Buses and Taxis are available for local transportation. Puri beach is a very beautiful beach. Fine white sands, roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip are the synonyms to the Puri Beach. The beach has continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath . The soft white sands of this magnificent beach will undoubtedly leave a visitor bewitched by its beauty. Snuggled up along the Bay of Bengal the beach is spread up in several kilometers and is an ideal place for leisurely walks. Witnessing a sunrise or a sunset on the Puri beach is a mesmerizing spectacle which remains etched in the memories of the traveler. The beach is also an ideal place to savor the local street food of Orissa. The entire beach is filled with hawkers who sell coconut water to masala chai and various other delicacies. The Puri beach festival held annually in November is in fact a time when one should ideally be visiting the beach as a host of activities take place during this time and one gets the best of local cuisine.

The Puri Beach is also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Odisha (Orissa) and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians.
The beach at Puri offers a unique opportunity to witness the striking sunrise and the sunset on the same beach. Often crowded with holiday makers bathing in the afternoon, and enjoying the brightly lit kiosks in the night, the stretches, parallel to the main Marine Drive Road, form the domain of the domestic tourists, with a row of hotels, food stalls and kiosks selling souvenirs.

A comparatively clean and quite place for sunbathing and a relaxed swim can be found at the eastern end. Local fishermen easily distinguishable by their triangular straw hats and dhotis serve as lifeguards on the beach, and take visitors out to sea in their boats to watch the sunsets. On the Chakratirtha side, the long stretch of golden sand is more tranquil and pleasant place to stroll. Take enough precaution while swimming as the currents can be treacherous in Puri.

It is interesting to visit a fishing village along the coast, with dozens of boats made of solid trunks ply off the coast during the day. Once landed, the rich catch of prawn, pamphlets and other fishes drawn into the nets is transferred to baskets. The best time to pay a visit is around dawn, when the fishermen head out from the village and row the fleet towards the rising sun over the sea.

PURI BEACH FESTIVAL:–

sand art on puri beach

Modeled on the lines of Goa Beach festival, Puri Beach festival is organized for five consecutive days to bring about and showcase the cultural and traditional bounty of Orissa to the fore. The festival is an astounding effort of the Ministry of Tourism, state government, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Orissa and authorities of Handicrafts and cultural centers, joining hand together to promote tourism and offer cultural programmes, unique shopping opportunity, sports activities, and fireworks competition against the backdrop of pious Jagannath temple and wide expanse of Bay of Bengal. , the Puri Beach Festival held every year in the month of November is the period when the bests of Puri come alive in her beach. Rock, Cultural and Fashion shows, sand art competition, little shops selling local handicrafts and handlooms and food-stalls of various sea-food and local cuisine spring up all over the beach. Being a festival of various classical and folk dances of India, this festival offers a unique opportunity to the visitors to interact with the local populace and enjoy the bountiful charms of Odisha (Orissa). The festival is also marked by an exhibition of Handicrafts, Handloom and Sand Art. To add more fun to the festival, events like fashion shows and rock shows are also made a part of it that leaves every present soul extremely happy and delighted. If possible time your tour accordingly to enjoy the best of everything this beach has to offer.

JAGANNATH TEMPLE:–

Lord Jagannath Temple

Puri is the home to many historical temples of India. Devotees from all over the world love to pay a visit to these temples all throughout the year with their friends and relatives. This temple is the major tourist attraction in Puri. It is a major draw for devotees for the presence of the holy Jagannath Temple. It is particularly thronged by lakhs of devotees throughout the year from all over the world.
Situated on the Nilgiri hills the temple was constructed in the 12th century by Raja Chodaganga Deva. This temple is the principal place of worship for the Hindus and is categorized as one of the four sacred dhams. Standing erect with a height of 65 meters, the Jagannath temple is considered as one of the tallest temples of India. Situated in the heart of the city of Puri, the temple walls are adorned by paintings of Lord Krishna and the pillars, which support the temple, are exquisitely carved with the scenes from life of the Lord. It is one of the most magnificent monuments of India. The holy sight of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by Subhadra and Balabhadra raises loads of joy among the devotees.
The two gods and the goddess of the temple are ornamented in accordance with the occasion and seasonal change. The structural design of the temple can be found to be in pyramid shape. Jagannath Temple in Odisha (Orissa) consists of four entrance gates. They are named as Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara and Vyaghradwara and these names refer to lion, horse, elephant and tiger. . Two rockcut lions are guarding the gate. Likewise the horse, tiger and elephant are placed by the southern, western and northern gates. The temple also has the largest kitchen in the world where 400 cooks show their culinary skills while dishing out 100 dishes for more than than 10,000 devotees.Each day, the Lord at the Jagannath Temple is offered ‘bhoga’ six times and it is dispensed among the worshippers close to Ratnavedi. Jagannath Temple is the honor of Puri and Odisha (Orissa).

JAGANNATH RATH YATRA FESTIVAL:–

puri-rath-yatra-2011

While the worship services and festivities continue to be carried out at the place right throughout the day, there are as many as 24 major festivals celebrated each year, the most important of these being the rath yatra or chariot festival held each year during the month of June-July. The procession involves three gigantic chariots bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra, being taken across the streets of the city. The giant chariots are 35 feet long rising to a height of 45 feet with 16 wheels, each measuring 7 feet in diameter. Thousands of devotees from all over the planet throng the streets of Puri to witness the festivities with over 4000 people needed to pull the huge raths to the deity’s summer abode, where the idols are worshipped for an entire week before the whole process begins again and the deities are brought back to their home at Puri. The chariots used for the purpose are reconstructed every year. The age-old tradition ratha yatra, ‘the car festival’ has special significance for the entire humanity. On the occasion of rath yatra Lord Jagannath comes on the street to meet one and all regardless of caste, creed and religion. While on the street during ‘pahandi vijay’ everybody can touch the deities. It is the grandest festival on earth. Everything is on a scale befitting the great Lord. Having the darshan / sight / glimpse of the Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is the most auspicious thing in anybody’s life by which the ultimate goal of human life is achieved. That’s why people over the world throng to ratha Yatra festival to have Lord Jagannath’s darshan and pull the Chariot.

SWARGDWAR:–

Swargadwar or the gates of heaven is a place near the sea shore in Puri. A dip here in the holy waters is believed to open the gates of heaven and leads a person towards salvation. It is also the place where the Vaishnava prophet, Mahaprabhu passed away by merging one with the sea. At Puri it is customary to have the first bath at Swargadar which is a sacred place. It is believed that Sree Chaitanya, the founder of Vaishnav sect had his first bath at Swargadwar. Swargadar means the door (dwar) to Heavens. Pilgrims enjoy a ritualistic bath with a belief that a bath in the sea at Swargadwar release one of all the burden of one’s past misdeeds and opens the path of virtues for him.

TEMPLE OF SAKHIGOPAL:–

Beautifully adorned, the temple of Sakshigopal or the Truthful witness is another tourist attraction. Gratified by the prayers of his devotee Sree Krishna arrived, all the way from Vrindavan to Kalinga to appear as a witness but conditionally. Sree Krishna disappeared leaving only his stonified statue at the violation of those he had given. The temple came to have been built in course of time. It is a popular belief that without a visit to the Sakshigopal a trip to Puri remains incomplete.

Other attractions in Puri include Gundicha Temple, Sudarshan Crafts Muesum, Jagannath Ballav Math, Chaturdham Veda Bhawan, Bedi Mahavira, Ardhasani, Chakra Tirtha, Dasavatara Math etc. while nearby excursions from Puri are Pipli, Raghurajpur and Chilka Lake.
Puri is very well connected to all the major cities of India as it has its own railway station. Puri attracts tourists from all over the world throughout the year and the best time to visit Puri is from October to March but because of the sanctity of the place Puri has tourists all through the year.

Tourist attractions of Bangalore

Srirangapatnam

From the awe inspiring Himalayas in the north to the fairway southern area of Kerala, India is full of great travel and tourism destinations. One reason India is this kind of well-liked destination is that every corner of the countryside and the cities provide the visitor a unique experience.  Bangalore is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions for the tourists. Bangalore, was originally built when the king of Vijayanagar gave a gift to Kempagowda, the Yelahanka Prabhu chief which was a large parcel of land. He used the massive revenue gained from that land to develop a new the city. The city of Bangalore is popular as the IT hub of India and has earned itself sobriquet of Silicon Valley of India. Besides, the city also has some significant tourist attractions which attract numerous tourists all across India and even abroad. Existence of a large number of gardens in the city has popularized it as the “Garden City of India.”

 Bangalore (Benguluru), currently the capital of Karnataka State in southwest India, is also regarded as the Garden City of India, and is without a doubt one of the most happening, advanced and developed cities positioned within the southernmost part of India and the foremost hub for IT business, as such is also regarded as the IT Capital of India. The city of Bangalore is popular as the IT hub of India and has earned itself sobriquet of Silicon Valley of India. Besides, the city also has some significant tourist attractions which attract numerous tourists all across India and even abroad. Existence of a large number of gardens in the city has popularized it as the “Garden City of India.”Bangalore has its mild pleasant climate all throughout the year and because of that is one of the best hubs for a tourist destination across India and throughout the region, which makes frequent Bangalore flights available all year long. The economic value of Bangalore is further enhanced with the presence of a lot of heavy industries, software, outsourcing corporations, and aerospace, telecommunications, and defense corporations creating a lot of business travel and is without a doubt one of the most visited cities in India.

For tourists, Bangalore is really a paradise as it has a whole lot of activities to offer you. Some of the renowned tourist attractions in Bangalore include – Ashoka Pillar, Dargah Hazarath, Tawakkal Mastan, Jumma Masjid, Ravindra Kalakshetra, St Mary’s Church, Gandhi Bhavan, Innovative Film City, Vidhana Soudha, The Bangalore race course, and Chikkajala Fort.

Vidhan Soudha or the Secretariat State:

vidhana-soudha

 Bangalore Vidhan Soudha was built in 1956. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles. This four floored building is the largest legislative building in India. The central dome of building bears a resemblance to the National emblem of India. This imposing edifice built almost entirely of dressed Bangalore granite is a tribute to temple architecture. Housing the Legislative Chambers of the State Government this 46 meter high seat of the government is Bangalore’s best known landmark. This is one of Bangalore’s most important buildings. Mr. Kengal Hanumanthaiah the then chief minister of Mysore decided to construct the Vidhana Soudha entirely along Indian style of architecture. There are four domes on all the four corners. The main entrance is overshadowed by the four headed lion, the symbol of Indian sovereignty. It houses 22 departments and 300 rooms. Built of Granite and Porphyry this imposing building houses the Secretariat and the State Legislature of Karnataka. Constructed in 1956 after the transfer of power from the ruling Wodeyar dynasty to the central government, it was designed by Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the then Chief Minister, who intended it to “Reflect the Power and Dignity of the People”. It is capped by a 20-m (66ft) dome, which is surmounted by the four-headed Asoka lion, symbol of the Indian State. With Rajasthani Jharokhas, Indo-Saracenic pillars and other decorative elements, the Vidhana Soudha exemplifies the Neo-Dravidian style of Post-Independence Bangalore. The woodwork inside is noteworthy. Especially the sandalwood door to the Cabinet Room, and the Speaker’s Chair was made of rosewood from Mysore. The Building looks spectacular on sunday evenings when it is beautifully illuminated.

The Fort and Tipu Sultan’s Palace:-

 The Fort of Bangalore was built by Kempe Gowda and was later expanded by the legendary king Tipu Sultan. .Only parts of the fort remain standing in mute testimony to the struggle of Tipu Sultan against British domination. The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches in Islamic style and for the well preserved Ganapati temple. Originally, built by Kempe Gowda in 1537. It was extended and fortified by Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali, Tipu’s father had imprisoned David Baird along with a number of British army officers here. Tipu Sultan’s Palace close to the fort is now a museum. The palace was started by Hyder Ali and completed by Tipu Sultan in 1791 it took ten years of planning and construction. This was one of Tipu Sultan’s summer retreats. It is a two-storeyed ornate wooden structure with pillars, arches and balconies flanked

tipu-sultans-palace

by gardens on either sides leading to the palace. The eastern and western projecting balconies of the upper floor contained the seat of state from where Tipu conducted affairs of the state. An inscription on the wooden screen describes the palace as the “Abode of Happiness”. This summer palace has been constructed largely of wood and is famous for its carving and paintings. The Venkataramanaswamy temple, built in the 17th century by the Wodeyar family is a splendid example of Dravidian temple architecture. Within its periphery is the well preserved 16th century Ganapati Temple. Nearby is The Palace Hyder Ali begun and Tipu completed. The Palace was one of Tipu Sultan’s summer retirements. It is a double storied flowery wooden structure. It has columns, curves and balconies which are laid with gardens on both sides of the path which leads to the palace. A dedication on the wooden screen reports the palace to be an “Abode of Happiness”.

Lalbagh Botanical garden:–

lal-bagh garden

Hyder Ali, the Emperor of Mysore, laid down the foundation of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in the 18th century. The gardens were later completed by his son, Tipu Sultan. He imported trees and plants from different countries of the world, like Persia, Afghanistan and France, to add to the wealth of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens of Bangalore. The gardens encircle one of the towers erected by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore. This botanical gardens has over 1000 species of flora. The Glass House is the center of attraction in this 2400-acre park. The ancient ruler Hyder Ali laid it out and later his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The others attractions of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens include the Lal Bagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth. It is believed to be approximately 3000 million years old. The garden is beautifully designed, with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus pools and fountains adding to its splendor. Flower extravaganzas are held every year in the botanical gardens, as a part of the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations. The entry to the gardens is free between 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 7 pm, for the benefit of the joggers and fitness freaks. There is also no charge for children and disabled throughout the day. The magnificent landscape of the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens truly mesmerized its visitors. Sit by the lakeside, savor the view from the hilltop, take long walks in the nursery and enjoy the beauty of the nature!

Cubbon Park:–

Cubbon Park is one of the biggest parks of Bangalore city. It is major landmark in Bangalore contributing to various Historical Monuments and Government Buildings, Cultural, Scientific Institutions other than just being a park. occupies over 300 acres with flowering plants, towering trees, shaded groves and vast expanse of green. Though this park is in the heart of the city it contributes to the vast expanse of greenery, protecting environment for Bangaloreans, a great lung space for morning joggers. So also for naturalists who study plants in the serene natural environment. It also has motor able roads, and well laid out walking paths running through

CubbanPark

the park. Lush green landscapes contribute to the rich plant wealth. Many exotic botanical species and genera grow here. They are over 6000plants and trees in the premises attributing to 68 genera and 96 species. The onus of maintenance and development the park is on the Horticulture department which they have done it with pride and dedication. In addition, many ornamental and flowering trees both exotic and indigenous are found in the park

Attara Kechari:–

Among the many gems in the crown of Bangalore is Attara Kacheri. Attara Kacheri is a popular monument in Bangalore that provides insight into the brilliant architectural past of the city. The Karnataka High Court locally known as Attara Kacheri is located opposite to the Vidhana Soudha. Attara Kacheri literally means “eighteen offices” or departments. The Attara Kacheri, is an attractive 19th century red stone edifice that was built during the reign of Tipu Sultan in 1864. It is believed that during the reign of Tipu Sultan the offices of the eighteen revenue departments of the

Attara Kechari

state expanded considerably which his palace could not accommodate. In order to accommodate the eighteen revenue departments the Emperor of Mysore that is Tipu Sultan ordered for a new establishment. The offices were shifted to the new building which came to be known as Attara Kacheri. The Attara Kacheri  is an elegant two storied structure that comprises eighteen offices or departments, hence the name Attara Kacheri. The Attara Kacheri is an attractive building that exhibits the true Gothic style of architecture. Strategically located at Cubbon Park just opposite the Vidhana Soudha the Attara Kacheri enjoys prime location in the city.  Easily accessible from all corners of Bangalore the monument shares close proximity to one of the famous roads in the city; MG Road. Attara Kacheri radiant in its vibrant hues boasts of Karnataka’s history from the glorious days of Tipu Sultan’s reign and hence is one of Bangalore’s most popular tourist spots.

The Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum:–

Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is situated on the Kasturba Road in Bangalore. Named after M. Visveswaraya, the Dewan of Mysore, it comprises of five galleries, namely Popular Science Gallery, Kimbe Paper Metals Gallery, Children’s Science Gallery, Electronic Technology Gallery and Engine Hall Gallery. Visveswaraya Museum is the perfect place to get an idea about the working of different types of machines. Apart from airplane and steam engine, a number of other items are also on display inside the museum. For example, exhibits on electronics, motor power, uses and properties of wood and metal, etc. If you have an interest in popular

visvesvaraya

science, you can also work on some of the exhibits. A major attraction of the Visveswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum comprises of its mobile science exhibition.

Festivals of India-Durgapuja Celebration in Kolkata

Maa Durga

Durga puja , is an annual Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. Durga Puja is widely celebrated in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Orissa and Tripura where it is a five-day annual holiday. In West Bengal and Tripura which has majority of Bengali Hindus it is the biggest festival of the year. Not only is it the biggest Hindu festival celebrated throughout the State, but it is also the most significant socio-cultural event in Bengali society. Apart from eastern India, Durga Puja is also celebrated in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala. Durga Puja is also celebrated as a major festival in Nepal and in Bangladesh where 10% population are Hindu. Nowadays, many diaspora Bengali cultural organizations arrange for Durgotsab in countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Singapore and Kuwait, among others.

Kumari Puja on Ashtami

Durga Puja is the most important festival of Bengal. Durga Puja means more to us than just a religious festival.It is a celebration of life, culture, popular customs and traditions … it is a time for coming together, of reunion and rejuvenation. traditional rituals at that time are maintained that enhances our mind spiritually. Durga Puja, the most happening festival of the Bengalis can be sensed with its spurt of fanfare on all the four days of the Durga Puja festival. This autumnal festival popularly known as Sharodotsav, recalls the power of female Shakti symbolized by the Goddess Durga who slays asura to reestablish peace and sanctity on earth again. Bengalis all over the world during these days of Durga Puja rejoice to their heart’s content reconnecting with friends and relatives. Durga Puja is an occasion when the familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh,the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug to every Bengali heart.

 in Bengal, the Durga Puja is the principal festival during Navaratri. It is celebrated with gaiety and devotion through public ceremonies of “Sarbojanin Puja” or community worship. Huge decorative temporary structures called “pandals” are constructed to house these grand prayer services, followed by mass feeding, and cultural functions. The ten day long Durga Puja Festival rituals are wholly dedicated to the mighty and supreme Goddess Durga. The destructive spree of Maa Durga leaves no evil behind. Riding on her divine chariot of Lion (traditionally called as Singho Vahan), she looks furious, yet charismatic. The festival is the symbol of inevitable triumph of virtuosity over vice. The time span of celebrations of the festival is viewed as Goddess Durga’s ascendancy on earth for that particular time. Soon after, she leaves for Mountain Kailash, where her husband dwells. The story is linked to the married daughters returning to their parent’s home along with their husbands in present times.The earthen icons of Goddess Durga, accompanied by those of Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha and Kartikya, are taken out on the tenth day in a triumphal procession to the nearby river, where they are ceremonially immersed. Bengali ladies give an emotion-charged send-off to Durga amidst ululations and drumbeats. This marks the end of the goddess’ brief visit to the earth. As Durga leaves for Mount Kailash, the abode of her husband Shiva, it’s time for “Bijoya” or Vijayadashami, when people visit each other’s homes, hug each other and exchange sweets. Durga Puja is a celebration of the Mother Goddess, and the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.

 Durga Puja is celebrated during the last five days of Navaratri, which is usually in late September/early October each year. In 2011, Durga Puja runs from October 2-6. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. This year the goddess Durga arrives on an elephant and departs on a palanquin . Goddess Durga’s arrival on an elephant signifies good harvest while her departure on a palanquin signifies an outbreak of epidemic.The Durga Puja traditionally begins on the Mahalaya in Ashwin month, a day when Chandi Stotram is recited as an invitation for Goddess Durga to descend to earth. In 2011, Mahalaya is on September 27 (in Bengali Calendars). Durga Puja festivities and rituals begin on the Maha Saptami day.

 DURGAPUJA CALENDER OF 2011

  Durga Puja is not only for the transition from the dull to a life of fun and gaiety but also to share this joy and happiness with friends and relatives. The grandeur of the

Sindoor Khela on Dashmi

Puja turns Kolkata into a new city during the last four days of the festival beginning from Maha-Shashti (the sixth day) till the day when the idols are immersed in the rivers, lakes, and seas on the evening of Dashami. This ritual is performed based on the belief that the Mother Goddess descends to the Earth on Shashti, the sixth day of the Pooja and returns to her abode on Dashami, the tenth day of the Pooja. The festival is also known by the names of ‘Navratra’ and ‘Durgostab’ in various parts of the country.However, Durga Puja festival is not merely religious in nature. With time, it has acquired the status of the biggest social event of the region as Bengalis use this time to socialize and make big plans for the four days of Durga Puja. Dances and performances are organized, while feasts and music take over the festive spirit of the city. It is also the time for the teens and youths to catch up on the latest fashion trends, designer clothes, trendy footwear, and catchy accessories. Businessmen certainly cash in on the festival offering sales, discounts, free gifts to customers, thereby further jazzing up the spirits of the people. Shopping spree and traditional Bengali sweets help to loosen up the festive side of the people.Dressing up, socializing with friends, family and relatives, visiting the pandals, eating mouthwatering food and dancing to the beats of drums represent the Durga Puja of Kolkata. In Kolkata, Durga Puja Festival witnesses setting up of the stalls in almost each and every locality. The whole city comes to life at the time of the festival and wears a festive look.

Maa Durga Aarti

Maa-durga-aarti

Jai Ambe Gauri maiya, jaa Shyama Gauri
Nishdin tumko dhyavat, Hari Brahma Shivji,
Jai Ambe….
Mang sindur birajat, tiko mrigmadko,
ujjvalse dou naina, chandravadan niko,
Jai Ambe….
Kanak saman kalevar, raktambar raje,
Raktapushp galmala, kanthhar saje,
Jai Ambe…. Kehari vahan rajat, khadg khappar dhari
sur nar munijan sevat, tinke dukhahari,
Jai Ambe….
Kanan kundal shobhit, nasagre moti
Kotik chandra divakar, samrajat jyoti,
Jai Ambe….
Shumbh- nishumbh vidare, MahishaSur ghatia
Dhumra-vilochan naina, nishdin madmati
Jai Ambe….
Brahmani, Rudrani tum Kamala Rani,
Agam-nigam bakhani. turn Shiv patrani,
Jai Ambe….
Chaunsath yogini gavat, nritya karat Bhairon,
Bajat tab mridanga, aur bajat damru,
Jai Ambe…
Tum ho jag ki mata, tum hi ho bharta,
Bhaktan ki dukh harta, sukh sampati karta,
Jai Ambe….
Bhuja char ati shobhit, var mudra dhari,
Manvanchhit phal pavat, sevat nar nari,
Jai Ambe….
kanchan thal virajat, agaru kapur bati
Malketu men rajat, kotiratan jyoti,
Jai Ambe….   

Maa Durga

Tourist attractions of Sikkim

Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India due to its natural beauty, culture, and biodiversity. Your trip to the Himalayas will be complete when you come to this beautiful and geographically diverse state. One of the smallest states of India Sikkim is the perfect destination for tourists to rest and recreate in the midst of Himalayas. Sikkim, the land of beautiful scenic views has unlimited reasons to attract tourists from all over the world. Lovely Monasteries, temples, stupas and lush greenery catch everybody’s attention. Tour to Sikkim mesmerize the tourists with its spectacular natural beauty like dense forests and bald tablelands, flower-bedecked meadows, shrubs and grasslands, mountain peaks, lush valleys, deep gorges and snow-clad peaks, emerald green wooden slopes and glistering glaciers, mountainous terrains, torrential streams and meandering rivers.

Situated at the foot of Mount Kanchendzonga, Sikkim is a small stretch of land sandwiched between the Kingdom of Nepal in the West and the Kingdom of Bhutan in the East. Sikkim also shares its border with West Bengal. The word Sikkim is derived from the two words Limbu “Su” which means “new” and “Khyim” means “place” or “house”, so the word combinedly means new place or house. Sikkim is an adorable place replete with lofty snow-capped mountains, green-colored rolling slopes, the gushing hills streams, scenic landscape, sparkling orchids, placid lakes and picturesque glaciers. The natural beauty of tiny Sikkim attracts tourists in large numbers. The snow clad Himalayan mountain ranges and virgin forests gives the landscape a mesmerizing look. Some of the highest mountains of the world are located in the state. Kanchenjunga, the third largest peak in the world is located in West Sikkim. Nepalese, English, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu languages are commonly used in the state. Gangtok is the state capital. The Nepalese constitute about 80 per cent of the total population of the state.

Picturesque Sikkim has a myriad of tourist attractions. Capital Gangtok is one of eastern India’s most picturesque hill stations. The prime attractions of the hill station are snow clad mountains, rich flora and magnificent Buddhist monasteries. Other than the natural beauty and places of religious importance, the orchid garden of Gangtok is one of its kind in the state. It has 454 different varieties of orchids. In north Sikkim, a visit to Chungthang is a rewarding experience. Chungthang is the origin of river Teesta with great scenic beauty. Other attractions in northern Sikkim are Yumthang, Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary and Kanchenjunga National Park.

Gangatok

[Gangtok: -- It is the capital and principal town of Sikkim, tucked away in the clouds, spread out on the ridge, 5000 feet above sea level. It is a big urban area. Picturesque monasteries and charming pagoda-roofed homes are attractive features of this city. Gangatok is a destination that would lure anyone who has a taste for natural beauty and an inclination or interest in the Buddhist religion and culture. The state secretariat and all the important government offices are located in Gangtok. The Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) is located at the centre of the town and most tourist activity is centered around MG Road. Most of the important hotels are also located around MG Road and its adjacent Tibet Road. This area also has several shops and travel offices including the office of the Sikkim Tourism. The bus and taxi stand is located nearby. It’s a beautiful town with broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, fast food outlets, discotheques and all other modern amenities that one can ask for. Hotel ‘The Royal Plaza’ at Gangtok has India’s first land based live casino, and is the only place besides Goa to brag a casino in India. The tastefully lit and decorated and absolutely no traffic M.G Marg (street) is an ideal place to spend the evenings in the town.Around Gangtok there is a number of places of tourist attraction including the Rumtek Monastery, Tashi View point, Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT), Do Drul Chorten, Saramsa Garden, Memencho lake, Tsongo lake and Nathula Pass. Most of the sight seeing can be covered in a single day.

Tsomgo Lake

Tsomgo Lake:– The lake is about 40 km from Gangtok and situated at an altitude of 12210 ft. It takes about 2 hours drive to reach the lake from Gangtok. It is regarded extremely holy by the locals. The lake is at its scenic best between May and August for an array of rare flowers including the rhododendrons, primulas, iris and blue and yellow poppies bloom here during this period. An ideal habitat of the Red Panda, the lake also shelters a number of other birds and aquatic species. The Tsomgo lake side is also characterized by a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple serves as a famous pilgrimage centre for Shaivites vsisting Sikkim. The lake remains frozen during the winter. Every day a large number of tourist vehicles ferry tourists to the lake on a half day sight seeing tour. Migratory birds coming to the plains of Bengal from Tibet during the winter months, are known to stop over at the tsongo lake. There are a few shops and Yak owners around the lake providing for tourist support. There is no overnight accommodation at the place.

Nathula pass

Nathula Pass:– Around 56 Km east of Gangtok, Nathula Pass in Himalayas is located on Indo – China border and connects Indian state Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The best part of traveling to Nathula pass is the travel itself. Once you start your journey from Gangtok, it is virtually a journey through heaven. The mist shrouded peaks, the zig zag roads, roaring waterfalls, all become your partners for the entire trip. The Indo-Chinese boarder here was used for trade between Tibet and India till the war of 1965. Since then the boarder remained heavily guarded and closed. During 2006 the boarder has been reopened and trade between the two countries has restarted. Since then, it sees a huge number of tourist visiting the pass every day.

Pelling

Pelling: — Located in the western district of the state, Pelling is a very popular tourist destination. Elevated to the height of 6,800 ft Pelling is the best place to get a close view of the entire mountain range of Mt. Kanchenjunga.It is a beautiful hill-station, nestled between the snow-covered peaks of Sikkim. Located at a distance of 10kms from Geyzing, Pelling is renowned for being the nearest site to Mt. Kanchenjunga. Pelling is a small township that is getting popular for its ultimate natural beauty. The hill-station offers a panoramic view, where clouds, snow and rocks appear to be a figment of your imagination, since they look perfect. Apart from its natural beauty, the attractions in Pelling include Sanga-Choeling Monastery that is reachable after a casual walk through a steep hilly slope. Pemayangtse Monastery and Khecheopalri Lake are other attractions. Pelling houses a variety of tourist attractions that draw significant numbers of people round the year.
The Rumtek Monastery:– The Rumtek Monastery is just 24 km from Gangtok. This wonderful monastery is one of the top tourist attractions in the state. It serves as the residence of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. Rumtek Monastery features some of the rarest works of art. The Golden Stupa is the most important portion of the compound.

kochepalari lake

Khecheopalri Lake:–A sacred lake, considered pious by both Buddhists and Hindus, it is situated in East Sikkim inmidst of thick forest cover. It is said that the birds of the region have never allowed a single leaf to fall on the lake water.

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa):– It is another famous tourist attraction at Sikkim. One of the most attractive stupas of Sikkim having 108 prayer wheels, Do Drul Chorten is a store house of Mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-Gyur relics, ‘Zung’ (mantras) and some other religious paraphernalia. Colossal statues of Guru Padmasambhava are also present in the chorten. It was built by Trulshi Rimpoche, the head ruler of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism school of thought, in 1945.

International Flower Festival: — A flower show of different varieties of flowers, orchids and other rare plants in Sikkim is very popular among tourist which held every summer during the peak flowering season. This spectacular event attracts people from all over the country.
The beautiful state of Sikkim, famous for its flora which is in full bloom during March-May offers around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. Orchids, Gladioli, Roses, Cacti, Alpine Plants, Creepers, Climbers, Ferns and Herbs are the main flowers which displays in the flower show. Seminars and lectures organized by experts also can be attained in the show.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden Located at an altitude ranging between1800 meters to 2200 meters, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden of Gangtok is 24 kms from the capital city. Established in the year 1987, the garden is characterized by lush forest of Oak and more than 50 different kinds of trees.

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is a nationally renowned centre of Tibetan Studies & Research. Popular for its vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and more than 200 Buddhist icons, the institute is located about a kilometer downhill from the main market of Gangtok. Surrounded by small forests of oak, magnolia and birch trees, this building is a rare example of Tibetan architecture. The institute is also home to several rare religious works of art and amazingly executed silk embroidered Thangkas.

Kanchanjunga

Alongside the above, tourist attractions in Sikkim include, plethora of Alpine flora and fauna. Sikkim is also a trekkers’ paradise. You can do mountaineering in numerous peaks in and around the state or do white water rafting along the turbulent rivers of the Teesta and the Rangit. If you are looking for a perfect place in India to explore, see and treasure something different that what other tourism destinations can offer? Then Sikkim is an ideal destination for those who love nature and its different elements that make this planet earth a prettier place to live and enjoy moments of lifetime with fun and great delights. Visit to Sikkim offer s tourists to enjoy memorable vacations in a delightful and memorable way.

Best Time to visit Sikkim:–
Dec to February is cold chilly months. The entire valley receives heavy snowfall during this period and is snow covered, which is also a major attraction for the tourists if roads are open. The best time to visit Sikkim is between mid-March to Mid June but especially, April and May, when the rhododendrons and orchids are in full bloom. The best time to explore the region is from November to mid June.Most of the time the weather is unpredictable.

How to reach Sikkim:–

Nearest airport for Sikkim is Bagdogra, near Siliguri in North Bengal, which is 124 km and approximately four hours drive from Gangtok. Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, SpiceJet, Go Air etc. service Bagdogra linking it with other major airport in India (including Guwahati). You can also take a helicopter from Bagdogra to Gangtok.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is connected by all weather road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim. Two nearest railway station are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) stabilizing link to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India
A taxi from airport to Siliguri is Rs.140. From the airport you can get a taxi to Bagdogra Bazaar (Rs. 40, 3 km) and from there, you can get a local bus to Siliguri too.
Foreigners Entry Formalities:

Visa & Permits : In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.

Royal attractions of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is the most favored tourist destination among the tourist’s attractions of India. Rajasthan is very correctly known as the Royal State of India and it is quite unique and offbeat than other tourist destination of India and this makes it globally famous. The distinguished features of Rajasthan are its timeless monuments, palaces, royal charm, fairs, its rich culture and festivals. Tourists also get attracted to this state because of its wildlife tourism as the state has some of the world renowned national parks and sanctuaries. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to Rajasthan to explore its enchanting tourism all the year round. The charm and tourist attractions of this state makes its tourists fall in love with the state and those who comes once to visit this state gets captivated by its attractions.
The state of Rajasthan has many fascinating attractions for its tourists that depict the glorious past and the cultural beauty of bygone era. There are many mesmerizing tourist attractions in the state that are worth visiting and exploring by all the visitors who visits the state of Rajasthan. All the cities of Rajasthan are full of charming tourist attractions that are more than enough to tempt its visitors to make a tour of its cities. Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur are the most visited cities among all the cities as these cities are gifted with countless attractions that are worth visiting and exploring.

The royal state of Rajasthan gains remarkable tourist interests because of it’s historical importance, beautiful palaces and forts, monuments, sand dunes, wild life sanctuaries, luxury trains and coloured cities.

Jaipur – The Pink City

Jaipur known as the pink city, is the state capital city of Rajasthan. Jaipur city is famous for its renowned culture and tradition & magnificent forts, palaces, temples, gardens and jewelry. The famous Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort are the main tourist attractions of Jaipur. The Pink City got its name as the top view from the majestic buildings gives the picturesque appeal of a city painted in pink. Jaipur is the first planned city of India, located in the desert lands of Rajasthan. The city that once had been the capital of the royalty, now serves as the capital city of Rajasthan. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the Rajputs and the Royal family. In the present date, Jaipur is the major business centre for the natives of Rajasthan with all requisites of a metropolitan city. The city of Jaipur, painted in pink, grasp the appreciation of every visitor. One can see that hoary charm still alive in the avenues of Jaipur. Jaipur, one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Rajasthan, India. The glorious city boasts of its cultural heritage from every nook and corner. Jaipur is the reservoir of Indian customs, traditions, civilization and legacy. Jaipur lies at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi, the capital of India and the city is well-connected with other major cities of India. Every year, People across the globe come to experience this royal capital city of Rajasthan.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is pink coloured and it is designed with a unique collection of windows arranged in such a way that it circulates cool air. Amber Fort too is built with marble and red stone, which contributes to the colour of the city.Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and a famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The Palace offers a beautiful sight to behold. The splendid Rajputana architecture of Hawa Mahal, still speaks the glory of the royal family. However, one can also find a glimpse of Mughal architecture, which is blended perfectly to make it different from others. The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds. Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799. One cannot possibly describe the beauty of the Palace in words. The golden light of the early morning sun floats beautifully through the windows of this palace creating a wonderful sight for one and all. The palace has to be visited to experience the true beauty.

The Rambagh Palace

The Rambagh Palace of Jaipur is worth mentioning for its historical importance spread over nearly two centuries. The grand palace is converted to a luxury hotel, taken over by the Taj Hotel Resorts and Palaces.
The art gallery at City Palace and Rajasthan Government’s Rajasthali Emporium on Mirza Ismail Road are the prime locations for shopping in Jaipur.

Udaipur Lake Palace

Udaipur is a beautiful city draped with lakes. It is also known as the city of lakes. The Lake Palace of Udaipur is an astounding tourist attraction of the city. This palace is one among the most beautiful palaces of the world. One can reach the palace hotel only by a boat ride. The palace is completely built with white marble and is converted to a luxury hotel. Udaipur Lake Palace offers a panoramic view of the lake together with the palace. It gives an illusion that the palace is floating over the lake.

Jodhpur,"Blue City"

Jodhpur – The Blue City

Jodhpur is yet another city of significance in the royal state of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city. This city is also blessed with many forts, palaces and temples. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada Memorial, Mandore Garden, Desert Safari, Balsamand Lake Palace, etc are the important tourist attractions at Jodhpur.Jodhpur “The Sun City” was founded by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan, in 1459. It is named after him only. Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India was previously known as Marwar. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It is divided into two parts – the old city and the new city. The old city is separated by a10 km long wall surrounding it. Also it has eight Gates leading out of it. The new city is outside the walled city.

Jodhpur is a very popular tourist destination. The landscape is scenic and mesmerizing. Jodhpur city has many beautiful palaces and forts such as Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Rai ka Bag Palace. Other charms of Jodhpur include Government museum and it’s beautiful Umed garden. The city is known as the “Sun City” because of its bright and sunny weather throughout the year.

The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer , which is another city located in the middle of the desert is acclaimed to be the Golden City . The Golden Fort , Jain temples, Camel Safari, Sand Dunes are the highlights of the city of Jaisalmer. The Golden Fort is a 5 storied structure built with yellow stones, giving a golden outlook.The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and has a population of about 78,000.

Being a wonderful holiday spot, there are plentiful accomodations available for the tourists for all levels. Top class stays would need some driving to the outside of the cities. But mid-range and average stays are many at the centre of the city itself. The best time to visit and explore the cities of Rajasthan is within October and March. There are innumerable tour packages available in the market that caters the needs of every kind of tourists.

Tourist attractions of Gwalior Fort

The city of Gwalior in the state of Madhya Pradesh is known for its glorious history and several monuments eventually making it one of the most visited and best tourist destinations in India. Ranking among the most popular tourist attractions in Gwalior, the Gwalior Fort is a specimen of the wonderful ancient Indian architecture. The Gwalior Fort is one of the most invincible forts in India. For over 100 years this fort has been overlooking the city of Gwalior. It stands on an isolated rock and is one of the biggest forts in India. Tourists from all over the world come to Gwalior to experience the moving limbs of history. Intricately designed the Gwalior fort is a great illustration of architectural skills. It is also known as the “the pearl in the necklace of the castle of Hindu”, as was described by the Mughal emperor Babur. The Fort has also been given the epithet, “Gibraltar of India”. The fort has been a mute witness to many historical battles and events. One of the most important among them, being the 1857 revolt as well as the valiant death of Rani of Jhansi, Rani Laxmi Bai, in 1558 within its ramparts while fighting against the British. Hundreds of tourists and historians come to the Gwalior Fort to get a feel of the mighty ancient Indian architecture.

Brave Rani Laxmi Bai

Not only Gwalior, but this fort also is the pride of entire Madhya Pradesh. Built by Raja Man Singh Tomar, Gwalior Fort has dominated the skyline of Gwalior since 15th century. Intricately designed, this was virtually an unconquerable structure, probably the safest in entire India. The beauty of its might fascinated many rulers and the fort became the subject of many poetic works. Babar, the famous Mughal ruler, once tabbed Gwalior Fort as ‘the pearl amongst the fortresses in India. The overall area covered is around 3sq. km. and the longest length is 2.4 km from north-east to south west. The walls of the fort are built of solid sandstone, which rise to a height of 35 feet.

The Gwalior fort has changed hands many times, from the Tomars in the 8th century to the Scindhias who were its masters when India became independent, and each of these dynasties adorned and embellished the fort. One cannot help being impressed with the perfect blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture that characterizes the fort and finds its fullest expression in this brilliant monument. Constructed in the 15th century the fort was an epitome of power and dignity, a dream of many rulers of yesteryears, and a fantasy of tourists today. Gwalior Fort with its magnificent architecture and many secret pathways is definitely must a visit site.

Main Attractions of Gwalior Fort—-

Gujari Mahal

Bounded by the walls of the fort there are three magnificent temples. Among all the temples the most important is Teli Ka mandir. This temple was built in 9th century and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The towers of the temple rise to a height of 100 feet and thus this makes it the heighest building in the Fort. The roof of the temple displays Dravidian architecture, whereas the walls show strong resemblance to Indo-Aryan architecture style. The 10m high doorway has a Garuda statue on top.9th century Chaturbhuj Temple which is also dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Saas Bahu Ka Mandir are the other two temples in the fort.

The Man Singh Palace is one of the most amazing palaces of the Gwalior fort. It was built by Man Singh in the 15th century. It was in the same palace the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned and later murdered his brother Murad.. The palace is also known as the chit Mandir or Painted Palace for its richly tiled and Painted decorations with elephants and peacocks, and the exceptional fresco with the ducks paddling in turquoise waters. The now deserted palace has four storeys, two of them underground. Rooms are spacious but bare, some of them with fine screens used for musical concerts where behind these screens, the royal ladies used to listen to concerts and learn music. Below the palace, there are circular underground cells used as a prison during the Mughal Period. Emperor Aurangazeb imprisoned his brother Murad and later executed him here. The Sikh guru Har Gobind was also imprisoned here for two years. Nearby is the Jauhar Kund where the Rani (queen) committed Mass sati or self-immolation, after their husbands were defeated in battle, following the Rajput tradition

Other Palaces within the Gwalior Fort, which are worth seeing, included the Vikramaditya Mahal, Karan Mandir, or Kirti Mandir Palace, the Jahagir Mahal, the Shahjahan Mahal and the Gujari Mahal. Built in 1516, the Vikramaditya Mahal with a domed roof lies between Man Mandir and Karan Mandir and narrow galleries connect these palaces. Karan or kirti mandir is a two storeyed palace with a long pillared hall built by Raja Kirti Singh.

Raja Mansingh Tomar built the 15th century Gujari Mahal for his favourite queen, Mrignayani. The exterior of the Gujari Mahal is well preserved and the Palace now houses an Archeological museum. There is a large collection of Hindu and Jain sculptures, archeological pieces some dating back to the 1st, and 2nd century BC, terracotta, imitate of the Bagh (Garden), and caves frescoes. The statue of Shalbhanjika (the tree goddess) brought from Gyras Pur, an exceptional piece in miniature is kept in the museum.

The ideal time for visiting the Gwalior Fort is between the months of October and March. The weather is this part of the year is pleasant with dry weather. Gwalior is also well accessible. It is well connected with other parts of the country through a well developed air, rail and road network. Gwalior Fort is the biggest attraction in the city and many buses have a route to the fort. Once you get into Gwalior, you can also hire a taxi to the fort. The fort is open daylong but the palaces inside are open to public from 9.30 AM till 5PM. The fort encloses many attractions so it will take time for you to explore every corner of it. Keep at least half a day to roam inside this splendid fort. Although you can visit the fort through out the year, but winter months are the best as the climate is extremely pleasant and the environment is less dusty.

Chittorgarh Fort of Rajasthan

Among the many forts in India, Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort. In the state of Rajasthan it is the grandest and the best known fort. It is indeed the “Pride of Rajasthan”. Located in the southern part of Rajasthan, it is 112 km from Udaipur and 182 km from Ajmer. The Chittor fort is a depiction of Rajput culture and values. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft) in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. It is a standing sentinel to the courage and valor of Chittorgarh. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuriesThe fort, plainly known as Chittor was the capital of Mewar and it is situated several kilometers by road south of Bhilwara. The Chittorgarh Fort has witnessed three bloody sieges and ‘jauhars’ (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens and ladies immolate them in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy). The walls and the atmosphere are still haunted with the gloom of despair, valiant pride of the Rajput queens and ladies and sheer zeal and bravery of their men who refused to cow down before the enemy. The Rajput style of architecture is clearly visible in the fort

It is believed that the fort was built by the Mauryans in 7th century and many further structures were added to it by the successive Mewar rulers. Chittorgarh epitomizes courage and self-respect of the valiant defenders in the Hindu resistance against the Mughal invaders. Chittorgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. Chittorgarh fort has a glorious history and chivalric lore. It was besieged and sacked three times. After the first two conquests, the Rajputs conquered it, but the third attack brought it under the Mughals for a long period. Chittorgarh was sacked thrice in its history. The first time was by Alauddin Khilji in 1303. According to legend, he was so enamoured by Rani Padmini’s beauty that he attacked the town in the hope of capturing her. However when it was clear Chittorgarh could not be defended she immolated herself in the Rajput tradition of Jauhar, along with the other women in the fort, while the men went out to fight in a last desperate battle. Chittorgarh was attacked again in 1533 A.D. by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar took place, led by Rani Karnavati, while her infant son Udai Singh was concealed and rescued. He grew to occupy the throne of Chittorgarh but fled when the town was attacked again in 1567 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his army. His flight resulted in the creation of the town of Udaipur and Chittorgarh was left abandoned.

Among the monuments housed within the fort are Vijay Stambh , Kirti Stabh, Rana Kumbha’s Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Tower of Victory,Kalika Temple, Gaumukh Kund, Meerabai Temple,and Rani Padmini’s Palace.

Vijay Stambh:
The most imposing structure within the Chittorgarh Fort is the Vijay Stambh. It was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440 AD to celebrate his victory over Mohd. Khilji. The tower stands on a pedestal of 47 square ft and 10 ft high, while the tower alone stands at a height of 122 ft and is 30 ft wide at the base. The tower is nine storeyed and is adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities and stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata with names given below each sculpture. A stairway with 157 circular steps leads to a terrace, which provides a breathtaking view of the city. You can have a beautiful top angle view of the whole town. The tower gets illuminated in the evening, which cast a spell. A piece de resistance, the tower is a must see on any itinerary in a travel to Rajasthan.

Kirti Stambh:
Dedicated to Adinath, the 1st Jaina Tirthankar, the Kirti Stambh was built in the 12th century A.D by a wealthy Jain merchant. The tower is adorned by carved images of the Digambar saints. Adherents of Jainism travel to Rajasthan in large numbers as the state is noted for being home to some of the finest Jain structures. One of them is the Kirti Stambh, which you can see when you travel to Chittorgarh.

Rani Padmini Palace:
Padmini’s Palace is built beside the lotus pool with a historical pavilion that changed the course of history of Chittor. Ala-ud Ala-ud-din Khilji’s obsession with her beauty led to the bloody battle in 1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of fire rather than submit to anybody. This supreme sacrifice has been called ‘Jauhar’ and epitomises the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. A travel to Rajasthan will acquaint you with the highly cherished notion that death is preferable to dishonor.

Kalika Temple:
This mother goddess temple was built originally in the 8th century as the Surya or Sun Temple and converted to its present form in the 14th century. Dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali, the temple has beautiful carvings. The carvings include the famous scenes of the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons. There is an image of Surya guarding the main entrance to the temple.

Fateh Prakash palace:
Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of modern style. This palace has been named Fateh Prakash after Maharana Fateh Singh. There is a big Ganesh idol, a fountain, and different frescos which are to be seen to be believed. This palace, now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort.

Gaumukh Kund:
It is a deep tank filled by a spring coming from a ‘cow mouth’, situated at the edge of the cliff. It is considered to be sacred. . Located in the tranquil surroundings, this spot offers spectacular views across the plains.

Meerabai Temple:
This temple is built in north Indian style with a delicate curved tower it is dedicated to Meerabai, the famous Jodhpur princess and mystic poetess. Built by Maharana Kumbha in 1449, this Lord Vishnu Temple has beautiful idols in its sanctum, mandap and pillars. In the same premises, there is a small temple of Lord Krishna. It is associated with Meerabai who was devoted to Lord Krishna and whose life and bhajans have become part of the folklore and literary traditions of the region and several parts of India.

Seven gates of the Fort:
The entrance of the Chittorgarh has seven massive gates. The one mile long serpentine road to the fort is quite steep and exhaustive. The fort is approached through seven huge gateways or ‘pols, which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors. Each gate is different in its name, design and its size.

Chittorgarh Fort is undoubtedly the most grandest of all the forts of Rajasthan. The fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers of Sisodia and their kinsmen and women and children, between the 7th century and 16th century. The rulers, their soldiers, the women folk of royalty and the commoners considered death as a better option than dishonor in the face of surrender to the foreign invading armies. Today the city stands as a proud reminder of the heroism and sacrifice of the Rajputs of Rajasthan India. The city stands strewn with monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through in medieval times.

Buddhist Pilgrimage…..Mahabodhi Temple

Mahabodhi Temple is a Buddhist temple which is located at Bodh Gaya which is 96 Km from Patna, Bihar state of India. It is a major Buddhist site and the temple finds mention in the ancient literature. It is visited regularly by both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims (many Hindus honor the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu). Among the four holy sites that are related to the life of Lord Buddha and his enlightenment, Mahabodhi temple is one of those holy sites. Literally the meaning of Mahabodhi Temple is “Great Awakening temple” and it is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi temple was once known as Bodhimanda-vihara (Pali) and the Bodhi tree is the old sacred tree which is located adjacent to the Mahabodhi temple of Bodh Gaya. Bodhgaya is the second most sacred place of pilgrimage. In June 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World Heritage program. Mahabodhi Temple is acclaimed to be the property of Bihar State Government. The nearest airport is located at Patna that lies at a distance of 96 kms from Gaya. The holy town Bodh Gaya or Gaya has its own railway station. The town is also connected with major cities by network of roads. According to Jatakas, Bodhgaya is the navel of the earth. This is only place that could abide the power of the Buddha’s attainment.

Traditions say that around 530 BC, there was a young Indian Prince named Siddhartha Gautam. When he saw the suffering of the people around him and of the world in the whole he became very disturbed and wanted to end the suffering of everyone. In search of his quest one night he left his kingdom and family and reached the sylvan banks of Falgu River which is near the city of Gaya. There he sat under a peepul tree and started his meditation. Under that peepul tree he meditated for three days and there nights and after that the prince Sidhharth attained the enlightenment and the answers for his queries that he had sought. The tree under which he meditated later became to be known as Bodhi Tree and the Mahabodhi Temple is built to mark that location. Bodhi Tree is a significant part of Bodh Gaya, which is believed to grow on the day, Gautama Buddha was born. Under Bodhi tree, there is a platform embracing the footprints of Lord Buddha carved in stone. In its vicinity, a slab of red sandstone adorns the site. This slab marks the spot where the Lord sat in meditation. This site where Buddha attained his enlightenment is sacred for the Buddhists since time immemorial

Mahabodhi Buddha

The Mahabodhi Temple is constructed of brick. It is one of the few early monumental brick structures to have survived in eastern India. It is considered to be a fine example of Indian brickwork, and was highly influential in the development of later architectural traditions. According UNESCO, “the present temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely in brick from the Gupta Period”. The architecture of this temple is unparalleled in North India. The canopy structure of this temple is very different and attractive from temples usually found in North India. The entire temple is surrounded on all the four sides by stone railings, about two metres high. The railings reveal two distinct types – both in style as well as the materials used. Most of the older ones are made of sandstone and the newer ones are made of granite and are said to be built during the Gupta period. The older railings have scenes such as Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and Surya, the Hindu sun god. The newer railings have figures of stupas and eagles. Images of lotus flower can also be seen. Mahabodhi Temple’s central towers rises 55 metres (180 ft), and were heavily renovated in the 19th century. The central tower is surrounded by four smaller towers, constructed in the same style. The other four towers constructed also exhibit the same style. The temple’s architecture gave birth to new architectural traditions.

Bodhi Tree

Inside the temple is a colossal image of a seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand (a gesture known as the earth-witness mudra). In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been covered in gold and dressed in bright orange robes. It is said that the image is 1700 years old and positioned in a manner that Lord Buddha faces the east.The courtyard of the temple is studded with many smaller stupas and Buddha statues, some of which are several hundred years old. Parts of the railing that surrounds the area are among the oldest elements of Mahabodhi Temple that survive today. Immediately next to the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi Tree, a descendent of the very tree under which the Buddha was enlightened, and the Jewel Walk, marking the place where the Buddha is said to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment. The temple is festooned with friezes that depict the life scenes of Buddha. Along the northern wall of temple, Chankramana Chaitya (Jewel Path) is a raised walkway, where Lord Buddha used to meditate while walking. Adjoining the temple, there is lotus pond that is said to have been the place, where Lord Buddha executed his ablutions. The original temple is assumed to have been constructed in the 3rd century, however the present structure dates back to 5th or 6th century

Emperor Ashoka can be called as the true founder of Mahabodhi Temple. Emperor Ashoka visited Bodh Gaya after almost 250 years of Lord Budhha’s enlightenment. He had a plan to establish a monastery and a shrine at the place. In order to mark the exact spot of Buddha’s enlightenment Emperor Ashoka also built the diamond throne called the Vajrasana. In the 2nd century, the shrine was replaced by the present Mahabodhi Temple. Around 400, the Chinese pilgrim Fa-hien recorded that the site contained several statues and monuments.The pilgrimage season starts from the September month but the best time to visit the temple is between the months of November to February when the climate is moderate. The temples are open from 5 am to 9 pm

Tourist Attractions of Kullu Manali

Kullu is located at 240 kms from shimla,the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu Manali is the most exotic hill station among the most favored tourist destinations among the hill stations of India. In the ancient times Kullu Manali was also known as “Kulanthpitha” which means the end of habitable world because the ancient Hindus regarded Kullu as the farthest limit of human habitation. Even in the epic of the Ramayana and mahabharta the original name of Kullu has been mentioned. Among this tourist complex of Kullu Manali, kullu is the central point and it is located on the bank of river Beas.This main river valley runs from North to South an it is only 80 km long and its width is not more than 2 km but still a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of beautiful mountain scenery. Kullu is also known as Valley of Gods as it has many temples. The Dashehra of Kullu is world famous. Kullu Manali is natural paradise with full of numerous tourist attractions in and around Kullu Manali.

Tourist attractions are abundant in and around Kullu Manali and some the tourist attractions in and around Kullu Manali are as follows:

Shri Raghunath Ji

Raghunathji Temple:
This is the holiest temple of Kullu. It is dedicated to as its name suggest, to Lord Raghunathji that is Lord Ram. It is said that in 17th century then king of Kullu, Raja Jagat Singh committed a great wrong. After his sin to atone for his wrong doing he sent a courtier to Ayodhya to bring a statue of Lord Raghunath that is Lord Ram Then he built the temple for the diety to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. There is an image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot in the shrine.

Shiva Linga

The Bijli Mahadev Temple:
This is the most striking temple in Kullu and is located at a distance of mere 10 km from the centre of Kullu Town. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple and this temple is dedicated o Lord Shiva. There is a 20 meter tall image or “Linga” projecting out of the shrine. It is said that it catches lightening in the skies and due to this Linga turns into pieces which is then restored by the temple priests with only butter and sattu. The legend says that this experience of lightening and reducing of Shivlinga into pieces is because Lord Shiva absorbs the lightening when it strikes the earth and thus the world is saved by the Lord. As this cycle of lightening and reducing of Linga into pieces and restoring of Shivalinga by the priests happens every year therefore the name of this temple is Bijli mahadev Temple. A panoramic view of Kulu and Parvati valleys can be seen from the temple. The temple has a 60 feet high staff which glistens like a silver needle in the sun.

Jagatsukh:
6 Km South of Manali Jagatsukh is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. Although the place is dotted with numerous old temples but one of the major attraction of Jagatsukh is an ancient Shiva temple. This Shiva temple is built in Shikhara style. Other tourist attractions of Jagatsukh include small shrine of Gaurishankar and the temple of Goddess Sandhyadevi which is chalet-roofed temple.

The Manali Sanctuary:
This is a wildlife sanctuary which is located at the distance of 2 km from the main town of Manali. At this sanctuary a wide variety of animals and birds can be seen which includes many varied species of lions, leopards and ibex.

The Winter Carnival: In the month of January a five-day event is celebrated at Manali every year. This winter carnival is one of the most favored tourist attractions. Tourists from not only India but from all over the world come to attend and enjoy this winter carnival of Kullu. At this time of the year the whole city is covered with the thick blanket of snow. The winter carnival starts with the worship of Hidimba Devi and the celebration starts from the temple itself. A large amount of tourists come to Kullu Manali to be a part of the celebration.

Tourism in Kullu is mainly concerned with temples and hot springs around the entire Kullu area. There are not only many famous temples like BijliMahadev temple, Jagannath Temple, Raghunathji Temple, Bajeshwar temple but along with these temples Manikaran and its hot spring is also very famous and attractive. There is also avery fine camping site at Kullu and that is Raison. Manali Tourist complex is world famous which offers many adventurous sports activities. Not only in summer but Manali is thrilling and shows a lavish display of natural beauty even in winter. In fact Manali is one of the most key tourist attractions of Himachal Pradesh and it attracts tourists throughout the year.