TRAVEL GUIDE

Rajastan

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Is the largest state of the Republic of India in terms of area. It encompasses most of the area of the large, inhospitable Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert), which has an edge paralleling the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan. The region borders Pakistan to the west, Gujarat to the southwest, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to the northeast and Punjab to the north. Rajasthan covers an area of 342,239 km² (132,139 mi²).

The state capital is Jaipur. Geographical features include the Thar Desert along north-western Rajasthan and the termination of the Ghaggar River near the archeological ruins at Kalibanga, which are the oldest in the subcontinent discovered so far.

One of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli Range, cradles the only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, and its world-famous Dilwara Temples, a sacred pilgrimage for Jains. Eastern Rajasthan has two national tiger reserves, Ranthambore and Sariska, as well as Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur, famous for its bird life.

Culture

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is rich and varied folk culture from villages which is both fascinating and mesmerizing. Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan. The music is of uncomplicated innocence and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around fetching water from wells or ponds.

Places to Visit

Jaipur

Also popularly know as the "pink city", The district is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bound in the north by Sikar and Alwar, in South by Tonk, Ajmer and Sawai Madhopur. Nagaur, Sikar and Ajmer in the west and in east by Bharatpur and Dausa districts.

Places to see in Jaipur

1)Hawa Maha
2)Nahargarh Fort
3)Jantar Mantar
4)Jal Mahal
5)Galtaji
6) Govind Dev Ji temple
7) City Palace Museum
8)Ganesh Temple
9)Kanak Ghati
10)Albert Museum in Ramniwas Bagh
11)Jawahar Circle
12)Central Park
13)KLP IMPEX 1, Vishnu Puri, Durgapura, JAIPUR
14)Birla Temple

Distance from major cities

* Delhi-265 km
* Ahmedabad-625 km
* Chandigarh-510 km
* Mumbai-1,176 km
* Calcutta-1,472 km
* Agra-246 km

Climate

The climate of the district is dry and healthy and is subject to extremities of cold and heat during winter and summer respectively, due to proximity to the Thar Desert. The minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in the district varies from 3 to 50 degrees Celsius. Normal annual rainfall is 556 mm.

Jaisalmer
nicknamed "The Golden City", is a town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. 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. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.

Place to See in Jaisalmer

Patwon-ki-Haveli
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
Desert Culture Centre & Museum
Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
Government Museum
Gadsisar Lake

In Neighbourhood

* Bhattiani Sati Rani
* Bada Bagh
* Amar Sagar
* Lodhruva
* Mool Sagar
* Kuldhara
* Desert National Park
* Sam sand dunes
* Khuri village
* Akal Wood fossil Park

Desert Festival

This is held over three days in Jan/Feb every year. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to witness many performing arts like Kalbelia dances and folk songs and music.

Udaipur

Udaipur is famous around the world as the City Of Lakes or Venice of The East. The Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Fateh Sagar contains two small islands, one of which contains USO, or Udaipur solar observatory, and the other one has a beautiful garden called Nehru Garden.

Places to See in Udaipur

1)City Palace
2)Lake Palace
3)Jag Mandir
4)City Palace and Museum
5)Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
6)Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri
7)Sajjangarh Fort
8)Sukhadia Circle
9)Jagdish Temple
10)Fateh Sagar Lake
11)Lake Pichola
12)Udaipur Solar Observatory
13)Gulab Bagh & Zoo
14)Dudh Talai
15)Nehru Garden
16)Bagore-ki-Haveli
17)Saheliyon-ki-Bari
18)Ahar Museum
19)Shilpgram
20)Neemach Mata Temple
21)Ambika Mata Temple

Places Nearby

* Nathdwara - Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century on spot exactly defined by the Lord himself. The legends have it that the image of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The image when it reached the spot it vehicle the bullock carts wheel sank axel deep in mud and refused to move further. The accompanying priest realised that this was lord's chose spot and the image did not want to travel any further. Accordingly a Temple was built here. This is revered temple and place of pilgrim amongst believers. Devotees throng the shrine in large number during occasions of "Janamashtmi" the day of Lord's birth and other festivals like Holi. The priests treat if like a living deity and tend to the lord with daily normal function like bathing- dressing meals called "prasad" and the resting times in regular intervals. The main attractions are the Arties and the Shringar. The formal prayer offered with diya, insentsticks, flowers, fruit and other offerings with local instruments and devotional songs of the Lord according to the demand of the time and occasion. The fine intricately woven shaneels & silk cloth with real original zari and shredded work done upon them along with tones of real jewellers, which are of antique value, looks dazzling. The view of the idol after the pardha (curtain) is removed is a spectacular sight that is simply mesmerizing leading to a melee (gully) of visitors, crowding divine lord. The mystic, spirited aura of India comes alive. Nathdwara has a small but throbbing township around the temple. It's shopping in the bye lanes is a great revelation. It's famous for its 'pichwani' paintings, which Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.
* Ranakpur - A village that is home to one of the most important Jain temples. 1400+ marble pillars support the temple. These marble pillars are carved in exquisite detail. Opposite the Jain temple is the much older Sun Temple. Located in Rajsamand District, 110 km north of Udaipur.
* Haldighati - A mountain pass in Rajsamand District that hosted the battle between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and the Mughal emperor Akbar. Now a memorial site.
* Kumbhalgarh - A 15th century fortress, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with 36 kilometres of walls. Over 360 temples are within the fort. It also has a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Rajsamand District, 64 km from Udaipur. The vista from the top of the palace typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli hills.
* Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station.
* Eklingji - Eklingji is one of the biggest temple complexes situated nearly 22 km in the north of Udaipur.
* Kankroli and Rajsamand Lake
* Rishabhdeo Famous Jain pilgrimage center sacred to Jains and local tribals.
* Jagat
* Bambora
* Jaisamand Lake
* Jaisamand Island Resort
* Udaisagar Lake
* Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
* Baneshwar
* Galiakot (Mazar-e-Seyadi Fakhruddun Shaheed) * Dungarpur
* Banswara
* Chawand -The Third Capital of Mewar and also the place where Great Maharana Pratap spent his

Jodhpur

is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, also known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many beautiful palaces, forts and temples, apart from a stark, scenic desert landscape. The city is known as the Sun City for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred as the Blue City, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.

Places to See in Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. This lavish art deco monument to royal living had an improbable conception: it was built as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Over one million square feet (90,000 m²) of the finest marble was used in the construction of the palace.

Mehrangarh Fort: The Mehrangarh Fort lies at the outskirts of Jodhpur city and is located atop a 125 m high hill. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur ka kila) is the most majestic and one of the largest forts in India.

Jaswant Thada: The Jaswant Thada is architectural landmark found in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble. These stones are extremely thin and polished so that they emit a warm glow when the sun's rays dance across their surface. Within this cenotaph, there are also two more tombs.

Osiyan Temple: An ancient Jain temple, well worth the visit, lies in the village of Osiyan, about 60 km outside Jodhpur. There are many sections of this temple, which was built in several distinct phases.

Kaman art gallery: The Kaman art gallery is indian contemporary art gallery .It is first contemporary art gallery in rajasthan .There are see many famous indian contemporary artists painting.This gallery location near clock tower jodhpur,Old fort Road,kili khana

Other places to see

* Girdikot and Sardar market
* Maha Mandir ( temple)
* Government Museum
* Mandor park
* kaman art gallery

Amber

The picturesque situation of Amber at the mouth of a rocky mountain gorge, in which nestles a lovely lake, has attracted the admiration of all travellers, including Victor Jacquemont and Reginald Heber. It is seen to be a remarkable example for its combined Rajput-Mughal architecture. The first Rajput structure was started by Raja Kakil Dev when Amber became his capital in 1036 on the site of present day Jaigarh Fort. Much of Amber's current buildings were started or expanded during the reign of Raja Man SinghI in the 1600s. Among the chief building is the Diwan-i-Khas in Amber Palace and the elaborately paited Ganesh Poll built by the Mirza Raja Jai Singh I

Alwar

Alwar contains many interesting and historical monuments. The city has a beautiful lake and a picturesque valley. The Sariska National Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. The sanctuary, which is a Project Tiger reserve, also boasts of many other species, including rare birds and plants. The military cantonment of Itarana lies on the outskirts of Alwar. Milkcake (a kind of sweet) made in Alwar is not only very famous in India but is also exported from the country.

Places to See

* The Alwar fort or Bala Quila
* Sariska Tiger Resort
* Haldia Bhawan - About 250 year old Haveli
* Silliserh Lake
* Jaisamand Lake
* Pandupol Hanuman Temple
* City Palace
* Government Museum
* Moosi MaharaniChhatri
* Purjan Vihar or company garden
* Tomb of Fateh Jang
* Nehru garden
* Hope Circus
* Moti Doongri Park
* Bharthari
* Naldeshwar
* Neel Kanth
* Narayani Mata
* Karni Mata
* Ada Pada
* Andheri
* Taalvriksh
* Saagar
* Ajabgharh
* Bhangharh
* Bala Quila
* Mansa Devi ka mandir

Ajmer

is a city in Ajmer District in India's Rajasthan state. Its population was approximately 500,000 in 2001. The city gives its name to a district, and also to a former province of British India called Ajmer-Merwara, which, after India's independence, became the state of Ajmer until November 1, 1956, when it was merged into Rajasthan state.

Places of interest

The chief objects of interest are Pushkar, and the Dargah, tomb of the most revered Muslim sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, the Gharib Nawaz.

Pushkar is a town in the state of Rajasthan in India near Ajmer, about 14 Kilometers away, and is an important tourist destination. Pushkar is famous for Pushkar Lake and the 14th century Hindu temple to Brahma, God as the Creator of all creation. This is the only temple of Brahma in the world. Pushkar is also famous for its annual Camel Fair.

Nasirabad is a town near Ajmer.

* Magazine
* Rajputana Museum
* Nasiyan (Jain mandir)
* Abdullah Khan's tomb
* Ana Sagar
* Circuit house
* Khobra Bheroon Temple
* Visal Sar

Around Ajmer

* Ajaipalji
* Anted ki Mata
* Jain Chhatries
* Foy Sagar
* Mangliyawas
* Kishangarh
* Beawar

Bikaner

Bikaner is a city in the northwest of the state of Rajasthan in western India. The city is the administrative headquarters of Bikaner District. It was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. The city was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and from its small origins it has developed into the fourth largest city in Rajasthan.

Fairs and festivals

* Karni Mata fair
* Gangaur
* Kapil Muni fair
* Camel festival: each January the state government organises a camel festival with camel races, various cultural events and a fire dance performed by the Sidh people.
* Aksaye Tritya or "AKKHA TEEJ": the foundation day of bikaner.this was the day when Roa bika laid the foudation of newly found empire.Every year on this day people from all walks of the society enjoy themselves by flying kites or "CHANDA".And also cook a special meal i.e "Khichra and Imlani".

Tourist Attractions (in Bikaner)

* Junagarh Fort
* Lalgarh Palace
* Raj Ratan Bihariand Rasik Siromani Temple
* Laxminath Temple
* Bhandasar Jain Temple
* Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum
* Rajasthan State Archives
* Havelis
* Kodamdesar Bhairav
* Punrasar Temple
* Baldeo Plaza
* Mukam Temple

Tourist Attractions (near Bikaner)

* Shiv Bari Temple
* Camel Research Farm
* Devi Kund Sagar
* Kolayat
* Karni Mata Mandir
* Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary
* Kalibangan
* Laxmi Niwas Palace

Junagarh Fort

The fort was built by Raja Rai Singh, the sixth ruler of Bikaner who reigned from 1571 to 1612. Rai Singh had conquered part of Marwar and had been granted territory in Gujurat and Burhanpur by the Mughal emperor Akbar as a reward for his services as military commander. This, as well as funding from Jodhpur, enabled him to build the fort. Rai Singh held high rank in the imperial courts of both Akbar and his successor, Jehangir. During his imperial service he travelled extensively, giving him an appreciation of art and architecture. These ideas have been incorporated meticulously into the architectural style of Junagarh Fort.

Lalgarh Palace

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 according to Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. The building was commissioned by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881 - 1942) in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh and was designed by the British architect, Sir Swinton Jacob. It is coated in red sandstone and has several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. The building features magnificent pillars, elaborate fire places, Italian colonnades and intricate latticework and filigree work. The palace houses the Shri Sadul Museum as well as the fourth largest library in the world. Though the Bikaner Royal Family still live in the palace, part of the building has been converted into a hotel operated by the WelcomHeritage Group.

Laxmi Nath Temple

Laxmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bikaner. The foundation of the city was laid here in 1488 by Rao Bikaji. The temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and was added to by Maharaja Ganga Singh.

Shiv Bari Temple

Built from red sandstone by Dungar Singh in the late 19th century, the temple is surrounded by a wall with battlements. It has a four faced black marble statue of Shiva and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam. There are also two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris. The temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (August) especially on Mondays.

Kolayat

Kolayat is a famous pilgrimage spot with a temple dedicated to Kapil Muni who, according to his devotees, sat in meditation near the lake.

Karni Mata Temple

The shrine of Karni Mata can be found in the town of Deshnoke 30 Km south from Bikaner on the road to Jodhpur. Karni Mata is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Uttar Pradesh

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Uttar Pradesh is a prime destination in India. Many of us know Uttar Pradesh as the land fabled Taj Mahal. But except for that, there are many more tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh, which have earned worldwide renown and draw huge number of tourists from India and abroad.

Tourist Attractions in Uttar Pradesh

TajMahal- Agra

Agra:The land is home to the Taj Mahal, which is the foremost of all tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh as well as India. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife is as much as an emblem of India, not to mention that it is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Ganges - Varanasi

Varanasi: The oldest living city in the world has been cradle of two major religions, namely: Hinduism and Buddhism. Its antiquity dates back to the time of Babylon. The city exudes a quaint antique charm with its very old temples, teeming Hindu monks along the ghats of the holy river Ganges.

Sarnath: Close to Varanasi lie Sarnath where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Ashoka the great built a Stupa here in 234 BC. Today the crumbling ruins lie in the place.

Gateway to Bara Imambara- Lucknow

Lucknow: The capital city of the state reached it acme during the Nawabi rule when it became a centre of music and Urdu poetry. Remnants of Nawabi Palaces, Imamabaras and the exquisite traditional handicrafts bear witness to bygone splendors.

Kushinagar: About 51kms from Gorakhpur, lie Kushinagar where Lord Buddha passed away. With the Nirvana Temple housing the statue of "Reclining Buddha" and a number of Stupas, it is one of the principal centres of Buddhist pilgrimage.

Dudhwa: Sprawling over an area of 614sq.km, this is one of the finest tiger reserves of India and one of the important tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. You may also come across a variety of other fauna, namely: Leopard, Swamp deer, Hispid hare, Bengal Florican etc.

Mumbai

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Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and the financial capital of India. With an estimated population of thirteen million, it is the second most populous city in the world.

Tourism Places

Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty beach is not only a beach for Mumbai but it is heart of the city. This beach does not mean sunbathing and surfing. Chowpatty is a place where meetings were organised during the freedom struggle.

GateWay Of India
When a visitor comes to Mumbai by sea he sees a 26 m high structure. This structure is called the Gateway of India. It is the icon of Mumbai. It was designed by Wittet and is built in the 16 th century architectural style of Gujarat. Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.

High Court
Built in the English Gothic Style the building of Mumbai High court certainly meant to impress the native of might and justice of Britishers. The attractive building was built in 1878. The main structure rises 54.2 m in height and is surmounted by the statues representing Justice and Mercy. It seems that one of the local stone carver had something else in his mind and carved a blind ape as the statue of Justice.

Jain Temple
The Jain temple built in white marble is dedicated to Adinath the first tirthankara or apostle of Jains. The temple is decorated with paintings depicting incidents from the life of Tirthankaras. The first floor of the temple is particularly dedicated to Parasnath. His image has been carved out in black marble and images of planets adorn the ceiling as given in the Hindu mythology.

Mani Bhawan(Gandhi Memorial)
It is here that Gandhiji stayed during his visits to Bombay between 1917-34. This place has been converted into a memorial and a small museum has been made. The museum displays pictures and books related to the life of Gandhiji. There also a small library. Near Mani Bhawan is August Kranti Maidan from where Gandhiji declared the Quit India movement in 1942.

Hanging Gardens

The Hanging gardens or Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. This place has become a heaven for dating couples nevertheless the place provides a good view of the city. Nearby is the Kamla Nehru park. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and the Chowpatty beach. The Kamla Nehru park was laid in 1952 and was developed mainly as a childrens' park.

Prince Of Wales Museum
Another structure to commemorate the visit of King George V. The building is build in Indio Sarcenic style and is set in an well laid ornamented garden. The central hall boasts of a huge dome which is believed to be inspired by the Golgumbaz. The museum was opened in 1923 and has an impressive collection of artifacts from Elephanta island, Jogeshwari Caves,

Taraporewala Aquarium
This aquarium was opened in 1951 and has a very interesting collection of marine and fresh water specimens. The aquarium was constructed at a cost of eight lakh and has shell & shell craft and fishery byproducts on display. A pipeline brings water from the sea directly for the marine species.

Haji Ali Mosque

This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. Haji Ali was a wealthy Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built toady. The mosque can only be approached during low tide.

Juhu
Juhu again is a beach which is not for sunbathing or swimming. The beach is lined by Bungalows and high rise apartments which have now become part of the land scape. Juhu beach is a crowded place with animal rides, balloons, acrobats, monkeys and cricket being played on the beach itsel

Nehru Planetarium
Eight km from the center of the city is located a center which tells about the universe. the Nehru planetarium is engaged in recreating image of the sky as seen from any where on the Earth any time. It unfolds the mysteries of the cosmos. They also screening regular film shows on the outer space which are of particular interest for children.

Visakhapatnam

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The city is said to have derived its name Visakhapatnam from the deity 'Visakha' (the God of Valour)

TOURISM

The Beach road from East point colony to Coastal battery is studded with parks, statues, etc. It is the favorite evening gathering point for youth, couples and old and young alike. The beach road is surrounded by many high rise and beautifully designed buildings. This black-top road can said to be one of the best beach roads in India. There are granite platforms for people to sit. In the same beach Road, India's only submarine museum INS Kursura is located. Visakha museum and Matsyadarsini ( India's second aquarium, the other is Taraporewala in Mumbai ) is situated. The Indian Navy has also contributed by building Victory at sea, commemorating the victorious 1971 war against Pakistan. The beach road is one of the neatest and cleanest in India. There are many theme statues studded beautifully in Green carpet grass and well made concrete patways. The best among these are the elephant,Dragon, warflight,battle tank and Matsyakanya. Beach road is filled with lots of fast food vendors and food chains. There is a Durga temple opposite R.K.Beach carved like Kali temple of Dakshineshwar and the other temple like that of a pagoda, adjacent to Matsyadarsini. In the evenings the beach road attracts crowds of upto 10,000 people from all over the city. Despite being crowded one will not find the clumsiness as in other locations in India. The pavements are about 10 feet wide on each side giving enough room for the pedestrians who come to enjoy their evenings. One will find the people to be very disciplined and well behaved. Visaka utsav is celebrated by VUDA and AP Tourism every year between Jan-Mar.

VUDA park
It is at the beginning of the Beach Road is also one of the major attractions, it has musical fountain, mini disneyland and boating to entertain the kids. It has a roller skating ground, where skating is taught. It was also venue for several national and international skating competitions. This park is one of the largest parks developed by an Urban Development authority.

Rushikonda beach
Six km away from Vizag city, has become one of the favorite evening spots these days. AP Tourism has developed some cottages known as Punnami resorts for the tourists. It is one of the best resorts in India. It is a must for romantic couples, who would like to have a beautiful view of beach from elevation. There is another resort nearby known as Saipriya resorts, the oldest of all and still the best because of its beautiful private beach. Many Telugu and Tamil movies are shot at this place.

Bhimili-Vizag beach Road
30 km in length offers one of the best views of Sea, sand, Hills and greenery. Throughout the entire stretch one can see breathtaking view of sea. Sea is never more than 500 m away. One will find one of the most beautiful beaches one can imagine of in the entire trip. In certain locations hills are cut across to lay the road. These locations give you one of the finest views of Sea, city and nature. Many parks are constructed adjacent to this road- VUDA park, Kailasagiri, Tennati park and Thatlakonda park.

Tenneti park beach park
Is a park constructed on the cliff of Kailashagiri. Its picture perfect scenic beauty along with luxuriant carpet grass intertwined with concrete pathways makes it the most revered place for romantic couples. The rocky beach beneath can be seen from all points in the park. Many Telugu, Tamil and Hindi movies are shot here. The climax scene of Hindi Movie " Ek Dhuje ke liye" , in which Rati Agnihotri after getting raped drowns into the sea was shot here. Actually many people may not be aware that the movie is shot in Vizag, not in Goa as claimed. This movie was a remake of Telugu movie "Maro Charitra". There is another view point on the way up to Kailasagiri. Ross Hill is adjacent to the Inner Harbour. This hill was cut into three parts to lay Road and Rail to connect to Vizag inner Harbour with outer harbour. On top of the hill are a temple, a church and a mosque. This is probably the only place in India where symbols of three different religions are located in such close proximity, with not even a single incidence of communal violence. The native Vizagites are one the most hospitable and tolerant people in India giving it a cosmopolitan outlook. From the church one can have an excellent view of the outer harbour, inner harbour and the Dolphin's nose mountain. There is a Duffering signalling centre. Previously, people were allowed to enter, but lately this has been closed to the general public.

Yarada beach
Is one of the most picturesque locations on the seaward side of the Dolphin nose mountain. This beach is a private beach of Agrigold and reminds one of a tropical paradise. Hill entering into the sea is the boundary of this beach on one side and the rest is a golden beach away from the crowd. The roar of the waves prevents you from getting lost in the beauty of the location. This stunningly beautiful beach has some resemblance to Kovalam beach of Kerala. The route to this beach from Dolphin's nose hill is one of the best views in Vizag. From the hill one can see the Vizag city surrounded by hills, HPCL Refinery, Vizag port and the various industries and the Naval Dockyard too. Dolphin's lighthouse on top of the Dolhin's nose Mountain is the most powerful east of Suez. It can be seen from upto 40 nautical miles out to sea. It is the most prominent and unforgettable landmark in Visakhapatnam. Dolphin's Nose, a single massive hillock of more than 350mts height, resembles the shape of the dolphin’s nose, hence the name. It protects the Visakhapatnam Harbour. The port channel cuts in between three hills. Ross Hill, the highest mount named after Mr. Ross, local authority, who built a house on it in 1864, Darga konda, has a mosque and a shrine of a Muslim sage Ishaque Madina, who was revered for his prophecies. Sri Venkateswarakonda has a temple, which was built by Capt. Blackmoor in 1886. A beautiful road is laid by Indian Navy on the hill top connecting Scindia Junction. This road is not open general public. This road offers the fines view of the Vizag harbour. There are many quarters on the hill top that offers the best view and stunning Scenic beauty. Probably this is the best view Indian Navy has had in India.

Simhachalam
It is a hill shrine in the city that is 16 km away from the City centre on the other side of the Hill on the north of the city.One of the most exquisitely sculpted shrines of Andhra Pradesh, Simhachalam temple is situated 16 km from Vizag among thickly wooded hills. The beautifully-carved 16-pillared Natya mantapa and the 96-pillared Kalyana mantapa bear testimony to the architectural brilliance of the temple. The image of the presiding deity, Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy, is covered by a thick layer of sandalwood paste. This is one of the oldest temple in India dedicated to Narasimha, one of the incarnations of Vishnu, built in 11th century by Kullotunga, an Eastern Chalukyan king. One Vijaya stamba is erected by Sri Krishna Deva Raya emerged victorious over the Gajapati kings of Orissa. One will find ancient telugu inscriptions in this temple. These inscriptions are probably one of the oldest telugu inscriptions. This temple is one of the most famous temples in India. Its architecture is Dravida (South Indian). There is a popular belief that this lord is protecting Vizag from natural disasters like Floods, cyclones, Earthquakes and Tsunamis. Till date there is not even a single death occurred due to natural calamities. Couples just before marriage go to this temple as a ritual. This temple is one of the most crowded temples of Andhra Pradesh.

Araku
Is one of the most important tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. A pleasant hill station famous for its scenic gardens with lush green nature, valleys, waterfalls and streams. It is situated at a distance of 112 km from Visakhapatnam, The journey to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats with thick forest on either sides is itself highly interesting and pleasant. The place is over 3200ft. high with a bracing climate. The Botanical Garden at Padmapuram, Government Silk Farm with Mulberry gardens is the live examples to know the socio-economic conditions of the area.

Tribal Museum
Is a biggest attraction of the Araku. Chaaparai, a picturesque place about 15 km from Araku is another picnic spot in this region. One must experience the climatic conditions and the natural beauty of this Valley. The natural beauty of this valley comes alive with the aboriginal tribes who dwell here and who have to this day kept their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes inhabit this area. The Dhimsa dance, an age-old folk dance normally performed during ‘Itikala Pongal’ is now offered in tourist’s packages everyday.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, situated in between the National Highway -5 & Beach road, spreading over an area of 625 acres, exhibits about 700 animals belonging to about 89 species. The important attractions of the Zoo are Deer Safari, Nocturnal animals, Toy train, Shanty Sarovar view, Zoo van drive and Bay of Bengal view points.

Borra Caves
On the way to Araku Valley, 90 km from Vizag, Borra Caves house spectacular, million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations, standing as a testimonial to its pristine glory and age woven into intricate design through the centuries. While the formations resembling mythological characters are an added attraction, illumination of the caves by AP Tourism turns the naturally sculpted glory into a grand visual feast. The nature made Borra Caves are a million and odd years old and said to be discovered by William King in 1807. The river Gostani, beautiful hills and valleys surround these caves. The local tale says, the tribals discovered the caves, when a cow fell into the caves through the hole of the cave.

These caves are said have their origin from the river Gosthani. It was said, due to the flow of the river Gosthani through the layers of lime earth, the caves were formed, over the course of millions of years, The 300 ft. thick roofed Borra caves spread over one square km., presenting a mind-boggling and breath-taking display of naturally sculpted splendor. This is truly a worth seeing.

Tyda
Tyda is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the way to Araku from Vizag. Tyda is located 75 km from Vizag. This place is a natural bounty of flora and fauna, It is now home to an enchanting date with untouched nature. AP Tourism department in association with the Department of Forests ha established the Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats, facilities for trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. A must see place for nature lovers.

Anantagiri
This place is located at the highest altitude place in Andhra Pradesh. Located on the way to Araku Valley, the entire village is surrounded by coffee plantations, giving you a pleasant feel of nature’s beauty. Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks around the Village. A. P. Tourism has developed a beautiful wayside restaurant to cater the needs of the tourist passing through Anantagiri towards Araku.

Etikoppaka
Over an hour's drive from Vizag, Etikoppaka is a delightful little village on the banks of river Varaha. The craftsmen of the village have won fame on a national scale with toys made of soft wood called "Ankudu" and coated with lac. These toys are colourful and depict the rural life in an endearingly simple manner.

Submarine Museum
The Indian Navy has installed a decommissioned Submarine I.N.S. Kurusura on the sands of R K Beach, Visakhapatnam as a museum for the display to the public. This is the first of its kind in Asia. The aim of setting up this museum is to create awareness among the public as to how the submarines work during wartime and how the crew takes action etc.

Buddhists Sites

Visakhapatnam is surrounded by ancient Buddhist sites, most of which have been excavated recently. The imprint of Buddhist legacy is so strong here that the interest of archeologists in this area is growing by the day.

Thotlakonda
The Buddhist Complex on the hill-top of Mangamaripeta, locally known as Thotlakonda lies about 16 km from Visakhapatnam on Vizag Bheemili Beach Road. It is picturesquely located on the hilltop at about 128mts. high above the MSL. The existence of Buddhist site at Thotlakonda came to light during an aerial survey undertaken by the Indian Navy. After its discovery, the Government of A.P has declared the site measuring an area of 120 acres on the summit as protected monument during 1978.

The excavations that lasted from 1988 to 1992 have exposed structural remains. These remains are classified as A) Religious, B) Secular and C) Civil. These structures include the Stupa, Chaityagrihas, pillared congregation halls, bhandagaras, refectory (bhojanasala), drainage and stone pathways etc. The complex comprises several structural components such as a Mahastupa, 16 votive stupas, a stone pillared congregation hall, 11 rock-cut cisterns, well paved stone path ways, an apsidal chaitya-griha, 3 circular chaitgya-grihas , two votive platforms, 10 viharas consisted of 72 cells, a kitchen complex with three halls and a refectory (dinning hall) etc. Associated with the above structures were unearthed several inscribed chatra pieces with early Brahmi letters, nine Satavahana and five roman silver coins, terracotta tiles, stucco decorative pieces, sculptured panels, miniature stupa models in stone, Buddha padas depicted with asthamangal symbols, early historic pottery etc.

Bavikonda
Bavikonda, an important Buddhist heritage site located on a hill about 15km, northeast from Visakhapatnam city. Here the Buddhist habitation is noticed on a 40 acres flat terraced area. Bavikonda in Telugu means a hill of wells. A Hinayana school of Buddhism was practiced here. Bavikonda Monastery flourished between 3rd Century B.C., and 3rd Century A.D., The discovery of relic caskets in Mahachaitya is significant. Bavikonda has remains of an entire Buddhist complex, comprising 26 structures belonging to three phases. A piece of bone stored in an urn recovered here is believed to belong to the mortal remains of the Buddha. It also contains large quantity of ash, charcoal, and earthenware. Three abandoned water tanks were also have been found on this hillock.

Sankaram
A Britisher Alexander Rea unearthed Sankaram, a 2000-year-old Buddhist Heritage site in 1907. Located 40 km from South of Vizag, locally it is known as Bojjannakonda. The three phases of Buddhism viz. Hinayana, Mahayana & Vajrayana flourished here. This complex is famous for its numerous Monolithic Votive Stupas, Rock cut caves, and brick build structural edifices. Excavations yielded several historic potteries, Satavahana coins dating back to the 1st century A.D. several clay tablets bearing figures of Buddha etc.

Bojjannakonda
The Eastern one bears richer architecture of the two hills. It presents a picturesque appearance with its Main Stupa on the hilltop and dominating myriads of stupas, mostly rock-cut and rarely brick-built, one above the other. Almost every outcrop and protuberance has been converted boldly into a stupa. Similarly at Lingalakonda, there are innumerable rock-cut monolithic stupas in rows spread all over the hill. Other Attractions are a Maha stupa nearby which yielded a relic casket, 3 chaitya halls, votive platforms, stupas and vajrayana sculptures. A gold coin of Samudragupta dating to 4th century AD was also found at this place. The Vihara was active for about 1000 years, spanning the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana phases of Buddhism. This place offers a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage and culture is a must see for any tourist.

Pavuralakonda
Pavuralakonda or 'the hill of the pigeons' is a hillock lying to the west of Bhimli, at about 24 km from Vizag. The Buddhist setllement found here is estimated to have witnessed human habitation between 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. Sixteen rock cut cisterns for impounding rain water are found on the hillock, which offer a panoramic view of the coastline.

Gopalapatnam
Gopalapatnam, situated on the left bank of River Tandava, is a village surrounded by brick built stupas, viharas and other Buddhist remains. Ancient pottery was also excavated from these sites.

PLACES IN INDIA

2008-08-08T11:13:00.001-07:00

TRAVEL GUIDE: Bangalore
Garden city' of Bangalore is the seventh largest city in India. Named so because of its number of gorgeous blooming gardens and parks, it is also a most progressive metropolitan at par with the latest developments of the world and is also known as 'Silicon Valley' because of its booming IT industry.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Warangal, Hyderabad
Warangal is a district in Andhra Pradesh, India. Warangal District has an area of 12,846 km², and a population of 3,246,004 of which 19.20% were urban as of 2001.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Visakhapatnam
The city is said to have derived its name Visakhapatnam from the deity 'Visakha' (the God of Valour)

Bangalore

2008-08-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Garden city' of Bangalore is the seventh largest city in India. Named so because of its number of gorgeous blooming gardens and parks, it is also a most progressive metropolitan at par with the latest developments of the world and is also known as 'Silicon Valley' because of its booming IT industry. Founded in early 16th century, Bangalore has its share of some of the most noteworthy historical monuments. It is said that Bangalore owes its name to a small village called 'Benda Kaalu Ooru' from which it originated. The village was so named by Kempe Gowda, a local hero and Hoysala ruler, after he could finally get a meal of boiled beans from a poor but kind old woman here to satisfy his hunger after many hardships.

Kempe Gowda made a small mud fort here and laid the foundation of the city but it was during the time of legendary warrior Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan in the 18th century that this place actually gained prominence. Tippu Sultan became famous for his lifetime struggle with the British but at last he was crushed and British took over the city. In 1831, Bangalore became the regional administrative city of the British and a big military cantonment was established here. Today, some of the most noted monuments of the city can be attributed to the time of Tippu Sultan or are the examples of colonial architecture under Raj period.

Shopping Attractions:
A shopper's paradise, silk, sandalwood and rosewood items, Lambani tribal jewellery, granite carvings, raw silk paintings, appliqué goods, silver filigree, vegetable-dyed and hand-embroidered clothes, typical Gujarati home décor items, Tanjore art plates, bronze showpieces, black metal items and semi-precious jewelry from Tamil Nadu, raw silks, dokra metal work, beadwork and footwear from Madhya Pradesh are just the beginning of the huge list that one can buy from Bangalore.

There are high fashion boutiques displaying works of art from major Indian fashion designers in India are well represented as well as discotheques, bowling alleys, pubs, video game parlors and cyber cafes on Brigade Road. The mere density of shops per sq km in the city is bewildering and ranks highest among the Indian cities. However, the most popular shopping complexes are Commercial St in the north of Mahatama Gandhi Road and Residency Road for handicrafts.

Prime Attractions:

Cubbon Park:
Lord Cubbon laid down the 300-acre park in 1864. A perfect place for joggers and nature walkers, it also has red Gothic structures to see such as the State Central Library with its rare treasure of books, architectural style and fluted pillars, the High Court, the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall, Ottawa Chatter, Museum, Century Club and the Press Club.

Lalbagh Gardens:
A small fruit orchard of Hyder Ali, this garden had the glory of Tippu Sultan introducing several exotic trees here such as Cypress, Thuja, Junipers, Grapes, Guavas, Raspberries and Strawberries while John Cameron's period was certainly its 'Golden Era'. The Lalbagh Glass House once displayed the flora imported from England.

Vidhana Soudha:
An imposing 46m high Bangalore granite monument that resembles the Temple architectural style houses the Legislative Chambers of the state government. The building has 22 departments and 300 rooms, four domes on all its corners and the four-headed lion.

Jawahar Bala Bhavan:
Children's amusement park and recreation center near Cubbon park and the Dolls museum, the highlights here are the toy train, a 20 million year old fossilized tree from Geological Survey of India and boating facility. Children film shows and theatre performances at Vijayaranga Theatre are other forms of entertainment available here.

The Fort:
Originally built in mud by Kempe Gowda in 1537, Tippu extended and fortified the fort and is known today for its beautifully carved Islamic-style arches, the well-preserved Ganapathi Temple and beautiful carvings on its exteriors depicting Sri Krishna playing his flute.

Tippu's Palace:
Similar in many ways to the Summer Palace of Tippu Sultan at Sriangapatna, this palace was begun by Haider Ali and completed by Tippu in 1791. Known as `Rashk-e-jannat' (Envy of Heaven), it has massive wooden work and is known for five exquisitely ornamented arches with beautiful minarets and paintings on walls and ceilings.

Indian Institute of Science:
The premier science research institute of Tatas has the distinction of being the place where the Nobel Prize laureate C.V. Raman and space expert Vikram Sarabhai worked. Krishna Raja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore, laid down the foundation of the classic European style buildings and central quadrangle with attractive Persian motifs on February 1, 1911. It has 22 departments of different branches of science and a collection of over 2,68,000 books.

Government Aquarium:
An octagonal building of the Cubbon Park, the Govt. Aquarium exhibits cultivable as well as ornamental pet fishes such as Hocks stick, Pearl Coushmi, India Tiger Borb, Moon Tail and edible fishes.

Gandhi Bhavan:
The Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (memorial of Father of India, Gandhiji) in the Gandhi Bhavan exhibits pictures and photos depicting Gandhiji's life from early childhood till the day of his death. One can also read copies of Gandhiji's letters to famous personalities of his time to fully comprehend his philosophy and his views on various subjects.

Warangal, Hyderabad

2008-07-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

About Warangal

Warangal is a district in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Warangal District has an area of 12,846 km², and a population of 3,246,004 of which 19.20% were urban as of 2001. The district is bounded by Karimnagar District to the north, Khammam District to the east and southeast, Nalgonda District to the southwest, and Medak District to the west. Warangal is well known for granite quarries (notably the black and brown varieties), grain market for rice, chillies, cotton, and tobacco.

The district headquarter of Warangal is Warangal city. This city is also called as tri-city, as it includes Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet cities. It’s the biggest city in Telangana after Hyderabad (state capital). Extended with a radius of 10Km.

Attractions of Warangal

Warangal Fort:
Warangal fort is 2-km from Warangal Railway station, which dates back to the 13th century. The Kakatiya king, Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma built the fort. Invaders destroyed the fort, only remnants will be seen. The fort had three layers of protection, remnants of which can still be seen today. First layer is a wall made of mud which is currently about 40 feet high and encircles the entire fort, the circumference of which is a few kilometers. Second layer is a wall made up of granite rock. Than the actual main fort. The famous stone gateways that are still present and stand about 50 feet from the ground are a masterpiece and carved out of a single rock. They are called Kirti Toranas(great gateways) of Kakatiyas. They have become a symbol for Andhra Pradesh tourism and its replicas made out of concrete can be seen in various parts of the state.

Thousand Pillar Temple:

This temple is one of the finest examples of Kakatiya architecture and sculpture. Rudra Deva built it in 1163 AD in the style of Chalukyan temples, star shaped and triple shrined. The 3 shrines are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish

Bhadra Kali Temple: Situated on a hilltop between Hanamkonda and Warangal, it is noted for its stone image of the Goddess Kali. She is depicted with eight arms and carries a weapon in each hand. The temple is located beside the "Bhadrakali" lake (Cheruvu).

Siddeshwara Temple: Which was built in 3rd century, its one of the pachimadwara muka temple (that is the entrance will be from west)

Jain Temple: The 2,000-year-old Jain temple of Mahavira is a famous place of worship for Jains in the country. The temple is embellished with beautiful images of Tirthankaras The 5ft high image of Mahavira is carved entirely out of jade

Kolanupaka: Kolanupaka, 80 km from Hyderabad, is situated between Hyderabad and Warangal. This was the second capital town of Kalyani Chalukyas during the 11th century. During this period the village was a religious centre of Jains, and ranks among other great Jain centers in the south. The State Department of Archaeology and Museums established the Kolanupaka Museum which exhibits exquisite artifacts from the numerous historical monuments in Kolanupaka.

Sri Veeranarayana Temple: This temple was built in the Chalukyan style around 1104.

Pakhal Lake: A man-made lake built in 1213 by the Kakatiya king, Ganapathidev, by harnessing a small tributary of the Krishna River. It is located 50 km from Warangal and spreads over an area of 30 km².

Ramappa Temple: also known as Ramalingeswara Temple, this temple is situated in Palampet village, 70 km from Warangal. This is a beautiful monument dating back to 1213 AD. It displays the glory and richness of the Kakatiya kingdom.

Vanavigyan Kendra: Situated on Hunter Road between Hanamkonda and Warangal.

Samakka-Sarakka Jatra: The district currently hosts the Samakka-Sarakka Jatra congregation. Every two years, approximately 5 million people converge over three days around the small village of Tadvai, 90 km from Warangal city. This fair commemorates the valiant fight put up by a mother-daughter combination with the reigning rulers over an unjust law.

Chennai, India

2008-05-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

While you are holidaying in Chennai, make sure to take some time off and visit the places around. There are ancient temple towns like Mahabalipuram and Tirupati (in Andhra Pradesh), traditional townships and villages that specialise in crafts like Kanchipuram, and golden beaches like Covelong.You will also find beach resorts and amusement parks dotting the coastline beginning from Chennai.

Mahabalipuram (58 kms.):
Just out of Chennai, roughly 55 km away, is the world-famous town of Mahabalipuram. The Pallava dynasty of Southern India, one of the major lines of kings to rule in India after the Gupta period, made this lovely seaside village their second capital. The place blossomed under the creative forces of that time between the fifth and eighth centuries. Today, the shore temple, the largest bas-relief in the world called Arjuna's Penance and the famous and beautiful mandapams has made this town world famous. Almost 5km north of Mamallapuram in the village of Salavankuppam, the tiger cave is a rock cut shrine dating from 7th century. Dedicated to Durga, it has a small mandapam featuring a crown of carved yali heads. Another 14 km from here lies Tirukkalikundram a pilgrim centre with a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Covelong (48kms):
Replete with historical monuments such as forts, churches, mosques, and a lovely beach, Covelong is a place where you can experience the history of Tamil Nadu as a whole. If you are in Chennai, do not miss a visit to this place. The remains of the Fort have now been converted into a luxury beach resort that offers facilities for windsurfing and swimming.

Mahabalipuram,Tours to Chennai Kanchipuram (75 kms.):
Along with Chennai and Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram forms the famous Golden Triangle of the Coromandel Coast. Almost all tourists visit Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram finds place on the global map because of the wonderful craftsmanship of the Kanchi weavers, the makers of what is perhaps the finest silk fabric in the world. This spectacular temple city is one of the seven sacred cities of India. It was, successively, capital of the kingdoms of the Pallavas, Cholas and rajas of Vijayanagar. The temples and gopurams are exquisite reminders of the beauty of Dravidian architecture, from the freshness and simplicity of the Pallavas' 7th-century Kailasanatha Temple through to the Vijayanagar Empire's 16th-century Ekambareshwara Temple. The latter covers nine hectares, has a 59-metre-high gopuram, a 1000-pillared hall and a sacred mango tree said to be 3500 years old. Kanchipuram is also famous for its hand-woven silk fabrics.

Tirupati (152km):
Situated in the Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh, Tirupati is the abode of the legendary Lord of the Seven Hills. Tirupati is one of the most famous shrines in the country where worship of the Lord has been carried out for over thirteen centuries. Even today, Tirupati draws enormous crowds throughout the year. The main attractions are the Pratima Mandapam, with the statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya; Tulabharam, the scales upon which materials for offerings are weighed; the Tirumalanayaka Mandapam, replete with beautiful carvings; and Dhwajastambham, and others. Tirupati is situated at a distance of around 152 km from Chennai and well connected.

Muttukadu (16 kms):
Tirupati,Tours to Chennai The backwaters of Muttukadu have been developed by the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation to serve as a scenic picnic spot and a water sports centre. In February every year, a windsurfing regatta is organised in Muttukadu.Competitions in windsurfing and other water sports are held. Training and demonstration programmes are organized for youth.

Crocodile Bank (44 kms.):
Not far from Mamallapuram, Romulus Whittaker runs this crocodile breeding and research centre. Here several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. The reptiles are kept in their natural habitat in open pools and can be viewed from safe proximity. This farm breeds crocodile to augment the crocodile population of the wildlife sanctuaries.

Vedanthangal (85 kms.):
Vedanthangal is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in India. It is a marshy, 30 hectare park with lake visited by over 1,00,000 migratory birds every year. The majority of these birds can be seen between November and February. The 4variety of birds include Herons, Darters, Spoonbills, Pelicans, Sandpipers, White Ibis and Cormorants, Blue winged teals and Swans.

V.G.P Golden Beach Resort,Tours to Chennai V.G.P Golden Beach Resort (30km):
This beach resort is popular not just with the people of the city, but also with tourists. There is an entertainment arcade for children and for adults. There are folk dance performances apart from an Art Center that sells handicrafts and articles made out of seashells. The beach is clean and ideal for sunbathing. This is a cleverly planned beach resort geared to entertain the visitor with sculptured vignettes from the past, folk dances and ethnic seafood cuisine. The V.G.P. Art Center, a part of the resort complex, sells merchandise ranging, from seashells to rural handicrafts.

Vandalur:
Spread over an area of 1,265 acres, the Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur is the largest in South Asia with a rich variety of different species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The animals roam in natural surroundings with a special enclosure for nocturnal creatures. The coast road from Chennai to Mamallapuram is dotted with beach resorts, recreational areas and artist's communities.

Cholamandal Artist's Village:
Located 18 km south of Chennai. Contemporary art, sculpture, batik and craft flourish in this little palm-studded sea-rimmed artists' commune started in 1966. Artists and sculptors live and work here and also exhibit and sell their work. Its open-air auditorium is also the venue of avant-garde theatre, poetry-reading and dance recitals. It has a gallery with fine contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Dakshinachitra:
Located 12 km south of Cholamandal, a reasonably new place presented by the Chennai Crafts Foundation as a showpiece of different living styles in the South. You can admire traditional arts from Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka and AndhraPradesh. Contains recreations of Brahmin, Chettinad, potters, a basket weaver's, a silk weaver's houses along with live representations of their craft. Similarly the Kerala section has a Syrian Christian house, a Menon house etc. Very authentic since the dwellings were actually bought from their places of origin and replanted here. There is an accompanying audio-visual presentation and a little gift shop. Very well done and definitely worth a visit.

Pulicat (54 km):
Site of an Old Dutch settlement dating back to 1609, today, Pulicat is a picnic spot famed for its lake. There are amenities for swimming, fishing, and windsurfing. History-buffs can wander around the ancient Dutch cemetery with its well-preserved tombstones.

MGM Dizee World (20 km):
An amusement park complete with Roller Coasters and Water Slides and Giant Catherine Wheels - fun place for kids.

Madurai:
One of the oldest towns in South India is the abode of goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Sundereswarar (Shiva). Legend has it, that when a Pandya king founded the town of Madurai some thousands of years ago, Lord Shiva was present. Moreover, the nectar falling off his hair gave the town its name of Madurai or city of nectar

MGM Dizee World,Tours to Chennai Tiruchirapalli:
The famous Rock Fort is precariously perched atop a massive outcrop of rock that rises abruptly out of the flat surrounding plain. Set in the middle of the town on the bank of the river Cauvery, it is visible for miles around and it. A citadel of the Chola kings in the Sangam period (2 BC to 2 AD) the Rock Fort has had a long and chequered history.

Thanjavur:
Just 58 km away lays Thanjavur, once the capital of the Chola Empire referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu". Nearly a thousand years ago around the 11th century, Thanjavur was the capital of a powerful dynasty, the imperial Cholas whose empire extended beyond South India and Sri Lanka to the kingdoms of South-East Asia.The Chola kings used their wealth to encourage arts and craft and built innumerable temples and shrines to ornament their land.

Palani:
Palani, a pilgrim spot atop a hill dedicated to Lord Subramanium, is easily accessible.

Pondicherry (157km):
Lying 162 km south of Chennai, this town has an imminent French influence. It is here the famous philosopher Sri Aurobindo once lived. For sight seeing, interesting places include churches, museum, beach, the Aurobindo ashram, and Auroville.

Close by lies Chidambaram, an ancient Chola temple with a gilded roof, tall gopurams and a thousand pillared halls. This is the most venerated shrine of Lord Shiva represented here as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.

Point Calimere wildlife sanctuary lies close by.

The mangrove forests of Pichavaram, an ideal spot for boating, fishing and water sports is also nearby.

Rameswaram:
Rameswaram lies 176 km from Madurai. This conch shaped island in the Gulf of Mannar is a holy spot for Hindus. The magnificent Ramanathaswamy temple is well known for its longest corridors in the country, extending over a length of 1220 m long with its marvelous carved pillars. Those who visit here bathe in the sacred waters of Agaitheertam, a stretch of Clam Sea near the temple.

Kanyakumari,Tours to ChennaiKanyakumari:
Proceed to Kanyakumari, the land's end of India to view the spectacular sunrise and sunset at the beach. The temple, Vivekananda Rock and Gandhi Mandap are among the places of interest.

Vellore (145km):
Famous for Fort and Vijaynagar temple. It is also world renowned for CMC hospital-a leader in research and health care recognised as one of the finest hospitals in South India.Vellore Fort was built in 16th century but occupied by British in 1760.The small government museum inside the fort complex contains sculptures dating back to Pallava and Chola times. The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a gem of Vijaynagar architecture built about 1566.Within the temple; the pillared mandapam is famous for yali and other mythical creatures. Large statues of Ganesh grace the entrance and mandapam.

Delhi, India

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

Discover the inner peace of a city rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep with history and totally addictive to epicureans.

Both Old and New Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors. Lose yourself unwinding the secrets of the city's Mughal past in the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi before emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and generous leafy avenues.

PLACES TO VISIT

>>Akshardham Temple

Located on Delhi's outskirts is the mammoth and elaborate Akshardham Temple, a recently built structure (inaugurated in 2005) made of pink sandstone and white marble. Part of the Hindu Swaminarayan group, this extraordinary temple reflects traditional Orissan, Gujarati, Mughal and Rajasthani architectural elements and has exquisite domes and pillars.

It contains around 20,000 carved deities. Allow at least half a day to do justice to this sprawling temple complex (weekdays are less crowded) as there's lots to see (the website has more details).

>>Connaught Place

The heart of New Delhi is the vast traffic circle of Connaught Place and the seven streets that radiate from it, which are divided into blocks. It has an architecturally uniform series of colonnaded buildings devoted to shops, banks, restaurants, hotels and offices.

Often creating confusion, the outer circle is technically called 'Connaught Circus' (divided into blocks from G to N) and the inner circle 'Connaught Place' (divided into blocks from A to F). There's also a 'Middle Circle'. In 1995 the inner and outer circles were renamed Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk respectively, but these names are rarely used. Touts are especially rampant in Connaught Place.

>>Coronation Durbar Site

Incurable Raj fans should head to the Coronation Durbar site, marked by a lone obelisk in a desolate field located in open country north of 'Old' Delhi. Pride of place goes to a 15m (50ft) high statue of George V that rises ghost-like above the acacia trees. It was placed here after being removed from the canopy midway along Rajpath soon after Independence.

It was on this site that, in 1877 and 1903, the durbars were enacted and, in 1911, King George V was declared Emperor of India. Close by there's a walled garden complete with a rogues' gallery of marble statues of former imperial dignitaries, languishing like disgraced schoolboys out of the public eye. Most of Delhi's residents are blissfully unaware of the existence or significance of this place.

>>Crafts Museum

Near Pragati Maidan is this delightful tree-shaded Crafts Museum with an exhibit-packed museum and craft stalls where artisans sell direct to buyers. It's part of a contrived, yet enjoyable, 'village life' complex and is certainly a soothing escape from the city madness.

Peruse the well-presented galleries which house over 20,000 exhibits from around India, including metalware, woodwork, old silver jewellery, tribal masks, paintings and terracotta figurines. There's also a huge 18th-century wooden jharokha (elaborate balcony) from Gujarat. The on-site shop sells quality crafts. Photography is only allowed with prior permission.

>>Firoz Shah Kotla

The ruins of Firozabad (the fifth city of Delhi), erected by Firoz Shah in 1354, can be found at Firoz Shah Kotla, just off Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. In the fortress/palace is a 13m-high sandstone Ashoka Pillar inscribed with Ashoka's edicts (and a later inscription).

>>Gandhi National Museum

The National Gandhi Museum has an interesting display of paintings and photos about the man who spearheaded the country's independence movement. Indians affectionately dub Gandhi 'the Father of the Nation'.

>>Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Topped with gold domes, the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent several months in 1664. This guru dedicated most of his time to helping the destitute and sick and was revered for his healing powers; a tank on the gurdwara's premises contains water said to have curative properties. Soul-warming kirtan (devotional songs) often drift from the temple.

>>Humayun's Tomb

The must-see Humayun's Tomb is a brilliant example of early Mughal architecture. It was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian-born senior wife of the second Mughal emperor Humayun.

Elements in its design - a squat building with high arched entrances that let in light, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens - were to be refined over the years to eventually create the magnificence of Agra's Taj Mahal. Haji Begum is buried in the red-and-white sandstone and black-and-yellow marble tomb. The octagonal tomb of Isa Khan is through a gate to the left of the entrance and is a fine example of Lodi architecture.

>>Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

The former residence of Indira Gandhi, now the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, displays some of her personal belongings, including the blood-stained sari she was wearing when she was assassinated in 1984. There are also newspaper clippings, letters and photos.

On the way out, you'll pass an enclosed crystal pathway which is where Gandhi walked moments before being fatally shot by two of her Sikh bodyguards - the clear glass portion marks the spot she fell.

>>Jama Masjid

The stunning Jama Masjid mosque is the largest in India and the final architectural magnum opus of Shah Jahan. Construction of the mosque began in 1644, but it wasn't completed until 1658. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high, and is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The main entry point is Gate No 3. The mosque's courtyard can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people.

For Rs 20 it's possible to climb the southern minaret (women must be accompanied by a male; sometimes unaccompanied men may also not be permitted), where the views are superb. From the top of the minaret, you can see one of the features that architect Edwin Lutyens incorporated into his design of New Delhi - the Jama Masjid, Connaught Place and Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) are in a direct line.

Visitors should remove their shoes at the top of the stairs (pay the shoeminder Rs 5 upon collection). Beware of fake guides insisting there's a charge to enter the mosque (admission is free). If you wish to hire a guide, ask to see accreditation.

>>Jantar Mantar

Comprised of curious terracotta-red structures, Jantar Mantar was one of Maharaja Jai Singh II's observatories, constructed in 1725. It's dominated by a huge sundial and houses other instruments plotting the course of heavenly bodies.

>>Lakshmi Narayan Temple

West of Connaught Place, with soaring domes, the Orissan-style Lakshmi Narayan Temple was erected in 1938 by the wealthy industrialist BD Birla. The main temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and her consort, Narayan the Preserver.

>>Lodi Garden

The well-tended Lodi Garden is a popular place for a morning/evening stroll or jog. Within the grounds are the crumbling tombs of the Sayyid and Lodi rulers, including the 15th-century Bara Gumbad. Avoid visiting on Sundays, when crowds can mar the garden's serenity.

>>National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art has rotating exhibitions of more than 300 paintings (by Indian artists) which include tempera, oils, watercolours and lithographs. Photography isn't allowed.

>>National Museum

Thousands of historic artefacts are on display in the spacious galleries of the excellent National Museum. Exhibits include rare relics from the Harappan Civilisation, Central Asian antiquities (including silk paintings from the 1st century AD), Indian textiles, tribal masks, sculptures, musical instruments, old coins (including Portuguese, Dutch and Danish), miniature paintings and weapons (including a battle-axe from AD 1739).

Give yourself at least a few hours - preferably a half-day - to explore this museum, one of India's finest.

>>National Philatelic Museum

Located in the Dak Bhavan post office, the National Philatelic Museum exhibits over 1700 post-Independence stamps. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited.

>>National Rail Museum

Trainspotters will relish this National Rail Museum, which has intriguing indoor and outdoor sections. On site are almost 30 locomotives and old carriages as well as assorted railway memorabilia. Exhibits include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and various oddities including the skull of an elephant that charged a train in 1894, and lost. On Sundays (; 14:30 to 16:30 ) you can ride the coal-run monorail.

>>National Zoological Gardens

Popular with families and courting couples, the well-kept National Zoological Gardens is a welcoming green retreat from the concrete jungle. There's a bevy of beasts such as big jungle cats (including rare white tigers), Himalayan black bears, rhinos, hippos, wolves, elephants, giraffes and some truly spectacular birds - don't miss the crowned crane and great Indian hornbill. Arrive early for maximum tranquillity.

>>Nehru Memorial Museum & Planetarium

Teen Murti Bhavan, the former residence of Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first prime minister), just off Teen Murti Rd, has been converted into the Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium. Its photographs and newspaper clippings offer perceptive insights into the Independence movement. In the grounds is a planetarium.

>>Nizam-ud-din's Shrine

Across from Humayun's Tomb is Nizam-ud-din's Shrine, resting place of the Muslim Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Chishti, who died in 1325, aged 92. The construction of Nizam-ud-din's tank ignited a dispute between the saint and the constructor of Tughlaqabad.

Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan, who stayed with her father during his imprisonment by Aurangzeb in Agra's Red Fort. Amir Khusru, a renowned Urdu poet, also has his tomb here, as does Atgah Khan, a friend of Humayun and his son Akbar. Atgah Khan was murdered by Adham Khan in Agra. In turn Akbar had Adham Khan terminated and his grave is near the Qutb Minar.

>>Purana Qila

With massive walls and three gateways, Purana Qila was the site of ancient Indraprastha. The Afghan ruler, Sher Shah, who briefly interrupted Mughal sovereignty by defeating Humayun, completed the fort during his reign (1538-45), before Humayun regained control of India.

Entering from the south gate you'll see the small, octagonal, red-sandstone tower, the Sher Mandal, later used by Humayun as a library. It was while descending the stairs of this tower in 1556 that he slipped and sustained injuries from which he later died. Just beyond it is the Qila-i-Kuhran Mosque, or Mosque of Sher Shah. There's a small archaeological museum (admission free) just inside the main gate.

>>Qutb Minar

The superb buildings in this complex date from the onset of Islamic rule in India. The Qutb Minar itself is a soaring 73m/240ft-high tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. At its base is Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam Mosque), India's first.

The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony, and it tapers, like something out of a fairy tale, from a 15m (50ft) diameter at the base to just 2.5m (8ft) at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth storeys of marble and sandstone. The stairs inside the tower coil so steeply that they're enough to make the hardiest climber dizzy and claustrophobic, and it was no surprise when a stampede during a school trip in 1979 resulted in a number of deaths. The inside of the tower has since been closed to visitors.

An inscription over the mosque's eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing 27 idolatrous (read Hindu) temples. A 7m (23ft) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and it's said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be unfulfilled; however, the pillar is now protected by a fence.

>>Red Fort (Lal qila)

The massive Red Fort (Lal qila) stands rather forlornly, a sandstone carcass of its former self. When Emperor Shah Jahan paraded out of the fort atop an elephant into the streets of Old Delhi, though, he and the fort that he built were a grandiose display of pomp and power.

The walls of the fort extend for 2km and vary in height from 18m on the river side to 33m on the city side. Shah Jahan began construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Shah Jahan never completely moved his capital from Agra to his new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi because he was deposed and imprisoned in Agra Fort by his sly son Aurangzeb.

The Red Fort dates from the very peak of Mughal power. The Mughal reign from Delhi was a short one, however; Aurangzeb was the first and last great Mughal emperor to rule from here. The 10m-deep moat, which has been bone-dry since 1857, was originally crossed on creaky wooden drawbridges, but these were replaced with stone bridges in 1811.

Tickets to the fort are available from the ticket kiosk opposite Lahore Gate (the main gate). Since Independence, many landmark political speeches have taken place at the fort and every year on Independence Day (15 August) it hosts the prime minister's address to the nation.

Each evening (except Monday) a one-hour sound-and-light show re-creates events of India's history, particularly those associated with the Red Fort.

>>Safdarjang's Tomb

The mid-18th-century Safdarjang's Tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, Safdarjang, and is one of the last examples of Mughal architecture before the final remnants of the great empire collapsed.

>>Shalimar Bagh

The Shalimar Garden, which lies on the fringes of the city about 10km (33ft) north-west of 'Old' Delhi, is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. This was once the first-night staging post for the Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here in 1658. The beautiful central pavilion, the Shish Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan. Although it is in a fairly advanced state of decay, some of the original painted flower decoration has survived and the place has lots of atmosphere.

>>Shankar's International Dolls Museum

Boasting one of the planet's biggest collections of dolls, Shankar's International Dolls Museum has 6500 dolls from around 85 countries. Apart from the noteworthy international collection, which includes dolls from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, there are brightly costumed Indian dolls, including brides.

>>Spice Market

Khari Baoli, the street that runs from the Fatehpuri Mosque to the western edge of the old city, is Delhi's bustling wholesale spice market. It's well worth a wander simply to take in the sights and smells because things have changed little here for centuries. Huge sacks of herbs and spices are still brought to the wholesalers on long, narrow barrows pushed by labourers, and there are eye-catching displays of everything from lentils and rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea.

>>Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Get up-close-and-personal with toilets at the quirky Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, southwest of the centre. It houses a mind-boggling collection of toilet-related paraphernalia dating from 2500 BC to modern times. A guided tour (free) brings the loos to life.

>>Supreme Court of India Museum

Showcasing India's judicial history, this small Supreme Court of India Museum, which is accessed from Mathura Rd (opposite Appu Ghar Gate), contains two interesting galleries. One gallery has a focus on the evolution of India's justice system, which harks back to the Indus Valley civilization (3500 BC).

The second gallery is dedicated to the Federal and Supreme Courts with exhibits including an early 20th-century judge's chair, portraits of Raj-era judges and original manuscripts of landmark cases including the assassination case of Mahatma Gandhi. Photography is prohibited.

>>Tibet House

The Tibet House museum contains ceremonial items brought out of Tibet when the Dalai Lama fled following Chinese occupation. Pieces include sacred manuscripts, sculptures and old thangkas (Tibetan paintings on cloth). Photography prohibited. On the first floor is a bookshop that specialises in Buddhist titles and sells Buddhist chanting CDs, prayer flags and khatags (sacred Tibetan scarves).

Kerala, India

2008-05-04T03:24:00.000-07:00

The small state of Kerala, which represents just 1% of the land mass,is considered to be one of India's most beautiful state. It is a very rural state with most of the population living in villages but is culturally and scenically diverse. Kerala has two national parks, ten wildlife sanctuaries and two bird sanctuaries.

Kerala occupies a long (550km), narrow strip of land in the far south of India. Its coastline is on the Arabian Sea ( part of the Indian Ocean) and its eastern border with the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu is the top of the majestic Western Ghat mountains. The landscape varies from long golden beaches to cool hill stations and dense green jungle to bustling cities. Its unique feature is the 1,900km of palm fringed backwaters.

The people of Kerala are warm and friendly and interaction with them is often a highlight of a holiday to Kerala. Keralites have a strong culture and are fiercely proud of their state. Some of their art forms (eg Kathakali and Theyyam) and martial arts (kalaripayattu) are unique.

Interesting places in Kerala
MUNNAR
Munnar was once the summer capital of the British in southern India. Munnar was developed to cultivate tea plants by British although it was first discovered by Scottish planters. In the early developmental stages only Tamilians worked ther as few Malayalis inhabited in that area Munnar.
Munnar has an ancient history and prehistoric relics that can be dated back to Stone Age civilization. The written history begins only from 10th century. In the early 19th century, the headman of the villages of Anchanad, Kannan Thevar, held lands to the north of the high ranges, which belonged to the local Rajah of Poojar.

THEKKADY
Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices.Thekkady has immense possibilities for Adventure Tourism. The Forest Department offers many programs including Periyar Tiger Trail, Nature walk, Bamboo Rafting etc. There are private organizations as well as government agencies , who promote adventure tourism in Thekkady. Plantation tourism also is promoted by these agencies, so that the tourists can see and learn the cultivation of various spices of Kerala. Thekkady, is one of India's most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries, where you can watch wildlife at close range.

ALLEPPEY
Alleppey is one of the most important tourist centers in the state, with a large network of inland canals earning it the sobriquet "Venice of the east". These large network of canals provide Alleppey its lifeline. Alleppey was one of the busiest centers of trade in the past with one of the best known ports along the malabar coast. Even today it retains its charm as the centre for Coir carpet industries and prawn farming. Alleppey the ideal headquarters for backwater tourism as well as for visits to the lovely church filled town of Kottayam, and the town of Aranmula, famous for its historic Aranmula Snake Boat Race which is an annual event.

In Alleppey or Alappuzha, the life revolves around water. Cildren learn to swim before they walk. They learn to row boats before they bicycle. They learn their first lesson from the school of fish.

Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland.

KOCHI
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese have left indelible marks on the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai/Bombay). Cochin is proud of its world class port and international airport that link it to many major cities worldwide.

Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, rated in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel & Tourism Council and featured in National Geographic Traveler's '50 greatest places of a lifetime'.

KUMARAKOM
Kumarakom, an unbelievably beautiful paradise of mangrove forests, emerald green paddyfields and coconut groves interspersed with enchanting waterways and canals adorned with white lilies. Situated on the Vembanad lake, in this small water world you'll come across plenty of traditional country Crafts, boats and canoes which will take you into the heart of the scenic lake. The resorts nearby offer comfortable accommodation and exclusive leisure options like an Ayurvedic massage, yoga, meditation, boating, fishing, angling and swimming. Kumarakom offers nature's best with its virgin forest backwaters. Slumbers on the banks of Vembanad Lake, which weaves an enchanting web with its canals, streams and distributaries, Kumarakom is a place fit for those quiet and intimate moments when you just want to be with yourself in tranquility and peace.

Kumarakom in Kottayam District in the State of Kerala, South India. The beauty of any tourist location in Kerala is that it is always just a few miles from the nearest city linking you to all major cities in India and to the world. And Kumarakom too is delightfully tucked away. At the same time it is, equally and easily accessible.
From the Cochin International Airport it is a 70 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty. The resort is a few minutes away across the river. The enchanting boat ride to the resort from here will take less than 20 minutes. A bridge is coming up here which will facilitate even faster access.

KOVALAM
Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, a state in south India. It is located around 16 km outside Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) City in the Thiruvananthapuram district. There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.
Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel. Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

There are three beaches at Kovalam, separated by outcrops jutting out to the sea. The larger one is called Light House Beach for its 30 odd metre high light house. The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India. Topfree bathing and parading is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance.

ATHIRAPPALLY
The Athirappally Waterfalls in Trichur District, Kerala, India. Athirappally is an 80ft high waterfall which literally takes your breath away. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees., this waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea is not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.
Perched high above in the the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's famed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those wanting to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic
attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirampally. These scintillating waterfalls in thick green forest are a part of the Chalakudy river stream.

THATTEKKADU
About 58 km from Kochi city and 13 km northeast of Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district in Kerala.Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds. This globally acclaimed bird sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the internationally renowned ornithologist. It is the exotic microcosm of India's bird population that brought Dr. Salim Ali to this place. His efforts were instrumental in the formation of this sanctuary to a large extent.
Thattekkad also has extensive plantations of teak, rosewood, mahagony, etc. The dense forest is also the home of nearly 28 varieties of animals and nine varieties of reptiles.

VARKALA
Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where one can find cliffs adjacent to the Arabian sea.[citation needed] These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature in 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. A famous beach resort, Varkala is also famous for its 3,500 year old Janardanaswamy temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine in India and is referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the south).The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash away sins, and is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.
The town has excellent telecommunication facilities, round-the-clock power, an average-rated water supply system, fire station, several post offices and police station. The town boasts a government-run hospital in addition to nearly 10 private hospitals and some dental clinics.

Varkala is the second most important railway hub in the district of Thiruvanthapuram, after the Thiruvananthapuram Central Station. Varkala is an important hub for neighbouring places like Attingal, Kadakkavur, Edava, Kallambalam , Kappil, Parippally, and Kilimanoor.

HOW TO REACH
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 55 km from Varkala, reachable by car in a period of 2 hrs. Chartered flights operate from France and Britain during the season. Or you can board a train heading towards north, ideally going to Kollam or Kochi and get down at Varkala. However, one needs to check if the particular train has a stop at Varkala.

The beach is 2 km from the beach; journey by autorickshaw will cost around Rs 25. If you are coming from Ernakulam or Kollam, you can take a bus from any of the KSRTC bus stands or board a train headed for Thiruvananthapuram. It would take 1 hour from Kollam and 4 hours from Kochi by road or train.

WAYANAD

There is a land not far from Calicut, the city of Zamorins, yet a world apart from Kerala's agricultural and industrial epicentres. It is a quiet place where scenic beauty wild life and traditional matter, simplicity is a virtue and beauty still blossoms from the mountainous horizon and from the green glaze of alluring vegetation. This is Wayanad - the green paradise - the border world of greener part of Kerala. Clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotising this land has a history and mystery, culture and social epistemology yet to be discovered. Located at a distance about 76 km. from the sea shores of Calicut in the Western Ghats, this station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife.
Wayanad hills are contiguous to Mudumala in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast land mass for the wild life to move about in its most natural abode.
This mountain district is in many ways the most picturesque in the state, with its rolling hills covered with tropical rainforest. Wayanad also contributes richly to its fortunes, thanks to the flourishing cultivation of many spices, as well as Tea, Coffee and Cocoa. Wayanad is situated at a height of 700 to 2100m above sea level and is home to many species of animal and plant life. Temperatures range from 12 to 25 degrees centigrade. This district also has the added advantage of linking Kerala with the golden triangle of South India : Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty. s

This high altitude district is characterised by the cultivation of perennial plantation crops and spices. The major plantation crops include coffee, tea, pepper, cardamom and rubber. Coffee based farming system is a notable feature of Wayanad. Coffee is grown both as pure crop and as mixed crop along with pepper. Pepper is grown largely along with coffee in the north eastern parts of the district, especially in Pulpally and Mullankolly areas. Coffee in Wayanad (66,999 ha.) shares 33.65 per cent of the total cropped area in the district and 78 per cent of the coffee area in the state. Other major crops are rubber(63,015 ha.), coconut(59,452 ha.), cardamom (38,348 ha.), tea (31,792 ha.) cassava and ginger. A recent increase in the area under coconut cultivation is noticed in the lower elevations. Paddy is cultivated in 22,772 hectares of land. The rice fields of Wayanad are in the valleys formed by hillocks and in majority of paddy lands, only a single crop is harvested. Ginger cultivation in Wayanad has also substantially increased in recent times and the ginger produced is mainly marketed in the form of green ginger. Homestead farming assumes importance in this district. The average size of holdings are 0.68 ha. A variety of crops including annuals and perennials are grown in these small holdings. The crops include coconut, arecanut, pepper, vegetables, tuber crops, drumstick, papaya, etc. and fruit trees like mango and jack. The crop patterns/crop combinations prevelant in this district are not based on any scientific norms. Therefore scientific cropping patterns suitable for the agro-ecological situation is to be recommended.

HOW TO REACH
>> By Air : Nearest Airport: Kozhikode (Karipur)

>> By Rail : Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode [Rail distances from major cities to Kozhikode are- New Delhi: 2851 Km; Mumbai: 1425 Km; Kolkata: 2331 Km; Ahmedabad: 1875 Km; Hyderabad: 1425 Km]

>> By Road : Well connected by roads from Kozhikode (Ghat-72 Km from Kalpetta), Kannur (Ghat), Ooty (120 Km from Kalpetta) and Mysore (140 Km from Kalpetta).

Hyderabad, India

2008-05-04T02:34:00.000-07:00

Overview of Hyderabad :

Hyderabad, the capital of the state Andhra Pradesh is one of the oldest city having an age old civilization & culture. The city was founded by the ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah in the year 1591 on the southern bank of the river Moosi. Hyderabad is popular for its natural beauty and historic monuments including mosques and minarets, colourful bazaars and friendly Hyderabadi people. Today, it is major information technology development centre and Microsoft has one of its overseas offices here. Hyderabad, together with its twin city of Secunderabad, has today grown to be India’s fifth largest city.

Climate of Hyderabad :
Hyderabad is hot during summer and cold during winters. Its average summer temperature varies between 40 and 30 degrees C while the winter temperatures range from 22 to 14 degree C. The city receives an average rainfall of about 89 cms.

Tourist Attractions of Hyderabad :
» Charminar - This four columned monument ‘Charminar’ was built by Muhammad Quli in the year 1591. Today it is the best known landmark of Hyderabad. All the four 56 m high minarets are separated by wide arches and plastered by mortar and lime. There is an oldest mosque situated at the second floor of the minar and considered as the oldest of the city. The minar is open daily to visitors.

» Golconda Fort - Founded in the 13th century, it is one of the most remarkable fort complexes in India. It was later built by the rulers of Qutub Sahi Dynasty, who made it their capital in the year 1525. The massive fort complex houses the ruins of palaces, assembly halls, arsenal, barracks, royal gardens and the Durbar Hall which are the prime features of the fort complex. The beautiful Durbar Hall provides a commanding view of the twin cites Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

» Mecca Masjid - It is another important tourist spot in the city. Its construction was started by the Abdula Qutb Shah in 1614 but later completed under the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is known as Mecca Masjid because some of the bricks are made of soil from Mecca- the holiest pilgrimage place for Muslims.

» The Salar Jung Museum - The famous Salar Jung Museum houses around 35,000 antique and art objects from different parts of the world collected mostly by Salar Jung III, a former prime ministers of Nizams of Hydearabad. It has a rich collection of oil paintings, carpets, marble sculptures, old clocks, miniature paintings, ivory products and various objects related to different religions.

» Quli Qutub Sahi Tombs - All seven kings of Quli Qutub Sahi dynasty are buried in marvelously built tombs which also attract tourists for their architectural beauty.

Getting to Hyderabad :
» By Air - The Hyderabad Airport is situated at a distance of 8km from the city centre and has air flights to major international destinations especially the Middle East countries. It is also well connected to various parts of India by regular domestic flights.

» By Rail - Hyderabad has three main junctions: Kacheguda, Hyderabad(Nampaly) and Secundarabad, all receive high traffic for all parts of the country. All the three railway stations have express train services to all the major Indian destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bangalore and Thiruananthapuram.

» By Road - The state roadways and privately owned bus services links the city with all the important towns and cities within the state and to the neighbours around. There are services to even Mumbai, Kolkata and Nagpur.