I Love To See India

Wonderful Udaipur

2013-11-10T15:18:00.001+05:30

Sometimes called the "Venice of the East", Udaipur is a beautiful city of lakes. True to the name of the city and its nick names the city has many beautiful lakes which include Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar.

Udaipur is not a very big city and if you are interested you can touch upon most of the important places to see within a day! (Though this is not highly recommended.) The city has a slow pace of life and it is best enjoyed at a slow pace. The City Palace(The king still lives here. There are three parts to the city palace. The kings residence, a hotel and a section for general public which also host the sound and light show) the Doodh Talai (Sun Set point) and the Sajjan Garh Palace (AKA Monsoon palace) are all points of interest which deserve a leisurely stroll. Another point of interest is the sound and light shows at Jag Mandir and the City Palace.

City Palace at Night

Lake Pichola is the lake which has the most interest and activity. Boating here is conducted by a couple of organizations. HRH group runs most of the boats. A boat ride during the day is cheaper than the one in the evening. In case you stay in one of the primer properties on the lake the boat ride is usually complementary to and from the property.

Boat On Lake Pichola

The city also has many Haveli which are worth visiting

A View From Inside A Haveli

A View From Sajjan Garh Palace

Some of the Haveli's also host museum which are worth seeing. Udaipur is also know for its jewellery and clothes. Some of the specialities of the place is clothes made from custard apple tree, merino wool quilts (which are exported all over the world) and block printed saris and suite materials

Silver Earnings

The city also wonderful place of foodies. There are plenty of roof top restaurants on the lake side which serve amazing food. There is amazing food at every price point and each has its own charm. There are many people who have settled here from all over the world and have brought their cuisines with them. It is not uncommon to find great authentic food from all over the world.

Weapons Of War On Display

A View From Jaisamad Lake

There is also something for the wildlife enthusiasts about two hours from Udaipur is Jaisamand Lake which attracts many migratory birds during the winter time. There is also a wild life sanctuary on the banks of the lake where it is possible go on safaris.

Dauters On An Island (Jaisamad Lake)

A one person put many places have natural beauty which make the place beautiful, Udaipur, just like India has cultural beauty. Udaipur the city of lakes is surly worth a visit.

Arch Gallery, Kanoh, Himachal Pradesh

2012-05-05T17:07:00.001+05:30

If you are fan of civil engineering then this place is a must visit for you. Kanoh is a small village which lies between Kandaghat and Kathleeghat on the toy train route between Kalka and Shimla. Not much happens at this sleepy village but is home a beautiful spectacle, an engineering feat and breath taking view.

Also known as the Arch Gallery Bridge No. 493, is a series of arches built one on top of another and is the highest arch bridge of the Indian railways. There are only two ways to get here. One is to take the train to this station the other is to trek to this place. The village is not connected by roads and there are no places to stay near the village. If you wish to visit the place take a train to the place spend a couple of hours and catch the next train out. Alternatively you can trek to and from the station, or trek one way. It does require you to be very fit to trek the journey. Do make that a consideration before you set off on foot.

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Naukuchia Taal

2012-04-04T21:04:00.001+05:30

If you ever have the urge to see mountain lakes in and around Delhi then Nainital would have definitely crossed your radar. Over the years it has become a favourite of many travellers. However, popularity comes with its own excess baggage. The city has, as some tourist put it, "has become very commercial". In fact recently the place clocked 10,000 vehicles coming into the city in a day, most of which run on diesel. The air gets heavy with diesel fumes and takes charm of the city away. The same is true for Bhimtal. A trick is to avoid the rush is to visit during the off season .

However, if you are in the mood to experience a laid-back sleepy town with beautiful lakes, simple food and great scenery perhaps you can direct your attention to Naukuchia Taal. It has a lot to offer and is reflective less crowded compared to the lakes in the vicinity. There is plenty of opportunity to go boating, kayaking and even do some hiking. Or if you are in the mood to just relax just hire a boat and let someone else do the rowing.

Another place you could add to your itinerary is Sattal. This lake also does not attract as many visitors as Nainital though during peak season it is as crowed as any place. Visiting during the winters gives you an advantage. There are some hiking trails where you can find some exotic birds of the Himalayas. It is a birders paradise. There are many birding camps in and around the place. If you take the time you can even catch the waterfall nearby. During summers you will find locals and tourist alike taking a cool shower in the waterfall

One favourite destination of birders is Pangot. The place is very popular among birders but not so popular among others. If you like photographing landscapes exotic birds or simply just relax this could be a destination worth considering. A word of caution. There has been increasing human expansion in and around the lakes. This has caused some of the forest cover to be degraded. The forest is also home to many leopards and have been sighted near human settlement.
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Mahabalipuram

2012-02-06T09:28:00.000+05:30

On the east coast of India situated about 60 KM from Chennai is the ancient city of Mahabalipuram. A UNESCO World Heritage Site this port city is home to many architectural gems. The city also know as Mamallapuram has its history dating back to the 3rd century CE perhaps even earlier. Though the city has all comforts of modern day living if one strolls down the lanes of the city and walks past some of the beautiful and well preserved buildings, one can, with a little imaginations be easily be transported to a time when the city was a thriving port city getting visitors from all over the world.

There are many points of interests, the Pancha Rathas (Five chariots), Varaha Cave Temple, Thirukadalmallai temple, Arjuna's Penance, Shore Temple, Light House, Sculpture Museum and Tiger's Caves (located a stones throw away from the city).

Most of the architecture is monolith and the deft details which can be seen in these sculptures and monuments is breath taking. What is even more amazing is these were all hand carved. The city is also home to many artisans who do a lot of sculpture work and is a good place to pick up great souvenir from the inexpensive thumb size sculptures to expensive 10 to 15 feet big statues. One can see these artisans working away a piece of stone and over time they slowly transform into beautiful work of art. Watching them work one can get a sense of the amount of work which would have gone into building the magnificent structure's which are found all over the city.

The beach nearby is a good place to catch the sunrise but it has strong currents and is not recommended for swimming. In addition to works of art which can be seen some of it buried under the Bay of Bengal. The city also was affected by the tsunami which hit the Indian hit the Indian coast line in 2005. However, this force of nature also revealed some structures which ave been lost to the sea. ASI has started excavating these new findings.

Though one can see all the sights and sound of the city within a day it is recommended you stay a day or two to fully enjoy the city's beauty. If you are a photographer a few days more at this coastal town would be wonderful. Though doing this may make your pockets a bit lighter. There is an entry fee to almost every location and if you are a foreigner the costs are slightly higher. Nothing too major though. If you are a photographer getting to vantage points like the top of the light house are worth the minor charge. Though I must warn you that for some strange reason tripods are not allowed at these places. SLR and DSLR's are allowed. Some place there a minor charge for taking cameras inside. However, these cost do add up at the end of the day. On the bright side food is very reasonably priced.

One place not to be missed is the Sculpture Museum. It does not get the coverage it deservers. There are over 3000 sculpture. They range from stone carvings to wooden works of art. A stroll to the backyard reveals many unfinished works. One can find works of art not just from India but all over the world.

If you a person who is fascinated by history, architecture or wish to see artist convert a piece of stone to work of art this place is surly worth a visit.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

2011-10-22T19:30:00.002+05:30

A reserve covered situated in the valley of the ancient Aravalies, the sanctuary is spread over 866 Sq KM. Located in Alwar district of Rajasthan it is about 40 KM from the city of Alwar, 100 KM from Jaipur and 200 KM from Delhi.

The sanctuary is also home to other hunter of the wild including leopards, golden jackal and fox. There are some villages in the sanctuary which are in the process of being relocated and part of the sanctuary is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is of great significance to the locals. On Saturday a permit is issued to everyone who wants to visit the temple only. For this reason there are many commercial and private vehicle plying on this route.

The reserve part of project tiger effort but has built a notorious reputation in recent years. The reserve has seen excessive poaching and all tigers in the reserve were poached. However, the government has now stepped up efforts to rebuild the sanctuary as a home for the tiger. There is enough pray in the forest for the big cat. It is very easy to sight Samber deer, Spotted Deer, Nilgai. Currently there are five tigers which have been re-introduced into the sanctuary hence sighting one is very difficult.

In reserve there is also a huge water reservoir which attracts many migratory birds where one can spot many species of stork's. The lake is also home to many crocodiles. One can also visit the Sariska Place which was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, which is also worth a visit.

The best time to visit is in the winters. There are two safari timings during the day. One early in the morning and one is in the evening starting from 2PM to about 6PM or sunset depending on time of year. One can either hire jeep or an open canter to do the safari. If you are visiting the reserve and you like to drive then take the route from Bansur via Narayanpur and then to Sariska. The drive is amazing with scenic beauty on each side. This route may be a bit longer and the road just before the reserve is extremely bad but it is worth it.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November to March, though you may not get to spot a tiger due to there small population it is worth visiting for its natural beauty, migratory birds and other species of birds and animals

Damdama Lake

2011-06-13T20:17:00.001+05:30

Covering an area of 3000 acres this is one of the biggest lakes in Haryana. The lake is about 60 KM from Delhi, on the outskirts of Gurgaon. It is a picnic spot but there are places to stay nearby and can be considered a mini vacation spot as well. During the winter months you can find some migratory birds making their way to this lake, but don't expect to see many exotic birds as there is a lot of human activity in and around the lake.

One section of the lake is always bustling with activity. There are merry-go-rounds, rides and boating. If that were not enough you can take your own picnic basket and you'll have more than enough to make a good family outing. The place as a very rustic feel to it and one can experience a slice of village life with the comforts of modern day city life. If you are the adventure seeking type you can always go on a trek in the surrounding hills. Or if you prefer to have some peace and quite, take a stroll along the lake and once you get past the small heads of cattle you can find a quite spot along the lake all to yourself. If you fancy you can simply lye down on the grass next to the lake and be filled with sounds nature, of birds chirping in the distance, the wind blowing though your hair and to top it all have a canapé of open skies.

Getting here is a bit of bit painful especially if your vehicle does not have a good suspension. There are small sections of the road which are not smooth to say the least and in some case have a lot of pot holes. However, for the most part the drive is good and if you are one of those who enjoy twists and turns in the road you will enjoy the drive. Especially once you start looking out for those almost invisible speed breakers.

Weather you looking for a short holiday or just a day outing this place is surely worth considering.

Delhi Flower Market

2011-05-29T09:43:00.001+05:30

This post is a bit different as compared to the others. While I mostly write about cities to visit, in this post I talk about a very specific place to visit in Delhi. You might see more such posts as I am a native of Delhi.

If you happen to up early one morning and you were in the city of Delhi, you might want to see the beautiful flower market. There are a few places you will find these markets. On of them is in Mehrauli near Qutab Minar and another is at Connaught Place right opposite the Hanuman Mandir.

You can head out there and see amazing colours and an amazing variety of flowers. There is a general buzz in the air and the place overflows with flowers. Every corner there is something beautiful. From vibrant red to sober white to dashing purple its all there. The flower market starts early and most of the flowers are sold off by 8:30-9 AM. Though the market slowly winds though after that and you only find some remnants of what was a very bustling and chaotic market.

Weather you are looking to buy flowers (in which case you'll find some real good bargains and if you wish to test your negotiating skills there are some even better deals to be had.) or just experience a huge range of flowers or plants its surly worth a visit.

Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary

2011-04-12T22:42:00.004+05:30

I always have a fascination for wildlife, it get my adrenalin pumping and being a start up photographer I am always on the lookout to use my new found skills. My biggest challenges is to shoot with so many composition rules while the subject is moving. This may be the reason why you might see me writing more about wildlife rather than still life but I'll keep trying to post about all the beautiful places I see.

Not so far of from the bustling city of Delhi is a big reserve for big birds. It's a lot bigger than Sultanpur Birds Sanctuary [which is dedicated to Salim Ali a noted Indian ornithologist and naturalist was know as "birdman of India"] The reserve covers an area of 1074 acres and attracts large water fouls from all over the world.

If you have made plans to visit this place make sure that you have at least a few days at your disposal, though you could do a day trip but that would too hectic. The reserve has a kuccha road around it and has a huge circumference, roughly 11 KM. If you wish you can walk or take a vehicle around the place.

One of the things to note is that there is no place to eat in or near the sanctuary. The nearest place to eat is the local restaurant or dhaba in the neighbouring town city of Jhajjar about 15-20 KM away. You can however get accommodation to stay at the reserve but you need to book in advance. The accommodation is more like a rest house with two rooms. {Not what you would call a 3 star property but it has a cozy feel to it}.The booking can be done through via DFO, Rohtak or Chief Wildlife Warden of Haryana, Panchkula.

After you make past many small roads, the mad small town traffic, beautiful fields which line the roads the odd potholes on the small stretches of broken you will be reach this beautiful reserve. It has all varieties of big and small water birds and if you are patient you can get very close to them. If you are fascinated by these big birds or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is a must visit.

Best time to visit: November to February

Rameswaram

2011-03-03T23:48:00.002+05:30

Situated on the India Sri Lanka border, this beautiful island is home to one of the most religious places in India. Rameshwaram derives its name from two Sanskrit words Ram and Eshwaram. Which mean Ram 's God. As per Hindu mythology is believed that Lord Ram crossed over to Sri Lanka from here. When he returned victorious from battle he prayed to Lord Shiva here. A temple was established in its place

Rameswaram Panorama click photo for larger version

The temple has great significance for Hindus. It is said a journey to Kashi is incomplete without a journey to Rameshwaram. The temple has beautiful architecture a beautiful representational of intricate stone work found in Temples in South India. The temple is also know as thousand pillars temple because the temple has a thousand pillars.

Apart from Hindus the place also has religious significance for Muslims. The place is also home to the tomb of Ibrahim Syed Aulia and attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Once you are done seeing the main temple you can take a tour around the island. On one end of the island is a place called Dhanushkodi. This is the closest point between India and Sri Lanka (only 29 K.M. away). In the past this was a major tourist spot. There also ran a train to this place called the Boat Mail.

In 1964 a cyclone hit the coast line destroying most of the place and the train line. There is now a road which connects to this place and on route you can see some of the remnants of the train line which once ran to this place.

In the past there used to be ferries which went from India to Sri Lanka now however, you need a government clearance take a boat ride.

Rameshwaram is also a bio diversity hot spot for marine life. Most of the surround area is a corral reef and is currently under threat due to an excavation project which would permanently damage the ecosystem.

Due to the unique nature of the island and corral reef one can see a rare phenomenon. The waves no the sea front never rise beyond 3 cm. The island also has a national park which with large lakes which attract many migratory birds. Its a treat for nature lover. Not far from the island about 50 km is another bird sanctuary called the Alagankulam Birds sanctuary which is also worth a visit. The best time to visit is winter when many large water foul s come here to escape the cold winter.

Besides this there are many pristine beaches where the water is clear and can see a beautiful gradient can be seen in the sea. There are many other temples on the island but not all of them are maintained by the government. Some of them are privately maintained and there is a fee attached with entry to these temples. Weather you are a nature lover, an admirer of architecture, a person with religionists pursuits or just looking for some peace and quite this beautiful place has something for all.

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Corbett National Park

2010-08-20T19:11:00.001+05:30

Spread over 1300 Sq. Km at the foot hills of the Himalayas,this breath taking beautiful sanctuary called Corbett National Park,is one of the oldest and biggest sanctuaries in India. Formed in 1935 it was called Hailey National Park, named after the then governor of United Province (then part of undivided India), Sir Malcom Hailey.

It was around these parts that the Wildlife conservationist Sir Edward James Corbett spent most of his childhood and adult life before moving to Kenya. A passionate conservationist and an avid wildlife photographer, he learnt most of his craft in these woods. A strong advocate of preserving wildlife, he took to hunting only when the big cats in the jungle turned man-eaters. Many of these stories can be found in the book Man Eaters Of Kumaon. In 1957 the name of the sanctuary was changed to Corbett National Park in his honour (two years after he passed away).

There are many ways of getting to this jungle paradise. One can take a train to Dhangarhi Gate station which is about 32 Km away from the city of Ramnagar or take a flight to Pantnagar which is the nearest airport (about 90 Km from Ramnagar). But, perhaps the best way of getting here is by road. For the most part, the roads are good and as you get closer to the sanctuary the road gets engulfed by forests which add to the excitement .

Ramnagar, the gateway to the sanctuary, is a typical small Indian town full of life, colour and chaos. One can easily find a place to stay here. There are options for everyone, from cheap and cheerful to the luxurious. In case you plan to visit during December-January or during May-June it's a good idea to book a place in advance, as this happens to be the peak season.

The main attraction is the Tiger, but one must realize it is very difficult to spot this king of the jungle. This, once in a lifetime experience,is both breath taking and scary at the same time. It is usually preceded by a calm and then, there is a general air of heightened alertness. Once the languors and deer start giving out calls that a tiger is out on the prowl, some prehistoric human instincts take over, the hair stands on its ends and everyone waits with baited breath for that elusive chance of seeing the tiger.

In case you don't get to see this big cat don't be disappointed.There is plenty to see in the forest. The forest is also home to wild elephants, deer and many species of birds. If you happen to go during the winter months you can see many large migratory birds flocking these woods. Most of these are found near the dam at Ramnager. The dam was built in 1967 for irrigation purposes. and when it was built it had a significant impact on the local ecosystem. Gradually, a lake formed by the dam became a home to many large water fowls flying to warmer areas during the winter.

Once you are done with the sanctuary you can pay a visit to the Garjia Temple. The temple is of great importance to the locals and this is situated in the middle of the Kosi river. With the blessings from the temple you can step on to one of the oldest suspension bridge in the region.

Over 120 years old, this may not be the longest or biggest suspension bridge on the planet but it is an architectural feat, none the less. During the summer months take a dip in the river for the current is not so strong and the river is relatively calm. Come monsoon, when the river swells up,the bridge provides a safe passage over the violent river.

Before you wrap up your trip, head out to the town of Kaladhungi. This small town is where Sir Edward Corbett grew up and spent most of his childhood. There are many small canals on the outskirts of the forest, some of which are over a 100 years old. Amazingly they all still working, provide drinking water for the locals and the water is used for irrigation as well. One can take a leisurely stroll along these canals. It won't be long before you feel you are in a fairyland and a mystical creature is hiding behind the next tree or shrub just waiting to jump in front of you. This may not happen but, if you tread softly and you are lucky, you might spot a dear sipping water in the stream.

One can easily imagine a young Jim Corbett merrily going through the woods, watching the trees in awe and falling in love with the forest. Today, the house where he and his family stayed has been converted into a museum. It has many of Corbett's personal belongings and the grave of Robin and Roswana. Robin was his faithful and brave dog who accompanied his master on the hunting expeditions.

Not very far from here is another natural wonder, the Corbett falls. It is a small but beautiful water fall. A popular destination among tourists and locals.It is worth a visit. There is a small entry fee to get to the place. After a small trek one comes to a bridge and soon the sound of the waterfall fills the air and before long this beautiful natural wonder is revealed.

It is not hard to understand why so many visitors come to Corbett,sometimes making multiple visits . The forest has a persona of its own and the history surrounding the place adds the spice and colour to this beautiful place.

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

2010-07-22T18:59:00.003+05:30

On the western end of India is the majestic city Jaisalmer. Made of Jurassic sandstone, it is also known as the gold city. Built in 1156 by Raja Jaisal the fort is the last major stop before the India Pakistan border. There is also an Air-force base nearby. The places worth visiting are the king's palace, magnificent Jain temples with intricate designs, a beautiful lake called Gadsisar Lake and many Havelies.

A view of the Gadsisar Lake

The best time to visit this place is in the winters. This also means one needs to get the reservations done in advance to get cheaper accommodation. December to February end are the peak seasons. The prices are high as most of the tourists are foreigners.

The fort is also home to nearly 4000 people and is a “living Fort”. Getting around the fort is not very difficult. Auto-rickshaws are available at every corner though they wouldn't be able to take you to every nook and corner of the fort! Another option is to hire motorcycles/scooters. Needless to say,the best way is to see the fort on foot. The fort is quite big and seeing it in one go in a single day requires quite a lot of stamina. Seeing the place over two days is easier and you can also see many aspects of the fort which would otherwise be missed.

The fort has many vantage points from where people can see the city but the most popular ones are the sunrise and the sunset points. Both have breath taking views. At night, shimmering in golden colour, the fort looks both majestic and imposing.

View of the fort at night

Another attraction, not to be missed, is the different types of cuisines one can sample. Not only can you get authentic Rajasthani food but also Lebanese, Mediterranean, Italian and many other culinary delights catering to the global palate . There is also ample opportunity for those wanting to pickup some local artwork. It's a good place to test your bargaining skills.

A view of the Kings Palace.

Inside the fortress, are Jain temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji . Built between 12th and 15th century, it is a fine display of craftsmanship on stone.

Stone work inside one Jain Temple

There are three museums in the city - Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Desert Cultural Center and Museum and Government Museum. The collection may not be very big but it is worth a visit.

About 60 Km from Jaisalmer are the Sam (pronounced 'sum') sand dunes. It's a great place to see the sun set and is thronged by many people in the evening. Viewing the desert during sunrise also has its own charm.

En-route to Sam Sand dunes is the Desert national park. Covering an area of 3162 km²,it is one of the largest national parks in India. It was created to protect the desert ecosystem. The National park has many indigenous species and is home to migratory birds in winter.

Some 17 Km from Jaisalmer, is another attraction which has far fewer visitors. It is the wood fossil park. Akal wood fossils park is spread over 21 hectares. It has fossil wood which is about 180 million years old. It is a treat for paleontologist and geologist enthusiasts.

Jaisalmer is a city which has something for every one. The spectacular architecture, bustling markets, pristine desert beauty and, of course, plenty of history.

Amritsar

2010-03-11T17:37:00.004+05:30

Situated near the India-Pakistan Border is the city of Amritsar. Home to the Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, as it is more popularly known, it is a city of great colour and history. Amritsar, or Ambarsar, as the locals pronounce it, literally means a pool of immortal nectar. There are many ways of getting here. The city is well connected by buses and trains. One can also take a direct international flight and land here. The Harmandir Sahib is of great significance to Sikhs and attracts religious visitors from all over the world.

The city is a delight for aficionados of food. In-fact many people who stay near the temple do not cook and prefer to eat out. One gets a sumptuous traditional punjabi meal with a nice tall glass of lassi at a reasonable price. Though in most cases, a single plate should feed two. There are many Dhabas which have not changed for over sixty years. Getting to these places is an adventure in itself, especially, if you do it on foot. Walking through the narrow intertwining lanes we get the feeling that we have travelled back in time and time itself has suddenly come to a halt. One must definitely, try out the Amritsari Kulcha and Firni.

There are many hotels to stay and if you contact the temple authorities in advance you could also stay inside the temple. If you happen to be travelling during festivals such as Diwali, Holi or Guru Nanak Jayanti , it would be better to book before you get there, to avoid disappointment.

Places to See

Golden Temple: The biggest attraction of the city in this holy city is the golden temple.

One can enter from any of the four entrances. This was part of the design of the temple to show that people from all walks of life and of any religion are welcome to the temple. Once you enter you get a clear view of the dome of the temple which is made of real gold. The temple is well maintained. You can find intricate paintings on the walls inside the temple. These are a treat for the eyes. As you walk inside the temple there is a constant flow of soothing sounds from from the Gurbani. Once you have enjoyed the sights and sounds inside the temple make your way to the langar and have a hearty meal.

The temple complex also has a museum inside, which is worth seeing. A warning though, it is not for the faint hearted. There are paintings of war and torture. Also on display are weapons which were used by the Sikh warriors. The temple also has rooms around the lake which are built below the ground. They were originally built as meditation rooms. These have now been cordoned off to general public.

Jallianwala Bagh:

A stone's throw away from the temple is Jallianwala Bagh. A place with a painful past, it is today, a tribute to those who were killed during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Durgiana Temple / Laxmi Narayan Temple:

This is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Durga. The temple is designed on similar lines as the Golden temple.

It also has a lake surrounding the temple. Sometimes called the silver temple because of the silver doors this temple can be reached in about 15-20 mins by rickshaw from the Golden temple.

Khalsa College:

Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College or more commonly know as Khalsa College is a premier educational institution in the city. It is the oldest college in Amritsar. The building architecture shows its Victorian roots. The building is illuminated at night and is a wonderful spectacle.

Wagah Border:

Situated about 30 KM away from the main city is the border between India and Pakistan. Situated on NH 1 or the Grand Trunk road, it is a major tourist attraction. The border has two ceremonies. The "Raising of the Flags" in the morning and "Lowering of the flags" in the evening. The ceremony is conducted with great enthusiasm and is watched by a sea of people on both sides of the border. This is a sight not to be missed. The ceremony in the evening attracts far greater crowds than the one in the morning. Make sure you get there early to get good seats or you are likely to be watching it from a very far of place.

Lawrence Road:

No visit to any city is complete without shopping and Amritsar is no exception. Once you are done with all your sight seeing and picking up some souvenir, head for the Lawrence Road. It has something for every one, from street food to high end fashion.

Other Places:

About 100 Km from the city of Amritsar is the city of Firozpur which also has a border with Pakistan. The ceremony here is also elaborate. This border is quite significant as it has the Bhagat Singh Memorial. If you happen to be in that area around the 23rd of March try and make it to this place and pay respects to this legendary freedom fighter.

There are many other places you can visit some of which are Ram Bagh, Ram Tirath, Pul Kanjari, Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji, Jama Masjid Khairuddin, Samadhi of Shravan, Khoo Kalyanwala, and Shaheedi Bohr.

Best time to visit:

If you prefer to see a lot of colour and festivities then visit the place during the fairs and festive season. But if you prefer a more quite time then it is best to avoid the place at such times. The city has extreme temperature during summers and winters. During the summer months the temperature hovers around 45 degrees C. Winters days are pleasant but the night temperate can fall to about 4 degrees C

Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

2010-03-06T19:53:00.003+05:30

Situated about 80 Km from Chennai is Vedanthankal bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is located in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu and is spread over 70 acres. Vedanthankal or the hamlet of the hunter (in Tamil) was a popular hunting spot for local landlords. Today it is a heaven for migratory birds.

The sanctuary is well maintained and the sanctuary has a few observation decks from where one can get a clear view of the birds. It attracts locals, tourist and many ornithologists.

The place is well connected by road. One can take a bus or get to Chengalpet by train and catch a bus from there. Or you can hire a cab to take you to and fro. If you have your own vehicle then you are in for a treat. You will be no NH 45 for the most part depending on where you start from. It you were to start from OMR and cut across to NH 45 the road is great. The connecting road from NH 45 to the sanctuary is also good but don't be expecting to do over 80km/hr like you were on the highway. There are fields and mango groves along the way. There are also temples along route which are worth a visit especially one on top of the hill.

Place to stay:
Forest department guest house. One can book for this place by contacting the office at Chennai. Or you could stay in Chengalpet if you cannot get accommodation in Vedanthankal

If you have photographic interest then evening time is preferable as the sunlight comes from behind unlike in the morning where you would be looking directly into to sun. Also there is a slight mist/haze in the morning.

Best time to visit.

From November to March is a good time to visit the place. However if you want to see the place in all its splendour then visit the place in between December end and January

Birds To See

One can spot Painted Storks, Sandpiper, Shovellers, Grey Heron, Grey Pelican, Open-Billed Stork, Darter (or the Snake bird), Ibis (black and white), Large Egret, Little Egrets, Moorhen, Night Herons

Map route from Chennai to Sanctuary

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