India Travel Directory

Binsar - a charming hill station in Uttarakhand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 05:59:00 +0000

Overview

A small hilly town in Kumano hills of Uttarakhand, Binsar is renowned for its beautiful countryside and pristine natural environs. Located at a distance of 35 km away from Almora, Binsar is also popular for its forest reserve and bird sanctuary. Set at an elevation of 2,480 metres above sea level, amidst oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron forests, Binsar provides a welcome respite to people living in plains. Get the wonderful views of the noted Himalayan peaks from vantage points in Binsar. Besides its natural beauty, Binsar is also known for its historic connection. Binsar has served as the capital of Chanda Raj rules from between 7th century AD to 8th century AD. Plan a trip to Binsar to enjoy a relaxing vacation in the lap of nature. Also get a fine glimpse of the region’s rich past by visiting the historic spots including archeological sites.

Binsar Camping Site

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Garhwali as well as Hindi is widely spoken by the locals.

When to Go: Binsar enjoys a soothing climate almost all around the year. Summer season (April to June) is quite comfortable, while winter season (November to Februar) is chilly. Don’t forget to carry sufficient woolen clothes while visiting Binsar during winters. Light woolen is required during summers, especially in nights.

Local Transport: Thee town and nearby areas can be explored by car / taxi. You can also take leisurely strolls to cover major spots of Binsar.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Jhandi Dhar Hills in Uttarakhand

Altitude: 2,480 metres above sea level

Nearest Metropolis: New Delhi – 380 km away

Eating

North Indian cuisine is usually served by the eateries in and around Binsar. Don’t forget to savour the traditional Kumaoni cuisine, known for its unique aroma. You can find Kumaoni cuisine at small food stalls as well as restaurants in the guest houses and resorts.

Shopping

Shopping in Binsar revolves around locally manufactured handicrafts especially wooden items. Pick up the beautifully carved crafts to carry as a souvenir of Binsar trip. Don’t expect about fixed market or shops in Binsar. You will find vendors around Binsar, who sells a variety of items at impressive rates. Do little bargaining and get the items at cheap prices.

Sightseeing

When talked about sightseeing, every nook and corner of Binsar is an attraction in itself. Situated about 2,400 metres above sea level, Binsar provides a fine opportunity to closely observe the unspoiled nature that is more than sightseeing. However, if you are looking for some specific sightseeing hotspots, then Binsar will not disappoint you.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is the prime attraction of the town. Set up in 1988, the wildlife sanctuary spreads over an area of 45.59 sq. km and provides shelter to plenty of plant and animal species, and more than 200 bird species. Besides wildlife viewing, you can enjoy magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks from the wildlife sanctuary. Zero Point is the best place in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary to get the amazing views of noted Himalayan peaks, namely Nanda Devi, Kedarnath and Trishul. Binsar Museum is another highlight inside the sanctuary that exhibits flora and fauna of the region, and also provides handy information about the sanctuary.

After exploring the wildlife sanctuary, visit the temples and other attractions in and around Binsar. Just 4 km from Binsar is the temple of Golu Devta, which is famous all over Kumaon region. Also pay a visit to Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, about 8 km away from Binsar. Built in the 16th century, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at a distance of 9 km from Binsar, Kasar Devi Temple is a popular spot among visitors, especially foreigners. Kasar Devi Temple was the house for Dutch Monk (from 1970 – 80) and it is said that the hippie culture got popularity from this temple.

Khali Estate, once the residence of the commissioner of Kumaon (from 1856 to 1884) is now a resort and deserves a visit. The region around Binsar encompasses a rich history, even today you can get a glimpse of the bygone era by visiting the archaeological spots.

Activities

Usually visitors to Binsar spend hours in exploring the famous spots on foot and enjoy a splendid view of the natural surroundings. There are numerous nature trails around Binsar that are ideal for short to long treks. While walking along the trails, you can see colourful birds. Also enjoy breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges from Binsar. The town is home to a well-managed forest reserve, where you can see a variety of floral and faunal species including avian species. Remember to carry a pair of binoculars to get a close view of the birds found in the area. You may also carry a good book for identification of birds.

Events

People in and around Binsar celebrate many festivals round the year. Besides regional and national festivals, people celebrate temple festivals on some specific days of the year. Try to participate in local festivals or events if they fall during your visit. You will get a better understanding of local culture and traditions by seeing the festivities.

Nightlife

Enjoy a bonfire or campfire in the premises of your hotel (guest house). You can also arrange a small party in the night. Apart from these, Binsar doesn’t have any specific nightlife option. It’s better to stay in the hotel (guest house) after the sunset.

Excursions

During Binsar trip, you can take visit nearby tourist attractions by undertaking short excursions. About 35 km away from Binsar is the beautiful town of Almora. One of the famous hilly towns of Uttarakhand, Almora is renowned for its unmatched natural beauty, exquisite handicrafts, rich cultural heritage and varied wildlife. Nanda Devi Temple is a major attraction of Almora that draws visitors in large numbers. You can also visit the hill stations of Nainital and Ranikhet. Kausani, Jageshwar or Chowkori, Bhimtal and Sattal are other popular destinations close to Binsar.

Getting There

Air: The nearest major airport is located in New Delhi, about 380 km away. IGI Airport in New Delhi is well-connected to many cities in India as well as abroad. From IGI Airport taxis / cars can be hired for Binsar. Pantnagar Airport (127 km) is another airport close to Binsar, which is served by limited flight.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam Railway Station, approximately 100 km away from Binsar. Kathgodam Railway Station has trains from New Delhi and other cities of North India. From the railway station, you can hire a cab to reach Binsar.

Road: State Highway No 37 connects Binsar with popular destinations in Uttarakhand and North India. Buses of Uttarakhand Road Transport ply to Almore, from there you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Binsar.

Driving directions: From Delhi – Start from Anand Vihar and take Ghazipur Road. Take a right on Grand Trunk Road (NH 24), followed by NH 58 and SH 39. Further you have to proceed onto NH 24 that connects further with NH 87. After crossing NH 87E take SH 37 to reach Binsar (380 km, 10 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Zero Point: Situated inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point is the highest vantage point in Almora district. You can get the best view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks and beautiful surroundings from this vantage point.

Pariyadeva-Pashan: A popular vantage point in Binsar, Pariyadeva-Pashan offers breathtaking view of the town and nearby areas. The point also houses a stone with cup marks that belongs to the megalithic age.

Bhubaneshwar - the capital of Odisha

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 12:26:00 +0000

Overview

Renowned for its connection with the Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, Bhubaneswar or Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of the eastern Indian state of Orissa. Literally meaning the ‘Lord of the Universe’, Bhubaneswar is dotted with numerous historic temples known for their exquisite architectural styles, related legends or other interesting facts. Often referred to as the ‘Temple City of India’, Bhubaneswar makes the ‘Golden Triangle’ of holy temple cities with Konark (Sun Temple) and Puri (Jagannath Temple). Historically the capital of ancient Kalinga state, Bhubaneswar is now a modern city and a thriving hub for commerce and business in East India. Designed by the German architect Otto Kongisberger in 1946, the modern Bhubaneswar harmoniously blends with the old. The beautifully managed gardens, fun & amusement parks, and world class museums add more charm to the historic city. Traces of Bhubaneswar’s rich cultural heritage can be found in the traditional handicrafts like appliqué work of Pipli, world famous Odissi dance, local delicacies, and colorful festivals and events. Besides these, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves take you on an amazing journey of rock cut structures dating back to around 1st century B.C.

Bhubaneshwar

Getting There

Air: Biju Patnaik Airport is about 5 km away from the city center. The airport is linked to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bangalore with daily flights. A taxi from the airport to the city costs around Rs. 100.

Rail: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major railhead of the East Coast Railway and connected to all major cities by a number of trains.

Road: The OSRTC runs frequent buses between Bhubaneswar and other places of the state such as Konark and Puri. Private operators also offer bus services to and from Bhubaneswar.

Driving directions: From Kolkata - Start from Jawaharlal Nehru Road and reach NH 6 after crossing Rashmoni Avenue, Dufferin Road, Pranabananda Sarani and Vidyasagar Setu. Further take a left on NH 60 and later on drive onto NH 5 to reach Bhubaneswar (12 hours, 450 km).

Info Zone (When, What, ‘Wear’)

Best time to visit (When to go) – Bhubaneswar boasts of a tropical climate with hot summers (April to June) and cold winters (November to March). The south-east monsoon appears in late June and ends by September. The ideal time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to March.

Knapsack (What to carry) –

Dress up / down (Wear what) -

Recommended for:

Singles / Friends / Single woman / Senior travellers / Family with children / Couples

Getting Around

Various modes of local transport are available in Bhubaneswar. The government-run city buses are the most convenient and cheap mode of transport. You can hire car or taxis for exploring the major spots of the city. Auto-rickshaws are also available on shared as well as individual basis in Bhubaneswar.

Must See

With a fine collection of old and new attractions, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of sightseeing options. Temples are the major highlight of Bhubaneswar and thronged by devotees in large numbers. Begin you sightseeing trip from Lingaraj Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 10th century. Described as ‘the truest fusion of dream and reality’ by Ferguson – the noted art critic and historian, Lingaraj Temple is a rare masterpiece and known for its excellent sculpture and architecture. Close to Lingaraj Temple is Bindu Sarovara, a large lake, which is believed to have the drop of every holy river. Considered the gem of the Oriyan architecture, Mukteshwara Temple dating back to the 10th century is another important temple of Bhubaneswar. One of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Parasurameswar Mandir (650 AD) is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also deserves a visit. Vaital Mandir (8th century) dedicated to goddess Chamundi (Kali), Rajarani Mandir, Siddheswar Mandir and Kedaragauri Mandir are other noted old temples in Bhubaneswar, known for their architecture, sculptures or related legends. In addition to these, ISKON temple and Ram Mandir, though comparatively new, have many visitors. Remember, entry to non Hindus is not allowed in all temples, so enquire before you proceed inside any temple. Once you cover all the temples, move further to visit the museums of the city, namely Orissa State Museum and Tribal Museum. While Orissa State Museum has a vast collection of archaeological objects, art and objects, and sculptures, the Tribal Museum houses interesting items of the tribes. You can pass a good time with your family or friends in the beautiful parks of the city like Biju Patanaik Park, Buddha Jayanti Park, Gandhi Park, Ekamra Kanan (Cactus Park) and Forest Park. Also visit the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), which is known for maintaining the biggest Rose garden in India.

Must Do

When talked about leisure, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of options to do. From well laid-out parks to adrenaline rushing treks, Bhubaneswar has everything to please all types of travelers. An amusement park, BDA Nicco Park offers a variety of thrilling activities for all age groups. If you are an art lover, then step inside Rabindra Mandap or Soochana Bhavan on Sachivajaya Marg where dance and music programmes are organised almost every day. Visit the Regional Science Centre to watch the ‘Lost World series’ that takes you to the ancient world. At the Science Centre the common principles of Physics are demonstrated through simple experiments from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Get a better understanding about the celestial bodies and see the stars closely at Pathani Samanta Planetarium. The celestial shows are organised in Oriya and English alternatively. If you wish to make your trip more adventurous, then explore the rock cut temples in and around the city on foot. Adventure freaks can explore famous rock cut caves like Udayagiri, Khandagiri, Swagpuri and Hathi (elephant) Gupha.

Eat

From exotic seafood to lip-smacking sweets, Bhubaneswar offers a lot to satisfy the taste buds of die-hard food lovers. Despite being a temple town, Bhubaneswar offers plenty of options for non-vegetarians as well. The local markets in Bhubaneswar sell freshly caught lobsters and crabs each morning. Most restaurants in Bhubaneswar offer fresh seafood along with vegetarian dishes. ‘Dalma’ and ‘pakhal’ are the most famous traditional delicacy of Bhubaneswar and a must try. After spicy fast food like ‘chaat’, ‘dahi bara’, ‘aloo dum’, ‘gol gappas’ and ‘rolls’, try some sweets such as ‘rasagolla’, ‘chennajhilli’ and ‘rasabali’. In addition to traditional Oriyan cuisine, you can find delectable North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Thai and Continental cuisines in the eating joints of Bhubaneswar. Also enjoy the ‘prasad’ offered by the major temples on daily basis to devotees.

Shop

Bhubaneswar is a mainly known for locally manufactured handicrafts including stone and wood carvings, silver filigree work, tie and dye textiles, bamboo basketry, horn work, paper mache mask, brass and bell metal work. Appliqué craft of Pipli and Patta paintings are other must buys of Bhubaneswar. Also buy colourful wooden icons of Lord Jagannath to keep as a souvenir of the trip. Utkalika (a government owned shop run by the Department of Handicrafts) as well as many privately run shops offer the local handicrafts at reasonable rates. Besides the handicrafts, you can buy other interesting items in the local markets of Bhubaneswar. Ekamra Haat, Boyanika, Kalamandir, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Bazar Kolkata, Priyadarshani and Vishal Garments are the popular shops in Bhubaneswar. Haggling is common in local markets, but don’t try in fixed-price shops.

Nightlife

Usually temple towns in India offer nothing special in the name of nightlife. However, Bhubaneswar differs from other temple towns and doesn’t disappoint nightlife lovers. You can visit the bars attached to the major hotels and enjoy exhilarating drinks till midnight on the beats of thumping music. Some hotels also offer interesting options and organise special programmes to make the nights happening.

Events

A culturally rich city, Bhubaneswar celebrates a number of festivals every year that showcase the art, artifacts, culture, music and rich tradition. Most of the festivals in Bhubaneswar are connected to the temples. Ashokashtami Festival is an annual temple festival celebrated at Lingaraj Temple in March / April. During the festival the deity is taken out in a massive procession on a huge ‘Ratha’ (chariot) for a ceremonial dip at Bindu Sagar Lake. Bhubaneswar is an abode of Shivite belief of Hinduism, hence Shivaratri (February / March) is an important festival for the temples and people of the city. Ramanavami (March / April), Jhamuyatra (April / May), Anla Navami (October / November), Makal Mela (January), Megha Mela (January / February), Khandagiri Mela (January / February) and Taratarini Mela (March / April) are other noted festivals and events of Bhubaneswar. Besides regional and temples festivals, Bhubaneswar also celebrates religious festivals like Dussehra (Durga Puja), Deepawali, Lakshmi Puja, Christmas and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Excursions

After exploring the temples and other tourist spots of Bhubaneswar, you can take short excursions to nearby places. Just 2 km from Lingaraj Temple lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh dating back to the around 3rd century B.C. The ruins of Sisupalgarh indicate that the Orissan civilization has ancient roots and there was a well-fortified city at the site. Situated 8 km from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli hill is a quaint place and reminds about the historic ‘Kalinga War’ that was fought here between the Mauryan emperor Ashoka and the state of Kalinga. You can see the rock edicts of Ashoka on the foot of Dhauli hill. Shanti Stupa and the old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar are other attractions of Dhauli. Hirapur, approximately 15 km away from Bhubaneswar is known for the 11th century Hypaethral Temple of 64 Yoginis, only second of its type in Orissa and one of the four such temples in India. Further move towards Nandankanan (20 km) Park to see a wide variety of floral and faunal species. Carved out of the Chandaka forest, the biological park houses tigers, bears, crocodiles and varieties of indigenous plants. Renowned for its hot Sulphur water spring, Atri (42) is a holy place and home to the shrine of Hatakeswar. Devotees take a dip in the water of the spring, which is believed to have the potential to cure skin diseases.

Top 5 Must See

Lingaraj Temple - an ancient temple dating back to 7th century AD
Bindu Sarovara - a sacred lake located close to Lingaraj Temple
Mukteswara Temple – a real and rare specimen of Kalinga School of architecture
Dhauli Hill – the historic site of Kalinga War
Khandagir & Udaygiri hills – home to rock cut caves carved out around 1st and 2nd century B.C.

Top 5 To Do

Watch celestial show in Pathani Samanta Planetarium
Attend demonstrations at the Science Centre
An excursion to Dhauli, Hirapur, Sisupalgarh, Atri and Nandankanan Park
Attend tribal fairs (mela) especially Adivasi Mela in January / February
Attend a show of world famous Odissi dance

Belur and Halebid

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 12:18:00 +0000

Overview

Situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka, the twin towns of Belur and Halebid (about 16 km from each other) are favoured destinations for discerning travellers, historians, architecture lovers as well as art and crafts lovers. Belur and Halebid are linked with great Hoysala Kingdom of South India that was famous for its temple architecture. The Hoysala rulers have built a number of massive temples in the region of Belur and Halebid. Highlights of Hoysala period temples are exquisitely carved sculptures and pillars. Besides mythological tales, you can see the beautiful figures of elephants, lions, horses, dancing ladies on the temple walls.

Belur and Halebid

A visit to the towns of Belur and Halebid provides you a fine opportunity to see some of the finest old temples of India. In fact, the temples of the area have been proposed for listing in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. While Chennakeshava Temple complex is the prime attraction of Belur, Halebid is renowned for Hoysalehwara Temple complex. In addition to these, Sravanabelagola (Gomateshwara Temple), a noted Jain pilgrimage centre fascinate the visitors a lot. Plan a trip to the quaint towns of Belur and Halebid to enjoy a relaxing vacation and see architectural jewells of the bygone era. Make the city of Hassan your base to visit Belur and Halebid, as the district headquarters has plenty of good accommodation options.

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Kannada is widely spoken and used by the people of the towns. Basic English and Hindi are also spoken by the locals.

When to Go: The climate of Belur and Halebid usually remains pleasant most of the year expect the summers (April to May) when the mercury soars above 40 degree Celsius. The monsoon season brings rain in the towns during June to September. October to March is considered the best time to visit Belur and Halebid.

Local Transport: Generally tourists cover the temples and other attractions of Belur and Halebid on foot. Any defined mode of local transport such as auto-rickshaw is not available in these towns. Hire a private vehicle like car or taxi to explore the towns of Belur and Halebid.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Hassan district in the state of Karnataka

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore - 222 km away

Eating

Belur and Halebid are not dotted with luxury restaurants or noted fast food joints. You have to choose from whatever offered by the eateries of the temple towns. It is better to dine in Hassan city, where the eating joints offer South Indian dishes at reasonable rates. Rice is served as the main dish along with side dishes. If you don’t wish to savour South Indian dishes, then it is better for you to carry your own food.

Shopping

Shopping in Belur and Halebid revolves around locally manufactured objects including traditional crafts of Karnataka. You can find interesting items offered by temporary stalls or hawkers around the towns. Hassan en-route to Belur and Halebid is a fine place to buy curios, stone sculptures, terracotta items, silk sarees, sandalwood, ivory brassware and wooden toys. You can buy these items as souvenir for yourself or near and dear ones.

Sightseeing

Temples are the major attractions of the twin towns of Belur and Halebid that are known for their excellent architecture and exquisite sculptures. In fact, the temple art in Belur and Halebid war promoted by the rulers of Hoysala dynasty. Most of the temples in the towns and nearby areas were made from a special material called ‘steatite’ that is soft and easy to work. Although centuries have been passed since the construction of the temples, but even today they fascinate the visitors with their unparalleled beauty. Once you visit the temples of Belur and Halebid town, you will surely be amazed and would praise the brilliant works of artisans. The Chenakeshava Temple (Belur) along with Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebid) and the Jain monuments at Shravanabelagola have been proposed as world heritage sites to UNSECO.

You can begin your temple tour from any temple in Belur or Halebid as all will surely please you equally. However, it is better to start from Chennakeshava Temple complex in Belur that took around 103 years to get completed. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Chennakeshava Temple is noted for its intricate details, beautifully carved sculptures over the temple walls. You can also see the scenes from the great epics, sensuous dancers (Shilabalikas), lions, and horses and elephants fighting in war in detail on the temple stones. Inside the temple complex there are many ornate pillars including a popular attraction ‘Darpana Sundar’ (Lady with the mirror) carved on the walls of the temple. Besides the main temple, also visit other two small temples of Hoysalas, namely Virnarayan Temple and Chennigaraya Temple that also have intricate carvings as Chennakeshava Temple.

After covering the temples and major attractions of Belur, head towards the temple town of Halebid (16 km), which is equally popular and deserves a visit. Once the capital of the Hoysalas, Halebid is not well preserved like Belur and destroyed in the early 14th century by the Delhi Sultanate. Visit the Hoysalehwara Temple complex that houses Hoyasaleshawara and Kedareshwara temples. Hoysaleshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has two monolithic sculptures of Nandi bulls at the entrance. The temple dating back to the 1121 A.D is known for its sculptural details and wall carvings that describe tales from Hindu mythology. You will also find the impressive figures of dancing ladies (Shilabalikas), animals and birds on temple walls.

Close to the temple, Sravanabelagola (Gomateshwara Temple) also deserve a visit during Belur and Halebid trip. One of the famous Jain pilgrimage centre in South India, Gomateshwara Temple is set atop Indragiri hill (3,000 feet above sea level) and known for its colossal monolithic 57 feet high statue of Gomateshwara. You can reach the temple by climbing 614 rock-cut steps and enjoy a splendid view of the surroundings. The temple complex also has several small size images Jain tirthankaras (revered Jain teachers). In fact, there are 15 Jain bastis (temples) and mathas (monasteries) in the twin towns and on Chandragiri Hill.

Activities

Belur and Halebid are small historic towns and don’t have fun & amusement parks, entertainment centre or other happening places. However, you can pass leisure moments by taking walks along the tranquil streets of the towns. Also visit the temples and other attractions of these towns on foot. Spend hours in getting understating the architecture style of Hoysala temples including sculptures and delicate carvings.

Events

Due to small population, the towns of Belur and Halebid celebrate very few festivals and events every year. However, the people in and around the towns celebrate most of religious as well as South Indian festivals. Basically a dance festival, Hoysala Mahotsava is organised against the magnificent backdrop of Hoyasala temples. Skilled dancers from the towns and nearby areas participate in dance performances. During the event a massive chariot is also pulled through the streets of Belur town, which is joined by thousands of people. Mahamastakabhishekam Festival is another noted festival of Belur and Halebid, which is held once in every 12 years at Gomateswara Temple. Locals bath the image of Gomateswara in milk, curds, ghee, saffron and gold coins during the festival.

Nightlife

Nightlife doesn’t exist in the towns of Belur and Halebid. Usually the twin towns get deserted as the dark progresses after sunset. So, don’t look for nightlife options in Belur and Halebid, and enjoy as much as possible in the broad day light.

Excursions

Along with base town Hassan, you can cover many popular cities of Karnataka during your Belur and Halebid tours. Mysore (155 km), Mangalore (165 km) and Bangalore (222 km) are some of the popular cities that you can explore by taking two to three days trips. All these cities have many places of tourist interesting including historic monuments and modern attractions as well.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airports from Belur and Halebid are located in Bangalore (222 km) and Mangalore (165 km). Both these airports are well-connected with major cities of India. From these airports, you can hire a private vehicle (taxi / car) to reach Belur and Halebid.

Rail: Hassan Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Belur and Halebid. Many trains connect Hassan Railway Station with Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore and other places of the country. Buses ply at regular intervals from Hassan to Belur and Halebid.

Road: Good roads connect Belur and Halebid with Hassan, a major city close to the twin towns. KSTDC (Karnataka State Transport Development Corporation) offers bus services to Hassan, Belur and Halebid from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore and other cities of Karnataka. You can also use Arasikere town as a base to visit Belur and Halebid towns. Besides buses, Belur and Halebid are easily accessible by cars and taxis from nearby major cities.

Driving directions: From Bangalore – Start from Brigade Road and after crossing Richmond Road, Fort Road hit Sri Narsimha Rao Road (SH 17). Further take the Mysore Road Flyover and move on Mysore Road (SH 17) till you reach Tumkur Road (NH 4). After crossing NH 48 and SH 57 you will reach Hassan, which located at close distance from Belur and Halebid (222 km, 6 hours approx).

From Mangalore – Begin your journey from NH 17 and take a turn on Falnir Road (NH 48). Take a left on NH 13 and further switch onto SH 58 to reach Belur and Halebid (165 km, 4 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Suitable for all types of travellers such as singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers and family with children

Top 5 Must See

Chennakeshava Temple: Built in 1117 AD by Hoysala ruler Vishnuvardhana the temple is filled with delicately carved sculptures of elephants, dancers and episodes from the epics.

Hoysaleshwara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva popular for its two shrines in the Linga, and exquisite figures of the sacred bull ‘Nandi’.

Gomateshwara Temple: One of the most popular pilgrimage centres of Jains in South India, known for the massive statue of Gomateswara and many smaller images of Jain tirthankaras.

Kappe Chennigraya Temple: Constructed by Shantaladevi, queen of King Vishuvardhana in Belur.

Virnarayan Temple and Chennigaraya Temple: Situated in Chennakeshava Temple complex, these temples have beautiful sculptures.

Bekal - a jewel of Kerala

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:51:00 +0000

Overview

Renowned for its beautiful seashore, clean sandy beaches, palm grooves, green hills and calm backwaters, Bekal is a quaint destination situated in Kasargod district of Kerala. Bekal is one of the most picturesque regions in the ‘God’s Own Country’ – Kerala and equally famous for its historic importance and nicely preserved Bekal Fort. Historically Bekal has been an important port town during the rule of famous Kolathiries and other erstwhile dynasties. The past rulers of Bekal had constructed a number of forts, temples and other structures that still speak about the architectural styles and rich cultural heritage of the bygone era. Far from the glitz and mundane city life, Bekal is an excellent place to enjoy a laidback vacation in the lap of nature along with traditional hospitality of Kerala.

Bekal Fort

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Malayalam is the main language spoken by locals. People also speak Kannada and other South Indian languages along with Hindi.

When to Go: The climate of Bekal is temperate in nature marked by hot summer season (March to June), monsoon season with heavy rainfalls (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). October to March is considered the best time to visit Bekal.

Local Transport: You can hire a private vehicle to explore the town of Bekal. The major tourist attractions of Bekal can also be covered on foot.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: On the coast of Arabian Sea in Kasargod district, Kerala.

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore – 375 km away

Eating

Enjoy mouth-watering delicacies of Kerala at Bekal and other parts of Kasargod district as well. Although you will not find any luxury restaurant in the town, but the small and big eateries are enough to please your taste buds. Like most parts of South India, rice constitutes the main meal of Bekal and served along with different types of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Sea food like lobsters and prawns can also be savoured at Bekal. Eat whatever you wish as almost all the dishes offered by the eateries around Bekal are quite cheap and need not to worry about the prices.

Shopping

Bekal is not a shopper’s paradise, so the shopaholics have to find out the shopping possibilities from the limited options. Explore the small markets in Kasargod district and choose from the knickknacks to carry as a souvenir for yourself and family members. Locally manufactured handicrafts, woodcrafts, sarees, seashell objects, pickles, etc. can be bought while shopping in Bekal. Bargaining is common in Bekal and it is recommended to buy the items at almost exact price.

Sightseeing

Bekal Fort is the principal landmark of Bekal that draws visitors in large numbers. Constructed by Shivappa Naik of Ikkeri dynasty between 1645 and 1660 AD, Bekal Fort is one of the well preserved forts in Kerala. An imposing rounded laterite structure, Bekal Fort stands on a promontory along the Arabian Sea soaring about 130 feet above sea level and covers an area of about 40 acres. Major highlights of Bekal Fort are the massive tanks and the tunnel entrance in the south. From the top of the fort you can enjoy breathtaking views of the serene beaches including the vast sea. Just at the entrance of the fort there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. You can also see an old mosque nearby that is believed to be built by Mysore King – Tipu Sultan.

After passing a good time in Bekal Fort move outside and cover the nearby tourist attractions. The beach adjacent to Bekal Fort is ideal to spend relaxing moments amidst tranquil surroundings. Also explore the nearby beaches like Kappil Beach, Pallikere Beach, Hosdurg Beach, and Kanwatheertha Beach. Besides Bekal Fort Beach, other beaches in Bekal offer a mesmerising view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Chandragiri Fort is another place of historic significance in Kasargod district that lies on a 183 metre high hill. Built in the 17th century AD, Chandragiri Fort offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. Ananthapura Temple, Malik Deena Masjid (mosque), Kodi Cliffs and Nityanandashram Caves are other places of tourist interest around Bekal.

Activities

Leisurely stroll along the beautiful countryside of Bekal is a favoured activity among the visitors. You can cover the tourist attractions of Bekal including white sandy beaches on foot and experience the unspoiled nature at its best. Climb atop the rocky cliffs and hills on the coast of Arabian Sea and get the magnificent view of the sea and nearby areas. After a hectic day of sightseeing around Bekal, pay a visit to Bekal Hole Aqua Park, which is considered a heaven for water sports lovers as well as discerning tourists. You can enjoy thrilling water rides like pedal boats and water cycles in the aqua park.

A holiday in Bekal is incomplete without a cruise in the traditionally decorated Kettuvallom (houseboat) across the tranquil backwaters of Malabar region. Interestingly some houseboats are sophisticatedly designed and offers star hotel like accommodation facilities with single, double and triple bedroom options. Hence you can book a houseboat and enjoy a memorable stay with access to luxurious amenities.

Events

Onam (August / September) is celebrated at a massive level in Kasargod like other parts of Kerala. Locals dress themselves in colourful attire and participate in fun-filled activities including dance and music performances. If you visit Bekal during Onam, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the unique festivities that showcase old culture and traditions. ‘Theyyam’ - the folk art form of Kerala is performed in houses and temples of Bekal at frequent intervals from January to March. People in Bekal and nearby areas celebrate many other festivals with great pomp and gaiety.

Nightlife

After the sunset the whole Kasargod district including Bekal virtually sleeps. Don’t expect anything happening to do in the night. However, during important festivals and special occasions various types of events are organised in the night that can be a good option for you.

Excursions

Nileswaram also called Nilakanta Iswar is a historic spot and once served as the seat of the Nileswaram rulers. Referred to as the cultural centre of Kasargod district, Nileswaram is known for Kavil Bhavan Yoga & Cultural Centre, and temples and their related festivals. Situated about 20 km away from Bekal, Valiyaparamba is one of the most picturesque backwater stretches in Kerala. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an amazing ride in a houseboat through the azure water of Valiyaparamba Backwaters. The lush green paddy fields and swaying palm groves add more beauty to the backwaters of Valiyaparamba. Mangalore (60 km), Kukke Subramanya (105 km), Thalassery (110 km), Madikeri (115 km) and Udupi (120 km) are some of the popular nearby spots from Bekal.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airport from Bekal is located in Mangalore, about 60 km away. Mangalore Airport is served by domestic flights from many cities of India and some international flights from the cities of Middle East. You can hire a taxi at Mangalore Airport for Bekal that costs around Rs. 800 – 1000. Kozhikode (Karipur) International Airport (175 km) is the nearest major international airport from Bekal. Taxis are available at Kozhikode International Airport that charges Rs. 3500 – 4000 for Bekal.

Rail: Bekal has not its own railway station, so you have to board a train to the nearby railheads Kanhangad (12 km) or Kasargod (12 km). After reaching to any of the two railway stations, you can take a taxi that costs around Rs. 300.

Road: Bekal is connected by good motorable roads with cities of Kerala, and nearby states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) and private buses ply at regular intervals to and from Bekal.

Driving directions: From Kozhikode – Start from Calicut Trunk Road (NH 17) and drive on the same road to reach Bekal crossing Mahe, Thalassery and Kannur en-route (175 km, 5 hours approx).

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Top 5 Must See

Bastar - a little explored city in Chhattisgarh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:40:00 +0000

Overview

Far from the glitz of ultra-modern world and annoying crowds of the bustling cities, Bastar is an unspoiled place flourishes with pristine natural beauty and warm-hearted tribals. A charming district in Chhattisgarh, Bastar is bestowed with precious natural gifts such as a beautiful landscape, dense forests, lush green hills, gushing waterfalls and streams, exotic floral and faunal species and natural caves. Besides the natural jewells, the vast and varied population of the tribes add more charm to the tribal territory of Bastar that is inhabited by major tribal sects like Gond, Abujmaria, Bhatra, Bisonhorn, Dhurvaa, Halba, Maria, Muria and Parja. Even today, the tribes of Bastar are not influenced from the fast developing world and follow the centuries old traditions. In fact, each tribal group of the district has its own distinct history, customs & traditions, and unique culture of music, dance, handicrafts, food and dress. While Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar is the major town of the district and houses many tourist spots, Nagarnar and Narayanpur are other important towns. A trip to Bastar is once in a lifetime experience, and it provides you a wonderful chance to observe the nature at its best. Once you are in Bastar surrender yourself completely to nature and enjoy the gratifying hospitality of simple but lively tribes. Don’t forget to participate in the local festivals or fairs, eating local tribal cuisines and shopping of tribal handicrafts.

Bastar

Fast Facts

Main languages: Chhattisgarhi as well as Hindi are widely spoken and understood by the locals.

When to go: Bastar boasts of a tropical climate marked by hot summers from April to June, rainy season between July and September and winters from December to January. The best time to visit the town is between October and March.

Local Transport: There are no specified modes of local transport to cover tourist attractions of Bastar. You can hire a private vehicle from the district headquarters Jagdalpur to explore the major spots. Government as well as private buses ply across Bastar region.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Chhattisgarh state in central India

Nearest Metropolis: Hyderabad 550 km away, Raipur 300 km away

STD Code: 07782

Eating

If you are fond of savoring exotic cuisines or wish to taste some never before tried dishes, then Bastar is a place for you. Most of the dishes of Bastar are mainly influenced from tribal cuisines and prepared with the extensive use of natural ingredients. You can visit the food outlets in Jagdalpur or a village market to savour the traditional dishes of Bastar. While on a holiday in Bastar eat as much as you can, and carry along some lifelong eating memories.

Shopping

Although Bastar region doesn’t have big shopping malls or complexes, but any trip to Bastar is incomplete without shopping of exotic handicrafts. The tribals of Bastar follow the old traditions and make a variety of items from wood, bamboo, terracota, cotton, wrought iron, betal metal, etc. Made from cotton, Kosa sari is a popular handicraft that you can buy as a souvenir for near and dear ones. Visit the handicraft shops situated at Jagdalpur and Kumharapara to buy traditional handicrafts of Bastar region. You can also visit the village markets to buy locally made objects.

Sightseeing

The district of Bastar has a wonderful assortment of ancient mythological (religious) sites, magnificent palaces, old caves, well managed museums and natural treasures. Once served as the headquarters of Bastar Kingdom, Bastar Palace is the prime attraction of Jagdalpur and provides a glimpse of the bygone era. Constructed by the erstwhile kings of Bastar, Danteshwari Temple is one of the major attractions of the district and dedicated to their family goddess Devi Danteshwari. Set beside Bastar Palace, Danteshwari Temple is a sacred place for both Hindus as well as tribals. Next, visit the museum situated inside the office of Anthological Survey of India and see the items linked to local tribes. Further, visit Ganga Munda and Dalpat Sagar lakes and later move outside Jagdalpur Tehsil. Looking like crescent moon in apperance, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in India, Chitrakoot is often called as the smaller form of the world renowned Nayagara waterfalls. Just 12 km away from Tokapal (Jagdalpur Tehsil) is Mandawa waterfalls, which is a must visit place for nature lovers. Chitradhara, approximately 19 km away from Jagdalpur is a beautiful waterfall that you can visit during Bastar trip. Close to Chitradhara there is another waterfall called Thamada Ghumar. Located 35 km away from Jagdalpur, Tirathgarh waterfalls can be reached through the state highway leading to Sukma. At a short distance from Tiratgarh waterfalls are Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa, approximately 38 km and 40 km away from Jadgalpur respectively. See the excellent Stalactites and Stalagmites formations in both the caves. Dhoomar is also a noted waterfall close to Jagdalpur and its beauty enhances during monsoon season. About 27 km away from Jagdalpur, Kanger Valley National Park is an excellent place to see tigers, bears, and many species of deer and reptile. Also visit Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and spot Chitals roaming in open grasslands and thick forests as well. Bhainsa Darha is a famous lake located 63 km away from Jagdalpur and abounds with crocodiles and tortoises. Further proceed towards Indravati National Park (approximately 200 km west of Jagdalpur) in Narainpur Tehsil and see tigers, wild buffaloes, nilgais, barking deer, flying squirrels and a variety of other animal species. Around 40 km north-west of Narainpur Tehsil is Kurschel Valley, which is known for its unparalleled beauty especially high rising trees and soothing environs.

Activities

Explore the waterfalls as well as wildlife areas of Bastar region and pass a good time. Both Chitrakoot waterfalls and Tiratgarh waterfalls have government run rest houses that offer accommodation facilities for families and groups as well. Besides a relaxing stay in the government rest houses, you can enjoy picnic with family or friends. Visit the tribal areas of Baster region and experience their unique lifestyles. Also enjoy the interesting tribal dance and music performed by males and females. Don’t miss to enjoy the cock-fight held at various places of the district almost every day. You can also visit the weekly haats (markets) of Bastar and pass a good time in buying traditional tribal handicrafts.

Events

Like other parts of Chhattisgarh, people of Bastar region also celebrate several festivals with great fanfare. You can observe the strong tribal influence in the celebration of local festivals and fairs. Dusshera is the most popular festival of Bastar and celebrated in quite different way. Interestingly, Dusshera in Bastar doesn’t mark the triumph of Lord Rama or defeat of demon Ravana, instead here the festival is fully devoted to Goddess Danteshwari and celebrated at grand level by all major tribes. Madai Festival is also celebrated by almost all tribal groups of Bastar. During the festival devotees gather under a sacred tree and sacrifice a goat to mother goddess. Besides this, people spend the night in dancing, eating, merry making and other interesting activities. Bhagoriya Festival is another famous festival of Bastar region, which is mainly celebrated by Bhil tribes and dedicated to the god of dance ‘Bhagoradev’. If you visit Baster during Bhagoriya Festival don’t miss the dance performed by young boys and girls of Bhil sect.

Nightlife

The district of Bastar doesn’t offer anything specific in the name of nightlife. However, the hotel (where you stay) can arrange a small party or get-together for you on request. You can participate in tribal festivals during which people perform dance and music till late night.

Excursions

Once you cover the popular spots of Jagdalpur town don’t forget to take short excursions to nearby tourist attractions including picturesque waterfalls, wildlife parks and verdant valleys. Move to neighbouring district of Dantewada, about 82 km away from Jagdalpur to see ancient as well as historic temple dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari. Also cover the historic site of Barsur and two wildlife sanctuaries, namely Bhairamgarh and Pamed in Dantewada district.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airport is located in Raipur, which is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. From the airport you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Bastar. Hyderabad Airport (550 km) is the nearest major airport from Bastar, and served by a number of domestic and international flights.

Rail: Jagdalpur Railway Station is the only railhead in Bastar and connected to Vishakhapatnam (320 km) by a passenger train. The nearest major railheads from Bastar are Satna (117 km) and Jhansi (175 km), both linked by many important places of the country.

Road: Good motorable roads including NH 49 and state highways connect district headquarters Jagdalpur with other parts of Bastar including Chhattisgarh and nearby states as well.

Driving directions: From Raipur – Start from Raipur and head on east direction till you hit NH 200. Continue on NH 200 (approximately 2 km) and later on switch onto NH 43 that takes you to Jagdalpur by crossing Banarsi, Kurud, Dhamtari, Kanker and Kondagaon en-route (300 km, 8 hours approx.).

Recommended for:

Bastar is an ideal destination for singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers / family with children

Top 5 Must See

Bastar Palace : A magnificent palace built by the rulers of Bastar state and provides a glimpse of rich past
Danteshwari Temple: Constructed by the former rulers of Bastar the temple is dedicated to goddess Danteshwari
Kutumsar Caves and Kailash Gufa: The pitch-dark caves known for Stalactites and Stalagmites formations
Chitrakoot Waterfalls: Situated 38 km away from Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot Waterfalls is an excellent picnic spot
Kanger Valley National Park: To see a wide variety of animal species

Badrinath - the sacred place for Hindus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:32:00 +0000

Overview

One of the four pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) of India, Badrinath is situated in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Once served as the abode of Lord Vishnu and other Hindu gods, Badrinath was established as a pilgrimage site in the 9th century by Adi Shankara. In fact, Badrinath finds its description in mythological scriptures like Bhagavata Purana and legends dating back to more than 1000 years. Set between Nar and Narayan mountain ranges along the banks of Alaknanda River amidst pristine natural surroundings, Badrinath thrills visitors with its unparalleled beauty and pleasant cool climate. The lofty Neelkanth Peak raising above 6500 meters above sea level provides a magnificent backdrop to the quaint town of Badrinath. Besides the main shire of Badrinath dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the holy town houses many other spots of religious importance especially for Hindus. A trip to Badrinath not only purifies the soles of the devotees but it also provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a vacation in the lap of nature.

Badrinath

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Hindi along with Garhwali is widely spoken by the people of the town.

When to Go: Badrinath enjoys a pleasant soothing climate almost all through the year. Except in winters (November to February) when the mercury drops up to freezing point the maximum temperature during summers (March to June) and monsoon season (July to October) remains around 15 to 20 degree Celsius. You can visit Badrinath any time in the year, but the Badrinath Temple opens for devotes between May to mid November.

Local Transport: Because of hilly terrain you will not find public transport at Badrinath. You can drive through the narrow roads of Badrinath but it needs lots of expertise. Better cover the temples and other tourist attractions of the town on foot.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: On the banks of Alaknanda River in the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand

Nearest Metropolis: New Delhi – 500 km away

Eating

Badrinath is an important pilgrimage town for Hindus and doesn’t offer a lavish eating experience to visitors. The area around the temple is dotted with small eating joints that serve vegetarian food. Most of the eateries offer limited choice from North Indian cuisine. You can savour some local delicacies of Uttarakhand as well. Remember non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are not permitted at the holy town of Badrinath. Also you should not expect about luxury restaurants or eateries at this small town.

Shopping

Although Badrinath is not a shopper’s paradise, but you can find some interesting items in the stalls around the temple. In fact, some of the objects can be bought as a souvenir for near and dear ones. Chinese goods especially electronic gadgets are sold at various spots of the town. Sacred threads, beautiful beads and bracelets, woollen garments, sea shells and ancient coins are some of the famous items found at Badrinath. You can also buy holy books and booklets on ‘Aarti’ and other related topics in the shops adjacent to temple. Haggling is very common at Badrinath so you are free to ask any desired price for the selected objects.

Sightseeing

Set at an altitude of about 3,133 metres above sea level, Badrinath Temple is the principal attraction of the holy town. A popular pilgrimage centre of Hindus, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Since its construction in the ancient time the temple has undergone renovations several times. While the Kings of Garhwal expanded the temple in the 17th century, the Kings of Jaipur reconstructed it in 1803 after the major earthquake. An architectural masterpiece, Badrinath Temple looks like typical Buddhist temples. The 15 metre high temple has a small cupola on the top and covered with gold-gilt roof. The façade of the temple is built of stone and equipped with arched windows.

You can reach the temple through a broad stairway that leads up to the main arched gateway. Enter inside the mandapa (a large pillared hall with delicately carved walls and pillars) that leads further to the main shrine (garbha griha) which is adorned with the deity of Lord Vishnu. Darshan Mandap and Shobha Mandap are other two main portions of the temple. Besides the shrine of Lord Vishnu, the temple complex houses the shrine of goddess Lakshmi. You can see 15 other idols of different Hindu gods and goddess in the temple complex. Visitors to Badrinath spend maximum time inside the temple and worship the principal deities Vishnu and Lakhsmi.

Just outside the temple the surrounding natural beauty fascinate the visitors a lot. Enjoy a breathtaking view of snow-covered Neelkanth Peak (6,597 metre) the overlooks the Badrinath Temple and the town below. Fondly called the ‘Queen of Garhwal’, Neelkanth Peak is a favoured spot for devotees, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts as well. Further visit Brahma Kapal Ghat, a flat platform along the banks of Alaknanada River. Located about 100 meters north of Badrinath shrine, Brahma Kapal Ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma resided. Mata Murthy Temple, Charanpaduka, Sheshnetra, Tapt Kuna and Narad Kund are other places of religious significance at Badrinath. Also visit the Vasudhara Falls that cascades down from a height of 400 feet and amaze visitors with its unmatched charm and tranquil environs. Don’t forget to include Hemkund Sahib - a Sikh pilgrimage site located en-route to Badrinath in the itinerary of Badrinath tour.

Activities

Badrinath offers a fine combination of leisure and adventure activities to visitors. Close to Badrinath Temple there is a hot spring, where you can take a dip. You can take nature walks or treks along the beautiful countryside and experience the nature at its best. Take a trek up to Vasudhara Waterfall approximately 8 km away from Badrinath. You can cover first 3 km by a car or bus up to Mana Village. Later on a 5 km trek takes you to the serene waterfall. Pass relaxing moments along the fall and also meet with the locals. You can see a small water stream at Mana Village which is believed to be the source of mythological river Saraswati.

Events

Badrinath is inhabited by around 1000 – 1500 people who celebrate a number of festivals every year. Besides religious and regional festivals the people of the town organise few special events including fairs. Among the Hindu festivals, Janmashtami (July / August) is celebrated by the locals with great pomp and gaiety. Kedar-Badri Utsav is a major cultural event organised during May / June. The fair of Mata Mruti is held in the month of September that showcases numerous interesting rituals and celebrations.

Nightlife

After the sunset the town of Badrinath virtually sleeps and you need to confine yourself within your hotel premises. Badrinath doesn’t offer anything exciting or happening to do in the evening. Only during the tourist season between May and November the area around the temple remains open in the evening for few hours. Don’t try to explore the far-off areas after the sunset as it may be dangerous.

Excursions

After exploring the temple and other attractions of Badrinath, you can pay a visit to nearby tourist destinations. Situated at a distance of about 30 km, Auli is a famous skiing destination and thronged by adventure seekers and discerning travellers in large numbers. Visit Auli to enjoy skiing along the snow-covered slopes. You can take basic training on Skiing at the government run skiing institute in Auli. Valley of Flowers (75 km) is a picturesque destination that deserves a visit. Away from the bustling cities, Valley of Flowers is like a heaven and provides natural habitat to a variety of floral and faunal species. Pauri (195 km), Kedarnath (210 km) and Gangotri (250 km) are other destinations that can be explored besides Badrinath.

Getting There

Air: The nearest airport from Badrinath is Jolly Grant Airport which is located close to Dehradun. Jolly Grant Airport is served by limited flights from Delhi. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher Airways and Jet Airways offer flight services between Delhi and Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis / cabs are available at Jolly Grant Airport for Badrinath that costs around Rs. 3500 – 4000.

Rail: Badrinath doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest railheads are situated at Haridwar (315) and Kotdwar (335 km). Both these stations are connected to Delhi by a number of trains. After reaching at the railway station you can take a cab or tourist bus for Badrinath.

Road: Badrinath is linked with the many cities of North India such as Rishikesh, Haridwar and New Delhi by public and private buses. You can take a luxury or deluxe tourist bus from New Delhi to Badrinath that charges about Rs 800 – 1000 per passenger.

Driving directions: From New Delhi – Start from Anand Vihar and take a left on Ghazipur Road that takes you to NH 24 (Grand Trunk Road). Drive on NH 24 and further switch on to Meerut Road (NH 58) that takes yout to Badrinath crossing Muzaffarnagar, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Auli en-route (500 km, 16 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Badami - a quaint town in Karnataka

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 10:14:00 +0000

Overview

Earlier known as Vatapi is a historic town (taluk) situated in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Once served as the capital of Chalukya Kingdom (between 6th century AD to 8th century AD), Badami is now a quaint town and draws discerning tourists, religious mind people, historians, art lovers and architect lovers. Badami is the place where the Chalukyas started a new type of architecture called Dravidian architecture ((a blend of older South Indian temple construction and the Nagara style of North India) that later became a source of inspiration for architectural styles of the region.

Besides Chalukyas, Badami was ruled by many dynasties whose rulers built several forts, temples and impressive monuments. Badami abounds with major attractions like magnificent cave temples, ruined fortresses, beautiful carvings and much more. A trip to Badami virtually takes you back to old era and offers a chance to see the unique architectural and sculptural styles. The wonderful location of Badami in a tranquil valley at the base of a rugged, red sedimentary outcrop surrounding Agastya Lake, and excellent shopping opportunities of local handicrafts and sandalwood items altogether makes a holiday in Badami a memorable experience.

Badami Cave Temples

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Kannada along with English and Hindi.

When to Go: The climate of Badami is characterised by four seasons, namely winter (November to January), spring (January to March), summer (April to June) and monsoon (July to October). During the summer season the mercury level remains over 40 degree Celsius most of the time, while the winter and spring seasons are quite comfortable. November to February is the best time to visit Badami.

Local Transport: Rickshaws and tongas are the modes of local transport in Badami.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Bagalkot district in Karnataka

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore – 450 km away

Eating

Don’t expect about luxurious restaurants at the small town of Badami. The eateries and food stalls in and around Badami serve traditional South Indian dishes at cheap rates. You may also find North Indian and other Indian cuisines at some eating joints.

Shopping

Although there are no huge shopping malls or shopping centres in Badami, but the town offers delightful shopping experience to visitors. The town of Badami is dotted with many small shops that mainly deal in handicraft items and rugs. Explore the shops and see a beautiful collection of attractive objects made from sandalwood and rosewood. Take your pick from a variety of items that you can be a souvenir for your near and dear ones. Jewelleries, handlooms, sandalwood sculptures, paintings, inlay work, wood carvings, metal lamps, perfumes, sandalwood oil and incense sticks are some of the must buy in Badami. Most of the shops in Badami offer a little bit of haggling, so don’t hesitate to ask your desired price.

Sightseeing

Because of its historic connection, the tourist attractions in Badami mainly revolve around ruined fortresses, massive gateways, amazing cave temples and beautiful carvings. Begin your sightseeing expedition in Badami from the massive cave temples that can be reached by taking a climb of about 2000 steps. Actually carved out a hill, the three caves represent the Brahmanical faith, while the fourth cave represents the Jain faith. Lord Shiva as Nataraja with 18 arms is the presiding deity of the first cave. The second cave shows Lord Vishnu as presiding deity, who is portrayed as a dwarf form of Trivikrama. Lord Vishnu is the holy deity of third cave and shown in various forms. The fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras.

Further visit the 18th century Tipu’s Fort, situated atop the same hill in which the cave temples had been carved. While heading towards Tipu’s Fort, you can see some exquisite carvings. Next pay a visit to noted temples of Badamai, namely Bhootnath Temple and Banashankri Temple. A brilliant masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture, Bhootanath Temple actually comprises two temples both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are situated against magnificent backdrop along the lake and have impressive sculptures and Jain figures.

Just 5 km away from Badami is Banashankari Temple that deserves a visit. Believed to be constructed in the 17th century by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, Banashankari Temple houses the black stone statue of Goddess Parvathi seated on a lion. Every year during the Hindu months of Pusha - Magha (January – February) the car festival is organised at Banashankari Temple, which draws large number of devotes and common people.

Set at the foothills of the northern hill, Badami Museum is another must visit place which was established in 1979. Badami Museum has four galleries and encompasses a fine collection of pre-historical stone equipments, sculptures and other interesting items dating between 600 AD and 1600 AD. You can also see impressive exhibits of Lord Shiva and Vishnu inside the museum. Badami Museum is open all weekdays (except Fridays) from 10 am to 5 pm.

Activities

Leisurely walk is the most popular among the visitors to Badami. In fact, you have to cover the popular destinations of the town on foot. The red sandstone cliffs of Badami offer excellent opportunities for leisure activities like climbing and bouldering. Badami has more than 150 bolted routes and multiple routes that are ideal for free climbing.

Events

The people in Badami and nearby areas celebrate a number of festivals and events every year. Hindu festivals like Dusshera and Deepawali (October / November) are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Some specific local (temple) festivals are also celebrated in Badami. Banashankari Temple is the venue of annual temple festival (January – February) that showcases massive festivities including huge processions. Vinayak Chaturthi (September) is also an important festival of Badami. Almost all the festivals and events in Badami provide a fine glimpse of the old traditions and customs. Plan a trip to Badami during noted festivals and events, and become a part of the traditional festivities.

Nightlife

Badami is a small temple town and offers nothing special to do in the night. If you wish, you can ask your hotelier to arrange a bonfire within the hotel premises.

Excursions

After exploring the tourist hotspots of Badami take excursions to cover nearby attractions. Pay a visit to the town of Aihole, situated in the western side of Badami. Renowned as the birthplace of Hindu stone architecture, Aihole is home to around 125 temples that are noted for their unique construction styles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is about 30 km away from Badami and thronged by visitors in large numbers. Set on the left bank of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is home to attractions like Virupaksha Temple and Banashankari Temple. Hubli (100 km), Bijapur (135 km), Amboli (200 km) and Goa (210 km) are other famous tourist destinations close to Badami. You can combine your Badami tour with state capital Bangalore (460 km) or the city of Mangalore (450 km).

Getting There

Air: Belgaum Airport, approximately 150 km away is the nearest airport from Badami, but currently the airport is not served by scheduled flights. Dabolim Airport in Goa (200 km approx) is the nearest major airport, which is served by many flights from various parts of the country and few international destinations as well. From Dabolim Airport hire a private vehicle (taxi / car) to reach Badami. Bangalore Airport (460 km) is another option, from where you can reach Badami by taking a taxi or bus.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is located in Hubli, about 100 km away from Badami. Hubli Railway Station is connected by express trains to many important cities of the country. There is also a small railway station close to Badami, which is just 5 km away but has very few trains.

Road: KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators offer bus service to and from Badami at frequent intervals. Tourist buses also ply daily from many cities like Bangalore and Mangalore to Badami.

Driving directions: From Bangalore – Start from Brigade Road and proceed towards NH 7 (Shri Chowdaiah Road). Continue till you reach CV Raman Road (NH 4) and take a right on NH 13 at Chitradurga. Further take a left on SH 30 to reach Badami (460 km, 12 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Cave Temples: Pay a visit to amazing cave temples that are carved out from a hill.

Bhootnath Temple: Actually a group of two temples, Bhootnath Temple is a fine specimen of South Indian Temple architecture.

Banashankari Temple: Built in the 17th century, Banashankari Temple has mythological as well as architectural significances.

Tipu’s Fort: Situated at the top of a hill that fort provides a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Open Air Museum: Established in 1979, the museum has a vast collection of ancient sculptures and equipments.

Art lovers, architect lovers, historians and temple lovers.

Agartala - the capital of Tripura

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Overview

Tucked in north-eastern part of India, Agartala is the capital of Tripura state. With its strategic location close to the neighbouring country of Bangladesh, Agartala enjoys a special place in India’s political map. A historic place, Agartala rose to prominence in the 19th century, when Maharaja Krishna Manikya declared the city his capital. The magnificent palaces, architectural masterpieces, temples and churches altogether display the rich past of the city. Nature has blessed the charming city with rich and varied flora & fauna, lush hills, picturesque lakes, pleasant atmosphere and unmatched beauty. Agartala is a major commercial centre of the region and serves a major market for rice, tea, oilseed and other ingredients. Agartala is a cultural melting pot of the region and home to people of diverse cultures. Experience the unique culture of the region in the lifestyle of locals including eating habits and dress senses. Fairs and festivals also provide a fine glimpse of the varied culture and traditions. The rich heritage of cane and bamboo handicrafts also adds more charm to the city of Agartala. Get ready for a holiday in Agartala, where many hidden jewells are waiting for you.

Agartala

Fast Facts

Main languages: Bengali is widely spoken and used in Agartala by locals along with Tripuri language ‘Kokborok’. Manipuri, Chakma, Nepali and basic Hindi are also spoken.

When to go: Agartala experiences a moderate climate all round the year that makes it ideal to visit any time. Summers (April to July) are pleasant with maximum temperature touches a high of 35 degree Celsius, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rains. Winter season (October to March) is also pleasant with temperature dips to a low of 5 degree Celsius. October to March is the best time to visit Agartala.

Local Transport: Cycle rickshaws are main mode of local transport in Agartala. Auto-rickshaws locally called ‘tempu’ also ply in specific routes of the city. Buses are also available for long routes and day trips to nearby places.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: North-East India, along the banks of Haora River

Nearest Metropolis: Guwahati - 510 km away, Kolkata – 1680 km away

Eating

Like the normal lifestyle, the cuisine of Agartala is also highly influenced from the Bengali culture. Fish dominates in almost all the meals and served with boiled rice. Despite the strong influence of Bengali cuisine, Tripuri cuisine also flourishes in Agartala. Like Bengali cuisine, fish and rice are the main components of Tripuri cuisine. Locally called as ‘Berma’, the dried ‘puthi’ fish is used as a spice in most of the Tripuri dishes. Bamboo shoots, ginger, green chili and other natural ingredients are also used for the preparation of local dishes. Generally the Tripuri dishes are prepared without the use of oil. Some of the popular Tripuri dishes are Awandru, Bwtwi, Chakhwi, Chakhwtwi, Chatang, Deng, Gudok, Mosodeng, Peng, Rabra, Ser, Sok and Yohk. Many restaurants in Agartala serve traditional Tripuri dishes along with Bengali dishes.

Shopping

If you are a discerning shopper and wish to buy something for yourself or near and dear ones, then Agartala is a perfect place for you. In fact, Agartala is a paradise for avid shoppers and offers a vast collection of traditional handicrafts along with other interesting objects. The forestland of Tripura produces bamboo and wood in large quantity that have been used as the raw material for manufacturing of the handicrafts. Besides these, clay and palm leaves are also used by the local craftsmen for making exquisite artifacts. The bamboo and cane handicrafts of Agartala can be used to decorate the home interiors. Explore the markets of Agartala to buy the bamboo or cane made objects like floor mats, tablemats, room dividers, decorated lampshades, wall panels and furniture (sofa sets, baby chairs garden chairs, tables, morah and apple morah). You may also pick up hand-woven fabrics available in a variety of designs and colors. ‘Travel Agartala’ – a government run shop is a perfect place to buy authentic artifacts at reasonable prices. You may also visit the private shops in the main market area that offer a wide array of items including traditional handicrafts.

Sightseeing

The city of Agartala houses plenty of attractions in its small area that include magnificent palaces, important Hindu and Buddhist temples, massive churches, wonderful museums, picturesque natural lakes, and beautifully managed parks and gardens. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901, Ujjayanta Palace is a two storied building and now operational as the state legislative assembly. Just one km from Ujjayanta Palace is Kunjaban Palace also called Pushbanta Palace, which is perched atop a hillock called ‘Kunjaban’. The palace is now the official residence of Governor of Tripura and houses well laid gardens. The southern side of the garden is named as ‘Rabindra Kanan’ and is open for public. Malancha Niwas is another attraction close to Kunjaban Palace and deserves a visit. After covering the palaces, move towards the temples situated in the Palace Compound. Laxmi Narayan Bari Temple and Durga Bari Temple are the main temples of the Palace Compound. Jagannath Temple, Venuban Vihar, Buddha Mandir and Umamaheswar Temple are other noted temples of Agartala. Next, visit the churches of Agartala such as Agartala Baptist Church and Agartala City Baptist Church. After visiting the temples and churches, visit Tripura Government Museum to see an excellent collection of rare images, sculptures and other interesting objects. Located in the heart of city, Sukanta Academy is a science museum and houses a small planetarium. Puratan Agartala, Tripura University, Maharaja Bir Bikram College, New Capital Complex, Akhaura Checkpost, Nazrul Kalakshetra, Agartala Railway Station and Gedu Miar Masjid are other places of tourist interest in Agartala.

Activities

Usually the visitors to Agartala spend relaxing moments amidst tranquil natural surroundings. However, if you are looking for some leisure options then take a stroll and cover the major spots of the city. With leisurely walks, you can burn extra calories from your body and easily explore the city. Rose Valley Amusement Park is a famous leisure spot in Agartala and thronged by tourists as well as locals in large numbers. You can indulge in a variety of leisure activities in the amusement park. Nehru Park and Children’s Park are also ideal spots to spend relaxing moments with family members and friends. Enjoy boating in the lakes of Agartala along with magnificent view of the surroundings. If you wish to experience some high adrenaline adventure activities, then undertake short to long treks to the hills around Agartala. Wildlife safari in nearby wildlife sanctuaries is also a good leisure option.

Events

Agartala is a happening city and celebrates many festivals round the year that draw a large number of tourists as well as pilgrims. Hindu population predominates in Agartala and most the festivals revolve around Hindu traditions. Agartala is dominated by the Bengalis and Bengali culture flourishes in the city. Like West Bengal, in Agartala too the festival of Durga Puja (October / November) is celebrated at a large scale with great fanfare. Along with Durga Puja, the Bengali culture can also be observed in the celebration of Saraswati Puja. Holi also called ‘Rong Khela’ and Kali Puja (Diwali) are other famous Hindu festival of Agartala. The city of Agartala also has a fair population of the native Tripuri people, who celebrates several regional as well as religious festivals that display rich culture and traditions. Kharchi Festival (July), Garia and Gajan Festival (April), Charak Puja (April), Ashokastami Festival (April), Ratha Jatra (June), Manasa Mangal (August) and Rasha Festival (November) are some of the famous ethnic Tripuri festivals celebrated in Agartala. Eid-ul-Fitr and Christmas are other important religious festivals celebrated in Agartala by Muslims and Christians respectively. The state tourism department organizes several special events in Agartala every year. The year begins with the annual Book Fair in Agartala that provides a good opportunity to buy books at discounted rates. The birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (January 23) is also celebrated at a grand level in Agartala with colourful processions and parades in the morning hours on the streets. Rabindra / Nazrul Jayanti (May) is another important day celebrated in Agartala.

Nightlife

Nightlife options are not available in Agartala and you have to remain stuck inside your hotel in the nights. But you can make your nights happening by attending special programmes organised across the city. During winters ‘Kirtans’ (special religious musical programmes) are organised at the major spots of the city that go till the early hours of the morning. You can pass the night by attending a Kirtan Party and enjoy the re-mix of the filmi songs in religious themes sung by the chorus. A classical dance form, ‘Raas’ is also performed at Radha Madhav Temple in Agartala each year during the full moon night of the Hindu month ‘Aghrayan’ to mark the love of Lord Krishna for his consort Radha. During the festival, the local artists dressed up in traditional attire dance around the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha all through the night.

Excursions

Agartala itself has plenty of natural and man-made attractions to enthrall the visitors. But a short trip to nearby places increases the excitement of the trip many folds. A calm and serene lake, Damboor Lake is thronged by nature lovers, adventure seekers as well as leisure travelers from Agartala. Damboor Lake offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in water sports activities along with other entertainment options. Known as the ‘mother of the tribals of Tripura’, Raima Valley is a famous tourist spot and abounds with well laid-out gardens and plantations. Situated at a distance of 35 km from Agartala, Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to a wide range of wildlife, avian species as well as primates. Spread over an area of 18.5 sq km, the Wildlife Sanctuary has five distinct sections, namely Carnivores Section, Primate Section, Reptile Section, Ungulate Section and Aviary Section. The wildlife sanctuary also has Abasarika and Amrit Sagar lakes that offer boating facilities. Close to Agartala, Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary is another famous wildlife sanctuary and home to interesting animal, plant and birds species. Also pay a visit to Gondacherra Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can completely surrender yourself to unspoiled atmosphere and experience the nature at its best. Explore the wildlife sanctuary and see the animals in their natural habitat. Constructed in 1930 as the summer resort for the King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, Neermahal or Water Palace (50 km away from Agartala) is an Engineering marvel and presents a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectures. Located 175 km from Agartala, Unakoti is known for housing exquisite rock cut carvings and stone images. Although located at a distance of 240 km from Agartala, but Jampui Hill deserves a visit due to treasure trove of a variety of Orchids, oranges and unmatched natural beauty. Jampui Hill is the highest hill range in the state bordering Mizoram. The rock cut carvings and stone images at Deotamura (75), Pilak (100 km) and Unakoti (175) are also considered among must visit places around Agartala.

Getting There

Air: Agartala Airport is connected to Kolkata and Guwahati by daily flight. The airport also has flights from Delhi and Chennai via Kolkata. Auto-rickshaws are available from the airport to various places of the city.

Rail: Agartala Railway Station is linked with a metro gauge line with Assam. Lumding Agartala Express plies everyday between Lumding (a railway station on Guwahati – Dibrugarh route) and Agartala. The train journey between Lumding and Agartala takes around 16 hours. Kumarghat (160 km) and Dharmanagar (200 km) are the nearest railway stations from Agartala. You can hire a taxi from these railway stations that costs about Rs 2500 – 3000.

Road: NH 44 connects Agartala with other parts of Tripura and neighbouring state of Assam and Meghalaya. Direct bus services are available from Guwahati (510 km), Silchar (279 km) and Shillong (475 km) to Agartala.

Driving directions: From Guwahati – drive South on Assam Trunk Road (NH 37) till you reach NH 40. After crossing Shillong and Jaintia Hills proceed onto Agartala – Assam Highway (NH 44) that takes you to Agartala (15 hours, 510 km).

Recommended for:

Agartala is an ideal place for all types of travelers such as singles / couples / friends / single woman / senior travellers and family with children

Top 5 Must See

Ujjayanta Palace: the palace of erstwhile Tripura Kings and now the state legislative assembly
Kunjaban Palace: a marvelous monument providing a glimpse of the bygone era
Jagannath Temple: a Hindu temple of Vaishnava school of thought
Tripura State Museum: to see a rich collection of rare artifacts
Jampui Hill: home to a variety of orchids and oranges

Vijaypur - a secluded hill station in Uttarakhand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 09:13:00 +0000

From Delhi – 475 km

From Ranikhet – 120 km

From Kathgodam – 214 km

Overview –

Far from the maddening crowds, Vijaypur is perfect place to enjoy a peaceful vacation amidst unspoiled natural environs. Vijaypur is situated atop a 2,050 mtr high ridge, overlooking the picturesque Himalayan range. A secluded place, Vijaypur offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Nanda Kot, Neel Kanth, Hathi Parvat, Panchchuli, Trishul and Appi (Annapurna). The town is flanked by a magnificent valley dotted with small hamlets, where people live a relaxed life and no one seems to be in a hurry!

Vijaypur

Don’t Miss –

When in Vijaypur enjoy the nature at its best. Watch the sunrise on Nanda Kot…a splendid sight.

Getting There –

By Rail- Kathgodam railway station (214 km) is the nearest railhead from Vijaypur. Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express run between Delhi and Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, take the road to reach Vijaypur, approximately seven hours away.

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 24 to reach Rampur and then turn left for Bilaspur. Move straight through Rudrapur to Haldwani and take NH 87 for Nainital to reach Almora. From there, take the road leading to Bageshwar via Ayar Puni and take a right on the State Highway to Vijaypur via Kanda.

Yamunotri - the sacred dham of Hindus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:18:00 +0000

From Delhi – 487 km

From Dehradun – 172 km

From Rishikesh – 213 km

Overview –

Perched at an elevation of 3,293 mtr above sea level, Yamunotri is the source of the sacred River Yamuna. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is one of the four (char) sacred dhams (places) according to Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, it was the home of an ancient sage - Asit Muni. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the holy shrine here, which remains open between May and November. Yamunotri lies on the western side of the Bandarpunch Mountain (6,315 mtr) close to the Indo-China border. The Yamunotri Temple dedicated to goddess Yamuna and the hot water springs in the vicinity are the major attractions of this pilgrimage destination.

Yamunotri

Don’t Miss –

A dip in hot springs and cooking rice in its water are popular rituals performed by the devotees at Yamunotri. Surya Kund, an important thermal spring and Divya Shila, a huge rock pillar are other attractions. Jankichatti located 7 km from Yamunotri is famous for its hot water springs. Hanumanchatti - the confluence of River Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga, at a distance of 13 km, is the starting point for the thrilling Dodi Tal Trek.

Getting There –

Rail – Dehradun (172 km) and Rishikesh (213 km) are the nearest railheads from Yamunotri. Both these railway stations are linked to Delhi by a number of express trains.

Road – From Delhi, take NH 58 to reach Rishikesh, via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey takes around 6 hours. From Rishikesh, a 213 km road journey takes one to Hanumanchatti, where the motorable road ends. From here, one has to cover the 13 km trek either on foot or on ponies. Porters and palanquins are available on hire and the route passes through rugged mountains and dense forests.

Vapi - the industrial town in Southern Gujarat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:08:00 +0000

From Mumbai – 193 km

From Surat – 100 km

Overview -

Vapi is an industrial town in southern Gujarat, approximately 28 km south of district headquarters Valsad. A fast growing city, Vapi is home to large number of industries such as chemicals, dyes, food products, glass, paints, paper, plastics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, rubber, textiles and woods. Set on the banks of Damanganga River, Vapi serves as a base to visit the union territory of Daman. From Vapi, taxis and auto-rickshaws to Daman are available at regular intervals.

Vapi Beach

Don’t Miss –

Hardly 13 km from the industrial township of Vapi, the union territory of Daman is a favourite gateway for vacationers. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, Daman welcomes discerning holidaymakers with soothing winds, clean white sands, tranquil environs, magnificent forts and massive churches.

Getting There –

Rail – Vapi Railway Station is under the administrative control of Western Railways. Several intercity express trains connect Vapi with Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including the Shatabdi Express.

Road – Vapi is connected by NH 8 with Mumbai, Surat and other important places of Gujarat.

Vadodara - the City of Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:02:00 +0000

From Mumbai – 448 km

From Ahmedabad – 113 km

Overview -

Earlier known as Baroda, Vadodara is often referred to as the Sayaji Nagari (Sayaji’s City) or Sanskari Nagari (The City of Culture). Situated on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, Vadodara is famous for the picturesque Laxmi Vilas Palace and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. A historic city, Vadodara abounds with magnificent buildings, temples and monuments, old museums and well-maintained gardens. Besides a cultural and educational centre of Gujarat, the city is also home to big industries, shopping malls and multiplexes.

A historical monument in Vadodara

Don’t Miss -

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a splendid Indo – Saracenic style building and a must visit place in Vadodara. The royal family’s residence has a well-ornate Darbar Hall and elegant walls with mosaic decorations. Laxmi Vilas Palace complex sprawling over 700 acres, houses several buildings including the Moti Baug Palace and Maharaj Fateh Singh Musuem which has a fine collection of old armoury and bronze sculptures. Other important places to visit in the city are Baroda Museum, Aurobindo Society, Kirti Mandir, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace and Sayajibaug.

Getting There –

Train – Vadodara Railway Station is a major rail head on the Mumbai – Delhi and Mumbai – Ahmedabad routes, served by several superfast and express trains.

Road – Take the NH 8 from Mumbai, passing through Navsari and Bharuch to reach Vadodara. The city is also connected through Indian National Expressway – 1 (97 km) with Ahmedabad.

Uttarkashi – the sacred place for Hindus

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:48:00 +0000

From Delhi – 385 km

From Haridwar – 175 km

Overview –

Set at an elevation of 1,352 mtr above sea level, Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The picturesque town, situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River, also draws adventure seekers in large numbers. Uttarkashi is home to several temples and ashrams, with Lord Vishwanath Temple being the most important. Other noted temples of the town are Gyaneshwar Temple, Bhairav Temple and Ekadash Rudra Temple. Every year on the occasion of ‘Magh Mela’ (January 14), devotees visit the town to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi River.

Uttarkashi

Don’t Miss –

Located 5 km from Uttarkashi, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering offers training in mountaineering to adventure enthusiasts. From the town, also pay a visit to Kuteti Devi Temple, perched atop a hill, about 1.5 km away. You may also take leisurely walks along the picturesque trails, leading to temples and ashrams in the vicinity.

Getting There –

Train – Rishikesh railway station (170 km) is the major railhead close to Uttarkashi. From Delhi, a number of trains run to Rishikesh. From there, you have to travel by road to reach Uttarkashi, approximately six hours away.

Rail – From Delhi, drive on NH 58, which takes you to Rishikesh via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey should take you 6 hours. After crossing Rishikesh town, leave NH 58 and take a left turn towards NH 94. Further, NH 94 takes you to NH 108, which is directly connected to Uttarkashi. As the roads from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi pass through hilly terrain, the journey may take five to six hours.

Thane - the suburb of Mumbai

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:45:00 +0000

From Mumbai – 35 km

Overview –

Thane, literally meaning ‘station’ in Marathi, is an industrial town situated on Salsette Island, northeast of Mumbai. Set on the banks of Thane creek, the city is flanked by Yeour Hill and Parsik Hill, on the west and east respectively. Due to its strategic location, the city is a major hub of economic activity and is home to several industries. Thane is dotted with around 30 big and small lakes, making a perfect getaway for people living in Mumbai and nearby areas. Visitors throng the city to enjoy a pleasant break from their busy schedules.

Thane, Mumbai

Don’t Miss –

While in Thane, visit the Masunda Talao, also called Talao Pali. Considered the most beautiful lake in the city, it offers excellent boating and water scooter facilities. Also visit Upavan Lake, another scenic lake in Thane to refresh yourself.

Getting There –

Train – Thane railway station is an important railhead of the Central Railways and served by almost all trains running on the Konkan Railway route from Mumbai.

Road – From Mumbai, a regular bus service to Thane is available at frequent intervals. You may also hire a local taxi from Mumbai to reach Thane.

Air – Mumbai airport is approximately 25 km from Thane, which is connected by numerous flights from important cities of the country. From the airport taxis are available to Thane, the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Surat - The 'Diamond City' of India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:43:00 +0000

From Mumbai – 263 km

From Ahmedabad – 255 km

Overview –

Popularly called the ‘Silk City’ or ‘Diamond City’, Surat is renowned world over for its diamond and textile industries. A port city, situated on the left bank of the Tapi River, Surat is also renowned for its rich culture, scrumptious cuisine and numerous places of tourist interest. Chintamani Jain Temple, dating back to 15th century is a must visit place in the city. The temple is known for its delicate wood carvings and paintings and it houses some of the rarest paintings of Jain monk Acharya Hemchandra, King Kumarapal and Solanki King. Other interesting places in the city are Old Fort, Sardar Patel Museum, Dutch Garden, Dutch Cemetery and Choppati.

Surat, Gujarat

Don’t Miss –

Savour the traditional local cuisine, which is quite spicy and not typically sweet like Gujarati food usually is. From the city, take excursions to health resorts at Dumas (16 km) and Hajira (28 km), where you can relax and unwind. For a wild experience, visit the Vansada National Park in Valsad district to spot tigers, leopards and other animals.

Getting There –

Train – Surat railway station is a major railhead of the Western Railways on the Mumbai – Delhi route. The railway station is served by several express and superfast trains from Mumbai and important cities of Gujarat.

Road – From Mumbai, drive on the NH 8 that takes you to NH 6 (Surat – Kolkata Highway), a 16 km long connector highway to Surat. The city is also linked by the Golden Quadrilateral Highway. The road journey from Mumbai to Surat takes around five hours.

Sonapani - a tranquil getaway closeby Mukteshwar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

From Delhi – 360 km

From Kathgodam – 80 km

From Nainital – 55 km

Overview –

Just 8 km from the famous hill station Mukteshwar, Sonapani is a small town in Nainital district. Far from bustling city life, the town is a tranquil getaway amidst ‘nature’s own abode’. Sonapani is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed vacation, both for discerning travellers and adventure sports lovers as well. Set amidst the lofty Himalayan peaks, it offers breathtaking views of snow clad mountain ranges, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Maiktoli, Panchchuli and Trishul.

Sonapani, Uttarakhand

Don’t Miss –

If you’re looking for a never before adventure experience, then Sonapani is the perfect place for you. Adventure options available at Sonapani are rock climbing, rappelling, jungle and village walks, trekking to Kapileshwar Temple and river crossing. You can also visit Almora, 23 km away, for a quaint hill station experience.

Getting There –

Train – The nearest railhead from Sonapani is located at Kathgodam (80 km). From there, you have to take the road to Sonapani, approximately two hours away. Kathgodam railway station is connected by Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express from Delhi.

Road – Take NH 24 from Delhi, drive till you reach Rampur and then turn left towards Bilaspur. Drive further to reach Haldwani via Rudrapur and take NH 87 for Nainital. From there, take the road passing through Talla Ramgarh and Malla Ramgarh. After crossing these places, turn towards Sonapani by leaving the road leading to Mukteshwar. The trip from Delhi to Sonapani will take around 10 hours.

Solan - the Gateway to Himachal Pradesh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:29:00 +0000

From Delhi – 340 km

From Kalka – 42 km

From Shimla – 52 km

Overview –

Often referred to as the Gateway of Himachal Pradesh, Solan is a quiet small town, suitable for family trips and romantic vacations alike. Basically an agricultural area, the town is known as the ‘mushroom city of India’, for producing large varieties of mushrooms. Solan is also famous for housing the Mohan Meakins brewery, the oldest in India. Besides being an industrial hub of the state, the town, situated at an average altitude of 1,467 mtr, boasts of numerous old temples, architectural wonders of the colonial era and quaint picnic spots. Sholoni Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Sholini (after whom the town is named) is a must visit place while in Solan.

Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Don’t Miss –

For adventure enthusiasts, the River Giri meandering through the town offers some fine angling spots like Mareog, Karkanu and Gaura. Solan is a trekking paradise for nature lovers with hilly and picturesque trails. Some of the major attractions in and around Solan are Jatoli Shiv Temple, Karol Tibba, Meteol Tibba, Kotla Nallah, Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery (close to Nauni) and Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni.

Getting There –

Train – Kalka railway station is the major railhead close to Solan. Board the overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi, which reaches Kalka early in the morning. From Kalka, take the toy train (Kalka – Shimla) to reach Solan.

Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 till Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 and then NH 22 to reach Kalka. Solan is situated on the Shimla – Kalka Highway (NH 22), at a distance of 42 km from Kalka and 52 km from Shimla. From Kalka, buses and taxis are available at regular intervals to Solan. The road journey from Kalka to Solan takes around one and half hours.

Siana - a small hamlet in Jalore, Rajasthan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:20:00 +0000

From Delhi – 690 km

From Jodhpur – 180 km

From Udaipur – 175 km

Overview –

Situated 180 km from Jodhpur, Siana is a perfect place for a weekend break, far from the busy city life. Siana is a small hamlet in Jalore district of Rajasthan, around 36 km from district headquarters. A historic place, Siana was ruled by several mighty kingdoms, including the Rajputs. Located in south western Rajasthan, the town is still untouched by modernisation and offers a wonderful chance to see and experience the centuries old traditional lifestyle.

Don’t Miss –

Set amidst the Aravalli Hill range, the terrain of Siana consists of a fine blend of sand dunes and auricular lands, which make the area perfect for camel and horse safaris. During your trip, enjoy a pleasant ride on camel or horse back, across the picturesque countryside. Meet local villagers and experience their unique culture and lifestyle. Camping is another exhilarating adventure activity at Siana. Don’t forget to visit the Aisrana range, where the rock formations offer a wonderful sight, against the picturesque backdrop of the setting sun.

Getting There –

Train – Sirohi Road railway station is the nearest railhead from Siana, connected by a number of trains to Delhi via Jaipur and Udaipur.

Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 and leave the road at Beawar. From there, take a right towards NH 14 to reach Pali. Further, a state road takes you to Jalore and finally to Siana. The road journey from Delhi to Siana usually takes around 14 hours.

Sawai Madhopur - the gateway to Ranthambore National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 09:59:00 +0000

From Delhi – 435 km

From Jaipur – 180 km

Overview –

Sawai Madhopur is a small town of Rajasthan state and often referred to as the gateway of Ranthambore National Park, located 12 km away. A historic town, it is named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur. Comprising twin towns of Old City and the Main town, Sawai Madhopur serves as the base to visit Ranthambore National Park. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhyachal ranges, Ranthambore is a world famous tiger reserve. Besides tigers, Sawai Madhopur is famous for its historic fort.

Don’t Miss –

While in Sawai Madhopur, a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park is a must-do activity in the world’s only dry deciduous tiger habitat. Explore the Park and there are fair chances you’ll spot tigers, mostly around the water streams flowing through the Park’s rocky outcrops. Leopards, hyena, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and tortoise are other animals which you can see. Ranthambore National Park also provides shelter to more than 250 bird species. Ranthambore Fort, a 10th century fort built by the Chauhans is situated inside the Park and it deserves a visit.

Getting There –

Train – Sawai Madhopur railway station is an important railhead on the Delhi – Mumbai route. Almost all trains running on this route stop at Sawai Madhopur railway station. From Delhi, a number of trains are available to Sawai Madhopur, including August Kranti Rajdhani Express, Golden Temple, Jan Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express.

Road – From Delhi, drive on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway to reach Jaipur. The 265 km long journey to Jaipur should take around five hours. From Jaipur, NH 12 takes you to Tonk and then take a left to reach Sawai Madhopur. The road trip from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur takes approximately four hours.

Mandvi - a port city in Gujarat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:38:00 +0000

Location: Kachchha district of Gujarat

Distance: 450 km from Ahmedabad, 100 km from Mumbai

Popular As: A port city

Mandvi, Gujarat

Getting There –

By Air – Bhuj Airport, at a distance of 55 km is the nearest airport from Mandvi. Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate daily flights between Mumbai and Mandvi. From Bhuj, you have to take the road journey to reach Mandvi, approximately one hour away.

By Rail – The nearest railhead is located at Bhuj (56 km), served by a number of trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Kutch Express, Bandra – Bhuj Express and Pune – Bhuj Express run between Bhuj and Mumbai.

By Road – From Mumbai, take NH 8 to reach Ahmedabad. Then, switch onto NH 8 A to reach Mandvi, via Limbdi, Wankaner, Morbi, Anjar and Mundra. The road journey from Mumbai to Mandvi is quite lengthy, so you can take a day break in Ahmedabad. Better, you travel by train to reach Bhuj, the major railhead close to Mandvi.

Overview –

Mandvi is a port city located in Kachchh district of Gujarat. Once a major port of the region, the city now serves as an excellent weekend break destination. Due to its strategic location close to the Arabian Sea, Mandvi enjoys a pleasant climate round the year. Tourists flock the city in large numbers, to enjoy a relaxed vacation, away from hustle and bustle of the cities. Mandvi also served as the summer retreat of the maharajas (kings) of Kutch. Even today, the remains of the bygone era can be seen across the old city. Mandvi is famous for its 400-year-old ship building industry, you can still see the skilled carpenters building fishing boats by traditional techniques.

Don’t Miss –

Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, the major attraction at Mandvi. Set amidst the well-laid gardens, the royal palace has a private beach, marble fountains and interesting water channels. Built in 1920, Vijay Vilas Palace is known for its excellent architecture and eco-friendly pristine beauty. Also pay a visit to Mandvi Beach, considered among the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. Other famous attractions are Wind Farms, Rukmavati Bridge, Topansar Lake, Shyamji Krishna Verma Smarak and Bandhni Bazaar.

Mandi - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:35:00 +0000

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 425 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Getting There –

By Rail – Kalka railway station is the nearest railhead from Mandi. Kalka Shatabadi, Howrah - Kalka Mail, Paschim Express and Himalayan Queen run between Delhi and Kalka. From Kalka, you can reach Mandi by hiring a taxi, approximately four hours away.

By Road – From Delhi, NH 1 takes you to Ambala. Further, switch onto NH 21 to reach Zirakpur, ahead of Chandigarh. From there, take a right onto NH 22 leading to Pinjaur. Then, proceed on the NH 21 A, connecting further to NH 21. Finally, NH 21 takes you to Mandi via Bilaspur. The road journey from Delhi to Mandi should take around 12 hours.

Overview –

Mandi is a small hill town, situated in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 800 mtrs above sea level, the town is an ideal getaway for a quiet vacation. Established on the banks of Beas River, Mandi is known for its historic as well as commercial values. A fast developing town, Mandi is home to around 100 old and new temples, mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Kali. In fact, due to large number of temples and its strategic location along Beas River, the town is fondly referred as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'.

Don’t Miss –

While in Mandi, must visit the old palaces to get a glimpse of ‘colonial’ architecture. Visit the temples around the town, known for their exquisite carvings and religious significance. Besides, for their historical importance, a number of temples in Mandi have been declared ‘protected monuments’ by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Panchvaktra Temple, Ardhnareshwar Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, Tarna Temple and Triloknath Temple are important temples. The historic Gurdwara Govind Singh, Kangri Dhar and Sunken Garden are other must visit places.

Mandawa - The town of magnificent fort and havelis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:29:00 +0000

Location: Jhunjhuni district of Rajasthan

Distance: 250 km from Delhi, 170 km from Jaipur

Popular For: Magnificent Fort and havelis

Picturesque Mandawa Castle

Getting There –

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 8 till Bahror. Then, take a right onto the state road to reach Namaul. Further, turn left and drive on the road leading to Chirawa. From there, again take a left onto the road towards Jhunjhunu, which takes you straight to Mandawa. The road journey from Delhi to Mandawa takes around six hours.

Overview –

Manawa is a historic town, situated in Jhunjhuni district of Rajasthan, about 170 km north of Jaipur. A part of the Shekhawati region, the town is renowned for its magnificent fort and picturesque havelis (mansions). Mandawa has also been referred to as the ‘open art gallery’, for housing exquisite havelis, with elegantly painted walls. Mandawa Fort is the principal landmark of the town, adorned with beautiful frescoes and an arched gateway. A trip to the town provides you a wonderful chance to see the architectural masterpieces and artistic genius.

Don’t Miss –

Mandawa Fort is a must visit place, which is now operational as a heritage hotel. Built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, the fort has tastefully decorated rooms with paintings of Lord Krishna, delicate carvings and excellent mirror work. You can see rare antiques and paintings in the Durbar Hall of the palace.

Havelis are other major attractions, popular among them are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuria Haveli and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli. Also, pay a visit to Thakurji Temple, known for its impressive murals.

Pataudi - the home of picturesque Pataudi Palace

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:22:00 +0000

Location: Gurgaon district of Haryana

Distance: 70 km from Delhi

Popular for: Pataudi Palace

Pataudi Place, Gurgaon

Getting There –

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 to reach Gurgaon. Further, the same road takes you to Bahora Kalan. Then, turn towards right on the state road leading straight to Pataudi. The journey should take around one and half hours.

Overview –

Pataudi is small town in Gurgaon district of Haryana. Located just 70 km from Delhi, the town draws tourists as well as corporates for a quaint weekend break. During the pre-independence era, Pataudi was a princely state of the same name. Founded in 1806 by Faiz Talab Khan, the town is now the home of the famous Indian cricketer Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. The royal family has a grand palace at Pataudi, called the Pataudi Palace.

Don’t Miss –

Experience the royal splendour of the old days at Pataudi Palace. Constructed by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan in 1935, the magnificent palace sprawls over an area of 25 acre, amidst the peaceful and fresh atmosphere. An oasis in the verdant countryside of Pataudi, the luxurious palace along with its exquisite exterior has elegant verandahs, spacious bedrooms, old-style baths, well-maintained gardens and a massive conference room. The grand palace is a fine venue for meetings, family gatherings and weekend breaks. Remember, the palace can be book only for a group.

Malvan - A picturesque secluded town of Maharashtra

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 May 2013 12:12:00 +0000

Location: Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra

Distance: 510 km from Mumbai

Popular As: A picturesque secluded town

Malvan Beach

Getting There –

By Train – Kudal railway station is the nearest railhead from Malvan. Jan Shatabadi Express, Konkan Kanya Express and Matshya Gandha Express are some of the important trains connecting Mumbai to Kudal. From the Kudal railway station, you can hire a taxi to reach Malvan.

By Road – From Mumbai, drive on NH 17 till Kasal. Then, take a right onto the State Highway to reach Malvan. The road journey from Mumbai to Malvan usually takes around 12 hours. Buses of Maharashtra State Transport and private operators ply from Mumbai to Malvan.

Overview –

Malvan also spelled Malwan, is a port town situated in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Situated along the cool blue Arabian Sea, the town is flanked by three tiny creeks, namely Karli, Kalavali and Kolamb. Far from the busy city life, the picturesque town makes a perfect getaway for discerning travellers. Malvan welcomes visitors with its secluded beaches and tranquil environs, for a laid back vacation. Besides, the historic town is also famous for its rich culture and tradition, signified by peculiar dialect and cuisine.

Don’t Miss –

The magnificent Sindhudurg Fort is the main landmark of the town. Visit the popular beaches like Tarkali Beach, Chiwala Beach and Tondavali Beach to rejuvenate your mind and body. When visiting the town, don’t forget to savour the local cuisine, including sweets such as Khaja and Ladoos. Other must visit places include the Rock Garden, Malvan (marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan and Jai Ganesh Mandir. Visit the nearby town Vengurla, home to several interesting temples, forts and beaches.

Ludhiana - The Manchester of India

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:45:00 +0000

Location: Punjab

Distance: 310 km from Delhi

Popular As: Manchester of India

Ludhiana

Getting There –

By Train – Ludhiana railway station is a major railhead on the Delhi – Amritsar route. The railway station is connected to Delhi by several express and superfast trains.

By Road – National Highway 1 connects Ludhiana to Delhi via Ambala. The road journey from Delhi to Ludhiana generally takes around seven hours.

Overview –

Ludhiana is a major city located in the state of Punjab. An industrial hub, Ludhiana is also called the ‘Manchester of India’. The city is dotted with numerous big and small industries, like knitwear factories, yarn mills, bicycle manufacturing factories and more. Ludhiana is also a popular tourist destination and draws tourists in large number round the year. Consisting of the Old City and the New City, the city is famous for its rich history, over 500 years old.

Don’t Miss –

While in Ludhiana, don’t forget to buy woollen garments. Visit popular attractions of the city, namely Water Park, Hardy World, Dream Land, Rose Garden and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. From Ludhiana, also visit the nearby town of Ferozpur, known for its holy shrines and historic sites.