Travel and Tourism

Assam Travel Guide

2007-08-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

The name "Assam" is derived from the term "Asom" which, in Sanskrit, refers to unequal or unrivalled. The uneven topography of the land, full of hills, plains and rivers might, therefore, have contributed to her name. A land of about 25 million people the principal language of Assam is Assamese although a large number of other languages are spoken.

Assam, the land of hills and valleys, the land of the mighty river Brahmaputra, the land of Mother Goddess Kamakhya, lies in the northeastern corner of India. It is a land where you find flowers that are exquisitely beautiful, animals that are rare, and a beleagured people that are proud and hospitable.

Places to see in Assam:

• Kamakhya Temple
The major attraction of Guwahati is the Kamakhya Temple, on the Nilachal hill, where Goddess Kamakhya is worshiped. The temple offers a fabulous view of the city and the mighty Brahmaputra. The ponds here are the home of some giant turtles.

• Assam State Museum
The museum came into existence in 1940 as a non-government body but was taken over by the state government in 1953. It is the biggest museum of the north east region and one of the biggest multipurpose museums in the country.

• Kaziranga National Park
Home to fabled one horned Rhinoceros. This is also a world heritage site. Besides the above, Umananda Temple, Navagraha Temple, Basistha Ashram, Hajo, Cherrapunjee (where it rains most in the world!), Nmaeri National Park are other major tourist attractions in Assam.

• Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden
The botanical garden was established in 1982, has an area of 82 hectares. It has an orchid house packed with 44 varieties of rare orchids of the North East region. The garden has various types of palm, shrubs, herbs, conifers and broad leaved plants.

• Umananda Temple
It is a temple of Lord Shiva, in the midst of river Brahmaputra, on the island of Umananda. The temple can be reached by crossing the river via country boats plying from Kachari Ghat. The place resembles a beehive during Shiva Ratri when pilgrims from all over flock to the island packed in boats.

• Hajo
Hajo is a sacred place for Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists. This place is to the (25km) west of Guwahati and is the site of the Pua-Mecca mosque, established by an Iraqi prince-turned-preacher, who traveled all the way to Assam in the 12th century to spread the Prophet's teachings.

Festivals in Assam:

Bihu
The most important festivals of Assam are the Bihus, celebrated with joy and abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith and belief. This also initiates the agricultural season. The merriments include dances accompanied on the wild and lusty beats of Dhol and Pepa (buffalo hornpipe). Songs sung in this Bihu are woven around themes of love and often carry erotic overtones. People adorn traditional attires like Dhoti, Gamocha and Chadar, Mekhala.

Majuli Festival
There will be a lot of scopes to fit yourself as a part of this festival. Special events are being organized during the festivals days round the clock. Cultural programmes will continue with the participation of various traditional and classical cultural troupes of Assam and troupes from rest of the country, in addition to rich cultural heritage of Majuli.

Tea Festival
The Tea festival organised by Assam Tourism in the month of November is a unique experience. One cannot miss this festival which offers holidays combining visits to Tea Gardens, Golf and River Cruises. A visit to the "Guwahati Tea Auction Center" (GTAC) in Guwahati, the largest in India is a must.

Rongali Utsav
Come April, and for the numerous communities, tribes and sub-tribes inhabiting the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra it's time to welcome the onset of the agricultural season, a celebration of the vibrant springtime fertility cult.

How to get there:

By Air
Indian airlines/Alliance Air, Jet Airways and Air Sahara connect Guwahati with Kolkata, Delhi, Agartala and Imphal. Taxi services including prepaid services are available at the airport for transfer to the city. For travelling to Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya Helicopter Service and Arunachal Pradesh Helicopter Service at Guwahati Airport is available.

By Rail
Express trains link all parts of the country with Guwahati. Rajdhani Express from Delhi (28 hrs), Saraighat Express from Kolkata (18 hrs), Dadar Express from Mumbai (54 hrs) and Bangalore Express (60 hrs) are some of the important trains to Guwahati. Taxis and auto-rickshaws with negotiable rates are available at the station for transfer to different parts of the city.

By Road
Many private travel companies and the Assam State Transport Corporation operate a large network of buses from anywhere around. There are routes connecting Guwahati with Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Tinsukhia, Silchar, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal, Aizawl and Itanagar.

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Punjab Travel Guide

2007-08-14T04:07:00.000-07:00

A state, whose name is synonymous with exuberance, prosperity and an intense passion for life, Punjab or 'Panj Aab' literally meaning five rivers, is, as it were, the very heart of the country.

Blessed with extremely fertile soil, Punjab is watered by the rivers Beas, Sutlej, Ravi and Ghaggar. Punjab witnessed heavy destruction and damage during Partition, yet, it is one of the most affluent states in the country, today. The per - capita income of the state is nearly twice the all - India average. The mainstay of Punjab's economy, and the source of its affluence is agriculture. Nearly 84 percent of the total geographical area of the state is under cultivation.

Places to see in Punjab:

• Amritsar
Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhs, has grown from a sacred village pond into a spiritual temporal centre of Sikh culture. The city gets its name from the pool-Amritsar (Pool of Nectar), which was constructed by the fourth religious preceptor of the Sikh faith. It also lies on the Asian Highway. It is also the city where Jaliyan-wala-bagh, the garden where scores of innocent Indian men, women, children were massacred by the British. Events of such magnitude catalysed the struggle for Indian independence.

• Patiala
Patiala is famous for its healthy food, loving people, wonderful parandaas, exciting Patiala peg and jootis. Easily accessible and well maintained, Patiala is a place that would give one the much-needed tranquility far from urban chaos. The Sports School and the Moti Bagh Palace are some of the places that one must visit to get a clear picture of the past of the state.

• Chandigarh
Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the 'City Beautiful'. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. Thanks to the creative genius of Le Corbusier, the city retains its inherent character even today, as conceived by him in his Master Plan. Corbusier's architectural ingenuity endowed with uniform and standardized structure designs. Wide roads, sector wise divisions, tree-lined avenues, land scaping and a wide piazza, lends the city a special character and a unique orderliness.

• Ludhiana
Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery and woolen goods and products from Ludhiana are exported all over the world. For its production of hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. It also boasts of the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which organizes the Kisan Mela every Year. Nearby is Killa Raipur, which is famous for its Rural Olympics.

Dances of Punjab:

Bhangra
Bhangra celebrates the harvest and is associated with the festival of Baisakhi (April 13) when the sight of tall heaps of golden wheat fill the farmer’s heart with joy. To the accompaniment of large drums called dhols, he and his fellow villagers circle round and round in a leaping, laughing caper. It’s a dance that cuts across all divisions of class and education. At marriages, parties, or celebrations of any sort, it is quite common for men to break out in Bhangra. There are few sights more cheering than that of a dignified elder in three-piece suit getting up to join the young fellows for a moment of bhangra revelry.

Gidda
Women have a different but no less exuberant dance called gidda. The dancers enact verses called bolis, which represent folk poetry at its best. The subject matter of these bolis is wide ranging indeed – everything from arguments with the sister-in-law to political affairs figure in these lively songs. Aside from the drums, the rhythm of this dance is set by the distinctive hand-claps of the dancers.

Jhumar
This dance has originally come from Sandalbar (now in Pakistan), but is now very much a part of Punjab folk heritage. It is a dance of graceful gait, based on specific Jhumar rhythm. Dancers circle around the drummer, and keep up a soft, sibilant chorus as they dance.

How to get there:

By Air
Chandigarh and Amritsar both have airports are connected to other cities in India by regular flights. Indian airlines do have regular flights from Chandigarh to Delhi, Lucknow, Leh, and Amritsar. Jet air also has regular flights to Chandigarh.

By Rail
Punjab is extensively linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Jalandhar are the major railway hubs in the state from where one can take trains for most parts of the country.

By Road
The entire state is connected through an extensive network of medalled roads. State Highways connect major cities to the state capital. NH 1 or the Grand Trunk Road connects the state with most of the north as well as east India.

For more details on Punjab Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Ludhiana Travel Guide

2007-08-13T03:08:00.000-07:00

Ludhiana is situated on the Amritsar-Delhi Grand Trunk Road. New Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and other major cities in Punjab are well linked with Ludhiana through road. The city lies about 305 km northwest of Delhi and is 100 km away from Chandigarh

Ludhiana is on the banks of River Sutlej. in 1481, Ludhiana used to be an insignificant village that was under Yodha, Gupta and Rajput rule for centuries. It was much later during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji that Ludhiana began developing. In the later years British captured and developed it as it stands today. It has 500-year old Lodhi Fort that was constructed by the Sikander Lodhi when he ruled the plains near River Sutlej.

Places to see in Ludhiana:

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum
The foundation of Maharaja Ranjit Singh War museum was laid in 1990. The museum was planned to create general awareness about the defence services, not only for its role in defending the country but also in strengthening the bonds of national integration and unity. The museum, though not yet complete, has regular shows in a light and sound hall. These presentations showcase the stories of bravery of Indian especially Punjabi soldiers in upholding the pride of the motherland.

• Gurudwara Charan Kamal
This Gurudwara situated in village Machhiwara, 35 km from Ludhiana, commemorates the place where Sri Guru Gobind Singh had rested while fighting a guerrilla war against a massive Mughal force.

• Punjab Agricultural University
On the outskirts of the city is the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which is modelled on the Land Grant of America. The University has a Rural Museum, which houses local arts and crafts and objects belonging to the ancient times. The University also organizes a Kisan Mela every year.

• Shrine of Pir-i-Dastgir
The fort to the north-west of Ludhiana includes the shrine of Pir-I-Dastgir, also known as Abdul Kadir Galani which draws both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims.

Excursions of Ludhiana:

• Macchiwara
In the village Machhiwara about 35 km from Ludhiana is the Gurudwara Charan Kanwal named after the Guru's feet that are compared to the lotus flower. When Aurangzeb's army attacked the fortress of Chamkaur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh successfully resisted their onslaught and slipped away into the forests of Machhiwara. The Mughal forces got wind of his whereabouts and Guru Gobind was saved by two of his Muslim devotees who disguised him as their Muslim prophet.

• Alamgir
Ten kilometers away from Ludhiana is Alamgir, where the Gurudwara Manji Sahib is situated. It is believed that the two Muslim devotees placed a cot here, in which the Guru was being carried. There is a ten feet deep tank near the Gurudwara where, according to a legend, Guru Gobind Singh shot an arrow into the parched land, which miraculously yielded water.

• Killa Raipur
Twenty kilometres away from Ludhiana is Killa Raipur, which is famous for the Rural Olympics held there. Here, the local population comes to watch the village youth display their sporting skills. The event is held in mid-February.

• Jallandhar
Thirty-four kilometres away from Ludhiana is Jallandhar, the 'Sports City of India'. Jallandhar boasts of many historic monuments. Prominent among them are the mausoleum of Imran Nasir, the fort at Phillaur which once served as Maharaja Ranjit Singh's line of defence against the British, a Shiv Mandir which dates back to the Lodhi era and the Gurdwara at Kartarpur nearby. The Gurdwara was built by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev in 1656.

How to reach Ludhiyana:

By Air
The nearest operational airport from Ludhiana is in the state capital Chandigarh, 100 km away.

By Rail
There are regular trains for New Delhi and Amritsar from Ludhiana Railway Station.

By Road
Ludhiana is situated on the Amritsar-Delhi Grand Trunk Road. New Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh and other major cities in Punjab are well linked with Ludhiana through road. The city lies about 305 km northwest of Delhi and is 100 km away from Chandigarh.

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Kottayam Travel Guide

2007-08-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

The name Kottayam is derived from the word "Kotta" which means "Fortress" in Malayalam. The old town of Kottayam was originally founded on the hilltop now known as Kunnumpuram. The small hamlet developed within the walls of the fort and thus was derived the present name from the words "Kottackk Akam" which literally means “Inside the Fortress". It is commonly believed that down the ages this gradually assumed its present form, Kottayam.

Kottayam has the distinction of being the first fully literate town in the whole of India. The first English school was started here by the missionaries of the Church Mission Society of the erstwhile Anglican Church. Kottayam has been a centre of learning and in recognition of this fact the Government established the Mahatma Gandhi University here.

Places to see in Kottayam:

• Bharananganam
An important Christian pilgrimage centre, the town of Bharananganam is known as the site of the internment of Sister Alphonsa (1916 - '46) in a chapel next to the St. Mary's Church. This millenium-old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.

• Valiyapalli Church
Dedicated to St. Mary, the Valia Palli is a church built in 1550 for the Knanaya Orthodox Syrians situated in Thazhathangadi, 2 km from the centre of the town. It is famous for its 8th century Persian cross and the Pahalavi inscription on the cross.

• Cheryapalli
Located near the Valia Palli, the smaller church of Cheria Palli, also dedicated to St. Mary, built in 1579, has some Murals and paintings of Biblical and other themes.

• Mannanam
Housing the famous St. Joseph's Monastery, Mannanam is an important Syrian Christian centre. The town is associated with the name of Father Kuriakose Elias of Chavara (1805 - 1871), one of the saintly figures of the Syrian Catholic Church of Kerala. Established in 1844, St. Joseph's Press is one of the oldest printing presses in India, where one of the oldest of Kerala's newspapers was printed.

• Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple
The temple built in the indigenous style is situated in the heart of the town of Kottayam. It features several murals and is thronged by a large number of devotees during the annual festival held in the third week of March.

Excursion of Kottayam:

• Vembanad Lake
16 kms from Kottayam town, is a vast network of rivers and canals, which empty into the great expanse of water called the Vemanad Lake, which is situated in Kumarakom village. The lake is an enchanting picnic spot and a fast developing backwater tourist destination. It provides boating, fishing and sight seeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The Kumarakom tourist village also offers houseboat cruises and holiday packages.

• Ettumanoor Temple
A famous Hindu pilgrimage, Ettumanoor Temple is known for its unique and original architecture, wooden carvings and murals. The one that truly deserves a special mention is a statue of Shiva as Nataraja in a stunning pose. The temple is also famous for its 10 day long annual festival held during February-March.

• Grampi Hill
A great place to relax and unwind, the Grampi hill station is a beautiful place to visit and rest in nature's lap.

• Champakara
18 kms from Kottayam is Champakara, which is an important Ayurvedic Centre for 'Thirummuchikilsa'. Sreerangam CVN Kalari Chikilsa Kendram attracts people from all over India and abroad.

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Located at a distance of 12 kilometers from Kottayam town, this bird sanctuary is known to be home to local as well as migratory birds.

• Peerumedu
A small hill station located at a height of 914 meters above sea level, Peerumedu derives its name from the famous Sufi saint, Peer Mohammad.

How to get There:

By Air
Nearest Airport is at Cochin, 76 kms away. The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is 152 kms.

By Rail
Kottayam Railway Station 2 kms. away from the Central Bus Station and is connected with major cities and tourist centres.

By Road
Kottayam is connected to major cities of South India by good motorable roads. There are two bus stations, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on TB Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major centers operate from the KSRTC bus station.

For more details on Kottayam Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Thiruvananthapuram Travel Guide

2007-07-30T23:48:00.000-07:00

Thiruvananthapuram, the city of the snake god , is the capital of Kerala State and is situated at south India. The city is a blend of modern and traditional architecture. Named after the fabled Serpent God 'Anantha' on whom Sri Anantha Padmanabhan (Lord Vishnu) reclines, the city is built on seven hills. Caressed by the Arabian Sea at the west, Thiruvananthapuram is a popular transit destination for Indians and foreigners alike who like to visit south India.

Places to see in Thiruvananthapuram:

• Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple
The imposing seven storied tower makes it the most impressive landmark in the city. The temple is an excellent example of the dravidian style of architecture. There are innumerable pillars, intricate carvings, and mural paintings.

• Kovalam
Kovalam is 12kms to the south of Thiruvananthapuram and is one of the finest beaches in India. It has been developed into an integrated seaside resort. The beach complex has many hotels, cottages, yoga centres etc.

• Sree Chithra Art Gallary
Has a rich collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Roerich It also has copies of paintings of the Ajanta, Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore Schools besides some works from China, Japa, Tibet and bali.

• Ponmudi
A pleasant resort at an elevation of 912m above sea level. It is 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and connected by road. There are many tree and rubber estates around the hills.

• Kowdiar Palace
The home of the late maharaja Sree Chithira Thirunal Bala Rama varma and his family is off limits to visitors but you can have a glimpse from the main gate. If a friendly guard is on duty, he will let you walk a bit inside the grounds where you can get a view of the grand old building at the end of its long drive.

• The Kanakakunnu Palace
This palace in the heart of Trivandrum city is one of the most beautiful buildings. The palace and its sprawling grounds are today the venue for many cultural meets. The Museum The museum building is an architectural splendour. The napier museum, the natural history museum, the reptile house and the Shri Chitra Art Gallery are in the same complex amidst a well laid out garden and park.

• Kuthira Malika
Puthen Malika is also known as Kuthira Malika. This palace was built during the time of H.H Maharaja Swathi Thirunal the king of Travncore who was also a great poet and musician. This palace has wood carvings in the traditional Travancore style. The museum presently displays various painting collections of the royal family.

• Varkala
A pilgrim centre for the devotees of Sree Narayana Guru, one of the patron saints of Kerala, whose motto was "One God, One Religion, One Caste". It is only 51kms from Trivandrum by road and also boasts of one of the best beaches in the State.

Fairs and Festivals in Thiruvananthapuram:

The Great Elephant Race
Though strictly not a local festival, the conclusion of it is in Thiruvananthapuram. It is a four daylong extravaganza arranged by the tourism department of Kerala. 101 caparisoned elephants march from Thrissur on the 17th of every January reaching Thiruvananthapuram on the fourth day with stop overs at Kochi and Alappuzha. Boat races and folk art performances are arranged during this period where tourists can have glimpses of Kerala culture. The festival is concluded on the fourth day at Kovalam Beach with cultural programs and seaside barbecue.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival
The Tourism Development Corporation organises the dance festival. Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, Modern ballet and other folk form will perform at the open-air theatre of Nishagandhi in the Kanakakunnu Palace compound. Admission is free and the festival usually is accompanied with music.

Vetta and Arattu
This festival is celebrated twice in a year, once in Oct.-Nov and other in March-April. Vetta represents Lord Vishnu hunting down the demon of evil in the forest. The next day afternoon the Arattu procession begins. Images of Lord Padmanabha, Lord Krishna and Lord Narasimha are carried to the Arabian Sea at Sangumugham beach escorted by the members of the Royal Family. At sunset the images are ritually bathed in the sea. Returning the images in a procession back to the Padmanabhaswamy temple concludes the event. Several cultural programs including all-night Kathakali are performed during the festival.

How to get there:

By Air
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (6 kms. from the city) has air links with convenient connections to Maldives, Sri Lanka and many countries to the West of Arabian Sea and other important ports. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate domestic flights to different parts of the country.

By Rail
Thiruvananthapuram is an important railway terminus on the southwestern coast with train services from all parts of the country, including the southernmost tip of the subcontinent, Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin).

By Road
Motorable roads link Thiruvananthapuram to several important tourist and business centers in India. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates bus services of various classes.

Find more details on Thiruvananthapuram Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Shirdi Travel Guide

2007-07-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

The abode of the great saint of the 20th century, Sai Baba, who lived in Shirdi for more than 50 years of his life, has made this small village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra a big pilgrimage site for the devotees of the saint from all around the world.

The story of Sai Baba entering this small village is unique enough, the way his miracles were. He came to Shirdi along with a marriage party and then stayed back. He was denied entry into a temple by a priest taking him to be a Muslim from his dress. So throughout his life the saint stayed in the Mosque of Shirdi.

The small place which is barely a 100 km from Nashik today is a bustling pilgrimage centre of India. Nearly every nook and corner of the small village has some affiliation with the great saint. Even today the last few surviving elders of the village vividly recall the miraculous wonders of the sage. Sai Baba left for the heavenly abode in 1918 and his Samadhi is visited by thousands daily.

Places to see in Shirdi:

• Samadhi Mandir
Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur and a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. He wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, according to the legends, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. The Samadhi of Baba is built with white marble stones. The railings around it are full of ornamental decorations. The idol of Baba is a marvelous statue made up of Italian marble built by Late Balaji Vasant in 1954.

• Shri Khandoba Mandir
This place is near Shri Sainath Hospital. Baba stepped here in Shirdi at the foot of banyan tree near Khandoba Temple along with Chand Patil's wife's Nephew's Marriage party. The then Pujari Mhalsapati welcomed Him by calling "Aao Sai."

• Dwarkamai
Situated on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi Mandir is Dwarkamai, a mosque. This was the place where the sage stayed until the end of his life. Main attraction of the site is the oil paintings of the sage.

• Shri Gurusthan Mandir
This is the place where Baba first appeared to the world as boy of 16 years and this place is supposed to be Baba's Gurusthan. The famous Margosa (Neem) tree is here which has a reference in "Sai Sat-Charitra". It is an experience of devotees that there aliments are cured by burning incense hear.

• Lendi Baug / Datta Mandir
This is the place where Shri Sai Baba used to go for stroll. Nandadeep is kept constantly burning near the Pimple tree planted by Shri Sai Baba himself. There is also Datta Mandir in this garden and Shri Sai Baba's beloved horse 'Shamkarna' (Sham Sundar) is taking Eternal rest here. There is also a well here called as 'Baba's Shivdi'.

• Maruti Mandir
There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Bal yogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived. There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar that are worth visiting.

Festivals in Shirdi:

Ramnavami
Ramnavami is one of the most important festivals celebrated with great excitement and fanfare. In the year 1897 Goplarao Gund proposed holding in Urus in name of Saibaba in gratitude of a child which he was granted after so many childless years. Saibaba conceded to celebrate his urus on the condition that it is celebrated on Ramnavami. This was indeed an ingenious touch of Saibaba bringing together the Hindus and Muslims together. People may know Urus is a Muslim festival that is celebrated to honor a saint.

Gurupurnima
Gurupurnima or Full Moon is also a wonderful time to visit Shirdi. It is the time to honor the Guru and seek his special blessing. Quite a significant festival in Shirdi Guru Purnima was the only festival which Saibaba has asked his devotees to celebrate. This is the time devotees all across the world converge in Shirdi to seek Saibaba's blessings.

Shirdi Vijayadashmi
Vijayadashmi is a big festival in Shirdi, venerated as a holy day when Shri Saibaba left his mortal body for heavenly abode. The festival is also celebrated as Shri Sai Punyathithi in Shirdi attracting great number of devotees from all over the world. Various religious activities are arranged Great number of people flock to Shirdi during this Festival.

How to Get There:

Air
The nearest airports are Mumbai (260 kms), Pune (185 kms) and Aurangabad (125 kms).

Train
The nearest railway station is Manmad (60 kms) on the Central Railway, which is connected to many parts of the country with Express trains.

Road
Shirdi is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Maharashtra and surrounding areas.

For more details on Shirdi Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Aurangabad Travel Guide

2007-07-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Aurangabad is one of the oldest cities in Maharashtra with a cultural heritage that includes, the Ajanta - Ellora caves and Daulatabad Fort. The town is named after Aurangzeb, the last Mughal emperor, and has many places to see, admire and know about. The most famous trip that should be taken from Aurangabad is that of the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Several fine Mughal monuments surround Aurangabad, including Aurangazeb's mausoleum for his wife, the 'Bibi-ka-Maqbara' resembling Taj Mahal.

Aurangabad has been a place of great importance due to it’s location on the famous "Silk Route" that traversed across the breadth of Asia to reach Europe. Textiles, embroidered finery and various kinds of beads made in nearby Paithan were exported to the markets of Greece, Rome and Egypt.

Places to see in Aurangabad:

• Bibi-Ka-Maqbara
Bibi-ka-Maqbara was built by Aurangzeb in the memory of his wife Rabia-ud-Daurani Begum. This tomb bears some resemblance with the Taj Mahal, which is a major attraction for tourists coming to this place. The architecture of this tomb is magnificent which is surrounded by a garden. You will have to buy an entry ticket of a negligible amount to enter the Maqbara.

• Aurangabad Caves
The Aurangabad Caves were built during the 6th and 7th centuries. The walls of the caves have interesting illustrations from the Jataka stories. Lying amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves possibly dating back to the 1st century AD. The Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves are of particular interest. Some of the chaityas are constructed on a mandala plan for the circumambulation of the Buddha who is depicted here seated on an intricately carved throne.

• Panchakki
Panchakki, meaning water mill is another major attraction of Aurangabad. The mill gets its share of water that travels through an underground channel from a source which is 6 km away in the mountains. The water is released on to the wheel creating an enthralling waterfall.

• Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid at Aurangabad was built by Aurangzeb. It situated in the center of a grove of trees in Killa Arrack. The Masjid has a low building with minarets and a broad band. This broad band is carved with Koranic inscriptions written through the length of the facade.

• Himroo Factory
The Himroo Factory is another major tourist attraction of Aurangabad. The traditional Himroo fabric which is an amazing blend of cotton and silk is known for its quality. You can also find here Paithani saris, traditional handloom shawls and other textiles material of Himroo fabric and silver threads.

Excursion of Aurangabad:

Ajanta Caves
The world heritage Ajanta caves are one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. It was discovered accidentally during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. These caves are located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora.

Ellora Caves
The Ellora cave temples are regarded as the World heritage sites of India. They are situated just 30 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. It can be easily reached from the nearby major towns. There are almost 34 monasteries and temples that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. The cave temples here have some superior carvings on the stone depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.

Daulatabad Fort
The exquisite Daulatabad fort is located just 13 kilometers from Aurangabad on the way to Ellora, makes an excellent travel excursion from Aurangabad. The fort was built during the 12th century by king Bhillama of Yadav dynasty. It is situated on a pyramid shaped hill making it a major attraction here.

Fair and Festivals in Aurangabad:

Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is celebrated with great zeal here. Mass prayers are offered in community halls and public places and procession with floates are taken around the city.

Khultabad Urs
Rabi-Ul-Awal. For five days each year, during the month of Rabi-Ul-Awal, Muslims gather at the tomb of Khawaja. Muntajabuddin at Khultabad to pay homage to the hallowed saint.

How to get there:

By Air
Aurangabad airport is situated 10 km east of the city. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have a daily flight to Mumbai (Bombay).

By Rail
Aurangabad can be easily approached by rail from Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi. There are regular trains available on South Central Railway to reach Aurangabad.

By Road
Aurangabad is well connected with major cities of the state by a good network of roadways. The distances for some of the major cities from Aurangabad are Pune (214 km), Nasik (218 km), Indore (402 km) and Mumbai (403 km).

For more details on Aurangabad Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Mangalore Travel Guide

2007-07-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

Mangalore, a beautiful scenic city with lush green surroundings add to the peaceful nature of the City. In the coastal region of the western part of the land of India is situated the harbour town of Mangalapuram, or the city of Mangalore. The eternally blessed is the land of enchantment of Sahyadri mountains, where the great sages Kanva, Vysa, Vashista, Vishwamitra and other in the Loral past spent their days of meditation. Bountiful rivers meandering down the mountains and the nature is clothed in all her lush-full greenery.

Narrow winding streets, lofty coconut trees, quaint gable-roofed houses, beautiful beaches, temples and churches, the heady fragrance of the Mangalore Mallige, the aroma of spicy coconut curries, all this and more makes Mangalore a city of vivid contrasts.

Places to see in Mangalore:

Sultan Battery
It is situated in Boloor 6 Km. away from Mangalore City Bus Stand. It was built in Black Stones by Tippu Sulthan to prevent warships to enter Gurpur river. Now the remaining part of the fort is called as Tippu's Well. It is today a deserted spot but its construction is bafflingly exquisite. Although it is a watchtower, it gives the impression of a miniature fortress with its arrangements for mounting cannons all-round.

Kadri Manjunath Temple:
Kadri is another ancient historic spot in Mangalore. The Kadri Temple dating back to about 1068 A.D. with its nine tanks, its square temple, nestling at thefoot of the highest hill, draws to Mangalore hundreds of visitors annually. The Lokeshwara bronze statue of the Kadri Manjunatha Temple is tipped to be the best bronze statue in India. On top of the hill King Kundavarma Bupendra built a mutt which came to be called 'Jogimutt'.

There are some stone caves on top of the hill which are known as the caves of the Pandavas It is situated 4 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus Stand. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian Temples. The seven sacred ponds, Jogi Mutt and caves of Pandavas are the pilgrim attractions here.

Aloysius Church It is situated 1 Km. away from Nehru Maidan Bus stand. The walls of the church are covered with the paintings of the artist Antony Moshaini of Italy. The Church was built in the year 1899-1900. St. Aloysius College Chapel, an architectural gem, comparable with the Sistine chapel in Rome, is situated on lighthouse hill. The special beauty of the chapel is the wonderful series of paintings that virtually cover every inch of the interior roof and walls executed by Bro. Moscheni trained in Italy.

Light House Hill-Garden: It is situated 1 Km. away from Bus Stand. One can see the beautiful sea view, sunset view and also the sailing ships and boats on the sea. Now the renovated garden looks more beautiful.

Mangaladevi TempleThe temple is situated 3 Km. away from main City Bus stand. This city is called as Mangalore just because of this temple. This temple was built by the Ballal family of Attavar in memory of a Princess of Kerala

Ullal:Known for the "Uroos Fair". This is one the main mosques in the region. Built in 1958, thousands of people from various states visit the mosque to participate in the Uroos festival which is celebrated once in every five years.

How to get there

By Air
The Air port at Bajpe, just 16 kms from Mangalore city could connect the district with other major cities and other countries. Major airways services have been flying here. There is new Mangalore Port Trust that has been helping the people here for the transport of goods to and from Mangalore.

By Train
The Konkan Railways, Kerala -Mangalore Railways and Hassan Mangalore Railways are the major railway services here. Though Hassan Mangalore service has been detained due to up gradation work, Konkan Railway and Kerala Mangalore Railway is providing good service to the both public and for transportation of goods.

By Road
The district is well connected to other places by road, railways, air and even through water. The district has developed very good transport system as both Government and Private bus services have been flourishing here. All nooks and corners of the district could be reached by bus. The district is passed through NH 48 and NH 17 and this connects the district to other major towns in the country. Other state routes and special bus services make the public life lively here.

For more details on Mangalore Travel Guide visit www.times2travel.com

Kashmir Travel Guide

2007-07-10T00:06:00.000-07:00

A jewel glittering atop India, Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful destinations in India. Often referred to as the 'Switzerland of India', it is the northern extreme of the country. Home to mighty mountains and lovely glades and forests, the region is bestowed with abundant of natural beauty overflowing from everywhere. Ruled by a Maharaja Hari Singh in the past, Jammu & Kashmir is made up of many regions but is called Jammu & Kashmir because the two most populous regions in the state are called Jammu and Kashmir.
Tourist Attraction in Kashmir:

• Amar Mahal Museum
Set in a picturesque setting of Himalayas, Amar Mahal Museum and Library, is an epitome of royal grandeur and magnificence. It is a repository of books and paintings and attracts art lovers and historians from all over the world. The museum building forms the major part of the majestic Amar Palace, which has a French touch in its architectural style.

• Gulmarg
The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters. surrounded by dense forests of tall conifers, Gulmarg is known for unparalled beauty nad is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country.

• Hari Parbat Fort
The Mughal fort situated on the banks of the Dal Lake of Srinagar, it is positioned on top of the Sharika Hill. Originally, it was built during the reign of Akbar but its present structure owes itself to the Afghan governor of Kashmir in the 18th century. It has a Parvati temple on the western slope and the Muslim shrines of Khwaja Makhdoom Sahib and Akhund Mullah Shah on the southern one.

• Srinagar
Srinagar is located in the western part of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. The Mughal Gardens are an important tourist attraction. The best time when tourists can seize an opportunity to travel to Srinagar is from June to early November to enjoy the extended summer and from December to February in winter.

• Hazratbal Shrine
The Hazratbal Shrine, which is situated on the left bank of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar. This unmatched reverence is anchored in the love and respect for the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), whose Moi-e-Muqqadas, (the sacred hair) is preserved here.

• Pahalgam
The Pahalgam valley is situated at the confluence of the Seshnag Lake and the Lidder River. Pahalgam is associated with the annual Amaranth yatra. The region is extremely popular among tourists for its outdoor activities like fishing, horse riding, golf and trekking. Tours and travel to Pahalgam usually offer opportunities for outdoor activities.

Excursion of Kashmir:

Achabal
Achabal is situated at a distance of 58 km from the district of Srinagar. Reached via Anantnag, Achabal served as the pleasure retreat of the Mughal Empress Nur Jehan. Situated at a height of 1,677 m, Achabal is a visual treat for the eyes. Achabal is adorned with one of the best Mughal Gardens in India. The beautifully laid out garden in the Mughal (Persian) style sparkles with a charm and character, which is quite unique to it.

Kokernag
Situated at a height of 2,020 m, Kokernag is approximately 70 km from the district of Srinagar. Blooming gardens surround this spring, which bubbles at seven places at the foot of the forested mountain. The water of Kokernag in Kashmir is believed to have medicinal and digestive properties.

Wullar Lake
Wullar Lake is approximately 60 km from the city of Srinagar, between the towns of Bandipore and Sopore. Spreading over an area of 125 km, Wular Lake is said to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The Wular Lake of Kashmir changes character after every few miles of its course. The lake serves as a natural flood reservoir for Jhelum River, draining off the excess water.

Yusmarg
Yusmarg is approximately 47 km from the Srinagar and lies in the Badgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. The two-hour drive to the place is an enjoyment in itself. Grassy pastures stretching to acres of land, the dense forests full of pine trees, with the backdrop of splendid snow capped mountains leave you almost speechless.

How to get there:

By Air
Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).

By Rail
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.

By Road
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir.

For more details on Kashmir Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Jammu Travel Guide

2007-07-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

Jammu district derives its name from the city of Jammu which besides being the winter capital of the state, is known as the city of temples. It is believed that the city was originally founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan, which came to be known as "Jamboo" after his own name. With the passage of time and due to its frequent use the pronunciation of the name got slightly distorted and the city, came to be known as 'Jammu' as it is called now.

Jammu is a land of grand ancient temples, and beautiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jammu is justly famous for its temples. In fact it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of it tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats. Besides, Jammu is also a paradise to those who love - trekking, skiing, and Aero-sports.

Tourist Attraction in Jammu:

• Raghunath Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is surrounded by a group of other temples, dedicated to various Hindu deities from the epic Ramayana. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with innumerable saligrams".

• Ranbir Canal
Ranbir Canal is situated approximately two km from the center of the city. The canal is famous for a small garden that serves as a perfect picnic spot during summers. The water of the canal remains icy cold throughout the year. The embankments of Ranbir Canal serve as good viewpoints and pathways.

• Bahu Fort
One of the popular tourist spots for sightseeing in Jammu is Bahu Fort, situated on the left bank of Tawi River. Perhaps the oldest fort and the oldest structure in the city, it was originally constructed by King Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago. Later, the fort was renovated and rebuilt by the Dogra rulers. Surrounding the fort are extensive gardens known as Bagh-e-Bahu. The fort also houses a temple of Goddess Kali.

• Dera Baba Banda
This historical place is situated on the bank of Mighty River Chinab (Chanderbhaga). Baba Banda Bahadur was a great soldier during Emperor Aurangjebps time, who fought against Mughals and became a great disciple of Shri. Guru Govind Singh Ji Maharaj. Visitors from various parts assemble there on the eve of Baisakhi festival.

• Mubarak Mandi Palace
Mubarak Mandi Palace is a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal and even Baroque European architecture. The oldest structure in this palace complex dates back to 1824. The Pink Hall of the palace has now been converted into a museum, known as the Dogra Art Museum. It houses beautiful miniature painting of the various Hill Schools. But, the most magnificent structure inside the palace complex is the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace).

Excursion of Jammu:

Patnitop
Patnitops Is the most popular tourist spot of Jammu region. Located 112 kms from Jammu this famous hill resort is perched on a beautiful plateau, at an altitude of 2024 metres across which the Jammu-Srinagar Highway passes. It has lush green meadow and pine trees which resembles with Gulmarg. Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots, peaceful walks and breathtaking views of the mountains cape of the Chenab basin. In winter, it is covered with a white carpet of snow and its slopes have been successfully experimented for skiing. Skiing courses are conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and February.

Sanasar
129 Kms.from Jammu and only 19 Kms. from patnitop is Sanasar (2079 m), a satellite resort of Patnitop, with a cup-shaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quiet holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. There are several walks in the surrounding hills. The resort itself is ideal for paragliding, which is being promoted by the
Tourism Department.

Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake located 62 Kms. from Jammu is a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available in the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.

How to get there:

Air
Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jammu. The average flying time from New Delhi is about 80 minutes.

Rail
One can also reach Jammu by rail. Jammu is connected to other parts of country on broad gauge and numerous passenger trains ply from various parts of the country to Jammu.

Road
Jammu is well connected through road also to rest of India. National Highway No. 1A passes through Jammu towards Srinagar. Regular bus services from all major North Indian cities are available for Jammu as well as Katra. Many standard and deluxe buses of various State Road Transport Corporations as well as private operators connect Jammu with important cities and towns of North India.

For more details on Jammu Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Vadodra Travel Guide

2007-06-26T04:31:00.000-07:00

Vadodra (Baroda), the City of Palaces has often been called the cultural capital of Gujarat and is filled with relics of it’s princely past. It is also one of the corporate capitals with IPCL, ONGC and other major industries. There are numerous national and multi-national projects also coming up.
Situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri Vadodra (Baroda) is the capital city of the erstwhile Gaekwad rulers and is also known as the garden city of Gujarat. Baroda is the western derivative of the term; 'Vadodra' meaning 'City of Banyan Trees'. It is an important cultural center of India, known for its art galleries and museums. Vadodra is located in the eastern part of the state of Gujarat and is a pleasant, medium sized city.

Places of Tourist Interest in Vadodra:

• Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Founded by the Gaekwad in 1894, it has impressive collections of art and archeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. It has an excellent collection of art objects and paintings, including the famous Akota bronzes dating from 5th Century A.D. Other treasures include a full-fledged gallery of Tibetan Art. Visit Maqbara, which is the oldest Mughal monument in the town.

• Khanderao Market
This is a palatial building erected by Sayaji Rao in 1906-07 at a cost of about Rs. 5 lakhs. It was presented by him as a gift to the Municipality on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of his administration. The Municipal Offices are located in this building. The main entrance resembles in architecture with that of the gate of Dabhoi Fort. The perforated stone prepares are after style of the Agra Screens.

• Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum
The museum has the royal collection of art treasures and works of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian paintings, Graeco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.

• EME Temple
Unique in concept and design, the EME Temple is a geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets. Run entirely by the army authorities, this temple is a major attraction for both tourist and devotees.

• Laxmi Vilas Palace
The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. The palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890 is till date the residence of the royal family. Its ornate Darbar Hall has an Italian mosaic floor and walls with mosaic decorations. The palace houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta.

• Sayaji Sarovar
The Sayaji Sarovar or Ajwa lake, 22 kms away from the city is the principal source of water. It is formed by damming the Surya river and Vaghali Nala. Work on the scheme was started in 1885 and was completed in 1890. The gardens at Ajwa are patterned after the famous Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. The illumination of fountains is a major attraction for tourists.

• Darbar Hall
Considered as one of the most famous museums of the country it was built in 1894. The picture gallery which offers an excellent collection of originals by famous British painters Turner and constable and many others attract tourists from every part of the country. The Egyptian mummy and skeleton of a blue whale are major attractions for those who visit the museum. Other treasure includes the famous Akota bronzes dating the 5th Century A.D., A collection of Mughal miniatures, a full fledged gallery of Tibetan Art and oils by several European masters.

Excursion of Vadodra:

Kayavarohan
Popularly known as Karvan, it is situated on National Highway No. 8. It is both a place of pilgrimage and a picnic spot. A beautiful Shiv Temple built recently houses an attractive idol of Lakulish. Ancient sculptures and relics belonging to the 2nd century have been excavated from this historical place.

Pavagadh
A mountainous place with the historical town of Champaner nearby. The town has beautiful mosques Juma Masjid and Shah-ki-Masjid built in early Mohamedan Era. It is 50 kms away from Baroda and accessible by bus and train.

Shukaltirth
Legend surrounds the Vishnu temple here on the banks of the river Narmada. A fair is held every November in this pilgrim center, which is 89 km from Baroda.

How to get there:

By Air
You can get into Vadodra on a domestic flight, and it is reasonably connected to the rest of the country by domestic airlines like Indian airlines and Jet airways. The nearest international airport is about 100 km away in Ahmedabad.

By Train
At Vadodra railway station you can get on and off both super fast and premium trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani express, as well as travel the humble passenger trains. It is well connected to the other parts of the country.

By Road
Vadodra is 112 kms. from Ahmedabad and 420 kms. from Mumbai.

For more details on Vadodra Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Visakhapatnam Travel Guide

2007-06-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

The city derives its name from God Visakha, or the God of Courage. The earliest documented history the city states that it was ruled by the mighty King Ashoka, but was sacked by one dynasty after another during the course of history.

The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ago a small fishing village. One would be amazed at the manner in which this port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia.

Travel to Vishakhapatnam, also known as "Vizag" and is enclosed by three hills. Each of these hills has a shrine belonging to different religions. The Venkateswara temple on Venkateswara Konda is a Hindu shrine, Baba Ishaq Madina Dargah on Dargah Konda is a Muslim Shrine and Church of the Virgin Mary on Rose hill is a Christian shrine.

Places to see in Vishakhapatnam:

• Dolphin's Nose
The Dolphin's Nose is a massive rock with an height of 357 m. It was named after its shape that is similar to a Dolphin's nose. This huge rock emerges out of the sea forming an elevation which also has a lighthouse. It is a major travel attraction at Vishakhapatnam.

• Ross Hill
A unique site to see is the area around Ross hill which has three hills dedicated to three different faiths in proximity to the port. Ross Hill, named after a certain Monsieur Ross who built a house on it in 1864, it has now been converted into a chapel Mother Mary's Church.

• The Araku valley
The Araku valley, located on the Anatagiri hills at a height of 1,161 m from Sea Level is the place with the best natural scenery and greenery can be found. The Valley is located 112-Km from Vishakhapatnam and has Waterfalls and streams, which give a pleasant feeling to the mind. The 17 tribes living in this valley wear colourful dresses and costumes and were untouched with modern civilizations. Their rhythmic songs and tribal dances, the Dhimsa dance in particular are just marvelous. The valley has Cottages and Resorts for tourists who visit here on a weeklong trip.

• Kailasa Giri
Ropeway Terminal A local favorite, a short ride on to this hill gives you a spectacular view of the sea, RK.Beach and Rushikonda Beach on right and left hand side. There is a huge sculpture of Shiva and Parvathi. With a children's play area, a people-mover akin to a ski lift called a ropeway. Beautiful scenic view can be obtained from the ropeway, specially in the evening, when the city comes alive with all the lights.

• The Submarine Museum
Kurusura Vishakhapatnam has another Golden leaf in its feather and this Golden leaf has its specialty. The Submarine Museum - Kurusura being set up at the Rama Krishna Beach in Vishakhapatnam has a specialty. The Submarine Museum was the first submarine tuned to a museum in the whole of Asia. INS Kusura is a Russian built submarine. It was built on Dec 18th 1969 and began its journey on Feb 20, 1970 via the Baltic Sea and reached Vishakhapatnam on the 11th of May 1970. Since then INS Kusura was being used by the Indian Defence.

• Ramakrishna Beach
Kali Temple at R.K. Beach is the most popular beach in the sense that, you can find the locals hanging out during the hot summers, and relatively less hot winters. On weekends and holidays, one can see that the entire beach comes alive, but not in a western sense where people take a plunge in the water, or surf. You can see people dressed in their best clothes, just sitting on the benches, or walking along.

• Vizag harbour
Vizag harbour is one of the natural harbors in the world. A temple, mosque and church are located on hills overlooking the harbour. The Vizag beaches, particularly the Ramakrishna Beach, are lovely and serene. The beaches are ideal for swimming and water sports. On the north of Vizag is this pretty cove, Lawson's Bay, ideal for swimming. Old Dutch museum and the drive to Bheemli are also very enjoyable.

Excursions of Vishakhapatnam:

Bheemunipatnam
Bheemunipatnam is situated about 25-km from Vishakhapatnam. It is famous for its beautiful beach located along the east coast.

Simhachalam
The Simhachalam is situated about 16-km from Vishakhapatnam. The travel attraction of this place is a famous ancient temple of Sri Varaha Lakshminarasimha. This temple is known for its excellent architecture.

Borra Caves
The Borra caves situated at a distance of about 90-95-km from Vishakhapatnam is
an important tourist attraction. It is famous for its historical and religious significance.

How to get there:

By Air
Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, King Fisher and Sahara operate daily flights to Vizag from Hyderabad and Mumbai. Flights from and to Chennai and New Delhi are available 4 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun).

By Train
Vishakhapatnam is on Kolkata-Chennai main line and is connected to both the cities by train. This being a major station, all trains including the super fast expresses have a stop in the station.

By Road
Vishakhapatnam is 650 km from Hyderabad and 350 km from Vijayawada. Regular bus services are available to Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Bhubaneswar, Chennai and Tirupati.

For more details on Vishakhapatnam Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Vijayawada Travel Guide

2007-06-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Vijayawada is known as the political as well as publishing capital of andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps'.

Vijayawada, also called as "Bezawada", is 257-km from Hyderabad and is located on the banks of the Krishna River, and is bounded by the Indrakiladri hills on the West and the Budameru River on the North. Situated along the Chennai - Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route, this is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. The city forms a part of the Krishna
district, spread over an area of 58-sq- kms.

Places to see in Vijayawada:

• The Gandhi Stupa
The Gandhi Stupa, 15.8ft high, stands on Gandhi Hill, which was formally known as "Orr Hill". This Monument built in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and was inaugurated by the late Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1968. It has the teachings of Gandhi inscribed on stone slabs .The Gandhi memorial Library, sound and light show and planetarium are added attractions here. Climb to the top of the hill for a bird's eye view of the town.

• Akkana and Madanna Caves
On the way to the Kanakadurga Temple are the rock-cut caves dedicated to Akkana and Madanna, who were ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanashah in the 17th century. A short distance away is another cave that dates back to the 2nd century BC, which hosts the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

• Kanaka Durga Temple
Kanaka Durga, goddess of power, riches and benevolence is considered the presiding deity of Vijayawada. The temple is set on the Indrakiladri hill. The deity in the Kanaka Durga temple is regarded as Swayambhu or self-manifested, hence is considered very powerful. It is said that Adi Sankara visited this temple and installed the Sri Chakra here.

• Rajiv Gandhi Park
Walk able distance from the new Vijayawada bus stand, this is an educative park containing built-up structures of dinosaurs and pre-historic animals, with a playing area where one can spend time relaxing and learning.

• Malleswaraswami Temple
Adjacent to the Kanakadurga temple is the shrine of Malleswara Swamy on the Indrakiladri hill. Mallikarjuna or the Malleswara as he is known in the Puranas is said to have been installed by Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Panch Pandavas, as a token of their victory of the South.

• Mogalrajapuram Caves
Just 5-km from Vijayawada is the Mogalarajapuram caves having three cave temples, dating back to the 5th century AD. Out of the 3 cave temples constructed here only one is still in good condition with the idols of Lord Nataraja, Vinayaka and others. The Ardhanareeshwara Murthy found here is considered the only one of its kind in south India.

Excursions of Vijayawada:

Undavalli Caves
The ancient Hindu cave temples of Undavalli are located about 8km from Vijayawada across the river. The temples are atop the high hills overlooking the Krishna river. There are fine specimens of cut-in architectural and sculptural models. A huge monolith of Lord Vishnu in lying position is worth mentioning.

Kuchipudi
Located 60 kms from Vijayawada is the birthplace of Siddhendra Yogi, originator of the famous Kuchipudi style of dance. This place is known as Kuchipudi, famous for it artistic excellence. A worth visiting site here is a Kuchipudi dance school, set up in the memory of the great yogi.

Chandavaram
The Chandavaram is located in Prakasam district about 50-km away from Vijayawada. This place is famous as an important Buddhist site. The highlight of this place is an unusual double terraced stupa situated on top of a hillock known as "Singarakonda" (beautiful hillock). It is regarded as the only one of its kind in South India.

How to reach Vijayawada:

By Air
The nearest airport is the domestic airport located at Gannavaram, about 20-km, from the city. It connects Vijayawada to Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It is just a 30-minute flight away from Hyderabad.

By Rail
Situated along the Chennai- Howrah and Chennai-Delhi rail route, Vijayawada is the largest railway junction of the South Central Railway. There are a number of express and super fast trains, connecting Vijayawada with almost all the important places of the country.

By Road
The city has a good network of roads that connects Vijayawada with all the places within the state and also with the major cities in India. One can also go to interesting Buddhist places by the buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation.

For more details on Vijayawada Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Jabalpur Travel Guide

2007-06-15T03:24:00.000-07:00

Jabalpur is one of the most important cities in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur is the administrative and educational center in Madhya Pradesh. Jabalpur is also important because it is the gateway to important wildlife sanctuaries around it. Interestingly, the name Jabalpur is derived from the Arabic word 'Jabal'which means 'mountain' pointing to the ancient trade connection with Arab countries.

The origin of Jabalpur goes back to ancient times. It was then known as Tripuri and was governed by Hayahaya rulers. The ancient Indian epic of Mahabharata has references to his city. It became a part of the great Mauryan and the Gupta Empires. In ad 875, it was taken over by the Kalchuri dynasty who made Jabalpur their capital. In the 13th century, the Gonds seized it and made it their capital. By the early 16th century, it had become the powerful kingdom of Gondwana. From time to time, the Mughal rulers tried to overrun it. The legendary Gond Queen Rani Durgavati died fighting the Mughal forces led by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. It finally fell to the Marathas in 1789 and was taken over by the British in 1817, when they defeated the Marathas.

Places to see in Jabalpur:

• Tilwara Ghat
From where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the tripuri Congress in 1939; the 12th century Mala Devi Mandir; Pisan Hari Jain Temples, and roopnath are some of the other places in the around jabalpur which merit a visit.

• Dla and Ramnagar
Mandla is known for its fort, built in the late 1600s by Gond Kings. The fort is now subsiding into the jungle although some of the towers still stand. Places worth seeing around Mandla are Ramnagar (about 15 km), with its ruined 3-storey palace overlooking the Narmada and the temples dotting the riverbank of Narmada.

• Chausat Yogini
Situated atop a hill rock and approached by a long flight of steps, the Chausat Yogini Temple commands a singularly beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged gorge of Marble Rocks (Bhedaghat). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this 10th century temple has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. According to a local legend, this ancient temple is connected to the Gond Queen Durgavati's palace through an underground passage.

• Bargi Dam
It is a multipurpose project on river Narmada. It's also a tourist spot, recently the
local authorities have started a cruise boat which runs on the reservoir of Bargi dam.

• Bandhavgarh Fort
This fort is believed to be nearly 2000 years old. It lies right in the middle of the wilderness on the highest point of Bandhavgarh Hill. There are references of this fort in the ancient books, the Narad Panch-Ratna and the Shiva Puran.

• Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum
Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati, it is her memorial and museum, which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics. The museum has a good collection of artifacts and also has a section dedicated to artifacts and photos related to Mahatma Gandhi.

• Kanha Kisli national park
Jabalpur is nearest big city to go to Kanha Kisli national park which is one of the biggest national parks in India and has the distinction of successfully implemented Project Tiger, as tiger conservation program in India. The park is also the birth place of the Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. Jabalpur also has 'Bandhavgarh' and 'Pench' national reserve forest very close by, and well connected through road.

Excursions from Jabalpur:

Bedaghat
The Small village of Jabalpur tehsil situated on the bank of river Narmada and widely famous for its marble Rocks is at a distance about 21 Km from Jabalpur by road. Soaring in glittering splendor, the Marble Rocks at Bhedaghat rise to a hundred feet on either side of the Narmada. The serene loveliness of the scene is one of cool quiet, the sunlight sparkling on the marble-white pinnacles and casting dappled shadows on the pellucid waters. Sunlight, now glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky as from a point of silver; touching here and there with bright lights the prominences of the middle heights; and again losing itself in the soft bluish grays of their recesses.

Dhuandhar
The famous waterfall is located just 25 km from Jabalpur. The waterfall is known as Dhuandhar ('Dhuan' is the Hindi word for smoke) since the water droplets at the fall go above in concentrated mass and crete illusion of vapours.

How to get Jabalpur:

By Air
Jabalpur has an airstrip called Dumna Airport capable of landing most of the aircraft but the regular flights are yet not started.

By Train
Jabalpur is well-connected with super fast trains from Mumbai, Bhopal and New Delhi.

By Road
Jabalpur has an excellent road connection with Nagpur, Bhopal and several other important cities in the country. There are two national highways namely NH-7 & HN-12 passing through Jabalpur.

For more details on Jabalpur Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Bhopal Travel Guide

2007-06-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.

Bhopal, the city of Lake, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic city and modern urban planning. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus. Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of the city. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its marketplaces and fine old mosques and palaces still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices. It is greener and cleaner than most cities in the country.

Places to see in Bhopal:
Bhopal is a charming city with reminders of the erstwhile rule and glamorous life led by the Nawabs and Begums. The mosques and the temples are architectural marvels.

Laxmi Narayan Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills. Near the Temple is located a museum that houses a collection of sculptures from the districts at Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur, and Shahdol in of Madhya Pradesh.

Gohar Mahal
The Gohar Mahal is a very significant historical building in dilapidated state. On an invitation from the Ministry of Textiles and Madhya Pradesh Handloom and Handicrafts Vikas Nigam (MPHHVN), INTACH has worked out a restoration and reuse proposal for the complex. To convert it into an Urban Haat, the palace will be restored maintaining the original fabric and construction details of the buildings and finally inserts new functions.

Government Archaeological Museum
A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights of the collection are paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves near Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid built by Qudsia Begum's daughter Sikander Jahan Begum in 1860 A.D is similar in style to Delhi's Jama Masjid, though smaller in size than the Jama Masjid.

Bharat Bhawan
Established in 1982, Bharat Bhavan is no doubt a centre for innovative creativity, pursuit of classics and tradition and wide participation in a new cultural upsurge. One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a center for the performing and visual arts. Designed by the renowned architect Charles Correa, its contours merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and national elegance.

Taj-ul Masjid
Taj-ul Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Shah Jahan Begum started the construction of this mosque during her reign, but it was never completed in her lifetime. It was only with the intervention of the Government of India in 1971 that the construction of the mosque was completed. Today, this huge pink mosque with two massive white-domed minarets is used as a madarsa (religious school). A three-day annual Ijtima congregation held here draws scores of people from all over the country.

The upper lake and The Lower Lake
The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower by an over bridge and is 6 sq. kms. in area. Madhya Pradesh Tourism's Yacht Club on the Upper and Lower Lakes provide facilities for exciting trips by sail, paddle and motorboats. These two beautiful lakes have given Bhopal its title as the "City of Lakes ".

Regional Science Centre
Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamala Hills, Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits distributed equally in 'Invention' & 'Fun Science' galleries, and a 'taramandal' (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 PM on all days except Mondays.

How to Get Bhopal:

By Air
Indian Airlines runs regular air service linking Bhopal with New Delhi and Mumbai. Jet Airways and Air Deccan also has daily flights to Bhopal.

By Rail
Bhopal is very well connected by rail and is a major hub and exchange railway station for the Central and Western Railway networks. Bhopal has two main railway stations - Bhopal Railway Station in old Bhopal or Habibgunj Railway Station in New Bhopal. Shatabdi express running between Delhi and Bhopal provides an excellent and convenient means to get here. Apart from this, regular multiple trains connect Bhopal to all the major metros in India. Book your tickets on Indian Railways website

By Road
Bhopal is also well connected to the major metros in India through many national highways.

For more details on Bhopal Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Coimbatore Travel Guide

2007-06-11T02:38:00.000-07:00

Coimbatore The 3rd largest city in Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is popularly known as the ‘Manchester of south India’ for its many textile mills. Is a large business and industrial city and a hub of discussion and debate with many medical, educational, business and technology groups conducting seminars here. Based at the foothills of the Nilgiris, the city also boasts of tea and coffee plantations along with numerous cash crops like tobacco and cotton. One of South India’s most important industrial cities, the development of hydroelectricity from pykara falls in the 1930s led to a cotton boom in Coimbatore.

Attractions in Coimbatore:

• VOC Amusement Park and Zoo
The amusement park, named after the freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram, is an exciting place for both children and adults. The main attraction of the park includes a number of joy rides, an aquarium containing large variety of fish, a zoo and a toy train.

• Marudhamalai
Located on a hillock about 12 km from Coimbatore Railway Station, the temple of Marudhamalai, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is one of the most visited temples in the region. One of the reasons of the large number of devotees flocking the temple is that the residing deity Dandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple.

• Agriculture University
Situated about 5 km from the railway station, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is one of the best institutions for agricultural studies in Asia. The university spread in an area of 300 hectares also houses a botanical garden with different species of plants and trees.

• Perur
Perur is a small town situated about 6 km from Coimbatore. Its main claim to fame is the holy Perur Temple, one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams. The outer buildings of the temple were built by rulers of Madurai in the 17th century but the inner shrine is much older. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the remarkable features here is the figure of a sepoy (Indian soldier) loading a musket carved on the base of the pillar near the entrance, wearing identical dress to that of the Aurangzeb's soldiers.

• Forest College
The Forest College is located at a short distance from the railway station. A museum located inside the college is one of the major tourist attractions housing a collection of unique rocks, minerals, snakes, insects and other types of fungi.

• Siruvani Waterfalls
The picturesque Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam is situated about 37 km west of the city. The place abounding in natural beauty leaves the tourists mesmerized and spellbound by its sheer natural splendor. The water of Siruvani contains a lot of minerals and is known for its taste.

Coimbatore Excursions:
Thirty kilometers from the city is the famous Vaideki Water Falls, which is a popular Coimbatore thing to do. Visitors are spell bound by the beauty of the waterfall. The area around the fall is also a good trekking area. About ninety kilometers from the city is the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over an area of almost nine-hundred-and-sixty square kilometers, and is home to some of the finest species of mammals, including all the big cats.

Bhavani is a major pilgrim site that is located one-hundred-twenty kilometers from the city. All the Crocodile Dundees can travel twenty from Amarvati dam, to a crocodile farm, where you can feed a croc. This temple has visitors all round the year. You can also visit Black Thunder, which is frequently called the best amusement park in Asia. This water theme park is very thrilling indeed. Coimbatore is a gateway to many fascinating cities in the south, like Kodaikanal or Ooty.

How to Reach Coimbatore:

By Air
Peelamedu airport is 10-km from the Coimbatore city, which operates regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Madurai.

By Rail
Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railways and has trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Madurai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mettupalayam, Kochi and Delhi.

By Road
Well built roads and highways connect Coimbatore to all the major cities in and around the state.

Local Transportation
For local transportation, city buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available. State Transport Corporation ply mini luxury coaches between various points in the city and airport.

For more details on Coimbatore Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Bikaner Travel Guide

2007-06-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. The city is encircled by high fortifications comprising a 7 km long wall which bounds the old city and has 5 entrances. All these were established in the 18th century. Bikaner, the sprawling desert city of Rajasthan is an interesting site of traditional Rajasthani attractions, well-fed camels and citadels. This camel country is also famous for its exotic camel safaris, its gorgeous forts and the worship of thousands of holy rats at Mata Kali temple.

Places to see in Bikaner:

• Junagarh Fort
Junagarh Fort was constructed between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Rai Singh, a general in the army of Mughal emperor Akbar, with embellishments in the form of palaces and Luxurious suites added by subsequent Maharajas. This fort has a 986m-long wall with 37 bastions, a moat and two entrances. The Surajpol or the 'Sun Gate' is the main entrance. The palaces within the fort are on the southern side and make a picturesque ensemble of courtyards, balconies, kiosks, towers and windows. A major feature of fort and palaces is the superb quality of stone carving.

• Devi Kund
Ayoyal crematorium with several ornamented cenotaphs or "chhatris' built in the memory of the Bika dynasty rulers. Maharaja Suraj Singh chhatri is the most impressive of all creative entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput painting on the ceiling.

• Lalgarh Palace
The Lalgarh Palace built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father is an architectural splendor in red sandstone. It is situated 3 kms north of Bikaner city. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, it has beautiful latticework and filigree work in sandstone. The palace is quite entirely imposing with overhanging balconies and delicate latticework. The gardens with wandering peacocks and blooming bougainvillea welcome the visitors to the palace.

• Camel Research Farm
Spend a day with indispensable ship of the desert at their camel research and breeding centre-one of its kind in Asia. Timing 15.00hrs to 17.00hrs (Closed on Sundays and government holidays) Photography prohibited. The farm extends over 2000 acres of semiarid land is managed by the central Government. The camel crops of Bikaner were a famous fighting force during the Raj and are still an important part of the desert warfare and defence through the border security Force (BSF).

• Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple
The famous 600 year old temple on the Jodhpur road dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates, which were donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh The most interesting thing about the temple are the rats who scamper freely within the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

• Kalibanga
The name Kalibanga itself does not say much but to a student of history it is immediately recognized as one of the important sites of the Indus Valley Civilization that flourished around 3000 to 5000 years BC. Kalibanga is a major site of the IVC-a monument. Due to years of negligence the precious evidence so painstakingly excavated has crumbled into unrecognizable rubble.

Excursion of Bikaner:

Gajner Palace
Gajner Palace a summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as ' an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding.

Katariasar Village
45 kms from the city on Jaipur Road, the village is rich in ethnic rural and cultural life. View sunset with typical desert landscape around, walk on a range of sand dunes and enjoy desert lifestyle. Villagers main profession is cattle rearing and milk production. The founder of Jasnathi sect of fire dancers- Jasnathji hail from this very place. Herds of chinkara, desert fox, rabbit, peacock, parrot and pat ridges are found in plenty around the village.

Devi Kund Sagar
The Royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs which were built in memory of the deceased members of the ruling family of Bikaner. The Chhatries (Cenotaphs) of the early rulers were made of red sandstone, ornamentation on which resembles very much with carving work on some of the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri.

How to Reach Bikaner:

By Air
Jodhpur is the nearest Airport. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is well connected by Regular flights from all the metros cities of India--. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

By Rail
A good rail network with cities connects Bikaner like Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Allahabad. The "Palace on Wheels" luxury train also covers Bikaner in its eight-day tour of Rajasthan.

By Road
Bikaner is connected by road with the major cities in India. National and State Highways link Bikaner with the other major cities and metros in India. Delhi is 456km, Jaipur 334km and Jaisalmer 333km from Bikaner.

For more details on Bikaner Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Madurai Travel Guide

2007-06-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

Madurai or the "city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers till the 14th century. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. Mythology says when city was being named; Lord Shiva blessed the city and its people. On the auspicious occasion some Divine nectar fell from the matted locks of Shiva and hence the city was named "Madhurapuri". This sacred town of south attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors from India as well as abroad.

Places to see in Madurai:

Meenakshi Temple
The landmark of Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. Kulasekhara Pandya originally built the temple. But the credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayak dynasty that ruled Madurai from 16th - 18th centuries. It is a twin temple; one dedicated to Meenakshi and the other to Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). The rectangular temple is graced by twelve gopurams (towers). The southern gopuram is the tallest and rises to 49m. The thousand-pillared hall has beautiful sculptures.

Koodal Alagar Temple
This ancient shrine has Vishnu in sitting, standing and reclining postures, one above the other. It has elegantly carved ornamental windows described as "miracles of the stone masons art". There are also intricate wood carvings including a panel of lord Rama's Pattabishekam.

Vandiyur Kanmoy Tourist Complex
Located 6kms from the Periyar Bus stand, Vandiyur Kanmoy (tank) is an ideal picnic spot. T.T.D.C. operates children’s Train and boating service. There is also a restaurant in the tourist complex.

Tirumalai Nayak Palace
Tirumalai Nayak Palace is a kilometer away from the temple and was built in 1636 by the ruler, after whom it has been named. Though much of the palace is only in ruins, the entrance gate, main hall and dance hall remain intact.

Vanditur Mariamman Teppakulam
This huge tank is covers an area equal to the six of Meenakshi temple. Tirumalai Nayak built it in 1646. It is said that channels from the Vaigai River connect the tank. Today, this tank remains empty for most of the year except during the Teppam Festival.

Naickar Mahal
The remains of the palace of the 17th century ruler Thirumalai Naickar who contributed extensively to the Meenakshi Temple. Only a small portion of the original structure which was four times as largeremains. There were originally two parts-Swargavilasa, meant for the King, is harem and housing the darbar court, and the ranka vilasa, which was for the servants. Currently, entrance to the roof is prohibited due the renovation work being carried out by the Archaeological Department. They claim to finish work in 6 months.

Gandhi Museum
This institution housed in a 300-year old palace is dedicated to Gandhi je and promotes study and appreciation of the Mahatma's teachings. There is a picture gallery, personal memorabilia of the Mahatma, a library and an exhibition of South India handicrafts and village industries.

Excursion of Madurai:

Vaigai Dam
Vaigai dam is surrounded by well-manicured gardens and has come up as a popular picnic spots, just 70-km from Madurai.

Megamalai
The tea estates on the slopes of the Western Ghats nestles Megamalai. This lovely place is bound to capture your imagination. Good place to stay and enjoy a lovely surrounding. One can also watch the animals roaming in the forest, which is close to Megamalai, Just 130-km from Madurai.

Suruli Falls
123-km from Madurai city is Suruli falls, which are located in a picturesque area. It is an ideal spot and an excellent picnic spot to spend one day.

Courtallam
Courtallam is located about 167-km on the Western Ghats and is an excellent health resort in this part of the country. This place is also known as the 'Spa of the South'. Courtallam is located just 160-km from Madurai. This place has got nine splendid waterfalls, which attracts a large number of visitors. TTDC offers here a boathouse accommodation apart from the restaurant.

Palani
118-km from Madurai is the temple dedicated to Lord Subramanyam. The temple is located on top of a hill 180 meter high. The temple attracts many devotees and people coming to Madurai do not miss visiting Palani. From the hill top one gets an excellent view of the nearby
area.

How to get there:

By Air
Madurai has its own airport situated 10 kms away from the city. There are daily flights to Madurai from Chennai, Bangalore, Tiruchi & Coimbatore.

By Rail
There are train connections to Madurai from Madras, which takes eight hours via Trichy and from Rameshwaram, takes six hours. If you approach Madurai from Kerala, some spectacular scenes of the Western Ghats can be viewed.

By Road
The city has excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India. It has 5 Major bus stands.

For more details on Madurai travel visit www.times2travel.com

Pune Travel Guide

2007-05-31T02:50:00.000-07:00

Pune also known as Poona is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. It was the seat of power during Maratha Kingdom. Located at a distance of 160 km from Mumbai, Pune is the second largest city of Maharashtra.

Pune lies close to the Western Ghat Mountains, on the edge of the Deccan plains as they stretch away to the east. Pune is the cultural capital of the Maratha people, which is also known as the "Queen of the Deccan." Pune is a contrast of history and modernism. Pune is considered as the Oxford of India – with its many educational and research institutions apart from other institutions for sports, yoga, ayurveda, culture and social services. Pune is nowadays also seen as a potential city for massive growth of Information Technology.

Places to see in Pune:

• Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum
Creation of the passionate efforts of a single person, Dr. D.G.Kelkar, the museum has a vast collection of unique and peculiar exhibits. The collection is eclectic and exceptional. In a pleasant change from the other well-known museums of India, the Raja Denkar Kelkar museum exhibits the diversity of India's culture in a subtle and delightful way. The elephant-shaped foot scrubber, a brass scorpion that reveals a secret lock and eight images of Lord Ganesha carved on a bean make it a place to see in Pune.

• Kandariya Mahadeo
Popularly Known as SONAR QUILA, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch.

• Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan or the Government's House was built in the year 1866 and housed the government of Bombay Presidency during the colonial times in the summers. The building was impressively designed by James Trubshawe and is situated in Ganeshkhind. It is must visit place for all the tourists in Pune.

• Chaunsath Yogini
This lake situated in south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon.

• Konark Park
Situated in the outskirts of Pune, ahead of Ambrosia and around 5 kms from Pashan is this beautiful bird sanctuary. It is a private collection of birds of Dr. Suhas Jog. The birds here have been collected by Dr. Jog over a period of 30 years from different parts of the world. This aviary cum birds research centre houses the most unique and beautiful species of birds. One cannot but feel overwhelmed by the beauty of these birds. Photography is not allowed inside the park and nothing can replace the joy of seeing the birds in person.

• Matangeshwara Temple
Situated outside the premises of Western group of temples, this Lord Shiva's temple is known for the daunting eight-feet high lingam (male organ representing the natural process of reproduction and the continuity of human life form) that it enshrines.

Hill Stations in Pune:
Pune being surrounded by the Sahyadris is very near to various hill stations of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar, the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra was established in 1829 by the British. Situated in the heart of Sahyadri hills, this cool place has a legendary past with a temple dedicated to Shiva. At an altitude of 1372m, this place is 120 km away from Pune and offers splendid spots.

Matheran
Matheran is actually closer to Mumbai but is hardly 118 km from Pune. The most unforgettable things about Matheran are the deep forests, waterfalls nearby and the splendid flora - fauna. Monsoon spells out double magic in Matheran.

Lonavala and Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai - Pune highway at an altitude of 625m. These small towns, 70 km away from Pune, are blessed with nature in bounty. With beautiful hills, deep green valleys, huge lakes, and waterfalls these are paradise for the trekkers.

Climate:
Pune has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical hot summer weather runs from March to May, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. Contrary to most of the Deccan Plateau where May is the warmest month, the warmest month in Pune is April. The city often receives local and heavy thundershowers with sharp downpours in May, which cools the temperatures. Nevertheless, the nights in Pune are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.

How to Reach Pune:

By Air
Airport is situated in the Lohagaon area, about 12-km from the city. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways provide regular flights to Pune from Delhi, four flights a week to Chennai and Bangalore, two to three flights daily from Mumbai and to Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Goa.

By Rail
Pune has excellent railway services connecting all major cities.

By Road
Pune is well connected by road with the all major cities within the state as well as outside the state. Daily private and government buses ply from Pune to Mumbai (4hrs).

For more details on Pune Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Mahabaleshwar travel Guide

2007-05-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Nestling in the curvaceous mountain ranges of the western ghats of Maharashtra are the cool misty resorts of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Away from the crowds and noise of the city, these twin resorts are an ideal holiday destination.

Among the hill resorts of the state, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are very popular. Tucked away in the Satara district, they are best approached from Pune. Spared the commercialization that has affected the hill resorts of north and south India, the two resorts offer a clean, calm and thoroughly refreshing alternative. And, perhaps the only place in the country which offers a myriad activities-boating, fishing, horse riding, trekking and playing golf on the gorgeous nine-hole golf course built on the edge of a cliff!

Places to See in Mahabaleshwar:

• Pratapgad Fort
The historic Pratapgad Fort (24 km) was built by the Maratha chieftain Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1656, to control the rebellious rulers of the nearby Javali Basin. According to legend, Shivaji was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhawani located here. It is also the site of the famous battle between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, ruler of the Bijapur Sultanate.

• Mount Malcolm
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was built in 1829 with magnificent architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a lot of its old charm now.

• Wilson Point or Sunrise Point
It is the highest point at Mahabaleshwar, about 4710 feet above sea level. It is a vast plateau, there are three masonry round platforms which offer splendor view of the sunrise. The platform no: 2 is the best platform to view sunrise, one can also see sunset from this point.

• Catholic Church
A visit to the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour. Although the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still a sight to behold. This deserted church is now looked after by a Hindu family.

• Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls situated at a very short distance from Mahabaleshwar. The famous water falls are Chinaman's (2.5 Kms), Dhobi (3 Kms) and Lingamala (6 Kms). Another beautiful waterfall is Arthur's Seat, 12 Kms away from Mahabaleshwar.

• Mahabaleshwar Club
The club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained. Only members of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its well-tended roses and lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated by loyal members every year. Fortunately, one facility is open to visitors; who can use the golf course whenever they feel like it.

• Morarji Castle
Also worth a look is this old structure. Mahatma Gandhi once lived here in 1945.

Climate
The climate tends to be damp and extremely wet during the rainy season, warm in summer and fairly cool in the winter months. Weather pundits say of Mahabaleshwar that it is never too hot, thanks to its height and never cold, thanks to its proximity to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea! Except for the rainy season, Mahabaleshwar is packed with people and honeymooners looking for a cool getaway. But the cognoscenti swear that Mahabaleshwar has its own particular charm and magic during the monsoons. So give rainy Mahabaleshwar a try. High season is during the festive months of October and December and during the summer vacation in May-June. The surrounding forests produce many commercial varieties of medicinal herbs, trees & plants. Local wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, wild boars, deer and Indian bison found in the Brahma Aranya forest area. Even the odd sighting of panthers has been reported though that is rarity.

How to get there

By Air
The nearest airport is at Pune at about 120kms from Mahabaleshwar. Pune airport has tourist services for those willing to visit Mahabaleshwar.

By Rail/Train
Pune is the convenient railhead to Mahabaleshwar. However the nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is at Wathar, at a distance of 62kms.

By Road
From Bombay via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Bombay and Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during the monsoon, between Bombay-Mahabaleshwar-Bombay. Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.

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Hyderabad Travel Guide

2007-05-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

Hyderabad is the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Between northern and southern India, Hyderabad has a rich history and multi-lingual culture, and has boasted peaceful coexistence of Mulsims and Hindus.

Hyderabad is famous world over for its fabulous Diamond markets, glass embedded bangles and the delectable Hyderabadi cuisine. It has a Hindu - Muslim culture with a number of monuments of historical importance. Legend says that in 1589 Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty founded a new city along the banks of river Musi for his ladylove, Bhagmati. The city was then called Bhagyanagar. Later when Bhagmati entered the royal family, she was honored with the title Hyder Mahal. And Bhagyanagar became
Hyderabad.

Places to see in Hyderabad:

Golconda Fort
This fort, originally built by the Kakatiyas, the rulers of the neighboring state, was made with mud. Later, the Shahis converted it into a marvelous piece of architecture using advanced acoustics wherein sound signals could pass from the entrance of the fort to the top without the use of any electric gadgets. There is a sound and light show in the evening which is quiet popular.

Charminar
It is the principal landmark of Hyderabad. In 1591, Mohamed Quli Qutub Shah built Charminar to commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic. Charminar, which means four towers, stands 56m high and 30m wide creating four arches facing each of cardinal points.

Salar Jung Museum
A major attraction for art lovers, Salar Jung Museum was put together by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the Prime Minister of Nizam Osman Ali Khan. One of the largest private collections in the world that covers exhibits from every part of the world, the museum has over 35,000 items comprising of wood carvings, sculptures, Persian miniature paintings, weaponry and a library of 50000 books.

Birla Mandir
As the name indicates, Birla Trust in 1976 constructed the temple. Built with white Rajastani marble, the temple is located on Kalabahad, one of the twin rocky hills overlooking the south end of Hussain Sagar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is a replica of Venkateshwara temple at Tirupati.

Qutub Shahi Tombs
The royal cemetery of the Qutub Shahi kings lies about 2km from the Golconda Fort. The tombs are a scattered group of large domes and terraces. Perhaps this is the only place in the world where one can see so many tombs in one place. All the Qutub Shahi kings except Abdul Hassan Tana Shah who died in captivity in Daulatabad are buried here. These graceful domed tombs are surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Hyderabad Fair & Festivals:

Deccan Festivals
The deccan festival highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and cusine. This festival also includes a Pearls and Bangles fair and a food fair. Cultural programs, food stalls arts and craft shops etc. are also organized.

Lumbini Festival
This festival is organized to celebrate the Buddhist Heritage of Andra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad for three days from 2nd Friday of December every year.

Ugadi
This native New Year comes soon after the celebration of 'holy' in April-May. Spring is considered as the first season of this native New Year of Andra

Vinayak Chaturthi
The day is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm throughout the country, because on that day Lord Ganesh was born. Every year the largest Ganesh Idol is installed at Khairatbad in Hyderabad that is taller than thirty feet. On the 11th day of celebration, processions converge at Hussain Sager Lake. The ten-day Ganesh festival concludes with the immersion of Ganesh idols in the lake.

Climate:

Summer
March - June, Temperatures hit 40 degrees celsius. Sunstroke is common. Drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen.

Monsoon
July- September. Usually it doesn't rain much, but occasionally you get thunderstorms.

Winter
October - February, Average 8 degrees celsius. Sometimes bitingly cold, but mostly pleasant.

How to get there:

Air
Has international airport.

Rail
Being headquarter of South Central Railway, Well connected from all major cities of India.

Road
Hyderbad, being Capital city is well conected by Road from all major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra and Orissa.

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Gwalior Travel Guide

2007-05-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

Gwalior is the perfect entry point into Madhya Pradesh. It will instantly give you a feel of the state’s history, landscape and people. The people of Gwalior are as tough and resilient as its terrain. They have crossed swords with the mightiest armies in the country down the ages; and more recently, they have come into conflict with the dacoits who have plundered the Chambal River Valley.

Places to see in Gwalior:

Memorial of Rani (Queen) Jhansi
This memorial stands near Phoolbagh. One of the most famous ladies in the entire History of India, Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi laid down her life in Gwalior. Laxmibai was one of the leaders in the first freedom struggle of India. Rani of Jhansi, Laxmibai came to Gwalior when general Huroz of British army defeated Laxmibai in Kalpi.

Jai Vilas Palace
Jai Vilas is unmatched in scale and splendor. The durbar hall for formal audience measures 15 meters by 85 meters with the roof over 12 meters high. The ceiling is painted in pale green and gold and the floor is covered with perhaps the largest one-piece carpet woven in situ by the carpet makers in the world. This is the room about which lady Dufferin the Vicereine exclaimed in 1884”.

Tomb of Tansen
This is the tomb of the father of Hindustani classical music, the great Mian Tansen, one of the 'Nine Jewels' of Emperor Akbar's court. It is built in the early Mughal architectural style and is surrounded by lush gardens in typical Mughal style. Every year a national level music festival is organized here in November/December. There is a tamarind tree near the tomb. It is believed that Tansen got fabulous voice after eating leaves of this tree so people visiting the place also eat these leaves.

Moti Mahal
Jaivilas despite its opulence did not become the Maharaja’s favorite. It was more suited for a European prince than an oriental potentate. Another Palace was commissioned. Thus was Moti Mahal born, a modest mansion with nine hundred rooms. It draws inspiration from the medieval buildings in Gwalior and has an unmistakable oriental ambience with curving colonnaded terraces flanked by square towers.

Sas Bahu Ka Madir
The Sas-Bahu temple was probably called the Shashtra Bahu temple. "The smaller one close to it was perhaps a Shiva temple, but over the years this pair of temples whose carvings can be compared to any of the great temples of India came to be known as the "Sas-Bahu temples".

Shopping in Gwalior:
Shopping in Gwalior is going to be a fabulous experience for the tourists who would like to carry home authentic items with a royal splendor. The Gwalior bazaars are perhaps the oldest in Madhya Pradesh. The shops in Gwalior have a lineage of centuries and were once patronized by the royalty in Gwalior. If you are looking for souvenirs with a traditional touch, you will find them in the shops near Rajwara, Laskar and Patankar Bazaar. You can choose from a range of art and craft items like lacquer ware, dolls, handwoven carpets, wall hangings and jewelery which make good gifts to carry home. Gwalior is famous for its Chanderi sarees and if you wish to buy them you should go to the Chowk at Bara.

Fairs and Festivals of Gwalior:

The Tansen Music Festival
Gwalior has special affinity with the classical music and singing. It has been an influence on the Hindustani classical music. Gwalior has retained the strong musical tradition. Tansen the exponent of Dhrupad style, went on to evolve the Gwalior Gharana whose contemporary exponent is the world renowned Sarod player Amjad Ali Khan. As a tribute to Tansen, the great master of classical music, a festival is organised in the month of November/December every year. Renowned musicians from the country gather to give performance during the festival.

Climate of Gwalior:
The climate of Gwalior is extreme with hot summers and cold winters. The maximum temperature during the summer months can touch as high as 46°C, while in the winters it can go down to below 5°C.

How to get there:

By Air
Regular flights connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai.

By Rail
Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Taj and Shatabdi Expresses connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra.

By Road
Gwalior is connected by regular bus services with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Ujjain and shivpuri.

For more details on Gwalior Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Ahmedabad Travel Guide

2007-05-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and the seventh-largest urban agglomeration in India, with a population of almost 51 lakhs (5.1 million). Located on the banks of the River Sabarmati, the city is the administrative centre of Ahmedabad district, and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970; the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar thereafter. The city is sometimes called Karnavati, a name for an older town that existed in the same location; in colloquial Gujarati, it is commonly called Amdavad.

Places to see in Ahmedabad:

Gandhi Aashram
Located near vadaj the Sabarmati Aashram was once house of Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, and today without doubt it is the biggest tourist attraction in Ahmedabad. It lies on the tranquil stretch of the Sabarmati river and was referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It was from here, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' in 1930 to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the ashram premises.

Akshardham
It is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swami Narayan. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument built of 6000 tons of pink sand stones. The entire monument was built without the use of steel and consists of a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swami Narayan and his holy relics.

Calico Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum housed in a carved wooden haveli boasts of an amazing collection of antique and modern textiles. Its repertoire includes rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes and also some older weaving machines. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent reference library on textiles. Closed on Wednesdays and bank holidays, this museum is not to be missed.

Sidi Sayed Mosque
Sidi Sayed Mosque is unique for its exquisite screens, which are praised for their amazing Jhali screen, framed, in the ten semi-circular windows. The screen carved out of one rock is just exceptional. A visit to this superb and outstanding example of delicate carving is an absolute must.

Jama Masjid
Is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, the Masjid is located in the center of the old city.

Kankaria Lake
It is a circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutub-ud-Din. In the center of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace known as Nagina Wadi.

Fairs and Festivals in Ahmedabad:

Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti or kite festival held on the 14th January, the, marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and is hence named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in Ahmedabad starts the day with kite flying and continues into the night by attaching lamps to kites so one can see them in the sky.

Rath Yatra
Rath Yatra In the months of June or July a massive procession takes place from the Jagannath (Juggernaut) temple in Ahmedabad. Amidst the chanting of the sacred and Vedic hymns, a sacred chariot is taken out carrying idols Krishna, Balram and Subhadra. If in the area, this shouldn’t be missed. Don’t forget you camera!

Tarnetar Festival
Tarnetar Festival August or September Just 3 hours drive from Ahmedabad, Tarnetar, a quiet hamlet is transformed into a whirl of colour & excitement in the first week of Bhadrapad. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in Gujarat & is attended by various tribes of Gujarat. During the festival match making is celebrated over 3 days and 2 nights. It’s another fun filled festival worth viewing.

Shopping in Ahmedabad
Shopping in Ahmedabad is fun wandering through this city of fabrics and curios with a strong old world charm. Premier shopping areas in Ahmedabad are C.G.Road, Ashram Road, Law Garden, and Relief Road. The Khadi Gram Udyog Emporiums, Hastkala, Kapasi Handicrafts Emporium, Saurashtra Emporium, and Bandhej are some of the places where one can get cotton garments, handicrafts, and curios. Gurjari, the Gujarat State Crafts Emporium, has some of the best products not only from Ahmedabad but also from Gujarat. Teen Darwaja in old city, once a great place for antique, will be a fascinating shopping experience if one has the time and inclination for bargaining.

How to get there:

By Air
Ahmedabad airport is 10 km north of the city and has both the domestic and international terminal.

By Rail
Ahmedbad has direct train services to major cities in India.

By Road
Ahmedabad has good highways connecting it to all major places in Gujarat and other states. Interstate buses of different states of India provide services to and from Ahmedabad.

For more details on Ahmedabad Travel visit www.times2travel.com

Rajkot Travel Guide

2007-05-21T00:43:00.000-07:00

Once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, Rajkot was founded by Vibhoji, the younger son of Ajoji. It is the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life. The city, also a former British government headquarters, has a number of impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions. It is famous for silver, textiles and a National weaving institute which promotes traditional weaves. The pleasant town is an important industrial area and a religious centre of the Arya Samaj.

It is best known as the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan or Prime Minister to the king of Saurashtra. Today Rajkot is a city vibrant with business activities and one of the major cities of Gujarat..

Places to see in Rajkot:

Kaba Gandhi No Delo
Kaba Gandhi No Delo is the house where Mahatma Gandhi grew up. It now holds a permanent exhibition of Gandhian items. It is within the old city on Ghee Kanta Road.

Race Course
Race course has various sports facilities like Olympic standard Indoor Stadium, International quality Cricket ground, Football, Hockey & Volleyball grounds, Gym and swimming pool etc. Because of all these attractions, Race Course is the most common place to be visited by the "Rajkotians". One very interesting fact about Race Course is that it provides an extremely large sitting arrangement of cement benches embedded with the outer border of the ground throughout its periphery, which is rarely seen in any other cities.

Watson Museum and Library
Located in the Jubilee Gardens, the Watson Museum and Library is a memorial dedicated to Colonel James Watson, who was a political agent of Saurashtra from 1886-89. Two imperial lions flank the entrance of the museum. Among the exhibits are copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th-century carvings, temple statues, natural history exhibits, and dioramas of local tribal costumes and housing styles.

Alfred School/Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya
When Gandhiji's father shifted to Rajkot as Diwan of the local ruler, the young Gandhi was sent to Alfred School in the town, now known as Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya. The famous incident of Gandhi not copying the spelling of "kettle", despite his class teacher repeatedly prompting him to do so during the visit of a school inspector, took place here.

Excursions of Rajkot
Five kilometers from Rajkot, is a perfect picnic spot known as Lal Pari Lake and Randerda. The Naulakha Darbagandh Palace famous for its unique architecture is situated forty kilometers from the city in Gondal. About fifty kilometers from the city is the Wankaner palace, which has been turned into a hotel now. Its roman-gothic architecture is very appealing and beautiful. Two-hundred-and-fifty kilometers from the city are Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat. 70 KMS from the city, is Jetpur where textile traders from all over the world come into this bustling town for its quality and rates.

Shopping in Rajkot
Rajkot is not yet a major metropolis, but it is has a number of quality malls, where you get all the popular brands. The city has many bazaars exclusively for silverwares and textiles, which are offered at fairly reasonable prices. Make sure to check out the Bandhani sarees, which are made in the city, and are very striking.

Climate
The climate of Rajkot is generally pleasant. The summer season extends from March to June with daytime temperature reaching a high of around 42°C. The monsoons are from July to September. Winter season sets in during October and extends until February. In association with cyclonic storms or depressions in the Arabian Sea in the post-monsoon months, and to a lesser extent in May and June, Rajkot experiences strong winds and heavy rain.

Thunderstorms occur in June and July. In the cold season occasional fog occurs. The summer temperature ranges from 24°C to 42°C and winter temperature ranges from 10°C to 24°C. The average annual rainfall is around 276 mm.

How to get there:

By Air
Indian Airlines connects Rajkot with Bombay and Vayudoot connects Rajkot with Bombay and Kandla. East West Airlines also operate flight from Bombay-Rajkot.

By Rail
Rajkot is a junction on the Western Railway broad gauge line.

By Road
Rajkot to : Bombay 798 km, Ahmedabad 218 km, Junagadh 98 km, Jamnagar 86 km, Dwarka 238 km, Porbandar 178 km, Bhavnagar 165 km, Sasangir 155 km. Bus connect Rajkot to all major cities of state.

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Nashik Travel Guide

2007-05-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

Nashik attracts thousands of pilgrims annually because of the sanctity of the Godavari River, which is called the Ganges of the south and also because of the legend that Ram, the hero of the Ramayana epic, had spent most of his banishment tenure here, with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman.

Like Ujjain this is the site for the triennial Kumbh Mela which comes here every 12 years. The riverbanks are lined with steps above which stand temples and shrines. Although there are no particularly notable temples in Nashik the Sundar Narayan Temple, to the west of the city, is worth seeing.

Places to see in Nashik

• Kala Ram Mandir
The largest and simplest of the temples is Kalaram Mandir, built in 1790 by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa. It houses a black stone image of Rama, hence the name. The temple is made by complete black stones, which has four doors facing East, West, South and North and the apex made up of 32 tons of gold. In 1930, Dr. Ambedkar performed Satyagraha, to allow the entry of Harijans into the temple.

• Sita Gumpha
The Gumpha is near the five Banyan trees in Panchavati. One can enter the cave with the help of a very narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram, Laxman and Sita. To the left, one can enter into the cave having the Shiva Linga. Devotees believe that Ravan kidnapped Sita from the same place.

• Shirdi
Shirdi is a very sacred and important place of pilgrimage in India. It is about 100 km drive from Nashik. Shirdi was a sleepy little village, tucked away in the interiors of Maharashtra and got famous because the sage Sai Baba. He was the mentor and prophet. Even today the last few surviving elders of the village vividly recall the miraculous wonders of the sage. He died in 1918. people from all the religion have faith in the saint and throng the place for his blessings.

• Pandav Caves
The Pandav Caves are located on a tableland on Trivashmi Hill. Built by Jain kings these Caves are around 2000 years old. There are some 24 Caves that were home to Jain saints such as Tirthankara Vrishabdeo, Veer Manibhadraji, and Ambikadevi. There are sculptures of the Buddha and bodhisattvas as well. The cave complex consists of large Caves, which were probably the meeting place of disciples.

• Panchavati
Northern part of Nashik is known as Panchavati as River Godavari flows. There are five Banyan (Vat) trees and hence the area is called Panchavati. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Lakshman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Infact it was here that Sita spotted the golden deer and was abducted by the demon king Ravan. People believe that she was abducted from the Sita Gumpha. This is a small cave underneath a banyan tree. One can enter the cave with the help of a narrow staircase. The cave has the idol of Shree Ram,
Lakshman and Sita. Thus Panchavati gained lot of importance.

Shopping in Nashik
The main visitors of this city are religious pilgrims, so the markets pay more attention to their needs. So, it is one of the best places to buy items of religious significance little bronze statues and beaded necklaces. The city is a good place for jewelry lovers, as the prices are reasonable.

How to Get There:

By Air
Nearest airport from Nashik is at Mumbai, 185-km away from the city.

By Rail
Nashik Road is one of the major stations on Central Railway. Nashik is well connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi and Aurangabad.

By Bus
Nashik is well connected by road. There are also several private and state buses available between Mumbai/Thane and Nashik.

For more details on Nashik Travel visit www.times2travel.com