Travel Tour Places India

Bangalore Road Trip to Chitradurga Fort

2020-04-21T08:29:00.063-07:00

Chitradurga (also known locally as Durga) is a city and the headquarters of Chitradurga district which is located on the valley of the Vedavati river in the central part of the Indian state of Karnataka.^[2] It is located about 200 km from the state capital Bengaluru.

Chitradurga city is well connected to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Davanagere, Hubballi, Hospet, Bellary, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Vijayapura, Belagavi by Bus through KSRTC.

Planning done for the road trip at 9am. We left from HSR, Bangalore at sharp 10am via Nice/Tumkur Road. Paid Nice road toll 180rs at 10:25am. By 12:17 am we reached Chokanahalli(Tumkur) toll booth. Had Breakfast in Sree Ratnam Resturant Food was good there. After that another 2 toll gates at 12:58pm and another at 1:49pm crossed. Finally reached Chitradurga Fort at 2:30pm.

We hired one guide to better understand about the history of Fort. Cost was 500rs for 2hrs time. But trust me it was super worth. Guide was with us about 2 hrs.

History of Chitradurga Fort

Chitradurga features bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in numerous shapes. According to the epic Mahabharatha, it is confirmed about this story that a Rakshasa named Hidimba and his sister Hidimbi lived on the hill. Hidimba was a source of terror to everyone around while Hidimbi was a peace-loving rakshasa. When the Pandavas came there in the course of their exile, Bhima had a duel with Hidimba in which Hidimba was killed. Thereafter Bhima married Hidimbi and they had a son named Ghatotkacha. The boulders on which major part of the city rests belong to the oldest rock formation in the country. In one single boulder Ganesha statue was crafted. There are so many boulders around. We saw the pond where ladies were having bath. There are 2 temples also on top of the hill. one big pond was there from which they are collecting drinking water.

Excerpts from Wikipedia

The Way in which Hhyder Ali's Soilders Came to Attack

There are so many stories behind the fort. Each Area you go inside, you will one story for that. We met monkey man also who climbs the wall like monkey. As it is very dangerous still the man goes with all the hope and perform very actively. We are happy to see his effort and appreciated him with some money. Took pics with and wished him for his upcoming international performances which he announced to the audiences.

Onake Obavva

During the reign of Madakari Nayaka, (He was the last ruler of Chitradurga) the town of Chitradurga was besieged by the troops of Hyder Ali. A chance sighting of a woman entering the Chitradurga fort through an opening in the rocks led to a clever plan by Hyder Ali to send his soldiers through the hole. The guard on duty near that hole had gone home for lunch. The wife of that guard, Obavva was passing by the hole to collect water, when she noticed soldiers emerging out of this opening. She was carrying with her an Onake (a long wooden club meant for pounding paddy grains). She killed Hyder Ali's soldiers one by one as they attempted to enter the fort through the opening and quietly moved the dead. Over a short period of time hundreds of soldiers entered and fell, Obavva's husband, upon his return from his lunch was shocked to see Obavva standing with a blood stained Onake and hundreds of dead bodies of the enemy around her. Together both wife and husband beat up most of the soldiers. But as both of them were about to finish off all the soldiers of Hyder Ali, Obavva dies. The opening in the rocks still remains as a historical witness for the story. Though her brave attempt saved the fort on that occasion, Madakari Nayaka could not repel Hyder Ali's attack in 1779. In the ensuing battle, the fort of Chitradurga was lost to Hyder Ali. Obavva remains a legend, especially to the women of Karnataka.

From Wikipedia

It was drizzling whole day there and by 5:30pm it started heavily. 6pm we came out from the Fort.

7:10pm - Had Snacks in upadhay Veg

7:30pm: Started for Bangalore

8:40pm: Dinner at Sadananda Punjabi Dhaba

11:45pm: Reached Home

It was very exciting place. I wish to travel again there to enjoy each part of the place. As every corner has some story and it is very big that you need 2 days at least to see properly.

Road Trip to Golden Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu - Places Around Bangalore

2020-04-21T07:47:00.001-07:00

Golden Temple Vellore complex inside the Sripuram spiritual park is situated at the foot of a small range of green hills at Thirumalaikodi Vellore in Tamil Nadu, India. It is 120 km from Tirupati, 145 km from Chennai, 160 km from Puducherry and 200 km from Bengaluru.

Source: Wikipedia

I would like to share my personal travel experience to the Golden Temple, Vellore.

This was an immediate plan on 12 Jul 2019. At 10 am, We just thought about it and Around 11:30 am we started from home.

Filled petrol near by our house as this is very important before travel to any destination. As there are two more places to see on the way. We made the plan to go to Vellore Fort and ancient Shiva Temple first.

We crossed Krishnagiri at 1:30 pm. and had lunch at Sai Sangeet restaurant on Chennai Highway.

Reached Shiva temple at 4 pm. It was very old ancient temple. We can imagine the way it looked and by seeing old sculptures and idols. The Fort was just adjacent to Temple. We imagine the war and other stuffs by seeing some areas in the Fort. It was on height and in front of that 1 big lake was there. We spend around 1.5 hrs there. It was very hot though it was already evening. Again we started for Golden Temple at 5:30 pm.

Shiva Temple Vellore

Fort Vellore

For Vehicle parking, all the parking slots closed inside the temple. So, the guards suggested to park in front of temple on opposite road. We have to deposit our shoes and cell phones at the counter and go inside the temple. Not immediately but there is a very long distance have to cover by walk.

The temple is made of full of Gold and situated on Center. Surrounding to the temple there is the track where people can stand in queue. One side is for entering to the temple and other side to exit. It started raining while we were walking through it. But there is shade on top of you. So there is no problem to get drenched. There are some posters with beautiful devotional messages kept on both the sides of the track. So, you will not feel the distance but believe me it is very long distance to the main temple. After walking for more than 1 hr finally we reached to the main Goddess Lakshmi. But you can only do Darshan from some distance as we are not allowed to go near.

On the Exit way, We got chance to do Darshan for Balaji and the Idol is same as Tirupati. Nicely We did Darshan. I was already 8:30 pm there. There was one classical music concert was going on inside the Temple. Enjoyed that also. Finally We came out. 10:45 we had dinner on the way and 12:42 pm We reached home.

After all sometimes sudden plans make you happy if you just cover the distance in one go and if your day go well planned. :-)

Top Monsoon Travel Destinations India

2011-07-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Travel to some Monsoon destinations is really wonderful experience. There are some top monsoon destinations in India.

Travel to monsoon gateways to enjoy your monsoon holidays and to make yourself fresh and cheerful.

Here are few getaways perfect Travel Destinations In India During Monsoon –

Goa in Monsoon Season: Goa is most romantic travel destinations in India.There is

such a diverse change in the environs of Goa between the hot summer months and the cloudy monsoons. It is even worth visiting twice in a year! The monsoon season is also a high- time to explore the wildlife.

Kerala in Monsoon Season - The backwaters of Kerala are full and flowing during monsoons. A ferry trip takes you to the tropical delight with the monsoon washed gorgeous greens steal your heart. Kerala is a best travel destination in India. Catch the Splash Carnival in Wayanad, a Kerala Government endeavour where cultural programmes, indoor and outdoor games, and variety of competitions await travellers.

Maharashtra in Monsoon Season – Maharashtra is also a great place to travel in Monsoon. You can go to Matheran, the Kondana and Kanheri Caves, Lonawala, Khandala and many more. Enjoy your weekend getaway in Maharashtra.

Karnataka in Monsoon season – Karnataka is also having superb nature, magnificent history, and sparkling beach. Likewise, as you keep heading northwards, coastal Karnataka gets its fair share of monsoon thrill in places like Dandeli and the Brahamgiri range. Apart from the fact that this time of the year is rather cooler and free of vacationer, the monsoon months also make many travel destinations affordable. Pack your flip-flops head out to the best travel destinations in India during monsoons.

Summer Holiday Destinations for India Travel

2011-04-19T02:33:00.000-07:00

A summer vacation is a time to relax. You can visit the cool places, hill stations and beaches in India to enjoy your summer vacation.

Visit the scenic hill stations of Kashmir and Uttaranchal in India. Go for water rafting on a sparkling mountain river, travel to the green hills in South India and enjoy a relaxing summer vacation with Indian Holiday Destinations.

I have listed some great holiday destinations in India. Choose your destination now to enjoy.

Top 10 Summer Holiday Destinations in India

Kullu Manali

Kullu Manali is a small valley town situated in Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous romantic destination for couples. A beautiful scenic place to visit in summer. Also it is known as the Switzerland of India. A best place for honeymoon tour, adventure sports, trekking, camping and Sightseeing tour.

Shimla

This is one of the famous holiday destinations in northern part of India and situated in Himachal Pradesh. You will eager to visit again if you will visit once. One could attract with its winding mountain pathways, the soothing climate, and few holy shrines located at the body of the hill.

Mussoorie

Mussorie is awesome summer travel destination close to Dehradun. This is one of the picturesque hill stations visited by numerous tourists across the globe. To get relief from humidity, visit this place for immediate effect and relaxsation. There are also some holy places near to this place, namely the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Yamunotri and Gangotri.

Uttaranchal

Uttaranchal is the best place to define its natural beauty. You can find a pleasant climate, bright flower blooms and lakes. You can see nature in its untamed form. The place is famous for its sanctuaries, lakes, forests, national parks and mountains.

Nainital

Huge number of tourists visits Nainital, eminent summer destination in India. It’s amazing beauty attract lots of visitors to enjoy this place. If you want to get rid from dust and heat then definitely visit the place today. The high mountains and the vast stretches of green across the horizon add to the pictorial beauty.

Mt.Abu

Mt.Abu is a pleasant retreat during the summe. This is a favorite haunt for the nature lovers. Known as a green oasis set amidst the barren landscape of Rajasthan, the place is rich in flora. One of the famous spots is the Dilwara Jain Temples. This is a holy shrine known as an eminent pilgrimage center.

Kashmir

Kashmir is well known as the famous paradise on earth. The white snow capped mountains, apple orchards, quaint shikaras on the pristine lakes and colorful flowers', all seems like nature's own tapestry. The Dal Lake is a favorite haunt for many tourists. Besides this, Also lots of temple are here. Some of them are the Ranbireshwar Temple, Lakshmi Narayan temple and Peer Baba temples are famous.

Srinagar

For the artist (love art, paintings and portraits), choose Srinagar as a summer destination would be a good choice. The place can be best defined as a "collection of beautiful images". It is situated at a distance of 900 kms, in north of Delhi. The place is also contains several shopping marts. You can get the famous Pashmina shawls, carpets, and chainstich rugs from the local emporiums here.

Ooty

Ooty is known as the queen of hill stations scenic picnic spot. One of the major attractions here is the "Udagamandalam", which is a thrilling mountain train journey. Besides this, Ooty is also the abode of the Nilgiris, popularly termed as the "Blue Mountains". Be a part of the all pervading grasslands, green forests and mountains this summer!

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, a charming hill station close to Madurai in Tamil Nadu, many would love to visit during summer. Spending your vacation here with the woods, rocks, beautiful lakes and the ever refreshing air. It is going to be a complete rejuvenation for your body, mind and soul.