Travel With Sid

Rameswaram

2022-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Pamban Island

Rameswaram

Rameswaram is a Spiritual and beautiful city situated on Pamban Island between India and Sri Lanka in Tamil Nadu State.

It is also one of the famous Pilgrimage places and is Included in the Char Dhams (Four Abodes) of India.

This city is connected with the major events held in one of the most well-known stories of Ramayan.

How to plan a tour??

The best time to visit Rameswaram is in Winter and during Monsoon.

A minimum of two days is required to visit all the famous destinations in Rameswaram.

The nearest Airport to Rameswaram is Madurai which is approx 170 KM away so from there can book a cab.

The railway station of Rameswaram is connected with almost all major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Bengaluru, etc.

The most fascinating mode to travel to Rameswaram is Road Trip!! We have started Road Trip from Bengaluru and then 1st traveled to Kodaikanal, Madurai and later we reach Rameswaram.

Our Stay

Hotel MCM Towers

We stayed at Hotel MCM Towers which is located nearly 6 mins of walking distance from Rameswaram Temple and from Railway Station it is approx. 1.6 KM away.

Although this Hotel seems to be residing on a narrow pathway this can have a very good car parking facility.

Places to visit in Rameswaram.

The main reason to visit this city is the Rameswaram Temple which is also known as Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple.

There are many more places for the tourist attraction which are listed below:

Pamban Bridge.
Rameshwaram Beach.
Ramarpadam.
Ramar Theertham.
Panch Mukhi Hanuman.
Laxman Theertham.
House of Kalam.
Dhanushkodi.
Villoondi Theertham.
Vivekanand Temple.

Rameshwaram Temple

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

Rameswaram Temple is also known as Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. It is one of the 12 jyotirlinga temples.

The primary god in this temple is Ramanathaswamy which means Shiva in the form of Lingam, established by Ram before crossing his bridge to Lanka.

In this temple, there are two lingams, from which one built by Ram from sand which is called Ramalingam and the second brought by Hanuman from Kailash called Vishwalingam.

Rama instructed that Vishwalingam must be worshiped 1st which was brought by Hanuman.

The frame in the post depicts the beautiful artwork in the corridor of the temple.

Timings to visit the temple are 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:00 am.

Pamban Bridge

Pamban Bridge.

Pamban Bridge is also known as Annai Indira Gandhi Road Bridge.

It is the 1st Longest Sea Bridge before Worli - Bandra Sea Link in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

It connects the town of Mandapam in mainland India with Pamban Island and Rameswaram.

Agni Teertham Beach

Agni Teertham Beach

Agni Teertham Beach is one of the pilgrimage places in Rameswaram. It is the most visited place for the Holy bath near Rameswaram Temple.

According to the Legends of Ramayan after killing Ravan who was Half Brahmin and a devotee of Lord Shiva, Ram had prayed to Lord Shiva to atone sin of killing a Brahmin.

This theertham is also linked to another mythology. According to mythology, after their return from Lanka, Lord Rama expressed worries about Goddess Sita's chastity, causing Goddess Sita to undergo Agnipariksha.

Goddess Sita had ordered Lord Lakshmana, Lord Rama's brother, to light a fire after hearing the doubts voiced against her. She then sat in front of the fire to prove her purity. Despite sitting in the flames, she was unharmed, and Lord Agni appeared to prove Goddess's purity. Later, Lord Angi bathed in the sea and prayed to Lord Shiva to atone for his sin of touching Goddess Sita when she sat on fire. So, this is the reason that this place is called Agni Teertham.

Ramarpadam

Ramarpadam

Ramarpadam is also spelled as Ramar padham or Gandhamadhana Parvatham or Ramar Paatham.

It is located on a hill named Gandha Madhana parvatham. This temple has Lord Rama's feet embossed on chakra on the First floor of the temple.

According to Legends of Ramayan, at this place, Hanuman told Lord Ram that he had found Goddess Sita in Sri Lanka and then Lord Ram stood here and planned for the Bridge before building Ram-Setu.

Timings to visit the temple are 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Ramar Theertham

Ramar Theertham

This theertham is where Lord Rama is said to have bathed. In front of the Ramar Theertham is a Rama temple, where Lord Ram bestows Sita, Laksman, and Hanuman upon his followers.

Timings to visit the temple are 5.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

Panchmukhi Hanuman

Panchmukhi Hanuman

Panchmukhi Hanuman means the five-faced Hanuman temple. It is located 2 KM away from the Rameswaram Temple.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and with other faces of Lord Narasimha, Lord Adivaraha, Lord Garuda, and Lord Hayagriva.

The 'floating stones' that have been placed at the temple for pilgrims to observe are another prominent attraction of this temple.

These floating stones were used to construct the Sethu Bandhanam floating bridge connecting Rameshwaram and Lanka, allowing Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and others to go to Lanka to rescue Goddess Sita and put an end to demon Ravana's atrocities.

Timings to visit the temple are 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Laxman Theertham

Laxman Theertham

Laxman Theertham Pond

Laxman Theertham is located approx. 1 KM away from the Rameswaram Temple. This is also one of the pilgrimage places of Rameswaram.

According to Legends of Ramayan, Lord Laxman had installed the Shiv Lingam here and offered prayers to Lord Shiva.

This temple has carved monuments of Lord Laxman, Lord Rama, and Goddess Sita.

Timings to visit the temple are 6:00 AM to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi

Dhanushkodi is a ghost town located on the south-eastern edge of Pamban Island in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

It's about 24 kilometers west of Talaimannar in Sri Lanka, and it's southeast of Pamban.

The town was completely destroyed by the cyclone that hit Rameswaram in 1964, and it has been deserted since then.

During the day, only a few vendors and eateries, as well as the remnants of the long-destroyed town, have been observed at Dhanushkodi.

Dhanushkodi is said to be the Last Land of India and from here Ram-Setu or Adam's Bridge can be visible.

Villoondi Theertham

Villoondi Theertham

Villoondi Theertham Well

Villoondi Theertham Beach

Villondi Theertham is a small well dug into the ocean near Rameshwaram.

According to the history of this place, Lord Rama dug this well by aiming an arrow into the ocean, in order to quench Sita's thirst.

House of Kalam

House of Kalam

The Rameswaram is also a Home Town of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Nearly 1.5 KM away from Rameswaram Temple there is a residence of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam which is called the House of Kalam.

Photographs from the president's childhood and his journey from a small town youngster to one of the country's most respected scientists are on display in the exhibit. Dr. Kalam's achievements in the field of study during his formative years, as well as his honors and acclaim from around the world, have been noted by the museum.

Timings to visit the Temple are as follows:

Friday 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM and 3:00 to 7:30 PM

And on other days 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM

Vivekanand Temple

Vivekanand Temple

Vivekanand Temple Beach

On the 26th of January 1987, Raja Sethupathi of Ramanathapuram welcomed Swami Vivikenadana, an Indian Hindu monk and chief disciple of the 19th-century saint Ramakrishna, at Kundukal on his journey back to India after his devotional discourse at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. A monument was erected at the site to commemorate the address.

The memorial is open to the public, however, there is a cost to enter. The Vivekananda Memorial Centre is 15 kilometers from the bus station in Rameshwaram.

Nearby cities to visit.

If you are on a long vacation and to explore more in Tamil Nadu then famous destinations near Rameswaram are Kodaikanal, Madhurai, Kanyakumari, and many more.

Kodaikanal - The Princess of Hills

2021-07-24T07:50:00.001-07:00

Green Valley View Point

Kodaikanal

If someone wants to enjoy splendid Hill Stations, River, Valley, Waterfall, and Bushy Woods at the same destination in South India, the Kodaikanal is the best place to travel.

It is also referred to as the Princess of the Hills because of its beautiful sloppy hills.

The name Kodaikanal signifies "The Gift of the Forest" in the Tamil Language.

How to Plan the Tour?

The best time to visit Kodaikanal is Winter and Monsoon because In winter the days will be very less warm and the Nights will remain much cooler.

In the monsoon season, the Hills become cloudy, and to see the clouds that touching to the hills looks so amazing.

If someone wants to visit all the places in Kodaikanal then a minimum of 2 days are required otherwise 1 day is also good.

Our Stay.

Hotel Spring Valley

View from the backside of the Hotel.

We stayed at Hotel Spring Valley which is nearly 3 KM away from the main bus stand of Kodaikanal.
The service of this hotel was really good and the Hotel Manager was also helpful.
From there we can witness a mesmerizing view of the Hill Station

Things to do in Kodaikanal.

There are many places to visit in Kodaikanal such as,

Coaker's Walk

Kodaikanal Lake

Moir Point

Pine Forest

Guna Cave/ Devil's Kitchen

Pillar Rocks

Green Valley View

Pambar Falls

Chettiar Park

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Coaker's Walk

Valley View From Coaker's Walk

Coaker's Walk

Coaker's walk is a man-made beautiful walk path build on the Hill of Kodaikanal.

This place is usually well known for morning and evening walks and to view beautiful mountain views.

There also can do cycling and explore the beautiful location.

The entry fee for the Adults is ₹ 30 and for the Children is ₹ 20 per hour.

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake

Kodaikanal Lake is a manmade lake that resides in the city area of Kodaikanal. Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the Collector of Madurai, was a significant person in creating the lake in 1863.

The lake is the most popular tourist attraction for the beautiful geographical view.

Moir Point

Moir Point

Moirs Point is a Well known place for a breathtaking spectacular view of the highest peaks of the Kodaikanal and can enjoy taking photographs of the elegant views.

This place was named after Sir Thomas Moir, an Engineer who had constructed the Goschen Road in 1929.

It resides at the entrance of the forest which leads to Berijam Lake.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ticket charge: ₹ 10

Pine Forest

Pine Forest

Pine Forest is situated in the mid-city of Kodaikanal but still beauty and abundance of greenery of this place are sustained and because of this it preserves the important heritage in the town.

This place is famous for the plantation of magic mushrooms, which are believed to be hallucinogenic.

This is the perfect place for long walks, relaxing, and appreciating the beauty of nature. Here also can opt for horse riding.

Guna Cave/ Devil's Kitchen

Guna Cave

Guna Cave is situated a long way from the primary city area, en route to Pillar Rocks.

Initially know as Devil's Kitchen, these caverns are really caves shaped between the three stones of the mountain.

The Guna Caves get their name from the famous film Tamil Movie Guna, which was shot here in 1992. They are initially known as the Devil's Kitchen. According to Hindu folklore, these caverns are the place where the Pandavas prepared their meals and consequently the word 'kitchen'. While, nobody has yet had the option to say, where the word 'Devil' comes from. As depicted by certain voyagers, the word Devil comes from the bats that live in the cavern.

The pathway to go inside the cavern is shut by the grills however the view looks truly magnificent.

Green Valley View

Green Valley View

Green Valley Viewpoint was previously known as the suicide point in Kodaikanal because of the elegant deep valley view.

It resides nearly 5 to 6 Km far from Kodaikanal Lake.

On the way to the Viewpoint, there are many shops available that sell homemade chocolates, groceries, ornaments, and a wide range of flowers.

The best time to visit there is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Pambar Falls

Pambar Falls

Pamber falls is situated a distance of 3 km from the Kodaikanal bus stop, This brilliant fall is likewise prominently called the Grand Cascade.

The town water reservoir floods southwards formin the Fairy Falls which keeps on joining the Vaigai River shaping the Pambar Falls through its course.

It is likewise called Liril or Vatakanal Fall.

Chettiar Park

Chettiar Park

Chettiar Park is the best park to enjoy lush greenery, calm, and soothe the environment.

There are numerous eye-catching flowers spotted in the garden.

This park is located nearly 3 Km from the Kodaikanal bus stand and resides on the way to Kurunji Andavar Temple.

Timings : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Kurinji Andavar Temple

Popular for the Kurinji bloom that blooms just 12 years once, Kurinjiandavar Temple is an essentially known sanctuary of Kodaikanal. It is situated only 3 km from entrancing Kodaikanal Lake and is devoted to the God of Hills which is Lord Muruga.

From the name of the temple, Kurinji refers to hill areas and andavar refers to God.

Timing: 7 AM to 7 PM

Pink City - Jaipur

2020-09-20T09:36:00.001-07:00

Patrika Gate

Do you know why Jaipur called Pink City??

Jaipur is known as Pink City because of the spectacular color scheme of its building into the City. As a result of the color of the stone completely utilized for the construction of all structures.

Since pink represents the shade of hospitality, Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur painted the entire city pink to welcome guests.

Places to Visit in Jaipur City

There are many places which can never forget to visit in Jaipur:

Albert Hall Museum

Hawa Mahal

Jaipur City Palace

Jantar Mantar

Birla Temple

Jal Mahal

Kanak Ghati

Amber Fort

Nahaghar Fort

Panna Meena Ka Kund

Gaitore

Galtaji Temple

Patrika Gate

How to plan a Trip??

The best way to explore Jaipur City is to hire Car for sight-seeing and this facility is always provided by the Hotels where you stay.

There are many tie-ups of travel agencies with Hotels who can help to arrange a car with a driver(if required) for a week or maybe for few days as per itinerary and it will be at affordable prices.

Normally 3 Days and 2 Nights of the tour is good enough for sight-seeing, which covered almost all places.

Winter season is the best time to travel to any city in Rajasthan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Jaipur in the early morning and sight-seeing in Jaipur City which covers Albert Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jaipur City Palace, and Birla Temple.

Day 2: Visit Kanak Ghati, Amber Fort, Nahagar Fort, and Panna Meena Ka Kund.

Day 3: Visit Gaitore, Galtaji Temple, and Patrika Gate.

Our Stay

We stayed at the Hotel Metro Inn which is close to the Railway Station inside a KM of distance.

Hotel Metro Inn

This is the picture of the Hotel Metro Inn.

Photo Source: agoda.com

Albert Hall Museum

The Albert Hall Museum in Jaipur is the oldest museum of the state and functions because of the state museum of Rajasthan, India.

It is named after King Edward VII, during whose visit to the city as the Prince of Wales, its establishment stone was laid on 6 February 1876.

This museum showcased the various collection of artifacts, Paintings, Jewelry, gems, carpets, metal sculptures, and works in crystal.

The collection also includes coins from the Gupta, Kushan, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, and British periods.

Timings to visit the Albert Hall Museum are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The entry fees of Albert Hall Museum are as follows:

Rs. 40    per person for Indian visitor
Rs. 300   per person for Overseas visitor
Rs. 20    per person for Indian student
Rs. 150   per person for Overseas student

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace Of The Winds' situated in the core of the wonderful Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most celebrated vacation spots and a conspicuous milestone of the city that is eminent for its rich social and engineering history.

Implicit 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput tradition, this delightful structure is overwhelmingly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that encouraged regal women to get an eyeful of the road celebrations and occupied city life while staying out of the perspective on open.

This five-story working looking like a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows and a delightfully enlivened façade taking after a honeycomb of a bee sanctuary that gives one a vibe of the rich legacy of the Rajputs.

Jantar Mantar

Sundial

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is an intriguing cosmic observatory, situated at the core of the city.

This is perhaps the biggest observatory in the World, involving fascinating stone structures that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and ascertain local time.

Counted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur draws in architects, mathematicians, geographers, and historians.

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, and he built 5 such observatories in various pieces of the nation: Jaipur, Mathura, Delhi, Ujjain, and Varanasi. The one in Jaipur is the biggest of all, while the one in Mathura is nearly in ruins, presently.

Best time to visit Jantar Mantar:
The best time to visit Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the early afternoon. During the early afternoon, the Sun is vertically above and it is clear to understand the process of the readings of each instrument.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur timings:
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur stays open from 9:00 am to 4: 30 pm, on each of the seven days of the week. By and large, one can see the entire of Jantar Mantar in 30 to 45 minutes.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur entry fees:
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur section expense is INR 50/man for Indians and INR 200/per individual for outsiders. The section cost for Indian students is INR 15/man and that of an International student is INR 25/man. Students get this discount on showing valid ID proof.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur light and sound show timings:
Oct - Feb: 6:30 pm onwards
Mar-Apr: 7:00 pm onwards
May-Sep: 7:30 pm onwards

Jaipur City Palace

City Palace Jaipur

City Palace of Jaipur happens to be one of the prime vacation spots in the Pink city. It is located within a Walled City of Jaipur.

City Palace Jaipur was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur.
Representing a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal design, the last ruling royal family still resides in the exclusive section of the palace that is private and not open for the public to tour.

Including Mubarak Mahal and Maharani's Palace, the city castle of Jaipur is really exemplary. Jaipur is isolated into 9 squares with the regal castle standing tall and reflecting so much magnificence and appeal in the middle. Dividers of the city were made by famous engineer Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Shilpa Shastra.

The entry fees of the City Palace Jaipur ranges from INR 130 to INR 500.

For Indians – INR 130

For children – INR 70

Foreign tourists – INR 500

Photography Fee – INR 50

Videography Fee – INR 150

Sr. Citizen fees -INR 110

Audio Guides – INR 200

Note: It is highly recommended to carry a guide or an audio guide, to get an overall view of the entire palace.

Birla Temple

Birla Mandir originally known as Laxmi Narayan Mandir is situated at the base of Moti Dungri Temple, Jaipur.

The temple is a famous pilgrimage site among the Hindu devotees. Made of shimmering white marble, the structure looks unimaginably magnificent.

As per the well known historical conviction, Birla Mandir at Jaipur in Rajasthan is based on the land that was given over to the nation's presumed Birla family by the regarded Maharaja of that time in return for just INR 1.

The development of the temple started back in the year 1977 by the B.M. Modern Foundation.

Timings: Birla Mandir is open for visitors from 6.30 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 8.30 PM, throughout the week.

Fee: Visiting Birla Mandir is free of cost.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal

The Jal Mahal truly implies the "Water Palace", yet when it was built, Maharaja Madho Singh I didn't mean to utilize it as a castle. Rather, it should be a chasing lodge for the king and his company during their duck chasing trips.

The palace remains in the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city and is a well-known spot to date for touring.

The Jal Mahal is planned in an outstanding Rajput way, with pink sandstone in an even style.

While many individuals come to see the Jal Mahal from the banks of the Man Sagar Lake, relatively few know about the innovation and imaginative plan that has gone into building this antiquated castle.

By all accounts, the castle seems to have one story, however, there are four more lowered levels to the palace as its stone walls keep down a huge number of liters of water, and the exceptionally planned lime mortar forestalls water drainage into the palace, something which it has been accomplishing for over 250 years.

Kanak Ghati

Kanak Ghati is located on the Amer Road in Jaipur.

Kanak Ghati is a delightful rambling park that is sprinkled with trees and spotted with lakes.

The tranquil and peaceful park was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh around 280 years back and it offers the genuinely necessary rest from the mayhem and noise of the city.

Viewed as the green lung of the Pink City, the recreation center has a few attractions yet the features are the existence estimated figures of the Hindu divine beings Krishna and Radha.

Kanak Ghati looks like God Krishna's dwelling place in Vrindavan. There are artificial waterfalls and lakes, swings, and a few seats for you to unwind.

Other than that, there is a scene from Hindu mythology where several sculpted statues of girls (Gopiyan) are bathing in a pond while Lord Krishna watches from a tree roosted above.

Timings: Timings to visit Kanak Ghati is from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fees: INR 35, Camera - INR 500, Car Parking - INR 30, Bus Parking - INR 40, Bike Parking - INR 10

Amber Fort

Amber Fort which is also known as Amer Fort. Amber Fort is one of the top tourism destinations of Jaipur.

The great Amer Fort is a broad castle complex that has been worked with light yellow and pink sandstone, and with white marble. The fort is separated into four primary sections that are graced with their own courtyards.

As you show up at the Amer Fort, you will enter through the Suraj Pol; except if you show up via vehicle, at that point, you enter through the Chand Pol.

Both these entryways open into the Jaleb Chowk, which is the principle yard, wherein prior occasions, returning armed forces used to show their loot to the individuals.

The fort has various segments, including the King's quarters, the zenana (where the ladies lived), gardens, temples, and so on.

There are a ton of attractions for one to see at the Amer Fort, including the diwan-e-aam, such mandir, and the Sheesh Mahal.

Amer Fort is likewise home to some underground passages that associate Amer to Jaigarh Fort. An aspect of these passages has been reestablished and is currently open to the public too.

Including this, the Amer Fort is a perfect example of Rajasthani design.

The embodiment of Amer Fort is encapsulated by the wonderful light and sound show inside the fort, where visitors get to see a spectacle about the history of the fort.

The starting of famous times light and sound show vary according to the time of year as follows:

October to February: English 6:30 p.m. and Hindi 7:30 p.m.

March to April: English 7:30 p.m. and Hindi 8 p.m.

May to September: English 7:30 p.m. and Hindi 8:30 p.m.

Tickets and Cost:

The cost is 250 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for Indians during the day.

At night costs 200 rupees for foreigners and 100 rupees for Indians.

Nahaghar Fort

Nahagar Fort

Nahargarh Fort is one such glorious and grand fort, situated in the Aravalli mountain extends in Jaipur.

Nahargarh was before known as Sudarshangarh and was inherent in 1734 by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh II, fundamentally as a solid safeguard for Jaipur city.

Nahargarh signifies 'house of tigers' and was named so after the tigers which were accepted to have meandered around the slopes. It is additionally accepted that the post was named after Prince Nahar Singh Bhomia.

There are numerous structures inside the post – a sanctuary devoted to the god of Jaipur rulers, another sanctuary committed to Prince Nahar Singh Bhomia, a 2-story building known as Madhavendra Bhavan named after Sawai Madho Singh who fabricated it, and Diwan-I-Aam, an open-walled in the area where the rulers used to meet the basic public to hear out their complaints.

Timings:
Timings to visit Nahargarh Fort is from 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM

Fees:
Entrance Fee: Indians – Rs. 50/- Foreigners – Rs. 200/-
Camera Fee: Indians –Rs. 20 / Foreigners – Rs. 50
Video Fee: 70

Other Places to visit in Jaipur

There are other places which famous for the tourism.

Panna Meena Ka Kund
Gaitore
Galtaji Temple
Patrika Gate

Places near Jaipur, Rajasthan

If someone planned for a week long tour to explore other cities in Rajasthan near Jaipur then Pushkar and Ajmer are must visit cities.

Dandi Beach

2020-07-04T08:48:00.003-07:00

Sunset View on Dandi Beach

Dandi

Dandi is one of the most prominent beaches in Dandi Village, Gujarat near Navsari City with its importance of historic events in India. This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagraha to the Break Salt Tax Law of British after Salt March.

Brief about Salt March

Sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi on Dandi

Salt March which is also known as Salt Satyagraha, Dandi March, and Dandi Satyagraha was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India led by Mahatma Gandhi to the Break Salt Tax Law.

This Satyagraha was started on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and ended on 6 April 1930.

It was the 24-day campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly.

Mahatma Gandhi began this walk with 79 of his trusted volunteers. Walking ten miles a day for 24 days, the walk crossed over 240 miles (384 km), from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi.

Things to see in Dandi

Dandi Beach

Dandi Beach

Dandi Beach is one of the cleanest seashores in the Arabian Sea. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset and spending time with friends or family.

Museum

There is a museum also where you can find Photographs of some historic events.

Mother and Father of Gandhiji

One the right is a photo of Putli Bai; Mother of Gandhiji and one the left to is a photo of Karamchand Gandhi; Father of Gandhiji.

Gandhiji at age of 7 years

This one is the photo of Gandhiji at the age of 7 years.

Statues and engraved blocks replicating the Dandi March

Statues replicating the Dandi March

Outside the museum, there is a pathway of statues depicting the famous Salt Satyagraha. The picture shows the Gandhiji Leading the March along with the 79 participants.

Blocks of Carving showing the moments of Salt March

There are also engraved blocks that portraying the moments of Salt Satyagraha outside the museum.

The first one is depicting the event of 2 March 1930. In which Gandhiji writes to the Viceroy, informing him of the proposed to March to break the Salt Law and the other is the event of 7 March, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is arrested at Ras village while preparing and campaigning for the March.

The second one depicting the event of crossing the Narmada. Kasturba has joined Gandhiji two days earlier. Abbas Tyabji, Sarojini Naidu, Congres leaders from Bharuch, and an American couple also join the Marches.

There are many more blocks that narrate the story of Salt Satyagraha in from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in a very informative manner.

How to reach Dandi Beach??

🚆 By Train: The nearest Railway Stations to this place are Surat and Navsari. From there one can hire a private Taxi or Autorickshaw. Usually, I always prefer to go to Navasari which near 75 KM far from Dandi although it is near 32 KM far from Surat.

🛫 By Air: The nearest airport from this place is in Surat.

When to go??

The best timing to visit Dandi Beach is from 3:00 to 4:00 PM so that one can visit the museum and also can enjoy the tranquil view of Sunset.

Other Places to visit near Dandi

There are a few places near Dandi.

1. Dumas Beach, Surat
2. Sardar Patel Museum, Surat
3. Daman, Near Navsari

4. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Navsari

Travel To Kutch

2020-05-23T23:40:00.027-07:00

White Rann

Kutch

It is also spelled as Kachchh. It is one of the most adventurous destinations in Gujarat. The main attraction is the White Rann.

How to plan a tour??

The best time to visit Kutch is from October to March

The Rann Utsav is a fair that begins from November until February another reason to visit in these months.

Usually, 4 Days/3 Nights would be enough to visit all the places in Kutch.

If still some places are missed then it can be extended for a week tour plan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving early morning at Bhuj and sightseeing in Bhuj City and in the afternoon go to Mandvi.

Day 2: White Rann of Kutch

Day 3: Mata No Madh, Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar

Day 4: Samadhi of Jesal Toral in Anjar.

Bhuj City

Bhuj city is the Municipality and the Headquater of Kutch.

There are many places to visit in Bhuj city.

1. Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal

2. Bhuj Ki Chhatriya (Umbrella)

3. Shri Swaminarayan Temple

4. Ram Kund (Stepwell)

After arriving at Bhuj there are many Hotels available, but usually, when I have visited with family or friends, we have preferred to stay at Dharmashala which is cheaper in comparison to hotels. It depends on individual preferences and budgets. Traveling is easy as there are many auto-rickshaws available that can be hired for a day for sightseeing and local buses too are another option to travel within Bhuj city.

Prag Mahal

The Prag Mahal is a nineteenth-century royal residence situated in Bhuj. It is named after Rao Pragmalji II, who appointed it and development started in 1865.

It was designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in what the local tourist office describes because of the Italian Gothic style.

The royal residence is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan.

It has a 45-foot high pinnacle with a clock, from where you can see the whole Bhuj city.

There is additionally a temple in the yard behind the royal residence with pleasantly cut stonework.

Timings to visit Prag Mahal are 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Open All Days.

Aina Mahal

The Aina Mahal or 'Palace of Mirrors' is an 18th century Palace that is situated near to the Prag Mahal in Darbargadh.

The palace was worked by Rao Lakhpatji of Kutch State around 1750. Lakhpatji's lord expert Ram Singh Malam structured the royal residence and embellished it in the European style with glass, mirrors, and tiles.

It was harmed in the 2001 Gujarat quake and some portion of the structure was reestablished and now houses the Aina Mahal Trust.

The above picture is the exterior of the Aina Mahal.

Bhuj Ki Chhatriya (Umbrella)

Bhuj Ki Chhatriya

Chhatris are raised, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture.

The word Chhatri signifies "shade" or "umbrella." with regards to design, the word is utilized to allude two unique things.

The Chhatris in Bhuj mainly belonging to Jadeja rulers of Kutch.

The Chhatri of Rao Lakhpatji is exceptionally renowned for its complex structures and carvings. A large portion of them, however, has been demolished in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. The rebuilding work is going on.

Timings to visit this place is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Shri Swaminarayan Temple

Swaminarayan Temple

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj was constructed by Swaminarayan, founding father of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. This temple comes under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi.

God Swaminarayan asked Vaishnavananand Swami to continue with a group of the saints to Bhuj and construct a temple.

The earthquake on 26 January 2001 destroyed much of the town of Bhuj, including this temple related to the founding father of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The saints and satsangis of Kutch residing in India and satsangis (worshipers) living abroad have resolved to construct a replacement temple a brief distance off from the current site.

The timings to visit this place are 5:30AM - 11:20AM and 3:30PM - 8:45PM.

Ram Kund (Stepwell)

Ram Kund

The Ramkund well is a square stepwell around 56 feet on a side, with sculptures depicting characters from the Ramayana, for example, Lord Ram, Devi Sita, Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman, as well as the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu along the walls.

On your stroll down to the water you experience an unexpected quiet, coolness, and calm, you can stop for some time to ponder on your journey.

Timings to visit this place is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Mandvi

Vijay Vilas Palace

Mandvi is a town with a region in the Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was at one time a significant port of the district and summer retreat for Maharao (ruler) of the Kutch State.

The old city was enclosed in the fort wall and the remains of the fort wall can still be seen.

The city has a four-hundred-year-old boat building industry. Which is as yet functional and ships of wooden are made( Dhow).

There are mainly two places which are for the tourist attraction, Vijay Vilas Palace and Mandvi Beach.

To reach Mandvi there are many private buses and GSRTC state buses available also private taxies from Bhuj can be hired.

Vijay Vilas Palace

The Palace was worked during the norm of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, the Maharao of Kutch, as a pre-summer retreat for the utilization of his adolescent and beneficiary to the realm, the Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji, and is consequently, named after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace.

Timing to visit this place is from 8:00 to 6:00 PM.

Mandvi Beach

The primary thing for visiting places in Mandvi is to visit the beach.

The Maharao's private seashore, behind Vijay Vilas Palace, is 8 km from town and requires a little charge (different seashores are free and open to general society).

More confined than the others, the Vijay Vilas Beach has pleasant white sand, beautiful spots to swim, and conveniently accessible in cooled tents along the shore.

White Rann of Kutch

Camel Cart Ride

Salt Marsh

Sunset on White Rann

White Rann is one of the marvelous places in Kutch. The reasons being many such as watching Sunset, Camel Cart Riding, collecting large crystals of Salt from the Salt Marsh, capturing landscapes photographs, silhouettes, and many more.

It's situated in the district of Kutch between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan.

The low-lying mudflats of the White Rann fill with water during the wet season (June-September) and then dry out over the remainder of the year. By December, once evaporation has done its work, the saline crust hardens to make the signature luminous white color. By January, the swamp is a ceaseless white desert.

The Rann is about 100KM from Bhuj, but to reach there we first arrived at Madhapar which comes around 5KM before entering into the Bhuj city. There are many nearby Hotels and Dharmashalas available and from Madhapar there are Busses or Taxies easily accessible to travel to White Rann.

The Rann of Kutch spans in between two countries of India and Pakistan. Due to the sensitive nature of the border, permission is necessary to visit the Rann. This can be gotten by presenting a written request, alongside your photograph character, at the Bhirandiyara town checkpoint, which is around 55 kilometers from Bhuj.

One can also apply for permission at the Gujarat Police DSP office near Jubilee Ground in Bhuj. This permission letter must be presented at the entry point of the Rann.

The government is also developing the village as the ‘Gateway to the Rann’.

Mata No Madh

Mata no Madh is a town in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch locale, Gujarat, India. The village has a temple dedicated to Ashapura Mata, the household deity of former Jadeja rulers of Kutch State. The town is situated around 105 km from Bhuj.

The temple was built in the 14th century by two Karad Vanias, named Ajo, and Anagor.

To reach Mata No Madh Temple there are many GSRTC busses available from Bhuj or from Mandvi which could be the cheapest way and for more comfort you can travel by a hired taxi.

The timings of Arti are as follows:

Mangala Aarti - 5:00 AM

Incense Paste Aarti - 9:00 AM

Sandhya Aarti - 6:00 PM

Lakhpat

Lakhpat is an infrequently populated town and sub-region in the Kachchh area in the Indian province of Gujarat situated at the mouth of the Kori Creek. The town is encased by 7km-long, eighteenth-century fortress wall.

Lakhpat which also said to be a Ghost Town of Gujarat because today's population is just around 800.
Historically Lakhpat has been a significant trading post connecting Gujarat to Sindh.

Places to visit in Lakhpat:

Lakhpat Fort

Pir Ghaus Muhammad tomb

Lakhpat Gurudwara Sahib

How to travel to Lakhpat??

It is advisable to hire a private taxi from Bhuj or from Narayan Sarovar and Mata No Madh because these places are the nearest destination from Lakhpat.

There are very few GSRTC busses available for Lakhpat.

Narayan Sarovar

Narayan Sarovar Temple Gate

Narayan Sarovar Temple

Narayan Sarovar Gate

Narayan Sarovar

As indicated by Hindu religious philosophy, there are five holy lakes; collectively all called Panch-Sarovar; Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, and Pushkar Sarovar. They are likewise referenced in Shrimad Bhagavata Purana. So, Narayan Sarovar is one of the sacred lakes from Panch-Sarovar.

The lake is related to a period of a dry spell in the Puranic era when Narayan (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) manifested due to the intense prayers of sages and touched the land with his toe, creating the lake, presently venerated as blessed to have a holy bath. (Currently not allowed by the authorities).

There are temples of Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji, and Laxmiji, built by the wife of Maharao Desalji. These are of more enthusiasm to those on a religious pilgrimage.

GSRTC buses (state bus) are available from Bhuj to Narayan Sarovar twice a day which is quite easy and affordable or you can choose to travel by private taxies.

Timing to visit the temple is in the morning from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:45 PM in the afternoon.

Koteshwar

Koteshwar Gate

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar

After going over the field of the desert in western Kutch, you discover the Koteshwar Temple, at a spot where the enormity of dry land meets the unfathomable inconceivability of the ocean. After so much dry ground, seeing the sea will stir your spirits; however the ocean is even less affable to people, a calming thought. The main point that breaks the horizon from the level earthy colored skyline toward the east and the wide blue skyline toward the west is the purpose of the Koteshwar Temple, the last station of human development at the westernmost furthest reaches of India.

The tale of Koteshwar starts with Ravana, who won it as a blessing from Lord Shiva for an extraordinary presentation of devotion, this Shiva linga of incredible spiritual force. However, which Ravana, in his presumptuous flurry, unintentionally dropped and it tumbled to earth at Koteshwar. To punish Ravana for his carelessness, the linga turned into a thousand identical ones, some versions of the story say ten thousand, some a million. Incapable to recognize the first, Ravana snatched one and withdrew, leaving the first one here, around which Koteshwar Temple was built. The temple is also known as Kotilingeshwar Temple.

Koteshwar Temple is almost 2 km from Narayan Sarovar, on the coast, yet visitants to Lakhpat or Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary will require a private vehicle; this can as it was be hired in Bhuj. Prices for hired cars range from Rs. 5.50/- per km to Rs. 10/- per km depending on the type of vehicle and whether or not it has AC.

Jesal Toral ni Samadhi - Anjar

Jesal Toral Ni Samadhi

Toward the east of Ajepal's cloister, is a little tiled shed with burial places of Muslim example hallowed to Jesar or Jesal, a Jadeja, and Turi or Toral, a Kathi. The sanctuary is locally known as Jesal Toral ni Samadhi, which actually signifies 'the tomb of Jesal and Toral'. The place of worship at Anjar is under the charge of the Ajepal cloister.

In the fourteenth century Jesar, grandson of Jam Lakha Jadeja, turned into a fugitive, destroyed to fields and towns, slaughtered the individuals, and took away the steers.

Around then a Kathi lady, Turi or Toral by name, was well known for her commitment and her aptitude in making songs, and still increasingly celebrated for her excellence.

She lived with an austere called Savasdhir, who didn't see her as his better half however as one who might bring him salvation. The acclaim of her magnificence came to Jesar, who attempted to take her away forcibly yet fizzled. Returning in the appearance of an austere he was generally welcomed and masterminded to hold onto her at some 12 PM adore.

His arrangements were discovered, and, on his admitting, the organization whose standard was to allow the desire of each asker gave him Turi on condition that he turned into a plain. Jesar concurred, yet before long feeling burnt out on the restriction, again attempted to take Turi away forcibly. She thwarted him, and in time transformed him into a model parsimonious. Settling at Anjar, Jesar kicked the bucket, and Turi was covered alive near to his burial chamber. His relatives, the Jesar' Rajputs have, in every one of the twelve towns, a place of worship of Jesar and Turi.

There are many private buses, GSRTC(State bus), and Trains available from Bhuj.

Timings to visit this temple is from 9:00AM to 8:00PM.

Stepwells of Ahmedabad

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Stepwells

Stepwells are wells or ponds in which water goes down and stored in a set of steps to the water level.

The purpose of making Stepwells was that the people can easily reach to the water level and can be easily maintained.

In Ahmedabad there are many Stepwells which are actually called as Vav in Gujarati.

Adalaj Ni Vav

Well in Adalaj Stepwell

It is the most remarkable and well-known Stepwells of Ahmedabad. It is constructed as intricately carved and five stories deep.

According to history, its construction was started by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty, a Hindu ruler, but before this could be completed The Rana king was killed in battle.

Rana Veer Singh's widow, Rani Roopba (or Roodabai), wanted to perform Sati and join her husband in the afterlife. However, Begada prevented her from giving up her own life and proposed marriage. She agreed to a marriage proposal on the condition that he would first complete the building of the stepwell. Then he agreed to her condition and finished its construction.

After the construction completed, he reminded his proposal of marriage. Instead, Rani Roopba decided to end her life and jumped into the stepwell.

Due to Rani Rudabai it is also known as Rudabai Stepwell.

It is located in Adalaj Village near Ahmedabad City in Gandhinagar District.

Five Storied Structure of Vav from Bottom

This is the view of five Storied structures of vav from the bottom, which looks so beautiful and stunning.

Design and Carving on one of the pillars of Vav

This is the photo of carving on one of the pillars of the Vav which looks so complex but brilliant.

Jharukhon

Jharukhon in stepwell is one of the prominent spots for photographers because of its attractive design and carving.

The timing to visit this place is 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Dada Harir Ni Vav

It always gets confused with Adalaj Ni Vav because of its almost the same design and architecture.
It is located at Asarwa Village 15 KM of Ahmedabad City. The easiest way to reach there by means of Auto-Riksha.

This stepwell was inherent 1485 by Dhai Harir, a family household woman of Mahmud Begada as per the Persian engraving in the stepwell.

Dhai Harir constructed a mosque and a tomb in which she was buried.

Inscription in Sanskrit

Inscription in Arabic

There are two inscriptions in stepwell which describes the history of the stepwell.

One is in the Sanskrit language which is on the Southside of the wall and the other is in the Arabic Language which on the Northside of the wall.

View from top to bottom

This is the view of the five-storied structure of Vav from Top to Bottom.

The structure of the Well is in Octagonal shape.

Design in Dada Harir ni Vav

Mosque of Dada Harir

Just behind the stepwell, there is a Mosque and Tomb of Dada Harir where she was buried.

Mata Bhavani ni Vav

Just after 5 minutes of walk from Dada Harir Ni Vav there is Mata Bhavani's Stepwell or Mata Bhavani Ni Vav in Asarva Village.
It is not the most popular, but it is said to be one of the earliest Stepwells in Gujarat, which was built in the Chaulukya Dynasty during the 11th century.

Temple of Mata Bhavani

It is the three storied Stepwell.
Inside the stepwell at the lower pavilion there is the temple of Mata Bhavani which derives its name.
It was built before the establishment of the oldest city Ahmedabad.
The timing to visit this place is 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Amritavarshi Ni Vav

It is located in the Heart of the Walled City Ahmedabad. It is located beside Panchkhuva Darwaja near Kalupur Railway Station by which it is also called as Panchkuva Stepwell.
Panchkuva means five wells.

Amritavarshi Ni Vav was completed in 1723 as per Devanagari and Persian inscription (Vikram Samvat 1779/A.H. 1135) in the stepwell.

It was built by Raghunathdas, Diwan to Haidar Quli Khan, who was the governor of Gujarat during his stay in the city in 1721–1722 for charitable purposes.

It is also called as Katkhuni stepwell due to its L-Shaped plan and there is no ornamental designing or carving on the walls or pillars of stepwell yet, it is the simplest and stunning.

The Walled City Ahmedabad

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Gates of Bhadra Fort

History:

Ahmedabad city is said to be the former capital city of Gujarat. It was built in 1411 A.D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah. It is believed that the city was surrounded by 21 Gates and Walls were connected with these gates.

The Places to visit in Walled City Ahmedabad:

Bhadra Fort:

Bhadra Fort

The name Bhadra Killa (Fort) is adopted after the name of temple Bhadra Kali and built on the East Bank of Sabarmati River. It was also called Arak Fort as depicted in Mirat-I-Ahmadi. The establishment stone of fortress was set down at Manek Burj in 1411.

The timing to visit Bhadra Fort is between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

I always visit Old City Ahmedabad to wander with friends for heritage walk and photography. So, on a particular visit I was passing-by through this fort in the morning around 8:00 AM. That was the time of monsoon season and it was raining so, I stopped and glancing at the fort, which looks so brilliant and amazing in the rain.

Jama Masjid:

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is also called Jumah Masjid which means Friday Mosque. It is situated between the Teen Darwaja and Manek Chowk. It is built with yellow sandstone, the mosque complex is centered on a large rectangular courtyard. One enters the court by three passageways, one at the center point of each side.

The timing to visit Jama Masjid is between 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

The Jama Masjid is one of the peaceful places in Old City Ahmedabad. When I have visited there was the evening time before the sunset. I was roaming there and observing to take pictures from different angles. The first picture is taken by panorama from mobile and the second take when the sunset is happening behind the mosque, which looks so dramatic and brilliant which looks the view of the mosque so spectacular.

Pols of Ahmedabad:

Haja Patel ni Pol

Pol is an old cluster of Housing which comprises many families of a particular group, linked by caste, profession, or religion. Pols are typical of urban centers in Gujarat, especially in Old Ahmedabad.

Here is some glimpse of one of the Pols in Ahmedabad i.e. Haja Patel Ni Pole.

The Fine Wooden Carving work on the Windows and Door so eye-catching and dazzling.

The one Entrance of this Pol is from Relief Road and it is exited to the other side of Gandhi Road.

Kavi Dalpatram Chowk:

Kavi Dalpatram Chowk

ઊંટ કહે: આ સભામાં, વાંકાં અંગવાળાં ભૂંડા;

ભૂતળમાં પક્ષીઓ ને પશુઓ અપાર છે;

બગલાની ડોક વાંકી, પોપટની ચાંચ વાંકી

કૂતરાની પૂછ્ડીનો, વાંકો વિસ્તાર છે.

વારણની સૂંઢ વાંકી, વાઘના છે નખ વાંકા;

ભેંસને તો શિર વાંકાં, શિંગડાનો ભાર છે.

સાંભળી શિયાળ બોલ્યું, દાખે દલપતરામ;

“અન્યનું તો એક વાંકું, આપનાં અઢાર છે ”

If you remember this poem sung by Malhar Thakkar in the famous Gujarati Movie Chello Divas.

So this poem is written by the Kavi Dalpatram, who is one of the prominent poets in Gujarati Literature. Kavi Dalpatram Chowk named after poet Kavi Dalpatram.

This place is situated on the way to the Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple from Relief Road.

There are many notable works done by Kavi Dalpatram.

Kalupur Swamianayar Temple:

Entrance of Temple

Swaminarayan Temple

Beautiful work on Pillars

Swaminarayan Temple

Shree Swaminarayan Kalupur Temple is the first temple of Swaminarayan Sampraday. It was built by the instructions of Swaminayaran itself. It is located in the Kalupur area, Ahmedabad

According to the will of the Swaminarayan, the organization of the Swaminarayan Sampraday is separated into two Gadis (seats) - NarNarayan Dev Gadi and LaxmiNarayan Dev Gadi. This Temple is the main headquarters of the NarNarayan Dev Gadi.

Timing to visit this temple is 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

This temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and sculpture inside it.

Jhulta Minara (Sidi Bashir Mosque):

Jhulta Minara

Carving on one of the Minarets

Sidi Bashir Mosque is also known as Jhulta Minara which means Shaking Minarets.

The mosque is accepted to have been developed either by Sidi Bashir, a captive of Sultan Ahmed Shah, or by Malik Sarang, an honorable in the court of Mahmud Begada, another Sultan of Gujarat. It has been dated to 1452.

The construction of this minarets is like if one of the minarets shake the other will also start shaking after a few seconds and this is the reason it is called Jhulta Minarets.

Manek Chowk:

Manek Chowk

Samadhi of Baba Maneknath

Manek Chowk is named after Baba Maneknath who is believed to interrupt Ahmed Shah's efforts to build a wall around the city. Each day he would weave a mat while the fort walls were being built, which he would then untie at night, magically bringing down the walls. At the point when this was found, he was welcome to demonstrate his powers to Ahmed Shah by placing himself into a little jar. At the point when he did this, Ahmed Shah fixed and buried the jar.

Here above is the picture of Samadhi of Baba Maneknath where Ahmed Shah buried that jar.

It is one of the busiest areas of street food in Old City Ahmedabad in the evening time.

This area is functioning as the vegetable market in the morning time, jewelry shops in the afternoon time and street food stalls in the evening time.

The timing to visit Manek Chowk is 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM.