Haldighati- The Abode of the Brave

Posted by admin | Posted on 28-11-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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Haldighati is a place associated with numerous stories of chivalry on the part of the Rajputs. The Rasjputs and the Muslim rulers have fought bloody battles here making it one of the most important historical places. The place is located at a distance of 40 kilometers to the North of Udaipur. The Mughal Empire fought a pitched battle against the rulers of Mewar. The battle has been recorded as one of the bloodiest in the history of India. The battles were fought during the period of 1550-1575. Akbar had made many attempts to sign a peace accord with Maharana Pratap. He however did not want to go for a peace deal with Akbar. The ruler of the Rajputs felt that that Akbar had no moral right to rule over Delhi. Akbar was an invader and for the same reason he could not be considered son of the soil.

Rajasthan is a place that has a rich cultural heritage. The forts and palaces of Rajasthan have attracted both national as well as international tourists. The area of Haldighati region is a special place and an area of public interest. Planning a holiday in Rajasthan requires proper time selection. The summer time is not recommended, as it is a desert area. The best time to visit Haldighati is during the month of October to February. These months are relatively cold. Compared to the other months- it is more comfortable. Camping may also be a very good idea if you are carrying your own camping equipment. Personal modes of transport are welcome but one can easily hire jeeps and SUVs for a trip around the place. It is hill with narrow ridges between the small hills. The type of soil found in this region is yellowish in color. It is due to the presence of sand in the layers of soil of that particular region.

The best way to explore this place is a walk along the ridges. The ridges are quite narrow. The hills are not very high and can be easily scaled. The narrow ridge passing between the main two hills of Haldoghati was the spot of confrontation between the Moguls and Rajputs. Later on, this place became a place of utmost tourist attraction. People still want to view the place that has so many legends in its name.

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Chowmahalla Palace National Heritage

Posted by admin | Posted on 21-09-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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Once upon a time, this place was regarded as the center of Hyderabad. Today it is one of the most magnificent structures of modern India. It also reminds us of the unique architectural styles that we have developed over the years. The Nizams of Hyderabad were known for their pomp and splendor. They had a unique way of treating their guests with the most lavish food and accommodation possible. Today the guests, who have the rare pleasure of visiting the Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad, would definitely remember this place for the rest of their lives. Today, very few people get the permission to host social gathering or corporate events. The only reason is the expense and the rarity of this structure. A variety of architectural influences has converged into the making of this amazing palatial structure. Once the Nizams resided here with great command and used the building for ceremonies like weddings and parties. Barkat Ali Khan Mukkarram Jah is the present head of the Nizams of Hyderabad. He took the initiative to restore this amazing structure and open it for the tourists. The restoration work took a total of 5 years to complete. During this period, many changes were brought about into the main structure of the building. The final exponent was better than the previous one. It was indeed a noble idea to open the palace to the tourists of Hyderabad.

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The Elephanta Caves

Posted by admin | Posted on 20-09-2011

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The Elephanta Caves are considered as national heritage of India. They have been a source of major attraction for tourists. Many tourists from round the world come and visit the caves each year, only to get a glimpse of these majestic structures. The Gateway of India is in close vicinity to the Elephanta Caves. One can easily take a ferry ride from the gateway of India to reach the Elephanta caves. The caves are located in a small island off the Arabian Sea. There are seven caves in all, which are located in the small island. The first 5 small caves are all Hindu caves and the remaining 2 are Buddhist caves. The caves contain various rocks that have been cut accordingly. The rocks have been cut to represent the Shiva sect of Hindu culture. The followers of Shiva are an ancient sect of the Hindus who only worshipped the mighty Shiva. Radio carbon dating has determined that the age of these caves goes back to the 5th century. They were also colored but today only traces of the colors remain today, they have faded heavily with time. For centuries, this place had been neglected thoroughly and in the year, 1970 things began to change.

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Shrawasti Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 28-07-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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In any Shrawasti travel guide, the first and foremost thing that you will find is information about the city or place you are searching for. With the same rules here, let me give you an insight on the city of Shrawasti. This little town, located near the Rapti Streamlet in north eastern Uttar Pradesh, is told to have been founded by the heroic and mythological king, Sravast. The town Shrawasti or sravasti is deeply connected with the life of Buddha. During the Buddhist era (which was from the 6 century BC to 6 century AD) this city was the capital of ‘Kosala’ (the ancient area that covered most part of the present day Uttar Pradesh) which was considered important not only for its religious associations but also as it was a prosperous trading centre.

Most of the beliefs say that Buddha spent 24 monsoons in the city and also sat on a lotus which had a thousand petals and increased his image to a million times from then. This was a divine sight which silenced most of the critics. The common sights that you can find in the old authentic city of Shrawasti are age old stupas, majestic monasteries and the presence of several temples near the village of Sahet-Mahet. This also highlights and re-assures the association of Buddha with Shrawasti.

Places to visit:

Saheth- This was formerly known as the site of the Jetvana monastery and now covers a magnificent area of 32 acres. This lies about a quarter of a mile south of the west of Maheth. It slowly became an important place of pilgrimage. It was crowned by the numerous shrines, monasteries and stupas too. Most of the stupas belong to the Kushana period while most of the temples were built in the Gupta style.

Shobanath Temple – This temple is so believed to be the birth location of Jain Tirthankar Sambhavanath. Hence this city is not only of utmost importance to the Buddhists but also to the Jains as they believe that this was the birth place of their religion.

How to go there:

There are numerous ways of going to this established city. If you prefer travelling by air the nearest airport would be about 151 kilo meters away, in the city of Lucknow. After the flight, travelling by means of a taxi or a train that connects Lucknow to Shrawasti would be advisable by any Shrawasti travel guide.

In case you are travelling by rail, the closest train station would be no more than 19 kilo meters away.

And if you happen to be the road lover then the easiest way to the lovely city is via Lucknow (you can reach Lucknow by taking the Highway-25).

Shrawasti Map

Poonjar Palace Kerala

Posted by admin | Posted on 27-07-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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Have you ever been to a palace before? If no, then make it a point to go to this one at least for a start and begin to experience the wonderful and amazing royal remains of the place. The Poonjar palace, Kerala, is situated on the Pala-Erattupeta road in Kottayam. This palace truly stands as a glorious witness to the bygone era of Kings and Kingdoms. The Poonjar stands proudly tall with all its majestic magnificence, symbolizing and speaking the stories of the past. If you are not used to royalty then be ready for the royal embrace you feel when you walk through those corridors of the palace which was once inhabited by the royalties of Kerala. With the age old architecture of the structure (the sloping roofs, the carved walls, the paintings and the artifacts) this monumental piece proves to stand out among all the architectural beauties of the time.

The few of the many exquisite collection includes a palanquin (a mode of transport that was used by the royalties which was carried on shoulders usually by four well built men), huge chandeliers, jewel boxes and valuable jewelry, a bed like structure that was carved out of a single piece of wood and this was specifically used only for Ayurvedic massages, palm leaf engravings (that was considered holy and hence used only for special rituals or pujas), varieties of lamps, numerous sculptures of the Nataraja (a statue of the dancing figure of Lord Shiva), grain measures that were used by the cooks of the time, lots of other statues and weapons. A very distinct conch is also preserved at the Poonjar palace that is blown generally to announce the start of a ritual or a puja and to denote the end of the ritual or puja. Though the main attractions are in the palace, there is an astonishing replica of the Madurai Meenakshi temple. The walls of the temples are covered with beautiful carvings that depict the stories mentioned in the puranas.

How to reach Poonjar palace, Kerala:

The palace being a tourist favorite, there would not be many difficulties getting to it.
If you are traveling by air then the nearest airport would be the Cochin International Airport which is about 80 kilo meters from the destination place.

The railway station is a bit closer with a considerable distance of 30 kilo meters to the Kottayam station. There are numerous trains available due to the heavy traffic that flows through the city.

If you prefer taking the road, Poonjar can be easily reached once you arrive at Kottayam since it is hardly 47 kilo meters from there. It is widely connected and so can be reached from some place else too.

Palakkad City Guide – Kerala

Posted by admin | Posted on 26-07-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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If you are searching for a Palakkad city guide – Kerala, you have come to the right place! So let me brush you up on some of the information on the city. Palakkad is one of the MUST see places when visiting God’s Own Country, Kerala. One of the essentials that you should know before visiting any place or city would be the history of the city or place! The past of the city can date back to the second part of the Stone Age or in other words the Paleolithic Age. Years ago the land was divided into smaller parts by the Perumal governors and rulers who conquered Palakkad in the first millennium. This tiny piece of land has a lot of legendary significance and has eventually evolved to be a major tourist attraction not only in the state but also in the country.

The main constituents you would find in any Palakkad city guide – Kerala will be the ‘Places to Visit’. The most loved attractions of the city are the Palakkad Fort, Siruvani dam, Malampuzha, Kottayi, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chullanur Peacock Protection Centre, Seetharkundu, Killikurissi Mangalam, Silent Valley National Park, Meenakara dam, Thunchan Madom, Kudallur and Thasarak. If you’re the kind who is into shopping then the bazaars of Palakkad is the best place to get the traditional items like bells, villakus (lanterns), nilavillakus, hanging villakus, utensils and a ton of other stuff too! The other items that are to be bought are the Travancore saris, authentic jewelry and souvenirs.

If finding a place to spend the day is your query then not to worry. Palakkad may be a small town but the accommodation availabilities are affordable and comfortable, the two words that you will rarely find being combined in a positive way, all in the heart of the city. The few of the many budget hotels are: Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resorts, Cliff View Restaurant and hotel Indraprastha. These hotels are well furnished, air conditioned and has the state of the art facilities, all of which only add to your comfort in the stay. They blend into an environment that instills peace and relaxation.

There are a number of ways to reach Palakkad including the airways, railways and roadways. Since this city is well established and also a tourist hot spot, it is there by linked to the major cities and towns. This makes it easier to reach the city as the transport facilities would be defined clearly. If you are travelling by road, the most preferred route would be the NH-47. If your plans are to arrive by train, the most common ones that connect to the city and connect the city to other important cities like Cochin and Trivandrum are the Kerala Express and Amrutha express. The nearest airport would be the Coimbatore Airport about 60 kilo meters from Palakkad.

Palakkad Map


Borra Caves Vizag Visakhapatnam

Posted by admin | Posted on 26-07-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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The Borra Caves are located on the Anatagiri hills of the Eastern Ghats which is very close to the ‘City of Destiny’, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. They are mainly famous for the stalactite and stalagmite formations that are resting inside the cave. The Borra Caves Vizag Visakhapatnam, also called as Bora guhalu (as in their native language Telugu) are at an elevation of about 705 meters above sea level. This cave is also considered the deepest cave in India.

Legends say that this deep cave was founded by a group of cowherds who went searching for a lost cow in the herd and found the cow lying in this cave. They were surprised to find the cow still alive after a fall so deep and fatal and so decided to go inside and check what was inside the cave. It is said that they found a stone inside the cave that symbolized one of the forms of Lord Shiva and it was so believed that Lord Shiva kept the cow from any injury or death. After this incident, they claimed the cave to be holy and started using the cave as a temple where people slowly started flocking. This eventually became a tourist hot spot and people from all over the world came to see the cave. The cave not only had the statue that the cowherd discovered but many more limestone figures and statues which attracted many more people and tourists. Inside the cave you will find a temple, a church, a mosque, mushroom formations and so many other indescribable breathtaking formations that add to the beauty of the place.

As you go ahead in the search to find more and more structures, you will also find a chandelier, a lion chasing its prey, a tree, and so many more structures that have come into shape naturally by limestone. If you are really into finding more and studying them, you should grab a torch and climb up the stairs to find more of these magnificent structures in detail. Also, a walk around these caves gives you a wonderful scenario of the mountains, the valley; in short the awesome beauty of nature and that is something that you should never miss!

How to reach:

If you are travelling by air then the nearest airport would be the Visakhapatnam airport. Taking a taxi or a train is advisable when going to the caves. If you resort to going by train then there are daily trains that connect the city to Araku Valley which is pretty near to the caves. If you are taking the road, the caves are about 2 hours or 90 kilo meters away from the main city.

Bibi ka maqbara- mini Taj

Posted by admin | Posted on 25-07-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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You may not have been there but you definitely have heard about it and seen pictures. But almost every person who visits India sees it. It’s a symbol of everlasting love: the Taj mahal. However there is another taj mahal that you can find in India; the Bibi ka maqbara.

The Bibi ka maqbara also known as the mini taj mahal is located approximately at a distance of 5 km from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. The ‘Bibi ka maqbara’ which translates as ‘tomb of the lady’ entombs rabia-ul-daurani, alias dilras banu begum, the wife of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It was built by prince azam shah, son of Aurangzeb; in memory of his mother Rabia –ul- daurani. He modeled it just like the original Taj mahal.

The construction of the Bibi ka maqbara was started in the year 1651 and took about 10 years to complete it. The Bibi ka maqbara is like the taj mahal has a central dome, surrounded by four smaller domes and four minarets. Four taller minarets present around the structure, compliments it. There is a path way leading up to the mausoleum which has pools, fountains and are lined by tall trees on both sides of the walkway. The similarity of the Bibi ka maqbara is uncannily; at first glance it can easily be mistaken as the taj mahal. The Bibi ka maqbara is much smaller than the taj mahal after which it was modeled, perhaps about half the size and the intricate carvings and other beautiful art work seen in the taj mahal is somewhat missing, yet it is a monument worth admiring and considered to be the finest mughal monument in the western India’s Deccan region.

To an untrained eye the entire monument seemed to be carved out of marble however the Bibi ka maqbara was constructed out of sandstone and plastered walls unlike it original the taj mahal, which was made entirely of white marble. The use of sandstone and plaster was mainly to reduce costs. It is designed by ustad attah ullah of Persia. The Bibi ka maqbara stands in the middle of a lush garden which is over 450 mts long and 270 mts wide adorned with a number of ponds, fountains and other water bodies. The entire complex is enclosed within giant walls and huge pavilions on its side.

Maharashtra tourism development corporation (MTDC) conducts tours to Aurangabad and you can visit Bibi ka maqbara easily. There are two trains which depart from Mumbai to Aurangabad daily. You can reach the place with one night journey from Mumbai. Foreign tourists can purchase the ticket to this beautiful place easily as there is a separate queue available. Other than train you can go by bus also. There are many tour operators providing daily bus services to Bibi ka maqbara.

Rishikesh travel guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 22-03-2011

Category : India Heritage Travel

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Rishikesh is the gateway to the Himalayas in the tehri- Garhwal region, Uttarakhand. It is situated at a height of about 1360 feet above sea level.The serene surroundings of this place make it an ideal setting for medition. The town is dotted with countless ashrams. The sparkling clear water of the Ganga is a treat to watch as it gushes down the narrow crevices of the mountains to unite with the plains. For the adventure sport lovers Rishikesh is a delight. rishikesh templesRishikesh, the very name conjures up images of resonating bells, holy dips, soaring hills and gushing river Ganges in the mind of an individual. Situated on the banks of the holy Ganga River, the town is regarded as the Gateway to the Char Dhams (four major Hindu pilgrimages) – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed to be the place where meditation can help one attain moksha (salvation). Apart from pilgrims, the town is thronged by adventure aficionados and nature lovers, who come entranced by the challenging streams and towering peaks that form it landscape.

Rishikesh is also famous for the sadhus (saints) and people come here to learn Yoga from them. Today it is universally accepted that Yoga is a great alternative therapy. Thousands of people come here to practice this healing art.

How to Get There

Nearest domestic airport: The jolly grant Airport, near Dehra dun, is about 17 km from Rishikesh

By Road: connected well by road, Rishikesh has busese plying to Haridwar, Agra, Chandigarh, Dehra Dun, Delhi and Nainital. The bus terminus, UP Roadways Bus stand, is located at the junction of agarwal Road and Bengali Road.

Rail: The Dehra Dun shatabdi Express is the best way to reach Haridwar from Delhi. The Dehra Dun Mumbai Express and Dehra Dun Varansi expess also ply to Haridwar. Calcutta and Allahabad are connected to Haridwar by the Doon Expess and Dehra Dun-Allahabad link Expess. The railways station is located on Railway Road in the west end of the town.

Rishikesh Sightseeing
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Lakshman Jhula-rishikeshIt is one of the most prominent landmarks at Rishikesh. This is a suspended bridge and was built in the year 1929. According to the beliefs, the river at this place is said to have been crossed by Rama’s brother Lakshman using a jute rope. To savor the panoramic views of the surroundings and the cool breeze, this bridge is an ideal spot.

Triveni Ghat: Triveni Ghat: as the name suggests, is a bathing ghat in Rishikesh. It serves as the venue of a Maha Arti every day. Early in the morning as well as late in the evening, you will find pilgrims taking a dip in the holy waters of the ghat.

Swarga Ashram: Swarga Ashram is a huge complex in Rishikesh, popular for housing several temples within its precincts. Throughout the complex, you can see magnificent statues of various Gods and Goddess. The ashram also comprises of a number of eating joints, apart from souvenir and other shops.
Neelkanth Mahadev:neelkanth mahadev-temple Situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh, around 12 km away, is a revered temple, known as ‘Nilkanth Mahadeo’. Perched on top of a hill, at a height of around 1675 m, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends say that the venom that oozed out while the ‘Samudra Manthan’ was ingested by Lord Shiva at the place which is now known as the Nilkanth Mahadeo.

Rishikund: Rishikund is a tank in Rishikesh, considered to be scared by the pilgrims. As per the legends, Goddess Yamuna filled this tank with water, after being pleased with Kubz, a saint.

Adventure at Rishikesh

White water river rafting Rishikesh is a delightful spot for white water rafting. Rishikesh & Shivpuri are the main centrs of white water rafting in north India. The river rafting is based about 20 kms away from Rishikesh on the Rishikesh – Devprayag road. The camps situated along the river Ganges provide accommodation in natural and serene surroundings, nature treks, camp fire activities etc.

Camping : Holidaying in camps give adenture lovers a new thrill. Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, 16 km from rishikesh, the campsite is set up amidst scenic splendor by the holy Gangs River and is girdlid by a thick sal forest. Tourists can enjoy diverse adventure activities during the stay in the camp like-rafting , rappelling , nature walk, bird waching in the surrounding areas, Kayaking on a peaceful stretch near the camp, Beach games like volley ball, Frisbee, water polo etc.

Hiking & Trekking: From rishikesh, several excursion options are also available. Tourists can check out the rajaji National park at chilla, the historical town of narendra nagar and the picturesque kunjapuru.

Rock-Climbing/Mountaineering: This adventure sport is carried out at George Everest house phoolchatti near Rishikesh. There are proper provisions, like traind instructors who assist in climbing. Equipment required for mountaineering/ rock climbing with transport facilities and camping/catering and first aid are also available.

WHERE TO EAT
Rishikesh is strictly vegetarian and you can’t carry meat or alcohol into the town. But restaurateurs have learnt to innovate due to the rush of foreign tourists. Continental vegetarian dishes are widely available at the cafes overlooking Laxman Jhula , so you can order great lasagna ,banana lassi or pancakes. For those who can’t do without Indian masala, Chotiwala near Ram Jhula serves decent North Indian staples at Madras Café. Do also visit Amrita House near the boat jetty. Theur pizzas, topped with homemade buffalo cheese, are very popular.

Khajuraho Temples- Images of Eternal Love

Posted by admin | Posted on 17-08-2010

Category : India Heritage Travel

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Khajuraho Temples- Images of Eternal Love

Khajuraho is a small village nestled in the timbered plains of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho is a famous tourist destination known for its temples. Traditionally believed to have been built by the Chandela rulers during 950-1050 A.D, Khajuraho Temples are listed among the world heritage site by UNSECO.

The Khajuraho temples are famous for their rare art work which can be associated with any temple art. They bear erotic images which have gained popularity around the world. The predominant religious influence in the temple is that of Jainism and Hinduism. The construction of the Khajuraho temples can be credited to the Chandela Rajputs of that period and the temples were constructed between 950 to 1150; a period of around 200 years. The Muslim invaders from central Asia caused some damage to the Khajuraho temples and the damages can be seen even today. The temple art work is different from other temples since it depicts sexual activities of people during the medieval period. This feature is a rare art work which can be seen only in the Khajuraho temples. The architecture which has been used in this temple corresponds to a north Indian architectural style known as the Shikhara style. The sculpture works are realistic in nature and are under extensive research even today. Southern, Eastern and Southern are the three main parts in which the temples can be divided. Sandstone was used or the construction of Khajuraho temples.

Khajuraho Temples

Khajuraho Temples

They were placed together using precisely worked out joints. The entire thing works upon balance due to gravity. The giant columns and mega structures were made from megalith which are very heavy and weigh up to around 20 tons each. The erotic art which has been depicted outside the walls of the temple comprises of sexual undertones. The everyday activities of people during Medieval India have also been depicted through the art work. The properties of the soul have been shown through special art works which is a rare sight. They have depicted the soul as a pure entity which remains unaffected by worldly desires related to sexual activities. However the sexual activities which have been shown do not depict any deities engaging in sexual practices but they show only humans engaged in acts of sex. The temple is a combination of rare art and architecture along with a fixed undertone of religion.

The thing which is very uncommon about this place is the combination of sensuality and divinity; combined through art work. The tones of sexual nature are depicted on ordinary figurines and the deities have been kept away from it. The main deities of Khajuraho are Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar. These deities signify the entire life cycle of existence through creation, sustaining and destruction. The eternal images of love have made this temple a very famous one and it has been a topic of research work. The common behavior of human beings has been combined with the divine world and has resulted in the eternal art works of Khajuraho; mortal with time but eternal in beauty.

Travel Informations

By Air: Regular services link Khajuraho with Delhi, Agra, and Varanasi.

By Rail: The nearest railheads are Harpalpur (94 Km) and Mahoba (61 Km). Jhansi (172 Km) is a convenient railhead for those traveling from Delhi and Chennai; Satna (117 Km), on the Mumbai-Allahabad line of the Central Railway for those coming from Mumbai, Kolkata and Varanasi.

By Road: Khajuraho is connected by regular buses with Satna, Harpalpur, Jhansi and Mahoba