Ranakpur Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 14-09-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Ranakpur is a small village located in Western India in the state of Rajasthan. The village lies between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, on the western Aravalli mountain range. From road, this place is easily accessible from Udaipur. A sun temple and a Jain temple make this place very popular. People travelling to Rajasthan generally prefer to go the Ranakpur village to get a glimpse of the culture of village India. In the past, this place has been ruled by Rana Kumbha of Mewar. This goes back to the mid 16th century. At that time, most of the temples and castles of Rajasthan were constructed. Sun Temple, Ranakpur is a very famous place and is iconic in Indian History. The architecture of the Sun temple here has been a subject of deep analysis. The structure is quite massive covering a total surface area of 60 x 62 meters. The majestic structures arise from the sides of a hill. This has become a major attraction for most of the tourists who come to visit Rajasthan; the region of Ranakpur cannot be ignored.

→ Continue

Pushkar Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 13-09-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan is a grand affair that attracts a huge number of tourists around the world. A very small town is located just next to the holy lake of Pushkar. Pushkar is an extremely important pilgrim spot for people who belong to the Hindu community. Many people from all parts of India come to Pushkar on a pilgrimage. According to Hindu traditional mythology, it is extremely important for a person to pay a pilgrimage to Pushkar. Apart from its spiritual significance, this place has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attraction. The Ghats of Pushkar are filled with mystic sights and one can see a number of hermits in deep penance. A few of them are seen performing elaborate rituals on the banks of Pushkar Lake. This place offers a more serene escapade to a traveler compared to any other tourist spot in Rajasthan. The location of Pushkar is on the edge of the desert and for the same reason this place does not face extreme climatic changes. It is very close to Ajmer and separated from it by the Nag Mountains. Rooftop restaurants and small shops selling a lot of accessories are in abundance in Pushkar. There is plenty of tourist excitement too, though it may be considered to be a place of worship.

→ Continue

Kudremukh Hill Station Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 08-08-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

It is one of the most amazing places for tourists in Karnataka State India. This place is filled with tourists in time of October to February. So if you want to go to Kudremukh hill station then the perfect time is around October to February. This place is a great travel destination which is filled with natural beauty. If you want to enjoy your holidays then this place is a great option with its forests and the rivers. You will really enjoy here with the great green environment all around.

There are some great places to visit in Kudremukh hill station. You can go for the trekking in Kudremukh hill station. This place is one of the greatest places for trekkers in south India.

→ Continue

Champhai Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 22-07-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

The district of Champhai a seat hyperactive commercial activity is situated 194 km from Aizwal. It is located in the north eastern state of Mizoram and shares international boundary with Myanmar. The place is blessed with rainbow hued landscaped which leaves everyone mesmerised. The splendid beauty attracts many tourists across the globe. It is believed be to be the first settlement of the Mizo migrants to India. The place is rich in ancient relics, monuments, monoliths which tell the tales of its magnificent past. There are also certain landmarks around which many legends have been spun. Its picturesque, glorious history, legends and current pace of development makes it an ideal combination for holiday makers. Owing it to its highly productive land it is popularly called the ‘Fruit Bowl’ or the ‘Rice Bowl’ of the state. It is gifted with fruit laden orchards, vineyards and recently flourished Kiwi plantations.Champhai. It serves as a good base for trekkers.

Attractions

The prime attractions of the destination include Thasiama Seno Neihna it is actually a plateau situated on the top of a steep rugged hill. A legend regarding this site goes in the town which believes that Thasiama was blessed by a fairy that his calf Mithun would multiply and make him rich. Mithun used to deliver on this hill under fairy’s guidance. Fiara Tui a river which originates in the mountain Tan tlang is situated 65 km from Champhai. According to a legend due to the shortage of drinking water people in the area used to travel long distances to procure it. Fiara, discovered the clear source of water. He and his mother decided to conceal it. But later the villagers came to know of it. Rih Dil Lake it is located at a distance of 22km from Champhai inside the province of Myanmar. The lake is in shape of heart and it is believed that the souls while leaving to their eternal abode pass through here. Manghaia Lung is actually Memorial Stone which has a series of human figures engraved on it, believed to be guardians of the dead.

How to Reach

The nearest airport Lengpui Airport is located in Aizwal and has flights to prime cities like Kolkata, Agartala, Guhati and Imphal. The only railway station in Mizoram is Bhairabi which is connected to Silchar in Assam. Champhai can be reached from Aizawl by travelling a distance of 194 km and buses and taxis ply on the route.

Nearby places

Other places lying in the neighborhood of the destination include Aizwal which is 194 km from Champhai. Silchar which is 54km from Mizoram and Kolkota.

Weather

Champhai has a favourable climate all through the year. The best time to visit the place is during October to May. The temperature during summers ranges from around 29 degrees to 20 degrees. The place receives rainfall during the months from June to August. Winters are very mild with the minimum temperature of 11 degrees and therefore is the best time to visit this place.

Dharamshala Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 20-07-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Dharamsala a spiritual dwelling literally means an “inn attached to a temple”is a hill station in located in Himachal Pradesh. The place attracts several tourists from all over the world due to its serene and tranquil picturesque .It is also famous for its large Tibetan community centred around Dali Lama. Formerly known as Bhagsu, it lies beautifully wrapped in the covers of pine and deodar trees in the Kangra Valley in the shadow of the Dhauladar Mountains.It is the starting point to a number of trekking trails. The town is divided into two main areas that are separated by a 9 km run. The Lower Dharamsala is small Indian town that has the bus station and Upper Dharamsala commonly as McLeod Ganj is the centre of tourist activity. This quiet town is a seat of faith and is a pilgrimage destination for the Buddhists. Age old monasteries, yoga and meditation centres, wooded valleys, soaring Himalayan ranges offer an open invitation to many. Prominent residents included Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dali Lama, Namrata Singh Gujral, Alfred W. Hallett to name a few.

Attractions

Prime attractions at Dharamshala include Tsuglagkhang Complex, largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet .It is the monastery of Dalai Lama and has a huge meditation hall with splendid statues and thangkas. It embodies the Kalachakra temple and the Namgyal Cafe, a work training centre for Tibetan youth in its premises. The Naam Art Gallery exhibiting paintings by Elsbeth Buschmann and Alfred W. Hallett. Tibet Museum which preserves the history of Tibet and its people. Bhagsu Waterfall and Bahsunag temple of Lord Shiva is at about 3km from Dharamsala. Chamunda Temple located on the bank of river Baner .Legend prevails that, Goddess Kali killed the demons Chand and Mund at this place. Dharamsala Cricket Stadium of international fame which has witnessed several matches for IPL team Kings XI Punjab. Dharamkot and Naddi is an ideal picnic spot. Dal lake famous for its yellow colour is considered sacred. Masrur is known for its carved monolithic temples with the images of various Hindu deities.

How to reach

It is reachable by Air, Rail and Road. The nearest airport, Gaggal (Kangra) or Dharmsala Airport (18 Kms) even Amritsar is a convenient airport. Pathankot is the nearest railhead to Dharamsala from here a toy train runs to Joginder nagar via Kangra. It is connected to Delhi, Shimla, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Dalhousie by means of road.

Nearby places

Other places of interest lying close to Dharamshala include the town of Chamba situated on a plateau. Dalhousie about 127 km is small and peaceful town which is amongst one of the preferred tourist destinations. Manali at 235km has a breathtaking landscape. Shimla another tourist favourite is 270 km from here.

Weather

It enjoys pleasant weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are the best months to visit the place. The maximum temperature rises to 30 degrees centigrade. Followed by monsoon which lasts to September. Winters are extreme and there is a remarkable dip in the temperature. But it is the ideal time for ice sports.

Chitkul Travel Guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 13-07-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Baspa valley’s highest village is Chitkul and the last village on Hindustan – Tibet road, where tourist can go without permit. The village comprises of three temples of Goddess Mathis in the village and it is being said that they are 500 years old. It is a friendly place for trekking. The place provides beautiful scenic place apart from that it also provides ideal conditions for fishing on river Baspa. It is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Sangla. Out of the three temples the kagyupa Temple has a highly valued old image of the Shakyamuni Buddha, a Wheel of Life mandala and four Directional Kings on each side of the door. The goddess of Chitkul is the only non Buddhist deity to whom respect must be paid by the Parikrama pilgrims. This village Chitkul provides an unmatched ambiance. This village has nothing much to offer people from Sangla visit this place as a day trip. Right sides of the Baspa River are the beautiful mountain with snow-clad and on the right bank the whole place are full of apple orchids and wooden houses.

Attractions

The various attractions of Chitkul are karchham, Sangla Valley, Kumru, and Rakchham.

Karchham – Following the old Hindustan – Tibet route one goes through the villages of Jeoti, Wangtu, Tapri and Karchham. Conflux of the Sutlej and Baspa River lays this village of Karchham.

Sangla Valley – is the most beautiful valley of Kinnaur and Baspa Valley is another name for Sangla Valley. Sangla valley is delight for nature lovers, and the best part is the stretch after Raksham and it goes up to Chitkul. It starts from that point in where Baspa River in the east joins the Sutlej River.

Kumru – above the Sangla village stands the tower – like fort of Kumru surrounded with fields and orchards around, Kumru valley is a dense cluster of houses. The place where moment you enter, you see an image of Buddha and before entering the village you must sought his blessings. It is one of those places from where the finest apple of Himachal Pradesh comes. The kind of architecture present there in unique in style.

How to reach

To reach Chitkul one can take road, rail or air medium to get there. If one is going by air then Shimla airport will be the nearest. In case of the railways nearest rail heads will be the Shimla narrow gauge and Kalka broad gauge. And one can take taxis, Jeeps and busses from Shimla, Rampur and Peo.

Nearby places

Some of the places which one can go during his visit to Chitkul are kalpa which lies on the Old Hindustan Tibet Highway and is about 13 kilometers from Rekong Peo. Another such place to visit is Dhumdhar Kandi Pass.

Weather

When it comes to weather conditions in Chitkul it is very cold in winters and pleasant during the summers. It is a dry zone mean to say that there are no rains and it becomes quite a place to go for trekking between May and November.

Khajjiar Hills TravelGuide

Posted by admin | Posted on 13-07-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Khajjiar hills is termed as Switzerland of India. It is in the state of Himachal Pradesh on the northwest part of the state. It is a great display of natural beauty with its Rolling Meadows, bubbly streams and majestic deodars. The major landmark is the 12th century, golden domed temple, which is dedicated to Khajjinag, with huge life-size wooden images of the 5 Pandavas. The most important aspect of this hill station, is the presence of all the three ecological components i.e. lake, forest and the pasture. No wonder why this place is often termed as the Mini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh.

Attractions

As it is a place with lots of natural beauty, but there are three major tourist attractions the Khajji Nag Temple, Khajjiar Lake and Khalatop Wild Life Sanctuary.

Khajji Nag Temple – is present in the Chamba district and it holds a great religious importance and people visit this place quite frequently. The deity of khajji nag temple is known as Khajji nag, the lord of serpent. The temple was built in the 10th century and the architecture, gives the blend of Mughal and Hindu style. Going inside the temple one can see the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Hadimba.

Khajjiar Lake – amidst the grassland of Khajjiar, Khajjiar Lake is like a paradise. Khajjiar is a perfect picture spot one has in its mind and the Lake is added advantage on to its wonderful site. There are number of movie directors who have visited this place for various scenes, one such example is the super hit movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. This lake has a great importance among the deity of khajji Nag temple and they have legendary association with the lake. Due to which the lake is a considered sacred among the local people. Water is there in the lake in all the seasons and on top of it doesn’t require rainwater for endurance.

Khalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – khalatop wildlife sanctuary is spread in a wide area of Khajjiar and Dalhousie. And it inhabits animals like deer, bear, leopard, wild cats, and number of species of bird and some endangered species as well. The area which the khalatop wildlife sanctuary covers is quite large.

How to reach

To reach Khajjiar one can take air, road and rail. By air the nearest airport are the Gaggal Airport which is some 97kms near Kanga and Pathankot airport which is 96 kms from Khajjiar. Khajjiar is not directly connected with railways, one need to get down at Pathankot and then needs to travel by road. All the major towns of Himachal have a good road network and regular buses and taxis are available.

Nearby places

Some of the places near Khajjiar are Chamba, Dalhousie, Lakkarmandi, Bharmour, and Jot.

Weather

The climate between April and June is alpine summers in Khajjiar and it experiences cold weather between November and February and it’s very cold and bitter. It also experiences monsoons during the tenure of July and September. Best time to be in Khajjiar is between March and June.

Narkanda travel guide

Posted by admin | Posted on 10-07-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Overview

Situated in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh providing an astonishing view, and located in between the valley of Sutlej and Beas River.  It is not only known for its beautiful view but Narkanda is also surrounded by apple orchards and dense pine and deodar forests. Narkanda is well known for skiing and water sports. Himachal Pradesh is considered for as apple country and Narkanda the entry door for it. Most of the area of Narkanda is covered with cherry and apple orchards. Nakrkanda is a complete destination as not only provides natural beauty beyond expectation with its vast scenic spleandours. It is an ideal destination for adventure during winters for skiing and snowboarding. During winters Narkanda is a famous ski resort and skiers from all over country come to enjoy.

Attractions

Some of the famous attractions which are there in Narkanda are Hattu Peak, Hattu Mata Temple, Kacheri, Thander and Kotgarh.

Hattu Peak – At a distance of 7 kilometers from Narkanda in Himachal lays the highest Peak of the region Hattu Peak. The Hattu Peak with an altitude of 3136mts from sea level provides the excellent view of the dense forest and the mighty Himalayan range that is snow laden.

Hattu Mata Temple – At the highest Peak top of Narkanda i.e. Hattu Peak is Hattu Mata temple located. It is an ancient temple of Hatto Mata and is considered to be of Pandav’s exile period. And it holds a significant importance among the local people present there.

Kacheri –It is famous for an ancient Mahamaya Temple which is about 7 kilometers from Narkanda. It is above sea level at an elevation of 1810 mts. It is a religious place with a great importance for the people of Kacheri and Narkanda both.

Thander – In the midst of magnificent apple orchards lays a small village but a prominent one called Thander, which can also be written as Thanedar. There are various specialties in Thader if it is scenic view and adventurous spot it has the Tanijjabar Lake and Hattu Peak. When it comes to religion the presence of the St Mary’s Church built in 1872 and a stone temple named Parsmyyotir which is built in Pahari style.

Kotgarh – Is a place on the Hindustan –Tibet road, known as the land of apples because of its scrumptious apples. In acres of land in Kotgarh one can only find apples, as there are spread across. It is about 16 kilometers from Narkanda and apples from this town are transported throughout the country.

How to reach

One can take air, road and rail ways to reach Narkanda. At a distance of about 81 kilometers from Narkanda is Jubbarhatti airport. In case of railways one needs to take Chandigarh or Shimla route. Road are well connected in Himachal Pradesh and one can easily take this route.

Nearby places

Some of the places nearby Narkanda are Kacheri, Kotgarh, Thander etc.

Weather

Weather is pleasant throughout the year during summers i.e. between April to June temperature is 30 degrees to 15 degrees. Between June and August it is rainy season and winters starts from October till March and is chilly ranging from 10 degrees to -10 degrees.

Sisodia Rani Bagh – Jaipur

Posted by admin | Posted on 22-03-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , ,

Sisodia Rani Bagh is constructed by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, in 1728, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh was built as a gift by the imperial groom to his Sisodia Queen from Udaipur who was a Sisodia descendant.

Situated at a distance of 10 kilometers from the main Jaipur city, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh lies on the Jaipur-Agra highway. Adorned in typical Mughal style, Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is a multi-tiered garden that is a storehouse of elegantly painted pavilions, several watercourses and fragile water fountains.

It mainly depicts the theme based on the legends of eternal lovers – Lord Krishna and his soul love Radha. The gardens plea to the visual and aesthetic tastes of the visitor with its multi-tiered gardens, most elegant and stylish fountains and watercourses, painted pavilions and galleries and most striking murals of Lord Krishna in all sorts of poses taken from his lifetime.

The royal maidens and ladies of Jaipur used it as a well-liked and private summer move away in the 17th and the 18th century. It is one of the largest and most well designed gardens situated in the southeastern corner of the walled city.

Bundi travel guide – Rajasthan

Posted by admin | Posted on 22-03-2011

Category : India travel guide

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bundi is a small town with pastoral setting that stands on the foothills of the Aravali mountains. It is situated in the south-east region of Rajasthan and lies at a distance of 206 km from Jaipur and 36 km away from the city of Kota. The name Bundi is derived from one of the chieftain’s name Bunda Meena. Once a part of Kota, it was ruled by the Hada Chauhans – an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan who ruled Delhi and Ajmer.

One of the interesting things in Bundi are the Baori’s. These waterworks are also called as stepwells. There are over 50 stepwells in Bundi, of which only a handful have been maintained. They used to be the only source of water for the town until a piped water system was introduced. After that these stepwells were abandoned and the monuments fell into disrepair. Most of the former stepwells inside the town have become garbage dumps, and are slipping out of the public consciousness.

In Bundi there are the frieze-adorned palaces, the forts and the monuments that narrate tales about the glorious past of the city. A scenic lake where the entire city and its palaces get reflected, adds a pristine quality to the place.

One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Remote as it is in its hilly terrain, Bundi continues to be a place where life is largely untouched by the outside world. Infact, even today, Bundi is one place in Rajasthan that has a delightfully medieval flavor – visiting it is like stepping into some kind of time warp. The tiny, winding lanes of its bazaars are among the most fascinating to find anywhere in Rajasthan.

Geography and Climate
The town of Bundi is situated 36 km from Kota and 206 km from Jaipur. The city lies near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city.Area of the city is 5628 sq. km. In summer maximum temperature is 43.0 degree C and minimum temperature is 35.0 degree C.In winter maximum temperature is 37.7 degree C and minimum temperature is 5.0 degree C. The district is generally dry except during the monsoon or winter rains.Best season is from August to February.

History of Bundi


In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes, of which the Parihar Meenas were prominent. Bundi and the eponymous princely state are said to derive their names from a former Meena king called Bunda Meena. Bundi was previously called “Bunda-Ka-Nal”, Nal meaning “narrow ways”. Later the region was governed by Rao Deva Hara, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in A.D. 1342 by farud. renaming the surrounding area Haravati or Haroti. Here the Haras ruled, largely protected from the influence of the outside world by the hill country around them.Common languages are Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

Bundi tourist attractions

Taragarh Fort: Taragarh Fort (Star Fort) is the major tourist attraction in Bundi. One of the most magnificent forts of Rajasthan, Taragarh Fort was built in 1354 AD. Perched on a thickly wooded hill, Taragarh Fort offers a spectacular view of the town. The Fort also houses a huge reservoir, which was built to supply water to the nearby Bundi palace.

Bundi Palace: Bundi Palace is another not to be missed attraction in Bundi. Nestled on a hill adjacent to the Taragarh Fort, the Bundi Palace offers a good example of the Rajput architecture. Visitors can see some of the superb Bundi murals in the Palace.

Chhattar Mahal: Chhattar Mahal or the ‘Palace of Towers’ is another attraction in Bundi, famous for its miniature style murals. There are many interesting structures inside the palace complex including the Hazari Pol or Gate of the Thousand, the Naubat Khana, Diwan-i- Aam and the Hathi Pol (Elephant gate) with its old Water Clock.

84 Pillared Cenotaph: Eight Four Pillared Cenotaph is yet another architectural marvel that you should not miss on your tour to Bundi.

Chitrashala: Chitrashala is a fascinating pavilion with frescoes showcasing the famous art of the Bundi School of miniature paintings. These fresco paintings on the walls depict scenes from the Ragmala and Raaslila, the epic story from the life of Radha and Krishna.

Raniji-ki-Baori: The Raniji-ki-Baori (step-well) is another must visit on your tours to Bundi. It is a 46 meters deep step-well with some exquisitely carved pillars and a high arched gate. Built in 1699 AD by a princess Rani Nathavatji, the step-well is one of the largest of its kind and Rajasthan.

Ratan Daulat: Also called Diwan-e-Aam, it was a royal court, built in such manner that it forms stables for nine horses and elephants. A very attractive structure, it was built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh.

Nawal Sagar: It is a beautiful and square shaped artificial lake located in the heart of Bundi. The lake has a half submerged shrine dedicated to Lord Varuna. The Lake offers a breathtaking reflection of the town and the palace in the evening, indeed an unforgettable experience for viewers.

Other not to be missed tourist attractions in Bundi include Sukh Mahal, Phool Sagar Palace, and Shikar Burj

Things to Do in Bundi
Besides local sightseeing tours, one can enjoy many more exciting activities on Bundi tour. Enjoy excursion to Menal to see a 122 m deep and hollow gorge and a temple complex with beautiful carvings, Dugari Fort, and Indragarh Fort (65 km from Bundi). Dugari and Indragarh are also famous for wall paintings. Bundi becomes alive during the Teej Festival. A tour to Bundi during Teej Festival would surely be a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. On tours to Bundi, you can also shop for cotton carpets, famous Kota paintings and Kota doria sarees, stone statues, wooden toys and lac bangles.

Flora and Fauna
The flora in Bundi includes the grasses, shrubs and thorny trees. The commonly found tree species are bamboo, khejri, teak and varied species of acacia. There are several species of plants and herbs, having great medicinal value. The fauna contains many species of serpents and of lizards. The wildlife includes species like Indian gazelles or chinkaras, antelopes, black bucks, silver foxes, great Indian bustard, the nilgai or the blue bull, and wild cats etc.

Page 1 of 3123