Tuesday 2 September 2014

Bet Dwarka Beach Rozi


Adinath Mandir


Ranmal Lake


Lakhota Museum


Bohra Hajira


Jamsaheb's Palace


Solarium


Lakhota Fort


Willington Crescent


Kotha Bastion


Shaking Minarets


Kankaria Lake, Bhadra Fort


Hathee Singh Jain Temple


Calico Museum of Textiles


Sabarmati Ashram / Mahatma Gandhi's Home


Akshardham Temple



The well known Akshardham Temple is located at Gandhi Nagar that witnesses more than 2 million of visitors every year. The Akshardham Temple is an architectural masterpiece where you will witness the hoarded wealth of Gujarati architecture. 
The Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the father of Swaminarayan Faith. You will find a big idol of Lord Swaminarayan inside this grand temple

Takteshwar Temple, Bhavnagar


The Takteshwar temple, Bhavnagar is a holy temple of the Hindus dedicated to three eyed Lord Shiva, who is considered to be the destroyer in the Hindu 'Holy Trinity' of the creator, preserver and destroyer, as per the Hindu mythology.


Somnath Temple



Somnath Temple is one of the very ancient temples of India located in Gujarat and stands as a famous landmark in the Indian history. Somnath Temple is located about 79 kilometers from Junagadh in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval and the most legendary temples of the western coast of India. Somnath Temple is the ideal sacred place of the Hindus that survived the ravages of time. Study of history reveals that the Somnath Temple was invaded by the different conquerors who came to India whereby some looted its wealth and others destroyed some parts of it. Many legends are attached to the Somnath Temple regarding its origin and existence.

Monday 1 September 2014

Dwarkanath Temple



Dwarkanath Temple, nestled in the holy city of Dwarka, lies on the coast of river Gomti. Considered to be the ancient kingdom of Lord Shri Krishna, Dwarka is also home to a number of religious spots and temples.
t is said that the original temple was built by Lord Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha, who built it on top of the Lord's abode, Hari Griha. Since studies show that that the temple was builtmore than 2500 years ago, it became a part of the much revered Char Dham after Adj Guru Shankaracharya visited the site in the 8th century. A memorial set inside the temple recalls this visit.

Jain Temple - Ranakpur


Rani Satiji Temple



Located 180 km from the city of Jaipur, Jhunjhuna is a historical town in Rajasthan. Jhunjhuna has always been a commercial and trading centre also know to be a part of the Chauhan Dynasty. Jhunjhuna is famous for its religious sites, the Rani Sati Temple being the most popular temple in this town. The city is also home to iconic Rajashani havelis decorated with intricate carvings and frescoes

BandeshwarTemple



Located in the royal state of Rajasthan, Bikaner is popular for its rich culture and exquisite architectural marvels, including palaces and temples. The BandeshwarTemple is counted among one of the most popular attractions of Bikaner and is famous for its beautiful interiors, wall paintings and art.

Mehrangarh Fort



The Mehrangarh Fort, one of the colossal and majestic forts of India is located atop a 150 m elevated hill lying at a distance of 5km from Jodhpur in Rajsathan.

Sariska National Park



The Sariska National, snuggled in the Aravali Hills and lying in the district of Alwar, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and was included in the "Project Tiger" as a tiger reserve in 1979. The park encompasses a sprawling area of 800 square kilometers and is the abode of a range of diverse flora, fauna and avifauna

Ranthambore National Park



The Ranthambore National Park located between the Aravali Mountains and the Vindhya plateau is one of the renowned sanctuaries of India. This sanctuary with an area of 1,334 sq km is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers that can be seen near the marshes and the lakes even during the daytime.

In the past this area was the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. It was declared a game sanctuary in 1955 and later became a National Park in 1980. Finally on 1980, it became the Tiger Reserve in India. Ranthambore is also cited as a heritage site because of the pictorial ruins of the fort within the park.

Kumbhalgarh Fort



The majestic fort of Kumbhalgarh, situated at a distance of eighty four kilometers to the north of the 'City of Lakes', is perhaps one of the most spectacular sites that adorns the history laden landscape of Udaipur. A testimony to the ingenuity of the legendary Maha rana Kumbha, it draws as much accolades as the formidable fortress of Chittorgarh.

It was constructed between the years 1445 and 1458 and is said to have been raised on the ruins of Samrapati's palace, a Jain king who lived in the 2nd Century B.C. In fact, the remnants of a Jain shrine found in the spectacular fortress indicates at such state of affairs

Jantar Mantar



The Cosmos and the vast Universe has always remained an enigma to mankind. Since yore the Universe has always fascinated man. 

Various observatories have been created for discovering the mysteries of the cosmos and the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one them. In fact the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest and one of the best preserved of five observatories constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh all over northern India. The Jantar Mantar in the Pink City consists of multiple structures of stone masonry build in varied and large geometric forms that have caught the attention of artists, architects and art historiographers throughout the world

Thursday 28 August 2014

Hawa Mahal



The regal Hawa Mahal is perhaps one of the oft visited tourist destinations of the lovely Pink City of Jaipur. instituted by the famed maharaja sawai pratap singh, circa 1799, the 'palace of the winds', is the repository of history and tradition of the colorful state of Rajasthan.

A portion of the magnificent City Palace, the Hawa Mahal is a stupendous melange of Rajasthan and Mughul schools of architecture. Etched in punk hued sandstone, it soars up to a height of about five stories and is one of the most remarkable monuments of Rajasthan

Galta Temple



Jaipur, the pink hued land of the majestic Jantar Mantar and the resplendent Hawa Mahal, also houses several shrines, which registers huge footfalls throughout the year. The Galta Temple of Jaipur is a case in point. 

Located amidst stark surroundings, the shrine of Galta, also known as 'the Monkey Temple', cuts a spectacular spectacle. Perched on the crown of a mount, the temple, is located at close quarters from the beautiful Sisodia Rani-ka Bagh. It is said that the hallowed portals of the temple played host to the penance rituals of God man Galava. This shrine also used to register huge footfalls from the devotees of Lord Krishna, belonging to the religious order of Ramanand

The City Palace



The City Palace is a stunning sample of architecture in the royal city of Jaipur. The foundations of the palace were laid by Maharaja Jai Singh II Kacchawaha Rajput king of Amber in the 18th century. The beautifully caved marble interiors, magnificent pillars, jali or lattice work and inlaid ornamentations make the palace a cherished tourist attraction. Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate are the two main entrances to the City Palace Jaipur - Rajasthan . The architect of this opulent structure Colonal Jacob has successfully combined the Mughal, Rajput and European styles of architecture.

Amber Fort



Located at a distance of about 11 km from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan , the Amber Fort stands perched atop a cliff beside the Jaipur Delhi Highway. The architecture is a fine blend of the Mughal and Rajput schools of architecture, beautifully combining white marble and redstone. The beautiful Maota Lake lends the majestic structure a splendid view. The sturdy ramparts and the lovely palaces make Amber Fort Jaipur one of the prime attractions of the state. The fort is also popularly known as Amber Fort

Albert Hall Museum



Albert Hall Museum or the Central Museum, sited amid the gardens of Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, is one of the oldest museums in the state of Rajasthan . The Albert Hall Museum is modeled on the Albert Museum of London and represents the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Location- The museum is housed in Ram Niwas Bagh in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Toranamal Hill Station



Tucked away in the Satpuda Mountains at an altitude of 1461 m., Toranmal is one of the most peaceful places on earth. And when you are tired of plain lazing, you could visit the beautiful Yashwant Lake, Seetha khali or any of the charming temples of olden days.

Khandala Lonavala Karla Hill Station



The twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala have a special attraction for the Mumbai crowd seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills.
A mere 3 hours by road from  Mumbai, beautifully landscaped Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of chikki.  But they also offer many sites worth visiting.  Trekking is a good way to get around, but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still better, as some points of interest are quite some distance from the main towns.
Other attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke’s Nose, Ryewood Park, Tiger’s Leap


Panhala Hill Stations



The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are innumerable places of interest , each with its share of haunting anecdotes. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

Amboli Hill Stations



Snuggling coyly, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches. Visit numerous view points for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort..

Panchgani Hill Station


In nearby Panchgani - which derives its name from the five hills that surround it - you set out on one of the special visits arranged by MTDC for a peep into the past. and some old British and Parsi homes.
Then you amble along the walkways thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of metres below. From Table Land, a flat mountain top, you look down in wonder at the coastal plains.
The next day you're astride your faithful horse as it canters along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes to Kamalgad Fort.
Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.

chikhaldara Hill Station


Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara -- Chikhaldara is its corruption. But there's more to Chikhaldara. The sole hill resort in the  Vidarbha region, it is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife -- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of  Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. Other interesting excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake

Bhandardara Hill Station


To reach Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri.  If you are traveling by road from  Mumbai, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti.  This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvelous retreat.  Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular.  Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land.  When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking!
Bhandardara has many attractions – from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous Arthur Lake.  As legend has it,  Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air.  Pleased with this display of devotion.  God came down to  Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the  Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.


Matheran Hill Station


The cliffs of Matheran with incredibly steep drops to the plains below offer stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light headed. Standing at Hart Point in pitch darkness you get a breathtaking glimpse of the lights of busy Bombay. Matheran abounds in such quixotically named points. popular sites for picnics and fireside revelry.
The old world charm of the British and Parsi home capitavtes you all the way up to the Charlotte Lake. On each trip through the main bazaar you purchase some of its attractions - care and leather articles, hats, chappals and the irresistible chikki loved by young and old alike.
Temperatures vary from 16° C in winter to 32° C in summer with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. It is a place to visit round the year, monssons included, for the young at heart. MTDC provides accommodation facilities, the total capacity being 83.

Mahabaleshwar


Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit.  Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity.
A tour of ×Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience.  The town bazaar is called ×Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm.  It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.
Mahabaleshwar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting. So one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many buildings and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm, the one-time residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where ×Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club.
As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring×Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields.