Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Travelling to Kerala

By Air :-
Kerala has the International airports at Kochi (Cochin), the capital city Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. You can also catch a direct flight from Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Singapore, Dubai, Colombo, Kuwait, Riyadh, Doha, Muscat and major cities of India.
By Rail :-
All the important cities and most tourist places of India are very well connected by rail to Kerala.
By Road :-
Kerala is connected to all the major cities of India.
Kerala celebrates…
In February, Kerala celebrates 7 days of Nishagandhi Dance festival; around April-May Pooram festival in Thrissur is celebrated; in May Flavor Food Festival for all the food freaks, happens at the Kanakakunnu Palace grounds, Thiruvananthapuram.
Onam is the annual harvest festival of Kerala, which begins in August and lasts for 10 days. This matriarchal society also has a festival for women, which is celebrated annually by the house lady, known as Pongala Utsavam, when women can visit Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, at Thiruvananthapuram.
What to wear ?
Though the average temperature remains same in Kerala through out the year. Light cotton clothes are advisable during summer to beat the heat. During monsoons one must carry protection. In winter it gets a bit cooler so light sweaters can be carried if you plan to visit during that season

Travelling To Gujarat

Gujarat is rightfully described as a paradise because of its variant and caring Gujarati people. Gujarat is visited by numerous tourists every year. The places of visit could be historic, modern cities or calm beaches. Plan your trip by any means possible from among the detailed below
By Air :
Gujarat has ten domestic airports, the largest in any state. The domestic airports are in many major cities like Surat, Vadodra, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Kandla, etc. The only international airport in Gujarat is located in Ahmedabad, named as the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
By Train :
Gujarat is connected via all the main cities in India through the very best of train network which operates smoothly. Yes, the trains could be a little delaying sometimes, but it will not affect your schedule.
By Bus :
The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) is the main body which operates bus routes in Gujarat. The entire network is very efficiently connected.
By Road :
The National Highway 6 is the best route to travel which connects all the major cities in Gujarat.
By Rickshaw :
Once you are in Gujarat, the most easily available public transport and fun to travel in is an Auto Rickshaw. This is a small three-tired vehicle that can accommodate three passengers at a time. The fares for a Rickshaw are moderate and make sure to read the meter-card before paying in order to pay as per the hire.

The magic of Mahableshwar

Mahableshwar meaning “God of great power” in the local language is a very beautiful and scenic hill station in the western state of Maharashtra in India. It is one of the most famous hill stations in Western India and was the summer capital of the former Bombay Presidency during the British rule in India. Mahableshwar is famous for its lush greenery, variety of flora and fauna which one can see through out the year.

When one visits Mahableshwar, it’s the old world charm coupled with modern amenities which makes it an idea place for vacationing. It has the distinction of being one of the very few places in the world having ever green forests. The stunningly beautiful peaks and the magnificent valleys of Mahableshwar are the high point of the place. The sight is so spectacular that one gets awestruck by them.

Mahableshwar is located at about 120 km from Pune and 285 km from Mumbai. Mahableshwar lies at an altitude of 1353 metres (4440 ft) above sea level. It is well connected by road from Mumbai and Pune. A new highway has reduced the traveling time between Mumbai and Mahableshwar to 5 hours.

Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra Mahableshwar and the Shindola village make up Mahableshwar. Wilson Point (Sunrise Point) is the highest peak in Mahableshwar reaching a height of 4720 ft. Mahableshwar is the source of the Krishna River which traverses across the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Mahableshwar is thronged by tourists through out the year. Many people come here to relax amongst the nature. It is one of the most sought after place by honeymoon couples.
The Lake Venna in Mahableshwar is a picturesque lake surrounded by trees. A boat ride on lake Venna or horse ride around the lake is a must do for every tourist. There are numerous small eateries near the lake and food served is delicious.

Mahableshwar has numerous sight seeing points, each having a different story and view point. The Dhom dam is a good place to picnic and the scenery is charming to say the least. The famous Panchganga Mandir in Old Mahableshwar is worth a visit. About 24 kms from Mahableshwar, lies the historic Pratapgad Fort. One can sense the rich history of this place by visiting this massive fort. Some points like the Wilson Point, Connaught Point, Elphiston Point, Marjorie Point, Castle Rock etc. are worth visiting for their breath taking views and for the view of the sunrise and the sunset.

Strawberry, mulberry and honey are the chief produce of this region. Mahableshwar strawberries are well known throughout India. There are numerous farms cultivating these crops. One can take a tour of these strawberry fields in Mahableshwar for a nominal fee.


Panchgani is a town hill station town situated near Mahableshwar. This place is well known for its boarding schools and colleges. The unusual table-land of Panchgani is a treat for any tourist.

Mahableshwar is a fabulous holiday destination for most part of the year, but during the rainy season, the rains are very heavy and should be avoided.

So if are planning a relaxing holiday amongst nature with breath taking sights, Mahableshwar will make an ideal location.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The historic Amber Fort

A tour of Jaipur will be incomplete if one does not visit the historic Amber Fort. This magnificent fort was the capital of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Rajputs till it was shifted to Jaipur.

The architecture of the Amber fort is a unique mixture of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture. The fort is built with white marbles and red sandstone. From the outside, the fort looks huge and rough but soon as one steps inside the fort, it is like a different world altogether. The interiors of the Amber Fort unlike its exterior are comfortable and splendid. There are water fountains, intricate carvings all over the place; the walls are filled with paintings of hunting scenes. The warmth and coziness of the interior is unparalleled. For a moment, one gets the feeling of being royal himself when he visits the grand Amber Fort.

The construction of the fort was started by Maharaja Mansingh in 1592. Maharaja Mansingh, the ruler of Amber was the chief commander of the Mughal army under Emperor Akbar and was one of the ministers of the famed nine Gems in Akbar’s court.
But it was one of his descendants, Raja Jaisingh who completed the fort.

At night when the reflection of fort Amber falls on Lake Maota on the foothills, it looks so unreal as if it is an illusion or a beautiful dream.

Nowadays, one can go from the foothills to the fort above on an elephant back. The ride reminds of the bygone era when the kings used to go there on elephant backs. From the top, one can see the skyline of the jaipur city.

If you want to see the best example of the blending of two different architectural styles or want to relive the pride, bravery of the Rajputs, then a visit to the Amber fort is an absolute necessary.

The other name of Dreamland – Munnar

If taking a stroll in the lush green hills and feeling the gentle and cool touch of the clouds as you pass by, is your idea of a relaxing vacation then the scenic hill station of Munnar is the place you need to go. Munnar is a beautiful hill station with plenty of breathtaking sights and visuals that are bound to create a lasting visual in your mind.

Munnar is situated at the height of around 2600 m from sea level in the Idduki district in the southern state of Kerala in India. As it is situated near three rivers, it retains its lush greenery through the year. The climate remains cool throughout the year, temperature ranges from -10° C to 0° C in winter and 8° C to 16° C in summer. Munnar gets heavy rainfall during the rainy season and as a result there are many small streams and waterfalls through Munnar adding to its beauty.

Since Munnar is a hill station, tea is grown on a very large scale due to its conducive climate for tea plantation. One can see the tea plantation for miles on the way to Munnar.
During the British rule, the British used Munnar as their summer retreat to get away from the heat and humidity of the lowlands. Today, Munnar is one of the foremost and most visited hill stations of Southern India. There are many wild reserves and national parks near Munnar which have an incredible and unique variety of flora and fauna and a visit to these places will captivate your senses.


Since Munnar is a famous hill station, there is wide range of accommodation available, from budget hotels to five star resorts. The roads are well maintained and transport is easily available to and from Munnar.

The nearest airport is Kochi which is about 160 km from Munnar. Kochi is well connected by air to all the major places in India and abroad. From Kochi, you can take a bus or a car to reach Munnar. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours but the landscape on the way to Munnar is so spectacular that it will blow you away and you won’t even realize the time taken for your journey.

Munnar is a hotspot for honeymooners because of its natural beauty, serenity and splendid climate. It is one place which comes quite near to the so called dreamland.
So what are you waiting for, pack your bags and start your journey of heavenly bliss and sublime to the place called Munnar.

The beach temples of Mahabalipuram

About 55 kms from Chennai lies the pristine and beautiful beach of Mahabalipuram which is one of only few beaches in India which is still clean and untouched. A visit to this beach will relax your mind, body and soul and rejuvenate you . Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram in the local Tamil language lies on the shore of the beautiful Bay of Bengal in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India.

Mahabalipuram has long and glorious history; It was a flourishing port city in the seventh century under the Pallavas. The Pallava rulers built some breath taking monuments along the sea which can still be seen today. This pristine beach is famous for its gigantic monuments like sculptures, monolithic Rathas, caves and temples. The monuments are so grand and well made that it is a major tourist attraction. Tourist from all over the world come to Mahabalipuram to enjoy the rich history and culture of the place and at the same time, enjoy the majestic beach.

The Mahabalipuram beach is a great place for sunbathing and the resorts near the beach offer various activities like surfing, diving and motor boating. For the adventurous people, there is a snake venom extraction center near the beach where venom is extracted from deadly and poisonous snakes like the Cobra, Russels Viper, krait to name a few. There is also a crocodile farm near the beach where crocodiles and alligators are bred and then released in the wild. Both these places are a must visit as they are unique and exotic.

As there many beautiful temple in and around Mahabalipuram, a visit to these places will make you re live the history and tradition of the place. The grandeur of these rock cut temples are to be seen to be believed. The Department of Tourism Of the Government of Tamil Nadu organizes a Dance Festival once a year on the Mahabalipuram beach, it's a must watch event.

The Mahabalipuram beach can be visited through out the year but the best time to visit is from November to February.

Mahabalipuram is well connected to all the major cities in India through air, rail and road. The nearest airport is Chennai. The nearest railway station is Chengalpattu which is 29 km from Mahabalipuram. The roads leading to Mahabalipuram are good and well connected to all the major places in Tamil Nadu.

So get ready to visit the beach temples of Mahabalipuram and enjoy the pristine beach at the same time.

Clean and green “Kapu Beach”

Beaches on the western coastal line of India are a visual treat. The beach at Kapu or Kaup is one such beach where one can enjoy the sea at its best along with the lush greenery surrounding the beach. Kapu beach is very famous with localities as well as tourist, through out the year. The beach is clean with golden sand and crystal clear water.

The town of Kapu is in the Udupi district in the state of Karnataka. It is situated about 12 kms from the main Udupi City and 45 kms from Mangalore. Kapu is easily accessible by road. Buses ply on regular basis from Udupi and Mangalore to Kapu. One has to get down at the main Kapu bus stand and take an auto rickshaw. The fare is around 50 bucks one-way. The beach is relatively empty on week days and moderately crowded during weekends. During weekends, people come with family and friends to enjoy the serenity of the vast Arabian Sea. The waves breaking on the sands and the rocks are a treat to watch. There are many food joints along the beach which serve good cuisines. Try the local fish and crab dishes, they are simply amazing.

People visit the beach for the mystic sunrise and sunset which adds a new dimension to the whole experience. Taking a walk here is an experience in itself. Just stroll lazily along the beach and admire the beauty of nature.

Situated on one end of the beach is the famous Kapu Lighthouse. The light house was built in 1901 and is well maintained by the authorities. For a very nominal fee, one can visit the light house. The view of the Arabian Sea from the top of the light house is anything but breath taking.

Sometimes, the afternoons on the beach can get a bit hot so carry your head gear, a sun screen lotion and sun glasses along when visiting the beach. Though one can visit the beach anytime of the year but the rainy season is the best time to visit. The greenery along the beach with coconut plantations and the rough sea will mesmerize your senses.

So take a stroll at the Kapu Beach and rejuvenate your mind and your body and enjoy the bliss.

The most serene beach of the east coast - Gopalpur on Sea

Gopalpur on Sea is a quiet beach on the eastern coast of India in the state of Orissa. Once, a bustling port in the olden days, now it is a quiet town where people come to enjoy the serenity of the Bay of Bengal. Once can still see the crumbling remains of the old port built by the British. Because of the huge waves of the Bengal Sea, surfers thrive to this place to surf on the waves and thus this place is rightly called the surfers paradise. Since it has recently gained fame as a tourist destination, it still has the calmness where one can enjoy the sea and hear the wind blowing through the palm and coconut plantation and relax the mind and body. Taking a stroll on the clean sandy beach in the evening with the sound of waves beating down the shore will invigorate your mind, soul and body.

There is a lighthouse near the sea which gives a superb view of Gopalpur. A visit to the lighthouse is must for all. The largest saltwater in India, lake Chilka can also be seen from the lighthouse.

Gopalpur was originally a fishing village but gained prominence under the British rule. The British transformed the tiny village into a major port to export goods to Burma. Because of its natural beauty, it was a perfect getaway for the British and the rich Indians. But after the war, the trade with Burma stopped and it lost its status as an important port and reverted back to a small fishing village. It was only in the modern times that people recognized its value as a beach resort and tourism picked up.

Gopalpur is 16 km away from the nearest town of Behrampur and 180 km from Bhubaneshwar. One can catch the flight to Bhubaneshwar and then travel to Gopalpur by road. Since Gopalpur is tourist hotspot, there are many good resorts and hotel with brilliant sea view.

Though now regarded as one of the best beaches in the country, it still has not got the hustle and bustle of other famous beaches in India. If you want to enjoy a quite and pristine beach getaway, search no more, Gopalpur is the place.

Get closer to the wild side - Kaziranga National Park

Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a haven for wild life. Many different types of wild animals and plants are found only in this wild and unique national park. The dense forest and the tall elephant grass and numerous swamps make Kaziranga, an ideal habitat for wild life.

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam in India. It covers an area of 430 sq km. with an additional area of 429 km. Kaziranga National Park was declared a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1940. In 1985, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its natural habitat and rich diverse wild life.

Kaziranga is famous for the great one horned Indian rhinoceros or the Asian rhino. It is the only place in the world where these majestic beasts are found in its natural habitat. Apart from the rhino, the park is also well known for its tigers. In fact it was declared a tiger reserve in 2006and boasts of the highest tiger density in the world. Besides these, a variety of animals like the Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, Indian bison, hog deer, sloth bear, leopard, leopard cat, jungle cats, otters, hog badgers, gibbons, wild boar, jackals, pythons, monitors, to name a few, are found in large number here. Apart from the wildlife, Kaziranga is a bird watchers delight. Many kind of rare birds can be seen here. Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’ Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon are some of the raptors who dwell in this park. During the winters, many migratory birds like the Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall and many other types of birds come to the numerous lakes, water holes and the swamps in the park.

The best way of observing this rich diversity of flora and fauna would be on an elephant back. There are regular elephant safaris in the park for visitors. Also, there are jeep safaris organized by the park. Observatory towers are set in different places for people to observe the birds and animals with out disturbing them.

Apart from the park, visitors can visit the nearby, coffee and rubber plantations of the Karbi people. The Karbis are tribal people of the northeast. Visitors can visit their houses and get a preview about their culture, lifestyle, traditions and their way of living.

Kaziranga is open from mid November to early April. During the rainy season, the park is closed for visitors.

As the place is well known among wildlife enthusiasts, there are many hotels outside the park for accommodation and food.

Kaziranga National Park can be reach by air. Guwahati which is 217 km away and Jorhat which is 97 km are the nearest airports. There are regular bus services from Kaziranga to Guwahati and Jorhat. The nearest railway station is Furkating which is 75 km from the park. The park is well connected by roads to all the major cities of Assam.

If you are nature lover who want to witness wildlife in its full glory or want to have a thrilling jungle safari, then there can be no other place better than Kaziranga National Park. Pack your gear and head straight to the great wilderness called Kaziranga.

Get closer to the wild side - Kaziranga National Park

Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a haven for wild life. Many different types of wild animals and plants are found only in this wild and unique national park. The dense forest and the tall elephant grass and numerous swamps make Kaziranga, an ideal habitat for wild life.

Kaziranga National Park is situated in the northeastern state of Assam in India. It covers an area of 430 sq km. with an additional area of 429 km. Kaziranga National Park was declared a protected wildlife sanctuary in 1940. In 1985, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its natural habitat and rich diverse wild life.

Kaziranga is famous for the great one horned Indian rhinoceros or the Asian rhino. It is the only place in the world where these majestic beasts are found in its natural habitat. Apart from the rhino, the park is also well known for its tigers. In fact it was declared a tiger reserve in 2006and boasts of the highest tiger density in the world. Besides these, a variety of animals like the Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, swamp deer, Indian bison, hog deer, sloth bear, leopard, leopard cat, jungle cats, otters, hog badgers, gibbons, wild boar, jackals, pythons, monitors, to name a few, are found in large number here. Apart from the wildlife, Kaziranga is a bird watchers delight. Many kind of rare birds can be seen here. Oriental Honey Buzzard, Black Shouldered Kite, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Pallas’ Fishing Eagle, White Tailed Eagle, Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, Himalayan Griffon are some of the raptors who dwell in this park. During the winters, many migratory birds like the Greylag Geese, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall and many other types of birds come to the numerous lakes, water holes and the swamps in the park.

The best way of observing this rich diversity of flora and fauna would be on an elephant back. There are regular elephant safaris in the park for visitors. Also, there are jeep safaris organized by the park. Observatory towers are set in different places for people to observe the birds and animals with out disturbing them.

Apart from the park, visitors can visit the nearby, coffee and rubber plantations of the Karbi people. The Karbis are tribal people of the northeast. Visitors can visit their houses and get a preview about their culture, lifestyle, traditions and their way of living.

Kaziranga is open from mid November to early April. During the rainy season, the park is closed for visitors.

As the place is well known among wildlife enthusiasts, there are many hotels outside the park for accommodation and food.

Kaziranga National Park can be reach by air. Guwahati which is 217 km away and Jorhat which is 97 km are the nearest airports. There are regular bus services from Kaziranga to Guwahati and Jorhat. The nearest railway station is Furkating which is 75 km from the park. The park is well connected by roads to all the major cities of Assam.

If you are nature lover who want to witness wildlife in its full glory or want to have a thrilling jungle safari, then there can be no other place better than Kaziranga National Park. Pack your gear and head straight to the great wilderness called Kaziranga.

The unexplored beaches of Ganpatipule

The western coastal region of India is well known for its majestic beaches; most of which are famous as tourist hot spots already. But, there are many beaches which are a great place for a quite vacation but still are still unexplored.

As these beaches are relatively unexplored, not many people know about them; such beaches can make am ideal getaway for an holiday. Imagine, no one to disturb or bother you while you enjoy the tranquility of serene beach. Doesn't it sound amazing and too good to be true ?

Ganpatipule is one such beach which is relatively empty though it is one of the most pristine beaches of western India. Imagine walking on the golden sand with waves from the Arabian sea crashing against it and making sweet sound of nothing in your ears. Its like a dream come true !

Ganpatipule lies in the western state of Maharashtra in India about 375 kms from the city of Mumbai. One has to take the scenic Mumbai-Goa highway to reach Ganpatipule. The road are a treat in themselves, with lush greenery and beautiful scenic beauty, mesmerizing you all the way. On the way one comes across many tiny fishing hamlets where people go on doing their daily chores in a very unhurried way.

Once you reach Ganpatipule, the first thing that you will notice are the crystal clear water and pristine beach. The beaches are devoid of rocks and humans which is a rare and welcoming site. As Ganpatipule is a renowned pilgrimage site, it is not difficult to find accommodation. There are many government approved and private hotels available.

On the beach, there are other activities like para gliding and going with the local fishermen for fishing. One can hire a car and drive on the beach. During the evening you can enjoy a quite drink in the moonlight or can dance and enjoy with your friends and family all through the night. The options are endless. Enjoy the beach, the way you want it and get disconnected from the stress and tension of your hectic life. People who have visited this place, do visit again and again.

Apart from the beach, Ganpatipule is well known for its temple of Lord Ganesh known as Swayambhu Ganpati. The entire hillock where the temple is located, is believed to be Lord Ganesh and is revered by the people. There are numerous other temples worth visiting in Ganpatipule.

Though Ganpatipule can be visited through the year, but the best time to visit is during or after the monsoons as various springs and waterfall come up all over the place and the place is lush green. It is a delightful sight to watch and feel the nature.

Mumbai is the nearest airport which is 375 kms from Ganpatipule. By rail, get down at Ratnagiri and hire a rickshaw to Ganpatipule, the distance is about 45 kms. Buses from Mumbai and Pune ply regularly to Ganpatipule.

So what are you waiting for pack your bags and endeavor yourself on a journey of bliss.