Coonoor and Kotagiri – Serene Hill Stations

About Coonoor:

The town of Coonoor lies nestled in the Nilgiris at an altitude of over 1850 metres. Coonoor is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Famous for its tea gardens, Coonoor has spectacular scenic picnic spots including the famous Sims Park, the Lady Cannings Seat and the Dolphin’s Nose. The Nilgiri Hills are famous for their sublime hill stations. It is 19 km from Ooty (also, Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund), another famous hill station of the Nilgiris. Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. Coonoor provides a perfect setting for activities like trekking and hiking. It is also famous for its tea plantations and festivals. During summer, this hill town is over-spilled with holidaymakers. Coonoor comes under the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty circuit. Coonoor offers panoramic views of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls. It is possible to experience the area around Coonoor while taking a ride on the local toy train. This train connects Coonoor with other hill stations that are located in the Nilgiri Hills. This train ride provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills.

Places to visit:

Sim’s Park: The Park is partly developed in the Japanese Style with the collection of wide range of plant species. The famous among them are the pines, tree ferns, camellia, etc.

Dolphin’s Nose: It is a huge rock resembling with a dolphin’s nose is about 10 km from Coonoor.

Lamb’s Rock: Lamb’s Rock It is 8 Kms from Coonoor on the way to Dolphin’s Nose. It commands a grand view of the Coimbatore Plains. It is a favourite place for tourists.

Pomological Station: The Pomological station is a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates and apricot. Apples, Plums, Peaches, Persinments, Lemons, Apricots and Pomogranates are grown here for the purpose of research.

Lady Canning’s seat: The place got its name from the fact that Lady Canning, the wife of Viceroy Canning, was fond of this spot which commands a panoramic view of the numerous tea estates, Lamb’s Rock, the Droog, and the Lampton’s Peak. This point has been hailed as the loveliest point in the heart of the woods.

Droog Fort: Droog fort is located about 15 km from Coonoor, once used by Tipu Sultan as an outpost. Also called Bakasura Malai, since it is linked to the local demon, Bakasura.

Catherine Falls: This beautiful waterfall falls from an impressive 250 feet. It can clearly been seen from the top of Dolphin’s Nose if seeing the entire waterfall as one total impression is what you are looking for. It is also possible to take a road to the top of the falls.

About Kotagiri:

The name Kotagiri literally means ‘the home of the Kota’ and refers to the Kota tribe who lived here in the past.  This hill station was the preferred location for the British who looked to escape the heat and the humidity of the plains. In fact, Kotagiri was the summer home of the British in Southern India. Kotagiri is located 16-km away from Ooty and it is the oldest hill station of the Nilgiris. Kotagiri has one of the best climates in the world. It is more temperate than Ooty, attributed to its altitude of 1984 metres above sea level. There is a temple dedicated to Kamataraya deity and the annual festival which falls on Arudra Darshan day is of great importance to all the Kotas. The large number of British style cottages surrounding this area bear testimony to this. John Sullivan’s bungalow in Kannerimukku, 20 mins drive away, is open for public viewing. Kotagiri’s tea is very famous and available in different flavors- chocolate, cardamom, ginger and lemon. Kotagiri is connected to the nearby places by road and there are regular bus services from Mettupalayam railway station, Ooty, Coonoor, Wellington and Kila Kotagiri.

Places to visit:

Catherine Falls:The Falls are at a distance of 7 km from Kotagiri and consist of an upper and a lower fall. The upper fall, which is the second highest in the Nilgiris, takes a leap of about 250 feet. From above the falls, one can see the magnificent view of Dolphin’s Nose and the surroundings.

Rangaswamy Pillar: Rangaswamy pillar is situated at a distance of near about 4 kms from Kotagiri hill station. Thousands of people do worship of a sacred pillar here. Rangaswamy pillar is an extraordinary rocky pillar rising in the solitary grandeur to a height of near about 400 feet.

Kodanad View Point: Kodanad is a little village about 18 kms. From the east of Kotagiri on   the   eastern edges  of  Nilgiris. Tamilnadu  and   Karnataka   State  border   and   the  actual  point  where  the eastern  and  western  ghats  meet  can  be  distinctly   seen. This place is to be visited in bright sun light. A telescope has been installed to see the places, around and apart.

Longwood shola: This  shola  is an integral  part  of  the  very  fragile  Nilgiri   eco-system  with  an  area  of  116  hectares.  The preservation of this shola forest is very vital.   It    plays   a vital role in   Kotagiri’s microclimate,   attracting   and regulating rainfall.  There  is  a  very  picturesque   trekking  path,  which  goes  through  this serene  shola.

Elk Falls: This place is very well known for the amazing waterfalls and the beautiful European house built during the days of the British colonial rule.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

Chennai – The Auto Hub of Asia

Chennai is also known as Madras or Madrasapatinam. Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and is the fifth most populous city in India. The name Chennai is crisp form of the town named Chennaipattinam, and there are two versions regarding the origin of the nomenclature of Chennai.

Version 1: In 1639, the English acquired the town Chennaipattinam which was named after Damarla Chennappa Nayakudu.

Version 2: The word chenni in Tamil means face and Chennapattinam was named after the Chenna Kesava Perumal Temple which was regarded as the face of the city.

History: An ancient city with the richness of culture and heritage of 350 years has evolved to strike the harmony with the compelling modern trends. Chennai is well known for its sandy beaches, historic monuments, splendiferous sculptures and bustling parks.

The Stone Age monuments were found in a pit near Pallavaram which was known to be a megalithic cultural establishment according to the archeological survey of India. The city was ruled by the renowned South Indian dynasties, namely the Pallava, the Chera, the Chola, the Pandya, and Vijaynagara.

• 1522- Portuguese arrived and built the port São Tomé.
• 1612- Dutch establishment took place.
• 22 August 1639- a small strip of land on the Coromandel Coast was bought by Francis Day of the British East India Company.
• In 1746- Fort St. George and Madras were captured by the French under General La Bourdonnais.
• By the end of 18th century, British conquered most of the regions around Tamil Nadu.
• 1947- Post the independence of India, there was violent boycotts against Hindi being the national language. This marked a major change in the political dynamics of the state.

Culture: A hub for music, arts and culture, the city is renowned for its classical dance and exuberant temples. Tamil is the native language spoken. On the music and art front, Chennai celebrates a five-week long Music season reviving the spirits the 1927 inaugural of Madras Music Academy. The striking features are the far-famed Kutcheries flaunting their authentic Carnatic music performed by umpteen artists from around the country. Chennai Sangamam held every year during the month of January is a very famous Art festival displaying various Arts of Tamil Nadu. Bharatnatyam was originated in Tamil Nadu and the traditional dance is been promoted by the cultural academy Kalakshetra.

Chennai is home to the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium which is renowned cricket stadium in Chennai, named after M. A. Chidambaram, the former President of BCCI and the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. Chennai is being a die-hard Cricket loving city and the champions twice in IPL (Indian Premier League) creating a wave in the world of Indian sports.

Apart from being art lovers, Chennai are very famous for their immense craze for Tamil movies, and their display of affection for the supersonic icons like Ilaiyaraaja, K. Balachander, Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Mani Ratnam and S. Shankar and this list leads to infinity. The legendary musician A.R. Rahman has fetched laurels not only for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation with his far-famed music earning the Oscars and Grammy Awards.

Pongal is the most important festival celebrated on a large scale. The authentic mouth-watering delicacies are Pongal, Dosa, Idli and Vadai, served with steaming hot Filter Coffee.

Topography and Weather: Chennai located on Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Elevated around 6.7 m the highest point is 60m. Marina Beach runs around 12km and two rivers Cooum/Koovam and Adyar flows through centre and south of the city respectively. Chennai experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. The weather is hot and humid for most of the year as it lies on thermal equator. Summers range from March till October and hottest part of year is from late May to early June also known as Agni Nakshatram or Kathiri Veyyil. Monsoon prevails from June to September, whereas the winters range from October to mid January and experiences winter rains.

Places to Visit in and around Chennai:

• Elliots Beach (Marina beach)
• Kanchipuram
• Mahabalipuram
• Pondhichery
• Fishermen’s cove
• Dakshin Chitra
• Kabaleeswar temple
• Nanganallur temple
• Santhome Church
• Besant nagar beach
• Tiruvannamalai
• Vedanthangal
• Vandallur zoo
• Cholamandalam artist village
• Muttukadu
• Tiruthani Murugan Temple
• Kishkintha Amusement Park
• Snake Pannai Museum
• Gandhi Mandapam
• Kallikambaal Temple
• Kapaleeswarar Temple
• Mundakaniamman Temple
• Santhome Church
• St. Thomas Mount
• Dizzie World
• Mother Ashram, Pondicherry
• Siruvapuri temple
• Orchid Gardens
• Alamparai Fort

How to Reach Chennai:

Air: Madras International Airport is situated at Tirisulam, 7 Km south of Chennai. It has two terminals, Kamaraj Terminal which handles domestic flights connecting more than 20 destinations across the country and the International Terminal, named Anna Terminal. The airport is very well connected.

Rail: The two main railway stations are the Chennai Central and Egmore Station. The Egmore Station networks a number of meter gauge and broad gauge trains which links south India, whereas the Chennai Central links north and west India.

Metro rail is very well connected for rapid transit.

Bus: The newly opened Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Koyembedu is the largest bus terminal in India and it operates the government bus services for Tamil Nadu and interstate.

Ship: Cruise liners and other passenger ships regularly dock at Chennai port. A passenger liner connects Chennai to Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

Kolkata –Roshogolla Paradise

Kolkata also known as Calcutta is known as Gamma city and is the capital city of West Bengal. It is the third most populous metro city and during the British reign was the capital state of India until 1911. Kolkata is well known for its political events and its active participation in Indian Communist movements. Kolkata is been blessed with many laurels like “Cultural Capital of India”, “The city of Processions” and “City of Joy”. 

Kolkata is known to add fame to all walks of life. The city is known to possess Dada of Bengal, Beauties like Sushmita Sen, Rani Mukherjee, the legendary R.D. Burman and Sathyajit Ray, noble writer Rabindranath Tagore, Be it Sports, Politics, Culture, Arts, Food, Travel; You name it they have it. The sacred reminiscence for our beloved Mother Teresa will always be cherished.

History: The history of Kolkata begins with the onset of English East India Company in 1690. Traditionally Job Charnock, who being an administrator was accredited as the founder of the city.

During 17th century, Kolkata was comprised of three villages Kalikata, Gobindapur and Sutanuti which was indirectly ruled by the Nawab of Bengal named Siraj-Ud-Daulah. In the late 17th century, British wanted to build a fort near Gobindapur to solidify their hold against other foreign powers like the Dutch, French and Portuguese.

In 1702, Old Fort William was constructed which was used as a regional base for its troops, and later Calcutta was crowned the Presidency city which later on became the headquarters for Bengal Presidency. From 1690 to 1772, British East India Company was the dominant force.

During the 19th century, the city was divided into two, British (known as the White Town) centered on Chowringhee and the other Indian centered on North Calcutta (known as the Black Town). In 1905, due to the partition of Bengal based on communal grounds, resulted in widespread public havoc and hence lead to the boycott of British goods which was called Swadeshi Movement.

The 1960s and 1970s, experienced economic stagnation due to severe power shortages, strikes and a violent Marxist-Maoist movement — the Naxalites which lead to the damage of the city’s infrastructure. In 1985 Rajiv Gandhi referred to Kolkata as a "dying city" and in the mid-1990s, due to the introduction of the economic reforms in India by the Central Government, the economy gathered momentum and stability.

Topography and Weather: Located in the eastern part India with River Hooghly flowing in the north-east direction. Kolkata has a tropical wet and dry climate where the summers are hot and humid and extremely hot during May and June. The city experiences short winters only for two and a half months prevailing between December and January. The monsoons are predominant around June and September and due to the geographical constraints this city is often prone to cyclones.

Culture: Kolkata is known for its artistic and revolutionary heritage is known to welcome and appreciate any form art and culture and due to this attribute this city is also known as Cultural Capital of India or the Literary Capital of India.

Durga Pooja is celebrated with great pomp and show and is referred to as the Rio Carnival of the Eastern Hemisphere. The city is decorated with lights and each area has their own booths (pandals) having the idol of goddess Durga and each area and each street competes with each other to make their booths look outstanding and gorgeous. The oldest areas where the Pooja takes place with great zeal are in North Kolkata, like Baghbazar Sarbojonin, Kumartuli, Ahiritola, Md. Ali Park, and College Square. Kolkata is known for its Rabindrasangeet and Indian classical music. The Bengali folk music such as baul and kirtans and gajan also adds to the list.

Bengali is the native language spoken and the most striking features depicting sense of community are the very presence of para called neighborhood and the casual chit chat which is referred to as adda. On the artistic vertical, the folk theatre form called Jatra, is renowned art along with activities of Group Theaters. Kolkata is home to Bengali cinema industry also known as “Tollywood”.

A special mention goes to the delicious cuisine which is mind blowing in every way. The lip-smacking junk food like Singara, Jilpi, Alu Chop, Jhaal Moori and Phuchka are the must-haves among food mongers. The authentic Bengali food is rice and machher jhol (fish curry), Alu posto (Posto is poppy seeds), Begun bhaja (brinjal fry), Alu bhaja (potato fry), Dim bhaja (egg fry) and “Luchi tarkari”. Fish based delicacies are far famed and freshwater fishes that adds to the daily needs are catfish, bass, shad or mullet. Among the sweet dishes the most famous ones are the “Roshogolla”, “Chomchom”, “Shondesh”, “Rajbhog”, “Pantua”, “Pithe” and “Payesh”. 

Places to Visit:

• Victoria Memorial
• Fort William
• Howrah Bridge
• Marble Palace
• Eden Gardens (Stadium)
• Birla Planetarium
• Writer’s Building
• Nicco Park
• Saheed Minar
• National Library
• Belur Math
• Botanical Gardens

How to Reach Kolkata:

Air: One of the major airports in India which is an IS/ISO 9001:2000 Certified Airport is none other than the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport located in Dum Dum catering to international and domestic traffic. The airport was earlier known as Dum Dum Airport but was later renamed on the honor of Bengali Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Rail: Railways are well connected in Kolkata as the city consists of two major railway stations; one located in Howrah and the other at Sealdah. India’s first underground railway service networking the city was the Metro in Kolkata.

Bus: The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminus which lies in the heart of the city. 

Tram: Kolkata is the only city in India to have the Tram network. Travelling in Tram is become cumbersome as the tracks run in the centre of the heavy traffic roads and the commuters are encountering difficulties in getting to the tram stops through the traffic. Even during rush hours the trams are found to be running with many seats vacant, which results in reduction in revenue for Calcutta Tram Company.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus tickets booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

Top 5 Tourist Places in Kerala

Any mention about Kerala, conjures in one’s mind, an image of pristine backwaters, palm fringed beaches, tranquil villages and greenery in profusion. God has generously bestowed this land with the bounties of nature and so it only seems natural when Kerala is referred to, as God’s own country.

A much sought-after destination for tourists in India and abroad, Kerala is named as one of the ‘Ten Paradises of the World’ and ‘Fifty Places of a Lifetime’ by the National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The alluring serenity of this place leaves every tourist spell bound, making them come back year after year. Be it the sun-kissed beaches or the misty hill stations; the rhythmic backwaters or the forestlands rich with all varieties of flora and fauna; pilgrim centres or historic monuments; Kerala has everything you might travel far and wide to see. Just one visit and you will know why Kerala has the lovely epithets attached to it.

Kollam:

Munroe Island: Named after the British Resident, Colonel Munroe, of erstwhile Travancore, the Munroe Island is a palm covered isle on the backwaters of Kollam. Several tools of the Stone Age and megaliths discovered here, speak volumes about the antiquity of this island.

Jetayu Para: Jetayu Para, a huge rock, is another attraction in Kollam district. The name comes from the epic Ramayana. It is believed that Jatayu, the giant bird in the epic, fell after failing in its attempt to spot Ravana from taking Sita away. It’s an ideal destination for rock climbing for those who love adventure.

Kozhikode:

Mahe: A quaint little town with a distinctively French flavour, Mahe is located 58 km north of Kozhikode and intersected by the River Mahe. The town was earlier known as ‘Mayyazhi’ but was renamed after ‘Mahe’ after the Frenchman who captured it.

Velliyamkallu: This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An entire crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. The beautiful natural engravings on the rocks are worth seeing.

Palakkad:

It is believed that the waters of this natural spring, located in front of the old Sree Rama Temple here, is as sacred as the waters of the Ganges.

Thiruvananthapuram:

Aruvikkara: Aruvikkara is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot situated on the banks of the Karamana River. Aruvikkara which literally means the riverbank has a Bhagavathy temple with a water fall nearby. A stream with fishes which come up to be fed by visitors is another attraction.

Vizhinjam: Vizhinjam is about 2 kms south of Kovalam. It is an ancient port. The Dutch and Portugese had commercial establishments here. It is being developed as a modern fishing harbour.

Thrissur:

Punnathoor Kotta: The Punnathoor Kotta is now home to more than 60 elephants, all of them gifted by devotees to the Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor. The palace grounds of the one-time Punnathoor Raja are now visited by devotees who come to the temple and stop by, to see and even feed the elephants.

Anakkayam: Situated on the Sholayar- Peringalkuthu route, Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy. The place is famous for its placid lake. The place is said to have derived its name from an incident in which a group of elephants drowned in the deep lake. Hence the name ‘Aanakkayam’ (Elephant crevice).

Cheruthuruthy: 29 km north of Thrissur town, near the Shornur Railway Station is Cheruthuruthy, a scenic village known for the cultural centre Kalamandalam. It is here that Kathakali, the most famous art form of Kerala, was born.

Wayanad:

Lakkidi’s Chain Tree: Lakkidi is not just famous for its spectacular landscape but also for the Chained Tree which has a very intriguing tale to it. It is believed that a British engineer could not find his way out of the dense forest in Vythiri and so sought the help of a tribal called Karinthandan who successfully led him out of the forest.

Pookot Lake: 3 km from Vythiri, Pookot Lake is a delightful place surrounded by small wooded hills. One can take a pony or horse ride on the 1.5 km pathway around the lake. A curio shop nearby, sells bamboo and wooden artifacts and hill produce such as spices, tea and honey.

Edakkal Caves: The discovery of these spectacular caves was made by Fred Fawcett, the Superintendent of Police who had come to Wayanad on a hunting trip in 1890. Situated 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, these prehistoric shelters are natural rock formations. The caves are situated so high on a cliff, that the trek to the top of the rocks is quite exhausting.

How to Reach:

An inter-state private and government bus operates between neighboring states. Usually the journey is performed in the night so that you can escape the heat of the day. The most common inter-state bus is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC-Karnataka) with daily bus from most of Major cities of Kerala to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Tamil Nadu State Bus like SETC also operates regularly from Kerala. Kerala’s State bus- KRSTC-Kerala do have regular Ordinary bus to most of nearby places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. KRSTC-Kerala also operates a few Volvo AC bus to Bangalore and Coimbatore. However Private bus players to operate more buses than Govt options. Most of them are well maintained. Kallada, Shama, KPN are the major Bus players, though recently Raj National and few others have entered with Pan India operations. Kallada, KPN, Shama etc have regular buses to Bangalore, Chennai and many other places in Tamil Nadu as well as Karnataka on various times.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus tickets booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

Hyderabad – City of Pearls

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is the sixth most populous city in India. Hyderabad being one of the largest IT hub and a well known tech epicenter is also called as “Cyberabad”. Apart from the IT boom, this city is also known as a cradle of Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals companies like Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Divis Labs, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hetero Drugs Limited, Matrix Laboratories, and Vimta Labs are located in the city. The most talked about social networking office “Facebook” is located in this prime city. Residents of Hyderabad are called Hyderabadis. The old city is home to the Charminar and Mecca Masjid.

History: A bustling city known for its temples, monuments, churches, Masjid and bazaars has kept this city going for the past 400 years. This city was ruled by the Mauryas under Ashoka the great in the third century B.C. The establishment of the Qutab Shahi dynasty marks the origin of the history of Hyderabad. The city of Golconda was established when Quli Qutab Shah seized the power from the Bahamani Kingdom in 1512.

In 1687, Mughal Empire Aurangzeb captured Golconda and during the Mughal rule the city lost its importance and was in partial ruins. Later Asaf Jahi dynasty came into rule and Asaf Jahi I was declared the Nizam of Hyderabad, hence the city got back its lost glory and became the capital city until Andhra Pradesh was merged into the Indian Union.

Culture: Hyderabad is densely rich in cultural and linguistic traditions. Telugu, Urdu, Deccani, Hindi, and English are the languages primarily spoken. The Hinduism and the Islam are vastly followed, but the Old City is well known for the Muslim dominance. Albeit, the city is predominantly populated by Muslims, Hyderabad is an admonishing amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim cultures. Ganesh Nimajjanam is celebrated with great pomp and show. Bonalu and Eid-ul-Fitr are also celebrated with great hullabaloo.

Hyderabadi biryani is the most authentic cuisine of Hyderabad and is loved by one and all. Other lip smacking delicacies are Qubani ka meetha, Double ka meetha, Phirni, Nahari Kulche. Irani Chai, Irani Samosa, Osmania biscuit.

Hyderabad is far-famed for its Pearls and Laad Bazaar and Charminar market are renowned for selling Pearls.

Topography and Weather: Hyderabad is situated on the Deccan plateau and is 536 metres above the sea level. The city was originated at the banks of river Musi.

Hyderabad experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. Summer starts from late February till early June, monsoons range from late June to early October and winters are from late October to early February.

Places to visit in Hyderabad:

Temples

• Birla Mandir

• Balaji Temple

• Sanghi Temple

• Iskon Temple

• Mahankali Temple

• Ujjaini Mahankali Temple

• Peddamma Temple

• Ashtalaksmi Temple

Mosques:

• Mecca Masjid

• Charminar Masjid

• Toli Masjid

• Jama Masjid Darushafa

• Badshai Masjid

• Jama Masjid Mushirabad

Old City Attractions:

• Charminar

• Mecca Masjid

• Chowmahalla Palace

• Falaknuma Palace

• Golconda Fort

• Qutab Shahi Tombs

• Qutab Shahi Tombs Site Museum

• Hussain Shah Wali Dargah

• Paigah Tombs

• Purani Haveli

• Raymond Tomb

• Salar Jung Museum

New City Attractions:

• Archival Museum

• AP State Museum

• Birla Mandir

• B.M. Birla Planetarium and Science & Technological Museum

• The High Court of Andhra Pradesh

• Kala Bhavan

• The Natural History Museum

How to reach Hyderabad:

Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located 22km from the city. The Airport at Begumpet was shut down on 2008. The new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi in March 2008 at Shamshabad.

Rail: The Secunderabad Railway Station is the headquarters of the South Central Railway zone of the Indian Railways and is the largest railway station serving Hyderabad. The rail network is very well connected with other cities.

Bus: Hyderabad has a very well connected bus routes and National Highways such as NH-7, NH-9 and NH-202.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus tickets booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

Adventure Tour in Uttaranchal

Uttarakhand, until 2007 known as Uttaranchal, is a stunningly beautiful state in the Himalayan North of India. It is broken up into a western part, named “Garhwal”, and an eastern part named “Kumaon”. Garhwal is more easily accessed. Uttaranchal is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’; Nainital, the ‘Lake District’; Kausani, the ‘Switzerland of India’; Ranikhet, Pithoragarh, Pauri and Munsyari are just few highlights for the nature lovers. For adventure and excitement, one may choose Mountaineering (Bhagirathi, Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Pindari, Sahastrataal, Milam, Kafni, Khatling, Gaumukh), Trekking, Skiing (Auli, Dayara Bugyal, Munsyari, Mundali), Skating, Water Sports like rafting, boating and angling and Aero Sports like Hand Gliding, Paragliding (Pithoragarh, Jolly Grant, Pauri).

Bhrampuri River Side Camps:

We have a private beach 20 Kms from Rishikesh which has 20 river facing beach side Swiss tents, all in the midst of the Himalayan foothills, forests and the holy Ganges. Let Ganga Banks capture the romantic and release the adventurer in you.

Activities in Camp:

Besides rafting one could kayak on a placid stretch near the camp or opt for hike to a beautiful water fall for one hour. Or even go for longer hikes (5-6hrs) in the surrounding hills to view the snow cover Greater Himalayan Range. Facilities are available for Beach games like volley ball, Frisbee. A day in camp is rounded off with a campfire and a leisurely evening with fellow rafters.

Auli Skating:

Auli Located at an altitude of 2500 – 3050 mts above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Mt.Nanda DeviKamet, Mana Parwat, Dunagiri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat and Nar Parbat, is an ideal place for Skiing, covered with evergreen conifers and oak forest. The potential of snow dressed slopes of Auli, once the training grounds for the Paramilitary forces was adjudged by the French and Austrian experts who compared it with the best skiing grounds of the world, and rated it as one of the best. In summers Hikers/ Trekkers will find numerous marked walks and there are also mountain bike trails. at the backdrop of the resort lies the famous high altitude Gorson Reserve forest (part of Nanda Devi National Park ) richly habituated by rare Himalayan wildlife including snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Cat, Wild Rabbit, Jackal, Fox, Hyena and Beer. There are various scenic locations around.

The climate in summers is extremely pleasant and air from the deodar and oak trees contribute to natural health spa strongly recommended by Physicians/ Naturopaths/ Therapists. Auli is today a promising ski spot, a perfect health resort and an ideal vacation resort, both for the winters and summers.

Paragliding in Uttaranchal:

Paragliding is the simplest form to fly and all you require is a para glider. A paraglider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing, which is easy to transport, launch, and land. It is constructed of rip-stop nylon or high stress polyester fabric. The pilot is clipped into a harness and is in a comfortable sitting position. The harness and the Paraglider attached by sturdy Kevlar lines. The Para gliders can fly in the air for hours with the help of the glider and climb to altitudes, more than 10,000 feet high or opt for cross-country flying adventure covering vast distances.

Pithoragarh:

One of the most striking regions in the hills of Uttaranchal is Pithoragarh, Kumaon’s easternmost district. The district headquarters, also called Pithoragarh, is wedged in between Nepal and Tibet, in the tiny Soar Valley of the Lesser Himalayas. The valley is flanked by four hills – Chandak, Dhwaj, Thal Kedar and Kundar – and is dramatic in its beauty. Pithoragarh is in the heart of adventure country. In ancient times, the town had as many as six passes into Tibet, and it is still on the sacred Kailash-Mansarovar trail. Treks to the Milam and Namik Glaciers are kick-started here. A number of adventure sports are possible in the region and we will organize them for you.

How to Reach:

Buses and taxis are available from Kathgodam and Tanakpur, the two nearest railheads. Pithoragarh has a small hill airstrip at Naini Saini, 5 km from town. If you are driving in from Delhi, breaking journey at Kathgodam or Nainital is convenient. Almora and Bageshwar are the main gas refueling halts en route. Auli is only 13 km drive from Joshimath. State transport and Union buses play regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 kms). Local Transport Union buses and State Transport buses operates between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km), Dehradun (298 km) and Delhi (500 km)From Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli.

In the age of internet, booking of ticket is easy and hassle free. Online travel agencies are always updated with the price and availability list of different fleet. Bus booking, Air ticket booking is very convenient online. Online bus booking is less time consuming and a great energy saving process.

 

Top 5 Honeymoon Hill Stations in India

Many couples prefer to go to the hill stations on their honeymoon tours in India. The crispy cold weather, the verdant green natural surroundings and the alluring heights of the Himalayan ranges spellbind them. They enjoy a ride that winds through the spiraling turns of the mountains and adore the swift views of the hills wearing green garb all over. It is a pleasure for many to take a cable car ride and explore the passing views of the landscape dotted with greenery down below.

And if your travel plan corresponds with the winter season, the joy of spending honeymoon days in India doubles up all by itself. The mountains covered with thick layers of snow shining with the sunrays will tickle your senses and will make your moments with your better-half extremely romantic. This would be a good time to snuggle in the comfort of your room and let the time fly.

1. Gulmarg (Kashmir):

The excitement of planning your honeymoon in Kashmir is something that cannot be expressed in words. Popularly known as “Paradise in India” this place has turned out to be the perfect location for honeymooners. Plan your honeymoon in Kashmir and give an ideal start to your new life. With multiple honeymoon packages for Kashmir, arranging for your honeymoon has emerged out to be a simplified affair. The honeymoon travel packages generally last for six to seven days and take you to almost all significant sightseeing attractions. October is an ideal time to plan a trip and explore the plethora of sightseeing options such as the Shalimar gardens, Gulmarg, Sonemarg, and Mughal gardens.

2. Mussoorie:

Honeymoon in Mussoorie can be enjoyed by visiting the Mall, the Library, Landour, Happy Valley, Bhadraj Temple, Clouds End, Childer’s Lodge, Camel’s Back Road, Gun Hill, Municipal Garden, Jharipani Falls, Bhatta Falls, Mossey Falls and Kempty Falls. The nearby places the one can explore while on Honeymoon in Mussoorie are Dhanaulti, Jwalaji Temple, Mussoorie Lake, Nag Devta Temple, Nag Tibba, Surkanda Devi Temple and Van Chetna Kendra. Adventure sports give a new angle to the Honeymoon in Mussoorie. Try your hands at trekking, hiking and rock climbing in Mussoorie. Fill your bags with local handicraft items such as cane objects, hand-knit cardigans and walking sticks as a happy reminder of the time spend on Honeymoon in Mussoorie.

3. Darjeeling:

Located at a height of 2134 meters above the sea level, serene green Darjeeling steeped in aromas of fresh hill tea lies at a distance of 686 kilometers from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in East India. Honeymoon in romantic Darjeeling as you tour the glassy Senchal Lake, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Lloyd’s Botanical Gardens and the captivating Lebona Race Course. Huddle together on a portable hill cabin that slides along a thrilling ropeway that passes over a deep mountain gorge with the River Ranjeet flowing at the bottom of the breathtaking valley.

4. Munnar (Kerala):

Munnar is the famous Honeymoon Destination in India. Munnar is a pleasing hill station at an altitude of 1520 m in Kerala. Have a dream Honeymoon in Munnar where your eyes will be flooded with absolute greenery, where you can smell the sweet fragrance coming from the tea gardens, where you can climb the highest peak of Kerala, Anaimudi and where you will find the rare Neelakurunji flower that blooms once in 12 years and the next flowering time is in 2018. Enjoy visiting Attukal, Chithirapuram, Devikulam, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Kundala, Lock Heart Gap, Mattupetty, Nayamkad, Pallivasal, Pothamedu, Powerhouse Waterfalls, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary and Munnar Tea and Coffee Plantations.

5. Nainital (Uttaranchal):

Nainital is the best Honeymoon Destination in India. Nainital, at an elevation of 1938 m, is a beautiful hill station in the state of Uttaranchal. Begin your dream Honeymoon in Nainital with a boat ride on the Naini Lake. You can take a sailing boat, rowing boat or a motorboat. Stroll on the Mall Road or gaze at all the public activities at the Flats. Visit the Naina Devi Temple, Hanumangarhi, St.-John-in-the-Wilderness Church, Raj Bhawan, State Observatory and Kilbury on Honeymoon in Nainital. Have a good time on together on your Honeymoon in Nainital admiring the panoramic views from the Naina Peak, Dorothy Seat, Tiffin Top, Land’s End or take a Cable Car to the Snow View to get an exalted view of the snow-capped mountains.

Travel from nearest city:

All places mentioned above are well connected with major cities through air, rail and bus. If you have to choose the nearest place for honeymoon and want to spend less on travel, you could check luxury bus services available for those hill stations. Here we are trying to give a list of different bus routes –

1. Gulmarg: Regular bus services operate to/from Jammu to several cities in India including Pathankot, Amritsar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Shimla and Manali.
2. Mussoorie: Regular bus service is available from Delhi, Dehradun and other nearby cities. Dehradun (35 km) is less than an hour away by road from Mussoorie.
3. Darjeeling: Darjeeling town. Well connected by rail to New Jalpaiguri and by road to Siliguri, Kolkata, Patna and Phuntshoelling
4. Munnar: Private and government operated (KSRTC – Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses are available to various locations of Kerala. Buses are the cheapest form of transport to Munnar. Regular bus services to Tamil Nadu (towns like Theni, Kumbam, Madurai and Coimbatore) are operated by Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments.
5. Nainital: Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular roadways buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly daily.

Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

 

Trip to Mahabaleshwar – A Relaxing Weekend Getaway

Mahabaleshwar is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra state. It is situated at an altitude of 1372 m above sea level in Satara district, about 115 km southwest of Pune. Due to its high altitude, the town has a cool climate and offers many pleasant walks. There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There is an old Shiva temple in the forest, which is the source of five rivers, including the Krishna River which is the second longest river of peninsular India. It’s very good place to visit.

Mahabaleshwar is visited by many thousands of tourists every year. It is well connected by bus with the important towns of the region. There are numerous hotels for every budget. The peak season is March-May; it rains very heavily from June.

History of Mahabaleshwar:

The history of Mahabaleshwar takes us to the year 1215 when it was visited by King Singhan of Deogori. Around 1350, a Brahmin dynasty took over power and gave the area harmony and prosperity. Mahabaleshwar later on was annexed by the Maratha family of Chandarao More in the middle of the 16th century which built the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj defeated Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar and constructed the famous Pratapgad Fort in the year 1656. After the end of his rule, the Peshwas ruled this place until the 19th century. In the year 1819, Mahabaleshwar was included in the territory of the Raja of Satara and it was from 1828 what we do know is that the British developed this place as a health resort was regularly visited in succession beginning with Sir John Malcolm and then by Arthur, Carnac, Frere and many others after whom the famous points in Mahabaleshwar are named.

Places to see:

Mahabaleshwar is known for its many points which offer panoramic views. There are as many as 30 viewpoints, named after notable Britishers within close range. Accessibility of these points is largely by foot or vehicles. Some of the most popular points we visit are:

Lodwick Point: Located at an altitude of 1,240 m, it is named after General Lodwick, who is said to have been the first to set foot on this point in 1824. A monument has been erected there in his memory by his son.

Elphinstone Point: Named after a Governor of Mumbai, Sir Elphinstone, it was discovered by Dr. Murray in the early 18th century. A great spot for picnicking, it bears a resemblance to an elephant’s head and trunk, if seen from the Lodwick Point.

Arthur’s Seat, another famous point, and considered to be one of the best, is located at an altitude of 1,348 m and captures a beautiful view of the Jor Valley. It has been named after Arthur Malet and one can catch the two territories of Mahabaleshwar very distinctly set apart Kokan and Desh. It is fascinating to see the barren deep valley Savitri on the left & shallow green valley on the right. It is more fascinating to know that Arthur’s seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near.

Wilson’s Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar, thus offering you the best view, at an altitude of 1,435 m. With three observation towers erected here, it is the best place to catch the sunrise, and hence has also been called the Sunrise Point. There are other points also that you will come across such as the points of Marjorie, Savitri and the Castle Rock Point, all rising from the Valleys of Konkan, and on your way to Arthur’s Seat.

Tapola which is only 25 Kms for Mahabaleshwar. Tapola is popularly known as ‘ The Mini Kashmir ‘ because of the beautiful view of the dam, the rivers. Koyana and Solshi, the beauty of the hill ranges of Sahyadri and the deep forest. Tapola is to the other side of Mahabaleshwar than Pune – the popular side. The journey of 1- 1/12 hr is pretty one as one goes between the high hill ranges and the dark woods. The view of Koyana River on one side and Solshi river on the other is beautiful. Both these rivers meet at Tapola. The dam is the biggest in Maharashtra – Known as ‘Shivsagar’. It has a big lake with small islands and there tourists can take a boat and visit the various islands.

Travel to Mahabaleshwar by Bus:

You can take a tourist bus (Volvo) from Mumbai, departing from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The ride will take you 6 hours and will cost around Rs 500. An ordinary AC bus will cost Rs 200. The Govt. Express bus from swargate starting 5.45AM and every hour with a moderate price of 120/- per individual.

After the opening up of the Mumbai -Pune expressway and the highway onwards from Pune to Satara, this is the much better and preferred option to drive down from Mumbai. The distance via this route about 40 kms more but you reach much faster. You have to get off this highway at a place called Sirur and then travel via Wai and Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar. The road is less winding than the other one via Poladpur but easier as far as driving is concerned.

Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays online. You can check bus tickets, available bus list, bus operators on website. Online bus booking is hassle free and secure for a pleasant weekend getaway.

Mumbai to Shirdi – A Holy Weekend Getaway

Shirdi is a village north-east of Mumbai and has an extensive temple complex devoted to Shirdi Sai Baba. It is located by road on Ahmednagar-Manmad State Highway No.10 at 83 kilometers from Ahmednagar, and 15 kilometers from Kopargaon. The place is around 296 km (around 6 hours drive) from Mumbai. Sai Baba’s shrine has been incorporated as one of the holy places in the world’s map of pilgrimage.

Places to Visit:

Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur and a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. He wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, according to the legends, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. The Samadhi of Baba is built with white marble stones. The railings around it are full of ornamental decorations. The idol of Baba is a marvelous statue made up of Italian marble built by Late Balaji Vasant in 1954. The temple has an assembly hall for about 600 devotees. The assembly hall also houses a showcase having various items used by the sage. The first floor of the temple has the pictures depicting the life of the saint.

The temple opens on 5 AM with morning prayers and close down at 10 PM with night prayers. Situated on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi Mandir is Dwarkamai, a mosque. This was the place where the sage stayed until the end of his life. Main attraction of the site is the oil paintings of the sage.

The place from where Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in the form of a Bal Yogi (child ascetic) is known as Gurusthan. A temple has been constructed on this site. There is also a small shrine in Gurusthan.

At a short distance lies Baba’s Chavadi. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.

There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. Photos and various items that were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba are there in the cottage. There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Bal yogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived.

There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar that are worth visiting. At some distance from Gurusthan, there is the Lendi Baug. This garden was made and watered daily by Baba himself. It got its name from a nullah (a drain), which used to flow there. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a neem tree. Baba dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the neem tree and kept a deep (a lighting object) lit in that pit. An octagonal deepgriha (lighthouse) called Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone in memory of this place. It constantly burns in a glass box. On one side of the deepgriha is a pipal tree and on the other side is a neem tree. Other sites to visit are Datta Mandir and Khandoba Mandir.

Fairs and Festivals:

The most important festivals and events that are celebrated in Shirdi are Guru Poornima, Dussehra, and Ram Navami. These are the only days when the Samadhi Mandir of Shirdi opens for the whole night. Every Thursday, a palakhi bearing a photograph of the sage is taken out from the temple.

Mumbai to Shirdi by Bus:

You could take a Cab; hire a private taxi or drive. (If you are an international tourist you may want to check the requirements for Driver’s license and road regulations with the Maharashtra State Road Transport department.). You could take a Maharashtra State Transport Bus. You could take a Bus operated by Private operators. For Fares, Schedules and other details contact your local travel agent, the Government of India Tourism Office, the Maharashtra State Tourism Board Office or the Maharashtra State Transport booking office.

Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

Hogenakkal Waterfalls – Niagara of India

Hogenakkal Waterfalls often referred to as "Cauvery" or "Kavery" or "Kaveri" by locals and the people of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts in Tamilnadu, India where it is situated. Hogenakkal is also described as the ‘Niagara’ of India, offer an exciting holiday destination for Indians and foreigners alike. Hogenakkal is located about 750 feet above sea level amidst the Melagiri Hills. The route to Hogenakkal Falls is scenic, with lush mulberry fields and giant terracotta guardian deities (Aiyanars), as you approach Hogenakkal, the roar of the Cauvery river and the abundance of vegetation in the area is sure to catch your attention. Hogenakkal is a beautiful place with picturesque scenes.

Location:
Hogenakkal is located on the Karnataka – Tamil Nadu border. It lies at the distance of 114 km from Salem and 133 km from Bangalore. Hogenakkal waterfalls are the part of river Kaveri and are about 250 meters above the sea level. It is one of the beautiful places in the state. When the water hits the rocks a fine cool spray rises, that is the reason these rocks have been given the name ‘Smoking Rock’. The best time to visit the Hogenakkal waterfall is between mid July to mid August when the water is at its peak. During this season water level rises from 20- 30 feet more. Hogenakkal falls are not the single waterfall but the series of waterfalls.

Significance of its water:
Taking a bath in the waterfalls of Hogenakkal is considered as extremely beneficial for the health. It is so because of the widely grown herbal plants in the nearby areas. The place is widely known for the curative power of its water.

Oil Massage:
This is the place where you can take bath along with the rejuvenating oil massage. You may find lots of people there to do massage for the visitors. The massager’s or the maliswallas are expert in their work with the right knowledge of 14 massage points in the human body. Some of the major benefits of this oil massage include – It increases circulation especially to the nerve endings, tones your muscles, increased mental alertness, smoothen the skin, improves elimination of impurities from the body and gives you better and deeper sleep at night.

Boating:
A visit to the Hogenakkal waterfalls is incomplete without taking a ride in the waterproof basket boats covered in buffalo hide or plastic stretched over light-weight wicker frames. These boats are locally known as Teppa. These are among the oldest water crafts in the world. The boats man steer the boats through the rapids of rising water giving you the thrilling experience. You can also engage on photography of the beautiful surrounding areas while taking the boat ride. Enjoy the full flow of the water and the fantastic view of the waterfalls from the boat.

Trekking and Swimming:
Hogenakkal is also the good place to try out your swimming skills. The water is quite challenging. Tourists can also go for trekking on the nearby surrounding hills. The treks are usually simple. Hogenakkal waterfall is the popular site among the film makers. There are many films songs shooted at this destination. For example a song ‘Dil Hai Chootasa. .’ from the film Roza was shot here.

Food and Clothing:
The regular meals are available here, but you have to give the order in advance. The most favorite among the tourists is the fried and spicy fishes. Tourists are recommended to wear comfortable and loose clothes while visiting the place. Also carry along with yourself the mosquito repellent and dry snacks.

Tourists Attraction:
The foremost attraction of the Hogenakkal falls is its vertical drop from the height of 20 meters with the thundering sounds. The area supports the rich floral system. The whole area covered with the tall trees and thorny vegetation looks a paradise. You can simply spend time at leisure enjoying the natural beauty or you can also indulge in the nature walk to the nearby areas. You can also hire the guide to give you the better insight of the area.

Bus Booking from Bangalore to Hogenakkal:

Hogenakkal is well connected to all major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hogenakkal (133 km) and Salem to Hogenakkal (114 km). Bus charge is about Rs 3 per kilometer.

Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.