Nestled at the sylvan heights of over 1900 meters in the lush green valley south of the Baba Bundan range in the Western Ghats, the tranquil town of Chikmagalur is surrounded with picturesque hills, emerald green forests, gliding vales, shimmering streams, sounding cataracts and rustic temples. Well known for its coffee plantations, Chikmagalur also attracts trekkers and mountain lovers. A Tour to Chikmagalur Karnataka can be an ideal summer holiday.
Chikmagalur is located in the southwestern part of Karnataka; Chikmagalur is situated at a distance of 240 km from Bangalore, 170 km from Mangalore, 60 km from Hassan, and 40 km from Kadur; Tours To Chikmagalur In India can therefore be easily undertaken from any part of Karnataka.
Chikmagalur literally means- The Younger Daughter's Town. Popular legend has it, that this town was presented as a dowry to the younger daughter of Rukmangada, the famed chief of Sakrepatna.
On Tour To Chikmagalur, you must visit:
Baba Budan Range :- Situated to the north of Chikmagalur, this range is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan. The Baba Budan Range has one of the highest mountain peaks in the Nilgiris.
Kondandarama Templen :- built in a gorgeous blend of Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Kodandarama.
St. Joseph's Cathedral :- The eye-catching shell-shaped portico is the prime attraction of this church.
Sringeri :- This Hindu pilgrimage center is known for the Vidyashankara Temple, which has pillars depicting the 12 zodiac signs. The Sun’s rays are said to fall on each pillar according to the astronomical positioning of the celestial bodies at that time of the year.
On Tour Packages To Chikmagalur In Karnataka you also have the option of undertaking quite a few thrilling excursions. On tour to Chikmagalur Karnataka, you can visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthodi), Kemmanagundi, Amruthapura.
The nearest railheads to Chikmagalur are at Kadur and Hassan. The nearest airports are at Bangalore and Mangalore. Besides, Chikmagalur is very well connected by road to the rest of Karnataka.
The best time to undertake a tour to Chikmagalur is between September and March.
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Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A beautiful amalgam of gorgeous greenery, lovely lakes, ravishing reservoirs, fabulous forests and terrific tea estates-this is what the magical Indian tourist destination of Munnar, all about. Situated at the influence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, Munnar hill station has been the summer resort of the colonial British government in south India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.
What attracts tourists from far and wide to Munnar is its natural beauty. For adventure lovers, there is paragliding and for nature lovers there are some of the World's highest tea estates. You may also enjoy boating in the lakes of Munnar. Nature walks and hiking are popular activities that tourist in Munnar indulge in. All your weariness and stress will vanish and you will fell rejuvenated down in the lap of Mother Nature in Munnar. The winter months from October to March are the best time to visit Munnar.
Munnar is one of the major centers for tea trade of Kerala. Situated at an altitude of 1520 meters, in the eastern part of the state, it's a well know hill station. Surrounded by almost 30 tea gardens that give it a picturesque view, Munnar is near Anaimudi, the highest peak of the Kerala Western Ghats. The hills around Munnar are covered with the rare Neelakurunji plant giving it a wonderful look, especially when the flowers bloom to cover the entire mountain range. It is said that this exotic plant flowers every 12 years and the next scheduled flowering time is the year 2009.
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Place : Amritsar in the north Indian state of Punjab.
Time : Any time of the year.
Significance : The Pilgrimage Centre.
The Golden Temple, also known as the Hari Mandir Sahib is a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. Golden Temple, on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world, has been a source of inspiration to the Sikh community ever since its foundation. It is evident from the Sikh chronicles that the Gurus exhorted their followers to accept all Sikh centers as places of pilgrimage. As Sri Hari Mandir Sahib was the first prime holy shrine, it became, as the center of inspiration and action and the most significant achievement of the Gurus, the chief place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.
Guru Arjan Sahib, the Vth Guru, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.
Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1644 Bikrmi Samvat(December,1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.
As compared to erecting the structure on the higher level (a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of caste, creed, sex and religion.
The construction work completed in 1601 A.D. on Bhadoon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrmi Samvat (August/September,1604). Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib, in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath, a pilgrimage center
The architecture of the Golden Temple represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.
Reaching Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple -
Air : The Rajasansi airport at Amritsar is well linked by flights from all over India. Recently, it was elevated to an international airport.
Rail : There are direct links from Delhi to Amritsar by train. It is an 8-10-hour journey.
Road : Buses also ply regularly between the two cities.
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Monday, February 23, 2009
Capital town of the Kullu District, in the state of Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Kullu is located along the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley at around 10km northwards of the airport at Bhuntar. Sprawled amid the fascinating Kullu valley, it has the mighty Himalayas for its backdrop. The several temples and the yearly Dussehra festival attract huge number of tourists both in the form of devotees as well as sheer travelers.
Kullu gives you major options of tourism as there are numerous tourist attractions in Kullu and around the town as well. The scenic beauty of the place will prove to be the main attraction on your tour to Kullu. Set amid the lower base of the Himalayas, this small town offers breathtaking views of valleys like Ani, Manikaran, Korpan, Lug, Banjar, Garsa, several apple orchards, and the imposing Himalayan ranges all of which go on to create a captivating atmosphere for the tourists.
Kullu is well-known for its temples and festivals. The main tourist interest of Kullu is the Raghunath Temple, devoted to Lord Ram, who is one of the important deities of the Hindus in general and the patron deity of the whole Kullu valley. It was built by Raja Jagat Singh, the former ruler of Kullu, in 1660 to amend for his sins. He got an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya and established it within the premises of this temple. Jagannathi Devi Temple or the Bekhli temple is at a distance of 3 km from Kullu and is sited in the village of Bekhli. It is a steep 1½ hour ascent to the temple, but it provides a wonderful view of Kullu which is worth the climb.
Among the festivals celebrated widely in Kullu are Malani, Phalguni, Shahri Jatra and Birshu. Kullu Valley, also referred to as the “Valley of Gods”, is renowned for the seven day festival of Dussehra, a festivity of the mythological Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana.
Kullu is also a major hub of Himalayan Adventure Sports activities. Kullu Valley is recognized all over the world for Heliskiing. This sport is generally arranged near Bhrigu peaks in the Hamta pass. Solang Nala is also another convenient venue for the sport. You can enjoy the thrill of river rafting through the rough waters of River Beas.
Other places of tourist interest in the region include Manikaran and Vashisht village near Manali (hot water springs) at 40 km north of Kullu. Malana, Kaish-Dhaar in Lug Valley, Bijli Mahadev, Bhekhli and Bajaura are dotted with the famous temples of the area. Towards the north lies the eminent town of Manali, which leads onto the Lahaul and Spiti Valley through the Rohtang pass.
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