Taj Mahal - The Symbol of Love

Tajmahal is the famous tourist attraction place and one of the seven wonders of the world.Lets have a look at its specialties.

The Taj Mahal

Everyone knew,TajMahal is a symbol of love built by the famous king Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.She died in 1631 after her 14th child Govhara.
Its situated at Agra in Delhi.We can see some more specialties of it:

1. The tomb of Mumtaz is present in the middle of TajMahal with 4 pillars outside the dome shaped monument.The top of the dome has lotus shaped carving inside.

2. The monument is constructed with white marble stones fully and it has paintings of different plants,leaves and flowers.Also,jasper,jade and crystal turquoise,sapphire,pearls etc type of stones are used.

3. In the entrance,some verses from Quran has been carved.

4. Surrounding Taj Mahal,is the large garden with 16 water ponds present.These ponds separate the garden and in-between them pathway is constructed.

5. In front of TajMahal there is a pond,which shows the image of it like a mirror.Its called lotus pond and never get dried.There are many trees and plants which look fertile.Now a days,because of not maintaining it properly,we can't find those.

6. There is also a mosque and a building for guests to stay next to TajMahal.

People must visit this place atleast once in lifetime.Its worth to see.These days we cant find any husbands doing such great things for wives.So,have a visit when you find time. 

Jaipur - Land of Rajwaras

The land of Rajwaras, Jaipur, where every niche that tells the tales of the victory and romance of royal Rajputs was first built in 1727 by Maharajah Jai Singh ji II of Kachhwaha Rajputana.

Jaipur

Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink city is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. This city is the first planned city of India. The very structure of Jaipur resembles the taste of the royal families and the Rajputs.

History of Jaipur

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II on 18th November 1727, the ruler of Ajmer. This city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets. The streets of Jaipur are 111ft (34m) wide. He himself was the lover of Mathematics and scientific theories. He also conducted Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya a Brahmin academician from Bengal who helped Jai Singh to design the architecture of Jaipur city.

On the basis of their planning, he began building the city. The main palaces and square were completed in the time span of four years. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya and Jai Singh used Shilpa Shastra principles of Indian architecture were followed. Jaipur was separated into nine blocks. In which two blocks consists of the state buildings and palaces. Then Strong walls of buttressing and seven tough gates were created for ensuring defense and security.

The history of Jaipur is enriched by the extraction of kings who have succeeded Jai Singh such as Sawai Ram Singh and Madho Singh. In the post independence era initiatives were taken to transform the position of princely state Jaipur. Then Jaipur was merged with other Rajput states like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and thus Great Rajasthan was formed. In 1956, Jaipur was given the status of capital of Rajasthan state. Till now also Jaipur retained its charm and spectacle by retaining its beauty.

Sightseeing's of Jaipur

Hawa Mahal: This Mahal was built by the Maharaja Sawai Singh in 1799.This Mahal was an integral part of the city palace. This palace is a five-storied building with pyramid structure has 953 tier and small casements. The main entrance to the Hawa Mahal is through safety doors that open into spacious courtyard. You can view wonderful sunlight view in the early dawn through the lattice windows of the Hawa Mahal.

The City Palace: This palace is a fascinating landmark of Jaipur that reflect the imposing blend of masterpiece of Rajasthan architecture. Ruler Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh built this fascinating palace during his rule representing the architecture of the ancient India. It attracts many tourists throughout the entire globe.

Jantar Mantar: This is magnificent astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh. This building was built in between 1728 to 1734. This is a grand astronomical instrument to observe the time . The instrument you can watch are: Small Samarat, Dhruva, Narivalya, Small Kranti, the Observer's seat, 'Raj', 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas' 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta, Large 'Kranti'

Nahargarh: This is a splendid fort located in Jaipur. This is among one of the three forts built by Maharahja Jai Sawai Singh. He was the ruler of Jaipur. This fort glitters under moonlight in the night.

Shimla - A heaven on earth

This resource contains information on various spots to be visited in Shimla. Shimla is known to be the queen of hills and have lot of sightseeing nearby.

Shimla

Shimla is capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Previously it was the summer capital of Britishers. Shimla name is named after goddess Shyamala Devi. It is situated in the north west of Himalayas. It is the most favorite tourist destination in India. People from all parts of the country came here to spend their summer vacations. It is situated 120 Kms from Chandigarh. It is well connected by road as well as by train. Train can be hired at Kalka stations. Travelling by train is the real fun. There are about 103 tunnels on the way to Shimla longest being 1 kms approximately.

Tourist Places to be visit

The Ridge
Ridge is the most happening place in Shimla where you can enjoy sightseeing and do various activities like photography, Horse riding, eating and many more. There are many shoppers who will click your photographs in local dresses.

The Mall
Mall road in Shimla is full of shops. You can buy variety of local things like shawls, woolens and artificial jewelery. There are many food courts and dhabas on the road where you can enjoy your food.

Christ Church
Church is situated on the ridge in Shimla. At night the lighting done is very fabulous and should spend some time there in the church.

Jakhu Mandir
From the ridge itself there is way uphill to Jakhu mandir. Jakhu Mandir is temple of Lord Hanuman and it is believed that Lord hanuman takes rest here while bringing Sanjeevani for Lakshman. There are lot of monkeys on the way and if possible do not take any think along with you otherwise will not be spared by the monkeys even your spectacles.

Summer Hill
Another famous place to visit is Summer Hill. It is situated near about 8 Km form ridge. Himachal Pradesh University is also there in Summer Hill.

Tara Devi mandir
This is again yet another spot where everybody likes to go in winters. This area is covered by snow in Winters and a place to do lot of snow sports like skeeing.Tara Devi is situated in the while coming from Chandigarh to Shimla. It is about 10 kms from Shimla Bus stand.

Conclusion

Shimla is the most happening among the hill station as it is liked to many other tourist places. Best time to visit is during winters only as in summers now day temperatures are quite high. In winters Shimla is covered with snow and is the real fun of the city. In short it is a must visit spot. 

Kedarnath - A pious pilgrimage place

Kedarnath Shrine is one of the Dwadasa(Twelve) Jyothirlingams located in various parts of the country.It is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage places in India.


                                                           Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple

The Kedarnath shrine is one of the Dwadasa Jyothirlingams. It is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage places in India.

After going on pilgrimage to the other eleven Jyothirlingams, I set about the Kedarnath Yatra on 21-07-2007, from Rishikesh.

Legend

The legend goes that, the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war, tried to meet Lord Shiva, to help them get rid of the sin of killing their brothers Kauravas and other relatives in the war.But Lord Shiva did not want to meet them and escapes to Guptakasi.The Pandavas learning of this go there.Lord Shiva then escapes to Kedarnath in the form of a bull.They follow him there and Bhima recognises Lord Shiva in the herd and catches hold of the back side of the bull as it tries to escape through the earth.Lord Shiva pleased with the determination of the Pandavas, gets them out of the sin.

Location

The Kedarnath temple is locted in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state.It is at a distance of about 225 km from Rishikesh.The last leg of 14 km involves uphill climb to reach Kedarnath.

Trnasportation

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.,(GMVN),an undertaking of Uttarakhand Government, conducts tours to Kedarnath, Badarinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
The package tour to Kedarnath and Badrinath costs about Rs 8000/.The transportation is by bus from Rishikesh upto Gaurikund(210 km).The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours.

From Gaurikund uphill trek of 14 km.along the upstream of the river Mandakini. This 14 km stretch can be done by Trekking,Doli or Horse riding, depending upon ones physical capability.The children can be taken in a bamboo basket called Pitoo. Doli and Pitto are carried by men.After 7 km we reach a place called Rambara.From here the climb is steep.

All along the way food stalls are available.Food for the horses is also available and the cost is to be borne by the person riding it.

There is a Helicopter service available from a place called Phata.The Helicopter lands at a disatance of about 1.5 km from the temple.The to and fro charges are from Rs 7000 to Rs 8000/.

Accommodation

The GMVN maitains a Guest House very near to the temple.There are other private guest houses also.

The Kedarnath temple is open from May to November.The exact dates of opening and closing can be ascertained from the Trust Board of Kedarnath.Due to Heavy snowfall the temple will be closed in the month of November.The idols are taken to Ukhimutt during winter and worshipped there.

The age of the temple is not known exactly and placed at more than 1000 years.It is believed that the present temple is built by Sri Adi Sankaracharya.

The abhishekam in the temple is done with ghee and water.

The sight of Kedarnath Temple with Himalayas as background is stunning and worth seen

Precautions:

1. The temparature at Kedarnath will be low most of the time.Proper woolen
clothing is a must.Shoes are compulsory.
2. Cardiac and Asthma patients are advised not to go.Even if they go proper
precautions are necessary.
3. Carrying an Oxygen Cylinder for Cardiac and Asthma patients is advisable.
Portable Oxygen cylinders are available either on rent or for purchase.
The cost of the oxygen cylinder will be about Rs 400/.

Ratnagiri - Tourist Destination

Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is a district in Maharashtra. Ratnagiri is near to Mumbai - Goa Highway. It is area of Konkan. 

How to reach Ratnagiri


There are Mumbai - Ratnagiri S. T. buses (State Transport Buses). It is approximately 9 to 10 hours Bus journey from Mumbai. There is also option of Konkan railway.

About Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is famous for Hapus Mango. It is very sweet and tasty. Ratnagiri has sea shore. Sun - set at this point is beautiful. Thiba Palace is at Ratnagiri. Thiba Palace is build for King of Bramhadesh. British caught King Thiba and allowed him to live at Ratnagiri.

Swami Swaroopanand Samadhi Mandir - Pawas

Pawas is a village in Ratnagiri. It is near to Ratnagiri. Pawas is a birth place of Swami Swaroopanand. Swami Swaroopanand was a famous saint in Maharashtra. He takes a part in Indian freedom fight against British. He wrote 'Abhang Dnyaneshwari'. His Samadhi Mandir is spiritual place. People can stay at 'Bhakt - Dham', which is constructed by Swami Swaroopanand Trust. It may need advance booking.

Ganapati Temple at Ganapatipule

Ganapatipule is in Ratnagiri district. There is famous temple of Lord Ganapati. Many people come here and pray to Lord Ganapati. Ganapatipule has sea shore. But this sea shore is very danger for swimming.

Shivsrushti at Dervan

Dervan is in Ratnagiri district. There are many big statues showing story of King Shivaji. These statues are very beautiful.

Parashuram Temple - Ratnagiri district

There is temple of Lord Parashuram. According to old stories, Lord Parashuram had thrown an arrow to stop sea water to move forward in Konkan land. Temple is near to Mumbai - Goa highway. It is approximately 7 to 8 hours vehicle journey from Mumbai.

Laxmi - Keshav - Mahalaxmi Temple at Kolisare

Kolisare is a small village in Ratnagiri district. Kolisare is not near to Ratnagiri city. This temple is very beautiful. There are many trees around this temple.

Ganapati Temple at Hedavi

Hedavi is a small village in Ratnagiri district. This is not near to Ratnagiri city. This temple and surrounding area is very beautiful.

There are many other places in Ratnagiri, to visit. Ratnagiri is best place for tourists.

Ross Island, North Andaman.

Ross Island at North Andaman mesmerizes the tourists. It has nice sandy beach with a beautiful sandy bridge. This Island is declared as a wild life reserve area. However tourism is continuously promoting in this Island.

Ross Island, a tourist destination in North Andaman.

Ross Island is one of the most tourist attraction in North Andaman. Large number of tourists visits this Island everyday. It's popularity is only for its beauty mother nature, Clean sea water, Silky sand and many more. This Island is declared as a reserved wild life area. Department of Forest & Wildlife is taking care of this reserved area. On one side the department taking strict measure to save the wild life and on the other side it also promotes the tourism to this Island with certain rules for the visitors. If anyone found indulging in illegal activity, then they will have to face the consequences. Teasing of wild animals like deer, pig etc and taking away forest produce such as log, sea shells etc are strictly prohibited.

How to reach Ross Island , North Andaman
This is a separate Island around two to three kilometer from Aerial Bay Jetty. There are few fiber boats inducted into the service of promoting tourism in these Island. The ticket fare for the boat is around Rs 100/- per head from the Aerial Bay for both way. It takes around 20-30 Minutes to reach this Island.

Specialty of Ross Island , North Andaman :
This Island is something special, there are silky sand which attracts many tourists to this Island. There are few Eco huts, which can be used for taking rest and enjoy the beauty of this Island. The most attracting scene is that, during high tide the Island looks two different whereas in low tide, there is a sandy bridge which joins these two Islands and have the look of single Island. All these features makes this Island special and most beautiful mother nature.

Things to be taken while visiting the Ross Island:
1. Sufficient quantity of water
2. Packed food items in sufficient quantity.
3. Mat in sufficient quantity.
4. Swim suit for swimming but all sorts of safety concern should be taken into account.

Caution : For the tourists / Visitors to the Ross Island , North Andaman :
There are some strict rules for the visitors / tourists to this Island.
1. Entry ticket is must for all visitors.
2. Staying for night in this Island is not permissible.
3. All tourists should return from this Island before 4.00 PM.
4. Torturing / Killing of Wild life will be viewed seriously.
5. Cooking at this Island is totally banned.
6. Throwing any waste material is totally banned, if found penalty will be imposed over the action.
7. A single watchman is residing at this Island.
8. It is the responsibility of parents, that children should not be allowed to swim at the sea for safety concern.