ATHIRAPPILLY WATERFALLS – A CASCADE FALLING FROM HEAVEN

 

Athirappilly waterfall (videos from various angles:  https://youtu.be/ZVi9oSIplpI , https://youtu.be/_8KKzSKkkAs , https://youtu.be/Zl3Qd7plswI , https://youtu.be/Udwsflly2mI , https://youtu.be/VPIk1P62AVQ ) is located at #AthirappillyPanchayath in Thrissur District of Kerala State in India. This natural waterfall is from about more than 80 feet height. It is a must see item when you are in Kerala, particularly in and around Thrissur which is famous for #ThrissurPooram Festivel (Blog:- https://www.indiantravelexperience.manjaly.net/2019/04/thrissur-pooram.html) . 

It is a part of Western Ghats, situated at about 1000 feets above sea level. From this point, the #ChalakudiRiver starts. It is surrounded by mountains with thick #EverGreen forest. The main speciality of the fall is that it is a round the year phenomena, though in the monsoon it is more beautiful and fierce. In the surrounding area, if you are lucky, you can also spot wild animals particularly elephants and many kinds of birds.

If you go a little ahead of Athirappilly waterfall, there is another waterfall, namely CharpaWaterfall. Further about 2 K.M., comes the #VazhachalWaterfall (https://youtu.be/36qESQXSMmk ). The same road goes further to Tamil Nadu State, covering the thick forest of the Western Ghats and its fauna and flora all the way touching Sholayar and Pengalkuthu dams.

On the way to Athirappilly from Chalakudy town, there are also two more picnic spots,  namely, #Thumboormuzhi / #ButterflyGarden (https://youtu.be/dg0eV4g9DlM) and #Ezhattumukham (https://youtu.be/Pyq4cpMUUfQ ). Both these are the two sides of the same Chalakudi River joined together with a hanging bridge. From there, within a few minutes ride, you will reach Athrirappilly Waterfall covering lush green sceneries (https://youtu.be/ae7gwzNMmJk & https://youtu.be/j-uXFtIAJck ).

If you are in a hurry, go without wasting time and you can cover all these places as a one day picnic.

To reach there, frequent public buses are available from Chalakudy town bus stand. Nearest railway station is also Chalakudy (Major Station at Thrissur). Nearest Airport is Nedumbassery (Kochi). Thrissur, Chalakudy and many other places, accommodation is available.

N.B:- To view my books, blogs on various subject go to my home page:-https://www.manjaly.net

To read free part of my book ‘A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION’, go to the below link and click “LOOK INSIDE” button :- https://www.amazon.in/FRAUD-INDIAN-CONSTITUTION-M-P-JOSEPH-ebook/dp/B00SQKTADY

THRISSUR POORAM (festival), THRISSUR, KERALA

Thrissur pooram is a main festival celebrated in the Thrissur (Trichur) town which is the headquarters of Thrissur district. Though it is a Hindu festival, it is also considered as a cultural event of the whole people of the District.  The main attraction of the festival is the decorated elephant procession, colourful fireworks, and various instrumental music.

LEGEND:- Earlier, Arattupuzha pooram was the final point of all poorams in the region ruled by the Kochi Raja(King). But unfortunately one year the Thrissur pooram procession could not move to Arattupuzha because of heavy rain. Then the King ordered that henceforth, the Pooram would be held at Thrissur itself. The present name of Thrisur is derived from the earlier name Thrissivaperoor associated with the main deity Lord Siva of the Temple around which the Pooram is celebrated. The date of Thrissur pooram is calculated according to the Malayalam calendar and hence normally it comes in the month of April-May. This year it is celebrated on 13-05-2019.

[To read free part of the book  "A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION" based on anti corruption activities in the form of my autobiography, go to link at: www.amazon.in/FRAUD-INDIAN-CONSTITUTION-M-P-JOSEPH-ebook/dp/B00SQKTADY ]

Associated with the #Thrissur #Pooram, there are various other activities. Thrissur Pooram Exhibition is one among them. In this exhibition many people are involved. Many organisations exhibit their activities. Many people come here from far away states to sell their products.

Thrissur is almost in the middle of #Kerala and also known as the cultural capital of Kerala.

Nearby attractions: #Arattupuzha pooram, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores (#Puthanpalli), #Athirapally Falls, #Paramekavu Temple, #Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur Zoo & Museum, St Thomas Church #Palayur, #Guruvayur Temple etc.

Few days before and after the Pooram festival, there is heavy rush in the city. So advance booking of accommodation is desirable for those who are coming from far away places.

Thrissur is connected to all over India by rail and road. Kochi and Kozhikode air ports are nearest for air travel.

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Brindavan Garden of Mysore, Karnataka, India

Brindavan Garden at Mysore/Mysuru (actually, the dam & garden is situated in Mandya District about 24 km. away from Mysur and 143 Km. from Bangaluru), Karnataka is a terrace garden adjoining the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the Cauvery river. It is in existence since 1927. The dam complex was a brainchild of Sir Mirza Ismail, the Dewan of the former princely State of Mysore. It was designed on the same theme of the Mughal garden Shalimar of Kashmir.

The garden is full of fountains, cascades, beautiful green lawns, flowering shrubs and trees, etc. Now this garden is world famous for its heavenly beauty and the illuminated fountains dancing to the tune of enchanting music. That is why another garden at Paithan of Maharashtra State adjoinging the Karnataka State is also modeled in the same fashion and theme. In the middle of the garden, there is a small lake with boating facility. View some of the photographs:-

 

[The book “A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION” is my own real story – My fight against corruption/scams/frauds while in Government of India service. It also expose the hurdles I faced while in service as a reaction to my fight. For reading free part, go to below link and click “look inside”: www.amazon.in/FRAUD-IN-THE-INDIAN-CONSTITUTION-ebook/dp/B00SQKTADY] 

Recently when I visited the garden, a Cuckoo (bird) family was spotted on an arch of shrubs above my head. See the photo-

Frequent bus services are available from Mysore town to the garden. Other modes of services like taxi etc. are also available. In most of the conducted tours of Mysore town, Brindavan garden is one of the main item. For visiting the garden, it is better to go in the afternoon because the illuminated dancing fountain will start after sunset only.


My published books:-

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2. LTC RULES MADE EASY: (Based on CCS Leave Travel Concession Rules up-to-date) available at:-
  https://www.amazon.in/LTC-RULES-MADE-EASY-date-ebook/dp/B01JO66SLK/ 

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WHEN I VIEWED TAJ MAHAL FROM THE AGRA FORT ആഗ്ര ഫോര്‍ട്ടില്‍ നിന്നും ഞാന്‍ താജ് മഹല്‍ നോക്കിയപ്പോള്‍

WHEN I SAW TAJ MAHAL FROM AGRA FORT, THE WAY SHAJAHAN USED TO SEE IT WHEN HE WAS KEPT AS A PRISONER AND LODGED IN THE FORT. IN BETWEEN YAMUNA RIVER AND THE HIGHWAY 

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Pontifical Marthoma Shrine Azhikode – Kodungallur. Christian Pilgrim center

Pontifical Marthoma Shrine is at Azhikode, Kodungallur in Thrissur District of Kerala. It is built in memory of the arrival of St. Thomas where his relics are kept. This is built in the model of St. Peters of Vatican. It was also in the nearby area, one of the seven and half churches was established by St. Thomas.

St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus, landed in India in 52 A.D., i.e., well before St. Peter reached Rome in 72 A.D with the message of Christ. At that time, it was also one of the main ports in the Malabar Coast known as Muziris. But unfortunately, this port was extinct in 1341 A.D. due to a Tsunami like flood realigned the area. The main reason why he selected this area was that, there were many Jews settled in this area being a commercial center in those days. Therefore, the Christians of Malabar coast is known as St. Thomas Christians to distinguish it from other Christians who were converted after the European Missionaries like St. Xavier, etc. came to India, after the arrival of Vasco da Gama of Portugal landed at Kozhikode (Calicut) at the same Malabar coast in 1498 A.D. St. Thomas Christians are also known as Syrian Christians/Syro Malabar Christians etc., who used Syrian language in Holy Mass in olden days and followed local customs in wedding and other ceremonies as distinguished from the Latin/Anglo Christians who used Latin/English language in Holy Mass and followed European customs in wedding and other ceremonies. Till the arrival of Europeans, St. Thomas Christians of Malabar Coast had also no idea about the existence of the Pope and they were a totally independent Church then, though there was some influence from the Church of Syria due to the commercial connection with gulf countries in those days.

The surrounding area of the Shrine is blessed with natural beauty. South side is River and the west side is Arabian Sea. It is a joining place of rivers like Chalakudy river, Periyar, etc., with the sea. Munakkal beach is also about 1 kilometer away. One of the spectacular scene of Azhikode river side is the use of Chinese fishing net to catch fish. This Chinese fishing net locally known as Cheena vala, was first introduced in the area including the nearby Kochi (Cochin) backwaters were Portuguese.

How to reach:

Air : Nearest international airport is Cochin International Airport Nedumbassery about km

Rail : Nearest railway station is Irinjalakuda , but Thrissur railway station is more convenient to reach the place.

Road : The Shrine is situated very close to the National Highway NH17.

I.  Watch the youtube clip below for shrine :

 II.  Watch the youtube video below to know China net and how it is used :

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CHANDRAPUR – CHANDA - REMEMBRANCES OF AN ANCIENT TRIBAL KINGDOM

Chandrapur or Chanda as known earlier is the headquarters of Chandrapur District of Maharashtra state, India. It is also nicknamed as Black Gold City because of the coal mines located here. Tadoba National Park (Tiger Reserve) is also in the same district.

Though the area was originally inhabited by Tribal / Adivasi people belonging to Gond Community, now the town part is of modern look. Gond/Gondi community is Adivasi people of central India, spread over the present States of Madhya Pradesh, eastern part of Maharashtra (Vidarbha) and Chhattisgarh – earlier known as Madhya Bharat with Nagpur as the capital. Tribes as a whole in India have no cast system and have their own form of worship, rules and regulations. But now many of them are influenced by outsiders and adopted modern way of life.

Chandrapur is also considered to be the single place where the Tribe community who captured power from intruders and had their own fort and other establishments. The remains are still existing. Some photographs are here.

One photograph is attached here. Other photographs can be watched through my Youtube channel  link given here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YueUc2nwEs&feature=youtu.be 

You can also visit my home page www.manjaly.net to know my books, blogs and pages on various subjects and my activities.

SREE RAMA TEMPLE THRIPRAYAR, THRISSUR - KERALA

Thriprayar Temple is a very famous and ancient temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is also one of the temple included in the Nalambalam [Four Temples - Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Koodalmanikyam (Sree Bharata) Temple, Irinjalakuda - Sree Lakshmana Temple, Moozhikkulam - Sree Shathruknha Temple, Payammal] pilgrimage of Hindu religion. ‘Thriprayar Ekadasi’ is the main festival and very famous.

.

It is on the west bank of Canoly Canal (Thriprayar) situated at the boundary of Valapad and Nattika Panchayaths in Thrissur District of Kerala. It is conveniently connected by road NH-17 Panvel-Edapally National Highway and almost in the midway of the famous Guruvayur Temple and Kodungallur Temple. Frequent buses are also available from Thrissur which is connected by Rail from all over India.

[To know my other publications – books, blogs etc., visit my home page at: www.manjaly.net]

Other nearby pilgrimage centres are:- St. Thomas Church, Palayur established by St. Thomas, Marthoma Pontifical Shrine at Azhikode where St. Thomas first landed in India in A.D.52, Cheraman Palli (Juma Masjid), Kodungallur – first Masjid in India built in A.D.629.

Thriprayar Temple - ordinary day

Thriprayar Temple - Ekadasi festival nig

MADURAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

During the 3rd century BC, Megasthanes a Greek historian visited Madurai. Later on many people came from western parts like Rome, Greece etc. and established trade with the Pandya kings. By 10th century AD Madurai was captured by Cholas and ruled it till the beginning of the 13th century. Then Pandyas regained it in 1223 AD. For a short period it was also under the rule of Tughlak. Then it fell to the Vijayanagar dynasty and ruled by their Governors called Nayaks. But in 1530 AD, the Nayaks became independent and took control over the area. During the reign of Thirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) the Raja Gopuram of the Meenakshi Amman Temple was made to the present state, The Pudu Mandapam and The Thirumalai Nayakar's Palace were also constructed during this period. Gradually, it went into the hands of British till India became Independent.

Madurai city is well connected by Air, Rail and Road. There are also many other tourist places near to Madurai such as Kodai Canal, Kanyakumari etc. in Tamil Nadu and Thekkadi, Munnar etc.in Kerala. Conducted tours are also available to these places from Madurai.

Meenakshi temple

Meenakshi temple

Meenakshi temple

Nayakar's Palace

Nayakar's Palace

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Athirappilly water fall - Thrissur, Kerala.

Athirappilly water fall is located at Athirappilly village in Thrissur District of Kerala. It is part of Western Ghats, at about 1000 feets above sea level. It is the starting point of Chalakudi River. It is surrounded by mountains with thick green forest. The main speciality of the fall is that it is a round the year phenomena, though in the monsoon it is more beautiful. On the way other two picnic spots are also available, namely, Thumboormuzhi and Ezhattumukham. Both are two sides of the same river joined with a hanging bridge. Enough for a one day picnic.

To reach there, frequent buses are available from Chalakudy town bus stand. Nearest railway station is also Chalakudy. Nearest Airport is Nedumbassery (Kochi). 

Video:

https://youtu.be/BfNykLqL3oM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ikvlREpxi64

Also read my autobiography:-A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION (www.amazon.in/dp/9352353986)

Website:- www.manjaly.net

Malayattoor, Christian International Pilgrim Centre, Ernakulam, Kerala,India

Malayattoor is primarily a Christian Pilgrim centre in Ernakulam District of Kerala in South India. There is an old Chapel as well as a new Church at the top of the mountain called Kurishumudi dedicated to St. Thomas, one of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. It is believed that St. Thomas visited this place on his way to Tamil Nadu from Kodungallur/Azhikode in Kerala where he landed first in AD 52. The main parish Church is at the bottom of the hill. The word Malayattoor is a combination of three words Mala (mountain), Aar (river), and Ooru (village) indicating the presence of these three items in the same place.

Kurishumudy which is the top part of the mountain at Malayattoor is 1269 feet above the sea level. At the bottom of the mountain, there is a lake garden with boating facility. Canteen run by the Church is available at top and bottom of the mountain. Other mini eateries are also available. There will be heavy rush during Sundays and Fridays of Easter season. There is no proper road to reach the top. There are some steps constructed in some parts. Otherwise one has to climb through the natural foot path with projected rocks. But there is ambulance service up to some level of the mountain. The main festival of the church is on the 1st Sunday after Easter. 

On the other side of the river there is a sanctuary of elephants brought from the forest and protected particularly the babies. Recently some parts of this sanctuary is shifted to some other place. Kaladi the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya, a Hindu saint, is also very close to Malayattoor. He is a world famous philosopher and founder of the principle of ‘Advaita’.

Best season to visit Malayatoor is from January to April. For reaching by air, Kochi international airport is the nearest. By rail Angamali railway station is the nearest. Malayatoor is connected by road to many nearby cities in Keala like Ernakulam, Thrissur, etc. There is also limited accommodation near the main Church at the bottom of the mountain.

view from the top

Also read my book: 'A FRAUD IN THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION' www.amazon.in/dp/9352353986

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EZHATTUMUGHAM: KERALA NATURE TOURISM

Ezhattumugham is a village in the border of Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala, India. It is on the banks of Chalakudi River. The other side is also a tourist place called Thumboormuzhi. Now both sides of the river is connected by a hanging rope bridge. In the non-monsoon season one can cross the river by foot through the river. The meaning of the word Ezhatumugham is seven faces of the river. If both places are to be visited separate ticket has to be taken from sides.

There is a Palm Plantation of the Kerala Government through which only we can reach the spot. The part of the road maintained by the Palm Plantation was very poor when we visited the place. Therefore, it is advisable to reach the place from the thumboormuzhi side (see the thumboormuzhi post) and cross the river through the hanging bridge or through the river.

Nedumbassery Airport is the nearest with about 11 kms distance. Chalakkudy town is the nearest convenient road and rail head to reach the place.

Read my book: ' A fraud in the Indian Constitution' ( http://www.amazon.in/dp/9352353986 )

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Orange City, Nagpur, India

Nagpur is a city in the state of Maharashtra, India. The city derived its name from the river Nag flowing through the area. It is also commonly known as "Orange City". Nagpur is famous for its orange with its major orange (Sandra) market just adjoining the railway station there. Presently there is no orange cultivation in the city area. It mainly comes from the suburbs and adjoining Amaravathi District etc. It assumes more importance also because of the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) situated there. Another specialty of the city is that it lies exactly at the centre point of India. To indicate this, a pillar is erected at the point known as the Zero Mile Point near the Kasturchand Park (Refer Youtube Photo slide link below). I stayed in the city several times. When I Recently visited the city, I found that the beautiful Japanese Rose Garden at the bottom of the Seminary Hills is in a dilapidated condition and closed to visitors. Only an opening is kept for pedestrians to reach the road towards the SFS College, St. Charles Seminary (from which the hill got its name) and the Forest Department zoo garden at the top of the hill.

Another importance of Nagpur is that, Maharashtra, as in the case of Jammu & Kashmir, have two Capitals and the first Capital is Mumbai and the Second Capital Nagpur. It is also called winter capital. The main reason for two capital is that, earlier Nagpur was the Capital of Madhya Bharat. When states were reorganised on the basis of languages, Nagpur became a part of Mahatrastra. As a result of this change, it was agreed upon that the status of the Capital would be retained even after reorganisation. Therefore, in the month of December, there would be an Assembly Session at Nagpur, though it may be for a short period like a yearly event.

Notable tourist points in the city are:

Dhamma Chakra (Deekshabhoomi – The place where Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism), Ambazari Lake and adjoining garden, Futala Lake, Telankhedi Garden, Maharajbagh Zoo, Sitabuldi Fort, Seminary Hill for Forest Park, Sri Balaji Mandir, Lourd Mata Mandir (Grotto), Central Museum, Kasturchand Park, Raman Science Centre, Anthropological Museum, Gandhi Sagar Lake, etc.

Nearby/adjoining Wildlife sanctuaries/tourist points are: Tadoba tiger reserve, Nagzira, Pench tiger reserve, Chikaldhara tiger reserve, Nawegaon Dam, Ramtek, Sewagram, Chandrapur, etc.

How to reach:  

By air: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur. (about 8 km from city)

By rail &road: Being a centre point of India Nagpur is well connected by rail and road to all places in india.

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Jakhu Hill and Temple - Simla, India

Jakhu Hill and Temple: It is 2 km from Simla town, at a height of about 8500 ft. The climbing starts from the side of Church at the Mall. There is a health indicator placed at the starting point to calculate the age wise health criteria, depending on the time taken to reach the top. It is the highest peak in Simla and offers a beautiful panorama of the town below and the snow-covered Himalayan ranges and is a delight for the tourists. At the top of the Hill, there is also an old temple (Renovated) of Lord Hanuman, which is also home for the countless monkeys roaming there. Many Pilgrims feed these monkeys as an offering. There is also a 108 ft. statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, outside the temple. It is overlooking the trees and visible from all over Simla. It is considered to be the highest statue to stand at this high altitude.

The legend tells us that the place got prominence since the battle of Ramayana. During the battle, Lakshmana, was injured by an arrow. He could not be cured in spite of many physicians. Then somebody told that Lakshmana could only be saved by Mritha Sanjeevani herb grown in some part of Himalayas. Hanuman took the responsibility of bringing this life saving medicine from Himalayas. On the way, Hanuman met a Sage on the Jakhu Mountain and enquired about more details of the place where the herb Mritha Sanjeevani was available. Thenceforth, the place got importance as a holy place for Hindu pilgrims and gradually, a temple was constructed there.

At the bottom, two video scenes I captured from the Jakhu temple complex are given. Both are funny videos. One of a monkey which lifted a shoe of a devotee and ran atop a nearby shed while the security staff was trying to get it back. This reminded me the old children's story of the monkey and the cap seller. In the other video, some monkeys were playing with the articles kept in the children’s park there.

Jakhu Temple

Simla town from Jakhu hill

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MALAMPUZHA DAM AND GARDEN with its natural background at PALAKKAD, KERALA

Malampuzha is a small place in the outskirts of the Palakkad Town and at the foot of the Western Ghats. The name Malampuzha itself is derived from the river with the same name and flows from the Ghats. Across this river the famous Malampuzha dam is constructed with a beautiful garden below it in the style of Mugal gardens of Srinagar Kashmir (see the Youtube link below). Inside the garden there is a Children section with a mini train. Because of this and the nearness of the mountains and forest with its trekking tracks this suburb of Palakkad is also a major tourist attraction. The water of the dam is both used for irrigation and drinking purpose.

Across the garden there is a ropeway service though the entry is from outside the garden. It is a 15 minutes aerial journey most enjoyable particularly for children and the whole garden and surrounding area is visible below the ropeway. Boating facilities are available inside the garden in the small stream flowing from the dam.

Close to the garden and dam, there are other attractions like fresh water aquarium, rock garden, Snake Park, etc. The snake park has got a good collection and maintained by the Government Forest Department. Though I had seen other snake parks also including the one at Pune,it is in this snake Park, I had seen Pythons staying at the tree tops.

Hotels are available near the garden. More accommodation at cheap rate are available at Palakkad town which is connected by road at about 6 kilometre distance. Palakkad is well connected by road and rail. Nearest airport is Coimbatore.

Other tourist point near Malampuzha is the Fort in the heart of the Palakkad Town at about 6 kilometers away by road.

Go to the link for photo slide show:

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Shimla or Simla, Capital of Himachal Pradesh, India

Shimla or Simla is one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. It is located in the State of Himachal Pradesh as its Capital. The name of this hill station derives from the goddess " Shyamla", who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The luck of this hill station started with the discovery of the place by the British who played romance with its beauty and went to the extent of declaring the city as their summer capital. The status of capital remained up till now, though under various status. After the British summer Capital, it became the capital of undivided State of Punjab. After that, when the state of Himachal Pradesh was formed, Shimla became its capital. Thus, this small hill station surrounded by the Himalayan ranges always remained as a Capital city. I am very happy to mention that I and my wife stayed in one of those historic, heritage buildings called The Grand Hotel of the British era, now used as Holiday Homes by the Government of India for the parliamentarians, employees and others. But rates are different according to the different categories. This and many other heritage buildings certify that Shimla still retains its original charm and beauty. Natural beauty, calm and cool atmosphere is the identification of Shimla. 

In addition, as in any other place, there are some notable places of interest in and around Shimla:

1.            The Ridge road is a large open space, located in the heart of Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, India. The Ridge is the hub of all cultural activities of Shimla. It is situated along the Mall Road, which is the famous shopping center of Shimla. Most major places of Shimla like Snowdon, Mall, Jakhoo hill, etc. are connected through the Ridge.

2.            Mall Road is the main street in Shimla. It is constructed during British colonial rule. The Mall road  is at a level below the ridge road.

3.            Scandal point is the place where the Mall road joins Ridge road. There is a love story behind the name Scandal point. In short, the story tells that the then Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy from this place. Following this, the Maharaja was prohibited from entering Shimla by the British authorities. But the Maharaja equally countered the move by setting up a new summer capital in the nearby place called Chail, about 45 km from Shimla. It is now a famous hill resort and tourist place.

4.            Kali Bari Temple: The temple is situated near to The Mall and is 5 minutes walk from The Mall. The temple is dedicated to Shyamala Devi (Shimla is named after this goddess), an incarnation of Goddess Kali. The temple witness heavy rush during the Diwali and Durga Puja seasons as many outside pilgrims throng to this temple in addition to normal tourists.

5.            Churches:  Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. The Church overlooks the Ridge and is one of the landmarks of Shimla. The clocks on Christ Church were added later but none of them are functional now. The Church's exquisite beauty comes with the stained glasses that are fitted on its windows. One can have a look inside the church, or attend English-language services. From the side of this Church, the steps towards the Jakhu Hill Temple starts.The town's other important church is the Roman Catholic Church, which is just below road of the Mall.

6.            Jakhu Hill and Temple: 2 km from Shimla, at a height of about 8500 ft. Jakhu Hill is the highest peak in Shimla and offers a beautiful view of the town and of the snow-covered Himalayas and a delight for tourists. At the top of the Hill, there is also an old temple of Lord Hanuman, which is also the home of countless monkeys. Many Pilgrims feed these monkeys. There is a 108 ft. statue of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity, outside the temple. It is considered to be the highest statue to stand at this high altitude. Please go through the video scene I captured from the Jakhu temple complex:

7.            Shri Sankat Mochan temple is situated at a distance of about 5 K.m from Shimla and is on the Kalka- Shimla National Highway.  This temple is very easily approachable by car. It is liked by the devotees and pilgrims. For the tourists it gives a beautiful view of the Shimla City and the Jakhu Temple overlooking at the opposite side.

8.            Indian Institute of Advanced Study: This institute is housed at the former Viceregal Lodge, once used as the summer residence of the Viceroy. Nearby to it there is a small zoo housing birds. Most of the birds are left in the open without cages.

9.          Naldehra: Naldehra is a well maintained Golf course. Surrounding Himalayan Ranges and thick forest of giant deodar trees, make it a unique spot for picnics. Regular bus and taxi service is available to the spot. But from there you have to either walk or take horse journey to see the Golf course and two temples inside.

10.          Kufri: Well known for its slopes which gives good views of the Himalayan ranges. There is a Himalayan Nature Park in the area and a mini zoo has been set up in this Park. Rare breeds of wild animals and pheasant species commonly found in Himalayan forest region have been kept here in a natural habitat.

11.          Lakkar Bazar: Lakkar bazar is famous for fancy items including local products of Shimla. It includes rural products, woolen and wood products at attractive bargaining rates. Here blanket etc. made out of Yak wool is also available. It is very cheap, but rough than the wool from  sheep. 

The terrain of Shimla is very steep so many roads are very narrow. Hence, one has to walk up and down particularly in the nearby areas of the Ridge/Mall where motor vehicles are totally prohibited, except the emergency vehicles.

Shimla is conveniently connected by Rail and Road. Air journey is not convenient.

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AJANTA CAVES - ARCHAEOLOGICALLY, ARTISTICALY AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT MONUMENTS AT AURANGABAD, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Ajanta Caves: 

The caves are of archaeologically and historically important monuments. The caves are famous for its mural paintings. It is considered as the finest surviving example of ancient Indian art. The cave paintings with natural colours stand a living evidence of ancient Indian technology and cultural heritage. Ajanta caves dates back from 100 B.C. It has found a place in the World Heritage list of monuments. These caves were discovered and came to light in the year 1819 A.D., by a military officer of the British Army while he was hunting in the rocky thickly forested area. It is believed that these caves were the handiwork of the Buddhist monks who retreated at these isolated places during the rainy seasons or they might have taken shelter in the forest area to escape from the religious persecution.

The rock-mountain used for excavation of these caves is in a horse shoe shape. Hence almost all caves are face to face with a small stream in between. Some of the caves are found to be in an incomplete stage.It is a very important tourist destination in the world. The caves are famous for its mural paintings. It is considered as the finest surviving example of ancient  Indian art, particularly painting. Ajanta caves dates back from 100 B.C. It has been listed in the World Heritage list of monuments.

The Caves are situated in the District of Aurangabad in Maharashtra at a distance of about 107 km north of Aurangabad town. However, it is very close from the adjoining District Jalgaon by about half the distance by road and rail. It is situated on the Jalgaon-Aurangabad highway. Aurangabad is the nearest Air port for Ajanta which can be reached from Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. 

Many hotels and resorts are available both at Aurangabad and Jalgaon towns. But considering other tourist places like Ellora Caves, Bibi-ka-Maqbara (a photocopy of Taj Mahal of Agra), Panchakki, Daulatabad Fort, Paithan Garden (a photocopy of Vrindavan Garden of Mysore), etc. in and around Aurangabad, it is better to stay at Aurangabad to cover all the places.

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DODHANI NEAR PANVEL, NAVI MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA – A PIECE OF NATURE’S VIRGIN BEAUTY

Dodhani is situated very close to Panvel city at Navi Mumbai. It is at the foothills of the famous Matheran Hill station. This is the place from where the trekking starts for Matheran. It is totally a small village, where the only activity is farming. There is dam nearby from where you can watch the nature’s beauty at 360 degree. In monsoon season, there are waterfalls from the Matheran Hills. It can be watched from the village. It later forms the shape of a small river. So, for those who like to watch virgin natural beauty it really an ideal place to visit. From Nere to Dodhani, much development has not yet reached though it is very close to Mumbai. Many birds are also humming around the area. State bus service is available from Panvel ST Depot and the last stop is Dhodhani Village. After Nere, there is no modern facilities available. There is a tiny shop available at the Dhodhani Village where bare minimum items like water bottle etc.are available. So it is better to keep some eatables with us.  

Only road transport is available from Panvel to Dodhani which is about 22 kms and may take about 50 minutes. Part of the Matheran road is highway, but after the Dam, the road is narrow till the village.

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KANCHIPURAM - A HISTORICAL AND RELIGIOUS PLACE OF TEMPLES AND SILK SAREES IN TAMIL NADU

Kanchipuram or Kanchi is a town about 72-75 kms from Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Sriperumbudur, where the memorial of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is located comes in between Chennai and Kanchi. In Hindu religion, Kanchi is considered as one of the holy towns in the country. It lies on the bank of the River Pallar. The city is also sacred for Buddhists and Jains too. Though it is believed that the ancient town of Kanchi had about 1000 temples, now only a little over one hundred of them are found. Even then the number is larger than many other places. Because of this, there would be a festival throughout the year in one or the other temple in the town.

Apart from the temples of the town, silk Industry has also deep rooted in this area for over hundreds of years and the name Kanchipuram saree is famous for its hand woven Silk Saree. The entire households of the town are involved in this trade in a way.

Apart from religion, for the general tourists, the temples in Kanchipuram are impressed with the architectural and artistic skills exhibited in it. The temples also stand as a proof of the dominance of South Indian heritage and the city’s glorious past, which was ruled by kings who were not only powerful but loved and patronized arts and crafts.

The notable temples are, Kamakshi Amman Temple,  Ekambareswar Temple, Kailasanathar Temple and Devarajaswami Temple among the many.

Kanchipuram is connected by road and rail. Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport about 70kms away.

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Temple at Kanchipuram

Alibaug (Kolaba) Fort, a historical monument in the sea, Maharashtra, India Tourism

Alibaug/Kolaba Fort is situated on a rock island near Alibag town surrounded by Arabian sea, about 1 km from the mainland. When it is low tide, the fort can be reached by walk.  The main gate of the fort faces the town.  Inside the fort there is fresh water tank,  well and temples. One of the temple is still well maintained. In the parapet of the fort, some old time canons are placed facing the open sea.  There are also some other gates open to the high seas. This fort was Shivaji’s last construction and was the main base of the Maratha navy in the area.

There are some hotels and resorts available in the mainland. There are frequent boat services from the mainland to the fort. By foot it can be reached through the water during low tide only.

Two photographs are attached below:

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