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

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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.

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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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