MAHABALESHWAR

HILL STATION

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MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar is the queen of all hill stations in Maharashtra, India. Its height is 4500 feet above sea level. It is city and located in Satara district of Maharastra state of India.

The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat and Babington Point, all of which offer spectacular views. 

Trot along on horseback for a delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area, and savour juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.

An evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest. Honey & chikki, channas, waling sticks. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries , goose berries & muberries. Vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, raddishes. Boating in Venna lake.

Wilson Point is called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.

Connaught peak is the second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.

Elphiston point is the first point of M'war/ Overlooking two valleys, koyna on the left & savitri on the right. Marjorie Point Shoes several ranges of the Sahyadri range.

Arthur’s seat is more facinating 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. If you go by the steps you come across a spring known as Tiger's spring which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri.

Baghdad Point is a very beautiful point. It goes past village Moleshware on the way. You see a superb scenic view of the back waters of koyna dam on your left, river solshi in front of you with tiny villages as if sqatting on river banks & vast green slopes of M'war plateau on your right.

Below it the Artists Point also called as lovers point by some nature lover, presents beautiful koyana & valley below you.

Chinamans, Lingmala & Dhobi waterfalls, flow in abundance only during the rainy season. Bee keeping centre is educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees. So many beautiful places to see around mahabaleshwar.

By Air

Mahabaleshwar doesn’t have an airport in the town itself. The nearest airport is in Pune, which is about 120 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or a bus from here to Mahabaleshwar.

By Train

There are plenty of trains going to Pune from Mumbai as well as other major cities across India and you can take a bus or a taxi from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.

By Bus

There are several buses plying between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar, which is a distance of about 247 kilometres. You will find both state transport as well as private buses from Mumbai and Pune. If you are going from Mumbai, you can catch the bus from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The ride will take you roughly six hours.

BACKWATER TOUR

BACKWATER TOUR

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ALLEPPEY

The architectural splendor and the modern outlook of this capital city make Alleppey the dream destination for tourists. Alleppey the backwater destination of Kerala is famous for its beautiful backwaters houseboat cruises and seafood.

 If you are looking for an idyllic retreat amidst the emerald green waters, palm fringed shores and lush acres of greenery then Kerala Backwaters is the ideal destination for you.

Alleppey is the place where you can spend your leisure hours amidst emerald green waters and coconut groves. Popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is the place where tourists can taste the true flavors of Kerala's rustic life.

 Boat races or houseboat cruises everything is quite unique about Alleppey. Tourists however visit Alleppey during the annual boat race.

Alleppey(Alappuzha) has a large network of canals and one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. This palace where narrow canals, rivers, lakes lagoons and land meet are aptly called “Alleppey backwaters”.

 In this wonderful land lush green paddy fields, coconut plantation, topicana and banana, mango are cultivated four to six feet below the sea level. Life here cannot be though without a canoe or boats. It is the land of fishermen and women.It distinguishes itself with prawns, mussels, pearl spot fish and other fishes.

 In order to be one with Vembanad Lake which is the biggest freshwater lake in Kerala a backwater cruise on the lakes and rivers take you along canals past scenic islands offering sublime views of coconut and paddy fields, fishing nets, toddy tapers at work, flocks of ducks swimming aroung the banks and tiny birds flying across the sky and typical Kerala village houses to experience an extra ordinary trip through the backwaters and take sweet memories of Kerala back.

The choice of menu is handed over the guests who can decide which kind of typical Kerala food with different tastes are to be served on board for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All these facilities enables the guest to feel at home away from home.

By Air

Cochin international airport,situated about 86 km, away, handles both domestic and international flights, jet airways, Indian airlines and kingfisher operate daily filghts to kochi from various destinations in India and abroad. One can fly to Singapore, middle east and Malaysia and to most major Indian cities.

cochin airport runs the cochin airport taxi society, pre-paid taxi service, which can be hired to reach alappuzha.

By Train

The alappuzha railway station located about 4km away, falls on the coastal rail route between Ernakulam and kavamkulam, alappuzha is connected to cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bengalore, mangalore.

By Bus

National highway 47 passes through Alappuzha connecting it to cities like Ernakulam,Thrissur, kollam,and Trivandrum. Alappuzha can be reached by bus from cities like Kochi. Trivandrum, Kozhikode,Chennai,bengalore, mysore and Coimbatore.

JAMA MASJID

JAMA MASJID

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DELHI

The Jama Masjid, the Friday congregational mosque, in Delhi is the largest and glorious mosque in India. The Jama Masjid was designed as the main mosque of Shahjahan. It stands on one of the two hills, Bho Jhala in the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad.

The last architectural venture of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid holds the reputation of being the biggest mosque in India. Located in Delhi, besides the famous Red Fort Jama Masjid derives its name from the word 'Jummah', which refers to the ritualistic congregational prayer that Muslims observe every Friday.

Jama Masjid is located on a mound in the heart of the old city and projects beautifully into the Old-Delhi skyline. Jama Masjid Mosque was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans.

The main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. It was probably used by the emperors. The tower of the Jama Masjid is made up of five distinctive storeys. Each one of the storeys has a projecting balcony. The adjoining edifices are beautifully done with calligraphy.

The main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.

Jama Masjid is a visual treat for the eyes. The main tower of the mosque has five distinct storeys, two minarets, and four foundation pillars carved with complex designs.

All days of the week

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM

By Air

 Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 23 km southwest to Central Delhi and the domestic terminal is located in Palam, which is 5 km away from the international terminal. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire cabs or avail the tourist buses to reach Jama Masjid.

By Train

 Delhi is the main center of the Indian Railways network. The capital has two major railway stations - New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station is at a walking distance from Connaught Place whereas Old Delhi station is about 7 km away from Connaught Place.

By Road

 There are buses available from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. One can also avail the private taxis to reach Delhi. 

KOVALAM BEACH

KOVALAM BEACH

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TRIVANDRUM

Kovalam beach town is located 16km from the city of Thiruvananthapuram district in kerala state of India. It is called as Paradise of South India.

Kovalam offers an excellent diversity with Kovalam beach to suit all desires and occasions. Three curve shaped beaches, alienated by stony out croppings, from the major attraction of this coastal resort.

Kovalam beach is a falcate shaped beach bordered with coconut trees and they keep swaying gently by the breeze blowing softly in the region. The silvery white sands are ideal for a leisure walk in the evening and at the same time the clean crystal clear water will hypnotize you to jump in for an enjoyable swimming session.

 If you are simply a passive traveler and love to enjoy the nature’s bliss, this is one of the finest beachers to sit and relax. You can opt for lounge chairs which are available in plenty here.

There are more adventurous sports at kovalam beach which are really pleasurable.this includes water diving, parasailing, wind surfing and many more.kovalam is also suited for honeymooners and it one of the best honeymoon destinations in kerala.

Kovoalm is the one of the most favourite beaches among tourists and the credit for this favouritism is shared almost equally by the clean water, interesting beach activities, tasty cuisines and affordable stays available.

Fringed by headlands that rise steeply above the shore, Kovalam is almost completely covered by coconut palms. Of the three small bays separated by rocky outcrops, the southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular.

 The lovely old lighthouse that gives the beach its name is the Vizhinjam Lighthouse. Edakallu, a rocky headland separates Eve’s or Howah Beach from the Lighthouse Beach. The hill that separates Howah Beach from the third of Kovalam’s celebrated beaches houses the Government Guest House and the Halcyon Castle, a palace.

By Air

Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Kovalam. The airport is connected to all major airports in India and major cities around the world, like Singapore and Colombo.

By Train

The Trivandrum Central railway station, located about 15 kilometres from Kovalam, is the nearest railway station to Kovalam. The Trivandrum Central railway station is well linked to major cities in India. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or a cab or board a bus to reach Kovalam.

By Bus

Buses are the most economical way to reach Kovalam. Kovalam is well-connected to Trivandrum and other nearby major cities by city bus services. Luxury tourist bus services to Trivandrum are available from many nearby cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Madurai and Nagercoil.

GOLEDEN TEMPLE

GOLDEN TEMPLE 

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VELLORE

The Golden Temple was built in a short span of seven years. It was inaugurated on August 24, 2007. The consecration ceremony was witnessed by thousands of devotees. Since then, the temple has attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees.

The religious center of Sripuram, famous golden temple is located among the small green mountains in an area called Malaikodi at Vellore city in Tamil Nadu state, India. It is located at the south part of Vellore city, at the place of Tirumalaikodi.

Renowned temple of Sri Lakshmi, prevalently called Golden temple, is recently constructed temple as well as Spiritual Park at the place of Thirumalaikodi in Vellore city.

 The temple is about 8 kilometers far from old bus stand of Vellore, close to fort. It is spread about 100 acres of land, built by Vellore’s Sri Narayani-Peedam lead by religious Guru Sakthi Amma.

Golden temple has complicated statues, created by hundreds of expert gold decorators; those have specialization in temple decoration. the exterior part of gold temple is covered with gold plates and sheets, with made considered to have total cost of about 300 crore ( 65 million US $).

The total gold was used in this temple is around 1,500 kilograms which is the biggest amount even in entire world. The lighting system of the gold temple is arranged to highlight the temple and even night, the temple glitters.

 On 24, August 2007, the construction of the temple was completed. The exterior pathway of this temple is shaped like a star that is 1.8 km of span and its all walls are adorned with the spiritual teachings of holy Guru Sakthi Amma.

There are many sevas in the temple. Life Time Archana seva, Full Moon Yagam, Abhisekha Darshan seva, Chandhi Homam, Sri Swarna Lakshmi Abisegam, Rice Donation seva, Prathana Deepa Seva, Gho Pooja Seva, Sri Vastram Seva, Kum Kum Archana Seva, Vedha Parayana Seva, Maha Arathi.

By Air

International airports of Bangalore and Chennai are very nearest airports and best for the foreignerdevotees.

By Train

Vellore's main railway station is at Katpadi, at the northern end of the city. Katpadi junction is 18km from Sripuram. Two new railway stations (which will be opened by April 2008), namely, Vellore town and Vellore Cantonment is nearing completion. Cantonment is 8km from Sripuram while Town railway station is 10km from Sripuram. More direct trains are expected to be scheduled to Cantonment and Town railway stations. 

By Bus

Vellore is well connected by road. The central bus stand is 12km from the temple. Buses to Chennai, Bangalore,Coimbatore, Tirupathi,Erode, Trichy,Madurai and Tuticorin are frequent. 

The timings of entry into the premises is strictly between 07:00 AM to 09:00 PM 

GOL GUMBAZ

GOL GUMBAZ

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BIJAPUR

Gol Gumbaz, the mausoleum of Muhammad Adil Shah (AD 1626 –56) located in Bijapur, District Bijapur, Karnataka State is an important monument of Indo-Islamic architecture aptly known for its amazing dimensions and unique acoustic features.

Gol Gumbad situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka is the second largest dome in the world. The Gol Gumbad is second in size only to St. Peter's Basilica, Rome. The Gol Gumbad is 124 feet in diameter.

The foundation of the building is set up on bedrock and the structure itself is made of dark grey basalt and plaster. The walls are nearly 3 meters thick and 30.5 meters tall with a dome built at the top of the structure, right in the middle.

The most interesting feature of the Gol Gumbaz is the gallery around the base of the dome which can be accessed through any of the four towers at the corners of the building.

 This gallery is known as the whispering gallery because even the lightest sound or a whisper can be carried forward and heard by someone standing at the farthest distance from you in the dome.

The dome contains tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah, his two wives, his mistress, his daughter and grandson. The structure in front of the tomb has been converted in to a museum.

 Other prominent structures in the Gol Gumbad complex are a mosque, a Naqqar Khana, a gateway and a dharmashala.

The tomb is constructed on a plain square block with towers on each corner in dark gray basalt, decorated with plasterwork. Three blind arches are displayed on the exterior of the monument.

The central arch on the other hand is wider than the others and is dressed with wooden panels with small rectangular entrance and three rows of arched windows punched through.

One can enter the grandeur from the south door where a stone (Bijli pathar), that claims to guard the tomb from lighting) is suspended from the cornice. This cornice is a distinguished part of the tomb that rests on a highly carved stone.

By Air

Bijapur does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Sambre Airport.

Bijapur-164 km away Sambre Airport (IXG), Belgaum, Karnataka.

Bijapur-167 km away Hubli Airport (HBX), Hubli, Karnataka. 

By Train

You can easily get regular trains to Bijapur from other major cities of the country.

Railway Station(s): Bijapur (BJP), Bagevadi Road. 

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Bijapur.

Bus Station(s): Bijapur , Bijapur (CG)

CITY PALACE

THE CITY PALACE

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ALWAR

The City Palace is situated in Alwar district of Rajasthan State of India.

The City Palace of Alwar is known as the Vinay Vilas Mahal. It is standing huge in the heart of Alwar City of Rajasthan. The City Palace, of Alwar, was built up by Raja Bakhtayar Singh in the year 1793.

 The prehistoric city of Alwar is settled at the slopes of the Aravalli Hills has converted into a crowded trade center in recent times. But its rich history has left many examples through many temples, forts, tombs, gardens and palaces.

Alwar is the best place where you can take a relaxed walk through the many forts and tombs that depicts the picture of olden times.The monument of City Palace of Alwar gives you a perfect example of the Indo Islamic architecture.

 It is a huge monument, which can be entered through an entrance with projecting balconies on either side. Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate are some of the entry gates. Beyond the gate lies an open ground with Krishna temples on all four sides.

In the golden Durbar Hall at the City Palace there is a raised platform upon which rests a gold and velvet throne. On the walls and ceiling of the palace there is a fabulous collection of murals and mirror work can be seen. The City Museum, located on the upper floors of the Palace has a splendid range of miniature paintings of the Alwar School.

Alwar is a historic city and the best thing to do here is go fort-hopping. It has some magnificent forts like the Neemrana fort and Bala Qila. You can go shopping in Alwar for saris and jewelry.

The Alwar festival and Matsya festival held here are great events that showcase Rajasthani music and culture. A wildlife safari at the nearby Sariska tiger reserve is a must for wildlife enthusiasts.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Sanganer Airport at Jaipur, about 162 km from Alwar. Taxis are available from the airport to Alwar. Jaipur is well-connected to metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Travelers from abroad can take connecting flights from Delhi and Mumbai.

By Train

Alwar railway station is well-connected to Jaipur and Delhi. Taxi services are available at the station.

By Road

Alwar is well-connected to all cities in Rajasthan by state-owned bus services. Special private buses are available to Alwar from Jaipur. Buses run from 5 am to 10 pm on most of the days. Delhi is nearly 365 km away and super deluxe buses are available from Delhi to Alwar.

Open All days of the week except Monday.

Entry Fees : Indians for Rs.5/- Non-indians for Rs.50/-

YERCAUD

HILL STATION 

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YERCAUD

Yercaud is a hill station in Salem District, in Tamil Nadu, India. It located in the Shevaroys range of hills in the Eastern Ghats; the Yercaud hill area is called the Shevaroy Hills.

 It is situated at an altitude of 1515 metres (4970 ft) above sea level, and the highest point in Yercaud is the Servarayan temple, at 5,326 feet (1,623 m).

Yercaud is fastly gaining popularity among the locals and foreign tourists. The name Yercaud is derived from two Tamil words – ‘Yeri’ (lake) and ‘Kadu’ (forest).

Yercaud is known for its plantations majorly of coffee, orange, jackfruit, guava, cardamom and black pepper. Coffee is the main produce and was brought to Yercaud by the Scottish Collector Mr. M. D. Cockburn in 1820 from Africa.

There is also a reserve forest, which has the woods and wildlife in the original unexploited state.

Even though Yercaud is a hill station it never gets extreme temperatures, making it easier to pack clothes for the tourists and avoid those heavy winter wear which is difficult to carry.

Apart from sightseeing tourists can opt for trekking around Yercaud, and if visiting during the month of May, the Summer Festival is a must see which is a spectacle consisting of fairs, boat races, flower and dog shows.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Yercaud are Big Lake, Bear's Cave, Lady's Seat, Gent's Seat and Children's Seat, Arthur's Seat, Anna Park, Botanical Garden, Montfort School, Servarayan Temple, Sri Raja Rajeswari Temple and Tipperary View Point.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Trichy (165 km). You can also arrive at the Coimbatore Airport and then plan a further trip to Yercaud via Salem. From the airport take a cab or a bus to get to Yercaud.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Salem (36kms) and Salem Town (33kms). Also there are direct trains to Yercaud from Chennai, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

By Bus

Yercaud is 190 km from Coimbatore, 220km from Bangalore and 357kms from Chennai and is well connected to all these cities through an efficient road network system. Many buses pass through Yercaud on their way to and from Salem, which is a mid-size industrial town.

GANGTOK

HILL STATION 

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GANGTOK

Gangtok is located at an altitude of 5,410 ft in East-Sikkim. This is one place which many tourists like to combine along with a visit to Darjeeling. In fact the combined trip of Darjeeling-Gangtok is a common recipe when people think about visiting this part of the country.

Gangtok is the capital of the northern Indian state of Sikkim.This beautiful land is well-known as the land of monasteries. It has large area bounded by lush green forests located on the Shivalik Hills.

Gangtok being an eminent Buddhist pilgrimage center in India as well as an ideal hill station for leisure travellers encircling some high altitude lakes and mountain passes is well connected by road to other mighty hill stations as well as nearby cities.

Nestled in the clouds and surrounded by the plush greenery, deep valleys and scenic view of Khangchendzonga (Kanchenjunga),the beautiful hill town is a business, political, cultural, education and tourism hub of the state where a good number of tourists(both business and leisure tourists) come throughout the year.

There are also numerous attractions in & around Gangtok to visit. Some of the wonderful and popular tourist places to visit in & around Gangtok are the following. Rumtek Monestery,Himalayan Zoological park,Nathula,Ganesh tok, Tosmgo lake, Temi tea garden, Hanuman Tok, Banjhakri falls, Ropeway.

By Air

The airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 kilometres away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in a matter of two hours. From Bagdogra, you can also take a TSA helicopter to get to Gangtok in just 20 minutes.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Gangtok is about 148 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Gangtok or go to Siliguri Bus Station and catch a state-run bus to Gangtok, which will take you about 5-6 hours.

By Road

The road routes from Bagdogra, NJP and Siliguri all meet the Sevoke Road which leads to the National Highway NH31A. Tourists rolling in nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kolkata prefer to drive to Gangtok. The roads are well-maintained, except in a few places.