Palani Murugan Temple - It Has Been Pointed Out As The 3rd Padai Veedu Along With Arupadai Veedu

PALANI MURUGAN TEMPLE 

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TAMIL NADU

Lord Murugan is the deity of the Tamil Land. Palani (Tiru Avinankudi) is the thirdPadai Veedu. The temple at Palani is an ancient one, situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level. It is a charming campus from where one can take a look at the Idumban Hill, the Kodaikanal Hills, the Western Ghats, the greenery of the paddy fields, rivers, tanks, Palani town and the colleges.

On a lovely, clear and mist-free day, the Kurinci Āndavar Temple is visible from here against the bright sun. In daytime, Palani is Hill Beautiful; at night, it is Hill Resplendent

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The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. 

The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton.

He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (navabashana). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.

Lord does not take a siesta and the temple-doors are open continuously from twilight to night for nearly 16 hours at a stretch without interval. The presiding deity in any temple is of stone.

Here, it is an amalgam comprising navabashana or nine different kinds of medicinal minerals (some say poisons) blended together in certain rare proportions, the resultant substance resembling hard wax.

The constant performing of abhishekams has perhaps added cohesive strength to the image and in turn the medicinal qualities absorbed by the abhishekam materials, attributing to them miraculous curative properties.

Modern physicians say that milliards of bacteria are stored in the idol and anything taken out of the touch of the idol by abhishekams also infected with the bacteria which grow in geometrical progression.

By Air

Coimbatore & Madurai is the Nearest Airport to Palani Hills.

By Train

Palani can be reached by road from all the Cities of Tamilnadu.The Nearest city is Coimbatore.It is about 105 km away from Palani.

By Bus

The nearest railway station is Dindugal & Coimbatore

Golden Triangle Of Odisha Tours

GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF ODISHA (ORISSA) TOURS

Destinations Covered : BHUBANESWAR - KONARK - PURI

Tour Duration : (03 Nights / 04 Days). 

Day 01 : ARRIVAL AT BHUBANESWAR

On arrival at Bhubaneswar airport met by our representative . Then transfer to hotel. Later half day sightseeing of tribal museum ( closed on Monday ), Khandagiri & Udaigiri Jain caves ( oldest rock cut caves, the caves are reminiscent of influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Odisha (Orissa) ). Overnight at Bhubaneswar. 

Day 02 : IN BHUBANESWAR

Morning after breakfast visit to famous city temples including Lingaraj, Parsurameswar, Mukteswar ( Mukteswar temple, one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture and know as the 'gem of Odisha (Orissa) architecture' ), Rajarani temple. After lunch break visit to Nandankanan Zoo ( closed on Monday ).This Zoo is famous for the white tiger safari and Botanical garden. Overnight at Bhubaneswar. 

Day 03 : BHUBANESWAR - KONARK - PURI

Morning after breakfast drive to Puri enroute visit Dhauli ( Budhist stupa / peace pagoda ), Pipli ( the applique work village ) and Konark Sun Temple ( famously known as black pagoda ). Then proceed to Puri and check in to the hotel. Evening visit of Lord Jagannath Temple (Non Hindus are not allowed) / Relax on the golden beach of puri. Overnight at Puri. 

Day 04 : PURI - RAGHURAJPUR - BHUBANESWAR & DEPARTURE

Drive back to bhubaneswar enroute visit Raghurajpur ( Artisan village ).Then proceed to Bhubaneswar and transfer to airport to board the flight for onwards journey. 

Please visit Orissa tourism

Palani Murugan Temple - Devotees Utilize Rope Car Only To Go To The Hill For Darshan Lord Murugan

ROPE CAR 

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PALANI MURUGAN TEMPLE

Palani is located in Dindukal district of Tamil nadu state of India.For the public Rope car was introduced to go to the hill to darshan Lord Murugan

The rope-car takes only 2.45 minutes to cover the distance of 323 metres . The rope car is faster than winch.

The Rope car system is introduced for the first time in Tamilnadu at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani for the benefits of the devotees.

A mono Cable Fixed Grip Reversible Jig-Back Rope way system is being operated with four cabins on each side with 350 passengers per Hour capacity with travel time of 3 minutes.

The rope way is operated from 7.00A.M to 9.00P.M with one hour break between 1.30P.M to 2.30P.M.

Fare for Rope way : One way trip - Rs.15/-, Special way - Rs.50/-

      Italian and Korean grass giving rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embarkment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flower giving plants are also planted giving beautiful location. Watering all these, water spray guns are used.

Second Ropeway System :

      Second rope way system of the same existing type but with higher capacity is going to be installed for which necessary action has already been taken.

Landscaping :

      Italian and Korean grass giving the rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embankment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flowering plants are also planted to create a beautiful sight. The eye-catching green park has drip and sprinkler facilities. Artificial falls and greenery are now an added attraction.

Material Ropeway System :

      The installation of material rope way at cost of Rs.36 Lakhs to bring down the carbages collected at the hill temple is in progress.

Trove Of Adventure Water Sports In Andaman : No Swimming Required

THRILLING EXPERIENCE IN WATER SPORTS IN 

ANDAMAN

What fun is it for a non-swimmer in Andaman, you’ll only end up watching all your friends splashing into the water, while you sit and sulk, right? Wrong! ‘Cause what if you can’t swim, if you have the heart you can have as much fun in the waters as a pro swimmer can.

There’s a trove of adventure sports in Andaman that wouldn’t require mastery in swimming, however you have to have the heart to plunge into the sea with your life jacket on. Don’t worry there’ll be someone to save you, if you see that big fin coming towards you!

So, here are some of the famed water sports in Andaman that you can try (no swimming required):

1. Banana Boat Rides 

Out of all adventure activities in Andaman, banana boat rides are splendidly fun and exciting. At a time six people can ride these boats that are shaped like a banana and are tied behind a speed boat to gain rush. They are perfectly safe as you’re given life jackets and instructor is always sent along on the trips.

2. Snorkeling 

If you haven’t tried snorkeling before, give it a go and you’ll know what you’ve been missing. As the colourful reefs of Havelock Island shimmers through your goggles you’ll know what made Ringo Starr sing “Octopus’s Garden”. See the underwater marine life and view the rarest of corals while enjoying one of the best water activities in Andaman at the North Bay Island.

3. Scuba Diving 

There are numerous scuba diving centres in Andaman from where you can get your PADI certificate and no, you don’t have to know swimming for that. For other tougher levels and to go into open waters you have to be a little skilled in swimming but not for PADI. So, what are you waiting for, those colourful corals and enchanting water life is waiting for you. It is after all one of the best water sports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

4. Parasailing 

Another one of the incredible water sports activities in Andaman that non swimmers can enjoy. Parasailing is a sport that is a wonderful mix of water and air borne adventure. You’re tied behind a motor boat while harnessed in a parachute. So, you fly like a kite behind the boat as it speeds off into the sea. Superbly thrilling it is!

5. Undersea Walking

Undersea walking is another superbly fun adventure sports in Andaman. Absolutely no experience required, no complicated equipment to handle and you get to walk on the smooth and clean sand of the sea floor with a helmet which offers a close up view of the underwater world without any hassle. No wonder it’s one of the most popular water sports in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Quick Fact: It’s perfectly safe as well because the instructors are constantly available. Also, you could keep your glasses or contact lenses on and your fancy hairdo wouldn’t mess up either.

Khjjiar Hill Station – When You Are Here You Feel As To be in switcherland

KHAJJIAR HILL STATION

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CHAMBA

Khajjiar hill station is located in chamba district of Himachal Pradesh state of India. Khajjiar is a popular hill station about 26 km from Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh. One of the 160 places in the world that bear tropical resemblance to Switzerland, Khajjiar is situated at a height of 6500 feet and bestowed with natural beauty and pleasant climate.

Vast expanse of green meadows and dense forests besides vistas of majestic snow-clad Himalayan peaks make Khajjiar a popular destination among tourists. The Khajjiar Lake and Chamera Lake add to the charm of Khajjiar.

Khajjiar is also called the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh and serves as the starting point for treks to Chamba, Dalhousie and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary among others. 

Indeed, trekking is the best way to explore Khajjiar. Zorbing, which involves rolling downhill from inside a plastic ‘zorb’, is a popular recreational activity during April and May. With its exotic flora and fauna, the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary is a delight for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Not much is known about Khajjiar’s history but temples dating back to the 12th century still stand in majestic splendor here. The Khajji Naga Temple is the most sacred shine in Khajjiar. People of Khajjiar generally speak Himachali. However, almost all of them are comfortable with Hindi as well.

Activities at Khajjiar -  

1. Paragliding - Now you can enjoy paragliding at Khajjiar. Like Solang nala, kids can also enjoy small flights within Khajjiar and adults can enjoy the longer flights from surrounding hills, which usually land in Khajjiar. 

2. Horse riding - You can ride around the Khajjiar. There is a proper path defined for horses and this is one of the early & popular activity to enjoy at Khajjiar. The horse owners also tell you few tricks to ride the horse. On the halfway, you feel like controlling the horse on your own :). That's fun !

3. Zorbing - You would see zorbing balls rolling on other side of Khajjiar lake. 

4. Photo shoot in Himachali dress - This is typical activity which is offered in most of the hill stations in Himachal and Kashmir.

5. Interacting with rabbits and getting some photographs clicked - You would find few kids with rabbits. They allow you clicking photographs with these rabbits and charge 10 rs. During tourist season, they may ask 20 rs or so.

6. Enjoy local folk music - There is a gentleman, who sings local songs around the dry lake of Khajjiar. He sings brilliantly and you can find his videos on Youtube.   

By Air

The nearest airport from Khajjar is that of Gaggal in Kangra, situated at a distance of 180 km. Travelers can take a flight till Gaggal airport and from there, board taxis and buses available for reaching Khajjar. After the Gaggal airport, the ones in Jammu and Amritsar are the next best options, especially with their connectivity with the rest of India.

By Train

Pathankot is the nearest railhead for traveling to Khajjar. The place is situated at a distance of 80 km from the hill resort. Almost all the main stations of India are connected with this railway station. Buses and taxis could be boarded to reach Khajjar from Pathakot. Chandigarh and Delhi are two big cities near Khajjar, you can start your journey from.

By Road

Khajjar is well connected with most of the cities of the state with well-developed and sophisticated roads. This place is easily accessible by road and is hardly about one and a half hours driving from Dalhousie and Chamba. Himachal Road Transport Corporation operates bus services, connecting Khajjar with the major cities in and around the state.

Velankanni Church Gearing Up To Receive Lakhs Of Devotees For 11 Days Festival

VELANKANNI FESTIVAL

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NAGAPATINAM

The festival starts on August 29 with the hoisting of the church flag and would end on September 8.

A total of around 800,000 devotees are expected to render their prayers at the basilica Our Lady of Health located in Velankanni – a small town in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu – during the 11 day festival, said an official. The festival starts on August 29 with the hoisting of the church flag and would end on September 8.

“Around seven-eight lakh devotees from different faiths are expected to visit Velankanni church during the festival that starts on August 29. On certain days the number of people will go up to 300,000,” Fr E.J.Thomas, Director, Shrine Media told IANS over phone from Velankanni. He said people from the southern states and also from Maharashtra, Odisha and other states would visit Velankanni during the festival time.

A police official in Velankanni told IANS that security and other arrangements have been made to handle the devotees who congregate in large numbers. “There are open space around the church and crowd management will not be an issue,” the police official added not wanting to be quoted.

According to Thomas, special mass will be held in Tamil, English, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Konkani. During the festival, the church car will be pulled by the devotees.

He said this is the first festival after the renovation of the main shrine. The state-owned transport corporation and Indian Railways have announced special services to handle the additional passenger load to Velankanni from different places.

Chandigarh - Most Well Planned City In The World

As per report of India Times CHANDIGARH is in the most well planned cities in the World

Certainly one of the best cities in India, it is neatly planned and divided into sectors which are nicely connected to one another. Adding to that, every sector has a park and a shopping street with plantations surrounding them.

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh it is a prestigious city. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed.

Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the 'City Beautiful'. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature's preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly  called “ THE CITY BEAUTIFUL ”.

Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple – It Was Designed By Admixture Of Chalukya,Bhumija And Maratha Style Of Architecture

MAHAKALESHWAR TEMPLE

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UJJAIN

The temple is located in Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh state of India.The temple is three-storeyed. In the lowest middle and uppermost parts are respectively installed the lingams of Mahakalesvara, Omkaresvara and Nagachandresvara. The pilgrims and the visitors can only have the glimse of Nagachandresvara on the festive of Naga Panchami.

A very large-sized Kunda named Koti Tirtha also exists in the temple-complex. The Kunda is built in the sarvatobhadra style. The Kunda and its water both are treated as very celestial.

 On the path adjoining the stairs of the Kunda, may be seen many images representing the sculptural grandeur of the temple built during the Paramara period. In the east of the Kunda is a large-sized Veranda in which there is the entrance to the path leading to the garbhagrha.

In the northern side of the verandah, in a cell, the images of Sri Rama and goddess Avantika are worshipped. In the southern side of the main shrine, there stand many small Saivite temples built during the shinde regime among these the temple of Vrddha Mahakalesvara, Anadi Kalpesvara and Saptarshi are prominent and are the remarkable pieces of architecture.

The lingam of Mahakalesvara is colossus. The silver plated Naga Jaladhari and the inscribed and esoteric silver-plate covering the roof of the garbhagrha add extra grandeur to the shrine.

Besides Jyotirlinga, attractive and small-sized images of Ganesa, Kartikeya and Paravati can be seen in the garbhagrha. All around the walls classical eulogies in the praise of Lord Siva are exhibited.

The Nanda Dipa always remains lit. In the exit-path, there is a wide hall in which a most attractive metal quoted stone Nandi, in the sitting humble pose may be witnessed.

The temple of Mahakalesvara is a planned admixture of the Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles of architecture. The sikhara with the mini-srngas is very peculiar. In previous years its upper part has been covered with gold plate.

These are still continuing with joyful ceremony and devotional enthusiasm. The Bhasmarti in early morning, Mahasivaratri, Pancha-Krosi Yatra, Somavati Amavasya etc. are special religious occasions interwoven with the rituals of the temple.

Madhya Pradesh Government and Ujjain Development Authority exclusively contributed special repairs and made provisions for the stay of pilgrims. The same process is also being followed at the time of the forthcoming Simhastha.

By Air

Nearest airport is Indore (53km).flights arriving from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Gwalior.

By Train

Ujjain is directly connected by railway line to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mumbai , Fouzabad, Lucknow, Dehradun, Delhi, Banaras,Kochin, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Howrah and many more.

By Road

Ujjain is directly connected by road to Indore, Surat, Gwalior, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Nasik, Mathura.

Yadavindra Garden – Colourful Lights Raise Up The Beauty Of Palace At Twilight Time

YADAVINDRA GARDEN

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CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh Pinjore Gardens, also called Yadavindra Gardens are 20 km from Chandigarh, 15 km from Panchkula, on the Chandigarh Shimla national highway number 21. Taxis and buses ply regularly between Pinjore, Kalka, Panchkula and Chandigarh.

The fascinating Mughal Garden (now popularly called Pinjore Garden) cover a total area of 100 acres. A mini zoo, plants nursery, a Japanese garden, historic palaces and picnic lawns await tourists. Especially at weekends, fountains are switched on and after dusk, lights pick up the beauty of the palaces by night.

Nawab Fadai Khan, a great architect and foster brother of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is said to have designed the idyllic gardens. He planned the Gardens on the classical Charbagh pattern, giving the area a central water way. 

Both sides of this waterway were covered with patches of green bordered with flowers and shaded by trees. He supervised the construction of the stylistic Sheesh Mahal (palace of glass), the Rang Mahal (painted palace), and the cube-like Jal Mahal (palace of water).

Like other Mughal gardens, this one also has a sloping ground and is decorated with fountains and grand and beautiful pavilions. There is a channel of water in the middle of the garden. The fountains are located inside this channel of water. There are walkways located on both sides of the channel.

Lined with huge trees and a stretch of green grass, these walkways add to the beauty, charm and elegance of the Pinjore Garden. If you walk straight down, you will arrive at a huge pavilion, which offers marvelous view of the entire garden. The pavilion also has a terrace with a water body located in the center.

Special programs are arranged at the Yadavindra Gardens for the Baisakhi (spring) festival in April and for the Mango Festival in June and July. The gardens have cool, shady walks and flagged pathways which run to the outer reaches of the creeper-covered walls. The end structure of the doorway has recently been made into a disc-like open-air theatre.

By Air

The nearest airport to Pinjore Gardens is  chandigarh  air  force base airport, chandigarh which is 17 km away from Pinjore Gardens

By Train

The nearest railway station to pinjore gardens is Chandigarh Train Station which is 13 km away from Pinjore Gardens. 

By Bus

Taxis and buses ply regularly between Pinjore, Kalka, Panchkula and Chandigarh.

Camel Ride Gives Unforgettable And Thrilling Experiences In Rajasthan Desert

FUN WAYS TO ENJOY A CAMEL RIDE IN RAJASTHAN

One of the most thrilling and truly unforgettable experiences of a trip to India is the camel ride in the country’s desert state Rajasthan. The experience of riding through the windswept and rippling sand dunes of the limitless desert on camel back not only lets you witness the rustic and rural desert life of the place but also gives you pure entertainment and undiluted fun. The surprises of traveling the barren deserts are countless. 

In order to enjoy a nicely planned and organized camel safari, you could get in touch with many companies that conduct such trips. In fact, you are also free to choose your route. You have many options to choose from and decide upon the camel safari company that offers you the most competitive prices. 

As far as the duration of a camel ride is concerned, again you can exercise your discretion. You could go on a quick camel ride and return on the same day. But generally people prefer going deeper into the deserts and stay there for a couple of days, witnessing the sand dunes at different hours of days and nights.

If you think of the price of camel rides, then the determining factors are the standard of food and the overall comfort that you would be provided in due course of the trip. 

In order to enjoy a camel ride to the fullest, it would always be wise to visit between September and March. Once the month of March passes, the deserts become unbearably hot and the pleasure of camel rides vanishes in the scorching heat.

Camels, which are surly, smelly, ponderous and usually very unattractive, are the real kings of the Indian deserts. They are indispensable in the sandy zones.  You would be overwhelmed by the drifting sand dunes and the barren deserts of Rajasthan by the sights, sounds colors and aroma around you. As the camel ride enters deeper into the deserts, you would discover the real culture and traditions of Rajasthan.

Basics About Camel Rides

You would come across a huge number of travel agents that conduct camel safaris in Rajasthan, most of them being in the vicinity of Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Khimsar and Osian. The duration of such safaris could vary between two to seven days and also longer ones extending up to a month’s time.

In most cases, one camel is provided for an individual traveler and a camel cart is found to move along the entourage carrying food, supplies and utensils. In case anyone gets sick in the middle of the ride, this cart can be of help. While on your camel trip, you would be provided with food, mineral water, tents, mattresses and escort. If you set out on camel safaris for a couple of days, you would find camps being set up at nights near the villages in the desert.

What To Bring Along For A Camel Ride

There are certain things that you must carry along with you for a camel ride. Those are mentioned below:

·         A cap or hat or a turban

·         Sunshades and sunscreen lotion

·         Long-sleeve attire for traveling during daytime

·         Sneakers or other kinds of solid shoes to keep your feet totally protected

·         First aid kit

·         In case you are traveling in winter, then you must carry lots of woolens and also extra blankets which can even act as excellent padding.

Although exciting, but riding on a camel back can be very uncomfortable at times and some complain of suffering from sore legs and buttocks by the end of the safari. Hence carrying the essentials as mentioned above could be of great help.