Visitor Experiences - One Who Has Seen Kollam, Does Not Require His Home Anywhere

Something for Everyone - Kollam

Call it a mosaic of contrasts. A land where its forests, lakes, sea, islands and an ever bustling city exist in harmony, and showcase an awe inspiring canvas of ethereal beauty. This is Kollam, a land that nuzzles several gems in its folds.

With a strong history of commerce since the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans, this port town on the Kerala coast has been etched in the annals of history for its role in international spice trade. It is also the centre of country's cashew trading and processing industry.

Though at the heart is a town bustling with trade activities, it promises immense possibility for city tours. Thirty percent of this district is covered by the Ashtamudi Lake. Ferry through these backwaters in houseboats and as it glides through the palm fringed water way, take in the spectacular sights of the passing backwater life.

Ashramam Picnic Village along the shores of the Ashtamudi backwaters, which has an adventure park, a 200 year old bungalow, where Lord Munroe once stayed, and a children’s traffic park attract hordes of visitors. The serene beaches of Kollam and Thirumullavaram are ideal ones for a tête-à-tête with the sea. The Thankasseri Lighthouse and ruins of an old Portuguese fort are other attractions. The Police Museum, tracing the growth of the police force and the Eight-Point Art Café, a colonial villa revamped into an art gallery, are one of a kind.

There are important historical buildings like the Krishnapuram Palace and the Punalur Hanging Bridge, built in a traditional ornate architectural style. The President’s Trophy Boat Race, Parippally Gajamela, Kottamkulangara Chamayavilakku and Malanada Kettukazcha are the major festivals in Kollam which draw visitors from far and wide.

Created by the backwaters of the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River is the beautiful ‘Munroe Thuruth’, an island named after Col. Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State. The mystique highlands of Kollam provide ample opportunities to relish in the bounties of nature. The Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary and Thenmala, India's first planned eco-tourism destination are a treat to the senses. Palaruvi and Kumbavurutti Waterfalls, cascading down steep rocks, provide enchanting visuals. Embark upon a jungle pilgrim tour at Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu and Achenkovil; all famous for their temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.

"One who has seen Kollam, does not require his home anymore," is a saying on Kollam and visitors even today, experience the same.

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple – Its Rajagopuram Is The Emblem Of Government Of Tamilnadu

SRIVILLIPUTHUR ANDAL TEMPLE

Srivilliputhur is a semi-urban town and a municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Srivilliputhur Andal Kovil is one of the most famous Temples in Tamilnadu.Srivilliputtur is a temple town and one of the 108 divya desams of Lord Sri Vishnu. To the devotees and vaishnavites, Srivilliputtur is synonymous with Lord Vishnu, Periyalwar and Andal. 

It gave –‘Tiruppavai’ of Andal and ‘Tirupallandu’ of Periyalvar- the hymns on Lord Vishnu to Tamil Literature. These Tamil hymns – Tamil Vedam-Alwar pasurams- are recited everyday at this temple. 

The famous Tiruppora mandapam is in the garden, where Andal was found by Periyalwar under Tulsi plants as a little child. Andal as a child is worshipped here. This mandapam and Andal idol were built by Periyalwar after his return from Srirangam where he handed over Andal in marriage to Lord Rajamannar.

One should not miss the separate shrines for ten avatars of Lord Vishnu within the temple.Both the temples were renovated several times under Pandiya and Nayakkar periods. Pavai Nonbu during the Tamil month of Margazhi is very important festival. But Adipooram attracts thousands of people for watching the car festival.

If one makes a prayer to the divine Mother- Thayar- it is believed the prayer is heard and granted. Thousands of people make special prayers to Andal for education, success in business, marriage and child. The devotees usually offer tulsi garlands, butter, clothes and lamps. Nowadays people share feeding expenses of the temple to poor.

The greatest attraction is the Rajagopuram of the temple; with eleven tiers and 192" height it is one among the tallest towers of temples in Tamilnadu. It has found a fitting place in the emblem of Government of Tamilnadu. 

It signifies the ancient Tamil architecture; it symbolizes the age old matured culture and stands majestically as a proud tradition; and all are at one stroke.

One can miss visiting Srivilliputtur; but never misses the emblem being affixed as Government’s ascent or acceptance on transactions, documents, or promulgation of orders or notifications.

If you are native of Tamilnadu, Just search your pocket, check your driving license; there lies the ever shining symbol ‘The srivilliputtur Gopuram’.

Srivilliputtur is hot and dry. Rains are the only source of water. Usually wells get dried during summers. But the well in the temple has never dried up.

Andal is believed to have used the well as mirror to watch her reflection. That is the reason why the well is named as ‘mirror well’- ‘Kannadi Kinaru’. Kannadi theeertham is famous.

Tirupathi Brahmotsavam is important festival all over South India and attracts millions of devotees. 

It is quite interesting to know that a Garland worn by Andal is sent all along to Tirupathi in Andhra Pradesh one day before the Brahmotsavam starts. The mala is used for garlanding Lord Balaji.

In the same manner every year, Tirupathi Balaji’s garland is sent to Srivilliputtur for marriage festival of Andal Thayar.Not only Balaji of Tirupathi, Kallazhagar of Madurai is also presented with a garland worn by Andal on Chithirai Festival day.

By Air

Madurai is the nearest Airport from srivilliputtur.

By Train

Madurai,Sivakasi & Tirunelveli is the nearest railway station from srivilliputtur.

By  Bus

Srivilliputtur can be reached by cars & buses From Madurai,Sivakasi,Tirunelveli & Virudunagar

Shri Hari Mandir – Mahatma Gandhiji Sculpture Have Been Situated In The Complex Of This Mandir

 

SHRI HARI MANDIR

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PORBANDAR

Shri Hari Mandir in Sandipani is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar, opposite the airport. Shri Hari Mandir, which for many years has been Bhaishri’s genesis, vision and dream has taken 13 years to become a reality.

Through the great contribution of a number of experts and overseen by Bhaishri, the temple stands today as one of the grandest and most unique temples of Saurashtra.

The sri hari mandir, also referred to as the Sandipani vidyaniketan was established in the year 1992 with 85 acres of land. This monument has a length of 105 feet and its entire complex comprises a total of 66 pillars.

The deities of this temple are believed to be the incarnation of pujya Bhaishri’s faith. The temple houses deities of Shri Lakshmi Narayan, Shri Radha Krishna, Karunamayi Maa Goddess, Shri Janki Vallabh, LordHanuman, Lord Ganesha, and Shri veda.

The temple is incomparable in its exquisitely designed architecture and aesthetic precision. While the structure is a visual delight, the deities residing within are the personification of Pujya Bhaishri’s faith and ardent devotion.

In accordance with Pujya Bhaishri’s vision the Mandir has been built to provide Rishikul students practical training in performing rituals and for the mandir to become an epicenter of culture and spitituality. The Shri Hari Mandir was completed in 2006 and a grand event,’Sandipani Mandir Mahotsav, marked the opening of the Mandir.

The mandir complex sits in beautifully landscaped scenery making it a wondrous sight to behold. With a special play area for children and seating areas, families love to visit the mandir, partake in the aarthi in the evenings and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Sandipani.

Recently statues of Pujya Bapu Mahatma Gandhiji and Kasturba and Sudama and Sushila have been added to the complex of the mandir. Standing tall the statues remind every visitor of Gandhijis teachings of truth and non-violence and Sudama’s faith and devotion.

By Air

Porbandar is connected by flights with different cities in India.

By Train

Porbandar is a major railhead connected with different cities and places in India.

By Bus

Porbandar is connected by good motorable roads with different places and cities in India.

Marble Palace – It Is Undoubtedly The Most Stunning Visitors Lure Palace In Kolkata

MARBLE PALACE

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KOLKATA

Marble Palace is a beautifully restored nineteenth century mansion, located in North Kolkata. It was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick in 1835. He had great passion for collecting art and antiques.

Marble Palace is one of the most famous attractions of Kolkata. Built by the wealthiest merchant of his time. The palace has intricately carved pillars and walls. The whole palace is made up of marble giving it the name.

This place contains large volumes of western sculpture, paintings and other antiques such as chandeliers, clocks, urns, etc. This place is said to contain painting from famous artists such as Ruben, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Titian, Murillo, and John Opie.

The marble place is a private residence, inhabited by the descendants of Raja Rajendra Mullick Bahadur. Entry to this place is free, but you have to get a special permit 24 hours in advance from 24 hours in advance from the West Bengal Tourism Information Bureau at BBD Bag, Kolkata.

Being a private residence photography is prohibited and the inhabited area is off limits. There is also a zoo besides the palace, the first zoo opened in India. It has birds and some species of deer’s and other small animals.

The whole place is built in traditional Bengali style with thakur-dalan and open courtyards. The premises also has a rock garden and a lake. This Palace is undoubtedly the most beautiful place in Kolkata.

This architectural masterpiece was built from superior quality Italian marble, which endowed it with the sheer elegance. About 126 different types of marbles were collected from nook and corners of the country to build this architectural treasure.

Marble Palace houses a number of Western sculptures and Victorian furniture.It is said that Marble Palace also treasures two exquisite paintings of Rubens: The Marriage of St. Catherine and The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian.

Marble Palace boasts a collection of 82 different types of exquisite clocks.The Marble Palace Zoo is reckoned as the first zoo opened in India by Raja Rajendra Mullick.

Mahabat Maqbara Palace - It Is Announced A Defended Palace By The Archaeological Survey Of India

MAHABAT MAQBARA PALACE

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JUNAGADH

The Mahabat Maqbara is a palace-mausoleum in the Junagadh district of the Indian state of Gujarat, adjacent to the sacred Girnar Hills in Saurashtra.

Standing forgotten on the dusty streets of Junagadh in Gujarat, stands the 19th century mausoleum of Nawab Mahabat Khan II. Called the Mahabat (not Mohabbat) Maqbara Palace, also Mausoleum of Bahaduddinbhai Hasainbhai, is a mausoleum in Junagadh, India, that was once home to the Nawabs of Junagadh.

This stellar example of Indo-European architecture — as the rusty, spotty iron information board informs visitors, whose faded words stand testament to the ravages of time and neglect — has now been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India, and quite justifiably so.

The construction of the Maqbara started in 1878 and finished in 1892. The Maqbara was constructed by Sheikh Bahauddin with his own funds during 1891-1896. The monument is located inside the city in a very busy area, with the High Court situated just across the street.

The etymological meaning of Junagadh "Old Fort" gives the palace its alternativ name of "The Old Fort Palace". The yellow mausoleum, Mahabat Maqbara, is a masterpiece of its kind with finely designed arches, vertical columns and elaborate stone carvings on the walls and windows.

Its silver-decorated portals, the winding staircases encircling its four tall minarets, the old step-well in the grounds, and its onion-shaped dome contribute to its splendor.

With a combination of Indo-Islamic and Gothic architecture, Mahabat Maqbara offers a sense of equality and exchange between the two cultures. The Jammi Masjid is on one side of the mausoleum while the Vazir's maqbara is on the other.

The Mahabbat Maqbara is generally closed to the public but can be seen by obtaining the keys from the mosque situated beside the mausoleum. Amongst the forts and monuments in the state of Gujarat, the Mahabat Maqbara is an exquisite example the nineteenth century art and architecture.

The doors of the main building are decorated in silver, and the minarets have rich stone carvings and large silver doors as well.

According to the marble information tablet, which forms a part of the Magbara’s front wall, the Nawab’s family has set aside Rs 8,000 a year that’s given to the village for the upkeep and maintenance of the Maqbara.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Rajkot which is just 99km away. There are frequent flights from all major cities in India.

By Road

Junagadh is well-connected to all major towns in Gujarat and has good transport facility. As Jungadh is a historical town, buses frequently ply from all part of the state. Junagadh is 99km from Rajkot, 184km from Jamnagar, 54km from Sansar Gir, 88km from Somnath and 327km from Ahmedabad.

By Train

The main railway station nearby is the Junagadh railway station, which is well-connected with other cities and has frequent trains. (Source: Junagadhonline.in; photo: Shruti Chakraborty)

Sukhna Lake – If You Go In Dawn You Can Get Pleasure From Cool Breeze And Good Looks Of Nature

SUKHNA LAKE

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CHANDIGARH

Sukhna Lake is a beautiful lake that lies in the foothills of Shivalik range. The unique thing about Sukhna is that it is a manmade lake. It is a 3 km long lake that was created in the year 1958.

It was done by damming the Sukhna Choe, which is a seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik hills. Sukhana Lake of Chandigarh, India has become an integral part of the city

People visit this place in the morning to enjoy the cool breeze and the beauty of nature. Chandigarh Sukhna Lake serves as a great picnic spot and an apt place for pursuing water sport activities like boating, yachting and water skiing etc.

 The atmosphere over here is very serene and thus apt for meditating. Also, you can savor the melodious humming of birds. People come here in the evening time to forget their worries and relax for a while. So, if you want to rejuvenate yourself, then Sukhna Lake is the perfect destination for you.

Chandigarh administration has added Shikaras to its boat fleet for Sukhna Lake. The charges of a Shikara are more as compared to paddle boat

You’ll find a lot of people at Sukhna lake early in the morning during the sunrise. Yoga classes, laughter clubs, visitors, morning walkers, joggers, fitness freaks, old couples and many more. Wake up early for just one day and go to Sukhna lake. You’ll feel how peaceful and beautiful your city Chandigarh is in actual.

Chandigarhians love to be fit and you’ll find this statement to be true if you visit Sukhna lake early morning or in the evening. You’ll find men and women of all age groups walking or jogging on this track. This jogging track has been specially developed on the right side of the main path.

This camel is always standin outside the Lake near parking area. So a ride on the camel can be enjoyed on the city roads.

One can choose a boat, and sit back and relax while floating on the vast expanse of Sukhna Lake. It’s not only the lake which is a beautiful sight, but if you look upwards, you can see the clear blue skyline, which is quite pretty! Apart from this, the lake is also a sanctuary for many exotic migratory birds like the Siberian duck, Storks and Cranes during winter.

The Sukhna Lake is also the habitat of a number of fishes and migratory birds like cranes and Siberian ducks. It has also been declared as a reserved national wetland by the Government of India.

Thommankuthu Waterfalls - The One And Only Main Magnetism For Visitor Is Seven Stepped Waterfall

THOMMANKUTHU WATERFALLS

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IDUKKI

Thommankuthu waterfalls is located in Idukki District of Kerala State. Thommankuthu, a beautiful eco tourism destination, has a series of waterfalls. In addition, there are several caves and viewpoints.

It comes under Kerala Forest Department, Kothamangalam Division, Kaliyar Range. Kannadiyaru is the name of the river flowing through Thommankuthu.

It starts 20kms inside the Plakkulam forest area and flowing through the Kaliyar forest. To cover most of it, you need a 12 kms trek up the hill and through the woods.

Most tourists are happy to visit just the bottom two falls, Thommankuthu and Ezhunilakettu. Other few, who continue forward, are rewarded with a memorable experience. Whether you walk a long way or have a short stroll instead, will be delighted to see nature at its best.

Kerala Forest Department has arranged all basic facilities for the tourists in Thommankuthu. Visitors will be greeted by the reception, which is being managed by local staff. 

An entry ticket is required for the entry in the Forest. It is available in the counter and entry ticket fee is Rs 20 per adults and Rs 10 for the children. After entering in the forest, there is one interpretation centre available where all the details about the forest, spotting of animals etc are given by the staff.

Thommankuthu is only 18 kms from Thodupuzha, one of the major regional towns. The seven stepped waterfall is a major attraction of the region.

The best time to visit Thommankuthu is from Jun to Nov. Thommankuthu is an uprising tourist attraction and a splendid place to visit. This place is not idle for visit during summer time when the river bed is dry from Feb to May.

The waterfall and stream is live after the monsoon in Kerala. During the heavy monsoon time, the river overflows and the three waterfalls become live.  Bathing, crossing the river etc are completely banned during Jun and Jul.

There are also small cascades and rapids that certainly contribute to the look and feel. Multiple waterfalls means multiple pools. 

Thommankuthu attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers. Nature lovers get the perfect opportunity to feel the coolness of mountain stream, take in the aromas and enjoy the woods. Adventure seekers find avenue for some exciting trekking. The Best if you are both!

By Air

Cochin International Airport.

By Train

Aluva Railway Station (57kms), Kottayam Railway Station (72kms)

By Bus

Karimanoor, Vannapuram, Thodupuzha Buses are

Kolaba Fort – It Is Well-Known For Many Battles Between British And Portuguese

ALIBAG FORT OR KOLABA FORT

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RAIGAD

Alibag is the seat of District Administration of Raigad (formerly Kolaba) district since 1852. The name Kolaba is attributed to a Sea Fort Kolaba built by Shivaji the great, in 1680 to fight the mighty naval prowess of the Siddis (Abyssenians) of Janjira and the British of Mumbai. Kolaba fort is famous for many battles, between Siddis and Kanhoji Angre, the British and the Portuguese.

Lying at a distance of 2 kms from the shores of Alibag, is the Kolaba Fort also known as Kulaba fort after the Kamaludin Shah baba (Ku-La-ba). Said to be 300 years old, the fort is surrounded by sea and has two chief entrances, one on the seaside and the other in the direction of Alibag. The walls of the fort are said to be 25 feet high

Carvings of animals like tigers, peacocks, and elephants can be seen on the entrance arch. Close to the gate, there are temples of Padmavathi and a Mahishasura and other gods along with castle’s main deity.

In 1662, Shivaji Maharaj toughened and fortified Kolaba fort and made the fort one of his main naval centres. The charge of the fortress was given to Darya Sagar and Manik Bhandari under whom Kolaba fortification became the heart of Maratha assaults on British ships.In 1759 Raghoji Angre even built a Siddhivinayak temple inside the fort

It is believed that the fresh water well situated within the fort is a god’s miracle as it is nearly next to impossible to have a source of sweet water within an all surrounding sea water body!

By Air

The closest International Airport is Mumbai. Alibag is 108 km from Mumbai by road, a journey of 3 hours via Navi Mumbai. After getting off at Mumbai, you can hire a private can or avail the bus service (if any) to get to Alibag.

By Train

Konkan Railway trains from CST Mumbai stop at Pen, 28 km from Alibag, from where you can take a bus, autorickshaw or taxi for Alibag

By Bus

Alibag is 108 km from Mumbai by road, a journey of 3 hours via Navi Mumbai. The quickest way to get there however would be to catch a ferry from Gateway Of India