Dilwara Jain Temple – It Is Encircled By A Tall White Wall Which Prevent From Seeing In The Sunshine

DILWARA JAIN TEMPLE

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MOUNT ABU

Dilwara temple is one of the most beautiful temples in India and it’s definitely the most beautiful Jain temple in the world. Dilwara Temples of Rajasthan are popular for their beautiful artistic work. Located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara Temple is easily accessible from any town or city of Rajasthan.

The Jain Dilwara temple complex is located 2.5 km from the Mount Abu town centre.It is a major sacred pilgrimage site for Jains worldwide and is Mount Abu’s most popular attraction.

Dilwara Temple forms a famous pilgrimage of the followers of Jainism. The striking use of marble, in the construction of this temple, is truly worth-admiring. However, the simple architecture of the temple, reminds one of the virtues of Jainism. Set amidst the picturesque hills, Dilwara temples are said to have built during the 11th and 13th century.

In the huge temple complex, there are five shrines that are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively.

The temple complex is set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills – a walk around the complex is worth it.The Dilwara temples predates the town of Mount Abu by several centuries and was built when this site was just a remote mountain area.

It is believed that the artisans were paid according to the amount of dust they collected, encouraging them to carve ever more intricately.

Set in beautiful surroundings of mango trees and wooded hills, the Jain Dilwara temple complex is located 2.5 km (miles) from the Mount Abu town centre. Built by Vastupal Tejpal between the 11^th and 13^th centuries AD, these temples are famous worldwide for their superb marble carvings.

The Dilwara temple complex is surrounded by a high white wall which prevent from seeing in the sunlight. The entrance way to the marble temples is opulent.For Jain pilgrims, there is a rest house on the approach road with facilities to bathe and prepare themselves, which is mandatory to perform puja to the idols. 

The approach road is also lined with stalls selling a collection of tourist kitsch lending a carnival atmosphere to the sanctity of the temples. It would be beautiful and serene here except for the noisy tourist guides and visitors that break the sanctity of these magnificent temples.

Dilwara Temples are considered to be an example of perfect architecture, in terms of Jain Temples. The intricately carved ceilings, entryways, pillars and panels highlight the aesthetic appeal of this temple. For its mastery over architecture, Dilwara Temple is sometimes regarded as one of the most stunning pilgrimage sites of Jains.

Mount Abu is a beautiful and one & only hill station of Rajasthan. Several train services are available by Indian Railways for Mount-Abu from different cities. Dilwara Temple lies at a distance of 2.5 kms from Mount Abu. From Mount Abu railway station, many bus services and taxis are available for Dilwara

Some Compiled UNESCO Heritage Sites In India Are Not So Familiar

Explore some of the most offbeat parts of India as you travel to these not-so-popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

India is a country full of amazing destinations. And each one of them is unique in its own way. No wonder, it is home to so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ones that we all know of are the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Khajuraho and Kaziranga National Park among others. But there are many other such recognised sites that we hardly talk about, or even pay attention to. But each one of them is worth exploring. We have compiled a list of such Indian destinations for you, and we wish you happy travelling.

Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh's Great Himalayan National Park is not one of those regular wildlife sanctuaries where you go for a safari and wait to see the animals. Situated on the slopes of the Himachali mountains, this park includes several mountains within its bounds, with multiple glaciers, peaks, rivers, and about 375 faunal and an even more diverse floral species. One needs to trek on the slopes of this Park to experience its charms. Some of the rarest species of animals since in the Great Himalayan National Park are blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, and Himalayan Tahr among others.

Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim

The Khangchendzonga National Park is the latest addition to the list of Indian destinations in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located at the at the heart of the Himalayan range in Sikkim, the Park is home to dozens of lofty mountain peaks, 18 glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and some unique flora and fauna. A favourite among trekkers, this place has a unique biodiversity that includes an interesting mix of wildlife species and the presence of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world's third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. Besides, the National Park is highly regarded by the state's local population because of several mythological stories that are associated with the caves, rivers, lakes, forests and other natural elements in this place.

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat

Located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a place not too many tourists talk about. But once you visit this place, you will come back feeling satisfied about the fact that you have explored an offbeat destination. And trust us, it's totally worth it. The place is believed to be the only unharmed Islamic pre-Mughal city in India. This ancient city is home to several different kinds of heritage monuments--mosques, temples, tombs, gateways, forts, palaces, helical wells and others. What's even more amazing is the fact that a major part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park still remains unexcavated and thus, waiting to be explored.

  

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal

The Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal has always been known for being home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. One of the largest wildlife reserves in the country, the Sundarbans is covered mostly by dense Mangrove forests. The best way to explore these forests is to go on houseboats that sail across the delta just as a safari jeep does inside a forest. It is an experience so unique that you would remember for a lifetime. Apart from the endangered tigers, the other species you can see in this forest include the Gangetic dolphin, spotted deer, wild boar and other mammal and amphibian species.

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam

Well, if you thought Kaziranga National Park is the only wildlife reserve in Assam that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you were wrong. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is also part of the list. The forest gets its name from River Manas, which is also a name derived from Goddess Manasa. The forest is home to some of the most endangered species of animals including Assam roofed turtle, hispid hare, golden langur and pygmy hog among others.

Dharmadam Island – It Is An Important Tourist Lure Of Kerala Made By Its Natural Beauty

DHARMADAM ISLAND

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KANNUR

Dharmadam Island is a small 2 hectare private island in between Kannur and Thalassery. It lies 100 metres from the mainland at Dharmadam. This island, covered with coconut palms and dense bush is a beautiful sight from the Muzhappilangad beach.

It is also called "Dharmadam Thuruth" or "Pacha Thuruth" meaning "Green Island". Clad with coconut palm and lush bushes, natural beauty of Dharmadam Island makes it as an important tourist attraction.

The Moidu bridge which connects Kannur and Thalassery is an important landmark en route to Dharmadam Island. You can a boat from the southern end of the bridge to reach the Island. Visiting the Dharmadam Island requires prior permission from the owners as it is a private-owned property. 

It is formed as a result of lateritic rock projection between two arms of Anjarakkandy River and the sea. During low tide the ocean recedes making it possible for visitors to walk to the island. Walking through less than knee deep water and reaching the Island is an exciting experience. Make sure to return before the tides get stronger.

The island uninhabited, even though a well is seen, indicating human presence. There are medicinal herbs and some interesting plants on the Island. Dharmadam Island used to be privately owned. Realizing its tourism potential, Kerala government took over the Island some years ago.
Thalasseri town, which is just 4 kilometres away, can actually be seen from Dharmadam Island.

The Dharmadam Island beach is surrounded by the Arabian sea on the north and Anjarakandy river on the south and east. The western side of Dharmadam Island is surrounded by the river and the sea.

The best time to visit Dharmadam beach is between october and may when the weather is fentastic. It is the only drive in beach in Kerala, and one of the best in India. Dharmadam-Muzhuppilangad coastal belt is getting more and more popular as word is spreading about the fine drive in beach and the nearby island.

The area, considered along with the best beaches in Kerala, has witnessed a steady increase of foreign tourists since late 90’s. Due to the areas significance, Dharmadam now seats a railway station. Local passenger trains stop there. Coming from Kannur and Thalasseri, travel to Dharmadam Island is rather easy.

Private buses from Kannur and Thalasseri stop at the Dharmadam main land. If you are taking a long distance limited stop bus, such as Kannur-Kozhikode service, check with the bus staff before hand, if they stop at Dharmadam. You can also hire taxi or auto rickshaw from either Kannur or the nearby Thalasseri town.      

You can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws from Thalassery or Kannur to Dharmadam. As the Island became a popular picnic spot and weekend gateway, the local passenger trains stops at Dharmadam. From the Dharmadam mainland, you can walk to the Island.