Lord Shiva Temples That Are Dedicated Five Elements - Fire,Earth, Sky,Water, Air

SHIVA TEMPLES

AT

PANCHABOOTHA ELEMENTS

Lord Shiva and Shakti representing the equally balanced opposing energies of the Divine, dance their cosmic Ananda Tandava leading to the creation of the Pancha Maha Bhutas and the entire manifest universe. Each of the elements is introduced through different rhythms and Ragas with its respective Mandala.

Pritvi – Earth – Kanchipuram

The scene opens with a depiction of the four petals of the Mooladhara chakra opening in synchrony with the sound of the Bhija Mantra Lang. The slow and graceful movements of the dancers combined with the notes of Raga Revathy and the Chathusra Jaathi rhythm create a stable and steady ambience of the Earth element that is related to Kanchipuram and Thiruvaroor in South India. The story of goddess Kamakshi worshiping Lord Shiva at Kanchipuram by creating a lingam out of the mud (Pritvi Lingam) under the great mango tree that has four branches with each having fruit of different taste as well as the celestial marriage of Goddess Kamakshi with Lord Shiva is depicted in this scene. Sowing seeds on earth gives us great joy as the trees grow, flower and finally yield the fruits of our labor. The nurturing nature of mother earth is depicted by the folk dances who praise the earth and depict growth in the plant kingdom. They also show the joy of harvesting grains that have been carefully cultivated on the fertile earth. Yet, the earth also has a dangerous side and the earthquakes that threaten the very existence of humankind are a standing testimony of the violence that occurs when man misuses nature. Only the prayer to the divine can save us in the time of such catastrophe.

Apas - Water- Thiruaanaikka 

Apas,the water element has great fluidity and is related to the story of Goddess Pravathi creating a lingam out of water (Appulingam) at Thiruaanaikka after she had been banished to earth by Lord Shiva for mocking his Yoga Sadhana. Legend has it that a great herd of elephants lived at Thiruaanaika and that the lingam was worshipped by an elephant that used to offer water from the Cauvery river (Amritalingam) as well as flowers and fruits from the Jambu tree (Jambulingam). The introductory depiction of the six petals of the Swadhisthana Chakra opening in synchrony with the sound of the Bhija Mantra Vang and the graceful movements of the dancers to the notes of Raga Amruthavarshini in the Thisra Nadai enable us to enjoy the flow of the water element. Water may be a spring, a stream, a river or even the mighty ocean and the movement of the tides with the phase of the moon is also shown. A turbulent storm can frighten even the sturdiest sailor and the fury of nature in the form of a hailstorm and flood is depicted using the Thanam music. Modern man has cut down rain forests and ended up with parched riverbeds. A village elder is seen advising the community to prevent the drying up of life by cultivating and maintaining the great forests to attract rainfall for the benefit of humankind.

Tejas - Fire – Thiruvannamalai

Fire is the element related to the third Chakra, Manipura and the red triangle that symbolizes creativity and energy is the Mandala of this Chakra and this has a correlation with Bharatanatyam where the basic shape of the body used is that of the triangle. The ten petals of this Chakra are depicted opening to great energy that is there in the Bhija Mantra Rung associated with this Chakra. The dancers depict the motivating force of geothermal energy with energetic movements set to the Raga Aaberi and Kanda Nadai while the story of Brahma and Vishnu trying to find the origin and end of Lord Shiva who manifested as a column of fire at Thiruvannamalai is depicted. A graceful folk dance using earthen lamps is used to illustrate the grand festival of Karthigai Deepam that is celebrated by lakhs of devotees at Thiruvannamalai every year in November-December.

Vayu - Air- Kala Hasti

Twelve petals of the Anahatha Chakra open with the Bhija Mantra Yang as the graceful, caressing movement of air is depicted by dancers in the Raga Mohanam and Misra Nadai set to the music of a flute. Their movements bring out the spirit of being young at heart that is the quality of this Chakra. The fast paced movements with several dramatic rotations also bring out the spirit of the whirlwind that can sweep us off our feet. The Divine is present as Prana in the very air we breathe and the wonderful drops of rain from the laden dark clouds. The shape of the Chakra, a six sided hexagon formed by two interlaced triangles is artistically depicted by the dancers in this item through intricate teamwork. Lord Shiva blessed the tribal Kannappa Nayanmar at the Sri Kala Hasti Stalam that is known as the Southern Kailash after the great devotee had proved his exemplary Bhakti by gifting his very eyes to Lord Shiva. Village folk sing and dance praising the benefits of pure air and the need of keeping it pollution free in order to keep the God of Death far away.

Akasha- Space –Chidambaram 

Space that element of Nature with neither beginning nor end is awesome in nature and 16 petals of the Vishudda Chakra open to the Bhija sound Hung. The dancers using the complicated Sangeerana Nadai rhythm in the lilting Raga of Hamsanandi create a feeling of ether and space. The Chit or consciousness is the embodiment of space and the temple of consciousness is Chidambaram, the temple of the mind. By singing the praises of Lord Shiva we rid ourself of all fears. The compassionate Lord of Thillai even moved his Vahana Nandi upon the request of his great devotee Nandanar. The universe is nothing but vibration and this is visualized through the dance of Lord Shiva that is witnessed by all planets. Shiva wears the tiger skin and has cobras as his ornaments. He wears the crescent moon in his locks and dances with the fire and deer in his hands. He tears up the rouge elephant as well as controls the adamant ego principle that is manifested as the Muyalagan under his dancing feet.

Nagore Dargah – Pilgrims Believe That All Aliments Cures From The Blessings Of Mian Sahib

NAGORE DARGAH

AT

NAGAPATINAM

The Nagore Dargah of Meeran Sahib Abdul Qadir Shahul Hamid Badshah is a spiritual and scared shrine in South India . It is one of the biggest popular pilgrimage centers for Muslims in Tamil Nadu. It can be reached through a short drive from Nagapattinam, Nagore seems to be a busy pilgrimage, with bus-loads of tourists arriving from all over the state. The features of this famous Dargah include beautiful domed arches and lovely minarets.

The Dargah is also visited by Hindus and is a fine example of the harmonious co-existence of Hindu – Muslim communities. Nagore Dargah is an important and revered pilgrimage place in Nagore. This Muslim shrine is dedicated to Meeran Sahib Abdul Qadir Shahul Hamid Badshah.

This dargah attracts thousands of devotees all through the year Tamil Nadu adventure tours. The structure of the Dargah is attractive with domed arches and lovely minarets. The largest tower has a height of 131 ft and is known as ‘Periya Minara’. There are five minarets and a water tank known as Peer Kulam. It is believed that the water in this tank has curative powers.

It is established in an area of 5 acres with four impressive entrances on all four directions. The 131 ft tall Minaret called ‘Periya Minara’ was built by the Thanjavur King Pratap Sing in the 18TH Century, about 200 years after Meeran Sahib passed away.

It is believed that a carpenter who was cured of his disease by the miracle of Mian Sahib, presented him a pair of sandals made from finest wood. The same was used by Mian Sahib and it is said to be kept in a Golden Box next to the tomb. Kanduri festival is a 14-day event that is celebrated as the annual urs(anniversary).

The Dargah is Famous because of Hazrath  SYED SHAHUL HAMEED QADIRI ( QADIRI ) QADIR WALIHazrath  SYED SHAHUL HAMEED QADIRI ( QADIRI ) QADIR WALI is direct 22nd  Decentant of Halarath Syedina Shah Ahmed Mujthaba Muhammad Mustafa (Sallalahu Alaihi wassalam) And 9th Direct Decentant from Halarath Syed Mohideen Shaik Abdul kaadhir Jeelani bagdhahi Raliyallahu thaalanahu.

Mian sahib was born in Manikpur of Ayodyapuri and at the age of 5 he was qualified as Hafiz al Quran. He was a great scholar in Arabic and Persian. He went to Gwalior at the age of 18, to be the disciple of Syed Mohammed Houdu Sathari, a Preacher and Social Reformer.

Mian Sahib took over the service and followed the foot steps of his Teacher and taught many youngsters about Islam and took them to the Ajmer Dargah and then to Meeca and Medina and performed Hajj. On his return, he began his Islamic Tabligh and he reached Kayalpattinam of the then Thanjavur Kingom via Ponnali Harbour of Malabar Coast.

King Achuthappa Nayakar of Thanjavur, had donated 5 acres of land on which the Dargah Shrine is located, as a gesture for curing the disease the Kings was suffering from.Vanjur Shrine is located 2 Kms from the Dargah where Mian Sahib meditated for nearly 40 days in an underground cave.

One Km from the main campus is the Silladi Shrine over looking Bay of Bengal. Thousands of Pilgrims throng this Dargah every day with the belief that Mian Sahib still blesses and cures all ailments including the Mental illness.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Trichy situated in Tamilnadu at a distance of 150-km from Nagore.

By Train

The nearest railway station is at Nagapattinam, at a distance of 4-km from the Dargah.

By Bus

There are regular buses to Nagore from Nagapattinam (4-km), Karaikal (12-km), Thanjavur (78-km), Chennai (90-km) and other neighbouring cities and towns. Nagore Dargah is a Awesome Place For Vacations.

Asia -Pacific Award Is Presented To Goa Tourism

Goa Tourism Bags another prestigious Award, This time its Asia-Pacific Sabre Awards for best use of Social Media Networking

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has won yet another prestigious Award for its Online Social Media Campaign called “Tourism by Tourists”. The Asia-Pacific Sabre Award is presented to Goa Tourism for its successful Global Social Media Networking which attracted close to 5000 entries globally.

According to the sources in Goa Tourism Development Corporation office, The campaign projected Goa as a perfect tourist destination through an interesting digital campaign. The project was solely conceptualized by the Goa Tourism’s PR Agency Adfactors PR.

The   Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar congratulated team Adfactors PR for the efforts made help Goa gain recognition nationally and internationally through platforms like digital media which is vitally important to showcase the best of Goa’s facets and other attractions in the state. He encouraged the team and urged them to continue the good work and win more honors for Goa Tourism.

The impact of digital media has never been faster than it is today. I am happy that such digital campaigns have given an opportunity to both national and international travelers to choose a perfect tourist destination like Goa. We wish to continue driving such interesting campaigns and bag many more honors that will help us get recognition across the globe”, said Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Chairman, GTDC.

The campaign was driven to showcase the best of Goa’s locales and partner with Goa’s finest brand ambassadors: The Tourists. It was driven exclusively with the intention to raise the credibility of traveling in Goa, engage directly with influential travelers, increase recall value for Goa Tourism with unique travel experiences and generate maximum awareness through partnered content.

source: incrediblegoa.in

Jag Mandir – Visitors Are Welcomed By Eight Royal Elephants

JAG MANDIR PALACE

AT

UDAIPUR

Jag Mandir is situated on an island in the Picalo Lake of Udaipur city in the Rajasthan state of India.It was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh as a hideout for Prince Khurram the estranged son of Emperor Jehangir the implacable foe of the Maharana. The reason for the aid was that the prince was the son of a Rajput mother.

It is also said that Shah Jahan [prince Khurram] derived some of these ideas for the Taj Mahal from this palace when he stayed there in 1623-24. The island has some striking carving including a row of elephants that looks as though they are guarding the island. The exquisitely carved chhatri in grey and blue stone is another example. 

Jag Mandir is built on an island and a charming little boat ride is required in order to reach this magnificent palace, also known as Lake Garden Palace. Visitors are greeted by eight majestic elephants, carved in stone, adorning the entrance.

Once you walk onto the grounds of the Jag Mandir, the lush garden is a sight for sore eyes; Fountains and tiny water pools, rich flower beds and a large patch of greenery welcome visitors to the royal grounds. These grounds are also used for concerts and shows. Remember to check with the hotel whether something is on for when you plan to visit.

Maharana Jagat Singh who made a number of additions to it later renovated the place. Within the palace was the temple dedicated to the Lord Jagdish and hence the name is derived from that. There is a museum detailing the history of the island as well and the neat courtyards.

For those wanting to enjoy a blissful romantic evening out, take to Jag Mandir in the evening. The Darikhana restaurant at Jag Mandir plays host to a splendid evening of romance. Dining here is on the exclusive side, and a minimum spend is required. For those only in the mood for some drinks, there is a bar, which also caters to the shisha crowd.  Jag Mandir truly is majestic, and for all you Bollywood fans; Darikhana was the very place where renowned Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon got married.

By Air

Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi, Maharana Pratap Airport, 28 kms.

By Train

The Railway Station is about 2 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. 

By Bus

Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station Road, NH 8, Udaipur.

Eravikulam National Park – Most Of The Areas Of The National Park Are Steady Hill Plateau

ERAVIKULAM NATIONAL PARK

AT

IDUKKI

Eravikulam National Park is in the nearest Munnar town of Idukki district of Kerala State of India. The first of its kind in Kerala, where the endangered Nilgiri Thar is protected. Spread over 97 sq. km., this park holds the largest viable population of Tahr, several other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. 

The park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also of the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mist. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years.

Most of the areas of the national park are consistent hill plateau. So, you can see only high rolling slopes here.In 1975 Eravikulam was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and then in 1978 it was given the status of a National park. The main motive behind this was to protect the rare Nilgiri Tahr and Hemitragus Hylocrious, which are common here. But now the park is home to numerous protected species of flora and fauna.

It is an ideal place for seeing the biodiversity of high elevation shola-grassland ecosystem. Visitors are taken to Rajamalai in forest dept vehicles and given an opportunity to see all this. Private vehicles are not allowed here. The National Park is usually closed at the time of calving of Nilgiri Tahr which is usually during the early months of every year.

A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Kannan devan hills.

Anamudi, the highest peak (2695 m) south of Himalayas, stands majestically in the core area of the national park. The slopes of the hills abound in many kinds of rare flora which include rare terrestrial and epiphytic orchids, and beautiful wild balsams. Important fauna here are the Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Langur, leopard, tiger, Indian bison, etc.

Rajamalai is the tourism zone of the National Park, where the visitors are taken in forest dept vehicles and introduced to the shola - grassland eco system unique to this region. There is a very informative interpretation centre at Rajamalai.

A protected area, the sanctuary is divided into three regions - the core area, the buffer area and the tourism area. Visitors are allowed only to the tourism area - Rajamalai - the region lying beyond the road entry into Eravikulam. Here one can observe the Nilgiri Tahr at close quarters.

Don't make this your destination during the early months of the year, the park may be closed for visitors because it is calving time of the Tahr.

Visiting hours: 0700 to 1800 hrs

By Air

Nearest airport is Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 142 km; Cochin International Airport, about 150 km.

By Train

Nearest railway station is Aluva  about 109 km from Munnar; Angamali, about 108 km from Munnar.  

Entry fee for Indians: Rs. 15/head

Entry fee for Foreigners: Rs. 200/head

Entry fee for children below 12 years and for Bonafied students: Rs. 5/head

Contact Address: 

The Wildlife Warden

Munnar PO, Idukki 

Kerala, India - 685 612

Bhandardara Hill Station - It Is A Wholesome Traveller's Relaxation Place

BHANDARDARA HILL STATION

AT

AHMEDNAGAR

Bhandardara is located to the north of Ahmednagar district of Maharastra State Of India. Bhandardara is a place full of exquisite natural sights and a wonderful peaceful ambience. With towering hills on the background and surrounding lush greenery, Bhandardara exudes a colorful symphony and is also a home to diverse flora and fauna. 

A variety of tourist attractions awaits travelers with a serene, calming lake, enveloped in the embrace of dam, waterfalls, forts, valley and much more. At times, it seems that a landscape with a roaring waterfall, gushing waters from a dam, towering hills in the background and greenery all around can only belong to the movies or the imagination of a writer. 

Not really! All this comes true at Bhandardara where green paddy fields create a colourful symphony with the bright blue skies and the waterfall provides a musical rhythm while you soak in the beauty of nature at its best.At 185 kilometers from Mumbai and about the same distance from Pune too,Bhandardara is in Akole tehsil and is considered a trekker’s paradise. 

While coming from Mumbai take a turn at Ghoti after Igatpuri and the road will lead you to Bhandardara via Bari, the village at the foothills of Mount Kalsubai. From Pune there is a diversion at Sangamner which will take you to Bhandardara via Akole. The nearest rail head is Igatpuri.

It is also a favourite with families who want to take a short break from the pressures of urban living. Bhandardara is also a hot-spot for the religiously inclined who visit the Amruteshwar Temple which is an ancient Shiva Temple. The temple also offers an interesting study of its unique architecture.

There are now many hotels and resorts that offer comfortable accommodation at Bhandardara, but the ideal place to stay is the MTDC Holiday Resort which comprises ten deluxe rooms, six lakeside cottages, eight standard rooms, nine special rooms and one dormitory for group accommodation. The resort offers a beautiful view of the Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake.

By Air

Nearest airport is Mumbai - Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (163 Kms)

By Train

The nearest railway station is Igatpuri.

By Bus 

Bhandardara is 185 km. from Mumbai and almost the same distance from Pune. While coming from Mumbai take a turn at Ghoti after Igatpuri

Shaniwarwada Fort - This Fort Is One Of The Most Horrible Places In India

SHANIWARWADA FORT

AT

PUNE

Shaniwarwada is an 18th century fort in Pune Maharashtra, India. Constructed in 1732, it was the place of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha kingdom until 1818, Bajirao Peshwa built the Shaniwar Wada in 1736. It is a seven storied mansion and served as a seat of political power during its time. It acclaimed tremendous importance and is the city’s main attraction till date.

The Shaniwar Wada was largely destroyed by mysterious fires in 1827 which continued to rise during the 19th century and led to the destruction of the entire palace leaving just the mirror hall intact. When visiting the palace, one can still get a view of the leftover plinths, the fortification walls with five gateways, and nine bastions that enclosed the whole complex.

The elaborate foundations of the original palace along with the nagarkhana showcasing the wooden pillars and lattice work add up to the beauty of the mansion. The sturdy doors were designed to be protected from the enemy.

It was named Shaniwarwada from the Marathi words Shaniwar (Saturday) and Wada (a general term for any residence).On the every moon night this fort in India turns into a horror place. Where local people frequently hear a horror sound coming “KAKA MALA VACHWA" (uncle save me) from the fort in the every moon night. The place where the spirit till now and final words of his past mortal life.

At the back of Fort’s unnatural activities there are story of the murder, greediness for power and fraud. Peshwa Nanashaheb had three sons Vishwasrao, Narayanaroa, Madhavrao. After the death of Nanasahaheb in the third Panipath war Madhavarao become as Peshwa. During  the third Panipath battle Viswasrao died. After the death of Vishwasrao his brother Madhavrao also died. At that time Narayanarao was only 16 years old. He became as a Peshwa in very small age. Because of his age  his uncle Raghunathrao was take charge of the state on behalf of his young nephew.

Sumner Singh Gardi sent a group of killers who come into the room of where sleeping Narayanrao at night withour any securities. Narayanrao get up and understood that he was going to be murdered. He was run from Raghunathrao’s chamber and shouting “Uncle save me". Although he was caught by killers and cruelly killed by them. Cut into parts and then pull down in the river.

It is believed that the level of supernatural activity is on its zenith on every full moon night. The Ghost of the young Peshwa Narayanrao still now exists in in there with his painful soreness. Every moon night he cries and shouting for saving him.

By Air

Pune airport is situated in the Lohagaon area, about 12kms from the heart of city. The cities Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai are all air connected to Pune. International travelers can get connecting flight  from Mumbai International Airport.

By Train

Pune is an important railway junction in Indian railway and has excellent railway services to all major cities. Pune Junction Railway Station located in the city center is one of the major railway stations in Maharashtra.

By Bus

Pune is well connected by road with the all major cities within the state as well as outside the state. Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) operates services to various towns and cities of Maharashtra. Private luxury deluxe buses are operated from Pune to many cities in India, including Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

Mehao Lake – It Has Natural Clear Water And Only The Place For Photographer’s Excitement

MEHAO LAKE

AT

LOWER DIBANG VALLEY

Mehao Lake is situated 14 kms away from Roing in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated at an altitude of 3000 feet, Mehao Lake is a photographer’s delight. Set amidst dense green forest with beautiful flowers and plants, the 4 sq km water body sans fish attracts wild ducks in great numbers.

Geologists claim that this lake is Oligotrophic as there is no fish in the lake. Boating facilities are available here. You could go trekking in the forest that has not seen too many footprints of humankind. You are sure to be thrilled by your experience. Mehao Lake attracts tourists from all over, as its serene atmosphere spell bounds visitors.

Its periphery is about 4.8 km and one needs full one day to explore its surrounding. Mehao Lake can be reached only on foot and there is no other option as one needs to pass through the dense jungle of the wildlife sanctuary.

Starting from Roing first it is needed to cross Deoani River on foot and then traversing it for almost one hour only to enter in the jungle of more or less hilly for another one hour. Hard work and toil starts after crossing another water flow coming out of the lake, as it is nearly for another 4-6 hours of trekking at 50 -80 degrees inclination.

Sometimes it needs to be climbed, sometimes it needs to be pulled up, sometimes it needs to slipped down....oh its full of testing one's "come on" attitude. Shouts of joy naturally comes out as the lake gets visible with clouds in its lap!

Mehao lake is an upland lake situated at an altitude of 1640 mtr above Mean Sea Level with GPS co-ordinates N 28°08'51.87" & E 95°56'39.47".  It resembles a bowl on the hill top on Google Earth. It is an oligotrophic (low nutrient) lake and the water of the lake is crystal clear.

However, there is no road connectivity to the Lake as any kind of developmental activities that leads to deforestation is prohibited in the area without prior clearance/approval from the Wildlife Department. To make full survey or thorough view of the Lake one has to go fully prepared with light beddings and materials for one night halt as there is no provision for lodging in the vicinity.   

Tourists Flock Malshej For Monsoon Magic, Bookings At All-Time High

 State Director of Tourism Satish Soni said that almost total reservation is at Malshej, Bhandardhara, Matheran, Karla, Chikaldhara and Tadoba are at 90 per cent for the next two months

Malshej Ghat has emerged as the most popular tourist attraction in the state this monsoon, with government resorts packed with bookings for the next two months. Bhandardhara is a close second, with Matheran and Karla also avidly sought after by tourists, mainly from Pune, Mumbai and Nashik.

State Director of Tourism Satish Soni told The Indian Express that while the occupancy rate at the 22 resorts run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is almost 60 per cent, those at Malshej, Bhandardhara, Matheran, Karla, Chikaldhara and Tadoba are at 90 per cent for the next two months.

MTDC officials said the rush this year could be attributed to the abundant rain, thanks to which these weekend getaways are likely to remain tourist hotspots till September.

Malshej Ghat is located 700 metres above sea level amid the ranges of Western Ghats, and is equidistant from Mumbai and Pune. Approximately 154 km north-west of Pune, the rugged landscape is thickly forested and laced with several rivers. The hills come alive with cascading waterfalls during the monsoon.

Despite the recent landslide that blocked the road to Malshej Ghat, the rush of tourists is unabated. “A massive landslide had toppled a truck into the valley and we have urged visitors to be careful. The road has been opened up just a day before and highway police are ensuring smooth travel for visitors,” Soni said.

In the Vidarbha region, Chikaldhara and Tadoba have had high occupancy rates and bookings are full for the next two months, Soni said. While Tarkarli and Ganpatipule MTDC resorts have a high occupancy rate throughout the year, visitors prefer to visit these places after September, as the Konkan region witnesses very heavy rain, he explained.

The hill station of Mahabaleshwar, too, has its share of tourist rush, but Malshej has emerged the hottest tourist destination this monsoon.

After online bookings showed a high occupancy rate, MTDC officials said they started getting personal calls for accommodation. “We have now decided to introduce package tours from August at affordable rates,” Soni said.

A one-day Mumbai-Malshej-Mumbai tour has been arranged for Rs 900. Other tours, such as Mumbai-Bhandardhara- Mumbai and Mumbai-Shirdi-Bhandardhara, are also being offered. “We anticipate more rush with long weekends coming up during Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi,” Soni said.

Horsley Hills – It Is One Of The Popular Exhilarating Place For A Weekend Outing

HORSLEY HILL STATION

AT

CUDDAPAH

Horsely hills is a picturesque hamlet in the state of Andhra Pradesh,situated at an altitude of 4100 ft this serene hill stationis named after W.D.Horsley, the collector of Cuddapah district. This is one of the popular Bangalore getaways for a weekend trip.

It is located at a distance of 144km from Tirupati and is an ideal summer resort for spending a fascinating vacation. The scenic drive to this mesmerizing hamlet is extremely panoramic and scenic and has thick vegetation of trees lining on both sides of the road.

The other major draw for the travelers is the relaxing climate of the horsely hills which ranges from 20c to 32 c even in summers. The hill is lush with dense forest and thick greenness and has a wide variety of trees like gulmohar, allamanda, reeta, amla, beedi leaves, blue gum, eucaluptus and sandalwood.

The place to visit around the horsley hills include Galiband, view point and the Gangotri Lake. While being in this enchanting hill station pay visit to the famous shiva temple located at a distance of 15km from the road towards the village of manapalle.

The temple attracts many visitors and is visited many devotees residing in the nearby areas. The gangotri lake is situated in the midst of beautiful surroundings and offer panoramic views. The lake is a must visit for all nature lovers and offers an enjoyable boating experience ot its visitors.

The hill resort of horsley hills stands at an altitude of 1265 meters above sea level on the southwest border of Andhra Pradesh. Madanapalle is the closest town near the hills.

Horsley hills is an exciting place to visit/. The old name of horsley hills was yenugu mallamma konda. According to the legend there used to be a little girl named Mallamma who was taken care by elephants. 

She used to heal tribal people on the hills. When she disappeared suddenly, people thought she was a goddess and built a temple for her. Later the place is named after W.D.Horsley, visited this place and was impressed by the beauty of the hills and choose this spot for his summer residence.

 Now the governor of Andhra Pradesh uses this house as a summer residence and hence this house is called the Governor’s bungalow.

By Air

Banglaore and the Tirupati airport is the next door airport to reach Horsley hills. Situated at a distance of 160km and 165km respectively these airports cater to the air travel needs to reach Horsley Hills.

By Train

The nearest railhead to reach horsley hills is located in Manapalle. The railway station is situated at a distance of 43 km from the town. It is most advisable to arrange for transport through the hotels and resorts as the local transport system of this tiny town is not that reliable.

By Bus

Horsley hills is well connected to the other parts of the state by the state transport buses of Andhra Pradesh. Regular buses are available from Manapalle and Tirupathi. These government buses are regular and inexpensive though they may be crowded and not a good option while travelling with luggage.

Honey-Moon Tour Package - Pachmarhi

Pachmarhi 

Honeymoon Tour

Pachmarhi is the only hill station in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This place is popularly known as Satpura Ki Rani postioned at an elevation of almost 1000 meters in a valley of beautiful Satpura Range in the district of Hoshangabad. This hill station is an epitome of natural beauty and renders the tourists with utter quietude. Positioned isolated from the boisterous city crowd, this hill station is a heaven for serenity lovers.

This 03 Nights and 04 Days itinerary takes the tourists to a tour to Pachmarhi and make them soaked in the nature's exquisiteness. The place is well known for greenery and serenity. The major highlights of the trip are sightseeing at the lovely places like Bee Fall and Priyadarshini and enjoying the scrumptious local cuisine of Pachmarhi. This is a perfect place to enjoy some memorable and romantic we-time with the partner.

Day 1: Pipariya-Pachmarhi

On arrival at Pipariya railway station, meet our tour representative who will be there to receive you and transfer you to your pre-booked hotel in Pachmarhi. Check in at the hotel and rest for some time. Thereafter, get ready to leave for the local sightseeing tour of Pachmarhi. Enjoy the most romantic tour of your life with your partner at picturesque locations of the place. Later, return back to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 2: Pachmarhi

Today, spend your day with the love of your life right in the amidst Pachmarhi's indescribable natural beauty. After breakfast in the morning in the hotel, we will leave to visit worth exploring of Pachmarhi including Handi Khoh, Priyadarshini (Forsyth Point), Fairy pool and Bee Fall. Thereafter, the evening time is free for exploring the local market and tasting local cuisine dishes of Pachmarhi. Later, return back to your hotel for a comfy night stay.

Day 3: Pachmarhi

On the third day of your romantic tour, we have many other interesting places that visit that can indeed add on to the overall charm of your trip to Pachmarhi. In the morning after breakfast, we will be leaving to visit Chhota Mahadeo, Dhoopgarh, Jata Shankar and Chauragarh. In the evening, you are free to enjoy a leisure walk in the green areas of this beautiful place and capture some unforgettable moments of your life that you can later on cherish as beautiful memories.

Day 4: Departure

On the last day of your Pachmarhi honeymoon tour, our representative will transfer your to the railway station to board the train for the onward destination.

VISIT - madhyapradeshtourism

Pachmarhi Hill – It Has One And Only Lofty Water Falls In Madhaya Pradesh

PACHMARHI HILL STATION 

AT

HOSHANGABAD

Pachmarhi is a quaint hill station in the Satpura Range of Madhya Pradesh. Located at an elevation of 1,100m, this hilly retreat is popular for its scenic beauty, picture-perfect outlook and the tranquil ambience.

It is popularly known as 'Satpura ki Rani' (Queen of Satpura), sits beautifully, embellished by nature and history, amidst the Satpura range. Legend says the Pandava brothers visited Pachmarhi during their expel.

This beautiful region in the hills, was discovered by Captain James Forsyth in 1857. This most popular hill station of Madhya Pradesh is a treasure with ancient caves of the Buddhist era residing in harmony with serene waterfalls.

Pachmarhi is sure to make you feel calm, the way you felt when you put your bare feet on the garden grass for the first time, as a child.

Pachmarhi is a popular tourist retreat. Tourists visit pachmarhi through out the year. There are numerous hotels but only few of them are located in civil area of pachmarhi away from houch pouch market area to stay in peaceful location.

 Pachmarhi's elevation and the forests of the Satpuras, with their streams and waterfalls, are picturesque and home to much wildlife.

 Pachmarhi lies within the Pachmarhi Biosphere Preserve, created in 1999 to link two forest reserves into a larger wildlife conservation area at the highest point in Central India.

 Pachmarhi also has a lot of cave paintings in the forests, some of which have been dated to be as much as 10000 years old. Shown in the picture is the garden at the base of a tourist attraction calledPandavaCaves, the caves are actually Buddhist in origin but the name persists.

The place has rich timber reserves including teak, but being a part of a reserve no new construction or felling of trees is allowed. Having a rich and rare flora as well as fauna, Pachmarhi needs central and state government approval for any new construction outside the town area.

The nearest Airport to Pachmarhi is Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport about 200kms.  and Jabalpur's Dumna Airport about 250kms. away from Pachmarhi 

Nearest railway station to Pachmarhi is Pipariya railway station which is about 52 kms away from Pachmarhi. Pipariya railway station is on Howrah-Mumbai main line and almost all passing-by trains use to stop here.

Private public carrier Jeeps and Buses are available at Pipariya Railway Station all the time for transfers to Pachmarhi and vice versa at reasonable charges. Surface connectivity of Pachmarhi is also very good as it is well connected with Jabalpur, Bhopal, Nagpur and Chindwara. Nagpur is about 250 kms from Pachmarhi.