Abbey Falls – It Is Owned By A Private Person And Amidst In Coffee Plantations

ABBEY FALLS

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MADIKERI

Abbey falls in Madikeri of Kodagu district of Karnataka State of India and it is among the top places to see for the traveler visiting Coorg & Madikeri.The sound of the mighty waterfalls can be heard even from the main road during the rainy season.

Abby Falls or the Abbi Water Falls is situated just 7-8 kilometers from Madikeri town [Galibeedu road]. The British called it the Jessie waterfalls in memory of Jessie the daughter of Madikeri's first captain. It is located in a private property and decently maintained.

Abby cascades 70 ft down to flow as a small river .The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools. A path through coffee and cardamom plantation off the main road adds to the attraction of the falls.

Abbey falls which is in Madikeri was earlier called Jessi falls named after a British officer’s wife. Abbey falls marks the top list of places to visit near Madikeri and Coorg.The waterfall is accessible by a well-laid road till the coffee estate gate.

One can drive his/her vehicle till the parking bay.After that, a small trek through the coffee and spices plantations leads to the waterfalls. The trek is easy, and the waterfall can be reached in 10 mins.

Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down steps into limpid pools to join the Cauvery River. The ideal time to visit the falls is during the monsoon, when they are at their best.

Enjoy the gushing, roaring beauty but a desire to take a dip in the cool waters may prove to be risky. Reaching the place is a nice ride in itself as the road that drives you is very narrow with lots of turns and twists, ups and downs a two wheeler ride would be jolly one. A nature welcomes you at every turn.

The route to this Falls one Has to go through private Coffee estates. The Foggy Spray issuing forth from the stream flowing over a precipe makes a spectacular sight when viewed from a convenient spot. The water flow is very high during the monsoon season and during the dry seasons the flow is considerably less.

The falls is more enjoyable within the fenced area wherefrom you get its friendly pose for your camera. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.

The beautiful waterfall was discovered by Mr. Neravanda B.Nanaiah who bought the place from the government and converted it into a coffee and spices plantation that is surrounding the waterfall today.

All days of the week

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Madikeri, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201, India

By Air

The nearest airport to Abbey Falls is calicut international airport , vayittiri which is 148 km away from Abbey Falls .

By Train

The nearest railway station to abbey falls is Subrahmanya Road Railway Station which is 34 km away from Abbey Falls.

Chilika Lake – Its Major Attractions Is Irrawady Dolphin

CHILIKA LAKE

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GANJAM

Chilika Lake - Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal Odisha (Orissa). It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.

Some of the prominent islands like Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo, Honeymoon, Break-fast, Birds and Rajahansa inhabited by small subsistence fishermen families, are popular destinations for daily boat trips. Because of its rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance, Chilika was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981 to afford better protection.

Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika Lake offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the peak season between November and February. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.

Kalijai Temple - Located on an island in the Chilika Lake, Kalijai Temple is one of the famous attractions. The temple worships Goddess Kalijai. The deity is highly revered among the locals as well as in their folklores and fables. The island is also a mesmerizing destination for pilgrims as well as tourists and can be reached via a boat from Chilika Lake. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great pomp and cheer at the temple that attracts numerous travelers & devotees.

The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The core area of about 9 sq km attracts around 400,000 waterfowls of different species. Often underwater, the island gradually emerges with the outset of summer. It is literally a paradise for bird-watchers. 

Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada, bounded by the lagoon on three sides, offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in earning their living from Chilika's prawn, mackerel and crabs. 

Of late, slightly reduced number of birds owing to growth in prawn farming as well as silting and reduced salinity has alarmed the conservationists. The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.

Dwaraka Tirumala Temple - Devotees Accept Truely That Their Desires Are Completed By Worshiping This Lord

DWARAKA TIRUMALA

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WEST GODAVARI

Dwaraka Tirumala” is an ancient holy place and a popular pilgrim center in Andhra Pradesh of South India. Dwaraka Tirumala is nearer to 'Eluru', the head quarters of West Godavari District, which is 42 KM away from Eluru.

Andhra Pradesh is a land of famous temples and popular pilgrimage centers. Dwaraka Tirumala is a village cum mandal situated in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, which is renowned for the temple of Lord Venkateswara.

The place is also referred to as ‘Chinna Tirupathi’. Dwaraka Tirumala Devasthanam is situated here atop Seshachala Hill and where the god is manifested as Swayambhu. The feet of Lord Venkateswara at this temple is believed to be in Valmikam (Ant-hill).

During the period of Tretayuga, Emperor Aja, the grandfather of Lord Shri Rama is believed to have worshipped the presiding deity. According to legend, Sage Dwaraka had unearthed the Lord here from Valmikam (Ant-hill) and worshipped this deity, and hence it was named as Dwaraka Tirumala.

As the feet of Swayambhu is in Valmikam, nearly 400 years ago, another idol was reportedly brought from Tirupathi and installed here on the back of Swayambhu, the pratishta of which was done as per agama sastram.

The temple here has a unique feature where two idols are worshipped in the same sanctum sanctorum and as a result, two annual Bramhotsavams are performed, one during Vaisakhamasam (May) for Swayambhu while the other is done during Aswayuja Masa (October) to the deity.

 Moreover, it is believed that since Sage Dwaraka had performance penance in Northward direction, the Lord had appeared before him in Southwards direction and therefore the temple here is located facing South.

Devotees believe strongly that their desires are fulfilled by worshiping this deity.  The devotees fondly call Lord Sri Venkateswara as Kaliyuga Vaikunta Vasa.  The region covered by Dwaraka Tirumala temple is considered to be the commanding position in India, garlanded by two great rivers of South India Krishna and Godavari, according to Brahma Purana.

Those who are unable to visit Tirumala Tirupati, fulfill their wishes her, make donations and worship the lord in Dwaraka Tirumala temple. Devotees also tonsure their head at this temple. The historic temple continues to attract devotees from all over the world who consider the divine destination as the one offering a complete spiritual experience and believe that the Lord will relieve them of problems and bestow his blessings.

Dwaraka Tirumala is situated at 15KM distance from Bhimadole Junction, which is in between Vijayawada and Rajahmundry State Highway and Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam main Railway line.

Kerala Tourism Obtained The Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Awards 2016

Kerala Tourism Received Gold at PATA

Kerala Tourism obtained the prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards for its marketing campaign - the ‘Visit Kerala’ television commercial and the Kerala Tourism e-newsletter. The awards were received by Mr. U.V. Jose, Director, Kerala Tourism at the Indonesia Convention Centre during the annual PATA Travel Mart.

“Kerala Tourism campaigns have always attracted international attention and admiration. The latest batch of PATA awards will once again turn the spotlight on the diverse attractions our state offers: from beaches, to heritage, wildlife and wellness,” said Mr. A.C. Moideen, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

The PATA awards this year attracted 212 entries from 71 organisations worldwide. “The two PATA gold awards are further testimony to the effective and interest-evoking marketing strategies the state enjoys. They are also an endorsement both of our unique brand and products as well as the backroom engagement efforts that go into promoting them,” said Dr. Venu V., Principal Secretary, Kerala Tourism.

The ‘Visit Kerala’ commercials, aimed at domestic tourists, were conceptualised and scripted by Stark Communications, Kerala Tourism’s creative and brand management agency. The Kerala Tourism e-newsletter is designed by Invis Multimedia, the IT consultant of Kerala Tourism.

Onam - It Is The Nationalized Festival Of Kerala Ever Since 1961

ONAM FESTIVAL

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KERALA

Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity.

However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.

Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.

There are a lot of activities that takes place all over the state on Onam. Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an attire of plaited grass and big wooden mask. They move from house to house collecting small gifts and amusing children.

At Thrissur, caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and present a regal view. While at Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists cast a spell on the audience with the magic of their performance. Women perform their graceful traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the day and enthrall the audience. Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organised in several parts of the state to mark the day.

Number of sports and games events are also organised on the day. These are collectively called Onakalikal. Some of them are rigorous sports like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam. Archery is also a part of Onakalikal. Senior members have their share of fun by playing indoor games like cards and chess. There is also a tradition of swinging on Onam. A decorated swing is swung on a high branch and young men and women take the pleasure on it while singing traditional songs.

Rajasthan City Tours Package

RAJASTHAN CITY TOURS

Full Day Tour (By A.C. Bus)09:00 AM To 06:00 PM

Amber Fort & Palace, City Palace & Museum, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Hawa Mahal (Front View), Jal Mahal (Front View), "Gaitore" Maharaja's Cenotaphs (View on the Way), Nahargarh Fort & Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Kanak Virndavan

(Monuments Entrance fee, Camera Fee and Jeep Charges at Amber Fort Extra and not included in above tariff)

Rs. 500/-(Per PAX

Half Day Tour First (By A.C. Bus)08:00 AM To 01:00 PM

Amber Fort & Palace, City Palace & Museum, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Central Museum (Albert Hall), Hawa Mahal (Front View), Jal Mahal (Front View), "Gaitore" Maharaja's Cenotaphs (View on the way), Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

(Monuments Entrance fee, Camera Fee and Jeep Charges at Amber Fort Extra and not included in above tariff)

Rs. 400/-(Per PAX

Half Day Tour Second (By A.C. Bus)11:30 AM To 04:30 PM

Amber Fort & Palace, City Palace & Museum, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Central Museum (Albert Hall), Hawa Mahal (Front View), Jal Mahal (Front View), "Gaitore" Maharaja's Cenotaphs (View on the way),Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

(Monuments Entrance fee, Camera Fee and Jeep Charges at Amber Fort Extra and not included in above tariff)

Rs. 400/-(Per PAX

Half Day Tour Third (By A.C. Bus)01:00 PM To 06:30 PM

Amber Fort & Palace, City Palace & Museum, Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Central Museum (Albert Hall), Hawa Mahal (Front View), Jal Mahal (Front View), "Gaitore" Maharaja's Cenotaphs (View on the way), Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

(Monuments Entrance fee, Camera Fee and Jeep Charges at Amber Fort Extra and not included in above tariff)

Rs. 400/-(Per PAX)

Pink City By Night Tour (By A.C. Bus With Veg dinner)06:30 PM To 10:30 PM

Raj Mandir Cinema Hall, Statue Circle, Amar Jawan Jyoti, Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Kanak Virndavan, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort (Dinner)

(Monuments Entrance fee, Camera Fee and Jeep Charges at Amber Fort Extra and not included in above tariff)

Rs. 700/-(Per PAX)

please visit - Rajasthan Toursim

Jaisalmer Fort - It Has Been Stated As World Heritage Site By Unesco Under The Collection Hill Fort Of Rajasthan

JAISALMER FORT

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RAJASTHAN

Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer city in Rajasthan, India. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it originates its name.

This fort, is popularly known as the'Sone Ka Quila (Golden Fort)' by the local people and is one of the most magnificent monuments in the city of Jaisalmer.

 The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar Desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

The most famous splendid structures such as the Maharawals located in front of the Chauhata Square. The foremost attraction of this place is Maharawal’s marble throne which is placed over a flight of marble steps.

An added famous tourist attraction of this place is a five-storied Tazia tower located head-to-head to the Maharawals palace. This tower was constructed by Muslim craftsmen and is made with decorative Bengali styled roofs.

There are four massive gateways that lead to the gate including Akshaya Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and Ganesh Pole. The Suraj and the Ganesh Pole have an image of Sun and Lord Ganesh respectively at the top.

The Dussehra Chowk is reached after passing below the last gate, Hawa pole. Here, a beautiful palace Raj Mahal stands as if greeting the visitors. This palace was once the residence of the royal family but today it has been converted into a museum and heritage centre. 

The seven Jain Temples hold a commanding presence in the Jaisalmer Fort and are dedicated to the revered Jain Tirthankaras like Sambhavanath, Rikhabdev, Chandrprabhu and Parasnath.

The temples are interconnected by a series of courtyards and walkways. They have walls, pillars, columns adorned with fine sculptures in sandstone and marble.

 Some of the worth noticing images in these temples include a dancing image of a woman balancing sets of balls on her raised forearms and dancing figures of musician welcoming God. 

The most visited places of this fort are the Raj Mahal, The Jain and the Laxmikanth Temples and several other temples and gateways.

Jaisalmer Fort is a World Heritage Site declared UNESCO under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan situated in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India.

By Air

Jodhpur Airport is the closest domestic airport that is functional throughout the year. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Udaipur have regular flights to Jodhpur. The airport is approximately 5 to 6 hours’ drive from the city. You can either hire a prepaid or a private taxi from the Airport to reach Jaisalmer.

By Train

Jaisalmer is well connected with a wide network of trains covering most of the Indian cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and others. Some of the popular trains are Delhi Jaisalmer Express, Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express, Howrah Jaisalmer Express and Lalgarh Jaisalmer Special.

Once you reach the station, there are many auto-rickshaws and private taxis standing outside the station that will take you to the city on a nominal fare.

By Bus

There are no direct buses from Delhi to Jaisalmer as the 17-18 hour drive is too time-consuming and quite exhausting. You can however switch buses in Jaipur from where a state-run sleeper coach operates regularly. Be sure to book tickets in advance as there are limited seats. Some sleeper buses are also available from Jodhpur and Udaipur.