Mehudi Jain Temple - Ghantakarna Mahavir Deity Holds A Bow And Arrow As His Weapons

MAHUDI JAIN TEMPLE

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MEHSANA

Mahudi Jain Temple is considered to be one of the most sacred Jain pilgrimages, and it is situated in Mahudi, Mehsana District. This temple spreads over an area of 2 square kilometers. Maudi is 35 Km away from Ghandhinagar. The temple is quite beautiful, but it is associated with plenty of rumours.

In ancient times, the place was known as Madhumati. The idols and artistic remains recovered from the ground show that the history of this place is nearly 2000 years old, based on the inscriptions in Brahmi script.

Acharyadev Buddhi Sagarsurisvarji was inspired in a dream to install the idol of Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev in 1923 A.D. This idol is considered to have miraculous powers. Thousands of Jain devotees, as well as devotees from other backgrounds, come to receive blessings from this idol.

Ghantakarna Mahavir was a Kshatriya (warrior) king named Tungabhadra in his previous birth and considered to be the protector of the less fortunate. So even today his idol carries his weapons a bow and arrow.

It is always said that in his previous birth he was very fond of sukhadi, and so there is a tradition of all visitors offering sukhadi to him during the prayer. However, it is believed that the sukhadi should be consumed or donated before leaving the premises, otherwise it might bring bad luck.

Main attraction of the temple is 2 bells. One of these bell weights couple of tons. This bell is used only once in a year on Diwali and it's sound can be heard at few miles away from the temple. Second bell weights 40-50 kg and it has been places at the top of marble ladders.

It is customary to take a bhoomti (circumambulation) around the 24 shrines of the tirthankaras here. The nearest railway station of Vijapur is 10 kms away. There are good bus facilities to get to Mahudi from Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Kalol.

By air

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport at Ahmedabad is an international airport with direct flights to USA, UK, Singapore, Dubai and other international hubs. Numerous domestic flights are also operational from here.

By rail

The main railway station is located in Kalupur area. This station falls under the prominent national railway circuit and is connected to all major cities of India. If you are on the western side of the Sabarmati river, then you can go to the Gandhigram station near Ashram road to buy your railway tickets easily.

By road

Gujarat has one of the better developed road networks in India. Ahmedabad is well connected with all major cities and towns by road. Prominent bus stops are located at Gitamandir near Kalupur Railway Station and Paldi. Regular bus services are available by Gujarat state transport buses and private operators to all the major destinations of the state.

Qutub Minar – It was Built In The Year 1173 By Muslim Ruler Qutub-Ud-Din

QUTUB MINAR

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NEW DELHI

Qutub Minar is one of the historical place in india which is located at 15 km in south direction from New Delhi.Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom.

The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top.The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone.

At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'.

7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.

The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement.

His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey.The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.

The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets.

Even though in ruins, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent structures in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak started its construction in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197.

Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315 made additions to the building. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard,decorated with shafts and surrounded by piller. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples, which were plundered to construct the mosque.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar.

By Air

Delhi’s airport is the Indira Gandhi International airport and is very well connected to cities across India and the world. There are regular flights to Delhi from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati and international destinations as well. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is 22 kilometers away from the city centre.

By Train

Delhi is the headquarters of the Northern Railways and there are five major railway stations in Delhi, namely the The New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal and Sarai Rohilla.

By Bus

Delhi is well connected by bus to cities like Jaipur, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dehradun and even Kathmandu among others.

Vidyasagar Setu – This Cable-Stayed Bridge Can Carry More Than Eighty Five Thousand Vehicles Every Day

VIDYASAGAR SETU

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HOOGLY

Vidyasagar Setu, which is famously called Second Hooghly Bridge is located over the River Hooghly in Kolkata. Vidyasagar Setu is reckoned as one of the longest bridges of its type across India. It is also acknowledged as one of the longest bridges of Asia.

The bridge connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata. With a length of 822.96 m, the Vidyasagar Setu is the longest cable-stayed bridge across the country. 

The bridge was built under the joint initiative of the private firms and Public Sector Undertakings, working under the supervision of the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners. Vidyasagar Setu was built at an expense of Rs 388 crores. The bridge has been named after Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, the educationist reformer of Bengal in the 19th century.

The building process of the bridge was initiated in 1978 and it was eventually opened to public on the 10th of October, 1992.The bridge carries the NH 117, also known as the Kona Expressway. The cable – stayed bridge has a main span of 457 m and 35m wide. With six lanes of traffic, the bridge can carry more than 85,000 vehicles every day.

Vidyasagar Setu has been named after the great erudite and reformer Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The foundation stone of the Vidyasagar Setu was laid by Indira Gandhi on May 20, 1972. Vidyasagar Setu is a cable-stayed flyover with 121 cables, styled in fan arrangement.

The bridge with a total width of 35 meters, features three lanes in each directions and a 1.2 meters wide footpath on each side.Vidyasagar Setu was subjected to prototype wind tunnel tests at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.

Sheesh Mahal – A Non-Natural Lake Is In The Midst Of This Palace

SHEESH MAHAL

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SANGRUR

Sheesh Mahal is located in the  Sangrur district  of Punjab state of India. Sheesh mahal is one of the most important tourist attractions. The palace consists of large amounts of varied glass work. This marvel was created by Maharaja Narinder Singh in 1847. The palace is beautiful and is beautified with amazing gardens and fountains.

Sheesh Mahal or Palace of Mirrors, another significant attraction of the region. It has been constructed in a forest area and is surrounded by gardens, fountains, terraces and an artificial lake. In ancient times, it used to be the residential palace of the Nawab of Malerkotla.

This is one of the glorious place to visit which is made of with various colourful glasses. The architecture of this mahal is very beautiful. The carvings on the walls of this mahal attracts lot of tourists from different parts of Punjab. You can also find various sculpture related to the royal families in this mahal.

One section of Sheesh Mahal is decorated with colored glass and mirror work and it is also known as ‘Palace of Mirrors’. It is situated behind the MotiBagh Palace. It is a triple storey building. There is a bridge across the artificial lake in the centre of the palace.

This bridge is known as LakshmanJhoola. There are gardens and fountains on the sides of the lake. Sheesh Mahal was the presidential palace of Maharajas of Patiala. To give the artistic look on the walls and ceilings of the Sheesh Mahal, Maharaja Narinder Singh engaged artistic painters from Rajasthan and Kangra.

The artist made the floral designs on the walls and ceilings. Their art depict the vision of Bihari, Surdas and Keshav in the poetic form and in colors. The paintings of these artists show the very old stories in the style of Rajasthan. There is a museum in the Sheesh Mahal. In the museum, there are paintings of Jaya Deva’s poetry and Geet Govinda.

The Kangra paintings on the walls of the museum show the Krishan Lila in very artistic way. There are also various fine objects of art like art of Tibet, Punjab’s ivory work objects, objects of Kashimiri art and wooden furniture of Maharajas time. The collection of these objects shows the life style of Maharajas. The large portraits of maharajas beautify the walls of the museum. The Medal collection of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and Maharaja Yadwinder Singh from all over the world lies in the museum of Sheesh Mahal.

There are about 3200 medals collected from different countries of the world by Maharaja from 12 to 20th century. There is also a collection of coins of 19th century. These coins show the history of different countries trade. The North zone culture centre is situated in the sheesh Mahal. On 6th November 1985, our Prime Minister Late Shri. Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated this centre. Every Year many cultural programmes and heritage festivals are organized in Sheesh Mahal.

By Air

The nearest airport is situated at the sity of Chandigarh and this is located around 125km from the city. There are frequent flights from places such as Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Jammu and Srinagar.

By Train

Sangrur railway station is located in the city itself and some of the main trains that pass through the station are Amritsar Express, Andaman Express, Punjab Mail, Jabalpur Express and many other trains.

By Bus

Sangrur is a city that is connected by road to most of the other parts of the state and the best way to reach the place is using taxis and buses.

A 12 Day Annual Festival With Rich Cutural Feast At Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikathashtami

Event date: 22-11-2016

Venue: Lord Shiva Temple

Location: Vaikom

District: Kottayam

Come November and the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple situated at Vaikom (Vaikkom) bears witness to a rich cultural extravaganza as it ushers in Vaikathashtami- a twelve-day annual festival.

The temple with its alluring Kerala style temple architecture is worth a visit and during the festive season it becomes all the more spectacular, treating the senses to a rich cultural feast.

The festival falls in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, corresponding to the months of November / December and is celebrated in all its pomp and gaiety. The visitors are treated to a plethora of art forms and performances such as Kathakali, dance recitals, music concerts, pageantry, and so on. The final day of the festival is marked by a grand procession in which the thidambu (replica of the presiding deity) is carried on elephant back which is joined by processions from nearby temples. 

Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 40 km
Nearest airport: Cochin international Airport, about 56 km

Hyderabad - No Special Introduction For Its Heritage Stricture

Hyderabad, The Heritage Wonder of Deccan Region

Hyderabad city needs no special introduction for its heritage stricture. The city, which dates back more than 500 years, is a treasure trove of heritage destinations. 

Golconda Fort is a citadel that hosted various dynasties for 800 years. The centuries old fort of Golconda is located nearly 12 km from the centre of Hyderabad. Contributed by Kakatiyas and Qutb Shahis, the fort with its impressive ramparts and architectural marvels, is a treat for visitors of this grand structure. Charminar, completed in the year 1591 AD, is considered a landmark monument situated in the heart of Hyderabad, Telangana. 

The heritage monument represents Hyderabad’s glorious past and is listed among the most recognized structures of India. Considered as one of the largest mosques in India, Mecca Masjid is located near Charminar in old city locality of Hyderabad. The iconic mosque is home to a rare relic of Prophet Muhammad and was built with earth brought all the way from Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

A magnificent palace complex, Chowmohalla palace was once the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Chowmohalla palace is an iconic heritage destination which is unique for its style, opulence and elegance. The architecture of the palace was inspired by the Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran. 

It is a world renowned heritage destination recognized by UNESCO. Tourists can explore the Qutb Shahi Tombs, the Grand Mausoleum of Seven Qutub Shahi Rulers Representing the majestic style of the Qutub Shahi dynasty; it is one of the finest examples of Persian, Pashtun and Hindu architecture.

Considered one of finest palaces in the world, the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad belonged to Paigah Hyderabad State, and later it was owned by the Nizams. The Impressive Palace is located on a 32-acre area in Falaknuma, near Charminar.

Almora Hill Station – It Is Attracted Large Number Of Prominent Visitors During 19th And 20th Century

ALMORA HILL STATION

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UTTARAKHAND

The hill station of almora is situated on a horseshoe shaped ridge of a mountain and the district of Almora is located in the province of Uttarakhand in India.

In east lies the district of Pithoragarh bordering Tibet and it's west lies the district of Garhwal and it's North lies the newly created district of Bageshwer and in the South there is the district Nainital. The location of the township of Almora, the headquarter of the district.

The scenic beauty of Almora, its ideal climate and situation,and magnificent view of mighty Himalayas attracted a large number of visitors from the plains during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

This ancient hill station is reputed for it's health giving climate and is perched on a five Km. long horse saddle shape ridge in between the river Kosi and Suyal and has been a cultural and political region of Kumaun for almost four hundred years, settled by Chand Rajas and nurtured by the British.

The region is immensely rich with 4000 species of plants, having remarkable diversity in it's natural vegetation by virtue of its being at a great range of elevation.The Township of Almora is the district headquarter and has all the facilities for a tourist of twenty first century.

Almora tourism also offers chances of paddling mountain bikes, changing gears of Royal Enfield, trekking through the forest for wildlife spotting and more. Touring the place in and around, booking the accommodation and making arrangements of mild adventure can be done by taking Almora tour packages. All along, Nature would be a great company to stay in.

Mahatama Gandhi said that  after having been nearly three weeks in Almora Hills, I am more than ever amazed why our people need go in Europe in search of health. Almora hill nature's hospitality eclipses all men can ever do.

Swami Vivekananda said that these mountains are associated with the best memories of our race: Here, therefore, must be one of centers, not merely of activity, but more of calmness of meditation, and of peace and I hope some one to realize it. 

By Air

Pantnagar is the nearest airport from where Almora is 127 Km away, reached by taxi.

By Rail

To travel Almora, option of reaching nearest railway station (90 Km away), Kathgodam from Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata is also available.

By Road

Road trip to Almora can be easily planned from cities like Lucknow, Dehradun, Nainital, Delhi, Bareilly, Kathgodam, Pithoragarh, Haridwar and Haldwani.

Kumbhalgarh Fort - It Has The 2nd World’s Lengthy Wall After China And It Is Known That Largest Wall In India

KUMBHALGARH FORT

 

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RAJSAMAND

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fort built on the Aravalli Hills, in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan. Located 64 kms from Udaipur, the Kumbalgarh fort in the Aravali ranges is one of the famous forts in Rajasthan Kumbhalgarh is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the great king and warrior of Mewar.

The fort was constructed and expanded in the course of the 15-19th century by Rana Kumbha. Occupied until the late 19th century, the fort is now open to the public and is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each evening.It is known and popular as a World Heritage Site included in Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Maharana Kumbha used to burn massive lamps that consumed fifty kilograms of ghee and a hundred kilograms of cotton to provide light for the farmers who worked during the nights in the valley.

The Kumbhalgarh fort is the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. It was constructed by Rana Kumbha between 1443-1458 A.D. The fort has ten gates and several temples dedicated to Hindu and Jain God. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is an unparalleled fort in the state of Rajasthan owing to its strategic location on the Aravalli, and the strong fortification wall built around it.

It has seven massive gates and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the Fort have made it unbeatable till date. The hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side.

There are around 360 temples inside the complex of the Fort. Amongst all of them, Shiva Temple is worth visiting that comprises a huge Shivalinga (Phallic form). The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure.

This beautiful palace is known as ‘Badal Mahal’ or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise and white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort.

This place gives the appearance of being wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town.

By Air

Udaipur is the nearest airport - about a One and half to Two hour drive from there.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Falna railway station.

By Road

Rajasthan State Government Roadways provides ordinary as well as deluxe buses which stop at Kumbhalgarh en-route to other cities

India’s First Climate To Change Theatre In Pushpa Gujral Science City

Theatre set up to drive home effects of climate change

To sensitive and educate people on one of the most challenging issues global warming the pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala, has set up an unique climate change theatre which is first of its kind in the country.

The CCT will help the visitors to have a better understanding of the latest climate science and human role in make people environmentally responsible, even if by taking small steps. The 18 meter diameter theatre has been set up in a dome shaped building with an investment of Rs.1.50 crore. It has a sitting capacity for 125 persons.

The CCT, which takes the audience around the globe from North Pole to the South to explore the warming planet, is an unique experience. The theatre shows a 25 minute film on two screens - flat and dome shaped with special light and sound effects. For example, if it is said on one screen that cutting tree is bad, then the other screen shows two people cutting trees.

The film also shows effects of climate change in our everyday life, like the fast melting Gangotri glaciers in Himalayas, low agriculture production, farmers shifting from apple cultivation to other cash crops, people living in low lying coastal areas left homeless due to rising sea level, threats to rare the plant species of ‘Sunderbans’ and threat to wild life etc.

Dr RS Khandpur, Director General of Science City, said that it is India’s first climate to change theatre, which provides the visitors an unforgettable experience while “Educating them on global warming”.

The film includes impact of natural calamities like floods, droughtrs and earthquakes, as well as the steps that can be taken by human beings to protect our planet like use of solar energy, rain water harvesting, use of energy efficient appliances, ban on plytherne bags, planting of more trees etc. It ends with a wake up call to ‘Think Smart, Think Green’.

Kihim Beach - A Good Way To Relax Completely From Mechnical Life

KIHIM BEACH

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RAIGAD

Kihim beach is a famous tourist destination near Alibaug, and offers a complete break from urban pressures. Spend time at this long and wide beach and let the sight of an ocean and the soft rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore soothe your nerves

At just 100 kilometres from Mumbai, the most favoured aspect of Kihim is its easy accessibility. It can be reached by ferry or catamaran and by road. Boat services are available from 6 am to 7 pm from September to May from the Gateway of India to Mandwa Port.

 It takes about an hour to reach the port and operators extend free shuttle bus service from Mandwa Jetty to Alibaug and vice versa. Kihim is the closest beach from Mandwa and visitors can alight at Chondi and walk 3 kilometres to the beach. Also, state transport (ST) bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune and from most cities of Maharashtra to Alibaug. Auto rickshaws are also available from Alibaug to Kihim.

The waters at Kihim are as inviting but those venturing to swim have to take caution of the rocks strewn across the ocean stretch. The most breath-taking sight here is of the sunset with the Kanderi and Underi forts looming in the horizon. 

Kihim also offers is a peek into a rustic lifestyle along with a variety of seafood and typically Konkani cuisine. A good way to relax completely is to stay in a resort that faces the beach and absorb the sight of colourful boats venturing out into the sea early morning for a daily catch of fish.

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms

How to Reach:
Kihim is accessible by all modes of transport.

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Mumbai.

By Rail:
The nearest railheads are Roha and Pen (35 kms) on the Konkan Railway.

By Road:
Mumbai-Kihim (via Alibaug) is 120 kms. State transport buses ply upto Chondhi which is about 2 kms from Kihim. From there rikshaws are available.

By Water :
Catamarans  are available from Gateway of India upto Mandwa port. Shuttle buses take you upto Chondhi, the fare of which is included in the catamaran service.

Maharastra Tourism Announces Ganesh Dharshan Tour

 

GANESH DHARSAN 

TOUR PACKAGE

ITINERARY

Departure Dates: 06 Sept, 07 Sept, 08 Sept

Timings – 8.00 AM

Cost: – Rs. 2001 (Inclusive Tax)

Pick Up Point – MTDC Booking Counter, Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar East (Dadar TT)

Note: The child below 3 years no fees applicable

Ganesh Darshan Points

1. Andhericha Raja, Andheri

2. GSB Seva Mandal, Matunga

3. Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Dadar

4. Lalbaugcha Raja, Lalbaug

5. Mumbaicha Raja, Ganesh Galli

6. Keshavji Naik  Chwal, Girgaon

Journey Points

Tour start from MTDC Booking Counter (Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar East) – Andhericha Raja – GSB Seva Mandal, Matunga - Siddhivinayak Temple – Lalbaugcha Raja – Mumbaicha Raja (Ganesh Galli) – Keshavji Naik Chwal (Girgaon) – MTDC Booking Counter (Near Pritam Hotel, Dadar East) – Tour End.

INCLUSIONS

• Journey through AC Tourist Coach Bus

• 2 Water Bottles(500ml each) will be given per head

• Morning Breakfast and Lunch (Veg Biryani)

EXCLUSIONS

• Any Portage, Tips, Minreal Water, Soft Drink, Ice-cream.

• PersonalExp/Telephone

• Any other expenses which is not specifically included in the Tour Cost.

• Any additional meals/ Enroute meals, Sightseeing & activities other than those mentioned in the itineary.

• Any service not specificed in inclusions.

The following deduction will be made in case of cancellation ,If the Tourist wishes to cancel his Booking, the Cancellation rules for tour packages shall be as under

1. Cancellation Charges :

Terms        Cancellation Charges

2 – 7 days before                       -    25 % of the package cost.

1 Day before departure date       -  100% of the package cost.

a) If the bookings are done through debit / credit card, cancellation of such bookings will be charged as per applicable charges.

b) In case of bookings made through M.T.D.C.’s travel agents, the cancellation / refund will be made by the concerned travel agents only.

c) Under exceptional circumstances, MTDC may cancel bookings done by Tourist / Agent or Online, however the guest will be given full refund amount (without cancellation charges) paid to MTDC.

d)M.T.D.C . reserves the right to alter the itinerary under unavoidable circumstances and is not liable for any type of natural calamities / strikes / cancellations / insurgency of any such nature which is beyond control during tour period. Management is not accountable for any theft or damage of luggage during the trip.

2. In case of insufficient number of participants for a tour the MTDC has the right to postpone or cancel the tour or merge them in other departure date . In event of cancellation of tour by the MTDC, the amount will be refunded to the participant by cheque/RTGS/NEFT only.

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