Hanuman Garhi – The Temple Has The Main Deity Of Child Hanuman With His Mother

HANUMAN GARHI

AT

AYODHYA

Sri Hanuman is known as Hanuman Garhi and is located in a fort situated at the western gate of RamKot. The Hanuman Garhi is believed to have been built at the site that was inhabited by Hanuman.

To reach the temple, 76 steps need to be climbed. Land of the temple is believed to have been donated by Nawab of Avadh, on which construction was done during the middle of the 10th century by one of the courtesans of the Nawab.

The cave temple has an inner sanctum that is adorned with the idol of infant Hanuman in his mother’s lap. It is believed that the idol can bestow boon on the devotees worshipping in the temple. The temple is shaped like a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner.

The manner in which this temple has been carved out is breathtaking. One has to take the curved flight of stairs to reach this spot. In the sanctum one can see the deity of Mata Anjani holding infant Hanuman on her lap.

At the first look of the deity, one may not be able to see clearly the details of Mata Anjani and Sri Hanuman. A close look will reveal the details. Various devotees and visitors believe that Lord Hanuman resided at the site in a cave and looked after the Ramkot or the Janambhoomi.

Hanuman Garhi is just 3.5 kms from Tallital which is near Nainital. Nainital is well connected with motorable roads connecting major cities and towns of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kathgodam and Nainital are easily available from Delhi. The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is Kathgodam, situated 276 kms from Delhi and 30 kms from Nainital.

Vinay Khand 3, Sai Nagar, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh 224123

YOU MAY LIKE THIS RELATED POSTS

Birth Place of Lord Sri Krishna -Mathura

Virundavan Celebrates Lord Krishan's Birthday On 25th August

Dudhwa National Park - It Opens From November To June For Public Every Year

DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK

AT

LAKHIMPUR KHERI

The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is a protected area in Uttar Pradesh that stretches mainly across the Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich districts and comprises the Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary.

It covers an area of 1,284.3 km (495.9 sq mi) and includes three large forest fragments amidst the matrix dominated by agriculture. It shares the north-eastern boundary with Nepal, which is defined to a large extent by the Mohana River. The area is a vast alluvial floodplain traversed by numerous rivers and streams flowing in south-easterly direction. It ranges in altitude from 110 to 185 m (361 to 607 ft).

Dudhwa National Park is great paradise near nepal border. Dudhwa national park residing the areas of Lakhimpur & Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh, lying adjacent to the Indo-Nepal border bringing together two most incredible sanctuaries of the area namely, Kishanpur and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuaries to represent the excellent natural forests and greenery along the Terai region.

Quite impressively, the northern boundary of the park is being constituted by the Mohana River flowing along the Indo-Nepal border whilst the Southern boundary is formed by the river Suheli. The Kishanpur Sanctuary lies in the Lakhimpur- Kheri and Shahajahanpur districts in Uttar Pradesh. Spreading across an expanse of 811 sq km beholding the nature lovers with marshes, grasslands and dense forests, the area is actually meant for tremendous counts of Swamp Deer and Tigers species.

The area of the Park is composed of a vast alluvial plain along the tributaries of Mohana and Suheli, interspersed with numerous rivulets, lakes and pools. The rich and extremely fertile Indo-Gangetic plains support a flamboyant growth of forests diversity of fauna. The park has some of the best forests of 'Sal' tree in the world, amongst other flora; and is a virtual unexplored paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Dudhwa attracts the visitors with its two core area as Dudhwa National Park and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary which are separated by each other with an area of 15 kms agricultural land. Unlike other celebrity parks of India like Jim Corbett National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park etc, the uncommercialized ambience of this park makes it an ideal habitat for the wild creatures to find nature's serenity & comfortability in a more natural way.

The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is between November and May. The park remains open to public from 15th November to 15th June, though the months of May and June are a little too hot for comfort. While visiting the Park during winter you must remember to take woolen clothes as it can get pretty chilly, particularly between December to February.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is accessible both by rail and road. The Dudhwa branch-line of the North-east Railways links Dudhwa/Palia with Lucknow, Bareilly and Gonda. The Dudhwa Railway Station is right in the heart of the Park about 4 km from the tourist complex at Dudhwa.

Do's & Dont's

Go to the sanctuary only when one has a confirmed booking of an accommodation.

Obtain the required permit to move inside the sanctuary and follow all rules.

Drive slowly inside ,as this helps in better view of the wildlife and also does not disturb or endanger wildlife.

Keep to the trails as not doing it not only endangers wildlife but also puts you in danger.

Take the pleasure of viewing wildlife, but do not invite the danger by being adventurous.

Shoot form a camera, but never carry a gun inside the sanctuary.

Do not listen to music inside the sanctuary instead hear the music of nature.

Do not smoke inside the forest Accidental fires can destroy a beautiful jungle to ashes.

The sanctuary is not a zoo, do not expect to see wildlife everywhere.

Do not make your visit Tiger-centric, See the other wonders of nature and enjoy.

Edakkal Caves – 7000 Years Oldest Depictions Are There In This Natural Caves

EDAKKAL CAVES

AT

WAYANAD

Edakkal caves located in the remote area of wayanad district of kerala state of India. It is a dwelling that showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture and you have to trek to about 4000 ft up a mountain to reach the place. We are talking about Edakkal Caves, which still remain a wonder and a mystery for archaeologists and historians alike.

Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukuthi Hill to reach the caves. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill.  The lush greenery and scenic landscape around and the cool breeze that carries the aroma of coffee will surely make your journey an unforgettable one.

A remote ticket office is perched high on the top of the mountain and the tourists can buy entry tickets from there. The authorities will open before you an iron gate, and then you can enter a world of history, which has never ceased to allure people.

A telescope is installed a few feet from the caves. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country.The name of Edakkal Caves literally means `a stone in between’. As the name indicates, it seems that one boulder miraculously wedged in between two bigger ones to create a cave.

Scientists too are of the opinion that Edakkal Caves is not a cave in the real sense. It is a fissure in the rocks which had been created due to natural causes/ changing climatic conditions. The split in the rock is about 22 ft. in width and 96 ft. in length. The depth of the cleft extends to over 30 ft and there is a large rock which has fallen forming a roof over it and this large cleft and the roof-rock gives it the appearance of a cave.

There are many legends associated with the gigantic fissure at Edakkal. People believe that Lord Rama, one of the earlier visitors of this area, shot an arrow which pierced the mountain and created a deep cleft there. The name of the hills, Ambukuthy too is derived from this legend. (In Malayalam, Ambu means arrow and kuthy means `to pierce’ and hence the name.) 

Local people associate local deities with the caves and you can see many idols near the caves.The discovery of the caves dates back to 1895 and it is associated with the then Superintendent of Police of Malabar District, Fred Fawcett.  He was on a hunting trip to Wayanad and happened to notice in the coffee estate a stone axe which had been used by a Neolithic Celt.

Fred was an enthusiast of pre-history and this incident increased his curiosity about the place. After making inquiries with the local people he decided to explore the high ranges of Wayanad further. He went past the thick foliage in the Ambukuthy Mala; in his mission, he could find a rock shelter up the mountain, which is considered to be one of the earliest settlements of human beings on earth.

There were signs indicating that the Caves were inhabited by people during New Stone Age and this exciting discovery drew the attention of archaeologists and historians across the world. The caves are replete with various etchings and prehistoric line drawings and the nature of representations on the cave walls indicate that the caves were occupied by various sets of people during various stages of history.

Three distinct sets of petroglyphs can be seen in the caves and some depictions are as old as 7000 years. Edakkal is the only known place for stone age carvings in South India.  The carvings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic Age include ancient stone scripts, ancient weaponry figures, symbols, figures of various animals and human beings etc.

The rock surface is full of linear motifs and one can see weird shaped figures, crosses, triangles, tridents, squares, stars, wheels, spirals, plant motifs, pot shaped items, various animals and human figures.  Many of the human figures have raised hair, some have masked faces and all these figures are eye-catching and have archaeological significance. Apart from these pictorial carvings, ancient inscriptions including a Tamil Brahmi script have been identified from the caves.

Images of a tribal king, a queen, a child, a deer and an elephant can be seen on the wall. A human figure with headgear, another on a wheeled cart and some male and female figures too can be seen.  There are images of tools used by earlier human beings and many other symbols which suggest the presence of pre historic men.

The recent outcomes of the researches and excavations at the Edakkal Caves indicate its probable links with Indus valley civilization. There were about 400 signs that were recently identified and have significant link with the Indus Valley Civilisation and the prominent one among these signs is ``a man with a jar cup’’.

This has been the distinct motif of the Indus Valley civilisation and the presence of such signs indicates that the Harappan civilisation (2300 BC to 1700 BC) was active in south India too. An iron railing is placed in the cave which helps prevent visitors damaging the carvings. And the damp interior with history ic air and signs is sure to enthral any visitor.

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 97 km from Sultan Bathery 

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport about 23 km from Kozhikode

Bara Imambara – It Has A Unique Fashion Architecture Of The 18th Century Significance

BARA IMAMBARA

AT

LUCKNOW

The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of this place.

It is also called Asfi Imambara after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure.

The hall measures 50 meters long and goes upto a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it. 

It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan, which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag passages. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorised guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.

Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian). Rs. 500.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam).

By Air

Lucknow can be easily reached by air as the place has its own independent airport. The airport at Lucknow is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from the city center at a place called Amausi. Flights operate from Amausi to nearby places like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi and also other cities like Mumbai. 

By Train

There are two main railway junctions at Lucknow. One is at Lucknow city center itself and the other is at Charbagh, which is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the city center. Trains from all major places near and around Lucknow ply daily to this place. 

By Bus

Lucknow can be easily reached from Delhi, Kanpur, Agra, Allahbad and Dehradun. Highways from all these places connect them with Lucknow. The major highways passing through Lucknow are N.H. - 25, N.H. - 28 and N.H. - 56.

Jog Falls – It Is Located In The Border Of Shimoga And Uttara Kannada Districts

JOG FALLS

AT

SHIMOGA

Jog Falls is the second-highest force waterfall in India, Located near Sagara, Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 m (830 ft), making it the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Sharavati, a river which rises at Ambutirtha, near Nonabar, in the Thirthahalli taluk and takes the north-westerly course by Fatte petta, receives the Haridravati on the right below Pattaguppe and the Yenne Hole on the left above Barangi.

On arriving at the frontier it bends to the west, and precipitating itself down the Falls of Gersoppa and passing that village (properly Geru-Sappe), which is really some 29 kilometres distant, discharges into the sea at Honnavar in North Kanara.

The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja.

A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill.

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi. The power station has been operational since 1948, and is of 120 MW capacity, one of the largest hydroelectric stations in India at that time and a small source of electric power for Karnataka now.

The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, due to the ideas of Sir M. Visvesvarayya, Linganmakki Dam is being used for power generation.

Before the onset of monsoon season, when there is not much water in the Linganmakki dam, the Jog Falls are only a pair of thin streams of water trickling down the cliff, as the water collected in the dam is exclusively for generation of electricity; during monsoons local rain-water is the source of water to the falls.

Hubli Airport is the nearest airport which is 171 km away from Jog Falls. The nearest railway station is at Shimoga at a distance of around 105 km from Jog Falls. The Shimoga Railway Station is well connected to Mysore, Bangalore, Birur and Talguppa. Jog Falls is accessible by bus from Sagar and Siddapur. Sirsi is also a good base station to visit Jog Falls & other places around.

Sangameshwara Temple – Boatings Are Carried For The Followers To Go To The Temple Because Its Surrounded By Water

SANGAMESHWARA TEMPLE

AT

KURNOOL

The Sangameswara Temple in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh State of India. It is an ancient temple located close to the Muchumarri, at the confluence of the Bhavanasi and Krishna rivers. The temple is on the foreshore of the Srisailam Reservoir.

Devotees are allowed to the temples in the vicinity to be relocated to higher grounds, When the Srisailam Dam was being constructed, but did not allow the Sangameswara Temple to be shifted.

As a result, this temple is considered unique as it stays submerged under water most of the year and emerges just for 45 to 60 days in a year when the water level recedes in summer.

The Srisailam Dam was constructed in 1981 and thereafter the temple surfaced for the first time in 2003 and this trend is going on ever since. The Sangameswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local legend, when the Pandavas were exiled, they wanted to do pray to Lord Shiva.

The Pandavas felt that the site was sacred because it was located at the confluence of the two rivers and their five tributaries, namely Veni, Tunga, Bhadra, Bheemarathi and Malapaharini. Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, was asked to bring a Shiva Lingam.

Bhima went looking for one, but failed to return to his brothers with a lingam. So Dharmaraja, the eldest Pandava, installed a lingam made from neem wood. And, the temple was built around this sacred site.

When the temple surfaces, boats are used to transport devotees from the shore to the temple, as it stays surrounded by water.  It is during this time that the temple priests perform special prayers and other rituals. Before the temple is opened to the public, silt from the temple premises is first removed.

By Bus

Government Buses and private travel buses are available to reach this temple. This temple is 98km away from Kurnool. Since this temple is surrounded by water in all directions devotees use boats to reach this temple.

By Train

The nearest Railway station to this Temple is Kurnool Railway Station. From here buses are available to reach the nearest shore to the temple. Boats are available to access the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is Hyderabad. Government Buses and private taxis are available to reach Kurnool. From here many buses are available to reach this temple.

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

MARBLE PALACE

AT

KOLKATA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAHABAT MAQBARA PALACE

AT

JUNAGADH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Air

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

By Road

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

By Train

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

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

SUKHNA LAKE

AT

CHANDIGARH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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