TAJ MAHAL

TAJ MAHAL

AT

AGRA

Taj mahal is considered one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and elected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a living testament to grandeur, romance, and historical significance. As India’s most recognizable structure, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory to his favorite wife. Its interior is complete with blossoming and vibrant exotic gardens, reflecting pools, and an impressive mosque.

Mumtaz Mahal, an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. It was in the memory of his beloved wife that Shah Jahan built a magnificent monument as a tribute to her, which we today know as the "Taj Mahal".

The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran, and it took approximately 22 years to build what we see today.

 An epitome of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. The monument was built entirely out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of approximately 32 million rupees, Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year 1653.

The best time to arrive would be just before the sunrise or sunset. Night viewing is allowed on the full moon night, two days before it and two days after it.

Tickets for the same need to be booked one day in advance.

Visiting Hours: Taj Mahal Sunrise to Sunset (Friday Closed) other monuments sunrise to sunset.

By Air
The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air. The city of Taj, Agra, has its own airport that is around 7 km from the city center. Indian Airlines operates flights to Agra on a daily basis.

By Rail
There is a good network of trains connecting Agra with the rest of the country. Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are other two stations also, that of Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort. The main trains connecting Agra with Delhi are Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express.

By Road
There are regular bus services from Agra to a number of important cities. The main bus stand of Idgah has a number of buses running for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.

RAMA NAVAMI

RAMA NAVAMI

LORD RAMA BIRTH PLACE AYODHYA

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 10 days and people from different regions of the country follow different celebrations of showing their devotion towards lord Rama. In Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated for 10 days starting from the Chaitra Saptami to the Bahula Padyami.

All across India, this day is celebrated as Lord Rama’s birthday as well as the day he got married to Sita. Importantly, some important celebrations happen on this day at Ayodhya (UP), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Rameshwaram (TamilNadu), and Sitamarhi (Bihar).

Ram Navami is a major festival for Lord Ram’s worshippers. Lord Ram's dynasty considered themselves to have descended from the Sun. Therefore the celebrations on Ram Navami festival begin early morning by praying to the Sun. In the afternoon, which is supposed to be Lord Ram’s birth time, a special prayer is performed in temples.

Ayodhya is the place where Lord Ram was born and during the festival resplendently decorated rath yatras or chariot processions are carried through the town. The main attraction of these processions are lavishly decorated chariots carrying four people dressed up as Lord Ram, his wife Sita, brother Laxman, and his disciple Hanuman.

Other sacred places like Ujjain and Rameshwaram also draw thousands of devotees from all over the country during this festival. People visit Rameshwaram to take a ritual bath in the sea before paying homage at the Ramanathaswamy temple.

May this day brings happiness to you and
fill your May this day brings happiness to you and
fill your life with joy and prosperity.
Warm wishes on Happy Ram Navami.

life with joy and prosperity.
Warm wishes on Happy Ram Navami.

CHOTTANKKARA BAGAVATHY TEMPLE

CHOTTANIKKARA BAGAVATHY TEMPLE

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KERALA

This is the most famous temple in the state of Kerala. It is situated on outskirts of Kochi. The two main deities here are Rajarajeswari and Badrakali. People believe that these Goddesses are very powerful. It is located in a serene atmosphere. Whatever your belief might be, you could still visit the place, which is one of the most important tourist destinations and offers you tranquil moments.

 it is one of the most visited Hindu shrines in South India and is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy who is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi during the day, and Durga in the evening.

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to be about 1500 years old. Legend has it that the temple was built in the midst of a dense jungle by a forest-dweller called Kannappan. Kannappan was a doting father who loved his young daughter. 

He sacrificed a beast to the Goddess Bhagavathy each day and one occasion could not find any animals to slaughter. He asked his daughter for her pet calf but the daughter preferred to give up her own life for the goddess. The calf spoke to Kannappan and revealed that it was the Goddess in animal form.

 A transformed Kannappan started to worship her at the place where the 

sacrifices were made by him. The shrine fell into disuse and was eventually discovered by a grass cutter.

Timings

                  

Opening of the Nada	4 am
Lord Shiva’s Dhaara	5 am
Ethruthu pooja	5.30 am
Morning Seeveli	6 am
Guruthi pooja at Keezhu kaavu Temple	7.30 am
Pantheeradi Pooja	7.45 am
Lord Shiva’s Dhaara	11 am
Uchapooja or noon pooja	12 noon
Noon Seeveli	12.10 pm
Evening Nada Opening	4.00 pm
Deeparadhana	6.30 pm
Athazhapooja	7.30 pm
Evening Seeveli	8 pm
Evening Guruthi at Keezhu kaavu Temple	8.45pm

Air

 International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 kms away from Ernakulam, Kochi.

Rail

The nearest station is at Ernakulam about 17km away from Chottanikkara. The two railway stations in Kochi are Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Trains from the Northern cities/Southern parts of India stop at Ernakulam Junction.
Ernakulam Junction, D.H. Rd, Ernakulam South, Phone: 131
Ernakulam Town, Near North Bridge
Phone : 0484-2390920

Road

 KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. It runs Express and Fast services from Ernakulam to other major cities within Kerala and into the neighbouring states. Reciprocal services from other States are also available. There are plenty of private buses available for travel from Ernakulam to other cities. They operate from High Court Junction, Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

BRINDAVAN GARDENS

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 MYSORE

Brindavan Gardens  is located at a distance of 19 kms from Mysore City Center and has rows-of colourful fountains.. The gardens are built across river Cauvery and below Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (also known as Kannambadi) which is in itself a magnificent example of engineering and a major tourist attractions. The dam was built by Sir M. Vishweshwariah in 1924 whereas the Brindavan Gardens were built by Sir Mirza Ismail.

Though Brindavan garden belongs to Mandya district, it is very nearer to Mysore.There is a boating pond to cross the dam from the south bank to the north bank and at the northern edge are the dancing fountains. Using advanced lighting techniques, the fountains are made to jump and dance to the tune of music. The dam is over 3 Kms long and is constructed at the junction of three rivers - Kaveri, Hemavati and Lakshmanathirtha. This site has been popularised over the years by the large number of Indian/foreign films shot at this location.

One can enter the garden from steps down from the middle of the dam. Laid out in three terrace formation, the garden has decorated steps where water flows in-between these ornate steps. The major attraction of the park is the musical fountains that leaps in rhythm with music and light.visitors can enjoy a boat ride around the beautiful statue of the Goddess Cauvery at the foot of the dam.

Entry Fee

Adult: Rs.15/-, Children: Rs.10/-, School Discount: Rs.5/- to Rs.10/- per head.

 Timings

10.30 am to 9.30 pm. Musical Fountain: Monday to Friday: 6.55 pm to 7.55 pm and Saturday & Sunday: 6.55 pm to 8.55 pm.

By Air 

The Mysore Airport also called as the Mandakalli Airport serves the city. The newly upgraded airport began flights from Bangalore to Mysore via the SpiceJet airlines on 14th January 2013. As of now SpiceJet is the only airline connecting to Mysore. Apart from this the major airport close by to Mysore is in Bangalore i.e. the Bengaluru International Airport.

By Train 

Mysore has a railway station with in the city. It is linked by rail to Bangalore and many other cities in south India. Prestigious luxury trains and many other mails and express trains service this station regularly. The Mysore railway station is located in the proximity of the city and is well linked with buses and taxis. 

By Road 

Mysore has a convenient network of roads which connects to important cities in Karnataka. Mysore is connected by National Highway number 212 and other State Highway 17, 33 and 88. 

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and other private operators run regular bus services both within the city and inter-cities. Within the Mysore city, buses and auto-rickshaws are a cheap means of transportation.

VIVEKANANDA ROCK

VIVEKANANDA ROCK

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KANYAKUMARI

Located at the southern most tip of the Indian Peninsula where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet, is Kanyakumari, the place famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Located in the midst of the ocean, just 400 meters from Kanyakumari, is the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This colossal structure was built in the year 1970, under the guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade. The Vivekananda rock temple is dedicated to one of the greatest spiritual philosophers of India, Swami Vivekananda.

 It is said that Swami Vivekananda meditated here before setting out on one of the most crucial religious campaigns in India in 1892. The idea of building Vivekananda Memorial Rock temple was conceptualized on his birth centenary in the year 1962.

Vivekananda Mandapam with a dimension of 534' x 426',consists of a Meditation Hall ( Dhyana Mandapam) with six adjacent rooms where visitors can meditate peacefully and an Assembly hall (Sabha Mandapam) with two rooms and a corridor. A statue of Swami Vivekananda in a standing posture, has also been installed in the Assembly hall, with its vision directed towards the 'Sripadam'. 

The sacred Hindu Symbol 'aum' or 'om' is written above the main entrance of the memorial, in Tamil. The design of the mandapa incorporates different styles of temple architecture from all over India. Wide entrance steps lead to the main entrance. The cost of construction of the memorial came up to 1 crore 35 lakhs. The rock on which the memorial stands measures about 164 mtrs. x 130 mtrs. at the water level and has a spacious level top at an altitude of 17 mtrs.

Swami Vivekanada (1863-1902),  the spiritual genius renounced the world and traveled widely as a wandering monk after the death of his guru Sri Ramakrishna. 

He came to Kanyakumari in 1892, swam in the ocean up to the 'Sripada' rock, and spent the whole night there meditating. It is believed that he received enlightenment here which transformed him into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century.

Air

The nearest airport is at Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), 86 kms away, with regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa and Madras.

Rail

Kanyakumari railway station on broad gauge line is situated at a distance of 1km from the port and is connected to Trivandrum. Tirunelvelli (83 km) is the other nearest railway junction.

Road

Kanyakumari is connected by Road to Nagarcoil ( 19 kms), Trivandrum (86 km), Tirunelvelli (83 km), Tiruchendur (95 km), Tuticorin (129 km), Rameshwaram (300 km), Courtallam (130 km), Tenkasi (138 km), Madurai (242 km), Thekkady (358 km), Kodaikanal (362 km), Ootacamund (576 km), Chennai (679 km), Cochin (309 km) and Coimbatore (478 km).