MUSSOORIE

HILL STATION 

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MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie, Popularly known as the Queen of Hills, this charming hill station, 34 kms from Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 2003 mts in the Garhwal hills. above sea-level.

 Mussoorie is one the beautiful hill stations in India and the most frequently visited. It provides excellent respite to people who want relief from the hot sultry conditions of the plains, especially since it is close enough to the capital to make just weekend trip.

 Also, major Hindu pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh are not far from this place.

The lush green hills, the varied flora and fauna and the majestic view of the Shivalik ranges and the Doon Valley attracts thousands of tourists both domestic and international to Mussoorie each year.

 Mussoorie is famous not only for its scenic beauty but it has also developed into an important centre of education and business.

Mussoorie is also famous for the Lal Bahadur Shastri national Acadaemy of administration where officers are trained for the Indian Administrative Service and the India police service.

Best season to go Mussoorie is March to June and September to November. Summers are the best times to have trekking , rock climbing and camping.

Mountaineering, mountain biking, camping, trekking and nature walks are the most popular activities in Mussoorie. The Himalayan adventure institute organizes treks and other activities like rock climbing, nature camps, and river crossings.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which lies approximately 54 kilometres away, and offers daily connectivity with New Delhi.

By Train

There are numerous trains connecting New Delhi with Dehradun, such as the Shatabdi Express (as well as the Jan Shatabdi Express), the Mussoorie Express, and the Nizamuddin AC Special. The latter two trains are overnight trains. The journey lasts approximately 5.5 hours, depending on the train chosen. All the above mentioned trains pass through Haridwar.

As such Mussoorie does not have a direct rail link. Dehradun Railway station serves for Mussoorie too. This station is linked which Superfast trains to other major cities in country. The nearest railhead is Dehradun which is 34 Kms. from Mussoorie. It is the Northern Railway terminus connected to all major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Howrah, Lucknow, Varanasi, Amritsar, Saharanpur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Allahabad, Ujjain, Indore, Kathgodam, Okha.

By Road

  Mussoorie is well connected with roads with other major cities. There are regular bus services from various metros and other tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh as well as from out side the state. Bus services are provided by State transports. There are conducted tours to Mussoorie too. Private Operates too operate bus services from Delhi. 

KHANDALA

HILL STATION

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 KHANDALA

Khandala is one of the twin hill stations located near to each other, the other being Lonavala. These are in pune district of Maharastra State.

These hill stations are very popular getaway spots for people from Mumbai and Pune, which are very well-linked with Lonavala by road and rail. Monsoons are the best time to visit Lonavala/Khandala.

Khandala is one of the beautiful hill stations situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Khandala is quite a tempting location for rock climbing. Khandala is situated at a distance of about 3 km from Lonavala and about 7 km from Karjat.

Located at an altitude of 625 m, Khandala is definitely a popular and trendy destination. People from Mumbai and Pune often visit this place as it is in close proximity with these cities.

 Khandala is the twin hill station of Lonavala, which is another exotic location, just 5 km away from Khandala. The hill station has a pleasant climate, with mild summer and cool winter.

 In Monsoon season when it rains, the surroundings look green and fresh, which allures lots of tourists throughout the year.

ByAir

The hill station doesn't have an in-town airport. The Mumbai international airport and the domestic airport of Pune are located near Khandala. Direct flights from outside India and other domestic flights land on daily basis at Mumbai airport. The Pune airport connects Khandala with domestic flights. One can hire a taxi or opt for a bus to reach destination.

By Train

The Lonavala railway station is the closest to Khandala. This railway station is connected with the railheads of Mumbai and Pune through regular trains which makes it easy to reach Khandala by train. There are buses and taxis to take one at the destination.

By Bus

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the National Highway Number 4 are the routes through which one can easily drive to Khandala. The roadways are well maintained which offer a smooth ride to visitors. The state and private volvo buses are frequented to ply regular service to the visitors.

MUNNAR

HILL STATION 

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MUNNAR

Munnar is idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. It is located in Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala.

Munnar is a lovely area of Kerala’s Western Ghats that is filled with green hills, valleys, forests and tea plantations. The magic of Munnar begins much before you reach the little hill town.

The drive is exciting what with the road winding around hillsides with tea estates on either side and stunning views beyond. The drive is fascinating any time of the day, but it is particularly surreal in the morning with swirling mists and moving clouds, changing subtly at every turn, round every bend.

Munnar attracts tourists from all over the world because of its exquisite natural beauty. Munnar is located in the state of Kerala and was the popular summer destinations of the British rulers.

It is a narrow stretch of land flanked on one side by the Arabian Sea and on the other side by the Western Ghat mountain ranges.

 Palm-fringed backwaters, scenic beaches, misty mountains, evergreen rain forests, gushing streams and waterfalls, all make this ancient spice capital of the world the most sought-after tourist destination.

Munnar experiences a moderate climate all through the year. Summers (March to May) are pleasant and the temperature ranges a maximum of 25°C to minimum of 15°C. Winters during December to February are cool and temperature comes down to 10°C during this period. Monsoons (June to September) are lovely with pouring rainfalls.

By Air

Munnar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. From Cochin, you can hire a cab to get to Munnar. The Madurai International Airport is 140 kilometres away from Munnar. In case you de-board at the Madurai International Airport, you can hire a cab or board the state transport or private buses to get to Munnar.

By Train

The nearest railway station from Munnar is at Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 kilometres from Munnar. The Ernakulam Railway Station is 130 kilometres away while the Madurai Railway Station is at a distance of 135 kilometres. From these points, you can either hire a cab or board the state transport or private buses wherever available.

By Bus

State-run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are the best way to get to Munnar by road. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to Munnar from all major cities in Kerala.

Self Drive Route

Ernakulam- Munnar: (135 kilometres) 4.5 hours 
 Thekkady- Munnar: (110 kilometres) 4 hours 
Thiruvananthapuram- Munnar: (300 kilometres) 9 hours 
Palani- Munnar: (120 kilometres) 2.5 hours 
Coimbatore- Munnar: (150 kilometres) 6 hours 
 Madurai - Munnar :(135 kilometres) 6 hours

CHAR DHAM YATRA

CHAR DHAM YATRA

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UTTARKHAND

Char Dham Yatra is one the most popular pilgrimage route, with millions of devotees paying homage to all these religious places in aspiration of eliminates all sins and to attain salvation by the blessings of the Lord.

 Every Year More than 250,000 pilgrims visit Chardham from various parts of India. Char dham is also growing popular among foriegn tourists, who are blessed to see the heavenly natural beauty and Himalayas with a chance to know more about culture of India.

CharDhams of Uttarakand can be covered in one strech in a matter of 10-11 days. Nowdays, you can also get helicopter services to visit CharDham in just 2 days.

Due to Picturesque surroundings, high altitude mountain region (Himalayas), dense forests, large valleys and enthralling environment gives an opportunity to visitors to unwind themselves by breathing fresh air with experience of majestic locations.

The Uttarakhand administration is busy giving the final touches to preparations for the annual Char Dham Yatra that begins on May 9.

While police have strengthened security measures, the health department is working to provide healthcare facilities on the Yatra route.

The portals of Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri will be thrown open to pilgrims on Monday, while the fourth shrine, Badrinath, will be opened two days later on May 11.

The tourism department is keeping its fingers crossed over the pilgrim turnout in the wake of the negative publicity brought about by the recent forest fires.

By Air

 Jolly Grant Airport, popularly known as Dehradun Airport is the nearest airport to the Chardham. Helicopters and small private planes are also allowed to make a landing at the airport.

By Train

 The closest railheads from Chardham are Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Kotdwar. Buses, taxis and private cabs are easily available outside the station.

By Road

 The well laid out network of roads make it possible to reach Chardham in a hassle-free manner. Inter-city transportation services and taxis are available on a frequent basis. Buses can be boarded from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Gangotri and Uttarkashi.

PARSHURAM JEYANTI

PARSHURAM 

JEYANTI

Parshuram Jayanti will be celebrated on 8th May, on tritiya of Shukla paksha. Lord Parshuram was born on Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya which is why this day is celebrated as Lord Parshuram Jayanti.

Parshuram was born on this day to destroy the kings of Haideya dynasty. Parshuram was the fifth son of Jamdagni and Renuka. He had four elder brothers : Rumanvant, Sushen, Vishwa and Vishwavasu. This day is celebrated as Parshuram Jayanti because Parshuram was born on this day.

Parshuram the sixth incarnation of Vishnu is the epitome of valor and devotion towards parents. Once his father, Jamadagni got angry with his wife Renuka and ordered Parshuram to murder her.Parshuram obeyed him and killed his mother.

Contented with his act Jamadagni asked his son to ask for anything whatever he wanted. Parshuram asked to bring back his mother to life. It was Parshuram’s cleverness that brought back his mother to life again. In this way Parshuram proved his devotion to his father and mother.

Akshaya Tritiya is another name for the birthday of Lord Parasuram. There is a strong belief that the merits gained by good acts on this day are forever. It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yug.

Hindus embrace major part of population in India. With the recovery of Hinduism after the medieval period, the birth day of Parshuram regained its importance. Except fasting, procession and satsang is also arranged in most of the towns of Northern India.