JEGANNATH TEMPLE

JEGANNATH TEMPLE

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PURI

 The Jagannath temple of Puri is located on the eastern coast of India,at Puri in the State of Odissa.

The Puri temple is built on a gigantic raised platform in the heart of the city, The temple complex is enclosed by a wall about seven meters high -including the 0 height of the platform. The area of this platform is more than 4,20,000 sq.ft.

Jagannath Temple in Odisha (Orissa) consists of four entrance gates. They are named as Singhadwara, Ashwadwara, Hathidwara and Vyaghradwara and these names refer to lion, horse, elephant and tiger. 

The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, on each side of which is a gopura or gate, over which rises a pyramid-shaped roof. Being the largest temple in the state, it has a complex covering several square blocks with dozens of structures including a mammoth kitchen.

The name Jagannath literally means the Lord of the Universe. King Indradyumna first established the temple of Lord Jagannath here on the Nilachala hill with the Deity being installed by Lord Brahma himself.

jagannatha is not the only deity worshipped in the temple, though it is known as the 'Jagannatha Temple'. But along with Jagannatha, two others namely, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are also worshipped here.

 These three, constitute the basic and fundamental Trinity and are considered to be the forms and manifestations of the omni-present, omni-scient and omni-potent supreme power.

Sudarsan who is supposed to be the fourth important divine manifestation is also worshipped with the celebrated trio and these four are known as the Caturdha murti or the four-fold divine images.Besides, Madhava, a replica of Jagannatha, Sridevi and Bhudevi are also installed in the sanctum sanctorum and worshipped.

By Air

Nearest airport to Puri is Bhubaneshwar's Biju Patnaik airport, at a distance of nearly 60 kilometres. Daily flights connect this airport with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam.

By Train

Puri is a terminus on the East Coast Railway having direct express and super fast train links with New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Okha, Ahmedabad, Tirupati etc. Some important trains are Kolkata (Howrah) Puri Howrah Express, Jagannath Express; New Delhi; Purushottam Express. Khurda Road Station, 44 km, from Puri is convenient rail head for train to Chennai and Western India.

By Road

The bus stand near the Gundicha Temple provides connections to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, service every 10-15 minutes. Minibuses to Konark leave every 20-30 minutes and also from Jatiababa Chhak. There are direct buses for Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

AMBER FORT

AMBER FORT

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JAIPUR

Amber Fort is located in Amer from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. Anber Fort Was Built By Raja Man Singh I.

Amber Fort is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront.

Amer Fort is the best tourist attraction of Jaipur and the sprawling complex combines both immense fortifications with unexpected beauty and charm.

The fort which visitors are able to explore today dates from the 16th century and is situated on a natural ridge 11 km north of Jaipur.

The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance. The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which opens up into the main courtyard.

This east-facing gate is also the main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four courtyards of the Amer Palace.

The 'Sila Devi' Temple is right at the entrance to the main palace grounds. The second courtyard is famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'.

A very famous attraction here is the 'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble.The Amer Fort was built in red sandstone and marble and the Maotha Lake adds a certain charm to the entire Fort.

Major attractions of Amer are : Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Ganesh Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Singh Pol, Jai Mandir, Yash Mandir, Sukh Mandir, Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Suhag Mandir, Shila Devi Temple, Bhool Bhulaiya, and Zanana Dyodhi .

There were two ways to reach the Amber fort as it is situated on a hill. One was for elephant riding, and another was walk-way which was in natural raw shape of hill and rock way.

Now, the walk-way is modified in shape of new cemented staircases. Now, one road from bottom of the hill to Amber fort for vehicles also has been constructed, but to enjoy the trip of Amber fort, the walk-way or elephant riding is most preferable.

 Riding an elephant uphill seems a cliche for tourists. But it really helps feeling the ambience and plunging deeper in India. The elephant ride offers a skyline view of the Pink city and a mesmerizing sight over Maotha Lake.

Visiting Hours : 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Indian : Rs. 25.00  Student : 10 Foreigner : Rs. 200.00  Student : 100

Light Shows Timing (Onwords)  In English : 7.30 pm- Entry Fee : Rs. 200.00 

In Hindi : 8:00 PM-Entry Fee : Rs. 100.00

Elephant Ride at Amber Palace for two persons Rs. 900/-.

By Air

The Jaipur Airport is situated at Sanganer, 7 km (domestic terminal) and 10 km (international terminal) from the main city. It connects the city to all the major parts of India as well as some of the major overseas countries.

By Train

The nearest railway station to amber fort is Merta Road Jn Railway Station which is 8 km away from Amber Fort. Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains which connect this city.

By Bus

Jaipur, the pink city is linked with the all the major cities of India through the network of National Highways 8, 11 and 12 to name a few. There's also a very good bus service between Jaipur and Delhi provided by Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) with the buses at about every half an hour to and from both sides.

ADISHWARA TEMPLE

ADISHWARA TEMPLE

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BHAVNAGAR

Adishwara temple is one of the great Jain Temples situated in city of Palitana in Bhavnagar district of the Gujarat State. It is dazzling temple with excellent architecture, situated on shetrunjaya hill, which is about six kilometer near the Palitana city.

This Adishwar Temple took 65 years for the construction and is the largest Jain temples. Temple has three storeys, 80 domes, and 29 halls.

 Visitors get surprise by seeing the pavilions of the temple which are supported by 1444 pillars. The innermost part of the temple is adorned with a four faced image of Lord Adinath or Rishabhdev.

.  It is very complex and is considered to be one of the five most important holy shrines of Jains, in India.

Devotees visiting the famous Adishwara Temple in palitana desire to climb to the mountain top at least once in their lifetime, because of the holiness associated with the temple.

 The journey is exhausting. The walk up the stone stairways comprising of around 4000 steps takes about an hour and a half. Dolis are available those who prefer to avoid the steps.

Dolis are held by two men at both ends of a stick in the middle of which are a base to sit on. Food is avoided or carried on the way. The journey must begin prior to the sunset as no one can stay stop during the night.

Adishwara temple, palitana has many beliefs associated to the temple monuments. One such belief states that if you manage to squeeze yourself through an exceptionally small opening in a particular room, you are regarded to be a person without any sins.

 Before setting your foot down to leave, don’t miss out to pamper your taste buds with masala dahi.Climbing up the hill of the palitana adishwara temple successfully and returning with the blessings of Lord Aadeshwar is believed to be a great reverence and a matter of pride.

 It is seen that at various stretches while getting down many people wash the feet of the devotees and apply a tilak on their head. And some others give out sweets to all. It is believed that by doing this deed they mean to suggest and indicate that please make us a part of the good deed you have done by worshipping the holy temple.

   

   By Air

Bhavnagar to Palitana - the nearest airport lies at a distance of 51 kilometer. But the most convenient airport is Ahmedabad to Palitana as it is connected through regular flights to many important cities of the country like Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail

Palitana is a small railway station and has connection only with Bhavnagar. Most of the trains stop at Sihor, which is connected to Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. And also connects Palitana to Mumbai and other Indian cities.

 By Road

There are hourly buses for Bhavnagar to Palitana. Regular buses are also available for Ahmedabad, Talaja, Una, and Diu. The total journey time to Una or Diu is around 6 hours as the roads are not in a good condition. Taxis are also available on hire for Palitana from Bhavnagar.

PAHALGAM

HILL STATION

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PAHALGAM

Pahalgam is a town in anantnag district of jammu & Kashmir state of India.  It is located at an altitude of 2130 m above sea level amidst the great Himalayan range.

Pahalgam is known as ‘Valley of Shepherds’, and it is a famous hill station in Jammu and Kashmir where many films have been shot. Standing at the confluence of Lidder river and the Sheshnag lake.

Pahalgam is surrounded by thickly wooded pine forests, breathtaking vistas of meadows and the snow-clad Himalayan mountains.

Pahalgam is also a treat for adventure junkies and is the starting point for several treks. However, the highlight of the activities available for tourists is the white water rafting facility winding down the Lidder River through the forests and down the rapids.

Pahalgam is not a mere hill-station. It is a recreation resort. It is like going into the lap of nature to do many things. Pahalgam is not a new place. Its been very popular. People from all over india, and a lot of foreigners-especially trekkers, would really like to go there.

You want to have a romantic trip with your beloved, want to get together with you family, and have what they call a 'quality' family time.

you want to do those little interesting things with the family and kids, like take a pony ride, just picnic next to a beatiful river, just lie down under the sun next to your 'hut' with fresh breeze blowing, and read a book, or have a game of cards.

Go to a cosy market and have a cup of coffee, or eat normal not-cooked-at-home food, or shop some of the exquisite of Kashmiri handicraft.

By Air

Srinagar airport is the closest domestic airport to Pahalgam which is approximately 95 kilometres away. The Srinagar airport is well-connected to other major cities like New Delhi, Jammu, Leh, Mumbai and Chandigarh.

By Train

There are no train stations in Pahalgam. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi, which is at a distance of 157 kilometres and is well-linked with most of the Indian cities. From here, you would need a vehicle which can drive you to Pahalgam via Srinagar.

By Bus

Pahalgam is well-connected with neighbouring cities of Srinagar and Jammu. Regular bus services are available from Srinagar and Anantnag. You can choose from the routine state-run buses or a special luxurious coach by any private vendor.

MAHABALESHWAR

HILL STATION

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MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar is the queen of all hill stations in Maharashtra, India. Its height is 4500 feet above sea level. It is city and located in Satara district of Maharastra state of India.

The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat and Babington Point, all of which offer spectacular views. 

Trot along on horseback for a delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Venna Lake area, and savour juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.

An evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest. Honey & chikki, channas, waling sticks. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries , goose berries & muberries. Vegetables like red potatoes, french beans, beets, salad, carrots, raddishes. Boating in Venna lake.

Wilson Point is called as Sunrise point. The highest point. 4710 ft above sea level. It is a vast plateau. There are three masonary round platforms to see the sunrise. You are advised to see sunrise from platform no:2. You can see sunset also from this point.

Connaught peak is the second highest point. Presents panoramic view of a green carpet. You can see sunrise as well as sunset from this point.

Elphiston point is the first point of M'war/ Overlooking two valleys, koyna on the left & savitri on the right. Marjorie Point Shoes several ranges of the Sahyadri range.

Arthur’s seat is more facinating to know that Arthur's seat is the only place showing geographical distinction of kokan & Desh (Deccan), two territories of Mahabaleshwar, so clear & so near. If you go by the steps you come across a spring known as Tiger's spring which is supposed to be the source of the river Savtri.

Baghdad Point is a very beautiful point. It goes past village Moleshware on the way. You see a superb scenic view of the back waters of koyna dam on your left, river solshi in front of you with tiny villages as if sqatting on river banks & vast green slopes of M'war plateau on your right.

Below it the Artists Point also called as lovers point by some nature lover, presents beautiful koyana & valley below you.

Chinamans, Lingmala & Dhobi waterfalls, flow in abundance only during the rainy season. Bee keeping centre is educational displays on the manufacture of honey by bees. So many beautiful places to see around mahabaleshwar.

By Air

Mahabaleshwar doesn’t have an airport in the town itself. The nearest airport is in Pune, which is about 120 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or a bus from here to Mahabaleshwar.

By Train

There are plenty of trains going to Pune from Mumbai as well as other major cities across India and you can take a bus or a taxi from Pune to Mahabaleshwar.

By Bus

There are several buses plying between Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar, which is a distance of about 247 kilometres. You will find both state transport as well as private buses from Mumbai and Pune. If you are going from Mumbai, you can catch the bus from Dadar East, Sion or Vashi. The ride will take you roughly six hours.