A Place Visitation At Once In Life Time -Vaishno Devi Mandir

VAISHNO DEVI JI MANDIR

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JAMMU & KASHMIR

Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the Holy Hindu temples dedicated to Shakthi and located at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian state of Jammu &Kashmir.

The Yatra to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji is open throughout the year. The summer months of May, June and July and the festival period of Chaitra (spring) and Sharad- Ashwin (Autumn) Navaratras and New Year vacations witness peak rush.

As a result of this rush, devotees have to often wait for 12-20hours before having Darshan. It is therefore strongly adviced, that for comfortable, quick and satisfying Darshan, the period of peak rush must be avoided.

The Trikuta Mountain where the Shrine is located and the Holy Cave are the gateway to the dimension of Super Consciousness. And just like the Trikuta Mountain, which is one at the base but has three peaks (hence the name Trikoot), the revelation of the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top.

These three heads in a natural rock form are known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess. The entire rock body is immersed in water, and a marble platform has now been constructed all around.

The main Darshans remain to be of the three heads called the Holy Pindies. The uniqueness of the Holy Pindies is that although they emanate from one single rock form, each one is distinctly different from the other two in colour and texture.

Towards the right of the devotee is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Kali (the Supreme Energy of Dissolution) in the colour associated with Her i.e. black.

In the centre is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Lakshmi (the Supreme Energy of Maintenance) with a yellowish-red tinge, the colour associated with Mata Maha Lakshmi.

The Pindi to the extreme left of the viewer is worshipped as the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Saraswati (the Supreme Energy of Creation). It has a whitish tinge when looked at attentively.

Yatra parchi or registration slip is an important document during the Vaishno Mata darshan. It acts as a documentary permission of SMVDSB that the person/s can precede towards the Bhawan. So the pilgrims should always keep their slip with themselves properly.

Devotees can also book their advanced registration slip from the website of Shrine Board. The registration slip is given free of cost at YRC - Katra but if you make an online booking for the slip it will cost you ` 50 for each person, which is beneficial during the rush hours.

In order to receive it, the visitor has to register his/her name along with the total number of companions. One Yatra Parchi can contain a maximum of 9 family members. If you have more members then take another slip. For those people who have arrived in large groups can take separate registration slips for each family.

Once you reach the Bhawan then Mata's Darshan is allowed in groups. You will need the Yatra parchi to avail your group number from the check-post at the Bhawan. So do not misplace the registration slip as you will be turned back without darshan and other disciplinary actions might be taken by the order of Shrine Board.

The one way distance to the temple is around 35 kms considering which takes around 6-7 hrs on foot, 3.5 hrs on horse and 20 mins by helicopter to reach 5 kms before the temple.

By Air

Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jammu. The average flying time from New Delhi is about 80 minutes.

By Train 

One can also reach Katra by rail. Jammu/Katra is connected to other parts of country on broad gauge and numerous passenger trains ply from various parts of the country. In the peak season of summer and other holidays, the Railways introduce special trains for the comfort of the Yatris. Many superfast trains also ply on this route and one can reach Jammu/Katra overnight from New Delhi.

By Road 

Jammu is well connected through road also to rest of India. National Highway No. 1A passes through Jammu towards Srinagar. Regular bus services from all major North Indian cities are available for Jammu as well as Katra. Many standard and deluxe buses of various State Road Transport Corporations as well as private operators connect Jammu with important cities and towns of North India.

5th June to 30th September 2016-North Kerala Delight

DREAM SEASON HOLIDAY PACKAGE

NORTH KERALA DELIGHT

5^th June to 30^th September 2016

In Kerala the monsoons sing a different song for each traveller. It is almost like the rains take special pains to ensure each visitor leaves the shores of God's Own Country with a happy heart. Add to that the fact that it is also the season for rejuvenation through ancient Ayurvedic practices and you have before you an experience worth a lifetime. The Dream Season holiday period in the state offers you diversified tourism products and services, customized travel packages. The accredited tour operators of Kerala tourism will help you to finalise your trip to Kerala ... Here the monsoon is not just a season. It is an experience. Come, live it!

North Kerala Delight

Kozhikode - Wayanad

04 NIGHTS / 05 DAYS

CPAI

INR 11200 to 40400

Book Now

Day 1

Kozhikode

Arrival @ Kozhikode Airport and proceed to Hotel. En-route visits the famous Kozhikode Town & Kozhikode beach. Kozhikode was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins) in the middle Ages and later of the erstwhile Malabar District under British rule. Check- in to the hotel and enjoy the beach. Overnight stay at Kozhikode

Day 2

Pookot Lake, Wayanad

Check-out from the hotel after having breakfast and will starts to Wayanad. En-route will visit Ghat Road View Point and Pookot Lake. Check-in to the hotel & enjoy the resort activities. Overnight stay at the resort

Day 3

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruva Island & Edakkal Cave

Set out for a full day sightseeing of Wayanad's popular destinations like Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuruva Island and Edakkal Cave. Overnight stay at the resort

Day 4

Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam & Meenmutty Waterfalls

After breakfast go for Sightseeing tour to Soochipara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam & Meenmutty Waterfalls. Overnight stay at the resort

Day 5

Kozhikode

After breakfast Check-out from the hotel & proceed to Kozhikode Airport/Railway Station for departure.

Inclusions

·         Accommodation using 01 DBL as per itinerary

·         Daily breakfast

·         All meals at Wayanad

·         Transportation using suitable AC Vehicle

·         All entrance fee

·         All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary

·         Driver Bata, Vehicle fuel, toll, parking & entrance

·         Services of English speaking touristic driver

·         All applicable taxes

Exclusions

·         Expenses of Personal Nature

·         Flight ticket

·         Extra Meals / Tips / Laundry

·         Take home medicines

·         Any other expense than those mentioned above

Notes

CPAI - Continental Plan All Inclusive (Room with Breakfast & all taxes inclusive) Extra bed rates on request One kid below five years (complementary) Children above five years will be treated as extra person and the rates will be given on request

Economy	Standard	Deluxe	Super Deluxe
Below 3 Star Hotel / Similar	3 Star Hotels / Similar	4 Star Hotels / Similar	5 Star Hotels / Similar

Vehicles used

	02 PAX		04 PAX	06 PAX
Economy	Indigo / Etios / Similar		Innova / Ertiga / Similar	Tempo Traveller
Standard	Indigo / Etios / Similar		Innova / Ertiga / Similar	Tempo Traveller
Deluxe	Innova / Ertiga / Similar		Innova / Ertiga / Similar	Tempo Traveller
Super Deluxe	Innova / Ertiga / Similar		Innova / Ertiga / Similar	Tempo Traveller
Rates
Per Pax Rate		Economy		Standard	Delux		Super delux
Based On 2 Adult		15200		18100	35400		40400
Based on 4 Adult		12600		15500	29900		34900
Based on 6 Adult		11200		14100	28500		33500

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Perennial Fresh Water Lake-Pookot Lake

POOKOT LAKE 

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WAYANAD

Pookot lake is located at three kilometres from Vythiri in wayanad district of Kerala state of India.

Pookot Lake, nestled in the lap of mountains, is one of the perfect destinations that any nature-tourist longs to visit. It is vast with an area of 8.5 hectares and with a maximum depth of 6.5 metres.

 Pookot Lake and the verdant greenery of the rolling hills overlooking the lake, offer a view that is so riveting that it reminds you of a beautiful picture postcard.

Panamaram stream, which is tributary of Kabini River, is the main source of water for this lake. A walking path is well maintained all aroung the lake. It is a joy to walk all aroung the lake. During the rainy season it is lovely to watch the rain make patterns on the water canvas. 

It is a natural freshwater lake and the weather here is exciting. The serenity and the romantic elements of the idyllic setting have made it one of the most sought-after destinations in Wayanad.

The tourists can avail boating facilities and glide through the placid waters using pedal or rowboats. There is a pathway constructed around the lake and the visitors can walk through the pathway enjoying the dream-like serenity of the lake and the somnolent hills on its brim.

Horses trot on the pathway and the visitors can have a horse ride, if they wish to, along the pathway. The location also offers the facility to shop for curios. You can select from a wide variety of bamboo and wooden artefacts in the curio shop nearby.

The tea, coffee and spices produced in the Wayanad Mountains too can be bought from here. The natural honey, collected by the tribals too is available from the shops here.

This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among wooded hills, is only one of its kinds in Kerala. Pethia pookodensis, is a species of cyprinid fish known to occur only in Pookot Lake.

 The lake has abundance of blue lotus and fresh water fishes. The forests surrounding the lake hold many wild animals, birds and flies.There are groups of Blue water lily flowers scattered here and there in the lake. 

The lake is under the South Wayanad forest division and run by District Tourism promotion council. Boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts and spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are among the tourist attractions here.

Boating

 Pedal boat is Rs 30 for 2 people, Rs 50 for 4 people, for Row boat Rs 50 for 4 people & Rs 100 is charged for 30 mins of Kayaking.

The entry fee is Rs 10 for an adult and Rs 5 for children.

 Separate charges are to be paid for camera Rs10 & Rs100 for using video camera.

Timings : 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

By Air

The nearest airport is Karipur Airport, 129 kms away from Mananthavady. The airport is connected to many cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai and Airline services are available from Karipur to many gulf countries. 

By Train

The nearest railway station to pookot lake is Kozhikode Train Station which is 42 km away from Pookot Lake.

Pookot lake is located at about 13 kilonmeters from Kalpetta. Visitors coming from Kozhikode should take left deviation from Talippuzha near Vythiri. It is 3 km south of the famous Vythiri Resorts. 

World's Largest Private Collection Of Crystal-Udaipur City Palace

CITY PALACE

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UDAIPUR

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.

 Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.
City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture.

The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard.

On passing 'Bara Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver. Besides Tripolia, there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. Across 'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.

City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City Palace has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass.

The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.

A palace complex built by Maharana Udai Singh, the City Palace is grandeur personified. A conglomeration of several buildings with towers, balconies and cupolas built all over, the City Palace also houses a crystal gallery, which boasts of royal artifacts and the world’s largest private collection of crystal.

 It is one of Rajasthan’s largest palaces and offers splendid views of Lake Pichola. A must-not-miss experience in Udaipur is the hour long Mewar Sound and Light Show. This regal rendering of the history of Mewar takes place every evening at the City Palace complex

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Entrance Fee: Adult/Child: Rs. 50/Rs. 30

Camera Fee: Still/Video – Rs. 200

Crystal Gallery: Adult/Child: Rs. 500/Rs. 300

 Mewar Sound and Light Show: The Legacy of Honour (7 pm – 8 pm) - Adult/Child: Rs. 150/Rs. 75

Mewar Sound and Light Show: Yash ki Dharohar (8 pm – 9 pm) - Adult/Child: Rs. 100/Rs. 50.

By Air

The nearest airport in Udaipur is called the Maharana Pratap Airport which is situated about 20 kilometres away from the city center. It is well-connected by air to all major cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Jaipur. Some of the popular airlines that have daily flights to and from Udaipur are Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, and Kingfisher Airlines. 

By Train

Udaipur lies on a vast network of rail that connects it to major cities in India such as Jaipur, Delhi, Kolkata, Indore, Mumbai and Kota. Some of the popular trains that run daily are Mewar Express, Gwalior-Udaipur Express, Bandra-Udaipur SF Express, Chetak Express and Annanya Expres.
Once you reach the station, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw depending on where do you want to get down in the city. The fare will depend on the number of kilometers covered.

By Bus

There is a very well-established bus service network to Udaipur, linking it to several cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Indore, Kota and Ahmedabad, among others. There are a number of options when it comes to travelling by bus. These include deluxe buses, air-conditioned coaches and State-run transport.

Address 

Kalash Marg, In City Palace Udaipur,Near Jagdish Mandir, Bhatiyani Chohatta,, Rao Ji Ka Hata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001.

Celebrating 2600 Years of Buddha's Enlightenment-Mahabodhi Temple

MAHABODHI TEMPLE

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BUDH GAYA

Mahabodhi Temple is situated in Gaya district, 96km from Patna of Bihar State of India, marking the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

The Mahabodhi Temple is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built in brick that still survives today. The ground level of the temple is 45 meters square, stretching up in a pyramid shape that ends in a smaller square platform.

 The central tower of Mahabodhi stands 180 feet (54 meters) tall. The brickwork on the outside of the temple depicts scenes from the life of the Buddha.

Inside the temple is a colossal image of a seated Buddha touching the earth with his right hand (a gesture known as the earth-witness mudra). In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been covered in gold and dressed in bright orange robes.

The grand 50m high Mahabodhi Temple of the 5th-6th centuries is of immense importance, being one of the earliest temple constructions existing in the Indian sub-continent. It is one of the few representations of the architectural genius of the Indian people in constructing fully developed brick temples in that era

The Mahabodhi Temple, one of the few surviving examples of early brick structures in India, has had significant influence in the development of architecture over the centuries.

The site of the Mahabodhi Temple provides exceptional records for the events associated with the life of Buddha and subsequent worship, particularly since Emperor Asoka built the first temple, the balustrades, and the memorial column.

The present Temple is one of the earliest and most imposing structures built entirely in brick from the late Gupta period. The sculpted stone balustrades are an outstanding early example of sculptural reliefs in stone.

The Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Bodh Gaya has direct association with the life of the Lord Buddha, being the place where He attained the supreme and perfect insight.

Immediately next to the Mahabodhi Temple is the Bodhi Tree, a descendent of the very tree under which the Buddha was enlightened, and the Jewel Walk, marking the place where the Buddha is said to have practiced walking meditation for seven days after his enlightenment.

  By Air

The nearest airport is at Gaya(12 km) and is connected with major cities of India. Gaya is also connected with cities like Colombo, Bangkok, Singapore and Paro. One can get down at Gaya airport too and hire taxis or buses to reach Bodhgaya.

 By Rail

The nearest Railway station from from Bodhgaya is Gaya. All the major trains pass through the station. Patna is another railhead from where you can board trains for other destinations in India. Patna is linked with all the major cities of India including the metros of New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. The Mahabodhi Express is a special train that runs between Delhi and Gaya daily and non-stop and takes just 16 hours to reach Gaya from Delhi.

 By Road

GT Road connects Bodhgaya from major cities of north India. Bodhgaya is well connected with Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Raurkela, Hazaribagh, Kolkata, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Delhi and Amritsar.