Falls Water Naturally Has Therapeutic Qualities To Cure Physical Ailments-Courtallam

HERBAL FALLS

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COURTALLAM

An enjoyable holiday spot in South India, Courtallam is famous for its Courtallam Falls in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in Tirunelveli District. Though the falls are located in Tamil Nadu, it also shares the boundary of Kollam district of Kerala State.

Also known as Kuttralam Falls, it has gained an extreme popularity, since the water here is believed to have great curative properties for a number of skin problems and even nerve disorders, as they run through a forest of herbs.

The town is famous for its pleasant climate and abundant natural beauty. There are nine places at Courtallam where the River Chittar cascades over 92 m., at varying volumes. The falls are at its best during the rainy season (July to late August) and one can see heavy flow in all the places during this time.

Besides the water falls, the town is famous for its two temples, Thirukuttralanathar dedicated to Lord Shiva and the another one dedicated to Lord Muruga. It is refreshing to take a bath in the waters of the falls and there are facilities for oil massages near the falls as well as in and around the town. Courtallam is essentially a place for rest and relaxation. But during season, the place could get crowded.

Main Falls (Peraruvi)
As its name suggests, the Main Falls or Peraruvi is the most popular and the biggest among the nine falls. Falling from a height of 60 m, it is located right inside Courtallam town. Here one can find water not only during the season but also in off season (November to January). During the peak season, this area becomes too crowded and one might have to queue up for a bath.

Near this fall, is the Thirukootachalanathar Temple, dedicated to Sri Thirukutralanathar (Shiva) or Thirukootachalapathi and Kuzhalvaimozhi Amman (Goddess). The temple has inscriptions about Chola and Pandya Kings. Chitra Sabhai nearby exhibits paintings from the Puranas and is believed to be one among the five Sabhas where Lord Nataraja is said to have presented his cosmic dance.

Small Falls (Chittaruvi )
Situated just above the Main Falls, is Chittaruvi or the Small Falls. There are steps which provides easy access to the Falls. Also, there are facilities for men and women to bathe separately here. A ticket is required to enter the area.

Shenbaga (Chembakadevi) Falls
Situated on the way to Honey Falls and about an hours ( 3km) uphill trek from the Main falls is the Chembakadevi Falls. It got its name because of its location near the small temple of Shenbagadevi. During full moon days numerous pilgrims visit this temple. Vendors sell the fragrant Shenbaga flowers on the way to the temple, which is an offering here.

Honey Falls (Thenaruvi)
It is situated 4kms from the Main falls and is named after the beehives that form on the face of the rock during dry season. The picturesque horseshoe shaped waterfall which falls vertically from three sides to join into a small lake, is worth seeing. But though the place is gifted with panoramic views of rainforests and huge rock formations, the waterfall is not easily accessible and is a risky trek. The trek will takes almost 2 hours and people are not allowed to bathe in the falls as it is very dangerous.

Tiger Falls (Puli Aruvi)
Situated 2 kms from Courtallam bus stand, it is a small waterfall with a Sastha Temple and a bathing ghat for pilgrims, nearby. It is a perfect and safe place for children to enjoy. Nearby is a old palace, now a private property.

Five Falls (Aintharuvi)
Situated  4 kms away from Courtallam, Five falls is the most beautiful waterfall at Courtallam. As the name suggests, these falls separate into five sections before cascading down close to the Aravankadu Pass.

Among the five falls, three are open to men and two for women. People have compared the cascade spread in five sections with that of the five heads of a hooded cobra. The hitch is that the place echoes with loud speakers blasting songs and advertisements continuously. There is a Swami Ayyappa Temple and Vinayaka Temple near the waterfall. There is a fruit stall nearby selling fruits like lichees, eggfruit, mangosteen, abundant in the area.

Old Falls (Pazhaya Courtallam) 
Situated 10 km from the center of the town, along the road to Tenkasi, is the Old Falls (200 ft). Here steps are cut out into the rocks to break the water's free fall. It is comparatively less crowded here, especially late at night. There are facilities for oil massages, and men and women have areas to bathe separately.

The other important falls at Courtallam are Fruit Garden or Orchard Falls (Pazhathotta Aruvi); and New Falls (Puthu Aruvi), situated amidst forests gives beautiful views of Courtallam town and is very attractive. Then there is the Agasthiyar falls, more than half an hour away, the first waterfall on the way to Courtallam by road, and the scenic Papanasham or Tambiraparani river dam with its serene lake and surrounding mountains, 45kms or one hour drive from Courtallam.

By Air

Nearest Domestic  Airport is  Tuticorin Airport (TCR) well  connected with Chennai. Spice jet Airlines operating two flights daily.  Madurai is the  another nearest airport, which has flights connecting to Chennai. You can reach Courtallam by bus, train or by hiring a taxi from Madurai. The journey takes about 3 hours and the Nearest International Airport is  Trivandrum International Airport which is at a distance of 110  km from Courtallam. Trivandrum airport is well connected with many major cities in India and abroad. Direct flights from many gulf countries are available from Trivandrum.

By Train

Nearest railhead is Tenkasi, 6km from Courtallam. From here one can take a private auto, bus or share van to Courtallam. Tirunelveli junction has many trains coming in from Chennai, and Shengottai is another railhead on the Kollam- Madurai route.

By Road

Many national highways links Courtallam by road to surrounding towns. Government run Transport buses and private buses are available from Tenkasi (6km), Tirunelveli (58km), Tuticorin (86 km), Sivakasi (105 km), Madurai (160 km) to reach Courtallam.

Pyramid Shape Of Mahal Appearances The Lord Krishna Crown - Hawa Mahal

HAWA MAHAL

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JAIPUR

The renowned 'Palace Of The Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty.

Jaipur, the Pink City is the best example of royal Culture. It houses several monuments and places which hold the rich history and heritage of our ancient times. Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of winds” is the best symbol of such historic places. Located in the Heart of the Pink City, it is one of the most visiting places in Jaipur and attracts tourists from all over the world.

The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone, is Lal Chand Ustad and the palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.

 Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs.

 The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public. Read further to know more about Hawa Mahal, its history, architecture and its visiting hours.

Hawa Mahal was a window to the outer world for the royal ladies and the Rajput ruler who ordered its construction in the year 1799 was Sawai Raja Pratap Singh.

The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars reaching to the top storey. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper floors; the storeys are connected by slopes. From Hawa Mahal, you have an excellent view of the city. The monument also has an archeological museum.

The Hawa Mahal is built on one edge of the City Palace and extends to Zenana which is the women’s chambers. The high screen wall was built so that women of the royal family could look at the festivals on the streets.

This was done in order to avoid the Royal women to be visible to commoners.The entire structure was designed to resemble the crown of Lord Krishna.The palace looks amazing when the early rays of sunlight hit, it gleams in golden light.

 

The Hawa Mahal is located on the a big road intersection known as Badi Chaupad, one of the prime areas of Jaipur.

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. It has the facility of daily domestic flights to Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Aurangabad, Hyderabad, Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Indore and Pune.

By Train

Jaipur is well connected to almost every part of India through the means of Indian Railways. There are several trains which connect this city to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Agra, Kota, Alwar, Jodhpur, Alwar, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Bikaner, Udaipur, Barmer, Jammu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Haridwar, Indore, Gwalior, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Roorkee, and Kanpur. The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.

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. There are non-AC and AC Volvo buses in which the fare of the AC bus is more.

 

 

 

Constant Climate All Throughout The Year-Candolim Beach

CANDOLIM BEACH

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GOA

Amongst the most popular Beaches in Goa is the Candolim beach in North Goa. The Candolim beach in Goa is a peaceful beach which is located quiet close to the Aguada beach. Most of the tourists in Goa prefer going to the Candolim beach owing to its serene and tranquil environment. 

Candolim is very much popular for its pristine touch and a lot of amusement options all around. Located very close to Baga, this beach is counted amongst the loveliest spot for honeymoon couples, friends or families.

It is endorsed by a crest of the dunes and lapped by the warm Arabian Ocean. Just 14 km away from the north of Panaji, the white sandy beach of Candolim normally embellished by the scrub-covered dunes and draws a large number of travel enthusiasts from all across the world.

On the other side, the main road named as the Candolim Calangute road is fully packed with shops and restaurants, but no doubt the beach front has plenty of water activities like water-skiing, parasailing, bump rides, jet-skiing, catamaran sailing, banana rides and wind surfing.

 Apart from all these, fishing is also popular for the one who want peaceful environment. Side by side, meditation, yoga and massage have also gained huge popularity as visitors love to experience and enjoy such pleasant atmosphere.

With a huge variety of seafood, different cuisines cooked in Goan style to handicrafts items and casual garments, everything you'll get there what you seek for.

The long and straight Candolim beach is dotted with dunes that offer little shelter. Also offering comfortable accommodation at the Candolim beach in Goa are the many hotels, guest houses and beach resorts.

At the Candolim beach one will often see a mixed crowd of tourists and locals alike. One can enjoy a lot here as the beach offers a lot of water sport activities such as water-skiing and parasailing. The evenings at the beach offer beautiful views of the sunset and one can really rejuvenate and relax themselves. 

Special beach excursions are also arranged in Candolim beach wherein a tourist is taken right to the core of the sea from where he can capture some memorable sunsets.

Candolim Nightlife is something that you should not miss during your stay.It's one of the interesting places to see after the sunset. The nightlife combines with gauzy surprise and entertainment.

 Discos and clubs like SinQ, Shiro Nightclubs, Club LPK-- Love Passion Karma, Pharaos, are the main attractions in Candolim, where a large number of tourists flock this place to enjoy drinking, dance and music.

These are the best place to listen to some hip hop and rock type DJ's music.

The party over here goes overnight ensuring perpetual fun and craziness.

 During your stay, you may try the Stone House on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday for cocktails & live music, raffles for the karaoke/Neil Diamond-sort of experience or if you wanna listen to Indian music, you may go 'Over the Flames' that is held on Monday & Thursday.

There are a number of buses that help people reach Candolim from Mapusa and Calangute. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, which is the KTC bus station. Buses from Panjim stops frequently, at the bus stand opposite to the Casa Sea Shell.The Dabolim airport provide the connectivity through air.

By Air

The Goa International Airport which is also known as Dabolim Airport caters to the entire state of Goa. The airport is located at Dabolim and is around 30 km away from Panjim, the capital city. The airport caters to domestic flights from major cities in India and also caters to international flights. Pre-paid taxis and buses can be easily availed from the airport.

By Train

The state of Goa has two rail lines; one is operated the South Western Railway and the other is operated by the Konkan Railway. The main railway station is Madgaon station in Margao. There are other railway stations in the state like Pernem, Thivim, Karmali and Canacona which are also well connected by trains.

By Road

Goa is well linked with National Highway Numbers 66, 4A, 366, 566 and 768. Goa has a total of 224 km of national highways, 232 km of state highway and 815 km of district highway.

A Remarkable Milestone of 203rd Flower Show-Lalbagh Botanical Garden

LALBAGH BOTANICAL GARDEN

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BANGALORE

Lal Bagh Botanical Garden is considered to be one of the most diverse botanical garden in South Asia. It is located in the southern part of the city, about 4 km from Vidhana Soudha and M.G. Road. Lalbagh has four approach gates.

The main gate is at the North facing towards Subbaiah circle, the West gate is towards Basavanagudi, the South gate is towards Jayanagar and the East gate is towards the Double Road.

The garden derived its name ‘Lal Bagh’because of a collection of red roses that remain blooming all through the year in this garden.

Lal Bagh is a 240 acre (971,000 sq.m. - almost 1 km²) Garden and is located on the southern part of Bangalore. It holds a number of flower shows, especially on the Republic Day (26th January).

The garden has over 1,000 species of flora. The Glass House, modeled on London's Crystal Palace (now re-modeled with a different layout), is the center of attraction.

The Lal Bagh Gardens were commissioned by the 18th century and over the years it acquired India's first lawn-clock and the subcontinent's largest collection of rare plants. The garden also has trees that are over 100 years old.

It comprises the largest collection of India’s rare tropical plants, many ancient trees, a decorated flower clock and an imaginary lawn surrounded by Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

Moreover, tourists can enjoy the beauty of a glasshouse, which is inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, one of Kempegowda’s watch towers, a peaceful lake and a topiary park as well.

The botanical garden is internationally famous for its scientific study and conservation of plants. For botany students, the place offers ample learning opportunities as rare species of flora are preserved here.

Every year on Independence Day and Republic day, flower shows are organized at the Lalbagh Botanical Garden. The event is jointly organised by Department of Horticulture and Mysore Horticulture Society, this flower show has been one of the most awaited events in the Garden City.

The 2016 Republic Day edition of Lalbagh flower show is the 203rd flower show! A remarkable milestone.  This year the flower show would use over 200 varieties of flowers and 20,000 pots for decoration. Over 500,000 visitors are expected to see this famous flower show.

Visiting Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Open: All days

Entrance Fee: Rs. 10.

By Air

Bangalore International Airport is 40 km away from the heart of the city, Majestic. It costs about Rs 300 by auto rickshaw and Rs 600 by taxi. Pre paid taxi facilities are available in Airport. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.

By Train

Bangalore Majestic, Bangalore Cantonment (8 km to Majestic) and Yeshwanthpur (10 km away from Majestic) are the three main stations in Bangalore. Bangalore Majestic is connected to all major cities in India.

By Bus

KSRTC buses connect all cities in the state to Bangalore. Many super deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hyderabad, Cochin, Trivandrum, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa and Mysore.

North And South Indian Style Architecture Temple-Birla Mandir Hyderabad

BIRLA MANDIR

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HYDERABAD

Birla Mandir in Hyderabad, dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala Tirupati Temple is said that a whopping quantity of white marble, which is almost 2000 tonnes, was brought from Rajasthan for building this temple.

 Located on the top of a hill of 280 feet, also known as Naubat Pahad, Birla Temple stands magnificently, drawing admiring glances from every passerby.

 Birla mandir one of the Top 10 tourist places to visit in Hyderabad. There are various Birla Mandir which have been built all over the country.

Birla Mandir is a structural wonder that dominates the skyline of Hyderabad. It is a fine specimen of man-made marvel, dedicated to the spiritual powers of Lord Venkateshwara.

Perched on the Kala Pahad (Black Hill), the temple offers a panoramic view of the twin cities of Andhra Pradesh. Hussain Lake, being in the forefront, adds to the stunning beauty of the temple.

Established in 1976, the marvelous edifice took about ten years to complete. The sanctum sanctorum is accessible by a flight of steps. Along the oblique path, you can see many marble figures of Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu Mythology.

 In the temple, one can trace the ceilings adorned with intricate art work and beautifully carved structures on the walls. Most of the scenes were illustrated from the great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The architectural style of the Birla temple is a blend of North Indian and South Indian styles of temple architecture. The temple tower or the ‘Gopuram’ exhibits the salient features of South Indian temples.

 The Jagadananda Vimanam built atop the sanctum sanctorum resembles the Oriya style of temple architecture.The idol of the main deity, Lord Venkateshwara, is a replica of Balaji of Tirupati.

The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is about 11 feet in height with a carved lotus canopy above, adding on to the entrancing beauty of the deity.

The statue has been carved out of granite stone. The statue of Lord Venkateshwara is carved out in the Oriya Style.

 This temple is said to be sanctified in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda from Ramakrishna Ashram.

The temple can be easily accessed from the city of Hyderabad as it is only about 1 km from Hyderabad Railway Station, 6 km from Hyderabad Bus Terminal and 7 km from the Begumpet Airport. 

By Air

Hyderabad is easy accessible by air through Begumpet Airport. This airport is also credited to be the only international airport in Andhra Pradesh. There are numerous airlines that run regular flights to and from Hyderabad. Begumpet Airport has two terminals; one for domestic and the other for international flights. These terminals are N.T. Rama Rao Domestic Terminal and Rajiv Gandhi International Terminal, repectively. Hyderabad is connected with all the major cities of the country and the world.

By Rail

When it comes to railways, Hyderabad stands in the forefront with its wide network of rail tracks. The main railway stations are Secunderabad, Hyderabad (Nampally) and Kacheguda. Many trains run to and from Hyderabad on regular basis. You can easily catch any of these trains for reaching Hyderabad from anywhere in India. These stations connect the city with most of the other cities and towns of India.

By Road

Hyderabad is well linked with all the neighboring states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa. A well planned system of roadways has been maintained by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC). This efficient network connects Hyderabad with almost each and every city and town in as well as outside the state. The major national highways (NH) that can be followed for getting to the city are NH - 4, NH - 5, NH - 7, NH - 9, NH - 16 and NH - 18