Araku valley - The Green Valley And River Combination Gives A Spectacular View From Uphill Journey

ARAKU HILL STATION

AT

VISAKHAPATNAM

Araku is a famous hill station of AP. It is located at a distance of 120 KM from Visakhapatnam ( Vizag ). It is famous for its scenic beauty. Located on the eastern ghats , it has valley, water falls and streams flowing by the side of the train track and roads.

 The journey to Araku Valley is the most enjoying as the rail passes through tunnels, hill sides and streams. . It is better to go to Araku by train and return by road.

Heard about hair pin bends on serpentine hill roads, villages and their simple residents, open fields with exquisitely verdant hint, water cascading from a high position? These are a sight to etch and an experience to engrave forever. Having Araku Valley tour is one way to do that. Have a look on what all waits there.

One of the most beautiful places in what is referred to as "Food Bowl of South India", Araku Valley is located some 120 Km from the coastal city of Vishakhapatnam which is also known as Vizag popularly. 

Locals from nearby cities like Vizag prefer the place for the convenience of reach as well as the non-commercialized appeal. The undefiled landscapes at around 3000 ft becalm the rushed senses with their elements of greenery, sounds, waterfalls, caves and the local people selling home-grown organic coffee.

Taking revenge on stress by the way of biking is common in these landscapes, when city youths choose to get their rugged bikes services for a trip to Araku Valley including Anantgiri Hills as well.

 Other activities could be tried in places like Tyde Park, are bird watching, animal-sightings, trekking, rock climbing, etc. Taking a joy ride in toy train is another option available to keep kids engaged and adults involved.

Summers are most visited season of the region when the range of temperature stays somewhere between 18° to 28° C, while winters see a dip to 5° C requiring a protective cover in case a visit is made during that time. 

Monsoons from June to October are quite heavy due to the Bay of Bengal, so much so that they can result in to landslides causing travel as well as normal routine inconvenience.

At a height, there is a different world around with every sip of Araku coffee, especially in a room furnished for comfort with an exquisite view out of window. This could be a reality in the Araku Valley hotels.

 Some of the options include names like Haritha Valley resort, Punnami Hill Resort, Jungle Bells in Tyda, ITDC tribal cottages, Mayuri Hill Resort, Ushodaya Resorts, Chandrika Guest House and Holiday Inn Vihar. Pre-booking is always suggested, especially during the peak seasons.

By Air 

 Nearest Airport is Vishakhapatnam from where curvy roads to Araku Valley can be relied on.

By Train 

 Araku Valley has two railway stations that are on Eastern coastal line. It is a great way to journey to the valley, as the views from rail are quite enchanting passing through bridges and tunnels.

By Bus

The route to Araku Valley is frequented by several APSRTC buses in a day. The trip is a treat for the senses and may compel many to travel on their own with the freedom of stopping over at breathtaking spots 

Brihadeshwar Temple -It Is The First Complete Granite Temple In The World

 BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE

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THANJAVUR
 

The original name of the deity was Rajarajeshwar. It was the Marathas who gave it the name Brihadeeshwara or the Great Ishwara. The main temple is entirely built of granite. More than 130,000 tons of granite is said to have been used to build it.

 A long associated myth with this temple temple is that the shadow of the main structure does not fall on the ground. However, this has been proven wrong by scientists. The statue of Nandi at the entrance of the temple is carved out of a single stone.

 The main Vimanam, which is at about 200 feet is often called Dakshin Meru or Southern Meru. The inspiration to build the temple came to Raja Raja Cholan during his visit to Sri Lanka and is a result of a dream he had.

 The temple has a portrait of Raja Raja Cholan paying obeisance to Lord Natarajar. This is undoubtedly, the first ever instance of a royal portrait.
 Inscriptions in the temple point towards Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan as the chief architect of the temple. His successors survive to this day and practice the art of Vastu or Vastu Shastra.

 Depictions of nartakis or dancers showing eighty one of hundred and eight karanas (synchronised movements of hands and feet) in Bharata Natyam are carved here. These karanas are a part of karanas mentioned in the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni or Sage Bharata. There is also evidence that the temple was a platform for talented dancers to showcase their talent. These depictions are first of their kind.

 The inscriptions also mention the different kinds of jewels used in the period. Each of these jewels are mentioned in detail. A total of twenty three different types of pearls, eleven varieties of diamonds and rubies are mentioned in these inscriptions.

Dravidian architecture was a style of architecture that came into view 1000 of years ago in South India that is usually made from stone. These temples consists mostly of pyramid shaped gopurams, which are large towers over the entrances; a vimana, which is the tower over the sanctum (the Deities); and large pillared halls and corridors.

Kumbam which is the topmost structure of the temple is also carved out of a single granite stone, weighing about 60 tons. This temple can be approached from the eastern side through two gateways which are termed as “Gopuras”. 

There are two guardian statues beside the gateways made by the Shaiva legends. Hundreds of sculptures decorate the exterior of the temple, whereas inside the temple there is a huge idol of Lord Shiva with three eyes.

 108 karmas have been sculpted on the inner walls performed by Lord Shiva. Once more extraordinary for this temple is shadow of the tower over the gateway of the temple never falls on the ground.

              

There is a Nandi (sacred bull) which is too big and at measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. It is carved out of a single rock also this is the second biggest Nandi in the world.

By Air

If you want to reach this city of Thanjavur through Airways, then it is possible as nearest airport from Thanjavur is located at Trichy, which is 65 kilometers away.

By Train

One of most convenient and affordable means to reach Thanjavur is through Railways. As this city has its own railway station, connected well with Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.

By Bus

City of Thanjavur connects through Roadways with all major cities and towns in state of Tamil Nadu along with Ernakulam, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram cities in state of Kerala and Bangalore city in Karnataka.

You Must Visit These 8 Weekend Getaways From Delhi To Get A Break From The City

Impromptu journeys can be loaded with fun and excitement. Here are a few refreshing weekend getaways that can be planned in a jiffy.

icture courtesy: Mail Today

From the solo travellers to those who believe in exploring with their gang, weekend getaways are emerging as a popular vacation option. Pocket friendly and easy to plan, they act as a quick and natural stress-buster. With the tremendous rise in stress due to work and sedentary lifestyle, a short trip is a great way to revive and refresh the mind and body. All one needs to do is call up some friends, fill the tank, and start the engine. Self-drive holidays are evolving as a popular option among Delhites.

"Indian travellers are opening up to intellectually and educationally enriching getaways along with traditional sightseeing vacations. They like to plan their outings with family and children where the place doesn't matter as long as it is a mini vacation," says Rajeev Kale, President & COO - Leisure Travel (Outbound, MICE, Domestic & Sports Holidays), Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. A short weekend getaway gives them an opportunity to relax and unwind without compromising on their professional life. "What better way than going on a long drive to a weekend getaway and spending that quality time right from the moment you step into your car," says Kushal Walia, spokesperson, TravelTriangle. Experts also feel that the rise in disposable incomes, improved road conditions, improved navigation system and the fact that Delhi has a number of weekend destinations in the vicinity which are easily drivable are some of the reasons that have added to the popularity of weekend getaways. One also doesn't need to have deep pockets to plan a quick break with family or friends, which makes the idea of a short break all the more attractive and doable.

"Self-drive holidays are economical for a family travelling together. Such holidays assure more control over the journey and ensure that one travels at his/her own pace and stop when one wants," adds Walia. Delhiites have turned on their ignition to cover the nearby destinations of Uttaranchal and Himachal Pradesh, which are not more than a few hundred kilometres away. Jaipur and Nainital are also some of the frequent weekend destinations for the city dwellers. If you are thinking of taking a short break to get out of the monotony of city life, then just get in the driver's seat and drive to these 8 refreshing weekend getaways at a stone's throw from Delhi.

WEEKEND GETAWAYS NEAR DELHI

1. SARISKA TIGER RESERVE
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 216 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June
ATTRACTIONS: Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Antelopes, Chital, Nilgai, and Avifauna
ACTIVITIES: Wildlife safari and spotting, parasailing, and scuba diving in Alwar Lake

2. ABHNERI AND DHAUSA
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 273 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March
ATTRACTIONS: Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Abhaneri, Khwaraoji
ACTIVITIES: Sightseeing, Festivals, Village Safari, Jeep Safari at Dhausa Dunes

3. NAUKUCHIATAL
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 312 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to Mid-November
ATTRACTIONS: Naukuchiatal and many temples
ACTIVITIES: Nature Walks, Paragliding, Kayaking, Boating, Horse riding and Bird Watching

4. DHANAULTI
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 325 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: March to June
ATTRACTIONS: Aloo Khet, Eco Park, and Surkanda Devi Temple
ACTIVITIES: Trekking, Mountain Climbing and Camping

5. KANATAL
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 310 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year
ATTRACTIONS: Kodia Jungle, Tehri Dam, and Chamba
ACTIVITIES: Trekking, Hiking, Rappelling, and Nature Walks

6. MORNI
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 260 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year
ATTRACTIONS: Mansa Devi Temple and Gurudwara Nada Saheb
ACTIVITIES: Boating, Trekking, and Camping

7. LANSDOWNE
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 249 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Throughout the year
ATTRACTIONS:War Memorial, Tip n Top View Point and St. Mary's Church
ACTIVITIES: Trekking, Mountaineering, Boating, Paddling, Star Gazing, and Jungle Safari

8. PARWANOO
DISTANCE FROM DELHI: 265 km
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Mid-May to Mid-October
ATTRACTIONS: Cactus Garden, Pinjore Garden, Gorkha Fort
ACTIVITY: Cable Car Ride

Kerala - Snake Boat Race Has Bagged An Award In The Destination Category 2016

kerala boat race

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Kerala Tourism's pavilion themed on the famous snake boat race has bagged an award in the destination category along with Mexico, Japan and Nepal at FITUR, the second largest travel and tourism fair in Spain.

The Kerala pavilion won the best stand award for design, communication and professionalism at the 36th edition of the five-day FITUR that ends on Sunday.

The event was attended by 9,500 companies from 165 countries.

The Kerala pavilion, which was adorned by two replicas of the snake boat, was one of the most-photographed pavilions.

"The award for our pavilion is a huge honour for our state," said Kerala's Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, who led the state delegation at FITUR.

Four co-exhibitors, representing the state's private tourism and hospitality sector, took part in the pavilion, built on a 60 square metre area.

The pavilion was conceived and designed by Stark Communications, the marketing agency of Kerala Tourism and executed by art director Sabu Sivan and his team.

Kerala Tourism's principal secretary G. Kamala Vardhana Rao termed it a "significant international honour bestowed at the world's second most important travel and tourism industry event".

FITUR, organised by Madrid's trade fair organisation or IFEMA (Feria de Madrid), was held at the IFEMA Convention Centre, one of the biggest exhibition grounds in the world.

Kerala - The Best Family Destination Award Got Once Again 2016

KERALA

Kerala has once again been named as the best family destination in the country at the Lonely Planet Magazine India (LPMI) Travel Awards 2016.

Kerala Tourism Director U V Jose received the award at a function in Mumbai on Monday, a release said in Thiruvananthapuram.

The annual awards showcase the best travel experiences available to Indians and anoint the best service providers, the preferred places to stay and the destinations Indians most love to visit, it said.

Nominations for the awards are shortlisted by a panel of travel experts and professionals, following which readers vote both online and in the magazine.

Besides being judged the best place to take the family along for a holiday, Kerala was also nominated in the best destination for 'culture' and 'to relax' categories.

Kerala Tourism had earlier won the Ulysses Prize of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for its contribution as a global leader to sustainable tourism, the release added.