Tourists Flock Malshej For Monsoon Magic, Bookings At All-Time High

 State Director of Tourism Satish Soni said that almost total reservation is at Malshej, Bhandardhara, Matheran, Karla, Chikaldhara and Tadoba are at 90 per cent for the next two months

Malshej Ghat has emerged as the most popular tourist attraction in the state this monsoon, with government resorts packed with bookings for the next two months. Bhandardhara is a close second, with Matheran and Karla also avidly sought after by tourists, mainly from Pune, Mumbai and Nashik.

State Director of Tourism Satish Soni told The Indian Express that while the occupancy rate at the 22 resorts run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is almost 60 per cent, those at Malshej, Bhandardhara, Matheran, Karla, Chikaldhara and Tadoba are at 90 per cent for the next two months.

MTDC officials said the rush this year could be attributed to the abundant rain, thanks to which these weekend getaways are likely to remain tourist hotspots till September.

Malshej Ghat is located 700 metres above sea level amid the ranges of Western Ghats, and is equidistant from Mumbai and Pune. Approximately 154 km north-west of Pune, the rugged landscape is thickly forested and laced with several rivers. The hills come alive with cascading waterfalls during the monsoon.

Despite the recent landslide that blocked the road to Malshej Ghat, the rush of tourists is unabated. “A massive landslide had toppled a truck into the valley and we have urged visitors to be careful. The road has been opened up just a day before and highway police are ensuring smooth travel for visitors,” Soni said.

In the Vidarbha region, Chikaldhara and Tadoba have had high occupancy rates and bookings are full for the next two months, Soni said. While Tarkarli and Ganpatipule MTDC resorts have a high occupancy rate throughout the year, visitors prefer to visit these places after September, as the Konkan region witnesses very heavy rain, he explained.

The hill station of Mahabaleshwar, too, has its share of tourist rush, but Malshej has emerged the hottest tourist destination this monsoon.

After online bookings showed a high occupancy rate, MTDC officials said they started getting personal calls for accommodation. “We have now decided to introduce package tours from August at affordable rates,” Soni said.

A one-day Mumbai-Malshej-Mumbai tour has been arranged for Rs 900. Other tours, such as Mumbai-Bhandardhara- Mumbai and Mumbai-Shirdi-Bhandardhara, are also being offered. “We anticipate more rush with long weekends coming up during Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi,” Soni said.

Uttar Pradesh Government Approved Audio Guides For Tourists In Taj Mahal And Agra Fort

Government Approved Audio Guides for Tourists

Government Approved Audio Guides for Tourists

Handheld audio guides are now available for all visitors at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Visitors can now take self-guided tours with an audio guide and accompanying map in a language of their choice. These audio guides provide authentic information and are available in several foreign and Indian languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Hindi and Bengali.

Created in partnership with the Archeological Survey of India, these Audio Guides can be conveniently rented adjacent to the ticket counters at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort for Rs. 105 (including taxes) for English and foreign languages, and Rs. 63 (including taxes) for Indian languages. For more information, please visit http://www.audiocompass.in or contact our AudioCompass at +91-5622331686.

In Frequently Asked questions:

Question: How do I arrange a tour guide for the Taj Mahal?

Answer: Government Approved Handheld audio guides are now available for all visitors at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Visitors can now take self-guided tours with an audio guide and accompanying map in a language of their choice. These audio guides provide authentic information and are available in several foreign and Indian languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Hindi and Bengali.

Created in partnership with the Archeological Survey of India, these Audio Guides can be conveniently rented adjacent to the ticket counters at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort for Rs. 105 (including taxes) for English and foreign languages, and Rs. 63 (including taxes) for Indian languages. For more information, please visit http://www.audiocompass.in or contact our AudioCompass at +91-5622331686.

Warangal Fort - It is one of the architectural brilliance of the times of yore

WARANGAL FORT

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TELENGANA

Warangal Fort, situated 12kms from Hanamkonda in the city of Warangal. It was constructed in the 13th century during the Kakatiya dynasty. Positioned on a hill rock, Ekashila, the fort appears to be spread in three layers of fortifications that ensured the safety of the fort. 

Warangal Fort is one of the architectural wonders of the times of yore period. Sited in south-east of Warangal city, the massive structure was built in the 13th century by rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty.

The highlights of the fort are the imposing gateways and graceful towers, each 50 feet tall. These massive gateways known as ‘Keerti Torans’, at the entrance are a fine example of South Indian style of architecture. The remarkable feature of the main gateway is that it comprises of four beautifully carved pillars, which have been cut out of a single rock. 

The Warangal Fort is adorned with impressive arches, delicate sculptures, pillars and towers. The remains of the fort also comprise of stone works, patterns and design portraying lions and swans.

The walls of the Warangal Fort are soaring high and are made of huge granite blocks. Inside the frontiers of the walls are steps ascending to a trail that runs along the summit of the fort. 

The Warangal Fort is adorned with a temple named Swayambhuva in its centre which had been erected by the Qutub Shahi Kings. The temple was dedicated to Mother Earth and is renowned for its intricate sculptures. There is another temple inside the fort which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

At present the Warangal Fort is in ruins and many tourists come to this grand old fort for sightseeing. The remains of the fort have so much to offer to people with interest in architecture.

Warangal Fort is today very popular for its architectural brilliance, which is above and beyond its history. The pride of Kakatiya dynasty, it had two fortifications, with the inner one consisting of four stone gateways.

The remnants of the fort present a valuable insight of the past civilization. The wreckage comprises of intricate sculpturea, stone works, motifs and designs - depicting animals like lions and swans. 

Within the Warangal Fort, you can see remains of the temples that had been erected by the early Qutub Shahi kings. It has many possessions that are worth-seeing. In short and snappy terms, visit the fort and explore this standing testimony of its glorious past.

By Air

The nearest airport to Warangal is at Hyderabad which is at a distance of aroung 130km from here. It is best to  hire a taxi from the airport to Warangal as it takes the least time and is quite comfortable. It will take around 3hrs to cover the distance.

By Train

Warangal has its own railway stations that connects it to almost all parts of India. The station lies on Delhi-chennai main line which has many important trains running on it and all have a halt at Warangal.

By Bus

Warangal has good network of roads that connect it to all the important cities of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is the closest major city to Warangal. There are regular government buses plying between the two cities. There are private buses as well.

Murugan Temple In Thiruparankunram – It Is The Primary Of Six Army Camp Temples (Aaru Padai Veedu)

MURUGAN TEMPLE

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THIRUPARANKUNRAM

The Murugan temple is located near Madurai in the tamilnadu state of India. It is one of the most sacred Tamil Hindu shrines - Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram.

The temple may start with the 8th century AD when Pandya rulers built rock-cut temple. During the reign of Nayaks of Madurai (1559 - 1736 AD) the temple was supplemented with beautiful gopurams and beautified. There was built extensive and beautiful front part (mugha mandapam) with 48 ornate pillars carved during the rule of Pandya and Nayaks.

Of the six army camp temples (Aaru Padai Veedu) of Lord Muruga, this is the first temple. While Lord Muruga graces in a standing form in other five army camp temples, He graces in a sitting, wedding form with His consort Deivanai. Murugan Temple in Thiruparankundram became one of the most revered shrines in Tamil Nadu

The Devas appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the terror strikes of demon Surapanma. Lord created Muruga from six sparks from His forehead eye. Lord Muruga fought Surapanma, destroyed and made of him a peacock for his vehicle and a cock for his flag. This happened in Tiruchendur. Indira offered his daughter Deivaniai to Muruga in marriage. The marriage took place in Tiruparankundram attended by a huge number of Rishis, Devas and Gods. Lord Muruga graces here in the wedding form. He is named Subramanya.

This is the only temple where abishek is performed to Vel. More importance is attached to Vel as the Lord came to this place victoriously after defeating the demon Surpanma with the power of this weapon.

Temple leads very active religious life with numerous festivities and Thiruparankundram for most part of the year is teeming with life.

Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Krithikai in July-August, Purattasi Vel festival in September-October, Skanda Sashti in October-November, Tirukarithikai in November-December, Thai poosam in January-February and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple

As if there is not enough importance and reverance, on the top of hill there is also a Muslim shrine devoted to Sekunder - Alexander the Great! Local Muslims consider that Alexander the Great was the friend of King Murugan. Thus Thiruparankundram is a place where both Hindu and Muslims go well along.

Worship timing's

Morning: 5.00A.M to 1.00P.M

Evening: 4.00 P.mM to 9.00P.M

There are eight kalam (times) of poojas daily and they are as follows :

S.No	Pooja Name	Time
1	Thiruvananthal	5.30 A.M
2	Vizha Poojai	7.30 A.M
3	Kalasanthi	8.00 A.M
4	Thirukaka santhi	10.00 A.M
5	Uchikalam	12.00 P.M
6	sayaratchai	5.30 P.M
7	Artha Jamam	8.45 P.M
8	Palliyarai	9.00 P.M

By Air

The nearest airport to Thiruparankundram is madurai airport, madurai which is 6 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Train

The nearest railway station to thiruparankundram is Madurai Jn Train Station which is 5 km away from Thiruparankundram.

By Bus

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Madurai.

Prashar Lake - Exciting Activities Get Nearer To The Mind When One Consider To Travel Prashar lake

PARSHAR LAKE

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MANDI

Parashar Lake is located at an height of 2730 m above sea level. Its in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh. With deep blue water the Lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated here.

Framed by snow-capped peaks and looking down on fast flowing river Beas, the Lake can be approached via Drang. Every year in the month of June, famous traditional fair is held here. Several camping sites are also located here and it is the base for numerous easy and hard treks.

The lake is situated at an avg. height of 2730m (8,960 ft) in the lap of mountains. The deep blue lake lies in a saucer shaped valley and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

The primary inflows to the natural sweet water lake are rain water and glacier run off/melt water and the lake depth is unclear as of now. There is a little floating island in between the lake which keeps on revolving and changes its position at regular intervals which is quite unique.

The lake has been named after the sage Prashar (father of Vedavyas) who has mediated here and is a pristine spiritual place.

Alongside the lake there is an old three storied pagoda shaped temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The temple and a small ground alongside the lake offers great scenic natural beauty and provides the feel of heaven. This temple was built by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi in the 14th century and is capped with a roof of slate tiles and has a wealth of wood carvings.

The area has been surrounded by the dense forest and is awesome place to relax and connect with nature. An entire amazing panorama of snowy mountain ranges is visible from this location.

At the top of the valley, one can be surrounded by lash green spots with cows, lambs, horses grazing and small mud huts made by Gaddis and Gujjars. The good part is that the area is completely pollution free, clean, calm, less populated, and totally untouched by the modern amenities.

In nutshell it is a must visit place for trips, picnic, and group parties.The road to the Prashar is very adventurous and breathtaking. The road goes through a patch of dense lush green jungle and wild hens can be easily spotted on the way.

By Bus:  An HRTC bus runs on this route on daily basis. The bus starts from Mandi bus stand @ 7 AM and reaches the Prashar (via Kataula and Bagi) @ 11AM appro. The same returns from Prashar @ 1:30 PM and reaches Mandi @ 5PM approx.

The last HRTC bus makes an overnight stop at Suda village, between Bagi village and Prashar Lake.

Buses do not ply to Prashar Lake in peak winters because of snowfall and bad road conditions.