Kailasanatha Temple – It Is The Mostly Well-Known Tourist Lures Of The Kanchipuram City.

KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE 

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KANCHIPURAM

Kanchi Kailasanathar temple was built in 7th century AD by a Pallava king named Rajasimha known as Narasimhavarman II. This Kanchi Kailasanathar temple is famous for its magnificent Vimana, the gopuram over the Sanctum Sanctorum.

It is an early structural temple, built of sandstone, and partly renovated in recent times. The modest scale of the temple, and the closeness of its enclosing wall, lend a feeling of intimacy to the surroundings.

It speaks volumes of architectural beauty that flourished in the reign of Pallava King. Kailasanatha temple is the biggest sandstone temple in the world according to K.T. Narasimhan, Superintending Archaeologist at Archeological Survey of India.

The foundation of the temple is laid on granite stones while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone. The pradakshinam path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.

A huge kneeling Nandi stands in the front facing the temple and a look at it clearly indicates it must have been painted in gorgeous colours once. There is a curious tunnel around the sanctum sanctorum which has a very narrow opening at the entrance and a larger one at the exit.

Kailasanatha contains in embryo many of the features of the rapidly emerging South Indian style: gopuras, pilastered walls, a pyramidal shikhara, and a perimeter wall enclosing the complex.

The temple is aptly located in a rustic suburb away from the hustle-bustle of the city. The architectural beauty of this temple stands out from all the other temples in Tamil Nadu.

One of the unique features of this temple is the 16 sided Shiva lingam made up of black granite at the main shrine. Thousands of devotees visit the temple at the time of Mahashivratri, when you would even have to wait for hours in long queues for your turn.

Kailasnathar temple in Kanchipuram is the oldest one.58 small shrines with different forms of Lord Shiva surround the main shrine. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in different postures. According to the popular belief the temple served as a shelter to the king at the time of battles.

Maha Shivaratri is the biggest festival held in the temple when thousand of devotees throng the temple in the evening hours to offer prayers to the main deity.

By Air

Chennai is the nearest airport. From Chennai the temple is 75 kms away.

By Train

The nearest Railway Station is Kanchipuram. From Kanchipuram, the temple is 2.7 km away. Private taxis are available to reach this temple.

By Bus 

Kailasanathar Temple situated west side of kanchipuram and is 3 Km from Kanchi bus stand.

Romantic Konark Puri Tours

ROMANTIC KONARK PURI TOURS

Destinations Covered : Puri, Konark & Chilka.
Tour Duration : (03 Nights / 04 Days). 

Day 01 : Bhubaneshwar - Puri (56 kms)
Arrive at airport / railway station. Upon arrival you will be given assistance at the airport followed by transfer to Puri. On arrival arrti & tikka at the resort. Check in at your hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 : In Puri
Morning after breakfast visit to Shri Jaganath Temple get the blessing & proceed for Konark Temple tour. Konark is famous for marvelous architecture The Sun Temple is also a UNESCO heritage site was built by King Narasimha of Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 : In Puri (Excursion tour of Chilka Lake)
Morning after leisure breakfast proceed to Chilka Lake the largest brackish water body in Asia & is the home of numerous birds & sea life. Visit to Island by boat for bird watching & also Kalijai Temple located at Kalijai Island. Return to the hotel rest of the time at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 04 : Puri - Bhubaneshwar
Morning post breakfast you will be departed to Bhubaneshwar Airport/Railway Station for further journey beyond.

Price includes of :

·         Accommodation on twin Sharing Basis.

·         Aarti Tikka on arrival.

·         Welcome drink on arrival.

·         Bed Tea, Buffet/Fixed Menu breakfast.

·         One time honeymoon cake in the room.

·         All transfers & sightseeing by exclusive AC car as per above itinerary.

·         All applicable hotel taxes.

 Please Visit Orissa Tourism

Onam - It Is The Nationalized Festival Of Kerala Ever Since 1961

ONAM FESTIVAL

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KERALA

Story goes that during the reign of mighty asura (demon) king, Mahabali, Kerala witnessed its golden era. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues, Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's growing popularity.

However, for all the good deed done by Mahabali, God granted him a boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.It is this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy and wish him well.

Onam is the biggest and the most important festival of the state of Kerala. It is a harvest festival and is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm all over the state by people of all communities. According to a popular legend, the festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali, whose spirit is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). This corresponds with the month of August-September according to Gregorian Calendar.

Carnival of Onam lasts from four to ten days. First day, Atham and tenth day, Thiruonam are most important of all. Popularity and presentation of rich culture of the state during the carnival made Onam the National Festival of Kerala in 1961. Elaborate feasts, folk songs, elegant dances, energetic games, elephants, boats and flowers all are a part of the dynamic festival called Onam.

Government of India has taken due notice of this vibrant and colorful festival. It promotes Onam internationally in a big way and celebrates 'Tourist Week' for Kerala during Onam celebrations. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit Kerala to be a part of Onam.

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.

There are a lot of activities that takes place all over the state on Onam. Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an attire of plaited grass and big wooden mask. They move from house to house collecting small gifts and amusing children.

At Thrissur, caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and present a regal view. While at Cheruthuruthy, Kathakali artists cast a spell on the audience with the magic of their performance. Women perform their graceful traditional clap dance, Kaikotikalli on the day and enthrall the audience. Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organised in several parts of the state to mark the day.

Number of sports and games events are also organised on the day. These are collectively called Onakalikal. Some of them are rigorous sports like Talappanthukali, Kutukutu and combats like Kayyankali and Attakalam. Archery is also a part of Onakalikal. Senior members have their share of fun by playing indoor games like cards and chess. There is also a tradition of swinging on Onam. A decorated swing is swung on a high branch and young men and women take the pleasure on it while singing traditional songs.

Periyar Tiger Reserve At Thekkady

PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE 

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THEKKADY

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

Wealth of Periyar Forests:

Flora:Over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species 143 species of orchids. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus wallichianus, grows in the forests of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Fauna:

Mammals: More than 60 species are found here which includes the Asian elephant, Tiger, Indian bison, sambar deer, Indian wild dog, Leopard, Barking deer, Smooth-coated otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas whereas the endangered lion tailed macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the bonnet macaques and Nilgiri langur can be seen foraging from the trees near the boat landing. Malabar giant squirrel is omnipresent.

Birds:

265 species including migrants. The Malabar grey hornbill, The Indian pied hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, many species of drongos, woodpeckers, flycatchers, babblers, the spectacular Malabar trogon, etc can be seen near the boat landing.

Reptiles:

Cobra, viper, krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian monitor lizard.

Amphibians:

Frogs like the colorful Malabar gliding frog, fungoid frog, bicolored frog, many species of toads, and limbless caecilians.

Pisces (fish):

The Periyar lake and streams have several species of fish including the masheer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-coated otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.

Plantations:

Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve.

Watch Towers:

There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife. Reservations can be made at the Forest Information Centre, Thekkady. Ph: 322028.

By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 110 km from Thekkady.

By Air : Madurai, about 140 km and Cochin International Airport, about 190 km from Thekkady

Nahargarh Fort - It Is An Enormously Eye-Catching Architecture That Makes It A Must Visit Attraction

NAHARGARH FORT

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JAIPUR

Nahargarh Fort sits proudly on a ridge of the Aravalli Hills, creating an impressive northern backdrop to the city of Jaipur. It was constructed during the reign of Jai Singh in 1734, and was later expanded in 1868.

Nahargarh, which means abode of tigers, was a formidable barrier, defending Amber against attacking enemies. Within its walls, the fort houses Madhavendra Bhawan, the summer destination for the members of the royal family. Built by Sawai Madho Singh, the palace has 12 matching boudoirs for the queens, at the head of which is a suite for the king.

They are all connected by corridors decorated with delicate murals. Even today the palace is a favoured spot for local picnickers. The fort looks brilliant when floodlit at night. Overlooking the city, it presents a glittering view of the city lights.

The Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for its royal heritage. Formed by the union of many princely states ruled mainly by Rajputs, Rajasthan has many forts and palaces.

Some of these palaces and forts are associated with important historical events as well. Nahargarh Fort, along with other two forts viz., Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, once formed a strong defense for Jaipur city.

This fort gives you a breathtaking view of the scenic surroundings. One of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is noted for its extended wall which connects it to the Jaigarh Fort.

The fort follows Indo-European architecture and there are many structures inside the fort. To the left of the entrance gate 'Tadigate', there is a temple dedicated to the deity of Jaipur rulers.

Apart from this, there is another temple inside the fort, dedicated to the Rathore prince, Nahar Singh Bhomia. Another attraction in the fort is the 'Madhavendra Bhawan' built by Sawai Madho Singh. This is a two-storey building which has suites for the king and his twelve queens.

It is divided into nine similar apartments and each of these apartments has a lobby, bedrooms, toilets, kitchen and store. Other structures inside the palace include Diwan-I-Aam, an open air enclosure where the king met the common men and listened to their problems and complaints.

By Air

The city is extremely well-connected to the other parts of the country. The domestic airport is at a distance of 7 km from the main city at Sanganer, while the international airport is at a distance of 10 km.

By Train

The railway station is at a distance of 5 km and is well connected to the main city. There are many trains which connect Jaipur with different cities across India.

By Road

The Pink City is also connected with the major cities through a strong network of National Highways. The Rajasthan State Transport Corporation has a fleet of Deluxe, semi deluxe, Volvo and non AC buses, which make travelling more comfortable for tourists.