Our Lady Of Dolours Church – It Is The First Catholic Church In Thrissur District Of Kerala State Of India

OUR LADY OF DOLOURS CHURCH

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THRISSUR

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthan Pally) is claimed to be the biggest and tallest church in Asia, situated in the heart of the city of Thrissur in the Kerala state of south India.

It is famous for its Gothic style architecture with an area of 25,000 square feet (2,300 m2), it has soaring belfries at the entrance, double storeyed aisles all along the nave and transepts, and eleven altars, five on either side of the main one.

It is the largest church in India and its exuberant interior decorations include fine specimens of murals, images of saints and scenes from the scriptures. An array of 15 altars and musical church bells imported from Germany.

The ceiling is decorated with marvellous mural paintings of the holy trinity. Look for the pulpit and the throne used by Pope John Paul II during his visit in 1986.

Thrissur's first Catholic church, it was a center for St. Thomas Christians or Mar Thoma Nazrani in the area (now the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church) for decades. In 1874, the Chaldean Catholic bishop Elias Mellus arrived in India and convinced a large part of the Christian community to accept him as their bishop.

The group that followed Mellus was based at Our Lady of Dolours, and eventually separated from the Catholic hierarchy, forming what is now known as the Chaldean Syrian Church. In response the Syro-Malabar Catholics constructed a new building in 1929. The original church was renamed the Mart Mariam Big Church, and is now the cathedral of the Chaldean Syrian Church.

The construction of this biggest church in India was done in different phases, started in the year 1929. The two front towers are of 146 feet (45 m) height each and the central tower of 260 feet (79 m) height makes this church as tallest in Asia.

Completion of the towers were an architectural challenge. Few experts from TamilNadu were brought over. Architect who completed the church was Ambrose Gounder.

The notable feature here is the 260 feet high Bible tower at the rear of the church. Blessed in 2004, this tower depicts the whole life of Jesus and is the first Christian art gallery in Kerala. Visitors get a panoramic view of Thrissur city from the top of the tower. Working hours of the bible tower is from 10am to 6 pm, from Tuesday to Friday and from 10am to 7.30pm, on Saturdays and Sundays. The tower remains closed on Mondays.

Taj-Ul-Masjid - It Has A Huge Water Tank In The Middle Of This Mosque And Detach Prayer Hall For Women

TAJ-UL-MASJID

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BHOPAL

The literal meaning of Taj-ul-Masjid is ‘The Crown of Mosques’ and it is located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Claimed to be the one of the tallest mosques in Asia, this mosque was initially built during the Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1844–1860 and 1868–1901) of Bhopal.

It was still incomplete at the time of her death in 1901, after funds had been diverted to other projects, and construction did not resume until 1971. Fortress-like terracotta walls surround three gleaming white onion domes and a pair of towering pink minarets. The mosque was given final touch in 1985.

The entrance gate is planned with ancient designs taken from approximately 1250 Syrian mosques. The pink facade of the mosque is topped by 18-storey high octagonal minarets brought out with marble domes.

The double-storeyed gateway is attached with four recessed archways and nine cusped multiple openings to the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall is engraved with eleven arches and has exclusive screens of trellis work.

It has a courtyard with a large tank in the center. It has a double-storeyed gateway with four recessed archways and nine cusped multifold openings in the main prayer hall.

The mosque also has three huge bulbous domes, an impressive main hallway with attractive pillars and marble flooring resembling Mughal architecture the likes of Jama Masjid in Delhi and the huge Badshahi Mosque of Lahore.

There are 27 ceilings by arches supported by monolithic pillars; many of the ceiling arches have ornate petals that make them impressive. Yet another feature that may be worth mentioning is the presence of a separate prayer hall for women. The annual three-day Ijtima congregation held here is quite famous and attracts people from all over the country.

By Air

The nearest airport to Taj-ul-Masjid is raja bhoj airport , bhopal which is 6 km away from Taj-ul-Masjid

By Train

The nearest railway station to taj-ul-masjid is Bhopal Jn Train Station which is 2 km away from Taj-ul-Masjid.

Covelong Beach – It Is Famed For Its Water Sports And Fishing Activities Too

COVELONG BEACH

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CHENNAI

Covelaong Beach is located in the Kanchipuram District of Tamilnadu state of India, and on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal, where the shining sun, calm sea and shimmering sand form a unique aura of cheerfulness and magnetism. Its surroundings too, enthralling and pleasing, provides people with inner peace and happiness, away from the hustle and bustle of a routine.

On this beach, both, the sea and the surf are very calm and gentle. Along with the beauty of the natural beauty of the beach, which allures visitors from all over the world, the effervescent village of Covelong too, famous for its fishing activities, draws an astonishing number of people.

Whereas, an excellent world of water sports including swimming, water surfing and many other exciting water games entices thrill seekers to come and have a party of their own.

Besides this, the beach is embellished with an ancient Catholic Church; ruins, in the form of walls of a Dutch fort from the time gone by; and many other churches, mosques, forts, etc that depict the history of the city. After coming to this place, you will feel the history; tranquillity and the positive energy captivate your body and soul, and unwilling to leave.

The sand in the beach has a glimmering feel to it and when the sunlight falls on it the colour that reflects the eye is that of sparkling silver! And if this is accompanied with the pure blue sea matching the azure hue of the sky, I don’t think any mortal can move an inch! This combination is sure to soothe sore eyes, which are desperate for a relaxing vacation

There are places from where the facility is available and professional fishing ferries carry you out to the sea for enjoying fishing and then taking back your possession for dinner as well. This is an activity, which you must take part in and which will surely be cherished, especially if you’ve never been out fishing.

Covelong Beach is famous for its water sports and down the years has been attracting tourists and adventurers from afar to taste these water sports. It is one of the few beaches on the Eastern Coast, where you can find such activities being held. Water surfing is integral part of these activities.

Also, near the Covelong Beach, at a distance of 19 km, there is a place called Mahabalipuram, which has exclusive shore temples from the 7th century, the carvings and architectural designs of which are really fascinating.

Apart from this, there is a Crocodile Farm, which is a huge place for reptiles breeding. Here you can closely observe crocodiles living in their homely environment. This captivating spot is very well-connected and easily accessible from the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

You can reach there either by train, bus or by hiring a taxi. Apart from this, you can also go to this place by boat, along the seashore of Chennai or Chengalpattu. During your visit to South India, don't miss to visit this Covelong beach and to enjoy and collect some of the unforgettable memories.

By Car

The distance between Chennai and Covelong is 38 km. It can be reached in 1 to 1.5 hours. There are 3 routes that one can take to reach Covelong from Chennai. The one via East Coast Road is the shortest. The other route goes via Anna Salai/Mount Road and ECR. The longest route is the one via Chennai Bypass Road and Vandalur-Kelambakkam.

By Bus

Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)(MTC) and TNSTC Villupuram provide good connectivity by buses between Chennai and Covelong.

Meenmuty Water Fall – Once You Visit This Kind Of Place You Like To Add To Your Memory Kit.

MEENMUTTY WATER FALL

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WAYANAD

Meenumutty water falls is located in wayanad district of Kerala state of India.The Meenmutty waterfalls are at 29 km distance form Kalpetta. Meenmutty fall, the biggest and magnificent falls in Wayanad is situated at two-kilometre hike through the forest from the Ooty road, in whcih the vehicle would pass only up to one km distance.

 The rest of the path is needed to be covered by trekking and the path to reach the falls is perilous and tiring. But once you reach the falls you will have great deal of enjoyment in store.

In Vaduvanchal-Ooty road it is at 4 km distance. It is largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Wayanad, that cascades from a height of about 300m in three stages. It is the second largest waterfall in Kerala, located in the lush deciduous forest.

The Meenmutty, Soochipara, and Kanthanpara waterfalls combined, feed the Chaliyar River. The cascading waterfall does not provide a very favorable place for the fish to swim in, hence a name that roughly translates to 'where the fish are blocked'.

Since there is upward falls where fishes can't swim further this name is given to the falls. It’s a gorgeous place located in the Neyyar reservoir area.

You must visit because this is the kind of place you want to add to your memory kit It is one of the best places in Kerala where one can enjoy the picturesque views of nature, which is located amid of dense forests of Western Ghats.

This stunning falls which is a prime attraction of adventure seekers is cuddled up in the verdant Mepadi forest range, under the South Wayanad Forest Division, quartered at Chitragiri on the borders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

It is a waterfall having a unique feature of water falls from a height of 984 feet in three stages is a splendid view and it can be reached there by an exciting jungle trek.

During rainy season these waterfalls seems to be dangerous due to high inflow and have taken many lives. 

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is Kozhikode.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Karipur international airport.

By Bus

Buses are available from Kalpetta.

Mumbai Darshan Tour - It Is Comfortable And Enriching Way to Sight Seeing Mumbai

Mumbai Darshan Tour

Shri. Devendra Fadnavis hon'ble Chief Minister Maharashtra inaugurated the Mumbai Darshan Tour. The launch event was conducted in presence of Hon'ble Tourism Minister of Maharashtra Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Shri Madan Yerawar, Hon'ble State Tourism Minister, Shri. Swadhin Kshatriya (IAS) Chief Secretary GOM, Smt. Valsa Nair Singh, Principle Secretary Tourism and Culture, Shri Satish Soni hon'ble Managing Director - MTDC, Shaina NC, Actress Juhi Chawla and other dignitaries.

We bring to you one of the most convenient, comfortable and enriching ways of seeing some of the best sight Mumbai has to offer.

‪‎MumbaiDarshan ByMTDC will take tourists to 60 locations across the city in air-conditioned buses and licensed tour guides. 14 hand-picked sightseeing spots and 43 drive-past spots are part of the itinerary. Packages start at Rs. 499/-. Book your Darshan today: http://bit.ly/BookMumbaiDarshan

A)Ex-CST-South Mumbai-CST

Departure Dates: 13 Aug, 14 Aug, 16th Aug, 18th Aug, 20Aug, 21 Aug, 27 Aug, 28 Aug, 03 Sept, 04Sept, 10 Sept, 11 Sept, 17 Sept, 18 Sept, 24 Sept, 25 Sept Timings – 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Pick Up Point – CST (9.00 AM)

Packages Adult Child (3-12 yrs) A) Gold Package: Per Person for Indian Nationals (With Entry Fee) 735.00 (Inclusive Tax) 667.00 (Inclusive Tax) B) Gold Package: Per Person for all Foreign Nationals including NRI, PIO, OCI (With Entry Fee) 1440.00 (Inclusive Tax) 786.00 (Inclusive Tax) C) Silver Package: Per Person. (Without Entry Fees ) 499.00 (Inclusive Tax) 499.00 (Inclusive Tax)

Note: The child below 3 years no fees applicable Items for Entry Fees 1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort, Mumbai 2. Nehru Science Centre, Worli 3. Taraporewala Aquarium, Marine Lines 4. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Bhaikala 5. Siddhivinayak Temple, Dadar 6. Mani Bhavan

B)Ex-Dadar-South Mumbai-Dadar

Departure Dates: 13 Aug, 14 Aug, 16th Aug, 18th Aug, 20Aug, 21 Aug, 27 Aug, 28 Aug, 03 Sept, 04Sept, 10 Sept, 11 Sept, 17 Sept, 18 Sept, 24 Sept, 25 Sept Timings – 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM. Pick Up Point – CST (9.00 AM)

Packages Adult Child (3-12 yrs) A) Gold Package: Per Person for Indian Nationals (With Entry Fee) 735.00 (Inclusive Tax) 667.00 (Inclusive Tax) B) Gold Package: Per Person for all Foreign Nationals including NRI, PIO, OCI (With Entry Fee) 1440.00 (Inclusive Tax) 786.00 (Inclusive Tax) C) Silver Package: Per Person. (Without Entry Fees ) 499.00 (Inclusive Tax) 499.00 (Inclusive Tax)

Note: The child below 3 years no fees applicable Items for Entry Fees 1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort, Mumbai 2. Nehru Science Centre, Worli 3. Taraporewala Aquarium, Marine Lines 4. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Bhaikala 5. Siddhivinayak Temple, Dadar 6. Mani Bhavan

INCLUSIONS

• Transfers and Sightseeing: Pick-up and drop from the designated spots by AC BEST Vehicle 
• Guide: 1. Hindi/English/Marathi speaking guide throughout the tour.

EXCLUSIONS

• Meals: Any of the meals viz. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is not included in the package
• Taxes: All Taxes.
• Entrance Fees: Entry Fees, Camera fees, Guide Fee, Fort Fee & Jungle safari at Tourist Places
• Siddhivinayak Prasad: Siddhivinayak Temple Prasad Cost Rs.50/-
• Any Airfare.
• PersonalExp/Telephone/Heater/Laundary/Backwater/Wetersports/Porterage Drinks.
• Any Portage, Tips, Minreal Water, Soft Drink, Ice-cream.
• Any other expenses which is not specifically included in the Tour Cost.
• Any additional meals/ Enroute meals, Sightseeing & activities other than those mentioned in the itineary.
• Any service not specificed in inclusions.

The following deduction will be made in case of cancellation ,If the Tourist wishes to cancel his Booking, the Cancellation rules for tour packages shall be as under 1. Cancellation Charges : Terms Cancellation Charges Up to 15 days before ( excluding departure date) 5 % of the package cost. 8 – 14 days before (excluding departure date) 25 % of the package cost. 4 – 7 days before 50 % of the package cost. Less than 4 days before departure date 100% of the package cost.

a) If the bookings are done through debit / credit card, cancellation of such bookings will be charged as per applicable charges.
b) In case of bookings made through M.T.D.C.’s travel agents, the cancellation / refund will be made by the concerned travel agents only.
c) Under exceptional circumstances, MTDC may cancel bookings done by Tourist / Agent or Online, however the guest will be given full refund amount (without cancellation charges) paid to MTDC.
d)M.T.D.C . reserves the right to alter the itinerary under unavoidable circumstances and is not liable for any type of natural calamities / strikes / cancellations / insurgency of any such nature which is beyond control during tour period. Management is not accountable for any theft or damage of luggage during the trip.

2. In case of insufficient number of participants for a tour the MTDC has the right to postpone or cancel the tour or merge them in other departure date . In event of cancellation of tour by the MTDC, the amount will be refunded to the participant by cheque/RTGS/NEFT only.

Terms and conditions

1. General

1. The tour will run on Saturday & Sundays 
2. MTDC has right to alter itinerary under unavoidable circumstances and is not liable for any type of natural calamities/ strikes/ cancellations/ delay of train/ traffic on road/ insurgency of any such nature which is beyond control during tour period. Management is not accountable for any theft or damage of luggage during the trip. 
3. The package price is as on date of booking. However, in case of increase in input costs such as any other expenses beyond the control of MTDC, the guests are liable to pay the additional amount before commencement of journey.
4. To operate the tour there should be minimum 13 passengers.
5. If the passengers are less than 13, then they will be accommodated in next date tour as per their convinces.
6. The passenger will also be given alternative of customize package if passenger is not willing for both option in such condition his booking amount will be refunded without any deduction.