Visit Top Five Yoga Destination For A Nice Scenic Locale And Immerse Yourself In Yoga

The Top Five

 Yoga Destinations 

in India

If you would like to visit a nice scenic locale and immerse yourself in Yoga and Meditation in India, this article is for you. India being the land from where Yoga originated; it attracts aspiring yogis from around the world seeking out a spiritual getaway from the travails of everyday life. While the length and breadth of India houses yoga centers and retreats; we look a 5 of the most revered places to go to.

1) RISHIKESH is called the ‘world capital of yoga’. And rightly so; because it houses Ashrams and Centers, both ancient and relatively newer too. Rishikesh, situated alongside the banks of the Ganges is a holy city and it is believed that Meditating here brings one closer to Moksha (Enlightenment). It’s also one of the rare places on the planet that you can actually see a Yogi and not the track pant-clad, yoga mat-laden modern variety! So that’s further motivation to visit here.

The International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh

Places of Interest: The world-famous Sivananda ashram offers Teacher Training courses that are highly sought after. Also, the wonderful Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Swarg Ashrams on the banks of the Ganga are must-visits. Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, suspension bridges the let you cross the Ganges are landmarks here. Then of course, the highlight of the city is the evening Aarti (Prayer) at the banks of the Triveni Ghat. All in all, Rishikesh is a must-visit for any serious Yoga aspirant – and it’s soon becoming a Mecca for a worldwide audience waking up to the deeper aspects of Yoga! 

2) GOA! So, if you want to have a holiday with a yoga practice in the morning and evening; and beach time the rest of the day – then Goa is definitely the place to be! That Yoga would come to Goa is actually a no-brainer – people have been going to Goa for an alternative experience since many decades; and now it’s only natural that Goa attracts thousands of students to this idyllic beach-state. The North of Goa with places like Arambol are huge on Yoga; while the South (beyond Pallolem) also have a fair share of retreats, teacher training and more. Of, course in Goa the season is only from Oct – Mar; so plan a holiday accordingly.

Yoga on Goa’s beaches

Places of Interest: The whole of Goa is hugely interesting – from pristine beaches, shack-living and dolphin cruises, to hillside treks and the Party scene! You won’t be bored and you have all the time to contemplate life as you take in picture-perfect Sunrises and Sunsets! 

3) MYSORE is in many ways the birthplace of Modern 20th century Yoga. Although it has been practiced in India since time immemorial; the role of Sri Krishanmacharya and his students Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar in spreading the light of Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Mysore

yoga globally cannot be over-emphasized! And Mysore is where it all started – thanks to the patronage of the Mysore Maharaja’s Palace. Although Krishnamacharya decided to move to Chennai later in life; his student Pattabhi Jois’ tireless work has ensured that his Ashtanga Yoga center attracts thousands of yoga students every year.

Places on Interest: For a Indian, ‘Gokulam’ is a strange sort of district – it’s where the Ashtanga Shala is located. Suddenly it’s a Global Village with people of all nationalities adjusting into the Indian way of life, so to speak. Chamundi Hill offers breathtaking views of the city; and is also a fine place to contemplate. After all, on your yoga getaway; you want to do much more than just sweat bucket-loads, right? And the Mysore Palace is worth visiting especially during the festival of Dussehra (Oct-Nov) 

4) PUNE is unique because it houses 2 centers of Self development – both seemingly at opposite ends of the spectrum! Pune is Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Center, Pune

the headquarters of Iyengar Yoga – BKS Iyengar’s Center is a pilgrimage for Iyengar Yogis the world over. Pune also houses the Osho Meditation Center – one of the giants of the modern Spiritual movement. So, while in Pune you have more to do than just asana!

Places of Interest: The Iyengar Yoga center is a massive construction with a hall that is perfectly aligned to fit about a 100 yogis! And it has a wonderful library as well. Pune s also great for trekkers – especially during and immediately after the monsoons. Sinhagad Fort, Lohagad Fort and other treks will keep you in the midst of nature! 

5) DHARAMSHALA:  Yoga evolved in the Himalayas and practicing Meditation in these revered mountains is always a dream come true for Dharamshala

yogis from around the world! Dharamshala and Mcleodganj are unique because apart from being in the mountains and boasting crisp air, majestic views and everything else that the mountains offer – it is also the home of the Dalai Lama. As more people become interested in Buddhist philosophy – it brings people to visit from across the world. Yoga retreats and treks are stunning in the mountains surrounding Mcleodganj.

Places of Interest: Mcleodganj is a mini-Tibet with Buddhist temples, monasteries, stores and cafes serving delicious thukpas and more.  Triund Hill trek is fantastic as there is snow here through the year!

Suruli Falls – It Is One Of The Allure Places For Tourist In Theni District Of Tamilnadu

SURULI FALLS

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THENI

Suruli falls situated near Cumbam in Theni district of Tamilnadu state of India. Suruli Falls serve as a perfect picnic spot. They lie on the way to Periyar National Park, at a distance of 123 km from Madurai. The falls originate from the Megamalai hills and descend from a height of 150 feet.

They are surrounded by the astounding beauty of the dense forest and even find mention in Tamil Epic, Silappathikaram, written by poet Ilango. The best feature of Suruli Falls is that they are round-the-year falls. There are facilities for both men and women to bathe in the falls separately.

Concrete flooring at the bathing spot, dressing room, toilets, tiles-covered stairs with iron barricades leading to the falls and parapet walls provided comfort to tourists to an extent. Cement benches were also put up at an open circular area near the falls for tourists to sit and relax and dry their wet clothes.

The falls serve as the venue of Summer Festival, organized every year by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department. Although tourists visit the place throughout the year, the best time to come here is June to October. During this time, the volume of the water in the falls is astounding.

The Kailasanathar Temple Cave is also an added attraction of the place. It is located near Suruli Falls, at a height of 800 meters above the falls and has a spring, which is believed to have water with curative powers.

There are also other 18 caves in and around the Suruli Falls of Tamil Nadu. Then, there is a dargah near the falls, named after a Muslim mystic, Abubacker Masthan who lived around here in 1630s. Being the last resting place of the mystic, the dargah is an important place of worship.

The dargah also lies close to the cave temple of Kailasanatha. There is another temple near the Suruli Falls called the Suruli Velappar temple, dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. The pilgrims visit the temple with pots of milk on Saturday.

By Air

Madurai airport is nearest airport for Theni.

By Train

Theni railway station is connected with Madurai

By Bus

There are regular buses from Madurai and surrounding areas also.

Maharastra Tourism Has Announced Navratri Darshan Tours

Navratri Tour - 3, 4, 5 October 2016

Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in association with Navratra Mandals has announced the launch of its special and priority basis Navratri Darshan Tours

 Overview

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', is one of the most popular and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in many parts of India. Gujarat, however, is the only state that erupts into a nine-night dance festival, perhaps the longest in the world. Each night, all over the state, villages and cities alike, people gather in open spaces to celebrate feminine divinity, referred to as Shakti. Navratri is celebrated for nine nights, beginning on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Ashwin, roughly corresponding to dates in the Gregorian calendar in September/October. This also usually coincides with the end of the rainy season. Dasara/Vijayadashami, is the tenth day of Ashwin.

      Departure Dates: 3 Oct, 4 Oct, 5 Oct

  Departure Time: 8:00 AM

Pick-Up Point: C.S.T Station, Near Bhatiya Garden

Special Note: (Travellers need to report at the departure counters 30 minutes before departure. Counter closes 10 minutes before departure.)

Following will be the Temple Visits

1. MUMBADEVI TEMPLE

Mumba Devi Temple is a renowned ancient temple dedicated to 'Goddess Mumbadevi'. The 'Koli' fishermen or the early inhabitants of Mumbai greatly respect and honor Goddess Mumbadevi and consider her as their guardian. Goddess Mumbadevi is recognized as 'Goddess Shakti' or the Goddess of Power. Mumbai city derives its name from the Goddess Mumbadevi and therefore, this temple is truly an important structure for the dwellers of this beautiful city.

2. MAHALAXMI TEMPLE

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai 

Road in Mahalaxmi area. It is dedicated toMahalakshmi the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam. The temple was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji (1760–1846), a Hindu merchant. The Mahalaxmi temple contains images of the Tridevi goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. All three images are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. The image of Mahalakshmi is in the center shown holding lotus flowers in tandem.

3. DAGDI CHAWL DEVI

 Dagadi Chwal is an residential group of 7 diffrent chwals. In 1974 youth from the chwal started the Navratri Festival on very small scale and took place on the terrrace. This very first step was the begining by the youth towards the Grand Navratri Celebration in the Bhyculla Dagdi Chwal. Over a period of time with the help of the elders in the chawal the celebration of festival from terrace is now celebrated in an open ground of the chawal as "Sarvajanik Navratri Mohutsav". The goddess of Dagddi Chwal is very famous in Mumbai area as "Wish Fulfilling" deity. Decorations of the Mandal comprises of the traditional art as well colorful lightining.

4. MARUBAI GAONDEVI MANDIR

Matunga was a cluster of villages, which later on were brought under a single governing umbrella by the ruling British. The area was called Marubai Tekdi Gaon, which is said was shortened to MaTunGa (Matunga). Marubai is the traditional Gaondevi (village Goddess) of Matunga whose small temple existed under a peepal tree at King's Circle. Though the goddess is a “Swayambhu” (natural formation of the idol) form of Goddess Durga or the Goddess Bhavanimata, still she got the name Marubai or Maruaai because she was the only hope when the village surrounding the hill was stricken by diseases like Smallpox, etc. Marubai or Maruaai means, “Mother who protects her children from Death”. When any human being faces any kind of danger or worry he seeks help of mother. And so the name Maruaai suits the goddess the protector of mankind.

5. SHITALADEVI MANDIR

Shitala literally means "one who cools" in Sanskrit. Shitala is worshiped under different names in various parts of the subcontinent. Shitala is more often called Ma and Mata (‘mother’) and is worshiped by Hindus, Buddhists and tribal communities. In some traditions she is identified with an aspect of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. Shitala is addressed as Mother, as a seasonal goddess and with honorific titles such as Thakurani, Jagrani, Karunamayi, Mangala, Bhagavati, Dayamayi.

Contact Details

Website: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

Email-id : tours@maharashtratourism.gov.in

Toll Free Number - 1800 229930

Head Office Numbers: 022 - 22044040 / 24211690 / 24300413 /22845678 / 24300464 / 24300464 / 24313908

Some Of The Most Beautiful Shiva Temples In India Other Than Amarnath And Kedarnath

4 of the most amazing Shiva temples in India other than Amarnath and Kedarnath

Shiva. Mahadeva. Anant. Shankara. He has many names and many forms. He is benevolent, He is fearsome, He is limitless, He is a yogi, and He is so much more. In Hinduism, He is one of the three main deities.

People travel miles and climb the highest mountains to reach His shrines and bow down to seek His powerful blessings. Be it the naturally-formed Shiva lingas or the temples having His magnificent idols, travellers from all parts of the world have always been drawn to the places where He is worshipped. Well, it must be Shiva's power that draws so many people. Besides, these temples are located in some of the most beautiful parts of our country -- right from the seas to the rivers to the mountains.

Let's take a look at some of the most beautiful Shiva temples in India.

Tungnath

The Tungnath Mandir in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world. Located at an altitude of a little over 12,000 feet at the base of Chandrashila peak, this temple is one of the Panch Kedars and is popular among both trekkers and devotees. Tungnath literally means Lord of the Peaks and the place remains true to its name. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks on all sides, this place is breathtakingly beautiful and offers the perfect break that a traveller looks for.

According to the legends, it was Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, who built this temple centuries ago. While the arm of Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple, idols of popular Hindu sages like Kala Bhairav and Vyas, are also enshrined along with images of the Pandavas.

Murudeshwar

The Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka is known for having the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world. Towering at 249 feet, the massive structure of Shiva draws thousands of tourists and devotees from all parts of the country and the world. The 20-storied temple is situated at the Kanduka Giri hilltop and overlooks the Arabian Ocean. At sunset, the place looks magical enough to leave a traveller teary-eyed.

Legend has it that Lord Ganesha had tricked Ravana into giving up the linga he had received as a gift from Shiva, and placed it somewhere in Gokarna. Angered by this, when Ravana tried to uproot the Shiva linga, it broke into pieces and fell in different directions. One of them fell on the hilltop of Kanduka Giri, the exact point on which the temple has been built. Murudeshwar can be easily reached by train as the town has its own station, which falls on the Mangalore-Mumbai Konkan railway route. 

Bijli Mahadev

Although it is one of the lesser-known Shiva temples in India, but Bijli Mahadev's location can be easily considered among the most beautiful. It sits at the top of a mountain in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 8,000 feet. Starting from the Chansari village, the three-kilometre-trek leads you through a well-defined train maintained by the forest department. Making a stiff climb through an alpine forest, one reaches a table-top peak, which is a vast grassland often grazed by the local horses. The views are mesmerising from this place. Looking down, one can see the entire Kullu district along with the confluence of Beas and Parvati rivers. While on the other hand, the 360-degree views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges are simply breathtaking.

The temple is ancient and is said to have been built by Shankaracharya himself to revive Hinduism. The Shivling inside the temple is made of butter and sattoo. The locals believe that the 60-foot-tall-staff in this temple draws divine blessings in the form of lightning, and hence saves the nearby villages from natural calamities. Every year, the Shiv linga shatters to several pieces due to the lightning, following which the villagers hold a ceremony of putting the pieces together with butter and sattoo. The next morning, the linga is visible in its natural form, as the cracks disappear on their own. Right outside the temple are two imposing structures of Nandi.

Kotilingeshwara

The Kotilingeshwara Temple, located in the Kolar district of Karnataka, never ceases to amaze anyone who comes near it. Living by its name, the temple actually houses more than one crore Shiva lingas. Just imagine seeing so many of them at one place. Isn't it amazing?

But, that's not the only thing which attracts so many people to this temple. The temple also has a huge 108-feet tall Shiva linga, which is considered to be one of the highest in the world. Besides that, there's a 36-feet tall statue of Nandi, the mount of Lord Shiva.

Kurseong Hill Station – It Has Enjoyable Cool Climate Throughout The Year

KURSEONG HILL STATION

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DARJEELING

Kurseong is a small hill station (and sub-divisional town) situated in Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Located at an altitude of 1458 metres (4864 ft), Kurseong is just 30 km from Darjeeling.

It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and the winters are not as severe as Darjeeling's. The local name of Kurseong is "Kharsang" which in the Lepcha language means "Land of White Orchids". Kurseong is about 47 kms from Siliguri and is connected to the city by road and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

The town is based mainly on schools and tourism. The best times to visit Kurseong are between March end and May and between the end of August and October. The Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim ceded Kurseong to the British Empire in 1835. Later in 1880, this small hamlet became a tourist destination for the colonial authorities and was a preferred place for sanatoriums where the sick would recuperate.

Many of you may not be familiar with Kurseong and think this might be another small roadside village on the way to Darjeeling. Well many years back it was actually a small hamlet, but over the years its has grown into a bustling township. Today it's a sub division of Darjeeling district. Spread of Kurseong is much more than what it may seem. 

And the spread is beyond the township to lovely tea gardens along the mountain slopes, forests with many different flora & fauna, quaint villages and so on. And expectedly, there are many view points, tea estates, temples & churches, museums, as well as famous historic schools that were setup during the British colonial days.   

You can easily spend two to three days in Kurseong and remain immersed with its attractions. There are plenty of local taxis available near the station and market area all of who will be willing to take you for local sightseeing tours. There are half day and full day local tours depending on what you want to cover. Talk to a couple of local drivers before you finalize one ... the rates vary and some can and do ask for too much. 

Some important places to see in this hill : Eagle Craig ,Dow Hill,Dow Hill Park ,Dow Hill Forest Museum,Dow Hill Forest Rest House ,Dow Hill Girls School, Victoria Boys School at Dow Hill, Dow Hill Water Reservoir ,Giddapahar View Point,Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple , Subhash Chandra Bose Museum ,Ambootia Tea Estate ,Ambootia Shiv Temple ,Makaibari Tea Estate, Castleton Tea Estate,St. Mary's Hill, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum 

By Air

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra about 94-96 kms away from Darjeeling. There are direct flight connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. Tourists heading for Darjeeling can get direct taxis/cabs to Darjeeling from Bagdogra or one can head towards Siliguri first and get a transport there.

By Train

Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India.

By Road

The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, which is connected to allthe major cities. Darjeeling is also very well connected to Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and its surrounding hills.