Manjolai Hills - It Is Famed For Its Lovely Weather And Calm Atmosphere

MANJOLAI HILLS

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TIRUNELVELI

Manjolai Hills is a lovely hill station tucked away deep in the magnificent Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats. The hills rise to a height of 1000-1500 meters and are covered here with tranquil tea gardens. Manjolai Hills is above the Manimuthar Dam and the picturesque Manimuthar Waterfalls and is 70 Kms from Tirunelveli. Manjolai Hills is famed for its lovely weather, which is such a blessing after the searing heat of the plains. It is also known for its awesome scenic beauty and the serenity of its surroundings.

Manjolai Hills will offer you some well-deserved R&R (rest and relaxation). Just looking out at the panorama of emerald green tea gardens laid out like a welcoming carpet can soothe you. There are some nice viewpoints from where you can relish some stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. Gushing waterfalls, grassy meadows and dense forest make this a nature lover’s dream comes true. Enjoy the serene tranquility and glorious beauty of Manjolai Hills. Take longs walks in the quiet tea gardens or trek into the nearby forests.

Head to Manjolai Hills and savor the peace and quiet and enjoy some great views. You could trek into the forest and spot some wild animals. It’s definitely a must-visit destination of you want to recharge and refresh your city-weary batteries. Manjolai is a hill station, at a height of around 1162 m. This place is famous for its tea plantations, amongst which the Bombay Burma Tea Estate is the most prominent. Due to its scenic beauty, this place is compared with Udhagamandalam (Ooty). Other important tourist spots near Manjolai are the Kakkachi and Nalumukku.

The area around Manjolai hills comprises tea plantation, Upper Kodayar Dam, a view point named Kuthiravetti and small settlements. One can spot three tea estates within the Manjolai area. A trip to Manjolai is worth the visit. There are many small waterfalls amidst lush greenery all the way to the top. The place has not been, however disturbed by mankind and the birds with their cries and chirps welcome all visitors to the place. Manjolai is also called the poor man’s Ooty.

Trekkers can have good time trekking amidst of thick plantations. You should also visit the Manimuthar Falls. A dam was built across the fall and it is named as Manimuthar Dam. One can also catch the breathtaking view from the windy view point called Kuthiravetti. It is essential to get permission from forest department while travelling in private vehicles. Government buses are also available to reach this lovely hillock.

En route to Manjolai from Manimuthar, do stop at the pretty Dasan Pool (called Tarzan Pool by the locals!). The pool has crystal clear fresh water and is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a lovely place to breathe in some chilled, fresh mountain air.  Check out both the Manimuthar Dam and Papanasam Dam. Enjoy a boat ride at Vana Theertham. Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is a lovely place and will fascinate wildlife lovers. You may also be lucky to catch a glimpse of elephants, bears, bison, wild boar and Sambar deer.  However, do remember that this is a reserved forest so you will need permission from the Forest Department.

This place is not often visited and as such there is only an estate teashop where snacks and tea are available. This tea stall caters to the local estate employees and to the wander lust that arrives in the place in trickles. Accommodation at the base of Manjolai estate is provided by the State Tourism department in a place called Singampatty Zamin. There is a guest house in Kuthiravetti which has to be booked in advance. The place behind the Guest house is a great place to view elephants, bears, Sambar deer and wild boars.

The ideal place to stay is the Forest department guest house in Kuthiravetti, TNEB quarters in Kothaiyar and Police quarters in Manjolai Estate. But these places are to be booked in advance and it is extremely off to the tourists as these accommodations are often occupied by the respective department bigwigs.

Hotel Alankar and Annai Chicken are some of the good places to eat near Manimutharu because Manjolai Hills does not have any good restaurants or accommodation options. Tourists have to carry fruits and water with them when they go for a trekking trip to Manjolai. Local specialties like Vatha Kuzhambu, Padaneer, Ambai chicken Kuzhambu etc. are must-eat dishes here.

Few Staying Options near Manjolai Hills are listed below;

Permission from the Forest Department is required for going to Manjolai estate and Kuthiravetti. This can be arranged with the State Tourist Department. There are monkeys at Manimuthar Falls and visitors have to be careful of their belongings. Plastic carry bags are frowned at and it is better to carry food in packing containers that can be destroyed after the adventure. To visit Kodayar Dam, permission has to be availed from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board officials.

Mysuru Zoo - It Is One Of The Best Zoo In The World

MYSORE ZOO

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KARNATAKA

Mysuru Zoo (Chamarajendra Zoological Garden) was started in 1892 by chamaraja Wodeyar X, then the king of Mysuru.  It is one of the oldest and most popular zooz in India.Initially as a private Zoo, and was named as Khas-Bangale.  It was also called as Thamash Bangle.  The Zoo which has now spread over an area of 250 acres was initially ment for the exclusive visit of the royal family but public entry started as early as 1920.  It is located inside the city unlike many other Zoos in India and Mysuru Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the world.

The Zoo has about 1500 animals, ranging from the opossum to orangutan.  This Zoo houses a wide range of animals.  Mysuru Zoo was the first in the country to obtain gorilla and penguin’s. Many animals which are imported from countries like Africa, America, and Australian countries under conservation project due to the successful breeding of the white tiger.  It is also credited with achieving considerable break-through in captive breeding of many animals.  elephants also breed well in captivity in this Zoo.

The Zoo has a small museum which exhibits the stuffed animals.  A small library is also located in the Zoo. Painting and essay competitions are periodically conducted by the zoo authority the children to create awareness and love in them for animals.

Ms.Sally Walker (USA) started the friends of Mysuru Zoo (FMZ) in 1980.  At present there is a scheme for ‘Adopting’ an animal. Which means you can take care of the feeding expenses of an animal for a certain of time.  Karanji Lake is a part of Mysuru Zoo.  The lake attracts about 45 varieties of birds; some of the birds migrate here from too far aways places. The lake has been renovated recently and boating facility is also available.

Visiting hours: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm    Ph.0821 - 2440752, 2520302

Entrance Fee:   Adults Rs.25/-Children(5-12 yrs) Rs.10/- , Tuesday holiday.

Zoo Road, Near Mysuru Mall, Indira Nagar, Ittige Gudu, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010

Eight Natural Beauties Are Blessed With Breathtaking Discovery In Andhra Pardesh

Eight Natural Beauties Are Blessed With Breathtaking Discovery In Andhra Pardesh

The state has the distinction of being home to the country's largest tiger reserve, the Nallamai Forest. The Godavari River, besides being a holy river for the Hindus, also is the home of saltwater crocodiles, fishing cats and many other animals. The Kolleru Bird Sanctuary with its lush vegetation is a riot of colours because of the migrating birds that come from as far as Siberia and Australia.

Andhra Pradesh is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Its cascading waterfalls, misty hills, verdant forests, shimmering rivers and undulating mountains can be a treat for the eyes and soul.

Borra Caves

The hills of Ananthagiri in Araku Valley have a hidden treasure that is spectacular. The Borra Caves is home to several stalactite and stalagmite formations. Each formation has a name. Besides these formations, there also are other interesting structures, such as a temple, crystal-white calcium stones and mushroom formation. The caves are spread over an area of one square kilometres and are believed to have formed over a million years due to the underground river, the Gosthani River, that flows through the caves. While the caves are mesmerising, a trip to the caves is equally breathtaking. On the way, visitors will be able to the Ananthagiri Coffee Plantation, Padmapuram Gardens, Damuku Viewpoint and of course the beautiful Araku Valley. The area around the caves is mountainous and rich in flora and fauna.

Araku Valley

Araku Valley is renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. It is about 114 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, close to the borders of Odisha. The valley is enveloped by mountains, with the Galikonda Hill rising to an elevation of 5,000 feet. The Ananthagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserve Forest are located in this valley. The Valley is home to 17 indigenous tribes that are untouched by modern civilisation. It can be a treat to see the tribal people with their vibrant and colourful attire. Their songs and dance, in particular the Dhimsa dance, can make a person's heart sing with joy. The government has opened the Tribal Museum in Araku to showcase the simple and traditional lifestyle and culture of the various tribes inhabiting the valley. The beautiful handicraft and fine art pieces are treasures that are still made by hand and natural resources.

Dolphin's Nose

The city of Visakhapatnam has many attractions and one of them undoubtedly is the Dolphin's Nose. This natural rock formation gets its name from its shape. It is eye-catching and hard to miss. The rock juts out into the sea and is 174 metres tall and at an altitude of 358 metres. The rock stands as a lone sentinel at the Visakhapatnam Harbour and facilitates the entry of seawater into the harbour. This helps the incoming ships to anchor. At the summit of Dolphin's Nose is a lighthouse that guides the approaching ships in the night. The lighthouse is renowned for its powerful beam that can be seen from 65 kilometres in the sea. The light flashes every 10 seconds and has helped many ships find their way to the harbour and avoid the treacherous rocks near the Dolphin's Nose.

Bhavani Island

If there is a name that best describes natural beauty, it has to be Bhavani Island. This stunning gorgeous estuary island in the Krishna River stretches over an area of 133 acres and is located near the Prakasam Barrage. It is about 4 kilometres upstream from Vijayawada. The island has mangroves, woodlands, meadows, gardens and soothing water bodies. It is a popular weekend haunt for people from Vijayawada and other neighbouring towns. It is a piece of paradise on Earth with its bounty from Mother Nature. The soothing and tranquil ambience of the island can rejuvenate the body and mind. Many families visit the place to enjoy a fun-filled and relaxing picnic and/or enjoy the experience of boating in the might Krishna River. Fishing is another relaxing activity that visitors can enjoy at this picturesque island.

Dindi

This scenic village in East Godavari District is untouched by modern development. This adds to the charm and allure of Dindi, which is about 80 kilometres from Rajahmundry and 73 odd kilometres from the city of Kakinada. The tranquility of the village and the hospitality of the locals are a welcome respite for people, who yearn to spend time in solitude amidst natural beauty. A stroll through Dindi will reveal many natural wonders - fFertile pastures where cattle graze, domesticated ducks waddling their way to water bodies, numerous waterways and canals teeming with aquatic plants and marine life, green paddy crop swaying in the gentle breeze and coconut palms dancing merrily to the tune that just they can hear. The earthy beauty of Dindi can be overwhelming for people, who are unprepared for it.

Horsley Hills

Horsley Hills is the perfect refuge for sun-scorched souls. It is located at an altitude of 1,269 metres, making this scenic hamlet cool even on the hottest of days. The lush vegetation that Horsley Hills is famous for begins from the moment people start their journey to get here. The narrow, meandering roads leading to the hill station are lined with dense growth of gulmohar, eucalyptus, jacaranda and many other beautiful trees and plants. The verdure of the forests can be soothing to the eyes. These forests are inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife, including panthers, bears, sambar, jungle fowls and wild dogs. The fresh and clear air, the coffee plantations sending out a delicious aroma of freshly ground coffee pods, the Chenchu tribe with their Pungannur cows and the misty mountains offer a heavenly bliss that one cannot find in the concrete jungle.

Belum Caves

Located in Belum village in Kurnool District, Belum Caves are nothing short of a wonder. Running 3.5 kilometres, these caves are the second longest in India, after the 21-kilometre long Krem Um Lawan Cave in the northeast state of Meghalaya. The caves have three entry points and just about 2 kilometres of the caves are open to public. The lighting inside the caves is excellent and offers an awe-inspiring view of the chambers. There are indications that these caves were used Buddhist and Jain monks centuries ago. The relics found in the caves are housed in the Ananthapur museum. One of the chambers is replete with stalactites and stalagmite formations and this chamber is known as Kotilingalu. There is even a musical chamber within the cave where the amazing limestone formations make give out metallic sounds. The deepest point of the cave is referred to as Pataalganga and is the location of a perennial stream.

Talakona Waterfalls

In eastern philosophy, water element has always been important for soothing the mind. When people venture into Sri Venkataswara Park, which is about 49 kilometres from the temple town of Tirupati, they will be able to witness one of the most amazing water elements – Talakona Waterfalls. Cascading down from a height of 272 feet, the area around the waterfalls is a haven for many plant species, some extremely rare. Locals claim that the waters of the cascade have healing properties and this attracts many people. There are scenic trekking routes that lead to the top of the hill, but it is the lush greenery and the rainbow created by the waterfalls that win over visitors. There is a temple, Siddeswara Swamy Temple, located close to the waterfalls.

Source : AP Tourism

Top Five Favoruite Temples In Andhra Pradesh

These are the temples liked by the people in Andhra Pradesh

TIRUMALA TEMPLE

SRI PADMAVATHY AMMAVARI TEMPLE

BIRLA MANDIR IN HYDERABAD

DWARAKA TIRUMALA TEMPLE

VEERA VENKATA SATYANARAYANA SWAMY TEMPLE

Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb - Its Cenotaphs Formation Replicated In The Taj Mahal

 ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB

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AGRA

The city of Agra is full of architectural wonders. On one hand, it has the famous Taj Mahal, and on the other hand, it has the Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah's mausoleum. Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction.

The pure white and elaborately carved tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah conforms to the Islamic style of architecture. The use of arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work are all representative of the Islamic style. The absence of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building and the use of chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop the four towers (minarets) instead of proper domes are reflective of local influence.

The tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah is as interesting as the life of the person for whom it was built. Mirza Ghiyas-ud-din or Ghiyas Beg (later known as Itmad-ud-Daulah) was a poor merchant and lived in Persia (modern-day Iran). While on his way to India for business, his wife gave birth to a baby girl. As the family was extremely poor and had nothing to eat, the parents decided to abandon the child. However, the wails of the baby girl forced the parents to come back and take her with them. The baby girl brought a stroke of good luck to her parents, for Ghiyas Beg found a caravan that straightaway took him to the court of the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. In the course of time, Ghiyas Beg rose to become a minister and a trusted treasurer in Akbar's court. After Akbar's death in 1605, his son Jahangir became the Mughal emperor, who made Ghiyas Beg his chief minister or Wazir. Ghiyas Beg was also honored with the title of Itmad-ud-Daulah or the pillar of the state.

Ghiyas Beg's daughter grew up to be a beautiful lady and came to be known as Mehr-un-Nissa or the sun of womankind. In the course of time, the fame of her beauty spread. She was married off, but she soon became a widow. She returned to the court of Jahangir where her father was employed. Emperor Jahangir fell in love with her and married her. She soon became a powerful personality in Jahangir's court and was called Nur Mahal, the light of the palace, and Nur Jahan, light of the world. When Ghiyas Beg (Itmad-ud-Daulah) died in 1622, Nur Jahan undertook the project to build his mausoleum. Later she built the tomb of her husband (in a similar style) in Lahore. Nur Jahan had a brother whose daughter was married to Jahangir's son, Shahjahan. She was known as Mumtaz Mahal in whose memory Shahjahan built the world famous Taj Mahal.

Itmad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and set in a garden. This tranquil, small, garden located on the banks of the Yamuna was to inspire the construction of the Taj Mahal in the later years. It is the first tomb in India built entirely in white marble. The tomb is also justly famous for the glorious pietra dura (stone inlay) decoration depicting cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. The jali screens set in arched recesses are splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure. The whole structure gives the impression of an enlarged precious object. Due to the profusion of intricate work done on marble and the beautiful marble screen-work, the tomb easily qualifies as a veritable forerunner of the famous Taj Mahal.

By Air 

Agra’s Kheria Airport is located at a distance of 12.5 kilometers from the city center. The airport is a seasonal commercial airport which serve only Air India flights from New Delhi. It normally takes an hour to reach Agra from New Delhi by air. Taxis are easily available and will take you to your hotel or any other tourist destination you want to reach.

By Train

The beautiful, historical city of Agra is easily accessible by road and has four main railway stations-the Agra Cantonment, Agra Fort, Idgah Agra junction and Raja ki Mandi. The stations are well connected to major cities and tourist locations in India. Moreover, some superfast trains are also available that connect Agra to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis, cabs and rickshaws are easily available to carry travelers to their destinations.

By Bus

Agra can be conveniently accessed by bus from all the major cities and locations of India like Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur and Gwalior etc. Agra city has two major bus terminals-The Idgah Bus Stand and the Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT). You can also opt for self-drive or rent a cab.