Topslip Hill Station - It Is An Especially Good Holiday Hill Station In India

TOPSLIP HILL STATION 

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COIMBATORE

Topslip is very good tourist place near Pollachi. The World Tourism  Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places  outside their usual environment for more than 24 hours and not more  than  one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not  related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place  visited”. In these occasions Topslip is a very good vacation place in India,  Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore.

At a distance of 76 km from Coimbatore, 30 km from Pollachi and 550 km from Chennai, Topslip is a popular place located in the Annamalai mountain range in the Western Ghats in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu.

It lies at an altitude of 2554 feet and is famous for its wildlife sanctuary and national park that are in proximity.Topslip is the Tiger Reserve Forest in small part of Annamalai Tiger Reserve, which is separated from the Nilgiri Hills by Palghat Gap in north.

It got its name during British era, as lots of its timber sliped down to the plains below. Being a medical plant conservation area, it is famous for the elephant camp, wildlife safaris, pleasant weather and beautiful views of Annamalai Hills.

It is the best gateway for wonderful wildlife experience of the Indira Gandhi WLS. The unique teak forests, Bamboo forests, rich exotic species of plants and wild animals are the major attractions of Topslip. It is also a wonderful destination for bird watching.

MT Stuart block is another attraction which is located 3 km from Topslip. It has an ancient forest bungalow along with the grave of Hugo Wood, a British officer with an environmental conscience who emphasized that a sapling must be planted for every tree that is chopped off.

Forest Department organizes elephant safaris and jeep rides into the sanctuary. A four hours trek around the forest along with a guide is also available here. Private vehicles are not allowed for the safaris.

 The Tourism Department has also identified several trekking routes starting at Top Slip and conducts guided trekking tours. Kolambumalai - 10 km, Ambuli watchtower - 6 km, Kozhikammuthy-12 km and Karian Shola - 4 km are the some of the trekking routes available here. All visitors to Topslip need a permit issued by the Wildlife Warden office of the Forest Department at Pollachi.

Sethumadai (5 km) is a good base station for Top Slip with better accommodation facilities. Basic Accommodation is available at Forest Rest House which has to be booked at Wildlife Warden Office in Pollachi.

Topslip is the only entry point to Parambikulam Wildlife Reserve Forest which comes under the state of Kerala. The nearest access point to Topslip would be Pollachi in Tamilnadu. There are only two buses from Pollachi to Topslip every day at 6 AM and 3 PM. The same bus returns to Pollachi at 8 AM and 6 PM. 

Best time to visit Top Slip is from November to April.

National Park Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM.

Topslip Entry Fee: Rs.20 per person, Rs.50 for Camera, Rs.200 for Video Cam, Rs. 50 for light vehicle and Rs.100 for Heavy vehicle.

Jeep Safari Timings: 7 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 5 PM.
Jeep Safari Cost: Rs.120 per person for 45 min.

Elephant Safari Timings: 11 AM - 2 PM.
Elephant Safari Cost: Rs. 200 per person for 45 min.

Trek Timings: 7 AM - 2 PM.
Trek Cost: Rs.200 per person for 4 Hours.

Most Important Places To Enjoy For White Water Rafting In Karnataka

WHITE WATER RAFTING

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KARNATAKA

With water bodies like River Cauvery, River Kali and the backwaters of Shravanti in the state, river rafting is becoming an increasingly popular adventure sport. Several schools and training centres have cropped up near such destinations to help the adventurous lot learn the activity. Here are some popular places to go rafting at:

Bheemeshwari: Situated in the middle of a thickly-forested hill station and the white waters of River Cauvery, Bheemeshwari is a  must-visit rafting destination in the state. Beautiful, cottony clouds hover over the region to add beauty to the spectacle. Adventure-freaks can combine trekking with river rafting. The Cauvery Fishing Camp located in the region is another ideal picnic spot, where tourists can indulge in fishing and camping. A trek around Basavana Betta will give you a panoramic view of River Cauvery, meandering through the valley below.

Kondaji: At a distance of 260 km from Bangalore is Kondaji, another famous destination for white river rafting. Birdwatching is also a popular activity here, as a variety of indigenous and exotic birds are seen.

Agumbe: A small village located on the banks of River Sita in Shimoga district, Agumbe is known as ‘The Cherrapunji of the South’ for the abundant rainfall it receives every monsoon. Experienced adventurers can go rafting through the tumultuous river for that perfect adrenaline rush. A number of waterfalls including Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls and Koodlu Theertha Falls dot the region. At 850 feet, Barkana Falls is the tenth highest water falls in India. Visitors need to trek for five kilometres through the rainforest to reach the view of the Onake Abbi Falls, which is at a height of 400 feet. A 10-minute walk away from Agumbe is the Sunset View Point on one of the highest peaks of Western Ghats. Watch out for leeches.

Dandeli: This town in Uttara Kannada houses the second largest wildlife sanctuary in the state with tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur, deer, antelopes and bears. Rafting facilities are available inside the sanctuary on River Kali. Other tourist activities include nature walks, boating, bird watching, crocodile spotting and angling.

Honnemaradu: About 15 km from Sagara taluk on the way to Jog Falls lies Honnemaradu. It is a small village situated atop the hills that overlook the Linganamakki Reservoir. The lake located in the region offers a spectacular view of sunrise and sunset. While swimming is not allowed in the lake, kayaking is an attraction. Visitors can go trekking up the hills in permitted routes.

Kodagu: River Barapole, located in South Kodagu is considered one of the most dangerous spots by rafters. All tourists are given a compulory training before they set off rafting in the waters. The turbulent river flows through the dense forests of Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Rapids that are exotically named Morning Coffee, Grasshopper, Wicked Witch and Big Bang are a part of the rafting route.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram - UNESCO Declared World Heritage Sites In Tamilnadu

UNESCO DECLARED WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN 

TAMIL NADU 

GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM

Gangaikondaan Cholapuram is 70 kms from Thanjavur and 50 kms from Chdambaram. Rajendra Chola I the mighty king of Chola Dynasty established his new capital and built this magnificent temple for Lord Siva, equaled with that of Big Temple of Thanjavur. Rajendra Chola I during his campaign to the north, fetched water from river Ganga in Golden Pot and sanctified the water body. He was called as'Gangaikondan' (the one who brought the Ganges). The entire region is filled with refreshing landscapes, River and Green fields for miles around.

The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved scultprues. A big Nandi , a Lion Head Well with a flight of steps and Gigantic Statues ofDwarapalakas [ entrance guards] are other special features of this temple. UNESCO declared Mahabalipuram as World Heritage Site in the year 2004.

  

India’s First Climate To Change Theatre In Pushpa Gujral Science City

Theatre set up to drive home effects of climate change

To sensitive and educate people on one of the most challenging issues global warming the pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala, has set up an unique climate change theatre which is first of its kind in the country.

The CCT will help the visitors to have a better understanding of the latest climate science and human role in make people environmentally responsible, even if by taking small steps. The 18 meter diameter theatre has been set up in a dome shaped building with an investment of Rs.1.50 crore. It has a sitting capacity for 125 persons.

The CCT, which takes the audience around the globe from North Pole to the South to explore the warming planet, is an unique experience. The theatre shows a 25 minute film on two screens - flat and dome shaped with special light and sound effects. For example, if it is said on one screen that cutting tree is bad, then the other screen shows two people cutting trees.

The film also shows effects of climate change in our everyday life, like the fast melting Gangotri glaciers in Himalayas, low agriculture production, farmers shifting from apple cultivation to other cash crops, people living in low lying coastal areas left homeless due to rising sea level, threats to rare the plant species of ‘Sunderbans’ and threat to wild life etc.

Dr RS Khandpur, Director General of Science City, said that it is India’s first climate to change theatre, which provides the visitors an unforgettable experience while “Educating them on global warming”.

The film includes impact of natural calamities like floods, droughtrs and earthquakes, as well as the steps that can be taken by human beings to protect our planet like use of solar energy, rain water harvesting, use of energy efficient appliances, ban on plytherne bags, planting of more trees etc. It ends with a wake up call to ‘Think Smart, Think Green’.

Kihim Beach - A Good Way To Relax Completely From Mechnical Life

KIHIM BEACH

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RAIGAD

Kihim beach is a famous tourist destination near Alibaug, and offers a complete break from urban pressures. Spend time at this long and wide beach and let the sight of an ocean and the soft rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore soothe your nerves

At just 100 kilometres from Mumbai, the most favoured aspect of Kihim is its easy accessibility. It can be reached by ferry or catamaran and by road. Boat services are available from 6 am to 7 pm from September to May from the Gateway of India to Mandwa Port.

 It takes about an hour to reach the port and operators extend free shuttle bus service from Mandwa Jetty to Alibaug and vice versa. Kihim is the closest beach from Mandwa and visitors can alight at Chondi and walk 3 kilometres to the beach. Also, state transport (ST) bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune and from most cities of Maharashtra to Alibaug. Auto rickshaws are also available from Alibaug to Kihim.

The waters at Kihim are as inviting but those venturing to swim have to take caution of the rocks strewn across the ocean stretch. The most breath-taking sight here is of the sunset with the Kanderi and Underi forts looming in the horizon. 

Kihim also offers is a peek into a rustic lifestyle along with a variety of seafood and typically Konkani cuisine. A good way to relax completely is to stay in a resort that faces the beach and absorb the sight of colourful boats venturing out into the sea early morning for a daily catch of fish.

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms

How to Reach:
Kihim is accessible by all modes of transport.

By Air:
The nearest airport is at Mumbai.

By Rail:
The nearest railheads are Roha and Pen (35 kms) on the Konkan Railway.

By Road:
Mumbai-Kihim (via Alibaug) is 120 kms. State transport buses ply upto Chondhi which is about 2 kms from Kihim. From there rikshaws are available.

By Water :
Catamarans  are available from Gateway of India upto Mandwa port. Shuttle buses take you upto Chondhi, the fare of which is included in the catamaran service.