Rann Utsav - Visitors Get Experiences About The Hospitality Of Kutchi People

RANN UTSAV

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KUTCH

1st November, 2016 to 20th February, 2017

Rann Utsav is a celebration of life, festivities and culture of Kutch and Gujarat. It is a landmark bestowing grace and elegance where the world gathers for more than 2 months. A riot of colour sprinkled on the barren lands, Rann Utsav offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse traditions and the generosity and hospitality of Kutchi people.

The picturesque “White Desert” is waiting to welcome you. On a full moon night during Rann Utsav, the region wakes to an endless cycle of dance, and where century old traditions are revived in a celebration.

The colorful fairs held near the beach or the banks of a lake swings one with the spirit of festivity, fervor and flamboyancy while the organized tour around Kutch is an ideal occasion to be part of the region and experience the zeal and uniqueness of the people through a celebration of life!

Rannutsav hosts activities such as Horse Rides, Camel Safaris to Bird Watching,Pool Table,Table Tennis,ATV Riding,Paramotoring, Archery,Giant Chess, Net Cricket, Bicycle.Tourists visiting Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav will surely enjoy remarkable moments.

On popular demand, it has been decided to commence the Rann Utsav during the festive season from 1st November, 2016. As on date,the  formation of the White Rann has taken place in some sections and as a part of the natural process it will take a few more weeks for the White Rann to emerge in its full majestic splendour all over.  A general  disclaimer is already there on the respective booking sites. However, in case of any inconvenience, prospective tourists are advised to get in touch with the Operators or Gujarat Tourism.

Interesting facts

Kutch or Rannutsav, a unique manifestation of varied cultural ethos of the region is known for the ethnic flavor and celebrative zest. This festival provides an exclusive opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans and craftspeople, assorted array of folk music and performances, mixed representation of culture and communities, along with a vast diversity in ecology. All this and much more describe and define Kutch and the people.

History

A seasonal salt marshland situated in the heart of the Thar Desert with Gujarat on one side and Pakistan’s Sind province on the other, the district spans about 7,505.22 square kilometres (2,897.78 sq mi) and is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The Great Rann of Kutch, the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands at the southern fringe, makes up for some 30,000 square kilometres of white lands, sweeping the Gulf of Kutch at one end, and the seat of the great Indus Valley Civilization on the other, falling in southern Pakistan.

A cradle of craftsmanship, Kutch is known for its exquisite variety of weaving, patchwork, block-printing, bandhani, tie-and-dye, rogan-art and other ethnic styles of embroidery, pottery, wood-carving, metal-crafts and shell-work. The variety emerges from the enchanting terrain that provides a perfect backdrop to an extra ordinary fair. Perhaps because the landscape is so white and ochre, even a hint of colour adds a fascinating element to the rustic life of Rann.

The Online Booking sites are:   http://rannutsav.net and whiterannresort.com

Navagraha Temples Are In And Around Kumbakonam And Thanjavur District Of Tamil Nadu

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES

Believers in astrology and the influence of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil Nadu as a Great Destination. Indian Astrology believes that the planetary positions of the nine planets in a geocentric orbit determine the strength and weaknesses of a life, and how it takes its course Nava means Nine and Graha means Planets. Navagraha temples devoted to the Nine Celestial bodies, with incarnation of God for each of those nine planets are found in and around Kumbakonam and Thanjavur District.

Planet	Temple
Surya (Sun)	Suryanar Koil
Chandra (Moon)	Tingaloor Koil
Chevaai (Mars)	Vaitheswaran Koil
Budhan (Mercury)	Tiruvenkadu
Guru (Jupiter)	Alangudi
Shukran (Venus)	Kanchanoor
Shani (Saturn)	Tirunallar
Rahu	Tirunageswaram
Ketu	Keezhperumpallam

  

1. Suriyanar Koil : This temple 21 Kms from Swami Malai and 58 Kms from Thanjavur, believed to have been built by Chola King Kulothunga I in 1100 AD, is dedicated to Lord Suriyan [Sun] . Suriyan is believed to bestow health, success and prosperity. The Pongal Festival is celebrated as Harvest Festival and Thanks giving to Lord Suiyan.

2. Thingalur : It is 18 Kms from Thanjavur on the Thiruvaiyar – Kumbakonam route. This temple is believed to be existing even before 7th Century and it is one of the Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Chandran [Moon] in the planetary formation. Chandran is said to be the reliever of Stress and Sorrow.

3. Vaitheswaran Koil : It is 90 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Chdiambaram. This temple is dedicated to Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Sevvai / Angaragan [Mars] in the planetary formation. Lord Angaragan is believed to bestow Valour, Victory and Strength. The Devotees take dip in Sidhamirtham Tank as the water in tank is said to have the curative powers for various skin ailments and also believed that a visit here removes all the obstacles in the delay of marriages for both men and women.

4. Thiruvenkadu : It is near Mayiladuthurai. This is one of the Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Budhan[Mercury] in the planetary formation. This temple has reference in Valmiki Ramayanam too and believed to be over 3000 years old. Lord Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.

 Suryanar Koil

5. Alangudi: This temple is 36 Kms from Thanjavur and dedicated to Lord Guru [Jupiter]. He is also called as Brihaspathi. He is worshiped by students for their excellence in education, fine arts and wisdom. This temple attracts a large number of devotees when Jubiter transits one Zodiac sign to another. It is believed that Goddess Parvati was reborn on the banks of Amrita Pushkarani, a divine tank within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.

6. Thirunallar : It is 90 Kms from Thanjavur and 35 Kms from Mayiladuthurai and nearer to Karaikal.. This temple is dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn]. He occupies the most important position in the planetary position. Anybody who worships him is believed to be relieved from curses, spells of ill luck and diseases. Legendry King Nala is said to have been relieved of all obstacles due to malefic influence of Saturn. Of the holy tanks around the temple , Nala Theertham is one of the important tanks where all the devotees take a holy dip to get relieved of all misfortunes and afflictions.

7. Kanchanur : It is located 57 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Mayiladuthurai . This temple is dedicated to Lord Sukran [Venus] whose duty in the planetary position is to solve problems related to love, marriage, beauty and comforts. This temple is maintained by Madurai Adhinam located at Thiruvavaduthurai. It is also called Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri and Agnisthalam. Sukran is believed to be prayed by men folk for the well being of their wives.

8. Thirunageswaram : It is 6 kms from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District. This temple is dedicated to Lord Raghu. The legend says the Serpant Adi Sesha , Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Lord Siva here. This locality is identified with champakaranya. Devotes throng this temple to get relieved of Naga Dosham.

9. Keezhperumpalam : This is a Siva temple located close to Poompuhar and Lord Kethu is enshrined within this temple. The legend records that Kethu worshiped Lord Siva here. Rahu and kethu are believed to have associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva Churn the Milk Ocean(Paar Kadai).

Bassein Beach – It Has Tranquil Location With Less Crowd

BASSEIN BEACH

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MUMBAI

Bassein is in the peaceful location, which is 77 km away from Mumbai. It is closely similar with the India's sultry beach state of Goa. But here, crowd is a bit less and those who wish to enjoy peaceful environment must visit Basssein.

The best way to enjoy nature’s beauty could be a visit to the beach. With a lot of beaches around, one can easily enjoy the exotic beauty of Mother Nature. Bassein has a tranquil atmosphere

This is quite of a historic place. One can see ruined forts that were built by the Portuguese inside dense forests of brushwood and palm grooves. Locals serve delicious Portuguese cuisines as well.

One can also see Buddhist relics at Nalasopara, which is 10 km from Bassein. Vajreshwari Temple, Akloli hot springs, Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at Ganeshpuri, Bhimeshwar Temple and other ashrams are also worth to visit. There are quite a few churches of Portuguese times as well in Bassein.

By Air

Chatrapati Shivaji International airport at Mumbai is the nearest international airport to Vasai and tourists reaching Mumbai by air from anywhere in the world can easily reach Bassein Beach by taking a train from Dadar or Andheri or traveling by road by the Western Express Highway which ever they find comfortable.

By Train

Reaching Bassein Beach by train is also easy as Vasai is the nearest suburban station and can be easily reached from Churchgate, Andheri and Dadar by boarding a Virar or Dahanu local trains.

From Vasai station there is both state transport corporation buses and auto rickshaws available for affordable process. Traveling from Andheri may be a better choice for it is also the station that is also nearest to the international terminal of the Mumbai International Airport.

By Bus

Bassein which is also known as Vasai is only at a distance of 60km by road from Mumbai and can be easily reached with private taxis. MTDC buses from near all parts of Mumbai to Vasai are also available. Tourists can also hire cars from travel and tourism companies can also be a good choice. Traveling from Mumbai to Vasai should not take more than one and a half hour but as the Western Express Highway witness heavy traffic at times it might also take longer. Vasai can also be reached from Thane via Ghodbunder Road easily.

St.Aloysius Chapel – With Good-Looking Oil Paintings It Seems So Much Wonder

ST.ALOYSIUS CHAPEL

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MANGALORE

St.Aloysius chapel is located right in the middle of the Mangalore city of Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka State of India.It was built in 1885, by Reverend Father Joseph Willy. 

Its location is at the top of the Light House Hill on the campus of St. Aloysius College.  The location allows you to get a picturesque view of the Arabian Sea.

St. Aloysius Chapel in Mangalore has unique beautiful paintings that virtually cover every inch of the walls. 

Bro. Moscheni from Italy is the creator of such a master piece. One portion of the chapel paintings depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom Aloysius College and chapel are dedicated.The Aloysius Chapel is considered a world-class tourist destination, with amazing architecture, extraordinary layouts and a well though execution that matches none.  

Come and be at one with God and the beauty of his creation and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the atmosphere. You will go back rejuvenated and relaxed.Visitors from over 63 countries from across the world come to honor this sacred and cultural venue.

The Mangalore Mission started in 1878, and the chapel was built as part of the mission.  Focusing on health, education, and social well-being of the Catholic Community of the city, the Italian Jesuits built St. Aloysius College in the year of 1880 and the chapel a few years later.  

The chapel is dedicated to a wealthy and successful young man, St. Aloysius Gonzaga. He gave up his worldly pleasures to serve the destitute.The chapel is an architectural wonder with a beautiful ceiling, fresco and oil paintings. 

The chapel stands head to head with the beautiful chapels of Rome, its walls and roof. Although many years old, these paintings are maintained, and restored regularly as they are historical artefacts.

The paintings are the work and passion of a famous Italian Jesuit painter Antonio Moscheni. The pictures have been painstakingly worked upon to pay homage to St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Other paintings are dedicated to the Apostles, Jesus’ life, and various Church and Jesuits saints.

By Air

The nearest Airport at Bajpe is located 18 Kms away from the downtown of Mangalore.The Mangalore airport also is well connected with regular flights of Jet Airways and Indian Airlines to major destinations across India. The airport of Mangalore also connects you to some of the major international destinations.

By Train 

There is a Railway station in Mangalore which is well connected to major destinations in and around the country. Mangalore is also connected by an efficient railway system that connects the city to every nook and corner of India (directly and indirectly).

By Road

Mangalore is well-connected to a number of neighboring cities by an efficient network of roads. The Karnataka state road transport corporations has also facilitated tourists with numerous buses from cities like Mumbai, Goa, Mysore, Bangalore, etc to Mangalore.

Abbey Falls – It Is Owned By A Private Person And Amidst In Coffee Plantations

ABBEY FALLS

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MADIKERI

Abbey falls in Madikeri of Kodagu district of Karnataka State of India and it is among the top places to see for the traveler visiting Coorg & Madikeri.The sound of the mighty waterfalls can be heard even from the main road during the rainy season.

Abby Falls or the Abbi Water Falls is situated just 7-8 kilometers from Madikeri town [Galibeedu road]. The British called it the Jessie waterfalls in memory of Jessie the daughter of Madikeri's first captain. It is located in a private property and decently maintained.

Abby cascades 70 ft down to flow as a small river .The falls appear suddenly, the water cascading over rocks into calm pools. A path through coffee and cardamom plantation off the main road adds to the attraction of the falls.

Abbey falls which is in Madikeri was earlier called Jessi falls named after a British officer’s wife. Abbey falls marks the top list of places to visit near Madikeri and Coorg.The waterfall is accessible by a well-laid road till the coffee estate gate.

One can drive his/her vehicle till the parking bay.After that, a small trek through the coffee and spices plantations leads to the waterfalls. The trek is easy, and the waterfall can be reached in 10 mins.

Tucked away between private coffee and spice estates, Abbey Falls (9km from Madikeri) offers a splendid backdrop for picnics. As you make your way past stocky coffee bushes and tall trees entwined with pepper vines, the falls make a sudden and dramatic appearance as they cascade their way down steps into limpid pools to join the Cauvery River. The ideal time to visit the falls is during the monsoon, when they are at their best.

Enjoy the gushing, roaring beauty but a desire to take a dip in the cool waters may prove to be risky. Reaching the place is a nice ride in itself as the road that drives you is very narrow with lots of turns and twists, ups and downs a two wheeler ride would be jolly one. A nature welcomes you at every turn.

The route to this Falls one Has to go through private Coffee estates. The Foggy Spray issuing forth from the stream flowing over a precipe makes a spectacular sight when viewed from a convenient spot. The water flow is very high during the monsoon season and during the dry seasons the flow is considerably less.

The falls is more enjoyable within the fenced area wherefrom you get its friendly pose for your camera. A hanging bridge has now been built across the gorge here offering a good view of the falls. The best time to visit is early winter when the monsoons bring plenty of water.

The beautiful waterfall was discovered by Mr. Neravanda B.Nanaiah who bought the place from the government and converted it into a coffee and spices plantation that is surrounding the waterfall today.

All days of the week

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Madikeri, Hebbettageri, Karnataka 571201, India

By Air

The nearest airport to Abbey Falls is calicut international airport , vayittiri which is 148 km away from Abbey Falls .

By Train

The nearest railway station to abbey falls is Subrahmanya Road Railway Station which is 34 km away from Abbey Falls.