Bara Imambara – It Has A Unique Fashion Architecture Of The 18th Century Significance

BARA IMAMBARA

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LUCKNOW

The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of this place.

It is also called Asfi Imambara after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork in the entire structure.

The hall measures 50 meters long and goes upto a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it. 

It has large underground passages which have been blocked up. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths known as Bhool-Bhulaiyan, which is a complicated entanglement of zig-zag passages. Visitors are advised to visit only with authorised guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is the grand Asafi Mosque. Shahi Baoli is another attraction here.

Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.

Entry fee : Rs. 25.00 (Indian). Rs. 500.00 (Foreigner) (inclusive of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Picture Gallery, Shahi Hamam).

By Air

Lucknow can be easily reached by air as the place has its own independent airport. The airport at Lucknow is located at a distance of around 14 kilometers from the city center at a place called Amausi. Flights operate from Amausi to nearby places like Delhi, Patna, Ranchi and also other cities like Mumbai. 

By Train

There are two main railway junctions at Lucknow. One is at Lucknow city center itself and the other is at Charbagh, which is located at a distance of around 3 kilometers from the city center. Trains from all major places near and around Lucknow ply daily to this place. 

By Bus

Lucknow can be easily reached from Delhi, Kanpur, Agra, Allahbad and Dehradun. Highways from all these places connect them with Lucknow. The major highways passing through Lucknow are N.H. - 25, N.H. - 28 and N.H. - 56.

Jog Falls – It Is Located In The Border Of Shimoga And Uttara Kannada Districts

JOG FALLS

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SHIMOGA

Jog Falls is the second-highest force waterfall in India, Located near Sagara, Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi.

Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River falling from a height of 253 m (830 ft), making it the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Sharavati, a river which rises at Ambutirtha, near Nonabar, in the Thirthahalli taluk and takes the north-westerly course by Fatte petta, receives the Haridravati on the right below Pattaguppe and the Yenne Hole on the left above Barangi.

On arriving at the frontier it bends to the west, and precipitating itself down the Falls of Gersoppa and passing that village (properly Geru-Sappe), which is really some 29 kilometres distant, discharges into the sea at Honnavar in North Kanara.

The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja.

A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill.

Associated with the waterfall is the nearby Linganmakki Dam across river Sharavathi. The power station has been operational since 1948, and is of 120 MW capacity, one of the largest hydroelectric stations in India at that time and a small source of electric power for Karnataka now.

The power station was previously named Krishna Rajendra hydro-electric project, after the King of Mysore at that time. The name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi hydro-electric Project. It was served by Hirebhaskara dam until 1960. After 1960, due to the ideas of Sir M. Visvesvarayya, Linganmakki Dam is being used for power generation.

Before the onset of monsoon season, when there is not much water in the Linganmakki dam, the Jog Falls are only a pair of thin streams of water trickling down the cliff, as the water collected in the dam is exclusively for generation of electricity; during monsoons local rain-water is the source of water to the falls.

Hubli Airport is the nearest airport which is 171 km away from Jog Falls. The nearest railway station is at Shimoga at a distance of around 105 km from Jog Falls. The Shimoga Railway Station is well connected to Mysore, Bangalore, Birur and Talguppa. Jog Falls is accessible by bus from Sagar and Siddapur. Sirsi is also a good base station to visit Jog Falls & other places around.

Mamallapuram Beach – It Is 20km Long Beach Attaracts Millions Of Tourist From All Over The World

MAHABALIPURAM BEACH

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KANCHIPURAM

Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram  is 60 Km south of Chennai City and it is in Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu State of India. Mamallapuram beach is a 20 km long stretch . This was originally a Pallav Dynasty’s Port. This beach is visited by millions of tourists throughout the year. Again it is a paradise for the younger generation too.

It is known especially for its Temples in the form of Chariots called rathas, mandapams huge open-air reliefs and the temple of Rivage. Long and beautiful sea shore attracts millions of tourist throughout the year. 

Mahabalipuram was included in the World Heritage Monuments list of 1984 by UNESCO.  Mamallapuram Dance Festival during December - January attracts Exponents of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Oddissi and Kathak dance styles. Dakshin –A heritage Centre on the way from Mahabalipuram to Chennai. 

Mahabalipuram beach attracts a lot of travellers every year especially for the natural Sun bathing in the beach. The beach gives an opportunity to completely unwind from the weary and tiredness of the city life. Windsurfers and Swimmers are seen hitting the shores of the beach playing with the rising tide.

Mahabalipuram beach of India, to charm the visitors also has a crocodile bank, a snake venom extracting center, a school of art and sculpture. There are resorts all along the beach to serve the empty stomach of the tourists.

Dakshinachitra is a heritage center where you can find traditional crafts showcased from the south India. Cultural programs are also performed by folk artists highlighting its culture.The five Monolithic temples are built in different styles and thus its formation is known as Pancha Pandava Rathas.

Tiger's Cave is an open air theatre located 4 km away towards the north of the main monument complex, where cultural programs are held. The caves are very close to the beach but you'll find serenity and peace all around over here.

Shore Temple is one of the oldest temples located in the south India. This holy place has a structural architecture of the Dravidian style. The monuments that are placed inside become lively in the sparkling of the photofloods at night.

Arjuna's Penance is a world largest bas-relief formation that is 27 m tall by height and 9 m wide. It's one of the major attractions that hold the pride of Mahabalipuram. Its whale shaped rock has figures of God & Demigods, birds, beasts, which highlights the complete formation of the almighty.

By Air

Chennai 58-km away is the nearest airport with both domestic and international terminus. 

By Train

The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the roads to reach Mahabalipuram. 

By Bus

There are buses available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram regularly. The road to Mahabalipuram is well connected to other major roads. Tourists can also hire a taxi from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram.

Skiing At Auli - It Is One Of The Most Excellent Snow-Covered Destination For Skiing Lovers

SKIING AT AULI

It wouldn’t be wrong to call Auli the Ski capital of India. Located at 2,500 to 3,050 meters, in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, The month of December heralds the beginning of the skiing season, which bears witness to the commencement of several ski festivals, along with the National Skiing Championships.

The snowy excitement goes on all the way till March. Run and maintained by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, the resort provides skiers with necessary equipment and all state-of-the-art facilities. Facilities of chair lift and a ski lift are available for skiers with the objective of conserving their time and labour.

The ski lift has been imported from France and is the longest one in the country. The ski slopes descend from 3,049 meters to 2,915 meters. Accommodation at the resort is warm, cozy and decent. With a 110-bed capacity, delicious food, adequate heating arrangements, hot water, medical facilities and congenial hospitality, there is no dearth of facilities at this very budget-friendly resort.

If it’s an excursion you’re interested in, a 16-kilometre drive to Joshimath will give you the benefit of exploring ancient temples dating back to 8 B.C. Auli is quite remote when it comes to accessibility, with the nearest railway station being Haridwar, 299 kilometers away and the closest airport, Jolly Grant at Dehradun, 273 kilometres away.

Snow-covered slopes aren’t just to be admired, but to be enjoyed. Skiing has gained popularity as an alternative sport in the winter months. At an elevation of 2,915 - 3,049 meters with five kilometers expanse of snow, Auli is offers perfect grounds for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Coniferous and oak forests line the slopes.

The peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri can be seen from the location. Its importance as a venue of adventure sports lies in its natural advantages enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities. The adventurous skier can go for cross country runs covering 10 - 20 kilometers. For the less adventurous, ski touring the glaciers is another enjoyable option.

Besides Auli, other ski spots include Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari and Mundali. Mundali is situated in Dehradun, 129 kilometres from the main Dehradun town. Mundali’s enormous skiing rings offer incredible sights of the Himalayan slopes.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Auli situated at a distance of 286kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Auli is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Auli.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Auli is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 264kms before Auli on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Auli is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath and many other destinations to Auli.

By Bus

Auli is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Auli are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Ukhimath, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Auli is situated only 14kms from Joshimath which lies on NH58.

Calangute Beach – Most Of The Tourists Like Better To Visit This Beach Only In December

CALANGUTE BEACH

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NORTH GOA

Calangute is the most popular beach with thousands thronging it in both the peak and off-season. The waves rise high above as you wash away your city blues, though swimmer need to be a trifle cautious because of the sudden drop and the rising waves. Experienced swimmers will, however, revel in the seas here.

Also called the ‘Queen of beaches’, Calangute is the largest beach in north Goa. Calangute along with Candolim, Baga and Anjuna form part of the beach stretch extending from just outside Panaji city to Fort Aguada. Located in North Goa, about 15 km from Goa’s capital Panaji, Calangute is home to one of the largest and commercialized beaches in Goa. Calangute beach is located between Baga and Candolim beach.

Years of tourism has brought in a tremendous change in the scenario. Hotels and guesthouses stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga. The village of Calangute has all basic facilities like post office, banks, foreign exchange offices, resort companies, all kind of bars and restaurants, besides medical facilities. The number of internet cafes in Calangute might even exceed that of the entire city of Panaji.

Huge showrooms filled with exquisite handicrafts from Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, Rajasthan and other exotic places, line up the main road running towards Anjuna.

The beach is fringed with popular restaurants and hotels, including the Calangute Residency operated by GTDC. This long, seven-km sweep of sand located 15 kms from Panaji, is called the 'Queen of Beaches'.Calangute is also famous for its water sport activities. One can experience para-sailing, water surfing, banana ride, jet-ski.

Maximum visitors prefer to visit Calangute during Christmas and New Year. The beach, accommodation facilities, water sport activities makes Calangute one of the best places in Goa.Calangute is the best place to buy antiques, junk jewelry, sake boxes, beach wears also available. Handicrafts made in Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia and Rajasthan are worth buying.

By Air

Goa International Airport at Dabolim near Vasco da Gama is the state’s only airport. It caters to domestic and international air services with at least two dozen arrivals from India and middle-eastern countries such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Muscat, Doha, Dubai and Kuwait.

By Train

The South Western Railway and the Konkan Railway lines service the state of Goa. Madgaon and Vasco Da Gama are two major railway junctions in Goa.

By Bus

NH66 connects Goa to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore to the south.NH-4A connects Panaji to Belgaum in the east and other cities such as Bangalore, Kolhapur etc. NH-366 connects NH-66 to Mormugao Port from Cortalim.