Chennakesava Temple – It Has Large Number Of Pillars With Variety Of Beautiful Designs

CHENNAKESHAVA TEMPLE

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HASSAN

Chennakeshava Temple is the large temple in Belur and one of the most remarkable monuments from Hoysala times and region. It was commissioned by the Hoysala king himself to celebrate an important military victory in 1117 AD. This is exceptional, since nearly all other Hoysala temples were commissioned by rich officials or rich civilians.

The king obviously wanted an extraordinary temple because it has been built in an architectural style foreign to the region. Moreover the monument is exceptionally large and its decoration very lavish. Many of the decorations were added later in the 12th century by the grandson and successor of the founder.

The Cennakesava-temple stands in a compound with several smaller temples and a pond.Beautyful Belur the Quaint little town set elegantly on the banks of river Yagachi amidst lush surrounding was earlier Known as Velapuri. It was chosen as the capital of the Hoysalas, after the sacking and destruction of their capital at Dwarasamudra (Halebid), by the Delhi Sultans.

The Hoysalas Ruled this reigon between 44 th and 13 th centuries. They were great patrons of art and architecture and builts a number of magnificent shrines during their 300 years regin. The temples and monuments at Belur are indeed the best Hoysala creations, showcasing their amazing architecture and sculptures in full glory Belur was highly revered for its magnificient shrines and came to be Known as “modern vaikunta (heaven) of the earthe”.

The Hoysala temples are characterized by typical star shaped ground plan and are usually ste on a platform. They are compact, squat structures and are more human in scale as compared to other soaring shrines of the south. Ornately carved shrines indicate the music and dance were highly regarded by the Hoysalas and were used to express religious fervor.

The temples at Belur are carved out of soap stone (steatite), quarried from Tumkur, About 200 Kms away. This stone is extremely easy to chisel, but attains iron-like fitness when exposed to the atmosphere. To maintain the shine of the temple, the stone is treated with a chemical wash and then wax polished once in ten years.

Also the hall of the temple is very large and very ornate. Originally it was anBelur2.jpg (77954 bytes) open hall without full walls, it had a parapet-wall and a roof only resting on pillars. Its plan is not a square but a stepped diamond, which is usual in this kind of open halls. The parapet-wall is very high in this case, more than two meters, and is topped with a slanting seat-back.

This seat-back is decorated with panels showing mythological scenes. Below it are numerous horizontal bands with lavish sculptural decorations and depictions, some of them extremely delicate.

Today this small town basking in the warmth of its luxurious greenery and glorious past is regarded as “one of the jewels” of South India architecture. Its temple have become rich repositories of ancient Hindu culture and a must visit site on every tourist’s temple itinerary.

By Air

Nearest airport is Bangalore airport to Belur.

By Train

Hassan railway station is the closest for Belur.

By Bus

Frequently bus services available from Bangalore, Mysore, Hassan and Mangalore to Belur.

Thirumoorthy Hill – Many Of South Indian Fims Shooting Has Been Taken In This Area

THIRUMOORTHY HILLS

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TIRUPUR

Thirumoorthy Hill is situated 50 Kms from Pollachi and 20 kms from Udumalpet on the highway from Palani to Coimbatore. Thirumoorthy Hill is a part of Western Ghats about 20 km from Udumalaipettai. This hill is also a part of the Indra Gandhi national park and has a huge number of plants and animals living in it.

The important landmarks in the Thirumoorthy hill are Universal Peace Foundation, Thirumoorthy dam, Thirumoorthy waterfall and Thirumoorthy Temple.Thirumoorthy temple is situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to Thirumoorthy Dam. Importance of this temple is three Moorthy Idols originate in same place.

The major attractions of the place are Thirumoorthy temple, Pamjalinga falls and the Thirumoorthy Dam. The other tourist attractions are Amaravthy Dam and Amaravathy Crocodile farm which area situated near the Thirumoorthy hills. Thousands of visitors visit this exotic location daily.

If you want to hike around Thirumoorthy hills, you should get permission from the forest department. Forest department is located nearby Thirumoorthy hills bus station and Temple. Thousands of tourists arrive here every day as these places are enroute to Munnar. Amaravathy Dam and Amaravathy Crocodile farm are also located nearby. To reach Panchalingam falls, one must climb up for about 2 km.

Several movies have been shot in this area. From Thirumoorthy Hills, there is a much shorter route to Aliyar Dam, Anamalai Masaniamman Temple and Topslip that doesn’t require visitors going to Udumalaipet and Pollachi.

A perennial stream flows by the side of Sri Amaralingeswarar temple and nearby there is Thirumoorthy falls. It is also believed that a few years ago Athari Maharishi along with his wife Anushiya devi lived here. Progressed by their prayer, Lord Shiva together with Brammah and Thiru Moorthigal(Vishnu) came in disguise to test their devotion. Beleaguered by their appearance the couple offered them tribute.

The Thiru Moorthigal refused to accept their offerings as such and demanded that the offering should be made by Anushiya devi in State of undress. She accepted their demand and with her power of devotion she changed Thiru Moorthi's into 3 years old babies and fed them. On seeing the power of devoting Anushiya devi, the Thiru Moorthi's blessed the couple and hence the place is known as Thiru Moorthi hills.

By Air

Coimbatore International Aiport is the nearest airport to Thirumoorthy Hills.

By Train

Pollachi Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is better to hire a cab or taxi from Pollachi.

By Bus

Several buses are available from Udumalpet to Thirumoorthy Hills

Krishnapatnam Beach – Its Major Attraction Is That The Palm Trees Lining To Invite Visitors

KRISHNAPATNAM BEACH

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NELLORE

Krishnapatnam Beach is located in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh. Picturesque with calm water, the beach is well maintained. The beautiful fishing village of Krishnapatnam is another attraction.

Krishnapatnam is quite famous for its beach. The pristine and clean beach of Krishnapatnam offers a memorable holiday experience away from the rigors of daily life. The long stretch of golden sand that touches the feet and the palm trees lining along the beach is truly captivating and inviting.

The warm waters here are kissed by sunrays that could wash away the fatigue. This beach is a perfect destination for families and those wish to get away from the noise of city life.

The sight of palm trees and pristine waters of Krishnapatnam beach would remain entrenched in your memory for long. Although it is primarily, a port town in Muthukur Mandal of Nellore district in AP, Krishnapatnam offers truly wonderful moments of solitude to a traveller who prefers to spend some time at beach.

The port at Krishnapatnam has been in operation right from ancient days. Historical evidences suggest that the Vijayanagar Emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya had established this port and is hence named as Krishnapatnam in his honour.

The port used to be a major base for transportation between Chennai and Krishna river delta in its earlier days. By 1960, iron ore export started from the port in wooden boats. Krishnapatnam was declared as a minor port by Government of India in 1980. Krishnapatnam Port is credited for being India’s largest private sector port built on an area of 4,533 acres.

Krishnapatnam has premium hotels with the major ones being the APTDC Haritha Hotel.The beach at a distance of 24 km from Nellore and those who visit the city make it a point to relax at Krishnapatnam for spending some tranquil moments at the beach or watch the large ships sail in the vast ocean.

By Air

Renigunta is the closest domestic airport to Krishnapatnam. The airport located in Tirupati is at a distance of 154 km from Krishnapatnam. Chennai International Airport is the nearest International which is situated at a distance of 223 km from Krishnapatnam.

By Train

Nellore railway station is located at a distance of 23 km from Krishnapatnam on Vijayawada- Chennai section.

By Bus

National Highway-5 connects the nearest city of Nellore.

Experience The Royal Life Of The Maharajas

PALACE ON WHEELS

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

Rajasthan is a magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied landscapes and vibrant colours. The best way to experience this royal land is with the Palace on Wheels. It stands on its tracks, a gleaming sealed carriage, the personification of regal.

The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night. The trip includes a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your cars and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where novel experiences await you.

The week-long tour also includes special culture shows arranged at some of the cities. If you're looking for souvenirs, our guides will direct you to government-approved shops.

FACILITIES

There are 14 saloons in total, each equipped with four twin-bedded chambers with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. All modern amenities have been thoughtfully provided: sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes, and massive plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll by.

Each coach also has a common seating lounge where passengers can get together to enjoy a quiet cup of tea and watch cities as they pass. An attached pantry with each saloon provides refreshments on demand.

There is the comfortable bar-cum-lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani. Accompanying chefs can whip up a delicious Indian meal, including Rajasthani food, or Continental and Chinese cuisines.

Indulge your sense in the well-equipped royal spa that offers various massages, therapies and revitalising solutions amidst a majestic ambience.

Special assistance, in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and an attendant are available for disabled individuals.

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JOURNEY

Palace On Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is one of the world's most exciting rail journeys. Everything that you would need on this journey is taken care of. All you need to do is soak in the colours and experience the royal life of the Maharajas.

The tour starts at Delhi and comes back to the city after passing through (in order) Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra.

Pushkar Lake – Asia’s Prevalent Camel Fair Originates Every Year (October-November) In This Place

PUSHKAR LAKE

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AJMER

Pushkar Lake is located in the holy city of Pushkar in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. The lake is related to the mythology of Lord Brahma. The scenic lake of Pushkar is situated in a valley about 10 kms to the northwest of Ajmer. Pushkar Lake is enclosed by hills and desert. Pushkar Lake is one of the most holy place for Hindus.

There are about 52 Ghats and 400 temples in Pushkar which are situated on the banks of the Pushkar Lake. It is considered that the famed waters of the Pushkar wash away the sins of whole life.

Pilgrims from all over come to take bath in the holy waters of Pushkar on the day of Kartik Purnima or on any of the four days before the day of Kartik Purnima and also worship at the Ghats. The spiritual water of the Lake is also considered to treat skin diseases, making Pushkar "the Lourdes of the East".

The history of Pushkar Lake dates back to 4th century BC. The creation of Pushkar Lake, as an artificial lake goes back to12th century. In 1615–16, the Mughal emperor Jahangir set up his hunting lodge on the shores of the Pushkar Lake. He came to this lodge for hunting when he was staying in Ajmer, about 20 kilometres from Pushkar.

This act breaks the local custom of in which animals are not to be killed in the areas of the holy lake. Later, grandson of Jahangir named Aurangzeb (1618–1707) destroyed some of the temples of the pushkar which were built again afterwards. The Rajput rulers of Amber, Bundi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer put their maximum efforts to re-establish the significance of the lake and its nearby temples.

Ghats of the Pushkar Lake are also renovated and also temples are built around it by various rulers like Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber, Daulat Rao Scindia, Maha Rana Pratap etc.

There are about 52 ghats at the lake which is used by pilgrims to take bath. But 10 of fiftytwo ghats are most famous and are important historical architecture too. These are the Varaha Ghat, the Dadhich Ghat, Saptarishi Ghats, Gwalior Ghat, Kota Ghat, Gau ghat, Yag Ghat, Jaipur Ghat, Karni Ghat and Gangaur Ghat.

Pushkar Camel Fair is Asia’s largest camel fair which commences on Prabodhini Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day in the bright fortnight and ends on Kartik Poornima – the full Moon day in the month of Kartik (October– November) . The lake becomes too crowded during this time as it is said that taking bath on Kartik Poornima is very blissful and wash away all you sins.

By Air

Pushkar Lake can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (148 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.

By Train

Pushkar Lake is well connected through nearest Ajmer Railway station (      15 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.

By Bus

Pushkar Lake is located at the centre of Pushkar city. One can easily reach here by hiring taxi or bus from Ajmer.