Lepakshi - It Is One Of The Popular One Day Trip From Bangalore

Lepakshi

Lepakshi is a small village which lies 14 km east of Hindupur in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is the one of the important heritage sites in Andhra Pradesh highlighting the legacy of Vijayanagara Dynasty. It is one of the famous Tourist places in Andhra Pradesh and also one of the popular one day trip from Bangalore.

Lepakshi was founded in the 16th century during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Aliiya Rama Raya. Virupanna, the royal treasurer was accused of drawing funds without the king's permission from the state treasury to build the Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi. However, he blinded himself to avoid the king's punishment. Even today one can see two dark stains upon the wall near the Kalyana Mandapa, which are said to be the marks made by his eyes. Hence the village is called 'Lepa-akshi', means a village of the blinded eye.

Lepakshi is the centre of some of the finest temple architecture and paintings. Lepakshi consists of three important shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra, of which Veerabhadra temple is the most important place to visit in Lepakshi (this is also referred as Lepakshi Temple). The temples of Papanatheswara, Raghunatha, Srirama, Veerabhadra and Durga are located in the same complex on a hillock named as Kurma Saila (tortoise shaped hill). 

The Vijayanagar styled temple has several wonderful paintings on the ceiling. The hanging pillar supported from the top is a surprise for the visitors. To the south of the main shrine is a huge Nagalingam, standing on a granite block, shrouded by a seven-headed cobra, magnificently carved out of single rock. The monolithic Nandi in Lepakshi village is another remarkable feature. 

The handicrafts of Lepakshi are also quite popular among women all over the country.

Bangalore Airport, about 100 km from Lepakshi, is extremely well-connected by air. Hindupur Railway station is the nearest railway station, which is about 14 km from Lepakshi. It is well connected by rail with cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Hubli, Mysore, Vizag, Shirdi, Coimbatore, Luknow, New Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Machilipatnam, Bagalkot, Trivandrum, Nagercoil, Bhubaneswar, Gujarat, Jaipur, Jabalpur, Vijayawada and Tuticorin. Lepakshi is connected by bus with Hindupur. Hindupur has regular buses from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Anantapur, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Chennai and Nellore. 

The best season to visit Lepakshi is from October to March while the Peak Season is January & April to May. It usually takes around halfday to visit all places in Lepakshi. Accommodation is also available with newly built AP Tourism Haritha resort near Nandi statue.

Lepakshi hanging pillar is one of the 70 pillars which is hanging well almost on its edge . Lepakshi hanging pillar has a story behind it, "A British engineer who wanted to know how the temple was supported by the pillars, they tried to displace one of it, and it caused the movement of as many as 10 pillars around to maintain the balance. The temple and the pillars in the temple was designed to withstand even earthquakes". This is well known history about Lepakshi hanging pillar.

There is another story about the Lepakshi hanging pillar is that originally the pillars was hanging, but the Britishers thought it may fall-down and tried to pull it down. But they could succeed only partially on one side, which caused the roof to bend to that side.

By Air

Nearest Airport is Bangalore - Bengaluru International Airport (100 Kms)

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is Hindupur Railway Station (14 Kms)

By Bus

Nearest Bus Station: Lepakshi Bus Station (0 Kms)

Lansdowne Hill Station - It Is One Of The Most Popular Weekend Getaway

Lansdowne Hill Station

Lansdowne is situated at an altitude of 1700 mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state.Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne, who was the then Viceroy of India during the period of 1888-1894. Presently , Lansdowne has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army.

Lansdowne is one of the quietest and unspoilt hill stations of India and has been a popular destination since Britishers came to India. lansdowne is unlike other hill station, as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way.

Lansdowne is ideal travel destination for a lazy, relaxing holiday. It is one of the most popular weekend Getaway from Delhi NCR Region.Lansdowne is much cleaner and well maintained because of Cantonment Area Of Garhwal Rifles.

Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds. Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. 

Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds.Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds.Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. 

Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds.Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds.

Lansdowne offers exciting opportunities for adventure activities like bird watching, trekking, rock climbing to name a few. Lansdowne is famous for being a birdwatcher paradise as one can spot many beautiful feathered birds.  

The salubrious and serene climate at Lansdowne surrounded by undulating verdant hills makes it an ideal place to go for long walks amidst lush greenery in the morning and evenings. 

Tourists can enjoy boating, paddling in the man made lake named Bhulla Lake. Tourists also enjoy water activities at Kho River near Durga Devi Mandir which is located on the Kotdwar-Lansdowone Road.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the neares Airport to Lansdowne situated at a distance of 148kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Lansdowne is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. 

By Train

Nearest railway station to Lansdowne is Kotdwar situated at a distance 40kms. Kotdwar is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. There are regular trains running to Lansdowne from major destinations of North India.

By Bus

Buses to Kotdwar and Dugadda are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Lansdowne are available from Kotdwar, Dugadda, Pauri and other major destinations of Uttarakhand state.

Bannari Mariamman Temple - It Is Placed In North-West Boundary Of Kongu Nadu

BANNARI MARIAMMAN TEMPLE

Around 300 years ago, the dana Nayakkan or Dhandanyakkan forest you all know now its been called as “BANNARI”. This name Bannari for this great historical place origined because of the great temple “Bannari Amman Temple”.

Bannari Mariamman temple is situated at a distance of fourteen kilometers from Sathyamangalam in Erode District.The temple facing south and it is surrounding by thick forests with verdant vegetation on the southern, northern and western directions.The range of mountains and the hilly backdrop add charm to the abode of the deity.Beasts such as elephants, wild pigs, bears, deer, hares, and monkey are found in the surrounding forests. Beautiful peacocks and various birds are also seen here.

In ancient days Tamil Nadu consisted of five division known as Chera Nadu, Chozha Nadu, Pandiya Nadu, Thondai Nadu and Kongu Nadu.Kongu Nadu was situated on the western side of Tamil Nadu. Mountains, rivers and forests added beauty to this fertile soil.Bannari located on the North West boundary of Kongu Nadu. Of late, it has become pilgrim’s paradise because devotees from far and near visit this spot. It is held in high esteem as the celebrated abode of Goddess Mariamman.

The oracle was heard by everybody who has assembled there. In response to that message, the villagers Erected shed with ‘KANANGU’ a kind of forest herbs. In due course, the thatched ceiling was replaced by tiled ceiling. Funds were collected from philanthropists and the temple structure underwent renovation repeatedly and, the gopuram was built above the SANCTUM – SANCTORIUM.

Shobana Mantapa in front of the temple with 24-pillared mantapa with carvings of architectural beauty was constructed in 1967. The Artha Mantapa, Maha Mantapa and Shobana Mantapa enhance the beauty of the temple. Separate shrines for such gods as Vinayaka, Bommairayan, Madeswara SARUGU Mariamman and Muniyappa are found in and around the temple.

The Bommarayan temple is in Artha mandapam facing west side and the Ganesh temple is in front mandapam facing east.God Matheshwaran is placed on a slab which is on the southern side of the Goddess temple.Near the temple pond a small temple facing west is constructed for Sarugu Mariamman is placed. The kumbhabishegam for this temple was conducted on second of this month.

On the west side of the temple pond a big pit is present. In that pit water will be stagnant only on rainy seasons. On other seasons water won’t stagnate there. To the left side of the way to the temple pond, God VandiMuniappar is placed on a slab. During the festival for goddess the people of Cholar caste do special poojas for this God.

By Air

The nearest airport one is their at Coimbatore for reaching Bannari.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam and then other nearest railways stations are Coimbatore and Chamarajanagar.

By Bus

There are lot of buses from Sathyamangalam(15 km), Bhavanisagar, Thalavadi and Chamarajanagar (60 km) to reach Bannari. The buses from Coimbatore and Erode to Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Kollegal on NH 209 also passes through Bannari. One can also get the buses from Bhavanisagar and reach the temple via Kothamangalam, but this is a long route to reach Bannari. And on every Sunday, Monday, Friday and new moon days there are special buses to the temple from Sathyamangalam, Erode, Gobichettipalayam and Coimbatore.

Majuli - Majuli Homes Are Made From Bamboo

MAJULI

Majuli is the world’s largest deltaic island. Every monsoon, the roaring Brahmaputra takes great bites out of the island, swallowing many homes. Despite being ravaged by nature, Majuli, India’s first island district, flaunts a vibrant culture and unparalleled scenic beauty. Here are some mesmerising images of this idyllic locale.

Majuli homes are made from bamboo and placed on concrete pillars at a height of about two feet from the ground in order to prevent water from seeping in during the monsoon floods.

The island is home to a mix of communities – the Mishing tribe, the Deoris, the Sonowal Kacharis and the Ahoms. The inhabitants lead simple lives and are always happy to welcome travellers. Mishing tribals, in particular, like to invite visitors into their homes for a bowl of freshly prepared apong or rice beer.

Majuli is carpeted in verdant mats of rice fields interspersed with tiny ponds bursting with hyacinth blossoms. Quiet roads, shaded by bamboo trees, wind their way through the flat terrain. Locals can be seen cycling on these narrow paths, groceries hanging from their handlebars, while fishermen can be seen lugging nets, bulging with fish, from the ponds.

To reach Majuli, you will first have to reach Jorhat. From Jorhat, which is just 20 km from Majuli, you will have to travel on a ferry. The ride itself is a fun experience. Jorhat has its own airport with daily flights from Kolkata and Shillong. Jorhat also has a railway station which is connected to the capital town of Guwahati which is well linked to the major cities of India.

Jorhat is well connected by air, with daily flights from Guwahati, and four flights a week from Calcutta. From Guwahati, Jorhat is a seven-hour bus ride. Buses leave early mornings and at nights.

From Jorhat it is only fourteen kilometers to Neemati Ghat. There are at least two ferry rides to Majuli every day, one around 10 a.m., the other around 3 p.m. Exact times can be ascertained from the private bus stand at Jorhat, from where buses leave for Neemati.

The first ferry ride lasts about an hour - after that transfer to a bus for a ten minute bus ride across Major Sapori, another island en route Majuli. Then a short ferry ride, and yet another bus ride to Kamalabari, the main town on the island. You can also hire a taxi, either from Jorhat or in Majuli. The taxi can cross over on the ferry.

Hajo - It Is An Ancient Pilgrimage Centre For Hindus, Buddhists And Muslims

Hajo - It Is An Ancient Pilgrimage Centre For Hindus, Buddhists And Muslims

The religious village of Hajo is situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River. About 30 kilometres away from Guwahati, Hajo is an ancient pilgrimage centre for Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. There are quite a few temples in Hajo and all enjoy the reverence of their devotees. 

Most famous is the Hayagriva Madhava Temple atop the Monikut hill. Hindu as well as Buddhist pilgrims seek solace at this scared stone temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Hayagriva Madhava Temple is also known for its exemplary architecture. Other historically and religiously important temples in Hajo include the Madan Kamdev Temple on Dewangiri hill and the Kedareswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Hajo can rightly be called the pilgrimage city of Assam. Dotted with a number of Hindu temples, Hajo invites all to taste the flavour of utmost spirituality. Among the famous Hindu shrines in Hajo are Hayagriva Madhab Temple on Manikuta Hill, Kedareshwar Temple and Ganesha Temple. On the other hand Muslims also rever Hajo as a holy place and come here to pay homage at Powa Mecca. 

Buddhists see Hajo as a pious place where Lord Buddha attained Parinirvana. Hajo or precisely Sarthebari is famous for its bell metal items and when you are there, make sure you buy at least a souvenir. Whether you believe in religion or not, you will love to see this holy destination in Assam, which defnitely has the capability to change your perspective towards spirituality.

Hayagriva temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu that is similar to the idol of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Also, it is believed that Lord Buddha is believed to have attained Nirvana at this religious site and hence this site is visited by numerous Buddhists, Bhutiyas and Hindus.

Powa Mecca and the word 'Powa' means 1/4th and hence, Powa Mecca figuratively refers to having some of the sanctity of Mecca. The tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, a pioneer of Islam is located here.

The Kamesware Temple is an ancient temple, built in the 18th century by the Ahom king Pramatta Singha. Quite later after its construction, it was turned into a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shivlinga here resembles that in Kedarnath.

Kameswara Temple Located atop the Madanachala Hill in Hajo, this Shiva temple is regarded as one of the oldest temples in the Indian subcontinent. This temple enshrines a huge Shivalinga, made of stone, which is popularly known as the Svayambhu Linga.

Reaching Hajo is quite easy, as there is a good connectivity to this place from the nearby cities, like Guwahati, Tezpur etc. The town is located at a distance of about 25 km to the west of Guwahati and is frequently visited by travelers and tourists from all over the globe.