Gokarna - It Is known For Its Beautiful Beaches

GOKARNA

AT

KARNATAKA

Gokarna is a small town in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. It is a famous pilgrimage center and also one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism because of its beautiful beaches. 

The prime attraction of the Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga. The Atmalinga was given to Ravana by Lord Shiva himself. Ravana was stopped here for his evening prayers while going back to Lanka. He had been instructed by Lord Shiva not to keep the Atmalinga on the ground, since it would be fixed wherever it touched ground. Atmalinga was a powerful weapon and devatas did not want Ravana to get such a powerful weapon, fearing destruction.

Lord Ganesh took the avatar of a boy and offered Ravana to hold the Atmalinga during his prayer. Ganesha then kept the linga on ground before Ravana comes back from prayer. Ravana, in extreme anger, tried to pull out the Atmalinga from the ground, breaking it in the process. These pieces then resulted in the establishment of various temples in Karnataka. Besides Mahabaleshwara temple, there are other prominent temples here including Maha Ganapathi temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Varadaraja temple and Venkataramana temple.

The name of the town Gokarna is derived from two words, Go and Karna, which means cow's ear. According to mythology, Lord Shiva appeared from a cow's ear, after he was sent to Patal Lok by Lord Brahma. Some believe, the town is located at the confluence of two rivers Aganashini and Gangavali, and the place where the rivers converge forms a shape that is similar to the ear of a cow, hence the name Gokarna. Gokarna was under the rule of the Kadambas, Vijayanagara kings and was later conquered by the Portuguese.

Apart from being a religious town, Gokarna is also known for its beaches. There are many beautiful beaches located close by, which have small shacks serving as accommodation along with many small shops and modern eateries. The Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach are the five main beaches here. Gokarna Beach is the town's main beach and pilgrims gather here when they visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple. 

The Kudle Beach is the largest of the five beaches and it is crowded during the peak season November to February. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol.

Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Devotees visit Gokarna temple on large number during Mahashivratri and Kartika Purnima festivals. The entire town is decorated during the four days of the Mahashivratri festival and the temple deity is taken out in a procession. 

Best time to visit is Oct to Mar. It usually takes one full day to visit Gokarna.

Nearest Airport: Vasco Da Gama - Dabolim Airport (154 Kms)

Nearest Train Station: Gokarna Road Railway Station (9 Kms)

Karwar Railway Station (58 Kms)

Nearest Bus Station: Gokarna Bus Station (0 Kms)

Paithal Mala Hills - It Is A Trekker's Delight

PAITHAL MALA HILLS

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KANNUR

Paithal Mala stands majestically at an altitude of 4500 ft. steeped in a white blanket of mist- the Paithal Mala. Also called Vaithal Mala, Paithal Mala is a hill station that rests in the lap of the Western Ghats in Kannur district of Kerala. Located in the Kerala – Karnataka border, Paithal Mala descends into the Kudaku forest area of Karnataka.

This hilly stretch which is the highest peak in Northern Kerala bursts with myriad forms of life. This divine slice of land which is a blend of vast green meadows and sigh inducing valleys is a haven of birds, butterflies, rare plants and trees.  The journey is also a walk into a chapter of history as one gets to see the remains of the ruined palace of the tribal king Vaithalkon.

With its grand landscapes, Paithal Mala resembles the Western highlands. A two km trek is needed to reach the top of the hills. The trek to the top itself is rewarding. It is more of a jungle sojourn in solitude, occasionally punctuated by the calls of the birds. An exciting trail replete with all the wonders of the wilderness leads you to the base of the Paithal Mala. From there you amble up a velvet green stretch that leads into the summit of the hillock. There, you just walk into a creamy mist. Feast your eyes on the panorama of peaks as the hovering mist gives way and enjoy the grand views of this wild beauty.

Surrounded by a swathe of lush greenery, Paithal Mala offers a truly exhilarating and enchanting trekking experience.A gorgeous hill station which offers a vista of wonders, Paithal Mala is a trekker’s delight. 

Pithalmala recieves a good amount of rainfall throughout the year. Temperature will drop to to less than 10 Degree Celsius in winter. Paithalmala have two active tourist seasons. If you are a photographer, the best time to visit Paithalmala is monsoon,  

June to October. At this period one can witness mist covered mountains and never ending greenery with a little showers. Remember to wear good shoes which completely covers your foot to protect against the leeches. As a result of the monsoon rains, the grasses grow to the walkways, which makes walking difficult. 

By the end of November the paths will be cleared and trekkers can easily pass through the grasses. The second tourist season is January to March. At this time, The sun might be a little harsh, so take care before setting out for trekking.The greenery at the top will fade away to golden brown grass land at summer. Always carry water with you to prevent dehydtation, especially in this time.

Paithalmala is located at  55km from Kannur and 40 km from Taliparamba. The nearest national highway is at Taliparamba is National Highway 66 which connects Goa and Mumbai in the north and Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in the South. The nearest town is Kudiyanmala. 

When Driving from Kannur to reach Paithalmala, The shortest route (55.8 km) is: Kannur- Puthiyatheru – Mayyil- Sreekandapuram – Chemberi – Paithalmala. When Driving From Taliparamba, The shortest Route (39.2 km) is: Taliparamba – Oduvally – Naduvil – Kudiyanmala – Paithalmala.  

The nearest Railway station is Kannur Railway Station (CAN). The nearest Airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ). If you Prefer Public Transport, KSRTC is operating several buses from Kannur and Taliparamba to Kudiyanmala. Click here to View the KSRTC Bus timings from Taliparamba to Kudiyanmala and here View the KSRTC Bus timings from Kannur to Kudiyanmala. There are no Private buses being operated in Kudiyanmala.

Jejuri Khandoba Temple - A Sword Competition Is Held Every Year In This Temple At Dussera Occasion

KHANDOBA TEMPLE

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PUNE

Khandoba Temple is located in the city of Jejuri in Pune. It is the prime temple among the Khandoba (Martanda Bhairava) Temples across Maharashtra. In fact, there are two shrines on top of a hill in Jejuri: one is Kadepathar and another is Gad-kot Temple.

Jejuri Khandoba Temple is dedicated to Khandoba, who is also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand in the region. Khandoba is the important god worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti, the god who fulfills all the desires of his devotees. Jejuri is popular for its old Deep Mala.

As said earlier, there are many versions of the legends relating to Martanda Bhairava. One or two myths are very famous and are associated with the creation of this temple. One of the major sources is the literary work, Malhari Mahatmya. Lord Khandoba is also known as Malhari (the warrior king). According to this literary work, the battle between Khandoba and the demons called Malla and Mani is the prime story behind the birth of Lord Martanda Bhairava.

The tale says that, the demon-brothers named Malla and Mani were creating a havoc in the world as they had got a boon from Lord Brahma. All Gods got annoyed by the menace they were creating on earth but were not able to destroy them. So, they requested Lord Shiva to destroy these demons. 

It is then Khandoba (a form of Shiva) was born. Finally, Malla and Mani were killed in the battle; while dying Mani asked for forgiveness by offering his white horse to Khandoba and gains a boon to be in every shrine of Martanda Bhairava. In fact, the name Malhari or Mallari comes from the words 'Malla' and 'ari' which means the destroyer of Malla or the enemy of Malla.

The Khandoba temple in Jejuri is built on a hill and offers good views all around. One has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. There are various stone images of elephants on either sides of the main gateway of the temple. 

The entire flat plateau above the hill is surrounded by a stone pavement in the center, of which stands the Khandoba shrine. The whole courtyard is surrounded by arched aisles on sides, from which highly ornate balconies with cypress pillars and cusped arches project out. This enclosure has three gateways and the temple faces east. The outermost portion is an arched portico- consisting of a square mandapa and a garbhagriha. 

The idol of Sri Khandoba enshrined inside the temple is simply beautiful. There are three weapons housed in Jejuri Temple, a sword, a damaru and a paral. They are very exquisite and also have historical importance attached to them. A Sword Competition is held every year at the temple, on the occasion of Dussera. The one, who lifts the sword of the temple high up, for the maximum time, is declared as the winner. It attracts people from all over the state on the occasion of Bandara festival.

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest airport to the town of Jejuri.

By Train

Jejuri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Khandoba Temple. You can also board trains from places like Pune and Mumbai to reach Jejuri

By Bus

Jejuri is around 50km from Pune. It is well-connected to other parts of the state. Visitors can take government run buses from Pune or hire private cabs to reach Jejuri. 

Ambernath Shiv Temple - It Is An Ancient Temple Nearly Mumbai

AMBERNATH SHIV TEMPLE

AT

THANE

Ambreshwar Temple, the temple of Lord Shiva, located on the bank of Vadavan River, is very near to Ambernath Railway Station.

Situated in the hollow of a hill, the temple dating back from 1000 AD is wonderfully compact. To the south of the temple over the hillock most commanding view of the giant forms of Tavali and Malanggad or Bava Balang is obtained.

This temple is a fine example of the Vesara style that is essentially a tasteful blend of two schools of architecture, the Dravidian style and the Nagara Style, in simple words, a mix of the north Indian and south Indian styles of temple making. 

The versions of the Vesara style at Ambernath is of interlocking black stone in the Hemadpanti style named after legendary prime minister Hemadpanti who was a great patron of temple architecture during Devgiri Kings regimes.

The bold features are prominent in the heavily decorated outside wall and the stepped pyramid that forms the tower. The whole temple is executed in coarse brownish stone that is typical of this region. The plan of the temple is corrugated or fluted along its edges. 

The idea is to have a larger wall surface to accommodate a plethora of sculptures and other decorations that is the theme of this style. Had it been a straight outer wall only less that half of the sculpture could be accommodated on along the outer surface of the wall. 

The sculptures of Hindu mythology, predominantly Shiva theme, form a chain around the temple at the eye level. There are fluted molding above and below the sculptures. The tower is in the classic Nagara style. One can find the image of dancing Shiva on the tower.

There are three porches that give access to the central hall of the temple through a vestibule. The priests sit in this portion of the temple. This portion is intricately carved. The roof is supported by an array of pillars, which itself is a piece of art. Never forget to look up at the ceiling with all the details carved in stone.

 A Nandi (Bull) image is located at the center of the main porch, which is in the west. To reach the inner sanctum, one has to climb down 20 steps to go down in the main room called Garbhagriha (interior of the sanctum Sanctorum). 

There is one “Swayambhu” (self-manifested) Shiv Ling located at the center in this underground Sanctorum which is open to the sky. A big fun-fair starts two days prior to Mahashivratri and continues for a day after Mahashivratri to get blessings from the supreme god Shiva.

By Air

Mumbai airport is nearest airport to reach Ambarnath. From Mumbai airport private cabs are available to reach here or tourist can opt for local trains to reach Amabarnath.

By Train

Ambarnath is a central railway station and connected by local trains from Mumbai, Dadar and Thane. Tourists from outside Mumbai or Maharashtra can reach Mumbai or Thane by express trains and reach Ambarnath by local trains. The Shiv Mandir is located just 2 minutes away from the Ambarnath station.

By Bus

Ambernath have good connectivity by road. Many state transport buses are available to reach Ambarnath from Kalyan, Thane, Badlapur and Karjat. Thane is major city to reach Shiv Mandir Ambarnath. From thane, Badlapur or Karjat tourists can reach Ambarnath by bus, auto or private vehicles.

Amboli Waterfall - It Is Rightly Called The 'QUEEN' Of Maharastra

AMBOLI WATERFALL

AT

SINDHUDURG

Source

The beautiful hill-station of Amboli is rightly called the ‘queen’ of Maharashtra; such is its natural splendour. Famous among environmentalists as a precious ecological hotspot, it is cool, calm, serene and enriched with all the treasures that the world of flora and fauna can bestow upon it. Located in the princely state of Sawantwadi, Amboli is located on the ridge of the Western Ghats and is particularly majestic during the monsoon when impromptu waterfalls gush down the hilly terrain. 

 Amboli is situated at an altitude of 690 meters above the sea level and its amazing topography comprises dense forest area with a large number of waterfalls which increase in number during the rains. In fact, it is the heavy rainfall of an average of 750 centimeters per year which results in such thick growth of trees and plants along the hillsides. 

The hill-station was a favourite with the British rulers and it is said that Colonel Westrop was the one who took special efforts in developing this place. Winter is actually the perfect season to visit Amboli and some of the points that are a ‘must see’ include the Nangartas Waterfall, Hiranyakeshi, Sea View Point, and Mahadevgad. Kavlesaad Point is another interesting point from where you can get a view of the Sahyadri ranges.Located 529 kilometers from Mumbai and well-connected by road, the railway station nearest to it is at Sawantwadi Road on the Konkan railway line while the closest airport is at Dabolim in Goa.

However, for those who would like to add a little more mysticism to their visit, choose to go during the monsoon season. The entire region gets covered with a dense fog during several times a day. It is then that you can actually experience the power of silence and how nature makes it own music. Meanwhile, don’t forget to stop by at the Hiranyakeshi Mandir. It is from here that the river Hiranyakeshi originates. 

The approach road is rough but the destination provides a wonderful experience. You would in fact want to spend hours at this calm and peaceful spot. The river ultimately flows through Karnataka where it is known as Ghataprabha. There’s also a small temple dedicated to Parvati.

For lodging MTDC offers a perfect rest house with a facility for meals. There are of course other hotels and restaurants too at Amboli which has emerged as a popular tourist destination over the years. What makes this place special is that it is very rich in flora and fauna and you will in all probability be able to spot wild boars, antelopes, deer, monkeys and bison and maybe a leopard too in case you happen to be at the right spot at the right time. 

Amboli is also a draw with enthusiastic bird-watchers who come here to glimpse and photograph various species like the Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, Drongo, Yellow-Browed Bulbul, Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Crimson-Backed Sunbird, Orange-Headed Ground Thrush, Indian Schimitar Babbler, and a lot more. A huge number of butterflies, frogs and reptiles make the forest their home too. Some of the trees and plants found here include Hirda, Ain, Anjan, Shikekai, Mango, Fern, etc.

Distance from Mumbai is 492 kms.

By Air

The nearest airport is Dabolim

By Train

The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi road on Konkan railway.

By Road

Amboli is well connected by road from Sawantwadi, Belgaum and Kolhapur. Number of buses ply from Pune and Mumbai to Amboli.

Source: MTDC