Travelblogged » Priya

Relaxing @ Bhandhardara

Priya — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:29:08 +0000

Bhandardara is situated 185 km. from Mumbai, in Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra, India. Nestled among the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort with sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year which attract tourists from all over. Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land and when it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth making the sight truly breathtaking! Bhandardara has many attractions – from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous Arthur Lake.

As legend has it, Shri Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air. Pleased with his display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.

Wilson Dam was built way back in 1910 on the Pravara-River and standing 150 mts high, it is the largest earthen dam in India- a powerful testimony to the engineering skills of days gone by. During the monsoon, when the level of the lake rises, the dam opens its gates to release a torrent of water that finds its way down to the plains below.
You could stand at the edge of the garden embankment and enjoy the cool spray, or visit the picturesque Umbrella Falls, which are another major attraction during the monsoon. Arthur Lake, a tranquil blue mirror amidst the dense greenery of Bhandardara, is fed by waters from the Pravara River.

At 1,646 mts, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra. A favorite with trekkers; it had great strategic importance during the Maratha wars as an observation post. There is a small temple on the top with an old well in its backyard. It is said that the water level in the well has never dropped below 3ft.

This age-old dwelling of the Agasti Rishi Ashram is mentioned in the scripts of the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama and his brother Laxmana visited Shri Agasti Rishi to seek his blessings. The Rishi gave Lord Rama an arrow, which he used to kill Ravana and rescue his wife Sita. The Ashram, situated on the bank of the Pravara River, continues to attract visitors.

The ancient fort of Ratnagad was one of Shivaji’s favourites. Very popular with nature lovers and trekkers, it offers spectacular views from its ramparts.

Best time to visit: The peak season is between November and April, but Bhandardara is spectacularly beautiful during the monsoons.

How to Reach:
•   The nearest airport is Mumbai 177 km. away.
•   Igatpuri, 45 km. on Central Railway is the Nearest railhead.
•   Mumbai-Bhandardara, 180 km. (Via Ghoti) Pune-Bhandardara, 191 km.

Enchanting Ladakh!!

Priya — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:52:34 +0000

Ladakh is the place to go if you believe that the journey is as important as the destination. It’s a biker’s dream to hit those long winding roads that lead to Ladakh. The serene land is the perfect pace to relax, unwind and keep going at the same time. Each road has a story to tell and spins a new tale.

Close to the Leh city, there is the Magnetic hill which is said to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull cars uphill and force passing aircraft to increase their altitude to escape magnetic interference. Then there is the road at Hunder which is perfect to travel as well as to take pictures. The journey to the Pangong Lake or the Leh City too make for a lovely trip.

Ladakh has many lovely lakes like the Pangong, Tsomoriri, Tsokar or Chandrataal. You can stay in tents at the Pangong and Chandrataal and the latter’s kitchen you’ll probably have the best breakfast in your life.

Khardungla pass which happens to be the highest motorable road is a must visit. If you’re lucky you’ll witness the snowfall here. Other asses to visit are Chang La, Baralacha La, Tanglang La.

The best time to visit is between April to August. If you go towards the end og the tourist season you’ll get some really cool bargains!!

The Legendary Temple of Edfu in Egypt

Priya — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:38:27 +0000

If you ever visit Egypt, it is unlikely that you’ll miss out on seeing the Temple of Edfu. The Temple is an ancient Egyptian one located on the west bank of the Nile in the city of Edfu which was known in Greco-Roman times as Apollonopolis Magna, named after the chief god Horus-Apollo.

The is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, and was built in the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. The falcon-headed Horus was originally the sky god, whose eyes were the sun and moon.The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt.

Attractions in the Temple are the Birth House, which was the site of the annual Festival of Coronation, which reenacted the divine birth of Horus and the reigning pharaoh. Erected by Ptolemy IX (88-81 BC), the Pylon was one of the last features to be added standing 37m high, the largest in Egypt. Beyond the Pylon is the spacious Court of Offerings, where people could enter to make offerings to the image of Horus. It is surrounded by columns on three sides and is decorated with festival reliefs. Beneath the western colonnade are reliefs of Ptolemy IX (88-81 BC) making offerings to Horus, Hathor and Ihy; his successor.

At the back of the Court of Offerings, are a pair of black granite Horus statues, one standing taller than a man which is a favorite with photographers and the other lying legless on the ground. The rectangular Hypostyle Hall was built under Ptolemy VII (145-116 BC) and has two rows of six pillars supporting an intact roof. The ceiling has astronomical paintings symbolizing the sky. Next is the Festival Hall, which marks the beginning of the oldest part of the temple, built 237-212 BC under Ptolemy III and IV. During festivals, this hall was decorated with flowers and herbs and scented with incense and myrrh. Offerings of libations, fruit and sacrificial animals were brought in through the passageway on the right and nonperishable offerings were stored in a room to the left.
A small doorway, decorated with splendid reliefs of the sacred barques of Horus and Hathor, leads from the Festival Hall into the Hall of Offerings. During the New Year Festival, the image of Horus was carried up the ascending stairway on the left to be revitalized by the sun, then carried back down the descending stairway. This hall leads into the Sanctuary of Horus, the holiest part of the temple. The Temple of Edfu is nearly intact and a very good example of an ancient Egyptian temple. The Temple of Edfu’s archaeological significance and high state of preservation has made it a center for tourism in Egypt and a frequent stop for the many riverboats that cruise the Nile. In 2005, access to the temple was revamped with the addition of a visitor center and paved carpark. A sophisticated lighting system was added in late 2006 to allow night visits.

The Ancient Town of Mahabalipuram

Priya — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:29:39 +0000

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a town situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The name Mamallapuram comes from the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples of this ancient town were built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman and they showcase the transition from rock-cut architecture to structural building. Some structures are modelled on the Budhist viharas or monasteries and some bear traces of resemblance to the rock-cut caves of Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves. The modern city of Mahabalipuram was established by the British in 1827

The Shore Temple is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite in Dravadian style and dates back to the 8th century AD. The temple is the masterpiece creation of the Pallavas with a combination of three shrines that features a Vishnu temple built in between two Shiva temples.

Arjuna’s Penance, 27 meters long and 9 meters high, is a gigantic relief made on two huge boulders and is perhaps the world’s largest bas-relief, a universe itself in stone. The cleft in the rock describes the descent of the Ganga, brought to earth by King Bhagiratha to emancipate the cursed souls of his ancestors.

The Ganesh Ratha Temple is a temple carved out from a rock to resemble a chariot and is located towards the north of the Arjuna’s Penance. Earlier it was dedicated to Lord Shiva. But when the original lingam was removed, the temple came to be known as the temple of Lord Ganesh.

Trimurti Cave Temple, is located towards the north of the Ganesh Ratha and is dedicated to the three chief gods of Hindu pantheon, namely, Lord Brahma-the Creator, Lord Vishnu-the Protector and Lord Shiva-the Destroyer.
The Five Rathas are the rock-cut temples in Mahabalipuram carved in the shape of a chariot and were built during the Pallava period. The five rathas are called the Draupadi Ratha, Dharamraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha and Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha, named after the five Pandavas and their wife of Mahabharata. The smallest and the simplest is the Draupadi ratha and the largest is the multi-storied Dharmaraja ratha carved from a monolithic rock.

The Tiger’s Cave is located just 4 km north of Mahabalipuram and was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programs were held during the Pallava period. The Varaha Cave Temple is a small rock-cut mandapam dating back to the 7th century. Inside the temple side walls there are large sculptured panels depicting Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding up Bhudevi, the earth goddess.

Best time to Visit: November to February

How to reach

By Air: Chennai is the nearest airport, 58 km away

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chenglapattu, 29 km away and Chennai, 58 km away.

By Road: Mahabalipuram is connected by road to Chennai, Chegalapattu, Pondicherry, Kanchipuram and other important cities in Tamil Nadu.

A Trip to the Forest Lake: Yercaud

Priya — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 06:43:07 +0000

Yercaud is a hill station near Salem, Tamil Nadu, in the Servarayan range of hills in the Eastern Ghats . Situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level, the town gets its name from the lake located at its center – in Tamil “Yeri” means “lake” and “Kaadu” means “forest”. Yercaud is known for coffee plantations and orange groves and also has an orchidarium run by the Botanical Survey of India.
The Yercaud hill area is also called Shevaroy Hills owing to the Servarayan temple which is the highest point in Yercaud, situated at a height of 5326 feet. Some of the original forests continue to exist in the Yercaud hills and contain several endemic species of plants and fauna. The Yercaud hills have many faunal and floral similarities to the Western Ghats. Wild life includes bison, deer, rabbits, hares, foxes, mongoose, squirrels, partridges, snakes, bulbuls, kites, sparrows, swallows and the bird of paradise.
The Yercaud Lake is a picturesque pool surrounded by gardens and well-wooded trees and is the first thing that attracts a visitor. The garden surrounding the lake is well groomed and best seen during the month of May when the Summer Festival is organized. The Lady’s Seat offers a panoramic view of the ghats and all the distant vehicles winding their way in and out of trees along the winding ghat road. The Kiliyur Falls is a 90-foot high waterfall which is situated amidst picturesque surroundings in Yercaud. Akasagangai waterfalls is on Kolli hills which is known for medical herbs and plants.

Grange, the Castle – like building was built by the then Collector of Salem, Mr.M.D. Cockburn who first introduced Coffee from Arabia, Apples and other fruits from South Africa between 1820 and 1829 A.D. It is believed to be the summer resort of Robert Clive – the famous British Officer of the East India Company in the late 1800’s.
The Bear’s Cave is situated near the Norton Bungalow on the way to Servaroyan Temple. A huge cave formation beside a fantastic bungalow that was supposed to be home for the bears is now an important tourist spot. The Servaroyan Temple is on the third highest range with a bald hill top and offering a real open view of all the hills around.

Best time to Visit: October to March

How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli, 165 km.

By Rail: The nearest railway junction is Salem (36 Km) and Salem Town (33 Km).

By Road: Yercaud is 190 km from Coimbatore, 220 km from Bangalore and 357 km from Chennai.

Trekking to Skandagiri

Priya — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:53:23 +0000

A popular weekend get away from Bangalore is Skandagiri, also known as Kalavara Durga or Kallavarahalli Betta. It is an ancient mountain fortress located approximately 60km from Bangalore city, in the Indian state of Karnataka. The peak is at an altitude of about 1350 meters and is known as the “adventurer’s paradise” and features a beautiful night trek, altitude camping, stunning sunrise, and serene and wave like clouds.

Skandagiri is one of the hill forts in the Nandi Hill ranges. The dilapidated walls of this sturdy, self sufficient fortress was built by Tipu Sultan and was used as a military base in his fierce fight against the British. It surrendered to British troops on 19 October 1791 and was later dismantled. It remained in British hands until the peace treaty of 1792, which concluded the third Anglo-Mysore war. There are 2 unexplored caves on the mountain. Supposedly, there are 6 Samadhis in that cave and thus the area is considered holy.

Trekking is a popular activity in Skandagiri. One must carry water, first aid box, snacks or light foods. Local villagers camp on the peak and sell tasty omelettes, cool drinks, tea, and other refreshments. You can also ask them to provide wood in case you want a campfire and to serve as guides over the terrain. It is common to trek in the dark, and it’s a lot fun on a beautiful full moon night. Trekkers start climbing at around 2:00 am and aim to reach the top by around 5:00 AM to catch the sunrise. You must carry one torch each person if planning a night trek. Sometimes the night trek is banned because of security reasons.

Another route for trekking starts from the Papagni Temple at the foot of the hill. The fortress is in full sight throughout the trek uphill. Just as you reach the fort wall content that you have topped the hill, you see another ring of fort. No sooner do you reach there, than you find another majestic fort wall waiting to be conquered. There are six such series of stonewalls protecting an abandoned ancient temple on the hilltop.

Recently the Karnataka Forest Department has established a parking place for all the vehicles visiting there. An Entry Fee of Rs 15 is charged for each person visiting the hill. Safety signs have been added by the government to prevent injury and further development in the hills is expected. Don’t forget to carry your camera to take breathtaking pictures of 360 degree view of surroundings.

Best time to Visit: November to January

How to Reach: Skandagiri is 60 km from Bangalore which is well connected to all other parts of the country by Air, Rail and Road.

The Hot Springs of Manikaran

Priya — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:56:54 +0000

Manikaran is a popular attraction in the Kullu district of Manali mainly known for its hot springs. It is located in the Parvati Valley between the rivers Beas and Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar at an altitude of 1760 m and is located about 45 km from Kullu.There are several groups of hot water springs emerging at various locations spreading up to a distance of about 1.3 km along the river from the old bridge to Brahmaganga. The springs at Manikaran come out to surface with pressure and are very hot. There is no sulphur or iron mixed in the waters, but it is said that it contains radio active elements. The water of these springs is hot enough for pulses, rice, vegetables etc. to be boiled and cooked in it. There is a Gurudwara here serving visitors and provides night stay. In the Gurudwara, the food is cooked in the hot springs and is uniquely delicious. The heat near the boiling place, where the meal is cooked, is so high that visitors would not be able to withstand and tolerate the heat even for a few minutes.

The healing properties of the Manikaran Springs are well known all over the country. Pilgrims from far come here and for the cure of their ailments. Rheumatism and muscular pains are said to be cured by bathing in the healing waters. According to a legend, Manikaran is associated with Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Mani Karan means Ear Rings – it is said that once, while taking bath here, Maa Parvati lost her ear rings in the Kund (pond). When she told Lord Shiva about it, he became furious and looked at the water of the kund with great anger and then thousands of ear rings flowed out from the boiling water and since then the water of the spring is boiling. The rocks surrounding the springs are also very hot.

The Lord Ramchandra Temple is perhaps the most important temple of Manikaran. The temple was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century. Though there is no historical evidence backing, still the idol of Shri Ram installed here is believed to have been brought straight from Ayodhya. An idol of Goddess Sita accompanies that of Lord Rama. The temple was renovated by Raja Dilip Singh in the year 1889.

Breathtaking Munnar!!

Priya — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:07:32 +0000

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 Mts above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience. Munnar is essentially a tea town and the tea plantations have now been taken over by the Tata Tea Company. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji a flower which carpets the hills in blue once in twelve years. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi – which towers over 2695 Meters and is ideal for trekking.

Mattupetty which is around 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 Meters. Mattupetty is famous for its highly specialized dairy farm, the Indo-Swiss live stock project. Over 100 varieties of high yielding cattle are bred here. Visitors are allowed into three of the eleven cattle sheds at the farm

The Mattupetty lake and dam , just a short distance from the farm, make an ideal picnic spot. The sprawling Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala lake are other attractions in the vicinity. DTPC Idukki provides boating facilities on the Mattupetty Dam. Speed Launch and slow speed motor boats are available on hire.

Pothamedu (6 km from Munnar) offers an excellent view of the tea, coffee and cardamom plantations in Munnar. The rolling hills, the lush mountain and the breathtaking scenery here is ideal for trekking and long mountain walks. Another tourist spot is Devikulam (7 km from Munnar) which is an idyllic hill station with its velvet lawns, exotic flora and fauna and the cool mountain air which offers a rare experience. The Sita Devi Lake with its mineral waters and picturesque surroundings is a good picnic spot. The lake is also ideal for trout fishing.

The venue of the first Hydro Electric Project in Kerala is the Pallivasal (8 km from Munnar) and is a place of immense scenic beauty. Attukal (9 km from Munnar) is a panorama of waterfalls and rolling hills. It’s located between Munnar and Pallivasal, is a feast for the eyes and is also ideal for long treks. Located between Munnar and Rajamala, Nyayamakad is a land of breathtaking waterfalls. The waters cascade down a hill from a height of about 1600 meters. The enchanting surroundings make an excellent picnic spot and trekking point. With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram (10 km from Munnar) still exudes an old world charm. Home of the Pallivasal Hydel Power Project, this hill town is also famous for its picturesque tea plantations.

The natural habitat of the Niligiri tahr , Rajamala is 2695 Mts above sea level. Half the world’s population of the rare mountain goat or tahr which is fast becoming extinct, is now found here.The Niligiri tahr in Rajamala are now to be found in small herds found in Eravikulam-Rajamala region. The total number of Niligiri Tahrs in Rajamala is estimated to be over 1300.

Eravikulam National Park (15 km from Munnar) sprawls over 97 sq. km. park and is situated in the Devikulam Taluk and is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. The Anamudi peak (2695 Mts) is located in the Southern region of the park. Originally established to protect the Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiri Ibex), the Eravikulam National Park is situated in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975. Considering the ecological, faunal, floral, geo-morphological and zoological significance, it was declared as a National park in 1978. It covers an area of 97 sq kms of rolling grasslands and high level sholas (evergreen forests). The park is breathtakingly beautiful and is easily comparable to the best mountain ranges found anywhere in the world.

Best time to Visit: October to March

How to Reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is Kochin, 130 km away from Munnar which is connected to all the cities in India.
By Rail: Kochin is the nearest railway station, which is connected to all the major cities in India.
By Road: Munnar is accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala. You can also reach Munnar form Coimbatore (6 hrs away) and Madurai (6 hrs away) in Tamil Nadu.

Things To Do In Muscat

Priya — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:32:00 +0000

Muscat is the capital and largest city of Oman and is also the seat of government in the Governorate of Muscat. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, the Balochis and Gujaratis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, the city has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.

The landscape of Muscat is dominated by the rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity of the strategic Straits of Hormuz. Low-lying white buildings typify most of Muscat’s urban landscape, while the port-district of Muttrah, form the north-eastern periphery of the city. Muscat’s economy is dominated by trade, petroleum and porting.

Muscat is a favorite holiday destination for many tourists and visitors world wide. Options for Sightseeing are the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Old Muttrah Souk in Muscat, Fish Market, Al Alam Royal Palace and Al Jalali Fort in Muscat.

Things to Do at Muscat also includes visiting a pub or a night club or a good restaurant. The hotels in Muscat offer babysitting services if you want to avoid the hassles while traveling with kids. There are the twin forts of Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali and the Al Alam Palace for you to travel to. Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali are now museums and house military paraphernalia such as cannons and various weapons. Secret passageways and nooks and crannies add to the excitement of the visitors. Kids will find absolute joy while sailing in the harbor to see dolphins, or maybe a whale.

Shopaholics will have a great time in Muscat as the city is a shopper’s paradise and over a half-million visitors come to Muscat to do shopping. The shopping centers offer strollers, nursery facilities, handicap accessibility, and even male and female prayer rooms. Many well-known food bands sell their food products here. The Mutrah Souq market is famous for its jewelry, frankincense, clothing and antiques. In the City Centre Mall , you will find world’s best perfumes. Tourist Attractions in Muscat also includes various sports activities that feature cycling, volleyball, diving and camel racing. There are non-diving adventures like climbing, archery, and caving, trekking, bird watching, and historical tours.

Birthplace of Lod Krishna: Mathura

Priya — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:22:43 +0000

Mathura, the birth city of Bhagwan Krishna is situated on the banks of river Yamuna and is approximately 145 km from the capital city Delhi. The town is renowned for being the birthplace of Lord Krishna which is now the famous Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. The temple is the place where lord is said to have been born thousands of years ago.
According to historians, the prison cell, popularly known as ‘Garbha Griha’, in the temple premise is the exact place where lord Krishna was born. The prison cell was gradually turned into the present beautiful temple. Lakhs of devotees throng the temple during Janmashtami when festivities and celebrations begin during mid night with the birth of Krishna.

The temple had been destroyed number of times in the ages of Mohammed Gazni, Sikander Lodi and Aurangzeb but had been restored every time. You have to undergo a security checking at the gate and we request you to co-operate with the guards. You will be asked to leave you mobile phone outside the premises.

Vishram Ghat is the most important bathing ghat in Mathura. Lord Krishna is said to have rested here after killing Kamsa, the tyrant king of Mathura. The ‘Aarti’ being offered in the morning and evening at the riverside is a visual treat to the eyes.

The Govindaji Temple built in 1590, is another attraction in Mathura. The original Govindaji Deity was removed from this temple and kept in Jaipur when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to destroy it. This magnificent temple houses a spectacular marble altar adorned with gold and silver and hold the idols of Govindaji in the middle, Lord Chaitanya to His left and Lord Nityananda to His right. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall of the temple.

Don’t forget to gorge on the famous Mathura Pedhas.

Best time to Visit: : Between October to Mid- March

How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Agra which is 66 km away.
By Rail: Mathura Junction is well connected to Delhi by numerous trains including the Punjab Mail and Taj Express, to Mumbai by the August Kranti and Mumbai Rajdhani and to Kolkata by the Toofan Express.
By Road: Mathura and Vrindavan are well connected with Agra, Delhi, Bharatpur, Alwar and Lucknow by well maintained road.