Tuesday, June 9, 2020

8 Popular Temples in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (UP), a state in North India, has thousands of religious places. There are not many states more quintessentially Indian than UP. Here is a brief overview of five prominent temples in Uttar Pradesh.

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, gave Bhagavad Gita to the world. Located in Mathura (near the Mathura Junction railway station), Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is built around the prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. A stone slab in the temple symbolizes the place where Lord Krishna was born.
This frequently visited temple was first constructed by King Vajra, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, more than 5,000 years ago. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times.
The temple that you see now was built in 1965. It is open on all days from 05.00 am to 12:00 pm; and from 02.00 pm to 08.00 pm.
Agra Airport, which is around 49 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Buses, trains and cabs are available from the airport to the temple. Mathura is well-connected by rail and road. The temple is around 16 kilometers from the Mathura Junction railway station. Buses, tempos, cabs and auto rickshaws are available at the railway station.

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Timings

Opening
Closing
5.00 am
12.00 pm
2.00 pm
8.00 pm

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath means ruler of the universe. Located in Varanasi (also known as Kashi and Banaras), on the western bank of River Ganga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is the most popular tourist attraction in Varanasi. It is the living embodinent of India's timeless cultural traditions and high spiritual values. Devotees visit this temple seeking peace and benediction.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built in 1780 by the Maratha monarch, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. It is also known as the Golden temple. The gold used to cover the two domes of the temple was donated by the Sikh Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The temple houses the 12th Jyothirlinga and is adorned with intricate carvings. The black stone Linga in the sanctum sanctorum is 60 centimeters tall and 90 centimeters in circumference. It is enshrined in a silver altar.
This holy temple is constructed in the form of a quadrangle and is surrounded by shrines dedicated to various deities, including Kaalbhairav, Dhandapani, Avimukteshwara, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Sanishwara, Virupaksha and Virupaksh Gauri.
Varanasi is the oldest surviving city in the world. It is the cultural capital of India. It has more than 100 names. Its legends go back some 10,000 years, to old epics of Hindu literature, including the Puranas, the Vedas and the Mahabharata.
Around 2.5 million people come each year to Varanasi, which is well-connected by rail and road. The temple is around 4 kilometers from Maduadih Railway Station. Cabs and auto rickshaws are available at the station.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur, which is around 26 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Buses and cabs are available from the airport to the temple.
Even though any time is good time to visit this temple, I suggest you visit during winter months, between October and March. During summer months, one some days, temperature soars above 40°C.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Timings

The temple is open from 3.00 am to 11.00 pm.

Kashi Vishwanath Shivling

JK Temple

JK temple is in Kanpur. It was built in 1960 by JK Trust. It is a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. This architectural wonder has five shrines, dedicated to:
  1. Radha and Krishna
  2. Lakshmi and Narayana
  3. Ardhanarishwar
  4. Narmadeshwar
  5. Hanuman
The temple is around 8 kilometers from Ganesh Shanker Vidhyarthi Airport and around 3 kilometers from Kanpur Central railway station. It is open from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm, and from 4.30 pm to 10.00 pm. It witnesses a large influx of tourists throughout the year. Pets and footwear are not allowed inside the temple.
Peaceful place of worship.
— Rizwanuddin Rafiq

Gola Gokaran Nath Temple

This Shiva temple is located in Gola Gokaran Nath, which is also known as Choti Kashi. It is here that Lord Ganesh (disguised as a shepherd) placed the Jyothirlinga on the ground despite Ravan's request not to do so. He did it to prevent Lord Shiva from going to Lanka with Ravan.
Gola Gokaran Nath Temple, which is open from 5.00 am to 11.00 pm, is well-connected by rail and road. Pantnagar Airport, which is around 142 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Best time to visit this temple is between October and March.

Gola Gokaran Nath Mandir Video

Banke Bihari Temple

Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this temple is located in the holy city of Vrindavan. Bankey means "bent in three places" and Bihari means "enjoyer".

Alopi Devi Mandir

Located in Allahabad near Sangam, this astounding temple does not have any statue. People worship a wooden carriage. Legend has it that when Lord Shiva's wife Sati was burnt, he became sad. He started moving around the sky with her burnt body.
Lord Vishnu saw this and felt bad for his friend. In an endeavor to remove his sadness, he threw the Sudarshana chakra at the corpse. Locations where Sati's body parts fell are considered sacred; they are known as Shaktipeeths.
Alopi Devi Temple is the place where the last part fell, after which the body disintegrated. In fact Alopi means disappeared. This temple is the holiest of all the 18 shaktipeeths.
Pets and footwear are not allowed inside the temple. Allahabad is well-connected by air, rail and road. The temple is open from 4.00 am to 10.00 pm. Best time to visit is between August and March.

Alopi Devi Mandir Timings

Opening
Closing
4.00 am
10.00 pm

Sita Samahit Sthal

Located in Bhadohi, between Allahabad and Varanasi, this Hindu temple is near NH - 2. Jungiganj is the nearest railway station. Legend has it that this is the place where Mother Sita went to her mother's (Mother Earth) embrace. Part of Sita Samahit Sthal is located on the banks of holy River Ganga.

Varanasi to Sita Samahit Sthal Distance

78.5 kilometers

Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir

Also known as Jai Gurudev Temple, this temple is located in Mathura. It is an excellent example of Hindu architecture. It was built for Swami Jai Gurudev, who runs a charitable trust and preaches a simple way of life, which includes vegetarianism and practices to rise above vices like lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego.

10 Famous Tourist Attractions in Thimphu

Thimphu Sightseeing


Source

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, a small nation in the Himalayas. Around 80,000 people live in this beautiful city, which is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture. Thimphu covers an area of around 26 square kilometers. Located at an elevation of 2,320 meters, Thimphu the third highest capital in the world by altitude. Thimphu has a subbtropical highland climate.

How to Reach Thimphu?

Unlike other capital cities, Thimphu does not have an international airport. Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. It is around 54 kilometers from Thimphu. Thimphu does not have a railway station because Bhutan has no rail service. The city is well-connected by road.

Thimphu Hotels

5-Star Hotels
3-Star Hotels
Taj Tashi Hotel
Hotel Norbuling
Le Méridien Thimphu

Places to Visit in Thimphu

Here are major tourist attractions in Thimphu.

Buddha Dordenma Statue

This gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue (51 meters tall) is located on top of a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. It is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The massive three-storey base houses a large chapel.
125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue; 100,000 statues of which are 8-inches-tall and 25,000 statues of which are 12 inches tall.
Eachof these thousands of Buddhas have also been cast in bronze and gilded.

What Does Dordenma Mean?


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Dochula Pass

This mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas offers a beautiful 360 degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range.
Here you will find 108 chortens (stupas), which were built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 war against insurgents from India.
The best time to visit Dochula Pass is from September to February.

Dochula Pass Weather

Cold winds. Minimum 2°C and maximum 8°C. Weather generally remains foggy and chilly.

Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Tashichho Dzong

Tashichho Dzong was built in 1216 CE by the first Dharma Raja, who also founded the Lho-drukpa sect of Buddhism. Lho-drukpa has remained the distinctive sect of Bhutan.
This Buddhist monastery and fortress houses the throne room and offices of the king, the cabinet secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. It is also known as the "fortress of the glorious religion".

Tashichho Dzong Timings

Saturday and Sunday
9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Other days
9.00 am to 5.00 pm; 5.30 pm to 6.00 pm

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Wikimedia Commons | Source

Memorial Chorten

Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located in the southern-central part of the city. This Tibetan style chorten is crowned by a crescent moon and sun. It was built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Memorial Chorten Timings

9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Clock Tower Square

This tower with four clock faces is a popular landmark in Thimphu. It is decorated with beautiful carvings and paintings. You will find many hotels and shops around this tower.
Lying at the eastern end of the Himalayas, the 'Kingdom of Bhutan' is the perfect abode if you are looking for peace and fresh air.

Bhutan Postal Museum

This museum is a philatelist's paradise. It has five galleries, which trace the development of the Bhutanese postal system, from the earliest mail runners to the nation's modern stamps.

Paro Taktsang

Dedicated to Padmasambhava (Second Buddha), this monastery is located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley; it clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level. It is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site.

Changangkha Lhakhang

This traditional temple is one of the oldest
Lhakhang in Bhutan. It is perched
like a fortress on a ridge above central
Thimphu.

Takin Preserve, Motithang

This is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The best time to view the takin up close is early morning, when they gather near the fence to feed.

National Library of Bhutan

Established in 1967, this library houses important scriptures, made of unbound pages stacked between wooden plates and wrapped in cloth.

Thimphu Currency

Bhutanese Ngultrum

Trivia

The Coronation of the first King of Bhutan was held on 17th December 1907. Since then the day is observed every year as the National Day of Bhutan in every dzongkhag.

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Kodagu: A Picture Perfect Hill Station

Kodagu Tourist Places

Kodagu which is spread over 4,102 square kilometers, is a district in Karnataka, India. This thickly wooded grandeur on the Western Ghats is called the "Scotland of India". More than 3.5 million tourists visit Kodagu annually.
Here are some places to visit in Kodagu.

Namdroling Monastery

I visited this monastery, which is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world, with my colleagues few years ago. Opened in 1963 by Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, this monastery houses more than 3,000 monks and nuns. It is in Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar.
The bright blue and gleaming golden building is a fine showcase of Tibetan craftsmanship. Inside the monastery, which is also known as Golden Temple, you will find statues of Buddha (60 feet), Guru Padmasambhava (58 feet) and Amitayur (58 feet). Paintings on the walls depict scenes from the life of Buddha. I sat here and meditated.
Namdroling Monastery gives you an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture. It is open between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm. The Tibetan New year (Losar) which is usually celebrated in February or March is the best time to visit. You can reach the monastery by bus or cab.

Namdroling Monastery Coorg



Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Talakaveri

Located near Bhagamandala, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill, Talakaveri is the birthplace of River Kaveri. This place is 1,276 m. above sea level. A tank has been built at the source of the river. It is a place of worship for Kodavas.
Mangaluru Airport (194 kilometers) is the nearest airport. You can reach the place by bus or cab. Visit between September and May. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Heritage Resort Coorg, Leisure Vacations Down's Retreat, The Tamara Coorg and Leisure Vacations Brook Stone Villas are five best places to stay near Talakaveri.

Talakaveri Timings

6.00 am
8.30 pm

Iruppu Falls

Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, Iruppu Falls (52 meters) is in the Brahmagiri Range. Legend has it that Rama and his brother Lakshmana passed along the Brahmagiri range in search of Sita. When Rama asked Lakshmana to get some water, Lakshmana shot an arrow at the Brahmagiri hills, which led to the birth of River Lakshmana Tirtha.
Iruppu Falls is around 20 kilometers from Nagarhole National Park. This wonder of nature is surrounded by lush green forests of Western Ghats. You need to hire a cab to reach this place.
Visit this splendid waterfalls between August and January. During our family trip to this place we had plenty of fun playing in the waters of the cascading waterfalls.


Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons | Source

Iruppu Falls Timings

Iruppu Falls is open between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm.

5 Best Places to Stay Near Iruppu Falls

Machaan Nagarahole
Mayookham Resort
Ayurveda Yoga Villa
Magnolia Resort Coorg
Sannidhi Tourist Home

Dubare Elephant Camp

This camp is on the banks of River Kaveri. In fact Dubare is a natural island formed by the river. It houses around 150 elephants, which are trained by naturalists.
Here, you can not only observe and learn, but also participate in various activities involving these wonderful mammals. It's a delight to see elephants playing in the water and then showering with water using their trunks, playing with dust etc. Trekking, elephant rides, coracle ride, bird watching, fishing and river rafting are other popular activities here.
The camp, which is open throughout the year, enjoys idyllic weather conditions. Mangaluru Airport (173 kilometers) is the nearest airport. You can reach the camp by bus or cab. Visit between September and March.

Dubare Elephant Camp Timings

Opening
Closing
8.00 am
3.00 pm
Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Raja's Seat

This small pavilion in a seasonal garden of flowers and artificial fountains offers a spectacular view of towering hills, green valleys and paddy fields. This is where kings of yore watched sunsets with their consorts. It is a famous sunset point.
I was awe-inspired by the natural beauty surrounding me when I visited here for the first time. From Raja's Seat, road to Mangalore appears like a curved ribbon lying on a bright green carpet. Toy train is another attraction here.
Raja's Seat is open on all days between 6.00 am and 7.00 pm. Visit between October and March. This place is well-connected by road. You should definitely add this to your bucket list.
A
Raja's Seat:
Raja's Seat, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka 571201, India
get directions

Abbey Falls

Many streams combine on the steep slopes of Western Ghats to form Abbey Falls. It is around 8 kilometers from Madikeri. Here, you will be mesmerised by chirping of birds, aroma of nature and the roar of the waterfalls.
Abbey Falls is open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. To reach the waterfall, you need to drive up to its entrance and then cover a short distance on foot. I suggest that you hire a jeep at Madikeri. Visit between July and October.

Omkareshwara Temple

Lingarajendra II, the king of Kodagu in the early seventeen century, killed an innocent Brahmin. No one knows why exactly he did it. A copper plate fixed on the frame of the entrance door displays that the Brahmin opposed the king’s misdeeds. Some locals say that the king coveted Brahmin’s daughter.
Whatever the reason, the king was guilty of spilling an innocent man's blood. After death, the tenacious Brahmin became a Brahmarakshas and started troubling the king.
The king consulted tantriks, who were of the opinion that the only way to ward off the spirit was to get a special Shivalingam from Varanasi and install it at the place where he had killed the Brahmin.
The king implemented their suggestions meticulously. The temple was built and consecrated in 1820. To his great relief, the Brahmarakshasa stopped bothering him. Some say that the king did not recover fully and died within a year.
This temple has four minarets, a dome and a pond full of fish. In the middle of the pond there is a “mantapam” connected by a causeway. This pond adds to the beauty of the temple. The bars of the windows of the temple are made of "Panchaloha" and the alphabet "lim" is placed in between the bars.
The temple is in Madikeri. Its architecture is a blend of Gothic and Islamic styles. Shivarathri, the special night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated with fervor in this temple, which is open between 6.30 am and 12.00 pm; and 5.00 pm and 8.00 pm. Visit between October and March.
The temple provides a sense of calmness and divinity.
— Ajith

Mallalli Falls

If you are looking for something off the beaten track, Kodagu will not disappoint you. There are exotic destinations hidden deep inside the woods, like Mallalli falls.
Located amidst tropical landscapes, this multi-tiered waterfalls (1,026 meters) is formed by River Kumaradhara. It is in Kumaralli, in north part of Kodagu, in the foothills of Pushpagiri, Western Ghats.
Mallalli falls is around 28 kilometers from Somvarpet. Visit on any day between July and December, between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. I suggest that you hire a jeep with good driver at Somvarpet. Because the roads are slushy, slippery and filled with gravel.
If you are not physically strong, please do not make this trip. Because to reach this mystifying waterfalls, on the way to Pushpagiri hills, you take a turn at Bidahalli village, from where it is about 7 kilometers. The trail to the falls is motorable for about 4 kilometers, after which the remaining 3 kilometers is a trek through a thick forest.

Tadiandamol Peak

Tadiandamol (1,748 meters) is the highest mountain of Kodagu district. Famous for its shola forests and streams, this mountain is a trekkers' delight. Camping is banned here.
You may start the trek directly from Kakkabe or you may take a vehicle directly to the start-up point A, as the road is smooth. The starting point of the trek is "Nalakand Palace" which is around 3 kilometers from Kakkabe.

Trekking Packing List

Jacket
Cargoes
Rucksack
T-shirt
Cap
Shoes
Water bottle
Torch
First aid kit
Towel
Toiletries

Nisargadhama

Nisargadhama is an island formed by River Kaveri; it is an ecological park. Located at around 3 kilometers from Kushalnagar, this breathtakingingly beautiful island is spread over 64 acres.
Established in 1989, Nisargadhama is famous for its hanging bridge, lush foliage of thick bamboo groves, sandalwood trees, teak trees, lovely river-side cottages, elephant rides, deer park, rabbit park, peacock park and boating. Nisargadhama is open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Visit between June and December.

River Kaveri in Nisargadhama



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Wikimedia Commons

Monday, June 1, 2020

10 Popular Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Tourism

Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful state in North India, attracts tourists from all parts of the world with its snowy mountains, rivers, valleys, passes, holy temples, serene lakes, palaces, forts and hot springs. Is is a paradise for people with spirit of adventure. It offers many opportunities for trekking, climbing, rafting, paragliding and skiing.

Top Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Tourists from all parts of the world throng to these wonders of nature.

Shimla

Located at an altitude of 2159 meters above sea level, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is also the largest city in the state. Surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks, Shimla is known as the "Queen of Hills".
The best way to reach Shimla is by toy train from Kalka. Visit between March and June. During these months the temperature will be between 15°C and 30°C. You can enjoy many outdoor activities in pleasant weather.

Shimla Hotels

5-Star
4-Star
3-Star
2-Star
The Oberoi Cecil
Hotel Willow Banks
Hotel Holiday Home
Hotel Sidharath
Wildflower Hall
Hotel Combermere
Hotel Kapil
Hotel Gulmarg
Radisson Hotel
Hotel Asia The Dawn
Hotel Surya

Shimla Images



Narrow Gauge Kalka-Shimla Train



Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons

Kufri

Founded in 1819 by the British, this small hill station is located in Shimla district. Mahasu Peak is the highest peak in Kufri. It is accessible only by horse or mule.
Skiing is a popular activity here. In summers, you can enjoy panoramic view of the surrounding verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks. There are many picnic spots, hiking and trekking trails in and around Kufri.

Kufri in Summer

Kufri Photos



Chail

Located at an elevation of 2,250 meters, Chail was the summer capital of the princely state of Patiala. This quiet hill-station is tucked in the lap of nature.

Visiting Places in Chail

School Play Ground (highest cricket ground in the world), Sadhupul Lake, Chail Palace Hotel, Kali Ka Tibba, Siddh Baba Ka Mandir, Gurudwara Sahib and Chail Wildlife Sanctuary are major tourist attractions in Chail.


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Wikimedia Commons 

Best Time to Visit Chail

Summer begins in March and continues till May. Summers are quite pleasant. Average temperature during day is about 15ºC. The maximum temperature is 24 ºC. Summer is the best season to visit Chail.

Kasauli

Located in Solan district, this hill station (1927 meters above sea level) is dotted with dense timber woods, pine forests, orchards, wild flowers and hills. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas from this town.
TimberTrail, Monkey Point, Mall Road, Sunset Point, Lover's Lane, Gurudwara, Baptist Church, Christ Church and Sri Baba Balak Nath Temple are interesting places to visit in Kasauli.

Kasauli Photos



Kullu

Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, this hill station is on the banks of River Beas. It is well-known for its marvelous landscapes, apple orchards, rivers and hills covered with deodar and pine trees.
It is 1,230 meters above sea level. Kullu offers many opportunities to adventure lovers, like mountaineering, rafting and trekking.

Kullu Places to Visit

Prashar Lake
Tirthan Valley
Great Himalayan National Park
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Jalori Pass

Manali

Located at an altitude of 2,050 meters in the Beas River Valley, Manali is named after mystical sage-ruler Manu. This beautiful hill station offers you stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayas, gurgling Beas River, beautiful fruit orchards, holy vibes from various temples and shrines, and to top it all, a pleasant air filled with fresh aroma of burning pines.
October to February is the winter season and is considered to be the best time to visit Manali if you like the cold. January is best to enjoy the chilly pleasure of fresh snowfall .

Manali Hotels

4-Star
3-star
2-Star
The Himalayan
Holiday Heights Manali
Hotel Chandermukhi
Golden Tulip Manali
Hotel Vintage Manali
Hotel Natraj
The Manali Inn
Snow Valley Resorts
Hotel Shandela

Palampur

Palampur is located in Dhauladhar Ranges, around 35 kilometers from Dharamshala. It is famous for its tea gardens, Victorian style mansions, streams, brooks and waterfalls.
Palampur is the tea capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is the starting point for various treks, including ones to Dharamsala and Kangra.

Best Time to Visit Palampur

Palampur has a mild climate and can be visited any time of the year. However, the best time to visit this beautiful hill station is between March and June; and mid-September to November.

Narkanda

Located at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road in Himachal Pradesh, this beautiful hill station is surrounded by the Shivalik Range. Skiing is a popular activity here.

Narkanda in June

Narkanda has a pleasing and easygoing environment during summer months: April, May and June. Maximum temperature is around 30°C and minimum temperature 10°C.

Narkanda Snowfall

McLeod Ganj

The Tibetan government-in-exile is headquartered in this beautiful hill station, which is nestled amidst majestic hills and lush greenery.
Known as Little Lhasa, it is famous worldwide for being home to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
Tsuglag Khang, the Dalai Lama's temple, is a popular landmark here. It has statues of Shakyamuni, Avalokiteśvara, and Padmasambhava.

Spiti

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh.
Separated from fertile Lahaul by the soaring 4551m Kunzum Pass, this trans-Himalayan region is another chunk of Tibet marooned within India, a kind of 'mini-Ladakh' with fewer tourists.

Things to Carry While Travelling to a Hill Station

Good Shoes
Thermal Water Bottle
Umbrella
Cash
Power bank