Thursday, March 5, 2020

10 Popular Hill Stations in Kerala

Kerala is a state in South India. Known as God's own country, Kerala is located between the Lakshadweep Sea and the Western Ghats.
Western Ghats have converted around half of Kerala into highlands. The state has more than 40 peaks above 1,500 meters above mean sea level.

Hill Stations in Kerala

Many hill stations in Kerala attract tourists from all parts of the world. Here are some of them.

Munnar

This hill station is located in Idukki district. It is well-known for its tea plantations, forests, flora, fauna, valleys and mountains.
It is around 1,600 meters above sea level. Anamudi, the highest peak in South India (2,695 meters), is in Munnar.
The best time to visit Munnar would be October to November and from January to May when it is comfortably cold. There may be occasional rains which will give a misty experience of Munnar.

Munnar Images


Munnar is famous for its medicinal plants and herbs.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

June to September.

Thekkady

Thekkady is well-known for its unending chains of hills, dense evergreen forests, spice-scented plantations, savanna grasslands, and elephants. It is a town in Idukki district. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located here.

Thekkady Images


Thekkady Forest Treck


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Vythiri

Located in Wayanad district, this hill station attracts trekkers and nature lovers from all parts of the world. It is around 700 meters above sea level.

Vagamon

Located in Idukki district, this hill station is well-known for its hillocks, valleys and cascading waterfalls. It is around 1,100 metres above sea level. It has three hills: Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala.

Vagamon Photos



Paithalmala

Located in Kannur district, this hill station is around 1372 meters above sea level. A trek of around six kilometers will take you to the peak. Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Vaithalmala.

Paithalmala Weather

Paithalmala has significant rainfall for most part of the year, with a short dry season. Its climate is considered to be Am according to the Köppen-Geigerclimate classification. The average annual temperature in Paithalmala is 21.4 °C.

Peerumedu

Peerumedu is around 915 meters above sea level. It is well-known for its beautiful trekking trails. Here you will find tea gardens, streams, green forests, beautiful hillsides and much more.

Nelliyampathi

Cloud-caressed peaks of Nelliyampathy hill ranges attract visitors from all parts of the world. It is located in around 60 kilometers from Palakkad. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is in between Nelliyampathy ranges and Annamalai Hills.

Nelliyampathy Photos


Ponmudi

Malampuzha

This hill station is around 7 kilometers from Palakkad. It is famous for its spiritual retreat, the Malampuzha Retreat Center. If you are interested in things like God realization, meditation, Self Realization, etc, this place is just right for you.
Malampuzha Retreat Center offers you many opportunities to refine yourself, to rejuvenate, to evolve spiritually. Here you can learn techniques to completely relax your mind and body.
You can learn meditation, which helps you to release yourself from the hold of the past and to connect with the Source (of bliss, peace, joy, health, prosperity, etc) in your heart.
I admire the scientific and practical approach these people have for things like spirituality and meditation. There are no boring lectures. They teach you simple and immensely effective techniques and allow you to experience their benefits.
Malampuzha Dam, suspension bridge, cable car ride, Fantasy Park, Japanese garden, Yakshi statue of Kanayi Kunhiraman, Shabri Ashram, Christin Brethen Church and Madurai Veeran Temple are other places of interest in the region.
A retreat was for always the few, who needed to retreat from everyday life, and retire in seclusion to introspect, meditate, brood over one's inner condition etc. The purpose was to re-enter normal everyday life refreshed spiritually to face life with a renewed sense of purpose, to restore balance to one's life.
— Chariji

Malampuzha Dam

Lakkidi

Located around 700 meters above sea level, Lakkidi is a wonder of nature. It is a small village in Ottapalam Taluk in Palakkad district.
It is atop the Thamarassery ghat pass. This lusciously green hill station is the entry point to Wayanad district. You will find many resorts in this region.

Things to Pack for Your Hill Station Trip

Things
T-shirts
Jackets
Sweaters
Windcheaters
Mufflers
Socks
Leg warmers
Walking shoes
Snow boots (if needed)
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Polarized glasses
Pullovers

Safety Tips

Do not use public transport as it will be overcrowded. For traveling around, I suggest cabs with drivers.
Download Google maps and apps like translators, etc. They help you navigate to any destination in Kerala.
Ensure that your hotel or resort is under CCTV surveillance. Reach your hotel before 10 pm. Avoid street food.
Avoid gold ornaments and too much cash. There are other safer alternatives and ATMs. Do not smoke or drink alcohol in public places.
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Sunday, February 16, 2020

Malenadu: A Nature Lover's Paradise

A Playful Elephant in Sakrebyle Elephant Camp


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Malenadu means hilly region. It covers the slopes of Western Ghats in Karnataka. This region receives plenty of rainfall (1,000 mm –3,800 mm) every year. Here are some incredibly beautiful tourist attractions in Malenadu.

Agumbe

This high-altitude village, a traveller's delight, is surrounded by mountains of Western Ghats and lush green tropical forests. It stands at a height of 830 meters above sea level and is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. It is located in Thirthahalli taluk in Shimoga district and covers less than 3 square kilometers.
Agumbe is famous for its biodiversity, serene landscape, trekking trails and natural beauty. It is known as the Cherrapunji of South India because it receives 7,640 mm of mean annual rainfall, the second highest in India. The population of this village is less than 500. You can enjoy a quiet country life here.
This wonder of nature is home to rare species of medicinal plants like Myristica, Listsaea, Garcinia, Diospyros, Eugenia and Ficus, which is why it is also called "Hasiru Honnu" which means green gold.
The beauty of this small hamlet will delight you. Sunset Point, Jogigundi Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls are, as one local said, "famous Agumbe places to visit".
This enchanting village was the setting of Malgudi, the fictional village from R. K. Narayan’s book, ‘Malgudi Days’. The house of the protagonist Swami, which was shown in the TV series based on the book, still stands at Augumbe. People call it Doddamane. It is more than 100 years old and is located in the main street of the village.
Mangaluru Airport (94 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Udupi railway station (55 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Agumbe from the airport and the railway station by KSRTC bus or cab.
Agumbe Weather
Agumbe is in a rainforest region. It has warm and humid tropical climate. Under the Köppen system of climate classification Agumbe is an 'Am' climate, which means, a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit this wonderful village is between November and January.

Viewpoint in Agumbe


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Jog Falls

This wonder of nature is created by River Sharavathi. It is the second highest (253 meters) plunge waterfall in India. Also known as Gerosoppa Falls and Joga Falls, it is located in Shimoga district.
Here the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the breathtakingly beautiful Jog Falls.
Raja pours in one unbroken column. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet Raja. Rocket shoots downwards in a series of jets. Rani is a quiet fall over the mountain side.
Hubli Airport (130 kilometers) is the nearest airport and Talaguppa Railway Station (13 kilometers) is the nearest railway station. You can reach Jog Falls by KSRTC bus or cab. Visit between July and December. Last time when I visited this place, I remember staying in a hotel in Shivamogga.

Jog Falls Video

Kodachadri

This mountain peak (elevation: 1,343 meters), which is located in Shivamogga district, is a natural heritage site. Whether you are an avid trekker or a first-timer, trails in Kodachadri offer amazing trekking experience.
Kodachadri Trek Guide
Kollur (37 kilometers) is the nearest town to Kodachadri. I suggest that you take a jeep from Kollur to Kodachadri. The vehicle will drop you at the Kodachadri peak jeep stand or near the Kodachadri Information Bureau point. From there trek for around 2 Kms to reach Kodachadri sunset point; it may take approximately 40 minutes.

Sunset at Kodachadri


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Sringeri

Sringeri is a hill town in Chikkamagaluru district. Adi Shankara, a great Indian philosopher and theologian, the person who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, established the first maṭha (Sringeri Sharada Peeta) here.
Located on the bank of River Tunga, Sringeri is famous for its temples and natural beauty. Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sri Vidyashankara Temple and Parshwanath Jain Temple are temples that you must visit while you are here.
There are many valleys and waterfalls around this beautiful town. Any time is good time to visit Sringeri, which can be reached by KSRTC bus or cab.

Sringeri Peetham

Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri, which is located in the Chandra Dhrona hill ranges, is the tallest mountain (elevation:1,930 meters) in Karnataka. It stands majestically above the rest of the Western Ghats.
This apex of Karnataka is in Chikmagalur district. The 4-km-trek-trail here attracts many adventure tourists. The starting point of this trek is known as Sarpadari. The trail winds through ridges, hills and grasslands.
Mullayanagiri got its name from a temple at the summit, which is dedicated to an ascetic named Mullappa swamy, who is supposed to have meditated at a cave near the summit.
The mountain is around 20 kilometers from Chikmagalur. You can reach here by bus or cab. Me and my family enjoyed our drive to this wonder of nature. Visit between September and February.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Chickmagaluru district (around 38 km northwest of Chikmagalur), this wildlife sanctuary is a protected area and a Project Tiger, tiger reserve. Spread over 492.46 square kilometers, it is famous for its various flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is encompassed by the hill ranges of Mullayanagiri, Hebbegiri, Gangegiri and Babaudangiri. More than 120 species of trees grow here. Visit between October and February.

Tiger at Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary


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Sakrebyle Elephant Camp

This wonderful forest camp for captive elephants is located in Shivamogga district. This popular ecotourism center offers you an opportunity to look at huge tuskers from close quarters.
You may visit Sakrebyle Elephant Camp on any day during the year between 8.30 am and 11.00 am. It is around 14 kilometers from Shivamogga, which is well-connected by rail and road.

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is an island (formed by River Tunga) in Shivamogga district. It houses more than 5,000 birds, including darters, median egrets, cormorants, maiden egret, pied kingfisher, wooly neck stalk, night herons and open-billed storks.
Migratory birds travel from all parts of the world to this beautiful bird sanctuary during the month of May for breeding purposes. Birdwatching, trekking and boat riding are popular activities here. Visit between July and October.

Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari

Opened in 1988, this safari covers an area of around 620 acres. It is around 10 kilometers north-west of Shivamogga, in Shivamogga-Sagar Road. It is actually a rehabilitation center for tigers and lions rescued from circuses.
Any time is good time to visit this safari, which houses tigers, lions, leopards, Indian jackal, crocodile, python, deer, sloth bear and various migratory birds. It is open between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm; and 2.15 pm and 5.00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays and national holidays.
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Monday, February 10, 2020

7 Famous Krishna Temples in the World

Krishna Temple in Udupi


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Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, is a major deity for people following Hinduism. For his devotees, Krishna is a name of the original, unique Supreme Person, the source of all that exists.
This widely revered divinity is the focus of many devotional cults. Mahabharata and Bhagavata are the basic sources of Lord Krishna's mythology.
Many temples are built worldwide to honor and worship Krishna. Here is a brief overview of some of them.

Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi

This sacred temple, which is located in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India, is built around the prison cell where Krishna was born. It is the most revered temple of Lord Krishna. I have felt the holiness of this temple during my visit sometime back.
The temple was first built by Krishna's grandson Vajranabha. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt at least 17 times. The temple that you see today was built in the 20th century.
Pieces of history recovered from the temple complex are displayed in a museum located nearby.
A
krishna janma bhoomi temple:
Mathura - Deeg Marg, Near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India
get directions

Krishna Janam Bhumi Mathura Timings

The temple is open between 7.00 am and 8.00 pm daily.

Krishna Janam Bhumi Photo


Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Located in Udupi, Karnataka, India, this temple is in Dravidian architecture. The temple resembles a living ashram, fostering daily life and devotion. Udupi, which is known as the Mathura of South India, is the birthplace of Sri Madhwacharya, founder of Dwaita philosophy. I experienced serenity and joy during my last visit to this temple.
The Krishna idol in the temple, which is is carved out of Shaalagrama Shila, was installed in 13th century CE. The unique feature of this temple is that here Krishna is worshipped through a window with nine holes, which are known as Navagraha Kitiki. The temple opens at 5.00 am and closes at 9.00 pm.
Mangaluru Airport (59 kilometers) is the nearest airport to Udupi, which is well-connected by rail and road. You can reach the temple from the airport by bus or cab.

Sri Krishna Temple Udupi Timings

Puja
Timings
Nirmalya Visarjana Puja
5.30 am
Ushakala Puja
6.00 am
Akshya Patra Gopuja
6.15 am
Vishwaroopa Darshana
6.20 am
Panchamritabhisheka
6.30 am
Udvartana Puja
7.00 am
Kalasha Puja
7.30 am
Teertha Puja
7.40 am
Alankara Puja
8.30 am
Avasara Sanakadi Puja
10.30 am
Mahapuja
11.00 am
Chamara Seva
7.00 pm
Ratripuja
7.30 pm
Rangapuja
7.40 pm
Utsava
8.00 pm
Thottilu Puja
8.30 pm
Kolalu Seva
8.40 pm
Ekanta Seva
8.50 pm

Krishna Temple in Nepal

Krishna temple is the most important temple in Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur, Nepal. It was built in the local variety of Shikhara style known as Granthakuta.

ISKCON Temple Bengaluru

Built and managed by ISKCON in 1997, this huge cultural complex is in North Bengaluru. It houses the deities of Radha and Krishna. ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is dedicated to propagating Krishna Consciousness worldwide. This temple is an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture.

ISKCON Temple Metro

The nearest metro station to ISKCON Temple is Sandal Soap Factory station (Green Line).

ISKCON Temple Bangalore Timing
Weekdays
7.15 am to 1.00 pm; 4.00 pm to 8.20 pm
Weekends
7.15 am to 8.30 pm

Sri Krishna Balaram Temple

Located in Sunnyvale, CA, this temple is an initiative of India Heritage Foundation. It was built to create a place where religion, knowledge, arts, music and culture meet.
A decent temple in bay area.
— Sharath Ramachandra

Arulmighu Parthasarathyswamy Temple

This temple is in Triplicane, Chennai. This 8th-century-temple is the oldest temple in Chennai. It is sacred for Vaishnavites. In fact it is the 61st Divya Desam in 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams.

Krishna Mandir

Located in Patan, Nepal, this temple is built in the shikhara style, imported from India. Beneath its 21 golden pinnacles are three floors. The first floor enshrines Krishna, the second Shiva, and the third Lokeshwor.
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Sunday, February 9, 2020

10 Places You Must Visit in Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli is a busy city in Tamil Nadu, a state in South India. More than 900,000 people live in this Indian city, which covers an area of around 167.23 square kilometers.
Tiruchirappalli is located on the plains between the Shevaroy Hills to the north and the Palni Hills. It has a tropical savanna climate. Average temperature is 28.9 °C.

How to Reach Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli is well-connected by air, rail and road. The city has an ISO 9001:2008 quality certified international airport, the Tiruchirappalli International Airport. The Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station is located in Rockins Road. Chatram Bus Stand and the Central Bus Stand are the two major bus stations in the city.

Hotels in Tiruchirappalli

4-Star Hotels
3-Star Hotels
2-Star Hotels
1-Star Hotels
Lakshmi Hotel
Sangam Hotel
Hotel Shri Swarna's Palace
Hotel High Point
Breeze Residency
Alam Residency
Hotel Raks
Grand Gardenia
Hotel Sona's

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

This temple is located in Srirangam, an island that is part of Tiruchirapalli. It is also known as Thiruvarangam. It is dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines (Swayam Vyakta Kshetras) of Lord Vishnu. The Rajagopuram is 73 meters high. Built in the Dravidian style of architecture, the Temple Complex is massive in scale and covers around 156 acres.
Timings:
The temple is open daily.
6.00 am - 7.15 am (Viswaroopa Seva)
9.00 am - 12.00 pm
1.15 pm - 6.00 pm
6.45 pm - 9.00 pm

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Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort

Built on a 83-metre-high rock, this fort houses two Hindu temples: the Ucchi Pillayar Temple and the Thayumanaswami Temple.

Trichy Rockfort Images


Ucchi Pillayar Temple

Located on top of Rockfort, this 7th-century Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. Views are superb from the top of the massive outcrop (273 feet high); with eagles wheeling beneath and Trichy sprawling all around.

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Ucchi Pillayar Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
6.00 am
8.00 pm

Kallanai Dam

Located around 15 kilometers from Tiruchirapalli, this ancient dam was built across River Kaveri with uneven stones. It was built in the second century by Chola King Karikalan.
The purpose of constructing this composite dam and reservoir was to divert the waters of River Kaveri to Thanjavur for irrigation. Kallanai Dam is a classic example of engineering marvel of ancient India.
Kallanai Dam is 329 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is in excellent condition and used as a major irrigation dam. It is also known as Grand Anicut Dam.

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Kallanai Dam Timings

10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Sri Ayyappan Temple

Located in Lawsons Road, this temple is famous for the 50-ft-tall statue of Lord Ayyappan.
Cleanliness and silence in the temple premises will delight you. This wonderful place of worship welcomes all human beings, irrespective of their religion, color, race, sex, language, status, property and birth.

Ayyappa Temple Timings

Opening
Closing
5.00 am
11.00 am
5.00 pm
8.30 pm

Puliyancholai Falls

Located around 76 kilometers from Tiruchirappalli, the Puliancholai falls is a terrace waterfall.
It is on the foothills of Kolli Hills. It is surrounded by lush green forest. The stillness is livened by the groups of people jumping in the stream for occasional dips. This region a trekker's paradise. It also houses many medicinal plants. People from far and near come and take a bath to get rid of their diseases.

Mukkombu

Mukkombu , which is also known as Upper Anaicut, is a 685-meter-long dam built on River Kaveri. Located around 18 kilometers from Trichirappalli, this beautiful picnic spot is well-known for its verdant green landscape. It has an amusement park, science park, boating, children’s garden, sports facilities, toy train, fishing facilities and more.
The pleasant breeze and nice atmosphere makes this an ideal picnic spot.
— Sharmila Thangapandi

Jambukeswarar Temple

This Shiva temple is located in Sannathi Street, Thiruvanaikoil, Srirangam. This 1,800 year old temple was built by Chola king Kocengannan. It is a good example of Dravidian architecture. The temple is open from 5.30 am. to 1.00 pm; and from 3.00 pm. to 8.30 pm.

Heartfulness Meditation Center

Located in K. K. Nagar, this meditation center enables you to experience the spiritual side of Tiruchirappalli. Here you can learn techniques to relax, rejuvenate and evolve. I liked the hospitality of the people here.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple

This temple is located in Maruthur Road. It is dedicated to Samayapurathal, a form of Aadi Shakti. Since the diety is made of sand and clay there are no abhishekams on it.
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