India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘Know India’ Category

The Masjid Zeenath Baksh, which is known to be Jumma Masjid, Mangalore is a historical mosque constructed in seventh century by Muslim Arab Traders. When the traditional treasons and repulsive rebellions were in active competition between one section of the society and the other, in the coastal belt of then South Kanara and Malabar Districts, due to different castes and creeds, the message of Islam entered this soil to spread Love, Peace and Creedless brotherhood.

The Zeenath Baksh Masjid also known as the Jumma Masjid, is found in Mangalore. It was built in the seventh century by the Muslim invaders.

The Masjid Zeenath Baksh, Bunder, Mangalore is said to have been established in 644 A.D. The masjid was inagurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumadil Avval. The first Khazi appointed was Hazarath Moosa Bin Malik, the son of Malik Bin Abdullah.

In the Seventeenth century Tippu Sultan who was the King of Mysore was ruling Mangalore. He renovated and beautified the mosque by adding wooden carvings and pillars. These carvings are rare pieces of artwork. Tippu Sultan has also built a Masjid in Mangalore 2km away from this Mosque, which is presently known as Idgah Masjid. During the latter half of 18th century he named the masjid ‘Zeenath Baksh’ after his own daughter. The mosque has special religious significance and connotation for the Muslim community because the pioneers who set up the mosque are said to have been the kith and kin of ‘Sahabas’ (or associates) of Prophet Mohammed Rasulullah himself.

Historical View
After the advent of Islam, Muslim Arab Traders had very cordial relationship with the Rulers of Western coastal belt of this country, as well as with the people of this soil. The history revealed that there were many rich traders, from the Muslim Community in the Western Coastal belt dealing with the traders of the Middle East Countries through the Arabian Sea. Consequent on the advent of Islam in the early stage, a team of Arab Muslim Traders, under the Leadership of Hazarath Mohammed Malik Bin Dinar had visited Malabar and landed at Koranganoor, and attracted not only the people of the soil but also the ten ruler, Raja Cheruman Permal by their well behavior in the contact, honesty in trade, discipline in dealings and peaceful religious and pious life within the doctrines of Islam. The then ruler accommodated and provided them proper facilities for living, place for trading and also land for building Mosques.

The spontaneous and splendorous attitude of the Muslim Arab Traders, facilitated to construct the first mosque, in Koranganoor, out of the 10 Mosques established by them in this district and Malabar. The Masjid Zeenath Baksh (Jumma Masjid), Bunder, Mangalore is said to have been established in Mangalore in 644 A.D. and the first Khazi appointed was Hazarath Moosa Bin Malik, S/o Malik Bin Abdullah. This Mosque was inaugurated on Friday the 22nd of the month of Jumadil Avval in 22 of Hijara (644A.D.). That this sacred Mosque was established by not less than the Holy men of Arabia, who were said to be Kith and Kin of “SAHABAS” (Associates) of “Prophet” Hazarath MOHAMMED RASULULLAH (S.A.). Fortunate the people of Mangalore are that they have great Historical Mosque before them and they have the privilege of offering prayer in this Mosque.

Location : Hampi

Karnataka Height : 8/9 Metres Tall

Represents : The Benign Aspect of Lord Vishnu

his is the largest statue in Hampi. Narasimha is sitting on the coil of a giant seven-headed snake called Sesha. The heads of the snake acts as the hood above his head. The god sits in a cross-legged Yoga position with a belt supporting the knees.

Sometimes this is referred as Ugra Narasimha (i.e. Narasimha in its terrifying form). The protruding eyes and the facial expression are the basis for this name.

Narasimha (means half-man’half-lion in local the languages) is on of the ten incarnations (avatar) of Lord Vishnu.

The original statue contained the image of goddess Lakshmi, consort of the god, sitting on his lap. But this statue has been damaged seriously during the raid leading to the fall of Vijayanagara. Even the damaged portion of such a large statue of Lakshmi carved on his lap is missing. Probably it may be laying around in tiny pieces. But the goddess’s hand is visible resting on his back in embracing posture. If you get a chance to go inside this enclosure, it is possible to see the hand of the goddess. Even the nails & the rings on her fingers are so perfectly executed.

Lion face of Lakshmi Narasimha also sometimes called as Unganarasimha (the ferocious Narasimha)

Somehow this single statue alone can demonstrate at the same time how creative and destructive the human mind can be.

The Hindu mythology has a tale of Narasimha’s origin.

“Lord Vishnu takes the form of Narasihma in his fourth incarnation, the previous one being that of a Boar (Varaha). Vishnu kills the demon Hiranyaksha during his Varaha avatar. Hiranyaksha’s brother Hiranyakashipu wants to take revenge by destroying Lord Vishnu and his followers. He performs penance to please Brahma, the god of creation. Impressed by this act, Brahma offers him any thing he wants.

Hiranyakashipu asks for a tricky boon. That he would not die either on earth or in space; nor in fire nor in water; neither during day nor at night; neither inside nor outside (of a home); nor by a human, animal or God; neither by inanimate nor by animate being.

Brahma grants the boon. With virtually no fear of death he unleashes terror. Declares himself as god and asks people to utter no god’s name except his. However his son Prahlada (who a devoted worshiper of Lord Vishnu!) refuses. Repeated pressurization on him yields no results for Hiranyakashipu. Prahlada declares the omnipresence of Lord Vishnu.

Once Hiranyakashipu points to a pillar and asks if Vishnu is present in it. Prahlada nods in affirmative. Angered at it, he draws his sword and cuts the pillar; Narasimha appears out of the broken pillar.

Language : Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, and English

Best time to visit : April-June

STD Code : 0194

About The Place

Beat the heat in the hill resort of Srinagar. Srinagar is the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The scintillating hill resort is ideally located in the Kashmir valley. Srinagar offers the spectacular sights of the lovely lakes and the houseboats on them. The dry fruits and the traditional Kashmiri handicrafts are the other major attractions of the hill resort. The natural beauty of the hill resort of Srinagar will surely sweep you off your feet. Jahangir, the Mughal emperor was left spell bound by the beauty of Srinagar. He exclaimed “Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin asto” i.e. If there is a heaven on earth, it’s here, it’s here, it’s here in Srinagar. Get ready to be captivated by the Chinar trees of Srinagar.

Major Attraction

While visiting Srinagar, visit the famous lakes . The popular Dal Lake is one of the most beautiful and visited lakes in the world. The lake surrounded by mountains, blossoming gardens and orchards, leaves you speechless. Try a pleasant ride in Shikaras and Houseboats . Subsidiary to the Dal, another famous water body is Nagin Lake, mostly visited for swimming, diving and boating.

As you walk over the Takht-e-Suleiman hill, you will find the Shankaracharya Temple. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is supposed to be the oldest shrine of Kashmir valley.

The landscaped Mughal Gardens are a paradise for nature lovers. Developed by the Mughals, Chashmashahi Garden, Nishat Gardena and Shalimar Garden are the three places that blossom with some of the rarest flowers in the world.
The nearby hilly areas provide opportunities for Fishing, Golf, Mountaineering, Skiing, Trekking, River Rafting, Paragliding, Aero Sports, Backpacking, Canoe Trips, Camping and Kayaking.

How To Reach

By Air: Srinagar has a domestic airport connecting it to other parts of India.

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest ralhead.

By Road: J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC), private Super deluxe buses or taxis.

Location: Intersection of Chowringhee and Theatre Road.

Time to Visit: 1230hrs – 1830hrs.

Preferred Timings: Evening time is the best, between 1500hrs – 1700hrs.

Admission Fee: Rs.15/-

How to Reach: Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city. One can also avail the efficient underground metro rail.

Photography / Video charges: Strictly prohibited.

Nearest Railway Station: Howrah.

Nearest Metro Station: Maidan.

Nearest Functional Metro Station: Maidan.

Nearest International Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Time required for sightseeing: 1 hour.

For those who have always loved star gazing ever since their childhood with an urge to explore the fascinating realms of outer space , or aspire to be a rocket scientist, the M.P. Birla Planetarium, Kolkata is just the place for you to venture, as it extends your celestial fantasies beyond your horizon.

Birla Planetarium, Kolkata is located towards the end of the Jawaharlal Nehru Road (formerly Chowringhee) and is in itself an enigmatic structure with its milky white façade and dome shaped roof. A popular Kolkata tourist landmark, the strategic location of this majestic Planetarium, within walking distance from Victoria Memorial, St.Paul’s Cathedral and Maidan, makes it a popular tourist destination.

Birla Planetarium, Kolkata has been projecting the fascinating celestial world of astronomy and space science to the discerning public ever since its inception, back in the year 1963. The planetarium is equipped with various state-of-the-art gadgets like the Celestron C-14 Telescope, Solar Filters, the Cal Zeiss Universal Planetarium projector and wide range of special effects projectors, which unravel the mysteries of the outer space in its dome shaped miniature sky every day.

When in Kolkata, do not miss this truly awesome celestial display.

Location : Himachal Pradesh

Area: 47sq.Kms

Altitude : 2,510 m

Discovered in : 1819

Main Attractions : Annual Winter Sports Festival and the Carnival

Climate: Summer 20°C – 30°C, Winter 10°C – 10°C

Places of Interest : Mashru Peak, Himalayan Nature Park, Indira Tourist Park

Best Time To Visit : April to June & November to February

Kufri is a famous hill station just 16 kms from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh well known for its ski slopes. Kufri gives paranomic view of the deep valleys, dense forests and lofty mountains. National Snow Statue Competition is held at Kufri every year in January.

Kufri along with Shimla and Chail forms the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh. Tourists are fascinated by the breathtaking views of Kufri, Shimla and Chail along with the luxurious resorts like Toshali Royal View available for the tour to Shimla, Kufri and Chail.

Standing at an altitude of 2510 meters above sea level at Southern Himachal, Kufri was discovered in 1918 by the British people.

A small hill station of Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is 19-kms from Shimla connecting by national highway no. 22. Popular for its hiking and skiing trails in Himachal Pradesh, Kufri is at its natural best during winters. Skiing and tobogganing can be enjoyed along snow-capped slopes.

Skiing buffs and adventure seekers look forward to the annual winter sports festival held in February at Kufri to participate in it.

The Himalayan Nature Park is one of the major tourist attractions near Kufri. This Park offers numerous endangered birds and animals such as goral, serow, musk deer, leopard, black bears and so on.

Major Attraction

Fagu : This village is little forward and it is peaceful very good for undertaking a short trekking tour. The village overlooks the Giri valley and delivers a three km trek till Chharabra. Fagu can be a great picnic spot.

Skiing : Skiing is the most effective adventure activity that will be loved in Kufri. In the course of winters, when snow spreads its blanket over the slopes of Kufri, lovers of skiing know that they’ll have an thrilling time forward. Ski courses for novices are carried out each winter by Himachal Tourism. It also offers essential equipments for skiing.

Simla Water Catchment Sanctuar : Simla Water Catchment Sanctuary is situated adjacent to National Highway 22 and immediately north of Kufri, which lies some 12km by road east of Simla. The area under this sanctuary is 951ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 1,900m to 2,620m. The sanctuary is connected by a forest corridor to Chail Sanctuary in the south. This sanctuary comprises a moderately steep catchment which is the main water supply for Simla. Nine perennial streams flow from this area, the main ones being Churat Nala and God Ki Nala. Mean annual rainfall is 1600mm and temperatures range from 5.4 C to 32 C.

Meteorological data are also available from nearby at Simla at 2,200m. Here, annual precipitation is in excess of 1500mm, over half of which falls during the summer monsoon. Mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures range from 8.6 C in January to 24.1 C in July and from 1.9 C to 15.7 C, respectively. The sanctuary is closed to visitors. There is one rest house inside, and three outside the sanctuary.

The British rule of over two centuries has left many indelible marks on the city of Kolkata, The Royal Calcutta Turf Club or the Race Course is one of them. Ranked as one of the best Race Courses in India the RCTC plays host to horse races during weekends during Jul-September and November- Mar seasons. Situated at the heart of the city near the Victoria memorial the RCTC is an unmistakable sight for any tourist.

Since its inception in 1819 the Royal Turf Club has also been the center of attraction for Polo lovers for its regular Polo matches. The construction of the stands and galleries as well as the traditions followed by the Club remind one of the erstwhile British era.

The racecourse’s flower gardens are kept in impeccable order round the year. Here one can find red and yellow canna lillies which blossom in plenty in the tropical climate of the city.

Location : Near Bangalore, Karnataka

Dedicated To : Lord Shiva

Major Attraction : The Unique Phenomenon On January 14th /15th Every Year

The capital of the state Karnataka, Bangalore is popularly known for its all-year round pleasant weather which has earned it the name “pensioners’ paradise”. Situated in Deccan Plateau, it is the third most populous city of India. The most cosmopolitan city in the nation, Bangalore has a warm hospitality that welcomes visitors in such a way that tempts them to stay on longer. The flourishing metropolis is home to many research institutions, well recognized colleges, software companies and more. Famous as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ the city is demographically diverse and is a major cultural and economic hub.

A great example of Indian rock-cut architecture, Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is located in Bangalore, Karnataka in India. It is a natural monolith carved cave temple created in the 9th century and famous for its slightly mysterious tone discs in the forecourt. Dedicated to god Shiva, the temple comprises a statue of Agnimurthi which features seven hands, three legs and two heads.

The temple is also popular for its pillars representing Trishul, Damaru and two fans. Standing as proof of the ancient sculptors’ knowledge of astronomy and architecture, are horns of the stone bull called Nandi Bull located outside the shrine letting sun rays pass through its horns and illuminate the deity Shiva Linga inside the temple.

An impressive figure of Shakti Ganapathi lies to the left of the temple’s main entrance. The temple is visited by hundreds of visitors on the month of January each year with intention of witnessing the extraordinary phenomenon on the sacred day of Makar Sankranti. It is on this particular day that the sunrays shine on Shiva Linga for one hour. The temple is also visited by hordes of devotees during Shivaratri.

A preferable choice among all Bangalore hotels, The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore boasts a distinctive design that depicts the royal heritage of the Garden City. The hotel houses a range of chic restaurants that will surely appeal to the traveller in search of a high quality restaurant in Bangalore. With a set of comprehensive amenities and impeccable service the hotel seeks to ensure its guest have a pleasurable stay.

Dlf City Centre Mall Gurgaon
Dlf City Centre,Mehrauli Gurgaon Rd, Ph-I, Gurgaon, Gurgaon – 122001
Delhi (NCR)

This amazing building is located at a very well known area. It lies in the Gurgaon and Merauli route. The DLF City Centre mall is a work of the DLF builders. DLF builders usually specialize in creating such infrastructural wonders. While entering the DLF City Centre, you are sure to notice its beautiful structure and the over all make of the building. The entire building is well decorated and allows sufficient light. The inside of the DLF City Centre mall has centralized Air conditioning.

Major Attraction

The DLF City Centre is one of the best places to spend your weekends. You will not only love to shop at this place, but also like to spend a lot of time enjoying the ambience of the mall. DT Cinemas multiplex is one of the main attractions of DLF City Centre. You can have a great time at the multiplex which showcases, Hindi and English latest released movies. In fact, the mall attracts lot of people especially during the weekends, when a movie releases.

The other main attraction of the DLF City Centre mall is the Lifestyle showroom. There is a huge Lifestyle showroom which has a great collection of clothes, fashion items, perfumes, glares and so on. People from far and wide; come to shop at this Lifestyle showroom in the DLF mall.