Archive for the ‘States of North India’ Category
Gurudwara Manji Sahib Alamgir is situated in Alamgir Village near Ludhiana Distt. Guru Gobind Singh Ji reached Alamgir village after the martyrdom of his mother & four sons by Mughals and stayed here for few days. On reaching Alamgir, one of the horse trader of the Village named Bhai Nigahia Singh, gifted a horse to Guru Ji. Bhai Nabi Khan & Bhai Gani Khan provided a bed (manji) to Guru Ji. Guru Ji asked an old lady who was picking cowdung whether he could get some water from somewhere to take bath to which the old lady replied that
“Pir Ji this is a place of ruins, there is no water here”.
There is a well far away but there is a big python that lives there, no one goes there. On listening this, Guru Ji hit the python with an arrow & gave it ” Mukti ” ( exemption from further transmigration ) & the python fell into the well. When the people went to take water from the well, they found that the water is not clean, Guru Ji, then hit one more arrow & there was a water spring that came out & all had a bath. On seeing this miracle, the old lady fell into Guru Sajib’s feet & said
“Peer Ji you are a wonderful Peer, I have a request. I have leprosy & i have gone to various places to get the treatment done but it has not been cured, kindly cure my disease & help me to get rid of this disease”.
Guru Ji said that whoever takes a bath under this water spring with belief, GOD will cure all his sadness. Then Guru Ji sat on the horse given by Bhai Nigahia Singh & went towards Raikot. The old lady had a bath in that water spring & was cured. She went back to the village & told about the whole story. The place where Bhai Nabi Khan & Bhai Gani Khan kept GURU SAHIB’s bed, today at that place exists a beautiful Gurudwara known as Manji Sahib Alamgir.
Manali is located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of about 1950 m above sea level, it is about 250 km away from the state capital of Shimla.
Manali has been named after Brahmas’s appointed lawgiver, Manu, who is said to have arrived in this region to begin the seventh cycle of creation and destruction. The region is also said to be the home of the seven great sages of the Hindu religion.
As an important hill station and tourist destination of India, Manali offers much in terms of natural beauty such as panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountain, flower gardens and orchards with green & red apples; with places such as Solang Valley known as a winter sports location; the Nehru Kund, which is a clear water spring; the Kothi Village, offering views of a deep gorge through which River Beas flows; and the Rahalla Falls.
Apart from being a hill station, there are also several other attractions in Manali. The Hidimba Temple, built in 1533 AD, is dedicated to hidimba, the wife of Bhima who was one of the pandavas. The Manu temple, dedicated to the sage and lawgiver, Manu, is located in old Manali. The Vasishta temple, dedicated to Lord Rama and Sage Vasishta, is known for its hot springs. The nearby town of Jagatsukh is home to a few old temples dedicated to Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri.
Tourist places in Manali

Located at an elevation of 1,950 metres, Manali and the surrounding area is of immense significance to Indian culture and heritage, as it is said to be the home of the Saptarshi, or Seven Sages. An igloo shaped temple, Beas Kund has a spring, which is the origin of River Beas.
Located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar, Hadimba Temple is one of the most important temples in the region. Manu Temple enshrines Manu, who landed and settled down in Manali after the great floods and became the progenitor of human beings.
Gauri Shankar Temple, located in Jagatsukh, is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. On the bank of River Beas, is the Vashisht Village, which is famous for a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and hot springs that are said to have medicinal properties. Malana, a hamlet across River Parvati, is believed to have been inhabited by the descendants of the Greeks that came as Alexander’s army.
Established on the south-eastern corner of Ludhiana city, Manji Sahib Gurudwara expresses the divine presence of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. One of the sacred places of Sikh devotees, the Gurudwara assigns its history to the early period of 1700s when Guru Ji passed through this holy spot.

The historical saga of the Manji Sahib Gurudwara of Haryana reveals a rather fascinating tale. While going to Malwa, in 1705, Guru Gobind Singh Ji stopped his palanquin-bearers on the very location where the Gurudwara of Manji Sahib exists.
He chose the place as a stop-over and asked one of the local peasants to bring a horse for him so that he can use it for his journey. The man assigned with the job told a lie to Guru Ji and presented a mare to him, not realizing the imminent consequences. Guru Ji did not accept the mare and left the place. On going back to his home the farmer found his horse dead. This way the local people came to know the sacred powers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The sincere followers of Guru Ji in the coming years built the Manji Sahib Gurudwara on the same spot where the Guru took rest for sometime. Apart from regular sessions of Guru Granth Sahib Recitation, the Sikh followers also attend the ceremony of the first, fifth and tenth Guruparabs in the premises of the Gurudwara. Commemorating the sacrifices of Guru Teg Bahadur, Shahidi Divas is also followed religiously in this sacred place.
The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Situated at a height of 5, 300 ft., the site is located inside a cave in a hill. One of the most visited pilgrim sites in India, the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located in a cave, amidst the folds of the Trikuta Bhagwati hill at a height of 5, 300 ft., in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J & K). This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the yatris, as the devotees are called. Once at the entrance to the cave, the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream named the Charan Ganga running through it. The pilgrim has to wade through this to reach the sanctum sanctorum.
Significance Of Vaishno Devi

The holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting Mata in her three forms which are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Each of these forms represent particular attributes.
Maha Kali represents Tam Guna : Tam stands for darkness or unholiness. In her attribute of Maha Kali, Mata is constantly endeavoring to vanquish the forces of darkness. She blesses her devotees by giving them strength to never lose heart and constantly battle the forces of darkness till they prevail upon them. Maha Lakshmi represents Raj Guna : Raj stands for sustenance, prosperity and well being. In her attribute of Maha Lakshmi Vaishno Mata blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity and thus makes their life more comfortable and happy.
Maha Saraswati represents Satva Guna : Satva stands for purity and goodness. In her attribute of Maha Saraswati, Mata blesses her devotees with pure thoughts and a high intellect. This enables them to distinguish between the good and the bad, between righteousness and unrighteousness and helps them to adopt the correct path in life.
Yatra Of Vaishno Devi

The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, is Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km further down, is the holy cave at Adhkawari.The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean.
Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities.
Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track and at the Bhawan. After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place. Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away.
How To Reach
By Air
Srinagar airport is approximately 14 km from the city. There are daily flights to Srinagar, operated by Indian Airlines (from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu) and other Private Airlines like Air Deccan, SpiceJet, Kingfisher, Jet Airways (from Delhi and Jammu).
By Rail
Jammu Tawi, approximately 305 km far, is the nearest railhead for Srinagar. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at this station only. During holiday season, when there is a heavy rush for Kashmir, additional trains operate for and from this station.
By Road
National Highway 1-A is the main highway connecting Srinagar with Jammu. J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) as well as a number of private Super deluxe, A-class and B-class busses operate to and from the state. Private taxis are also available for traveling to Kashmir. This is one of the most adventurous though a bit strenuous travel track in India.
Main Attraction

Jammu popularly known as the winter capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also well known for its temples and shrines. There are a number of Tourist Attractions in Jammu and the most popular one is the Vaishno Devi Temple which is located in the Trikuta hills close to the city of Jammu.
A large number of tourists from all over the country flock to this religious spot every year. Jammu is bordered by Kashmir in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the south, Ladakh in the east and Azad Kashmir in the west. Jammu is surrounded by the Pir Panjal ranges, Tawi river basin, Trikuta hills and the Shiwalik range which add to the natural landscapes and attractive surroundings.
Jammu was initially named after Raja Jamboo Lochan who founded the city but with time the original name which was ‘Jamboo’ changed to ‘Jammu’. There are a number of places of Tourist Attractions in Jammu such as the Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Dogra Art Museum, Sheesh Mahal, Surinsar Mansar Wildlife sanctuary and the Rani Charak Mahal. The Bahu Fort is famous for the Maha Kali temple. The Mubarak Mandi Palace is a harmonious blend of the Rajasthani, European and Mughal architecture.
Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir. There is an ice Silva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day.
It is located in a glacial valley at 4,175m (13,700 ft.). The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods. The biggest figures of different gods. The biggest figure is regarded as Siva (Amarnath). On the left side of the linga is an ice formation called Ganesh, and on the right side is one of Parvati and Bhairava.
Amarnath Yatra
The of the most important event during July/ August, is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknow to them, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). This is an event you certainly will talk about for the rest of your life.
Description Of Amarnath Cave
* This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati ji . The story goes like this . Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shiv ji to let her know why and when He started wearing the beads of heads ( Mund Mala) .
Bhole Shankar replied when ever you are born I add one more head in my beads . Maa Parvati said ,” My Lord, my body is destroyed every time and I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please let me know the secret of this .” Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha .”
* Maa Parvati insisted that she may be told that secret. For long Shiva ji continued postponing . Finally on consistent demand from Maa Parvati He made up his mind to tell the immortal secret . He started for lonely place where no living being could listen it . He choose Amarnath Cave . In preparation to that He left His Nandi ( The Bull which He used to ride ) at Pahalgam (Bail gaon) . At Chandanwari He released Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He released the snakes . He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Hill ) . At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth , Water, Air , Fire and Sky) which make living being . He is the Lord of these elements. It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world , Shivaji and Maa Parvati had Tandav Dance . After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa.
* Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrate . To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale , He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave . After this He started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati . But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the Deer skin remained protected . It is believed to be non living and more over it was protected by Shiva -Parvati Asan (Bed) . The pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened the secret of immortality (Amar Katha). Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
How To Go
Air
Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh, and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.
Train
The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are other trains to and from Delhi. From Jammu there are direct trains to Bombay, Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46 ½ hr). Most buses leave between 6 and 7 am, in order to arrive before night. A ticket to Srinagar should be booked in advance. There are buses to Delhi (14 hr), Amritsar (5hr), and Pathankot (3 hr). From Pathankot you can get a bus to Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Deluxe buses depart from the railway station, usually between 6 and 7 am.
Kullu Manali can be said as one of the best places in India to go for honeymoon. So here we give you the details about the package of Kullu Manai From Kolkata. Kullu enjoys an elevation of 1200 m and 2050 m above the sea level in Kullu Manali. Enjoy the pleasant weather, clean air, serene environs and most important of all beautiful company of your life partner on Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali. At an approachable distance from Shimla, Kullu and Manali offers wide range of accommodation facilities, picturesque locations and serenity required to make Honeymoon in Kullu and Manali an affair to remember. Kullu Manali honeymoon tour package from Kolkata gives us an ever memorable honeymoon experience. So If you finding best Honeymoon Destination in India Kullu and Manali is the best place for you.
While in Kullu, you must visit the Raghunath Temple, Jagannathi Devi Temple, Bekhli Temple, Basheshwar Mahadev Temple and Bijli Mahadev Temple. Extend your Honeymoon in Kullu to take an excursion to Nagar, Raison, Shoja, Manikaran and Kasol. In Manali, visit the Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Jagatsukh Temple, Arjun Gufa, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture and Village Vashisht. Solang Nullah, Waterfalls, Rohtang Pass, Dassaur Lake and Beas Kund are the places for extended tours on Honeymoon in Manali.
Tour Details
Duration : 05 Night/06 Days
Destination Covered : Manali – Kullu – Shimla
Day 01: Delhi – Manali – On arrival from Kolkata at Delhi, Kullu Manali Honeymoon Packages representatives heartily welcomes you and assists you to transfer you to Manali . Manali is paradise one earth as its cool magical weather and scintillating beauty of nature with snow capped mountains on backdrop casts long lasting impression on the mind of the visitors. On arrival check in at pre-booked hotel and relax at the comfort of your room. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Manali.
Day 02: Manali - Enjoy the hearty breakfast at the hotel and later enjoy fun-filled city tour visiting the revered Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, Manu Temple and Vashist Village. Afternoon enjoy time at your free will viewing the natural splendor of Manali. Dinner and cozy overnight stay will at hotel in Manali.

Day 03: Manali – After early morning breakfast at the hotel, today we go for a full day excursion visiting to Kothi Gorge, Gulaba and the most famous Rohtang Pass which is not only a sightseeing spot but is also gateway to Lahaul Valley that offer viewers and tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains draped with fairy snow, which is truly breathtaking. Visit Solang Valley in the evening and return back to hotel on time where delicious dinner and cozy bed for overnight will be waiting for you.
Day 04: Manali-Shimla via Kulu – After breakfast we transfer you to Shimla the capital city of Himachal Pradesh (320 Kms/8 hours). On arrival our representative assists you to transfer you to the pre-booked hotel. Dinner and overnight stay is at hotel.
Day 05: Shimla Sightseeing – Enjoy healthy morning breakfast surfing the cool magical wind blowing from the snow capped Himalayas. Later we take you for a full day sightseeing tour of Shimla covering Indian Institute of Advance Studies, Kufri, Fagu, Sankat Mochan Temple and Jakhu Temple. In the evening stroll in an around the The Mall and The Ridge and enjoy shopping to take back home lots of souvenir of Shimla Manali tours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Shimla.
Day 06: Shimla-Delhi – After early morning breakfast at the hotel, board the world famous toy train to enjoy the heavenly joy ride from Shimla Railway Station at 1000 hrs from Dharampur. Kalka Shimla Toy Train also included in UNESCO World Heritage list slowly moving passes through the captivating luxuriant green valleys of Shimla, which casts its magical spell on travellers presenting the most panoramic view of Mother Nature as well as offers the moments to treasure of Royal journey of British Raj. On arrival at Dharampur in the evening at 1430 hrs our driver will met you and transfer you to Delhi (300 Kms/6 hours). In this way your memorable Shimla Manali honeymoon tour from Kolkata ends.
Patiala district is one of the famous princely states of erstwhile Punjab, with the administrative headquarters bearing the same name. It is rich with attractions that invite tourists throughout the year.Patiala is founded by the Baba Ala Singh in the year 1753 and within a very short period in the two centuries. This place has recorded an unparalleled achievement in the field of music as well as painting. The city has the nearest airport Chandigarh, at a distance of 63 kilometer. It has a nearest railway station Ambala, at a distance 55 kilometer. It is a capital of princely state Patiala and so have many magnificent forts to visit.
Places To Visit
Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Patiala. Built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh, the fort was originally made as a mud fort or kachi garhi. The Maharaja constructed the pacca qila after his conquest of Sirhind. He constructed the qila by using the octroi received from the merchandise passing through his territory of the GT Road.
Old Motibagh Palace

Old Motibagh palace is the palace built in the late 19th century and it is located in the southern outer area of the town, at a distance of 3 kilometer and at the end of Mall road. It is the largest homes in Asia. The grotesquely oversized rambling central building is surrounded by the lawns and trees.
It is combination of Mughal, European and Rajput styles. It has the National institute for sports as a part of this building. In all there are 15 dining halls and number of outbuildings.
Baradari Gardens

Baradari Gardens surround the Baradari Palace, located in the north of old Patiala City, just outside Sheranwala Gate. It was constructed by Maharaja Rajindera Singh and consists of rare plants and trees, dotted with impressive Colonial buildings and a statue of the founder. The prime attraction in the garden is the 19th century Fern House, along with quaint Rink Hall.







