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Archive for the ‘States of North India’ Category

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 Built in 1764, by Maharaja Ala Singh, the fort was originally made as a mud fort or kachi garhi.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.

The Harmandir Sahib (or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Previously (and still more commonly) known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005. The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

In and amongst the hustle and bustle of India stands a timeless place of worship,where one can listen to enchanting hymns that captivate both devotees and tourists alike. “I have seen many places,but none like Thee”–Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Golden Temple Amritsar.co.uk soughts to provide information about the Gurdwara (or Temple) from the early history to the present day. General visitor information together with photographs and art capturing the Golden Temple through the ages will give you an insight into the place and people that have been touched by it.

History

Construction of the Golden Temple began in 1574 on land donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The building project was overseen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus. The temple was completed in 1601, but restoration and embellishment continued over the years. The temple had to be substantially rebuilt after it was sacked in the 1760s.In the early 19th century, 100 kg of gold were applied to the inverted lotus-shaped dome and decorative marble was added. All this gold and marble work took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The legendary warrior king was a major donor of money and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Sikh community and Punjabi people.

In June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered an attack on armed Sikh militants holed up in the Golden Temple. Over 500 people were killed in the ensuing firefight, and Sikhs around the world were outraged at the desecration of their holiest site. Four months after the attack, Gandhi was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards, leading to a massacre followed in which thousands of Sikhs lost their lives.

Major Tourist Attractions

Khalsa College & Guru Nanak Dev University : Khalsa College was founded in 1892 and built on grand scale in typical Sikh architecture, its distinguished alumni; sportsmen, servicemen, administrators, professionals, fill up India´s compilations of Who´s Who. On a part of its land a new University called Guru Nanak Dev University was established. Soon it has become distinguished for starting modern curricula and has etched its name on the sports map of India.

Tarn Taran : 24 kilometres south, is Tarn-Taran-a town founded by Sri Guru Arjan Dev in 1590. The Gurdwara got constructed by the Guru stands on the side of a large tank. Fairs are held here on every ´Amavas´ dark night of the month, birth anniversaries of the Gurus, Baisakhi and Diwali.

Goindwal : A few kilometers away from Tarn Taran is the town of Goindwal, where Guru Amar Das established a new centre for preaching Sikhism. A ´Baoli´, well paved with 84 steps was constructed here. The devout believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine ´Word´ revealed to Guru Nanak Dev Ji at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli provides ´Moksh´, liberation from 84,000 cycles of life of this world.

About The Place

Altitude : 2202.00 Meters

Population : Approx.1.25 million

Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m

Languages spoken : Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.

Religion : Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian

Climate In Shimla

Weather During the Year : Winter are cold and chilly winds from the upper Himalayas makes the place really cold. Around Christmas or last week of December Shimla gets snowfall. Temperature varies from 15 ~27o C in Summers and in winters its in the range 0~17 o C.

Best Season : Shimla can be visited throughout the year, as each season has its charm. The snowfall during the winters attract many tourists and accommodation can prove to be difficult. In the summers one can escape from the scorching heats of the plains and can enjoy the cool breeze at Shimla and in its vicinity. In summer, Shimla has the attraction of excellent walks and treks against the backdrop of the scenic beauty of wooded ravines, flowers and pines. Mall of Shimla becomes alive once again with tourists strolling and shops tastefully decorated and various exhibitions, craft fair etc. organised at locations on the mall.

In winters, it is home to winter-sports and an ice-skating carnival. Today, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a favorite for filmmakers who wish to incorporate its scenic romanticism in their movies. Shimla is a stark example of the diversity that India offers to tourists.

What to Wear : Being Hill station the weather is almost cool at Shimla. Warm clothes are required throughout the year. The summers are marked by rainfalls. The nights of summers are cool and light warm clothes are required during this time. In the Winters Pullovers along with Warm Jacket is necessity. One has to take good care of shoes as most of the places are visited on foot, and slopes of Shimla are very steep. In the winters and mainly during snowfall shoes of firm grip are required , so that walking on snow becomes easy.

Main Attractions

Shimla, also known as Simla, is a tourism paradise located in the midst of Himalayan cedars and pines at an altitude of 2,205 m above sea level. Known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, the destination is spread over an area of 18 sq km. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is located in the north-west Himalayas, in the northern part of India.

The erstwhile summer capital of the British features dense woodlands, apple orchards, beautiful landscapes and other natural bounties. Capitalising on the grand old testimonies, colonial characteristics, peace-loving environment and adventure opportunities, Shimla welcomes tourists from around the world. It offers beautiful façades from the crescent shaped ridge to the descending valleys of evergreens.

The word ‘Shimla’ originated from ‘Shyamali Devi’, a re-incarnation or descendant of the fearsome Goddess Kali. The altar at Jakhoo Hill was initially shifted by the British to the place known as Kali Bari Temple at present. The hill station is enveloped by seven hills that include Jakhoo Hill, Bantony Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Observatory Hill, Invererarm Hill and Elysium Hill.

In yesteryears, the historic Hindustan Tibet Road was commissioned in 1850 commencing from Kalka to Shimla and thereafter to the Chinese ruled territory, Tibet. In 1864, the town of Shimla was declared as the summer capital of the British Empire in India. Another red-lettered event in the history of the town was the laying of the Kalka-Shimla railway line in 1903.

The route from Kalka to Shimla on the narrow gauge is among the major tourist attractions. The route, along with trees of fir, pine, walnut, apricot and terraced paddy fields of corn and the famous capsicum, locally known as ‘Shimla Mirch’, runs through 102 tunnels. The district of Shimla has numerous rivulets, small streams and springs and provides opportunities for trekking, rock-climbing and ice-skating.

Location : New Delhi
Famous As : All India War Memorial
Designed By : Edwin Lutyens In 1921
Height : 42m

Situated in Rajpath in Delhi the India Gate bears immense historical significance. A 42 meter high gateway built in red stone and granite the India Gate was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyen the architect who laid out the plan for Delhi. The foundation stone of India Gate of Delhi was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The construction of India Gate of Delhi was completed in February 1921.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital the India Gate today acts as a popular picnic spot for most of the tourists and citizens of Delhi.

Also known as the ‘All India War Memorial’, the India Gate India Gate in Delhi was constructed as a memorial in honor of 90,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and also the Third Anglo Afghan War. ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ or the flame of the immortal warrior is burning under it since 1971. The eternal flame reminds one of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who lost their precious lives in an attempt to protect the country.

India Gate History

The foundation stone was laid by HRH the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later after India had said goodbye to its imperial rulers. It is in the form of a flame that burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971.

The entire arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge cornice, beneath which are inscribed Imperial suns. Above on both sides is inscribed INDIA, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The shallow domed bowl at the top was intended to be filled with burning oil on anniversaries but this is rarely done.

Pilgrimage of Mata Vaishno Devi is said to be one of the holiest pilgrims in world. Sri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a cave and the cave is situated in the three peaked mountain called as Trikoot. Lakhs of devotees pay homage to Mata Vaishnodevi Ji every year. Mata Vaishnodevi fulfills all the wishes of her devotees and now the number of devotees have exceeded to 5 million every year. Devotees coming to Vaishno Devi are not only from India but also from abroad.

The holy cave of Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is located at the height of 5200 FT. Devotees mostly stay at Katra and take on the walk of 12 km. There is no idol of Mata Vaishno Devi inside the cave, there are only three rocks called as Pindies. Darshans for Mata Vaishnodevi Ji is opened 24 hours throughout the year.

The management of the devotees and regulation of the shrine is under Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board formed in 1986. Mata Vaishnodevi Ji Shrine Board has done many activities for comforts of devotees and development of the place. Rs125 crore has been spent for the developmental activities. Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine board continues to invest all the donations and offerings received by the Darashanyatri for the improvements of facilities.

Time of Puja

At Maa Vaishno Devi temple Aarti is conducted both in morning and evening. Morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted before sun rises and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi is conducted after sun set. Only Pandits, Pujaris along with Board’s senior most functionaries and staff are allowed to be present at sanctum- sanctorum at the time of Aarti at Vaishno Devi.

Darshans and Prasad

Puja is conducted for various goddesses and gods during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi as the belief is that while Aarti at Vaishno Devi is being conducted all gods and goddesses will be present in sanctum Sanctorum. A divine lamp called Jyoti is lit for performing Aarti at Vaishno Devi and the lamp is brought outside in a thaal after completion of Aarti. This thaal will have all items used to offer Aarti along with Jyoti. Outside holy cave’s mouth Aarti is performed outside cave in the presence of all devotees. During this Aarti at Vaishno Devi and one performed inside yatris can hear the mantras and shlokas uttered by Pandit. On completing Aarti at Vaishno Devi outside Pujaris will distribute prasadam to yatris along with charanamrit or holy water. This whole process lasts for more than two hours and during morning Aarti at Vaishno Devi and evening Aarti at Vaishno Devi devotees are not allowed to have Devi Darshans.

History

Red Fort or Lal Quila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad. This colossal fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as the citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant link between the past and the present, for it is from here that the prime minister of India addresses the people on the Independence Day (August 15th).

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the Red Fort in 1638, which was completed in 1648. The fort contains – halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort continues to be an impressive evidence to Mughal grandeur

The Architecture

The Red Fort with thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions is one of the largest and oldest monument in Delhi India. The Fort rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi. Its walls extend from 2 kms and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on the city side.

The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of the common folks. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.

Details About The Place

Area : 12.302 sq. km.
* Population : 3,48,142 (1991 census)
* Altitude : 294.70 meters above sea level.
* Season : Round the year.
* Clothing :
Summer - Cottons;
Winter - Woollens ;
* Language : Hindi & English
* Local Transport : Taxis, Tongas, Tempos, Buses, Cycle-Rikshaws, Auto-Rickshaws

History

Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar. Haridwar has since ages been a source of Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies.

Haridwar one of the first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Haridwar has also been the destination for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breath takingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges.

About The Place

Haridwar– gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganga. The Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains.

Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The water is clean and people prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate freedom, Nirvana.

Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar.

Climatic Conditions

Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2360 km�, is in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state of India. Its latitude and longitude are 29.58 degree north and 78.13 degree east respectively. Its height from the sea level is 249.7 metres. The water in the river Ganges is mostly clear and cool. A large part of the district is forested, and Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district. Climate: During the summers the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury dipping as low as six degrees.

Main Attractions

Har Ki Pauri
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.

Mansa Devi
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.

Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of Shravan & Phalgun.

Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.

Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.

Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.

Located at a suitable height and surrounded by trees Patinitop is a peaceful and quiet place in the Jammu region. Its at a distance of four hours from Katra. We can also visit Sanasar which resembles Patnitop. Sanasar is on a higher location. While going towards Sanasar, Mathatop/Nathatop are the places to visit. Patnitop also offers some trekking routes. Patnitop is 112 kms away from Jammu. Its at a height of 2024 meters across the Jammu Srinagar highway. Patnitop offers beautiful picnic spots and nice walks in the mountains. In winters the resort is covered with thick snow. Its a major center for snow games like skiing. The major center of attraction in Patnitop is its natural charm, climate, pine forests and lush green cover. That is why its one of the best resorts of Jammu region.

Patnitop counts amongst the best-developed tourist spots in the Kashmir valley. The natural beauty, dense pine forests and flourishing green landscape of this hill resort makes it a popular tourist destination. Patnitop also boasts of three freshwater springs, with ice-cold water and said to have medicinal properties. A 6-hole golf course (now being expanded to 9-holes) lures tourists to Patnitop in summers. You can also take an excursion to Sudh Mahadev, a holy place near Patnitop. There are many activities to undertake while on a tour of Patnitop, Kashmir. For the adventure lovers, there are amazing trekking options near Patnitop.

Trekking is more enjoyable in Patnitop during summer, when all the treks open up. The most popular trekking route around Patnitop is the Sundarani-Jungal Gali-Jasarkote-Sanasar route in Jangal Gali area. This route offers you three exciting treks to choose from. Then, there are the opportunities of riding ponies along little known trails, paragliding, camping and walks. The flowery meadows of Patnitop consist of an ideal place for walks and picnics. Skiing courses are also conducted at Patnitop in the months of January and February. All said and done, Patni top has something to offer to everyone in every season, so come and explore this beautiful destination!

Tourist Attractions

Skiing

Patnitop also attracts a lot of tourist because of the skiing possibilities that are present here. In winter months, special skiing classes for beginners has been introduced, specially in January and February. The snow covered slopes of Patnitop are not very steep or bumpy, so they turn out to be perfect for starters. For more experienced legs, there is Madhatop, just 5 km away from here, which is more difficult and challenging.

Jammu

Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact, it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its trends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful Ziarats (shrines). If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites.

The Naag Temple

Situated on top of the hill, the temple is more than 600 years old. The temple witnesses a large number of devotees on all days and on special occasions, the number is mind boggling. The temple is also a good option for excursions.