Archive for the ‘States of South India’ Category
January 13th, 2012 | 
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How to get there :
Air - The nearest airport is at Hyderabad , 157-km away.
Rail - Warangal has a railway station and is well connected by rail to important cities of India.
Road – APSTRC and Private buses connect Warangal with Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Karimnagar, Khammam and some other districts.
Description :
This is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. The main entrance of the thousand pillar temple, which faces the east, opens onto a wonderful 15 meter tall monolithic pillar called Mahastamba in front of the doorway.
The 2.5 meter tall bronze idol of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum hall is considered to be very sacred. The pillars of this basadi are decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagara style.
The temple boasts of a valuable collection of jewel-encrusted metallic images of Jain tirthankaras, and superb monolithic columns in the Jain tradition, each with a different carving.
The Jain Mutt near the main temple entrance has a library protecting some beautiful 12th and 13th century palm leaf manuscripts.
The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish.
There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars, screens and detailed sculpture. The atmosphere is calm and serene with the sonorous ringing of the puja bells, gentle chirping of the birds and the soothing cool breeze.
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Munnar is located at the Idukki district of Kerala State in South India. Munnar’s mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travellers likes watching the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.
Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. In Tamil, the word ‘munnu’ means “three” and ‘aar’ means “river”. Hence “Munnar” is a shortened version of ‘Munnu Aar’. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala.
Munnar also has the highest peak in South India – Anamudi , which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking. The high ranges of Munnar were earlier known as Kannan Devan Hills,named after a certain Kannan Devan,who had been land lord in the Anchanad Valley on the eastern side of the district. The main cultivation crops in Munnar are Tea and Coffee
Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands in Munar is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in the blue every twelve years, will bloom next in 2006 AD.
Main attractions in Munnar :
Mattupetty :
Mattupetty is situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level. Mattupetty Lake and Dam is a beautiful picnic spot with the panoramic view of the tea plantations and the lake. Boating facilities are available in the reservoir. Mattupetty is also well known for its highly specialized dairy.
Eravikulam National Park :
A sanctuary for the endangered mountain goat of South India, the Nilgiri Tahr ( Hemitragus hylocrious), the Eravikulam National Park stands out for the stark beauty of its rolling grasslands and sholas, spread over 97 sq km in the Rajamalai hills.
Duration : 07 Night/08 Days
Destination Covered : Ooty – Kodaikanal – Munnar
Day 01 : – Ooty -You are greeted on arrival from Kolkata at Coimbatore Airport/Railway station by South India Honeymoon Packages representative and transfer to Ooty (Travel time – 03.5 hrs). Later proceed for sight seeing which include Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Ooty Town Shopping, Doddabetta Peak. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 : Ooty – Today you will proceed to Coonoor to look from close quarters the Tea Gardens, Rose Garden, Sim’s Park, Avalanche, Dolphin’s nose, Ketty Valley, Koddandu Point, Lambs Park. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 : Kodaikanal – After early morning breakfast proceed to Kodaikanal (Travel time – 06.5 hrs) enroute visit Palani Temples. Reach Kodaikanal & settle down in Hotel. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel
Day 04 : Kodaikanal – The full day is free. You may choose to visit the Kodaikanal Lake, spread over an area of 60 acres and surrounded by wooded slopes. The attractive walk around the lake takes between one and a half hours. Additionally, you have the option of boating or fishing. Later visit Cocker’s Walk, Golf Links, Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, Silver Cascade Falls, Bear Shola Falls. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Munnar – Today morning after breakfast drive to Munnar hills (travel time – 5 hrs ) On the way to Munnar you can see tea gardens spread like a green carpet over hundreds of kilometers, lust green hills, a place so difficult to describe, very low population too far from pollution, most of the covered by Tata tea. On arrival check in to the Hotel and Evening stroll through the tea estates. Overnight in the hotel
Day 06 : Munnar – Today you can go for sightseeing Munnar which includes the Raja Malai, a top peak of Munnar where you can see Neel Thar (mountain goats), Muttupetty dam, you can also enjoy boating in the Lake (optional). Overnight at hotel
Day 07 : Houseboat – Today morning after breakfast drive to Alleppey (Travel time 5 hours) , Water locked place is endowed with immense natural beauty and array of rivers, canals and lakes ideal for boat cruise. On arrival check in to a traditional Kerala style Houseboat and cruise through the backwater. Overnight stay in the Houseboat – A/c Deluxe.Then cruise through the backwaters and stay overnight in Houseboat – A/c Deluxe
Day 08 : Departure – Morning after breakfast transfer to Cochin Airport or Railway Station (02 hours drive) for the onward Journey. End of South India honeymoon packages from Kolkata with sweet memories.
Introduction
The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswara temple and Madurai city originated together. According to tradition, Indra once committed sin when he killed a demon, who was then performing penance. He could find no relief from remorse in his own kingdom. He came down to earth. While passing through a forest of Kadamba trees in Pandya land, he felt relieved of his burden. His servitors told him that there was a Shivalinga under a Kadamba tree and beside a lake. Certain that it was the Linga that had helped him; he worshipped it and built a small temple around it. It is believed that it is this Linga, which is till under worship in the Madurai temple. The shrine is called the “Indra Vimana”.
Once Dhananjaya, a merchant of Manavur, where the Pandyas had arrived after the second deluge in Kumari Kandam, having been overtaken by nightfall in Kadamba forest, spent the night in the Indra Vimana. When next morning he woke up, he was surprised to see signs of worship. Thinking that it must be the work of the Devas, he told the Pandya, Kulasekhara, in Manavur, of this. Meanwhile Lord Shiva had instructed Pandya in a dream to build a temple and a city at the spot Dhananjaya would indicate. Kulasekhara did so. Thus originated the temple and city.
How To Go
Air
Madurai is connected by air with Mumbai and Chennai. Madurai airport is 10-km away from the city.
Rail
Madurai has direct rail connections to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Kollam, Chennai, Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathi and Tuticorin.
Road
There are excellent roads connecting Madurai to all parts of South India. Madurai city has 5 Major Bus Stands- Periyar Bus Stand, Anna Bus Stand, Palanganatham Bus Stand, Arapalayam Bus Stand, Mattuthavani Bus Stand. From Madurai town buses, suburban buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available to reach the temple.
Things To Know
Paranjothi Munivar wrote the Tiruviayadal Puranam in the sixteenth century. It is regarded as the temple’s Sthalapurana. An earlier work adds a few celestial sports not included in the latter. These are, or rather were painted on the walls around the Golden Lily Tank. Some of the painted wooden panels are in the Temple Museum.
The earliest references available to any structure in this temple is a hymn of Sambhandar’s, in the seventh century, which refers to the “Kapali Madil”. The present inner walls of the Lords shrine bear this name today. In the early times the entire temple must have been confined to the area between these walls, and the structures must have been of brick and mortar.
In the 14th century an invasion by Malik Kafur damaged the temple. In the same century Madurai was under Muslim rule for nearly fifty years. The temple authorities closed the sanctum, covered up the Linga, and set up another in the Ardhamandapa. When the city was liberated, the sanctum was opened, and, tradition says the flower garlands and the sandalwood paste placed on the Linga were as fresh as on the first day, and two oil lamps were still burning.
Tirupati is 67-km away from Chittoor in Chittoor district, the southern portion of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is one of the most visited pilgrimage in India. Sri Venkateshwara temple is one of the most important place of interest here. Sri Venkateshwara is also known as the Lord of Seven Hills, who is famous all over the country.
The shrine is situated on a hill at Tirumala, a cluster of seven hills known as Seshachalam or Venkatachalam with a height of 853m (2,800ft.) above the sea level. This temple is considered as the richest temple in the world, with a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution and a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country who wait for hours together to get a glimpse of the presiding deity.
The Lord of Tirumala is considered as the all-pervading Lord of the Universe. Almost daily 30,000 devotees on an average, visit the sacred shrine of Lord Venkateswara to pay their homage to him.
About The Place
The ancient Tirupathi Balaji is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The dynasties like the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Cholas of Tanjore, the Pandyas of Madurai and the Kings and chiefs of Vijayanagara have contributed a lot to the development of this temple. They endowed the shrine, offering worship to the presiding deity. The Tirupati temple also has beautiful ‘gopuram’ or tower. The ‘Vimana’ or Cupola over the sanctum sanctorum is covered entirely with gold plate and is known as “the Ananda Nilayam”.
The Shrine consists of three ‘Prakarams’ or enclosures. The outermost enclosure contains the ‘Dhvajastambha’ or the banner post and, among others, the statues of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, and of Todarmal, the minister of Akbar. The idol of the deity, the full figure of Lord Venkateswara or ‘Venkataramana’ or ‘Srinivasa’ or ‘Balaji’ (as is called in various parts of the country) has the attributes of both Vishnu and Shiva, preserving and destroying aspects of the Hindu trinity.
Kanyakumari is a town in the state of Tamil Nadu. At times it is also called ‘Cape Comorin’. It lies at the southern-most tip of the Indian Peninsula, which is also the geographical end of the Indian mainland. Tamil and Malayalam are the predominant languages here.
The town lies at the point where the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mannar and the Indian Ocean merge with each other. Towards its north and the east lies the Tirunelveli District, while the state of Kerela is located towards its west and northwest. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is at a distance of about 85 km from this place.
Kanyakumari is a town and a well known Hindu pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. It is also popularly known as Cape Camorin and located at the edge of Indian Peninsula. This place is at a distance of around 86 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Kanyakumari is named after the Kanyakumari Temple dedicated to Kumari Amman. This temple is among the popular Kanyakumari tourist attractions. Being the point of intersection for the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, Kanyakumari is an important place on the tourist map of India.
Tourist Attractions In Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari Temple
A Shakti Peetha (place of worship where the pieces of Goddess Durga’s body fell during the Tandav), this temple is dedicated to Parvati, a virgin incarnation of Goddess Durga who wanted to marry Lord Shiva. Devi Kanya Kumari or Kumari Amman is the principal temple deity. According to legends, Shiva did not turn up on the wedding day as promised and the feast remained incomplete with grains turning to stones. The temple has the black stone image of the virgin deity with a diamond nose ring glittering in the dark chambers.
Our Lady of Ransom Church
An important attraction in the Kanyakumari town, this church is first of its kind here. In the 15th century it had a thatched roof, now it reflects Gothic style of architecture with the sea forming an excellent backdrop. On the central tower of this church is the gold cross.
Vivekananda Rock Memorial
A ferry service from the shore will take you the place where Swami Vivekananda sat on a long meditation. Built on the rock in 1970, amidst the sea, is the memorial that comprises a meditation hall. The Shripada Mandapam has a museum and a study hall as well. Few feet away from this rock, is the statue of Tamil poet Thiruvallur.
Padmanabhapuram Palace
Located 15 km from Nagercoil, Padmanabhapuram Palace in Kanyakumari is one of the most well known monuments in South India. Explore this architectural marvel on a tour to Kanyakumari. Being at the centre of the political power of Travancore Empire, the strategic planning and military architecture of this palace is amongst the most well known in south India. It enjoyed being in the limelight till the the capital was moved to Thiruvananthapuram by Karthika Thirunal Maharaja, popularly known as Dharma Raja. The major highlight to be seen here are the aesthetic beauty, novel designs and wooden carvings that have stood the ravages of time.
The resort is essentially an amusement park located close to Chennai’s city center. The resort comprises of some lush green parks that are lined up with some wonderful trees. VGP Golden Beach Resort offers a nice place as egress from the techno life. Well paved side walks, parks and the shades of the trees provide a natural climate that is quite refreshing. The resort hosts a number of activities for fun and frolic. The popular rides and games at the resort include go-kart, dashing car, water chute, super trooper, giant wheel, aero-ship, jumping frog, children’s merry go round, super jet, break dance, dragons belly, jungle safari, roller coaster and many other.
The rides like go-kart, dashing car and water chute form the speciality of the resort. One can see the jubilant faces of people of all ages in these rides. For children super trooper and giant wheel is one thing not to be missed.
The resort also provides for various contemporary, cultural and folk shows. The discotheque at the Ecstasy Land, which forms an integrated complex, can be seen rolling and rumbling with youth. Other features of the Ecstasy Land include an open air seating stage, banquet and conference halls, bar and a private beach.
The resort houses a number of food courts. The Rain Forest restaurant is very popular restaurant within the resort premises. The restaurant and other food courts serve a variety of continental and popular food dishes.
About 5km from the city centre on the east coast, largest part of the seafront occupied by Rama Krishna Beach alias RK beach is located. A great spot to spend time leisurely. the Municipal Corporation of Visakhapatnam (MCV) and the VUDA jointly developed The R.K. Beach. The added attractions of the RK beach are the submarine museum, visakha museum, sri ramakrishna mission ashram, an aquarium, the Kali Temple, statues of prominent personalities, road side restaurants and parks. ‘Victory at Sea’ the war memorial at the shore of the beach which was constructed as a homage to soldiers of the 1971 war is worth visiting.
Attractive Beaches All Over The Places
Lawson’s Bay Beach
Ahead of the RK beach on the way to Kailasagiri Hill with golden sands and lush green vegetation, Lawson’s Bay beach is located. The beach is ideal for sea bathing and surfing due to the shallow crystal clear water. Sometimes known as Pedawaltair beach is a picturesque and beautiful scenic beauty for miles together.
Rishikonda Beach
Thickly covered hill and an ideal tourist destination, Rishikonda beach located 13kms from Visakhapatnam is a beautiful scenic, great leisure spot to spend time. The 14th century Sri Sapta Rusheswara Temple surrounded by seven hills is located in Rishikonda. With golden sands and vast stretch of water the lovely rishikonda beach is the best beach in Vizag. For water skiing, sunbathing, wind surfing and swimming and water sports enthusiast it is an ideal destination. For accomudation individual rental cottages, a restaurant and other amenities the tourist complex here is well equipped with a tourist lodge.
Yarada Beach
Fabulous landscape with its exotic blend of golden sands and the lush green stretch of hills is offered to one by Yarada beach, located 15kms away from Vizag city. This beach could be an ideal spot for a day out which is nestled between the hills on all the three sides and the Bay of Bengal on one side. The calm and shallow waters are perfect for kids too. The Yarada beach offers a relaxed and private setting.
Places To Visit
Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India.It is situated in the scenic eastern ghats with its natural settings. The zoo is flanked by hills on either side and attracts many visitors from all over the country. Zoo is 4 Km before Rishikonda beach, it is close on Monday, If you are not taking your vehicle inside then prepare for a walk for 2 KM in one side. Inside drinking water and canteen facilities are available. There is a toy train also. The main gate of the zoo is at NH 5 and other end is at beach road side. Zoo time is from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adults Rs 15, Child Rs 5, Camera Rs 15 and Video Camera Rs 100. A vehicle with five persons can be taken inside for a fee of Rs 200. It has different sections for primates, carnivores, lesser carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, ungulates and birds.
Vuda Park
VUDA Park, also called Taraka Rama Park was named after former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri N T Rama Rao. The Park is developed by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) near the Rama Krishna Beach in Visakhapatnam. VUDA Park is one of the most attractive spots in Visakhapatnam. Musical Fountain, Boating, Skating Ring, Horse and Camel Riding. This park is a heavy crowd puller and has a dancing musical fountain. It is the ideal place for all to spend evenings and leisure times on seashore with eye catching and eco-rich surroundings. With a green playfield, artificial caves, beautiful long lawns, flower gardens, and a children’s park, boating and swimming facilities makes this park a good place to spend time.The Entrance Plaza extends makes the visitors to have memorable moments of joy. Every day thousands of people visit the VUDA Park. It is another landmark in the tourism chapters of Visakhapatnam. The first of its kind in the whole south Asia.