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Top 10 Most Visited Pilgrim Destinations in Southern India
Madurai, Tamil Nadu
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| Image courtesy: wikipedia |
The Temple Town of South India “Madurai “ is located on the banks of Vaigai River. The city is known for its historical and rich cultural heritage. Not only temples but the city is also known for “Jasmine Flowers” through out the world. Flocked by Tourist during September till mid of February Madurai is considered a one of the major spiritual destination site in India. The most visited Meenakshi Temple, also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva.
Other Places to Visit in Madhurai are -
Azhagar Koyil ,Gandhi Museum ,Thiruparankundram ,Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal ,Kazimar Periya Pallivasal ,Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam .
Reaching Madurai
By Air: Nearest Airport is Madurai Airport (IXM). However connecting Flight from Chennai ,Mumbai,Delhi are available
By Train : Regular trains connecting Madurai from major cities like Chennai , Kudalnagar are available.
By Road : Book AC as well as Non AC Taxi/Cabs in Madurai as per the need. Good connectivity leads to a good frequency of transport facilities for the travellers. So distances should not be a concern.
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
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| Image courtesy: te.wikipedia.org |
World renouned Lord Venkateshwara Temple or much know as “Tirupati Balaji”, situated at top of Tirumala hill is among the most visited spiritual destination in Southern India.
Seven hills,surrounded by natural beauty and peaceful ambience of Eastern Ghats, is believed to be seven hoods of Sheshnag, the Serpent God cushioning Lord Vishnu. Being one of the most worshipped temples in India this holy city is dotted with numerous other temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Situated at 2,799 ft this is the second richest temple in the world, first being Padamanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The holy city dedicated to Lord Vishnu is dotted with numerous other temples that are regarded high by the pilgrims who come to get a glimpse of him as Lord Venkateshwara.
Other Places to Visit are -
Silathoranam , Kapilateertham , Govindaraja Sway Temple , Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple , Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple.
Reaching Tirupati
By Air: The closest airport to Tirumala is near Renigunta (International Airport). Direct flights to major Indian cities like Mumbai , New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Vishakapatnam and Bengaluru operate from their airport. 
By Train : Tirupati located 26 km or so from Tirumala.
By Road : Direct buses from Chennai, Vellore and Bengaluru also operate from Tirupati. However Private Taxi and Cab Options are also available from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Guruvayur, Kerala
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| Temple architecture Image courtesy : wikimedia |
Located in Thrissur (Trichur) district of Kerala in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu ,it is also known as Bhoolokavaikunta, which literally means heaven on Earth .
A real touch of typical Kerala style murals and architect can be seen in temples with a 7-meter high lamp stand known as “Dipastambha”
Also known as “Dwarka of South” this red-roof temple is the most significant temple in India.The famous Poonam Festival with night long fireworks and Temple Elephant procession is a major tourist attraction.
Other Places to Visit-
Kaladi , Punnathur Kotta, Chavakkad , Palayur.
Reaching Guruvayur Temple
By Air: Kochi is the nearest airport for the international travellers.By Train : Thrissur, just 29 km away, is the nearest railway station.Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
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| Image courtesy : flicker |
“Dotted with Thousand of Temples” - the most sacred city considered after Varanasi, Kancheepuram attract devotees from all over India. Located 62 km from Chennai.
Hotspot for a one day visit for tourist travelling to Chennai and Tirupati, to admire the sandstone craving , chariot processions and shrines. And yes, don't miss to buy ,pure silk sarees “Kanjeevaram Sarees” are world famous.
Other Places to Visit -
Kailasanatha Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple (Panchabhoota Temple) , Kamakshi Amman Temple (a Shakti Peetha) and the hundred-pillared Varadharaja Perumal Temple (Divya Desam).
Reaching Kanchipuram
By Air: Nearest Airport Kancheepuram , Chennai airport , Tirupati airport.By Train : Nearest Railway Station- Kancheepuram.By Road : Kanchipuram is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. Private Cab/Taxi may be hired from Chennai, Tirupari.Sabarimala, Kerala
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| Image courtesy : wikimedia |
The most visited pilgrim centre of South India is “Sabarimla”, 165 km away from Thiruvanathapuram the temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa Swami. Located amidst the Western Ghat of India surrounded by the natural beauty ,this place is believed to be a very sacred place ,among the Hindu's in Kerala. The two main rituals are Mandalapooja and Makarvilakku. People visiting Sabarimala have to observe austerity for 41 days before visiting the temple.
It is the only temple in India where women aged between 10 and 50 cannot visit !
Reaching Sabarimala
By Air: International airports in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. However connecting flight from Calicut ,Kozhikkode , Madurai , Coimbatore are also available.
By Road : Bus facility connecting all major cities available. Private Cab/Taxi may be hired from nearest city.
Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh
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Prashanti Nilayam “Abode of Peace” is one among the famous destination for people looking for spiritual tourism. A trip to south India is literally incomplete without visiting the Sai Baba ashram of Puttaparthi.
Other Places to Visit –
Chaitnanya Jyoti, Museum, Planetarium (Space Theater) , Hill View Stadium, Sathyabhama Temple, Gopuram,Kalpavruksha,Anjaneya Swamy temple.How To Reach Puttaparthi
By Air: There is a local airport in Puttaparthi, which connects it to Mumbai and Chennai.
By Train : The railway station at Puttaparthi connects it to the main cities of India like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bubhaneshwar, Mumbai and New Delhi.
By Road: Puttaparthi is easily accessible from the various cities of India by road
Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
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| Image courtesy : flicker |
Piligrim attraction “Rameshwaram” is an island situated on Pamban Island at the very tip of the Indian peninsula and is one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. According to an ols saying “Pilgrim to Varanasi is incomplete without visiting to Rameshwaram”.
Considered to be one of the holiest places in India to Hindus, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimage i.e Badrinath, Puri, Dwarka and Rameshwaram.
Other places to Visit-
Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple, Agni Tirtham, Sri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir & Floating Stone.
Reaching Rameshwaram
By Air: Nearest airport is Madhurai but connecting flight are also available from Chennai, Coimbatore, Thanjavur and Trichy. You can book one way cab or taxi from Madurai to Rameshwaram. By Train: Rameshwaram is well connected to Madhurai, Chennai , Coimbatore and Trichy.
By Road: Since Rameshwaram is only 169 km away one day road trip on NH-87 Madhurai -Rameshwaram highway is much refreshing. Cab/Taxi from major cities like Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, & Thanjavur are also available. Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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| Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur |
A perfect blend of historical depth and religious significance “Thanjavur” is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruled by Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks , Marathas and British at various time spans its talks about its history in the form of paintings and architecture. Blessed with three tributaries of River Kaveri (Pudhaaru, Vadavaaru and Vennaaru), it is first of many architectural footprints of Chola dynasty.
Other Places to visit Attraction-
Brihadeeswarar Temple , Shiva Ganga Garden , Guru Alangudi Temple , Vellai Puliar Temple , Tiruvannamalai Temple , Schwartz Church , Vijaynagar Fort
Reaching Thanjavur
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli which is 60 km away from Thanjavur.By Train: Direct trains from Thrissur, Tripur, Rameswaram, Ernakulam, etc are available connecting with Thanjavur Junction through southern railway line.By Road: Bus service from Banglore, Pondicherry are available. Car/Taxi can also be hired from Rameshwaram , Thrissur and Ernakulam.Auroville, Pondicherry (UT)
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| Matrimandir Auroville Image courtesy: Wikimedia |
A symbol of Global Harmony, this is a spiritual centre established by Mirra Alfassa, a spiritual guru in 1968 where people from across globe visit in search of peace. Its focal point is the Matrimandir, a futuristic, spherical temple covered in gold discs.Located amidst beautiful forest and calm beach ,Matrimandir is one of the major highlights of this must-visit travel destination in Pondicherry. It's not just a place but a planned township in itself, to accommodate more than 50000 people.
Other places to visit-
Matrimandir , Afsana guesthouse , Savitri Bhawan , Vérité Learning Centre , Solar Kitchen’s Terrace , Visitors' centre , Auroville Beach. It will be best option that hire a local cab in Pondicherry and visit all these places in comfortably and conveniently.
Reaching Auroville
By Air : Chennai is The nearest international and domestic airport Airport.By Train : Pondicherry-Villupuram is the nearest railway station. However Nagercoil Express gives connectivity to northern region.By Road : Direct Buses from Chennai or private Cab are also available making connectivity easier for travellers travelling to Auroville. Airport Cab are also available from Pondicherry airport.KanyaKumari, Tamil Nadu
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| Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Image courtesy: Wikimedia |
Most traveled destination and renowned for it's rosy-hued of sand and spectacular sunrise and sunset “Kanyakumari” is located at the southernmost tip with three mighty oceans acting as a natural defence to its state boundaries.Besides its importance as a Hindi Piligrim Centre “Kanyakumari has been a great center for art, culture, civilization.
Architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place have a touch of Islam, Christianity and Jainism.The remarkable spot where the oceans merge, known as Triveni Sangam is worth seeing where the oceans water can be distinguished from each other, based on variations in their shades of blue.
Other places to visit -
Kumari Amman Temple, Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue , Thanumalayan Temple, Udayagiri Fort , Vattakotai Fort
Reaching Kanyakumari
By Air : Kanyakumari is directly connected with Bangalore, Mumbai, Cochin, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai by regular flights however the nearest airport is at Trivandrum (80 km).
By Train : Kanyakumari is connected to Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, and Mumbai by broad-gauge railway network. Tirunelvelli (80 km) is the other nearest railway junction and can be reached by road via Nagarkoil (19 km).
By Road : Buses from all the major cities connect Kanyakumari are available.
Or else you can visit this place by private cab or taxi for Kanyakumari from your nearest. place.
- Kanyakumari to Nagarkoil (19 km)
- Kanyakumari to Trivandrum (86 km)
- Kanyakumari to Madurai (242 km)
- Kanyakumari to Rameshwaram (300 km)
- Kanyakumari to Cochin (309 km)
- Kanyakumari to Kodaikanal (362 km)
- Kanyakumari to Coimbatore (478 km)
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Guide to Leh Ladak Roadtrip
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| image credit: wikipedia |
Leh Ladakh Road Trip ranks amongst the top in the list of top coveted road trips that one can take in India.Adventure of a lifetime as you drive your way through the mesmerizing landscape of North India from Manali to the Himalayas at a height of more than 18000 feet above. The journey weaves it way through a diverse terrain of villages,picturesque countryside and extraordinary roads to heights where the adrenalin rush is high but oxygen levels low. The journey tests your abilities and fitness but rewards you with unimagined sights that only a few have seen and experienced.
Two different routes that reach us to Leh -
One from Srinagar and the other one from Manali. Manali is the preferred route for a trip to Leh Ladakh as it is just a day drive from Manali city and is also provides a very thrilling ride, along the highest motorable passes in the world. Complete road trip to Leh Ladakh following the route Srinagar – Leh – Manali is a once in a lifetime experience.
Manali to Leh road trip is around 476 kms.
Srinagar to Leh road trip is around 434 kms.
Manali to Leh
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| image credit: wikipedia |
Overing a distance of 476 km, be treated to an unforgettable experience on the Leh Ladakh road trip. On the way to Leh by road trip, you will traverse through high mountain passes, narrow passes, hairpin bends and scenic valleys where you can click panoramic photographs.
You will tour villages and witness the quiet and lifestyle of people living in such divine settings. Fantastic monasteries, villages, ancient trade routes and mother nature views are the highlights of this trip.
Total Distance:approx 476 Kms.
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Route Map:
Manali – Rohtang – Gramphu – Kokhsar – Keylong – Jispa – Darcha – Zingzingbar – Baralacha La – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Gata Loops – Nakee La – Lachulung La – Pang - Tanglang La – Gya - Upshi - Karu – Leh
Srinagar to Leh
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| image credit: wikipedia |
On this beautiful route, you will see beautiful villages, war memorials, Himalayan valleys, Gurudwara, monasteries. This is a trip that exposes you to the various facets of Ladakh.
In this exciting Leh road trip, you visit Grate locations.the green fields of Sonamarg and happy villages on the banks of the Sindh River, fill your eyes with the sights of Ladakh. Covering a distance of 434 km.
Total Distance: 434 Kms
Best Time to Visit: May to late October (Depends on the weather)
Route Map:
Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil – Mulbekh – Lamayuru – Saspol – Leh.
Here are some of the famous points across the Manali – Leh route road trip
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| image credit: wikipedia |
- Manali (2050 mts): Tourist destination, view of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges
- Rohtang La (3980 mts) – 53 kms: Pass in Pir Panjal range. Connecting point for Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti Valleys
- Keylong (3348 mts) – 117 kms: Kardang Monastery
- Jispa (3142 mts) – 140 kms:Bhaga river
- Darcha (3400 mts) – 147 kms: Village
- Patsio (3820 mts) – 161 kms: Campsite
- Baralacha La (4892 mts) – 192 kms: Pass. Connects Lahaul to Ladakh
- Sarchu (4253 mts) – 224 kms: Campsite. Halt point for tourists
- Lachang La (5065 mts) – 277 kms: Pass. Close to Pangong lake
- Pang (4630 mts) – 301 kms: Campsite
- Taglang La (5360 mts) – 365 kms: Pass. Highest point in the trip
- Rumsey (4325 mts) – 397 kms: Monastery
- Gya (4100 mts) – 403 kms: Historical place
- Hemis (3518 mts) – 426 kms: Monastery
- Thiksey (3370 mts) – 455 kms: Monastery
- Shey (3365mts) – 460 kms: Palace/Monastery
- Leh (3348 mts) – 475 kms: Your final destination
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| image credit: wikipedia |
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| image credit: wikipedia |
Starting from Srinagar, here is list of some important places along the route
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| image credit: wikipedia |
- Sonamarg (2743 mts) – 84 kms
- Zojila Pass – 127 kms: Pass
- Drass (3033 mts) – 147 kms: Valley
- Kargil (2650 mts) – 204 kms: War Memorial
- Mulbek – 259 kms: Rock Engraves
- Fotu La (4108 mts) – 299 kms: Pass
- Lamayuru (3440 mts) – 309 kms: Hanging Monastery
- Ridzong (2985 mts) – 361 kms: Nunnery
- Uleytokpo (2985 mts) – 362 kms: Village / Campsite
- Alchi (3345 mts) – 367 kms: Ancient Monastery
- Likir (3265 mts) – 374 kms: Ancient Monastery
- Basgo (3343 mts) – 394 kms: Palace/Monastery
- Phyang (3490 mts) – 417 kms: Monastery
- Spituk (3380 mts) – 422 kms: Ancient Monastery
- Leh (3348 mts) – 434 kms: Your final destination
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| image credit: wikipedia |
Then you can opt a cab/taxi services to this locations and make your trip memorable in affordable prices.
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Best of India,
Important Places Associated with Indian Independence Movement
Independence Day falling on a Monday this year so it's long weekend time again! and this is the perfect time and opportunity for all those who wish to take a walk down memory lane and visit multiple patriotic places across the country.
So here we are giving a list of some of places in India that make you feel patriotic.
1] Red Fort:
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| Red Fort, Delhi Image credit:- flickr |
The majestic Red Fort located in old Delhi and it is visited by thousands of visitors each day. It has been important part of Indian freedom strugle. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's who had become the first Prime gave first Independence speech on 15th August 1947 at Red Fort. There are many attractions like monuments and museum that represent a glimpse of major phases of India's struggle for freedom.
2] Wagah Border, Punjab
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| Wagah border Image credit: flickr |
It is border post located on the Grand Trunk road and approximately 30 km away from Amritsar.
The place is must visit for to witness the popular ceremony of lowering of the flags of India and Pakistan.
The place is must visit for to witness the popular ceremony of lowering of the flags of India and Pakistan.
3] Sabarmati Ashram, Gujarat
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| Sabarmati Ashram Image credit: flickr |
Situated on the bank of Sabarmati river and about 5 km from the center of Ahmedabad has historical importance. It was the place from where Mahatma Gandhi started his padayatra (foot march) in 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi for the Salt Satyagraha. The ashram also know as Satyagraha Ashram.
4] Cellular jail, Andaman Islands
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| Cellular jail Image credit:flickr |
The Cellular Jail has been a mute witness to the long and glorious struggle of our revolutionary freedom movement. Vir Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a famous freedom fighter of India, was imprisoned here for 11 years.
Port blair is well connected to the main land by regular passage of ships and scheduled flights from KolKata and chennai.
Port blair is well connected to the main land by regular passage of ships and scheduled flights from KolKata and chennai.
5] Jallianwala Bagh,Punjab
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| Jallianwala Bagh Image credit:flickr |
Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar and has an important place in the Indian history. It is the place where on 13th April, 1919, on the occasion of Baisakhi(Punjab's largetst festival) British soldiers opened fire against thousands of unarmed innocent men, women, and children without warning.
6] Azad Park, Uttar Pradesh
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| Azad Park, Allahabad Image credit: wikipedia |
One of the biggest public park located in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh is associated with Chandra Shekhar Azad, a revolutionary's fight in the freedom struggle of the country.
The park was earlier known as Alfred park but later it was renamed as Azad Park after freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who sacrificed his life here.
India Gate is the monument which has very important historical significance. It was built in honor of the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during the World War I and the Afghan Wars (1919).
'Amar Jawan Jyoti' is another must visit place near India Gate. a site for Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in 1971 war with Pakistan.
The park was earlier known as Alfred park but later it was renamed as Azad Park after freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who sacrificed his life here.
7] India Gate
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| India gate Image credit: flickr |
India Gate is the monument which has very important historical significance. It was built in honor of the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during the World War I and the Afghan Wars (1919).
'Amar Jawan Jyoti' is another must visit place near India Gate. a site for Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in 1971 war with Pakistan.
8] Netaji Bhawan, Kolkata
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Netaji Bhawan
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It is a ancestral home of Subash Chandra Bose, a patriot and freedom figher of India. It was built in 1909 by Subash Chandra Bose's father and Subash Chandra Bose spend his childhood till he escape to Berlin in 1941.
So what are you waiting for? make the most of your weekend and holidays in this August with this awesome car rental offers and head out to any of these places.
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Best of India,