Red Hills is an ecological fragile region in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is in the state of Tamil Nadu and is just 28 km away from Ooty. The place is rich in beauty of nature surrounding it. It has calm and cool ambience.  It is abundant with lush green landscapes and forest. The environment is unexploited yet and therefore it offers eco- friendly tourism. Red Hills offers tourists fascinating views of nearby Nilgiri (blue hills). One can also see   beautiful views of vast area of under tea plantation.   
   Red Hills houses many lakes in and around it. These lakes are main tourist attraction of the region. There are about eight lakes around Red Hills and each one of them has its own special features which mesmerize the onlookers. Avalanche, Emerald, Porthimund, Upper Bhavani and Parson’s Valley Lake are some of them. Here you can also enjoy the activity of fishing. Numerous species of bird are seen flying over the lakes. These lakes offer ideal places of picnic spot and many tourists frequently visit the place to explore the beautiful nature. Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo is another place of attraction you can visit. It is located near the Red Hills and houses various animals like elephants, Bengal tigers, monkeys etc.
   The region has pleasant climate during summer and winter. Monsoon season is also good for scenic beauty of its lakes. September to May is the best time to visit the place.

How to reach:Many state run bases are available to reach Red Hills from Chennai, Ooty, Bangalore and other parts of the state and the country. Mettupalayam serves as the nearest railway head to Red Hills. The railway station is just 40 km away from it and is well linked to Coimbatore, Chennai and other parts of state and the country. Coimbatore Airport is the closest airbase to Red Hills is about 100 km from it. The airport is connected to by several flights to other major cities of the country.
    

Thanjavur is a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is the headquarter of the district of same name Thanjavur district.  It is also known as Tanjore. The city flourished as learning and culture center especially in Cholla dynasty who rule there from 11th to 14th century. Thanjavur is known for its antiques, handicrafts, cotton saris, handloom silk saris etc. Tanjore Painting is also famous here. Thanjavur falls in fertile Cauvery delta region.  Cultivation of rice crop is done there on large scale. It is even sometimes called as the Rice Bowl of South India. 
Places to see : 

Brahadeshwara temple :
Brahadeshwara temple of is an ancient temple in the region.  It is world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. It was built by Chola king. The temple is built in excellent architecture and has 216 feet high tower over the shrine. It is visited by many devotees. The Chandra Bagawan temple, The Lord Murugan temple, the Sani Bhagawan Temple and Thirumananjeri are other some temples to be seen in and around the Thanjavur.

Airavateswara temple :
Airavateswara temple near Kumbakonam is another religious place you can visit in Thanjavur district. It is also a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. Other than temples Thanjavur also houses other place of interest in and around it.

Vijayanagara Fort and Siva Ganga Garden are some of them to be seen near Thanjavur.

How to reach :
You can get here by state run bus or other private vehicles like car and luxury bus from Tiruchy, Madurai, Chennai, Bangalore and other cities and towns of Tamil Nadu and nearby state of Karnataka. Tiruchy is just 68 km away from Thanjavur and serves it as nearest railhead. The railway station of Tiruchy is well connected to other many cities and towns of the country. Tiruchy also serves as closest airbase to Thanjavur and is well linked by many flights to other major cities of the country.

Savandurga is a hill located in the state of Karnataka, India. The hill is famous for a temple situated there. It is just 33 km away from Bangalore, capital city of the state. Savandurga Hill is one of the largest monolith hills in the world. The height of the hill rises up to 1226 m and it’s structure is mainly consisted of Penisular gneiss, basic dykes, granites and laterites. Savandurga is made of two hills known as Kariguda and Biliguda. In local language Kariguda means black hill while Biliguda means white hill. The place is visited by many tourists from far and wide as it has beautiful lush green surroundings and some important temples also.

Savandi Veerabhardreshwara Swamy Temple :
Temple of Savandi Veerabhardreshwara Swamy is popular religious place situated at the foothill of Savandurga. It is one most visited place in Savandurga.

Narasimha Swami :
Narasimha Swami Temple is another important place of worship in Savandurga. The temple is visited by many devotees from across the state.  Yellow throated Bulbul can be seen near the surrounding region of Savandurga. Leopard and sloth bear can also be found here.
 There are other places of attraction in and around it. Manchinbele Dam and Thippagondanahalli Reservoir are some of them and can be seen near Savandurga.
Savandurga is the place where visitors can have thrilling experience of adventurous activities like trekking, Hill climbing, Rappelling etc. Nature Admire, Care and Angel are some of the organizations which provide the visitors accommodation in tents and food. They also provide facilities for trekking, rappelling, hill climbing, Cave Exploration etc.

Temperature of the Savandurga varies from 24 to 34 degree Celsius in summer while it is 15 to 27 degree Celsius in winter. October to March is the best time to visit the place.
Savandurga’s proximity to Bangalore makes it easily accessible place in the country. Many state run buses and other private vehicles connect it to Bangalore. Bangalore also serves as nearest railhead and airbase to Savandurga.
 

Thrissur is one of the largest cities in the state of Kerala, India. It was earlier known as Trichur. It is the head quarter of the district of same name Thrissur district. It was the place of capital of erstwhile kingdom of Cochin. Thrissur is an old city and is known as cultural capital of the state. The city is believed to be created by Parshurama, one of incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The city is formed around Wadakumnathan temple dedicated to Lord of Shiva.
Thrissur houses many places of interest in and around it. 

Shakthan Thampuran Palace:
Shakthan Tampuram Palace is one of them. It is also known as Vadakkekara Palace and was built in 1795 by Ramvarma Thampuran of former princely state of Cochin. The palace is a beautifully blend of Keralite and Dutch style of architecture.

Archaeological and Art Museum:
Archeological and Art Museum is another attraction of the city to be visited in the city. The museum is home to a nice collection of metal works, wood carvings, ancient handicrafts etc.

Thrissur Zoo:
Thrissur Zoo is yet another place of interest you can visit in Thrissur. The zoo houses various animals and is a major attraction for children and students. Take some time out to visit Appan Thampuran Smarakam in Thrissur. It is a cultural museum established in 1976.

Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours:
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores is another attraction in Thrissur. It is Roman Catholic Church built in 1875. Its 140 feet high tower can be seen from any parts of the town. Mural paintings on the wall and ceiling are found in the church.

Vilangan Kunnu:  

Visit Vilangan Kunnu in Thrissur. It is an amusement park visited by many tourists. It is basically a hillock converted into amusement park by tourism department.

Athirappilly Falls, Vazhachal, Chavakad Beach, Peechi Dam, Kerala Kalamandalam, and Kallayikkunnu are other places of attraction to be seen around the Thrissur.

How to reach:

Rail and road connects the city of Thrissur to other parts of the state and the country. The railway station is well connected to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mangalore and other cities and towns the country. Many state run buses connect it to the cities like Kozhikode, Kochi, Mangalore, Thiruvanthapurum, Chennai, Bangalore etc. You can also fly to Kochi and then move towards Thrissur by car. Thrissur is just 58 km away from Kochi.

Sirkazhi is a town in Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located in Tanjore district of the state. It is religious place situated between Mayiladuthurai and Chidambaram. It is typical south Indian small town with calm and beautiful places around.  The people of Sirkazhi have still preserved their traditional customs and rituals.  There are many mythological stories which are related with Sirkazhi. According to which this is the place where Lord Shiva rescued in a raft when the entire world was submerged under the water. There are some temples of Lord Shiva in the region.

Sirkazhi temple :
Sirkazhi temple is a famous place of worship in the region. The temple has about 20 Tirthas in its complex. Brahma Tirtha is important of them. According to mythology it is the place where Lord Brahma offered his prayer to lord Shiva. It is also believed that by taking a dip in this Tirtha one gets rid of his/her sins. People coming to Sirkazhi do visit Brahma Tirtha.     


Brahmapureeswarar temple :
Brahmapureeswarar temple complex has three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.  It also houses the temple of  Sattanathaswami. The temple is beautifully built in traditional Hindu architectural style and many devotees throng here on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.



How to reach :-
Sirkazhi can be reached by many state run buses that connect it to Chidambaram, Nagapattinam and other cities of Tamil Nadu state. Mayavaram serves as the nearest rail head to Sirkazhi. The railway station is just 20 km from it and is well linked to other cities and towns of the state and the country. If you travelling by air Trichi is the place where you get down. Trichi Airport is connected by domestic flights to Chennai. From Trichi you can get to Mayiladutharai city. Mayiladutharai is further well linked by road to Sirkazhi.

Image courtesy: Ankur P

  Bay of Bengal in the East,Arabian sea in the West and Indian Ocean touching the extreme tip, India is blessed with many beautiful beaches. Tourists from all over the world visit these beaches in search of unexplored destination, adding credits to their travel diary.

A perfect blend of Malvan tradition and modern amenities, Tarkarli is very fast growing tourist hub and is becoming the next preferred location after Goa.

A clear sand beach with long coastlines, bestowed with natural green belt, Tarkali is perfect choice for travellers looking for peaceful ambiance away from city and maddening over crowded beaches.

A touch of soft sand and fresh air fills one with Utopia and nostalgia. Much clear water with visible seabed, Tarkali is very famous for Scuba Diving in the sate of Maharashtra. Tarkarli is a beautiful beach with abundant underwater beauty such as coral reefs, exotics fishes, sea plants, dolphins, and much more to be explored through scuba diving.A perfect treasure trove for the beach lovers.

Majour Tourist Attractions in Tarkali :   

 It is not only beach that make the village of Tarkarli a special tourist spot but there are also other places and fun activities that amuse the tourists and attract them in large number. Sindhudurg Fort, Dhamapur Lake, Sri Shivchhatrapati temple are other interesting places you can visit around the village of Tarkarli. There are back-water activities that attract many travelers here. Tourists often get to see dolphins here.

Scuba Diving - 

Tarkarli is blessed with an impressive shoreline ,clean and unpolluted water and water sports makes this beach major attration for diving. Snorkelling & Scuba Diving at Tarkarli is a real adventure for sporty people ,with wide variety of marine species finding safe abode in the labyrinth of corals here. Though not very far from Goa, Tarkarli had managed to preserve its basic indigenous beauty. Unexplored virgin beauty is hamlet for people looking for peaceful environment and travellers to unravel the astounding underwater beauty of the Arabian Sea. Scuba Diving experience in the presence of diving expert and certified scuba instructors along with proper safety equipment makes diving much more exciting, the idiosyncratic marine species adds more to the experience here.

Water Sports - 

Image by Madusanka Dahanayaka from Pixabay

Water scooters, Waterbed rides, Banana ride, Water floats, Parasailing and variety of water sports at Tarkarli would add more fun to your vacation at Tarkarli. This beach is also a trusted zone for female turtle for egg hatching.

Boat House Stay – 

Not only Kerela but you may enjoy “Boat House Stay” at Tarkarli as well. Backwater region created by Karli river is ideal for boat stay providing serence and safe environment that makes Tarkarli a must to visit spot in the entire of Maharashtra. Budget as well as luxurie boat promises you  with a contended holiday experience within them.

Dolphin Spot – 

Arabian Sea in itself has a history of thriving flora and fauna and Tarkarli being located along the Arabian coastline is rich with a  range of rare and exotic marine species. Dolphins are probably the most loved ocean-living animals of all, exceptionally charismatic and expressive. Clear water, pleasant and pleasant waves, a variety of coral reefs, an abundance of exotic fish and others make this hamlet a must-visit destination for lovers of marine life. Since snorkelling is a shallow water activity , it is safest for kids at Tarkarli beach.

SindhuDurg Fort-

Image courtesy: Wikipedia

Still standing brave with its strong history who had witnessed various ups and down, Sindhudurg is a glorious symbol of Maratha Empire Valour.
The ford took around 3 year by special team of Portugal architects. It is among one of the most safe fort build by the Maratha Empire.
With its solid walls and prominent gates, this fort is a fascinating piece of history that makes it a favorite destination for tourists. . Maybe one of the reasons this spectacular fort has been able to stand the test of time is its unique and unyielding construction style.

Best time to visit Tarkarli :

Temperature of the region varies according to season. It reaches up to of 32 degree Celsius in summer while in winter it remains around 21 degree Celsius. Travellers looking for water sports and scuba diving must visit between October to March. This is also the best festival time in India so you may witness purely Konkan cuture during this time.
For people who wish to enjoy heavy rainfall and unleash the natural green belt of Konkan, July to September is the best time for them.

Though Tarkarli is small village, it houses some hotel which provides accommodation facilities to the visitors.

How to reach :

By Air: 

By Road : 

State run buses are available fro many cities in Maharashtra, like Mumbai, Panaji, Pune, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri. The frequency of these buses is good, and is also the cheapest option in terms of travel.  Tarkarli is 475 km (Panvel Kochi Road, NH 17) and 576 km (Mumbai Kohlapur Road NH 4) away from Mumbai. Daily private, luxury and State Transport bus service available from various parts of Goa, Mumbai, Pune to Malvan. 

    Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Indian state of Rajasthan. The sanctuary is in Dholpur district of the state and lies in Vindhyan Plateau. The sanctuary comprises the Van Vihar and Ramsagar  wildlife reserves and spans over about 53 km. Various species of animals and birds can be found in the Sanctuary. Many tourists visit the sanctuary during the peak period. Some exotic species of animals and birds can also be seen here. The sanctuary is rich in flora with various species of plants found there. The sanctuary houses plenty of  Dhoke and Khair trees interspersed with other trees and meadows.
    Van Vihar wild life sanctuary is home to many species of animals like sambhar, chital, sloth bear, wild boar, blue bull, leopard and hyena. Ramsagar part of the sanctuary has a lake situated in it. The lake houses many crocodiles and varieties of fishes. Moorhen, white-breasted water hen, Jakanas, River tern, Ringed plover, herons and sand piper can also be spotted here.
    Temperature of the region varies from 33 to 45 degree Celsius in summer while it is from 8 to 23 degree Celsius in winter. October to February is the best time to visit the Van Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Dholpur is just 18 km away from the sanctuary. There are many state run buses that connect Dholpur to Van Vihar Sanctuary. Dholpur further is well linked by rail and road to other parts of the state and the country. Dholpur Railway station is connected to Rajkot, Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai and many other cities and towns of the state and the country.

Famous for its national park, Ranthambore is a small town situated in the state of Rajasthan, India.

Ranthambore National Park :

Ranthambore National Park is a primarily tiger reserve. The park is spread over an area of 392 sq km.  Earlier it was a hunting place for kings of Jaipur. It is an ideal place for wildlife lovers and is abundant with beautiful ponds, rocky hills, fascinating ravines etc. it was earlier wildlife sanctuary.  Then in 1980 it was declared as a National Park.  Other than tiger, its main habitat, the park also houses other species of animals.

The Ranthambore fort :

The Ranthambore fort situated in the National Park is one of the remnants of rich heritage of history of the region. The fort was built in 994 AD and has a massive gate, high walls, temples and water tanks. It was built in such a way that enemies could not make an easy entry in the fort. The temple situated in the fort is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temple of Lord Ganesha is another temple situated in the fort. The fort is visited by many tourists

Jogi Mahal :

Jogi Mahal is another place of interest in Ranthambore. It was built as rest house for the members of Jaipur royals who came there for hunting. It is now a guest house and offers tourists modern amenities. The structure of the Mahal is beautiful one. The place also offers fascinating views of it surrounding natural sites.

Padam Talab :

 Padam Talab located there adds to the beauty of the Mahal. Surwal Lake is another place of tourist attraction you can visit near Ranthambore. It is situated about 25 km away from Ranthambore. The lake mesmerizes the onlookers with its stunning views. You can also have the fun of jungle safaris in Ranthambore National Park.

Best time to visit : 
 
October to February is the best time to visit Ranthambore.

How to reach Ranthambore:

By road:

Many state run buses connect Ranthambore to Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar and other parts of the Rajsthan state and the country.

By train: 

Sawai Madhopur serves as the nearest railhead to Rathambore. The railway station is just 10 km from it and is well linked by many trains to other parts of the country.

By air: 

Sanganer Airport is closest airport to Ranthambore and is well connected to other major cities of the country.


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