Gulmarg - a popular skiing destination
Gulmarg, meadow of flowers as it literally means, is a beautiful hill station in the district of Baramula of Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir. Earlier known as Gaurimarg, Gulmarg is located at the altitude of 2730m and has pleasant weather throughout the year. Having blessed with the beautiful nature, Gulmarg is one of the most popular tourist places in India. Flowering gardens, beautiful landscapes, stunning peaks in the Himalayan range, serene lakes make the town a must visit place.
Places of interest:
The scenic Gulmarg offers its tourists many places of attractions.
Places of interest:
The scenic Gulmarg offers its tourists many places of attractions.
Alpather Lake :
Alpather Lake is one of most preferred picnic spots of the tourists. The lake is located on the valley down the twins Afarwat Peaks of altitude of about 4500 m. This lake is very calm and attractive and remains frozen during the winter. During the summer fascinating views of stream of clear water bubbling through the lake with floating ice pieces can be witnessed.St. Mary’s Church :
Built 150 years ago by British St. Mary’s Church is religiously important place. It is surrounded by many old huts and hotels and offers tourists the right place to watch snow falling on the surroundings. Alpine trees around the church add to the beauty of the surroundings. A temple, Mosque and a Gurudwara are also situated nearby the church.Shrine of Baba Reshi :
Built in 1480 the shrine of Baba Reshi is situated in the valley of Gulmarg. Baba Reshi was Muslim scholar and saint who worked as courtier during the period of King of Kashmir Zain-ul-Abidin. The shrine is constructed in Mughal and Persian style of architecture. This sacred place is very revered and thousands of devotees visit the place throughout the year.Cable Car :
One of the most wonderful attractions of Gulmarg is the Cable Car. The cable car is from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and known as Gondala Lift. The cable car is managed by Jammu and Kashmir State Cable Car Corporation. The cable car gives wonderful experience of watching the pristine beauty of Valley. Skiing and snowboarding are some of the joyful activities in the Gulmarg. It has become a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in India. There are many ski resorts with all facilities of skiing in Gulmarg. Golf is the attractive and popular sport in Gulmarg. Established in 1911 by the British, Gulmarg Golf Club offers 18 holes and 72 par golf courses. The club also offers membership on temporary basis, even for a day for enthusiasts.Best time to visit:
March to June is the ideal time to visit Gulmarg as the climate is pleasant where as the temperature during this month is 29 degree Celsius max. to 13 degree Celsius.
How to reach:
By road:
Gulmarg is well connected by road to other parts of the state and the country. Many state run buses and private luxury buses are available from other cities of the state and the country.By air:
Nearest airport is Srinagar which is 56 km away from Gulmarg. Srinagar airport is connected by regular flights to Delhi and other major cities of the country.By rail:
Closest railway station to Gulmarg is Jammu railway station. Jammu is well connected by rail to many other cities of India.Other details:
Kashmiri Shawls, Kashmiri Carpets and Tibetan Handicrafts are some of the most preferred items of shopping in Gulmarg.
All major festivals of India are celebrated in Gulmarg. Besides those festivals Gulmarg Snow Festival is organized every year in the month of February. The festival attracts many tourists from all over the country.
All major festivals of India are celebrated in Gulmarg. Besides those festivals Gulmarg Snow Festival is organized every year in the month of February. The festival attracts many tourists from all over the country.
Tag :
Best of India,
Holi - Festival Of Colors
Significance of Holi festival
Festival of color, Holi is a spring festival celebrated by the Hindus in all over the world. It is the most charming festival of India celebrated in each part of the country. There are many stories associated with the origin of Holi festival. It is mainly believed to be related with lord Krishna. It is said that lord Krishna often complained of his dark skin to his mother comparing his skin color to the Radha's fair color. His mother decided to apply the color to Radha. Later on Krishna played such pranks on Radha and other Gopikas. Thus the festival is celebrated to commemorate Radha’s celestial love for Krishna.The festival of Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter. The festival usually falls on the last full moon of day of Phalguna (Feb- March) month. On the eve of the Holi festival particular bonfire is set on fire thus marking the mythological incidence of Holika Dahan in which Holika (a demoness with a boon that she could not be burnt) dies of burning when she sits on pyre with Prhalad (an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu) who escapes the fire unhurt due to supernatural power of the god lord Vishnu.
Celebration of Holi contains the activities of people throwing colors mixed with water and applying colors to each other. The festival of Holi gets different flavor in different parts of the country. There are many form of the festival of Holi celebrated in different ways. Lath Mar Holi in Barsna is very striking. Thousands of people gather at the compound of Radha Rani temple to witness the women striking hard with sticks to men who are seen protecting themselves with some kind of shields. Mathura, Vrindavan, Braj, Agra are some of the places related with lord Krishna and hence celebration of Holi there is very religious and divine.
Holi in different states of India
Holi is also known by different names in different parts of the state. In West Bengal and Orissa it is known as Dolyatra of Basant Panchami while it has other name of Phagawa in Bihar. In Maharashtra and Goa Holi is known as Dhulivandan. Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are some forms of main festival of Holi. Holi festival abolishes the gap between rich and poor, men and women, young and old, rich and poor who all comes together to celebrate colorful Holi.Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Tourist Places in Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is a city in Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was formerly called as Conjeevaram. It is situated
on the bank of Palar River and is famous for its temples and hand woven silk
saris. It is also known as Silk City.
Weaving silk saris is the main profession of the people of Kanchipuram. There
are about 5000 families engaged in this profession. It is also known as the
city of temples. Kanchipuram house as many as 1000 temples and some of them are
historical important.
Places to visit:
Kanchipuram is home to many temples of historical and
religious significance.
Devarajaswami Temple :
Devarajaswami temple is dedicated to Hindu god lord Vishnu.
The temple was built by Vijayanagar kings. It has many beautiful pillars carved
throughout the temple. The temple also has a majestic marriage hall which is
built in remembrance of the marriage between Lord Krishna and goddess Laxmi.
Ekambaranathar Temple:
Ekambaranathar Temple is spread over an area of 20 acres. It
is the largest temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was
built by the Pallavas and has as many as 1000 pillars in the temple. This
temple houses as many as one thousand Lingas made of single stone.
Kachabeswarar Temple:
Kachabeswarar temple in Kanchipuram has beautiful sculptures
and engravings. Here you can see Lord Vishnu
in the form of tortoise worshipping Lord Shiva.
Kailasanathar Temple :
Kailasanathar Temple is another place of interest in Kanchipuram.
It was built in 7th century by Pallava king Rajasimha. The temple is
fine example of Dravidian style of architecture.
Kamakshi Amman Temple :
Kamakshi Amman Temple is located in the center of the city.
It was built in 7th century and renovated in 14th century.
The temple is dedicated to goddess Paravati. It is famous for being one of the
three holy places of Shakti Worship.
Kanchi Kamakshi Temple is another famous temple in
Kanchipuram. The temple has beautiful sculptures and some colorful paintings
worth watching.
Vainkunda Perumal temple and Vardaraja Temple are some of the
many other temples to be seen here.
How to get there: Rail and road connect Kanchipuram
to other parts of the state and the country. Kanchipuram railway station is
well connected to Chennai, Pondicherry, Madurai and other cities and towns of
the state and the country. Many state run buses and other private vehicles like
car and luxury buses are available from Chennai, Bangalore and many other
cities and towns of the state and the country. Chennai Airport is nearest
airport to Kanchipuram. The airport is just 56 km away and well linked by
domestic and international flights to other major cities of India and other
countries.
Tag :
Best of India,
Tourist Places in Pelling
Pelling is a town in the state of Sikkim, India. It comes under Geyzing district of the state. The town is situated at the altitude of about 2000 m and offers magnificent views of snow covered mountains of Kanchenjunga ranges. Most of the people of the region depend upon the farming and its related activities. Maize, millet, wheat and Paddy are major crops of cultivation in the region. While Planning of development of tourism in the region environmental issue is also taken in to consideration. It’s planning and implementation is mainly done with help of local people.
There are many places of attraction in and around Pelling.
PemayangsteMonastery :Pemayangste Monastery is another place attraction you can visit in Pelling. This Buddhist monastery was built in 1705 and is one of the oldest monasteries in the state of Sikkim. It is a three storied structure and houses the beautiful sculptures and wall Paintings.
Kecheopari Lake :Kecheopari Lake is another place of interest near Pelling. The lake is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the state. the lake is surrounded by dense forest. Tourists are seen offering pieces of biscuits to the fishes in the lake. Take out some time out to visit this beautiful place and do not forget to take the packets of biscuits to the lake.
Sangachoeling Monastery :
Sangachoeling monastery is yet another old monastery situated near Pelling. It was founded in 1697 AD.
Sangachoeling monastery is yet another old monastery situated near Pelling. It was founded in 1697 AD.
Khangchendzonga waterfall :Kangchendzonga waterfall located near the town of Pelling is fascinating one and remains active most of the time the year.
Sewaro Rock Garden :
Sewaro Rock Garden is famous picnic spot in Pelling. it was developed by state tourism department. It is covered with dense forest and has recreational facilities like fountains, swimming pools, resting sheds, ponds etc.
Rimbi waterfalls, Karchen power house, Rabdanse Ruins Changey waterfalls are some of many other place of interest to be seen in and around Pelling.
Most of the people of the region are of Limbo tribe. Traditional dance and songs of the tribe are performed during festivals and other important events.
Sewaro Rock Garden is famous picnic spot in Pelling. it was developed by state tourism department. It is covered with dense forest and has recreational facilities like fountains, swimming pools, resting sheds, ponds etc.
Rimbi waterfalls, Karchen power house, Rabdanse Ruins Changey waterfalls are some of many other place of interest to be seen in and around Pelling.
Most of the people of the region are of Limbo tribe. Traditional dance and songs of the tribe are performed during festivals and other important events.
How to reach:
Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Pelling. The railway station is well linked to other many cities and towns of the state and the India. from Jalpaiguri there are many state run buses and other private vehicles available to get to Pelling. these modes of transport also connect the town to other cities and towns of the state. Bagdogra serves as the nearest airbase to Pelling. The airport is about 124 km away from it and is well connected by several flights to other major cities of the country.
Jalpaiguri is the closest railway station to Pelling. The railway station is well linked to other many cities and towns of the state and the India. from Jalpaiguri there are many state run buses and other private vehicles available to get to Pelling. these modes of transport also connect the town to other cities and towns of the state. Bagdogra serves as the nearest airbase to Pelling. The airport is about 124 km away from it and is well connected by several flights to other major cities of the country.
Tag :
Best of India,
Rameshwaram - Varanasi of south India
Rameshwaram is a Hindu holy pilgrim city in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is placed on the Pamban Island which is not directly connected to the Indian mainland, Pamban channel separates the two land masses. There is a long Pamban bridge connecting both the lands. Rameshwaram is about 50 Kms from Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. Rameshwaram is one among the twelve Jotirlingas in India and is one amongst the Char Dhams of Hindu pilgrimage. The other three being Dwarka, Badrinath and Jagganath Puri. There for Rameshwaram is a very important pilgrim center for Hindu Devotees. According to religious scriptures Lord Rama built a bridge Ram Setu on the Sea from Rameshwaram to Lanka to facilitate his army to cross the ocean to fight with Ravan and bring back his abducted wife Sita. The bridge was built from Dhanushkodi the southern tip of the Island. Ex president of India Dr. A.P.J.Kalam belongs to this fishing settlement of Dhanushkodi. Rameshwaram is a conch shaped Island only 61 Sq. Kms in Area. The Ramnathswamy temple occupies the major area of Rameshwaram. The beach at Rameshwaram has no waves at all in it. It is said that it was Lord Rama’s pray to the Sea God to give a path to Lanka, the God of the sea to allow smooth passage to Lanka, made his waves calm here, thus the bridge building was made easy. The weather in Rameshwaram is Dry Tropical type, temperature in the town being between 17° to 37° throughout the year.
According to the religious scriptures (Puranas) Lord Rama was advised by the rishis to install and worship Shivalinga to absolve him of the sin of Killing a Brahman (Ravana). Hanumanji were sent to mount Kailash to bring a Shivalinga. As Hanumanji were getting late on return, Sita mata meanwhile made a linga of sand for worship. To Please Hanumanji, linga brought by him was also installed beside the sand linga and lord Rama asked to ever worship Hanumanji’s linga first and the sand linga later. The Ramanatha Swamy temple has the biggest temple corridor (about 1220 meters total length) amongst other Indian Temples. There are 22 wells in the temple premises the water of each well is different from other.
How to reach :
Rameshwaram can be reached by road from all the towns of the state and outside. There are direct trains from Madurai, Chennai and Kanyakumari from the terminal town of Rameshwaram. One direct weekly train runs from Rameshwaran Dham to Dwarka Dham on a 72 hours journey thereby connecting two of the Char Dhams of Hindu importance.
Tag :
Pilgrimage,