Saturday 30 July 2011

Kanpur and Bithoor – Hearts of Uttar Pradesh

Kanpur: Kanpur is ninth most populous city and is largest within the state of Uttar Pradesh. Kanpur has its own historical, religious and commercial importance. Kanpur is home to the globally famous IIT. It is the second largest city of the Hindi-speaking belt after Delhi. The great Hindu litterateurs such as Acharya Mahavir Parasad Dwivedi, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Pratap Narain Mishra and Acharya Gaya Prasad Shukla “Sanehi” contributed a lot for the propagation and popularization of Hindi.

The name Kanpur is believed to have been derived from Kanhiyapur, the town of Kanhiya (Lord Krishna). In the course of time, Kanhiyapur probably was abbreviated as Kanhapur and subsequently as Kanpur. During the British Raj, the anglicized spelling of the city was termed as “Cawnpore”. One of the ancient stories revolves around the era of Mahabharata, where Duryodhana gifted this land to Karna for his bravery and strength to match up to Arjuna. Initially known as Karnapur, the city was later coined Kanpur. To tackle the traffic problem state government and local administration have planned to set up metro service in city known as Kanpur Metro.

Kanpur is famous for its Leather. It is one of the largest producers of sugarcane in Northern India. Kanpur is also known as a “Town of Export Excellence”.

Places to Visit:

  • Amusement Parks:
  • Dream World
  • Jungle Park
  • Micky House
  • Mogli Park
  • Green Park Stadium and its Modi Stadium, a cricket stadium
  • Moti Jheel
  • Nanarao Park
  • Mahatma Gandhi Park a.k.a Katehri Bagh, Cantonment
  • Kidwai Nagar Park
  • Jungle Water Park, Bithoor road
  • Company Bagh, Mall road
  • Phool Bagh, Mall road
  • Allen Forest Zoo

Historical Attractions:

  • Gora Kabristan
  • Radha-Krishna Mandir, or J K Temple
  • Kherepati Temple
  • Anandeshwar Temple
  • ISKON Temple
  • Bithoor
  • Lav Kush Barrage
  • Kanpur Memorial Church
  • Gandhi Hall
  • Kanpur Sangrahalaya
  • Jama-ul-ulum Madarsa & Masjid
  • Habiba Masjid
  • Jajmau Tila
  • Kanpur Central
  • Musanagar tila
  • Bhitargaon Temple
  • Sarsaiyya Ghat
  • Massacre Ghat
  • Saja ud daulah Mosque
  • Nanarao Fort, Bithur
  • Jajmau Siddhant Ghat
  • Baradevi Temple
  • Boodha Bargad (Banyan) tree

Bithoor: Bithoor is situated on the Kannauj Road, 27 kms from center of Kanpur. Bithoor is far from the hustle and bustle and madding crowds of Kanpur, it offers a tranquil spot suffused with historical and religious significance. It is situated on the bank of River Ganges. During 1753-75, the administration of Bithoor was entrusted to Almas Ali Khan, who built a mosque near Lakshman Ghat on the right bank of Ganges under the rule of Nawab Shuja-ud-daula.

Bithoor was the capital of the Pargana from 1811 to 1819. After the departure of the courts, the place was assigned as a residence to Baji Rao, the deposed Peshwa. The palace of Nana Sahib was reduced to rubble by the British in 1857 and the only traces remaining of it are some large well heads and broken palace walls.

According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, since then this place was first witnessed the creation of mankind and was known as Brahmavarta or the seat of Brahma. On the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya, became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name, Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva penanced here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela. A Shivalinga was worshipped by Lord Brahma which is still worshipped as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor named as The Brahmavarta Ghat.

While going for Ashwamedha Yajna, the nail of the horse shoe embedded in the steps of the Ghat is an object of special reverence for devotees as it is considered to be of the Brahma’s horse.

The existing Valmiki temple in Bithoor is said to have been rebuilt by Baji Rao Peshwa in the 19th century. There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous as Sita-Kund. Sita ‘Rasoi’ is still preserved, near which stands ‘Swarga Naseinee’ or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination.

The historic town of Bithoor, once famous by the name of ‘Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri’, (city of 52 Ghats) is today left with only 29 Ghats. Bithoor is also very closely associated with the legends of Rama, Valmiki, Lav and Kush, and Dhruv, the legendary prince.

The best time to visit Bithoor is during October-March. Kartik Poornima Magh Poornima, Makar Sankranti Mela are the festivals celebrated with great zeal.

Places to Visit:

  • Valmiki Ashram
  • Brahmavart Ghat
  • Patthar Ghat
  • Dhruva Teela
Forts: The great freedom fighters like Nana Saheb, Tatya Tope and Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi started their struggle for freedom in the year 1857 from Bithoor and during their stay numerous forts were built which are still a source of inspiration and attraction to the Historian and research oriented people.

It is recommended that you consider booking long distance bus tickets on "Air Conditioned Volvo buses" operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly. Bus tickets are easily available online. One can plan trip and do bus booking online in advance. Online bus booking is an easy process which can save your time and price.

Tuesday 26 July 2011

A Guide to Adventure Tourism in India

There is incredible prospect of adventure tourist places in India, due to diverse topography, seasons and climate. On land and water, under water and in the air, tourists can pick out from various option of adventure in our country.  India is the land with a wide immense range of adventure sports, activities and holidays, during summer, winter; autumn seasons. The Southern, Eastern, and Western especially in North India. Trekking and Skiing adventure sports in the Himalayas, white river rafting rapids of snow fed rivers are breath taking attraction in Himalayas and Uttaranchal, jeep safari, bird watching, wild camp, wildlife safari and jungle trail on Rajasthan region and North India, Paragliding, hand gliding, hot air ballooning trekking in Himachal region, Amazing wind surfing, scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal waters of Lakshadweep Islands’ lagoons and  Andaman Nicobar, water sports in Goa, wildlife and backwaters adventure in South India, these are just some of wonderful options for adventure seekers in various parts with options of different season in each sector.  Especially there is constant challenge of mighty Himalayas for mountaineers and trekking lovers.  Coniferous jungle, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks are most potential places for wildlife lovers and trekkers.  India is the ultimate destination and absolute paradise for wildlife and adventure lovers.

  • Mountaineering: There is nothing more challenging any place in the world like great Himalayas. They stand aloft, stirring the adventure spirit, challenging to conquer the challenging mountains. For an adventure lover who wants to scale the high mountains, then mountaineering in India, is ideal for exotic experience. However, winter treks in Himalayas combined with skiing can be a most exotic and thrilling experience. The Himalayan Mountains are the most sought after place for mountaineers. Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi are the two highest peaks, which offer very thrilling environment for mountaineers from all over the world. Some of the amazing challenges for the intrepid climbers are located in Tehri Garhwal, Himalayas, Zanskar region in Kashmir, Kulu & Lahaul in Himachal. Also there are lots of options of mountaineering in North Eastern India and other places.
  • Camel Safaris: Rajasthan is the most ideal place for Camel Safari; enjoy the adventure of a Camel Safari, which awaits you in the golden sands of the enormous Thar Desert - primeval, savage and lonely. Ride through sandy landscape in the desert, passing through isolated villages, meeting with them close look and interaction about their traditions and livings. Enjoy camping on the solitary oasis, experience local people under starry nights and dance to musicians playing ancient haunting, stringed music instruments with folk dances in camp fire. The rolling sandy landscape of the unrelieved Thar desert and xerophytes shrub covered area is breathtakingly and the variety of flora and fauna amazingly large for a desert region Share and experience a very unique and memorable performance of local people. The camps are set in deep sand dunes with all basic amenities for tourists, also very rich and traditional Rajasthani cuisine and the picturesque hamlets with friendly folks in Thar Desert, which is fastest growing adventure landscape in Asia and all over the world.
  • Trekking: The unexplored mountain ranges of India offer breathtaking, enchanting trekking routes. In the vast amphitheatre of Himalayas and Karakorams, there are endless possibilities for trekking mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting, within this fascinating arena, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, there are variety of trekking places. Where enthusiast trekkers can explore the rugged beauty of the lofty mountains peaks romancing the shimmering waterfalls, cascading down in joviality like a merry village belle. Experience the thrill of sheer adventure by our trekking tours in India amidst the world’s most beautiful places. The Garhwal and Kumaon mountain regions of Uttaranchal are the very famous destinations for trekking, though Manali and Chamba in Himachal, and Ladakh and Zanskar in Jammu and Kashmir region, other trekking places are Kullu and Kangra valleys, Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal and in North Uttar Pradesh, North part of Rishikesh. Yuksam in Sikkim, and Leh in Ladakh. Darjeeling in West Bengal, The major challenge for the mountaineers is in the Garhwal region in Himalayas. Among the high altitude regions of Himalayas, where wonderful dreams of trekking turn into reality.
  • Rock Climbing: Rock climbing, one of the popular adventure sports in India, is a relatively new sport. However, in a short span of time, it has become the most popular adventure sport. Because of the good availability of adequate climbing rocks throughout India, coupled the element of excitement involved, rock climbing has become the adventure sport to participate in for the young and the old alike. Experience the adventure running in your veins as you climb up the rocks. The ideal climbing faces are obtainable at the Aravali hills in Dumdama, Dhauj, and Nuh- all in nearby proximity of Delhi. In Himachal region, the Manali Valley, Manikaran and the Rohtang Pass offer excellent climbing opportunities for the armature and professional adventurer. In South India Karnataka also offers exciting rock-climbing activities at the Chamundi Hills. Sariska and Mount Abu in Rajasthan all offer variety of rock faces and excellent grounds for better and quality climbing. The high altitude climber will enjoy the rocks at Sonmarg in Jammu & Kashmir and Gangotri in the Garwal district of Uttar Pradesh North India.

Travel Planning:

Bus form Chennai to Bangalore

As India is a large geographic country and adventure spots are spread throughout its’ boundary, it is very difficult to plan a trip where you can visit all place at one go. So choose the favorite tour and place which is nearby from your city and plan your travel accordingly. You can check flights, train or bus based on your travel budget. Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For
Bus form mumbai to pune
online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

Coorg – Scotland of India

252 kms from Bangalore and 1525 m above sea level lies Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu. Coorg or Kodagu (originally called Kodaimalenadu) means 'dense forest on steep hill'. Dubbed as the Scotland of India, this town has a lot to offer to the tourist. Misty hills, lush forest, acres and acres of tea and coffee plantation, orange groves, undulating streets and breathtaking views are what make Madikeri an unforgettable holiday destination.

Coorg is on the Western Ghats. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit. It lies on Karnataka's southwestern end, covering an area of 4,102 sq km.The river Cauvery originates here at Talacauvery and is worshipped by the locals.

History:

The majority of the early accounts of Coorg(Kodagu) are fundamentally eminent and the genuine record of history in Coorg is available only following the ninth century. On the word of inscriptions, Coorg was under the rule of many dynasties of South India such as Changalvas, Cholas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Kadambas and Pandyas. It is believed that early on the northern part of Kodagu was under the Kadambas and the south under the Gangas. The Cholas were a powerful force in the eleventh century they defeated the Gangas. However, the Changalva Arasus continued o rule the south Kodagu when Raja Chola was ruling in Tanjavur. The northern parts of Kodagu were ruled by the Kongalvas who were a vassal of the Cholas. The situation more or less remained the same till the invasion under Alauddin Khilji. In the fourteenth century the Changalvas became prominent rulers of Kodagu. For most of the period the influence of the Changalvas or the Kongalvas never reached beyond the borders of Kodagu.

Places to Visit:

Abbey falls: A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 km from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there. As of Mar 2011, bathing in the falls is not allowed due to few drunken miscreants creating public nuisance.

Nagarahole: Wild Life Santuary: Nagarhole is a kannada word meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can surely see the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Lucky ones get the chance of seeing Panther or Tiger.

Honnamana Kere: Honnamana Kere is a holy and tourist place located in Daddamalthe near Sulimalthe village 6 km away from Somwarpet town. The lake (See picture) is surrounded by beautiful landscape including Coffee estates and Cliffs. Special pooja is offered to the Goddess Honnamma on the Gowri festival every year. Thousands of devotees come to this sacred place on this day and offers pooja to the Goddess Honnamma followed by climbing the cliff. 'Bagina' which consists of sacred belongings of the Goddess is left in the lake. A new temple was built several years back with the aim to improve the place and offer better facilities to the devotees, this was possible by the financial assistance of the people living in the surrounding villages.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury: Pushpagiri aka Kumaraparvatha trek path, Kodagu, 2009., Kodagu/Coorg. Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury is 30 km from Somwarpet towards Kukke Subramanya. The Wildlife Sanctury is a apt for trekkers who want to experience the wilderness of Western Ghat. Home for different kinds of wild species like elephants, deers, wild cats etc.

Mallalli Falls: Mallalli Falls is situated around 25 km from Somwarpet. The exact location of Mallali falls is in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk. It is an eye feasting sight of river Kumaradhara gushing through the valley and falling into a gorge, with lush green mountains around.

Madikeri: Madikeri is the capital of the Kodagu also known as Coorg. This place is known as the “Scotland of India”. Millions of tourists come to this place to visit coffee plantations, lush green forests, misty hills and some breath taking views of other areas. Madikeri is also known for it;s amazing climate. Madikeri also has a world record in the production of cardamom crop.

Travel to Coorg:

Closest Airport: Bangalore (260 km), Mangalore (135 km)

Closest Railway Station: Mysore (146 km)

Bus form bangalore to pune

Bus form delhi to agra

Road: The Mysore - Mangalore highway (NH48) passes through Kodagu. The district headquarters Madikeri (Mercara), is 260 km from Bangalore and 120 km from Mysore. The distance from Mangalore is 136 km and from Cannanore and Tellicherry, it is about 115 km. There are regular buses plying from these places to Madikeri.

Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

Thursday 14 July 2011

about Goa

About: Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.Bus booking is fairly easy nowadays on internet. If you plan early you’ll get budget tickets online. For online bus booking you can check different OTA’s website. Search best bus service, compare and buy cheap tickets.

Sunday 10 July 2011

Goa : Travel Guide & Information


Introduction:
                                        
In 1987 Goa was officially declared India's 25th state.Travel to Goa and you will find your holidays crowned with beauty, fun and adventure. It is among the fascinating tourist destinations of India where tourists come from across the world. It is the best beach destination of the country offering pleasure and fun . Nightlife and Carnival are the other two famous attractions of Goa.Palm trees , shining sands and sizzling waters: the three elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa are present in this tiny, glorious slice of India bounded by the Arabian Sea.

Destinations in Goa:

Panaji:It is Known for its wonderful beaches, old churches, beautiful locations and colorful Carnival festival . It is the capital city of Goa. The famous attractions in Panaji are Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Calangute beach, Dona Paula, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and museum.

Vasco-da-Gama:This destination got its name from the famed Portuguese explorer Dom Vasco-da-Gama. Sandwiched between the two beaches, it is a fabulous place to visit. The famous attractions here are the Buddhist caves, the Naval Aviation Museum, Bogmalo beach and a 400 year old St. Andrew church.

Margao: This is a beautifull place with famous attractions like Colva and Benaulim beaches, ancient Portuguese churches, beautiful farming villages and Church of the Holy Spirit.

Arambol: This fishing village boasts of white sand, beach, palm groves and steep cliffs. Its Arambol beach beckons you for a refreshing experience. Sights of dolphin are quite common here.

Canacona:Visit the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary at Canacona and experience the wilderness. This sanctuary houses wildlife like sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, hyena, panther and porcupines. Poloem beach with exciting water sports facilities and Agonda beach where night camps are organized are the other attractions here.

Ponda:This place is known for the ten temples dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It is popularly known as the temple town of Goa and also the gateway to Goa's wildlife sanctuaries. There are two wildlife destinations here namely Bondla wildlife sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer sanctuary.

Activities In Goa

There are nearly eighteen beaches along Goa's coastal line. These beaches are famous for hosting parties, marriages apart from daily celebrations. Anjuma beach, colva beach, miramar beach are some of them. Casinos and Goa's nightlife is always a surprise for the person visiting first time.

Beach Activities

The gorgeous state of Goa is widely acclaimed as a perfect destination for beach vacation in India. The sun-kissed golden sands and the cool puff of sea breeze offer truly agreeable and refreshing ambiance for vacationers and honeymooning couples. Beaches here provide a range of activities to indulge in and relish for lifetime. You can enjoy activities like beach volleyball, sunset watching, swimming, sunbathing, making sandcastles, etc. You can enjoy many water fun and adventure activities like surfing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, etc.

Trance or Rave Parties

The gorgeous state of Goa is globally famous for its rave or trance parties and carnival festivals. Rave parties are celebrated in Goa during the time of New Year and Christmas. A large gathering of tourists from all over the world visit Goa to during this period. Such parties are held especially at nights and offer brilliant opportunity to enjoy techno-music called trance music. So on your Goa vacation, don't forget to enjoy rave parties which are full of dance, music and fun & frolic.

Casinos and Discotheques

Nightlife is also one of the most important attractions of Goa holidays. It is mind-boggling blend of fun, frolic, liveliness and cheerfulness. Electrifying discotheques and exciting casinos in Goa are to offer vacations unforgettable experience of night fun in this gorgeous state of India. Amateur and professional gamblers will definitely love Goa as their holiday destination because there are a number of casinos in the state. And for those who love to indulge in electrifying music and liveliness dances, the state presents a number of discotheques where vacationers can fulfill their desire.

River Cruises

Three are a number of beautiful rivers and lovely lakes in Goa which offer exciting river cruise and boat cruise opportunity. It is one of the must try activities on your holidays in Goa. Vacationers can enjoy daytime river cruise, sunset cruise, moonlight boat cruise. While cruising, tourists have wonderful opportunity for spotting playful dolphins.

Relaxing at Hotels

There are a number of deluxe , luxury hotels ,guest houses and beach resorts in this gorgeous state of Goa where vacationers can spend their vacation in truly luxury way enjoying facilities offered by Goa hotels. Many of hotels also offer spa therapy and Ayurvedic treatment facilities on your holiday.

Flights to Goa

There are numerous flights arrive and leave to some important cities in India like Mumbai. Diabolism airport is situated near the well known city of Vasco ad Gama and it is at a distance of 30kms from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. Get information about Goa Flights at lowest prices and Book low-cost Goa Mumbai Flights. We also provide information about Online Flight Booking, Holiday Packages and Flights Booking in India.

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