Udupi - The pilgrimage town of Karnataka

Udupi - The name reminds mainly of the Udupi Krishna Temple. This city is the headquarters of Udupi District of Karnataka State. The Udupi Cuisine has its birth place in this District. It is situated at a distance of 58 kms north of Banglore.

The name Udupi has two different stories behind it. One is it is derived from the Tulu language name Odipu and the other is from the combination of two Sanskrit words Udu and Pa (source wikipedia). The legend says that Moon being so close to one of his 27 wives was cursed by father-in-law Daksha to go blank and not appear at all. And on prayers to Lord Shiva - at the Chandramouleeswar temple in Udupi, his curse was reduced and he will increase in shine for 14 days and shine brightly on the full moon day and start reducing from the next day and go blank on the New Moon day. Thus the name Udu - Stars and Pa - Lord combined together formed Udupi - The lord of stars. The Krishna Mutt and the Krishna Temple is also very famous in Udupi.

The language spoken in Udupi are Tulu, Konkani, Kannada and Beary Bashe.

The National Highway of NH17  - connecting Manglore and Karwar passes through Udupi. The state highways connects Karkala, Dharmastala and Sringeri. The city is connected with a station for itself by the Konkan railway on the Tiruvananthapuram - Mumbai rail road.  The nearest International Airport is the Manglore Airport which is at 50 kms distance. The nearest harbour is Malpe at a distance of 5km and the Gangoli harbour is at a distance of 36kms. The New port at Manglore is a distance of 50km.

Yakshagana is a very popular folk art form of Udupi.

Thiruvananthapuram – The city of Lord Padmanabha

Article by Ms. Uma Sridharan

Thiruvananthapuram, a tradition dating back to 1000BC, means "City of Lord Anantha" (the serpent on which Lord Padmanabha/Vishnu reclines) in Sanskrit and Malayalam.  Thiruvananthapuram is the Largest City in Kerala. The city is the state capital.

This city is full of famous educational institutions  including the University of Kerala,  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Technopark, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and the Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER).

Places of interest in Thiruvananthapuram
Sri Anandhapadmanabha Swamy Temple: Located near East Fort, is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu Temples in India. The temple corridors are lined with 368 sculpted stone pillars.

Museum: Built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma. The museum displays priceless collections of royal family.

Napier Museum:  built in 19th century houses a collection of historic artifacts, bronze idols and ivory carvings.

Sri Chitra Art Gallery: in this art gallery, paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, artworks of Rajput, Mughal, Tanjore and paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali

Shagumugam Beach: 8 kms away from the city. Famous for its sunset watch. This beach is near Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Veli Tourist village: This is the place where Veli Lake enters Arabian Sea. This is a picnic spot that offers boating facility.

Kovalam Beach: 16 kms from the city, this beach is internationally known holiday destination.

Ponmudi: 61 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, a hill resort with winding pathways, cool and green.  Located at 915 meters above sea level, this hill station is famous for trekking.

How to reach: Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has connections to Colombo, Maldives and the Middle East. Domestic flights  connect all over the country from here.
Rail: Direct trains from all the major cities to Thiruvananthapuram

Tanjore or Thanjavur - Rice Bowl of South India

<sup>Article by Ms. Uma Sridharan

Thanjavur is known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It was the capital of Cholas. With rich cultural heraitage, Thanjavur is full of temples most important is the Big Temple or Periya Kovil in tamil. The deity is Sri Brahadeeswar. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola, in the year A.D 1010. The height of the temple tower or vimanam is 216 ft height.

The huge Nandhi statue at he entrance of the temple is carved out of single stone.
Manora: This eight storied tower known as 'tholla kaadhu mandapam' locally was built by Maratha King Serforji in the 1814. 

SARASWATHI MAHAL LIBRARY: Sarasvati Mahal Library is one of the few medieval Libraries that exist in the world.The Encyclopaedia Brittanica  mention this as "the most remarkable library in India. "  Started as a Royal Palace Library during the Nayak Kingdom over Thanjavar (1535-1673 A. D.). later developed by Marata Kings. There are nearly 47,000 manuscripts in palm leaves. A small museum is situated in the library to y displaying various rare artifacts.Rare manuscripts, books, beautifully decorated Thanjavur style of paintings in paper, wood, glass and canvass, illustrated manuscripts like Gaja Sastra, Asva Sastra, Mythological paintings, Botonical specimen paintings, Military costumes, Ramˆyana in miniature paintings, Rare maps, sketches and prints are displayed in this museum.</sup>

^{Thanjavur Maratha palace: originally constructed by the Nayaks, later it became the residence of Maratha Kings.}

^{Bangaru Kamakshi: Bangaru Kamakshi Temple is one of the popular religious sites in Thanjavur.The idol of Bangaru Kamakshi is made of pure gold. Bangaru means god in Telugu}

Hotels in Tiruvannamalai

Do you wish to do Girivalam in Tiruvannamalai every month? Or atleast during the month of Karthigai, here is a list of hotels where you can find accomodation.

Hotel Nala Residency No.21, Annasalai, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : 04175)-252399 Mobile: +(91)-9443222818, 9994498777 Fax : (04175)-250812

 Hotel Arunachala No.5, Vada Sannathi Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-225474

Hotel Ramakrishna No.34-F, Polur Road, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-250005, 250006, 320055 Mobile: +(91)-9443163151 Fax : (04175)-250008

 Annamalai Guest house No.6A, Vada Sannathi Street Near Periya Gopuram, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu Phone : 04175)-222750 Mobile: +(91) 9245273553

Hotel Ganesh No.111-A, Big Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu. Phone : (04175)-226701, 226702, 224125 Mobile : +(91)-9443326701 Fax : (04175)-227887

Shiva Lodge 5-A, Erattai Pillaiyar Koil Street, 167-A, Car Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-253658 Mobile: +(91)-9443019200 Fax : (04175)-253658

N.S Lodge No.47, Thiruvoodal Street Tiruvannamalai - 606 601 Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-222750 Mobile: +(91)- 9245273553

S.M Lodge No.16, Polur Road, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-254120 Mobile: +(91)-9244232601

Kos Lodge No.68, Big Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-254452 Mobile: +(91)-9443373276, 9894316163

N.S Lodge No.47, Thiruvoodal Street, Tiruvannamalai - 606 601, Tamilnadu Phone : (04175)-225388 Mobile: +(91)-9443233412, 9994498777

Shopping in Ajmer

Every one love shopping and shopping in the different tourist places of India is a definite pleasure. One can purchase local crafts, gold and silver jewels, handloom with block prints, brass artefacts and utensils, bangles, woodden items, hand embroidered cloth bags, bandhini textiles, hand embroidered shoes are different items that one can shop in Ajmer. Apart from this Ajmer is most famous for perfumes also.

One can get all the above items in Ajmer in the areas like Purani Mandi, Naya Bazaar and Kaisarganj. One can get trinkets and other local items in the fairs and during the Urs melas. There are Government emporiums and sovenier shops too which are highly reliable to buy gifts and handicrafts.

How to reach Matheran

Matheran, a unique hill station by itself is truly spectacular to view in monsoon.
One have to pay an entry fee of Rs. 25/adult and Rs. 10/kid. The proceeds are mainly used to keep the eco system intact.

How to reach Matheran? 
     By Train:     
         One can reach the Neral station from Mumbai. From Neral one can take the toy train up the hills to reach Matheran. (One can ascertain whether the train is running or not only from the Neral station).

     By Road:     
         One need to reach Dasturi Point which is the last point to which one can go in vehicles. One can hire a cab from Neral. The drivers are highly skilled and equipped so those who are travelling in those cabs need just to sit back and relax and enjoy the scenes all around. Once Dasturi point is reached, one can proceed further up to Matheran either by foot or by horse back. This takes about 40 mins.

         There is also a mini bus service from Karjat or Neral railway stations upto Dsturi. One can walk along the rail route which will take about 20 minutes to half an hour. There are lots of walking trails used by the local people and a few trekking routes used by the trekkers. Starting to walk early in the morning gives a pleasant time.

Inside Matheran, one can either use the hand drawn rickshaws, or the horses or walk on foot all around to view the different view points and tourist spots. 

View points in Matheran

There are different places to visit in Matheran. 28 view points which give exciting view around the valley, 2 lakes, 2 parks and places of worship. All these places can be visited on a horseback in one day. But if one wants to get the better view and best scenic experience, one have to visit all these places only by foot as one will not get time to spend in the different points. There are different walking paths too one can take.
The different points to see in Matheran are:

Alexander Pt.Rambag Pt
Little Chowk Pt
Chowk PtOne Tree Hill Pt
Belvedere Pt
Olympia Race Course
Lords Pt
Charlotte Lake
Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
Echo Pt.
Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)
Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)
Khandala Pt
Madhavji Garden & Point
Matheran Railway Station
Louisa Point
Mayor Pt

Wayanad - The land of Spicy Hills

Wayanad is in the north east of Kerala. Waya - Vayal - Paddy, Naad-Land is located in an altitude of 700 to 2100 kms from the sea level. It is also called as the land of spicy hills. Its a green paradise nestled among the Western Ghats. Wayanad is bordered by the Bandhipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu, thus giving the wild life a vast area of moving land.

Wayanad is one of the important tourist places of Kerala. The important locations that one can visit in Wayanad are:

Chembra Peak
Edakkal Cave
Kuruva Island
Lakkidi
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Pookot Lake
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Soochippara Waterfalls
Banasura sagar Dam

Conoor - The Tea Garden City

Next to Ooty, the second largest hill station in the Nilgiris is Coonor. Between Mettupalayam and Ooty, Coonoor offers lots of tourist attractions which includes bird watching. Located at about 1800 m above sea level, Coonoor is famous for its tea plantations and activities like trekking and hiking. There are large number trekking and hiking trails around Coonor. One can get to see a panaromic view of the beautiful Nilgiris from Coonoor. One can reach Coonoor both through road and also through Toy Train. The entire journey in both the routes are breath taking and those who love nature are sure to fall in love with it. 

      Coonoor is famous for its Residential schools. Brindavan Public School, Holy Innocent High School-Wellington, St. Joseph's Boys Hr. Sec School, St. Joseph's Convent for Girls, Mountain Home School, Stanes Hr. Sec. School, Arignar Anna Hr. Sec. School. There are two colleges in Coonoor; Providence College for Women, Riga College for Hotel Management.

Though majority of people depend on Tea for their trade and commerce, one can get to see a lot of Ayurvedic products and forest products too. Coonoor is famous for itsSericulture (Government runs a silk farm with a large research facility). Floriculture andstrawberry collection also are quite famous in here. 

Attractions in and around Coonoor:

Sims Park:

Located to the north of Coonoor Railway Station, this park have a large number of individual tree specimens and different kinds of animals and bird species. The park have winding footpaths all over the higher slopes which is naturally made and that gives a distinctive look to the park. 

Pasteur Institute:      

Established in 1907, this institute's research laborotary manufactures Polio Vaccines and also does research on Rabbies. 

Pomological Station:      

The Horticultural Department maintains this and the other 2 fruit gardens in Burliar and Kallar which are experimental fruit gardens. Fruit trees like Apples, Plums, Peaches, Persinments, Lemns, Apricots and Pomegranates are grown here for research purposes. Public can get to taste the fruit based Jams prepared here along with Surplus fruits that are sold in the counter.

Silk Rearing Station:    

 Sericulture of Coonoor is done in this institute which is close to the Pasteur Institute. 

Laws Falls:      

A beautiful picnic spot where one can enjoy a water fall from about 180 ft. The surrounding areas are Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers' paradise.

Dolphin's Nose:      

An enormous rock structure which resembles like a Dolphin is located at a distance of 10kms from the Town. The rock gives an unique view point of the town. 

Lamb's Rock:      

Enroute to Dolphin's nose is this Lamb's Rock and it gives a great view point towards the plains region of the Coimbatore district.

Lady Canninng's Seat:      

A tourist spot that gives views of the tea estates and plains below.

The Droog:      

Tippu Sultan used this place as an outpost and this place is now a picnic spot. Located at a distance of 15kms from Coonoor, this place is a trekking spot and one have to trek for about 3 kms to reach this.

Masinagudi:    

Going through over 35 hairpin bends, one can reach Masinagudi from Coonoor which is at a distance of 18 kms. Masinagudi is an elephant's paradise and one can see few here and there. The entire route is a scenic beauty. 

Some of the places to stay in Coonoor:

Green Acre's Resort

Great Grand Father's Holiday Home stay

Spring Sany Cottage

Fair Stay Holiday Resorts

Kasi or Varanasi - The holy town of India

History Varanasi or Kasi is a major pilgrimage destination in India. Hindus make it a point to visit Kasi atleast once in their life time. It is a very ancient city of India and is the cultural capital of India. Every day lots of people visit this city to experience the holiness of this place and also for self realization. Just being there itself is a great experience. Varanasi is also known as Kasi and for a long time, it had been the city of learning.  Climate The climate of Varanasi is quite favourable all over the year as this city is situated on the banks of the river Ganges. There are lots of places to visit in Kasi and one can use Taxis or Autos or Cycle Rickshaws to get around the city.  Temples in Varanasi           Kashi Vishwanath Temple        Durga Temple        Tulsi Manas Temple        Sankat Mochan Temple        Bharat Mata Mandir Varanasi and Ganga      Taking a dip in the Ganges is considered very holy. And that too a dip in Kasi is very precious there are lots of Ghats in Kasi and those visiting Kasi definitely go to these ghats to take a dip in them.  Things to shop in Varanasi       There are lots of things to shop in Varanasi. Varanasi is famous for it Banaras silk sarees and also Banarasi sarees which are made of silk mixed with crepe, georgette and or cotton and chiffon. Many of the sarees and dress materials available in this city are beautifully decorated with zari and stone work along with rich and intricate embriodry work. One can shop for designer wear glass bangles, brass and copper gift items. Benarasi carpets is also famous for it carpets and also Paan.  How to reach Varanasi It is very easy to reach Varanasi from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkatta, Bhubaneswar,Lucknow, Jaipur, Khajuraho and Katmandu (Nepal) by flights. The Varanasi airport is at Babatpur which is 22 kms away from the main city.  Varanasi can also be reached by train. There are trains from Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai, Lucknow, Allahabad, Patna, Jaipur, Gorakhpur and Khajuraho. The city is connected with Delhi by a superfast train also.  Varanasi is connected to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh by road

Chittorgarh - The Tourist Town of Rajasthan

The town of Chittorgarh in Southern Rajasthan is known for is bravery and glorious past. The Chittorgarh fort is the major attraction in this town. The history of this city is traced back to Mahabaratha and that connection can be understood by the BhimLat reservoir which was created by Bhim himself by stamping his feet on the ground. This city was the capital city of Mewar rulers till it was shifted to Udaipur in the year 1568.

To capture the fort, so many fierce battles were fought. The first one was the battle by Allaudin Khilji to capture Rani Padmini. The other famous historical personalities of Chittorgarh are Meera Bai and Maharana Pratap.

There are so many places to visit in and around Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort
Nagri
Barolo
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Sanwariyaji Temple
Matri Kundiya Temple
Bhainsorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Sitamata Sanctuary
Deogarh
Menal
Gotmeshwar
Jogniya MataJi
Bijapur