Kanpur city-Uttar Pradesh

 Kanpur is a major industrial town of Uttar Pradesh, the northern state of India. This town is situated on the south bank of river Ganga,located 80 km west of Lucknow, the state capital. It is also known as the industrial capital of the state.

History of Kanpur

It is believed that this city was founded by Raja Hindu Singh of the Sankandi state. Kanpur’s original name was Kanhpur. Being located on the banks of the Ganges, there was a facility of traffic and industry. Therefore, the British gave birth to the industry and here the development of the city started.

Famous Cuisines of Kanpur-

Kanpur is considered to have the best cuisine of all Indian cities and cultures and this is directly linked to the many cultures which have colonized the city over the centuries. 

                 Sultani Dal

                  Shami Kebabs.

 

                    Biryani of Kanpur

                    Imarti of Kanpur

                          Luchi Sabji

This city is famous for its famous food outlets and Uttar Pradesh cuisine. Kanpur food is inspired by its local cuisine, and from breakfast to dessert, you will find the best option for each category. 

Let's visit some of the best Places in Kanpur:

1) Allen Forest Zoo Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur is one of the oldest Zoological Park of india. It has been established and opened for the public on 4th february, 1974The moated enclosures give the animal ample space for movement and help in expressing their biological and physiological expressions. 

2) Jain Glass Temple-The Kanch ka Mandir is located in the Maheshwari Mohal. This dainty temple made out of glass honours the powerful Lord Mahavira and the remaining 23 Jain Tirthankaras.

3) Blue World theme park-Blue World Theme Park is Kanpur’s first mega themed entertainment destination promising visitors from around the world the excitement of epic adventure zones in one location. 25 acres of land featuring over 25 rides and 10 gigantic slides including Dry Rides, aquatic wonderland, 7D Theater, Sky dive and India’s biggest private musical fountain and laser show. 

4) Iskcon temple -Kanpur The ISKCON temple is yet another international spiritual tourist attraction dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is located on Mainavati Marg, Bithoor Road, about 4 km from Kanpur. The best time to visit is in August and September due to Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami respectively. 

5) Green Park Stadium-Formerly known as Modi Stadium, the Green Park Stadium is managed by the Uttar Pradesh’s Sports Department. It UP's only International Cricket Stadium that hosts Test and One-day matches. It also has the biggest manually operated scoreboard in the world. Live cricket matches are the best time to visit the stadium.

Best time to visit-

Summers in Kanpur are brutally hot and not the best time to visit the city.This season is difficult for the locals as well, but most of them are habituated to these weather conditions. 

The heat that is created by the summer season is brought down by the onset of monsoon.The monsoon season is a great time to visit attractions like the Allen Forest Zoo, Patthar Ghat and various parks that become lush green during the rains.

One of the best times to visit Kanpur is during winter; the climate during the winter months is the best to go sightseeing and explore the city.The region starts to fog up during the peak months, but the climate is absolutely beautiful to enjoy at the parks and go sightseeing as well.

Image credits-google

Amreli District, Gujarat

The district of Amreli is a coastal district in the state of Gujarat. It is one of the less developed places as per industries and manufacturing. It is mostly an agro - based economy with Fisheries as an occupation in the coastal regions. It has many gold - plating units as well as a well established diamond trading industry. Its Rajula stone is well-known all over the world. As regards tourism, it has many places of religious importance and pilgrimage centers.

Here is more detailed information regarding the same.

Area - 6,760 sq.km

Elevation - 94 to 127 metres

Population -  15,14,190 as per 2011 Census

Population rank in India - 329 th out of 640

Population rank in the State - 19th 

Area Wise rank in the State - 8th 

District Headquarters - Amreli city

Administrative Division - Saurashtra

Number of Talukas - 11

Talukas - Amreli, Bagasara, Babra, Dhari, Jafrabad, Khambha, Kundla, Lilia, Lathi, Savar Kundla, Vadia  

Villages - 619

Languages Spoken - Gujarati and Hindi 

Geographical Borders -

North -  Rajkot

South - Arabian Sea

East - Bhavnagar

West - Junagadh

Primary Crops - Cotton, Wheat, Groundnuts, Sesame, Grams, Bajri

Water Sources - Rivers Shetrunji, Kalubhar

Dams Abhalwad, Ambani Khodiar, Bharad, Devsar, Dhrufania, Datarwadi I and II, Kalubhar, Krushnagadh, Likhala, Lakhapadar, Mobhness, Mota Ankadia, Mota Bandharia, Thebi Vadi, Vadia, Vansiali, Zar 

Natural Resources - Sea coast, Beaches, Fishes,Agricultural soil, Rajula Stones that are known worldwide, 

Distance from Mumbai - 673 km via roadways

How to reach :-

Via Airports -

• Rajkot Airport at a different of 112 km

Via Railways - 

Meter gauge trains connect Amreli with Veraval and Junagadh. Broad Gauge connectivity to Ahmedabad is from Lilia and Savarkundla which is at a distance of 15 and 35 Kms from Amreli.

Via Roadways - Amreli district has a good network of roadways. GSRTC ( Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation ) runs various buses connecting the district with other nearby towns and cities.

Famous Personalities from the District - 

Dr. Jivaraj Mehata, Magician K. Lal, Sage Muktanand Swami, Sage Muldas, Sage Bhojalram Bapa, Yogi Maharaj Danbapu among others

Administration Contact Information :

Collector Office

Jilla Seva Sadan

Rajmahal Campus

Amreli-365601 (Gujarat)

Phone +91 2792-222307, 02792-222710

Fax +91 2792-222710

e-mail :- collector-amr@gujarat.gov.in

Helpline Contact Information

Fire - 101

GVK Ambulance -198

Commissioner of Rescue & Relief - 1070

Crime Stopper - 1090

Women Helpline - 1091

Child Helpline - 1098

Images - www.amreli.nic.in and wikipedia

Airwan Temple

 AIRWAN TEMPLE, KATHUA DISTRICT, JAMMU AND KASHMIR

(Airwan Temple, Kathua)

(Source- nativeplanet.com)

Airwan temple is an ancient temple which is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. Airwan Temple is located around 15 kilometers away from Kathua District in Airwan Village near Parole. The history of Airwan Temple is that this is the 4th century Lord Shiva temple in the Airwan Village. It is said that the legendary emperor of Ujjain, Vikramaditya had erected the Airwan Temple. The village of Airwan bears its name from the Ravi River. On the occasion of Mahashivratri and Baisakhi fairs are held here. The temple is thronged by the pilgrims on the occasion of both the festivals which are celebrated here every year. 

(Airwan Temple)(Source- kathua.nic.in)

There are various bowlies present near the temple where pilgrims take a dip before offering their worships. The people who are unable to go to Haridwar to immerse the ashes of the dead can do it in the holy water called Gupt Ganga. The Airwan Temple can be accessed smoothly by road from the Kathua District. Kathua Railway Station is the closest railway head to Airwan Temple.

(Airwan Temple)

(source- indianetzone.com)

ADDRESS- Banjal, Jammu and Kashmir

PINCODE- 184206

Jodiya Di Mata Temple

 JODIYA DI MATA TEMPLE, KATHUA

Jodiya Di Mata Temple is a religious temple that is visited by several pilgrims during the festival of Navratri. Jodiya Di Mata Temple is located at a distance of around 4 kilometers away from Banjal in Kathua District. The Jodiya Di Mata is situated in the village Jodiyan. The Jodiyan Di Mata temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Jodiyan Di Mata temple is located at Banjal (Himalaya) around 80 kilometers away from Basholi Town. The inhabitants of Jodiyan and nearby villages trusted that Goddess Durga preserves the flora and fauna of the hills.

(Jodiya Di Mata Temple, Kathua)

(Source- kathua.nic.in)

A few decades ago, while moving with the cattle a Shepherd found the place. He observed that his cattle go into deep slumber when left around the area. He got inquisitive and with the help of a sacred leader found that this place is pious. From the story, it is clear that the pious thoughts of the community are connected with the place. It is a vivid area with plenty of flowers blooming and this area is also called “Garden of Natural Flowers”. Visitors can go by bus or their private vehicle till village Poond. From Poond village the visitors have to trek. Jodiyan Di Mata Temple is a pious center that is visited by hundreds of devotees during the festival of Navratras. The people of voluntary groups help in providing the basic facilities to the devotees. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 7000 ft. Jodiyan Di Mata is a very beautiful and attractive place that is full of natural beauty. Jodiyan Di Mata Temple orders a lot of trust from the local people.

The trekking area from the Poond village to the Jodiya Di Mata Temple is approx 15 kilometers. The best time to visit the Jodiya Di Mata Temple is during the festival of Navratras or at the month of Chet and Sarad Ritu Month as per the Hindu calendar. At that time everyone can see the snow-topped peak of the Himalayas of Mani Mahesh or Lord Shiva from the Jodiya Di Mata Temple. An antechamber to stay in is available beside the temple. The visitors who visit the temple have to adopt the lifestyle of the village while visiting because there are no roads, hotels, restaurants in the area near the temple. Because of those reasons trekking is the most favorite part of Jodiya Di Mata for the visitors like youngsters and those who love adventures. Slowly this place is getting famous for these popular activities like camping, adventure trips, and trekking. From the initial point of trekking till Jodiya Di Mata Temple there are some small villages and the people of these villages gross their livelihood by supplying services like toys, food, pony/ horse rides, etc. to the travelers and the visitors.

Ganesh Gully, Harihareshwar

 Town- Harihareshwar

District - Raigad

State - Maharashtra
Location - 2 km from Harihareshwar bus stop
Timing for Visiting - 6 a.m to 5 p.m.

Beauty of the Konkan coastal town Harihareshwar is unparalleled due to the Sahyadri ranges .It has quite a few tourist spots that one can appreciate and enjoy.

Ganesh Gully is one such popular place about 1 km from the Harihareshwar temple. It is a Hindu pilgrimage point especially for the devotees of Lord Ganesh.

The Hindi word Gully ( गल्ली ) literally means a narrow passage joining two places. 

Ganesh Gully is a small culvert, meaning a narrow passage of about 3 feet width between two rocky mountains  that leads to a sea bed where a huge idol of Lord Ganesh is submerged in the sea at a depth of 30 feet.

The darshan of the Lord is possible only during the low tide when the water recedes revealing the idol for viewing. 

To reach up to here, the steps of Harihareshwar temples are to be climbed. The point is called Shukla tirth viewpoint. From then on, it is a trek / walk of about 1 km leading to the gully. 

The trek is quite risky and not advisable for children, elderly people etc. 

However, new stairs have been built recently along with railings to hold on which makes it much easier and accessible to cross the gully. 

Needless to say this point is full of adventure and natural beauty. 

Picture source - Trawell.in

Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

 Hill station - Malshej Ghat
District - Pune
State - Maharashtra
Elevation - 2296 feet ( 700 m )
Distance from Mumbai - 154 km
Distance from Pune - 130 km
Nearest railway stations - Kalyan and Karjat
Time to visit - June to January ( Monsoon and Winter seasons )
How to reach by road - Private vehicles, State transport buses from various points including right outside the Kalyan and Karjat railway stations,  cabs, two - wheelers etc.
Best place to stay - MTDC Resort

Without a doubt, come Monsoon,  Malshej Ghat is the go - to place for thousands of tourists from.the surrounding towns and cities like Mumbai, Pune and the districts of Pune, Thane and Suburban Mumbai.

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and a hill station in the Western Ghats , Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra. They lie at the border of Thane and Pune district.

The Ghats are a winding road and a mountain pass of about 13 km that provide a wonderful view of the valleys, villages, dense forests, high mountains and numerous Waterfalls.

It can be safely claimed that the driving factor of many tourists that bring them to the ghats in the monsoons are the innumerable and most wonderful waterfalls. Even more tempting are the waterfalls directly falling on the highways. Some roar down, some trickle, some are gentle and some form huge canopies through which the vehicles can pass. 

Such places turn into tourist spots with families and youngsters frolicking  in the falls and then enjoying piping hot tea and masaledar Corn Cobs from the roadside stalls. Roadside dhabas also provide yummy food choices.

Many people make it a one day trip just to enjoy the rains and the waterfalls, while quite a few prefer it as a weekend getaway. 

The ghats as well as the hill station is covered with mist, rain clouds and rain in the months from June to September. The clouds come so low as to be able to touch and pass through them.

Another USP of this picturesque region is the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna, with such birds like the pink flamingo, cuckoos, whistling thrush, purple moorhen, peacocks, crakes, quails, rails to name just a few. The surrounding forests are home to many wild animals like tigers, rabbits, leopards etc. 

The region is quite popular for numerous trekking trails as well.

Accordingly, the tourists here include a wide range that includes youngsters, couples, families, monsoon - lovers, nature - enthusiasts, trekkers, people looking for a break from their busy lives in a place that is calm, peaceful, beautiful, pleasant yet having all modern amenities for a comfortable stay. 

The environmentalists and bird watchers are attracted to see the pink flamingo that migrate here from the freezing Siberian winter in the month of June to September. The sight of hundreds of such graceful and colourful birds is mesmerizing. They can mostly be found in Dongarwadi and Khireshwar, both close to Malshej. 

Places to visit - 

• Ajoba hill fort

• Harishchandragad

• Buddhist caves

• Pushpawati river

• Pimpalgaon Dam

• Nageshwar temple

• Khireshwar temple 

• Trekking trails and rock climbing sites

• Shivneri fort 

Events -

Aadrai Jungle Trek ( Related post )

Magical Sunsets 

Picture source - thane.nic.in

Nashik District, Maharashtra

The district of Nashik is located in the Northern part of the state of Maharashtra.

Area - 15,582 sq.km / 6,016 sq.mi

Elevation - 700 meters / 2,300 feet

Population -  61,07,187 as per 2011 Census

Population rank in India - 11 th out of 640

District Headquarters -  Nashik city

Administrative Division - Nashik

Tehsils - 15

Villages - 1931

Languages Spoken - Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, Khandeshi, Kukna, Bhili

Geographical Borders -

North -  Dhule district, Maharashtra

South -  Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra

East - Jalgaon district, Maharashtra

West - Valsad and Navsari, Gujarat 

South East - Aurangabad district, Maharashtra

South West - Thane district, Maharashtra

North West - Dangs district, Gujarat

Primary Crops - Cotton, Wheat, Pulses, Groundnuts, Sugarcane, Oilseeds, Millet, Vegetables like Onion, Brinjals, Coriander, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Carrots etc

Water Sources - Rivers Girna, Daman Ganga, Darna, Kadva, Mosam, Godavari, Bhima, Vaitarna, Kashyapi, Darana

Natural Resources - Forest wealth, Rivers and Lakes 

Distance from 

• State Capital Mumbai - 200 km

• Pune - 228.6 km

How to reach :-

Via Airports -

• Mumbai Airport, 175 km

• Pune International, 130 km

Via Railways - Nashik railway station is well - connected with most major Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi etc

Via Roadways - MSRTC ( Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation ) runs various buses connecting Nashik with most cities in the State. Private cabs, rentals buses etc are also available. 

Unique Features of the District -

• More than half of the country's Vineyards and Wineries are located here 

• Major producer of Onion

• Silver ware and Silver Ornaments 

Best time to visit - October to February

The district of Nashik is the third largest district in terms of population in the state of Maharashtra.

It is also referred to as Mini Maharashtra as the climatic and soil conditions all over the state matches with some or the other region of Maharashtra.

Politically it was a part of the Bombay State from  the years 1947 to 1960. When the state of Maharashtra came into being, the Bombay State was divided with parts allocated to both Maharashtra and Gujarat state. Present day Nashik district became a part of Maharashtra.

Historically it has much religious significance for the Hindus. It has connection with Lord Ram, Sita Mata and Lakshman as they had spent a part of their 14 year exile in Panchvati. 

Agastya Rishi also resided in Nashik.

Anjaneri is the birth place of Lord Hanuman.

Holy river Godavari originates in the district near Trimbakeshwar range. It is also the largest river of India's peninsular region. 

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is in Trimbak. 

The Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years. 

Topographically, the western portion of the district is covered with the Sahyadri Ranges that run from the North to the South. Whereas, the eastern portion of the district lies on the Deccan plateau and hence is very much fertile and well - cultivated. About 56 % of the district land is under cultivation with the rest being hilly and / or covered with Forests. 

The weather and climatic conditions are conducive for the growth of superb quality grapes that has turned the district into a major producer of Wine with innumerable vineyards and wineries. 

The city of Nagpur is its biggest city followed by Malegaon.

Whereas the city of Yeola leads in the production of cotton goods and silk weaving.

The cultural, historical, economic, social and mythological importance of the district makes it one of the most visited districts in the State. 

Recommended reading - Nashik district Tourism 

Map - nashik.com