Palakkad

Introduction and history: Known as the ‘Gateway of Kerala’ Palakkad is near the Palghat gap of the Western Ghats. Etymologically Palakkad is derived from the words ‘Pala’ and ‘Kadu’ where the former is a tree with sweet scented flowers and the later meaning forest. Beautiful Mountains and trees form its landscape. The place has a rich history that is evident in the many monuments and festivals celebrated here. The Palakkad district borders between Tamilnadu and Kerala.

Places of Attraction and Seasons to visit: Hyder Ali and remnants of Tipu Sultan’s fort are major tourist attractions. There are also numerous dams and canals that serve as ideal picnic spots. Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palakkad fort, Nelliyampathy, Jain temple, Malampuzha garden, Mangalam Dam are some of the major attractions in Palakkad. September to February is the best time to visit this place. Apart from the tourist destinations, Palakkad is also famous for its Wildlife safaris, Trekking, Boating and shopping.

Accommodation: Hotels in Palakkad come to suit all pockets. There are multiple options for accommodation which includes Ayurvedic and Heritage Resorts, Luxury Hotels, Budget Hotels, Economy Hotels, and Guesthouses. The prices range from as low as 100 rupees and can go up to 3000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Coimbatore is the nearest Airport to Palakkad, which is located at 55 Kilometers distance. It has two major railway junctions, which is well connected with all major destinations in Southern railway. Besides, NH 47 passes through it.

Related links:
• Official website: http://palakkad.nic.in
• Tourist information: http://palakkadtourism.org/
See also (Nearby places): Thrithala, Attappady, Dhoni Hills, Kanjirapuzha and Malayalappuzha.

Sarnath And The Stupa

Introduction and history: Sarnath, about 10 kilometers in the north-east of the holy city of Varanasi, is the blessed locale where more than 2,500 years ago Buddha chose to deliver his first sermon, after attaining Nirvana. Dhamek Stupa marks the place where Lord Buddha gave away his first sermon after he got enlightened in Bodh Gaya. Dhamek Stupa is arguably the most remarkable structure at Sarnath. Typical of Stupas of that period, Dhamek is cylindrical in shape with a base that is more than 28 meters in diameter. The Stupa stands 31.3 meters above the pedestal whereas the entrance measures 43.6 meters on its feet.

What to see and when to go: The architectural pattern of Dhamek Stupa is unique in its own way. The decorative patterns on the trunk of Stupa are mesmerizing. Panels that are carved with geometric and floral designs mark the trunk of Dhamek Stupa. The design also consists of a broad band of Swastika (fylfot). These Swastikas have been carved in different geometrical patterns with a finely chiseled lotus wreath, running over and below it. It has been explored that the structure was expanded and enlarged as many as 12 times in the course of history. One can visit Sarnath any time of the year, however it is recommended to visiting during the months from October to March.

Things to do: Sarnath is a much-frequented pilgrim centre not only for the Buddhists but for the Jains and Hindus as well. Apart from Dhamek Stupa, you can visit Dharmarajika Stupa, Ashok’s column, Mulagandhakuti Vihara Temple and Deer Park.

Accommodation: There is tourist bungalow at Sarnath for staying there. However, since its proximity to the holy city of Varanasi, visitors often tend to stay at Varanasi.

Mode of transport: Closest airport and railway station is Varanasi. The place is very well connected through road as well. For local travel multiple options are available in form of cab, auto or rickshaw.

Related links:

• Tourist information: www.varanasicity.com

See also (nearby places): Ghats at Varanasi, Royal Museum at Ramnagar and Chunnar fort.

Vivekananda Memorial, Kanyakumari

Introduction and history: The Vivekananda memorial is a rock located in Kanyakumari district about 500 meters from the main land. This is one of the important monuments which speak for India’s spiritual wealth and one of its masters Swami Vivekananda. When Swami visited this place in 1892, he went on deep meditation thereby making it one of the ideal places to attain solace. Kanyakumari has been named after the Goddess Kanyakumari amman who is the popular deity of the area. Legend has it that the Goddess parvati in one of her incarnations as Devi kanni did penance on one of the rocks of this land’s end to obtain the hand of Lord Shiva.

What to see and when to go: The memorial consist of two main portions namely Vivekananda mantapam and Shripada mantapam. The former is ideal place for performing meditation and the later forms the outer platform, which serves as an excellent vista point. This is ideal to visit any time during the year.

Things to do: Apart from visiting Vivekananda memorial, one can check out yoga camps nearby in the Vivekanandapuram area.

Accommodation: There is lot of hotels available depending on the budget. Hotels in Vivekanandapuram are very economical with price ranging about 300-500 rupees per day.

Hotel Pioneer Paradise
Tower Junction,
Nagercoil
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu
Tele:04652-238451,238542,238544

Hotel Manickam
East car street,
Near seashore,
Kanyakumari.
Tamil Nadu
Tele:04652-246387,246687

Hotel Sangam
Main Road,
Kanyakumari
Tamil Nadu
Tele:04652-246351,246352,246629

Mode of transport: The nearest Airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum (80 kilometers), the capital city of Kerala. For train journey, one needs to get down at Kanyakumari junction itself, where many long distance trains are available. Taxis are the main mode of transport for local travel.

Related links:
• Official website: http://kanyakumari.nic.in/
• Vivekananda memorial: http://www.rockmemorial.org/

See also (nearby places): Suchindrum, Udayagiri Fort, Mathoor Hanging Bridge, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Uppirika Malika, The Navarathri Mandapa, Pechiparai Dam, Peer Mohammed Durga, Tirparappu Water Falls, Maruthuva Malai, Chitharal, Muttom Beach, Sanguthurai Beach, Vattakottai (Circular Fort), Chothavilai Beach, Ulakkai aruvi, Mukkadal, , Sri Padaparai, Kanyakumari amman temple, Gandhi mantapam, Vivekananda pictorial exhibition, Thiruvalluvar statue, St.Francis Xavier church and wandering monk exhibition.

Vijay Stambh Chittorgarh

Introduction and history: The Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is located in Chittorgarh, which was built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 AD to celebrate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. It is a nice storied structure, with an imposing height of 37 meter, which is a finest example of the famed Rajput style of architecture. It is adjacent to the Mahasati area inside the Chittor fort. This spot is used as the cremation ground for the male members of the royal family. The surrounding area is dotted with Sati Stones signifying the sacrifices made by the women on their husbands’ pyres.

Things to do: Chittorgarh offers a range of tourist attractions. Starting with Museums (Archaeological and Fateh Prakash museum) the list extends to monuments (Chhatris of jaimal and Kalla Kirti Stambh), forts (Chittorgarh Fort, Fateh Prakash Palace, Rana and Kumbha Palace), Gardens (Fort and Padminis Gardens) and a variety of shopping destinations.

Mode of transport and Accommodation: The nearest airport is Udaipur, at a distance of 98 kilo meters. It is well connected by rail and road. There are ample numbers of government approved accommodation available in Udaipur.

Related links:
• Rajasthan tourist information: http://www.travelrajasthan.net/
• Chittorgarh official site: http://chittorgarh.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Udaipur and Jodhpur are nearby major tourist attractions. The former is an incredibly beautiful small city with tranquil lakes surrounded by gently rolling hills, which is popularly known as “city of lakes”. It has places tourist attractions like Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Jag Mandir and Nathdwara. Jodhpur has Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Osiyan Temple and Kaman Art gallery which should not be missed.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Introduction and history: The Victoria Memorial Hall is a formidable building which was opened in 1921. This Hall is the largest storehouse in India for a visual tour of the history of Kolkata. It also has a major collection of paintings, sculptures and manuscripts from the British Period. It is also a museum where one can see the pictures and statues of great men who played a vital role in the history of India. It was an idea developed by Lord Curzon who opened this museum to make people proud of their past and to help them understand the culture of our great nation.

What to see and when to go: There are many sections in the Victoria Memorial Hall wherein almost a whole section is specially contributed to Queen Victoria. The library is one section that is highly recommended as here one can find a truly rare collection of books ranging from Shakespeare, to Rubaiyat’s Omar Khayyam. There is also a collection of arms and ammunition used in the British era, which are displayed in the museum. For display are also some historical relics that include the ink pot used by Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidya sagar, pistols used by Lord Warren Hastings in a duel etc.

Things to do: Apart from this memorial, Kolkata has many interesting places to see. Starting with Academy of Fine Arts it has a list of places like Nehru Children’s Museum, Belur Math, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Marble Palace, Vidya sagar setu, Rabindra Sadan and Kalighat temple.

Accommodation: As a diversified and old city Kolkata offers accommodation facilities starting from 350 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Kolkata is one of important airports in the eastern part of India, which is well connected. The Howrah railway station is the biggest one in India, which has train reaching all parts of the country. The local travel is mainly via well regulated taxi systems. Don’t miss out to travel in the metro rail, which is a cost-effective and easy way to go around the city.

Timings: Victoria Memorial Garden remains open all throughout the year (even on holidays) from 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM. But sale of entry tickets closes at 6:45 PM.

Related links:
• Official site: http://www.victoriamemorial-cal.org/
• City information: http://www.calcuttaweb.com/

Humayun Tomb At Delhi

Introduction and history: The tomb of Humayun is located in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi. Humayun inherited Mughal dynasty in 1530 after the founder of Mughal Empire Babur. His addiction to luxury left the door open for ambitious men to plot behind his back. Ten years into his reign, Humayun was overthrown by the opportunist Sher Shah, who took advantage of Afghan tribesmen to force Humayun into exile in Iran. After coming back to Delhi and conquering Sher Shan in 1555, Humayun died in the same here. This monument was built by Hamida Banu Begum, Humayun’s widow starting in 1562. This monument is designed in Persian-style garden layout, which was the first of its kind. In fact this inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.

What to see and when to go: Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden tomb made in India, which is divided into 36 squares by water channels. The laying down of the gardens in the Persian style was introduced by Babur and continued till the period of Shah Jahan. On the way to Humayun’s tomb there are gateways, which offer a glimpse of the tomb. The place is good to visit throughout the year and local guides are available for a person’s alacrity towards understanding the culture in depth.

Accommodation: There are lots of hotels available depending on the budget. Hotels in Pahargunj area are very economical with price ranging about 350-4200 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: Delhi is very well connected to every part of India through rail, air and road routes. It has three railway stations namely: New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin. Also, it has three bus terminals, namely: Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. The Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights. Taxis, buses, auto-rickshaw and metro railways are mode of transport for local travel.

Word heritage centre: Yes
• Item number : 232
• Official UNESCO link: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/232

See also (nearby places): Purana Quila, Chandni Chowk, Dolls museum, Akshardham Temple, Raj Ghat, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red fort, Isa Khan’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Safdargunj Tomb, Natural History Museum. National Rail Museum, Modern Art Gallery, Tiber House, Indira Gandhi Museum, Sanskriti Museum, Sangeet Natak Academy, Crafts Museum.

Gwalior Fort

Introduction and history: Gwalior is one of the important cities in Madhya Pradesh, where the ancient monument and modern development go hand-in-hand. The city has served as the center of several of North India’s historic kingdoms. Museums, art galleries and beautifully maintained palaces speak for the city and centuries gone by. The Gwalior Fort dominates the city as it is the most magnificent monument and the history traces it back to 15th century. The fort contains multiple statues of Jain Tirthankaras.The, who created the Jain community.

What to see and when to go: Apart from enjoying the main fort it consists of multiple other monuments like Man Mandir Palace, Teli ka Mandir, Jai Vilas Palace, Tansen’s Tomb in the nearby areas. In order to get the real historical information one can visit the nearby Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum and Kala Vithika. Gwalior has a famous Zoo which is a good attraction for children. The ideal time to visit the fort the city is between July and March.

Things to do: Known for its art and culture, the Gwalior city is one of the best places to different kinds of local dances. Starting with Ahiri Dance and list grows with many others including Yadav dance, Saharia dances, Lur dance, Lanhgi dance and Dul-Dul Ghori dance.

Accommodation: There are many heritage hotels available in the city, which are cost effective. The average price will range from 500 to 1200 rupees per day for a good accommodation.

Mode of transport: The city is well connected with regular flights from Delhi & Bhopal. As the city forms a major junction in Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines, there is ample number of trains on a daily basis. It is also well connected by regular bus service from places like Agra (65 kilometers) and Delhi (270 kilometers).
Timings:
• Sound and Lighting at the Fort : 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM (Summer time) and 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM (Winter time)
• Gwalior Zoo: 8 AM to 3 PM

Related links:
• Madhya Pradesh Tourism site : http://www.mptourism.com/
• Gwalior district official site: http://gwalior.nic.in/

See also (nearby places): Datia, Sonagiri, Tigra Dam, and The National Chambal sanctuary are some of the nearby places for nature lovers.

Interesting information:
• The city also produced music legends like Amjad Ali Khan and Dr. Ishwar Chandra Karkare.
• The earliest freedom fighters, Tantya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior.

Fatehpur Sikri At Agra

Introduction and history: The Fatehpur Sikri city located in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, which remained as the political capital from 1571 until 1585, which was abandoned later due to lack of water. The name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Khanwa (about 40 KM from Agra). Today this ghost city has a population of about 30,000. This deserted city has retained many of the old structures, because of the efforts of the Archaeological department. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to visit if one comes to Agra.

What to see and when to go: The city consists of many monuments which include Tomb of Shaikh Salim Chisti, Place of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan, Karawan Serai and Hiran Minar, Palace of the Christian Wife, Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam. November to February is the best time to visit this place.

Things to do: Apart from this Agra has the word famous Taj Mahal. Agra Fort, Itimadi-ud-daula, Akbar’s Tomb and Sikandara are some of the other tourist attractions.

Accommodation: Agra has a wide range of hotels and rest houses. UP state tourism development corporation has its tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal. It offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms. Hotels and restaurants offer Indian, Continental and Chinese food. Mughal cuisine is Agra’s specialty.

Mode of transport: The Agra is well connected to Delhi (203 kilometers) by many flights, which takes about 40 minutes by air. Quite a number of trains running between Delhi and Varanasi pass via Agra

Timings: The Fatehpur Sikri is open all days between 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Is it a world heritage site? : Yes
• Entry number: 255
• Link: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/255

Golconda Fort

Introduction and history: The Golconda Fort is an extraordinary monument of Hyderabad. Its history traces back to the 13th century which was built by the Kakatiya kings. The present structure of the Golconda Fort was renovated by Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort. The magnificent fort of Golconda in Hyderabad is one of the most magnificent complexes in India which lies on the western outskirts and is around 11 kilometers from Hyderabad. The construction of Golconda Fort of Hyderabad dates back to the early 13th century.

What to see and when to go: The Golconda fort consists of 87 semi circular bastions, 80 gateways, 4 drawbridges and many royal apartments. Apart from the main fort it also consists of a palace, a parade ground, a mosque, an armory and other buildings. More than 380 uneven stone steps starts from the Balahisar Darwaza to Hyderabad Golconda Fort. There is a sound and light show organized for about an hour at 7 PM every day.

Things to do: Apart from enjoying the beauty of the fort one can visit Birla mandir, Charminar, Hussain Sagar Lake, Mecca masjid, Ramoji film city and Salarjung museum.

Accommodation: There is lot of hotels available depending on the budget. The accommodation price per day will vary from 800 to 8000 rupees per day.

Mode of transport: The city of Hyderabad is well connected with other parts of India by all modes of transport. Recently constructed international airport offers frequent flights to all parts of the country. The local travel is mainly via taxis. Plenty of package touring agencies are located near the Charminar area.

Related links:
• Official website:http://hyderabad.nic.in/
• Hyderabad tourist information:http://7wondersofhyderabad.com/

Interesting points:
• The city of Hyderabad is very famous for perls.