Ooty - The Pride of Tamil Nadu at Nilgiri Hills

Ooty was built by British on a plane at Nilgiri hills. That small township is now extended to the slopes of Nilgiri hills and now the official name is Udagamandalam.
Ooty is a very popular hill station in southern part of India and loved by the tourists all over the world. Three days break in Ooty can be memorable experience of one’s life. It can very easily be your honeymoon destination.


How to reach Ooty?

The nearest important city is Coimbatore. Coimbatore is well connected to all the major cities of India and you can reach there either by a flight or train. There are direct flights to Coimbatore from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. From Coimbatore, Ooty is 110km and can be reached by bus or cab. Bus services to Ooty are also available from other parts of Tamilnadu and Kerala.




Possibly the most enjoyable way to reach Ooty is by the Nilgiri Passenger train which runs from Metupallyam to Ooty via Coonoor. It takes about 4 hours to run 46 Km magnificent terrain of Nilgiri range and pass through 26 viaducts and 13 tunnels. To avail this train you have to come to Metupallyam from Coimbatore either by train or cab. The train leaves Metupallyam at 7.45 am. Try to come little early to grab a suitable seat. Travelling in 1st Class in this train will be an excellent experience, because of its large glass window at one end of the compartment. On this 46 Km journey the train climbs 7200 ft and view changes rapidly as you gain altitude. To be more precise, Coonoor is 26 km from Metupallyam and at an altitude of 6000 ft! It is a really a steep up climb for the tiny train. Just a drizzle at times, if you are lucky will make the view more romantic. Just to add, this Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a world heriage site.

How to plan the Ooty tour?

The important places to see in Ooty are listed below. These places you can see at your leisure by hiring an auto rickshaw. You may also prefer to walk if you have time to spare.





Botanical garden of Ooty:

This wonderful garden was started as a kitchen garden of the British. From 1845 this garden started to transform into botanical garden, now is a place with immense collection of different varieties of plants, cactus and beautiful flowers on the slopes of the hill. You can spend whole day in this garden and will be charmed by its amazing exquisiteness. The road to Raj Bhaban is through this garden. At British era this was Government House and was the summer capital of Madras Residency. From here on the top of the hill you can see the villages of Toda tribes. They are now modernized. The old type of igloo hut, in which they used to live now cannot be seen except in some of their remaining temples.





Rose Garden:

Though there are variety of roses in the Botanical garden, but the Rose Garden at Viijaynagaram Palace compound is exclusive. This is possibly one of the largest rose garden of the world. Here more than 2000 species of roses are cultivated in the five steps of Nilgiri hills.






Ooty Lake:

Built in 1823 AD this lake is now a major tourist attraction of Ooty. Boat house, beautiful garden, children’s park and deer park around the lake add to its beauty. Leisurely boating in this lake is wonderful feeling, you will cherish in your memory.

The other points to see in Ooty are Government Museum, Government art College, Nilgiri district library, Gymkhana club, and St. Stephen’s Church. See these if you stay some for some time in Ooty.

There are some excellent tourist spots around Ooty, which you can visit by TTDC authorized conducted tours by bus or, hiring a car by your own.

These following tours are operational in Ooty:

Ooty City tour: You need not take this tour. Better travel by your own taking your time. In this trip the places covered are Ooty lake and Botanical garden.





Ooty Coonoor tour: This tour starts 9 am in the morning and returns at 6 pm in the evening. This will cover Ooty lake, Botanical garden, Dodabetta peak (highest point in Nilgiri),Valley view in Ooty and Sims Park, Lamb’s rock, Tea garden, Dolphin nose view points in Coonoor.

Filmy Chakkar: From 9 am to 5 pm trip you will see the places on the way to Mysore, Paikara water falls, Paikara dam, Paikara Boat house, Cine shooting points, Kamraj sagar dam, Pine forest etc. Along with these the city points like Golf links, rose garden, children’s park, deer park lake are also shown. If you plan to go to mysore from Ooty, most of these places can be covered.




Wild ways: From 9 am to 8pm this trip covers Paikara water falls, Paikara dam, Paikara Boat house, Cine shooting points and Mudumalai forest. These places you can cover on your way to Mysore, if you plan that way. Avail this trip if you are not going to Mysore from Ooty.

Coonoor – Kotagiri – Kodanad: This is possibly the best trip, which covers most of the places in Nilgiri hills. From 9 am to 8 pm, this trip will show you valley view in Ooty and then will go to Coonoor to cover Sims’s park, Lamb’s rock, Dolphin’s nose. From Connor to Kotagiri, on the way you will see the tea gardens and through the tea garden, you will reach the wonderful Kodanad view point.


Where to stay in Ooty (Ooty Hotel information):
1st April to 15th June is off season in Ooty. You can get off season during this period.

STD code of Ooty +91 423

TTDC Hotel Tamil Nadu 1: Charing Cross Road, Ooty Ph: 44371/ 372
TTDC Hotel Tamilnadu 2: Botanical garden road, Ooty Ph: 43665
KSTDC Hotel Mayur Sudarshan: Fern Hill, Ooty Ph: 43828

There are many private hotels in Ooty and hotels for all budgets are available. Their rate varies with the number of tourists.
Hotel Charing Cross Ph: 44387
Hotel Dasprakash Ph: 42434
Hotel Nilgiri woodlands Ph: 42551
Lake view cottage Ph: 43904
Nahar Hotels Ph: 43685

This article is republished at India Study Channel

Photo attribution:

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/idivilayil/

Munnar In Kerala – More green than you can imagine!

The greenest hill station we have ever visited is no doubt Munnar in the Nilgiri Hills. One can come here in Munnar any time during the year. Possibly the best is winter, then at night temperature sometimes drop to subzero. We could not visit Munnar at winter but this is a story of October. At an altitude of 5400 Ft, Munnar is a dream like place with its lush green teagardens, colorful flowers and play of fog and clouds here and there. Anaimudi the highest peak (2700 Meters) of Nilgiri hill is also in Munnar. The literal meaning of Munnar is "confluence of three rivers". Here three rivers Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. flow through the Munnar. Munnar can be approached from Kochi or, Ernakulam via Adimali in 4 hours or, from Coimbatore via Indira Gandhi National Park and Chinar National Park in 5 hours. These two routes are unique in their different natural beauty. The road from Kochi is through the tea gardens on each side of the road.

Kodai express from Chennai reached Coimbatore at 1.40 pm. Refreshed and had some snacks outside the station and hired a car from the station itself. It took some time to complete the formalities at the highway permit office before we could start our journey at about 3 pm. The first halt was the check post of Indira Gandhi National Park. Soon our car entered the forest with very little traffic. After a while we were passing through the Chinar reserve forest. The road and journey through narrow hilly road of the forest was adventurous. We were lucky (?) to see some wild elephants on our way. Our car left the forest area before the sunset and we stopped beside a water falls. A small shop was there where you can find tea, coffee, noodles and honey from the forest. We snacked and walked a little to ease out our cramped legs and started the journey again. Driver warned us beforehand regarding the dangerous fog in the 5 Km stretch after Marayur. He was right! Something was visible up to the sandalwood forest but after Marayur, we really still wonder how our driver drove? The visibility was absolutely zero! May be they know the road like their palm. Though we were tensed but safely reach near Munnar market area at about 8 pm. We booked a hotel for us there.

Eravikulam National Park:

Next morning a beautiful clear weather was waiting for us. We hired an auto @INR 250 to visit Eravikulam National Park and other spots. The route was really charming by the side the lush green tea plantation and river. It took half hour to reach the gate of the Eravikulam National Park. There was nice arrangement to travel within the park. We had to get on to a car to travel within. The car is available in every 5 to 7 minutes. The greenery was always more than what we imagine. In 20 minutes we reached at a high point in the park , like a view point and rain started. We will remember for long the magnificent view of rain over the green valley. This place is famous for Nilgiri Thars. Neelakurinji flower use to bloom in this park every 12 years. The last bloom was in 2006. We spent about an hour at Eravikulam National Park.

Mattupetti Dam:

This is a beautiful reservoir and surrounded from three sides by green hills. We enjoyed the view running of speedboats in this dam. We had our lunch and visited a nursery and our plan was to see Kundala lake, Echo point and top station. Echo point was near by and it was a fun to hear the clear echo of anything you speak out loudly.

Kundala Lake:

Through the dense Anaimudi forest a little away is Kundala Lake. A peaceful spot with little or no tourist. Few colorful boats are anchored in the lake. We enjoyed the serenity and tranquil beauty of the place by spending some time there.

Came back to Munnar by the evening we spent the by seeing the market and shops at Munnar. Variety of steel household goods including coffee filters. Shops of tea, filter coffee, homemade chocolates and honey is the specialty of this place apart from other regular shops. You will get all kind of food sops both vegetarian and non vegetarian; will serve you food of choice by making them instantly. Many cybercafé to link you to the world is also there at your service.

Next day we got up late. It was little cloudy. Last few hours are remaining for Munnar. We decide to go towards Marayur, the beauty of which we missed due to excessive fog. We took one auto and what a heavenly beauty was waiting for us! The place remain filled with mist throughout the day. The Carmel Church, tea garden, school lush green ambience and greenish blue mist made that place so dreamy. Bright red flowers on the road was like a warm red carpet welcome. We spent hours in the tea garden. Now it is the time to return.

From Munnar we proceeded to Ernakulam (Kochi) through the second route with a different landscape of tea gardens.

What is the best time to go to Munnar?

Almost throughout the year Munnar experience rain; but June to august is rainy season. The beauty of rain is also unforgettable experience. Always keep umbrella, whenever you come here. The temperature remain comfortable throughout the year between 10 to 25 degree Celsius. At times in winter it drop to subzero at night. Though you can come any time during the year the season is from September to May.

How to reach Munnar?

From any part of the country reach Coimbatore or, Ernakulam (Kochi). Both these places are well connected to Chennai by bus and rail service. The car fare from Coimbatore is @ INR 2220 and that from Kochi @ INR 1600. Bus services to Munnar are also available from important cities of south India.

Where to stay at Munnar:

STD code: +91 4865

Budget travelers can get hotels here @ INR 600 – 1200. Like other places in southern India you will not have problem with food. You can get food of your choice both vegetarian and non vegetarian.

Luxurious options are:

• Tall Trees Hotel

• Best Western fort

• The Sienna Village

The other hotels in Munnar:

• KTDC Hotel County: Ph: 230460 DB @ INR 5500 – 6500

• Canonvivan Hotel: Ph: 230252 DB @ INR 950

• Holiday Inn: Ph: 232155 DB @ INR 1000 – 1200

• Green view Hotel: Ph: 230940 DB @ INR 650 – 1100

• Munnar Inn: Ph: 230736 DB @ INR 1500 – 1800

• Hill view Hotel: Ph: 230567 DB @ INR 2000 – 3000

• Misha Holiday: Ph: 230376 DB @ INR 1000 – 2000

• Puppata resort: Ph: 230223 DB @ INR 1200 - 2000

This article is republished in India Study Channel

Photo attribution:


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Important Hotels ( Accommodations) in Assam

Jorhat STD Code: +91 376

Hotel Heritage
ASTC Bus Stand; Address:: BB Road; Ph: 2321719
Number of rooms: 21
Tariff @ INR 250-650; TE Credit Cards Visa, Master
Amenities: Laundry, room service, sightseeing, TV

Hotel More International
Central Address: More Complex, 2nd Floor, AT Road; Ph: 2300472/ 071
Number of rooms: 42
Tariff @ INR 275-1,500
Amenities: Laundry, room service, sightseeing, STD, TV

Hotel Neera
Near bus stand
Address: Solicitor Road Ph: 2322618 Number of rooms: 32
Tariff @ INR 110-660
Amenities: Hot water, room service, TV

Hotel Paradise
Near bus stand
Address: Solicitor Road Ph: 2321366 Fax 2323512
Website: www.fhraj.com
Number of rooms: 31
Tariff @ INR 375-1,040; TE Credit Cards Visa, Master
Amenities: Restau¬rant, bar, room service, TV

Hotel President
Near bus stand
Address: Thana Road Ph: 2329728, 2322328
Number of rooms: 26
Tariff @ INR 150-750
Amenities: Hot water, laundry, room service, TV

Hotel Swagatam
Address: Indo Bhawan, MG Road; Ph: 2327764
Number of rooms: 43
Tariff @ INR 200-650
Amenities: Attached bath, hot water, parking, room service, sightseeing, TV

New Circuit House
Address: KV Road Ph: 2321720, 2320712
Website: www.assamtourism.org
Number of rooms: 8
Tariff @ INR 80 per bed, @ INR 120 per room
Amenities: Canteen, attached bath, hot water
Delhi Reservations: Assam Bhavan, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi Ph: 011-26877111, 26888048
Kolkata Reservations: Officer-in-Charge, Tourist Information Centre, Gov¬ernment of Assam, Assam House, 8, Russel Street, Kolkata Ph: 033-22295094

Old Circuit House
Near bus stand
Address: KV Road Ph: 2320002
Number of rooms: 8
Tariff @ INR 80 per bed, @ INR 120 per room
Amenities: Canteen, common bath, hot water
Delhi and Kolkata Reservations Same as New Circuit House


Majuli STD Code +91 3775

Circuit House
Address: Garmur, Majuli Ph: 274439
Number of rooms: 8
Tariff @ INR 40-50 per bed
Amenities: Canteen, attached bath.
Delhi and Kolkata Reservations Same as New Circuit House.

Important Hotels In Arunachal Pradesh

Bomdila: STD CODE +91 3782

Hotel Shangrila
Location Kakaling
Address: Lower Bomdila Ph: 222226; Number of rooms 6
Tariff @INR 220-350
Facilities Attached bath, hot water, TV

Hotel Shipyangpong
Ph: 222286 Number of rooms 22
Tariff @INR 400-750
Facilities Restaurant, hot water, room service, TV

Tawang STD CODE +91 3794

Hotel Alpine
Address Nehru Market, Tawang Ph: 222515; Rooms 6
Tariff @ INR 600
Facilities
Restaurant, attached bath, hot water, room service, taxis, TV

Hotel Buddha
Address Old Bazaar Lane, Tawang Ph: 222359; Rooms 8
Tariff @ INR 550-750
Facilities Restaurant, attached bath, hot water, room service, sightseeing, TV

Hotel Nefa
Location Central; Address Nehru Market Ph: 222419; Rooms 3
Tariff @ INR 250-450
Facilities
Attached bath, hot water, room service, taxi arranged, TV

Hotel Shangrila
Location Near taxi stand Ph: 222275; Rooms 15
Tariff @ INR 300-450
Facilities
Restaurant, hot water, room service, TV

Belur, Halebid / Halebidu, Shravanabelagola

We travelled these three wonderful places in one day from Bangalore by hiring a car; but to fully appreciate and bestow proper respect to the artists who made these wonders. Here are the descriptions, some photos and important information of Belur, Halebid and Shravanbelagola. Just don’t miss them.


Belur:

Belur is a small locality in the Hasan District of Karnataka. It was the capital of the hoysala kings, at their times. Today Belur is famous for the temples at that time by them. Yagachi river, one of the important tributaries of Cauvery as beside Belur. The ancient name of Belur was Velapuri. The most important place to see here is Chennakshava Temple and was built by Vishnuvardhan in 1116 AD. Two statues, symbolizing the royal symbol of Hoysala dynasty, featuring a young man killing a tiger, is guarding entrance to the shrine. The main structure is built over a 5 ft high platform. The walls, everywhere from the base to the top including the elevations are sculptured intricately with different imagery. Here the Hoysala sculpture has reached pinnacle. We could not believe this kind of marvelous art can be made out of stone. The celestial beauties depict the lifestyles of that time showing dancing, shringar, feeding the pets, frightened by a scorpion etc. We were spellbound to see the trailing down water over a body of a statue and the intricate designs of the ornaments curved in stone on the statues.




The main pillars in the Navranga Hall are worth observing closely. Each one is different from the other and work of genius of its own. The temple is diamond shaped with entry from east, north and south. A stone platform is there at the centre of the hall where queen used to dance for the Lord Chennakeshava. The beauty of Shantalata Devi, queen of Hoysala inspired the sculptresses to make the scintillating sculptures. Don’t forget to look at the ceiling, which is also so marvelously sculpted. Outside the temple , on the Vimana you will see marvelous art works showing rows of elephants, lions, horses, birds. The other images on the wall of the temple tell you the story of different Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharat, Puran and Bhagvat Gita and will see statues of different God and Godesses. Like all Hoysala temples this temple is placed on a star shaped platform and the sculptures are so beautifully placed, you don’t have to strain your neck to see them. Visit the Vasudev lake, the holy lake inside the temple complex. Ratha Yatra Festival is woth visiting in this temple. Take the help of a guide to see the temple; otherwise you may miss many important aspect of this marvelous piece of art work.


How to reach Belur:

Bus service from Bangalore to Hasan 180 km is available at an interval of 15 minutes. From Hasan regular local bus service to Belur is available ( 38 Km). If you wish to travel both Belur and Halebid by car, auto. Charges for auto is approximately INR 500 – 600 and that for a car is INR 1200 – 1400.


Where to stay at Belur:

STD code: +91 8177

• Kadamba Comforts: Ph: 250355 DB @ INR 600 – 1000
• Suvarna Regency Ph: 266774 DB @ INR 700 – 1500
• Sree Krishna Ph: 263240 DB @ INR 750 – 1500
• Vishnu Regency Ph: 223011 DB @ INR 600 – 1200

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Halebid:

17 km from Belur is Halebid, where the dynasty of Hoysala kings were extended. Beautiful roads through the villages are there both from Hasan and Belur. The road ends near a large pond Dwarsamudra. Beside this large pool is the main attraction of Halebid, Hoysaleshwar Temple. The huge compound of the temple is wonderfully decorated with colorful flowering trees and a lush gree lawn. Like all temples in this area, the star shaped temple complex is also placed on a 5 ft high platform. The roof of this temple is flat. The intricate sculptures on every inch of the temple’s wall, pillars, stairs, ceiling are still there unaffected with all their all glories and majestic artistic extravaganza. The stories of Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharat, and Bhagwat Gita are depicted in these images. A majestic black bull (Nandi) is placed in the Nat Mandap of the main temple. Observe the pillars, and ceiling inside the temples – I am sure you will be stunned. Unlike Belur, in this temple regular puja and prayer to the Lord Shiva is still continuing regularly. The temple remain open from sunrise to sunset. Unless you are in one day conduted tour to Belur, Halebid and Sravanbelagola, don’t miss the sunset here.




Geological museum in the temple complex is also worth visting. This museum tremain open from 10 am to 5 pm except Fridays. If you have time see the Jain temples near by namely Parshnath and Shantinath Jain Temple. These are almost as old Hosaleshwar Temple. Another small, yet another gem of art is Kedareshwar Shiva temple. This temple was built by Hoysala king Veervalla Second on 1219 AD.






How to reach Halebid:

The bus stand of Halebid is near the temple itself. Halebid is 17 Km from Belur and 30 Km from Hasan. From both these places bus service is available regularly. You can always opt for conducted tour from Hasan or, Bangalore to Belur, Halebid and Sravanbelagola.


Where to stay at Halebid / Halebidu:

STD code +91 8177


The KTDC Hotel Maurya Santhala is an excellent place to stay at Halebid, opposite to the temple complex. Ph: 273224 DB @ INR 300 – 400

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Shravanvelagola:

A different route goes from Hasan to reach Shravanbelagola at a distance of 52 Km. It is a famous Jain pilgrim place. Jain Acharaya Bhadrabahu spread the Jain religion in this place about 2000 years back. The temple was built at that era. The green of Shravanvelagola are still maintained. Within this green ambience two barren hills Bindhyagiri and Chandragiri are proudly standing. The main attraction of Shravanbelagola, Gomateshwar Temple with 57 ft Bahubali statue is on the top of Bindhyagiri hill. You have to climb 630 stairs bare footed to reach at the top of the hill. Yes it is tiring but what you will see on top is really something worth. Throughout the whole day devotees pray and offer pujas at the feet of the huge statue of the Lord Gomateshwar. Every 12 years Maha Mandakabhishek festival held in this temple with great enthusiasm. There are few very old Jain temples and Cave temples on the top of Chandragiri hills too. Here laso you have to climb about 500 steps to reach on the top. You will not have time to see these if you are in a conducted tour.


How to reach Shravanbelagola:

Chanrayapatna is well connected by bus from Hasan ( 36 km), Bangalore ( 140 km) and Mysore (100 km). Chanrayapatna is an important place from where Shravanbelagola is 16 km. The road condition is excellent and you can reach by either bus, auto or car to Shravanbelagola from Chanrayapatna.


Where to stay at Shravanbelagola:

STD code: +91 8176


The temple committee Dharmashala at Shravanbelagola Ph: 257258

On the highway at Chanrayapatna:

• Hotel Kruthika Ph: 252425 DB @ INR 300 – 600
• Hotel Akhsata Ph: 256555 DB @ INR 300 – 500

Karnataka Tourism: http://www.karnatakatourism.org Ph: +91 80 2227 5869/ 5883.

This article is republished in India Study Channel

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Kanha –Best Place To See Wild Animals From Close

It was December end. From Kolkata we travelled by Mumbai mail to reach Gondia. Car, courtesy of the hotel was waiting for us at station. Khatia, where we are supposed to stay is 3 hours from the Gondia station. The beautiful hilly road led us to Khatia. We reached hotel in the evening. It was cold! Our plan to stay there was for 3 days. To enter the Kanha forest, special types of open jeeps are available. These jeeps queue from early morning 4 am to enter the forests. We started a little late next morning. Strangely enough this late entry helped us! When so many jeeps enter together early in the morning, the animals and birds get frightened and fled away but we were alone at that time around 7 am and we were welcomed by a beautiful peacock. Our driver was an expert guide and he drove so beautifully through the forest and introduced with the inhabitants there. Variety of colorful birds, deer, wild bores, bison, and lots of monkeys along with the natural beauty and fragrance of the forest was splendid experience. We really couldn't stop snapping. Driver cum guide assure us that we may get a chance to see tiger if not today, at least in next two days. In our morning trip we were not lucky enough to see the king.

Came back to hotel for lunch and again started our second trip to the forest in the afternoon. This time we drove through another route. In this itinerary we saw different variety of owl, and so many colorful birds, sorry don't know the names. While coming back, driver from another jeep told us tiger is seen at some place. We drove fast and saw there are at least 15 jeeps are standing. Some of them told they have seen the tiger but it has left this place a little ago. We cursed our luck and get back to the hotel.

Next day morning we started with more enthusiasm, hoping for the best thing to come. Today we were blessed! We saw the rarest scene a tiger is crossing the road! It is not possible to explain how we felt by seeing it from so close and that too from an open jeep!

We were so satisfied; everyone spent rest of the time just by discussing how the experience was! We saw the museum at Kanha. The museum is mostly tiger oriented. After viewing the king, we really enjoyed the museum too. Folk dances by the local people were arranged by the hotel in the evening. We had still a morning session left.

Next morning we again entered the jungle, our last safari. We didn't expect anything more Kanha is going to gift us. To our surprise we suddenly saw a deer with beautiful horns and almost as big as horse! Our guide told us this is Hardground Barasinga / Barasingha Deer and is available specially in this forest. We were dumbstruck.

Kanha has fulfilled our all dreams and gave us everything one can expect from a jungle.

Information for visiting Kanha National Park:

It is best to go Kanha via Jabbalpur. Khatia is the entry point for the forest. Within the forest a MP tourism tourist lodge is there to stay at Kisli. Open jeeps are available to roam around in the forest. Your hotel authority will arrange for the car. This reserve forest is open for the tourists from October to June. It remains closed for three months during the rainy season. Daily two shifts are open for entry. 1^st from sunrise to 12 pm and 2^nd from 3 pm to sunset. 6 persons are allowed per jeep. You have to drive 3 km from Khatia to Kisli and pay the necessary entry charge and camera charge at the forest office to collect the permit, before entering the forest. Guide is must. Your driver may also be a licensed guide. Those who are coming from Bilaspur side, same arrangement is there at Mukki, another entry point to the Kanha forest.

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Where to stay at Kanha:

Baghira Log House at Kisli by MPTDC DB AP @INR 3600 – 4300 per day

At tourist hostel dormitory @INR 500 per bed

At Mukki Kanha Safari Lodge by MPTDC DB @ INR 2100 – 2900 per day

Private hotels 165 Km from Jabbalpur

Kipling camp kipling@nivalink.com

Mogli Resort mogliresort@nivalink.com


This article is republished at India study Channel

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Royal Palace On Wheels now rolls on desert – an upgraded version of Palace On Wheels

The "super lavishness" Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, whose top tariff of $2,000 (Rs 97,600) per person per night is three times than highest tariff on the Palace, on wheels is ready to roll on the deserts. Officials say the economic catastrophe may have reduced tourist visit to India but not for the Palace on Wheels, which is booked full till the period ends in March. The Royal palace on wheels will accommodate those, who couldn't find room on the Palace on wheels.

"The higher cost is not likely to discourage elite foreign tourists since they will get extra amenities and luxury on the Royal Rajasthan. It is a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways.

Both the luxury wheels follow the same circuit Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Agra and back to Delhi after a week.

Royal Rajasthan scores higher is its super deluxe saloon that has two lavish suites, whose guests will voyage by luxury cars while visiting the attractions and have personal attendants.

It also has higher point than the Palace in offering two bars, complete with lounging area, bar counters and eating areas. They will also have a spa on the train, and wi-fi connections too will be available soon.

RTDC sources claimed the Royal would offer the same luxury as the Orient Express of Europe and the Blue Train of South Africa, and that even the Palace rated among the world's top 10 luxury trains.

Visit website of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels for more details.

Madikeri – An Ignored Beauty!

A small town in Western Ghat in Karnataka, Madikeri, once known as Markana, Scotland of India, at 5000 Ft enriched with lush green vegetations nestled in the lap of mountain. You will be elated by seeing orchards of oranges, cocoa, rubber, coffee and spices on your way either from Mangalore or, Mysore. The silvery springs on the way add more feathers to its crown. Though gifted so liberally with nature, Madikeri is not yet so popular among tourists.

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What to see in Madikeri:

Gifted with abundant natural beauty, Madikeri has some other things to share too with you.

Tipu Sultan's Fort: This fort is originally built in 17^th Century by Mudduraja by mud. On 1817 AD, the king of Mysore, Tipu Sultan renovated the fort and rebuilt it with granite and named it as Jaffarabad. Two elephant's statue at north east corner and a church on south east corner add to the beauty of this fort. Panoramic view of Madikeri from this fort is wonderful

Omkareshwar Temple: Situated at the heart of Madikeri, This temple was built on 1820 AD by Lingarajendra. This temple has a combination of both Islamic and gothic style of architecture.

King's Seat (Raja's Seat): At the end of the town on a hill top is a well maintained garden and from here you can experience the nice view of the Koorg valley. Viewing sunset from this place on the far stretching blue mountain is of course a breath taking experience. In ancient times kings used to spend their evening here after their day's work, hence the name.

Abbey Falls: 6 km from Madikeri, the most popular spot to travel is Abbey falls. Kaveri river is cascading down 70 ft from the hill over a rock face is a wonderful view to witness. Car will take you up to the entrance, from where you have to step down about 500 meters to reach to the base of the falls.

Bhagamandala: Here is a temple, built in Kerala style with the shrines of different Gods. The importance of this place is due to the confluences of three rivers kaveri, Sujyoti and Kanake. This place is a holy pilgrimage for the local people. People use to offer puja ( Pinda Dan) to their passed away ancestor in this place.

When to visit Madikeri:

Almost whole year! Monsoon is usually avoided by the tourists, but it has another kind of beauty. Most of the tourists come here between November and December.

The temperature in summer is 29 degree Celsius and in winter 9 degree Celsius – a very comfortable weather throughout the year.

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How to reach Madikeri:

Madikeri is placed on NH 48, the road between Mangalore to Mysore. From both these places you can get buses to reach Madikeri in 3 to 3 ½ hours. Madikeri is also well connected by bus from Hasan, Belur and Chikmagalur.

Where to stay at Madikeri:

KTDC Mayur Valley View: Ph: +918272 228387 DB @INR 500 – 1500

There are many other hotels and lodge around bus stand and market to fit every pocket. Off season rebate is given during monsoon in these hotels between June 15^th to September 15^th. If you wish you can visit Madikeri without staying here; but to enjoy its fully at least one night stay is recommended.

This article is reproduced in IndiaStudyChannel under
the title Madikeri – An Ignored Beauty! 

Photo attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmadiga/
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Mahabaleshwar – A Beautiful Hill Station In Western Ghat

The month was May. We were all set for Goa but suddenly changed our mind to visit a cooler place to get rid of the heat. The obvious choice came Mahabaleshwar. From Mumbai VT station we hired a cab @ INR 3500 for Mahabaleshwar. Nestled in the Sahyadri hill in the Western Ghat around a beautiful lake Mahabaleshwar is quiet popular hill station in this western region. It was irritating to pay toll taxes several times through our journey from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar, but the scenic bauty and traversing few times through long tunnels were sensational. The road also is beautifully maintained. We drove at a speed 100 – 120 Km /hour to reach Mahabaleshwar in 6 hours.

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Panchagani – En route

Before reaching Mahabaleshwar, at another beautiful spot we halted was Panchagani. It is a small and cozy hill station. We walked around Panchagani and witnessed the variety of flowers this place have. Krishna valley looks wonderful from this place. Other places to see here were Parsi point, children's park etc.

Tapola lake – En route

30 Km away from Mahabaleshwar Tapola lake is a part of Shivsagar lake. Boating for some time in this lake was really wonderful.

At Mahabaleshwar we chose to stay at MTDC Holiday Resort. Be careful of plenty of agents, who will try to dupe you to any hotel and earn some commission. It is always better to search and bargain hotel of your choice and budget.

What to see in Mahabaleshwar:

The landscape itself was wonderful, so that we enjoyed our stay here. There are different view points, beautiful falls, Venna Lake, Kshetra Mahabaleshwar and Pratapgarh Fort. Conducted tour by state tourism by bus will cover 12 points in Mahabaleshwar @ INR 100. We hired taxi to cover all these places.

Arthur seat: A famous point in Mahabaleshwar. The fantastic view of the Valley of Savitri on your left and dense Brambha Aranya forest on our right will mesmerized us. Raigad and Torana fort were also be visible due to clear weather. On our route to Arthur's point we saw Tiger spring, where people said tiger use to come to drink water, Echo point, Elphinston point.

Venna Lake: It is one of the major attraction of Mahabaleshwar constructed by Appasaheb Maharaj, king of Satara in 1842. Surrounded by the greenery and flowers, this lake is fed by the springs from the surrounding hills. Situated 2 km from the bus stand on Panchagani road, was really a wonderful experience, specially the boating.

Lingamala water fall: We saw this beautiful falls very close to Venna Lake.

Bombay Point: This spot is famous for viewing the sunset. It is also called sunset point.

Kshetra Mahabaleshwar: The name Mahabaleshwar is derived from "Mahabali" another name of lord Shiva and the temple of Mahabali is situated at 5 Km from the main city popularly known as Kshetra Mahabaleshwar.

The Panchganga temple, a Krishna temple situated at the junction of 5 rivers and considererd as a holy sangam. These five rivers are Krishna, Venna, Koyana, Savitri and Gayatri.

Pratapgarh Fort:

Though at a ruined state, this fort has very important historical significance. At 1020 meters altitude, Chatrapati Shibaji built this fort on 1656 AD. We had to climb more than 400 stairs to enter the fort. Afzal khan was killed by Shibaji at this fort. We saw Bhawani temple on our way to fort where Shibaji use to offer puja to Devi Bhabani. The Shiva temple is there on the top of the fort. The view of Konkan valley was beautiful from the top of the fort.

As a whole it was a nice place for a break in a naturally beautiful hill station to rejuvenate ourselves. For honeymooners also, this is a safe bet.

How to reach Mahabaleshwar:

The nearest railway station is Pune. Mahabaleshwar is 122 Km from Pune. You can get buses of different category @ INR 80 – 150 from Pune in 4 hours. Buses are also available from Mumbai to reach Mahabaleshwar( 237 km) in 7 hours.

From Mahabaleshwar, if you want to go Goa, you will get very comfortable Volvo buses to take you to Panaji in 10 hours night journey @ INR 1000. You can hire a car also for the same @ INR 5000.

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Where to stay at Mahabaleshwar: STD code +91 2168

Around the bus stand there are many hotels to choose from depending on the budget and choice. There are seasonal variation of tariffs in these hotles. The season in Mahabaleshwar and the best time for visiting is between April to June and in Mid September to October. Rest of the year is off season and hotel charges are usually half the normal rates. Many hotels in Mahabaleshwar remain closed in monsoon.

MTDC Holiday Resort: Ph: 260318/ 261318 DB @ INR 500 – 800; TB @ INR 850 – 1200; 4 , 8, 12, and 20 bedded rooms are also available from @ INR 1000 - 3000

Other Information:

Carry light woolens, you may require them. Don't forget to buy strawberry jam, jelly, honey, fancy sticks and sandals so special of Mahabaleshwar.

Photo attribution:

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Yamunotri – The Origin Of Yamuna River

One of the Char - Dhams, Yamunotri is nestled in the lap of Banadarpunch range of Himalayas at 3322 Meters surrounded by lofty mountains. Around the temple there are three hot springs. The most important among them is Suryakund. A religious stone "Divya Sila" is there near Suryakund. Before offering puja to the Yamuna mata, devotees take bath in Suryakund and offer puja to the Divya sila.

The Prasad of Yamuna Mata is boiled rice in the hot water of the hot spring. You can get the parboiled rice from the stalls around the temple.

How to reach Yamunotri:

To reach Yamunotri you have to reach Janakibai Choti from Haridwar, or Rishikesh by hired car, or share taxi or by bus. The distance of janakibai Choti from Rishikesh is 280 Km and Haridwar 300 Km.

Previously car used to come up to Hanuman Choti, 13 Km from Yamunotri. Now after renovation of the road you can drive up to Janakibai Choti, 8 Km from the Yamunotri. From here you can trek 8 km through the exquisitely beautiful trek route. If, by chance you don't want or, unable to walk take the help of pony, doli, or kandi. See the details and photos at Kedarnath Page, porters and guides.

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Where to stay at Yamunotri:

GMVN Rest House Yamunotri: Dormitory available @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Hanuman Choti: Ph: +91 1375 223371 DB @ INR 600; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Janaki Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 700; Dormitory @ INR 100

GMVN Rest House, Sayan Choti: Ph: +91 1375 235639 DB @ INR 300

Other than these there are plenty ordinary hotels and dharamashalas in Yamunotri for staying are always available. You need not to book beforehand.

Photo attribution:http://www.flickr.com/photos/lenchik/