Places to see around Mahabalipuram and en route

Tiger Cave on the quiet sea beach along Covelong Road is only 5 Km away from Mahabalipuram. Goddess Durga is inside the cave up above the steps. Royal families in the past used to have entertainment programs here.

Mukunda Nayar Temple is on the way.

Crocodile Bank is on the Mahabali-Chennai roadway (14 km from Mahabali, 40 km from Chennai). Breeding of crocodiles takes place here. Moreover, there are nearly 5000 crocodiles of different ages and sizes with about six rare species. Ghorial crocodiles are also kept here. American Zoologist Romulas Whittaker set up this Bank with the help of World Wildlife Fund for Nature in 1976. Visiting hrs 8-30 am to 5-30 pm.

At the sea beach of Covelong, the fishermen's village is 20km away, offer scenic beauty and fit for picnics. A Catholic Church, a mosque and a fort of the past add to the tourist attractions. In the fortress Fishermen’s Cove, Covelong Beach-603112, Ph: 274301, has been set up as a star hotel by the Taj Group. There are also ordinary lodges at Covelong.

To the north adjacent to Covelong, 21 km south of Chennai is Muthukadu is also a tourist attraction. Arts and Crafts of four southern states are exhibited at Dakshina Chitra.

Boating is possible at Back Water in the man-made lake. ITDC has set up a boat house. MGM Disney World or the Children s Amusement Park (area 27 acre) is also a good place to visit.

On way to Chennai, 8 km away from the town. Tiruvanmiyur exists in shaded coconut trees and birches. There is the Tripurasundari Temple of the Goddess once worshiped by Tamil Poet Balmiki.

At East Coast Road, en route to the city, VGP Golden Beach/MGM Disney World entertainment Park offer enjoyment to the visitors. It is a famous shooting spot for commercial films.

VGP Golden Beach Resorts Ph: (044) 24926445. Conducted tours are arranged.

Illiot Beach, 11 km across the Adier river, may be one's optional site to visit. Sea beach here is quite beautiful and one can swim here. There is a bus connection from here to the city.

The fishermen's village at Ennore Beach is another tourist spot where boating can be arranged.

Pundi Reservoir or Satyarnurthi Sagar, 60 km away, is the source of water for the city. The environment is charming.

Pulicat is a lagoon wide enough to cover parts of both Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. The lagoon is 61 km away and a favored spot for local and migratory birds.

An island in the midst of the lagoon named Sri Harikota is now widely known for its Rocket Launching Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Where to stay and eat and buy at Mahabalipuram

Hotels at Mahabalipuram
STD code of Mamallapuram: +914114

From ordinary to middle standards hotels are towards countryside and high class hotels are at 6 km long beach of Mahabali. The flow of tourists keep Mahabali busy all over the day but after sunset the calm and quietness at Mahabali is really enjoyable. But tourist should be aware of Hotel's agents, they are very disturbing.

ITDCs Hotel Tamilnadu-Mamallapurain Beach Resort, Covelong Rd
TTDC Hotel Tamilnadu, near Shore Temple, Ph: 242287.

Silver Sands Beach Resort, Ph: 242228, in the Continental Plan schedule, the rate -varies according to seasons,

Silver Inn, from the same group of hotels at Covelong Rd, Ph: 242228,

3 km away from the city there is Golden Sun Hotel and Beach Resort, 59 Covelong Rd. Ph: 242245

Ideal Beach Resort Ph: 242240,

TTDC's 42-bedded Youth Hostel, separate arrangements for male and female boarders, they have cottage as well.

There is IGGI Resorts Ph: 242273,

Jawaharlal Nehru Rest House (Holiday Home) Ph: 242208,

G R T TempleBay, Advance Booking: Ashok Reservation Marketing Services, Kolkata Ph; 22885208.


Surya Hotel is on the bank of the Lake,

Hotel Mamalla Bhavan,
Annexe to it under the same management, Mammala Lodge, Inside the village, Mamalla Bhawan Annexe, E Raja St Ph: 242260,

Ramkruhna Lodge, 8 Ottavadai St, Ph: 242331;

Sri Murugan Guest House Ph: 242552;

Hotel Sea Breeze Ph: 243065;

Iswariya Lodge Ph: 242084;

Pallava Lodge, Uma Lodge, Kavitha Lodge, Suresh Lodge, Tina Blue View Lodge, Padmanava Lodge, Merino Lodge, Royal Lodge, Chitra Lodge,
Magesh Tourist Lodge, E Raja St, Ph: 242201;

On East Coast Rd. Buharis Blue Lagoon Hotel. Ph:24926125,

Sea View Lodge you may get double-bedded rooms from them

Besides, you may try for S W Departments’s Holiday Home, Dharamshalas, PWD IB and rooms in private residences in the village of Mahabalipuram.

Food Choices at Mamallapuram: Different kind of Restaurants & Hotels are available at Mahabali. Their menu are enriched with different kind of fishes. They serve sea-fish, prawn, lobbstertshrimp etc very delicious and tasty plates at fair rate.

Mamalla Bhawan is good enough to stay at a cheaper rate and for South Indian vegetarian dishes.

Rose Garden at Shore Temple Rd is famous for its Spicy Fried Fish plate. Village Restaurant and nearby Surra Restaurant on the way to lake have goodwill for their tasty food. On Sea Beach on Ottadavai St Seashore Restaurant, Tina Blue View, Moonrakers, Sea Queen Restaurant are also popular for their tasty sea food.

What to buy from Mahabalipuram
Collect antics from Mahabali. Souvemor items like stone carving, snail shells, tortoise shells and images of gods and goddesses are sold at the bus stand to 5-point crossing of roads at Mahabali.


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Kandla / Gandhidham – a modern city of Gujarat

57 km South East to Bhuj is Kandla. Maharao of Kutch founded the city to rehabilitate refugees from Sindh after the partition in 1947. At the Kandla Creek, the ashes of Gandhiji had been immersed. Since then the city was named Gandhidham.

Gandhidham is a planned city at Kandla Port. The blue print had been prepared by a team of architects from America. Gandhidham by virtue of being a planned city is attractive to the tourists. On 10 January 1952, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone of this city and one of the most important modern ports in India. In the millennium year it has been renamed as Port of the New Millennium. The adjacent Kandla city is a trade free zone. Comprising of 15 dockyards, it is one of the chief export-import outlets of India. The 2001 earthquake had devastated the city. There are the Gandhi Samadhi and Shiva Temple. The deity in the Shiva Temple is not a phallus but in the form of Nirbasteswar Shiva.


Transport to and from Kandla / Gandhidham

Airport is 6 km from the city, Minibus, taxi, auto services are available.

2081 Jan Satabdi Express daily except Sunday at 16-40 leaves Ahmedabad reaches Gandhidham at 22-15

9031 Mumbai-Bhuj Kutch Express leaves Mumbai Central at 17-10, Ahmedabad at 2-20, reaches at 8-05 at Gandhidham reaching Bhuj at 10-05.

9601 Bandra-Bhuj Sayajinagari Express leaves Bandra at 14-50 reaching Ahmedabad at 23-45, next day Viramgam at 1-10, Gandhidham at 6-35 and reaches Bhuj at 8-15.

On day 2 3 4 7 - 4311 Berili-Bhuj Ala Hajrat Express leaves Berili at 5-30 reaches Delhi at 11-25, Jaipur at 17-35, Ahmedabad next day at 6-10, Dhrangadhra at 9-02 and Bhuj at 14-45 via Gandhidham.

9501 Anand Express daily from Rajkot leaves at 16-45 reaches Gandhidham at 21-30, Bhuj at 23-25.

1092 Pune-Bhuj Express leaves Pune at 19-40 on Tuesday reaches Ahmedabad next day at 8-55, Dhrangadhra at 11-35, Gandhidham at 16-05 and Bhuj at 17-15.

6336 Nagercoil-Gandhidham Express leaves Nagercoil at 11-45 reaches Kollam at 14-35, Ernakulam town at 18-25, Margaon next day at 9-35, Ahmedabad on the 3rd day at 7-20, Gandhidham at 14-45.

111 Pass train leaves Viramgam at 5-30 reaches Dhrangadhra at 8-02, Gandhidham at 14-20, Bhuj at 16-45.

From Ahmedabad, Viramgam is 65 km; Viramgam to Dhrangadhra is 65 km, Dhrangadhra to Gandhidham is 170 km, Gandhidham to Bhuj is 59 km. Mumbai to Gandhidham is 792 km.

From Gandhidham at 6-05 and 14-50 Pass train runs to Bhuj

From Palanpur Junction on Abu Road-Mahesana railway, at 10-00 and 18-55 Pass trains ply on Palanpur-Gandhidham meter gauge rail for Gandhidham,
2082 Jan Satabdi Express leaves Gandhidham at 5-00 daily, except Sunday, reaches-Ahmedabad at 10-25

9502 Anand Express leaves Bhuj at 5-35, from Gandhidham at 7-15, reaches Rajkot at 11-55

9602 Sayajinagari Express leaves Bhuj at 20-30, 22-20 from Gandhidham, reaches Mumbai Central next day at 13-45 via Dhrangadhra-Viramgam-Ahmedabad

Bus links have been established along NH 8-A from other cities of the state to Gandhidham, Bhuj and Kandla. Frequent bus and share taxis are available from Gandhidham to Bhuj and Kandla.

Share taxi is available en route from Bhuj to Rajkot. GSTC's buses have regular service to Ahmebadad, Palanpur, Jamnagar (8 buses in 7 hrs), Porbandar (3 buses 10 hrs), Mahesana (6 buses 8 hrs), Jaisalmir (1 bus 14 hrs) from Bhuj. Whole night journey by private deluxe buses with berth for sleeeping are on this route. Private deluxe buses also ply for Dwarka and Mumbai.

In Gandhidham the bus stand is located at three minutes walking distance from railway station.

Hotels at Kandla / Gandhidham

STD Code of Gandhidham: +91 2836
For lodging there are Railway Retiring Room, Kandla Port Trust Guest House, PWD Rest House, Dharamshala, Aram Guest House.

Hotel Chandan, Plot 18, Ward-12A, NH-1 Ph: 229096;
Hotel Madhuban, Plot-22, Sector-9, Tagore Road, opposite KPT Office, Gandhidham-370201 Ph: 222216.
Hotel Desert Palace, 98 Golpadar, near Airport-1 Ph: 223726,
Business Inn, 29-30, Sector-9 Ph: 221921,
Sayaji Hotel, plot 64, Sector 8, near Town Hall Ph: 255266,
Hotel Natraj, opposite bus stand;
Hotel Gokul, near-bus std and various other hotels.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Chandipur – A week end break from Kolkata

Chandipur under the shadows of the Keya-cashew nut and tamarisk trees is very pleasant for a small weekend-tour from Kolkata. The calm and quiet sea beach at Chandipur enchants tourists. The specialty of this beach 5 km wide from the coast is that it is motorable after an ebbing tide, which is very typical of Chandipur. The high tide submerges the beach and comes up to the border-lines. The Panthanivas keeps a board indicating the times for ebb and tide. You too can set adrift along the ebbing sea and may reach the confluence of the Buribalam or even further. At Chandipur tourists enjoy collecting shells like as they do at Puri. All throughout the beach hermit crabs play hide and seek. Both sunrise and moonrise at Chandipur are charming. Besides the beach, Balaramgari, i.e., the confluence of the Buribalam and the sea 3 km from here, makes a fine surrounding. Close by in the cantonment area is the Interim Training Centre, i.e., a Missile throwing Centre. Space-research works are carried on. Chandipur has been on the newspaper-headlines time and again because of the launching of spaceships like Agni, Prithvi etc.

How to reach Chandipur on sea:
Each and every Bhadrak/ Bhubaneswar bound train from Howrah via Kharagpur has to pass by Balasore the railway station connecting to Chandipur. Leaving Howrah by the Dhauli Exp at 6-00, Falaknuma Exp at 6-50, East Coast at 10-45 reach Balasore (232 km) at 9-40, 10-27 and 15-05 respectively.
From Balasore Jaipur is 105 km, Cuttack 177 km , Bhubhaneswar 205 km, and Puri is 267 km.
Reach Balasore by the Dhauli/Falaknuma/ East Coast £xp. From there you can reach Chandipur (13 km) by rickshaw, auto or, taxi.

Another way is to go up to Kharagpur by any local train from Howrah and then reach Balasore in 2 ½ hrs by the 6-55/15-30/18-10 Passenger trains. These trains return to Kharagpur at 6-18.7-55 and 17-20 from Balasore.
Bus journey to Talsari/ Digha via Chandaneswar you can also chose. CSTC buses from the Sahid Minar at Kolkata and ORT buses from Babughat in Kolkata ply along the NH 5 via Balasore to Bhadrak/ Cuttack/ Puri. From Balasore there are several buses to Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Baripada. The distance between the bus stand and the railway stattion at Balasore is only 1 km.

Sightseeing from Chandipur:
The OTDC, Panthanivas, Chandipur. Ph: (+91 6782) 2370051 arranges for a sightseeing tour to Balasore, Nilagiri, Panchaiingeswar, Sajangarh, Mitrapur and Remuna covering 120 km from 7- 00 am 1-00 pm.

Special tours are also arranged by the OTDC, when there are more than 10 tourists. Besides this there are Packages for Similipal & Digha-Talasari-Chandaneswar.

Accommodation options at Chandipur:

For accommodation at Chandipur, STD 06782

On the beach— OTDCs Panthanivas Ph: 2370051 Advance Booking : Manager, OTDC, 41 Lenin Sarani, Kolkata-13. Ph: 22164556; Delhi Ph: 23364580;

Forest Rest House-Casurina, Advance Booking : DFO, Baripada, Mayurbhanj;

Adjacent to the Panthanivas there are with pretty gardens, under private ownership Hotel Shuvam Ph: 270025, Advance Booking : Smt Dasgupta, Flat-9, D-l, 1873 Gariahai Rd, Kolkata 19. Ph:24407178; Mukhcrjee P-64B. CIT Scheme 6M Ph: 23340251, Mukhcrjee 124 Arabinda Sarani, Ph: 25434251; Ghosh, 8E Dacres Lane Ph: 22439256;
Hotel Chandipur Ph: 2370030, Advance Booking: Orissa Saw Mill, 187 Maharshi Debendra Rd, Nimtala-6, Ph: 22399489;

Muktangan Guest House Ph: 2370027,

Hotel Santi Niwas Ph: 2370018, with own beach shadowed with coconut groves, Advance Booking: N N Das, 26/1 Gariahat Rd (South)-31 Ph: 24733505

Hotel Apsara: Advance Booking Ph: 22485052/22402174

Anandamayee Hotel Ph: 2370012; Advance Booking : 47/4 Becharam Chatterjee Rd, Behala, Kolkata -34, Ph: 24680427/ 23541436/Travel Tips Ph: 25772203; Holiday Managers Ph:22485829;

Larika Yatri Nivas Ph: 2370045, Advance Booking : Larika, 74 Park Street Kolkata-17 Ph: 22403583

Pacific Holiday Inn Ph: 2370083, Advance Booking : Ph: 23509199/Linkage Ph: 22466973;

Hotel Golden Ph: 2370021. Arrangements for cooking are also available there at Hotel Golden.

The UCO Bank Officers' Congress, 16-A Brabourne Road, Kolkata-700001 Ph: 22251778 have set up a Holiday Home at Chandipur.

Behind the Panthanivas, the Torrento Resort as well as the economic Hotel Yatrinivas are there.

Panthanivas, Anandamayee, Shuvam and the Santi Niwas are convenient location wise, the Forest Rest House is quite charming. All the hotels have provisions for Indian and Continental dishes.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Dwarka – The Empire of Lord Krishna

Dwar stands for the door or gate and Ka stands for peace eternal—the whole Dwarka means door to transcend the terrestrial being and unity with Bramha or eternal truth. While in Dwarka, you may find the sense of Krishna conciousness at your heart. Dwarka is known more as Doarka to local people today. For better and effective communication with locals at Railway Station or bus stand, call it Doarka.

The ancient story is something like this: Pious Anarta incurred his father Saryati's wrath by protesting against his boasting. Anarta was driven out of the land and took refuge under the protective wing of Baikunthanath on the sea shore. In Satyayuga Brahma desired to measure his creation, the whole universe; but he was confused - where to start? In order to determine the starting point of measurement, he threw a kush towards the earth that dropped on the country ruled by Yadu, son of Yajati. Thus, the land became known as Kushasthali or Dwarabati. In Dwapara yuga, Sree Krishna,' being invited by Raibataka, the son of Anarta, founded the capital of Yadu Dynasty—Dwarkanagari here in Kushasthali.



Dwarka is the famous holy place of Hindus, one Puri of the famous Saptapuri (other six are: Baranasi, Hardwar, Ujjain, Mathura, Oudh and Kanchipuram). According to Mahabharata, killing Kangsa, Sree Krishna became the target of Jarasandha the dare devil King of Magadh. He was the father-in-law of Kangsa. However, suffering defeat successively for 18 times to Krishna, Jarasandha prepared to attack Krishna with help of Kalyabana. Despite being confident of his victory, Sree Krishna wanted to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, founded the city called Ananta city near Girnar. In course of time, he made friendship with the king of Kathiawad peninsula, Kushaditya and established the port city Kushasthali.


In 1960, an anchor of a ship weighing 250 kg from 1400 BC was found. Archaeologists found evidences of 120 ton ship's free movement to and from the port at that time. Archaeologists have even come to the conclusion that the porcelain pots found underground in 1979 to the north of Dwarka Temple belong to 1300 BC, i.e., Mahabharata era.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Sree Krishna renovated the old fort of 12 yojan area at the confluence of Gomoti and founded the new capital of Yadu dynasty. Sree Krishna also built up a huge dam and embankments around the fort to save it from the sea waves and created protection against flood. After Indraprastha, it flourished as the 2nd populated city in India during 36 years of reign of Sree Krishna. Being the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sree Krishna left many memories and signs of his superhuman power at Dwarka. However, after the death of Sree Krishna, Arjuna left Dwarka for Indraprastha with his courtiers and friends and the sea swallowed the legendary Yadav capital. The lost world of Sree Krishna's era is still believed to be under the fathomless water.

A project has been undertaken to arrest the sea by erecting dam and retrieve the Golden Dwarkapuri. But there was a difference of opinion regarding the exact location of original Dwarkapuri. Experts and popular belief marked 11 locations out of which 4 locations deserve attention.

These 4 are: (1) Present Dwarka, 2) Bishwara, 40 km away from present Dwarka, (3) Madhabpur-Ged region, 56 km to the South East of Porbandar and (4) Kodinar.

The present Dwarka city had been founded by the King Gaikwad in the 19th century. Religion is the root of Karmayoga in Dwarka. However, Dwarka has developed into an industrial city today. The ashes of Gandhiji were also immersed at Dwarka. In memorium to that event, Gandhighat at the coastal beach had been founded.

What to see in Dwarka:

2 km from Railway Station on the bank of Gomoti stands the main attraction of Dwarka - Dwarkadhish or Ranachhodji's Temple. A war weary Sree Krishna left the theatre of bloody clashes and came to Dwarka. Hence the presiding deity is named after him to mark the occasion. The costly touch stone, bejewelled image is seated on silver throne—with the Panchajanya Sankha (counch), Sudarshan wheel, Kaunmdaki club, and budding lotus in the 4-arms of the Lord Krishna, depicting the protector of mortals. The original image is now in Dakore, the 2nd image was stolen and is now in Vet Dwarka. This image is the third image of Dwarkadhish.

170 ft high with monolithic pillars, on 72 columns the 7-storeyed chariot-like Temple was built with granite and sand-stone. The temple consists of the following segments: Garbhamandir, Bimanmandap and Natyamandap. On the peak there is a golden pitcher. The founder of this temple was King Jagat Singh Rathore in the 11th century and since then it had been more known as Jagat Mandir.

Some the stories about the temple:

Bajranava, the great grandson of Sree Krishna and son of Aniruddha founded Harigriha Temple in 600 BC. Of late the Harigriha has been converted to Sree Krishna temple.

In the 16th century the whole temple had been completed from start to finish in a night.

Krishna's great devotee Meerabai left Chittor (1546) and came to Dwarka and merged in Sree Krishna.

The gods and goddesses of Hindu Purana are all present in the assembly of Gods in the temple. Enter the temple by Swargadwar (gate of heaven) and exit by Mokshadwar (gate of liberty of soul).

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Mother Debaki's idol is being worshipped in front of the original temple. At the outset of entrance above resides Siddhidata Ganesh. further on the right is Kushewar Shiva. On the left Pradyumna made of black stone, Satyanarayan, Ambaji, Purushottomji, Aniruddhaji, Sage Durbasha, Jambobati, Sree Radhika, Lakshmi-Narayan, Gopal, Snake Incarnation, Baladevji, Satyavama, Lakshmi or Rukmini are in their own respective temples. Centering the temple complex developed the market and establishments and the city. The temple is open only to Hindus.
Temple remain open from 6-00 to 12-30 & 17-00 to 21-30. At 7-00 in the morning the rituals of the temple starts with Mangalarati. The costume of the deity undergoes changes at regular interval. Janmasthami, Basanta Panchomi, Dol Purnima (full moon) festival are held in grandeur and with great fanfare. At noon and in the evening you will get blessed food offered to God (Annaprasad) at the temple. Receive your coupon for the purpose from Dwarkadhish food store.

There is one Krishna Temple in the island of encircled Gomoti river flowing down the Dwarkadhish Temple. Going out of the south gate down below 56 flights of steps you have to reach Gomoti Devi's Temple, Below this temple flows the Gomoti river. The Ganga came flowing down from the Heaven on the invitation of the great sages in the name of Gomoti. From here Gomoti meets Arabian Sea, the name of the holy confluence is Gomoti-Narayan Sangam.

On the right side of the confluence in the temple, made of wood is 4-armed wooden deity of Sangam Narayan. From Sangam 32 miles area along banks of the Gomoti on either sides are called Chakratirtha. The wheel marked white Porus-type stone, called Dwarabati Shila, is still available at Chakratirtha.

On 7 Jan, 1963, a 156 ft high light house was built there. Every afternoon the door of the light house remains open for visitors for one hour. Going past the light house to north is Sunset Point. On the other side is Panchanad Tirtha - 5 wells of drinking water in the name of five Pandavas. Every well differs in taste of its water from the others. A little towards the south yhere is Lakshmi-Narayan Temple

On way to Okha 2 km from Dwarkadhish is 12th century Rukmini Temple. Devi Rukmini, the darling of Krishna in white marble is worshipped in the temple. The pictures and paintings from the episodes of Puranas are beautiful. The sunset view from the decorated temple on Arabian Sea is a life time experience. From Rukmini Devi Temple, on your way back to city yon will see Bhadrakali Temple.

Dwarka is called as Vishnu Tirtha or, the holy pilgrim but Yadavs also worship the 4-armed Goddess Mahakali till date. It is one major Pith among the 51 holy Piths. Durga Puja is also held at the temple with great fanfare. The Temple of Siddheswar Mahadeva is also there.

As per legend, the Rishitirtha of Siddheswar or Gnankunda and the Shiva Linga had been founded by Brahma himself. There is Brahmakumari Iswariya Vishavidyalaya here; beside there is Kabir Ashrama.

One more attraction in Dwarka is its Ved Bhawan—with 1250 priceless ancient manuscripts; 9 of which said to be the Lord Vishwakarma's creation!

Bharakeswar is on the coast. The coastal shore is beautifully visible from here. Chandra-Mouliswar Shiva is the presiding deity at the core of the temple. The deity form was found at the confluence of Gomati, Ganga and Arabian Sea by the Acharya Jagatguru Sankaracharya himself. Later the deities of Sarada Saraswati and Sree Krishna's eight wives were installed by the Acharya. In addition, there are 1200 Salgramshilas, 1300 Shiva Lingas, metal forms of 75 Sankaracharyas. The stone image of Adi Sankaracharya is also there. Sarada Math in Dwarka is one of the four Maths founded by Jagatguru Sankaracharya (788-820 AD).

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

On the way to Okha from Dwarka ar a distance of 17 km, Nageswar Mahadev Tirtha (some says in Maharashtra), one of the 12 Jotirlingas is situated. A little ahead, a new temple has been founded by Gulshankumar Charitable Trust.

Further towards Okha is Gopi Talao. Gopinees from Vrindavan first reached here on their mission to visit Sree Krishna. Devotees collect holy soil of Talao, known as Gopi Chandan. The Temple of Meerabai is also worth visiting there. Mithapur, another worth seeing site, is also on this route. Mithapur is much known for its Tata Salt Factory. Tata has built a model township for their employees. Drinking water is supplied from Mithapur to Okha.

How to reach Dwarka:

Daily 9005 Saurashtra Mail leaves Mumbai Central at 20-25 to reach Ahmedabad at 5-20, Viramgam at 6-58, Rajkot at 10-40, Hapa at 12-55, Jamnagar at 13-05, Dwarka at 16-25, Okha at 17-15.

Every Sunday 9266 Uttaranchal Express leaves Dehradun at 6-00 reaches Okha on Monday at 18-00 via New Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Ahmedabad-Dwarka;

Sunday 8401 Puri-Okha Express leaves Puri at 8-45 runs via Vishakhapatnam/ Jalgaon/ Ahmedabad/ Dwarka;

On Wednesdays and Fridays, 6338 Ernakulam-Okha Express leaves Ernakulam at 18-20 reaches Okha on Fridays and Sundays at 18-00 via Margaon-Ahmedabad-Dwarka.

5636 Guwahati-Okha Express leaves Guwahati at 9-30 on Monday, reaches Okha at 6-35 on Thursday via NJP/ Katihar/Patna/Agra Fort/Godhra/Vadodara/Rajkot

5046 Express leaves Gorakhpur on Thursday at 4-00 reaches Okha at 6-35 on Saturday via FaijabauV Lucknow/Agra/Gwalior/Ahmedabad
Viramgam-Okha Fast Pass at 10-40, 14-25 from Viramgam reaches Dwarka at 23-45/4-05 and Okha at 0-45/5-05.

Dwarka is 2455 km from Kolkata, 1007 km from Mumbai. Nearest Airport is at Jamnagar.

From Somnath or Porbandar by bus go to Lord Krishna's kingdom Dwarka. The distance from Porbandar is 128 km, Somnath 250, Rajkot 217, Hapa 142, Jamnagar 137, Ahmedabad 365 km.

Buses come to Dwarka from different cities of the state and buses run from Dwarka to Ahmedabad at 7-00, 21-00; Dakore at 7-00; Mahesana (via Nathdwar) at 20-00; Somnath 6-15,7-00,10-15,13-30,15-45,22-00; Junagadh 8-00,11-00, 14-00; Porbandar 9-30, 14-15, 15-30 and hourly services to Okha.


Accommodation at Dwarka:

There is a shortage of drinking water at, Dwarka, rain water helps meet scarcity to some extent. Many hotels still make use of saline water. There are also dearth of western style hotels in Dwarka.


Dwarka Pin code: 361336, STD 02892,

Hotel Meera, Station Rd, Hotel Radhika, R2, Hotel Guru-Prerana, Ph: 234512, . Gokul Guest house, Holiday Managers Ph:22485829; Brishma Guest house, On way to temple around Teenbati there are a few ordinary hotels for lodging , Trimurti Guest house, Sri Vrindaban Guest house, Muralidluir Guest house, Chetna Guest house, Banshidlwr Lodge, Braja Bluiwan, Mahalaxmi Lodge, Janutna Lodge, Uiiam Guest house, Dwarapuri Guest house .

Railway retiring rooms are also good place to stay.
Hotel Gayatri Ph:234228, Hotel Sundar Palace Ph:234372Hotel Debang, Ph: 234071, Hotel Swastik, Hotel Rajdhani, Hotel Arti are other hotels here in Dwarka.

On the beach Panchayat Aram Griha, PWD Rest house-are good for staying. For Aram Griha Booking write to: District Development Officer, Jamnagar; for Rest house write to: Deputy Engineer, PWD, Khambalia, Jamnagar.

TCGL's Toran Ph: 234013

Dharamshalas at Dwarka:

On the beach there are Gayatri, Shaktipith, Atithi Niwas, Birla Dharamshala; near Gomoti—Bhadrakali Gelia, Rameram, Bikener, Vishwakarma, ShriRam, Patel Bhawan; near bus stand - Gokul Bluiwan, Janak Bluiwan, Vishwalia; near temple - Bangur Dharamshala, Rashbehari, Sugar Bhawan, Jairanachodji, Chandak; near Railway Station Toiadri Ashrama. Near Totadri, on the Station Road, Bharat Sevashram Sangha's Guest House Ph: 234157.


For your food at Dwarka:

Atithi Bhawan, Natraj, Tulsi, Guruprerana, Kanta Lodge, Lohana, Aradhana, Jamuna are decent.

Conducted Tour at Dwarka :

Dwarka, Bhet Dwarka, Nageswar and Gopitala are in the package of Nagar Panchayat bus from 8-00 to 13-00 & 14-00 to 19-00. Booking can be done from their office near Bangur Dharamshala on Bhadrakali Road.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Porbandar - The Port town at Western Coast, where Gandhiji was born

Porbandar was a free state of Kathiawad. Not only by name, it's really a port on the coast of Arabian Sea. The wharf of the port has been modernized today. In ancient past, it had trade and commercial transactions with Persian Gulf countries and African states. The sea beach is very charming. Roads and streets of the port city are simply beautiful. The town owes its development to its reputation as the birth place of the Father of the Nation and envoy of peace in the 20th century,Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. In distant past, it was known as Sudamapuri in the name of Sudama, one of the intimates of Krishna. Cement, chemical and textile industries have flourished today in Porbandar. Dry fish industry has also flourished.

How to reach Porbandar:

Come to Porbandar, 122 km from Somnath by bus. It is just 4 hrs journey.


On Fridays and Saturdays ,2906 Howrah-Porbandar Express leaves Howrah at 23-15 arrives at Porbandar via Ahmedabad/Rajkot/Hapa/Jamnagar broad gauge and reaches on the 3rd day at 20-35; returns from Porbandar on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6-30.


9215 Sourashtra Express from Mumbai Central at 7-55 reaches Ahmedabad at 19-25, Rajkot at 1-25, Hapa at 3-05, Jamnagar at 3-20 and Parbandar at 6-05.

211 Fast Pass from Hapa at 15-20 arrives at Porbandar via Jamnagar.

On day Mondays and Thursdays 9264 Express leaves at 8-25 from Delhi Sarai Rohila reaches Jaipur at 14-25,17-25 to Ajmer, and reaching Ahmedabad next day at 2-55 and then to Porbandar at 13-20 via Rajkot/Jamnagar.

Other than these trains, several State Transport buses go to Dwarka, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Verabal, Diu and various other cities of the state. Even Private bus services to all over western India are available from Porbandar.

Porbandar is 475 km from Ahmedabad, 107 km from Keshod and 2564 km from Kolkata.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Places of interest in Porbandar:

The building where Gandhiji was born in 1869 is kept intact and a Kirti Mandir has come up around the place. When he was 12 years old, Gandhi (1881) went to Rajkot. The place where Gandhiji was born (marked with the sign of Swastika), reading room, bed room still bear the memory of the great soul. On the 79th birthday of Gandhiji (1950), industrialist Nanji Kalidas founded a temple of 79 ft height that reminds Gandhiji's age at the time of his death. Every evening, 79 lamps are lit in Kirti (age) Temple.

Around the entrance are engraved on the walls, the episodes of his life is depicted. A library for Gandhian studies, a museum based on the collections of his uses, the Charkaghar or room where the spining wheel is kept, children's school, prayer hall, everything is open to visitors.

On the way to Kirti Mandir, you can see the Temple or Palace of Sudama, Sree Krishna's childhood friend. A girls' school, Kanya-Gurukul Girls' School, the school teaches according to Indian tradition which has earned world-wide appreciation. Gandhiji introduced this methodology of teaching.

To the north of the city crossing the Jybeeli (old Jubeeli) bridge is India Temple. In the big orchard, there is a huge relief map of India instead of deity. Gods of Ramayana-Mahabharata-Purana are depicted in Bass relief on the walls and pillars of the temple. The six mirrors in the veranda reflects distorted images of the onlooker.

Opposite to it, is the Nehru Planetarium, where whole day program in Gujarati are conducted. Also there is Hanuman Temple, Gayatri Temple besides others.

Porbardar Sea Beach, which was once pleasant and beautiful, is full of stench today. In the past it was known as Wellingdon Marina Beach. The old palace, more known as Huzur Palace is still there on the coastal beach.

The factory, making cigarette case and vanity bag made of gold & silver is a place of interest as well.


Towards Dwarka go 35 km to visit Koyela hill and view the Temple of Harsad Mata founded by Sree Krishna. The deity there is Devi Jagadamba. According to legend, the scion of the Yadav clan worshipped the Devi to appease the wrath of king Jarasandha.

65 km from Porbadar towards Somnath is the Marriage place of Sree Krishna or Madhabpur Temple, 35 km from here 7th century Bileswar Shiva Temple you may also see. Bileswar Ghumli Garj of Solanki era, 12th century Vikia Vav made in Gujarati style of architectural design are also worth visiting spots.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Attend folk dance at Degam (5 km) and Kuchdi village (9km) by arrangement with BDO, Porbandar. Similarly, you can visit the bird sanctuary spread over 1 sq km at the heart of the city, 5 kms from the Railway Station. There are Flemingo and other species of birds. Barda Lion Sanctuary (14 km) where you can see panther, neelgai, sambar etc. Permission for visiting this place to be taken from : Assistant Conservator of Forest, Porbandar WLS, Porbandar . Ph: (0286) 223368.

Please Note:

All places in the Porbandar can be seen in 3 – 4 hours. Covering Porbandar on the same day you may go to Dwarka. Dwarka and Somnath bound buses allow 1 hr lunch break in Porbandar. Keeping the bus conductor on alert, take auto or tonga and visit Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir, Sea beach and enjoy glimpses of the city life before availing the same bus you have come by. 4-hrs is the bus journey from Porbardar to Dwarka. Trains also reach Dwarka through a longer route. Bus is better for tourists.

Accommodation at Porbandar

On the beach a spectacular rest house is there called Villa.

The residence of Pandu Rangaji, the ex-Dewan of the state, is Bhojiwar Rest House Swami Vivekananda lived here as a state guest of Dewanji for nearly a year. To commemorate his stay, a memorial temple has been built on the 1st floor.

Circuit House, Advance booking: Deputy Engineer, PWD, Porbandar.

TCGL's Toran Tourist Bungalow, Chowpatty, Porbandar. Ph:(0286) 2245476, Advance booking : Regional Manager, TCGL, Rang Mahal, Dewan Chowk, Junagadh.

New Oceanic Guest house, Lai Palace Hotel, Neelam Guest house, S T Road, Dharaini Guest house, Moon, S T Road, Rajkatnal Guest house, MG Road, Flamingo Hotel, M G Road, Sheetal Hotel, Roopalee, Ghayal Lodge, Annapurna, Green Lodge, Evergreen, Ashoka, Everest Lodge, Dreamland, Gita Lodge, Himachal Guest house,. Hotel Indraprastha, near Swaminarayan Temple, Ph: 2242681Hotel Kuber, off ST Road Ph: 2241289, Hotel Hoast, Ph: 2241901, New Oasis Hotel Ph:242917 are few of the hotels at Porbandar.

Dharamshalas are there as well. Railway Retiring Room is also there in Porbandar.


Food : There are plenty of hotels for food in Porbandar. At M G Road, Adarsh is famous for vegetarian food, National for non-vegetarian, Swagat for Punjabi & South Indian dishes; at S T Road,Royal for non vegetarian are popular.


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Somnath - The famous shore temple of Gujarat

Somnath was the most richly as well as revered and remembered holy pilgrimage of India in and around 6th century on the bank of Arabian sea.

History of Somnath:

Marco Polo spoke highly of Somnath in his voyage memoirs & records. Arabian historian Al Beruni expressed his appreciation regarding Somnath Temple. Puranic legend says that in Satyayug, Somnath temple was made of gold, by Somraj; in Treta, the period of Ramayana, the temple was made of silver by the King of Lanka, Ravana; in Dwapar Sree Krishna built the temple with sandal wood in the Mahabharata era and last of all in Kaliyug, Bhimdev built Somnath Temple in marble. Once upon a time, there were 300 maestros, 500 dancing girls in the temple to worship the deity. 2000 priests were to perform daily ritual of the deity and 300 barbers were employed to tonsure the Brahmins. Water from Ganges and flowers from Kashmir used to be brought for use in the prayer and worship.


This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Mahmood, the Sultan of Gazni first invaded Somnath in 1026 AD. The temple was devastated in 2 days of war and Mahmood ransacked the wealth of temple. Legend says that, the golden phallus or the sacred representation of Lord Shiva was split into pieces, one of which was sent to Mecca, one to Madina and the last two pieces were taken by the Sultan to Gazni. He also took the sandalwood doors of the temple away. The temple of Somnath was attacked 17 times by Muslim invaders from outside. The Temple had been devastated repeatedly (in 1026,1297,1394,1469,1530,1706 AD) and the deity was destroyed. Lured by the temple's fabled wealth of gold & precious gems, raiders came in hordes. In 1706, Aurangzeb destroyed the holy shrine for the 5th time. On 12 May, 1947 a proposal was made by Sardar Ballavbhai Patel to remake the temple and on 8 May, 1950, on the coastal belt of Arabian sea at the old original place of the temple, the present temple was built on Adi BrahmahshilaMahameruh. The temple was made of sandstone. The architect of the temple was C C Sompura. The temple is an example of sculptural beauty with silver gates. On 12 May, 1951 Dr Rajendra Prasad installed the deity - at the heart of the temple. With the biggest and one of the most important of the 12 Jyotirlingas (Swayambhu) the deity is of (in silver) Someswar Mahadeva. The king of snakes rears his hood as a canopy over the head of the deity There are many variations in performing prayers to the deity and related practices. The deity is beyond common people's reach as their entry in the sanctum of the temple is prohibited. One has to remain satisfied viewing the deity from a distance. The Arati ritual is held at 7-00 in the morning, 12 at noon and 7-00 in the evening.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

The Somnath Temple:
On the 1st and 2nd floor, the history of Somnath is exihibited in pictures. The temple remains open from 6-00 am to 9 -30 pm. The restless Arabian sea hisses below, the beach and the walls of the temple are awash with relentless waves.

The entrance is through the 51 ft high Digvijay Gate. A10 ton pot or holy kaloa has been installed atop the 155 ft summit. The ruins of old temples are no more there. However, some of the artifices & models of old sculpture & architecture are exhibited at Pravash Patan Museum. Collection of waters of Seven Seas (Danube, Nile, St Lawrence, Tigris, Muray, Hobart, Newzealand) are also kept there. The museum remains open from 9-00 am to 12-00 pm & 3-00 pm to 5-30 pm except Wednesdays and holidays.

The statue of Sardar Ballavbhai Patel (1875-1950) is installed at the side of the gate. Behind there is a comparatively new temple built in the memory of the temple built by Ahalyabai in 1783.

Down 23 flights of steps at the heart of the temple is situated huge Somnath on the seat of God—the jade black God against the backdrop of white cotton Gouripatta. In front of the deity is his carrier Nandi of white color. Above that resides Lord Shiva, the Ahalyeswar. Till today the holy deities are all being worshipped. Besides, there are 12th century Parvati Temple, Debi of Hameerji Lathia, Gajendra Puma Palace or Chandra Prabha Jain Temple and some other temples too around Somnath. Kartick Purnima and Mahashivaratri are the two most auspicious occasions at Somnath.

Mythological story of Somnath:

The whole place is replete with poetic association to Puranic mythology. The Purana says, Som or Moon God was cursed by his father-in-law Prajapati for showing favour to one of his wives, in spite of being married to Daksha's 27 daughters and thereby he lost his radiance. Daksha then advised him to bathe in the water of the confluence and sit in meditation seeking the blessings from Shiva. Thus Som acted accordingly & regained his glory. The Puranic imagery of the lunar cycle gave birth to a celestial myth. The popular belief turned it into a religious ritual and the place became a pilgrim centre and named Som Tirtha or, Pravash Patan. Lord Brahma ordered Som to build the temple of Somnath.

Close to the temple is Pandava Cave. It is told in the Srimad Bhagabat Geeta that Mahatma Vidura of Mahabharata ended his mortal journey in Pravash Tirtha. While in exile, Yudhistir visited Pravash Tirtha and offered his prayer Tarpan and sat in meditation.

At the end of the road there is Gita Bhawan.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Sri Krishna left the world from this place only. While Sree Krishna was at rest on an arm of a tree, Jara, a hunter mistook him for a deer and let loose his arrow which pierced through Sree Krishna's foot and caused his death. But the particular tree, believed to be the last refuge of Sri Krishna stands across the ages. The tree however, is encircled by a dais. The parallel second school of thought says Sree Krishna was pierced with the arrow in Bhaluka and he was brought here by the Gods of Heaven and he heaved his last breath here. At the Triveni ghat, Arjun performed funeral rituals of Sree Krishna and Balaram. A sacrificial dais has been erected commemorating the occasion.

In course of time, Gita Mandir had been built. A cave tunnel reached underneath the Gita Mandir from the seat of meditation of Parasuram. Legend says, by this cave tunnel the wealth of the temple had been taken to keep them safe from the invaders.

How to see around Somnath:

In 3 to 4 hrs, the whole area you can see by walking. Auto and tonga are also available on contract. It does not require one to stay at Somnath for more than a day. It is possible to go and come back the same day from Diu by taxi from Somnath. The distance is only 87 km.

Places to see near Somnath:

Kamyak forest

In between of Somnath and Verabal is situated the Kamyak forest (of the Mahabharata) or Bhaluka or Bhaluka Tirtha Mandir. By Town bus, auto or tonga, you may view this Krishna Temple. While the Jadu Dynasty was ruined, having been cursed by Kaurav-mother Gandhari and other sages, Krishna visited Pravash Tirtha to attain peace. However, he found his nemesis in Jara the hunter. If one takes a dip in the kund adjoining this temple on Sukla Dwadashi Tithi, surely he will find his place in heaven, as believed by the devotees. Sree Krishna had washed his bleeding foot here in this kund. It is thus known as Padam Kund ( padam means foot). The legendary 3 rivers as referred in Purana has become non existent in Bhaluka; but Pravash Tirtha is coherent with the reference to Purana is still there in its full glory.


How to reach Somnath

Verabal is one hour journey from Sasan Gir and the railway link station of Somnath. Direct buses run from Gir to Somnath. Leaving Ahmedabad at 21-45,9946 Girnar Exp, 9924 Somnath Mail at 23-00 reach Verabal next day at 8-20/ 11-05 respectively. Trains coming via Botad, Dhola, Jetalsar, Junagadh, Chorwad Rd. From Verabal Junction. Holy Somnath is only 6 km from the station. Frequent GSRTC buses, auto, tonga, taxi go to Somnath.

Reservation is also available at Somnath Mail. 9838 Rajkot-Verabal Mail at 10-55 coming from Rajkot via Junagadh, reaches Verabal in 5 hours.

Buses ply to different directions of the state via Verabal from Somnath. Buses ply— Ambaji ; Una , Diu, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Ahmedabad, Surat. The distance from Somnath to Diu is 84 km, Gir 46 km, Dwarka 250 km, Porbandar 122 km, Ahmedabad 416 km, Rajkot 200 km.



Accommodation at Somnath:

Adjoining the temple comples with more than 200 rooms Sri Somnath Temple Trust is there at a very cheap rate but comfortable for staying. Dharamshala is also there, run by the Temple Committee. Wide and big rooms, beds are available on hire. Mandir Committee also arranges food for tourists on extra payment.

You can make advance booking with the Temple Committee Rest House by writing to Manager, Somnath Temple Trust, Prabhas Patan-362268.


At District Panchayats Pathikashram, rooms are available.

There are also some private lodges at Somnath. Beside the temple:

Pravas Guest House - opposite the bus stand , Hotel Mayuratn, Triveni Road, are good for staying. There are Bhatia, Singhania, Gobardhan Bhawan, Satkar and many other dharamshalas.

Brahnmahsakti Hotel is very famous for catering sumptuous dishes. Equally good is Ram Bharosa.



Alternatively you can choose to stay at Veraval instead of Somnath

About Veraval:

Veraval is an industry based commercial city. Known as a pott city in the past, of late, it has become fishing city, a centre of sea fishing, fish trading and processing. For Mecca pilgrimage, Veraval was the main port before Surat. Cargo ships from Veraval visit Middle East countries. Dry fish processing has become a cottage industry. Similarly, Veraval has a large number of piggeries.

Accommodation at Veraval:

Circuit House at College Rd,
TCGL's Toran Holiday Home Ph: (02876) 245688, the view of sunset from Toran is beautiful.
Hotel Shivam, Hotel Park, Verabal-Junagadh Road, Ph: 222702, Satkar Hotel, Hotel Minakshi, Chetna, Aram Griha, Hotel Moon, Ajanta Guest House., Hotel Kasturi Ph: 222187.
At railway station, Chandrani Guest House, Sri Niwas Guest House; Hotel Supreme are few more private hotels.
There are also Dharamshalas and Railway Retiring Room at Veraval.

Non-vegetarian dishes are available in Veraval hotels. Satkar at bus stand, Swati and New Apsara near railway station, Ali Baba near Park Hotel is famous for sea fish.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Beaches of Gujarat – Chorwad and Ahmedpur Mandvi Coastal Beach

The sea beach at Chorwad is 5 km long. The blue sky melts into the blue sea making the horizon a dreamland. Foamy waves kiss and caress the rocky shore. The Summer Palace or Chorwad Hawa Mahal founded by Junagadh Nawab in 1928 is in the shade of rows of coconut and palm trees. To the north is the Shiva Temple. On the way there are several graveyards. But above all, the sunset at Chorwad is memorable.

How to reach Chorwad

On Ahmedabad-Junagadh-Verabal Railway, 19 km from Verabal is Chorwad Railway Station. All trains, to and fro from Verabal run via Chorwad. The calm charming coastal belt of Chorwad shaded with tamarisk and coconut trees is 8 km from railway station, 35 km from Keshode Airport and 36 km from Somnath. Direct buses ply from Verabal daily in the morning and evening. Both bus and train come from Junagadh (78 km) to coastal beach. Porbandar is at the distance of 110 km and Gir at 70 km. Buses from Somnath along Somnath-Porbandar-Dwarka national highway go to Verabal/Gunda and from there to Chorwad junction ( Mor). From Chorwad Mor to sea beach is only 5 km by auto rickshaw. Auto on share runs from Verabal Bus Stand to Chorwad seabeach (30 km). One should preferably visit Chorwad sea beach on a day's tour from Somnath.



Where to stay at Chorwad:

One can stay at Junagadh Nawab's summer resort, TCGL's Palace Beach Resort, Chorwad- Ph: (02870) 288567.

Ahmedpur Mandvi Coastal Beach

How to reach Ahmedpur Mandvi Coastal Beach

Enthusiasts may find pleasure to visit, 120 km from Chorwad and 10 km from Diu at Diu & Gujarat border, the romantic Ahmedpur Mandvi Coastal Beach. The border of Gujarat and Diu remain inseparable. People say, the location of Chorwad invites Kenyan-Ethiopian-Somalian air currents from Africa to blow over Mandvi coastal beach. The beach is full of palm shade, the color of sand is pinkish. Various aquatic sports are held from 15 Oct to 15 June on different occasions. Buses are available from 410 km away Ahmedabad to sea beach.

Where to stay at Ahmedpur Mandvi Coastal Beach

For night halt, prefer PWD Guest House , another palace of Junagadh Nawabs, GTDC's Samudra Beach Resort Ph: (02834) 230516

At Ghogla in centrally ruled Diu is Diu Tourism's Tourist Complex, Advance Booking : Diu Tourism, Marine House, Diu-362520.

This article is originally published in Travel India and India Study Channel

Beaches and fort near Mumbai - Murud – Janjira

Murud is located in the Raigarh district of western Maharashtra nestled in the mountain on Arabian sea. Taking the bus from Murud, if you travel 5 km towards south, you will reach coastal town of Janjira. Shaded by fir-coconut-betel, the sea beach of Janjira is really awesome. There are also diversities in its houses and buildings. They all are made of wood and beautifully decorated with colorful paintings.

Places in and around Murud & Janjira

Water-fort

Janjira is famous for its unconquerable water-fort built in 1515 on an island of 22 acre on the Arabian Sea by Sidhis from Abisirda. Shivaji invaded this water-fort surrounded by 15 meter high wall in 1659. His son Shambhuji made a tunnel in the water of the sea, even then he failed to capture the fort. Apart from a 5 storey palace there are also armory, mosque and two lakes in the fort.

Bhagawan Dattatreya Temple

At the end of the city (2 km south), take the ferry boat to go across. Then 1 km to the south of the city climb 250 steps to reach Bhagawan Dattatreya Temple on top of the mound. The deities in the temple are Brahma, Visnu and Maheswar. In the artistic, well decorated sculptured temple Dattatreya's or Gajanan Maharaja's paintings can be seen.


Fort of Shambhaji, Nawab Palace

Close to it is the fort of Shambhaji. A museum was set up in 1991 in Nawab Palace about 2 km to the north of Murud. The wealth of the palace is in its Durbar Hall. Ceiling and stuffed animals are unique. Beautifully designed and sculptured Nawab Palace can be visited, subject to permission available from the authorities.

Beaches Kashid, Alibag, Kihim. Nagaon, Aksi

Go 15 km to the north and visit calm, quiet and beautiful beaches of Kashid, Alibag, Kihim. Nagaon, Aksi one by one. Kihim is 16 km from Murud and 85 km from Panvel. The distance of Mumbai via Pen-Alibag is 120 km. Rewas is 6 km from Kihim. Except monsoon season, daily ferry launch services are available on Mumbai-Rewas-Mumbai route. Calm and serene Kihim beach shaded by green amidst lovely natural beauty. Birds and butterflies, variety of wild flowers add to the beauty of this beach.

How to reach Murud - Janjira

Murud-Janjira is only 165 km from Mumbai.Two ASIAD buses daily ply to Murud from Mumbai Central via Alibag in 5 hours. In view of the scarcity of direct bus services one may reach Alibag at a distance of 120 km from Mumbai by bus via Karnala. From Karnala more buses are available for Murud , which is about 45 km from here. Direct bus services from Kalyan to Murud are also available. Buses from Pune also arrive at Murud via Alibag. FromMumbai CST by Margaon Express or, from Dadar by Ratnagiri Passanger one can reach Panvel and from there to reach Murud-Janjira by bus. However, it is convenient to travel by Catamaran Launch service from Mumbai Gateway of India to Alibag and then by bus to Murud at a distance of 45 km. Alternatively you may take Mumbai-Rewas ferry service from Ferry Wharf (Baucha Dhakka) and then reach Kashid (55 km) by bus in one and half hour

Where to stay at Murud:

#Hotel Swayamsiddhu, Hotel Kinara. Hotel Ruchit of moderate tariff range.
#Shoreline Resort is also nice place to stay.
#MTDC - Murud Harnai Beach Resort, Dist-Rainngiri Ph: (02358) 234828
#MTDC's Murud Janjira. Dist-Raigad, Ph: (021447) 24078
#Close to Alibag on 3 km long silvery beach of Kashid - Kashid Beach Resort, Mumbai Booking ; Beacon, 22 Rustom Sidhwa Marg, Fort, Mumbai Ph (022) 22625406.

Stay at Alibag / Kihim:

#At Alibag: Alibag Big Splash.
#At Kihim too is MTDC's Kihim Beach Resort on private lease, Dist-Raigad Ph:24926625.During monsoon it remains close.

Fabulous trip to Ratnagiri and around:

Ratnagiri is nestled in Western Ghats with its lush green background, and to the west, the infinite blue Arabian sea in between is vast area of Konkan Valley. Throughout the area are eye soothing coastal lines as well as a beautiful hill station and pleasant natural surroundings. The newly introduced Konkan railway runs right through the Konkan Valley. From Mumbai NH-7 to Ratnagiri is 355 km, Ganapatipule 374 km and Amboli hill station is 549 km. Ratnagiri on the Konkan Coast is one of the Ratnas (jewels) of Maharashtra.

Places to see in and around Ratnagiri:

There is a fort on top of a hillock, the Thaibaw Palace built in 1910 on the slope of the hill and little below is the Bhagabati port. Fish aquarium is an added attraction of Ratnagiri. Alfanso, variety of mango (Hapus) grown here is a delicacy all around the world. Kokam, cashew, coconut and banana are also cultivated widely in Ratnagiri. One should enjoy the taste of prawn and pomfret fish in Konkani recipe. The taste of Konkan Kadhi for those who are vegetarians is unparallel.


Great personalities like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, G K Gokhle, S K Patil and many other stalwarts were born in Ratnagiri. Tilak's own house has now been converted into a museum. At Bhatye on the outskirts of the town water-sports facilities are available for the tourists.

Amboli:

The natural beauty at 690 meters altitude Amboli is breathtaking. It is an ideal location for spending short holidays. The view of sunrise and sunset from Amboli are unforgettable.

Numerous waterfalls and bauxite mines you can see about 10 km from the town.


Amboli is 64 km from Saontwari station on Konkan Railway or, about 4 hours journey by bus from Malvan. Near to Malvan coast , a place to see is Sindhu Fort built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1664. Sindhu Fort festival of Marathi art and culture in the month of May is worth visiting. Nearby railway station is Sindhudurga. Express trains however do not stop here. The town is 8 km from the railway station and is well connected by bus route.

Tarakarli beach:

At Tarakarli 6 km from Malvan or, Sindhudurga the Karli river merges with Arabian sea. Tarakarli beach in a calm and pleasant environment with crystal clear water. Foreign tourists love this beach. Buses are available for Tarakarli beach from Malvan. Buses from Kudal (24 km) on Konkan railway are also arriving Tarakarli.

Accomodation at Tarakarli:

Accommodation is available in 20 rooms Collage at sea facing Resort of MTDC, Tarakarli, Dist Sindhudurga, Ph: (02365) 252390

Green Valley Resort of MTDC on Private lease, Amboli, Dist Sindhudurga, Ph: (02363) 276239

JKD International, Hotel Kohinoar Park, Ph: 24769931

Harihareswar:

Along Mumbai-Goa NH-17, 210 km from Mumbai and 165 km from Ganapatipule or almost midway between the two on the Arabian coast is Harihareswar with silvery coast rapidly being turned into a tourism centre. Nature here is calm and quiet, the surroundings are charming with pleasant breeze and fine sand. There are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswar and Parvati temple in Harihareswar. The popular belief is that Rishi Agaslhya established this temple on top of the hillock on his journey beyond Vindha mountain range.The idol of Kal Bhairab, the family deity of Peswas is there in the temple. Sukla Tirtha is at the confluence of Savitri river with the sea. Close to it is Gayatri Tirtha. One takes bath in Sukla Tirtha before visiting Kal Bhairab. View of sunrise and sunset are wonderful from Harihareswar.

While surveying the earth, Lord Vishnu's first foot step was placed here, according to the ancient story. The foot-print is said is still there on a stone in the coast. See Pandav Kund opposite to Brahmadeo hill by waliking. It is popularly believed that five Pandavas offered tarpan for the departed soul of their father here.

There are numerous hotels at Malvan. Sindhudurga Shova Hotel is closest to the sea is a nice place to stay.


Where to stay at Harihareshwar:

Accommodation at Harihareswar, Dist Raigarh, Ph: (02147) 226036 is available at MTDC's Holiday Resort.
Tent House and Konkani House.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary:
Interested tourists may also visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary about 80 km from Mumbai on Harihareswar-Mumbai route. During winter the migratory birds and during monsoon more than 150 species of butter-flies together with panthers, langoors, antilopes can be seen in Karnala spread over an area of 4.48 sq km
Ganapatipule from Rantnagiri

Ganapatipule – A heavenly hangout near Mumbai

Little away from the crowded city of Mumbai Ganapatipule with its luxuriant and serene beach welcomes and rejuvenate the tourists. The location is Mumbai-Konkan NH-17 and is 374 km from Mumbai, 331km from Pune, 144 km from Kohlapur and 45 km from Ratnagiri. The name of the hill came from Ganesha or Ganapati and Pule means coast Therefore the name is Ganapatipule. Paschim Dwar Devata (god on the western door), Ganapatipule is one of eight Ganapatis. It is a plateau, the temple is at a height of 100 meters on the hill itself has taken the shape of Lord Ganesha in the imagination. The road rounds the hill as if virtually walking round the god. On the Shukla Chaturthi day in the month of Magha the devotees from far off places visit the temple. This is the deity, which Chhatrapati Shivaji worshipped. The idol was established by the Marathas in 1600 AD. Later on. the temple was renovated by the Peshwas.


This is not only a 4000 years old temple source of legends, bin also its calm and silvery coastline shaded by coconut and tamarisk trees attract pilgrims as well as tourists from far off places. Various types of water-sports facilities are available in Ganapatipule.


How to reach Ganapatipule:

One may reach Ratnagiri by Konkan Railway trains from Mumbai and then arrive at Ganapatipule by bus in about one and half hour or, alternatively may reach here by direct luxury buses of MTDC or ASIAD from Mumbai to arrive at Ganapatipule in about 10 hours. Since the number of buses on Mumbai to Ganapatipule route are insufficient, one may also reach via Ratnagiri by bus, which is available at half our interval.

From Deolipatta on Bombay to Goa NH 17 route, buses are available for Ganapatipule at a distance of 32 km from there. Buses from Pune and Mahabaleswar also reach Ganapatipule in about 6 hours. Regular buses from Panaji are available for Ganapatipule.

MTDC organizes package tour to Ganapatipule during season.

The natural beauty of the road with green groves of mangoes, jack-fruits, coconuts and bananas and the springs flowing down here and there and occasional cottages with roofs made of red tiles against the blue sky background are unique attraction to the tourists. The interested tourists should also Keshavsoot Memorial at the residence of Maratha Poet Keshavsoot in Mafgand. Swami Swarupananda Ashram at Powas, legendary Jaigarh Fort about 35 km away and Marleswar Shiva Temple and fountain at a distance of 60 km on the way to Ganapatipule From Mumbai CST.

Margaon-Mandavi Express 7-05Hrs , Konkan Kanya Exp at 22-50 Hrs; from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus; Jana Shatabdi Exp at 5-35, LTT-Mangalore Matsyagandha Express 14-05 hrs, LTT-Tiruvanantapuram Netrabati Express 11-40 hrs and from Dadar: Dadar-Rainagiri Pass at 13-50 hrs by the latest trains of Konkan Railway arrive Ratnagiri. Besides Nizamuddm-Ernakulam-Mangala/ Lakshadweep express and numerous other trains also run via Ratnagiri. The town connected by bus route and 10 km from railway station.

Where to stay at Ganapatipule:

For accommodation at Ganapatipule, there are Guest House of Temple Committee and Holiday Resort of MTDC, Dist Ratnagiri, Ph: (02357) 235248.

Konkani House under the same management is also there at your service.

Other hotels at Ganapatipule:

Hotel Abhishek, Motel Madhur, Hotel Kinara, Hotel Sreesagar, Hotel Landmark.

Kovalam- The Most Beautiful Beach of India

Kovalam is the second most beautiful sea beach in the world, next only to Miami of the USA. Those who prefer a place calm and quiet will definitely like to visit Kovalam, The sea here is calm and the beach looks like a bow. Sand is silvery, there are ripples in the sea. All these make it an ideal spot for bathing. Tourists feel like heaven with sheds of papaya, banana and coconut trees besides troves of palm trees. Under the blue sky is the enormous expanse of the blue sea.

Though Europeans came here in 1930, it was the Hippies 30 years after who spread the news of beautiful environment of this sea beach to different parts of the world. Kovalam as a tourist spot has never looked back since then.

Kovalam has added attraction as an Ayurvedic treatment centre, particularly Ayurvedic massage. The beach is split into four parts. Near the bus stand there is convention centre. On the sea shore there is Madrasa Hidayathul Islam. The southern most point is the most popular Light House Beach. Though The area is not very large in size but there are plenty of shops of all kinds and abundant hotels and restaurants. The Light House one can see from 14 Hrs to 16 hrs. Nearby is Vizhinjam village, the den of fishermen. The Middle Beach like a creek and also inhabited by the fishermen. The wandering tourists will see in the early morning scores of fishermen sailing their boats to the deep sea for their catch. The fourth beach is in the north where the sea is in pristine form with fishermen's boats sailing. The sea turns somewhat turbulent in the monsoon , which is from April to October here. Though the tourist season begins in October, it peaks from November to February.


How to reach Kovalam from Trivandrum, Kannya kumari and other places:
Opposite to Padmanava Swamy Temple, from Lane No: 19 (close toMGRoad) East Fort Bus of route 111 ply every ½ hr from 6-20 am to 9 -00 pm and reach Kovalam (16km to the south) in 20 minutes. Tourists may get auto, taxi or share taxi to reach there. Buses ply from Kovalam to Thiruvananthapuram also from 6-15 am to 8-00 pm. Direct buses go to Kannyakumari in 2 hrs (4 buses) and Periyar (1 bus) every morning. Buses are also available for Ernakulam, Kollam and other cities from Kovalam.


Where to stay at Kovalam?

Kovalam is always busy with crowded shops, establishments, hotels and restaurants. But tourists should remain cautions of touts and brokers. As the tourists get down from the bus, they start to move around them and tell false stories. So, try to avoid them and select the hotel yourself. From the bus stand towards sea beach, there are many ordinary ho¬tels in Kovalam:

STD Code of Kovalam +91 471

Rates vary with the closeness with sea and nearer is dearer. Rates also vary according to the number of tourists at that time. Hotels of Kovalam have divided the year into three parts according to the tourist flow.

Season: Aug-Nov; Peak season: Dec-Jan and off-season: rest of the year. The rates are almost doubled during the peak season.

Here are the names and phone number of some hotels of Kovalam

Hotel Palm Garden, Hotel Deepak, Hotel Sunshine, Hotel Blue Sea, Ph: 2481401 ; 22442051; Hotel Neela, Hotel Monalisa, Mann Cottage, Hotel Taj, Sreenivas Hotel, Hotel Suriya.

Adjacent White House; in beautiful location and atmosphere Apsara Ph: 2480950. Beach Cottage, Hotel Holiday Home Ph: 2480497; Hotel Kavitha, Hotel Orion Ph: 2480999; Simi Cottages, Beach House, Crab Club, Velvet Dawn Restaurant, Shangrila L; newly built Bright Resorts, Hotel Shamrock.

Close to beach on the top of Light House - Hotel Rockholm. Light House Rd Ph: 2480306, 22442051.

Opposite Sharma Cottages, a little ahead towards the sea Varmas Beach Resort, Light House Rd Ph: 2480478. Nearly adjacent to beach, Hotel Seaweed, Light House Rd Ph: 2480391, 22442051, Hotel Neptune, Ph:2480222, Volga, Marina Palace Beach Rd, Ph:2481428, Ph: 22442051; Sea Rock Hotel, Ph: 2480422, Hotel Thusltara Ph: 2480692,22442051.

To the south of Light House Sea Flower Home Ph: 2480554. On the Light House Roadd Eden Seaside Resort, adjacent Hotel Thiruvathira Ph: 2480588. Adjacent to beach Paradise Rock, Light House Rd Ph: 2480658,

Adjacent to Hospital Lobster Pot Hotel Ph: 2480456, a little away Neelam Hotel;
Away from Beach, Kovalam Tourist Home Ph: 2480441, Hotel Palm Beach, Hotel Sea Waves, Hotel Mast, Hotel Dwaraka, Ph: 2480411. Hotel Neelkantha, Ph: 2480321, behind this Wilson Tourist Home, Ph: 2480052, 22442051. My Dream Restaurant, Hotel Sea Queen, Beach Belair, Vizhinjam, Hotel Palmanova, Ph: 2480494.

Hotel Palm Shore, Light House Rd Ph: 2481481, Kodaloram Beach Resort, Raja Rd, Ph: 2481116.

At the sea coast there are Government Tourism Dept or KTDC's Hotel Samudra, Ph: 2480089. Their sister con¬cern Yatri Niwas. ITDC's Kovalam Ashok Beach Re¬sort Ph: 2480101,22885208, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Chowara, Ph: 2481601,22442051. Hotel Soorya Samudra, Mulloor-695521 Ph: 2480413,

In the bus stand ITDC's Kovalam Hotel Campus, PWD's Govt Guest House Ph: 2480386, rooms are available for the tourists.

There are other hotels like Golden Sand, Ph:2481476, Hotel Dipak Ph:2480667, , Maryland Tourist Home, Ph:2480440, , Neelakanta Hotel. Ph:2480421; Lagoona Beach Resort, Ph: 2480049; Nikki's Nest, Ph:2481822,Coconut Bay, Ph:2480566, Hotel Sea Face, Ph:2481835, Bethsaida Hermitage, Ph: 2481554, Moonlight Hotel, Ph: 2480375, Park Lane Hotel, Ph:2480058; Swagath Holidays Resort, near Upasana Hospital Ph:2481148/ 22442051,Sree Vikas, Ph:235405551/ 22442051, Bright Resort Ph: 2481190 Ph: 22376714, 22442051. Royal Retreat Hotel, Ph:2452911Wilson Beach Resort Ph: 2210019, Hilton Beach Resort Ph: 2481995, 22492716; Manal Theeram Beach Resort, Chowara, Balarnm-puram, Ph: 2481610.

KTDC Ayurveda Packages

Kerala Tourism Development Corporation offers the, following packages at Hotel Samudra Kovalam To know the details and booking visit

Andaman & Nicober Island - Gerneral travel information

Basic information about Andaman and Nicober island.
STD Code of Andaman +91 3192

Andaman is the land of tropical climate. Principal languages spoken are Andamanese; Bengali, English, Hindi, Nicobarese, Telegu, Tamil and Malayalam languages are also spoken in Andaman & Nicobar.

Which is the best time to travel Andaman

Between mid October to mid May. However, best time is between November to March. The temperature varies between 75-85°F & during summer between 78-95°F. Humidity throughout the year is 80%. Monsoon here comes twice a year. May to September caused by south-west monsoon & November to March caused by north-eastern monsoon. Month of May remains extremely hot in Andaman.


The natural beauties of Andaman & Nicobar are unparallel with bright sunshine and pollution free sea-breeze. The fun game of colored fishes under shallow water, delightful corals and maritime plants beautify the entire island. Andaman has 86% of its land i.e. approximately 7144 sq km of reserved forest. The basic resources of these islands are forest resources. Out of 3000 species of plants in Andaman, 221 species are not available anywhere in the world. 100 species of orchids are grown there. 45 species of herbs are being used as medicine here.

Teak, mahogany, rose-wood are grown and recently rubber plantation has been introduced. The road has been constructed through the forest. On either side of the road are rows of coconut trees. 242 species of various birds play concert on the trees of islands. There are 58 species of mammals and 83 species of reptiles. Colorful butterflies, orchid and tropical flowers has made this island vivid and lively.

Port Blair

The HQ of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is in Port Blair rocky land of south Andaman. It is encircled by Bay of Bengal from all sides. Port Blair is also an island with hillocks and shaded by green forest. Airport is 3 km away from Haddo jetty. The width of the city is around 5 km from Airport and Jetty. Port Blair is a modern city with green hillocks here and there. Transparent water of shallow sea and the corals delight the visitors.

Abardin Bazar is an important location in Port Blair. Bus stand, shipping passenger terminal, Shipping Corporation of India Office, hotels and other important offices are located around Abardin Bazar area.

Port Blair is connected by air through all parts of the country. However, if time permits attraction of sea voyage is exiting.

Services of ships from Kolkata and Haddo Port is there 3/4 times a month. The ship normally waits for 66 hrs (4 days) in Ports. On occasions ships travel to Chennai also. Hence if one can finish tour in 4 days, it is possible to return by the same ship. However tickets are to be booked in advance in such case.

Current tariff of Voyage to Andaman

Deluxe Cabin @INR 7640
1st class Cabin (4 berth : Harshavardhan/Nicobar) @INR 6320;
1st class Cabin (2 berth; Akbar) @INR 5400,
2nd class Cabin (4/6 berth: Harshavardhan/Nicobar) @INR 3890,
A/c Dormitory (Akbar) @INR 3290,
Bunk (Harshavardhan/Nicobar) @INR 1700,

From Chennai M V Swarajdweep & T S Nancowry make voyage to Port Blair 2/3times in a month in 60 hrs. Fare is equivalent to Kolkata-Port Blair. From Visakhapatnam (Bhanojiraw & Guruda, Pattavirama & Co,PB 17,Visakhapatnam)voyage once in two months is available (56 hr).

Passage booking system is now totally computerized. 70% of accommodations are reserved for Government servants & islanders. For the remaining 30%, as per advertisement in leading news papers, one has to apply in prescribed form in duplicate for bunk/ cabin class tickets along with passport size photograph (3 copies) to the offices of The Shipping Corporation of India either at Kolkata or at Chennai. Return tickets within 30 days from date of journey are also available with them.

For further information, contact:

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Shipping House, 13 Strand Road, Kotkata-700001, Booking Ph: 033- 22484921

Chennai:The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd,
Jawahar Building, Rajaji Salai, Chennai-600001, Ph: (044) 25231401.

While returning contact:

The Shipping Corporation of India Ltd,
Aberdeen Bazar', Port Blair-744101. Ph: (03192) 233347 or, The Harbour Master, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Port Blair.

Conducted tour in Andaman and Nicober by bus:

#Jolly Buoy / Redskin Island (8-30 to 16-30 hrs)

#Wandoor Beach via Sippighat Agri Farm & Rubber Plantation (8-30 to 12-30 hrs)

#Chiriyatapu (8-30 to 16-30 hrs)

#Corbyn's Cove Beach (8-30 to 12-30 hrs)

#City Tour includes (Gandhi Park) Water Sports & L, & Sound Show (14-00 to 19-00 hrs)

#CitySightSeeing (8-30 to 12-30 hrs) & (13-30 to 17-00 hrs)

#Trips to Light & Sound and back

#Mount Harriet

Conducted Trips organized by Marine Department by boat:


#Jolly Buoy/Redskin Island From Wandoor at 10-00 hrs (Monday off)

#Ross Island from Phoenix Bay Jetty (Wednesday off) (8-30/10-30/12-30hrs)

#Harbour Cruise or Seven Points I from Phoenix Bay Jetty (Everyday) (15-00 to 17-00 hrs)

For more information: Tourist Information Centre, Secretariat, Port Blair, Ph:232642/234060/234061


Auto, taxi and bus services are available in Port Blair. Taxis are not equipped with meter. Autos & taxis prefer to travel on contract basis. Point to point transportation by autos & taxis are also available. One can get bi-cycle and moped on hire in Port Blair. Launch, steamer-ship-boat ferry from island to island. Ships make regular voyage to. Nicobar, Cholunga, Onge, Little Andamans, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Yerewa Islands on different days of the week.

You have to contact Harbour Master or The Directorate of Shipping Services, Port Blair,
Ph: 232528/234299 for water-transport/sea-voyage. Tourism Dept has also developed many packages for traveling from island to island.

Complete travel information of Lakshadweep

General information for visiting Lakshadweep:

Lakshadweep is a land of tropical climate. Due to its proximity to the equator, winter is bearable. The temperature varies from 35-22° C in summer and 32-20° C in winter. Humidity is 70.76%., Average rainfall in a year is 1600 mm.


For the national interest and in particular for the interest of the inhabitants of Lakshadweep, there are numerous regulations for visiting the Islands. Consumption of alcoholic liquor is banned in all the islands except Bangaram. Foreign nationals are allowed only in the Bangaram island.

Indians also require permission to visit the Islands. For permission, with four passport sized photographs mentioning name in full, address, profession, date of birth and the places to visit-
Apply to the:


Assistant General Manager (Sports),
Lakshadweep Tourism, Indira Gandhi Road,
Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003,
Ph: +91 484 2668387, Fax +91 484 2668647.

For foreign nationals: Mention name, address, nationality, passport No., date of issuing passport, duration of stay, profession, date of birth and place of birth, and apply to the same address or,
To: Liaison Officer, Lakshadweep,
202 Kasturba Gandhi Rd, New Delhi-110001.


For tourists touring individually (not by packaged tour) tour permission and for the ticket of the ship may write to The Secretary to the Administrator, Lakshadweep Tourism, Sports, Indira Gandhi Rd. Kochi-682003.

Tourists who will be staying at Bangaram Island Resort may write to the Reservation Manager, Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003 Ph: (+91484) 2668221 for up and down passage booking.


Conducted tours for traveling Lakshadweep:

“SPORTS” Lakshadweep Tourism, Indira Gandhi Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003, Ph: +91 484 2668387, Fax : +91 484-2668647 arranges different packages from October to May for Lakshadweep. Separate permission for tourists is not needed for the tourists in the package tours.

Few of the important packages are:

4 days 4 nights Coral Reef package—night halt at Ship M V Tipu Sultan (1st Class 32, Tourist Class with 100 passengers), journey from Island to Island the whole day by fiber-glass covered boat
Tourist class single @ INR 3000/2500; Double @ INR 5000/ 4000. These include tour charges and transport charges.

4 to 7 days Kadmat Beach Resorts and WaterSports Institute-Marine Wealth Awareness package - by ship. Tourist Class @ INR 7500; First class @ INR 11000 and students @ INR 5800

4 days package to Taratashi by ship: up and down journey cost Tourist Class @ INR 3500; 1st class @ INR 6000; and Diamond class @ INR 8000. Stay at Kavaratti @ INR 2500 – 4000.

5 days Lakshadweep Samudra Package to Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy by MV Kvaratti Package cost all inclusive Diamond class @ INR 17000, Gold class @ INR 13000, and students @ INR 10000.


Swaying Palm is a package of 6 days to Minicoy Non A/C @ INR 14000, and A/C @ INR 15500


3 days week end tour from Kochi starts on Saturdays. Spend the Sunday at Kalpeni and come back at Kochi on Monday. Total package cost @ INR 4500

A little clarification:
Tourist class- A/C hall with pushback chair for sitting and reclining; TV and shared bathroom. Food is same as 1st class.
1st class- is narrow 4 berth cabin with attached bathroom.
2 berth cabin is also available for the honeymooners.


Touring season is from October to April. You can chose the plan which suites you. For foreign nationals only the Bangaram island is opened. Indian nationals are allowed to visit rest of the islands. In monsoon these packaged tours are closed but helicopter service to the island is available.

There are agents in each metro cities for the booking of packaged tours.
Another way of booking is by sending 50% of the total charge by Bank Draft to: SPORTS—Lakshadweep Tourism, Assistant General Manager, Indira Gandhi Rd, Kochi-682003, Ph: +91 484 2668387, Fax 0484 2668647.

Booking is centralized. Tickets may also be collected through the regional representatives.

Arrangements in the packaged tours are nice. And their arrangement of travelling from one Island to another is even more exciting. One has to jump down from the ship to get into the speed boat and it's all very thrilling. The boat sails across the blue water speeding from the sea to the shallower blue lagoons. The crystal clear water and the overlapping surges curling up while approaching the beach add to the amazing charm. The sight of corals from the fiber glass bottomed speed boat makes the journey even more fun packed. In the 5 ft deep transparent blue water, the aquatic dances of millions of colorful fishes among the corals, you will cherish in your memory for long time.


Kavaratti Island:

The head quarter of Lakshadweep is in Kavaratti Island covering 3.6 sq km area, 404 km away from Kochi. Kavaratti, essentially a lagoon, is the centre of all the Islands. The tranquil sea is shallow. The color of the water is sometimes indigo, sometimes green and sometimes blue due to the changes in the depth of the water. Government offices, schools, colleges and hospitals are present there at Kavaratti. Even TV channels through satellite connection has reached here. Kavaratti, in the shade with coconut trees has a considerable number of permanent inhabitants from overseas.

There are 52 mosque in the Island. Of them the Holy Ajjara Mosque made of wood in 1670 AD has really attractive carvings on its ceilings and pillars. The water of the well adjacent to the mosque is believed to work like a panacea. The Jamath mosque is also exclusive.

A beautiful Marine Aquarium with its assortment of colorful sea fish and corals will be very interesting place to visit here. The collection of the fossils of aquatic flora and fauna at the Museum is also interesting. The sunrise and sunset al Kavaratti are captivating landscapes. Water sports at the Dolphin Dive Centre is major attraction for the enthusiasts.

Places to stay at Kavaratti:

Tourist Complex by SPORTS, PWD Bungalows, Circuit House and the private Taj Complex Hotel.


Minicoy Island:

Minicoy is largest among the islands in Lakshadweep is emerald colored and calm. 398 Km from Kochi and it is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep. Their culture has undergone a thorough change. Free from the influence of Southern India, they share similarities with Maldives. Their language is Mahl and Hindi is also spoken. There are ten picturesque Athiris (villages) in Minicoy. The lighthouse made in the era of British in 1885 is an important monument here. The Lava dance of Minicoy reflects the local culture is enjoyable. The Sree Krishna Temple, numerous mosques and the Light Meat Tuna Canning Factory at the jetty are some other places, worth seeing.

Accommodation in Minicoy island
Accommodation is available at SPORTS' Tourist Home, Tourist Hut and PWD inspection bungalow. Private hotels are also available in Minicoy island.

Bangaram Island

The Bangaram Island is 459 km from Kochi and 8 km west of Kavaratti, is 1 hour journey by speed boat. Almost deserted Bangaram is the only island open to foreign nationals. Alcoholic drink is allowed only in I Bangaram. On aerial view it looks like a “tear drop” from Lakshadweep.
Surrounding the silver sands there is a quiet and transparent deep green lagoon. The aquatic sports of the multi colored fishes among the corals in the shallow water make a delightful sight. Besides the crabs, molasses, shells and butterflies, there are wide diversity of creatures there. At night the turtles also turn up to hatch eggs on the beach. Water sports of different kinds entertain the tourists in a great way. Coconut groves, moonlight nights, sunsets with the emerald lagoon make Bangaram island a paradise on earth.

Accommodation at Bangaram Beach:

Bangaram Island Resort: @ INR 17,000 per day inclusive of food. From Feb 1 - Feb 20 @ INR 20,000
Booking: Casino H, Willingdon Island, Kochi-682003, Ph: +91 484 2668221.

Agati Island:

The Agati Island is on the west of Pitty and 25 km from Kavaratti and 40 km from Kalpeni. It takes 2 hrs to reach Agati from Kavaratti by a speed boat. The crystal clear emerald green lagoon is on the left. One may advance through the corals in the shallow water. One may also put on a snorkeling mask fitted with glasses and descend into the coral Island.

Air routes from Kochi- Agati (459km) are over the Arabian Sea. Private resorts with arrangements for water sports are available there.


Kalpeni Island

Kalpeni, the emerald green Island shaded under the coconut groves, is 287 km to the South East of Kochi. Quite a few coral and sea products have added to its attraction. Kalpeni is the most gorgeous of the Laksha group of Islands. The lagoon here has added to its magnetism. The Maidin Mosque is unique with its walls made of corals. One may enjoy a sea bath at the uninhabited Tilakkam Island, reaching there by a speed boat. The collection of aquatic animals in the Aquarium of the Fishery Department is worth visiting. Viewing the island from the top of the lighthouse will be a memorable experience. Handicrafts may be collected as mementoes from the Hosiery Mill or the Khadi Bhavan. Women here with there typical s\costumes and ornaments welcome tourists by Kolkali and Parichakkali as musical entertainments and dance.

Accommodation is available in the Tourist Cottage.


Pitty Island:

Pitty is another unoccupied Island in the way to Kavaratti A Wildlife Sanctuary is there in Pitty, the paradise of birds. The Amindivi, made up of Chetlatand and Bitra, is another avian paradise.


Kadmat Island:

Another wonderful Island is Kadmat, the heart of Lakshadweep. The coconut groves canopy and the silvery sands surrounding the entire Island make it look a real gratification for the soul. Water Sports arrangements is added attraction.

Accomodation at Kadmat is available at Tourist Cottage and the Youth Hostel.

This article is also published in India study Channel