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

Mamallapuram or, Mahabalipuram - A Popular tourist destination of Tamilnadu

History of Mamallapuram
The town of 7-pagoda Mahabalipuram has been renamed Mamallapuram. Legend has it that the place derives it's name from Demon Mahabali whom Lord Vishnu killed taking the form of a dwarf. Others say that Pallava King Narasimha Barman I (630-668 AD) was a Mahamalla (big fighter), hence it is Mahamallapuram or Mamallapuram. It has got 10 cave temples. 9 monolithic chariots carved out of hill along the Bay of Bengal during the reigns of Pallava kings Narasimha Barman I & II, around 700-728 AD. These were given names after the five Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Alongwith these four Bas-relief sculptured panel on the rock walls and Shore Temple are all superb creations attracting the tourists. Mahabali, unlike plethora of temples of Gods and Goddesses in other parts of South India, has depicted the then social pattern and life style. The Dravidian temple culture has reflected its best at Mahabali. A canal brings water from the Palar river. Besides being die port town, Mahabali was also the second capital of the Pallava kings (450-900AD). The Arabs, Greeks and the Finns had made trade links with Mahabali. Long forgotten, this historic place was revived at the end of the 18th century. Originally Jain, the Pallavas had a change of religion when Mahendra Barman I (600-630AD) converted himself as a Shaiva. This fact has been reflected in the temples of Lord Shiva and Vishnu made later times.


Places to see at Mamallapuram:

The Mamallapuram Temple

Description of the Mamallapuram Temple:
The Pancha Pandava Rath (five Pandava Chariot) has been carved out of the whole rock. After cutting into pieces, the stones, i.e., three-phase style of early Dravidian temple has been followed here— Gopuram, Biman and Mandapam. The monolithic Raths have been built on Buddhist monastery mould. They are known as Draupadi Rath, Arjun Rath, Dharmaraj Rath, Bhim Rath and Sree Krishna Rath. The actual number of Raths are nine though it is known as Pancha Rath. Draupadi Rath is like the thatched cottage of Bengal with the image of Draupadi inside, some say it is Goddess Durga. Carriers of Indra (Elephant), Goddess Durga (Lion) and Lord Shiva (Ox) are positioned to the west of the Raths. A large image of a lion is set before the Draupadi Rath, on the same foundation is Arjun Rath and behind it is the statue of Indra. The incomplete image of Nandi is behind Arjun. To the extreme south, the 3-storeyed Pyramid like is Bhim Rath, 26' high. Dharmaraj Rath looks like the largest. On the panels the images are drawn of Nataraj, Ardhanariswar (Shiva & Parvati), Brahma, Harihar (Shiva & Vishnu). On the second line Nakul and Sahadeva take the Buddhist form of sculpture.

The Land of Seven Pagodas has been able to retain only one pagoda. The other six have been washed away by the sea. The Dravidian look 5 storey Shore Temple was built solely with stone. Boulder wall was erected to arrest the sea waves. This was the last piece of work done by Pallava kings. The temple itself was built by Pallava King Raja Singha (700-728). The east-facing Shiva Linga made of granite rock is the symbol of devastation. The 2.5 meter long Lord Vishnu is lying on the snake bed and behind it the Goddess of Durga Guarding the temple are the Lion King, Nandi or the row of oxen and the mythological gods and goddesses which are excellent edifices of sculpture. But many of them have suffered erosions by sand storms and salinity. The two temples were buried under layers of sand for long. These were recovered after removal of sand in 1944-45. The evening lights of the temples enchant the tourists. Recently, Shore Temple is enlisted as an structure of world heritage. One can visit the temple (6-00 am to 6 pm).

Beautifully carved 10 Mandapams or cave temples have been carved out of the rock at Mahabali. Two of them are incomplete. The oldest Krishna Mandapam having width of 8x8 meter and 6 meter in height is the largest and most beautiful among them. The decorated Krishna stall has depicted the life story of Krishna. It also exhibits the episode of Krishna's lifting of Gobardhan Hill to save the young men and women of cowherd community (Gops and Gopinis) from the wrath of the Rain God Indra. The images of Sree Krishna milking cows, Gops and Gopinis and cowboys are there in the Sree Krishna Mandapam.

In the 17th century, Vijayanagar kings added pillars to the temple complex. The rectangular Ganesh Mandapam was also carved out of a whole rock and is still worshipped today. To the South West of Ganesh Rath is Baraha Mandapam or the cave (640-674AD). In the paneled entrance, Lord Vishnu stands as the guard in the incarnation of Baraha—one leg on the snake head and other on the Gajalakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi sits on lotus in the other panel. In the third panel shows Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a dwarf killing Bali. Goddess Durga is on the fourth panel. Slightly to the north the enormous power of Sree Krishna is demonstrated at Balancing Rock, a slice of butter as his breakfast.

Near the Buckingham Canal, one can go to the spot where three unfinished raths are found.

It is a treat for eyes to watch the waves from the blue sea breaking on shore along sea beach and the waves splashing against the walls of Shore Temple.

Other places to see at Mamallapuram:

To the north of the temple, the fishermen work with their boats. Bad smell spreads from the area. However, one can have a pleasant walk along the beach to further north or south from their area of activities.

The School of Sculpture is standing opposite to the bus stand, open to public at 9-00 am to 1-00 pm and 2-00 pm to 4-00 pm, except Tuesday. The works of art can be seen there. The Light House open from 2- 00 pm—4-00 pm. Olakaneswara or, Old Light House or the temple is little farther away.

In between stands Mahisasuramardini Mandapam which have nine caves and have beautiful pieces of sculptural works. Lord Shiva and Parvati (Durga) with son Kartik in her lap adorn the place along with Lord Vishnu lying on the snake bed. The mythological saga of Goddess Durga annihilating the Mahisasura has been amply demonstrated there.

Further south on the Kaipakkam sea beach, stands the Atomic Energy Research Centre.

Open air theatre at Tiger's cave is situated 4 km north where month-long Dance Festival commences on the 16 January" Artists and spectators come here from all parts of the country for participation in classical dances and songs.

The Tourist Office of the Tamilnadu Tourism is located at Covelong Rd. Office hrs at 10-00 am to 5-30 pm, Ph: 242232. Cars on hire are available. Banks have opened branches at Mahabali. Hotels, restaurants, shops & establishments are at the heart of this small, quiet town of Mahabali. Guides are provided free of cost from the Archaeological Department of Government of India.

On West Raja Street the past glory of Mahabalipuram is exhibited at the Museum (9-00am to 6-00 pm).

Transport to and from Mamallapuram / Mahablipuram

The small town of Mahabalipuram has indeed become a popular tourist attraction. Frequently buses ply between Mahabali and Chennai (58 km). One route of buses takes the sea coast and moves through Chengalpattu at 4-30 to 8-00 pm. From Parry's Comer, buses of route number 188/A-B-D- K go straight to the destination in two hrs. 19A, 19C, 119 bus routes make a detour and take two and a half hrs via Covelong. 108B buses from the airport takes three hrs. Share taxis also ply between Chennai and Mahabali. Buses also go to Pondicherry in two and a half hrs nine times a day.

Buses ply frequently for Chengalpattu via Pakshitirtham (16 km). The nearest railway station at Chengalpattu is 30km North East on Chennai-Chengalpattu-Kanchi puram-Arakkonam section. Trains from Chennai Beach or from Arakkonam to Chengalpattu take about one and a half hrs.

The dilapidated fortress of the kings of Vijayanagar is on the same route. KingThimbu raya of Vijayanagar founded the fortress after his defeat at the Battle of Talikota in 1565. The port passed into the hands of the Mughals, French and the British in course of time. The Palar river is to the south of Chengalpattu and mere is a huge water reservoir made in the 8th century. One can halt at night at Hotel Kanchi on NH45. Buses go to Kanchipuram (65 km), which take 2 hrs. Buses also go to Vellore, Bangalore, Tirupati and Kannyakumari from Mahabali. Taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

On the other side, one can buy ticket for an ITDC or TTDC package tour program at Chennai and in a single day visit Mahabalipuram or Kanchi, Pakshitirtham and Mahabalipuram. Time constraints in package tours force one to skip early morning and evening charms of Mahabalipuram and its full moon night. Hence, it is advisable to take the bus on 188 route, halt at Mahabali before moving to Pondichery and other places.


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

Mandu - A Love Story

City of forts on the Valley of Bindhya Mountain is located at a altitude of 634 meters covering an area of 23 sq km, surrounded by a long 45 km fence. Kakra Khoh or, deep narrow gorge has separated Mandu from the mountain. But, today, Mandu is like a lonesome and kind of haunted city to the tourists, enclosed by hilly rivers. In monsoon, Mandu looks more beautiful. Aquatic birds flock on the bank of the lake in search of companions. At night you may even experience the tigers roar.

History of Mandu:

In the tenth century Hindu king Bhuj (1010-1042) founded Mandu as a retreat. In the 11th century Parmar Kings established Malwa as a separate kingdom making Mandu as its capital. Then it was known as Mandabgarh. Between 1256- 1261, Parmar king Jayabharam shifted his capital from Dhar to Mandu. In 1293 Jalaluddin conquered the surrounding area of Mandu but yet Mandu was under the control of the Hindu king. In 1304, Malwa along with Mandu went under the control of Ghori & Khilji. By the time Mughals conquered Delhi in 1401, the Governor of Malwa, Afghan hero Dilwar Khan Ghori declared Mandu as a separate state.

Hosang Shah, the son of Dilwar, after being enthroned in 1405, shifted his capital from Dhar to Mandu once again. Hosang Shah Ghori s son Muhmmad ruled state for only one year.
Killing Hosang Shah's son Muhmmad with poison, Mahmud Shah Khilji, captured Mandu in 1436. During his long rule of 31 years, Mahmud remained occupied in recurrent crisis, but he was a great admirer of art & culture. During his rule, Hindu, Jain & Muslim cultures gained impetus.

In 1469, Mahmud's son Giasuddin after being enthroned at the age of 47, passed 31 years of his reign remaining inactive and enjoying life in luxury. At last, he was killed by his son Nasiruddin by poisoning in 1500. Local history says that, Nasiruddin also had to face a abnormal death in 1510 as price for his own fault. After Nasiruddin, his son Mahmud was enthroned.

In 1526, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat captured Mandu defeating Mahmud taking advantage of internal conflicts in Mandu. In 1534 Mughal emperor Humayun snatched Mandu from the clutches of Bahadur Shah, but one of the generals of Shah retained the power.

The chronicles of history of Mandu by this time was hazy and confusing. After much ups and down, in 1554, Malik Bayajid, a notable musician & son of Suja, became the king of Mandu and named himself asBaj Bahadur. He was more interested in music than administration. Also he was in deep love with a pretty beautiful maestro Rupmati ''Lady of Lotus'.

Akbar conquered Mandu in 1561 and he was also fascinated by Rupmati. Baj Bahadur left Mandu to avoid confrontation with Mughals. Mandu was shattered by Mughal attack. Much later, Jahangir remade Mandu as a token of his admiration of its natural beauty.

In 1732, Mandu went into the hands of the Marathas. The capital was shifted over to Dhar. Mandu gradually turned into a haunted place under cover of dense forest. But the history of Mandu still attract the tourists.

The ruined palaces and forts still tell the love story of Baj Bahadur and Rani Rupmati.



The Places to see in Mandu:

The forts and palaces and monuments in Mandu can be divided into four major groups:

Village Group

Royal Group

Reoa Kund Group

Other important monuments

If you are with a car, it will take 5 hours to see the important places. You can hire an auto other wise @ INR 200 approximately. The guide charge is @ INR 100. Take the help of guide but believe their stories with a pinch of salt.


Village or Central Group :

Through 3 gates-Alamgir, Delhi and Bhanai, bus enters to reach market place of Mandu or Village Group.





Asrafi Mahal:

The first monument you will see is Asrafi Mahal. Asrafi means gold coin. Jehangir named this Mahal as a memory of Noorjahan’s visit to Mandu. It was a seven storey structure. Today only the ground floor is exisiting.


Ram Mandir:

Just beside the bus stand with the idols of Ram, Lakshman and Sita.



Jami Mosque

Opposite Ram temple, there is Jami Mosque made of pink coloured sandstone. It is a specimen of Afghan architecture, built as a replica of Omayyed Mosque of Damascaus. Construction of this mosque was started by Hosang Shah and it was ended by Mahmud Shah in 1453. Specimen of Architecture of Hindu-Buddhist-Jain era is found in the dome of it, which is at the entrance. Perhaps it was a court of a Hindu king, which was later changed into a mosque. Its decoration, star shaped bluish tiles and-lattice work are beautiful. Being supported by numerous pillars, a dome is placed. In a small altar, quotations from the Koran (aayat) are inscribed in Arabic language. It remains open from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.




Tomb of Hosang Shah

Annex to the Jami Masjid, there is the grave or Tomb of Hosang Shah, built in Pathan style of architecture. Beside it there are tombs of his Begum, two sons, daughter and son-in-laws—all are in eternal rest. He started constructing his own graveyard monument but it was completed by his son 5 years after his death in 1440. The white marble tomb is a product of mixed architectural and cultural blend of Hindu, Muslim, Afghan styles. This was the first of its kind in India. At the top is centered a circular main tomb with 4 other supported tombs at 4 corners. The lattice work is also beautiful. In 1659, Sahjahan visited the tomb and was amazed by its beauty. Before constructing Taj Mahal , he sent his architects led by Ostad Hamid to get an idea of the technical knowhow from this tomb. However, it was possibly a ShivaTemple in the past made by Bhuj, as sunplant, lotus, garland of rudrakshya are still depicted on it.

Royal Group :

Taking left to the west of the village crossing Elephant bridge, a little ahead there are the spartan Lohani Caves of Royal Enclave Group. @ INR 5 is the entry fee to the Royal Group, which remains open from 8 am to 5 pm.




Jahaz Mahal

The road moves farther. Near to it, in the midst of 2 artificial lakes, Munja and Kapur is situated Ship Palace or Jahaz Mahal, a ship-shaped 2-storeyed palace. The architectural planning of this ship palace amazes the tourists. When the shadow of the palace is reflected in the lake water on full moon night, it seems as if, a ship is sailing. fromTabeli Mahal it looks more beautiful.

This was built by Sultan Giasuddin as his Harem Mahal. Second opinion is this that it was the summer resort of Malwa King Munjdeb. On the first floor, a tortoise-shaped and on the 2nd floor a lotus-shaped swimming pool are still present. The bathrooms to the north are so exotically designed that tourists may feel like surrounded by 1500 beautiful ladies. More than thousand Turkish and Abyssinian women were brought to this harm.

Tabeli Mahal

Opposite to it, stable of the King's court, 2-storeyed Tabeli Mahal, today it has been converted to an archaeological museum.





Hindola Mahal

A little farther, there is HindolaMahal (1425 AD) or Swing Palace,—a meeting hall of the Kings with their subjects and citizens. The palace is made of sandstone. It was built by Sultan Giasuddin. The lattice work has made the palace more beautiful. Hindu Gods & Goddesses are portrayed and painted on the walls of this mahal. The image of Vishnu is depicted in reverse. It has a T-shaped hall and walls have been constructed at an angle of 77°, so that it appears at first sight, it is hanging in the air. Probably, to facilitate the king to reach the 2nd storey on elephant back it was designed like this way. Fragments of local history recalls that Noorjahan used the cradle in Hindola Mahal.





Roopmati Mahal

Out of the ruined mahals, Roopmati Mahal or the 6.5 m deep Champa Baoli to the north of Munja lake is notable. It was believed the water of Baoli was perfumed like champak flower. Others feel that, the mahal was named after the queen or by the name of the flower like which it looks. An underground tunnel from the mahal is there to reach a safe destination. The hot & cold water were available for bathing at that time. The Hamam of Roopmati is grand.


Beside it, there is Makbara or, Mosque of Dilwara Khan built in 1405.

On the left, Jal Mahal—the ruins of Mughal-Roman sculptural beauty built by Jehangir.

Nahar Jharokha (Tiger Balcony); Ujala and the Andheri—two big wells or Baoli.


Rewa Kund Group:

Roopmati Pavilion

Crossing Sagar Talao 5 km to the south of bus stand is situated Roopmati Pavilion founded by Baj Bahadur in Afghan style of architecture. The pavilion used to be a recreation centre. It has 2 Chabutara, or high tombs. They were built in order to watch and observe movements of the enemy; however Roopmati, the daughter of Man Singh Rathore used to visit Narmada (Mokshoda) river, flowing far away (26 km) at Nimar valley, from the 365 meter high mahal. The ambience is soothing. The sunset and the moonlit night add more to the beauty.
Besides, on the slope of the hill, Baj Bahadur built Rewa Kund to supply water to his palace.

Palace of Baj Bahadur

The palace of Baj Bahadur, an extraordinary blend of Rajasthani-Mughal architecture adjacent to Rewa kund. In the Sangeet Mahal (1508) or Music Conference Hall, musical soiree of Roopmati and Baj Bahadur was a regular feature. Their love immortalized in ballads still vibrates in the air of Rewa Kund villages. Mughal emperor Akbar became almost mad after Roopmati’s excuisite beauty. He sent General Adam Khan to invade Mandu and bring Roopmati to feed his passion. Avoiding battle, Baj Bahadur ran away from Mandu and the injured Roopmati was arrested by Adam Khan. She committed suicide by taking poison to protect her modesty.
Other Monuments:

Nilkanth Palace

Nilkanth Palace of the 16th century, made of red stone is simply unchallenging. A flight of steep stairs with a narrow entrance used to be the old Shiva Temple, which was converted into a water palace by Mughal Governor Shah Badgah Khan for the Hindu Queen of Akbar. On its wall, the Deccan victory of Akbar had been depicted. Akbar built a retreat too. This Mughal Palace surrounded by the water of SagarTalao was a favourite of Jehangir. The sunset looks beautiful from the palace. Bajirao I won Mandu in 1732 and made it a Hindu temple of Lord Shiva after thorough renovation. The temple is shaded under the African Baobab tree. Monkeys are found here. Snakes are also found in numbers, even sometimes spread their hoods over the idol of Lord Shiva. Fountain trickles down on the head of Lord Shiva - the Nilkanth.


Hati mahal

Little away, the river jumps down from the hill. A little ahead to the east of the road, there is Baradari, or pleasure pavillion Hati mahal or the stable for elephants. There is a dome upon it, being supported by pillars like the shape of elephant's leg.

Beside it, there is the grave of Dariya Khan (1526 AD). Nahar (Tiger) Jharokha - a place for hunting tigers.
Besides, there is echo point, on the bank of Sagar Talao. If you say something aloud, your last word resonates in the hills.
Near Royal Enclave, there is Sunset Point, in the calm & quite atmosphere of mountain—the natural beauty of Mandu & sunset look beautiful from here.
There are Jain temples—Ekkhamba or Chorkot.
The latest attraction of Mandu is Mandu or Malab festival in the end of winter.





How to reach Mandu:

Nearest airport and major city is Indore. Nearest rail station is Mhow 66 km, Indore 95, Ratlam 105 km. Bus link has been developed with the 3 railway stations. Mandu has bus link with Amedabad and Vadodara of Gujarat via Dhar.

On Mumbai-Agra NH, Mandu is 19 km away from Gurjari and 95 km away from Indore. Regular bus service is there. Plenty of buses (almost hourly) are available from Dhar for Mandu.
From Indore You can hire a car and can visit Mandu comfortably.

Some travel agents also arrange conducted tours from near the station at Indore. MPTDC also arrange week end tours to Mandu even in the rainy season, when Mandu looks so green and beautiful.





Places to stay at Mandu:

Though most of the tourists use to have a day visit at Mandu, it will be nice to stay here for a day or two to relish the history and beauty of Mandu.
The hotels you can stay at Mandu:
STD code of Mandu +91 7292

Hotel Roopmati Ph: 263270
MPTDC Traveller’s Lodge Ph: 263221
Tourist Cottage, Roopmati Rd Ph: 263235

This article is republished at India Study Channel

Photo attribution:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunaman/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/travellingwithoutmoving/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cool_spark/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/uasatish/

Konark – an architectural wonder

According to Purana, Shamba, son of Lord Sri Krishna was suffering from leprosy by the curse from his father. He worshiped Sun for 12 years in the bank of Chandrabhaga river. Sun, the God was pleased by his prayer and cured him. Shamba made this sun temple at the junction of Chandrabhaga river and the Bay of Bengal. That’s why till today a fair is held in January – February and it is holy to take bath in Chandrabhaga beach.

Lord Curzon in the year 1904 brought out this temple from the heaps of sands, under which the temple was lying for 300 years.

Whoever has made this temple, it is really a wonder of architecture and regarded as one of the heritage sites of UNESCO.




At the main gate you can see two lions at each side of the gate killing elephants. It is said that, this was the symbol of proving supremacy of Hinduism over Buddhism at that ancient time! Like all other temples of Orissa this temple has also four main parts Bhogmandir( Kitchen and dining), Jagmohan (Porch to enter the main temple) Nat mandir ( Dance hall) and Biman ( where the main deity is placed).



There is stairs to climb to the porch (jagmohan) . Three chlorite stone statues of Lord Sun are there. In the early morning, afternoon and evening a tangent ray of sun fall on the face of these statues.




If you see from a distance you can realize the temple is built in the form of chariot and is drawn by seven horses. The seven horses symbolize the seven days of the week. 12 wheels are there on each side of the chariot denoting 24 fortnights (Paksha) of 12 months. There are eight spokes in each wheel symbolize 8 segments (Prahar) of a day. Most of the wheels are now almost destroyed with time and other natural and human factors except one with its full glory.




Look at the plinth of the temple, there are at least 1700 elephants are curved. Every inch of the wall of the temple is intricately decorated with different statues, telling the stories and life style of ancient times. The erotic images of all forms of sexuality are vividly curved. On the first landings 8 dancer girls on the angles are unique and charming.



It is heard that there was a powerful magnet on the top of the temple (Kumbha Pathar), This magnet use to attract the ships and caused various problems to them. Some of the crew of such a vessel destroyed that stone.


Though reliability of all the stories told cannot be ascertained but whatever may be the story, the end product is awesome. It is heard that this temple was built by 12000 labor and artists in 12 years time!

The temple remain open from 6 am to 5.30 pm. Free entry is on Fridays; on other days above 14 yearsof age the ticket is INR 10.




The geological museum near the temple is also worth visiting. His remain open from 10 am to 5 pm.

Konark dance festival is a yearly festival held from 1st to 5th December. This prestigeous festival is held in open air and participated by the reputed dancer from all over the country.

How to visit Konark:

Most of the tourists visit Konark in conducted tour either from Puri or Bhubaneshwar. Konark is 64 Km from Bhubaneshwar and there is regular bus service from here throughout the day. From Puri via a beautiful marine drive Konark is 36 km and you can get regular bus service. Easiest way to see Konark is by conducted tour either by bus or car. But if you want to enjoy the details of the fabulous work of art, better stay here for a day or two.

Where to stay at Konark:

STD code of Konark: +91 06758

OTDC Traveler’s Lodge and Pathanivas: Ph 236831 DB and Family Bed @ INR 300 – 550

Yatrinivas of Orissa Tourism: Ph 236820 DB and Suite @ INR 450 – 2000

Labanya Lodge Ph: 236818 DB @ INR 2000 – 400

Youth Hostel, Konark

This article is republished at India Study Channel


Photo attribution:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rietje/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2kool/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaurabarka/

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:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/araswami/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/binux/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saroz/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ganuullu/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/clara/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/idivilayil/

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.

A Memorable Train Journey

Last year when visiting Darjeeling I asked my kids and friends how to go to Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri? The answer was clear! Everyone opted for the toy train! I told that it will take at least 3 times of the time than if we go by car; but all were ready to spend 7 hours in toy train. I also wanted that but asked before hand everyone so that no one can blame me later :)

This Toy train recently awarded World Heritage Place by Unesco. This tour is also ranked in the first 25 best Train Journeys of the world.

It is really a splendid experience to ride on narrow gauge train. It starts its journey from the city at its own pace. Slowly it gains the altitude leaving behind the city. many times it cross the road and the cars going to Darjeeling wait for the train to cross. Everyone waves and cheer up each other. It is literally like a toy train one can easily get down and get up when it runs at slow speed. From a distance if you look it looks like a toy! Some times the train goes through the deep forests, sometimes through the small towns of the hill. There are total 12 stations between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The 9th station is Kurseong; from where we started to feel little cold and took out our woolens from the bag. The next important station before Darjeeling is Ghoom (7407 Ft.), the highest point in this route. Batasia Loop is interesting the train passes through unique loops in a short span. The ticket collector explained the loop to my son.

From Ghoom the next station is Darjeeling. It took long 7 hours to reach Darjeeling but all of us enjoyed the trip thoroughly. If you don't have crunch of time reach Darjeeling by toy train, a journey you will remember for long.


.