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

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

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/

Puri – The Evergreen Tourist Spot

One of the most popular tourist spot Puri, in Orissa has something for everyone. For the devotees, it is on of the four Dhams ( Rest three are Dwarka, Rameshwaram and Badrinath). The Jagannath Dev, another image of Lord Krishna is the main deity worshipped here in the famous Jagannath Dev Temple. The name of Puri has changed several times with time. Neelachal, Neelgiri, Neeladri, Purushottam Khestra, Shankha Khestra, Shree Khsetra, Jagannath Dham and ultimate now it is Puri.

For tourists 7 km long semicircular sea beach, also known as Brighton of India is fabulous.
The sea beach of Puri is one of its kind. It is never quiet and not also as rough that you cannot bath. You have to remain cautious while bathing and should know how to tackle with the waves. The Nulias, with typical triangular caps are always there to help you at nominal charges. If you are not accustomed with the Puri Sea, better take their help. Tourists start playing in the sea since early in the morning and remain there till late afternoon. You will not feel to leave the beach, it is so absorbing! If you walk very early in the morning in the golden beach, you can find variety of sea shells to collect from the beach.






The sunrise, sunset, witnessing the activities of the fishermen, buying fresh sea fish direct from their net all are wonderful experiences. Your hotel will cook these fishes for you at a nominal charge; just manage the hotel manager for that.

The west side of Puri is Swargadwar, the most congested place of Puri is now extended to further west. This part is popular to Bengalee tourists. The eastern part, Chakratirtha road is westernized, little costlier than the eastern counterpart get mixed type of tourists from all parts of India and throughout the world. Those, who visit Puri with the primary purpose of worshipping Lord Jagannath prefer to stay around the temple.





Places of importance in Puri:

Swargadwar:

This is a sacred place at Puri and now most crowded too with plenty of shops of almost everything you want! “Maha Samsan” the crematorium of Hindus is adjacent. The oldest hotels of Puri are all adjacent to Swargadwar. There are plenty of Ashrams , Temples around Swaragadwar.





Sree Khsetra – Temple of Lord Jagannath Dev:

Everything in Puri seem to be related with Lord Jagannath and the temple is the centre of attraction of Puri. At ancient times this temple was built by the Suryabanshi king of Avanti, Indradumna. The original temple was destroyed and it was rebuilt by the king Jajati Keshari. Finally in 1198 AD the existing model was built by the king Anaga Bhimdev. After that by the patronage of Gajapati kings this temple has flourished.

It is a huge complex and always remain busy with devotees all over the country. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple complex. It has four entry points namely Simhadwar ( Lion gate), hastidwar (Elephant gate), Ashwadwar (Horse gate) and Khanjadwar. In front of the simhadwar on the east, there is Arun Stambha, a 34 Ft high pillar with Gaduda at its top.
The main temple has four main parts Biman, Natmandir, Bhogmandir and Jagmohan, the main one, where the images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed. Many othe temples of different God and Goddesses are around the main temple complex.

On the wall of the temple there are illustrations of men and women several exotic loving posture. The ornamental designs as well as the pantheon – are the major attraction for the tourists. The paininings of Purana tales on the walls and the engraved works on the pillars are unique example of art works of that time. The illustrations of 10 incarnations (Dashavatar) on the wall of the Garvagriha (The main chamber where lord Jagannath resides) is interesting, where Jagannath is depicted as 9th incarnation in place of Lord Budhha.

On the Rantabedi ( bejeweled altar) in the Garvagriha there are 7 images. White colored Balabhadra or Balaram, black colored Lord Jagannath with a big diamond on his forehead, in between them is their sister yellow colored Subhadra. On one side there is Sudarshan Chakra, On the left side goden colored Laxmi, on the right silver colored Saraswati and Neel madhab is placed behind.

The deities are made of Brahma wood. It is said that Vishwakarma could not comlete the image as the door was opened by the queen before the specified time of 21 days. That is why the images have no hands.

See the other places in and around Puri by hiring a Cycle Rickshaw or Auto Rickshaw. The places you will see are Sidhha Bakul, Gambhira, Markandeshwar temple and the pond, Indradumna, sonar Gouranga at Chakratirtha and Sakshigopal temple. It is said that Puri visit is incomplete if you miss Sakshigopal.





In the month of December, Puri Beach festival is now an added attraction, started in 1993. Raghurajpur is another place, worth visiting. It is about 10 km from Puri in Puri Bubaneshwar highway. Here in Govt aided craft college and in the houses of the artists they make unique sculptures of stone and fabulous paintings on canvasses and on different natural medias. You can purchase the art work from there. Some of them are quite costly in the range of INR 40,000! Though small items are available at INR 100 too. You can visit this place from Puri by hiring an auto rickshaw or, car.





How to reach Puri:

Puri is connected by Railways from Kolkata and New Delhi by direct trains. Khurda Road station is touched by most of the south bound trains. Puri is 1 ½ hours from Khurda Road. Nearest airport and important Railway station is Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar is connected by air and train from all over the country. Puri is 1 ½ hour drive from Bhubaneshwar by bus or taxi.





Conducted tours from Puri:

There are plenty travel agencies, who are conducting package tour from Puri daily except Monday. @ INR 140 they will show you Chandrabhaga beach, Konark, Dhauli, Bhubaneshwar, Udaigiri, Khandagiri, and Nandan Kanan in a super luxury coach.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays they conduct tour to Chilika @ INR 130

Satpara Dolphin tour is available @ INR 220 inclusive of the boat charge.

Try to book your trip at OTDC conducted tour from Panthabhavan +91 6752 223526.

The next choice is N. N Mukherjee and sons, Chakratirtha Road +91 6752 227068

And Konark Travels, sea beach +91 6752 223435

They have their own cars and good infrastructure.

Staying in Puri:

Though throughout the year Puri is pleasant and enjoyable, From October to January and May and June are considered as season. At other times discounts are available at the hotels.
For staying, the options in Puri are many. All depend on what kind of holiday you are enjoying. You can choose from Dharamshalas, holiday homes of different organizations, and hotels of different categories and budgets. Chose the place where you like to stay and what is your primary requirement. If you want to spend more time in temple chose any hotel there. They are comparatively cheap. If you like to stay within a lively crowd and colorful shops and fair like atmosphere chose any hotel or, holiday home at Swargadwar. If you need privacy and quiet ambience chose hotels in Chakratirtha road. I will mention few important hotels of each of these places; but there are plenty to chose from.





Few important hotels on the sea beach road up to Swargadwar:

STD code of Puri +91 6752

Balananda Tirthasharam : Ph228727 Booking open one month before. @ INR 225 – 400 DB and Family room available. No non vegetarian food allowed inside the hotel.

Puri Hotel: Ph 222114/ 223809 One of the oldest and very popular among tourists @ INR 400 – 1400 depending on the rooms. Even 10 bedded family rooms are also available.

Victoria Club Hotel: Ph: 222005 / 222583 This hotel is a symbol of aristocracy in Puri DB @ INR 450 – 2500

Ocean View Hotel: Ph 223352 DB @ INR 500 – 1200

Pulin Puri Hotel: Ph 223360 DB, FR and suites @ INR 750 – 2400

Hotel Sonali: Ph 223545 right at Swargadwar - DB @ INR 450 – 1050

Few important hotels in new marine drive, more west from Swargadwar

New Sea Hawk Hotel: Ph 231500 Children’s park in the hotel lawn is a great advantage DB and suites @ INR 700 – 2500

Hotel Banga Laxmi: Ph 230711 DB @ INR 250 – 2000

Few important hotels in Chakratirtha Road, 2 Km from Swargadwar and Railway station.

Hotel Repose: Ph 223376 DB @ INR 600 onwards

Mayfair beach resort: Ph 227800 cottage @ INR 6000 Suite @ INR 9000

OTDC Pantha Nivas Ph: 222562 DB, FR, Suite @ INR 500 – 2000

BNR Hotel: Ph 223006 The residence of lady Osworth is converted in to a prestigious hotel of
Puri . DB @ INR 1000 – 1500 inclusive of food.

Youth Hostel Puri: Ph: 222424

Holiday resort Puri: Ph:222440 DB and suite @ INR 1400 – 4000

The mentioned hotels are only the very prominent ones. I may have missed many prominent hotels too in this list. In fact there are uncountable hotels in Puri. Still during Christmas holidays, the dearth of room remains at times. The rates of small hotels changes frequently according to the tourist flow. You can get many hotels or, holiday homes in 2nd or 3rd row behind the sea beach road at much cheaper prices. Many of them allow cooking too. At Puri you can hire every cooking tools like gas cylinder, burner pressure cooker etc at a very nominal price. Beddings are also available on hire.

Food at Puri:

Dominated by Bengalee foods and recipes, you can get food of any provinces at the different restaurants. If you are fond of fish, this place is for you. Relish fresh fish at almost every restaurants. I will specifically recommend Bidesh Ghar, near Swargadwar. Please taste the Bengali cuisine there. Don’t forget to visit Kakatua sweet shop and taste the sweets there. Collect Khaza the special sweet of Puri. Take them to your home for your friends and relatives.

What you should buy from Puri:

There are many thing you can buy as memento of Puri. Artwork of sea shell, Sambalpuri sarees, Pat chitra (A special type of paintings), stone curvings, replica of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra, special stick.

The last word: Beware of strangers, who may offer you hotels, conducted tour bookings etc. They may dupe you. Go straight forward to proper place for booking and talk to them directly without any middleman. While taking help of Rikshaw pullers and auto drivers but keep in mind that they get commission from the hotels and the travel agents. Tell them directly to which hotel or travel agent you want to go to.

This article is republished at India Study Channel

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

Haridwar (Uttarakhand) - Gateway To Garhwal

Situated at he base of Shivalik range of Himalayas, Haridwar in Uttarakhand is the gateway to Garhwal Himalayas. Sacred Ganges touches the plane land here in Haridwar. Every 12 years Kumbha Mela is held here. The next Kumbha Mela in Haridwar is due on 2010.



The main attraction of Haridwar is Har - ki - pauri Ghat, From here to Vishnughat along the banks of Ganges there are market, hotels and temples. You will love to stay here for a day or two. Non vegetarian food is not allowed in this part of India and not sold too. You can get eggs at some places.



Every evening at 6 - 30 pm at Har Ki Pauri Ghat a fascinating aarati to Devi Ganga is held and thousands of small boats made with leaves with lighted candles (diya) are floated in the river by the devotees. Thousands of diyas floating on the river is a wonderful experience one can ever had.



Many devotees and tourists take holy bath in Ganges here in Haridwar. A word of caution is while taking bath don't ever leave the chain, which is provided for bathing.

A rope way service to Mansa Temple at the top of Bilwa Hill (175 meters) is available from HarPuari Ghat. It is a nice ride of 600 meters. From the top you can see the whole Haridwar town and the Ganges flowing. Chand temple is another temple 6 Km from here, you can reach by rope way. Anjani Devi temple is near Chand temple. The other temples in Haridwar can be very easily seen by hiring a taxi or, auto rickshaw are Baishnovevi temple, Kankhal, Bharatmata temple, Pawandham, Saptarshi Ashram etc.

3 Km from Haridwar is Nildhara bird sanctuary. Migratory birds flock here in winter, is a worth visiting spot.

How to Reach Haridwar:

Haridwar is well connected by Railways from all over the country. From ISBT Bus stand Delhi bus service is also available to reach Haridwar in 5 Hours.

Distance of some important places from Haridwar:

• Haridwar To Hrishikesh: 24 Km.
• Haridwar To Dehradun: 52 km.
• Haridwar To Delhi: 203 Km.
• Haridwar To Luxar: 28 km.
• Haridwar To Lucknow: 595 km
• Haridwar To Uttarkashi: 172 km
• Haridwar To Jankibai choti ( Yamunotri): 240 km.
• Haridwar To Gangotri: 272 km.
• Haridwar To Rudraprayag: 163 km.
• Haridwar To Gourikund: 233 km.
• Haridwar To Badrinath: 326 km.
• Haridwar To Mussourie: 86 km.
• Haridwar To Kedarnath: 247 km.

Where to stay ( Hotels) at Haridwar:

STD code of Haridwar: +91334

• GMVN Tourist Rest House Rahi Motel: Ph: 228686/ 226430 @ A/C DB INR 1000- 1200; Other rooms DB @ INR 600 - 1200 ; Dormitory @ INR 150/ bed.

Other Hotels DB @ INR 500 onwards

• Ganga Gaurav: Ph: 226166
• Lion Ph: 227534
• Trishul Ph: 224811
• Saraswati Ph: 220948
• Vasubndhara Ph: 226010
• Panama Ph: 227506
• Vikrant Ph:266183
• City center Ph: 227906
• Bhaskara: Ph: 221800
• Tirtha Ph: 225211
• Midtown Ph: 227507
• Himalaya Ph: 226816
• Tirtha Ph: 225211
• Ashok Ph: 227328
  

There are plenty such hotels in Haridwar. There will never be dearth of accommodation. Stay in Haridwar will fit all kind of budgets.

Important information regarding hiring car from Haridwar:

Before hiring car please chalk out you route of travel as you may like to visit some off the route places while you are going to some destination and you may not like to return through the same route. in all such cases it is better to clear the things with the driver and the car owner before starting of journey to avoid unnecessary problems later on.

The approximate fare for a 5 seater car per day at present @ INR 1500 and 8 seater car @ INR 1800.

Hampi - The Royal Ruins

Hampi - Badami - Bijapur is an excellent travel circuit for a week end tour from Bangalore. These three places are hot favorite of the foreign tourists. Many temples and palaces at Hampi and Badami are now in the list of UNESCO Heritage sites. There is scarcity of hotels in Hampi and Badami, so it is better to book before hand before your journey, particularly in the winter.

The nearest railway station from Hampi is Hospet 14 kms. From Bangalore, it is 364 Km can be reached by bus, or hiring a cab. Even night service deluxe busses are also available from Bangalore to Hospet.

Carvings

At Hospet a place worth to see is the dam over the Tungabhadra river, also known as TB Dam by the local people. The picture of perfect villages in India with their farming, huts can be seen on both sides of the road on your way from Hospet to Hampi. Kamalapur is the major junction you will reach after 20 mins drive. From here two different roads are going inside the Hampi.

Carvings

Hampi is place with its unique scenic beauty. The rocks of different shapes, Tungabhadra river with the typical basket boat ( Hargol), ruins of palaces and temples here and there. After lunch we went to visit the Matanga Hill. This is a Hill made by the boulders of differentshapes stacked together, unique in its natural design. steps are there to climb to the top. It was a steep climb! At the top there is ruin of Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple. From the top the total view of Hampi is exceptional.

The Royal Ruins

Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagar Empire and was built on 1336 AD by the two kings of that time Harihar and Bukka. At that time Vijaynagar was vesry strong economically and wast the hub for trade for diamonds, pearls, silk, horses etc. Many palaces, forts temples were built at that time one by one. On 1565 AD Vijaynagar lose the Talikota battle and ruining started.

Carvings

Archeological Survey Of India tried hard to protect those heritage structures, the beauty of which will amaze you even today! At least two full days are required to visit the important sites at Hampi.

Virupakshya Temple

In the afternoon we decided to see the Virupakshya temple. This temple remain open from 6.30 am to 8.30 pm. Tall and huge 9 storey Gopuram, large temple compund with beautiful carvings on the wall, colorful frescos on the ceiling - really a wonder all

Fresco on the ceiling

together. In this temple regular puja and prayer is held till today. The Gods here are Mahadev and Pampadevi.

Tungabhadra River

From the temple we came to the river bank of Tungabhadara, adjacent to the temple. For dinner we went to roof top restaurant, a nice and unique environment to have dinner.

Carvings

The next morning after breakfast we started our journey to see the rest of the places. It took abouut 7 hours to cover the main sites. our first stop was Vithala temple. On the way to the temple we saw the ruins of Vithala market. Entry fee to the temple was INR 10. We witnessed and were stunned by the excellence of the architecture of ancient times! there are 56 intricately curved pillars in the main Rangmandap (Compound) which produce musical tunes when hit.

The King's Balance

The famous chariot made of curved stones is there in the compund here. King's balance, where the king use to donate gold and precious stones of his own weight! There are few ponds (Pushkarini ) inside the compound.

The Famous Chariot

Queen's bath was the bathroom for the queens. Though from outside it look so ordinary but the artistic craftworks in arches, pillars, fountains, balconies inside the palace is wonderful.

Hazar Ram Mandir

Hazar ram mandir is also in this area we saw. The story of Ramayana is curved on the walls of the two temples here. On the wall of main temple the pictorial story of Vishnu Avatar is engraved on the black ballast stone.

The Lotus Palace

From here our next spot was Janana Mahal Royal Complex. The same ticket of Vithala temple we hadto show here to enter. This was the place where queens used to stay in ancient times. The Lotus palace amidst of a beautiful garden was the main place. A museum of Archeological Survey Of india is also here.

Hatisala

Just outside the Janana Mahal is elephant's stable (Hati Sala) with many pillars and a beautiful tower.

Pataleshwar Shiva temple is little away from this palace. It is a temple underground and through the steps we reached inside (Garva Griha). Artistic work on the stones are beautiful even in this underground temple. Baravilinga Siva temple is another temple, where there is a three meter long Shiva linga surrounded by flowing water.

The Narasimha

The famous Lakshmi Narasimha Statue of Hampi is adjacent to this. It is an amazaing 7 meter tall statue made of stone with the fierce expression, under open sky.


After seeing many other temples we reached Acchyut Roy temple in the afternoon. The nearby river bank from here is very quite and secluded. We enjoyed the fun of basket boat (Hargol) ride on Tungabhadra river from here. This kind of boat is very typical of this place.

Tungbhadra Boat Ride

At last we reached the Hemkut hill near Virupakshya temple. Though not as high as Matunga, yet a beautiful view of Hampi is visible from here. We were all tired of the journey through out the day. Sitting on the hill top and observing the sunset over the Hampi - The Royal Ruins....is a memory to remain with us.

The sunset we will remember

See All Photos of Hampi Here.

Hotel Maliggi

Hotels at Hampi:

KTDC Hotel Maurya Bhubaneshwari (+918394 241574) @ INR 1200 - 1800 DB

KTDC Hotel Maurya Vijaynagar at Hospet ( +918394 259270) @ INR 350 DB

Kirtan ( +918394 695194) @ INR 400 - 500 DB

Maliggi ( Favourite of foreign tourists) (+918394 228101) @ INR 500 - 2100 DB

Karni mata Temple

On the way from Bikaner to Jodhpur you must stop and see Karni mata temple at Deshnok. It is 32 Km from Bikaner. Karni mata is believed to be one more form of Devi Durga. The temple is made fully by marble and all the doors are made of pure silver. It was built by Maharaja Gangasingh. However, the main attraction of the temple are inneumerable rats roaming freely inside the temple even on the idol itself. They drink milk kept for them and never bites! Amazingly there are no foul smell as may be expected from so many of them.