Mahudi - A holy weekend near Ahmedabad

It is a holy and famous pilgrimage of Jain's but now it not only limited till Jain's but the place where every religion people are worships Ghantakarna Mahavira.

Yes, I'm talking about Mahudi - the Jain pilgrimage. Appx. 80 kms from Ahmedabad.

This is one of 24 Jain's pilgrimages. It hasit's own importance. It's complex has been spread in 2 sq. km. Lord Ghantakarna has been worshiped at here. 

kotilinga

The main attraction of this peaceful retreat, which is surrounded by plush greenery, is a huge Shivalinga. Measuring 108 ft, this shivalinga is tallest of its kind in the world and accompanying it is a 35 ft tall Basava, surrounded by lakhs of small shivalingas spread over an area of 15 acres. So far, around 86 lakh shivalingas have been installed. The entire project involves the installation of one crore shivalingas of various sizes, hence the name ‘Kotilingeshwara’.

KASAULI - A SILENT HILL STATION

Kasauli is a small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. The town is 77 km from Shimla and 70 km from Chandigarh. Legend says that it came into existence after Lord Hanuman placed his feet here in order to advance on to the Sanjeevani hill. The place where the lord actually kept his feet is believed to be at a hillock which is 300 m high.

TIME :

Normally one can visit Kasauni at any time but April to June & Saptember to November is the best time. During this season, you can find different colors of nature. Some time light sun shine, some time cloudes and some time rimzim rain. If you want to enjoy snow, visit the town during the off-season (November to February), it is quite likely that you will not come across any person for a long while on your walk. Still, you will be accompanied on your walk by the sweet and soothing voices of the birds along with the gentle rustling of leaves.

VARKALA: A PEACEFUL BEACH OF KERALA

Varkala is a town in the Indian state of Kerala, about 50km north of Trivandrum and is home of the popular Papanasam Beach. Varkala is quite a new place to hang out in India and has only been developed as a tourist destination in the last years. Slowly even the north of Varkala Beach gets developed for tourists.

If you're looking for beaches and are fed up with the crowds and prices at Kovalam, then it’s well worth checking out Varkala.

In the off season it’s really mellow and relaxed, swims and sleeps and chill out. Only in December does it get really busy and prices start rocketing till January/February, when it starts to quieter down. The main season starts from Dec 1st- March 31st, with December & early January experiencing the biggest rush.

REACH: 

The nearest International Airport is Trivandrum. State Transport Buses are available from Trivandrum. Bus service available from Varkala to many parts of South Kerala and Kanyakumari. If coming from Trivandrum and Cochin, the better option will be coming by Train. Almost all trains passing by stops at Varkala. From Varkala Railway Station, Taxis and Auto Rickshaws can be hired. Papanasam Beach is around 5km from Varkala Railway Station. (Rs 40/50 by Auto Rickshaw)

Mahatma Mandir - An iconic tourist spot

Free Download - Exhibition Walkthrough & Photos

Gujarat government is going to develop the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar as an iconic tourist destination exhibiting the life of Mahatma Gandhi. 

1) The project is to bedeveloped in TWO phases.

2) Phase 1 will be completed by December 2010 which will host    “Vibrant Gujarat 2011”.

3) Phase 2 will be completed by December 2011

Kids city in Kankaria - Expression of creativity of kids

The much-touted Kids City at the Kankaria Lake Front is operational from January 1, 2011.

Kankaria Lake is place where you can spend atleast a full day with kids. There is two beautiful toy Train- The Swarnim Jayanti Express. This train takes you all around the periphery of the lake. There is a hot air balloon from where you can see a glimpse of Ahmedabad from an height of 300 ft. There is boating and other adventure activities in the lake along with food stall etc. Parking is easily available outside the Lake.

The Land of Pristine Beauty Coorg - Karnataka, India

Coorg is a land of bounty and lush greenery that never seems to end. Mainly a land of agriculture, Coorg or Kodagu is a small hill station in the state of Karnataka. Coorg is one of the cleaner regions of Karnataka with environment conscious natives.

Coorg was originally known as Kodaimalenadu or the land of dense forest on steep hill. Coorg district is very beautiful with scattered villages, hamlets and a few townships. Coffee and pepper are the most cultivated crops here and driving / walking around Coorg is indeed a delightful option.

Reaching there

Hampi - A Tourist's Paradise

Hampi- an archaeologist`s paradise and a tourist`s most sought after destination, is situated about 365 km from Bangalore.

Reaching Hampi:

The primary connectivity to Hampi is by road. Rail connection comes second and the air link is the third option.

Gir National Park - Home for Asiatic Lions

Gir National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1412 sq km ,deciduous forest interspersed with semi-evergreen and evergreen flora, acacia, scrub jungle, grasslands and rocky hills. Fed by perennial and seasonal rivers and streams, the sanctuary has large water bodies like the Kamleshwar Dam that are good for crocodiles and birds. 

GOA – An international tourist destination of India

India's West region, is a former Portuguese colony with rich history. Goa has a unique mix of native and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including about 400,000 foreign tourists).

Reach: 

Goa can be reached by its lone airport (Dabolim), by train, and by the many buses connecting the state with cities in India (primarily Mumbai Mangalore and Bangalore). If you are travelling from Mumbai or Pune, car travel would provide you a journey through he breathtaking scenery of Konkan area. Travel from Mangalore to Goa is through konkan rail and you can see its breath taking scenary and doodh sagar.

Tips for foreign visitors to India

India is a huge country and it is not feasible to conveniently visit the beautiful places without a good knowledge of the country. It depends entirely on the interest of the tourist to decide which places he wants to visit. If a tourist wants to explore the spirituality of the country he could very well visit the holy places of India. If interested in the wildlife, then he could plan such a visit which would enable him to visit the famous wildlife sanctuaries. The forts, monuments and palaces would cater to the artistic streak of a tourist while the luxurious life of the kings and the queens could also be experienced through their visit to the forts and royal palaces.

However, a tourist should be aware of various pros and cons before visiting the country. There are many online companies which offer highly customized India tour.

Tourist Trains of India

These are akin to five-star hotels on wheels. Operated jointly by Indian Railways and state tourism departments, they are a wonderful way to experience the sights in India without having to worry about the hassles of travel and accommodation. There are four major tourist trains operating in India at present

Palace on Wheels — this train covers important tourist attractions and historical sites in Rajasthan. 

Tour Itinerary

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destinations Covered : New Delhi >> Jaipur >> Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh >> Udaipur >> Jaisalmer >> Jodhpur >> Bharatpur - Agra >> New Delhi

Departure Day : The Palace on Wheels departs on Wednesday

Tariff:

• Deluxe Saloon for USD 500 per night on twin sharing basis

• Super Deluxe Saloon for USD 670 per person per night

Deccan Odyssey — This luxurious train transports its guests on a weeklong journey through some of the best places in Maharashtra and Goa. 

Tour Itinerary

Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days

Destinations Covered : Mumbai >> Ratnagiri >> Sindhudurg >> Goa >> Pune >> Aurangabad >> Nashik

Departure Day : Sunday

Tariff for Lean Season

• Deluxe cabin for USD 390 on twin sharing basis

• Presidential Suite for USD 750 per person per night

Diwali – A festival of light at Akshardham

Origin

There are five stories celebrating this day:

Pachmarhi | A famous hill station with many water falls

Pachmarhi has been harmonized the status of Queen Satpura hill range. Heart capturing waterfalls, scenic sites, large mountain range and lush green hillocks stretch over 60 sq. km in dramatic natural splendor. It is the most visited hill station of India. This place was discovered by officer of the British reign, Captain James Forsyth in the year 1862. He got so much attracted towards the beauty of Nature in its purest form that he constructed the bison Lodge here. He wrote the book “The High Lands of Central India” in which he has described the beauty of Pachmarhi and its myriad expression.

Large number of visitors used to visit Pachmarhi throughout the year. During the summer time it’s good to come here and beat the heat. Nature has been extremely generous to Pachmarhi. With the Sunrise you will hear the chirping of birds, murmuring rivulets, waterfall and experience the hypnotic hills and shadowy trees. You can attain a spiritual peace in the beauty of Nature.

Jaisalmer: The golden city of India

Jaisalmer is situated in the very heart of Rajasthan and a popular tourist destination therefore it is well connected to the rest of India and Rajasthan with airways, railways as well as roadways. Jodhpur is wel connected with all major city of India. U can get train from Jodhpur very easily.

Adilabad, Andhra-Pradesh, India

A good weekend destination for tourists from Hyderabad. A must-go during September to December. Also a good destination for trekkers. A nice forest cover. Kuntala waterfalls is quiet good and is claimed to be the highest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh. Pochera is a smaller waterfall.

White Desert Festival at Dhordo... kutch... Gujarat

Kutchh is the most fascinating destination of the world situated in border area. Kutchh has desert, temples, handicrafts, wildlife and fine sea. It has everything to offer for recreation and leisure.

Malshej Ghat - A fascinating tourist destination

A charming hill station, placed at an altitude of 700 meter above the sea level, Malshej Ghat is a fascinating tourist destination with a rejuvenating climate. Famous for its numerous lakes, cascading waterfalls, and charming mountains, this hill station is a favorite tourist destination of hikers, trekkers, adventurers and nature lovers. A typical woody countryside, Malshej Ghat is distinguished for its rich flora and fauna, historic forts landed on Rocky Mountains, enthralling rivers, meandering waterfalls, resorts and sanctuaries.

Colourful Fair - Tarnetar fair...

Tarnetar fair, the most colorful and vibrant fair of Gujarat, is held this year on August 23 to 25 th. Tarnetar is located in Saurashtra near Thangadh. It is five hr drive from Ahmedabad via Limdi-185kms approximately. The fair is held near Trinetrashwar Mahadeva temple at Tarnetar. Grampanchayat and various state authorites organised this colourful fair known as tribal fair near the temple and kund site. Most of the tribes of Saurashtra like Bharvad, Rabari, Koli etc are participating in this fair in a big numbers. The special feature of the fair is matchmaking between the youth of Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. It is believed that the Svayamvar of the panchal princess Draupadi was held here wherein Arjuna won her hand .Even today,the tradition of Svayamvar continues and the tribal girls attending the fair have a right to choose their husbands from the assembled youth. The youth come attired in exquisite cloths and jewellery with ornate umbrellas, which signifies that they are ready for a matrimonial alliance.

The Black Hills (Kalo Dungar) | Bhuj | Gujarat

25 kms north of Khavda, the top of the Black Hills is the highest point in Kutch, at 462 m. From here, the entire northern horizon vanishes into the Great Rann, the desert and sky often becoming indistinguishable. It is one of the few non-coastal locations where you feel like you are at the edge of the earth, on the brink of incomprehensible vastness that fades off towards infinity. Looking out from the Black Hills, you can understand the tremendous effort that those who undertake the crossing of the Great Rann have to make. Since this is one of the places where a civilian can get closest to the Pakistan border, there is an Army post at the top; beyond here, only military personnel are allowed. The hill is also the site of a 400-year-old temple to Dattatreya, the three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva in the same body. Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself. Because of this, for the last four centuries, the priest at the temple has prepared a batch of prasad that is fed to the jackals after the evening aarti.