Calm Kochi backwaters - A regenerating glide into the serenity of village life

Hankering to take a regenerating glide into the serenity of village life? Nothing could be better than a boat ride caressed by the soft ripples of Kochi backwaters. The journey beneath the concrete bridges becomes all the more charming as it is sure not to play havoc with your budget. The mesmerizing journey that starts from High Court junction at Ernakulam provides a beautiful glimpse of the broad backwaters that embraces Kochi. In their journey to Varapuzha, the boats are anchored at more than twenty docks.

 The boat-ride provides a rapidly changing view of the vivacious cultural life against a natural backdrop. The solitary boat rider and the fisherman who thuds hard on his boat to attract customers from the distant island towards his catch are but a few stranded images that stay back in mind long after the trip. Barges that contain liquid ammonia gas too sail by.  You will have to agree with the Spanish traveler who scribed in his memoirs that no travel through India is complete without experiencing the rail travel through Ootty-Coonoor and boat ride through Kochi-Varapuzha water canal.  'Lonely Planet', widely acclaimed as the 'Traveler's Bible', contains vivid description of this relatively unexplored waterway. Despite its international recognition, the native folk often remain unaware of the unique experience offered by the journey that links fourteen lush green islands.

The meticulous eyes of foreign tourists have not evaded even the native boat travelers. It seems it was while traveling in these boats that they came across the largest number of 'half-clad men' in Kerala. The taste of toddy and the hot tinge of fish curry served at the riverside shops remained fresh in their taste-buds despite reaching the distant Egypt.

The boat resumes its ride through the islands of Pizhala, Kothadu and Chennoor before it reaches Varapuzha. The boat anchors beside the ancient St. Joseph Mount Carmel church. The cultural remnants of the work of early missionaries attract tourists to Varapuzha. Crematorium of twelve missionaries could also be seen here.  No wonder, the ride through the Kochi backwaters itself is the highlight in Fil Franperson's work 'Hidden Kerala', which has been written for KTDC.  The boat passes through Mulavukadu, Korumkotta and Vaduthala to reach Chittur where it stops for a refreshing break. The island of Moolambilly, seen at the other side, is famous for its earthen pots. So exquisite were those vessels moulded at Moolampilly that during the Indo-Chinese war, it was rumoured that these pots were manufactured in China itself.

The boat ride from Ernakulam to Varapuzha takes about one and a half hours. If your eyes long to have yet another glance of the picturesque backwaters you can return to Kochi by boat itself. Or else, you can get down at Cheranallor and catch a bus to Kochi. Taxi service is also available. Accommodation can be arranged at resorts in Korunkodu and Kothadu islands. Home-stay facility is available at Chenoor and Kothadu.

Monsoon arrives early in Kerala

The word monsoon itself makes one happy. The soaking smell of the dry Earth getting saturated, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water make monsoons the favourite season in India. After the long summer months when the heat and the dust ruled the roost, the monsoons are a welcome change. The farmers rejoice in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. Feel the magic of monsoon.....

 Many parts of Kerala, particularly the central districts, had been enjoying summer showers through May, but the south-west monsoon officially hit the Kerala coast on Sunday, three days ahead of its arrival forecast.

The early arrival means the state can look forward to its traditional wet weather during the June-July months, and school children will have to arm themselves with raincoats and umbrellas as the showers come down right from the first week of their new academic year.

This year, the monsoon has reportedly set in three days ahead of projections, over most parts of Kerala, much of the south Arabian Sea, and some parts of Tamil Nadu, and conditions are being considered favourable for its advance.

For Kerala, a good and timely arrival of the monsoon not only means good news for the farming community across the state, but also brings cheer for the hydro-electricity generating sector, towards which the state's power generation is traditionally skewed.

A good monsoon is also vital for the state's tourism industry, both for the sustenance of the enticing greenery of the state and for the large number of tourism industry players who promote products that hinge around encouraging tourists to enjoy Kerala in the rain.

As nature recoups with the rains, it is rejuvenation time for humans too. According to Ayurveda, Monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies. During the Monsoon season, the atmosphere remains dust-free and cool, opening the pores of the body to the maximum, making it most receptive to herbal oils and therapy.

Monsoon is the word itself makes one joyous! The intoxicating smell of the dry earth getting drenched, the splashing waters and the tiny paper boats sailing on the clogged water, make monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. After the long summer months of the heat and the dust having ruled the roost, the monsoon comes as a welcome change. The farmers rejoice in the showers that promise to bring them prosperity. The monsoon season makes the peacock fan out its plumes and dance with joy,the flowers of the golden mangoes bloom in plenty,the rivers and lakes to flow freely and the waterfalls to cascade majestically down the mountains! Kerala experiences the magic of the monsoon season in all its splendour,and tourists from across the state and country travel to this part to get a taste of the Kerala monsoon!

Goa's carnival fiesta begins March 5

Goa is famous for its carnival. Goa carnival is a grand celebration which lasts for three days and nights. Goa carnival scheduled to be held from March 5. It is organised every year by the state tourism department, local municipal councils and Goa's sole municipal corporation. The entire state glitters with lights, colorful ribbons and glittering papers. The streets are vibrant with the colorful possession that pass through the length and breadth of the state entertaining the tourists.

You can find exciting padres to the exotic Goa cuisine. There are hundred of stalls selling the strange Goan super delicacies food. The famous shakuti, vindaloo, saurpatel. Popular liquor drink feni, in cashew and palm variants supplemented with the plum puddings.

  Some Goa Carnival Photos (2006-2009)

All Goans celebrate the carnival as a feasting and merry making time. The carnival is absolutely colorful and lively and the whole of Goa comes alive with this festival. Goa Carnival is the most eagerly awaited event among the many and various colourful feasts and festivals celebrated in Goa. Goa Carnival is now inseparable from the heritage of the state.

Kerala Tourism sweeps PATA Awards 2011

Kerala Tourism got four of the top honours at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Awards 2011 announced in Bangkok for outstanding achievement.  Kerala is  the only Indian state to figure in the PATA awards this year, and also picked up one of the four PATA Grand awards in the environment category for its "responsible tourism" efforts in Kumarakom. Kerala Tourism's new global campaign film "Your Moment is Waiting" bagged three PATA Gold awards, signify the creative edge, which our marketing campaigns have been acclaimed for.  Kerala Tourism's international campaign, Your Moment Is Waiting is a film that goes far beyond the realm of a commercial, to capture the soul of Kerala like no destination hitherto has. Kerala Tourism won three Gold awards making it the largest haul ever by a state government in the history of the PATA awards.

This video shot at Thekkady, Munnar, Thalassery and Kannur in 11 days, this video is directed by Prakash Varma and is produced by Stark Communications.

Your Moment is Waiting

Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said: "The Grand award puts an even greater responsibility on us to ensure that the achievements of responsible tourism in Kumarakom are sustained and taken to the next level to create a replicable model in tourism practices.

The "responsible tourism" program was the first such initiative by a tourism board in India.  As the best way to maximize the positive impacts of tourism and minimize the negative ones, Responsible Tourism is gaining wide acceptance across the world today. Under the project, ordinary people of Kumarakom worked with industry representatives like hotels and resorts, tour operators, travel agents, home-stay operators and souvenir shop owners, NGOs and government agencies to protect the environment in the high-profile destination. Kumarakom, in the State, has the pride of being the first place on the country to have successfully implemented "responsible tourism". "Responsible tourism" is today being implemented in other tourist destinations across the State.

Never miss Athirapally when you visit Kerala.

The attractiveness of the Athirapally cannot be described by words. Athirapally water falls situated on the Chalakudy river, 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), Kerala. It originates in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. Athirapaly starting calmly from the high ranges, these waterfall is one of the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of something wild and natural.

Vazhachal Waterfalls, Charpa Falls, Malakapara Tea Gardens, Thumpurmuzhi Gardens, Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams, Valparai and Vazhachal Forest Gardens are the nearest attractions.

Some of my recent tour photos of Athirapally:

The best time to visit Athirapally is just after the monsoon season, when the waterfalls would still be in full force. September to February is the ideal period to visit.

There are some restriction on Athirapally:

Visiting is between 8 am and 6 pm only, consumption of alcohol and smoking is strictly prohibited here. swimming in the falls is prohibited, visitors are advised to refrain from feeding animals as the waterfalls are plastic-free zones.

Season of temple festivals starting in Kerala.

The time of temple festivals are coming in January to May months in Kerala. The celebrations are held at temple grounds. People from all the religions, castes and tourists participate in the Pooram. The dazzling display of fire works will start from midday till morning. Thrissur Pooram Festival is the most popular pooram festival of Kerala.

Thrissur Pooram

Melam

Fire Works

  Sree Maheswara Temple Thyppooya Mahotsavam, Koorkancheri, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple Bharani Festival,  Pariyanampena Temple Pooram,  Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Pooram,  Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple Pooram, Palappuram,  Attukal Pongala Utsavam, Thiruvananthapuram, Uthralikavu Pooram, Wadakkanchery, Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple Utsavam, Vadakancherry,  Kodimooti Sree Bhagavathy Temple Pooram,  Othara Padayani,  Arattupuzha Pooram, Thrissur, Nenmara Vallangi Vela, Palakkad, Machattu Mamangam, Thrissur, Theyyam festival, Kuttikkol Thampuratti Bhagavathy Temple. Kunikkol,  Elankavu Temple Aatuvela Mahotsavam, Vadayar, Vaikom, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta Puthukulangara Devi Temple, Sree Kurumba Temple, Kodungalloor Bharani Festival,  Aravukadu Devi Temple, Punnapra,  Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thyppooya Mahotsavam, Harippad, Thrissur Pooram, are the major pooram festivals in kerala.

Guruvayoor Temple

Perumudiyoor Temple

Thriprayar Temple

Thirumittakkode Temple

Meghalaya tourist season

Meghalaya literally means the 'Abode of Clouds'. Meghalaya is located in the North Eastern corner of India., Meghalaya is a state of great scenic beauty with undulating rivers, waterfalls, shining mountain streams, lakes, gorges, precipitous ravines and bird's-eye views from hilltops. Weaving, Pottery, wood and stone carving, metal work and basketry are traditional village craft. As with most the North Eastern states, Meghalaya is diversely multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious, with an awful mix of traditional and modern lifestyles.

Tourist Places:

Cherrapunjee: Dain-Thlen Falls, Noh-Kalikai Falls, Noh-Sngithiang Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkharang Park, Khoh Ramhah, Living root Bridge.

Garo Hills: Tura Peak, Nokrek Peak, Nokrek biosphere, Imilchang Dare, Chibragre, Williamnagar, Rongrenggiri, Sisbibra, Resubelpara, Baghmara, Nengkong, Siju Caves, Balpakram.

Jaintia Hills: Thadlaskein Lake, Megalithic Remnants-Nartiang, Syndai, Syntu Ksiar.

Khasi Hills: Sohpetbneng Peak, Bishop and Beadon Falls, Spread Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls, Diengiei Peak, Dwarksuid, Kyllang Rock, Mawsynram, Jakrem, Ranikor, Dawki, Nongkhnum Island.

Shillong: Elephant Falls, Shillong View Point, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydari Par, Wards Lake, Botanical Garden, Golf Course, State Museum, Catholic Cathedral,

Eight tourism hubs have been created in Gujarat

Eight tourist hubs are created with the modern infrastructure, facilities in Gujarat at Ahmedabad Metro, Ahmedabad Rural, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Junagadh & Jamnagar and Bhuj, for convenience of tourists visiting Gujarat. Gujarat have centuries of history as spanning the geological heart of the earth onto a fascinating vibrant future. Gujarat is unparalleled in its geological and topographical landscape. From volcanic discharges through bedrock to fossil fields of indigenous dinosaurs; from the art of the neolithic cave painter to the rock masterpieces of a episode of domesticated architecture. Ancient cave paintings to historic wall painting, natural and man made caves. Art, history, music, culture, all fit within each other to form a fantastic intercellular substance that is the cultural enthusiasm of the people of the state.

Places of Tourist Interest:

Ahmedabad: Rani Roopmati Mosque, Siddi Sayyad's Mosque, Gita Mandir, Swami Narayan Temple, Hathisinh Mandir, Jhulta Minar, Jumma Masjid, Kankaria Lake, Teen Darwaza and Bhadra Fort, Daria Khan's Ghummat, Rauza of Shah Alam, Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmed Shah's Mosque, Balvatika, Rani Sipri's Mosque and Tomb, Siddhi Sayyad Mosque, Dada Hari Vav, Calico Museum of Textiles, Calico Mills, Shreyas Folk Art Museum, Gandhi Smarak Sanghrahalaya, Gandhi Ashram Sabarmati, L.D. Institute of Indology Navarangpura, National Institution of Design, Tribal Research & trg. Museum, N.C. Mehta Art Gallery, Kite Museum, Sanskar Kendra, Veechar Utensil Museum, Natural History Museum Kankaria.

Bhavnagar: Bhavnagar, Takhteshwar Temple, Barton Library, Gangajalia , Nilambag Palace, Town Hall, Gandhi Smriti.

Champaner: Chhota Udepur (Royal Palaces), Jambu Ghoda (wild life sanctuary), Vadodara (Laxmi Vilas Palace, museum,Sayajibag, public buildings), Dabhoi (ancient fort, gateways), Balasinor (Dinosaur fossils).

Gondal: Jetpur(textile town known for yarn dyeing and hand printed saris), Rajkot (Watoson Museum, Rajkumar College, Ramkrishna Mission, Kaba Gandhi no Delo).

Jamnagar: Jamnagar is known for its tie & dye work on fabrics, silken & gold embroidery.

Junagadh: Gir National Park (the only home of Asiatic Lions), Prabhas patan-Somnath (one of eh twelve most sacred Shiva Shrines), Chorwad (a delightful resort on the beach).

Mandvi: Bhadershwar (Jain temples with fresco paintings, amongst the oldest in Gujarat, one of the oldest mosques in India dating back to pre-Islamic invasions), Mundra (ancient fortified town and a port), Kandla (India's only free trade port, envisioned by Maharao Kehengarji I and Madansinghji),Naliya (jain block printing works), Kera (ancient Shiva Temple, shrine of Gulam Ali Shah), Gandhidham (a well planned, prosperous town, Institute of Sindhology).

Morbi: Dhrangadhra (royal palaces), Wadhvan (Royal Palace, bazaar, step wells), Halvad (Ek-dandia Mahal-Zalawzad Darshan, wooden palace, Cenotaphs), Wankaner (Royal Palaces, step wells), Maliya (Royal Palace), Rajkot (princely architecture, Watson Museum, Rajkumar College, Ramkrishna Mission, Kaba Gandhi no Delo).

Patan: Siddhapur (Bohravad, Rudra Mahalaya), Vadnagar (Hatkeshwar Mahadev, Kirti Torana).

Porbandar: Modpar Fort, Ghumli, Gop, Harshad Mata Temple, Barda wild life sanctuary.

Rajkot: Aji Dam, Mahatma Gandhi's Home, Lal Pari Lake & Renderda, Sardar Smriti Bhavan, Watson Museums & Jubliee Gardens.

Sasan Gir: Sasan Gir Forest.

Wankaner: Morbi (Green Chowk, Darbargadh, Art Deco Palace, Wellingdon Secretariat, railway station, Nehru Gate, Lakhdhirjee Engineering College), Halvad (Ek-dandia Mahal-wooden palace, cenotaphs of warriors-chhatris, step wells, Shiva Temples).

Tour to Uttar Pradesh, Amazing heritage and grand experiences

Uttar Pradesh, or UP as it is popularly called, has been in the central of all the activities that has formed India. The state have the largest population in India. It is more than the total population of Western Europe. Uttar Pradesh is a land of various cultures. People of various race and religion that populate this state have contributed in the complex culture of Uttar Pradesh. These contributions can be seen in various fields. All these have made Uttar Pradesh a place to travel and explore. Taj Mahal and Ghats of Varanasi are two of the jewels of Uttar Pradesh. There is none left in this world that could match the magnificence of Taj Mahal. And if Taj stands for romanticism, Varanasi is for salvation. Uttar Pradesh have some of the major Buddhist heritage sites such as Sarnath and Kushinagar. Mathura, Allahabad, Ayodhya and Gadh-Mukteshwar also attract thousands of pilgrims every year. Besides the Taj Mahal, Varanasi and the Buddhist circuit.

Main Tourist attractions:

Agra: Agra Fort,Taj Mahal, Moti Masjid , Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb.

Lucknow: Residency, Bada Imam Bara, Rumi Darwaza, Hussainabad, Clock Tower, Shah Nazar Zoo, State Museum, Macchi Bhawan, Khurshid Mahal, Botanical Gardens, Picture Gallery.

Ayodhya: Hanumangarh, Janmasthan, Kanak Bhawan, Jain Temple, Treta-ke-Thakur, Mani-Parvat Nageshwar Nath Temple, Amawan Temple, Tulsi, Chaura, Tulshi Smarak, Brahma Kund etc.

Allahabad: Anand Bhawan (Home of the Nehru family), Allahabad Fort, Bhardwaj Ashram, Khusro's Tomb, Patlipuri Temple, Sangam, Swaraj Bhawan, Botanical Gardens, Allahabad Museum.

Varanasi: River Front, Alamgir Mosque, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple), Vishwanath Temple (Benaras Hindu University), Durga Temple, Sarnath, Archaeological Museum, Sarnath, Fort Museum, Ramnagar, Bharat Kala Bhavan Hindu University.

Rishikesh: Bharat Temple, Rishi Kund & Raghunath Temple, Laxman Jhoola , Pushkar Temple , Shatrughan Temple, Muni-Ki-Reti, Swarg Ashram, Gita Bhawan, Parmath Niketan , Lakshman Temple, Sadanand Jhoola, Triveni Ghat, Shivanand Ashram, Kailash Ashram, Academy of Meditation.

Dehradun: Sahastradhara Cold Sulphur Springs, Tapkeshwar (Shiva) Temple, Robber's Cave, Lakshman Sidh, Tapovan, Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institute.

Gangotri: Submerged Shivling, Gaumukh Trek.

Yamnotri: Temple of Yamnotri, Surya Kund, hot water spring, Divya Shila. Saptarshi Kund.

Badrinath: The abode of Lord Vishnu.

Diversity in tourism - Must visit Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a land whose sheer size and diversity will bedaze you. Enjoy Maharashtra's mountains that extend into the clouds as far as the eye can see. Her unnumerable forts that stand proud and strong. Her scores of temples, sculpted into and out of basalt rock. Maharashrta's various and colourful cultures, threaded into one mammoth comfort. Her festivals that startle the sleepy thousands into fiery motion. And her miles of beaches, stretched tight and inviting over the entire coast.

Main tourist attractions:

Maharashtra Forts: Ahmadnagar Fort, Ajinkyatara Fort, Arnala Fort, Bassein Fort, Chakan Fort, Daulatabad Fort, Gavilgad Fort, Harishchandragad Fort, Kandhar Fort, Lohagad Forts, Mumbai Fort, Murud Janjira, Narnala Fort, Panhala Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Purandhar Fort, Raigad Fort, Shivner Fort, Sidhudurg Fort.

Maharashtra Hill Stations: Amboli, Bhandardara, Chikaldhara, Jawhar, Lonavla & Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Malshejghat, Matheran, Panchgani, Panhala, Sawantwadi, Toranmal.

Parks: Navegaon National Park, Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Museums: Coin Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Mahatma Gandhi Museum, National Maritime Museum, Prince of Wales Museum, Raja Dinkar Museum, Chhatrapati Museum, Shri Bhavani Museum, Taraporewala Aquarium, Tribal Museum, Veermata Museum.

Beaches: Bassein, Dahanu Bordi, Ganapatipule, Harnai, Juhu Beach, Kihim and Mandwa, Madh Island Beach, Marine Drive, Marve Manori Gorai, Murud Janjira, Shriwardhan, Tarkali, Velneshwar, Vengurla Malvan, Vijaydurg Sindhudurg.

Culture Lifestyle: Costumes of Maharashtra, Cuisines in Maharashtra, Dances of Maharashtra, Music of Maharashtra.

Monuments: Agakhan Palace, Chand Minar, Gateway of India, Kesari Wada, Khuldabad, Lal Mahal, New Palace, Raste Wada, Shaniwar Wada, Vishrambag Wada

Fairs of Maharastra: Changdeo Fair, Ganesh Festival, Kala Ghoda Festival, Khuldabad Urs, Kiran Utsav, Kumbh Mela, Mount Mary, Navaratra Mahalaxmi Fair, Pune Festival, Rath Yatra, Shrirama Rathodsava, Snake Festival.

Festivals of Maharastra: Banganga Festival, Bhaubeej, Elephanta Festival, Ellora, Festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganga Dashahara, Jiviti Puja, Kalidas Festival, Kojagiri Poornima, Maharashtra Day, Nag Panchami, Narali Poornima, Palkhi Festival
Pola, Shivaji Jayanti, Wat Poornima.

Religious Places: Afghan Memorial, Ambadevi Temple, Ambarnath Akoli, Anwa Temple, Ayappa Temple, Bahubali Hill Temples, Balaji Temple Nerul, Ballaleshwar Temple, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Chakreshwar Temple, Ganapati Temple.

Sanctuaries: Bharmragarh Sanctuary, Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, Chaprala Sanctuary, Chikhaldhara, Dajipur, Nagzira, Navegaon Park, Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park, Tipeshwer.

Trekking: Trekking In Rajmachi Fort, Trekking In The Sahyadris, Trekking In Waki Woods, Trekking Kalra Caves.

The endless unspoilt virgin beaches, backwater & more - Puducherry

Puducherry is a quiet little city on the southern coast. It is the perfect place to come to if you wants to take the pace of life down a few notches. Puducherry and Karaikal are situated on the East Coasts in Tamil Nadu, Yanam in Andra Pradesh and Mahe on the West Coast in Kerala. Puducherry is the Capital of this Union Territory. Main languages spoken in the state are Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. English and French are other languages, which are spoken by few people. Puducherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. Clean streets and house the French institutions, private homes and businesses. Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the town's bustling. Puducherry is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore and even from Kerala. As we shall see, however, the Pondy Experience is considerably more than either of these unique and cloistered aspects.

Places to visit:

Auroville
French Heritage
Botanical Garden
Chunnambar Resort
Arikamedu

In the domestic tourism sector, in terms of foreign travellers, Tamilnadu bagged the top spot.

In the domestic tourism sector, in terms of foreign travellers, Tamilnadu bagged the top spot.  Tamil Nadu is a state with long coastlines with a large number of excellent beaches dotted along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The Coromandel Coast, along the Bay of Bengal, boasts of many ideal locations for sun and surf. Tamil Nadu is blessed with scenic hill stations, beaches, temples and cities. Chennai is the capital of Tamilnadu and the fourth biggest city in India.


Tourist places:

Mahabalipuram: Known for its Shore temples , Mahabalipuram is a Heritage site and offers its tourists magnificent beaches that open’s into the Bay of Bengal.

Kanchipuram: Kanchipuram is located not too far from Chennai and there are hundreds of temples here. Kanchipuram is one of the holiest places in the Hindu religion.

Madurai: Madurai is famous for its Madurai Meenakshi Temple. There are a whole lot of other temples as well which are not only religiously significant, but also has a lot of architectural beauty.

Rameshwaram: Rameshwaram is a beautiful place, famous for the Ramanathaswamy temple. The beaches in Rameshwaram are also very beautiful.

Kanya Kumari: Kanya Kumari gets its name from the famous temple dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari. There are other important places also here like the Vivekananda Rock and of course the sea, where the three seas meet at one point.

Tanjore: Tanjore is one of the best places for visiting glorious temples. The beauty of the temple and its significance is great.

Vellore Golden Temple: The Vellore Golden Temple is famous for its rich gold covering across the temple. There are a whole lot of scriptures and writings on the walls of the temple.

Tiruvannamalai: Tiruvannamalai is famous for its temples. It is easily accessible from Chennai. It is famous for the Arunachala temple and Karthigai Deepam festival.

A journey through Karnataka leaves one with the feeling of having become one with the divine.

Karnataka is a haven for those filled with innate wanderlust. This state is so richly endowed with flora, fauna, architectural wonders, world heritage locations, beaches, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, undulating mountains and awe-inspiring landscapes. Karnataka holidays now look forward to enhanced co-operation in the tourism sector. A cornocopia of exquisite treasures unravel in this beautiful state with a history stretching way back into time. A journey through Karnataka leaves one with the feeling of having become one with the divine.

Tourist destinations in Karnataka:

In summer:

Hill Stations: Coorg, Chikmagalur, Kudremukh, Agumbe, Kemmanagundi, Kundari, Kodachadri, BR Hills, and Nandi Hills.

Beaches: Gokarna, Karwar, Murudeshwara, Marawanthe, Malpe, Kaup, Mangalore, St. Mary’s Island

Wildlife: Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole), BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park,Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Anshi National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaggaladu Heronry, Bannerghatta National Park, Kokkrebellur Pelicanry.

In Winter:

Heritage Trail: World Heritage Sites of Hampi and Pattadakal, Aihole, Badami, Belgaum, Lakkundi, Chitradurga, Halebeedu, Belur, Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysore, Somnathpur, Shravanabelagola, Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur.

Hill Stations: Coorg, Chikmagalur, Kudremukh, Agumbe, Kemmanagundi, Kundari, Kodachadri, BR Hills, and Nandi Hills.

In the rains:

Agumbe, Coorg, Chikmagalur or other hill stations of the Western Ghats.

Kerala - God's own country - The best tourist place in India

Kerala is laying between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats. Kerala is a state on the west coast of India. It's borders are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Arabian Sea. Every district in Kerala has it's own culture. The capital Thiruvananthapuram is a good trourist place includes Kovalam beach, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and various museums and palaces. Alappuzha district famous for backwaters.

The main tourist attractions are:

Backwaters of Kerala :

Alleppey Backwaters

Kochi Backwaters

Kollam Backwaters

Kumarakom Backwaters

Trivandrum Backwaters

Hill Stations in Kerala :

Chembra Peak

-Chithirapuram

Devikulam

Idukki

Lakkidi

Mattupetty

Munnar

Nellyampathy

Peruvannamuzhi

Ponmudi

Pythal Mala

Vythiri

Wagamon

Monuments & Temples in Kerala :

Bekal Fort

Edakkal Caves

Guruvayoor Temple

Napier Museum

Wildlife in Kerala :

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Eravikulam National Park

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourist destinations in Goa

There are a number of beautiful places to visit in Goa. A large number of tourists visit Goa every day. The main attractions in Goa includes churches, monuments, temples, mansions, beaches, and other various other attractions.

Beaches in Goa:

Anjuna Beach
Baga Beach
Calangute Beach
Aranbol Beach
Bogmalo Beach
Sinquerim Beach
Varca Beach
Colva Beach

caves of Goa:

Arvalem Caves
Lamgau Cave
Narve Cave
Usgao Cave
Aquem Cave
Rivona Cave


Churches in Goa:

Se Cathedral
The Church of St. Francis Xaviers
The Church of the Carmelits
The Gate of the College of St. Paul

Lakes in Goa:

Mayem Lake
Carambolin Lake
Cutorium Lake

Mansions in Goa:

Big Foot
Salvador Costa Mansion
Dr. Pinto De Rosario Mansion
Mascarenhas Mansion
Colaco Mansion

Temples in Goa:

Brahma Temple
Shri Chandreswar Temple
Shri Damodar Temple
Mahalsa Temple
Parshuram Temple
Naguesh Temple
Brahmadev Temple
Mahaganapati Temple

Tribes in Goa:

Gowda Tribes
Kudumbi Tribes

Monuments in Goa:

The Chapel of St. Francis Xavier
Church and Convent of St. Monica
Se Cathedral
Convent and Church Of St. Francis of Assisi
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Aguada Fort
Cabo da Rama
Chapora Fort
Mormugao Fort
Devaki Krishna Temple
Shri Mangesh Temple

Mosques in Goa:

Safa Masjid Goa
Jama Masjid

Museums and Art Galleries in Goa:

Museum of Goa Daman and Diu
Museum of Christian art
The Art Chamber
Kerkar Art Complex
Goa Chitra

One of the most plentiful bio diversity areas in the country - Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is laying in the centre of India. Chhattisgarh is gifted with a copious cultural heritage and beautiful natural diversity. The State Chhattisgarh is filled with ancient monuments, rare wildlife, carved temples, water fall. Chhattisgarh has half of its area under green forests, and is one of the most plentiful bio diversity areas in the country.

Tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh:

Bastar: Dalpat Sagar, Chitrakot Waterfall, Tiratgarh Waterfall, Mandawa Waterfall, Chitrashara Waterfall, Barsoor, Kanger Valley NationalPark.

Bilaspur: Ratanpur, Mallhar (Saravpur), Temples in Mallhar, The Pataleswar Kedar Temple, The Didneswari Temple, The Deor Temple, Talagram.

Dantewada: Danteshwari Temple, Bailadila, Memory Pillars of Gama Wada.

Durg: Uwasaggaharam Parshwa Teerth, Ganga Maiya Temple, Ganga Maiya Temple, Bhilai Steel Plant, Maitry Baugh.

Janjgir Champa: Vishnu Mandir, Pithampur Shiv Mandir, Madanpurgarh Devi Mandir, Shivarinarayan Laxminarayan Temple.

Jashpur: Kunkuri Cathedral, Kotebira Eb River, Rajpuri Waterfall, Kailash Gupha, Danpuri Waterfall, Rani Dah Waterfall.

Kanker: Shivani Temple, Waterfalls.

Koriya: Amrit Dhara Waterfall, Ramdaha Waterfall, Gavar Ghat Waterfall, Akuri Nala.

Mahasamund: Sirpur, Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar, Swastik Vihar, Gandheswar Temple, Laxman Temple.

Raigarh: Ram Jharna, Gomarda Reserve Forest.

Raipur: Champaran, Turturiya, Rajim.

Surguja: Mahamaya Temple, Thinthini Patthar, Kudargarh, Deepadih, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra, Tata Pani, Pawai Waterfall, Kendai Waterfall, Mainpat.

A land full of pilgrage places

Bihar is located in the eastern part of the India. It is an entirely land–locked state. The port of Kolkata is near Bihar. Bihar lies between the West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Bihar's bounderies are Nepal in the north and by Jharkhand in the south. The famous river Ganga flows through the middle from west to east. There are many tourist places in Bihar.

The main tourist places are:

Buddhist Circuit: Vaishali, Patna, Rajgir, Pawapuri, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Kesaria

Jain Circuit: Rajgir, Pawapuri

Ramayan Circuit: Tar (Bhojpur), Ahirauli (Buxur), Ram Rekha Ghat (Buxur), Pretshila Hills (Gaya), Giddheshwar (Jamui), Kako (Jehanabad), Singheshwar Asthan (Madhepura), Phullahar (Madhubani), Sita Kund (Munger), Ramchura (Vaishali), Ahilya Asthan (Darbhanga), Janki Temple (Sitamarhi), Janki Temple (Punausa), Haleshwar Asthan (Sitamarhi), Panth Pakar (Sitamarhi), Chanki Garh (West Champaran), Valmiki Nagar (West Champaran)

Sufi Circuit: Maner Sharif (Patna, Maner), Khankah Mujibia (Phulwari Sharif, Patna), Khankah Emadia (Mangal Talab, Patna City, Patna), Dargah Sharif, Mithan Ghat (Patna City, Patna), Hajipur Karbala (Vaishali), Hasanpura (Siwan), Bibi Kamaal Sahiba (Kako, Jehanabad), Bari Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda), Chhoti Dargah (Bihar Sharif, Nalanda)

Gandhi Circuit: Motihari (East Champaran), Hazarimal Dharamshala, Betia (West Champaran), Bhitharwa Ashram (West Champaran), Brindaba (West Champaran), Shri Rampur (West Champaran), Koeldih (West Champaran), Amolwa (West Champaran), Murli Bharhawa (West Champaran), Sariswa (West Champaran), Hardiya Kothi (West Champaran), Sadaquat Ashram (Patna), Gandhi Sangrahalay (Patna Museum)

Eco Circuit: Kakolat (Nawada), Bhimbandh (Munger)

Tour the land of the red river and blue hills.

Assam is called as the land of the red river and blue hills. The state Assam's borders are Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Bengal and Bangladesh.  Digboi, Guwahati, Haflong, Hajo, Majuli, Sibsagar and Tezpur are the main cities.
Assam is the best place to visit for wildlife lovers. This is the land of many National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries which keep some of the rarest wildlife species.

The main tourist attractions in Assam are:

Wildlife Sanctuaries : Pobitora, Laokhowa, Pobha or Milroy, Chakrashila, Sonai Rupai, Bura Chapori, Bornadi, Garampani, Gibbon, Nambor, East Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong, Pani Dihing, Deeporbeel, Bordoibum Beelmukh, Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni, Morat Longri, Amchang,

Temples and Monuments : Kamakhya Temple, Nabagraha Temple, Umananda Temple, Madan Kamdev, Satra Poa-Mecca.  

National parks : Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Dibru, Saikhowa, Orang.

Land of the Rising Sun

Arunachal Pradesh become State on 20th February 1987. It is situated in the North-Eastern part of India. Arunachal Pradesh has a long border with Bhutan to the west, China to the north and north-east and Myanmar to the eas. Arunachal Pradesh is known as 'Land of the Rising Sun'. It stretches from mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. Arunachal is the largest state area-wise in the north-east region. Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state of North East India.


Important Destinations

Tawang

Tawang is located at a height of 12000 ft. above the sea level in Arunachal Pradesh. It covers the area of 2085 sq km and is surrounded by Tibet, Bhutan, Kameng and Sela ranges.

Parashuram Kund

Parashuram Kund is a famous pilgrimage centre Parasuram Kund some 21km north east of Tezu and is situated on the banks of the mighty Lohit River.

Bhismaknagar

Bhismaknagar is a heritage spot of Arunachal Prades. The Archaeological ruins of Bhismaknagar are the main attraction here. Bhismaknagar is a holy heritage site of the Idu Mishmis. Dibang Valley is a beautiful vally, natural beauty of the valley is eye soothing.

Malinithan

Malinithan is a famous archaeological site situated at the foot of the Siang hills under the Likabali Sub-Division of West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a temple site in ruins. Malinithan is a place of high sanctity, is the most ornamental and sublime.

Akashiganga

Akashiganga is one of the substantial pilgrimage located in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The place gives a brilliant panoramic view of the Brahmaputra. The name Akashiganga is indicates a water channel in the hill.

Namdapha

Namdapha is a Tiger Reserve and National Park, lies in the international border between India and Myanmar within Changlang District in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Itanagar

Itanagar is situated at the foothills. The yellow roofed Buddhist Temple, Gayker SinyiThe Jawaharlal Nehru Museum, The Polo Park and Itanagar Sanctuary are the main attractions here. Itanagar was the capital of Arunachal Pradesh since 20th April 1974

Bomdila

Bomdila is a attractive small town located at a height of about 8000 ft from sea level. You can see Craft centre producing very fine carpets of colourful designs and masks and Buddhist Monasteries.

Tourism at the rice granary of India

Andhra Pradesh, known as the "Rice Granary of India". which has a coastline of 1000 kms with eight of its 23 districts having direct access to the sea. Andhra pradesh is the favourable tourist state in India. Located in South India, Andhra Pradesh is bounded by Madhya Pradesh in the North-East, Tamil Nadu in the south, Maharashtra in the North and North-West, Karnataka in the West, and by the Bay of Bengal in the East. Hyderabad is its capital of Andhra Pradesh. The main languages that are spoken in Andhra are Telugu, English, Urdu, Hindi.

Places of Interest

Hyderabad

Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh, along with its twin city Secunderabad has over 400 years of history. Charminar that lies right in the heart of Hyderabad. Birla Planetarium, Dhola Ri Dhani, Laad Bazaar, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali, Mir Alam Tank, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Ramoji Film City, Shilparamam and Yadagirigutta Temple Nalgonda are the main tourist places in Hyderabad.


Vijaywada

Vijayawada is the third largest city in Andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is known as the political capital of andhra Pradesh. Vijayawada is a vital rail and road link between North and the South and is now known as 'the city that never sleeps'. Kanaka Durga Temple, Mangalagiri, Amaravati, Gunadala konda,Undavalli caves, Prakasham Barrage and the Kondapalli Fort are the main attractions of vijayawada.

Nagarjuna Sagar

Nagarjunasagar, about 150 km from Hyderabad, has a rich and iteresting past. It was a valley in the Nallamala range of the Eastern Ghats with 1000 years back civilizations.

Tirupati

Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. The abode of the 'Kaliyuga' deity Lord Venkateswara, known as Balaji, Tirupati has for centuries remained a destination divine and spots of natural beauty.

Visakhapatnam

The land of the golden beaches was just over half a century ao a small fishing village. Visakhapatnam is a coastal, port city, called "The Jewel of the East Coast". This port city with a natural harbour developed into one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. Kailasa Giri, Aruku, Borra Caves, Rushikonda and other Hill Resorts & Mountain Ranges and the VUDA Park are the main attractions of Visa.khapatnam

Warangal

The city was once the heartland of Telugu culture. The capital of the Kakatiya rulers. Warangal is located 145 km northeast of the Hyderabad.  Warangal today contains some of the best forms of architecute, in temples.