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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Waterfalls in India

Usually a waterfall is a geological formation resulting from water of river, flowing over an erosion-resistant rock formation and forms a sudden break in elevation. Most of the waterfalls are natural, while some may be artificial too.

Waterfalls are one of nature most precious gifts and India is bestowed with several picturesque waterfalls. Apart from geological importance, the waterfalls have tourist important as well and attract large number of tourists.

Adyanpara Falls (Kerala ) : Adyanpara falls is set in the Kurmbalangod village of Nilambur Taluk in the state of Kerala. Kurmbalangod village is rich is wildlife and it attracts numerous variety of birds including the migratory birds. On your Kerala trip visit the Adyanpara Falls to enjoy picnic or some leisure time with your family members.

Chachai Waterfall : Situated on the banks of Bihad river in Chhattarpur District of Madhya Pradesh, this area is known for its picturesque surroundings and rare white tigers. Visit the area to have a look of beautiful water fall, falling in torrents from a height of 130 mts.


Chunchanakatte Falls : A beautiful fall, Chunchanakatte Falls is located on the bank of river Kaveri, close to the village of Chunchanakatte in Mysore District of Karnataka. Here the water falls from a height of 20 mts, and the peaceful and lush green surrounding will surely spell bind you.

Jog Falls : Karanataka’s Jog Falls is a unique creation of nature, and considered as the highest waterfall of Asia. Here the Sharavati river crashes about 900 ft downwards, forming four cascades popularly known as – king, queen, rocket and roarer. Set amidst the wild and unspoilt surroundings, the Jog Falls offers perfect environs for a leisure. During the rainy season when the river swells and the water gushes down, the entire area covers in mists and arching rainbows appears.

Dudhsagar Falls : Falling from a height of 600 mts, Dudhsagar Falls is one of the highest falls in India. Situated on the Karnataka-Goa border, it is an area of tropical forests criss-crossed with wonderful streams. The area near the Dudhsagar Falls is also dotted with shallow pools, where you can enjoy swimming. From the top of the waterfall you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Duduma Waterfall : Set in the heartland of Orissa, Dudma Waterfall is a jewell in the crown of the state. Flanked by quiet forest, the waterfall is a hidden wonder and deserves a visit.

Gersoppa Falls : One of the most beautiful falls of Karnataka, Gersoppa Falls protrudes out from Sharavati river. Here the river falls over a sharp cliff that divides into four cascades, the highest among them is 830 ft high. Far from the madness of the city, the waterfall provides you a welcome break.

Jonha Falls : Jonha Falls is located in Jharkhand, just 40 kms away from the state capital Ranchi. Set on the banks of the Kanchi river, Johna Falls is rich in wildlife. Apart from getting the spectacular view of the fall, you also get a chance to visit the nearby Gautam Buddha Temple. Due to its location close to the temple, the fall is also known as Gautam Dhara.


Kiliyur Falls : Kaliyur Falls are nestled in the Servarayan hill range of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Here you will get breathtaking views of waters falling from a height of 300 feet. Besides the views of the lake and the valley will mesmerise you.

Kutralam Falls : Kutralam Falls is situated 160 kms away from Madurai city in Tamil Nadu. A major water body, Kutralam Falls comprises nine waterfalls namely the Peraruvi (Main Falls), Chitra Aruvi, Shenbaghadevi Falls, Then Aruvi (Honey Falls), Aintharuvi (Five Falls), Puli Aruvi(Tiger Falls), Pazhaya Courtrallam (Old Falls), Puthu Aruvi (New Falls)and Pazhathotta Aruvi (Fruit Garden Falls). Also known as the ‘Spa of the South’, Kutralam Falls is noted for its medicinal properties. A huge crowd of believers visit the falls for cure from ailments.

Muthyalamaduvu Falls : Popularly known as ‘Pearl Valley’, Muthyalamaduvu Falls is situated 45 kms south of Bangalore in Karnataka. A gushing stream, Muthyalamaduvu Falls cascading down from a height of 92 metre. It’s true that the drops of water strewn across the rock surface gives the appearance of scattered pearls. Set in the lush green valley amidst tranquil environment, the falls draw huge number of visitors.

Shivanasamudra Falls : Shivanasamudra Falls are located 85 kms east of Mysore. Here the river Cauvery cascades down from a height of about 80 mts into a deep rocky gorge. Shivanasamudra Falls is a beautiful natural spot and you will really like its lush green surroundings.

Vazhachal Falls : A scenic waterfall, Vazhachal Fall is set on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala. In fact, the Vazhachal Fall is a part of the Chalakkudy river and its cool, misty waters offers a scintillating experience for visitors.

Other Popular Water Falls of India
Andhra Pradesh : Tada (Ubbalamdugu) Falls close to Chennai
Chhattisgarh : Chitrakot (100 ft), Teerathgarh Falls (300 ft)
Himachal Pradesh : Bundla Falls (328 ft), Palani Falls (492 ft)

Jharkhand : Dasam Falls (144 ft), Lodh Falls (468 ft), Hundru Falls (320 ft)
Karnataka : Barkana Falls (850 ft), Magod Falls (650 ft), Hebbe Falls (551 ft)
Kerala : Adyanpara Falls, Athirappilly Falls (80 ft), Meenmutty Falls (984 ft), Soochipara Falls (656 ft).

Madhya Pradesh : Gatha Falls (427 ft), Keoti Falls (427 ft), Rajat Prapat Falls (350 ft)
Maharashtra : Kune Falls (656 ft), Pandavgat Falls (350 ft)
Tamil Nadu : Kiliyur Falls (300 ft), Kutralam Falls (167 mts), Thalaiyar Falls (297 mts).

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Tourist Offices in India

India is a vast country comprising of 28 states and 7 Union Territories. In fact, every state and Union Territory in India is a tourist destination in itself and known for its distinct charm. For first timers, visiting these destinations is very difficult. So one needs some assistance from the local tourist offices before visiting these places. For the convenience of global as well as domestic tourists, below I have a compiled a list of tourist offices located in various cities of India.

Assistant Director, Indiatourism(Agra)
191, The Mall, Agra - 282 001Tel.: 0562-2226378,
Telefax: 2226368



Manager, India Tourism (Aurangabad)
‘Krishna Vilas’, Station Road, Aurangabad - 431 005.
Tel.: 0240-2331217



Manager, India Tourism(Andaman & Nicobar Island)
VIP Road, 189, IInd Floor, Junglighat Port Blair - 744 103 (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Telefax: 03192-233006


Director, India Tourism (Bangalore)
K.F.C. Building, 48 Church StreetBangalore - 560 001 (Karnataka)
Telefax: 080- 5585417, 5321683


Manager, India Tourism (Bhubaneswar)
B/21, B.J.B. Nagar Bhubaneswar - 751 014(Orissa)
Tel.: 0674-2432203, Res. 2432203Telefax: 2435487
E-mail: itobbs@ori.nic.in



Indiatourism (Chennai)
154 Anna Salai, Chennai - 600002, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 044- 8461459, 8460285, Fax: 044-8460193
E-mail: goirto@vsnl.com; goitochn@tn.nic.in


Manager, India Tourism (Hyderabad)
3-60-140, IInd Floor, Himayat Nagar, Netaji Nagar,
Liberty RoadHyderabad - 500 029 (A.P.)
Tel.: 040-23261360/ 3, 23260770,
Telefax: 23261362
E-mail: indtour@hd2.dot.net.in



Manager, India Tourism (Imphal)
Old Lambulane, Jail Road, Imphal-795 001(Manipur)
Telefax: 03852-221131



Director, India Tourism (Jaipur)
State Hotel, Khasa Kothi Jaipur - 302 001 (Rajasthan)
Telefax: 0141-2372200
E-mail: indtourjpr@raj.nic.in



Manager, India Tourism (Khajuraho)
Tourist OfficeNear Western Group of Temples Khajuraho - 471 606 (M.P.)
Tel.: 07686-42347, Fax: 07686-42348


India Tourism (Kochi)
Willingdon Island,Kochi - 682 009, Kerala
Telefax: 0484 - 2668352, Dir. 2669125


Information Assistant, India Tourism (Naharlagun)
Sector C, Barapani Police PointNaharlagun - 791 110,
(Arunachal Pradesh),Tel.: 0360-2244328



Manager, India Tourism (Panaji)
Communidade BuildingChurch Square,
Panaji - 403 001 (Goa)Tel.: 0832-2223412,
Telefax: 5641653


Manager, Indiatourism(Port Blair)
VIP Road, 189, IInd Floor,
Junglighat Port Blair - 744 103 (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Tel.: 03192-33006


Director, India Tourism (Patna)
Sudama Place, Kankar Bagh Road,
Patna - 800 020 (Bihar)
Telefax: 0612-2345776



Manager, India Tourism (Shillong)
T.S.S. Road, Police BazarShillong - 793 001 (Meghalaya)
Tel.: 0364-225632
E-mail: goitoslg@shillong.meg.nic.in



Information Assistant,India Tourism (Thiruvananthapuram)
Airport Counter, Thiruvananthapuram,
KeralaTel.: 0471-2451498



Manager, India Tourism (Varanasi)
15-B, The Mall,Varanasi - 221 002 (Uttar Pradesh)
TeleFax: 0542-2501784

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Wildlife in India

A geographically diversified land, India is bestowed with rich and varied wildlife. India’s forest cover includes tropical rainforest, coniferous forest, moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forest etc. that provide shelter to a variety of wild animals.


 
In the pre-independence era there were vast wildlife areas all over India providing natural habitat to a variety of faunal and floral species. In the post-independence due to continuous poaching and other encroachment all these areas were in danger of extinction. To save the wildlife all these areas were designated as wildlife parks and sanctuaries. Now all over India there are several wildlife sanctuaries and national park whose areas extend over thousands of square kilometres. You can observe a variety of wildlife in the natural surroundings of Wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

Each sanctuary and national park supports several species of wildlife, while at the same time, some are well known for one particular species. In some wildlife sanctuaries you can even see rare or endangered species. Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only surviving home of the Asiatic lion, while Kaziranga and Manas national parks in Assam have significant population of the one-horned rhino. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is best known for wild elephant. Thamin deer at Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur and blackbuck at Velvadhar in Gujarat are the only homes of these species. Apart from these, you can see tiger, and several other variety of wildanimals in these wildlife areas.

In the year 1973 Project Tiger was initiated in India that identified major areas inhabited by tigers. A significant increase in the tiger population was recored in areas protected by project tiger. Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks in Madhya Pradesh, Ranthambore and Sariska in Rajasthan, Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand and Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh are some of country’s best known tigers reserves. In addition to tigers, you can see other animal species such as lions, deers, elephants, nilgais etc.

Just 60 kms away from Agra, Bharatpur has the largest bird sanctuary in Asia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. Stretched over 29 sq km of swamps and marshes, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary has causeways which can be covered on foot or bicycle. Here you can see migratory waterbirds that include herons, ibis, pelicans, painted storks, egrets, openbilled storks and spoonbilss. Various species of ducks and geese migrate from places in Russia, that include the endangered Siberian crane.

Accessibility : All wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are accessible by road. Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari are offered in most of the big wildlife sanctuaries.

Accommodation : For accommodation jungle resorts and hotels are available close to wildlife sanctuaries.

Best Time to Visit : October to March is the most pleasant time to visit any sanctuary and national park in the country.
Some of India's famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks include :

Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand)
Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan)
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajasthan)
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Rajashtan)

Kaziranga National Park (Assam)
Manas National Park (Assam)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Kerala)
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala)

Sunderban Tiger Reserve (West Bengal)
Bandhavgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh)
Panna National Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
Great Himalayan National Park (Himachal Pradesh)

Monday, November 12, 2007

World Heritage Sites in India

UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) says "Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generation. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration." With an aim to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world, in the year 1972 UNESCO adopted an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site may be forts, monuments, forests, mountain range, lake, desert, city, railway, city, complex etc. India is bestowed with so many such sites which have been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Presently India is home to 27 World Heritage Sites that include forts and monuments, caves, wildlife parks and sanctuaries and old heritage properties.

Ajanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra, Ajanta Caves were inhabited around 200 B.C by the Buddhist monks. Ajanta Caves are also famous for magnificent paintings considered as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Ellora Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Ellora Caves are located in Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. Constructed between 600 AD to 1,000 AD, the Ellora Caves have 34 Buddhist monasteries, and Hindu and Jain temples.

Elephanta Caves (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Elephant Caves are located on Elephant island at a distance of 9 km from Mumbai. For reaching the caves you have to take boat or jetty ride from Gateway of India, Mumbai. Carved out between the years 450 AD and 750 AD, the Elephanta Caves are known for rock-cut temples.

Taj Mahal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : World’s one of the seven wonders, Taj Mahal lies in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh. Built around 350 (1631 and 1653 AD) years ago by Mughal Emperor Shahjanah,Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love between Shahjahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra Fort (Declared World Heritage Site in 1983) : Situated just one km away from the world famous Taj Mahal, Agra Fort speaks of the splendour of Mughal architecture. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 16th century, Agra Fort Houses picturesque palaces like Jehangir Palace, Khas Mahal etc.

Fatehpur Sikri (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Fatehpur Sikri is located at a distance of 40 kms from Agra. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, Fatehpur Sikri remained the capital of Mughal Empire for about 15 years. Also referred to as the ‘Deserted City’ Fatehpur Sikri houses a number of interesting structures like Jama Masjid, Diwan - I - Aam, Diwan - I – Khas, Buland Darwaza etc.

Red Fort, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 2007) : Situated in India’s capital Delhi, Red Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site recently. Constructed between 1638 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, Red Fort houses a number of magnificent palaces and Moti Masjid (mosque).

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984) : Located in Chinglepur District of Tamil Nadu, the group of monuments were founded by the Pallava Kings between 630 AD and 800 AD. Carved out of rock, these monuments are known for rathas, mandapas, giant open air reliefs, the temple of Rivage and sculpture dedicated to Lord Shiva.


Group of Monuments at Hampi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Situated in the Bellary District of Karnataka, Hampi was the last capital of Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar. Constructed between the 14 th and 16 th centuries, these monuments are considered as masterpieces of Dravidian style of architecture.


Group of Monuments at Khajuraho (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986) : Built by the Chandela rulers between 950 AD and 1050 AD, the Khajuraho temples are located in Indian state of Madya Pradesh. Originally there were 85 temples but now only 22 temples remain and known for the collection of erotic and sensual sculptures.

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) : Situated in Bijapur district of Karnataka, Pattadakal is home to an impressive series of monuments including nine Hindu temples and Jain Sanctuary.


Buddhist Monastery at Sanchi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1989) : Sanchi is located at a distance of 40 kms from Bhopal and houses a group of Buddhist monuments. Here you can see monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries an interesting specimen of the Buddhist architecture of that period.


Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : Built in 1570 AD by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.


Qutab Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (Declared World Heritage Site in 1993) : A 72.5 mtr high tower, Qutab Minar was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Apart from the imposing tower, in the Qutab complex you can see notable monuments like Alai Darwaza and the Quwwatul Islam mosque.


Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (Declared World Heritage Site in 2003) : Situated in the foothills of the Vindhya mountain ranges Madhya Pradesh, Bhimbetka is the place where earliest known traces of human life in India were discovered.

Wildlife Parks in India : India is varied land and it is home to a number of protected wildlife areas called the wildlife parks and sanctuaries. UNESCO has designated some of the national parks of India as World Heritage Sites for providing shelter to unique floral and faunal species. Presently five wildlife parks of India are designated as World Heritage Site that include Kaziranga National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Manas National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1985), Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987) and Nanda Devi National Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 1988).


Other World Heritage Sites : Sun Temple, Orissa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1984), Brihadisvara Temple (Great Living Chola Temples) (Declared World Heritage Site in 1987), Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Declared World Heritage Site in 2002), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004), Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park (Declared World Heritage Site in 2004) and Churches and Convents of Goa (Declared World Heritage Site in 1986).

For more info visit :

http://whc.unesco.org/

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala’s capital city Thiruvananthapuram is also known as Trivandrum. A coastal city, Thiruvananthapuram is set on seven low hills, just 87 kms away from the southern tip of India bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. Besides its administrative importance, Thiruvananthapuram is an easy-going city known for attractive mixture of narrow backstreets, traditional red-tiled gabled houses, beautifully laid-out parks and acres of palm trees.

The wooded highlands on the Western Gahts in the eastern and northeastern borders give Thiruvananthapuram some of India’s most enchanting picnic spots. A long coastline, with some internationally renowned beaches, historic monuments, tranquil backwater stretches and a rich cultural heritage made Thiruvananthapuram a much sought after tourist destination.

Although Thiruvananthapuram has a few monuments, but it is an ideal first stop in the state of Kerala, as a window of Keralan culture. Fort area, Shri Padmanbhaswamy temple and Puttan Malika Palace are most interesting part of the town. While other interesting places are Shri Chitra Art Gallery and Napier Museum stand together in a park in the north. In addition to these, martial art and dance schools specializing in Kathakali and Kutiyattam, offer visitors an insight into the Keralan art forms. You can also shop for a variety of artifacts and items of daily use in the shops located at the MG Road.
For more info visit :

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Kota

Once the capital of the Kota state, Kota is now the industrial centre of Rajasthan. Set along the east bank of the Chambal river, Kota is home to the hydroelectric power plants. At the centre of the town is the Tourist Office or Bungalow and a number of small hotels. On the southern side of the town is the Chambal Garden while to the north there is the Civil Lines.

Chambal Gardens are a famous picnic spot and have a pond well stocked with crocodiles. Upstream from the Chambal Gardens at Bhitariya Kund, there is a famous swimming spot in the clear waters of the Chambal river. The Kota Barrage acts as a control over the Chambal river’s waters and also feeds an irrigation canal system.

Adjancet to the gardens is the Kota Fort. The fort has two museums, namely the government museum and the Rao Madho Singh museum. Both this museum have a good collection of old items. Jag Mandir is another place of tourist interest in Kota. Located near the tourist bungalow this large tank has a building on a small island in the centre. In addition to tourist Bungalow there is a fine collection of royal tombs. Visit this charming town of Rajasthan and enjoy a good vacation alongwith your family.

For more info visit :


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