Badami - a quaint town in Karnataka

Overview

Earlier known as Vatapi is a historic town (taluk) situated in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. Once served as the capital of Chalukya Kingdom (between 6th century AD to 8th century AD), Badami is now a quaint town and draws discerning tourists, religious mind people, historians, art lovers and architect lovers. Badami is the place where the Chalukyas started a new type of architecture called Dravidian architecture ((a blend of older South Indian temple construction and the Nagara style of North India) that later became a source of inspiration for architectural styles of the region.

Besides Chalukyas, Badami was ruled by many dynasties whose rulers built several forts, temples and impressive monuments. Badami abounds with major attractions like magnificent cave temples, ruined fortresses, beautiful carvings and much more. A trip to Badami virtually takes you back to old era and offers a chance to see the unique architectural and sculptural styles. The wonderful location of Badami in a tranquil valley at the base of a rugged, red sedimentary outcrop surrounding Agastya Lake, and excellent shopping opportunities of local handicrafts and sandalwood items altogether makes a holiday in Badami a memorable experience.

Badami Cave Temples

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Kannada along with English and Hindi.

When to Go: The climate of Badami is characterised by four seasons, namely winter (November to January), spring (January to March), summer (April to June) and monsoon (July to October). During the summer season the mercury level remains over 40 degree Celsius most of the time, while the winter and spring seasons are quite comfortable. November to February is the best time to visit Badami.

Local Transport: Rickshaws and tongas are the modes of local transport in Badami.

Currency: Indian Rupee (INR) 1 USD is approximately 48 INR

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC +5:30)

Location: Bagalkot district in Karnataka

Nearest Metropolis: Bangalore – 450 km away

Eating

Don’t expect about luxurious restaurants at the small town of Badami. The eateries and food stalls in and around Badami serve traditional South Indian dishes at cheap rates. You may also find North Indian and other Indian cuisines at some eating joints.

Shopping

Although there are no huge shopping malls or shopping centres in Badami, but the town offers delightful shopping experience to visitors. The town of Badami is dotted with many small shops that mainly deal in handicraft items and rugs. Explore the shops and see a beautiful collection of attractive objects made from sandalwood and rosewood. Take your pick from a variety of items that you can be a souvenir for your near and dear ones. Jewelleries, handlooms, sandalwood sculptures, paintings, inlay work, wood carvings, metal lamps, perfumes, sandalwood oil and incense sticks are some of the must buy in Badami. Most of the shops in Badami offer a little bit of haggling, so don’t hesitate to ask your desired price.

Sightseeing

Because of its historic connection, the tourist attractions in Badami mainly revolve around ruined fortresses, massive gateways, amazing cave temples and beautiful carvings. Begin your sightseeing expedition in Badami from the massive cave temples that can be reached by taking a climb of about 2000 steps. Actually carved out a hill, the three caves represent the Brahmanical faith, while the fourth cave represents the Jain faith. Lord Shiva as Nataraja with 18 arms is the presiding deity of the first cave. The second cave shows Lord Vishnu as presiding deity, who is portrayed as a dwarf form of Trivikrama. Lord Vishnu is the holy deity of third cave and shown in various forms. The fourth cave is dedicated to Jain Thirthankaras.

Further visit the 18th century Tipu’s Fort, situated atop the same hill in which the cave temples had been carved. While heading towards Tipu’s Fort, you can see some exquisite carvings. Next pay a visit to noted temples of Badamai, namely Bhootnath Temple and Banashankri Temple. A brilliant masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture, Bhootanath Temple actually comprises two temples both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples are situated against magnificent backdrop along the lake and have impressive sculptures and Jain figures.

Just 5 km away from Badami is Banashankari Temple that deserves a visit. Believed to be constructed in the 17th century by the Chalukyas of Kalyan, Banashankari Temple houses the black stone statue of Goddess Parvathi seated on a lion. Every year during the Hindu months of Pusha - Magha (January – February) the car festival is organised at Banashankari Temple, which draws large number of devotes and common people.

Set at the foothills of the northern hill, Badami Museum is another must visit place which was established in 1979. Badami Museum has four galleries and encompasses a fine collection of pre-historical stone equipments, sculptures and other interesting items dating between 600 AD and 1600 AD. You can also see impressive exhibits of Lord Shiva and Vishnu inside the museum. Badami Museum is open all weekdays (except Fridays) from 10 am to 5 pm.

Activities

Leisurely walk is the most popular among the visitors to Badami. In fact, you have to cover the popular destinations of the town on foot. The red sandstone cliffs of Badami offer excellent opportunities for leisure activities like climbing and bouldering. Badami has more than 150 bolted routes and multiple routes that are ideal for free climbing.

Events

The people in Badami and nearby areas celebrate a number of festivals and events every year. Hindu festivals like Dusshera and Deepawali (October / November) are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety. Some specific local (temple) festivals are also celebrated in Badami. Banashankari Temple is the venue of annual temple festival (January – February) that showcases massive festivities including huge processions. Vinayak Chaturthi (September) is also an important festival of Badami. Almost all the festivals and events in Badami provide a fine glimpse of the old traditions and customs. Plan a trip to Badami during noted festivals and events, and become a part of the traditional festivities.

Nightlife

Badami is a small temple town and offers nothing special to do in the night. If you wish, you can ask your hotelier to arrange a bonfire within the hotel premises.

Excursions

After exploring the tourist hotspots of Badami take excursions to cover nearby attractions. Pay a visit to the town of Aihole, situated in the western side of Badami. Renowned as the birthplace of Hindu stone architecture, Aihole is home to around 125 temples that are noted for their unique construction styles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is about 30 km away from Badami and thronged by visitors in large numbers. Set on the left bank of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is home to attractions like Virupaksha Temple and Banashankari Temple. Hubli (100 km), Bijapur (135 km), Amboli (200 km) and Goa (210 km) are other famous tourist destinations close to Badami. You can combine your Badami tour with state capital Bangalore (460 km) or the city of Mangalore (450 km).

Getting There

Air: Belgaum Airport, approximately 150 km away is the nearest airport from Badami, but currently the airport is not served by scheduled flights. Dabolim Airport in Goa (200 km approx) is the nearest major airport, which is served by many flights from various parts of the country and few international destinations as well. From Dabolim Airport hire a private vehicle (taxi / car) to reach Badami. Bangalore Airport (460 km) is another option, from where you can reach Badami by taking a taxi or bus.

Rail: The nearest major railhead is located in Hubli, about 100 km away from Badami. Hubli Railway Station is connected by express trains to many important cities of the country. There is also a small railway station close to Badami, which is just 5 km away but has very few trains.

Road: KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) and private operators offer bus service to and from Badami at frequent intervals. Tourist buses also ply daily from many cities like Bangalore and Mangalore to Badami.

Driving directions: From Bangalore – Start from Brigade Road and proceed towards NH 7 (Shri Chowdaiah Road). Continue till you reach CV Raman Road (NH 4) and take a right on NH 13 at Chitradurga. Further take a left on SH 30 to reach Badami (460 km, 12 hours approx).

Recommended for:

Top 5 Must See

Cave Temples: Pay a visit to amazing cave temples that are carved out from a hill.

Bhootnath Temple: Actually a group of two temples, Bhootnath Temple is a fine specimen of South Indian Temple architecture.

Banashankari Temple: Built in the 17th century, Banashankari Temple has mythological as well as architectural significances.

Tipu’s Fort: Situated at the top of a hill that fort provides a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

Open Air Museum: Established in 1979, the museum has a vast collection of ancient sculptures and equipments.

Art lovers, architect lovers, historians and temple lovers.

Sawai Madhopur - the gateway to Ranthambore National Park

From Delhi – 435 km

From Jaipur – 180 km

Overview – 

Sawai Madhopur is a small town of Rajasthan state and often referred to as the gateway of Ranthambore National Park, located 12 km away. A historic town, it is named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur. Comprising twin towns of Old City and the Main town, Sawai Madhopur serves as the base to visit Ranthambore National Park. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhyachal ranges, Ranthambore is a world famous tiger reserve. Besides tigers, Sawai Madhopur is famous for its historic fort. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Sawai Madhopur, a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park is a must-do activity in the world’s only dry deciduous tiger habitat. Explore the Park and there are fair chances you’ll spot tigers, mostly around the water streams flowing through the Park’s rocky outcrops. Leopards, hyena, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and tortoise are other animals which you can see. Ranthambore National Park also provides shelter to more than 250 bird species. Ranthambore Fort, a 10th century fort built by the Chauhans is situated inside the Park and it deserves a visit. 

Getting There –

Train – Sawai Madhopur railway station is an important railhead on the Delhi – Mumbai route. Almost all trains running on this route stop at Sawai Madhopur railway station. From Delhi, a number of trains are available to Sawai Madhopur, including August Kranti Rajdhani Express, Golden Temple, Jan Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express. 

Road – From Delhi, drive on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway to reach Jaipur. The 265 km long journey to Jaipur should take around five hours. From Jaipur, NH 12 takes you to Tonk and then take a left to reach Sawai Madhopur. The road trip from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur takes approximately four hours.  

Incredible India! Wagah Border, a masterpiece of bonhomie between India and Pakistan

If you have not seen the Wagah Border ceremony live, you have really missed something in life. Here ICD (Incredible India Directory) takes you to a a part of our country’s culture that can reduce the mammoths into a blubbering mass. It’s an hour’s drive from Amritsar. Do visit if ever in that part of the country you will really come across a pleasant expereince and come back with lifelong memories.

Each evening the Indian military, and the Pakistani Rangers step out to the cheers of thousands of spectators. While one side screams "Pakistan Zindabad", the other shouts "Jai Hind". Wearing almost identical military regalia of boots, spats, uniforms, metals, and plumed hats the two sides are distinguishable by the differing colors of their uniforms: dark green for the Pakistani Rangers and tan for the Indian Military. Heated looks, mimicked threats, goose stepping and the slap of boots hitting the pavement are all part of the ritual and the movements all bear a distinct resemblance to those of angry birds. Carrying loaded weapons the two sides perform a final elaborate series of steps, speed marching towards each other in an aggressive dance before meeting in the middle and taking the flags down simultaneously. There is the briefest of handshakes with the angriest of looks in their eyes and then the gates are closed. The ceremony, for that day at least, is over.

If you step there once, you’ll see the fervor that spreads amongst the crowds of both sides. You can slice an axe though the emotional thickness in the air. People are so overwhelmed & overcome with the patriotism and the display of anger and pride by their respective militaries that the majority break down and shed a tear or two. Angry shouting of slogans of Jai Hind (on the Indian side) by grown men with tears in their eyes is what marks the actual end of the evening’s ceremony. The same is reciprocated on the other side. As you step down, you notice that you do not hate the other side of the bordered land, it’s just you love the one you live in too much; and then shed another one in pride as you walk back to you waiting car.

Incredible India! Root Bridges, Cherrapunji

Renowned as one of the most rain receiving places in India and world, Cherrapunji is equally famous for Root Bridges. Fondly it called that Cherrapunji is a place where bridges are not built, they’re grown.

In the wettest place on this earth, the living bridges of Cherrapunji, India are made from the roots of the Ficus elastica tree. This tree produces a series of secondary roots from higher up its trunk and can comfortably perch atop huge boulders along the riverbanks, or even in the middle of the rivers themselves. In order to make a rubber tree's roots grow in the right direction - say, over a river - the Khasis (local tribe) use betel nut trunks, sliced down the middle and hollowed out, to create root-guidance systems.

The thin, tender roots of the rubber tree, prevented from fanning out by the betel nut trunks, grow straight out. When they reach the other side of the river, they're allowed to take root in the soil. Given enough time, a sturdy, living bridge is produced. The root bridges, some of which are over a hundred feet long, take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional, but they're extraordinarily strong - strong enough that some of them can support the weight of fifty or more people at a time.

Unlike bridges built by man, which weaken over a period of time, these don’t. Because they are alive and still growing, the bridges actually gain strength over time - and some of the ancient root bridges used daily by the people of the villages around Cherrapunji may be well over five hundred years old. One special root bridge, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, is actually two bridges stacked one over the other and has come to be known as the "Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge."

Incredible India! Assam - The Gateway to Sever Sister States

Fast Facts About Assam

Situated in: North Eastern part of India

Established in: August 15, 1947

Capital City: Dispur

Biggest City: Guwahati

Districts: 27

Area: 78,550 sq. km

Population: 31,169,272

Literacy: 76.3 percent

Official Languages: Assamese, Bodo

Best Time to Visit: The climate of Assam is characterized by a high humidity, the most distinguishing feature is the copious rainfall between the month of March and May when most parts of Indian territory remain dry. Climatically, the year in Assam can be divided into two main seasons namely winter season and the rainy season. The south-west monsoon starts in the state from mid-June and continues till September. The winter season begins from October and ends by February. In between monsoon and winter seasons, the summer comes for a short duration. Best time to visit Assam is between October to April.

Official Website of Assam: http://www.assam.gov.in/

One of the seven north-eastern states (together called as ‘seven sisters’), Assam is the gateway to the north-eastern part of India. Set just below the eastern Himalayan foothills, the state of Assam is bordered by the Kingdom of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to its north-east. The states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram lie in the south, while Meghalaya lies to the south-west. West Bengal and Bangladesh are to its west. Blessed with several natural gifts, Assam is dominated by the massive Brahmaputra River which has its origins in Tibet.

Fact is that, after Africa, Assam is perhaps the only part of the world where a wide variety of wildlife exists. The state is bestowed with vast alluvial plains and dense forests, tracts of paddy and tea and oil from the deep depths of the earth. In Assam, you can see a variety of flora and fauna including the world famous one Horned Rhinoceros and other rare species. Besides, Assam’s colourful fairs and festivals, rich art and culture and cuisine will surely leave you spellbound.

History of Assam

Assam has an old history dating back to the ancient times, which is based in various literatures like Tantaric literature, Buddhist literature, Vedic literature and Assamese folklore. Reference of Assam is also found in the epics and the religious legends. From 350 AD to 12th century, Assam was mainly ruled by the Varman Dynasty and several other dynasties such as the Kacharis, the Chitias etc. During the rule of the famous Varman king, Bhaskarvarman (600 AD-650 AD), the Chinese traveller Xuan Zang visited the Assam region and recorded his trips. The Ahoms ventured into Assam in around 1228 AD and ruled till 1826 AD. Other noted kingdom during that period was the Koch, which arrived in the region in 1510 AD. In the latter part of the 18th century, Ahom Kingdom weakened due to internal conflicts. Later in 1821, the Burmese invaded Assam and installed a puppet king. Between 1905-12, Assam was separated with some parts of Bengal and separate provinces of Eastern Bengal and Assam were established. At the time of India’s independence in 1947, Assam consisted of the original Ahom kingdom and the present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Further, Assam was divided into four more states to become one of the seven sister states in the 1960s and 1970s.

Tourist Destinations of Assam

A land of pleasant contrast and excitement, Assam offers a wide array of attractions. A journey through this picturesque land is bound to cheer up your mind and body and stimulate you to explore more as well as learn more. Important tourist destinations of the state are Guwahati, Dispur and Tezpur.

Arts and Culture of Assam

A perfect fusion of heritage of several old races has made Assam the home of a rich art & culture. Art and culture of Assam reflect the true spirit, tradition and lifestyle of the people of the state. Music, Dance and several other art forms make important part of the people of Assam. Since time immemorial, the people of Assam have traditionally been master craftsmen. Though the state is known mainly for its fine silk fabric and the bamboo and cane products, but you will find several other excellent pieces of crafts here. Some of the popular arts and crafts include Cane and Bamboo, Metal Crafts, Woodcraft, Handlooms, Toys, Pottery, Masks, Jewellery, Terracotta and Traditional Paintings.

Cuisine of Assam

Assamese love traditional as well as Indian and continental cuisine. A fusion of indigenous as well external influences, Assamese cuisine will definitely pamper your taste-buds. Assamese cuisine is characterized by the use of simple ingredients which are very delicious. Rice is principle component of Assamese cuisine, besides, fermented food is also used widely which has a distinct flavour. Fish and Meat are the favourite food of the Assamese. Vegetable dishes are also liked by large number of people. Amongst the vegetable dishes ‘Aloo Pitika’ is very popular.

Fairs and Festivals of Assam

A land of varied culture and traditions, Assam witnesses a number of fairs and festivals all through the year. Most of the festivals in Assam have their roots linked to the diverse faith and belief of its inhabitants. Important fairs and festivals are Bihu, Baishagu, Rongker, Ali-ai-liang, Rongali Utsav, Jonbeel Mela, Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Brahamaputra Beach Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival, Baikho, Rajini Gabra & Harni Gabra, Ambhbashi Mela, Bohaggiyo Bishu and Tea Festival.

Wildlife in Assam

Blessed with nature’s scenic grandeur, Assam has a wealth of rarest and near-extinct wildlife species. Some of the wild species which you can spot in the wildlife sanctuaries and parks are Tigers, Clouded Leopard, Hoolock Gibbon, Golden Langur, Pygmy Hog, Hispid Hare, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphins, White-Winged Wood-duck etc. In addition to these, a number of resident and migratory birds make Assam their habitats in winter and other seasons. Most popular wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of Assam include Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park, Orang (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park and Pabitora Sanctuary.

Shopping in Assam

Rich in traditional handicrafts and locally made items, Assam provides you a wonderful shopping experience. While you visit Assam, you can shop a wide range of handicrafts available everywhere from Government Emporia to private shops. In addition to handicrafts, Assam is renowned for its traditional handloom products. Amongst the variety of handlooms, Assam silk is one of the exclusive souvenirs to take back home. Must buy items in Assam include Tea, Silk fabric like - Muga and Paat, Hand made toys, Eri Handloom products, Cane and Bamboo work, Decorative items, Furniture, Bell metal products.

How to Reach Assam

By Air: Guwahati Airport also called Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the only international airport in the state of Assam. Jet Airways, Kingfisher, GoAir, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India operate flights from Delhi, Kolkata to Guwahati. International weekly flights also operate between Guwahati and Bangkok. Besides Guwahati airport, the state has other airports in Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur, North Lakhimpur and Silchar.

By Rail: The network of Indian Railways connect Assam with rest of the country. Rajdhani Express and several Super-fast and Express trains run between Delhi and Guwahati. A number of trains also run to Guwahati from cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and rest of the country.

By Road: National Highways, State Highway and other roads connect Assam with neighbouring states and towns. All the important towns and destinations in Assam are well-connected by road network and served by buses and other modes of road transport.

Where to Stay in Assam

Guwahati, Dispur, Silchar, Tezpur, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and other popular destinations of Assam is dotted with many star categories hotels and resorts. You can also find guest houses and tourist lodges in tourist destinations across Assam at a reasonable price. It is always advised to book a hotel in advance while you visit Assam.

Book the hotels or accommodation online in Assam by clicking the link.

http://www.makemytrip.com

Incredible India! Chand Baori, Rajasthan

Situated just 100 kms from Jaipur on Agra - Jaipur Road, Chand Baori is an architectural wonder.Even after 1000 years of its constrution the unique well mesmerize the visitors with its intricate design. Probably one of the most beautiful examples of patterns in architecture, the 10th century Chand Baori well in the Indian state of Rajasthan is the world’s deepest, extending 100 feet below the surface of the earth.

Built as a solution to chronic water supply issues in this arid region, the well has a total of 3,500 steps in 13 levels arranged in an inverted ‘V’ shape and is adjacent to the Harshat Mata Temple. The walls are so steep that when standing at the bottom, you sometimes can’t see people who are on the steps above you.

It’s difficult to imagine the construction process for such a complex stone structure with the technology available at the time. Local legend has it that ghosts built it in a single night; perhaps that accounts for its preternaturally preserved state as well.

Incredible India! Porbandar (Gujarat) - The Birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi

Porbandar is a coastal city in the state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (Friend of Lord Krishna). Onshore explorations in and around Porbandar brought to light for the first time the remains of a late Harappan settlement dating back to the 16th - 14th century BC, which is similar to that from Dwarka. This is another evidence to suggest that the Harappan legacy of maritime activity continued till the late Harappan period on the Saurashtra coast.

The discovery of ancient jetties along the Porbandar creek signifies the importance of Porbandar as an active centre of maritime activities in the past. The Indian mythology says its the birthplace of Sudhaama (Friend of Lord Krishna), hence its being referred to as Sudhaamapuri or Sudhamapuri. Porbandar was also formerly the seat of the eponymous princely state in British India. It is believed that Porbandar was discovered on Rakshabandhan day.

A picturesque sea port, it has various places of sightseeing interest, including a pleasant beach with beach villas. Other places of interests are Gandhiji's Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Planetarium, Chowpati, Arya Kanya Gurukul etc. The Sudama Mandir is in reverence to the childhood friend of Lord Krishna, this temple was constructed between 1902 and 1907. It is said that funds were exhausted while this temple was being constructed and the people of Sudamapuri decided to raise the required funds by hosting various drama shows.

Madhavpura lies 60 kms. from Porbandar. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Rukmini got married overhere. A large fair is held in March - April.

Daily bus service is available form Porbandar to Rajkot, Dwarka, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Surat & Mumbai. Daily trains link to Rajkot (via Jamnagar), Bhanwad, Okha and Mumbai (Via Ahmedabad, Vadodra and Surat). There are also trains to Delhi, Motihari and Howrah. It lies 395 kms from Ahmedabad and 178 kms from Rajkot. Airport Authority of India has built a new terminal building at Porbandar. The Porbandar Airport has daily flight to Mumbai operated by Jet Airways.

Incredible India! Mahabalipuram - A Historic City of Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal, close to Chennai. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, mahabalipuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali.

The richness in mahabalipuram was not known to many, as these pallavas did not outlet and expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in mahabalipuram was hidden until the late 185h century. What is special about mahabalipuram? Of course every one can point out the rock - cut caves, temples made from a single rock, temples and strives of different structures, and bas-reliefs which are so artistic and sheer creativity. Mamallpuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’. The great pallava kings Narasimha I and Rajasimha have well preserved these stylistic qualities that one enjoys in mahabalipuram even in the present day.

The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor. Any visitor who visits mahabalipuram will remain startled and intoxicated with the grandeur. They feel hand hearted and more out from this historical and fascinating tourist spot.

Incredible India! Varkala - A Little Explored Destination of Kerala

Fast Facts About Varkala

Located in the State of : Kerala

District: Thiruvananthapurm

Famous As / For : Serene Beaches

Languages Spoken: Tamil & English

Best Time to Visit Varkala: October to March

Average Temperatures at Varkala: Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 12 to 33°C

STD code of Varkala: 0470

A little known coastal town, Varkala is situated in the ‘God’s Own Country’ – Kerala. The beautiful town of Varkala comes under the administrative control of Thiruvananthapuram District. Interestingly, Varkala is a place where the hills are located close to the sea. Besides this, there are several natural fishers and springs that are located in the town that attracts the tourists from far and near. The beaches of Varkala are relatively untouched and they are clean as well.

Papanasam Beach is one of the main beaches in Varkala, which is thronged by tourists in large number. Varkala Beach is a popular beach and there are various activities such as paragliding and parasailing that can be experienced at this beach.

There is also a famous temple at Varkala called the Jannardana Swamy Temple. This temple is over 2000 years old and it is one of the main attractions of the place. The temple is home to an old bell that was taken from an ancient shipwreck of a Dutch Freighter.

Kapil Lake is another tourist site that is located close to the beach. Anjengo Fort is a historic place that is located nearby and it is a popular destination for many tourists. Varkala Tunnel and the Lighthouse are other places of tourist interest in Varkala.

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Leading Hotel Chains of India
Little Explored Destination Series: Abbott Mount, Uttarakhand
Little Explored Destination: Adoor, Kerala
Little Explored Destination: Balasore - Orissa
Less Explored Destination: Adilabad - Andhra Pradesh

Madikeri - A Beautiful Hill Station of Karnataka

Mahabalipuram - A Historic City of Tamil Nadu

Malshej Ghat - A Monsoon Getaway from Mumbai

Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Mandu - The City of Joy in Madhya Pradesh

Medical Tourism - Experience Incredible Care of India
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur - Rajasthan
Monsoon Hot Spots In India
Mount Abu Hill Station- Rajasthan
Mount Abu - Rajasthan
Mumbai - The Entertainment Capital of India
Munnar Hill Station, Kerala
Munnar - The Land of Tea Plantations
Nainital, A Paradise Amidst the Great Himalayas
Nainital - The Lake City of India
Nalanda: Will The Gone Glory Revisit?
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Kerala
North East, India
North Eastern India - A Hidden Jewell
Newspapers of India
Onam, Kerala
On A Spiritual Journey in India

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Porbandar - The Birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi

Rajasthan

Rajasthan - India’s Desert State
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
Red Fort Delhi
Rishikesh
Road Transport in India
Romantic Holidays in India
Roopkund Lake, UttarakhandRoot Bridges, Cherrapunji, Arunachal Pradesh
Sacred City of Ajmer, Rajasthan
Safari Tours In India
Searching For Right Travel Agent in India
Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, Kashmir
Shopping in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Somnath Abode of Lord Shiva
Srinagar - The Paradise on Earth
Srirangam Temple - Trichy
States & Union Territories of India
Sunderbans the home of Royal Bengal Tigers
Taj Mahal - Beauty in Marble
Taj Mahal Should Be Taj Only
Taragarh Fort, Bundi - Rajasthan
Things to See In India
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapurama - Capital City of Kerala
Tourist Destination of South India Part I
Tourist Destination of South India Part 2
Tourist Destination of South India Part 3
Tourist Destination of South India Part 4
Tourist Destination of South India Part 5
Tourist Offices in India
Train Travel in India
Travel Books: Your Companion (Guide)for India Trip
Travel Requisite for India
Travel Tips for India
Trip to Kota, Rajasthan
Tsunami Tourism New Tourism Theme
Udaipur
Udaipur, Rajasthan

Una - A Little Explored Destination of Himachal Pradesh

Uttarakhand - A charming state of North India
Vaishno Devi - Proceed on the Subline Journey
Valsad - A Little Explored Destination of Gujarat
Varkala - A Little Explored Destination of Kerala
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
Voyage to India
Wardha - A Little Explored Destination of Maharashtra
Waterfalls in India
Weekend Getaways Across India
Weekend Getaways from Bangalore
Weekend Getaways from Chennai
Weekend Getaways from Delhi
Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad
Weekend Getaways from Kolkata
Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
Wildlife In India
Wildlife Park & Sanctuaries Entry Fees
World Heritage Sites in India
Zanskar - A Little Explored Destination of J & K

Travel Requisite for India

Travelling is one of the best possible ways to people’s mind, body and soul residing in any part of the globe. Besides these, travelling allows one to know the culture, values and rules of an unexplored land. After vacationing in any new country or a destination you feel yourself refreshed and also carry some lifelong memories along with you. However, before visiting any strange land, one must have prior knowledge about the geography, rules and regulations etc. related to the particular country or place to avoid any unpleasant circumstance during the trip.

Fact is that, a tourist or common traveler need to know a number of things before flying to a new country or a distant place. India Travel Directory always take care of the international tourists visiting India from different parts of the world. Keeping in mind your hassle less journey we have compiled some important travel related requisites below that would be surely handy for you. Hence, before landing to the charming land of India, must keep yourself updated about the facts and essentials mentioned below:

• Travel Tips: Before visiting any new destination, it is very essential to know the do's and don't s or the general tips for travelling. One should enquire about some essentials such as the visa procedures, destinations to visit, the best time to visit and things one needs to carry. With the aim to make your trip a pleasant experience, we are providing some important tips related to your trip to India.
• Travel Advisory: Likewise Travel Tips one should also have a glance at the travel advisory. In fact, having a glance at the travel advisory would help you to make your journey to the India a memorable experience. Our Travel Advisory provides you information about - Safety & Security, Health Conditions, Political Conditions prevailing, Customs of the land, Sensitive areas and so on.
• Tourism Offices in India: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has established a number of tourism offices all over the country. Tourism offices in India provide essential assistance to global tourists during their trip to India.
• Tourism Offices of India Abroad: With the aim to provide India related information to tourists across the world, Government of India has established its tourism offices in some major countries. Global tourists can get the answers of their India travel related queries in these offices. 
• Tourism Boards in India: A vast country India is visited by millions of tourists every year from across the globe. With the aim to provide hassle free journey to tourists, all the states and union territories of India have set up Tourism Development Board. Get more information about Tourism Boards in India with ITOPC. 
• Guidelines to Obtain Indian Visa: Obtaining the tourist visa before visiting to India is prerequisite. However, due to lack of knowledge global tourists often face a number of problems. For global tourists we provide all types of travel assistance and also guide to obtain the Indian Visa. 
• Medical Visa:  Indian Government offer Medical Visa to foreign national who desires to go for treatment under the Indian system of Medicines. Get the important information regarding the Medical Visa and plan your Medical tour accordingly. 
• India Baggage Rules: Keeping in mind the hassle free tour of foreign tourists and commercial and economic interest of the nation, the Government of India has carved out certain baggage rules. Before visiting India one should know about the baggage rules of the country. For avoiding any type of unusual circumstances go through the India Baggage rules carefully and made your vacation pleasant.
• Domestic Airlines in India: For past few years the airlines industry of India has seen tremendous growth. Presently a number of airlines offer domestic flights across India. Boom in airlines industry has resulted in the several cheap airline carriers. Now one can travel to all the big cities of India by airline at cheap fare. Know more about the domestic airlines in India in detail. 
• International Airlines in India: One of the most popular destinations of world, India is visited by large number of tourists from all over the world. Global trotters mostly use the airways to reach India, as it is the fastest and most convenient mode of transport. We provide you brief information about famous international airlines operating for India.
• Travel Insurance for India: Before visiting any new place one must assure all travel requirements and other concerned worries. Keeping in mind travel worries of thousands of tourists visiting India, government has made Travel Insurance policy. From business trip to family vacation, Travel insurance plan takes care of all your travel needs and worries. 
• Road Transportation in India: Road Transportation in India is the main medium of transport in the country. In fact, almost every nook and corner of India is attached with roads that provides easy accessibility. With the aim to provide hassle free transport to people and essential assistance, government of India and State governments alike have set up road transport corporations. 
• Train Travel in India: Train travel is the considered the most convenient mode of transport in India. Indian Railways is the third largest railway network of world and it provides train connectivity to all the important places of the country. Travel across India by train and experience one of the best journeys in your life.
• Bus Travel in India: Buses are the only mode of transport which can take you far flung areas, where you reach by train or air. Most of the places in India is well connected by good motorable roads, served by a number of buses. Buses in India are available in various options like ordinary (local), luxury, deluxe, coaches, volvo etc. In India both government as well as private operators offer bus services to different places. 
• Renowned Hotel Chains in India: The boom in travel and tourism industry in recent time has also encouraged the major hotel groups of the country. Equipped with modern amenities, these hotels offer world class services to guests. Get more information about hotel chains in India. 
• Handy Travel Books: Travel Books are one of the best medium to know about any place and its facts. You will find well compiled texts as well as photographs of various places in travel books. After going through the travel books you get an overview of particular place that makes your trip easier.
• Popular Newspapers of India: Newspapers are considered the convenient and authentic means of knowing about the happenings around the world. In India newspapers are published in various languages daily that keep people updated with news related to politics, events, crime, business, sports, entertainment, culture, opinions and much more.
• Latest Tourism Statistics: It becomes necessary sometimes to check the tourism statistics before planning a trip to a place. Tourism statistics helps the travellers to plan their accordingly. We at ITOPC provides you information about the inbound, outbound and domestic tourism statistics.
• National Parks/ Wildlife Sanctuaries Entrance Charges: All over India there are dozens of wildlife parks and you have to pay entrance charges to explore those wildlife areas. Know about the entrance charges of important wildlife sanctuaries and national parks of India. 
• Monuments Entrance Charges: For proper maintenance of the ancient monuments the tourism department has fixed entry charges. You have to pay entry charges of few dollars to visit the historic structures known for their rich past, cultural or architectural importance. 
• Amusement Parks Entrance Charges: Amusement Parks have been developed in major cities of India to provide complete entertainment. Charges of amusement parks ranges from Rs 100 to 500 and you would certainly enjoy every minute inside the parks.

Khajuraho - The city of Erotic Sculptures

Situated in the historic Bundel Khand region of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is famous world over for the temple art forms of early medieval period. Khajuraho is home to a massive complex of world famous Hindu and Jain temple, built during the 900 AD to 1000 AD by Chandela rulers. The Chandelas were renowned for their love of art and luxury and gifted to the world some of the best sculpted images.

Initially there were 85 temples, but now only 22 temples have left, describing the splendour of that period. The intricately done temple carvings are highly erotic and sensual attempting to depict in pure form a whole range of human emotions and relationships.

Khajuraho is well connected by air, rail and road. So one can easily reach the town and enjoy a fine glimpse of the era gone by. For accommodation plenty of hotels are available ranging from luxury to mid range categories.

Major Attractions
Khajuraho Temples: Temples are of course, the major attractions of Kahuraho. The temples of Khajuraho are divided into three categories, namely Western Group, Eastern Group and Southern Group. The Western Group temples are the largest, precise and centrally located. The Eastern Group temples comprise of five separated sub-groups in and around the present village of Khajuraho. While, the Southern Group temples are located at some distance.

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple (Western Group): Kandariya Mahadeo is the biggest and most typical of Khajuraho temples. The temple rises to a height of 31 metres from the ground and around 900 statues, most of them in erotic postures could be seen in the temple. The deity worshipped in this temple is Lord Shiva.

Chaunsat Yogini Temple ( Western Group): Chaunsat Yogini Temple is the only temple of Khajuraho made of granite. Here the deity worshipped is goddess Kali. Unfortunately, no any image of goddess Kali could survive the adverse condition. Besides, only 35 of the original 65 cells have remained intact.

Chitragupta Temple (Western Group): Facing eastwards to the rising sun, Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to the sun-god, Surya. The inner sanctum houses a very attractive image of the Sun God. In addition, there are numerous beautiful images on the walls depicting royal processions, group dances and other scenes of sheer luxury.

Parsvanath Temple (Eastern Group): One of the finest of sculpted Khajuraho temples, Parsvanath Temple is the largest Jain temple of the place. Originally dedicated to Adinath, Saint Parsvanath is now worshipped in the temple. The art forms of the temple are very beautiful and sensitive, but don’t have sexual motifs. The sculptures on the temple walls have an amazing depiction of everyday activity of that period.


Adinatha Temple (Eastern Group): Adinatha is the last of Jain temples in Khajuraho. The temple walls have some of the most attractive sculptures of yakshis among others.

Duladeo Temple (Southern Group): Duladeo Temple is one of the most attractive temples of the southern group in Khajuraho. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a number of sensuous images of the Apsaras (heaven women) and a few other exquisite sculptures.

Pandav Falls (30 km): The picturesque Pandav Falls lies at a distance of 30 kms from Khajuraho. Falling down to the Ken River from great heights, the sight of the falls is really breathtaking. It is believed that the Pandavas spent some years of their exile here and hence it had been named as Pandav Falls.

Panna National Park (40 km): Situated at a distance of 40 kms from Khajuraho, Panna National Park is home a wide variety of fauna. Here you can spot antelopes, chinkaras, sambars and boars. If you are lucky enough, you can have a glimpse of the elusive tiger. Many varieties of bird species can also be spotted in Panna National Park.

Dhubela Museum (64 km): Dhubela Museum is located at a distance of 64 kms from Khajuraho. The museum has an impressive collection of garments, weapons and paintings belonging to the Bundela rulers. The museum also has some sculptures belonging to the Shakti cult.