Sunday, September 25, 2011

Best Tea Destinations in Delhi : Tea Room, Tea Lounge, Elma's, Aap ki Pasand, The Chocolate Box Lounge

Best Tea Destinations in Delhi : Tea Room, Tea Lounge, Elma's, Aap ki Pasand, The Chocolate Box Lounge


The Tea Room Co.
The Tea Room Co. (Ramesh Sharma/MailToday)
The Tea Room Co's inverted teacups with lights strung from the ceiling do enhance the experience of having a three-course dinner with the right teas.

The Tea Lounge
The Tea Lounge (Ramesh Sharma/MailToday)
The high tea at Taj Palalce takes place with ceremonial flourish. The scones come with cream and berry compote and the little sandwitches hark back at British Raj tradition.

Elma's
Elma's (Ramesh Sharma/MailToday)
The organic teas from Coonoor at Elma's are named after the shapes they unfurl into when steeped. Hari Ghata, for instance, is said to bloom like a raincloud.

Aap Ki Pasand
Aap Ki Pasand (Ramesh Sharma/MailToday)
From the classics such as Darjeeling Second Flush and Earl Grey to innovations like antioxidant-laden Chunmee, it's a tempting array.


The Chocolate Box Lounge
The Chocolate Box Lounge (Ramesh Sharma/MailToday)
At The Chocolate Box Lounge, you could be having a pine-smoked Lapsang Souchong on one visit or a seaweedy Sencha on the next.
src-msn
Bookmark and Share

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Kolad Tourism : Introduction, How To Reach, Kundalika River, Interesting & Important Facts, Main Attractions, How To Reach

Kolad Tourism : Introduction, How To Reach, Kundalika River, Interesting & Important Facts, Main Attractions, How To Reach




Introduction

Kolad is a village, in Raigad district, Maharashtra State, India.Kolad, a thriving tiny village in the Mahad region in the state of Maharashtra, is blessed with natural foliage and luxuriant greenery. Situated at the backdrop of the majestic Sahyadris, Kolad’s magnificent valleys give it a picturesque appearance.
The greatest attraction of this charming village is the ‘Kundalika River’, which is one among the fastest flowing river in South Maharashtra. Water released from the nearby dams makes the river ever flowing. Kundalika riverbeds in Kolad are ideal locations for adventurous activities.
It is a spectacular location to experience the pleasure of white water river rafting. Kundalika River’s 12-kilometre stretch of exciting rapids will provide 2 hours white water rafting. Rafting through the river calls for extreme courage and bravery. Water rafting in the river reaches its zenith during monsoon season since the water levels are high.
Apart from river rafting this river offers other excellent ventures like Kayaking, Jungle Camping, and River crossing. Boating through the river is a real experience for any of the visitor and lush magnificent greenery around the riverbanks can be enjoyed by it. This scenic locale with the fascinating and amazing spectacle of nature is a recommended picnic spot for those who prefer to enjoy the lovely warmth of nature.



Fast Facts

District: Raigad
Taluka: Roha.
Famous for: Rafting
Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English.
Best Season: Jan - Feb
Weather: Summer 28-40°C, Winter 12-33°C
Altitude: 60 m
Pincode: 402109
STD code: 02194

Attractions

  • Kundalika River
  • Bhira Dam (Tata Powerhouse Dam)
  • Dholwal Dam
  • Ghosala Fort
  • Kuda Caves
  • Tala Fort
  • Sutarwadi Lake
  • Kanal Avenue
  • Tamhini Falls
  • Gaimukh
  • Rafting
  • Jananni Hill




How To Reach

By Air
Nearest major airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 125 km from Kolad. Mumbai (Bombay) is well connected to all major cities in India and also connected to many cities abroad. Taxi services are the one direct travel possibility from Mumbai to Kolad.

By Train
Kolad railway station is in the Konkan rail line, which is connected to Mumbai VT station. Kolad is connected to all major cities in India through Mumbai railway station.
Railway stations near Kolad & Aerial Distance
Roha (ROHA): 10 km
Mangaon (MNI): 19 km

By Road
Drive Till Panvel & take a turn towards Pen just beforePune highway begins.
A 25 km drive will take you to Vadhkal Naka, where you have to turn left for Goa highway towards Kolad via Nagothane..


Weather & Best Time To Visit

Kolad has both hot and cold climates in a year. Summers (March to May) are hot and sultry. Monsoons (June to September) are accompanied by heavy rainfalls. Winters are during November and February and are characterized by medium level of humidity and warm cool weather.
Best time to visit here is from June to March. Rivers and waterfalls are good post monsoons.

Bookmark and Share

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Sonepur Fair : Introduction, Location, How To Reach, History, World's Biggest cattle carnivals, Attraction, Harihar Nath Temple

Sonepur Fair : Introduction, Location, How To Reach, History, World's Biggest cattle carnivals, Attraction, Harihar Nath Temple



Venue :Sonepur, Bihar (held on the bank of river Ganga)
Time: Kartik Purnima (November)
Duration: Fifteen days (approximately)
Cycle:Yearly
Highlights: World's one of the biggest cattle carnivals
Legends: Gajendra moksha is related to Sonepur Mela
Place of Worship: Hariharanath Mahadeo Temple
Attractions :Cattle Fair (Elephant and Horse)
Nearby Airport :Patna
Nearby Railway St: Patna or Hajipur

Introduction



Sonepur Mela is the one of largest cattle fairs of the world. It is a historical and ancient event celebrated every year on bank of pious confluence of Gandak and the Ganges river, on the back drop of Harihar Nath Temple. On Kartik Purnima lacs of Devotees flock to offer prayer at this temple after taking a holy dip in the river.

The mela has its origins during ancient times. This is when Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges. The Sonepur Cattle Fair once used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia.

History
The Sonepur mela has a profound historic grandeur. According to the travelogue of a British administrative officer, W W Hynter, in 1919, the Sonepur mela used to be held in over 43 villages in the past.
It has its origins during ancient times. This is when Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the river Ganges. The mela used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia.

Originally, the venue of the fair was Hajipur and only the performance of the puja used to take place at the Harihar Nath temple of Sonepur. However, under the rule of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the venue of the fair got shifted to Sonepur. The temple of Harihar Nath is believed to have been originally built by Lord Rama, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita. It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain, an influential person during the late Mughal period.

Fair Duration
A fortnight following the first full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik Shukla Paksh (Kartik Purnima), which occurs in the period October/ November. Precise duration to be checked up every January.



Hariharnath Temple


The temple of Harihar Nath is believed to have been originally built by Lord Ram, the famous prince of Ayodhya, on his way to the court of King Janak to win the hand of Mata Sita.

It is further said that Raja Man Singh later got the temple repaired. The Harihar Nath temple, as it stands today, was built by Raja Ram Narain and the most recent repairs on the temple were undertaken by the Birlas.
 FOR THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF SONEPUR FAIR


Bookmark and Share

Maa Thawewali Temple, Gopalganj Bihar : Introduction, How To Reach, History, Rahashu-Temple, Temple Timings, Important days & Fairs

Maa Thawewali Temple, Gopalganj Bihar : Introduction, How To Reach, History, Rahashu-Temple, Temple Timings, Important days & Fairs




Introduction & How To Reach

The Goddess Maa "Shakti" is the "Supreme power" which saturates the entire of the universe, and from which the Universe has emanated. There is nothing in the world, which is not "Shakti" in its essence. Shakti is the Great Mother of the Universe. Maa fights and vanquishes the evil forces to protect her Bhaktas (Devotees). She is always on the lookout for ways and means of helping her Devotee. Maa is very "Karunamayi", "Kripalu" and "Dayalu" (Kindhearted).

There are several names and forms of Maa Shakti. Bhaktas (devotees) worship her by many names in many forms, Maa Thawewali is one of them. There are 52 "SHAKTIPITHAs" in all over India, this place is also as like as "SHAKTIPITHA".

The Temple of "Maa Thawewali" is situated in “Thawe”, in Gopalganj District in the State of Bihar, INDIA. This is only 6 K.M. from Gopalganj town on the Gopalganj-Siwan National Highway.

Distance from the nearest towns & cities are given below:
Thawe Mata Mandir
From (City/Town) Distance (in K.M.)

  • Gopalganj :6 K.M.
  • Siwan :28 K.M.
  • Chapra: 94 K.M.
  • Patna: 174 K.M.
  • Gorakhpur: 120 K.M.
  • Varansi: 230 K.M.
  • Lucknow:385 K.M.
  • New Delhi: 929 K.M.

By Road

There is a good road network in the state that connects different places within state along with other parts of the country. Many National Highways pass through the state. Regular Bus and Taxi services are available from major cities of Bihar and East Uttar Pradesh (Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi etc.) through out the day.

By Air 

Patna the Capital City of Bihar, is well connected to different cities of the country through regular flights. From Patna very good Rail and Road transport facility is available to reach the Maa’s Temple.

Temple Timings & Important Day to Visit

The time of Morning Aarti - between 5:00 to 7:00 am and in Evening 7:00 pm (depends on season). Devotees worship maa with "Laddo", "Peda", "Narial" & "Chunari".

Two days in week Monday and Friday are very important for worshiping to make pleased Maa. On these days Devotees gathered and worship Maa in large number in comparison to other days. The special Mela is organized during two times in year, in the month of "Chaitrya" (March) and "Ashvin" (October) on the great occasion of "Navratra".

History

This holy story pertains to about 14th century AD. King 'Manan Singh' from 'Chero' dynasty was ruler of 'Hathuwa'. Although Manan Singh was a devotee of Maa Durga but he was having a proud nature. He claimed to be the greatest devotee of Maa Durga and did not like other saints and religious persons. People were not happy with the King due to his unkind nature and behavior.

The fort in which the king resided was located at present 'Thawe'. One 'Rahashu' lived in the same village who was a true devotee of 'Maa Kamakhya'. People used to call him 'Rahashu Bhagat' to convey their respect to him.

Once there was a great famine in the state of Hathuwa. People started to die due to hunger. There was very bad condition everywhere, but the king continued to levy tax even in that miserable condition. Poor people became sadder due to the cruel attitude of the king. They did pray to 'Maa Kamakhya' for relief. To relieve her devotees from their grief and pain, Maa Kamakhya appeared in midnight while sitting on seven lions and told to Rahashu Bhagat to cut 'Katara' (grass) and to worship her in midnight. Rahashu Bhagat used to cut 'Katara' (grass) whole day and yielded it in midenight by seven lions of Maa Kamakhya. Thus he got 'Manasara' (a type of holy Rice). Every morning Rahashu Bhagat distributed the Manasara among poor people. Rahashu Bhagat became very famous because he had relieved the poor people from their hunger.

When the king came to know about all these developments, he became very angry and called Rahashu Bhagat and insulted him. The king ordered Rahashu Bhagat to call Maa Kamakhya to prove his true devotion.

Rahashu Bhagat requested the king not to do so and suggested the King to pray the Maa with an honest heart but the king insisted to call Maa and threatened Rahashu Bhagat to kill in case of disobedience. At last, helpless Rahashu  Bhagat started to pray Maa Kamakhya to call her. On the call from her true devotee, Maa Kamakhya started her journey sitting on seven lions from Kamrupa (Assam) where she is known as 'Kamakhya Devi' to Thawe.

Rahashu Bhagat again requested the King to drop his insistence but the king did not agree and forced Rahashu Bhagat to call Maa. Meanwhile Maa appeared in Vindhyachal for sometime and was called Maa 'Vindhyavasni Devi'. In her way to Thawe Maa reached Kalighat in Calcutta and was called Maa 'Kalka Devi'. Rahashu Bhagat again requested king to quit his wish and warned him for mass destruction but the king was not agreed.

In her way to Thawe Maa stayed at Patna for a while and was called 'PatanDevi'. Then Maa appeared in 'Aami' and 'Ghodaghat' was called 'AmbikaBhawanii' and 'Ghod Devi' respectively.

When Maa reached 'Thawe' the weather and appearance of the place began to change.  Due to hundreds of thunders King's palace fell and destroyed. Everyone was feared. The devotees of Maa started to pray her to save them as they had known that Maa had reached Thawe.

After sometime, Maa appeared through broken head of Rahashu Bhagat and showed her right hand wearing a 'Kanagan' (Bracelet).  The four handed Maa appeared sitting on the seven lions and blessed her devotees. On the pray from her true devotees, Maa made the things normal and disappeared.

Rahashu Bhagat got 'Moksha' (heaven). The king, his palace and all his empire came to end. The remnants of the palace may be seen even today around the temple of Maa at Thawe.

The devotee of Maa built a temple where Maa appeared. They also built a 'Rahashu-Temple' where Rahashu Bhagat used to pray Maa. It is said that after 'Darshan' (visit) of Maa Thawewali, Darshan of Rahashu-Temple is mandatory to please Maa.

Maa is also called 'Singhasini Bhawani'. Maa Thawewali is very kind and generous to her devotees and fulfills all their wishes.

Bookmark and Share

Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair : At Ambaji Village in Gujarat, When it is held, Dates in upcoming years


Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair : At Ambaji Village in Gujarat, When it is held, Dates in upcoming years

Bhadrapada Ambaji Fair

One of the most ancient and revered temples in India, is the temple of goddess Ambaji, situated in the Ambaji village in Gujarat.

Bhadrapadaa Ambaji fair is an annual fair held in the Ambaji village, near the temple, where Lakhs of devotees gather from all sects and communities to offer prayers to goddess Amba and perform religious rituals.

The fair has special significance for the farmers as the month of the fair-Bhadrapadaa, indicates the end of a long and tiring month of monsoon harvests.

When is it held?

Bhadrapada Ambaji fair is held every year in August-September at Ambaji. It corresponds to Hindu month of Bhadrapada. This fair is specifically more important to farmers as it symbolizes the end of busy monsoon season for them.

Current & Upcoming years:

12th September 2011 (Monday)
30th September 2012 (Sunday)
19th September 2013 (Thursday)

Bookmark and Share

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Rishikesh Tourism : Introduction, How Reach, Major Attractions & main sites to visit, Hotels in Rishikesh

Rishikesh Tourism : Introduction, How Reach, Major Attractions & main sites to visit, Hotels in Rishikesh




FACTS & FIGURES

Area : 11.20 sq km
Language :Hindi, Garhwali, English
STD Code :0135
State: Uttaranchal
District:: Dehradun
Famous for/as: Pilgrim, Rafting

HOW TO REACH

BY AIR - The nearest airport is Dehradun, 35 km from Haridwar.

BY RAIL - Rishikesh is connected by rail via Haridwar (24 km) to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Dehradun and other cities.

BY ROAD - Rishikesh is connected by road via Haridwar with Agra, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Kullu, Manali, and Shimla. It is also linked to Mussourie (77 km), Badrinath (301 km), Kedarnath (228 km), Gangotri (258 km), Yamunotri (288 km), Srinagar (105 km), and Joshimath (252 km).

INTRODUCTION



Rishikesh (also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh or Hrushikesh, is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city.The various ghats and temples assist the human spirit in its endeavor to be one with the ultimate source of all creations. It is also an attraction for the ones in search of adventure and passion. Rishikesh has also banned use of plastics bags by shopkeepers and vendors.

RISHIKESH - SITES TO VISIT

Triveni Ghat. This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river.  edit
Bharat Mandir
Lakshman Jhula
Gita Bhavan. Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community.
Swarg Ashram, Shri 108 Baba Sali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram ( Heavenly Adobe) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples.
Parmarth Niketan. One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. Must Visit in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti. 5PM in Winter and 6PM in summer.  edit
Neelkanth Mahadev Mela
Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula. is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.
Kailash Niketan Temple
Crossing Lakshman Jhula, the main temple you will see is Kailash Niketan Temple. It is a 13 storey structure slightly different from regular temples. The temple has sculptures of all the gods and goddesses.


RISHIKESH - WHERE TO STAY

There are several hotels in and around Rishikesh. Besides providing the lodging facilities, some of these hotels offer boarding and tour operations too. You may take your pick from the number accommodation options available at Rishikesh. The price range varies depending on the facilities the hotels provide. You may book rooms as per your budget.

There are several eateries and restaurants that offer delicious and hygienic food to the tourists in Rishikesh. You may choose from north Indian, South Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines.

 CLICK HERE TO CHECK THE LIST OF HOTELS IN RISHIKESH


Bookmark and Share

Monday, September 5, 2011

List of Beaches in South Goa : Bogmalo, Consaulim, Majorda & Utorda, Colva, Benaulim, Agonda, Palolem.

List of Beaches in South Goa : Bogmalo, Consaulim, Majorda & Utorda, Colva, Benaulim, Agonda, Palolem.

south goa beach, south goa beaches, south beaches goa, south beach goa, beaches on south goa, beach on south goa


Bogmalo Beach of Goa
Bogmalo Goa Beach - 24 km north of Madgaon, 25 km south of Panaji
Pretty, and seldom overcrowded, this tiny crescent of fine sand is perfect for swimming and sunning. It's near a low, verdant hill topped by a few modern buildings on one side and the Bogmalo Beach Resort on the other. Two tiny islands sit about 10 km (6 mi) out to sea. For the most privacy, walk down the beach to the far right - fewer fishing boats, shacks, and people.

Consaulim Beach of Goa
Consaulim Goa Beach - 10 km northwest of Madgaon
This secluded, quiet, and clean stretch of beach between Bogmallo and Colva has a fine location - close to both Dabolim airport and Madgaon town, and yet away from the crowded north and the congested beaches around Colva.

Majorda & Utorda Beach of Goa
Majorda & Utorda Goa Beach - 10 km from Madgaon
Just north of Colva beach, Majorda, and nearby Utorda, which have a number of resorts, are rapidly sacrificing peace and quiet to larger volumes of tourists.

Colva Beach of Goa
7 km west of Madgaon
Colva Beach, about 6 km west of Madgaon, in the Salcete district, is the most congested beach in south Goa. Its large parking and entrance areas are crowded with shacks selling snacks and souvenirs and young men offering their mopeds for rent.

Benaulim Beach of Goa
9 km southwest of Madgaon
Just 2 km south of Colva is the first of the beautiful, secluded beaches of south Goa - completely unlike the action-packed beaches of the north.

Agonda Beach of Goa
Agonda beach is an almost completely untoched 2km stretch of white sand. It's a great place to chill out if you're feeling mellow and have a stack of good books, but don't come here if you like to spend your afternoons playing beach volleyball and boozing in the beach shacks

Palolem Beach of Goa
Palolem is the beach of Goa's southernmost town, Canacona, locally called Chaudi. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa; a shallow bay fringed with white sands and coconut palms, with the village right behind it.

Other beaches in South Goa: 
Velsao Beach
Arossim Beach
Betalbatim Beach
Varca Beach
Fatrade Beach
Mobor-Cavelossim Beach
Betul Beach
Canaguinim Beach
Cola Beach
Colomb Beach
Patnem Beach
Rajbaga Beach
Galjibaga Beach

Bookmark and Share
Related Posts with Thumbnails