places to visits in india: October 2013

Saturday 26 October 2013

KERELA.....GODS OWN COUNTRY.

PLACES IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

POOVAR ISLAND RESORT.

Enveloped in serene Kerala backwaters, flanked by the Arabian Sea on the East and the majestic towering Ghats to the West, opening out to the ocean and a dream golden beach, Poovar Island Resort is a tropical paradise. Swaying coconut palms, endless golden sands.

The ultramarine of the ocean, emerald backwaters, crimson sunsets and lush green vegetation create a magical ambience around you. Our distinctive Kerala resort is the ideal remote getaway location for a quiet holiday in spectacular natural surroundings.

You can choose between floating cottages and land cottages for accommodation at our charming Kerala ayurveda resort and enjoy a boat cruise along the palm-fringed shores of bewitching backwaters.

SHRI PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE.

The history of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple dates back to 8th century. It is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples or Divya Desams in India. Divya Desams are the holiest abodes of the Lord Vishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu, reclining on Anantha, the hooded Serpent.

In 1750, Marthanda Varma dedicated the kingdom of Travancore to Lord Padmanabha. Marthanda Varma vowed that the royal family will rule the state on behalf of Lord and he and his descendants would serve the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa or the Servant of Lord Padmanabha. Since then the name of every Travancore King was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa. The donation of the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabhaswamy was known as Thripadidanam. The current head of the Travancore Royal Family is Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple as per belief is located at a place that is considered as one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras. And references of this temple are there in texts like the Puranas, viz. the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana. The temple stands close to the holy tank - Padma Theertham, which means 'lotus spring.'

The idol of the presiding deity of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is noted for its composition, which has 12008 salagramams, which were brought from Nepal, taken from the banks of the River Gandhaki.

AGASTYA MALA.

Agasthya Mala is a 1,868-metre tall peak within Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of South India in Trivandrum and Tirunelveli Districts of South India. The mountain lies on the border between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The perennial Thamirabarani River originates from the eastern side of this hill and flows into the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.

Agasthya Mala is a pilgrimage centre for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya, who is considered to be one of the seven rishis (Saptarishi) of Hindu Puranas.The shrine was installed under the auspices of the Chenkottukonam Madathipathi Jagadguru Swami Sathyananda Saraswathi Thiruvadikal who entered the forests with Hindu Aikya Vedi activists and his followers especially from the Kani Tribe demolished the cross erected by Christians.The Tamil language is considered to be a boon from Agasthya. There is a full-sized statue of Agathiyar at the top of the peak and the devotees can offer pujas themselves.

PUTHENMALIKA (KUTHIRAMALIKA) PALACE.

Kuthiramalika is stuated in Thiruvananthapuram district. It is also called as Puthen malika palace. This palace was constructed in the year 1840 by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma on the southern side of Padmanabha swami temple. It got its name Kuthiramalika due to the design of 122 horses carved in wood which supports the roof of the palace. The palace has sloping roofs, verandas, courtyard etc which are built in the traditional Kerala style. This palace was made of teak, rosewood, granite and marble.

A portion of the palace is changed into a museum which has the assets once possessed by the Travancore royal family. The museum was set up with the aim of promoting the traditional art forms of India. The articles include chandeliers, paintings, musical instruments, furniture etc. Kathakali mannequins are kept here for display and to the side of it lies the ivory cradles. One of the main attractions here are the 2 royal thrones of which one is made of ivory and the other is made of crystal. There is a large urn kept in the audience chamber which was once used for keeping mango pickles. There is also a musical tree which makes the seven swaras when tapped.

The famous music festival that is conducted yearly called as the Swathi Sangeethotsavam is held from the courtyard of Kuthiramalika.

PAZHAVANGADI GANAPATI TEMPLE.

Pazhavangadi Ganapati Temple situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city at Pazhavangadi, nearly 1.5 kms from railway station as well as from bus stand Sree Maha Ganapati Temple Pazhavangadi is a well known Ganapati temple in Kerala. The idol was originally worshipped by a soldier of Travancore Army garrisoned at Padmanabhapuram and later when the capital of Travancore shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Trivandrum in 1795 A.D. the garrison was also shifted and the idol was installed at its present place Pazhavangadi.
Famous vazhipatu is the breaking of coconuts for fulfilment of any desire or obstacle besides other offerings like appam, modakam etc. and also Ganapathi-homa. No regulations in clothing. Footwear not permitted inside the premises.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ZOO.

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, one of the oldest in the country, was established as an annexe to the Museum in 1857 by the erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore in order to attract more visitors. This Zoo was originally set up for recreational purpose only. But with more and more loss of forest and wildlife in the process of human development, the goal of the Zoo changed from recreation to conservation. Today Zoos are seen as the last resort for endangered animals and birds. The Central Zoo Authority established in 1992 under the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India, enforces uniform management code to all the Zoos in the country and provide financial and technical support for the Zoos.

Spread over in 55 acres of land located in the heart of the temple city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Zoo offers a rare opportunity for the visitors to experience and enjoy an unparalleled picturesque and panoramic sylvan surroundings besides vivid animal collections. The Zoo has around 75 different species of animals not only from India but from abroad also. It also has several species of animals and birds from Ethiopian and Australian Zoo geographic regions. The Lion tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger are prominent among the indigenous endangered fauna. Giraffe, Hippo, Zebra, Cape Buffalo are the guests from African region. It will usher in a new era with the completion of the ongoing modernisation works in the Zoo. Thrilling encounters with the animals out in their open air landscapes are becoming reality.

KARIKKAKOM DEVI TEMPLE.

Karikkakom Devi Temple is a temple situated seven kilometers east of Trivandrum. Surrounded on all sides by the panoramic evergreen scenery, rich with coconut palms and other fauna in the land of backwaters and channals rest the Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple which is one of the most ancient and renowned shrines of Kerala. In accordace with the ancient architectural principles, under the guidance and supervision of Sree Kkanipayoor Krishnan Nampoothiri the first stage of the construction of the Sreekovil sub shrines Mukha Mandapam and Chuttu Madapam completed. The reinstallation of the panchaloha Idol of the Goddess followed by tantric rituals was performed on 21.03.1997 under the supervision of Bhrahmasree Rishimangulam Vasudeva potti. Earlier the temple was opend to devotees only on Sunday, Thused and Friays. But after the reinstatlion, poojas, regularly performed form morning 5 am up to 11.30 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 8 pm.
The temple stands as a legacy of our ancient culture, were thousands of devotess come every day to offer their prayers regardless of caste, creed and race. In the main shrine reststhe Goddess andon the north side are the shirnes of awesome Rektha Chamundi, Bhala Chamundi, and other sub shrines of shastha. Vinayaka and Yogiswaran. Yakshi Amma, Bhuvanesweri, Ayira valli etc. are also there. just to the northern side of the Devi Temple, there is an old house known as Guru Mandiram. This is believed to be the ancestral house or Tharavadu of the Yogiswaran who had brought Devi to this place. Out side the Devi Temple wall, Nager Kavau and pond belonging to the tmple are located. This Nager kavu is rich in numerous varieties of trees and creepers as well as medical plants. To remove Sarpa dosha, devotees can offer Ayilla Puja and Nurum palum, Archana for Nagar and more every month on the Ayilyam day. Udayasthamana puja, pushbabhishekam, Iswaraseva, etc., are the major poojas of the temple.

ATTUKAL BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE.

          A few centuries ago, the head of Mulluveettil family was met with a young girl who asked him to help her cross the Killi river in which he was performing his ritualistic prayers. The Karanavar (family head) knew it was no ordinary girl, because of her charm and charisma. He bowed before her and willingly took her to the other side of the river. He invited her to his home nearby and the whole family was preparing to receive this girl. However, they Keral can't find her as she had disappeared by the time Mulluveettil family was ready to receive her.
          The Karanavar and his family were a little puzzled. The Karanavar saw the girl once again in his dream, in the same day as he saw the little girl. The girl appeared as an icon and told him to give her an abode in the nearby Kavu (a grove where shrubs and wild animals including snakes are left undisturbed). She told him that he would see three lines at a specific point in the kavu and she wanted her abode erected there.
          With joy, the old man reached the Kavu and to his surprise, he found three lines marked on the ground. He knew it was a sacred spot and he wasted no time erecting a temple. The temple became the abode of the goddess, who later came to be known as Attukal Devi (Attukal Amma). Local devotees offered their prayers in this temple and soon the fame of this temple spread far and wide.
The people also offered to renovate the temple and a bigger temple with a new icon was installed. The goddess was represented as a woman with four arms, each bearing a spear, sword, skull and shield. The then high priest of Badarinath Temple led the consecration ceremony.
          The girl that appeared before the Karanavar of Mulluveettil family is known to be Kannagi (Kannaki). Kannagi is the famous heroine of Chipathikaram, a Tamil epic written by Elenkovadikal. She is the incarnation of Sree Parvathy, the consort of Lord Siva. She took this incarnation of destroyer goddess, to destroy the evil and to preserve good. Kannagi was returning from Madurai, a city which she has destroyed, when she took a sojourn at Attukal and let the Karanavar see her as a little girl. She was on her way to Kodungalloor.

THE KANAKAKUNNU PALACE.

Kanakakunnu Palace in Trivandrum is one of the most famous in the city of Trivandrum which is very rich with its ancient buildings, forts and palaces, famous for their splendid architecture. Among the various tourist Arrractions that are spread all around the city of Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum. The Kanakakunnu Palace, situated right next to the Napier Museum in Trivandrum, was constructed during the reign of the Travancore King, His Highness Sree Moolam Tirunal (1885-1924), one of the most popular rulers of Travancore. Used once as a summer retreat, this piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests; a favourite especially for royal banquets. Later His Highness Sree Chithira Tirunal modified the Palace and constructed tennis courts in the palace premises to entertain his sport- enthusiast friends. This stunning piece of architectural excellence was used by the Travancore royal family to entertain their guests in the earlier days.

Kanakakunnu Palace, is said to be built by Sree Moolam Thirunal. It is now protected by the tourism department the palace plays host to a lot of cultural meets and programs. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has listed this place as a heritage monument.Located about 800 meters north east of the Napier Museum in the heart of Trivandrum city, Kanakakunnu Palace is one of the last architectural vestiges of the colonial era. Built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal (1885-1924), the palace served as the main venue for royal banquets. Later Swathi Thirunal, one of Travancore’s popular rulers, refurbished the palace and constructed tennis courts in the premises. He also did use it for a few years as a summer retreat. Boasting a quaint Kerala-style façade, the Travancore royal family used the house to entertain guests. Inside you will see massive crystal chandeliers and an array of exquisite pieces of royal furniture – a testimony to the lavish lifestyle of the Thirunal kings who had a penchant for music and art. Add to it a picturesque setting on the crest of a small hill lush with meadows, grooves and flowering shrubs.

SRI CHITRA ART GALLERY.

         Napier Museum built in the 19th century, this Indo-Saracenic structure boasts a natural air-conditioning system and houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artefacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings. The Japanese shadow play leather figures, used to depict the epics of Mahabharata and the Ramayana, are very interesting.
         A visit to the Napier Museum complex reveals a glimpse of Kerala's rich cultural heritage. An exceptional piece of architecture, the Museum is named after the former Madras Governor General, John Napier. The Napier Museum is also called the Government Art Museum. The Museum building is a combination of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural styles.
         The Sree Chithra Art Gallery near the Napier Museum was opened in 1935 by the then Maharaja of Travancore, Sree Chithira Thirunal, displays rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich; exquisite works from the Mughal, Rajput and Tanjore schools of art. An oriental collection consisting of paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali offers a visual treat and are a tribute to the art and culture of these countries. The collection also includes unique copies of Indian mural paintings from pre-historic times down to the 18th Century.

CHOWARA BEACH.

         Chowara is a beautiful quaint village located about 10 km south of Kovalam. This village is dotted with coconut trees and a beach called Chowara Beach. Aazhimala Shiva Temple is located here is a major shrine. Vizhinjam harbor is another tourist attraction. Accommodation facilities of various standards are available including old Kerala cottages. Aazhimala Beach Resort and Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort are situated in the vicinity.

         Chowara is a place near to Vizhijam. It is around 20 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and 4 kms from Kovalam. Some of the top resorts in Kovalam is near to Chowara. Nearest bus stand is Vizhinjam. Frequent buses and other transportation services are available to Chowara. Azhimala Beach is near to Chowara.

         Kovalam beach in Kerala is internationally renowned, this seaside destination has been a favourite haunt of tourists since the 1930s. Kovalam beach comprises three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches, of which the southernmost known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam beach offers a variety of activities including snorkeling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach, swimming, sun-bathing etc. Kovalam is a must see tourist center for anyone who has a fascination for sun, sea and sand. Distance to Kovalam beach from Thiruvananthapuram: 16 km.

           Sharing its western border with the Arabian sea, Kerala has a 600 km long shorelines dotted with some of the finest, most charming beaches of the world, coconut groves, natural harbors, lagoons and sheltered coves. Most of India’s finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 600 km length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm-fringed beaches.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam is a beach town by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram city, located around 16 km from the city center.Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees.

Kovalam first attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi ofTravancore constructed her beach resort,Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore. The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail. This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach

Lighthouse Beach

The southernmost beach, the Lighthouse Beach is the one most frequented by tourists, Lighthouse Beach got its name due to the old Vizhinjam Lighthouse located on a 35 meter high on top of the Kurumkal hillock. The lighthouse is built using stones, is colored in red and white bands and enjoys a height of 118 feet.It's intermittent beams at night render the beach with an unearthly charm.

Hawah Beach

Eve’s Beach, more commonly known as Hawa Beach, ranks second, in the early day, is a beehive of activities with fishermen setting out for sea. With a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights.

Samudra Beach

A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part.

Detour past Kovalam junction to land on Samudra Beach which is to the north of Ashoka Beach. One has the option to walk along the sea-wall too.The sight of the waves lashing on the rocks below is awesome. Shallow waters stretching for hundreds of metres are ideal for swimming. The beaches have steep palm covered headlands and are lined with shops that offer all kinds of goods and services.

The larger of the beaches is called Lighthouse Beach for its 35 metre high light house which towers over it atop Kurumkal hillock. The second largest one is Hawah Beach named thus for the topless European women who used to throng there. It was the first topless beach in India.However topless bathing is banned now except in private coves owned by resorts. Visitors frequent these two beaches. The northern part of the beach is known as Samudra Beach in tourism parlance. A large promontory separates this part from the southern side. Samudra Beach doesn't have tourists thronging there or hectic business. The local fishermen ply their trade on this part. The sands on the beaches in Kovalam are partially black in colour due to the presence of ilmenite and Monazite. The normal tourist season is from September to May. Ashoka beach is also the part of Kovalam beach.

Tourist facilitiesEdit

There are a large number of beach resorts in and around Kovalam. The sea port of Vizhinjam is about 3 km away and famous for its special varieties of fish, old Hindu temples, big churches and a mosque. The Proposed International Trans shipment Terminal at Vizhinjam is also close to Kovalam.

Kovalam was among the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. It still has a high status among tourists, who arrive mostly from Europe and Israel.Kovalam is finding a new significance in the light of several Ayurvedic salons, and recuperation and regeneration resorts which provide a wide variety of Ayurvedic treatments for tourists.

PLACES IN KOCHI (COCHIN).

WONDER LA AMUSEMENT PARK.

Wonderla Kochi is the most popular and biggest amusement park in India. It was previously known as Veega Land. The park is located at Pallikara, about 15kms from Kochi city. Set in over 30 acres of landscaped space was set up in 2000, built to global standards and flawlessly maintained. Beautiful gardens surrounded by lush green trees, plants and shrubs make wonderla an amazing place. It has entertained more than a crore visitors in 12 years. A joyful experience packed with all types of rides offering entertainment and fun for all age groups. It has won many Awards & Accolades for its services and maintenance. Tickets and reservations can be done through online booking. Group offers and special offers are also available.
Primary importance is given to safety and hygiene of visitors by the management. Wonderla provides an absolutely safe environment for you and your family. Wonderla treats water confirming to IS standards. Customer service at Wonderla is warm, courteous, well-organised and supportive. Nearly 600 plus trained staffs attend to all the needs of the visitors. Wonderla – Kochi has restaurants with a total capacity of more than 1000 seats inside the vicinity. It provides variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared hygienically, at a reasonable price. Park has also got other refreshment counters and coffee shops.

Wonderla Kochi Rides

Wonderla Kochi is home for 55 amusement rides under four categories.
Kids Rides : Keeping in mind the safety requirement of kids the rides are designed and built accordingly, these mild yet fun-packed rides capture the imagination of kids and keep them entertained.
Water Rides : Wonderla brings you the biggest variety of water rides that are filled with lots of fun. From coasters to beach like wave pools to a rain disco and a lazy river to float, you can splash around and enjoy all the water rides.
Dry Rides : There’s something for everyone here, the dry rides at Wonderla is fun and adventures. These rides are full of surprises that take you on a joyride through twists and turns hanging you upside down making you scream and laugh. It also includes musical fountain and laser shows.
High Thrill Rides : The hi-thrill ride is an ultimate thriller built using the latest technology. These giant rides make your heart pumping and are unpredictable making your ride mind-blowing.

Wonderla kochi ticket rates

Week Days : Adult Rs. 510 - Child Rs. 400
Sat / Sunday & Public Holidays : Adult Rs. 660 – Child Rs. 520
May Weekdays : Adult Rs. 570 – Child Rs. 460
May Weekends and Holidays, Onam-Ramzan, Christmas Season : Adult Rs. 730 - Child Rs. 580

How to reach Wonderla

Visitors can reach Wonderla through different modes of transports.
By Train: Wonderla – Kochi is located 17km from Ernakulam Town Railway Station. Hire a cab from the station or opt for closest Kaloor Bus Station for public transport.
By Public Transport: Private buses flying between Kaloor to Muvattupuza / perumbavoor via Pallikara have got stoppage at park entrance gate. Park provides free pick up and drop from the entrance gate.
Ample free parking space is also available for vehicles.

Wonderla Kochi contact number / Location

Address : Wonderla Holidays Limited, Pallikara, Kumarapuram P.O, Cochin – 683 565, Kerala, India
Phone : +91 484 268 4001

GREENIX VILLAGE.

Greenix Village is a cultural art centre promoting Kerala's varied art forms under a single roof. Every evening we showcase Kerala's best known dance drama Kathakali, its martial art form Kalaripayattu, a daily cultural audio-visual history at our in-house museum, classical indian music in the late evening & yoga training classes every morning.
This cultural art centre also houses an art gallery restaurant, a curio shop, book shop & vignettes of Kerala's cottage & craft industry. The village opens at 06.00 am & closes by 10.00pm.

Greenix invites foreign travelers to Cochin to be its Artist-in-Residence. Individuals from all types of creative platforms; visual arts, music, performing arts, architecture, design, dance, researchers and healing art therapists are invited to enjoy Greenix unconditional hospitality while demonstrating their creative gift for a working period of one week. Greenix provides ancestral Kerala village ambience to express your creative greatness involuntarily. The artist is free to use the residency for his or her own purposes, without any obligation towards the host.

For most of us growing up in the Kerala’s villages and towns, dance has been an integral part of our lives. From the days we remember as children, long before bollywood put on colour, the only entertainment we had were the temple and church festivals that dotted a calendar year. Each festival brought along a revelry and celebration that spread days before into every nook and corner of the evergreen Kerala Village landscape.

The energy of Theyyam with its invocations, the satire and interactive performances of Chakiyarkoothu and Ottanthullal, the emotionally charged eyes of the Kathakali performer, or the sound of the clash of swords and steel from the nearby Kalaripayattu training centre; all symbolised the colour of rural village life. To top it all, the Kathakali performances, patronised by local landlords, long before the monsoon turned the countryside into a melange of mud and water, starting just after dusk and continuing till the break of dawn, provided us children an excuse to overstay outside our homes.
At Greenix, we owe our origin to such evergreen nostalgia and also to a deep and abiding passion to conserve our various dances in its original form. This passion for conservation of Kerala’s dance forms has made us bring together the largest repertory of dance performers in Kerala State. It has also helped us create Greenix Village, at Fort Kochi, a veritable treasure trove of information, performances and a miniaturized recreation of our rich and beautiful culture and its colourful dance forms.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM

Step into this three-storied edifice and take a stroll down history where every waft that you encounter is scented with times gone by, its culture and heritage. This is Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum at Thevara, Ernakulam - a unique venture to preserve the splendid folklore wealth of the State.

Opened in the year 2009 as a non-profit organization, the museum is truly a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes through its numerous art and dance forms. Artifacts that bear the scent of bygone era like masks, sculptures, in wood, stone and bronze, costumes of traditional and ritual art forms, musical instruments, traditional jewelry, manuscripts of rare medicinal and astrological secrets, and Stone-Age utensils are all preserved in this museum with utmost care.

The building itself is a piece of wonder with its three floors following the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin and Travancore. The entrance to this marvelous structure is constructed from the remnants of a 16th century temple in Tamil Nadu and wooden carvings collected from across Kerala. The entrance door is decked with an attractive manichitratazhu (a traditional ornate door lock of Kerala). Near to this entrance door are pierced wooden windows, reminiscent of the intriguing Malabar style of architecture.

The first floor with the Cochin architectural style is sagaciously named as kalithattu, which means a floor for play and it displays costumes of various traditional and ritual dance forms of Kerala like Theyyam, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Mohiniyattam.Kanjadalam; or lotus petal is the name given to the second floor, which is adorned with fascinating mural paintings and has a chiseled wooden ceiling made of 60 frames.

The theatre here conducts authentic stage performances every day at 6.30 p.m. Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum is the outcome of 25 years of efforts and determination of George Thaliath and his wife Annie George along with the inimitable craftsmanship and manpower put in by 62 carpenters and skilled workers for more than seven years. The museum is open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. Entrance fee to the museum is Rs.100 for adults and Rs.50 for students.

For more details contact:-

Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum

Folklore Jn., Thevara,

Cochin, Kerala, India

Phone: + 91 484 2665452

E-mail: keralafolkloretheatre@gmail.com

Website: www.folkloremuseum.in

National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom, Vallarpadam

Located in the middle of Vallarpadam in Kerala, the Vallarpadam Church or the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom is an ancient church and a very famous centre of pilgrimage in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It's one of the oldest European Churches in India which was built by the Portuguese Missionaries in the year 1524. The church is dedicated to the Holy Mary of Vallarpadam which is commonly referred as 'Vallarapadath Amma'. Though, it ruined due to heavy flood in the year 1676 but it was reconstructed in the year 1676. Then in the year 1888, it was declared as a special church by Pope Leo XIII and later the Union Government stated it as a major pilgrim centre. The history says that Vallarpadath Amma has saved her devotees life several times from violent storms.

Vallarpadam is situated next to Bolgatty Island on the west, and linked to the Ernakulam mainland via the new Goshree bridges. It is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 mi) in length in the north-south direction and hosts a population of 10,000 people. Vallarpadam is about one kilometer (½ mile) away from the Ernakulam mainland.

St. George's Forane Church, Edappally.

Edappally, about 10 km away from the city, is famous for the St. George Forane Church, one of the oldest Roman Catholic Churches in the State. The church, popularly known as Edappally Pally, was a small structure at the time of its construction in 594 AD. In 1080 AD, a bigger church was built adjacent to the old one to accommodate the congregation that had grown greatly in number.

The church has undergone many renovations since the time of its construction. The picture of the Virgin surrounded by sculptures and angels was integrated with the altar during one such renovation. On the wall behind the altar, there is a painting of Heaven. A statue of St. George mounted on his horse, spearing the dragon, is also seen here.

The church feast is conducted in the month of April-May. Thousands of devotees participate in the festival which is a grand affair.

St. George's Forane Church, north-east of Kochi, is 500 metres from the intersection of NH 66 and NH 544. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery, about 22 km from the church. The Edappally railway station is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away. Kochi Metro, the city's rail network, runs in front of the church.

Museum Of Kerala History, Eddapally.

Built in the 19th century-old Vallakadavu Boathouse in Trivandrum, this new biodiversity museum is the first of its kind in the country and has been recently opened to the public after its inauguration on June 5, 2018. An initiative of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSSB) along with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation, and the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited , this museum is definitely a place you wouldn’t want to miss on your Kerala trip.

Major Attractions In The New Biodiversity Museum In Kerala

A 50-seater 3D theatre, scale models, interactive kiosks and LCDs
A Science on a Sphere (SOS) projection system
A few galleries that display the themes related to biodiversity
Some informative panels on the types of state’s traditional rice, marine diversity and marine life
An aquascaped ambience

All these interactive features have been designed in a way that a visit to this biodiversity museum in Kerala will become enriching as the visitors will get informed about the importance of biodiversity conversation. And while the museum has just opened its door, the work was started long back in 2013 after the proposal.

Modern Art Gallery

The Modern Art Gallery has a collection of nearly 230 works of art by some of India's leading modern masters, including Raja Ravi Varma, M.F. Husain, F.N. Souza, Jamini Roy, Benode Behari Mukherjee, Ramkinker Baij, Ram Kumar and K.G. Subramanyan, among others.^[2] The collection was assembled by Madhavan Nayar and his associates over a period of four years. Works were purchased from artists, art collectors and galleries while some were donated by the artists to the museum. The gallery was formally inaugurated in 19943 by then Chief Minister of Kerala, K. Karunakaran.

The Modern Art collection at the Kerala Museum is the only one of its kind accessible to the public in Kerala.

Sunday 20 October 2013

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

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PLACES IN SRINAGAR

DAL LAKE,SRINAGAR.

Dal lake is one of the most beautiful in India.Its three sides are surrounded by majestic mountains and a large number of gardens and orchards have been laid along the shores.The campus of university of Kashmir is also located along the shores of the lake.

HOUSEBOATS.

Dal lake is unique in having hundreds of Houseboats,which afford an opportunity to tourists to reside on the lake in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

INDIRA GANDHI TULIP GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden is situated at the foothills of Zabarwan Mountains, which is near the banks of Dal Lake. This garden is around 8 km from Srinagar and is known for annual Tulip Festival that continues for 7 days. It is one of the spacious gardens in Srinagar and is known to have more than 70 varieties of coloured tulip flowers.

The garden covers approximately 90 acres of land and houses 1.3 million tulip bulbs that overlook the Dal Lake. It is situated in vicinity of Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Chashm-e-Shahi Gardens and other Mughal Gardens.

SINTHAN TOP,SRINAGAR.

Sinthan Top is one such destination that caught the tourists’ eye recently when the construction of Kokernag- Kishtwar road started. At a distance of around 128 kilometers from Srinagar and located at a height of 3748 meters, Sinthan top has a great potential to become tourist favourite because of its magnificent location and breathtaking beauty.

Around 40 kilometers of snaky and uphill drive from Daksum, it’s an adventurous journey. And round the year snow at the top makes it a varied choice for local tourists as well as outsiders.The journey to this place is thrilling and so is sliding down the snow-capped peaks.The spot is best suited for mountaineering and skiing with the height at which it is located and the kind of mountain ranges it has. It can be a great boost to the adventure tourism industry of the Valley and can take the rush off the places like Gulmarg and pahalgam that are usually overcrowded with tourists.

NAGIN LAKE,SRINAGAR.

Nagin Lake got its name from the trees surrounding the lake. Popularly known as the 'Jewel in the Ring’, it is one of the impressive lakes in east Srinagar. The lake with its deep blue waters is separated from the Dal Lake by a thin causeway and is an exciting tourist spot with number of houseboats dwindling in the calm waters.

Nagin Lake is a perfect place to go for swimming as it is less crowded and deeper. Water Skiing & sailing on fiberglass boats can also be enjoyed here. May to September is considered to be the best time to visit here. Hazratbal Mosque is a close by attraction to visit.

SHANKARACHARYA TEMPLE,SRINAGAR.

Shankaracharya temple is situated in the Srinagar district on the hill known as Takht-e-Suleiman. It is housed at a height of 1100 ft. above surface level of the main city on the hill. It is believed that Raja Gopadatya got the temple constructed in 371 BC, giving it the name of Gopadri. The great philosopher Shankaracharya is supposed to have stayed here when he visited Kashmir to revive Sanatan Dharma. This incident, which took place ten centuries ago, led to the renaming of the temple as the Shankracharya temple.

The Shankracharya Mandir of Kashmir, India is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to be the oldest shrine in the Kashmir valley.The temple is of great importance, not only from the point of view of religion, but also from architectural viewpoint. A high octagonal platform supports the temple, approached by a flight of approximately hundred steps. The sidewalls of the steps once bore some valuable inscriptions. There is also a Persian inscription inside the temple, dating back to Emperor Shahjahan’s rule. The main surviving shrine, consisting of a circular cell, provides a magnificent view of the valley below. The inner chamber of the Shankaracharya temple, after being repaired, is now covered with a modern ceiling.

PARI MAHAL,SRINAGAR.

The Pari Mahal garden is located on the top of Zebanwan mountain, southwest of Dal Lake and approximately 5 km west of the center of Srinagar. It consists of six terraces aligned roughly north-south, with its uppermost point is at its southern end, and arched retaining walls supporting the terraces against the mountain. Yet unlike other Mughal gardens in Kashmir, this garden contains no water cascades or chadars (ramps transferring water from one terrace to another). Its water tanks, which may have formerly contained fountains, are found on different terraces, but they were filled via underground pipes rather than by a flow of water above ground. The overall measurements of the garden are 122 meters long by 62.5 meters wide at its widest point; its terraces vary in width.

Pari Mahal was built in the mid-seventeenth century on the ruins of a Buddhist monastery by Prince Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan. Prince Dara, a follower of the Qadiri order of Sufi Islam, had a great interest in mysticism, and he built the garden for his Sufi tutor, Mullah Shah Badakhshi. It was used as an observatory for the teaching of astrology and astronomy. Prince Dara was assassinated in 1659 by his younger brother, Aurangazeb, who went on to take control of the empire.

The approach to the Pari Mahal is via a recently made dirt road leading northwest, where the garden is entered on its fourth terrace (counting from the bottom up). The visitor enters the gardens through a domed double archway in the center of an entrance complex. Additional rooms within the complex are entered from the garden side and from within the gateway proper. Their use has been conjectured to include a hammam (north of the entrance gate) and a kitchen (one of two chambers south of the gate). Traces of water pipes have been found in at least three of the rooms in the complex, and the possible hammam is the most highly ornamented room within the structure.

SONAMARG,SRINAGAR.

Sonamarg or Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'. The picturesque natural beauty of the region brought this name to Sonamarg. Sonamarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonamarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass.

Sonamarg is located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. Sonamarg is the base camp for many trekking expeditions. The major treks passing through various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Kishansar has its base at Sonamarg. The trekking routes offer all types of challenges, from mild to most hard. The pleasant climate with mild summer and cold winter make this place an ideal location for trekkers to explore the natural beauty and challenging treks.

NISHAT GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

The Garden of bliss laid down by Asif Khan father of Empress Noorjahan in 1633AD on the bank of Dal Lake with Zabarvan Massif at the back. In Nishat commands magnificent view of the Lake and the Snow capped Pir Panchal Range to the west of the valley.

Originally, this garden had 12 terraces rising higher up the mountain side from the eastern side of the Dal Lake but the lower terrace, which stretched down to the lake, no longer exists now, having been cut off by the modern road. The garden, thus, consists of only nine terraces at present.

The brightest spot in the garden is the second terrace. This, in the words of R.C. Kak, "with its thick groves of Persian lilacs, its high, broad and vertical cascade of sparkling water and its beds of brilliant pansies, is the most fragrant beauty". R.C. Kak further says that the "twenty-three small niches in the arched recess immediately behind the cascade were originally intended for rows of lamps, whose flickering light, reflected and multiplied in the transparent sheet of water behind which they lay, must have presented a singularly pleasing spectacle at night". Mrs. Stuart, in her poetic language, quoted by Dr. Sufi, says : "The stream tears foaming down the carved cascade, fountains play in every tank and water-course, filling the garden with their joyous life and movement".There are two main pavilions, one at the lower and the other at the upper end of the garden. In the middle there is a reservoir of about 14 feet square and three feet deep with a few fountains.

SHAH-E-HAMDAN,SRINAGAR.

The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah e Moulla in Indian Kashmir is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir situated on the banks of river Jehlum in the old city. The shrine was originally constructed by Sultan Sikander (1389-1413 AD) in the memory of Muslim preacher Mir Syed Ali Hamdani who had visited Kashmir and stayed there for meditation and preaching. In 1480 the shrine was gutted in a devastating fire and the then ruler Sultan Hassan Shah reconstructed the shrine on old edifice at a larger area. The shrine was later demolished and reconstructed in two storied form in 1493 AD. In 1731 AD the shrine again was destroyed in fire and was reconstructed by Abul Barkat Khan. The khankah in kashmir contains two relics of Prophet Muhammad, the Standard (flag) which Prophet used during all his campaigns and a pole of Prophets tent.

MANASBAL LAKE,KASHMIR.

Amongst the various lakes in Kashmir, Manasbal is the deepest. In ancient Hindu legends the lake is represented as unfathomable, and it is related that a holy man (reshi) spent several years in making a line long enough to reach the bottom of the lake, but despairing of success he threw himself in the lake never to rise again. According to Sir Auriel Stein the lake was formerly known as Manasa or as Manasaras. This ancient name is derived from the sacred hindu lake on the mythical Mount Kailash, usually located in the Mansarovar of the Tibetian highlands.

The project focuses on the Manasbal Lake. Manasbal Lake is a major tourist attraction and visitors from all over the country are seen enjoying its beauty during summer months. It was proposed to construct the Manasbal Club within the site where the tourism cafeteria-cum-rest-house once existed; and which was gutted down. There was, therefore, a pressing tourism requirement for exclusive guest accommodation. The site is about 500ft away from the lake shore and situated on a terrace that overlooks the Lake.

A need was felt to provide leisure sports activity in the vicinity of the Manasbal Club with medium sporting facilities like bowling alley, snooker, and table tennis etc.

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU MEMORIAL BOTANICAL GARDEN,SRINAGAR.

This beautiful landscape garden took birth in the year 1969 on the enchanting Zabarwan mountain slopes near famous Mughal Garden Chashme shahi, overlooking the panorama of Dal-Lake. This pleasure garden complex extends over an area of about 80 hectares and consists of several styles of gardens with unending joy for seekers of solace on informal and undulated landscape. It comprises of four components- Recreational Garden, Botanical Garden, Research Section, and Plant Introduction Centre.

A beautiful lake spread over an area of 17 hectares with joy riding boats is also the attraction of the garden. The garden provides a 3.5 Kilometer joyride, a pleasant water garden, inspiring colour feast of spring, fragrance and colour pageantry of roses, riot of colours in summer, changing autumn colours and captivating twitter of water falls. Over 1.5 Lakh ornamental plants, representing about 300 plant species have been planted in the garden.

JAMA MASJID MOSQUE.

The Jama Masjid of Srinagar is situated at Nowhatta, in the middle of the old city. An important mosque in Srinagar, it was built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD. Later, the son of Sultan Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin got the mosque extended. The attractions of the Jama Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir include beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a magnificent courtyard and 370 wooden pillars. Another feature of the mosque is the peace and tranquility inside it, standing out against the hustle of the old bazaars around it. Thousands of Muslims assemble at the mosque every Friday to offer their prayers.

Jamia Masjid is known as one of the sacred shrines of Islamic followers. Be it the holiness or the constructional elegance, Jamia Masjid is quite unparalleled in every aspect. Comprised of 370 pillars of wood, Jamia Masjid symbolizes one of the best architectural specimen which survived the ravages of time ever since it was constructed in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir.
While looking into the origin and construction of Jamia Masjid, the name of Maharaja Pratap Singh comes several times as it was during his Kingdom that the maintenance and repair works of the Mosque was carried out. Pratap Singh enthusiastically encouraged the re-construction of Jamia Masjid many a time and even offered financial assistance too.

HAZRATBAL MOSQUE.

Kashmir Hub offers you an opportunity to explore the sacred Muslim pilgrimage destination of the Hazratbal shrine that is situated on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar opposite Nishat Bagh. Tours and travel to this shrine can be a special experience as the Prophet Mohammad's hair, that is the Moi-e-Muqqadus, is preserved in this shrine. The history of this shrine dates back to the seventeenth century. The Hazratbal shrine is a marble structure that was specifically constructed by Muslim Auqaf Trust with the objective of preserving the Prophet's hair, this piece of hair arrived in Kashmir in the year 1699.

The fame of the Hazratbal in Srinagar lies in its association with a strand of Prophet Mohammad’s hair known as Moi-e-Muqqadus. This story is also equally interesting. When the hair came to Kashmir during the rule of Aurangzeb in 1699, then at first it was preserved at shrine of Naqshband Sahib. But the shrine was small and therefore not capable of every day handling of the huge crowd that thronged to visit the Prophet’s hair. Therefore, Aurangzeb ordered the strand of hair to be preserved at the Hazratbal shrine at Srinagar.

The Hazratbal shrine lies at a distance of 25 kilometers from the Badgam district in Srinagar, Kashmir. This pilgrimage destination is known by a number of names viz. the Assar-e-Sharif, Madinat-us-Sani and the Dargah Sharif. Mughal emperor Shahjahan's brother constructed the Ishrat Mahal at the site of the shrine sometime in the year 1623, later when the emperor himself visited the site he ordered the place to be converted into a prayer house. The shrine as such was built by the Muslim Auqaf trust. Before the Hazratbal shrine was constructed the sacred hair was placed in the shrine of Naqshband Sahib. The architecture of the shrine is a combination of Mughal and traditional Kashmiri.

The Moi-e-Muqqadus is usually on public display inside a glass casket on certain sacred and holy days. Tours and travel to the Hazratbal shrine gives you an opportunity to participate in the colorful and vibrant fairs that are held at Hazratbal every year, the most important among these is the Shab-e-Meraj. The Watul mela is also very popular among the tourists and the pilgrims.

DACHIGAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

Dachigam is a national treasure nestled in the beautiful and troubled state of Kashmir. Spread over 140 sq. km., Dachigam is split into the Upper and Lower Dachigam sectors, both of which have seen better days. The magnificent hangul or Kashmir stag is the main mammal in the area and Dachigam is also home to the elusive snow leopard, marten, ibex, musk deer and other animals characteristic of the Himalayas. Birds like the Koklas pheasant and the monal pheasant inhabit the region. Srinagar's Harwan Reservoir is fed by the numerous streams in the Dachigam forests, making the park a crucial catchment area. Since 1989, political unrest has caused this area to be severely affected as shifting priorities, terrorists and Indian officials have all played a part in the downfall of the park. The area is, however, always breathtaking and more adventurous wildlife enthusiasts can still enter the park. - See more at: http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/travel/wildlife-destinations/jammu-and-kashmir/dachigam-national-park.html#sthash.T2c15Goa.dpuf

        Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions renowned for offering natural habitat to rare Kashmir stag Hangul and black and brown bears. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful flora, the sanctuary sprawls across an area of around 141 sq. km. Situated at an average altitude ranging from 5,500 to 14,000 ft above sea level, the sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1951.
            Being a home to flora and fauna of the Himalayan range, the national park is divided into two sectors of Dachigam, including the lower and the upper Dachigam. A wide variety of vegetation is present in the sanctuary including grassland, rain forest, coniferous forest and broad leaved woodland. Dotted with bare rock faces and alpine pastures, the national park is a home to the most endangered species of red deer.
           Apart from leopards, yellow throated marten, jackal, hill fox, wild boar, Himalayan griffon, long tailed blue magpie and Himalayan weasel can also be sighted inside the park. Besides flora and fauna, the national park is also home to avifauna species like crimson tapogan, blood pheasant, golden eagle and bearded vultures.
            Tourists can visit this site throughout the year although special permit from the chief wildlife warden is required for entering into the park.
             Timing:    5:30 am - 6:30 pm (Daily)

PLACES IN ANANTNAG DISTRICT.

BAISARAN,PAHALGAM.

Baisaran This is one of the most beautiful places in Pahalgam and consists of vast open grasslands surrounded by thick pine forests. It is an ideal destination for picnics as well as relaxation.

Situated at a distance of around 5 km from Pahalgam. An exciting place at a height of 150 m, where streams flow through the meadows and pine trees is truly amazing. Tourists can hire ponies for this trek from market place near the bus stand.Baisaran known as the mini-Switzerland of India with endless undulating lush green meadows laced with dense tall conifers.A combination that is the selling point of Baisaran. Filmgoers would identify several Bollywood films that were shot here. From Baisaran you can catch a panoramic view of Pahalgam and Lidderwat Valley.Baisaran Meadow is where you cool off your heels and catch a breath and relax under clear blue skies or simply lollop around. This laid-back campsite is a perfect ground for lazy honeymooners and hyperactive toddlers who cannot give you hair-raising chills by jumping into rivers as this is a safe place for kids.

BETAAB VALLEY,PAHALGAM.

Betaab Valley, situated just 7 km up on Pahalgam, has got its name from Sunny Deol’s movie, Betaab, which was shot extensively in this area. Surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks and dense pine and deodar forests, this valley is the mouth of River Sheshnag. There is a beautiful garden in the valley, with a bridge to cross the river. The Pahalgam Development Authority has proposed to develop this valley as a beautiful holidaying spot and is thus, carrying out several construction activities in the region.

Betaab Valley is several valleys of Kashmir came into existence during the post geosynclinal stage of the development of the Himalayas.Betaab Valley lies between the two Himalayan Ranges – Pir Panjal and Zanskar. Archaeological evidence proves the human existence in this region from the Neolithic Age, especially at Burzahom, Bomai and Pahalgam.

AMARNATHJI CAVES,PAHALGAM.

Amarnathji cave situated at Mount Amarnath whose altitude is about 5,486m above sea level. The world famous shrine of Amarnathji is situated about 48 Kms. from Pahalgam and attracts devotees from all over India. It is located in the upper reaches of District Anantnag at an altitude of about 13,000 ft. from the sea level. Because of this height, the cave is covered with snow for most of the year. Only for a short period in summer, the entrance is accessible. The cave is an ice cave, it contains a certain amount of ice stalagmites.

The cave is a holy place for Hindu pilgrims, because of its ice content. The ice pillar present inside the cave is also called ice lingham, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice stalagmite represent Parvati, his wife, and Ganesha, his son. The Hindu pilgrims also believe, that the height of the lingham increases and decreases with the phases of the moon. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon in August, thousands of Hindus go on a pilgrimage up to the cave. At this time the lingam reaches its biggest size.
The majority community in the district always welcomes the devotees with wide open arms, while the yatries are on their way to and from the cave. Enroute one come across scenic beauty of Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni.

PAHALGAM GOLF COURCE.

The golfers from all over Country who have converged here to play in the Greater Kashmir Autumn Golf Festival were left spellbound by the beauty of Lidder Valley Golf Course (LVGC), Pahalgam.The golfers were all praise for the beauty of the Course, its greenery, fairways, challenges and the maintenance.

Leg one of the Festival took place at LVGC . It is an 18-hole course surrounded by fir-covered mountains with bare snow-capped peaks rising behind them.
Pahalgam Golf Course is at an elevation of about 7000 feet while the length of the Golf Course is 7000 yards, it sprawls over 1113 kanals of land.
Originally a 9-hole Golf Course, it underwent a high-budget renovation and extension into an 18-hole Golf Course which was inaugurated in May 2011 by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah.
Designed by Ranjit Nanda and Associates Pvt Ltd New Delhi and constructed and maintained by Fetch Constructions Sarnal Anantnag and Pahalgam Development Authority, the hill station course takes ones breath away with its sheer beauty and design.
At an altitude of 7000 plus feet, the ball travels a good 10 per cent further but that does not make this course is any less challenging. The breathtaking beauty of the course is enhanced by the snow capped hills that tend to lull one into a state of exhilaration.It is one of the best golf course that I have seen around World in terms of beauty. Kashmir is called Paradise in the World and I call this course, Paradise inside Paradise. I have no better words to describe its beauty and surroundings.

TULIAN LAKE,PAHALGAM.

Tulian Lake a lake and tourist destination in Pahalgam district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It lies at an altitude of 3,353 metres (11,001 ft) above sea level, 16 kilometres from Pahalgam and 11 kilometres from Bai Saran. The lake often has chunks of ice floating in it. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains that rise 300 metres (980 ft) above it and that are usually covered with snow. It is located in a meadow dotted with pine forests. The lake lies between the two Himalayan mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Zanskar.

SHESHNAAG LAKE,PAHALGAM.

           Sheshnag Lake, a mountain lake, is located at a distance of 27 km from Pahalgam. Perched at an altitude of about 3,658 m above sea level, it takes a two day hiking from Pahalgam to reach this lake.
           The water of this greenish blue lake is covered with ice till the month of June. The lake has derived its name from its seven peaks. Each of the seven peaks resembles the heads of a mythical snake.
           According to the legend, Sheshnag Lake is situated at the same place where Lord Shiva left his snake on his way to Amarnath Cave. During the months of summer, which is also the peak time to visit the Amarnath Cave, large numbers of tourists do camping at the lake side.

PLACES IN GULMARG.

APHARWAT PEAK,GULMARG.

Apharwat Peak, 13500 feet high, is a famous tourist destination located at thirteen km away from Gulmarg. This snow covered mountain lies close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan. Apharwat slopes are the longest and the highest ski slopes of Asia and is a destination of ski enthusiasts from all over the world.

To transport the visitors to the top there is a cable car service called Gondola which operates in two levels. First level takes one from Gulmarg to Kongdoor and second level from Kongdoor to Apharwat.The Gondola with 36 six seat cabins lifts through 1330 m height and covers nearly 5 km distance to level two at 3980 m on Apharwat Peak. A thirty-minute walk will take one to the actual peak.
Skiing on the snow slopes is possible in north-west and southeast directions. For the less adventurous ones slopes from level one are gentler. There is facility for horse riding around Lake Alpather.

GULMARG SKI AREA,GULMARG.

Gulmarg's ski terrain is located in the Pir Panjals, one of the six ranges which make up the Himalayas. Situated at the western extremity of the world's highest peaks, the Pir Panjals are the first mountains to be hit by the westerly and south westerly storms which roll over the Indus river flood plains each year, providing the greater part of the Himalaya's winter snowfalls. Extensive snowfalls of more than 20 meters in a season make the ski area in the ski resort of Gulmarg a true ski vacations paradise for skiers and snowboarders.

The six seat gondola in the ski resort of Gulmarg was build by the French Poma Group and installed in the years 1998 (phase 1) and 2005 (phase 2). It ascends from 2'650 meters via a middle station with restaurant at 3'050 meters to an elevation of 3'990 meters, providing lift served access to a vast and untracked ski and snowboard terrain with long powder snow descents of up to 1'800 vertical meters.

The beauty of its landscape and the availability of attractive mountain sports activities makee th beauty of Gulmarg the insider's tip for mountain sports enthusiasts from all over the world. A 270° view on the ski and snowboard area of Gulmarg and its mountains.

NINGLE NALLAH,GULMARG.

Ningle Nallah is a beautiful stream, flowing down the mountains near Gulmarg. Melting snow and ice that flows from Apharwat Peak to Alpather Lake in the summer season gives rise to this stream. The stream continues to flow down into the valley and meets the Jhelum River near Sopore.

This nallah is situated about 10 km away from Gulmarg. Furthermore, tourists can walk down the green valley, cross the Ningle Nallah through a bridge, and continue to Khilanmarg. Area around the stream is a favourite camping ground among tourists.

GULMARG BIOSPHERE RESERVE.

         Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, sprawling over an area of 180 sq. km, is located at a distance of 48 km from Srinagar. The biosphere in addition to being the home to some of the rarest and endangered species of animals and plants, is also privileged for preserving and nurturing them. Some of the rare species that tourists can spot in this reserve include musk deer, hangul, brown bear and other animals.
         It is known for its rich vegetation, the forest of this reserve has around 90% conifers. Some of the other principal species of flora that can be found in this biosphere reserve are abies pindrow, aesculus indica and others. On the other hand, shrubs like indigofera heterantha and sorbaria tomentosa are also found in plenty in this reserve. Herbs like dicotyledonous can also be seen in this reserve.Gifted with rare and endangered species like hangul, musk deer, serow and red fox, this reserve is one of the ideal places for nature, adventure and bird lovers. When it comes to avifauna, this reserve is home to a large population of pheasants and upland birds like crimson tagopan, monal pheasant, blood pheasant and koklass pheasant.
           In addition, golden eagles and bearded vultures are the other birds that tourists can spot while touring to this reserve. Griffon vulture, monal, snow cock and more   are some of the other species of birds that tourists can spot.The best time to visit this reserve is from the month of September to March and then again from March to May.

GULMARG CHILDREN'S PARK.

Gulmarg Children Park is spread over an area of nearly 500 kanals, located at foothills of a forest. Till recent years this area was used by herdsmen as their base and by drivers to wash vehicles in the stream running through this area. It had in fact become a dumping place for garbage.
In the year 2005 Farooq Ahmad Shah, who was then CEO, GDA and now Director Tourism, conceived idea to develop the area into a Park. The then Tourism Minister, G. H. Mir appreciated the idea and approved the proposal. The stream was blocked and two artificial water bodies were created here, with the depth from 2 feet to 26 feet from one end to another. The un-noticed area was converted into a beautiful park with variety of flowers like lupines, tulips, lillium and many other wild flowers. A green putting for golfing was also laid by a famous landscape architect, Fida Iqbal. The amusement items like sea-saws, swings, slides, and balancing beams etc were installed in the back yard of the park for children. An environmentally suited round shaped restaurant with tall pointed roof made of wood was also constructed. The park was decorated with solar lights and fountains in the water bodies. A number of beautiful shelter sheds were constructed at different places and water taps and toilet facilities made available everywhere here.

For last few years it had lost its glory but this year it was restored when the present CEO, Gulmarg Development Authority, Mahmood Ahmad Shah allowed the Adventure Call Tours and Travels to operate Boating and Zorbing in the park. The restaurant and toilets were renovated. Proper care for maintaining greenery and cleanliness was taken. It helped to attract not only locals but thousands of domestic tourists to the park.. The GDA now plans to introduce mountain biking, fixed hot air ballooning and all terrain vehicles here next year which can expect more adrenaline rush here.

Gulmarg Children Park is becoming increasingly popular place for school excursions. Not only excursions but scores of visitors from different districts come here to beat the scorching summer heat. With the up-gradation and installation of more amusement and recreational facilities here by the Gulmarg Development Authority this year hundreds of domestic tourists are visiting the Park daily now.

SAINT MARY'S CHURCH.

A monument of the British Rule in India, St Mary's Church is a religiously important church in Gulmarg. The construction of the church dates back to 150 years and was done by famous British architectures in the construction style of British churches. This holy church is rare sight of a Christian church in Gulmarg and is reachable through trekking.

The church is located in the heart of the town and is surrounded by many old fashioned huts as well as an old hotel suitable for staying to view snow falling on the surroundings. The alpine trees around the church add a soft breeze to the cool environment.

GULMARG GONDOLA.

Gulmarg is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth. Located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, this place is widely renowned for the Gulmarg Gondola that adds more charm to the city. It is the longest and the highest cable car project in Asia. This is basically the two-stage ropeway that ferries about 600 people every house to and fro from Kongdoori Mountain, which is a shoulder of nearby Afarwat Peak; it is about 4200 m above from mean sea level.

PLACES IN JAMMU.

MATA VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Temple Jammu Katra

Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Maa Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad. The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year. Since the year 1986, when the Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly called Shrine Board) was formed, the management of the Shrine and regulation of the Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and satisfying experience for the Yatris. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.

          The journey to the Holy Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji starts with the Call of Mata. It is not only a belief but also a strong experience of one and all that the Divine Mother sends a call to her children. And once a person receives it, wherever he is, is bound to visit the Mother to receive Her unbounded love and blessings. A popular slogan in the local folklore beautifully expresses it- Maan Aap Bulandi - which means that The Mother Herself Calls! It is also a matter of experience by almost all those who visit the Holy Shrine that upon the Call of Mata, a person needs to just take one step and leave the rest to Her and his journey gets completed with Her divine blessings. Simultaneously, it is also believed that unless there is a call or Bulawa no one can visit the Shrine or have Her blessings, howsoever high or mighty one may be.
Like with most old Shrines, it is not possible to ascertain when exactly the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine started. A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. Vedic literature gives no reference to the worship of any female deity, although the mountain Trikuta does find its mention in Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas The practice of worshipping Shakti, largely started in the Puranic period.
          The first mention of the Mother Goddess is in the epic Mahabharat. When the armies of Pandavs and Kaurvas were arrayed in the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjun, the chief warrior of Pandavs upon advice of Sri Krishna; meditated upon the Mother Goddess and sought Her blessings for victory. This is when Arjun addresses the Mother Goddess as ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo’ (probably referring to the present day Jammu). It is also generally believed that the Pandavs were the first to build the temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan in reverence and gratitude for the Mother Goddess. On a mountain, just adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain and overlooking the Holy Cave are five stone structures, which are believed to be the rock symbols of the five Pandavs. Perhaps the oldest reference of the visit of a historical figure to the Holy Cave is that of Guru Gobind Singh who is said to have gone there via Purmandal. The old foot track to the Holy Cave passed through this well-known pilgrimage centre.
           Some traditions believe this Shrine to be the holiest of all Shaktipeeths (a place where the Mother Goddess, the Eternal Energy has Her abode) since the skull of Mata Sati fell here. Others believe that her right arm had fallen here. But some scriptures do not agree with it. They do agree that at a place called Gandarbal in Kashmir, the right arm of Sati had fallen. Nevertheless, in the Holy Cave of Maa Vaishno Deviji, one does find stone remains of a human hand, popularly known as Varad Hast (the hand that grants boons and blessings).
   As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihiliting the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. A stunningly bright light emanated from the place where the Tejas of the three manifestations coalesced and a beautiful young girl emerged out of this Tejas. The young girl asked them, "Why have I been created?'' The Devis explained to her that they had created her so that she would live on earth and spend her time in upholding righteousness.
           The Devis added, "Now, go and take birth in the house of Ratankar and his wife who reside in the southern part of India, and who are great devotees of ours.

Live on earth. Uphold righteousness and evolve yourself spiritually so that you reach higher levels of consciousness. Once you have attained the appropriate level of consciousness you will merge into Vishnu and become one with him.'' So saying they blessed the girl. Sometimes later a very beautiful girl child was born to Ratankar and his wife. The couple named the child Vaishnavi. The girl right from her childhood displayed a hunger for knowledge which was like a vortex and which no amount of teaching and learning could sufficiently satiate. Subsequently, Vaishnavi started looking into her inner self for knowledge, and soon learned the art of meditation and realized that meditation and penance only could bring her close to her greater objective. Vaishnavi thus relinquished all household comforts and went deep into the forest for Tapasaya (meditation). Meanwhile, Lord Rama, during his fourteen years of exile happened to visit Vaishnavi who recognized him immediately as no ordinary being but the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and immediately asked him to merge her into himself so that she could become one with the supreme creator.
          However Lord Rama, knowing that it was not the appropriate time, dissuaded her by saying that he would visit her again after the end of his exile, and at that time if she succeeded in recognizing him, he would fulfill her wish. True to his words, Rama visited her again after being victorious in the battle, but this time he did so in the disguise of an old man. Unfortunately, Vaishnavi was unable to recognize him this time and was distraught. Upon this, Lord Rama consoled her that the appropriate time for her being one with the creator had not come, and that time would come eventually in 'Kaliyug' when He (Rama) would be in his incarnation of 'Kalki'. Rama also directed her to meditate, and set up an Ashram at the base of Trikuta hills, to elevate her level of spirituality so as to bless mankind and rid the poor and destitute of their sufferings.Only then would 'Vishnu' merge her into himself. Vaishnavi, immediately set off for the northern part and after immense hardships, reached the foot of the Trikuta Hills. After reaching there she set up her ashram there and began to meditate.
          As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory spread far and wide, and people began to flock to her Ashram to seek her blessings. As time passed, a Tantrik named Gorakh Nath who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Vaishnavi in the retrospective time frame, became curious to find out whether Vaishnavi has been able to attain a high level of spirituality or not. He, therefore, sent his most able disciple 'Bhairon Nath' to find out the truth. Bhairon Nath on locating the ashram started observing Vaishnavi secretly, and realised that though a 'Sadhvi' she always carried bow and arrows with her, and was always surrounded by langoors (apes) and a ferocious looking lion. Bhairon Nath was enamored by Vaishnavi's extraordinary beauty, and losing all good sense he began to pester Vaishnavi to marry him. Meanwhile a staunch devotee of Vaiashnavi, Mata Sridhar organised a Bhandara (Community meal) in which the whole village and Guru Gorakh Nath along with all his followers including Bhairon were invited. During the course of Bhandara Bhairon Nath attempted to grab Vaishnavi but she tried her best to daunt him. On failing to do so, Vaishnavi decided to flee away into the mountains to continue her Tapasaya undisturbed. Bhairon Nath however chased her to her destination.
          The goddess after halting at (present day) Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkwari, finally reached the holy cave Shrine. When Bhairon Nath continued to follow her despite the goddess trying to avoid a confrontation, the goddess was compelled to kill him. Bhairon Nath met his ultimate fate when the goddess, just outside the mouth of the cave, beheaded him. The severed head of Bhairon fell with a force at a distant hilltop. Bhairon Nath upon death realised the futility of his mission and prayed to the deity to forgive him. The almighty Mata ( Mother Goddess) had mercy on Bhairon and gave him a boon that every devotee of the goddess would have to have the Darshans of Bhairon after having the Darshans of the Goddess and only then would the yatra of a devotee be complete. Meanwhile, Vaishnavi decided to shed off her human form and assuming the face of a rock she immersed her self into meditation forever. Thus Vaishnavi, in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock with three heads or the Pindies on the top is the ultimate destination of a devotee. These Pindies constitute the Sanctum Sanctorum of the holy cave known as the shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Ji, which is revered by one and all.