The Pink City-Jaipur

If you are passionate about the India’s royal fort and palaces and want to explore them then Jaipur is the extraordinary example of the imperial life and the lifestyle of Rajput emperors and their legendary work.  If You are the lover for the marvelous and excellent architecture of Indian art them Jaipur is the place for you.

Jaipur was founded by the ruler of Amber, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh , and for welcoming Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II ,Jaipur was painted in pink in 1876 ,  and from that moment jaipur is known as “Pink city”.

There are many incredible places to explore in the jaipur they are:

CITY PALACE:

The first place must be explored is the famous city palace is the extraordinary example of Rajput and Mughals architecture. It was constructed by Sawai jai Singh II .the palace is comprises of Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal. Since Chandra Mahal is Converted in to museum for the tourists, it also consist of the beautiful view of garden and the city.

Diwan-E-Am and Diwan-E-Khas are the beautiful attraction for art lovers. And The Mubarak Mahal has a very rich collection of costumes and textiles of that time. Timing ti visit this place is 9:30 to 16:45 hrs. Entry fee for Indians is Rs 35 and for other tourists is 150 including entry to jaigarh fort.

 JANTAR MANATAR OBSERVATORY:

The next place is Jantar Mantar built in 18 th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it use a masonary instruments to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky.

HAWA MAHAL:

Hawa mahal is a place must be visited by tourists which consists of the rich Indian architecture. It is so glorious and splendor that will leave you speechless. It was built by a rajput king Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh II . Hawa Mahal have 152 windows with balconies built for the royal ladies  of the Rajput families to enjoy the processions and other royal activities.

JAL MAHAL:

In the glorious Rajput era India has seen many beautiful and marvelous fort and palaces. Jal mahal is one one of them and a beautiful instance in the list of Rajputana architecture.

This palace is situated in the middle of the Sagar Lake, is also a perfect exaamle of both mughal and Rajput style art. Jal Mahal is made of red sandstone, and also it is five storey building .The rest four remain in water when the lake is full. There are many traditional boats to travel to the mahal . the Aravali mountain range gives this palace a breathtaking view. Visiting hours are 6 a.m to 6 p.m.

AMBER FORT:

Amber Fort was buit in 1592 by Raja Mansingh later expanded by Raja Jai Singh I. It is made up of red stone and marbel stones which reflect mughals and Indians artchitecture, Amber Fort is 11 kilometers away from the Jaipur . There are five entrances , the main entrance is heading  to the east. There are four countryards in Amber Palace. One of them has Diwan-E-Am. The place also provide the opportunity to ride in royal way on the elephant. The elephant ride charge is 400 Rs.

ABHANERI STEP WELL:

The Abhaneri step well was built to preserve the water during the summer. It is located on the jaipur-Agra highway and 95 km away from jaipur.

JAIGARH FORT:

It was built for overlooking the city of Amer. It is on the  top of the hill. Jai Ban, the world biggest cannon on wheels. It was built for the defense purpose.

NAHARGARH FORT:

 Also known as Tiger Fort, it was the fort was specially for summer residence for the royal family. From this fort a person can see the whole city. Time to visit this fort is 10.00 to 16.00 hrs. and the fee is 5.00  Rs.

Time to visit the Jaipur:

The time to visit Jaipur is specially in the winter season. Because it is extremely hot in summers.

Way to visit Jaipur:

By Roadways:

By roads the distance from Delhi to Jaipur is 269 km and the time taken is 4hrs 27 min. a person can hire a cab.

A person can also travel by railways and by airways from Delhi by Indira Gandhi International Airport. 

Uttrakhand-Char Dham yatra

Uttarakhand is the north Indian state situated in the north Himalayan range . As it is situated in the Himalayan range that’s why it is blessed with the beauty of the nature. “Garhwal” and” Kumaon” are two region of Uttarakhand state.

Uttrakhand is  a very holy ground for the hindus because of  char dham yatra, which gets started in April-may and ends in Oct-Nov each year. Char dham yatra starts from Yamunotri temple, goes to Gangotri temple, then kedarnath temple and then finally Badrinath temple. 

Uttrakhand government really has provides many facilities for all the travelers of char dham yatra. And also there many other tour and travel organizations too which provide full support.

There are also many cities of the Uttarakhand state to take the feel of beauty of nature:-

Haridwar:-

Haridwar is situated at the bank of river Ganga. Haridwar is the most famous according to the hindus methodology, as it is also the part of pilgrimage. 

Nanital:-

Nanital also known as the lake city is the best place city to travel for both nature lovers and the adventure lovers.

Rishikesh :-

Rishikesh also known as the Yoga capital. It is most famous for it’s Yoga and meditation camps. Lakshman and Ram jhula are most famous attraction place here. Adventure lovers can take advantage of camping and other activities here.

Mussoorie:-

Mussoorie is the city located at altitude of  6,000 ft, also known as the “Queen of the hills”. It’s excellent climate make it more interesting for traveling. Mussoorie has many attracting place to visit over.

example:-

Camel’s back road, Mussoorie lake, Jharipani falls, Bhatta fall etc.

A person can try all the exciting adventures here like river rafting , camping , Bungee jumping, trekking etc.

How to travel :-

By Road :

A person can travel from Delhi to Haridwar by taking taxi or cab, it is about 212 km and 4hrs travel. And also different cities of the Uttrakhand like Delhi to Rishikesh and Delhi to Mussoorie by hiring cab.

Railways:-

There are also facility of railways there .

Guide to travel Rishikesh

Rishikesh –also known as the gateway of chardham yatra(which include Kedarnath , Badrinath , Gangotri and Yamunotri) . Rishikesh is a beautiful town of Dehradun district in the northern state of India, Uttrakhand . Rishikesh is situated at foothill of Garhwal Himalyan Range, surrounded by Shivalik range, about 409 meter above sea –level. The holy city Rishikesh is not only famous between tourists for the spiritual reason but also for the people who are nature lovers  and  who are crazy about adventures sports like river rafting in the glorious river Ganga and trekking to the Himalyan peak.

Rishikesh is 27 km away from Haridwar and 90km from Mussoorie these places are also attractive spots nearby for travel purpose. Since Rishikesh is a holy city, so it has attracted many sages from ancient times for peace of soul and meditation. Also the International yoga week in Rishikesh attract many travelers to this place across the world.

Tourist attraction in Rishikesh:

Lakshman Jhula:

Lakshman jhula is actually a suspended bridge. As Hindu methodology it is said that Lakshman the brother of lord Rama has crossed the river help of this rope.  From the Lakshman jhula a person can see the panoramic view of the glorious river Ganga and the city.

Rama Jhula:

Rama Jhula is also a suspension bridge between two ashrams they are Shivananda Ashram and Swarg Ashram. At one end of the rama jhula there is shivananda Ashram, Yog niketan Ashram and omkarnanda ashram and at the other end there is Swarg Ashram , Gita Bhawan and Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir:

It is said that during Samudra Manthan Lord shiva the panoramic view of the glorious river Ganga and the city.

drank all poison from that day he is also known as Neelkanth Mahadev. Thousands of devotees came here to visit during shivaratri and Kanwar Mela.  Temple timing is from 5Am to 1PM and from 4PM to 9 PM. The route to this temple is from swarg ashram through road and also through trekking for adventure lovers.

Shivananda Ashram (Divine life society):

It was established by Shivananda Swami who lived here for about 30 years . This ashram is dedicated to the activities like yoga meditation and hospital. This ashram also has guest rooms, meditation hall, yoga hall and music hall. It is situated near Rama jhula.

Bharat Mandir:

Bharat Mandir is dedicated to lord Vishnu. Which is situated in center of Rishikesh and near the main market. There is also museum here. The timing to visit here is from 5 AM to 11 AM and 3 PM to 9 PM.

Time to Travel Rishikesh:

A person can travel whole year  to rishikesh as the weather of Rishikesh is pleasant whole year. But for people who like adventures like river rafting the monsoon time is not good. But travel purpose it is excellent.

Things special in Rishikesh are :

Ganga Aarti:

A person should miss the ganga Aarti ,just take a deep bath in the holy Ganga at the ghat and watch the evening aarti at parmarath Niketan anf triveni ghat.

A person should definitely try the yoga and  the meditation in Rishikesh as it is the most useful things required for healthy body, soul and mind in today’s fast life.

Try Adventures in Rishikesh:

Rafting :

From Bramhpuri(11 km rafting), Shivpuri( 18 km rafting) and Kaudiyala(25 km  rafting) are small villages in Rishikesh from where a person can start their adventures rafting. Octobar to june are the month suitable for rafting.  

Camping:

Camping is also really fun as weekend activity by enjoying the beauty of nature ,and river. camping can be enjoyed in jungle and near river .there are many camp available many of them also provide interesting activities. There are options for camping according to budget like budget camping, luxury camping and deluxe camps , best time for camping is Octobar to may.

Bungee Jumping:

Activities like bungee jumping, Flying Fox and Giant Swing are available in Rishikesh . Bungee jumping is done about 83 meters above the river Ganga.   This place is situated at Rishikesh-Neelkanth road about 15 km away from Rishikesh.  

Trekking:

Trekking is most adventures and exciting activities which famous between the sports lovers. Here options for soft, hard and moderate treks. Small treks are between villages and near waterfalls(like Neer garh (Neer Gaddu waterfall trek, Kunjapuri trek, Neelkanth Temple Trek, Jhilmil Gufa Trek and Trek near Rajaji National Park). And others are about one day long in mountains etc like Gomukh (Gaumukh) Trek, Valley of flower Trek, Tungnath Trek, Devoria tal Trek, Hemkund sahib trek, Kuari Pass Trek and Roop kund Trek.

How to get to Rishikesh:

By Roadways:

Rishikesh is connected to every city in country by Road.  A person can travel by bus and also can hire cab it is 232 km away from Delhi to Rishikesh, takes about 5hrs. 11mins. And ther is also way to head back to Delhi.

By Airways:

There is about daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun on Dehradun jollygant airport, from where Rishikesh is 25km away.

By Railways:

There are many trains available like Shatabadi express and Mussoorie express  to Rishikesh. the Haridwar raiway station is the nearest railway station.

Summer Vacation at Manali

Beautiful Manali is the place full of breathtaking views of nature and  is situated in the mountains of the north Indian state Himachal Pradesh ,near it’s  northern end of kullu valley at altitude of about 6,726ft.  Manali is situated at the bank of river Beas. Manali is most amazing and exciting place for the summer vacations. Manali is not only the favorite hill station but also place for pilgrimage. Manali is most famous between the tourists who love adventure as here sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding ,rafting, trekking, kyanking and mountain biking are available here. Manali is the hill station with beautiful mountains covered with snow gives a cool and relaxing feeling in the hot summer!.

Attractive spots in Manali:

There are many famous sightseeing in Manali some of them are:

Manu Temple:

Manali got it’s name from great sage Manu, it is said that Manu was the creater of human race on earth. Manu temple is the only temple of Manu in India. As it is also place for pilgrimage

Arjun Gufa:

Arjun Gufa has very special meaning according to the hindu epic Mahabharat, which says that the great warrior Arjun practice his  austerities to get Pasupata astra(weapon) from lord Indra. Arjun Gufa is is situated at the left of bank of river Beas .

The Handima Temple:

As said Manali is also palce for pilgrimage as here are many temples having great importance in hindu methodology. Handimba temple is totally dedicated to goddess Handima ,who was the wife of Bhim, Bhim was the one of the five brothers(pandwa’s of mahabaharat) and son of kunti .this temple was build in 1553 and situated in the middle of the forest known as Dungiri Van vihar. The temple is full of  extraordinary examples of Indian crafting. It has crafted roof having four tier pagoda and also superb crafted doorways. Handima later became patron goddess of the great royal family kulu.

Vashit hot water springs and temple:

Vashit temple is a stone pitramidal temple totally dedicated to the Vashit Muni.there is also temple of lord Rama. This temple is situated across the river beas , near a small village also known as Vashit on the name of sage Vashit Muni . there is also a awesome modern bathhouse which is really exciting and different having Turkish style showers, and there is suppliy of hot water pipe for visitors. People generally visit here for medicinal properties.

Rohtang Pass:

Rohtang pass is basically a highway to keylong/leh, 51kms away from Manali.the rohtang pass is a gateway to Lahaul spiti, Pangi and leh Valley. In winter this pass is closed and gets open in june to October for motor vehicles, this is the  best time to visit this pass. Tourist who loves thrilling and adventures  activities here like snow scooter and mountain biking. This place is full of Nature beauty with glaciers , peak and also the beautiful Chandra river flowing through the Lahual valley, there is also a waterfall known as Rahala waterfall  flowing from altitude of 2,500 meteres giving it’s wonderful amazing look, it is 16kms away from Manali.

Tibetan Monasteries:

In Manali there is three Tibetan buddhist Monasteries which attracts the people most. These Monasteries are Gadhan Thekchhokling, thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa. This place is full of the Tibetan culture ,literature and crafts, their handcrafted like painting and craft leaves people speechless.  This really amazing place to visit.

Weather of Manali to visit:

Best time to visit and enjoy the beauty and cool climate of the Manali is May to june when temperature is between  15 degree to 25 degree.

How to get in there in Manali:

By Railways:

Since Manali is famous hill station so there is a facility to travel by railways from  kalka railways station which connect almost all part of country, the closest railway station is broad gauge tracks.

By Airways:

The closest international airport is from Delhi is Indira Gandhi international airport. And the closest domestic air port is Chandigarh.  

By Roadways:

The distance of Delhi to manali is about 554km will take 11hrs and 24min. one can also enjoy the views of the way to Manali . There is also the facility to book the cab.There is also facility to head back from Manali to Delhi.

  

A Tour to Shri Vrindavan

    Holy city Vrindavan is a birth place of Lord Krishna. It has a great importance according to Hindu methodology , Vrindavan is situated on the bank of river Yamuna in the district Mathura, of Uttar Pradesh, India. Vrindavan is located 140 km south-east of Delhi and 60 km north-east of Agra, Vrindavan covers a area of about 3,800 sq. km.

The  Brajbhumi has basically two part specially to travel ,In the eastern part is holy river Yamuna , with places like gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajana and in the western side of Yamuna covers Mathura region which have Vrindavan ,Govardhan, Kusum Sarover, Barsana and NandGram.

Places to visit in Virndavan:

Govind Dev Temple:

This temple is the most important temple in Vrindavan, devoted to Lord Krishna who is also known as Govind dev. The Idol of Lord Krishna was brought here by the Rajput king of jaipur, Maharaja Sawai jai Singh II.

 Krishna-Balaram Temple:

The Krishna Balaram Temple was build by International Krishna Consciousness religious group (ISKCON). The presiding duties are of Radha-Shyamsundara, Gaura-Nitai , and Krishna-Balrama.  Krishna Balrama mandir was set up by Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada. He was the founder of ISKCON.

Keshi Ghat:

Keshi Ghat is situated on the bank of river Ganga, according to the legends after killing the demon Keshi lord krishna took bath in this ghat. This place is great attraction for travelers.

Bankey Bihari Temple:

This temple was build in 1862 by swami Haridas who was the guru(teacher) of the famous musician in Akbar’s court Tansen. Swami Haridas wanted to keep away the idol of lord Krishna from the hands of Mughals.

Sahji Temple:

This temple has great example of Indian art and architecture.Inside it is Darbar Kamra decorated with chandeliers and wall paintings.

Ranganathaji Temple:

This Temple was build in1851.Dedicated to LordVishnu(Lord Ranganath) .This Temple has beautiful gopuram, and this whole temple is build in Dravidian style. This place is famous between the tourists. It has beautiful and amazing architecture.

Seva Kunj:

Seva kunj is very famous place in Mathura, as Lord Krishna performed the rasalila  with Radhaji and gopis. This place is blossomed with the power with the love shri Krishna and shri Radha.there is temple dedicated to radha-shyam called Rang-Mahal.

In the Nidhuban Krishna rested with his loved one Radha Rani.

The most attraction in Mathura is Holi, the festival of color and joy. Holi is celebrated in Mathura with great enthusiasm and excitement, Holi is celebrated here in the month of feb-march for several days.

When to Travel:

As there is too hot in summer in Vrinadavan.The perfect season to visit Vrindavan is January, February, March, Octobar , November, December.

How to reach Mathura, Vrindavan:  

The nearest international airport is Delhi. A person can travel through bus by taking bus from bus stand near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Can also hire a cab from Delhi to Mathura, which is about 162 km away and take time about 2 hrs. 24 min. and also facility from Delhi to Vrindavan directly, it is about 164 km and take time about 2 hrs. 27 mins.

Accommodations:                                                               

 For Accommodations there are various Dharamshalas. Hotels are not much available.

Tour to Nanital

Nanital is one of the amazing and beautiful tourist spot in the outer range of Himalyan hills, It is the city blessed with  beauty of nature and natural resources. It is also known as the city of lakes having about 60 lakes in area beside Naini lake.

Nanital is one of the popular hill station situated in the beautiful Uttrakhand state   (kumaon region) of India. It is one of the famous tourist spot for both  domestic tourists as well as the foreigners. Step farming one of the occupation of people there besides tourism. Nanital is famous for it’s famous Naini lake which has great importance according to the hindu methedology , according to the epic the eye of the goddess sati felled in this place when lord shiva was carring her burning body, this place is one of the 64 shakti peeths.

Nainital is popular between tourist specially in summers because of it’s beautiful wheather where temperature is about a maximum 27 degree Celsius and minimum 10 degree Celsius.                            
Some of the famous places to visit in the Nanital:

Naini Lake:

The famous Naini Lake is most attractive spot for tourist is situated at middle part of the town. People enjoy here by doing boating .

         

Naina Peak:

Naina Peak is highest peak in Nanital situated at altitude of about 2,615 meters above sea level, people enjoy trekking here. Naina peak is also known as china peak By local people . Any person can have amazing look of this whole valley and Nanital from Naina peak.

Land’s End:

Located at the average elevation of  2,118 kilometers above sea level. It has beautiful and amazing view of surrounding hills. It is Famous between trekkers.

         

                                     

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St. John in the Wilderness:

It is a Church ,which is situated at the north part of the Nanital. This church was established in the year 1884. This church is surrounded between the deodar forest.church was named after a Bhisop of kolkata ,who lived in the unfinished house in this wilderness of forest when he was ill.

 PT. G.B Pant High Altitude Zoo:

It is general public zoo many species of animals like Snow Leopard, Himalyan Bear, Tibetan wolf etc. are found here,This Zoo was established in 1884 and opened for people in 1995.

Sita Bani Temple:

This temple is important according to Hindu methodology, that after giving her two son Luv and Kush to Lord Ram she went back , inside the earth from where she came.

Eco Cave Gardens:

Eco Cave Garden is a Park which has series of seven connected caves. There is a musical fountain which is a special attraction for kids. Tourist enjoy to see this amazing place.

Snow View:

Snow View Point is one of the breathtaking view of nature. One should visit this Place with their family. It shows the peak trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Knot.

 Tiffin Top: 

Tiffin Top is located at the altitude of 2,292 meters above sea level. It is situated at the Ayarpatta hill .The place is named after one of the british Painter Dorothy Kellet who used to sit at this spot and paint this place is also known as Dorothy’s seat.It has beautiful natural view.

 Kilbury Bird Sanctuary:
It is a bird Sanctuary having about 240 species of birds , both from the resident  and also bird species from other places. This sanctuary is located at the village Pangot, surrounded by forest.

Gurney House is famous for the house of Jim Corbett. Who established the first national park of India.Who was a conservationist. Now this place is turned as a museum.

Places Around Nanital:

Some of the beautiful districts around Nanital are also attraction for visiting, they are Ranikhet, haldwani, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukhuchiatal. Ranikhet, which situated at approximately 56km is known for it’s orchards of fruits. Bhowali which is famous for apricots, apples and strawberries etc. it is about 10 km away from nanital. Haldwani is about 30km away from Nanital.And Mukteswar has special for hindu religion because of temple of Mukteswar Dham temple of Lord Shiva.

How to travel:

There are many transport facility available:

One can travel from Delhi to Nanital By flight, and can also travel by Railways and by taking a cab.