Kerala Hill Stations Kerala is more popular the world over for its beautiful beaches, bewitching backwaters, silky sand, sensuous sea and wilderness of the wildlife. But there is more to Kerala than this. Far off in the heights of the Western Ghats, Kerala has number of hill stations less ventured and explored. The hill stations of Kerala are the most perfect choice if you want to getaway from the city noises, deadlines, stress, tension and crowd. Decorated with meandering roads, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs and wondrous waterfalls, these hill stations are really different from other popular hill stations of India. The hill stations of Kerala are dense in vegetation and provide natural habitat to exotic wildlife. These beautiful hill stations of Kerala are also the source of the famous spices of Kerala. Spices such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the cashew nut are grown in the plantations on the hill stations in Kerala. The Dutch and English colonial rulers of Kerala introduced cash crops plantations such as rubber and tea in the 18th and 19th centuries, which has continued till today. Southern Kerala is where you go to cruise the hydro-highways of Kerala's backwaters. The most popular place to organise such a trip is in Alappuzha (Alleppey) or the tranquil trading town of Kollam (Quilon). The area also includes the golden-sand resorts of Kovalam and Varkala and the city of Kottayam. Travel Video, Kerala, India - YouTube Climate of Kerala The climatic condition of this state differs in three of its divergent areas. This south Indian state experiences a range of weather condition. Basically there are four kinds of weather in Kerala such as winter, summer, the south west monsoons and the retreating monsoons. Through out the year the climatic condition is humid and sultry. The rains drops pre dominates the weather of Kerala. The season of winter is too short that lasts for three months starting from December to February. Sun shines brightly throughout the year in the southern part of India. The month of July and August is considered to be very sunny and bright. The temperature varies from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. This heat is considered to be bearable. From the early months till the month of July, the visitors will be able to get a tang of swimming in the etherized water of the Arabian Sea. The green vegetation dotting the sea shore along with marvelous jingle of the sea will entice the heart deepest desires. The climatic condition is equatorial, with the twist of dry weather here and there. The visitors must pack their bag in the season of winter to visit this beautiful land of dream and imagination. The rainy season has its own beauty, if you plan to take a break in the back waters of the Alleppey. The lush green picturesque view with wings of imagination will make you feel to be in Elysian. The mortal souls do not know what heaven is, you must not miss the golden opportunity to take a peep-a-boo in this country of coconut trees and "God of Small Things". Arundhati Roy could not find a better plot than Kerala. Take your family and acquaintance to this place to be charmed by the beauty of Kerala. History of Kerala The recorded chronology dates back to the period of Ashoka, the Great. His ambition made Indian sub continent as a conglomerated whole. The small kingdom of Cholas, Pandyas, Kerala putras and Satiyaputras were incorporated with the periphery of the Empire of Ashoka. In the Neolithic period, the wet lands and rainforests used to be part and parcel of the animal kingdom. However, after Ashoka, the great the vision of holistic India was shattered. Later the southern kingdoms band wagon with the Mauryan Empire. Under the Mauryan rule the southern most states flourished. Politically these nuclei states could not develop to the extent the northern kingdoms under the sole guidance of Kautilya and his philosophies of Arthashatra. Following the era was the Christian period with their convents that are still found in the blood of the Kerelite culture. The Cheras provided the place both political and historical significance. The mythical hero of the Silappadigaram finds place in the pages of chronology till date. The Sangam period was marked by the three political stratifications. Different political rulers provided divergent cultures which are still present in the contemporary age. This is the best blessing that the state has received. By the completion of 8th century, the tales of Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Pandyas are written. One can also find straits of Buddhism in this land of back waters. St. Thomas Aquinas propagated monism in Kerala accompanied with Shankaracharya. Later the visitors can also find the relics of the second Chera Empire. The tales of Tamil saints are also evident in the land of Kerala. Rajasekhara Varman Rul established the "Kollam Era". It was after Coco Houseboats,Alleppey , Kerala

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Dwarkadheesh

My kid in a getup of  LORD KRISHNA














Location: Saurastra, Gujarat, India
Prime Deity: Lord Krishna
Significance: Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings: Morning 7.00 A.M. to Afternoon 12.30 and Evening 5.00 to 9.30 P.M.
Main Festival: Janamashtami
Other Attractions: Bet Dwarka, Gurudwara, Haji Kirmani Pir, Kachoriyu, Hanuman Dandi, Trikamji Temple, Kalyanrai Temple, The Patrani Temple, Durvasa Temple
How To Reach: Easily accessible by air (nearest airport Jamnagar), rail and road

History of Dwarkadheesh Temple The panoramic view of river Gomti and Arabian Sea confluence, is a visual treat. Regraded as 'Mokshpuri', the shrine is a chief among the Char Dham yatra of Hindus. The great Hindu epic, Mahabharata, has references of the city when it was submerged in sea after the death of Lord Krishna. According to more discoveries the whole west Indian coast sank nearly around 40 feet in 1500 B.C. E The legendary city of Dwarka is said to be built by Lord Krishna about 3500 and 5000 years ago.
 

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There is a legend behind the idol of Lord Dwarkadhish in the temple. Badana, an old devotee, used to come daily from Dakor to Dwarka, in order to have a glimpse of the Lord Dwarkadhish. The Lord was really appeased with her and one day, he went along with Badana to Dakor, in the form of idol. The priests at Dwarka temple got angry at Badana, who took the idol according to them. The enraged priests chased Badana to get back the idol. Badana convinced the priests to leave the idol instead of gold.

The priests agreed upon the condition and to their surprise, the idol happened to be as light as one nose-ring. This miracle was done by the Lord himself, as he knew Badana had only a nose-ring to offer. However, the Lord didn't disappoint the priests and said that they would find a replica on a particular day. The priests could not resist their inquisitiveness and excavated the recommended site quite early. They found one yet to grow idol that is presently enshrined at Dwarka.



ArchitectureThe majestic five-storied structure of Dwarkadhish Temple stands high on the confluence of Gomati River and Arabian Sea. Built with the support of 72 pillars, Dwarkadhish Mandir presents a sight to behold. Elevated to the height of 78.3 meters, the spire of temple dominates the skyline of Dwarka. An eighty-four foot long multicolored flag, adorned with the symbols of the sun and moon, waves from the dome of temple. It is said that originally the temple was built over the 'Hari-Griha' (Lord Krishna's residential place) by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Krishna.

Dating back to 2500 years, Jagat Mandir (Nija Mandir) makes the sanctum sanctorum of Dwarkadheesh Temple. It comprises a soaring tower and a hall of audience. The audience hall is comprised of both, ancient and existing sculptures. The temple can be entered by two doorways. The main doorway (north entrance) is known as "Moksha Dwara" (Door to Salvation), whereas the southern doorway is called as "Swarga Dwara" (Gate to Heaven). The outer side of this doorway has 56 steps that take to the Gomati River.

Somnath Temple

The History of Somnath (as in referring to the city) is so completely dominated by the History of Somnath Temple that it would not be exaggeration in the least to say that they are synonymous 
Not much is known about the early History of Somnath temple. However it is popularly believed that the first temple existed even before the commencement of the Christian era. The second was built in the period 480-767 A.D. by the Vallabhi kings. This was again replaced by the Pratihara king Nagabhattta II in 815 A.D.

The Somnath temple which enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas was so highly revered that people from various nook and corners of the country came to offer their prayers here.

As many as 2000 Brahmin priests were engaged in temple activities and the revenue collected from ten thousand villages were used for its maintenance. Prayers were announced by ringing the bell which was attached to a golden chain. Its walls were nothing less than pages of History. The exquisite sculptures were a reflection of the times and the pillars even had the names of the sculptors carved on them.

Unfortunately what happened in the year 1025 was a very unfortunate event in the Somnath temple history. Muhammad of Ghazni invaded the city and in spite of the valiant resistance put up by fifty thousand Shaivites, the temple was looted and razed to the ground. What was regarded as an architectural masterpiece was demolished brutally.

King Bhima of Gujarat and King Bhoja of Malwa then took upon themselves the noble task of renovating this fine edifice in red sandstone. However it was fated to be destroyed once again by Alaf Khan in 1300 A.D. This time King Mahipala belonging to the Chudasama dynasty renovated it.

Thereafter also the History of Somnath is punctuated with episodes of destruction and reconstruction at various points of time in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. Finally the temple was once again ruined in 1706 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. After that more than two hundred years passed before Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel finally took upon himself the responsibility of constructing it once again in the year 1947. Much to the glory and pride of not just Somnath but of the whole of India this stunning temple was once again reincarnated. Presently this "Shrine Eternal" is visited by a large number of pilgrims as well as by common tourists. So without further delay you too can plan your Tour to Somnath to witness this majestic temple.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta Ellora caves are shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Location:

The caves are in northern Maharastra, around 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Mumbai.

Getting to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves:

The closest railway stations are in Aurangabad for the Ellora caves (45 minutes away) and Jalgaon for the Ajanta caves (1.5 hours away). There’s also an airport in Aurangabad. It’s possible to hire a car and drive between the two cave sites. Traveling time is around 2 hours.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Opening Hours:

9am until sunset (around 5.30 p.m.). The Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays, and the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays. Both caves are open on national holidays. However, try to avoid visiting then as the crowds can be maddening and you.

                                                       HAWA MAHAL

Place : Jaipur, Rajasthan
Highlight : Its peculiar Architecture
Best time to visit : October to February    

It is built by  Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh  in  1799.This five storey building of unusual architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime. The monument with a spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues, intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen by others.

In the present day, the Hawa Mahal has become a famous tourist spot and one of the spectacular sights in Jaipur. From the palace, the entire Jaipur city can be seen. The palace has become a great spot for the shooting of several Indian and international films. it is also known as place of wind.



Chittorgarh Fort

                                                                     Chittorgarh Fort

Location:	At a distance of 112km from Udaipur, on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan
Built by:	Various Maurya rulers
Built in:	7th century A.D
Highlights:	Numerous palaces and towers inside the fort
How to reach:	One can easily reach Chittorgarh Fort either by taking regular buses or by hiring Taxis from Udaipur city

	Chittaurgarh Fort is truly an embodiment of chivalry and pride of the Rajputs. The fort has a long story of romance, courage, determination and sacrifice.Chittorgarh Fort is said to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar between the eighth and the sixteenth century. The Fort was named after Chittrangad Maurya.               The fort was attacked three times and every time it got saved by the daring heroism of the Rajput warriors. In 1303, for the first time, this fort was attacked by Allaudin Khilji to fulfill his desire to make off with Rani Padmini. For the second time, the Fort was sacked by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat in 1535. In 1567, it was attacked for the last time by Mughal Emperor Akbar to conquer Maharana Udai Singh. Every time, a jauhar (mass suicide) was observed and the womenfolk of the Royalty never submitted themselves.



TAJ a Seventh Wonder on The Earth

Taj Seventh Wonder on earth

Taj is best thing to introduce india not because of its beauty but for about its great culture and unity in diversity.



Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.



In 1631, in the fourth year of his reign, Shah Jahan set out for Burhanpur with his armies to subdue a rebellion. Even though Mumtaz Mahal was in the ninth month of a pregnancy, she accompanied him as she had done many times before. On a warm evening of April in 1631, the queen gave birth to their fourteenth child, but soon afterwards suffered complications and took a turn for the worse. According to legend, with her dying breath, she secured a promise from her husband on the strength of their love: to build for her a mausoleum more beautiful than any the world had ever seen before.

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