Monday, January 31, 2011

Indian Honeymoon Special Hillstation Manali

 Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. Manali is a small city, situated at northern part of India in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in Kulu valley and part of Kullu District. The height is 1950 mts. from sea level. Manali is well known for its snow capped hills, an ideal place for holidays and a popular honeymoon destination not only in India but also in all over the world. There are numerous treks for a

Lohagad : A Iron fort for Iron man Chatrapati Shivaji

 A beautiful fort in a beautiful location, good roads to the base and an easy climb make Lohagad fort one of the more popular destinations to visit close to Pune. But thankfully, it has survived the commercialisation and the mess that Sinhagad fort has been subjected to. The fort is still in a good condition and relatively clean. Many of the structures on the fort are still intact and climbing the fort would give you the feeling of actually climbing a fort rather than walk on “made in 21st century” concrete steps!

 How to go to Lohagad fort from Pune: There are multiple approach routes to go to Lohagad fort, each of them unique in what the route presents.
Though Malvali Village/Bhaja Caves: This is the route taken by all the trekking groups and the one which doesnt need the use of a personal vehicle. Go to lonavala by the local train. Take another local to go to Malvali village. From Malvali village station, it is a walk of around 2 kms to Bhaja village, the base village for Bhaja caves. An upward path (stairs) would take you to Bhaja caves, but if you follow the winding path (wide enough for a car) next to the stairs, it would take you to the village of Lohagadwadi, the base village for Lohagad fort. This route is around 5-7 kms long and would take around 2-2.5 hrs on foot. But, if you have a vehicle, you can drive on this road (unless the rains have been very heavy) and go close (not exactly to) the base village. If you want to drive to Bhaja village, check out the direction in the other post of Bhaja caves.
Through the Mumbai-Pune Expressway: This is the fastest way to reach the base village. Go on the expressway from Pune. When the Sinhagad institute appears on the side of the highway, look out for an exit from the road. This is not very obvious though. Get off the exit, go under the highway and enter into a village. If you are doubtful as to whether this could be the route through the village, then you are on the right track! Once you cross the narrows lanes of the village, take a right onto the main road and travel 5-6 kms until you reach a junction where there are lot of tea shops. if in doubt, ask anyone for the route to Lohagad. if you have Google earth, download this kmz file, this will show you the route from the village to the junction. At this junction, take left to go to the base village.
Through Pavna Dam and Dudhiware Khind: This is the route i took when i went to Lohagad. I returned through the 2nd option(highway). This was one of the greenest routes i have ever driven on. Pavna dam and Tung fort in the background (separate post) were a sight to behold. Go to Chandi Chowk. Then cross Pirangut. Once you reach Paud, you will see a junction. On this junction, turn right towards Pavana dam or ask anyone in Paud for directions to Pavna dam. This is one straight road and you cannot get lost. You will drive through pristine villages and there is greenery all around (during monsoons!). The climb down to Pavna dam is awesome. Once you cross Pavna dam, you will come to a T-junction. Taking the right will take you back to Kamshet and Nh4. Take the left and climb up towards Lohagad. On this road, you will cross Dudhiware Khind, a pass cut through the mountains. It is eerie as well as amazing to drive through this pass, particularly when it rains. Given below is a snapshot of the route i took.

























Sunday, January 30, 2011

MONACO : Second Smallest country in the world

 OVERVIEW : Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican) and is almost entirely urban. Monte Carlo is not the capital of Monaco but a government district. The country is divided into four areas: Monaco-Ville (the old city), the Condamine (port quarter), Monte-Carlo (business and recreation), and Fontvieille (recreation and light industry). With no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate, the principality has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for businesses. Monaco is six times the size of the Vatican and the world's most densely populated independent country.

Experience The Night of Singapore

 The Republic of Singapore is an independent nation in Southeast Asia. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated only by the narrow Strait of Johor from the mainland, it is a prosperous nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Singapore's resident population of over 4.2 million inhabitants is comprised of 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% others. Common languages English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. English is widely spoken.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Tunis : Capitol City of Tunisia

 Tunis is divided into 2 parts - the old city, also known as the Medina and the new city, known in French as Ville Nouvelle. The Medina has numerous tangled streets that are crowded with people buying and selling goods. Things are always in a state of chaos and the scent of sweat and spices fills these streets. Ville Nouvelle, on the other hand is a contrast to Medina with its wide straight line streets. Trees line the streets of Ville Nouvelle and you will always find people strolling here in the evenings.

Chongqing A Gems of Yangtze River Route

OVERVIEW : In 1997, Chongqing became a special municipality under the direct control of central Government in Beijing, affectively marking its birth as a city.  Bringing together three former counties of Sichuan Province, Chongqing has an estimated total population of around 30 million, making it the largest city in China, and one of the world’s most populous urban centres.
Situated on steep slopes over-looking the convergence of the Jialingjiang River and the majestic Yangtse, Chongqing was opened as a treaty port as long ago as 1890, though still has been relatively untouched by foreign influence.  During World War II it became the Kuomintang Capital following their retreat from Nanjing and swelled in size as refugees flooded in.  Throughout the following years, Chongqing’s continued growth was fuelled by its key location on a number of trading routes.

Qamdo : Amazing Small Town From China

The Qamdo prefecture (also Chamdo) is located in eastern Tibet and was the first city in the Chinese Army liberated Tibet. During the last decades, education has developed rapidly. Currently all pupils of school age in the agricultural and pastoral areas covered by the policy of free food, and learn inwoonst apply. Now count the 529 schools 107,626 students. In primary education, 98% of school-age children enrolled in lower secondary is 90% but the higher secondary level only 26%. It is taught in both Tibetan and Chinese.

Friday, January 28, 2011

DELHI : Breath of India

 There is no ward to describe the Indian Capital City : DELHI just visit and feel the INDIA

Saputara : Monsoon Weekend Hill Station From Gujarat(India)

 Saputara is the only hill station in Gujrat which lies in the green wooded plateau in the Sayhadri range. Perched at a formidable height of 1000 meter it has a pleasing weather throughout the year. There is a myth about Saputara. The very name of the place literally means ‘adobe of serpents’ which is derived from the snake like images found on the shores of Sarpaganga, the river which runs through the town.

Lothal : The Harappan Civilization and Myth of Aryan "Invasion"

 Until quite recently, the famous Harappan civilization of the Indus valley has been an enigma. Many questions still remain about the identity of the people who created this great ancient civilization. Stretching over a million and a half square kilometers, from the borders of Iran to east UP and with some sites as far south as the Godavari valley, it was larger than ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia combined.

Ranki vav patan : Great Architecture Of StepWell

 Rani Ki Vav(Queen’s Stepwell).
Situated in Patan town in Gujarat, the shaft of the well is highly ornamented with intricate carvings. The wall projects the large vertical brackets in pairs, which supported the different galleries of the well. The brackets are arranged in tiers. It has a stepped corridor compartmented at regular intervals with pillared multi-storeyed pavilions. The four pavilions which demarcate the stages along the descent have multiple storeys, two, four, six and seven respectively. It was constructed during the period of the Solanki or Chalukya (11th-12th century). The full size sculptures of the stepwell are taken from the entire Hindu pantheon, for example, Vishnu, Shiva and their various aspects appear with or without their consorts.

Kasauli A beauty from the Himachal Pradesh

 About Kasauli Tourism

The beautiful hill retreat of Kasauli is known for its scenic surroundings, typical of Himachal Pradesh, and its well-kept colonial ambience. Gabled houses, huge colonial bungalows and quaint shops add to the old-world charm. Cobbled streets give way to beautiful pine, oak and chestnut forests. The town of Kasuali was developed by the British as a summer hideaway and till date it remains a secluded tourism spot.

Explore The Mysterious Place From India : Panchmahri

 Pachmarhi Madhya Pradesh
  

Pachmarhi is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways.Green shades embrace the mountains, and everywhere is heard the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths lead into tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Complementing the magnificence of nature are the works of man; Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure-house. In cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills is an astonishing richness in rock paintings. Most of these have been placed in the period 500-800 AD, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000 years old.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Simla : A dream Destination for Every Indian

Simla :: One of the most famous tourist destinations of India, Simla located in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful hill station. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be one event of your life that you shall never forget. This beautiful hill station derives its name from "Goddess Shyamla", who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Kali. This lovely hill station was 'discovered' by the British who immediately fell in love with this place. In fact, they went to the extent of declaring Simla as their summer capital. Read about Simla tourism and know more about Simla travel. Simla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Simla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Simla is one tourist destination that can be visited any time during the year. Summers are warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters are bone chilling and the temperatures can fall below zero. But this difference is what makes Simla all the more special!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Kumbhalgarh a Indian Format of Great Chinese Wall

Kumbhalgarh Fort :: This most-remarkable of forts stretches across 36 kms of the Aravali Mountains and is 1100 m high from the sea level. It was never conquered, for reasons which become apparent the instant you set eyes on it. The fort is just 80 kms away from Udaipur. The massive perimeter wall is an astounding 36 kms. Surrounded by thirteen mountain peaks, guarded by seven great gates and seven ramparts, strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watchtowers, this mountain fortress has witnessed many battles. The winding road leads through deep ravines and thick forests to Arait Pol with its watch-tower, Hulla Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Bhairava Pol, Paghra Pol, Top-khana Pol and Nimboo Pol.