Keladi and Ikkeri – The Splendid Interiors of India

February 15th, 2010
The country, so rich and vivid with exquisite culture and traditions, has such treasury of beauty and charm that no other country can actually flaunt. The more you try to sneak a peek into its folds, the better view it unleashes for you. Try to unveil one of these layers by touring to some of its uncharted regions nestled in the interiors of Karnataka like Keladi and Ikkeri.
Keladi and Ikkeri in Karnataka are primarily talked about for heavy rainfall. These regions are located in Shimoga district at a distance of around 70 to 80 kms near the town of Sagar. These are tiny villages in present time but if you gloss through their historical background, you would find certain amazing details about them. To find that connect, you must start your journey from Keladi visiting the popular Rameswaram temple here.
The Rameswaram temple testifies the glorious historical past of the region. It was erected by Chavadappa Nayak during 1500 AD. Built with green grey stone, the temple is a fine example of Hoysala Dravidian architectural designs. Its complex is quite big and has gardens on either side. Rich wooden work and interesting geometrical designs on the ceilings, however, are the highlight of this historical temple.
At a short distance from this temple, you would find a government museum. The museum is a storehouse of excavations and countless artifacts. Most of the items that are found on display here reflect rich wooden art. In addition, interesting collection of textiles and brass products can also be seen here.
Now, move on to Ikkeri. It is only about 10 kms from the village of Keladi. Here, you would come across an ancient Aghoreshwara temple. Dedicated to Hindu lord Shiva, this temple is a beautiful representation of Dravidian architecture. The sculptures are intricately done up and never fail to tempt the onlookers.
These areas are well connected to Shimoga, which in turn, is smoothly accessible from the city of Bangalore. These destinations can make for a wonderful day trip experience for anyone.

The country, so rich and vivid with exquisite culture and traditions, has such treasury of beauty and charm that no other country can actually flaunt. The more you try to sneak a peek into its folds, the better view it unleashes for you. Try to unveil one of these layers by touring to some of its uncharted regions nestled in the interiors of Karnataka like Keladi and Ikkeri.

Keladi and Ikkeri in Karnataka are primarily talked about for heavy rainfall. These regions are located in Shimoga district at a distance of around 70 to 80 kms near the town of Sagar. These are tiny villages in present time but if you gloss through their historical background, you would find certain amazing details about them. To find that connect, you must start your journey from Keladi visiting the popular Rameswaram temple here.

;The Rameswaram temple testifies the glorious historical past of the region. It was erected by Chavadappa Nayak during 1500 AD. Built with green grey stone, the temple is a fine example of Hoysala Dravidian architectural designs. Its complex is quite big and has gardens on either side. Rich wooden work and interesting geometrical designs on the ceilings, however, are the highlight of this historical temple.

At a short distance from this temple, you would find a government museum. The museum is a storehouse of excavations and countless artifacts. Most of the items that are found on display here reflect rich wooden art. In addition, interesting collection of textiles and brass products can also be seen here.

Now, move on to Ikkeri. It is only about 10 kms from the village of Keladi. Here, you would come across an ancient Aghoreshwara temple. Dedicated to Hindu lord Shiva, this temple is a beautiful representation of Dravidian architecture. The sculptures are intricately done up and never fail to tempt the onlookers.

These areas are well connected to Shimoga, which in turn, is smoothly accessible from the city of Bangalore. These destinations can make for a wonderful day trip experience for anyone.

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A tour to culturally rich land of India – Orissa

February 1st, 2010

 

Every nook and even the farthest corners of India flaunt rich heritage and culture traits, which can easily spellbind anyone. One such beautiful place in India is Orissa. It has a magnificent wealth of colorful heritage and culture.The architectural masterpieces such as Sun Temple of Konark, Jagannath Temple, Mukteshwar Shrine, and Lingaraja Shrine in Orissa offer satisfaction to both the pilgrims as well as the art connoisseurs.

Many travelers prefer to start their leisure journey in Orissa from its capital city Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar is dotted with an impressive count of splendid shrines, which are reckoned among the finest tourist attractions of the region. The city never ceases to amaze its onlookers with an elegant mix of old traditions and modern lifestyle.

Traveling few kilometers away from Bhubaneshwar, you would reach Konark. This is another fascinating destination of Orissa. The city is an integral part of the golden triangle tour offered by the state to its pilgrims as well as tourists. When you are in this part of Orissa, you cannot afford to miss a visit to the renowned Sun Temple. It is an ideal landmark of tourist interest in the city.

After Konark, you can take a tour to Puri to seek the blessings of the most revered Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple. However, a journey in Orissa does not end here. Other cities and towns such as Udaigiri, Ratnagiri, Khandagiri and Dhauli too contain an exquisite cultural flavor.

You can explore some of the oldest Buddhist remnants in Udaigiri. The Madhavapura Mahavihara Monasteries of the city have enhanced its archeological value. Many Buddhist images have also been unearthed here. Other magnificent Buddhist sites in Orissa are Ratnagiri and Dhauli. These places are replete with countless shrines, caves and monasteries.

However, don’t forget to make a trip to the gorgeous Chilka Lake and the Lingaraja Shrine in Orissa. These are the two most coveted tourist attractions of the place.

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Have you been to the villages of Himachal?

January 25th, 2010

Fast-paced life and monotony of falling prey to the same set of routine every time when no other option is left; is making all of us crave more for peace and solace. There are thousands of foreign tourists in India, who have been able to get the most desired ingredient of life – ‘Peace’ – in the lap of the pristine Himalayan region of the nation.

Don’t be surprised if you get to see most of the overseas tourists streaming into the exotic villages of Himachal Pradesh in India, as it is the destination where they feel ultimate peace and silence. Some of the chosen areas in Kullu valley in this state of India where they prefer to spend most of their time are Old Manali, Barshani, Vashisht and Kasol.

Along with seeking peace and silence, the tourists in these hilly towns are busy exploring their unique culture and tradition. People coming from as far as the cities of England, Germany, Italy and Israel show great interest in looking into the shops of these small villages and find them attractive too. Some of them cannot just resist taking bath in the hot water springs that have excellent healing and rejuvenation power.

Interestingly, of all the towns every tourist finds the small town of Vashist a perfect one to have a full experience of joy and peace. Reasons are many but some that really make it worth considering are its enchanting hot water springs and old temples of superior architectural values. Taking into consideration the rising popularity of this hilly town among the tourists, the tourism department has also introduced proper bathing arrangements so that the number of footfall keeps growing.

(Vashist is only 3 kilometers from Manali and is a base to many affordable tourist accommodations including guesthouses and Charas.)

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Shimla & Snowfall – don’t miss this chance

January 18th, 2010

It’s a holiday season and you cannot really afford to miss the charm of refreshing winters. The fun of holidaying is best enjoyed when you are in any of the enchanting hill stations like Shimla in India during this time. This beautiful hilly town is right now covered with thick, pure white layers of snow – a delightful sight for both the tourists as well as the locals. The mercury has gone down considerably, but there are enough reasons for the people to enjoy this chill and cold. It is this time only when you can play with snow and feel the warmth of being in the company of your loved one. It’s your first honeymoon or a leisure trip to the city, an experience of joy will remain totally the same.

Shimla, the attractive capital city of the state of Himachal Pradesh, is formed of many connecting hills and ridges. Some of the popular hills of this elegant town are Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Observatory Hill, Elysigim Hill and Jakhu. The mesmerizing quiet ambiance of this hilly town fetched it a title of ‘Summer Capital of India’ in the time of British rule. Spreading across 12 kilometers long ridge at an elevation of 2,421 meters from the sea level, today this picturesque town has become a preferred destination for holidaymakers.

Visits to some of the famous tourist attractions in Shimla must not be missed by any chance. Do take some time out to explore its Himachal State Museum, Chadwick Falls, Viceregal Lodge and ice skating rink. You would thoroughly enjoy a walk in its mall area too. However, as the town is experiencing snowfall, you are recommended to pay a visit to Kufri, the ideal destination to have fun with snow. Skiing and sledging will be very enjoyable. Don’t worry about anything as traveling will be easy and smooth from one point to the other in the city.


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Fascinating Facts about Jaipur Tours

October 12th, 2009

Popularly known as the “Pink City of India” the beautiful city of Jaipur is the preferred destination for foreign tourists. Jaipur tours houses impressive array of historical edifices, historic forts and mansions. However, if you are planning to spend a lovely vacation in this princely state then visit during the winter since the average temperature during this period hovers around 20-25 C making it an ideal time to enjoy the scenic natural beauty of the capital city. There are numerous trains and scheduled domestic flights operating from cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Agra to Jaipur. Hotels in Jaipur provide you with best accommodation facilities within your budget.

If you’re on long tour to India then Jaipur tour is a must in your travel itinerary as it provides you with captivating views of the rich culture and tradition of India best reflected through the string of festivals and celebrations. Just walk a through the main streets of Jaipur will offer you vivid glimpses of the rich grandeur and aura of the erstwhile Rajputs whose legacy still continues to charm the foreign travelers. Some of the important places to see in India are located in this city thereby attracting large number of tourists both foreign and domestic.

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Unravel the Beauty of the Top Destinations in India

September 28th, 2009

From adventurous tourist spots to romantic getaways India offers wide array of places to tour around. Some of the top destinations in India offers you fascinating glimpses of the rich history of the country which to a great extent has given a unique identity to the country best represented in the form of architectural wonders and age-old temples. Its better if you get a copy of India Traveler Guide which provides relevant updates on the availability of trains and flights to and from the prominent cities across India.

If you opt for India tour packages you may get to see some of the top destinations in India. These famous tourist places are spread through out the country. An interesting fact is that some of these places are reckoned for their splendid natural beauty while others are noted for their historical importance. For wildlife lovers, a visit to best national parks offers a captivating glimpse of the rare species of birds and animals.

Also these national parks offer some of the famous resorts in India located within the proximity of the national reserve. A visit to India remains incomplete without touring around the princely state of Rajasthan which is home to some of the grand palaces which well represent the grandeur of the royals. Also you get to see mighty historic forts and age-old monuments spread across the cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Chittorgarh. The most notable among them are Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal,Goenka Chattri Mandawa,Vijay Stambh at Chittorgarh, Bhangarh at Alwar.

Also the metro cities of New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore are home to some of the magnificent pieces of architectural beauty. Are you planning a trip to Indian Southern peninsula! South India tour packages not only offers you the best value for money but also provides you an unmatched view of the striking diverse culture of the region. Other top destinations in India are Kerala, Golden Temple Amritsar, Taj Mahal at Agra, Sikkim and the exotic beaches of Goa.

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Travel to Pune to Explore the Indian Culture

September 14th, 2009

India has long been known for its diverse culture as each region boasts of its own distinct tradition. And if you want to explore the varied facets of Marathi culture then you need to travel to Pune which is well known for its strong adherence of Maharashtrian tradition. But over the past few years, this sleepy hamlet of Maharashtra has now turned into one of the most developed cities of the country.
With world class infrastructural facilities adding to its popularity, Pune is now known for being home to some of the leading IT companies of the world. If you plan to travel to Pune, you can either go by flight or train as the city is well accessible from different parts of the country. There are many international flights to and from Pune. Furthermore, there are round the clock scheduled flight services from Pune offered by major airline service providers like Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines.

If you’re a first time visitor to the city, then you need to know about certain important travel tips of Pune which are to followed. Foreign visitors should always carry photo copies of travel Visa and ID proof. Its advisable to avoid carrying heavy luggages on travel to nearby tourist places of the city, furthermore during night time foreign travelers should not venture out alone as some areas of the city are not safe. Since ages, the city of Pune is well known for its picturesque beauty, hence a visit to the city remains incomplete without paying a visit to the majestically designed ‘Bund Garden’ which lies close to the famous Mula Mutha river.

It was constructed under the tutelage of ir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, today its popularly known as “Mahatma Gandhi Udyan”.There are also many things to do in Pune for it houses many amusement parks as Splash Mountain, Four Seasons Theme Park and Chokhi Dhani. These parks are the favorite grounds for family picnic.

With so places to explore, your travel to Pune is definitely going to be an enriching experience.

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Planning for Enchanting Kerala Tours

September 8th, 2009

The palm fringed coastal beaches, lush green paddy fields and enchanting journey through the backwaters of Kerala makes Kerala tours an unique experience of lifetime. As you travel through the deep interiors of the state you will be able to unravel the mystic natural beauty. If you avail of a packaged Kerala tours you need to book in advance, these guided tours take you on an enthralling journey through Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakoam and Kovalam over a period of 6 days.

Also home to some of the sacred places of worship Ambalapuzha Temple, Mannarshala, Vaikom Temple, Thiruvalla Temple an enchanting Kerala tour leaves you with unmatched facets about the rich culture and heritage of state.

In order to boost hospitality industry in the state the state government of the state has drawn innovative plans to upgrade Kerala Tourism at a higher level. In this regard, special tourist flights have been launched from Mumbai to Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kochi under the aegis of ‘Jet2Kerala’ by domestic airliner Jet Airlines.

In keeping tune with the other heritage hotels in India in Kerala too some of the best accommodation facilities are available at the well designed heritage resorts tucked away in midst of natural ambience.

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Agra Tours Offers Vivid Glimpses of the Historical City

August 28th, 2009

One of the oldest cities of India, the city of Agra is dotted with some of the most beautiful architectural edifices. If you’re planning to opt for Agra tours then there are different travel agencies to help you with a guided tour of the city. Historical evidences suggest that the city of Agra was actually founded in the year 1475 by Badal Singh but it was during the reign of Mughal Empire that the city assumed great significance since numerous world class edifices were made. Agra is also well reckoned as the center of art and culture. There are also many flights to Agra from different Indian cities.
Taj Mahal Agra

If you’re on India tours then a visit to Taj Mahal for its counted as one of the “Seven Wonders of The World”. Another fascinating aspect of Agra tours is the vibrant religious and cultural festivities which have become a distinct identity of the city. Among the most important festivals of Agra, mention needs to be made of the highly talked about “Taj Mahotsav”organized under the aegis of Uttar Pradesh Tourism department. Major highlights of this festival are the classical Indian dance recitals performed by top dancers. During these festivities hotels in Agra remain choc-a-bloc.

Apart from that there’s Crafts Mela where numerous Indian handicrafts are put on show. Also dont miss out on the enchanting Taj tours which takes you through a whirlwind tour of Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife even today people who come from different parts of the world still remain spell bound. Agra tours also takes you through Agra Fort, Chini Ka Rauza,Fatehpur Sikri,Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and Mariam-Zamani Tomb.

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Fascinating aspects of India Tours!

August 17th, 2009

The dynamic civilization of India dating back to nearly 5th century has left behind some indelible marks on the vibrant culture of India. India tours offers you glimpses of vivid aspects of the rich heritage of India which has given a distinct identity to the country. In recent times, India’s tourism has been widely instrumental in promoting varied facets of India’s tourist spots and the vibrant colorful celebrations of each region. If you’re planning to travel to India, you can opt for either Tourist Visa,in case you are on tour to India or Business Visa.

Before you opt for India tours, its important to have first hand information on India travel guide. One of the most important travel tip if you’re planning to tour around the different parts of India is to carry all your travel documents always as long as you plan to stay in the country. Its advisable to approach a certified currency exchange counter and never eat cut or roadside foods for they are unhygienic. There are different travel agencies offering attractive tour packages in India as Taj Tours, Beach Tours of India,Pilgrimage Tours of India,Golden Triangle Tour and Kerala Backwaters Tour. With wide plethora of tourist attractions in India, you will up spending a lovely vacation in the country.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the adventures of wildlife in India offers unmatched natural diversity with striking flora and fauna adding to its grand beauty. No matter whether you’re in midst of dense jungles or deserts Safari rides forms an integral part of wildlife India tours. Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park is widely preferred for tracking of tigers in the wildlife reserve. However, a camel ride in deserts of Jaislamer is a must in your travel itinerary if you plan to visit the splendid princely state of Rajasthan. This particular camel tour takes you through the majestic palaces, colossal forts and teeming villages.

And if you’re worried about your accommodation in the country, then you have your plates full as there are many luxurious hotels in India providing state of art facilities, fine dining arrangements and impeccable hospitality services. Some of the top hotels are run under the aegis of Taj group, Oberoi group of hospitality and ITC tourism and hospitality chain.

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