Fancy some time away from all the din and hustle? Or maybe you want to spend some time with Mother Nature to forego of all the tensions and responsibilities of day to day life? In any case, the hilly town of Ukhrul, situated in Manipur is a must visit for nature lovers, travel enthusiasts and those who just want to spend a few days far from the madding crowd.
Situated in the lap of misty mountains and lush green valleys, Ukhrul is surrounded by virgin forests along the Myanmar border which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Best Time To Visit Ukhrul
Like almost all hill stations, the prime season to visit Ukhrul is the summer season. With temperature fluctuations as varied as 31 degrees by day to 10 degrees by night, Ukhrul provides the perfect respite from the heat wave washing over the country at the time.
However, you must take care to avoid visiting during the monsoons as torrential rains at times causes landslides which lead to the disruption of the communication and transportation systems.
7 Must Visit Places In Ukhrul
Shirui Kashung Peak, Khayang Peak and Khayang Waterfalls
Kachouphung Lake
Ango Ching Forests
Khankui Cave
Lunghar Seihai Phangrei
El Shadai Park
Duncan Ecological Park
Ukhrul has its own seven wonders which draw adventure seekers and nature lovers throughout the year. Do make sure to tick these off one by one when you visit Ukhrul.
1. Shirui Kashung Peak, Khayang Peak and Khayang Waterfalls
For a taste of natural splendor, check out the Khayang Peak or Shirui Kashung Peak which offer views that are not for the faint-hearted and rugged treks. The latter overlooks the border between Myanmar and India and has acres of virgin forests and green valleys surrounding it. While you’re at it, you can go lily spotting since Shirui lilies grow abundantly in the entire region. In fact, bird watchers on the Shirui Kashung Peak will be rewarded with sightings of rare species like Mrs. Hume’s bar-backed pheasant and Blyth’s Tragopan.
The Khayang Waterfalls are located in an off-beat destination and you may require extensive trekking for 5-6 days to reach this place. However, the end result is the possibly the most mesmerizing view you have ever seen in your lifetime. The 754 ft. high waterfall is tucked away neatly in the heart of the forests, making for an excellent experience by all means.
2. Kachouphung Lake
Nature lovers will appreciate the Kachouphung Lake which is approximately 7 km away from the Khayang Waterfalls. You can spot some colourful fishes and carp here. If it’s available, you can go boating as well.
3. Ango Ching Forests-
If you fancy a vast and untouched green space which is far away from civilization, Ango Ching is the place to be. This forest covers the border and is home to wild cats, leopards, sambars, black bears, elephants and tigers. Talk of some adventure! You should not be venturing in too deep without a local guide by your side.
4. Khankui Cave
The Khangkui Mangsor Cave or Khankui Cave is Disneyland for every aspiring archaeologist. There is a huge hall which was supposedly the Durbar Hall of the Devil King (as local legend has it). The cave was also a shelter for townsfolk during World War II.
5. Lunghar Seihai Phangrei
Planning to go on a picnic with your near and dear ones? Lunghar Seihai Phangrei is a wonderful option in this regard, being a lovely hill range joining the Shirui Kashung Peak. There are several fruits like passion fruit, grapes and pears growing in the region. Go ahead and take a bite!
6. El Shadai Park
This is a bustling park in the heart of the town and is easily accessible through cabs and rickshaws. This is the perfect spot for lounging about amidst the trees and flowers. Want to recharge yourself after some hectic exploration? You know where to head!
7. Duncan Ecological Park
3 kilometres away from the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Duncan Ecological Park has a popular children’s park inside it and offers a calm ambience amidst some ruins.
Go and get your deserved rest and fun
If you are on your way to do some soul-searching or going through a crisis or maybe just want to enjoy a solo trip, Ukhrul is your place. If you want to have a blast with your friends or embark on a budget adventure, again, Ukhrul is the perfect place to start.
Budget friendly and easily accessible through Imphal, Ukhrul is going to help you make memories to cherish for a lifetime. And above all a highly literate local population ensures that even if you don’t know the local language, English and Hindi will do just fine.
Every time I go to the mountains, I feel like I discover something new about them that I had never experienced before. There is never a moment of repetition or boredom upon travelling to the mountains. The enigma and aura keep pulling me in, showing me something new and fresh that instantly captures my heart.
Mountains to me are a promise of an adventure, a soothing touch for my aching bones and an ever-changing mystery that will keep me glued forever. Mountains have so many layers of beauty that I always feel like staying on wherever I am at a particular time. Our country is blessed with 7 magnificent mountain ranges which are worth seeing in a lifetime for sure!
Reason to Travel to these Mountain Ranges
From the Himalayan Mountains to the lush Western Ghats and the Aravalli range to the Eastern Ghats, India is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges on all sides. Each of these ranges have distinctly different scenic beauty, climates and atmospheres and thus they have very unique surprises in store for visitors.
Each of these mountain ranges have a multitude of famous hill stations that people flock to from all over the world like Kashmir, Nainital, Sikkim, Shimla, Dalhousie in the Himalayan range, Ooty in the Western Ghats, Mount Abu and Udaipur in the Aravallis and Vishakhapatnam in the Eastern Ghats. However, for those who do not enjoy travelling to crowded tourist spots, there are several other off-beat locations strewn all over the mountains that have raw appeal of their own.
List of 7 Major Mountain Ranges in India
Himalayan Mountain Ranges
Aravalli Range
Western Ghats
Eastern Ghats
Satpura and Vindhya
Purvanchal
Karakoram and Pir Panjal
In order to enjoy the best of each mountain range it is important to know its speciality and the amazing things that can be experienced there. You might be very confused and in a dilemma about your vacation plans. Therefore this detailed guide of the list of major mountain ranges in India is a good way to figure out where you should plan your next trip.
1. Himalayan Mountain Ranges
The youngest mountain range in India still packs a powerful punch, covering most of the north and with popular locations such as Kulu, Manali, Dehradun and lots more. The gorgeous view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the highest peak of Himalaya in India is a major draw as are the plethora of trekking, rafting and mountaineering opportunities for seasoned adventure junkies.
India’s oldest mountain range is majorly concentrated in Rajasthan and offers a brilliant landscape that is a photographer’s dream! The Aravallis are home to several birds and animals and add to the exotic flavour of Rajasthan.
3. Western Ghats
Think some of the loveliest waterfalls and rivers. Think lush natural greenery and a whiff of romance. The Western Ghats is pleasant and soothing round the year with beautiful valleys, peaks and tropical rainforests in its fold. It is truly a sight for sore eyes.
4. Eastern Ghats
Green fields, coffee plantations, high peaks, caves and waterfalls make for a pretty sight strewn across the Eastern Ghats. This is traversed by the rivers Kaveri, Mahanadi, Godavari and Krishna among others and also offers ample scope for adventure sports. The famous Araku Valley in Vishakhapatnam is a part of this mountain range.
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are dotted with these mountain ranges along with parts of Central India and other surrounding States. The beautiful landscapes are a major attraction with some popular locations being Panchmarhi, the Kanha National Park and Amarkantak.
An extension of the Himalayas to many, the Purvanchal range encompasses the Jaintia, Garo and Khasi Hills, traversing throughout north-east India. This range is covered by forests, valleys and charming tea gardens, making for a spectacular sight.
7. Karakoram and Pir Panjal
Imposing and hard to traverse, these ranges boast of the world’s second highest peak, K2. The climate is tough with barren terrain. The Biafo and Siachen glaciers are a part of these mountain ranges while rivers such as Jhelum, Ravi and Chenab flow through them. Extreme trekking and mountaineering are the key attractions here.
Experience the best that Nature has to offer
Due to several efforts made by the Government and local authorities, most of these ranges can be accessed quite easily by cars and thus travelling is not an issue at all. Although some roads might be more daunting than the others, yet the exquisite views and scenic beauty are worth all the pain.
It is best to travel to these ranges in the months of October to April since the weather is mostly comfortable and the skies are clear, enabling travellers to view mountain ranges quite clearly. As I always say to myself, proper planning is a must for visiting any mountain range along with making adequate preparations for trekking alongside. And of course, a trip to the mountains is incomplete without lovely strolls, views of floating clouds and delectable local cuisine!
Himachal Pradesh has always been on my bucket-list and I finally decided to do something about it. I thought of doing some research and finding a place that is quiet and undisturbed which is a luxury in our hectic lives. I eventually came across Shoja which seemed beautiful and boy did it turn out magical when I was there!
Summer was suggested as the best time to visit Shoja since the weather is ideal for camping or simply strolling about. I simply fell in love with the place just after seeing the pictures and the actual place itself did not fail to mesmerize me!
Some Required Technicalities While Visiting Shoja
I learnt that for aspiring travelers, there are several ways to reach Shoja in Himachal Pradesh. I had the option of driving from Manali or Chandigarh or reaching the nearest airport of Bhuntar at Kullu-Manali which is 56 km away from Shoja. I could also reach Chandigarh and then hire/rent a cab to access this destination.
Train rides were also an option with the nearest railway station being located at Shimla. Shoja is well connected by several roads and while the village in itself is small, there are several key roads that help you access the nearest airport and railway station. I decided to indulge in a romantic train ride to Shimla from where I hired a cab to reach Shoja.
Even though I prefer winter, I chose summer to experience the new place with less hindrances and crowds. Also, for accommodation, I had a choice between renting rooms at the guest house nearby or simply camping out here. There were no high-end restaurants although the local dhabas prepared some really lip-smacking dishes.
It felt like I stepped into one of my favorite books with meadows and colorful wild flowers blooming and peeping from every nook and cranny. I actually thought of doing my own Bollywood song and dance sequence here! Call me crazy but I was head over heels for the place! Being a small village, the list of things to do in Shoja is limited to just trekking around, camping and clicking pictures or checking out the exotic flora and fauna or just breathing and being (which is why I chose this place – to relax and be myself again, even if it is for a few days).
The mild weather actually helped me see and live in the beauty of this quaint place and to check out the Places to Visit in Shoja. As I said, it is a really small village and part of the Great Himalayan National Park which means that there is ample scope for a stroll to see the beautiful musk deer or brown bear. Some beautiful birds like monal, Indian Blue Robin and the white throated tit can be sighted too. I heard that those who go higher can also spot snow leopards at times!
5 Offbeat Places To Explore In Shoja
Waterfall Point
Jalori Pass
Serolsar Lake
Tirthan Valley
Raghupur Fort
1. Waterfall Point
It is just a kilometer from Shoja although I felt that miles have passed. The rushing sound of water as it traverses the steep and rocky surface of the mountain is a sight that never failed to enthrall me. One of the reasons mountains always have a hold on me is because of the waterfalls. There is just something magical about this especially early in the morning. With a cold breeze hitting me gently and the sound of water playing a guide during the trek, the whole experience is beautiful.
2. Jalori Pass
It is just 5 kms away from the Shoja hamlet and trust me, the trek is worth every bit of sweat. Want more help to understand? Well, Naina and Kabir did share a few heartfelt moments here while trekking. Naina and Kabir!? Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani! Now it rings a bell. But, this trek is not to be taken by someone who cannot tolerate some steep walking and carrying backpacks.
3. Serolsar Lake
This place should be next on the list. Upon reaching the Jalori Pass, another 5 km leads to the lake and I loved relaxing beside the crystal clear water. I was told to not miss the Budhi Nagin Temple by the locals at the nearby dhaba where I stopped to refuel. Little did I know that the lake was itself the temple and I spent an hour looking for the latter. But thanks to another local I learnt the truth. Legend says that budhi nagin is the mother of all snakes and her abode is at the bottom of the lake and the lake is very deep and cannot be charted accurately.
4. Tirthan Valley
This one is for the people who love wildlife (ME!) and this is where the National Park resides.
5. Raghupur Fort
This completes the historic part of Shoja. While there is nothing much left to see of the fort except some walls and barriers, the trek to the fort is the best part. 3 km from Jalori Pass is where the Mandi rulers built this historic fort and as I trekked along the path, it became steeper. However, I loved the oaks and rhododendrons for company alongside. I also lost myself in the amazing view of the inner Himalayas on top.
Gear up and go
The list of Places to Visit in Shoja might be few but the thrill these few places offer is worth the travel. However, what makes this trip be more precious is the silence, the view and the comfy smell. It makes you want to reconnect with your inner self and just be. The hectic urban life takes a toll on us and our inner creativity takes a long nap as a result.
Being creative is so essential to live. To be who you are, you need to take a break from what you are doing at present and find offbeat and quaint places like Shoja to go on some soul searching. After all, being a wanderer is what makes life beautiful.
I was fortunate enough to have convinced my boss about a mid-week leave from Wednesday to Friday for a short trip (yes we’re frank with him about going on trips and all) after a successful presentation. So I called up some of my buddies and we decided to fly to Bhubaneswar post which we would take a cab to Puri, the popular seaside town that promises loads of fun! We were all extremely relaxed what with the amazing mid-week trip that none of us expected and an entire weekend to relax after getting back (that’s also an incentive at times!).
If you haven’t been to the Konark Sun Temple yet, you’ve definitely missed one of life’s greatest pleasures truly! On the day we reached, all we could do was hit Puri Beach and we enjoyed to the hilt, frolicking in the waves and downing some lip-smacking fried fish at night with cool beverages. The next day, we set out for the Konark Temple which literally blew our minds!
The Sun Temple in Konark is truly an architectural wonder and also a scientific storehouse of innovation. It holds several secrets as we learnt. The Konark sun temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and we were stunned to know from our guide that the original Vimana or Deula was 228 feet tall. The sculptures proved to be a historical and aesthetic delight and so were all the mysteries.
The sun idol here used to be suspended in mid-air since magnets were used for construction. However, the mystery was unravelled one day after several years and the idol was removed since it was believed that the creation of this magnetic field impacted those sailors using compasses to navigate the waters. The main chamber has now been sealed but we loved the craftsmanship all around, the figures, the dining hall and open air dance hall. We also got our photograph taken by a local photographer and trust us, the vintage feel was worth it!
5 Most Places to Visit in Puri
Jagannath Temple
Gundicha Temple
Balighai Beach
Sudarshan Craft Museum
Chilika Lake
Apart from the fascinating Puri Beach itself, which will give you the fun of romping about in the clean waters and also a serene ambience, there are several other places to visit in Puri. Here are some which we liked:
1. Jagannath Temple-
A visit to Puri without a visit to the iconic Jagannath Temple is inconceivable. We were awestruck by this highly revered site which draws huge crowds of worshippers throughout the day. The temple has some really good carvings and you will love glancing at the Nila Chakra on the top of the temple. There are four chambers inside, namely the Jagamohana, Nata-mandir and also the Bhogmandir along with the Deul/sanctum. Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra are worshipped here. There is a Lakshmi Temple inside the complex as well along with a Vimala Temple.
2. Gundicha Temple
Another famous landmark worth visiting, you will love the Gundicha Temple which is one of the most revered Hindu temples built by Gundicha Maharani, the Queen of the King Indradyumna who founded the main Jagannath Temple. This temple is located adjacent to the same and is called the aunt’s house since during Rath Yatra, the Lord is shifted here for a period of 7 days.
3. Balighai Beach
We wanted to go to a beach that was less crowded and more pristine and hence Balighai Beach. This is a lovely beach that is relatively untapped by crowds and the sunset here was mind-blowing to say the least. We missed out on the Olive Ridley Turtles who come to this beach only in the winter months for laying eggs, strengthening our resolve to come back another time.
4. Sudarshan Craft Museum
This museum was founded by Sudarshan Sahoo in the year 1977 and showcases a fabulous collection of artwork from him including stone and wood carvings, fibre glass products, paintings and other handicrafts. There is a Buddhist temple inside along with a workshop and library. It was a fascinating visit since I personally love art.
5. Chilika Lake
The biggest coastal lagoon in the country beckoned us on the second day of our trip and we gave in! The lake is breath-taking with multiple smaller islands and the charmingly named Honeymoon and Breakfast If you’re lucky, you will spot several migratory and rare birds here. Being overwhelmed by the beauty on offer, we went click-click for a very long time indeed! One of my friends was lucky enough to spot the Irrawaddy dolphin as well! Talk about good luck!
All in all, we enjoyed our Puri trip and of course, the Sun Temple at Konark was a major attraction for us as well. The remainder of the trip was made memorable by the cool breeze, the splashing waves, the jolly locals and of course, the delicious local cuisine!
Fancy a historically and culturally uplifting vacation in the lap of nature? Trivandrum is where you may finally find the solace that you were seeking from life’s worries and complications.
There is no dearth of places to visit in Trivandrum but then, that’s not its only specialty. While you will have a lot of places to visit near Trivandrum, it is the city’s standing as the capital of Kerala, its cultural and aesthetic mores and of course, its splendid natural beauty that lend it a special charm of its own.
If you’re going Trivandrum sightseeing, there are several landmarks worth taking in. Here’s looking at some of the top places that you must not miss during your trip.
1. Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Now this temple is a treat for architecture lovers and for the spiritually inclined as well. The temple worships Lord Vishnu and fuses amazing Dravidian and Kerala architectural styles. It is present within the East Fort and the deity will arrest your attention with its depiction of Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose on the Serpent Anantha. The temple has several interesting stone carvings and murals as well.
2. Agasthyakoodam
This is Kerala’s second highest peak and you will love the fresh air and the Sahyadri range which dots the entire place at 1890 m high. The forests here are home to several medicinal plants and herbs along with rows of orchids. Bird watchers will love it here and the mountain can be traversed from Kotoor by foot which is near the Neyyar Dam. You can also go from Bonacaud. The peak is also within the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
3. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Think regal air and a whiff of splendid history wafting all about. Well, that is precisely what the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum is! This museum showcases Travancore architectural styles and craftsmanship and was built by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Balarama Varma who was once the King of Travancore. There are several priceless artefacts showcased here along with paintings.
4. Padmanabhapuram Palace
Let your royal odyssey continue with the magnificent palace which lies at Thuckalai en route Kanyakumari. This wooden palace is an architectural marvel with its imposing murals, granite floor and carvings. Crafted from teak and rose wood, the palace is now maintained and owned by the Kerala Government. It is located approximately 50 km away from Trivandrum and 20 km away from Nagercoil.
5. Veli Tourist Village
A major picnic spot for relaxing with your loved ones, this is the place where the Arabian Sea plays its interlude with the Veli Lake, making for a pretty sight. You can paddle through this lagoon in a boat at your leisure or hire a speedboat for a quick dekko. There are several sculptures here and the overall ambience is really charming to say the least. What makes things even better is that this landmark is just 6 km away from the Trivandrum International Airport.
6. Ponmudi
This is a perfect hill station for a small break with its lush greenery, quaint paths and a height of 915 m. Ponmudi will be a photographer’s delight with its wild flowers, rivulets, butterflies, the deer park and the lovely springs. There are quite a few trekking routes that pass through here since Ponmudi is a part of the Western Ghats. The journey to Ponmudi is itself a thrilling one with hairpin bends and turns!
7. Napier Museum
This museum is a must visit for art and history lovers. The Sri Chitra Art Gallery will leave you spellbound with its painting collection from different schools like Tanjore, Mughal and Rajput among others. Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings are also specially displayed here. The Zoological Gardens is a major attraction along with the Botanical Garden and Observatory which is the highest point in the city. There are several other artefacts that will draw your attention here.
8. Kerala Legislature Complex
The Kerala Legislature Complex is a charming yet magnificently designed building which will bowl you over with its impeccable galleries, teak panelling and the dome. Get a sneak peek into how the lawmakers function here along with marvelling at the sheer grandeur of this landmark.
A visit to Trivandrum will give you a complete vacation right from getting up close and personal with history and culture to wandering in the misty mountains to even splashing about in the sea. Book your tickets now and gear up for one of the most relaxing experiences you will ever have in a lifetime!
Picture an Eastern Ghats Valley resplendent with greenery, mist, mountains, winding pathways and a horde of natural attractions that draw innumerable tourists round the year. There you have it! It is none other than Araku Valley, one of Andhra Pradesh’s biggest attractions by all means. I checked out places to visit in Araku Valley when planning for a trip as part of my vacation in Vizag or Vishakhapatnam whichever you call it. I was hooked right from the outset and eventually, while on vacation, we had our hotel hire us a car and drove straight to this natural paradise.
Araku Valley was a balm for my soul with all hectic schedules of the past simply melting away into the fresh mountain air which I tried taking in to the best of my ability (think big mouthfuls!). As I later learnt, Araku is roughly 112 km away from Vizag which makes it easily accessible by road.
I visited this paradise in the month of October which is actually perfect for visiting. The peak tourist season here is between September and May which is also the best time to go since winter seasons ensure comfortable sight-seeing. For those who are into activities like caving and trekking, stick to winter. Trust me, it is more comfortable than you think!
Top 5 Places To Visit In Araku Valley
I was overjoyed on hearing that Araku Valley stands at 2990 ft. high with the majestic Eastern Ghats mountain range creating a spectacular ambience all around. Here are some of the places to visit in Araku that you must not miss.
1. Chaparai Waterfalls
This was loved by my entire family including my kids for the sheer ambience. The Chaparai or Dumbriguda Falls is one of the biggest attractions here and is surrounded by thick forest cover. It is situated approximately 5 km away from Araku Valley and makes for a great day outing. Of course, I loved the selfies I took here in large numbers!
2. Ananthagiri Hills
26 km away from the Valley is this quaint and tiny hill station which is positioned between Vizag and Araku. This is filled with charming coffee plantations and also waterfalls. The sight of the hill station is something that will fill any photographer’s heart with joy, like it did mine.
3. Araku Tribal Museum
I made sure that my family got a taste of Araku Valley’s traditions, cultural history and lifestyles through the visit to the Araku Tribal Museum which I had planned well in advance. Boy were they thanking me later! This museum is the best place to learn more about the people of the Valley and their rich history.
3. Borra Caves
Probably the primary attraction in Araku Valley, the Borra Caves go back all the way to 1807 and are the biggest in the country, positioned at 705 m high. The caves are created from karstic limestone as I learnt which lend them a surreal aura. Exploring these caves is a fun experience that I will never forget!
4. Padmapuram Botanical Garden
After all that excitement, we were ready to relax and recharge our batteries. Our guide suggested the Padmapuram Botanical Garden which turned out to be a magical place with the lovely trees, huts, plants and more. I was thrilled to learn that during the Second World War, this garden supplied vegetables to soldiers.
Landmark hopping done for the day, we feasted on some local Bongulo Chicken which is the prime delicacy here. This Araku Valley dish is famous for its novel method of cooking and also its unparalleled taste! I distinctly remember the taste even today! The Bamboo Chicken made here is top notch and so is the Teepi Avakaya and Madugula Halwa.
Araku Valley is not just a natural, cultural and gastronomic wonder as I found out. It is also the best place to really let your hair down and relax with your loved ones just like I did. The trip to the Valley is itself so beautiful and we had a thrilling ride back down in the evening as well. All in all, a complete experience for every traveller.
If spiritual tourism is what drives you, you can certainly consider visiting some of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu. There are several temples in Chennai although the Tamil Nadu temples list that you should check out carefully before visiting. Tamil Nadu’s temples will not just soothe you with their serenity and tranquillity; they will also leave you spellbound with their sheer architectural magnificence and sculptures.
A trip to the temples in Tamil Nadu will make for an interesting vacation since it will combine religious piety with culture, history, art and tradition in one exciting mix.
This temple worships Meenakshi which is another form of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Lord Sundareshwarar. This is one of India’s most famous temples, built reportedly in 6th century AD although some of its was damaged by invasions in the 14th The temple was restored in the 16th century and showcases spellbinding Dravidian architecture along with sculpted Gopurams which are a key attraction. The hall with a thousand pillars is another engineering wonder with every pillar emitting a musical note upon being touched.
This is a big temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It was built in the 11th century AD and showcases grand architectural styles of the Chola Kings. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a Vimana or tower that goes up to 216 ft. This is reportedly the tallest across the globe and the Kumbam on top of the tower weighs a massive 80 tonnes and is made from a single granite block.
This temple worships Lord Vishnu and is situated on the pristine Srirangam Island in Tiruchirappalli. Covering a whopping 150 acres, the temple comprises of 49 shrines and 21 Gopurams. The Raja Gopuram is the tallest in all of Asia at 236 ft. This temple has several attractions in store for visitors.
4. Jambukeswarar Temple (Thiruvanaikaval)
This Lord Shiva temple is an architectural delight with 7 tiered gopurams, carvings and 5 enclosures. The Shivlinga is kept in the Appu Lingam There is an underground stream beneath this Shivlinga. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati as Akilandeswari did penance under the cover of the Jambu tree here. She created a lingam from the River Cauvery’s water. Happy with her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her and taught her the Shiva Gnana. This is enacted by priests each day at noon and is a sight to behold.
5. Kanchi Kailsanathar Temple (Kanchipuram)
This temple may have been built by the Pallava rulers and is made of sandstone. This is the oldest Lord Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu and has a 16-sided Shivlinga crafted from black granite. There are 58 small shrines within the complex and a pyramid shaped main tower.
6. Ekambareswara Temple (Kanchipuram)
This temple is one of the five Panch Booth Sthalas or elements of the universe and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Earth. Legend states that Goddess Parvati did penance here by making a Shivlinga made of sand. Lord Shiva came before her and was called Lord of the Mango Tree.
One of the famous Char Dhams, this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and local lore states that Sita, the wife of Rama, made a Shivlinga from sand which was called Ramalinga. The Vishwalinga beside it was believed to have been brought by none other than Lord Hanuman.
The temple was built in 7th century CE as per reports and the restoration took place in the 16th This temple worships Lord Shiva. It has a Gopuram in a rainbow colour along with a water body and pillared halls.
Mahabalipuram is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monolithic rock-cut temples are built as Panch Rathas or chariots. The Shore Temple is also adorned with sculptures and carvings.
The Nagaraja Temple is dedicated to Vasuki, the serpent king. The 5-headed God is the deity in this temple and special rituals are performed here every Sunday. As per local lore, a village girl was once cutting grass when she saw blood coming out from her axe after hitting a stone accidentally. One of the villagers who came to the spot identified the stone as the idol of a 5-headed snake and post this the temple was built here. The soil beneath the idol here continues to be wet since it is still believed that blood keeps oozing out from the deity. This soil is believed to have magical powers for curing several ailments.
Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is one of the prettiest structural temples in Southern India that is built with blocks of granite from the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The Shore temple is among the oldest rock-cut structural stone temples in South India and is also a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
Note: It is open from 6 am to 6 pm. The entry fee is 10 INR for Indians and 340 INR for foreigners.
Annamalaiyar Temple is known to be one of the largest temple complexes in the whole of India that dedicated to Lord Shiva. It located at the base of Annamalai hills. The temple complex comprises of four tall gateway towers and has many shrines which include Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman.
Note: It is open on all days from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 am to 9:30 am.
Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is situated close to Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu and is famous for its architectural and engineering marvel. This great Temple of Lord Siva at Gangaikonda also has one of the largest statues of Nandi in the whole of southern India.
Note- It is open from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.
This Rock Fort temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha and is located at a top of Rockfort in Tiruchirappalli. Ucchi Pillayar Temple is one of the most popular temple of Lord Ganesha in India and the rock offers a stunning view of Trichy city.
Note- It is on a small hill that needs to be climbed.
15. Murugan Temple (Tiruchendur)
Murugan Temple
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple is among the most visited temple complex in southern India and it is devoted to Lord Murugan. The temple is also among of the richest temples of Tamil Nadu and the largest temple complexes with respect to the area in India.
Thillai Nataraja Temple is one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva which is located in the town of Chidambaram. Chidambaram temple is among the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams that represents one of the five classical elements and the temple complex is spread across 40 acres in the center of the city.
Note: It is open from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
17.Uppiliappan Temple, Thirunageswaram
Uppiliappan Temple is another most visited temples in the Kumbakonam Taluk which is devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu. The temple complex of Uppiliappan comprises of all the shrines and water bodies related to it.
Note: It is open from 4 am to 9 pm.
18. Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Namakkal
Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple is devoted to the Hindu God Hanuman and has one of the tallest statues of Hanuman in India. The statue of Lord Anjaneyar is about 18 feet (5.5 m) tall and incredibly carved out of a single stone!
Note: It is open from 6:30 am – 1:00 pm and 4:30 – 9:00 pm
19. Palani Murugan Temple (Palani)
Palani Murugan
Palani Murugan Temple is among the six abodes of Lord Murugan in India that is situated at foot-hills of the Palani hills in Dindigul. Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple is the most famous Murugan temples in India and is frequently visited by a lot of devotees.
Kamakshi Amman Temple is a popular Hindu temple which is dedicated to Kamakshi and is situated in the historic city of Kanchipuram. Goddess Kamakshi is one of the disguises of the goddess Parvati. It is very famous among devotees and every year the temple is flocked with devotees offering prayer.
Note: It is open from 5.30 am to 12 pm and 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
The Tyagaraja temple at Tiruvarur is among the ancient heritage sites of India and is a great representation of the religion-socio-cultural history of the Tamil Nadu for a period dating back over a millennium and a half years. Very little knowledge is there about this shrine to much of India. The huge temple complex is truly a legendary monument that has seen centuries of history and tradition.
Note: It is open from 5 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.
22. Kapaleeswarar Temple (Mylapore)
Kapaleeswarar Temple
The Kapaleeswarar Temple is popularly known to be one of the oldest temples in south Indian history. It is situated in Mylapore, Chennai. The shrine of Lord Shiva is the sole specialty of the temple. This temple was constructed by the Pallavas. Arubathimoovar festival is celebrated grandly in this temple during the months of March – April.
Note: Open on all days except for Mondays. The timings are from 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
23. Marundeeswarar Temple (Thiruvanmiyur)
Marundeeswarar Temple
The Marundeeswarar Temple is a temple devoted to the Hindu Lord Shiva. It is situated in the Thiruvanmiyur region of Chennai. This place is mostly visited by the diseased and people with health ailments. The devotees believe that anyone who visits this temple and prays with full heart and dedication will be freed from all the diseases and health problems.
Note: It is open from 9 am to 8 pm.
24. Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram)
Airavatesvara Temple
Airavatesvara temple is situated in Darasuram near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. The temple is constructed with the Dravidian style of architecture. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is smaller than the Brihadeesvar temple, yet it is more exquisite in detail. This temple made to the list of “Great living Chola temple”.
Note: It is open all days a week from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm.
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar temple is situated in Thiruvannamalai. The main God worshipped in this place is Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to be the largest temple that is devoted to Lord Shiva. Karthigai deepam is one of the famous festivals that is celebrated in Arunachaleswarar temple.
Note: It is open from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
A visit to the famous temples in Tamil Nadu will reinvigorate your senses and help you relax with the sheer peace and serenity on offer.
Wet gym socks, blue cheese, turpentine and onions – these are some of the smells used to
describe the King of Fruits. The smell of durian is so pungent that HAZMAT teams in NBC suits
and forensic police have been called in to investigate the odour. However ask any Malaysian
and we’ll tell you that the smell of Durian is just as amazing as your Parisian perfume. Times
ten. And the flavor? The rich, creamy, velvety texture? Second to none.
Being an almost elusive fruit that comes out during specific seasons, the durian can be a hard
fruit to catch. However once it’s in season, you’ll see durian stores popping up like mushrooms
everywhere. Ranging from an all-you-can-eat buffet that’ll cost you Rm40 to special grade
durians that’ll cost you Rm400, here’s a quick guide on where to find the King of Fruits.
Terengganu
Pasar Payang is the central market of Kuala Terengganu. Located by the Terengganu river, it is
a 2-storey building that sells wet goods such as fish, vegetable, seasonal fruits and traditional
delicacies on the ground floor and dry items such as songket, silk, brocades and handicraft on
the first floor. Visitors can expect to find a variety of grades of durian sold during the season.
Sarawak
Lawas, a sleepy riverside town situated by the riverside in the most northern part of Sarawak
comes to live each weekend. Lawas Tamu or Outdoor Weekend Market typically appears on
each Friday and Saturday and caters not only to the locals but also to the Bruneians next door.
Touted as the biggest outdoor weekend market, one can expect to find a plethora of things with
durian of course, being the star attraction. Sold in ‘ikat’ or tupperwares, one can choose
between one ‘ulas’, one fruit or even one whole tonne.
Sabah
Jalan Gaya Food Night Market in Kota Kinabalu is one of the four markets in the same area that
was created by the municipality to increase tourism and promote sales of domestic goods and
specialties. However the things that stands out the most are it’s roasted durians. Durians clad in
aluminium foil, roasted on a hot bed of charcoal. Tourists as far as South Korea and Taiwan are
known to fly in just for this specialty!
Penang
If you’re familiar with durian and want to take it to the next level, you can hone your mastery at
Bao Sheng Durian @ Balik Pulau. Here one can get educated on the types of durian and
sample in the variety of breeds, hand plucked fresh off the tree. Here the owner of the orchard
himself will be your guide in this durian-exploration. Due to the year round availability of durian
on this Island, one can also find durian at the local markets and eateries.
Perak
Forest durians or wild durians that vary in quality can be found lining the highways and main
roads, primarily from to Cameron Highlands from Tapah. The wet markets and night markets will
also sell durians from Penang, Ipoh and Pahang right from the D24s to the Musang Kings.
Pahang
Being the durian-capital of Malaysia, Pahang enjoys an all-round season for durian. An hour’s
drive from KL, Bentong is a small, cozy little town that can be explored on foot. The streets are
arranged in blocks and feature shops that are from the pre-war era, right to the 1900s. Famous
for a special breed of ginger and ginger byproducts, the inhabitants of Bentong have also
diversified their durian products. One can not only find the usual variety of durian but also durian
cake, durian ice cream, durian candy and almost anything that can be filled or made with durian!
Head over to the Bentong Durian Shop for durian galore.
Melaka
Apart from being the historical centre of Malaysia and producing lesser durian as compared to
it’s bigger neighbour in Johor, one can find numerous places that sell durian almost all year
round. Durian Heng is a 5 acre orchard that specializes in rare finds such as the D25, D101, D4,
Kasap and Red Prawn variables. Apart from the usual road side stalls that sell durian by the
bucketload, one can also find durian in wet markets, coconut shake stalls and the pasar besar.
Johor
A national treasure and also a state treasure – Johor churns out twice as much durian as any
other state in Malaysia. One will need an excel sheet to list down all of the places to find durian
but for the sake of the reader, we’ll just list down a few that are easy to find. Ang & Chuan Fruit
Trading not only sells durian but also other local fruits. Longan Durian King Buffet charges a
measly Rm10 for an all-you-can-eat feast. Desaru Fruit Farm is a good place to spend the entire
day just feasting on durian and living the life of a durian picker. You get to choose, pick and rate
durians and even attend one of the many events hosted by them.
KL & Selangor
If Johor and Penang are the producer of durians, KL and Selangor are the magnets for it. With
an ever steady supply of durian throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are spoiled by the
various types of durians coming in. For the thrifty and big plated, there are durian buffets
ranging from Rm20 to Rm50 where you can park and feast all day. And then there are the
specialty durians – the creme de la creme. These you can find at Sinnaco Durian Specialists,
SS2.com in SS2, Say Heng Durian Stall in USJ 14, Donald’s Durian in Seksyen 19, PJ and the
Durian King in TTDI. Some have taken it to the next step by opening up insta-worthy and
tourist-friendly stores such as the Durianity @ Puchong and DurianBB Park @ Imbi.
So whether you’re trying durian for the first time or for the thousandth time, there’s always
something new to be discovered in these many different locations. Come for the durian, stay for
the experience.
You must have heard of the famous Golden Triangle Tour? I had heard of it too and finally, one day, made up my mind about booking us a family vacation spanning Delhi Jaipur Agra which comprises the Golden Triangle. While booking, I saw that the average Golden Triangle Tour 5 days package was the usual preference for most travellers.
We started our trip in Delhi, moving to Agra and then to Rajasthan. We opted to fly to Delhi and then travelled by car to Agra and Rajasthan alike. The entire circuit covers approximately 720 kilometres by road and the driving time for each leg can be anywhere between 4-6 hours on an average. Shatabdi Express trains are also there, linking Agra and Jaipur with New Delhi. Of course, I was really excited that I was going on arguably the country’s most popular tourism circuit.
Leg 1- Delhi
Of course, Delhi has always fascinated me ever since I was a child and has innumerable attractions that I did not want to miss out on. We started out by heading to old Delhi, the epicentre of which is Chandni Chowk. Of course it is an experience like no other! I was initially blinded by the narrow alleys and all the hustle and bustle but slowly I started loving it. Of course, the mouth-watering kebabs helped and so did the trip to see the famous Jama Masjid. Lunch was at Karim’s, arguably Delhi’s most popular Mughal themed restaurant and then we visited the Red Fort which was a sight to behold! We rounded off with Raj Ghat which was where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and the light and sound show at the Red Fort.
We started off with the Qutub Minar on day two and this is another of those attractions that will leave you mesmerized. Then we came back to Lodhi Gardens and sat down with some sandwiches amidst the calm. Thereafter, we visited Humayun’s Tomb and finally reached India Gate which was spectacularly lit up by the time we arrived. The evening was rounded off with incredible gaiety and some shopping (but of course!) at Connaught Place.
The next morning saw us driving down to Agra which was a memorable journey by all means. We stopped at Fatehpur Sikri on the way for a glimpse into the ancient city built by Emperor Akbar. We then visited the Taj Mahal, the pride of India and an ode to love in its truest and most spectacular form. It was really hard to get myself away from the Taj Mahal site, lost as I was in its sheer beauty and splendour. However, reluctance soon turned to wonder when I checked out the Agra Fort where Shah Jahan was held captive by Aurangzeb. This is where he would gaze across the Yamuna to the Taj and remember Mumtaz, his wife, in whose memory it was built. Oh the goosebumps!
We reached Jaipur with an early journey and the Hawa Mahal was our first stop. This is truly a splendour-filled sight, one that will put several others to shame! Our awe continued with trips to the City Palace with its Pitam Niwas Courtyard and also the Jantar Mantar. The first day in Rajasthan was just like stepping back in time and taking a leaf out of history.
Then on the next day we drove to Amber which is approximately 11 kilometres away from Jaipur. We took in the Amber Fort, built by Maharaja Man Singh. The entire experience lasted long and we loved the views from the fort as well. In the evening, we headed out to shop at some of Jaipur’s most popular bazaars and shopping centres. The next day, we headed back to Delhi and then flew out in the evening.
The Golden Triangle trip was certainly something I relished and more so because of the awe-inspiring monuments, history and lip-smacking food of course. I recommend you do this circuit once to really delve deeper into the country’s magnificence and splendour of bygone eras.
Pangong Tso or the famous Pangong Lake as we all know has been one of Ladakh’s biggest tourist attractions since time immemorial. Did you know that this famous Ladakh Lake has been featured in the super hit Aamir Khan movie 3 Idiots? Yes, the Pangong Lake Ladakh has an irrepressible charm of its own, something that has made it a spectacular sight to behold almost all around the year. Pangong Tso is situated 4,350 m above sea level (try digesting that!) and is the highest saltwater lake in the whole world.
The Pangong Lake is also unique since it does not drain and is landlocked fully. The basin of the lake was formed through erosion of glaciers and it was earlier a freshwater lake which changed with accumulation of mineral deposits. Pangong Lake has an estimated depth of 300 feet and freezes up in winters.
You should certainly keep Pangong Lake on your itinerary if you are finally making that Leh-Ladakh trip! The lake is situated in eastern Ladakh’s Changthang zone which is a 6-hour drive approximately with the whole journey covering the Ladakh Range via Chang La at 5,360 m above sea level! The lake covers a whopping 135 km as well.
You should certainly not forget that the Pangong Lake falls in a sensitive region and the Line of Actual Control passes through it between China and India. The Indian Army maintains and keeps the road via Chang La open at all times throughout the year unless there is heavy snowfall. During winters, you can also take a walk on the icy lake which is a major attraction. There are only a few homestays nearby for accommodation purposes. The best time to visit is between May and October and the peak seasons are usually in the months of June and July.
You will need the Inner Line Permit (ILP) if you’re an Indian citizen for visiting the lake and foreign visitors will require the PAP (Protected Area Permit). You can get the ILP from the Tourist Information Centre which is located at the Main Bazaar in Leh.
Pangong Lake Promises to be an Out of the World Experience
Not only Pangong Lake give you some of the best and literally picture perfect snaps of a lifetime, it will also help you unwind with its picturesque landscape and imposing mountain views. Most people choose to visit the lake as part of a day’s journey from Leh and some even stay the night. The sunset or sunrise over the Pangong Lake makes for a spectacular sight and a must for all photography enthusiasts. The Lake is often covered in a bigger tour itinerary which includes the Nubra Valley and its attractions including Diskit, Khardung La, Tso Moriri Lake and Hunder among others. The Pangong Lake keeps changing its colours throughout the year which is a really unique feature. It turns light or azure blue from deep blue and then green and even grey at times!
If you’re lucky, you may spot the Kiang which is the Ladakh wild ass or the rodent Marmot which is found here. There are several seagulls and Brahmani ducks to be found here in summers. There are quite a few eateries and joints offering tea, Maggi and other food items near the lake. Some of these include Tsampa, Thukpa and Skyu along with Momos. Some stalls also offer Chang which is the indigenous local alcoholic beverage along with tea/coffee.
However, it is recommended that you carry some dry food items with you to cater to sudden hunger pangs! Remember to get your permit and always have your car/bike fuelled up nicely since petrol pumps cannot be found in this part of town! Leh-Ladakh is anyway a mystical and soul stirring affair and the Pangong Lake is certainly one of the most soothing excursions that you can make. The serenity and glimmering waters along with the majestic mountains and postcardesque landscape will make you go click-click at the drop of a hat! Of course, this is also a great place to spend some time alone with your thoughts or simply with your gang of buddies/family members if that’s your thing!
