All are requested to share their travel experience in this thread
Printable View
All are requested to share their travel experience in this thread
Koyna river originates from Mahabaleshwar, which gets an annual record rainfall of 6000 mm plus. The dam at Koynanagar is 807 m long and 103 m high. It has 98.78 TMC storage capacity, 600 MW underground power station at Pophali and the used water goes to Kolkewadi reservoir. From there it is fed to a 320 MW power station. The total power generated from different phase power stations ia around 1920 MW.
The construction work of Phase IV is in progress. A 130 m deep pit is carved from rock and it connects two underground (under lake) tunnels. The dam has a depth of 80 m and the tunnels are below the lake bottom. When the work is completed the tunnels will be opened by using explosives and water will be fed to turbines in the power plant - an engineering marvel at Koyna.
Jungle trek - Jungli Jaigad fort
Location : Koynanagar near Chiplun. Chiplun is on the Mumbai - Goa Konkan railway route.
Jungli Jaigad (901 m) is a small, little known fort near the Koyna dam. Situated in thick forest infested with wild animals. From Chiplun travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus. Then travel to Navja (11 km) and to Panchdhara tunnel, the road leads to Alora in Konkan. The road passes at the foot of the fort. The entry to the fort is through a 1 m wide 15 m long route, cracked by an earthquake. The fort is 500 m long and 30 m wide with no water.
Travel from Panvel to Chiplun by train (4 hour). Travel to Koynanagar by Karad bus (1.5 hour). Koynanagar is 250 km from Panvel or 200 km from Pune via Satara. The route climbs from Alorey via Kumbharli ghat to Helwak and to Koynanagar. The dam (no entry/photography) is 3 km away on the Navja route by jeep. The near by Nehru Smriti Udyan offers a good view of the lake and dam. Entry fee Rs 10. The Koyna history museum gives details about the dam construction, power generation by underground power stations, underground water intake tunnels etc.
Travel to Navja by jeep. The road leads to Panchdhara tunnel (540 m long) and then to Alorey at Konkan after passing through two more tunnels. Jeeps reach upto Patel colony from there the tunnel is 3 km by walk. One can reach the tunnel by private vehicle by getting permission from the Chowkidar as the road has restricted travel. Just before the tunnel an unmettlaed road on left goes to the hills where a transformer is located. From there the route goes through forest and the route leads to the remote village Dicholi on the banks of Koyna river. One can travel from Koyna dam to Dicholi by launch after getting permission from Forest/Police authorities. The launch to Dicholi from the dam is at 1400 h daily. The travel takes 4 hour. The return launch from Dicholi is at 1000 h.
The route above Panchdhara tunnel gradually climbs through forest - trees prevent the sunlight to come downwards. So one can trek easily without bothering about the hot sun. After a 45 minute trek take the left diversion for Jangali Jaigad fort. Stone heaps mark the spot and the route is well marked with yellow paint on rocks. The route leads to a flagpost. Here the forest ends and one has walk on the hot sun to the fort. A left track over a narrow ridge leads to the fort. The only thing remains on the fort is a small shrine and a Deepmal (light stand). The to and fro trek takes 4 hour.
If one is not taking diversion for Jangali Jaigad the route leads to Dicholi. After around 800 m one reaches a white washed stone heap. Further the route climbs down to Dicholi and the route is well marked (white washed stones). From Dicholi one can trek to Jhungti fort, if one is adventurous.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1830/medium/P4090022.jpg
Jhungti fort : This is an unknown small fort on the western ridge of the Koyna lake. It can be approached from Dicholi village. Dicholi is connected by ferry from Koyna (4 hour), or a walk through thick forest (10 km) is possible via the Jungli Jaigad route. Ahead of Dicholi, the route to Jhungti is complicated and passes through very thick forest. Above Dicholi two huge volcanic rock fields locally known as 'sada' are to be passed. Cross the Vaghul sada and traverse north wards in thick forest. Walking along the ridge of the ghats, reach a high point 1027 m. From here, turn west, up and down a spur to reach Jhungti, jutting out into the Konkan. No inhabitation on the way except wild animals !.
Enjoy the company of birds and animals. Be with nature.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales museum) : Mumbai's premier museum, located near Gateway of India.contains some wondeful pieces. The huge domed building was built to commemorate the King George V's first visit to India in 1905 (while he was still the Prince of Wales), though it didn't open until 1923. Designed by George Wittet in flamboyant Indo - Saracenic style, it's certainly worth seeing.
Open from Tue to Sunday (1000 to 1800 h). Entry fee : R 15/300 (Indian/Foreigner), Camera/video : Rs 30/200 (Without flash for non commercial photography). Students with identity card has concession on the entry fee.Take advantage of the fee audio guide available in English, French, German and Japanese, which will help you zone in on key exihibits.
The museum's collection includes impressive ancient sculpture, terracotta figurines from the Indus valley, Gandharan Buddhas, miniature paintings, porcelain and weaponary. There is a natural history section and a collcetion of second rate European paintings.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290195.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290191.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290160.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290012.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290125.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1884/thumbs/P4290049.jpg
One of the best museums in India. If one is interested in antique items, visit the Jew street shops, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala. Few shops have better collcetion than any museums !!.
I visit Machu Picchu, I am Peruvian and was incredible.
Machu Picchu was constructed around 1450, at the height of the Inca empire, and was abandoned less than 100 years later, as the empire collapsed under Spanish conquest. Although the citadel is located only about 50 miles from Cusco, the Inca capital, it was never found and destroyed by the Spanish, as were many other Inca sites. Over the centuries, the surrounding jungle grew to enshroud the site, and few knew of its existence. It wasn’t until 1911 that Yale historian and explorer Hiram Bingham brought the “lost†city to the world’s attention. Bingham and others hypothesized that the citadel was the traditional birthplace of the Inca people or the spiritual center of the “virgins of the sun,†while curators of a recent exhibit have speculated that Machu Picchu was a royal retreat. Regardless, the presence of numerous temples and ritual structures proves that Machu Picchu held spiritual significance for the Inca.
More about Machu Picchu.... it is located in Cuzco, Peru.
All visits to Machu Picchu at some point leave from Cusco, which can be reached via a domestic flight from Lima, or international flight from La Paz, in Bolivia. Taking the tourist train from Cusco (which takes 3.5 hours to get to Machu Picchu), you have several options.
The most common way is to take the train to Machu Picchu in the morning, explore the ruins for a few hours and return to Cusco in the afternoon. The train terminates at Puente Ruinas station, where buses take tourists up the mountain to Machu Picchu. Strangely, Machu Picchu station is at Aguas Calientes (2km before Puente Ruinas station) but is not the station used by tourists on a day trip.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As Peru’s most visited tourist attraction and major revenue generator, it is continually threatened by economic and commercial forces. In the late 1990s, the Peruvian government granted concessions to allow the construction of a cable car to the ruins and development of a luxury hotel, including a tourist complex with boutiques and restaurants. These plans were met with protests from scientists, academics and the Peruvian public, nearly half of which is indigenous. Critics worried that the proposed facilities would not only destroy the beauty of the site but would enable far greater numbers of visitors, which would pose tremendous physical burdens on the ruins.
Hi Melvin, Thank you for the interesting info. Do you really visited the place ?. Will you share some of your travel photos in the forum.
Machu Picchu, Peru : UNESCO World Heritage site - Inca empire in ruins.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/1250/...PicchuPeru.jpg
Travel planning is like sex !. The foreplay and thinking it sometimes as pleasurable as the actual act.
Alandi (near Pune)- Pandharpur Yatra, thousands of 'Warkaris' walk the 240 km route to Pandharpur near Sholapur in Maharashtra. The pilgrimmage takes 21 days of walk with the phalkis. Devotees come from all parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka to Alandi. The bullock driven chariot is followed by thousands of devout pilgrims all along the route.Pilgrims sing devotional songs all the way with their musical instruments - 'Veena' and 'Dhol'.
The Yartra started on 09 July 2007 from Alandi. Views of Pilgrim's progress from Alandi & Dehu .
Thousands of devotees come in trucks equipped with tents, cooking utensils, LPG, stove, fire wood, food items, berth to sleep. They camp all the way in tents, cook the food and walk daily with the phalki by singing songs. Hundreds of makeshift tents make the yatra comfortable to devotees.
Pandharpur is one of the most respected pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. It is located on the banks of the Bhima river, which is also known as Chandrabhaga (fondly referred as it appears like a half-moon, actual Chandrabhaga river is now called Chenab and is in J&K). Pandharpur hosts the famous Vithoba temple, on the banks of the river. Vithoba is considered to be Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu; Vitthala is said to have been derived from the word Vishnu in Kannada. Vithoba's consort
is Rakhumai or Rukmini.
The worship of Vishnu - Vitthala - at Pandharpur is derived mainly from the puranas and has been augmented by the contribution of the great Vaishnava saints of Maharashtra and Karnataka from the 13th through the 17th centuries: Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Sant Eknath, Tukaram, Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa, Gopala Dasa, Jagannatha Dasa.
This temple, covering a vast area, has a total of six gates. The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate. The sanctum enshrines a standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. Vitthala is said to have been derived from the word Vishnu in Kannada.
Pandharpur hosts four "Yatras" in a year - of which "Aashadhi Yatra" attracts most (around 0.5 to 0.7 million) pilgrims to Pandharpur. Pilgrims take holy bath in river Bhima and usually stand in queues 3 km long in order to take "Darshana" of Lord Vitthala. The second most important yatra is Kartiki.
Warkaris do not leave Pandharpur on wednesday. Pandharpur, known as “Sourthern Kashi of India, proudly hosts the of Maharashtra. The Vitthal of Pandharpur is undoubtedly the premier deity of Maharashtra. It is, perhaps, the greatest centre of attraction for the masses as far as S. India. Sholapur (65 km).
Panduranga is a sanskritized form of Pandarga, the old name of Pandharpur. Pundalik, a saint was closely associated with this shrine, and hence this shrine is also known as Pundarika pura. Stylistically the image dates back to the 5th century AD.
There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century. Namdev, the 13th century saint was closely associated with this temple. Copper plate inscriptions of the Rashtrakootas place this shrine in the 6th century AD. There is also a shrine to Pundalik at Pandharpur. Pandharpur is also the birth place of famous painter M.F. Hussain.
More than 1.5 million devotees had visited the Pandharpur temple in 2007 pilgrim season.
Adventure road journey, Jammu Kashmir, India.
A road for adventure travel is from Jammu to Manali via Leh. It is a six day ardous road travel at high altitude and extreme weather conditions.Landslides and chances of road accidents are high on this route. Hair pin curves and a speed of 30 kmph with no overtaking.
No one is in a hurry on this road. Safety comes first.
Jammu - Srinagar highway is a good road which passes through the famous Jawahar tunnel.
Srinagar - Leh road is over Zoji la pass and Fotu la. Buses operate during the season with night halt at Kargil. Two day travel time is normal. Drass is the world's second coldest inhabited place. Kargil is near the Pakistan border and the highway is within the shelling range.
Srinagar - Sonmarg (87 km) - Zoji la pass - Drass (56 km) - Kargil (62 km) - Mulbekh (53 km) - Fotu la (4093 m) - Lamayuru (44 km) - Khulsi - Saspol - Leh (55 km).
Manali - Leh Jeep Safari
Manali (2050 m) - Kothi - Rohtang Pass (3985 m) - Gramphoo - Khoksar - Sissu (3130 m) - Tandi - Keylong (3350 m) - Jespa (3200 m) - Darcha - Patseo - Zingzingbar - Baralacha la (4880 m) - Sarchu - Lachulung la (5065 m) - Pang (4630 m) - Debring - Tanglang la (5370 m) - Rumtse - Upshi - Kharu - Thikse - Shey - Leh (3500 m).
Himachal Pradesh state bus operates in this route and the distance is covered in two days with a night halt at Sarchu or Keylong depending on the road conditions. Leh departure 0430 h daily, book one day in advance. The bus goes to New Delhi via Keylong, Manali and Chandigarh.
The Jammu - Srinagar national highway (NH 1A), the only winter route to Kashmir, is frequently disrupted due to heavy accumulation of snow at Batot - Patni top, Banihal tunnel and Quazi gund. Numerous frequent landslides and hurtling down of small bridges on the valley makes the traffic difficult. Heavy snows generally commence in October and the falls carry till May. Zoji la (3980 m, pass) leading to Ladakh (Leh) from Srinagar remains closed for almost six months. Closing of Khardung la (5602 m, world's highest motorable road from Leh to Siachen glacier base at Panamik) causes the road movement and stocking schedules of Shyok and Siachen garrisons.
Those on the other side of Khardung la acts as an airfield for Siachen. Line of Control beyond the point NJ 9842 (Siachen) was undetermined and was captured by Indian Army in 1984.
Series of bomb blasts ripped through the Kashmir valley and on the national highways on both sides of Jawahar tunnel at Banihal, random bomb blasts near Srinagar club, detection of a powerful explosive device inside the Jawahar tunnel itself, frequented prolonged 'hartals' at Srinagar, unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire at the sentry posts outside the residence of the sessions judge, firing near Inspector General office, killing of three terrorists in an encounter, a car was blown up in Lal Chowk and bombs were lobbed at a police piquet at Zaldagar bridge, two extremists fired at a CRPF post in the High court premises, several bomb blasts at various tourist complexes in the city, extremists lobbed a hand grenade on the roof of the TV transmission centre and at various police out posts.
A bus carrying CRPF 'jawans' were bombed by a remotely operated device killing more than 16, a powerful time bomb was detected at the Srinagar airport and was disarmed later, mob violence and protests, riots, military convoys were targeted by remotely operated bombs, grenades were lobbed at an ammunition depot, airfields of Avantipur and Badgam
were attacked using rockets in a commando style operation by terrorists and damaged a couple of parked aircrafts.
Major fires : A major fire broke out in Army petrol depot and JKSRTC bus stand due to the firing of MZ A17 flame thrower. The staff of Radio Kashmir was held at pistol point and a programme was aired by the terrorists. The terrorists fled in a jeep after throwing two petrol bombs, power stations and transmission towers were regularly damaged in attacks, one tube of the Banihal tunnel was blocked for more than 24 hours when a truck blew up halfway, a number of houses (mainly made of wood) were set on fire by militants while escaping, two trucks in the up convoy were damaged by mines at Zoji la, frequent bank robberies, fire from automatic weapons were even directed to armed forces Head quarters and lots more.
The most disturbing feature in Kashmir was the total passivity of the police during 'bandhs' and strikes.
Large number of Kashmiri youths were trained in guerrilla warfare at Pak occupied Kashmir and send back to India with sophisticated automatic weapons to disrupt the peace in the valley. They are provided with automatic weapons, huge quantities of ammunition, hand grenades, plastic explosives and money. Training camps are located near the Line of Control and are run by experienced Afghan Mujahids. Batches of 500 Kashmiri youths were trained at a time here. The financial support for these caps were done by POK administration and from their donations of the businessmen of the area.
Oh, it's so beautiful. Can you up more some pictures
On the first week of Sept 2007, I visited the mystery lake of Roopkund and Zorawar gali (5350 m) in Uttarakhand, India.
It was a moderate trek at high altitude over a well defined stone paved route. The weather during the 52 km to and fro trek was nice.
Red Fort (Lal Qila) : The sandstone walls of the Red Fort (Rs 11, Monday closed) extend for 2 km and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on the city side. Shah Jahan began construction of the massive fort in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. Shah Jahan never completely moved his capital from Agra to his new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi because he was deposed and imprisoned in Agra fort by his son Aurangazeb.
The Red Fort dates from the very peak of Mughal power. The Mughal reign from Delhi was a short one, however, Aurangazeb was the first and last great Mughal emperor to rule from here.
The Yamuna river used to flow right by the eastern edge of the fort, and once filled the 10 m deep moat. Tickets are available at Lahore Gate entrance.
Lahore Gate : It is the gate of the fort which faces towards Lahore, now in Pakistan. Inside the fort on will see a vaulted arcade known as Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). The arcade of shops once sold items that the royal household might fancy - silks, jewellery and gold.
The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana, or Drum house, where musicians used to play for the emperor. There is an Indian war memorial museum upstairs (Rs 2). The open courtyard beyond the drum house formerly had galleries along either side, but these were removed by the British army when the fort was used as it's headquarters. Other reminders of the British presence are the monumentally ugly, three storey barrack blocks that are situated to the north of this courtyard.
Diwan I Am : The Hall of Public audiences was where the emperor would sit to hear complaints or disputes from his subjects. His alcove in the wall was marble paneled and set with precious stones, many of which were looted following the 1857 Uprising. This elegant hall was restored following a directive by Lord Curzon, the viceroy of India between 1898 and 1905.
Diwan I Khas : The Hall of Private audiences, constructed of white marble, was the luxurious chamber where the emperor would hold private meetings. The centrepiece (Until Nadir Shah carted it off to Iran in 1739) was the magnificent solid gold and jewel studded peacock throne. In 1760 the Marathas also removed the silver ceiling from the hall, so today it's a pale shadow of its former glory.
Royal baths : Next to Diwan I Khas are the hammams (baths) - three large rooms surmounted by domes, with a fountain in the centre - one of which was set up as a sauna. The floors were once inlaid with pietra dura (marble inlay work), and the rooms were illuminated through panels of coloured glass in the roof.
Shahi Burj : This modest, three storey, octagonal, tower located at the north eastern edge of the fort was once Shah Jahan's private working area. From here, water used to flow south through the Royal baths, the Diwan i Khas, the Khas Mahal and on to the Rang Mahal.
Moti Masjid : Built in 1659 by Aurangazeb for his own personal use and security, the small and totally enclosed Pearl mosque, made of marble, is next to the baths. One curious feature of this mosque is that its outer walls are oriented exactly in symmetry with the rest of the fort, while the inner walls are slightly askew, so that the mosque has the correct orientation with Mecca.
Gardens : Between these buildings were highly formal Charbaghs (garden divided into quarters), complete with fountains, pools and small pavilions. While the general outline and some pavilions are still in place, the gardens are not what they once were.
The Khas Mahal, south of Diwan I Khas, was the emperor's private palace, divided into rooms for worship, sleeping and living.
The Rang Mahal, the palace of colour, further south again, took its name from its painted interior, which is now gone. This was once the residence of the emperor's chief wife, and is where he ate. On the floor in the centre there's an exquisitely carved marble lotus, and the water flowing along the channel from the Shahi Burj is used to end up here.
Relics of the Mughal era are displayed at the Museum of Archaeology (admission Rs 2) in the Mumtaz Mahal, still further south along the eastern wall. A sound and light show is at 1930 h daily is organised in the fort at Rs 50 (one hour show).
Chandni Chowk is the Old Delhi's main through fare where Sisganj Gurudwara is located.
Sunheri Masjid : In 1739 Nadir Shah, the Persian invader, stood on the roof of this mosque and watched while his soldiers conducted a bloody massacre of Delhi's inhabitants. Located near the Red fort.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2098/thumbs/P9111510.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2098/thumbs/P9111430.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2098/thumbs/P9111427.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2098/thumbs/P9111424.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2098/thumbs/P9111428.jpg
Jama Masjid : This striking mosque (camera Rs 150, Rs 20 minaret top) is the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644, it wasn't completed until 1658. The mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40 m high, and is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The main entry point is Gate No 3.
The courtyard of the mosque can hold 25 000 people. From the top of the southern minaret one can get superb views of the city.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2100/thumbs/P9132469.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2100/thumbs/P9132204.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2100/thumbs/P9132435.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2100/thumbs/P9132430.jpg
India Gate is at the eastern end of Rajpath (Kingsway), while the western end is Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's house), which is flanked by the two secretarate buildings (North block & South block). These three buildings sit upon a small rise, known as Raisina hill.
India Gate, a 42 m high stone memorial arch, bears the names of around 90 000 Indian army soldiers who died in WWI, the northeast frontier operations of the same time and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.
The building at the end of Sansad Marg is Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House). The building is a circular, colonnaded structure 171 m in diameter.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9110983.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9111011.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9111021.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9111017.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9110998.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2091/thumbs/P9111010.jpg
Purana Qila (Old fort) : Has massive walls and three gateways and was the site of the Indraprastha. Afghan ruler, Sher shah, who briefly interrupted Mughal sovereginty by defeating Humayun, completed the fort during his reign (1538 - 45), before Humayun regained control of India. Rs 5, Friday off.
Entering from the south gate, one can see the small, octagonal, red sandstone tower, the Sher Mandal, later used by Humayun as a library. It was while descending the stairs of this tower in 1556 that he slipped and sustained injuries from which he later died. Just beyond it is the Qila i Kuhran Mosque, or the Mosque of Sher Shah.
There's a small archaeological museum just inside the main gate (Rs 2) and there are good views of Delhi from atop this gate.
National Zoological garden / Delho zoo is nearby, Rs 10, Friday off.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132641.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132757.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132604.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132638.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132636.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132550.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2096/thumbs/P9132512.jpg
Crafts museum : It has a collection of traditional stalls displaying various crafts such as textiles, woodwork and ceramics. There are craft demonstrations and an impressive village life complex.
There's a fantastic museum with several well kept galleries of old wooden animals, string puppets, masks, paintings, tribal objects and terracotta figures. On site is a high quality crafts shop. It is near Purana Qila at Pragati Maidan (Admission free, Monday closed, Time 10 to 5).
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132743.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132742.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132719.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132680.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132657.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132737.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2089/thumbs/P9132744.jpg
Indira Gandhi Museum : The former residence of Indira Gandhi has converted into a museum (Admission free, Monday closed, Timing : 0930 to 1630 h). On show are some of her personal belongings, including the sari (with blood stains) she was wearing at the time of her assassination in 1984, as well as newspapaer clippings, letters and photos.
There is an enclosed pathway in the garden where Indira Gandhi walked moments before she was shot by two of her own Sikh bodyguards.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111046.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111033.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111045.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111043.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111042.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111034.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2090/thumbs/P9111030.jpg
Rail transport museum : It is a popular museum which houses around 30 vintage locomotives, some interesting old carriages and a toy train for a joy ride. Exhibits include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and various oodities such as the skull of an elephant that charged a train in 1894, and lost. Rs 10, Monday closed, Chanakyapuri.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9122105.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9122101.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9121917.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9121978.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9122097.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9122095.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2099/thumbs/P9122039.jpg
Jantar Mantar : The masonry observatory constructed in 1725 by Maharaja Jai Singh II. It has a huge sundial and other instruments to plot the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142794.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142793.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142789.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142787.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142786.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142771.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2092/thumbs/P9142791.jpg
Bahai lotus temple : It is shaped like a unfurling white lotus, is especially spectacular at dusk when it's floodlit. Completed in 1986, the temple is set among pools and well tended gardens, and welcomes adherents of all faiths to pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. Principles inherent to the Bahai faith include elimination of prejudice and universal peace.
Inside photography is prohibited. Timing : 0930 to 1730 h, Monday closed, located at Kalkaji.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111248.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111247.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111238.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111241.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111228.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2093/thumbs/P9111226.jpg
Humayun's tomb : Built in the 16 th century by Haji Begum, Persian born senior wife of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, this tomb is a superb example of early Mughal architecture (Rs 10, near Nizamuddin station). Elements in its design - a squat building with high arched entrances that let in light, topped by bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens - were to be refined over the years to eventually create the magnificence of Agra's Taj Mahal. Haji Begum is buried in the red and white sandstone and black and yellow marble tomb.
The octagonal tomb of Isa Khan (chief architect of Taj Mahal) is through a gate to the left of the entrance and is a fine example of Lodhi architecture.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121814.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121811.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121809.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121818.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121808.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121805.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2095/thumbs/P9121813.jpg
Nizamuddin's shrine : The tomb of Muslim Sufi saint Nizamuddin Chishti, who died in 1325, aged 92, is near Humayun's tomb at Nizamuddin. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan, who stayed with her father in Agra's Red fort during his imprisonment by Aurangazeb. Amir Khusru, a renowned Urdu poet, also has his tomb here. On Fridays (2 to 8 pm) the shrine has qawwali (devotional singing).
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121853.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121852.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121849.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121835.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121853.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2094/thumbs/P9121854.jpg
Shankar's International dolls museum : Boasting almost 6500 dolls from around 85 countries. Rs 10, Timing : 1000 to 1800 h, Monday closed, no photography.
Lakshmi Narayan temple (Birla Mandir) : The Orissan style temple was erected in 1938 by the rich industrialist BD Birla. The main temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Qutb Minar : The imposing buildings in the Qutb Minar complex (Rs 10, Monday closed) date from the onset of Islamic rule in India and are fine examples of early Afghan architecture. The Qutb Minar itself is a soaring tower of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. It's 72.6 m high and tapers from a 15 m diameter base to just 2.5 m at the top.
Bus No 505 from Ajmeri gate of New Delhi station will take you to Qutb Minar at Rs 10.
The tower has five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the 4 th and 5 th stories are of marble and sandstone. Although Qutb ud din began construction of the tower, he only got to the 1 st storey. His successors completed it and, in 1368, Firoz Shah rebuilt the top storeys and added a cupola. An earthquake brought the cupola down in 1803 and an Englishman replaced it with another in 1829. However, that dome was deemed inappropriate and was removed later.
Today, this impressively ornate tower has a slight tilt, but otherwise has worn the centuries remarkably well. It's no longer possible to climb the tower.
Quwwat ul Islam Masjid : At the foot of the Qutb Minar stands the first mosque to be built in India, the Might of Islam mosque. Qutb ud din began construction of the mosque in 1193, but it has had various additions and extensions over the centuries. The original mosque was built on the foundation of a Hindu temple, and an inscription over the west gate states that it was built with materials obtained from demolishing 27 idolatrous temples. Many of the elements in the mosque's construction indicate their Hindu or Jain origins.
Altamish, Qutb ud din's son in law, surrounded the original mosque with a cloistered court between 1210 and 1220. Ala ud din added a court to the east and the magnificent Alai Darwaza gateway in 1300.
Iron Pillar : The 7 m high pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and it has been here long before the mosque's construction. A six line Sanskrit inscription indicated that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu temple, possible in Bihar, and was raised in memory of Chadragupta II, who ruled from AD 375 to 413.
What the inscription does not tell is how it was made, for the iron in the pillar is of quite exceptional purity. Scientists have never discovered how the Iron, which has not rusted after 2000 years, could be cast using the technology of time.
It was said that if you can stand with your back to the pillar and encircle it with your arms your wish will be granted; however, the pillar is now protected by a fence.
Alai Minar : When Ala ud din made his additions to the mosque, he also conceived a far more ambitious construction programme. He would build a second tower of victory, exactly like the Qutb Minar, except of would be twice as high!. By the time of his death the tower has reached 27 m and no one was willing to continue the project. The incomplete tower stands to the north of the Qutb Minar and the mosque.
Ala ud din's Alai darwaza gateway is the main entrance to the whole complex. It waa built of red sandstone in 1310 and stands just southwest of the Qutb Minar. The tomb of Imam Zamin is beside the gateway, while the tomb of Altamish, who died in 1235, is by the northwestern corner of the mosque. The largely ruined madrasa of Ala ud din stands at the rear of the complex.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111218.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111197.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111212.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111208.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111206.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2097/thumbs/P9111198.jpg
Hey, i'm going hong kong next weekend. anyone been there? Never been there so would do with some intro of where I could go to get cheap stuff and preferably very good food ;)
Oh and I love singapore, the ffod and the shopping. simply heaven.
Air travel
International return fares (Rates Ex Mumbai, India in INR, 1 INR = US$46 approx., taxes extra).
New York - 29500
San Francisco/Los Angeles/Chicago - 31750
London/Paris/Frankfurt/Amsterdam/Cairo - 17750
Kaula Lumpur - 8950
Bangkok - 12500
Singapore/Muscat - 13500
Hong Kong - 19000
Dubai - 11500
Kuwait/Bahrain - 14500
Sydney/Melbourne - 26250
Auckland - 33250
www.rubytours.net
Cheap domestic tickets from Air Deccan, Goair, Spicejet, Kingfisher, Jet Airways, Air India Express etc. You can book the ticket using credit cards or purchase directly from Airport counters.
www.cathaypacific.com
www.airdeccan.net
www.airindia.in
www.flykingfisher.com
www.goindigo.in
www.jetairways.com
www.spicejet.com
Delhi : 2561
Bangalore : 2666
Chennai : 3415
Kolkata : 4333
Ahmedabad : 2220
Udaipur : 2645
Cochin : 2250
Goa : 2205
AirDeccan flies daily from Mumbai to Cochin. Dep time : 1925 h, Fare : Rs 2250. Luggage 15 kg + 10 kg handbag permitted. Flying time : 1 hour 20 minutes. Only Rs 225 for infant flying with aparent.
In European mode of travel, meals is not included. In American plan has both accomodation and meals are included.
Lol you realy travel alot.
Ponmudi (600 m): The small hill resort of Ponmudi is 62 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It is a scenic drive through forest, tea estates and tiny villages. If you want to stay overnight, there is KTDC guest house (Double room Rs 450, cottage Rs 550). There are seven daily buses from Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 24, 2.5 h). The last bus leaves Ponmudi at 6 pm. Ponmudi top is 2.5 km from the bus stop (Ticket Rs 5). Those interested in trekking can walk down to Kallar (16 km). Pine trees are grown in and around Ponmudi.
The route to Ponmudi goes via rubber estates of Nedumangad and Vithura. The high range cultivates spices like pepper, clove, cardamom etc.
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2231/thumbs/P1310203.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2231/thumbs/P1310206.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2231/thumbs/P1310138.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2231/thumbs/P1310129.jpg
Kovalam : It is Kerala's most popular beach side resort, 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam retains certain charm, with good beaches, a lush and peaceful palm and paddy setting, decent restaurants and a plethora of places to stay in all price ranges.
Kovalam consists of two coves (Lighthouse beach and Hawah beach) separated from less populated beaches north and south by rocky headlands.
Women are likely to grow tired of the parade of male Indian day trippers who stroll along the beach in the hope of glimpsing female flesh. Swim only between the flags, in the area patrolled by the lifeguards.
The Vizhinjam lighthouse can be visited (Ticket Rs 10). A one km walk on road takes one to the Vizhinjam beach.
KSRTC operates local buses between Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam in every 20 minutes between 0530 to 2130 h (Rs 7, 30 minutes).
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2230/thumbs/P2010418.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2230/thumbs/P2010412.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2230/thumbs/P2010373.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2230/thumbs/P2010366.jpg
Elephanta caves : The island is 9 km north east of the Gateway of India and is known as Gharapuri (Place of caves). The Portuguese renamed the island as Elephanta, because of a large stone elephant near the shore. This statue collapsed in 1814 and the British moved and reassembled the remaining pieces at Victoria Gardens, where it stands today. The Elephanta caves (Passenger tax : Rs 5, Admission Rs 10, closed on Mondays), are supposed to created between AD 450 and 750. The caves are a World Heritage monument by UNESCO.
The main cave has a number of sculpted panels, all relating to Lord Shiva. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurti - Brahma - Where the god is depicted as destroyer, preserver and creator.
There are also figures of Shiva dancing the Tandava, the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana Shaking Kailasha, Shiva killing the demon Andhaka, and one in which Shiva appears as Ardhanari, uniting both sexes in one body.
The small ASI museum has some informative pictorial panels on the origin of the caves and the Maharashtrian rock cut architecture.
Cave No 1 is a collection of 3 caves, each has a Shiv lingam. The main cave is spacious and has huge stone carved statues in partially damaged condition. The cave has a good array of carved square pillars. On the right side, there is a big water tank and a cave with a Shiv linga. On the left of the main cave, there is a medium size cave, in which a Shiv linga is enshrined. No puja is conducted here now a days inside the caves.
Four more caves are located on left side of the main cave. A 10 minute hill walk takes one to a huge Naval cannon (obsolete) at cannon hills (150 m ASL). Another cannon is nearby. There is a safe underground escape route from the both cannons.
How to reach : Launches are available to Elephanta caves from Gateway of India at Rs 100 return.
Spacious deluxe launches with roof top seats cost Rs 120 return (English speaking guide's service free). Boats depart from Apollo Bunder at every half an hour and takes one hour to reach the island. When the boat leaves the jetty, it gives a picturesque view of the Gateway of India and the Taj hotel.
On the left side is the Mumbai dockyard and the naval warship's area. Photography is prohibited around this area due to security reasons. The whitewashed fortress like Butcher island comes into view (a prison, now under navy). The cruise near the Ship channel gives one a chance to view
ships in close quarters. The route crosses a small island with ship refueling / fuel storage facility. The island with hills is the Elephanta. From the jetty, a 3 minute walk (mini train at Rs 10) takes one to the stairway leading upto the caves. The route is lined with handicraft stalls and patrolled by pesky monkeys. Palanquins are available for those who feel the need to be carried (Rs 150, oneway).
The island has two small villages, restaurants and a MTDC hotel for staying. The last boat to Mumbai is at 0530 pm (caves closes).
http://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2257/thumbs/P2240170.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2257/thumbs/P2240163.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2257/thumbs/P2240084.jpghttp://gallery.bizhat.com/data/2257/thumbs/P2240111.jpg
Goa has beautiful beaches of international repute. The foreigners sunbathing and laying at beach beds in bikinis proclaims the truth. Colva beach near Madgaon and Calangute beach (14 km) near Panaji has bus service. Calangute is known as the Queen of Goa's beaches because of its scenic beauty.
Some Hindu temples in Madgaon, people conduct prayers by offering alcoholic drinks to deity. Goa has lots of Wine shops from where one can enjoy variety of drinks at cheap rates. Goa is popular for it's Feny, an alcoholic drink prepared from coconut and Cashew fruit brewing. It comes at Rs 30 per bottle. Evenings are time for drinking, dancing and partying. Streets are of drunkards, few will be lying on roadsides. With permit (Rs 10) one can carry up to 3 bottles to out of Goa. Cashew nuts are the other best buy item from Goa. Goa is famous for its cuisine (Fish curry).