Srinagar - Earth Heaven

Srinagar

Best Time to Visit:

Month of April to October

From the tourism point of view Srinagar is the most prominent place of Northern India which is situated at an altitude of 1730 meters above sea level. Every year thousands and thousands of all type of tourist come to visit here. Here, you can explore your tour in several beautiful places like wildlife sanctuaries, snow peaked mountains, amazing temples, historical places, Gardens, Lakes, House boating. The green lush valleys and houseboats city is the capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Patnitop etc are the most visited places and these are famous for natural beauty and pilgrims. You can shop of beautiful handicrafts and Woolen cloths. There are budget hotels and resorts are available. This is known as paradise of earth.

• Kashmir - The Heaven on Earth article to read.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

Gulmarg: The original name of the Gulmarg is Gaurimarg. Its amazing beautiful scene attracts the tourist every year. You can do several activities like horse riding, skiing, hiking etc. There are 21 different varieties of flowers so this is called the city of flowers. Gulmarg, nestled in the Himalayas, and very close to the Line of Control receives heavy snowfall in winters and is a popular ski resort.

Pahalgam: The valley for Shepherds, located 95 kilometers east of Srinagar at an altitude of 2130 meters near to Badgam district, Srinagar. The towering mountains, glossy glaciers, solid sulk, cedar forests increase the beautifulness of the Pahalgam. This place is the famous for lovers and honeymoon couples.

Sonamarg: Sonamarg, located at the distance of 81 kilometers from Srinagar at an altitude of 2730 meters. In winter, you can visit in the month of February and November. Sonamarg offers mainly trekking adventures and alpine skiing is also available at high altitude. It is also called the Heaven of Earth.

Dal Lake: Mostly visitors to Srinagar stay out in the Dal Lake for delightful houseboat. The wonderful Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake. This charming Dal Lake is divided into two parts 1. smaller ones the Lokut (small) Dal and 2. Bod (big) Dal. Potato, tomato, pumpkin, cucumber and lots of other seasonal vegetables are grown here cultivation other floating gardens which also lie in this part of the lake is another interesting feature.

Mughal Gardens: It is one of the fascinating tourist places of the Srinagar which is laid by emperor Akabar in 1586. The Nishant Bagh is laid by Asif Khan in 1633 AD. Chesmansahi is the first Mughal Park with a amazing layout and a wonderful view. So the Mughal Gardens is combination of three renowned gardens namely the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Gardens and Chashm-e-Shahi.

Pari Mahal: Pari Mahal has a charmingly laid out garden and is a five-minute drive from Cheshmashahi that is situated just above the Cheshmashahi garden, 10 kilometers from Srinagar. Pari Mahal is a historic monument as well as well-laid immense garden. Located around a small spring, the garden has beautiful flowering plants and various types of fruits.

How to Reach:

Jammu & Kashmir is the nearest airport and railway station.

Read more...

5 Best Place to Visit Kashmir

1. Kashmir - The Heaven on Earth

2. Sonamarg - Gold Land

3. Gulmarg - Ski your way

4. Pahalgam - Picturesque Scenery

5. Patnitop - Perfect Paradise

KASHMIR - The Heaven on Earth

 Kashmir - The Heaven on Earth

Kashmir - The Heaven on Earth, Nature's gift to India, explore all types of natural things: Lakes, Foothill Plains, Blue Valleys and Mountains where international and national tourists come to enjoy all types of tours like Spiritual Tour, Hill Station Tour, Wildlife Sanctuary, Honeymoon Tour, Trekking Tour, etc. If you are planning to visit the cultural tour then you can also choose the Kashmir because the culture of Kashmir is quite interesting. It is truly “The Paradise of Earth” which is closed to all-natural beauty places like Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Patnitop, and many more. Adventures activities like Trekking, Rafting, Fishing, and Mountaineering make the Kashmir tour amazing. So, if you are planning to make an unforgettable tour then visit, Kashmir. 

Pic Courtesy by: www.hellotravel.com

ABOUT KASHMIR

The word Kashmir is an ancient Sanskrit word that means Land of Kashyap Rishi. Kashyap Rishi was a Saraswat Brahmin and one of the Saptarshis, who was instrumental in the formalization of the ancient Historical Vedic Religion. Kashmir pandits are his descendants and have named the valley in his honor. According to "Nilmat Puran", the oldest book on Kashmir, on Satisar, an ancient lake in the Kashmir valley that means "Lake of the Goddess Sati", lived a demon called Jalodbhava (meaning "Born of Water"), who tortured and devoured people who lived near the slopes of the mountains. Hearing the suffering of the people, Kashyap, a Sahrawat brahmin, came to the rescue of the people who lived there.

Pic Courtesy by: www.lonelyplanet.com

After performing penance for a long time, the saint was blessed and, therefore, Lord(Bhagwan) Vishnu assumed the form of a wild boar (pig) and struck the mountain at Varahamula, opening an opening for water to flow to the plains below. The lake was drained, the earth appeared, and the demon was killed. The saint encouraged the people of India to settle in the valley.

Pic Courtesy by: en.wikipedia.org

As a result of the hero's actions, the people named the valley "Kashyap-Mar", which means Kashyap's residence, and "Kashyap-Pura", which means Kashyap city, in Sanskrit. The name "Kashmir", in Sanskrit, implies dried land of water: "ka" (water) and shimeera (to dry out). The ancient Greeks began to refer to the region as "Kasperia" and the Chinese pilgrim Hien-Tsang who visited the valley around 631 AD. C. called it "KaShi-Mi-Lo" In modern times, the people of Kashmir have shortened the full Sanskrit name in "Kasheer," which is the colloquial name Koshur of the valley, as noted in the introduction of Aurel Stein to the metric chronicle Rajatarangini.

Pic Courtesy by: en.wikipedia.org

The "Rajatarangini", a Kashmir story written by Kalhana in the twelfth century, coincides with Nilmat Puran, stating that the Kashmir valley was previously a lake. This lake was drained by the great rishi or sage, Kashyap, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the hills of Baramulla (Varaha-mule). Cashmere is a variant of Kashmir spelling, especially in the English language.

Pic Courtesy by: en.wikipedia.org

Read more...

5 Best Place to Visit Kashmir

1. Srinagar - Earth Heaven

2. Sonamarg - Gold Land

3. Gulmarg - Ski your Way

4. Pahalgam - Picturesque Scenery

5. Patnitop - Perfect Paradise

For making your tour more memorable, you can also visit some nearby tourist sites in series like the beautiful Dal Lake, Shalimar Garden, Chashmashahi, Jama Masjid, Vaishno Devi Temple, Amarnath Temple, Kishtwar National Park, etc. And as all these places are very near to Srinagar & Jammu you don't have to invest your whole day for site seeing.

Please do like +one more post along with your valuable comments this will keep us motivated...

Haridwar

For centuries, Haridwar is a place that preserves the Hindu religion and mysticism. Haridwar literally means "Gateway of God", located on the banks of the Ganges River, this small town is undoubtedly one of the holiest Hindu places in the world. This discreet city, chaotic and unforgiving, witnesses millions of pilgrims every year. The place is also a gateway to Char Dham or four religious centers: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, which promise sacred, adventure and cultural experiences for travelers.

Pic Courtesy by: www.cleartrip.com

Religiously, Haridwar is more important than the Rishikesh neighborhood, with a clamorous crowd in Har-ki-Pauri at night time, aarti, impressive temples, ashrams and in general an aura of religious fervor, making it a religious potpourri. It goes without saying that, being a religious city, it hosts several religious festivals throughout the year. Some of the renowned festivals are Kumbh Mela, Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela and Ganga Dussehra.

Sights & Activities:

Har-ki-Pauri – This is the signature attraction of Haridwar, which literally means the ‘Footsteps of God’. According to legend, Lord Vishnu dropped some heavenly nectar and left behind his footsteps here. Despite of fast current of Ganges, pilgrims take a dip holding chains fixed with the bar of ghats and donate money to the priests and shrines. Every evening an illustrious Ganga aarti (river worship ceremony) is staged here. This is best thing one can watch in Haridwar. The best times to visit the place are early in the morning and just before nightfall.

Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi Temples – Mansa Devi temple is situated on the hilltop and can be reached through a cable car. The path is lined with stalls selling Prasad (food offering in religious ceremonies). Travelers can also walk down 1.5 km path, but monkeys are atrocious here. Another temple Chandi Devi temple is located on Neel Hills, 4 km southeast of Haridwar. Many pilgrims combine these two temples in a same cable car, or one can walk through 4 km and reach there.

Haridwar Ashram Stay – Many travellers, especially foreigners make a beeline for Rishikesh to learn yoga and Hindu spiritual practice. However, no one can deny a few but serious ashrams in Haridwar run by learned masters and less commercial pursuit. Two most notable ashrams are: Sri Prem Nagar Ashram and Mohyal Ashram

Pic Courtesy by: www.euttaranchal.com

Rajaji National Park - This unspoilt park is located almost 13 km from Haridwar, covering 820 sq.km in the forested foothills a home to number of elephants, a few tigers, deers, leopards, a handful of sloth beers and some 300 species of birds.  Unlike other national parks where elephant safari is predominant, this national park offers only jeep safari, accommodating a maximum of 8 people. If anyone wants to stay overnight in the forest, there are three historic but rudimentary rest houses in the park. Staying in one of the rest houses will make the entry fee valid for three days. There is no food available in the rest houses, so one need to arrange food from Chilla. The comfortable stay is in Chilla GMVN rest house outside the park.

Pic Courtesy by: rajajinationalpark.co.in

Bara Bazar - Located on the railroad road, Bara Bazar is a popular shopping place in Haridwar. As Haridwar is a religious city, all you can expect here are the elements that are required in a Pooja (Adoration). However, in Bara Bazar you are also likely to find  handicraft items. Rudraksha seeds, Churan (digestive powders) and a variety of Methai (Sweets) made with mawa & milk can also be brought from Bara Bazar. Ayurvedic medicines are also a fairly popular purchase in the market.

Pic Courtesy by: www.oyorooms.com

ShantiKunj - It is the headquarters of one of the most famous spiritual and social organizations, the All World Gayatri Parivar in India. Located on the banks of the Ganges River and at a distance of about 5 km from the Haridwar train station, a large number of people approach Shantikunj in search of spiritual guidance, as it adds to your spiritual journey in the city. Shantikunj key features are social reforms, psychosocial engineering, self-sufficient development of rural India, comprehensive training programs, resurgence of Vedic culture, reinvestigation of Vedic literature and methods of Sadhana, sixteen sanskar (sacramental rites), Worshiping the deity of human life through the triple path of Upasana, Sadhana and Aradhana, and Ascent and Empowerment of Women and Transformation of Youth: Shiksha and Vidya (Education, knowledge and just intellect).

Pic Courtesy by: hindi.awgp.org

Charre-Marre Waterfall

After writing about the famous waterfall of India, The Mandwa Waterfall Waterfall, let's come towards the most Unexplored place of Chhattisgarh which is Charre-Marre Waterfall.

Charre-Marre Waterfall is located in Kanker district which is sixteen meter high zig-zag waterfall on the Jogidhara river. In the dense forest of Pinjadin valley, at the small stream of Nirgud, Chare Mare waterfall comes into existence.

The Charre-Marre Waterfall in Kanker District of Chhattisgarh State is Approx 17 Kms away from Antagarh City, on the way to Gaon Aamabera, there is a place or gaon called Charre Marre. The deep valley is horse-shoe shaped or resembles the English letter ‘U’ and comprises of green and dark black granite rocks, through which the serene Antagarh river flows ( local people refer it as Jogi river). Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world and from all across India visit this beautiful and picturesque waterfall. The waterfall is definitely a feast for your eyes.

One of the unique feature of this waterfall is that this is the only fall in Bastar division, which can be enjoyed as one complete view, otherwise in other waterfalls like Tirathgarh. Chitrakote e.t.c, you have to come down to the fall depth to enjoy in its extreme. So, Charre-marre is not provided by any watch tower or gallery, in fact, it is beautiful from any view. On one side of its upper view, there lie two idols of Lord Hanuman. One of which is ruined and kept exposed outside, while the other one is still in better condition, and kept inside a house shaped temple, built by the local bodies. Mostly people used to offer nearby stones or pebbles to Lord Hanuman's Idols. as the local people believe that clapping and then offering stones (during prayers) will render them blessing when the stone will be accepted.

Source: www.indianholiday.com

Connectivity :

Located approx 10 kilometers away from Antagarh City of District Kanker, Chhattisgarh and approx 85 kilometers away from Chitrakoot. It is only reached by road lines.

The nearest airport to reach Charre-Marre Waterfall is in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. The airport stands name as Swami Vivekananda Airport situated between Mana and Raipur City at a distance of Approx 128 KM from Kanker City and can be reached in approximately 3-4 hours taking a hired taxi or by Bus facilities.

The Raipur Jn Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Charre-Marre Waterfall. Travellers can fly to Raipur and take a Taxi, shared taxis or by bus can be hired to reach Charre-Marre waterfall from Raipur City.

One more alternate is there, you can reach Kondagaon City (comes between NH-30, 75 kms from Jagdalpur) and follow the state highway to Antagarh via Narayanpur.

Kanker is a famous city of Chhattisgarh and is very well connected with the rest of the state.

Source: www.csidc.in

Best Time to Visit :

Obviously rainy season is the best time to enjoy any waterfall whereas October to January remains the best time for photographers and nature lovers who wish to see the waterfall.

Accommodation :

For accommodation here, There is no any such type of resorts or huts available in Charre-Marre to stay you have to reach to nearby city Antagarh or Narayanpur.

Regarding lodging and boarding, rest houses are available in Narayanpur and Antagarh and as Narayanpur is the District Head Quarter, you can easily get necessary materials required for your tour. 

Mandwa Waterfall

After writing about the famous waterfall of India, The Tamra Ghoomar Waterfall, let's come towards the most Unexplored place of Chhattisgarh which is Mandwa Waterfall another most amazing waterfall and beautiful natural beauties place near to Jagdalpur City of District Bastar. It's so beautiful, so fresh, so unseen site that properly promoted, it can be one of the most promising tourist paradises of Bastar.

Let's Unexplored Mandwa Waterfalls

A view of Waterfall, Pic Courtesy by: nativeplanet.com

Mandwa is just like a mystic beauty, a combination of a small short remote untrodden valley, a series of cascades, greenery on the both sides of valley isn't it a big thing in a small package!! Just before this waterfall, there is a mountainous stream which has been bound by a nala bund, which has its origin 20 kilometers away to the southwest from the mountains near Katenaar, Gumadpal, Pakhnaar, this stream(nala) is called Mungabahar nala, as there is one village called Munga, near the origin of this stream.

On the flat top of this waterfall, there are some rock statues of Shivling and Nandi. Recently a small temple has also been made there in order to protect this idols and statues. Nearby there is one tree where there are a big oval shaped rock, people used to worship it as Shiv-ling, so you can also observe a half dozen of Nandi idols near this so called Shivling. Yes, of course, people and their faith, even I too bowed down my head here. There is a local belief that if any newly married couple or any childless couple comes here and pickup this shiv-ling shaped rock, then they will be bestowed by a baby. Hence, this belief makes this place more worthy, spiritual and divine also.

Connectivity :

Located approx 27 kilometers away from Jagdalpur City District Bastar Chhattisgarh and approx 8-10 kilometers away from Chitrakoot. It is only reached by road lines.

Mandwa waterfall is locatedin a place called Mandwa at Dornapal Village which is 4-5 KM from Mavlibhata, a village located on Jagdalpur-Geedam Road, which is around 30 KM away from Jagdalpur, but you have to park your vehicle 3km before to reach this waterfall. 

Map Courtesy by: www.mapofindia.com

The nearest airport to reach Mandwa Waterfall is in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. The airport stands name as Swami Vivekananda Airport situated between Mana and Raipur City at a distance of Approx 300km from Jagdalpur and can be reached in approximately 5-6 hours taking a hired taxi or by Bus facilities.

The Jagdalpur Railway Station on the Kirandul - Vishakhapattnam Line is the nearest railway station to Mandwa Falls. Travellers can fly to Visakhapatnam and take a train to Jagdalpur from Visakhapatnam. Shared taxis can be hired to reach Mandwa waterfall from Jagdalpur railway station.

Jagdalpur is a famous city of Chhattisgarh and is very well connected with the rest of the state.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this Mandwa Waterfall is in raining seasons. from July to October when the water is in its full force.

October to February remains the best time for photographers and nature lovers who wish to see the waterfall.

Accommodation :

For accommodation here, There is no any such type of resorts or huts available in Mandwa to stay you have to reach to Jagdalpur City.

For lodging and boarding, there are many good resorts and hotels in Jagdalpur. Some of the hotels provide exciting tour packages also. For the ease of tourist and visitors, Govt. of Chhattisgarh has made some good rest house and guest houses in Divisional  Head quarter, Jagdalpur.

Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls

After writing about the famous waterfall of India, The Chitrakoot Waterfall known as The Niagara Falls of India let's come towards the most Unexplored place of Chhattisgarh which is Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls another most amazing waterfall and beautiful natural beauties place near Chitrakoot.

Let's Unexplored Tamra Ghoomar Waterfalls

Img: A View of Tamra Ghoomar Waterfall

Tamra Ghoomar Falls is located at around 45 km from Jagdalpur. It is very close to the Chitrakoot Falls. This is a recently discovered waterfall with a height of more than 100 feet and is generally formed in the rainy season. There are green fields on either side of this waterfall. Just like Chitrakoot and Teerathgarh waterfalls, the stunningly beautiful Tamra Ghoomar Falls is another natural wonder and a scenic spot near Chitrakoot.

People from all over the country and the world come here to see their beautiful scenery and the spellbinding white water. This is definitely one of the best waterfalls in Chhattisgarh.

Img: A View of downside green beauties (Img Credit: Atul Kumar Sao)

The natural beauty of the area featuring lush-forested lands, deep valleys and magnificent hills attracts tourists towards it. Even though the waterfalls lies in a secluded location, numerous tourists make it a point to come here for picnicking and to enjoy the natural wonders with their families and friends. It is indeed one of the best ecotourism destinations in Chhattisgarh. The area surrounding the falls is rich in natural attractions and the best way to explore this place is to trek or take a scenic drive.

Img: A View of green beauties (Img Credit: Atul Kumar Sao)

Connectivity :

Located approx 45-46 kilometers away from Jagdalpur City District Bastar Chhattisgarh and approx 8-10 kilometers away from Chitrakoot. It is only reached by road lines.

The nearest airport to Chitrakoot Falls is in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. The airport stands name as Swami Vivekananda Airport situated between Mana and Raipur City at a distance of 280km from Chitrakoot and can be reached in approximately 5-6 hours taking a hired taxi or by Bus facilities.

The Jagdalpur Railway Station on the Kirandul - Vishakhapattnam Line is the nearest railway station to Chitrakoot Falls. Travellers can fly to Visakhapatnam and take a train to Jagdalpur from Visakhapatnam. Shared taxis can be hired to reach Chitrakoot waterfall from Jagdalpur railway station.

Jagdalpur is a famous city of Chhattisgarh and is very well connected with the rest of the state.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit this Tamar Ghoomar Waterfall is in raining seasons. from July to October when the water is in its full force.

August to November remains the best time for photographers and nature lovers who wish to see the waterfall.

By the point of Tracking:

If you like tracking then Tamar Ghoomar is the place for you. There is a track that goes to bottom of the fall, but it takes around 1:30 to 2 Hours to go there by walking, the track goes right through the forest and has some awesome views. For this one should be here in the morning so that the time of evening you should visit place and back to the home.

Accommodation :

For accommodation here, There is no any such type of resorts or huts available in Tamar Ghoomar to stay you have to reach to Chitrakoot where Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has made a beautiful resorts in Chitrakoot having 16 double bed cottage and 13 tents that are equipped with essential requisites, or at the camps near the banks of river.

Hope you enjoy reading blog i will try to provide more information on Unexplred India believe me it is one of the most amazing or beautiful places to visit in India, so do keep reading and provide your valuable feedback or comments this will help me to keep motivated.

Chitrakoot Waterfall - The Niagara Falls of India.

The Chitrakoot Waterfall (Hindi Name: चित्रकोट जलप्रपात) is a natural waterfall located to the west of Jagdalpur City, Bastar District in State of Chhattisgarh on the river Indravati. The height of the falls is about 29 Metres (95 ft). It is the widest fall in India, because of its Width and Wide spread during the Monsoon Season.

Because of its horseshoe shaped waterfall, It is often called The Niagara Falls of India.

Chitrakoot Waterfall - The Niagara Falls of India. (Img by the courtesy of www.bastar.gov.in)

The wideness of the waterfall depends on the water level in the river Indravati. Season to season it varies drastically, as in summer the span of the Chitrakoot waterfall is minimum, but during monsoon, the water level of the river Indrabati touches the both banks and the waterfall also formed the widest, nearly 150 m in wide and the waterfalls look like wild in nature.

Img: A view of Chitrakoot Waterfall during Raining Season

Img: A view of Chitrakoot Waterfall during Summer Season

Connectivity :

Located just 39 kilometers away from Jagdalpur City District Bastar Chhattisgarh. It is only reached by road lines.

The nearest airport to Chitrakoot Falls is in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh. The airport stands name as Swami Vivekananda Airport situated between Mana and Raipur City at a distance of 280km from Chitrakoot and can be reached in approximately 5-6 hours taking a hired taxi or by Bus facilities.

The Jagdalpur Railway Station on the Kirandul - Vishakhapattnam Line is the nearest railway station to Chitrakoot Falls. Travellers can fly to Visakhapatnam and take a train to Jagdalpur from Visakhapatnam. Shared taxis can be hired to reach Chitrakoot waterfall from Jagdalpur railway station.

Jagdalpur is a famous city of Chhattisgarh and is very well connected with the rest of the state.

Best Time to Visit :

The best time to visit this majestic waterfall in the heart of the wilderness of Chattisgarh is from July to October when the Indravati River unleashes its full force. The water carries a massive amount of silt but it's still a spectacle for visitors.

October to February remains the best time for photographers and nature lovers who wish to see a clearer and white waterfall.

Img: View of waterfall from river (Img Credit: Prerana Bharadwaj)

Accommodation :

For accommodation here, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has made a beautiful resorts in Chitrakoot having 16 double bed cottage and 13 tents that are equipped with essential requisites, or at the camps near the banks of river.

Img: Chhattisgarh Tourism Cottage View (Img by the courtesy of www.yatra.com)

About Indravati River:
Indravati River This river is a stream of the river Godavari. Its starting point is found to be the Ghats of Dandakaranya range from a hilltop village Mardiguda of Thuamula Rampur Block in the Kalahandi district of the state of Odisha due to the amalgamation of three streams, The River follows a westerly path and enters Jagadalpur in the state of Chhattisgarh. The river moves from here in a southern route, before eventually uniting with the Godavari at the borders of three states. They are the state of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Telangana.

Img: View of Indravati River

Careness & Happiness :
One should be careful while walking on the rocks as they are very slippery near the waterfalls. A visitor to this place would carry his happiest moment all along and would conclude that 'A thing of beauty is joy forever'.