Palitana - Pure Vegetarian City Of The World

Tourism in India has been always surprising because we find different kind of cities with dissimilar features. After long research, we finally got one of the Jain temple city Palitana. The popular thing about the city is this Indian tourist place is declared as one and only 100 % pure vegetarian city of the world. Yes! This is true that Palitana the city of Bhavnagar region, Gujarat is listed as the pure vegetarian city of the globe. The distance of the city from Bhavnagar is just 50 km and famous as a key pilgrimage center for the Jain community.

However, we were not aware that this city is listed as veg, but we were told to throw the stuff at the border of the city by a local commuter. That was a big surprise for me because I have never heard such thing in my whole life. I immediately checked the reviews about the city and found that it was declared “The World’s First Vegetarian City” on 14th August, 2014. This was all effort of Sudhar Sagar the Jain believer and his party members. A long hunger battle until death created the history and Gujarat government declared this touristy spot as a Vegetarian zone of India.

Talking about tourism in the city it is the pilgrim spot and lots of big and small temples are constructed in the city. The city is linked to Jain legends and their bravery history. The first Tirthankar Shri Adinath meditated on Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana. Later a temple was constructed at such location and today it becomes major part of tourism in the city.

Palitana was declared as a prime city in 1194, though it was the major states of Saurashtra spread in 777 km². In ancient period this Indian tourist place was ruled by Mughal Emperors and was granted to Shantidas Jhaveri the Jain merchant in 1656. Mughal Ruler Murad Baksh was the son of Shah Jahan gave the control of city to Shantidas. However, the temples in the city were constructed by the Anand Ji Kalyan Ji Trust.

Palitana is the only city of the world, having more than 900 temples in the hill. It is the major Tirtha place of Jain people. Nearly 3000 temples are established on Shatrunjaya hills made of white marble.

Attractions in Palitana:

Shatrunjaya Hill: Striking view of the valley and surrounding areas makes this place as first choice for visitors. The Shatrunjaya mount is 591 meters in height popular as the most sacred place of the shrine of Jains. The rock climb of 4 km with stepped path could be difficult for heavy weight people. However, the Doli and lift chairs are available for people who face difficulty to reach the top. There is another way to reach this peak temple and that is an elephant ride. Once you reach the peak you will find nearly 863 marble temples of Jain gurus constructed nearly 900 years ago.

Jasmine trees: Famous as Gulf of Cambay visited by numerous people every year. However, the trees and gulf area is closer to the temples so people who visit this area must not miss the amazingly designed shrines on the peak of the hill. Most of the temples are built of gold, silver and donated jewel items.

Modern Temple: The unique structural design of the Khartaravasi Tuk temple expresses the value of the shrine for people. It is counted largest peak temples with north ridge face towards Chaumukh temple.

Adinath temple: Another must visit place of the town located on the hill again. A holy place, having huge values for the devotees of Jain Community. View of the city is amazing from this temple and you will find a huge, dense greenery area starts from the boundary of the temple. The temple was built by a rich merchant of Palitana in 1618.

There are countless temples and naming each temple in the list is not an easy task. However, we tried to gather the data from different sources and we believe the mentioned spots of this Indian tourist place will attract the visitors to reach here.

How to reach Palitana?

By Air: The closest airport is Bhavnagar located at 51 km distance from Palitana. It is the domestic airport having two daily flights from Mumbai. However, the next closest big airport is Ahmedabad located at 215 km distance. Ahmedabad is properly connected to major cities of India so no worries if you are looking for flights to Ahmedabad.

By Rail: Palitana railway station is having direct trains so you can get the reservation for this city from almost every corner of the nation. Songadh, Bhavanagar, Mumbai and many other cities are having direct train for Palitana.

By Road: Gujarat government has managed the state with proper road constructions. The administration of the state is highly motivated and developing the roads throughout the state. If you are looking for Palitana through road, then you can get the route of Bhavnagar that is just a few kms away from the destination. Regular buses are accessible from Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Una, Talaja, Diu and several other cities.

Tiruvannamalai: Holy Hill city of Tamil Nadu

If you are looking for a religious and peaceful spot then there is no better option than Tiruvannamalai. This district of Tamil Nadu State is very famous for the glory of Lord Arunachaleshwara. There are many sacred temples and other tourist experiencing places like caves, churches, dams, forts, museums, lakes and ashrams that are worth visiting. 

If you want to realize what complete peace is? Then there is no other destination other than Tiruvannamalai. This place was founded in the year 1989. This place is situated on the hills, there are mountains and valleys all around. Here, you can find a great atmosphere for meditation. This district is also termed as a place of god. Where, you can sense divinity.

This place is mainly popular for temples. It is a well-known pilgrimage.  If you look at the temples from a distance. You can see the mountains as the background. The complete image is so astonishing that you cannot stop gazing this nature’s splendor. If you love archaeological than this is the destination that you must not miss out. The sculptures are designed very modestly. The beauty of the temples and ashrams cannot be defined in words. 

Well stating the place completely is not possible in this niche. There are around eight important destinations that cannot be ignored.

• Arunachaleshwara Temple
• Sri Ramana Ashram
• Skandashramam
• Virupashaka Cave
• Seshadri Swamigal Ashram
• Mamara Guhai
• Sattanur Dam
• Sathanur Reservoir

It is said that Lord Shiva subsists in five various appearances in Annamalai. The foremost is the hill. Second is the Linga shape.

Third in the sand form, therefore people do wear footwear’s while visiting temples and other holy places. Fourth in the form of fire. Fifth is in all five elements, which is also termed as paanch bootha in human form. The residents of this place have a belief that Lord Shiva is residing in between them in a human figure.

If you want to feel how heaven can be? Then this the destinations that you must definitely visit at least once in your lifetime.  

How to reach Tiruvanamalai?

You can reach the destination by rail or road. There is a train for Tiruvannamalai from all big cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Vellore, Kochi and many others. If you are travelling from Southern cities then you can also use the road mode that is buses and taxis. There are many hotels and guest houses near by the bus stop and railway stations so accommodation will not be a problem. There are many travel agencies that are offering a complete tour package that will include accommodation, traveling, sightseeing and visit to holy places.

If you are traveling from a long distance then it would be good to hire a city tour guide by contacting a nearby travel agency.

Asansol - Impressive Temple City of West Bengal

City of temples known as Asansol is our target of the day. This second largest urban city of West Bengal is also listed on 39th place of largest urban accumulation in India. To reach the city you have to attain to Burdwan region of state. Asansol is fastest growing city of the nation developing in International Institutes for Development. The visit of our team member to city was excellent. However, there are limited places to visit but each location is special and having unique features. City is also famous for temples, hospitality and best restaurants, though we all know West Bengal is popular for amazing food, traditional dresses and cultural activities. 

Some of the key locations of Asansol are mentioned in this short note:

Kalyaneshwari Temple: The first places that comes in the list is very famous temple of Kalyaneshwari at 20 km distance from the central city. This is the ancient shrine nearly 500 years old. The wonder idol of goddess Maa Kalyaneshwari gives different feeling to the devotees. Mata Kalyaneshwari is another form of Goddess Kali. Another big tourism attraction of city known as Maithan is closer to this temple.

Maithon: Listed in best Indian tourist places, Maithon is located in Asansol city. Maithon is favorite destination for outer tourists as well as local residents of the city. Avoid reaching the spot on weekends because local people come in huge capacity on their weekends to enjoy at this place. Talking about the distance you have to cover the gap of 22 km from the city Asansol to reach here. Damodar Valley is the largest reservoir of the state spread in 15,712 feet long and 165 feet height. 

Nehru Park: Our next target is a park known as Nehru Garden located at Burnpur (a closer city). Park is beautifully designed and you can enjoy the Damodar River at this place as well. There are some amenities such as boating, musical fountain and restaurant that you can enjoy. Previously the park was recognized as Riverside Park. However, you have to pay nominal fee to enter the park, this is because of maintenance of the park. Here you will also find the big iron statue of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at the entry point of the gate. 

Churulia: Next important tourism spot of Asansol is Churulia that is a small town at 17 km distance. If you are aware of famous poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, then this is the birth place of him. Key attraction of Churulia is Nazrul Academy housing his manuscripts, belongings and medallions of the poet. 

Ghagar Buri Chandi Shrine: A wonderful temple at few km distance of Asansol city. This shrine is famous for mental peace so if you are not happy or in need have calm environment then reach Ghagar Buri temple.  

Some other valuable locations of the city are Sacred Heart Church, Satabdi Park, Joychandi Pahar, Gunjan Echological Park, Chandrachur Mandir, Kali Bari Mandir, Burnpur Town Temple, Shiv Mandir, Sri Sitaramji Mandir, Babu Pará Shiv Kali Mandir, Kali Mata Temple, Maa Ghagharburir Mandir, Gopalnagar Durga Mandir, Laxmi Siva Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Biharinath Hill, Panchet Dam, Maithon Dam, Samadhi Of Kalikananda Maharaj, and some more spots. 

How to reach Asansol?

By Road: BNR Bus stand is available for travelers that helps the people to reach here from different cities of India. National Highway 2 touches the city at Grand Trunk Road connects the city to Neamatpur, Barakar and Kulti cities. Buses for Asansol are available from Berhampore, Malda, Midnapur, Siliguri, Bankura, Burdwan, Purulia, Kalna, Barackpore, Habra, Digha, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Bokaro Steel City, and Ranchi, Hazaribag, Giridih and many other cities. 

By Railway: Asansol railway station is connected to almost big cities of India. Trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Sitarampur, Jamshedpur, Purulia, Kharagpur, Bankura, Andal, Jammu, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Allahabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore are available for this Indian tourist place. 

By Air: Burnpur is having domestic airport with limited services, though Andal is available too at 25 km distance. KNI (Kazi Nazrul Islam) Airport is closer air hub to reach Asansol. Flights for KNI are available from Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.

Nathdwara - A City of Holy Places

One of the holy towns of Rajasthan known as Nathdwara is available for your travelers. This town of Rajasthan state is located at Aravalli hill ranges and the Banas River is flowing from nearby areas of Nathdwara. River is only 48 km far from another big city of state such as Udaipur. Nathdwara is popular for shrine of Lord Krishna and idol of Shrinath Ji. 

Construction of the shrine was done in 14th century and you will find here the infant idol that is incarnation of Lord Krishna. The interesting note about this idol is it was originally adored at Mathura, though shifted to Nathdwara in 1672. This was done to protect the idol from anti-Hindu fanatical Islamic policies made by Mughal King Aurangzeb.

Attraction in Nathdwara

Shrinath Ji Temple: One of the impressive temples of the town that holds huge religious values for the local people. This shrine was constructed in 17th century by Shrinath Ji. Devotees of Lord Krishna must visit the temple and should learn the historical changes that was done to protect the idol from anti-Hindu rule of Muslim Ruler Aurangzeb. During the transfer of the idol to Nathdwara the bullock cart used was got sank deeply and devotees were not able to take the cart out from that place. The priests decided to decide that spot as selected place of God. With the help of local workers a temple was constructed at that place during the ruling period of King Raj Singh of region Mewar. People also recognize this temple as 'Haveli of Shrinath Ji’.

Rakht Talai: Another best place to visit in Nathdwara also known as Haldi Ghati. The spot is famous for historical revenges, freedom fights and many other events. This talai is located at distance of 20 km from Nathdwara and easy transport is available from city for this destination. Here you will also find a small theatre where you can watch the short movie of 10 minutes filmed on Maharana Pratap.

Charbhuja Temple: It is listed as one of the oldest temples of Nathdwara region and it is famous as peaceful area. This religious site is known for cultural activities as well. Charbhuja is basically a place of Vishnu Temple located outskirts area of the town. If you go myth of religious books you will find this place is mentioned as 4th dham for Indian devotees. According to sources the temple is built 5000 years before. Charbhuja means four arms that means you will find the idol of Lord Vishnu with 4 arms.

Eklingji: One more holy place dedicated to deity of Sesodia Dynasty. Ekling Ji is known as another form of God Shiva. If you closely look at the idol there are four faces with all smiling impressions. Sources say the idol is constructed of 15th century. You need to reach Eklingji town where you can also enjoy the Eklingji Lake located closer to the temple.

Few more impressive spots of Nathdwara are Mavli Junction, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Giriraj Parvat, Jay Hanuman Mandir, Dheeraj Dham, Girdhar Sagar Lake, Kunteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Ganesha Takeri and Jai Shri Ram Mandir.

How to reach Nathdwara?

Attaining to this wonder holy place is possible through air, train and road.

By Air: Udaipur is the closest big air hub available for voyagers to reach Nathdwara. MPA (Maharana Pratap Airport) is available to reach the place though it’s a domestic airport so abroad travelers have to reach the IGI Airport of Delhi.

By Rail: Udaipur is again a best railway station connected properly to big cities of India. Private taxis and state buses are accessible to reach Nathdwara from Udaipur.

By Bus: Rajasthan state transport is available with various options like you can get the luxury buses and standard buses for Nathdwara from various cities of India. Private cabs are accessible as well from both almost every corner of the state for Nathdwara. State buses are available from Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Pushkar, Ajmer, Delhi and Jaipur.

Gurudongmar Lake

We always try to search the best and new places of India for our global users. The place we are going to discuss for our readers is Gurudongmar Lake. Also known as Gurudogmar Lake that is listed as highest lakes of the globe. This lake is located on the good altitude of 5,210 m. Gurudongmar is the town comes under Sikkim, India. The only gap of 5 km allows voyagers to reach the spot easily. However, the trekking route is a little difficult for voyagers. Overall, it is the adventurous place for voyagers. You can attain the route of Lachen through Thangu to reach the Gurudongmar lake by road.

If you go through images of Gurudongmar Lake then you will come to know the beauty of the spot. Images express more than words and because of that you should go through amazing videos and images of Gurudongmar lake. We are sure you will prepare for this destination once you go through wonder photos of the lake.

Gurudongmar lake is the freshwater pond located in Kangchenjunga hills. The lake is connected to Tibetan Plateau as well. It is the major source of streams for River Teesta. If you are planning to enjoy ice at this highest lake place, then visit the spot between November to May. The lake itself gets covered with ice at such period.

People recognize this lake town for the striking Gurdwara known as Gurudongmaar Sahib Ji. Few important facts about this place are mentioned below:

1. This historic temple is located close to Gurudongmaar Lake that is the town of Sikkim. The state Sikkim is famous for Himalaya ranges.
2. Gurudongmar is 150 km away from Gangtok the capital city of Sikkim. Altitude of this Lake town is 18,000 feet and the glacial peak is best spots to view. September to May is the period of heavy snowfall.
3. Devotees of Guru Nanak Dev ji believe he visited here during to China. Some footprints, his walking stick dugs are still available in the Gurudwara area. A pond known as Amrit Kund was made by Guru ji as well.

Gurudwara Renovation: This holy temple was renovated by Indian Army 22 Sikh Regiment during their tenure of Dec-2009 to May-11.

Our spot Gurudongmar Lake is located on North Sikkim in Yumthang Valley. The wonder towns situated closer to Lachen and Lachung are other best visiting spots for voyagers. Gurudongmar lake town as named after Guru Dongmar of Sikkim. We can say the lake is having religious values of the local people.

Once you reach the location you should not miss the view of Mount Khanchendzonga and Siniolchu. Both hill areas are able to take a breath away from our body because of their charm and beauty. The lake is completely surrounded with snow and icy water. As per sources Guru Dongmar (also recognized as Guru Padmasambhava) sanctified this lake. That is the reason one portion of the lake never freezes in extreme chilled conditions as well.

How to reach Gurudongmar Lake?

Your journey starts from Gangtok and you have to cover the distance of 8 to 9 hours’ to reach Gurudongdmar Lake. You will cross some more amazing nature beauty, towns during the journey such as Lachen and Thangu.

Time to visit: November to June is finest period to reach, though, chilled weather could be little difficult for you.

Do's & Don'ts: Get sunglasses along with Polaroid film to protect your eyes from direct sun rays. UV lenses are the best option as well because people faced white blindness issues at this place by watching direct to the sun. A trek of lake town is a little difficult, so better to halt at Lachen before starting a journey from Gangtok. Lachen is best town of night halt and morning journey is preferred to reach Gurudongmar. This way you can also acclimatize yourself with the weather conditions of the town. Light snack items are preferred as a food item and please don’t travel with empty stomach. Get an ID proof along with you and take some general medicines like headache, pain killer, fever, etc. Heavy woolen clothes will help to you travel comfortably in chilled weather. 

Pali - Tourist Place of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is always the first preference for abroad travelers. The reason is there are countless historical places that attract the visitors every year. There is one more cause of attraction of visitors to Rajasthan and that is hospitality and beautiful hotels. If you go through historical background of the state then you will find that many rulers of such state developed amazing forts and palaces at different places for their entertainment. Such forts and Mahals are today turned as best hotels of India. Travelers are really attracted with the lavish life standard of Rajasthan rulers and that is the major cause that foreigners also want to enjoy the similar environment.

 

Today we are going to discuss about one of the famous tourist places of India known as Pali. It is the city of Rajasthan, India established in Duthariya district. Pali itself is the region so you will get some closer big locations to visit as well. Keep one thing in mind that you are going to make your holidays special as nearby places of Pali are also impressive tourist destinations. Marwar rulers ruled the state for longer time and you will get the proofs of such community in different locations of state.

 

Indian tourist place Pali is located closer to Bandi River. The city is only 70 km away from another tourist place of state such as Jodhpur. Today Pali is turned as industrial city of Rajasthan.

History: The city was earlier known as Pallika and the reason of establishment of place was trade in Rajasthan. This city of trade was ruled by Guhilas in 11t century AD. However, Nadol kingdom captured the city in 12^th century ruled by Chauhan rulers. Different rulers captured this place because of business which means city was ruled by different empires at regular interval.

 

Tourist places in Pali:

Bangur Museum: Whichever place you visit, if you want to learn their historical values then museum is best place to visit. This first tourist place of Pali is located closer to old bus stand. Museum is named after Mr. Bangur of British government.

 

Lakhotia Garden: Next attraction of Pali is Lakhotia Garden located central part of the city. The garden is surrounded with pond and shrine of Lord Shiva is constructed in the middle of garden.

 

Somnath Mandir: Visit one of the best temples of city known as Somnath Mandir. The structural design of temple is similar to Shilpart. It is the temple of Lord Shiva located in middle portion of city. This shrine was constructed under ruler Kumarpal Solanki of Gujarat.

 

Manpura Bhakri and Hemawas Dam: A dam and nearby mountain area are two more attraction spots of Pali. Hemawas Dam is located at 10 km distance from Pali. Once you reach the dam area don’t forget to trek the Manpura Bhakri that is the best mountain of Pali. In Manpura you can visit Goddess Durga temple, Jabreshwar Mahadev shrine and the Jain temple.

 

Maharana Pratap Smarak: Pali is the birth town of Great Maharana Pratap (A best ruler of Rajasthan). This smarak is located closer to Somnath temple. This loyal king to his people had never bowed down. Maharana Pratap played important role in India independence as well. His name is listed in brave fighters of India like Rani Laximibai and Bhagat Singh.

 

Om Banna: One more holy place named as Om Banna is available for travelers. However, voyagers have to cover the distance of 20 km from Pali. The temple is placed on Pali to Jodhpur highway. Om Banna was the social worker of Pali and people were so admired to him. He died in road accident at the exact location where temple is constructed. Visitors can see the bike kept in this scared place.

 

Baoris: Next place is Baoris which is the step well of Pali. You can see the unique designs with each well.

 

Maha Laxmi Mandir: A temple dedicated to Goddess Laxmi is also special destination to visit. People believe its magical temple because Goddess fulfills all wishes of the devotees visit to the temple.

 

Nearby tourist attractions in Pali:

Some closer destinations for voyagers in Pali are Naulakha Jain temple, Bajrang Bag, Radha Krishna Astrological House, Karni Mata Temple, Geeta Bhavan, Hemavas Dam, Bangur museum, Sai baba temple, Bangur Mandir, Keshav Bhawan and Illogi Temple.

 

How to reach Pali?

If you have planned your trip to Pali from Ahmadabad then you have cover the distance of 385 km. However, Delhi is 555 km away, Pune is 1021 km far, Hyderabad is 1763 km distant and Mangalore is 2026 km far from Pali.

By Train: railway station of Pali is properly connected to big cities of India. You can get the trains for Pali from Guwahati, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Pune, Ajmer, Bangalore, Yeshwantpur, Ranakpur, Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mysore and many other cities. Jodhpur is the biggest and closest railway station for Pali.

By Air: Jodhpurdomestic airport is available for the voyagers who want to reach Pali by air. Jodhpur city is just 80 km away from Pali and frequent flight service is available for Jodhpur from Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Mumbai. Private taxi and state buses are available from outer part of airport for Pali destination.

By Bus:Rajasthan State Transport Corporation is having direct buses for Pali from Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and many other cities.