Aryankavu - Hill Station of Kerala

Journey in train towards best hill station is always a dream for me because that way I can view the natural beauty closer compared going through flight or other sources. Today I found a place that is a small but cute hill station of Kerala known as Aryankavu. It is the village comes under Kollam region of backwater state Kerala. This Indian tourist place is yet unpopular and that’s the reason less people reach this town on vacations. However, my choice is such kind of places where I find fewer crowds no matter if the spot is having limited attractions.

After long research I decided to visit this green town through train and believe me my journey to Aryankavu was best then most of the places of India. However, it is the hill station so you will not get the direct or broad gauge line for this station. You have to reach Shenkottai through road and from there you can get the train for Aryankavu. Frankly telling there was less places to visit in the town but still I enjoyed a lot. I and my team mate spend 4 days in the town and that we can say were the memorable moments of our life.

There is another way to attain the town and that is NH 744 closer to Thenmala (our next targeted Indian tourist place). This mountain pass of Western Ghats is easily reachable through Punalur to Shenkottai route and you will get the train for these stations as well. Aryankavu town is just 78 kms far from Kollam town, though Paravur is 81 km distant from the destination. A climate condition is tropical here and languages used are English and Malayalam. Important spots where you can visit are Palaruvei waterfalls, Kadamanpara forest, Junction, Rose Mala, big temples and few more spots.

Attraction in Aryankavu:

Maximum places of South India are famous for holy values. Aryankavu is also having some historical temples, houses and locations to visit.

Sastha Temple: Initial tourism spot of town is Ayyappan temple that is listed in big temples of Lord Ayyappa. People believe Lord Ayyappa came to this place as a teenager with a different identity known as Tiru Aryan. That’s the reason this temple is also recognized as Aryankavu Sastha Temple. This shrine is between the forests though you have to take the route of Trivandrum - Tenkasi NH. If we talk about the values this temple is again similar to Sabarimala. Females from 10 years to 50 are not allowed to enter the temple. Rituals and traditional pujas are done in Tamil style so the male devotees have to remove their shirt before entering the temple. Females can take pleasure of this natural beauty instead of entering the temple. Whosoever is planning to reach here, the person should careful all time as the maximum part of Aryankavu is the jungle and full of wild animals. Some risk part is there in the town so be careful and take pleasure of this natural beauty spot.

Catholic Churches: Two wonderful structured churches known as St. George Malankara and St. Mary's Archdiocese founded by Mr. K. Abraham Vaidyer. Abraham was the popular Ayurveda physician and was the member of Grama (Village) Panchayat (Administration).

Palaruvi falls: Next place to visit in Aryankavu is Palaruvi falls. Palaruvi is basically made of two different words of Malayalam language. Pal is milk and aruvi means watercourse. The height of water is 300 feet and that’s the reason the water looks like milk. Water is crystal clear and the small pond allows you to take bath in nature. This could be different experience of your life because you are at real jungle and the original high waterfall area. Don’t miss this spot if you are real nature lover. Once you reach the falls you will find some of the mandapams or impressive cottages of ancient period. That states that kings of bygone empire came to this place and spend their valuable time. The important part of this fall location is the route is quite difficult and the forest pathways are full of mud. Trekkers will not face any problem here, anyway the place is good to visit and impressive in looks.

Rose Mala: Next tourism spot of this Indian tourist place located at 12 Km distance from the railway station of Aryankavu. Rose Mala is the enchanting ecotourism destination of Aryankavu. It is basically a dense forest scarcely populated especially for farmers and tribal. Rose Mala is closer to Thenmala dam so you can enjoy two different spots at one location.

Thenmala Dam: Greenery, forest and a big dam is quite impressive place to visit. Some tree houses are available in this area so enjoy the jungle life. Don’t forget to take permission from the forest department if you are entering the jungle.

Few other attractions of Aryankavu are Kadamanpara sandal forest (2^nd largest sandal forest) and Bourdillion plot that is first bemused planted garden of the world.

How to reach Aryankavu?

By Rail: Aryankavu is the hill station and meter gauge line is available in the town. However, the closest big station is Kollam that is few km distant from Aryankavu.

By Air: Closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram located at 95 Km distance. Flights for Thiruvananthapuram are available from Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and many other cities so people looking to reach Aryankavu.

By road: Aryankavu is connected to both Kollam (77 Km) and Thiruvanantha Puram (85Km).

Bandipur - The National Park of Karnataka

Wildlife is always excited and especially for those who are nature lovers. Today we are going to discuss about one of the favorite national parks of India known as BNP (Bandipur National Park). This beautiful natural spot of Karnataka state was established in 1974. The reason for founding this park was to give protection to the Indian tigers. It is basically a tiger reserve project of Karnataka government. It is closer to famous hill station of south India known as Ooty. In ancient period this park was the private hunting place for rulers of Mysore.

I know you need the best place for your holidays, but imagine if you get a chance to watch wild animals closer then it could be the best moment of your life. Yes! This is possible with Bandipur national park as you will get the chance to watch many wild animals such as tiger, boar, bear, mangoose, dear, elephants, birds and many other animals. One thing you need to keep in mind about this park is you should book your seats for jungle safari in advance because local visitors reach this place regularly on weekends. If you plan your visit on weekends then its better to book the seat prior so that you can save by standing in long Q’s of booking. Karnataka government is giving option of online booking through registered website of Karnataka tourism. Just follow those sites for your booking.

When we talk about the area of the park it is spread in 874 sq Kms that is equal to 337 sq mi. once you reach BNP you can also attain to another big national park of India known as NNP (Nagarhole National Park) located at good distance of 643 km.

We all know there are countless national parks in India, but few of them are special and Bandipur is listed in this life of amazing green national parks. As Karnataka state is having greenery everywhere and that is the reason it is most demanding tourist place all time. Few big parks that are available at limited distance from Bandipur are MNP (Mudumalai National Park) at 320 km and WWS (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary) at 344 km distance.

The finest feature of this park is forest department is having night safari as well. Learn the night life of jungle as this could be best but dangerous moment of your life. For night safari you have to take special permission from the administration of the BNP.

Special about BNP:

Flora: Timber trees are special attraction of the spot that include Teak, Sandalwood, and Rosewood, Indian laurel, giant clumping bamboo, Indian Kino Tree, Grewia tiliaefolia and clumping bamboo. There are many more trees that makes this jungle full of greenery and diverse flora location.

Fauna: Now when we discuss about fauna the park is having danger species such as Tigers, gaurs, muggers, sloth bears, Indian rock pythons, dholes and 4 horned antelopes.

Mammals: The available mammals in this jungle are gray langur, chital, giant squirrels and elephants. According to survey conducted in 1997 the list was prepared about the quantity of mammals available in this jungle.

As per records prepared after survey in 1997 there were 75 Tigers, 88 Leopards, 3471 Indian Elephants, 2427 Gaurs, 181 Dhole, 8204 Chital, 2386 Sambar, 66 Sloth bear, 14 Four-horned antelope, 1851 Gray Langur and 181 Wild boar.

Bandipur is closer to Ooty hill station and because of such reason people are reaching the BNP in good volume.

Park is not open for full day and you are getting the limited time to enjoy this natural beauty spot. The general timings for park are 9 am to 6 pm. However, night safari is available at special packages. 

How to reach Bandipur?

To reach Bandipur you have to reach Gundlupet Taluq of Chamarajanagar region. Mysore is the biggest and closest city to reach Bandipur.

By Train: Closest big station for destination is Mysore. Direct trains from various cities are available for Bandipur. The average distance between BNP and Mysore is just 80 kms. Ooty is major tourist destination closer to Bandipur.

By Air: Bangalore is major air hub to reach the destination. Bangalore is properly connected to major cities of India as well as abroad cities of various nations. It is the international airport having flights from almost every corner of the world. Domestic airport of Bangalore is also connected to almost every city of India.

By Road: Get the route to Ooty from Bangalore or Mysore. Easy buses are available for your location, however getting state transport is best option if you want to reach the location at cheaper travel rates. 

 Few Best Images of Bandipur National Park

Jambughoda - Wild Park of Gujarat

India and its destinations are always special. This is the reason why abroad voyagers are regularly visiting the different places of India. Today we are going to discuss about Jambughoda a well known tourist place of India. Jambughoda is the place of jungle means it’s a spot famous for forest life. Basically it’s a National park of central Gujarat located in Panchmahal district. Since 1990 the place is announced as Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. We can say it’s a place where you can see live wild animals but you have to take the permission from forest department before you enter in Safari of the jungle.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in huge part and small area is covered with Targol Round falls. This magnificent jungle of bamboos, teak and other species is special destination for adventure lovers. There are two water reservoirs famous for tourist. People have to reach Kada and Targol for these reservoirs.

You can watch Leopard as top predator in this park. The finest part of jungle is strength of Leopard is regularly increasing in this area. Some other common animals available in jungle are sloth bear, blue bull, jackal, wild boar and antelopes.

Countless types of reptiles include poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Before independence the complete area was under Jambughoda city. Undulating hills and good forest spread in this area makes it special destination for travelers. Some key spots of Jambughoda are Kada, Jhand Hanuman temple and Targol.

Kada is the most impressive destination of this park having beautiful jungle guest house located closer to irrigation reservoir. Kada comes under the Vadodara region, but the place is added in Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary. This place is ideal spot for local people because of natural beauty spots. It’s an Eco system wildlife place and easily reachable destination for travelers.

Attaining to Jambughoda:

By Road: Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is just 70 Km away from Vadodara City. It’s just 20 Km far from Champaner as well. Hire the car if you are planning to visit Champaner, Vadodara and Jambughoda. Shivrajpur is the closest town located at 1 km distance from Jambughoda Park.

By Rail: Shivrajpur railway station is closest train point to reach the destination. Various cites of India are directly connected to Shivrajpur town.

By Air: If you want to reach through air then Vadodara is the closest airport city for Jambughoda.

Best period: Reaching this place in winter is best for travelers. Gujarat is hot state so winter is preferred season to reach here. November to March is good months to attain sanctuary. Do advance bookings of ticket so that you will get the accommodation in rest house of the forest.

Rajmachi

Today we discuss about the Indian tourist place Rajmachi, which is the charming place located between two high peaks known as Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. This town of Maharashtra is eminent for the citadel, though two big hill areas of Maharashtra such as Lonavala and Khandala are located close to Rajmachi that means people can enjoy the natural India by visiting Rajmachi and its closer areas. Among surrounding hills Shrivardhan is highest with 3000 feet up from sea level whereas Manaranjan is having elevation of 2700 feet from sea level.

This hilly region is full of streams, cascades, and verdant greenery with deep valleys. Lonavala is one big known tourist attraction placed close to Rajmachi. Ulhas Valley and Bhor Ghat are two areas of town turned as first choice for picnic. Trekkers from diverse nations and states are reaching town to enjoy high hill. Attaining to town is possible by going through Lake Tungarli that starts after Lonavala hill station. The route to reach spot is amazing and full of natural beauty areas. The flora and fauna during journey is amazing too as the hill area is covered with greenery in surroundings.

Rajmachi town is a secret Indian tourist place, though lots of info is nowadays available on the internet. From last couple of years visitors list to Rajmachi is increasing every ear.

Attraction in Rajmachi:

Manoranjan Fort: historical forts of Rajmachi are popular located in west direction of city. Construction of Manoranjan fort was so strong that countless battles happened, but didn't damage the fort in large amount. Fort is having three main entrances with high walls and big gates. Water storage tank is constructed on the top of peak so that drinking water problem will be solved inside the fort area.

Shrivardhan Fort: next spot is oldest fort known as Shrivardhan  Fort was constructed by Maratha rulers located in east direction of Rajmachi. Fort is but in architectural style of Martha and entrance is made of semicircular shape.

Tungarli Dam and Lake: Rajmachi is available with countless tourist destinations and Tungarli Dam is one of the. Dam is constructed on Tungarli Lake, which is one more amazing picnic spot of town. Scenic surrounding the dam is best to watch. The area is complete green and view of town from Sahyadri hills (located close to Tungarli Lake) is best.

Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS): the park with wildlife is accessible for voyagers. This Wildlife Park is positioned close to town surrounded with dense forest. Bison and tiger view in RWS is possible, though it is dangerous spot so people have to take permit from forest department to enter. The safari and accommodation is available in area so travelers can make their holidays excited and adventures.

Bhairavnath Temple: religious people can attain to Bhairavnath shrine placed close to town, tough shrine is also known as Dhak. An idol of Lord Shiva is made amazingly, but constructed in shape of Kal Bhairav.

Trekking: people love adventure can do trekking in Rajmachi having high hills and dense forests. Here some areas are difficult to trek due to straight height, but trekkers will get best experience of their life by attaining trekking area of Rajmachi. Sahyadri hills are bigger and dangerous to trek, though professional trekkers reach the spot regularly.

Attaining to Rajmachi:

Mumbai is closer big city located at only gap of 76 kms followed by Pune at 79 kms distance, Khandala and Lonavala at 10 kms and 15 kms, and Hyderabad at 638 kms distance.

By Train: closer known railway station to attain Rajmachi is Lonavala available at only gap of 7 kms. However, big railway junctions linked to almost every city of India are Mumbai and Pune. Trains to Mumbai and Pune are available in large quantity comparing to other closer stations of Rajmachi. Trains for Lonavala are available from Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai,  and Pune.

By Air: to reach Rajmachi by air travelers have to reach Mumbai International Airport linked to domestic as well as abroad countries. Next big domestic air hub for Rajmachi is Pune located at 70 kms distance.

By Bus: MSTRC is having buses for Rajmachi from various parts of state. However, buses for Mumbai and Pune are available in large quantity hence voyagers can hire the buses for their destination easily.