Manas National Park

Manas National Park is in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Indian state Assam in India. This national park is not only a Wildlife Sanctuary, but also UNESCO natural World Heritage Site, apart from that it is a Project  Tiger Reserve, an Elephant Reserve and even a Biosphere Reserve. This national park is adjoining with the Royal Manas National Park. Here in this park, one will get to see some rare , endangered and endemic species such as, Assam Roofed Turtle, Pygmy Hog, Golden langur and Hispid Hare. Manas is mainly famous for its huge population of wild water buffalo.

Manas National Park

The name of this national park was derived from the Manas River, which was named after Manas, the serpent Goddess. The river Manas is one of the main tributary of the Bramhaputra, which flows through the heart of this national park.

In the core of the National Park is the only forest village known as Agrang, apart from that there are more 56 villages around this park, where some way or the other, they are depend on this park.

Geography of the Park

Five districts falls under this park, there are Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalgiri, Darrang in Assam, India.

This park is mainly divided into three ranges, Panbari, is the western range, then Bansbari is the central range, which is near Barpeta road, and Bhuiyapara is the eastern range which is near Pathsala.

Located in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, Manas, has got a very dense forest. The major tributary of the Bramhaputra is the Manas river, which flows through this park, this river flows through the western park of the park, further it splits into two river namely Beki, Bholkaduba.

Climate

Here, the minimum temperature is around 15 degree Celsius and the maximum temperature is around 37 degree Celsius. This place receives the maximum rainfall between the months of May and September, the annual rainfall this place receives around is 333 cm.

 

Biomes

Mans has two major Biomes:

•  The grassland Biomes, which consists of wild Asian Buffalo, bengal florican, pygmy Hog and Indian rhinoceros.
  

•  The forest Biomes consists of capped langur, wild pig, sambar, wild pig, Malayan and black giant squirrel.
  

   

Flora

Vegetation

Between he borders of the Indo Gangetic and Indo Malayan biogeographical realms lies the Burma Monsoon Forest of Manas, which is also the part of the Bramhaputra Valley Biogeographic Province.

Arundo Donax

 

 

The main vegetation here are 

• In the northern part is the Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forests.
  
• the most common type is the East Himalayan mixed Moist and Dry Deciduous Forest.
  
• Low Alluvial Savanna Woodland, and
  
• Assam Valley Semi- Evergreen Alluvial Grasslands, which almost covers 50% of the park 
  

In the core zone of Manas, almost 543 plant species are recorded in which there are 374 species of dicotyledon which includes 89 trees, 139 species of monocotyledons and 30 species of Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms.

Bombax Ceiba

Some of  common trees in the park included Syzgium cumini, Bombax ceiba, Trewia polycarpa, Arundo Donax, Oroxylum indicum, Bauhinia purpurea and many more.

 

Fauna

Manas has about 55 species of mammals, birds of 380 species, reptiles of 50 specie, 3 species of amphibians. Among them 31 mammals are threatened.

Jungle Fowls

This sanctuary has Barking Deer, Indian Rhinoceros, Gaur, Asian Elephants, Asian Water Buffalo, Indian Tigers, Leopards, Slow Loris, Hollock Gibbon, Assamese Macaques and many more.

This park is also famous for as it has some rare species which are not found in any part of the world, such as, Hispid Hare, Assam Roofed Turtle, Pygmy Hog, Golden Langur.

Assam Roofed Turtle

This national park is the home of 450 species of birds and interestingly  it has the large number of  Bengal Florician. Some of the birds includes are Bulbuls, Jungle fowls, Fishing Eagles, Falcons, Ospreys, Brahminey Duck, Egrets, Pelicans.

 

Tourist Interest

Tourist here will be able to enjoy, the Elephant Rides, the Jeep Jungle Safari, river rafting, Bird Watching, Manas nature Trails and Treks.

 

Keoladeo National Park

The Keoladeo National Park is also popularly known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park was previously called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is in Bharatpur, the Indian state of Rajasthan. This avifauna sanctuary is a home to thousands of birds during the months of winter. Almost over 230 species of birds have made this national sanctuary their homes. This place is one of the major attraction to the tourists and especially during the hibernal  season for the ornithologists.In the year 1971, this area was declared as the protected area, this national sanctuary was also declared as World Heritage Site.

Keoladeo National Park

 

 

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the national park in India, which is both man made and man managed wetland. Bharatpur has been protected by this national park from those frequent flood, it also provides a good grazing ground for the cattle and moreover this national park was previously was used as waterfowl hunting ground. Ghana, the 29 km reserve has got a wetland, dry grassland, woodland, swamps. This national park is a home to 379 floral species, 366 bird species, 13 species of snakes, 50 species of fishes, 5 species of lizards and 7 species of amphibians and turtles. It is said that this sanctuary is the world's largest and richest bird sanctuary. This sanctuary also provides nesting for its residing birds and also for other migratory birds which includes water birds too. Siberian Cranes used to be seen here during the months of winter, but they have become extinct now. it is said that this sanctuary is considered as the world's best bird area.

 

How to Reach there

Jaipur is the nearest airport, daily flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow. Delhi is also another nearest airport. Bharatpur Junction is the nearest railway station. Bharapur is also well connected by roads. one can also avail daily bus service which leaves from Delhi, Mathura Jaipur and Alwar. if anyone wishes to travel though his own vehicle, can also avail that. Trains leaving from New Delhi like (New Delhi-Mumbai and Agra-Jaipur roe) also stops at Bharatpur. One can easily avail taxis which is employed from Agra or Delhi). From the bus and taxi stand, the Park gate is quite close.

Climate

The climate in Bharatpur is said to be quite extreme, like it is quite chilled in winter and quite hot during summers. Like every year, it rains for almost 36 days.

 

Flora

 This park is of semi arid biotype, is the only area which has got some vegetation, thus the word "Ghana" means thicket. This park consists of mixed vegetation like tropical dry deciduous forest to dry grassland where some part of forest has been degraded, here are some artificial marshes, along with it some medium sized trees and shrubs are also found.
In the northeast part of the park is the forests where one will find kadam (Mitryagyna parvifolia), jamun (Syzgium cumini), babul( Acacia nilotica) along  with kandi (Prosopis cineraria) and ber (Zizyphus).
Ber and Kair are found in Scrub lands, soil found there are alluvial, due to periodic inundation some amount of clays are also found.
Babul, with few Ber and Kair are found in open woodland. Pillo (Salvadora oleoides) is the only wood plant found in the areas of saline soil. for the waterfowls, the aquatic vegetation provide valuable food.

 

Fauna

Here macro invertebrates like worms,  insects, mollusks are found, they are major source of food for fishes and birds and hence form a good food chain. Land insects have become abundance now, which has given a positive effect on  land birds.
this national park is popularly known as " bird's paradise, it is reported that around 370 species of birds are found here. Another notable thing is during the months of winter, Critically Endangered Siberian Cranes are found in these area.

Waterfowls

Since the park is located in the Gangetic Plains, thus it makes a good breeding place for cormorants, herons, strokes, during winters, it is a good place for some migrants ducks. The common waterfowls which are found here are common teal, cotton teal, tuft duck, comb duck, great cormorant, little cormorant, little shag, oriental ibis, darter, green sandpiper, Asian open-billed stroke, common sandpiper, and many more. Here you will find Sarus crane, who is famous for its courtship dance.

Tuft Duck

 

 

Landbirds

Rich assortments ares found among the land birds which includes babblers, bee-eaters, warblers, bulbuls, chats, quails, patridges. One will also find Grey horn-bills and Marshall's iora. Preying birds such as spotted eagle, imperial eagle, tony eagle are also found. A new recorder breeding species in India, is a Great Spotted eagle has been spotted breeding here.

Grey Horn-bill

 

 

Mammals

One will find 27 identifies species in Keoladeo National Park which includes Blue bull, spotted dear, cambar, white boar, Indian mongoose, fishing cat, jungle cat are also found.

Fishing Cats

 

This place is considered as one of the best bird watching place in Asian, almost 1,00,000 visitors visits here every year. Among them 45,000 are foreigners. The entry fee is Rs.200 for the foreigners and Rs.25 for the Indian. Vehicles are permitted up to Shanti Kutir, which is 1.7 kilometers inside where Rs. 50 is per vehicle. After that you can choose to walk, or take a bicycle or rikshaw.
As a whole, it will make one of your memorable holidays..

Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is also a Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its elephant reserve and tiger reserve falls under the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerela is a protected area. It almost covers the area of 925 square kilometers, in which three fifty square kilometer, he part of core zone was declared in 1982 as Periyar National Park.

Periyar National Park

 

This park is also known as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, the other name of the park is "Thekkady". This national park is set along the border of Tamil Nadu, nested high on Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills which is along Southern Western Ghats. From Kumiley this park is almost 4 km, from Kottyam it is almost 100 km east , 110km west of Madurai and almost from Kochi it is almost 120 km southeast.

Tigers in Periyar

 

 

Climate

The temperature of this place varies almost depending on the altitude. During the month of December, it is said that temperature is around 15 degree Celsius and in the month of May to June it is almost 31 degree Celsius. Usually the annual perspiration varies from 2000 to 3000mm, where most perspiration occurs  during South West monsoon during the month of June to September.

 

Flora

It is said that almost 75% of the protected area are almost covered by the unaffected evergreen or semi green rainforests. The species of typical tall tropical trees which varies from 40m to 50 m in height are found, they are namely, Vateria Indica, Hopea Pariveflora, Canarium Strictum, Bischofia Javanica.

The forest consists of 7% of Eucalyptus plantation, 13% of damp leaves forests, 1.5%of grassland and the rest 3.5% is the Periyar artificial lakes, Periyar river and Pamba rivers.

The overall survey says that almost 2000 kinds of flowering plants, 170 different species of ferns, three kind of seed plants are found. Among the flowering plants one will get 169 families of sweet grasses, and many other frequent flowers along with 145 types of orchids are found in this reserve.

For medicinal purpose almost 350 occuring plants are used.

For the tourists there is a lovely picnic spot with river flowing through.  

 

Fauna

Mammals

Elephant is the main attraction in this national park, it is said that almost 62 different kinds of mammals are found including the one which are threatening too.It is estimated that almost 53 tigers are found in this reserve. Tourists come here for Indian elephants, for their act of playfulness in the Periyar Lake, it is said that almost 900 1000 individuals of elephants are found. Apart from this,other mammals found here are sambar, gaur, mouse deers, barking deers, Dholes, loepards, foxes, sometimes, Nilgiri Tahr are also visible.

Elephants in Periyar

 

It is also said that almost four types of primates are found which includes, lion tail macaque, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet Macaque, the common langur.

 

Birds

It is said that almost 320 different kins of birds are spotted in Periyar, which includes Kingfishers, the great Malabar Hornbill, cormorants, racket tailed drongos and darters.

 

Reptiles

This national park is the home to 45 different kinds of reptiles, among them are two turtles, 30 snakes and 13 lizards species. Tourists here also get to see the Monitor lizard, which is mostly spotted on the rock of lake share basking in the sun, even trekkers in the Periyar spots King Cobra and python sometimes.

 

Amphibians

It is recorded that almost 27 species of amphibians are spotted here, among which 10 of them are endemic to western ghats such as frogs and caecilians 

Fish

In the water of the  protected area of this national park38 different types of fishes are found, aming them some are endemic to Western Ghats. Like Salmons and Trout are found here.

Insects

In this protected area, almost 160 different kinds of insects including variety of butterflies are found here. Some dangerous insects too are found, which make cause some serious health problems to Humans.

Apart from the flora and fauna in the Periyar National Park, one will find the Temple of Sabarimala in the buffer zone of Periyar, which receives almost 4 million of tourists everyday.

Manali Tourism, Manali Travel Guide, Manali Hill Station

Manali is situated in the lap of Beas River Valley, is one of the beautiful hill station which is burrowed in the mountains, at the northern end of Kullu Valley is in Himachal Pradesh, part of India.Manali, is almost 270 km north of state capital Shimla. As an admistratively part of Kullu district, Manali approximately has got got the population of around 30,000. Manali, begins from the very ancient trade route to Ladakh and then it  goes over Karakoram Pass, taking on Yarkand and Khotan on the Tarim Basin.

Manali

 It is said, that Manali, including its surrounding area has got a greater significance to Indian Culture, as these places are known as home of  Saptarishi or Seven Sages.

Transport

Air: If anyone wishes to travel by air, the nearest airport is known as Kullu-Manali airport, which is at Bhuntar Town which is almpost 50 km South of Manali and 10 km South of Kullu. Some of the private airline including Indian Airlines provides regular service here. Apart from this, the nearest international airport is in Chandigarh.

Road: From Delhi, through national highway NH1 you can reach Chandigarh and from there one has to avail national highway NH21. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is 533 km.

Rail: Manali is not easy to approach by rail, the nearest broad gauge rail head are Chandigarh, Pathankot and Kalka, the nearest narrow gauge rail head are Joginder Nagar.

Tourism

Manali's economy mainly depends on tourism. Tourists from all the corners of the world are attracted not only ecause of the presence of Hindu shrines or Buddhist monasteries, but also of the adventurous sports and the serene scenic beauty of the place, which gives one an ultimate peace.Some of the place of interest in Manali are:

Rotang Pass:Almost 51 km by road, on the way is a clear water spring, which is named after Lt. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is a village which has got brilliant scenic beauty and addition to its beauty, the river Beas flows swiftly through the deep gorge. Almost at an altitude of 2500m is the Rahalla Falls. The Rotang Pass which is almost 3978m in height  is a gateway to trans Himalayan Lahaul. It is almost 52 km from Manali. On the way to Rotang Pass is a popular picnic spot called Rani Nala.

Rotang Pass

 

Hadimba Temple: Which is almost 2 km from Manali was built in 1533 A.D is a four tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for beautiful carved doorway.

Solang Valley:  It is the side valley at the top of Kullu valley, on the way to Rotang Pass almost 14 northwest of Manali. This place is famous for both summer and winter sports which includes, parachuting, zorbing, paragliding and skating.

Solang Valley

 

Vashista temple: There are temple which is dedicated to Lord Rama, and sage Vashista and a very well known hot springs.

Club House: This place gives you an ample facilities which includes roller skating rink, bill boards, library, auditorium,bar, restaurants an they also provide Bungee jumping too.

Monasteries: At Manali, there are three monasteries which are built recently.

 As a whole Manali will make a memorable holiday destination.

Munnar Tourism, Munnar Tourist, Munnar Tea Valley

Munnar, is in Idukki district, which is a part of the Indian state Kerela, is a hill station, which is nested in the Western Ghat,  a range of mountains. It is believed that the name Munnar  actually mean "three rivers" as this place is  the junction of the three rivers, Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly .

Munnar town lies in the lap of Kannan Devan Hills. Devukulam taluk is the village part of Munnar, it is said that in Idukki district, this village is the largest panchayat, almost covering the larger part of the area. .Ernakulam and Aluva are the two nearest major railway stations, which is almost 140km by road. Cochin International Airport is almost 105km away from Munnar is the nearest airport.

 

Tea Estate, Munnar

Tourist from all over the world is attracted to Munnar due to its natural beauty, this place has got the country's highest tea garden. One will be mesmerized by by the charming beauty of Munnar wherever the eyes moves, one gets to see layers of tea estates all around, with waterfall and misty mountains in the back drop and the wild sanctuaries adds the extra beauty, in one word, it is absolutely eye satisfying.The reason behind the magnetic attraction to Munnar is, the ambitious mountain ranges with dewy peaks, stretched tea estate and composed climate provides some extra serenity to that place.

Another attractive features of Munnar is a wild orchids blooms once in a 12 years which is locally called Neelakurinchi, turns the entire valley violet.

Munnar is the home of many animal species like Grizziled giant squirrel, Nilgiri thar, Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, gaur. 

Tourism

So let us start traveling in and around Munnar:

Eravikulam National Park

Almost 15 km away from Munnar is the  Eravikulam National Park, is one of the major attraction of Munnar, where endangered species like Nilgiri Thar, rare species of birds, animals butterflies are found. This place is also ideal for trekking. This place is all time favorite destination for the tourist, as  it is surrounded by the layers of tea estates, wild orchids, which is a addition to beauty.

Anamudi Peak

One of the highest  peak in South India is Anamudi peak which is almost more than 2700 m in height is located inside Eravikulam National Park.One needs to take the permission from Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam, if any one wishes to trek.

Anamudi Peak

 

Mattupetty

Almost 13 km away from Munnar is Mattupetty, which is almost 1700m above sea level, is famous for storage mansory dam and also beautiful lakes, where boat rides are available, one will also be able to enjoy the lovely scenic beauty. One will be awestruck to see the lovely green tea plantations and eye satisfying grasslands. Forest Shola is great for trekking.

 Chinnakanal

Chinnakanal

Chinnakanal is near to Munnar is famous for its Power House Waterfalls, which tumbles down the rock and almost 2000 m above sea level. One will also be able to see the wide ranges of Western Ghat.

Top Station

One of the highest point in Munnar Kodaikanal road, which is almost 32 km away from Munnar. This is a must visit place for all the tourist and one will enjoy viewing the orchids, which blooms over a vast area.

Tea Museum

Tea Museum in Munnar is another place of interest, as it has the country's highest tea garden.This Tea Museum has the records of all the photographs of the herbs, machinery from the origin. It is worth to visit the TATA Tea in Munnar, who have opened some years ago..

Mussoorie Tourism, Mussoorie Travel Guide, Mussoorie Hill Station

Mussoorie known as " Queen of Hills" is a hill station is situated in the foothills of Garwhal Himalayan ranges, located in Uttarakhand in the northern part of India, it is also a municipal board in the district of Dehradun. Mussoorie is almost 290 km north to New Delhi and almost 35 km away from Dehradun, which is the state capital city. Barlowganj and Jharipani are the two townships, Landour, which also includes military cantonment is greater part Mussoorie. Mussoorie is averagely 6,170 feet. Mussoorie was once called dreamland place for tourist as it has that flavor in its atmosphere which includes amazing green hills, with varied of flora and fauna, to the northeast, it has a commanding snow range. One will be mesmerized to see the sparkling view of Shiwalik ranges which is to the south of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley. Lal Tibba is called the highest point in Mussoorie which is almost over 7,510 feet.

The best time for the tourist to visit Mussoorie is between mid March to mid November, but in the monsoon months like from July to September may sometimes be an inhibiting factors, due to downpours.

View of Mussoorie

It can also be said that Mussoorie is considered as the gateway to the Northern India shrines like Yamontri and Gangotri. Dehradun is the closest railway station for Mussoorie. Buses and taxis are always available at regular intervals for Mussoorie, it is well connected by roads to Delhi and other cities too.

Tourism

Mussoorie's economy depends on the tourism industry, people all over the world are attracted to this dream place due to its natural beauty. There is a place called "Camel's Back Road", it is also known as nature walk, the name derived from the road, which has an outcrop from rock, which is the shape of a camel. On the midway of the loop a cemetery is located. The second highest point in Mussoorie is the "GunHill", it is said that previously a sound of a canon used to be heard and that too was for many years, one can easily access this place by car. St. Mary's church is considered as the oldest church in the Himalayans, is on the Mall Road. A nice picnic spot is sited on Kempty Falls. Another favorite destination for the tourist is the "Company Garden", one will be surprised to see the vast collection of flowers and plants. In India, the first Tibetan Temple which was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees is in Happy Valley. Another great place for tourist is Lal  Tibba. 

Apart from these places, there are other places of interest, which tourists like to visits are:

Lake Mist: This place is best enough to enjoy in exquisite manner, only 5 km before Kempty Falls, this place is perfect for the picnic spot, where all the facilities are available including restaurants too accommodations, boating is also there in addition to extra enjoyment. The river Kempty which is flowing through adds extra beauty, hence Lake Mist has many waterfalls which are made by this rover. in a word this place can be called a gem of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake: City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority has built a very new and developed picnic spot, which falls on Mussoorie- Dehradun road, having the facilities of pedaled boats, one will be mesmerized to see the view of lake at night, Doon valley looks absolute outstanding from this place.

Mussoorie Lake

Bhatta Falls: Near Bhatta village almost 7 km away from Mussoorie lies on Mussoorie- Dehradun road, the falls is almost 3 foot in height, there are ponds and other places for amusement.

Bhatta Falls

Cloud end: Surrounded by the thick dense forest , this hotel was actually built by British and is among the first four buildings of Mussoorie, now this is converted into hotel, one will able to see wide varieties of flora and fauna.

Van Chetna Kendra: Established in 1993, this sanctuary is considered as the oldest one, where many extinct birds are spotted. Well in one word we can say, that Mussoorie is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples.

Uttarakhand Tourism, Uttarakhand Travel Guide

Uttarakhand is one of the state in the northern part of India, was formerly called Uttaranchal, this place is also called the" Land of Gods" as throughout the states, many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers are found.. Uttarakhand is mainly popular as it has got the natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. In the year 2000, on 9th November, this 27th state the Republic India was actually carved out from Himalayan and also the northwest districts of Uttar Pradesh. This state is divide into two parts that is Garwhal and Kumaon and it also has the total of 13 districts. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. Depending on the place of origin, the natives of this place is called Garwhali and Kumaoni. Uttarakhand is actually called the 19th most populous state in India. Rajputs and Bramhins consists the largest population of the state. Garwhali and Kumaoni are the regional language and Hindi is most spoken language in this state.

Uttarakhand

The main staple food in Uttarakhand is wheat along with it, vegetable is the primary food, although non-vegetarian dishes are also served.One will find use of tomatoes, milk and other dairy based products in Uttarakhand cuisine. Mustard oil and ghee are mostly used in cooking. Another famous food is madua( Buck    Wheat) which is mostly famous in the interior parts of Kumaon. Bal Mithai is another popular fudge like sweet, is a must try when one visits there.

Another important part of Hindu pilgrimage is the Kumbha Mela, which is famous in Uttarakhand.

The Himalayas

One can easily say that Uttarakhand is a home of many rare species of animals and plants, they are protected and reserved by national parks and sanctuaries. One of the oldest park is Jim Corbett National park is found here, along with it Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National park and others are considered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

River Rafting

Uttarakhand gets many tourist from all over the world, as it has got some spots, which is located in the Himalayas. Ganga and Yamuna are considered as the two holy rivers in Hinduism is originated from there.As Uttarakhand is consider as " Land of Gods", Uttarakhand has got many holy Hindu shrines. in the upper reaches of the state, Badrinath and Kedarnath is located.One of the prime Hindu Destination is Haridwar" Gateway to God". A place called Risikesh near Haridwar is also famous, this place is known as preeminent yoga center in India. Haridwar also hosts Kumbha Mela every twelve years, where many tourists participate from all over the world. Uttarakhand is not only a pilgrimage place for Hindus, but also for Sikhs, Hemkund which is in Himalayas. In the southwest of Dehradun, is the world's highest Buddha Stupa named Mindroling Monastery which is symbol of Tibetan Buddhisim .Other famous hill stations in Uttarakhand are Nainital, Mussorie, Landsdown, Almora, Ranikhet, Bhimtal, Kasauni. In the backdrop of snowclad mountain is Vasundhara Falls is near Badrinath. Uttarakhand is also a destination for rock climbing, hiking and mountaineering. In Rishikesh , there is a development in adventurous tourism like whitewater rafting.As this place is almost nested to Himalayas, this place is suitable for rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting and other adventurous sports. Roopkand is also a popular trekking site, where skeletons were found in the lake discovered by National Geographic Channel. One will have to pass through the beautiful meadows of Bugyal, which trekking to Roopkand pass.

Bandel Church

One of the oldest Christian Churches in West Bengal is the Bandel Church, it stand as one of theprime feature of the Portuguese settlement in West Bengal. The Bandel Church was built around 1660, to dedicate Nossa Senhora de Rosario,who is also known as Our Lady of Rosary.It can be said that in West Bengal, the Bandel Church is one of the most prominent Among all other churches.

Bandel Church

The history says that that almost around 16th century, the Portuguese used Bandel as a port. It is said that Mughal emperor Akbar had given them a permission to built a town in Hooghly, that was around 1571. As they have settled their priest have started to baptize the natives there, it is said that arounf 1598, in Hooghly, the number of Catholics were almost five thousand which included natives and other mixed races.

The Portuguese has built a port and a fort on the banks of the river Hooghly, in the year 1579, and they also listed the service of a band called Augustinian Friars, which was a largest religious body in Goa at that time.the very nest year Captain Pedro Tavares got the full permission from the Mughal emperor, to peach Christianity open publicly and to construct churches, thus The Bandel Church began to construct in the year 1599.

But the old church was burnt down by the Moors during the sacking of Hooghly in the year 1632, the new church was built by Gomez de Soto over the ruin one in 1660.

Kalighat Kali Temple

Goddess KALI

Kalighat Kali Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is a Hindu temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali. Standing on the old course on the bank of the river Hooghly which is also popular also known as Bhagirathi in Kolkata, West Bengal, Kalighat is a ghat which is sacred to Kali. Fromthe word Kalighat, it is said that the name kolkata have been derived, the river has almost drifted away. Now the temple stands on a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects with Hooghly.

In spite of sectarian  differences, almost thousands of devotees visit this temple from all parts of the world, they treat Goddess Kali, almost like a human mother, and pray for their domestic problems, and when their wishes are fulfilled they return to this place praying to express the gratitude. This kind of religious attitude toward the Goddess is actually taught and guided by the priests.

The diety of Kalighat temple is different, it does not follow the pattern of other images of Kali in Bengal. This current idol of touchstone has been made by two saints Brahmananda Giri and Atmaram Giri.

Kamkhya Temple

The Kamakhya Temple is situated on the Nilachal Hill in the western part of the city Guwahati in Assam, India is known as one of the ancient Shakti Peeth. The Kamkhya temple is the main temple, in the complex, where there are also individual temples dedicated to different forms of Mother goddess as Dasa Mahavidya and which also includes Bhuvanesvari, Bagalamukhi, Chinnamasta, Tara and Tripura Sundari. This place is very much important not only for Hindu pilgrims but especially for the Tantrik worshippers.

The Kamakhya Temple

The Kamakhya temple was erected during the first millennium at the time of Kamrupa, it is mentioned in the Allahabad rock inscription of Samudragupta. This temple was destroyed in the second millennium ,the modified temple structure was built by Chilari of the Kochi dynasty, the temple was built in the form of medieval style temples. This new structure has a beehive like shikhara , where there are lovely sculptured panels and  images of Ganesh and other Goddess outside.

Goddess Kamakhya

It is said that this temple is an ancient Khasi sacrificial place, here still sacrifices are offered as a part of worshipping. Here still devotees offer goats to Shakti every morning.

An ancient work in Sanskrit called Kalika Purana decribes Kamkhya the younger wife of Shiva as an out turn of all desires and also She is the giver of salvation. Kamakhya is also known as Shakti

Here the modes of worship to the Goddess is both Vamachara (left hand path) and also Dakshinachara (right hand path). Here the offerings are usually flowers but also animals sacrifices are also included. It is said that female animals are accepted.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated on the eastern bank of river Hooghly, is a Hindu temple located in Dakshineswar near Kolkata. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in the year 1855, who herself was a devotee of Kali and a philanthropic. The deity which presides in this temple is Bhabatarini, an aspect of Kali. This temple is is also famous as it has got its association with Ramakrishna Paramhansa during the 19th century Bengal.

Dakshineswar Kali Temple

Apart from the nine spired main temple, this temple compound has got a large courtyard surrounding the temple, there are rooms along the boundary walls. Here one will found twelve temples of Shiva. Just at the river front, one will get to see the temple of Radha Krishna, there is a bathing ghat on the river and also a shrine of Rani Rashmoni.. Another attracting feature of this temple is "Nahavat Khana" where ramkrishna is said to have spent a considerable part of his life.

The history of the temple says that this temple was found at the mid of 19th century by Rani Rashmoni.When she was planning to go for a pilgrimage in Benaras. The history says that she was suppose to travel by 24 boats, along with, her relatives would go, servants and other belongings. But the night before the pilgrimage, she had a dream vision in the form of Divine mother, goddess Kali, who reported her in the dream saying that instead of going to Benaras, to install herstatue in the bank of river Ganges and worship her here, she will accept the worship in this place.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the brilliant masterpiece which India posses, made of white marble, this mausoleum is in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal is universally recognized as one of the brilliant masterpiece in world heritage. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his loving wife Mumtaz Begum is considered as one of the jewel of Muslim art In India.

The Taj Mahal

The most attracting feature of Taj Mahal is which one will be mesmerized to see that it has a combination of Islamic, Persian, Ottaman Turkish and Indian architectural style and thus it is considered as one of the finest example of Mughal architecture.

The Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. The white domed marble mausoleum is an integrated complexes of structure is the most familiar component of  the Taj Mahal. Thousand of artisans and craftsmen were involved in constructing the Taj Mahal., the  construction began in the year 1632 and was completed in the year 1653. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.is the principal  designer of the Taj Mahal.

After Taj Mahal's completion , Shah Jahan was put under house arrest by his son Aurangazeb. After  his death he was buried in the mausoleum  next to his wife.

Belur Math

One of the chief disciples of Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda founded Belur Math which is known as the head quarters of  Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Belur Math is one of the significant place in Calcutta, it is located on the west bank of the river Hooghly in Belur, West Bengal.. This temple is one of the prime symbol of Ramakrishna Movement. One will be amazed to see the structure of the temple which has notable among all, as it has the fusion of Hinduism, Christianity an Islamic culture, it signifies the unity of all religion.

Belur Math

Sri Ramakrishna Temple, this temple was actually designed and was constructed under the supervision of Swami Vivekananda, the architect of this mesmerizing math was swami Vijnanananda, who himself was a great disciples of Ramakrishna Paramhansa. This temple was ordained on 14th January on the very day of Makar Sankranti day in 1938.

Swami Vivekananda Temple stands where  Swami Vivekananda mortal was cremated in 1902.It was ordained on 28th of January 1924, the upper part of the temple has an Om (a Bengali character).

Another attraction is the Ramakrishna Museum, where all the things used by Ramakrishna Paramhansa,Swami Vivekananda , Sarada Devi are kept. Like long worm used by Swami Vivekananda during his visit to west, Sister Nivedita's table and organ by Mrs Saveir are all kept, this museum has an active roll during the movement in Bengal in those days.

Kashi Viswanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most important and famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is Kashi Viswanath Temple is in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is said that Hindus once in their life time will visit here and it is also said if possible, they will also try to pour the cremations of their ancestors in Holy river Ganges.This place is possibly considered as one of the holiest existing place among the Hindus,this temple is called as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is considered as one of the holiest Shiva temples.This temple stands on the western banks of the holy Ganges. Here the man deity is called Viswanatha or Vishweshwara .The most amazing factor is this holy town claims to be oldest living city in the world, almost has got the documented history  of 3500 years.

In Shiva philosophy from the ancient time this temple is known as the central part of worship, Kashi Viswanath Temple from the very long time is given in Hindu mythology. Another important factor is this temple has been re-constructed many a times. this current structure is built by the Maratha monarch Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1780 and from 1982, this temple is being managed and maintained by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

This temple is very important in Hindu mythology and many great saints like Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Sri Shankaracharya, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Gurunank have visited this holiest existing place.

Jagannath Temple, Puri

Jagannath Temple

In the coastal town of  Puri, Orissa,  the famous Jagannath Temple is located. this temple is very important and significant to Hindus and is also an important part of Char Dham, it is very certain that Hindus once in a life time is going to make a trip to this temple.Vishnu and Krishna is the main worshiper of this temple. It is told that this temple was built in the 11th century. Rath Yatra or the chariot festival is mainly  famous in this temple, here in this festival the three main deities of this temple are carried on a huge an very elaborately decorated temple cars, and interestingly, since the medieval period, it has got that religious flavor and aroma in it.

Saint Ramananda was very much closely associated with this temple and it is believed that this temple is considered very sacred among Vaishnav traditions. Mainly this temple is mainly significant to the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, where Chaitnya Mahaprabhu was a founder, he himself was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath and he lived in Puri for many years.

Here the central forms are Jagannath, Balabhadra and goddess  Shubhdra, they form the trinity and they are sited on the platform called Ratnavedi. The deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and goddess  Shubhdra are made of neem logs, which is known as Daru Bramha. Depending on the season , the deities are dressed with different jeweleries and garbs. It is said that the worship of these deities, before the temple was constructed may be originated during the ancient tribal days.

Meenakshi Amman Temple

On the southern bank of river Vaigai, a very famous Hindu temple  Meenakshi Amman Temple is located in the the very famous temple city called Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is mainly dedicated to Parvati who is called Meenakshi and her husband Shiva who is called Sundereswarar. One can easily say that that lifeline of this almost 2500 oltemple city Madurai is the Meenakshi Amman Temple.One will be absolutely mesmerized by 14 gateway tower which is called gopuram which is almost 45-50m tall. It is mention in Tamil literature about this temple that how much it is significant to Tamil people, though the present structure is built in between 1623 to 1655. One will be amazed to know that usually this temple receives almost 15,000 visitors in a day and during friday usually 25,000 visitors visits this temple. In a year this temple receives almost a revenue of sixty million. most interestingly Meenakshi Amman Temple was nominated and was in the top 30 for the nominees" New Seven Wonders Of The World"another notable feature of this temple is this temple has got about 33,000 sculptures. 

Meenakshi Amman Temple

During themonth of April to May, almost a million of visitors come here during Meenakshi Tirukalayanam festival.

One will be amazed to here that in this temple in 12 months different festivals are celebrated. It has different visiting timings for the devotees, you will be able to know once you visit that place.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is considered as one of the richest temple and one will amazed to know that nearly around fifty thousand to one lakh devotees visits the temple everyday. This Hindu temple is located in the hill of Tirumala, which is near Tirupati in the district of Chittor in Andhra Pradesh. It is almost 600 km away from Hyderabad, 138 km away from Chennai and  291 km away from Bangalore.The Tirumala hill has got seven peaks called Seshadri, Niladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayadri, Venkatadri. and the temple is stands on the seventh peak called Venkatadri. The temple isalso famously known as "Temple of Seven Hills". the lord which presides in this temple is Lord Venkatesewara. Lord Venkateswara is also known by other names like Balaji, Srinivasa, Govinda. On the southern most holy water tank that is Sri Swami Puskarini the emple stands.Around the temple complex, one will get to see many modern lodges for the pilgrims.One will be mesmerized to see the deity, the divines attracts people all over the world, it is believed that this dietyshall remain entire of this Kali Yuga.

Lord venkateswara

One will be amazed to know that food , beverages are severed here in exchange of no penny.If anyone is suddenly falls sick will be given medical help, as there are arrangements of medical aid. One can buy calendars, photos of Lord Venkateswara, as it is sold there. More importantly for safety closed circuit televisions are there. The charge of temple varies, so is the timing for the entrance in the temple.