South India is renowned all across the globe for its magnificent charm and various tourist attractions. The region is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the South, the Arabian Sea on the South-West and the Bay of Bengal on the South-East, which makes it unique from all other destinations in the world.

Kathakali Dancer: Kerala's most iconic symol and a cultural dance

Alappuzza, also known as Alleppey is a small town in Kerala. It was also described as the’ Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon. It is renowned across the world for its picturesque backwaters and beaches. Alappuzza beach offers magnificent views of the Arabian Sea and on the other hand, backwaters are the major source of tourist attraction in Alappuzza.

Backwaters and Kettuvallams in Alappuzza

Kochi, also known as ‘Gateway of Kerala’ is located on the West coast of India by the Arabian Sea. The 2^nd largest city of Kerala, Kochi features a tropical monsoon climate all the year round. This beautiful city has the spectacular Western Ghats on the East and the magnificent Arabian Sea on the West. One of the major attractions of Kochi is the Chinese Fishing Nets.

Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi

Kovalam, also known as ‘Paradise of the South’ is renowned across the world for its beaches. The major sources of attractions are surfing, wooden boat ride and motor boat ride. This sleepy beach burst into international scene when hippies flocked to its pristine beaches in late 70s. There’s much to do in Kovalam apart from exploring and basking in glory of this sun and sand tropical paradise. Souvenir shopping is one of the major pastimes in Kovalam from the shops located at the beaches. The eponymous lighthouse located at the southern beach is the oldest lighthouse of Kerala.

A stunning view of the Kovalam Beach

Mahabalipuram is a small and beautiful town located in Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. The town still has many magnificent and spectacular monuments, which were built between 7^th and 9^th centuries. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram also happens to designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temples in Mahabalipuram were built in the era of Narasimhavarman, which showcase movement from rock cut style to structural building. The town also has two low hills, which is about 400 m above from the sea level on both sides. The larger one has 11 excavated temples, popularly known as Mandapas.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway, built by the British in 1908 operates its services in the state of Tamil Nadu. In 2005 the Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Southern Railway operates the NMR, which earns an annual income of Rs. 4 crores by NMR only.

Great Living Chola Temples include the temples, which are the Brihadeeswara Temple, the temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara temple located in the South India. These temples were built at the time of Chola rule and the Brihadeeswara temple was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. On the other hand, the other two temples were declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Hampi is a small and beautiful village, which is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, in the state of Karnataka. The Group of Monuments at Hampi is recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vijayanagra festival, organized by the government annually in November is the major source of attraction.

Stone Chariot of Hampi after which the Golden Chariot, one of the luxury trains in India is named

Pattadakal is also a small village located in Karnataka, which lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It attracts tourists with the fascinating charm of its historic temples. It was also declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The various group of temples located at the village include Virupaksha temple, Sangameshvara, Mallikarjuna temple, Kashivisvanatha temple, etc.

Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh: A Travel Guide

Tirupati Balaji is India's most visited religious shrine. Every year millions of devotees pay visit to this revered shrine in the Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is renowned for the Sri Venkateshwara Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu, who is also called by several names like Balaji in the North and Govinda in South India. The Lord Sri Venkehwara is the all pervading Lord of the universe.

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andra Pradesh

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple in Chittoor, Andra Pradesh

One of the top 10 temples of India, Tirupati Balaji is placed at the top of the Tirumala hills, while the town lies at the foothills. The Tirumala Hill has seven peaks, which is said to represent the seven hoods of a serpent underneath where Vishnu resides. The area has the peaceful and religious air about it; the pilgrims come to the temple with lofty faiths.

Location: Tirupati is located in the Chittoor District of Andra Pradesh at the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, and the temple of Sri Venkateshwarya is placed on the seventh peak Venkatachala.The temple lies on the Southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.

Who built it: Unfortunately, there are no records of the origin of the Temple, but was maintained and upgraded by various dynasties in the past. The temple is patronized by the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas and later kings of Mysore.

How to reach: Tirupati Airport is 15 km from the city center and offers several domestic flights. The closest International flight is in Chennai (130 km) from Tirupati.

The major railway station is the Tirupati Main; the trains take you to major cities like Chennai. Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and more.

One of the largest bus station (Sri Hari) is one of the largest in the state, which has direct bus service to the nearby towns and big cities. There are many government operating services too.

Best time to visit: Almost all the seasons are favourable for you to visit Tirupati. However, if you want to experience the place in its full swing, the best time would be to go during the festival time. Especially the festival of Brahmotsavam, celebrated around Diwali (October) is a good option. Also, when you are there, it is better you go early for your services to God because of the crowd.

Interesting Facts:

One of the legends behind the worshiping of Lord Vishnu is that the temple houses a deity of Lord Venkateshwarya (Vishnu) which is believed to remain there until the end of the present era or Kali Yuga. It is further believed that by worshipping him we will attain mukti or salvation.

Tripura has several temples and is a major economical and educational hub in south. It is one of the richest pilgrimage centers.

The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles.

It is believed that About 50,000 pilgrims’ visit the temple every day and during the festivals like, yearly Brahmotsavam the number of pilgrims is almost 500,000.

The celebrated festivals are Vaishnava festivals, Rama Navami, Janmasthtami . while the most important festival celebrated each year is Brahmotsavam.

Tirupati is regarded as one of the oldest temples which were mentioned in Puranas and the Shastras.

Tirumala, the name is derived from the terms, Tiru means Holy and mala means hills, therefore the holy mountains.

There are several deities in the temple like Dhruva Beram, Bhoga Srinivasa, Ugra Srinavasa and many more.

The temple bares several inscriptions that are of historical, linguistic and cultural importance.

In the temple, the devotees shave their head as an offering to the God, the daily collection of the hair amounts to almost a ton. These hairs are later sold in auctions to international buyers who turn them into extensions.

The thuylabharam offering is done in the temple, where a devotee sits on a weighing balance scale and has to offer materials heavier than his weight.

Places of Interest:

An archeological museum, Chandragiri Fort.

SV Zoological park (the second largest zoo in Asia).

Jungle book Biological Park.

Regional Science center and Planitarium.

There are many other temples that you can visit in Tirupati and Tirumala apart from the famous Sri Venkateshwarya Temple.

Alamelu Mangapuram Temple.

Padmavathi Ammavari Temple.

Kapila Theertham (dedicated to lord Shiva ans Parvati).

Govindaraja swamy Temple and more.

Tirupati and Tirumala is a pilgrimage spot, offering you a visitation for a different experience altogether. The faith of the devotees and the chanting of the priests echoes around the hills of Tirumala. There is a feeling of utmost peace and serenity in the place.

somnath temple history and tourism in hindi

Somnath Temple: Top Temples in India

One of the most ancient temples of India, Somnath temple or the Somnath Mahadev Temple enjoys a favourable location in the west Indian state of Gujarat. Around 79 km from Junagadh district, this renowned temple lies on the country’s western coast.

This temple that has survived the tests of time, holds a lot of importance for the followers of the Hindu religion. The history states that this temple was looted of its wealth and structure by several conquerors. There are various stories about the origin and subsistence of the temple.

Somnath Temple, Gujarat by BeautifulEyes - Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Somnath Temple - Fast facts

Location - 79 kilometres from Junagadh in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval

Built by – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (present structure)

Built in -1951 (present structure- 7th reconstruction)

Highlights – 4-day Kartik Purnima Fair, ‘Jay Somnath’ Sound and Light Show : 8.00 pm to 9.00 pm and Aarti : 7.00 am, 12.00 noon and 7.00 pm

Best time to visit - October to March.

Entry fee – No entry fee

Timings - All days of the week between 6.00 am to 9.30 pm

Nearby attractions- Prabhas Patan Museum, Bakhla Tirth, Somnath Beach, Triveni Tirth, Veraval Beach, Ahilya Mandir and Surya Mandir

How to Reach Somnath

By Road: Somnath is 79 km from Junagadh and 25 km from Chorwad. State-run buses and private luxury coaches are available from several places in Gujarat to Somnath.

By Rail: Somnath is located at a distance of 6 km from the nearest railway station placed at Veraval

By Air: The nearest domestic airports are at Koshed (55 km; 31 mi) and Diu (90 km; 56 mi). Connecting flights to Diu are available from Mumbai (Sahar International Airport) and Ahmedabad. Taxi fare from Diu to Somnath is roughly 2000 INR.

Introduction

Also known as Prabhas Pattan, Deo Pattan or Somnath Pattan, this temple is an excellent example of typical ancient temple architecture of India. It was famed for being a treasure of wealth, which was looted by Muslim rulers from 11th to 18th century. Being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, it is considered to be one of the popular religious sites of the followers of Hinduism and Lord Shiva.

Renowned as a timeless shrine, it is every year visited by a decent number of devotees from all around the country. If the legends are to be believed, during the ancient times revenue was collected from the nearby 10,000 villages for the maintenance of the Somnath temple.

History of the Somnath Temple

It is believed that originally the Somnath Temple was built by Moon God Soma in gold, by Ravana of epic Ramayana in Silver, in wood by Lord Krishna and then during the 11th century in stone by Solanki Rajput rulers.

The present structure is 7th reconstruction that was done in the year 1951 by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The riches of this temple invited several invasions but after every invasion, the temple was given back its glory by one or the other Hindu devotee or devotees.

Considered one of the top 10 temples in India, Somnath is erected in the Chalukyan architecture style or Kailash Mahameru Prasad Style with 50 m tall Shikhara, forming a beautiful sight with the view of the Arabian sea and the tip of the Saurashtra peninsula.

This magnificent temple consists of silver doors, a Nandi bull idol, delicate detailed carvings and the main Shivlinga. A huge mandapa or hall and the main temple are placed in the enormous courtyard.

Some interesting facts about Somnath

Somnath is not only a pilgrimage or historical site, but it also offers a beach vacation with scenic beauty.

Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple are 2 of the other prime tourist attractions of the temple complex.

The Somnath temple is illuminated every evening.

Vallabhghat is a location in the complex from where one can enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Every night ‘Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is organized between 8.00 to 9.00 pm.

Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals of the temple.

The 4-day Kartik Purnima Fair every year attracts pilgrims in huge numbers.

The Kalash on the top of the Shikhar weighs around 10 tonnes while the flag- mast is around 37 feet in length.

The temple was looted of its wealth by Muslim rulers like Sultan Mohammad of Ghazni, Sultan Allauddin and Mohammad Begda.

The arrow of the temple tells about the location of the temple that it is placed in such a manner that there is no land up till the South Pole.

The Somnath temple finds its mention in the Puranas and Mahabharata, the Hindu epic.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Manifestations of Shiva

The oldest and the holiest place among the Hindus, Varanasi, along the banks of the sacred Ganga is also considered as the cultural city in India. The river bank is dotted with numerous temples and shrines of several gods and goddesses.

According to the Rigvedas, Varanasi is the favorite city of Lord Shiva. So in his high reverence, the Kashi Vishwanath temple stands in its splendor. It holds one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and attracts a large number of pilgrims to the site. The architecture of the temple is noteworthy and is also known as the Golden Temple, because of the gold used in the making of the tall spire and the dome. All devoted Hindus aspire to visit this site once before they die, for they believe that liberation from worldly thing can be achieved here.

Location:

Along the western banks of holy river Ganga, lies the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh State, India. It is located 5 km away from the Varanasi railway station and is fairly close to the Banaras Hindu University. Varanasi is the oldest city in the country and serves as the center for the Hindu religion.

Who Built it:

The reference of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been made in the Hindu scriptures, as one of the prime Lord Shiva centers. It is believed that the structure was demolished and remade several times, the last person to reconstruct it was Maratha monarch, Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1780. However, now the temple is managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh.

How to reach in Varanasi:

Varanasi, the cultural and religious capital brings forward a large number of devotees to the spot. It is made readily accessible through advanced transport network services.

By air: Varanasi is well connected to the major cities of the country by air, daily domestic flights run to and fro from here. Babatpur Airport is 22 km from Varanasi.

By rail: The location of Varanasi makes it easily accessible to the rest of the country. There are two railway stations in the city: the Kashi Junction and the Varanasi Junction/ Varanasi Cantonment. Mughalsarai, another station just 10 km south of Varanasi.

By road: many public and private buses and other vehicles run on the NH2 (National Highway), which connects Kolkatta to Delhi. Varanasi is also linked with NH7.

Best time to visit in Varanasi:

Varanasi experiences Summer, Monsoon, however the best time to visit is in between the months of October to March.

Summer:

It starts from April to June and is quite hot during the time, with temperature ranging from 32 to 46 degree Celsius.

Monsoon:

The climatic condition during the monsoon is harsh, it is hot and humid with moderate rainfalls.

Winter:

It is an ideal time to visit Varanasi during the winter season. The temperature ranges from 5 to 15 degree Celsius. The pleasant season starts from October and lasts till March.

Interesting Facts:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most popular temple among the Hindus, placed in the holiest Hindu place too, and the main deity is addressed as Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara, which means, ruler of the World.

The temple has been demolished and reconstructed many times, the last was torn down by Aurangzeb and he started a mosque on the site.

The temple preserves one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, it is considered very holy and believed that even a glance of Jyotilinga delivers liberation from Maya and materialistic entanglements.

According to a legend, the Jyotilingam is basically a pointless reality, from where Lord Shiva appears, more like a column of light.

It is believed that originally there were 64 Jyotilingas, only 12 of them are considered holy. The 12 Jyotilingams are at Gujarat, Somnath, Malikajurna, MAhakaleshwar, two in Madhya Pradesh, Andra Pradesh, two in Maharashtra, Varanasi, Himalayas and in Tamil Nadu.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds the highest of Hindu spiritual values.The Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the Ganges, close to the temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha, a holy place for worship for the sect called Shaktism.

The temple complex consists of several other shrines, placed along a small lane called the Vishwanatha Galli.However the main temple is ornamented by the shrines of other gods. The temple has a 15.5 m high gold spire and gold dome, three domes made up of pure gold.

Inside the temple is a small, well, called Jnana Vapi, it is believed that the Jyotilingam was hidden in this well, to protect from the invaders.

Around 3000 visitors come to the Kashi Vishwanath everyday.

There is a popular belief that Shiva himself chants some words of salvation into the ears of people who choose to end their lives at the Vishwanath temple.

Places of Interest:

Visit the Temples, it is an obvious thing you will do once you are in Varanasi, enjoy the evening Aarti in the temple.

The Ghats along the Ganges.

Sarnath is near Varanasi, and it is where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

कैसे बना शंखपुर से शंखेश्वर महातीर्थ - श्री कृष्ण ने की थी शंखेश्वर तीर्थ की स्थापना

शंखेश्वर तीर्थ

Chittorgarh Fort: Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Chittorgarh is one of the finest and the largest forts in India. It is located in Rajasthan, the land of legendary Rajput warrior princes.

Chittorgarh Fort is one of the hill forts which have been recently inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chittorgarh Travel Facts:

Location: At a distance of 112km from Udaipur, on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Built by: Various Maurya rulers and Sisodiya clan of Rajputs

Built in: 7th century A.D

Highlights: Numerous palaces and towers inside the fort

How to reach: One can easily reach Chittorgarh Fort either by taking regular buses or by hiring Taxis from Udaipur city. Chittor is 318 Km from Jaipur.

Best Time to Visit: November - February

Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indian and INR 100 or $2 for Foreigners

Chittorgarh: Hill Forts of Rajasthan

This resplendent hill fort in Rajasthan covers an area of 700 acres and extends up to 3 kilometers in length. Chittorgarh Fort is perched atop a hillock at an elevation of 180m.

This first hill fort of Rajasthan is believed to be erected by Mauryan rulers during the 7th century AD. It is also believed that the fort is named after the Mauryan ruler Chitrangada Mori, as inscribed on the coins found belonging to that period.

However, in today’s time Chittorgarh is quintessential of the romance, chivalry and valor of the Rajput rulers of Sisodia clans in Mewar and their kinsmen who held sway between the 7th and 16th centuries.

History and Anecdotes
Chittorgarh as we know it was built during the reign on founder of Sisodia Clan ruler Bappa Rawal in 734 AD.

The first ever historical mention of this hill fort in Rajasthan could be found in India’s grandest epic Mahabharata. As per the story Bhima, who was the strongest wrestler among Pandava with strength of 100 Elephants, struck a powerful blow to the land.

The massive blow of his fist resulted in water springing sprouting up to form a large reservoir. That pool is now called Bhimlat kundn after the legendary warrior. As per the legend this also resulted in construction of the fort.

Yet another legendary story associated with Chittorgarh fort is Rani Padmini. According to the legends Queen Padmini was an astounding beauty. Such was the attractiveness that stories about her poise and charisma floated to places far and wide.

When the then Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khilji heard of the captivating charm of queen Padmini, he went to Chittorgarh to witness her beauty himself. He deceitfully told Rana Ratan Singh, husband of Padmini , his desire to behold the legendary beauty of the queen which the Rana couldn’t refuse out of politeness.

When the Sultan actually witnessed the unrivalled beauty of Padmini he lusted to take her into his harem. When Ratan Singh went to farewell the Sultan to gate he was deceitfully captured and the queen was delivered the message that Ratan Singh will only be realeased if she submits to his authority.

Queen had her own plans and she sent Rajput warriors in veils under the pretense of her train and had the Rana released. But the Rana and his entourage were chased and killed before they could enter the fort. It led to a war between the Muslim forces and Rana Ratan Singh's army, in which major parts of the Chittorgarh Fort were destroyed and many lives were lost.

Finally when the defeat was all but certain, the Rajput warriors donned their saffron robe and rode out to their death whereas the ladies led by Rani Padmini preferred to perform Jauhar (self immolation in pyre) rather than being physically abused by the lustful invaders.

Some Interesting facts about Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort happens to be the largest fort in India.

Chittorgarh Fort complex has a total of 65 medieval structures which includes4 palace complexes, 19 temples, 4 war memorials or the stambhs and 22 water bodies.

Once upon a time this fort had 84 water bodies which could provide 50,000 soldiers with water supply for 4 years out of which only 22 remains till date.

Chittorgarh Fort extends across 700 and is built above a hillock 300 feet in height.

Entrance to this massive hill fort is through seven colossal gates, which are named Bhairon Pol, Lakshman Pol, Padan Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Ganesh Pol and the formidable final gate named Ram Pol.

Each of these gates have been built as massive stone structures and have sheltered ramparts for defense.

You could see a cenotaph or "Chattri" near Bhairon Pol which was erected to honor the chivalry of Jaimal and his cousin Kala.

As per the legends when Jaimal got seriously injured Kala carried him into battle on his shoulders where both died fighting valiantly against the Mughal army of Akbar.

Yet another war memorial is located at Rampol which was erected to commemorate the exemplary courage of Phatta.

Phatta of Kelwa was only 15 years old and had just lost his father in battle. He was sent into the battle by his mother who herself picked up a sword and died fighting against the enemy to free her son from any affection towards home

Some of the major attractions inside Chittorgarh fort include the two towers known as the 'Kirti Stambh' (Tower of Fame) and the 'Vijay Stambh' (Tower of Victory).

Other things to do inside Chittorgarh Fort are visiting several temples, water reservoirs, and palaces which were constructed between the 9th and 17th centuries.

Vijay Stambh or the Victory Tower was erected during the reign of Rana Kumbha to memorialize his victory over Mahmud Shah I, the ruler of Malwa, in 1440.

Vijay Stambh rises to the height of 37.2 meters (122 ft) over a 47 square feet (4.4 m2) base spanning across 9 stories.

You could get panoramic view of the city of Chittor by climbing up to the 8th floor of Vijay Stambh which could be accessed through circular staircase numbering 157 in total.

Kirti Stambh or the Tower of Fame is yet another massive structure rising up to a height of 22 meter and spans over 6 storey which could be climbed up through 57 steps.

Built in the style of Solanki architecture by Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, Kirti Stambh is dedicated to the first tirthankar Adinath.

The sculpture of Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar is located on the second floor of the Kirti Stambh.

Chittorgarh Fort has witnessed 3 sieges and 2 acts of jauhars by the ladies of the Sisodia Rajput court.

The first one to attack the then considered impregnable hill fort of Chittorgarh was Allaudin Khilji.
Alaudin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi sacked Chittorgarh in 1303 which legends tell us was due to his passionate desire to possess Rani Padmini.

Chittorgarh Fort was sacked second time by Bahadur Shah in 1535 and later by Akbar in 1567.

Jauhar or the self immolation in fire was first performed by Rani Padmini in 1433 AD when Alaudin Khilji defeted the forces of Rana Ratan Singh.

It was performed yet again by Rani Karnavati in 1535 AD and it is said that 13,000 Rajput ladies participated in the act even as 3000 Rajput warriors rode out to their certain death .

Chittor is adjacent to the ancient city of Madhyamika. The Jain inscriptions at Mathura from the Kushana period (1-3rd cent) mention a "Majjhimilla" branch of the "Kottiya" gana, indicating that it was a major Jain center.

The famous Acharya Haribhadra Suri (6th cent) was born in Chittor and wrote "Dhurtopakhyana" there.

The Padmini palace, residence of legendary beauty Rani Padmini is another major attraction inside Chittorgarh Fort.

Yet another interesting place to visit inside Chittorgarh Fort is Meerabai Temple associated with the renowned mystical poet and saint Mirabai.

Gaumukh Pool which is fed by the spring from the mouth of a carved cow is another major place to visit in the fort. It used to be the main source of water for the fort’s resident during military seizes.

Teej is one of the major festivals in Chittorgarh which is celebrated with great enthusiasm and in the month of July or August.

Gangaur festival is celebrated in the month of March or April each year and is another renowned festival in the city. Married women and young girls take part in the festival.

The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the "Jauhar Mela" ( February - March)which takes place every year on the anniversary of one of the Rani Padmini’s jauhar.

श्री सालासर बालाजी कथा, महिमा व मन्दिर का इतिहास

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How to reach in Varanasi:

Best time to visit in Varanasi:

Chittorgarh Fort: Hill Forts of Rajasthan

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