A day in Raipur, Chhattisgarh

 If you have a day to spend in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, here are some suggestions for things to see and do:

1. Mahant Ghasidas Sangrahalaya - This is the state museum of Chhattisgarh and is located in Raipur. It has a collection of tribal art, archaeology, and natural history. You can spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and learning about the history and culture of the state.

2. Purkhouti Muktangan - This is an open-air museum located on the outskirts of Raipur, which showcases the traditional architecture of Chhattisgarh. There are several houses, huts, and temples from different parts of the state, which have been relocated and reconstructed here.

3. Swami Vivekananda Sarovar - This is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city, which is surrounded by lush greenery. You can take a walk around the lake or sit and relax on the benches.

4. Chhattisgarh Haat - This is a popular shopping destination in Raipur, where you can buy handicrafts, handloom products, and traditional Chhattisgarhi items. There are also several food stalls where you can try local delicacies.

5. Purani Basti - This is the old part of Raipur, which has several old buildings, narrow streets, and markets. You can take a walk around and soak in the local atmosphere.

6. Food - Raipur is famous for its street food, especially chaat, and sweets. You can try some of the local delicacies at places like Raja Sweets, Shyamlal Guptewala, and Sadar Bazar.

These are some of the things you can do in Raipur in a day. Of course, there are several other places and experiences to explore in and around the city if you have more time.

Dongargarh - A historical and religious significance

Dongargarh is a popular tourist destination located in the state of Chhattisgarh in central India. It is situated in the Rajnandgaon district and is known for its historical and religious significance, as well as its scenic beauty.

Some of the popular tourist attractions in Dongargarh are:

1. Maa Bamleshwari Temple - This is the main attraction of Dongargarh and is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is located on a hilltop and can be reached by climbing 1,076 stairs or by a ropeway.

2. Chhoti Bamleshwari Temple - This temple is situated at the foot of the hill and is also dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is believed that the goddess grants the wishes of her devotees who visit her at both temples.

3. Jwalamukhi Temple - This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of fire, Jwalamukhi. It is situated at a distance of 12 km from Dongargarh and is known for its beautiful architecture.

4. Maitri Bagh - This is a popular zoo and botanical garden located in Bhilai, which is around 45 km from Dongargarh. It is home to a variety of animals, birds, and plants.

5. Shivnath River - The Shivnath River flows through the town of Dongargarh and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for picnics and boat rides.

Apart from these, Dongargarh is also known for its handicrafts and local markets where you can buy traditional Chhattisgarhi items such as terracotta pottery, wooden toys, and handwoven fabrics.

Add this spot in your future trip if you are around Nagpur, Maharashtra (200 KMs) OR Raipur Chhatisgarh (99 KMs)

Thank You!

Fly @ 1,777 INR

 Are you planning to travel in upcoming time? If yes then prefer travelling by air! I know now days Air fares have been increased in India but Jet Airways has come up with fantastic scheme, now fly at discounted rates on Jet Airways! Isn't sound it cool? Yes, this announcement has been made by Jet Airways two days back. Let me share important details regarding this scheme.

Jet Airways has announced sale of 7 lakh low-fare domestic air tickets to attract air travellers, who can use them to fly from August 10 onward. Jet Airways the one-way economy fares would be Rs. 1,777, Rs. 2,777 and Rs.3,777 for sectors less than 750 km, between 750-1,000 km and over 1,000 km, respectively. The tickets must be booked on or before 9th August, 2013 and travel must commence on or after August 10 on this seven-day-long advance purchase fare scheme. The tickets would be non-refundable and a date change would be permitted at a charge of Rs. 1200 per sector, as per the existing practice.

So, what are you thinking of? Act now to grab this opportunity. It had better to see your name in this 7 lac passenger list! Make sure to book your ticket before The 9th of August i.e. Eid-Ul-Fitra Day! Happy journey…

Link for Ticket Booking:  http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/Home.aspx

Hyderabad & Bangalore

Dear Friends,

Once again I am here with new destinations. Today, I am talking about Hyderabad and Bangalore (both situated in South India). I am traveling these two places last week of the July. Let me share few basic details of the cities with you.

Hyderabad-Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of the southern Indian state of Andhra-Pradesh. The name Hyderabad means "Hyder's abode" or "lion city", derived from the Persian/Urdu words "haydar" or "hyder" (lion) and "ābād" (city or abode)

Places of Public Interests:

Charminar

Charminar

The Charminar, built in 1591 CE, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad, listed among the most recognized structures of India.

Golkonda

Golkonda also known as Golla konda a ruined city of Southern India and capital of ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad. It is also a mandal of Hyderabad District.

Snow World
(Amusement Park)

Snow World is an amusement park located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh within an area of about 2 acres. Located beside Indira Park and along the Hussain Sagar lake, the park was inaugurated on January 28, 2004.

Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum is an art museum located at Darushifa, on the southern bank of the Musi river in the city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the three National Museums of India. 

Nehru Zoological Park

Nehru Zoological Park is a 380 acres zoo located near Mir Alam Tank in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the three most visited destinations in Hyderabad. Zoo hours vary by season, and the zoo is closed on Mondays.

Bangalore-Karnataka

Bangalore is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and fifth-most populous urban agglomeration.

Places of Public Interests:

Wonderla

Wonderla is an amusement park located near Bidadi, 28 kilometres Bangalore, spanning 82 acres of land. It has been promoted by V-Guard Industries Ltd, based in Cochin, Kerala.

Lal Bagh

Lal Bagh or Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, meaning The Red Garden in English, is a well known botanical garden in southern Bangalore, India.

ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Sri Radha Krishnachandra Temple or has deities of Krishna and Radha located at Rajajinagar, in the North Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world.

Bangalore Palace

Bangalore Palace, a palace located in Bangalore, India, was built by Rev. Garrett, who was the first Principal of the Central High School in Bangalore, now known as Central College. (Wikis)

I will back once again with more stuff.... :)

Traveled Zalawad after Kutch

Hello friends,

As I shared with you, I had gone to Bhuj (Kutch) earlier this month for a training program where I met my colleagues once again. I have already shared the details about Kutch in my last post. Today, I am sharing about  new city situated in Gujarat named 'Surendranagar'

Surendranagar

Surendranagar is also known as gateway to Saurashtra and as Zalawad. Wadhwan is its twin city. There are many places in the city which are good and visit-able. In the places most favorite of the peoples is '"Fatshar Ganpati Mandir" and Dholidhaja Dam Both places of the city Having large numbers of visitors. in the centre of City there is Tagore Baug situated. Near GIDC wadhvan Rotary Garden is situated. Fly Over bridge near Medical college is also good place to watch Sun Set scene.

There is only one place in the whole Gujarat containing two clock towers excattly in opposite position at Tower Road. There are two clock towers, one is the Ajramar Tower (City Tower/Tower in Tanki chowk) and the another one is the clock tower of Town Hall.

One good place containing lots of trees called Vruksh Mandir (Tree Temple) situated on Muli/Rajkot Highway. Another good place in the Surendranagar is Mandir of Meladi Maa's. It is the center of faith of many peoples. In the end area of Ratanpar there is the Temple of Rameshvar Mahadev is also good in art and structure. (Wikis)

Surendranagar is famous for its Farsan (Fried snacks). I just found the street roads required to be repaired. It behaved badly with me in rainy season as now roads have ditches everywhere. But, it was nice to be in Surendranagar first time. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring Farsans with me. 

Travelling to Kutch...

Dear Fellas.... after postponing 3 consecutive Kutch trips in 2012, finally travelling Kutch this year for a week. I had been over there once in my life for two days in 2011. let me share few details of Kutch with you all.

Bhuj (Kutch)

Bhuj connects you to a range of civilizations and important events in South Asian history through prehistoric archaeological finds, remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappans), places associated with the Mahabharata and Alexander the Great's march into India and tombs, palaces and other buildings from the rule of the Naga chiefs, the Jadeja Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultans and the British Raj. Over the 4000-year inhabitation of Kutch it developed trading and migratory relationships with ancient civilizations as far abroad as Zanzibar, the Middle East and Greece, fostering a unique ethnic mix of peoples and traditions in the region.

In a walk around Bhuj, you can see the Hall of Mirrors at the Aina Mahal; climb the bell tower of the Prag Mahal next door; stroll through the produce market; have a famous Kutchi pau bhaji for lunch; examine the 2000-year-old Kshatrapa inscriptions in the Kutch Museum; admire the sculptures of Ramayana characters at the Ramakund stepwell; walk around Hamirsar Lake and watch children jumping into it from the lake walls as the hot afternoon sun subsides; and catch the sunset among the chhatardis of the Kutchi royal family in a peaceful field outside the center of town.

Travelling to Bhuj:

By road: For those traveling from Ahmedabad, the bus may be more convenient than the train, though slightly more expensive. Several private companies run sleeper buses (with a full horizontal bunk), leaving the city for Bhuj between 8pm and 11pm, arriving in Bhuj between 6am and 8am the next morning. These bus companies all have their offices around Paldi in Ahmedabad; Sahjanand Travels and Patel Travels are two recommended ones. There are also private sitting (non-sleeper) buses, and ST (State Transport) buses that make the trip for less money but considerably less comfortable seats.

By rail: Two daily express trains, the Bhuj Express and the Kutch Express, go from Bhuj to Ahmedabad (8hrs) and on to Mumbai (16hrs.) However, both trains pass through Ahmedabad in the middle of the night, as the schedules are designed to depart and arrive and reasonable hours from Bhuj and Mumbai, not Ahmedabad.

By air: One or more flights daily connect Bhuj to Mumbai.

Once in Bhuj, ST buses go to larger destinations around the district, private jeeps can also be rented (a good option for larger parties), and some smaller places can only be reached by chhakdas.

Transportation:

Bhuj is connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities of India by railway trains. It has a domestic airport from where daily flights operate to Mumbai, with flights operated by Jet Airways. State Transport Buses are available from the ST stand in the middle of the town to various places in Gujarat. Additionally, many private tour operators also run frequent buses to major cities in and outside Gujarat. Kandla Airport is only 53 km from Bhuj city center.

Culture:

Bhuj is a famous destination for shopping of handicraft work. Artists of nearby villages bring their art work for sale in Bhuj. Important landmarks for people wishing to study and know more about Kutchi embroidery.

Will back with city's interesting information after my trip.

Source: Wikis

Pilgrimage Express!!!

Howdy!

Sorry for not posting travelling ideas regularly, I beg your pardon, but this post will make you happy and provide a huge smile on your face if you are planning to visit Gujarat-India's pilgrimage places!

Dwarka and Somnath are places for pilgrimage in Gujarat:

Dwarkadhish Temple:

Dwarka GJ

The Dwarakadheesh temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshiped here by the name Dwarkadhish, or 'King of Dwarka'.

Somnath Temple:

Somnath GJ

The Somnath Temple located in the Prabhas Patan Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God"

People around India in fact the world travel here to worship Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva respectively but pilgrims had to face difficulties to travel both the ends as there was not any direct train from both sides, so pilgrims had to hire private cabs or had an option to travel by bus, but it was costly, time consuming and above all it was not comfortable since it is long distance travelling.

Now, this difficulty has ran out! Western Railways (India) introduces a daily up-down train between Dwarka (GJ) to Somnath (GJ)

Details:  UP

Train: Somnath Express (Dwarka to Somnath)

Train no: 19252

Runs on: Daily

Scheduled Departure (from Dwarka 20:40 IST)

Scheduled Arrival (at Somnath 05:15 IST next day)

Details:  Down

Train: Dwarka Express (Somnath to Dwarka)

Train no: 19251

Runs on: Daily

Scheduled Departure (from Somnath 22:40 IST)

Scheduled Arrival (at Somnath 07:00 IST next day)

Station Codes: Dwarka (DWK), Somnath (SMNH)

The train halts at Veraval, Keshod, Junagadh Jn, Jetalsar, Gondal, Rajkot, Hapa, Jamnagar, Khambhaliya and Bhatiya stations in both the directions.It consists of AC 3 tier; II class sleeper and II class general coaches. The booking of Train Nos. 19252/ 19251 opened from Tuesday, 9th April, 2013. Public of Maliya Hatina  get frustrated and annoyed as WR didn't allot stoppage at Maliya Hatina Junction.

Travel Idea!! Train: Dwarka Express (Somnath to Dwarka) 19251 will play role of linking train for Secunderabad Express and Coimbatore Express trains from Rajkot!

Top Spots for Summer Vacation

Matheran 

A popular getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune, Matheran is a quiet hill station located on the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of 800 mts. Meaning 'forest on top', Matheran was discovered in 1850, by a district collector of Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet, and the foundations for its development was laid down by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai. 

Shimla

A magnificent hang-over of the British Raj, Shimla's cool environs still remain the biggest magnet for Indian tourists. Shimla has taken the best of what the British created, and mixed it with the quintessentially Indian - and every summer thousands of people from the plains enjoy themselves to the hilt in this popular summer retreat. 

Goa 

Goa is one of the most idyllic holiday destinations in India. This evergreen destination is a holidaymaker's paradise. A diverse tourist locale, Goa is celebrated the world over for its laidback culture, sun kissed beaches, gothic churches and rocking nightlife. Despite the fact that it gets really hot in Goa during the summer, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations in India thanks to some exciting hotel packages on offer for the tourist during this period. 

Srinagar 

What better summer destination to recommend than the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir! Srinagar is set around the beautiful Dal Lake, where picturesque houseboats or shikharas, carry tourists on boat rides around the placid lake. This scintillating hill resort set in the Kashmir valley is an ideal summer getaway. Srinagar basically has an alpine weather, as the summers are mild and winters are cold. 

Munnar 

Munnar offers summer tourists a mix of relaxation and adventure amidst beautiful landscapes. Munnar is a beautiful getaway landscaped with tea plantations, hills, lakes, forests and winding walks. Located at an altitude of 1,829 m, it is home to South India's highest peak called Anamudi, standing 2,695 m tall. 

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar Hills

Today, Mahabaleshwar is a popular holiday resort and honeymoon spot, and an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is the site of Mahabaleshwar Temple. Many tourists visit nearby Panchgani. After the construction of a new highway, it is only a five-hour drive from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also known for the honey and strawberries produced here. One can visit strawberry farms to enjoy the real flavour of the fruit. It is said that the climate of Mahabaleshwar is ideal for Strawberries and Mulberries. One can also get a taste of "Strawberries with Cream" (season:Jan -Feb) or "Mulberries with Cream" (season: April–May).

Boats on the Venna lake in Mahabaleshwar.

The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides. A late winter evening boat ride through the slight fog is well appreciated. Tourists can enjoy a boat ride over the lake or a horse ride next to the lake. A number of small eateries line the banks of the lake. The Mahabaleshwar city market and the S.T. bus stand is about 2KM from the lake and makes for a nice walk during the day. Most tour operators include the Venna lake in their tours. Most buses, private vehicles will stop at the Venna lake on their way to Mahabaleshwar on request.

With another popular and scenic hill resort Panchgani in close vicinity (about 20KM), most tourists often visit both places together. The 'Table-Land' phenomenon of nature at Panchgani is breath-taking. (Wikis)

Points to be visited 

• Arthur's Seat
• Kate's Point
• Needle Hole Point
• Monkey Point
• Wilson Point

Experience GIR

Want to experience the Jungle village life, Experience Gir!

Asiatic Lion Home - GIR

GIR falls under Kathiyawad which is one of region of Gujarat.  There are so many villages round the GIR and having a lot to explore; food, attributes, houses, streets, temples, festivals, living style, shops, language etc. People of GIR live in tribes and by profession most of farmers and generally male persons work in the farms and female members manages house hold this, they also manage and milk animals like buffalo & cows and take the milk to village dairies though sometimes female members also join them in field work as well. Few people are having small shops or they do vendor work.

Food is the specialty of this area. People of village are used to have Kathiyawadi and Gujarati traditional food in their meals. Their breakfast is tasty, in Gujarati they say, Thepla, Khakhra, Rotli/Bhakhri (Wheat baked Bread), Danhi (Curd) Gud-Ghee (Farm made Jaggery), Athanu (Seasonal Pickles) Murraba (Homemade fruit Jam) Khaman, Fafda, Jalebi (sweet) & Tea. They take Dal (Gram Pulse Dal), Chawal (Steamed or Jeera Rice), Shaak/Subji (Vegetable main curry), Sambhara (Cooked Salad), Kathol Subji (Pulse curry) Papad (Black gram baked starter) in lunch and in dinner they take Bajrano Rotlo (Millet Bread), Kadhi-Khichadi, Subji like Sev-Tomato, Ringna no Oro (Crushed Brinjal traditional recipe).

It is hundreds time better to stay at village homes than the hotels to experience GIR life very closely... come and experience the GIR Village life...

Fly @ 2013-SpiceJet

Fly at slashed air fare:

India's second biggest budget airline SpiceJet Ltd Friday slashed fares for one-way tickets across the country to a consolidated price of Rs 2,013, inclusive of all taxes, available till Sunday.

Indigo, in response to SpiceJet's price cuts, also reduced its fares to Rs 2,000 per one-way ticket to key destinations like Mumbai-Delhi, Mumbai-Banglore for February.

Read Full News: http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/spicejet-slashes-fares-one-way-095907257.html

Courtesy: Yahoo! Finance

Happy Journey