Archive for the 'Palaces and Forts' Category
Travel India Sariska Tiger Reserve
Author: Binoy Gupta
Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan has been
in the news for the past four years – unfortunately for
the wrong reasons.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
The Sariska Tiger Reserve (866 sq. kms.) was originally a hunting preserve of the Kings of Alwar in Alwar District in the state of Rajasthan.
The area was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955.
In 1978, it was declared a Tiger Reserve and is now a part of India’s Project Tiger scheme.
It became a National Park in 1979.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve is larger than Ranthambore Tiger Reserve with similar topography, but is far less commercialized.
Sariska Tiger Reserve in the news
read comments (9)Travel India Mahabaleshwar
Author: Binoy Gupta
Mahabaleshwar is the largest and one of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra.
It is situated at an altitude of 1372 metres above sea level – about 5 hours drive from Mumbai.
Mahabaleshwar has a cool climate and is a popular week end get away for Mumbaites.
It is a lovely place to spend a few days – relaxing and rejuvenating.
It is also the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra.
There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
There are lakes, waterfalls and a number of pleasant walks.
There is an old historic Shiva temple nearby.
History
We find the first mention of Mahabaleshwar in 1215 when King Singhan of Deogiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar and built a small temple and water tank at the source of the Krishna River. Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Jabalpur
Author: Binoy Gupta
Land of the romantic Marble Rocks
and Kipling’s Jungle Book
When you think of a romantic cruise amongst marble rocks, think of Jabalpur.
And when you think of Snooker, think of Jabalpur again, because snooker was invented here.
Jabalpur is located almost in the centre of India.
It is the first district in India which obtained the ISO-9001 certificate.
This has come into force from April 1, 2007.
The present city dates from the nineteenth century and has wide and well planned roads.
Jabalpur is famous for beautiful formations of Marble Rocks (Bhedaghat) through which flows the holy Narmada River.
Travel India Jaisalmer
Author: Binoy Gupta
The Golden City
Where would you go if you wanted to see sand, desert and sand dunes in India?
It is crowned by a fort, which contains the palace buildings and beautiful Jain temples.
Many of the houses and temples are beautifully sculpted.
History
According to legend, Lord Krishna told Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom on top of Trikuta Hill.
Travel India Leh III
Author: Binoy Gupta
Enigmatic land of Sand and Snow
the reader east of Leh to Changla Pass and Pangong Lake.
In the second part, I wrote about some wonderful places West of Leh.
In this part, I am writing about Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world to the North of Leh and the unbelievably beautiful Nubra Valley beyond.
I am also writing about the beautiful Tsomoriri Lake, and Dhahanu, the Land of the purest surviving Aryans to the South of Leh
Travel India Leh – II
Author: Binoy Gupta
Enigmatic land of Sand and Snow
In the first part, I gave an overview of Leh and Ladakh.
And I took the readers on a journey east of Leh – past Shey, Thiksey, Hemis and Chemrey, over Changla Pass and on to the beautiful Pangong Lake.
In this second part, I will write about some wonderful places West of Leh.We will visit some of the oldest monasteries; the sangam (confluence) of Indus and Zanskar Rivers; the unique Magnetic Hill; and meet our furry friends – the Yak and Pashmina sheep.
Travel India Ratnagiri
Author: Binoy Gupta
the land of the Golden Haapus 
or Alphonso Mangoes
Ratnagiri is a small idyllic coastal town – 330 kilometres south of Mumbai.
It is famous for golden Haapus or Alfonso mangoes and for the horse shoe shaped fort.
Haapus or Alphonso Mangoes
Haapus is grown mainly in western India in and around Ratnagiri.
In terms of sweetness, flavour and rosy colour, Haapus mangoes are considered to be the best Indian mangoes.
And they are certainly the costliest mangoes. Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Kolhapur
Author: Binoy Gupta
Shakti Peeth of Mahalakshmi and
the Gateway to Karnataka and Goa
Kolhapur is famous for its Mahalakshmi Temple which devout Hindus believe will fulfill all their wishes.
There are plenty of places to see around. And, you can stay in a real lake side palace without making a big hole in your pocket.
Travel India Ganpatipule
Author: Binoy Gupta
One of the finest beaches in West India
If you are looking for a beautiful, clean, pristine sea beach, far away from the mad, mad crowd, you will love Ganpatipule.
If you have the time and the inclination, there are a number of nearby forts to explore.
And of course, the famous 400 year old Ganapati temple is a major attraction.
Location
Ganpatipule is a small village on the sea coast near Ratnagiri – 375 kms south of Mumbai.
It is not too close to Mumbai, not very well known and therefore not crowded.
Travel India Murud Janjira – the invincible fort
Author: Binoy Gupta
Murud Janjira
Murud is a beautiful fishing village on the western coast of India – about 5 hours drive from Bombay (Mumbai). Since it has a municipality, water supply, schools and hospitals, you could even term it a small town.
It has a beautiful beach ideal for swimming, bathing and water sports. The beach is fringed with swaying coconut trees, a variety of palm trees and casuarinas. Unfortunately, the only water sport presently available is boating, sailing and deep sea fishing.
Murud is historically important because it was the capital of the Janjira State (area – 842 sq. kms.). The Nawabs of Janjira ruled the area around from here. The Janjira Fort is located 2 kms. into the sea – about 6 kms. from Murud.
Read the rest of this entry »