Travel Guide

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Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Coorg

Coorg, often referred as the 'Scotland of India', is a stunning hill station in Karnataka endowed with mystic hills and aromatic coffee estates. Madikeri being the headquarters and is also one of the top places to experience Coorg Tourism. This mesmerizing hill station is blessed with several tourist attractions in the form of waterfalls, viewpoints, temples, trekking destinations, wildlife sanctuaries & aromatic coffee plantations. Of these, waterfalls are the most famous places to visit in Coorg. Here is the list of some breathtaking waterfalls in Coorg.

Iruppu Falls

Iruppu Falls is a spectacular waterfalls formed over Lakshmana Tirtha River in Coorg district of Karnataka. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Karnataka and also top place to visit in Coorg. Locally known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, it cascades from a height of 170 feet through several stages. The picturesque surrounding of the waterfalls attracts a large number of tourists and makes it one of the favorite picnic spots.

Mallali Falls

Formed on Kumaradhara River, Mallali Falls is one of the gorgeous waterfalls in Coorg and also one of the most scenic waterfalls in Karnataka. Situated in the northern region of Kodagu district, the falls gushes down from a height of 200 feet. The surroundings of the waterfall provide a spectacular view of green forest, valleys and mountain ranges. It is the best place for trekkers with mesmerizing beauty around. Monsoon season is the best time to visit the fall, when water rises high and flows with full speed.

Abbey Falls

Abbey Falls is a captivating waterfall situated in Madikeri town. Gushes down from a height of 70 feet, the falls is one of the  popular Coorg Tourist Places and also one of the most visited waterfalls in Karnataka. Earlier known as Jessi falls, Abbey Falls is located between the dense coffee & spice plantations. There is a hanging bridge just opposite to the falls, where visitors can get a wonderful view of waterfalls. The misty spray of water cascading down to a small river provides a mesmerizing view. This is one of the most popular attraction not to miss in your Coorg Tour Packages.

Chelavara Falls

Chelavara Falls, situated near Cheyyandane village, is a natural waterfall formed by a small stream. It is locally known as Embepare, as the rock over which the water cascades is shaped like a tortoise. This waterfall is seasonal and it offer heavenly views in rainy season. The enchanting natural beauty and the tranquility of the place attract tourists and nature lovers.

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Top Places to Visit in Andaman

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal between India and Myanmar.  Of the 36 inhabited islands, only 9 islands in the Andaman are open for tourists while the Nicobar Islands are inaccessible to tourists. Port Blair is its capital and also the main tourist hub. Exotic beaches, secluded islands, evergreen tropical rain forest and vibrant marine life make Andamans one of the popular honeymoon destinations in India and among the best beach destinations in India. From the multicultural town of Port Blair to the pristine white sand beaches of Neil and Havelock Islands and the limestone caves of Diglipur, the Andaman Islands offer something for every tourist. These islands also famous for its water sport activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walk, wind-surfing and water scooter.

Trawell.in presents the list of top places to visit in Andamans here.

Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach is a secluded beach situated on the south coast of Havelock Island. Considered as the most famous beach in Andamans, Radhanagar beach is truly an unforgettable curve of 2 km long white sand beach with perfectly coloured blue waters lined with lush green forest. The beach is rated as Asia's best beach and among the top 10 beaches in the world by Time Magazine. Despite its popularity the beach would remain isolated and also very safe for swimming.

Havelock Island

Havelock Island is a picturesque island as well as the largest among all the islands in Ritchie's Archipelago of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With its pristine white sand beaches, warm lagoons and exotic nature, Havelock Island is the prettiest islands of Andaman and also the must include place in Andaman Tour Packages. Radhanagar Beach or Beach No. 7, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach are the top places to visit in Havelock. The beaches of Havelock Island are also the best spots for water activities and romantic picnics with your loved one.

Cellular Jail

Built by the British in 1896, the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, was a colonial prison situated in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This is a massive three-storeyed structure with seven wings, radiating from a central watch tower, shaped like spokes of a wheel. The prison was known to house many notable Indian activists such as Batukeshwar Dutt, Bhagat Singh and Veer Savarkar, among others, were imprisoned here during the struggle for India's independence. Today, the complex serves as a national monument which houses Art Gallery, Netaji Gallery and a Library on Freedom Movement.

Ross Island

Ross Island is a small island covered with thick forests and full of coconut trees. The island has the ruins of old buildings like Ballroom, Chief Commissioner's House, Church, Hospital, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool, and Troop Barracks of colonial era. There is a 10 m high circular Lighthouse at the northern end of the island, which was constructed in 1977. The tower is approachable during the low tide. It was at this lighthouse that photo voltaic panels were introduced for the first time in India, to charge the batteries for the operation of light.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Also known as Wandoor National Park, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a marine park situated near Wandoor in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Sprawling over an area of 281 sq. km, the landscape of the park is dotted with 15 rocky islands and is covered with tropical forest. Established in 1983, the national park is famous for its rich collection of coral reefs, which include leptoseris, tubipora, gorgonians, porites, acropora, fungia, pocillopora and montipora. There are more than 271 different varieties of birds inhabiting the idyllic landscape of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. The rich flora and fauna of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park makes this park an ideal destination for the nature lovers and also one of the best places to visit in Andaman.

Neil Island

Neil Island is a scenic and serene island situated in the Ritchie's Archipelago of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The island is widely famous as the Vegetable bowl of Andaman because of the large produce from the area as a result of the farming standards set with the help of favorable climatic conditions. With unexplored coral reefs, brilliant bio-diversity, white sandy beaches and tropical forest and vegetation, it is one of the best places to experience Andaman Tourism. Bharatpur, Laxmanpur, Sitapur, & Ramnagar beaches are the popular beaches in Neil Island. Natural Bridge is another chief attraction of Neil Island and is widely known as the Howrah Bridge. Snorkeling in Neil Island is a memorable experience.

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All You Need to Know about Chidambaram Nataraja Temple

Built during the 10th century AD by Chola Kings, Chidambaram temple has a very old history. The temple has been renovated by several dynasties.  The notable contributions were by the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Chera and Vijayanagara rulers during the periods of ancient and medieval history. The Sangam classics refer to Viduvelvidugu Perumtaccan, respected clan of traditional Vishwakarmas, was the chief architect of the temple renovation. The present structure of the temple has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries AD.

Chidambaram Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the heart of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Chidambaram Temple is one of the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram is one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams of Lord Shiva, represents akasha (ether). The other four temples are Thiruvanaikovil Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire), and Kalahasteeswara Temple (wind).

The word Chidambaram is derived from two words ‘Chit’ meaning ‘consciousness’ and ‘ambaram’ meaning ‘sky’ (akasha) and signifies the sky of consciousness, which is the ultimate state one should attempt to attain. Another theory is that it is derived from chit + ambalam. Ambalam means a "stage" for performing arts. The chidakasam is the state of supreme bliss or aananda and Lord Nataraja is the symbolic representation of the supreme bliss or aananda thandavam. Saivaites believe that a visit to Chidambaram leads to liberation.

Sacred to Hindus, this majestic temple complex in Chidambaram sprawls over an area 40 acres. Here Lord Shiva manifests as Lord Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. This ancient temple of the Cholas is unique as it is one of the rare temples where Shiva is represented by an idol rather than the customary lingam. According to the legend, Aadi Sesha, the serpent god, heard about the grandeur of Shiva's cosmic dance from Lord Vishnu. Filled with irrepressible desire to witness the dance in person at Chidambaram, Seshan descended to the earth as Patanjali. At the appointed hour, Shiva granted to Patanjali, a visual treat in the form of his Cosmic Dance of Bliss, to the accompaniments of music played by several divine personalities in the Hindu pantheon. This Dance of Bliss is said to have been witnessed by Lord Vishnu, and there is a Govindaraja shrine in the Natarajar Temple commemorating this.

The Nataraja Temple is known for its attractive gopurams, carvings, five mandapams and inscriptions. The four tall gopurams are decorated with 108 carved dance postures of Natya Shastra. There are five main principle sabhas in this temple, which are known as Chit Sabha, Kanaka Sabha, Deva Sabha, Nritya Sabha and Raja Sabha. The main idol of Lord Shiva or Nataraja resides in the Chit Sabha. The second is the Kanaka Sabha – in front of the Chit Sabha, from where the daily rituals are conducted. The Kanaka Sabha is adorned by gold plated roof. The golden roof is made of 22600 tiles representing the number of breaths of a human being on a day, and fixed with 72,000 golden nails representing the 72,000 visible and invisible nerves of a human body!  The roof is having 9 ornamental conic heads (Kalasas), representing the nine gateways or holes in a human body.  There are five courtyards, representing five sheaths of a human body, kosas.

Chidambaram Temple is also associated with Chidambara Ragasiyam which is a belief that there is a secret message conveyed through the embossed figure near the shrine of Shiva here. Since ancient times, it is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva and Parvathi are present, but are invisible to the naked eyes of normal people. In the Chidambaram temple of Lord Nataraja, Chidambara Ragasiyam is hidden by a curtain. Darshan of Chidambara Ragasiyam is possible only when priests open the curtain for special poojas. People who are fortunate to have a darshan of Chidambara Ragasiyam can merely see golden vilva leaves signifying the presence of Lord Shiva and Parvathi in front of them.

Marghazhi Thiruvaadhirai and the Aani Thirumanjanam are the most important festivals of the temple. During these festivals, the main deity being brought outside the sanctum sanctorum in a procession that included a temple car procession followed by a long anointing ceremony.

The Chidambram temple has always followed both Vedic and Tamil version of worships, chanting of Rudram and singing of Tevaram and Tiruvachakam. The temple is a privately owned property run by a Trust and it is not under government control.

Thousands of domestic and international pilgrims visit the temple each day, worshipping wholeheartedly at the sanctum sanctorum and leaving the temple as a changed person. Thillai Kaliamman Temple, Pichavaram, Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Thirukkadaiyur, and Mayiladuthurai are the other Places to visit in Chidambaram.

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5 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a fascinating hill station in Uttarakhand and also one of the popular places to experience Uttarakhand tourism. With its beautiful, undulating, tree-covered hills, looking down on the Doon valley and with a fantastic view of the Mighty Himalayas attracts thousands of both domestic and international tourists every year. Kempty Falls, Camel's Back Road, Lal Tibba, Cloud's End and Company Bagh are the major and the top places to visit in Mussoorie.

Camel's Back Road

Camel's Back road is one of the important places to visit in Mussoorie. Built in 1845, it provide a walking track with a picturesque view of the Himalayas. Shaped like a Camel's hump, it is a 3 km long stretch with the natural display of rocks. Great place for sunset, one can also spot the peaks of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul are visible from here.

Lal Tibba

Lal Tibba is the highest point and one of the top places to visit in Mussoorie. Also referred as Depot Hill, a telescope is placed at the tower on a cliff by municipality to offer mesmerizing views of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Banderpunch, and other Himalayan ranges. The place has an old British architectural style hill houses a camp of the Indian Military Services, towers of Doordarshan and All India Radio.

Company Bagh

Filled with several colorful flowers, Company Bagh is one of the popular and the beautiful Mussoorie tourist places. Also known as Municipal Garden, the garden has a lush green carpet of lawns and a fountain. Previously called as Botanical Gardens of Mussoorie, the park is maintained by the Garden Welfare Association of Mussoorie. An artificial lake and a small waterfall is located inside the garden is the another attraction.

Kempty Falls

Kempty Waterfall is a gigantic waterfall and one of the famous tourist places to visit in Mussoorie. Developed by a British officer John Mekinan, the falls is known for its milky stream of water. It offer a mesmerizing view as the water dropping from a height of about 50 feet flowing through five cascading falls in the downstream.  

Cloud's End

Cloud's End is the landmark of the end of the Mussoorie. Known for its spectacular views of hills, the place offers activities like hill climbing, nature walks in the nearby forest. A heritage building built by Major Swetenham, a British officer in 1838 is also an attraction of this place. One can reach Cloud's End by trekking along the Hathipaon Road from the popular Happy Valley or by Car.

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5 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Nainital

Nainital is a distinct and popular tourist destination of India. Blessed with gorgeous lakes, ancient temple and exotic scenery, it is one of the famous honeymoon destination and one of the top tourist places in Uttarakhand. Nainital is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the town is spread around the wonderful Naini Lake. Nainital Lake, Naina Peak, Naina Devi Temple, High altitude Zoo and Snow View Point are the major places to visit in Nainital and allures huge number of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Nainital.

Naini Peak

Also known as China Peak, is the highest hill top and one of the picturesque places to visit in Nainital. Perched at an altitude of 2615 m, the peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding places. Due to high altitude and lush green forest, Naina Peak is one of the favorite place for trekking. One can also view the Tibet Border and Nanda Devi Peak from the top of the Naina Peak.

Naini Lake

Nainital Lake is a natural freshwater lake and one of the major tourist places to visit in Nainital. Popularly known as Naini Lake, the lake is lunar-shaped and has an outlet at the southeastern end. Covers a perimeter of 2 miles with a depth varies from 6 m to 28 m, the lake topology has two parts namely Mallital and Tallital. Nainital Boat Club provides boating and yachting facilities with both pedal and rowing boats. This is another popular attraction not to miss in a Nainital tour package.

High altitude Zoo

High Altitude Zoo is one of the famous places to visit in Nainital. Built in 1984, the Zoo was established with the objective to conserve and protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the hill region of Uttarkhand. The zoo has numerous endangered species of animals in the Himalayas and animals like snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Japanese Macaque, Sambar, Himalayan Civet, Himalayan Martin, Barking Dear, Royal Bengal Tiger and Himalayan bear.

Snow View point

Snow View point is one of the stunning places to visit in Nainital and also one among the well-known tourist places. Perched at an altitude of 2270 m, the place offers picturesque views of snowcapped mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. There is a small temple and the monastery located here is also a must visit spot.

Naina Devi temple

Naina Devi Temple is a famous and well-known temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, represented by two eyes. Situated atop the Naina hillock near Naina Lake, the place draws devotees from far-away places and one of the main places to visit in Nainital. Inside the sanctum, devotees can have darshan of three deities like Mata Kali Devi, Naina Devi and Lord Ganesh. Nanda Ashtami is an 8 days big festival organized in the premises of Naina Devi temple.

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Popular Attractions in Magical Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the most beautiful Hill States situated in India. Dense alpine forests, frosty snow clad peaks, deep gorges, verdant valleys, meandering rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, ancient temples and magnificent monasteries make Himachal is one of the top places to visit in India and also one of the best summer destinations in India. Shimla, Manali, Lahul, Kullu, Dharmashala, Dalhousie, Kasauli and Mcleod Ganj are the top places to Visit in Himachal.

Top tourists places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayan Mountains in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh. Spiti Valley is the cultural center for Buddhists. Spiti is home to some of the highest villages, oldest monasteries and the most stunning landscapes. Kye Monastery and Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world are situated in Spiti Valley. Kye Monastery is the oldest training center for monks, founded by Dromton, a famous disciple of teacher Atisha in the 11th century AD. Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake, Dhankar Monastery, Suraj Tal Lake, Dhankar Lake and Pin Valley National Park are the popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.

Shimla

Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and also one of the most enchanting hill stations in India. Lies at an altitude of 7238 feet, Shimla is popularly referred as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and also one of the best tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. This lovely hill station was developed by the British as their summer capital. The Kalka - Shimla toy train is also one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The Ridge, Mall Road, Vice Regal Lodge, Christ Church, Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Jakhu Hill, Kufri, Fagu Resort and Narkanda are the famous Shimla tourist places to visit. As Shimla weather is pleasant, tourists can visit throughout the year.

Manali

Manali is a stunning hill station nestled in the northern Himalayas near Kullu Valley. Located at an altitude of 2050 m, Manali is known for its snowcapped mountains, scenic beauty, history and culture. Often referred to as the ‘Valley of the Gods’, Manali is among the popular places to visit in Himachal and also one of the top summer getaways in India. Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Vashist Temple, Manu temple, Naggar Castle and Manikaran are the top tourist places to visit in Manali. Renowned as one of the famous Honeymoon destinations in India, Manali offers adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, Paragliding, rafting, kayaking and mountain biking.

Kullu

Kullu is a beautiful valley situated between the majestic Himalayas and river Beas in Himachal. Known as 'Valley of Gods', Kullu is one of the largest valleys in Himachal and also a popular place to experience Himachal Tourism. It is one of the best spot for adventure sports and offers some activities like trekking, river rafting, mountaineering, paragliding and hiking. Manikaran, Malana, Bijli Mahadev, Kasol, Kheer Ganga, Katrain, Kangra and Great Himalayan National Park are the major tourist places to visit in Kullu.

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a scenic hill station located in Dhauladhar mountain range of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by snow peaked mountains, Dalhousie is one of the top places to visit as part of Himachal tourism packages. Dalhousie is known for its pleasant climate and charming beauty surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Ganji Pahari, Dainkund Peak, Khajjiar, Bara Pathar temple, St. Patrick Church, Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Sanctuary and Panchpula, are the top places to visit in Dalhousie. Garam Sadak, Jhandri ghat, Moti tibba and Sach pass are the ideal trekking places in Dalhousie.

Kasauli

Kasauli is a picturesque hill stations in Himachal. It is well known for its pristine and unspoiled natural beauty. The name Kasauli came from Kausalya, a mountain stream which flows between Kasauli and Jabli. Kasauli is quite cheapest hill station compared to popular Himachal hill stations like Shimla & Manali. Christ Church, Monkey Point, Lower and Upper Mall, Sanawar, Sabathu Fort are some of the major places of sightseeing in Kasauli. Kasauli weather is pleasant in April to June and from September to November.

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Top Places to Visit in Dalhousie

Known for its mesmerizing natural beauty, Dalhousie is an enchanting hill station surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Lies at an elevation of 1,970 m, Dalhousie is one of the famous and the most visited places to experience Himachal tourism. Spread over the five hills known as Katalagh, Potreyn, Bakrota, Terah and Bhangora, it is one of the popular and the romantic destination for honeymooners. Chamera Lake, Panchpula, Ganji Pahadi, Khajjiar and Dainkund Peak are the top and major places to visit in Dalhousie.

Trawell.in listed top 5 places to visit in Dalhousie

Khajjiar

Khajjiar is a charming hill station situated in the foothills of the Dhauladhar ranges of the Western Himalayas. Often referred as 'Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is a magnificent spot with an emerald saucer shaped meadow amidst a dense forest which has a lake with a floating island at its center and a temple with a golden spire. Also called the Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh and a popular getaway for adventure sports in Himachal state, it is also one of the important places to visit in Dalhousie. Most tourists travel to Khajjiar by private or rented vehicles. Bus service to and from Khajjiar is limited and timing changes according to local demands.

Chamera Lake

Chamera Lake is an artificial lake and one of the top tourist places to visit in Dalhousie. Positioned at an altitude of 1700 m, the lake is an excellent site for activities like fishing, angling and boating. One of the main hydel projects of Himachal Pradesh, Chamera Hydel Electric Project is situated nearby. Formed by Chamera Dam, it is a major source of water supply for the villagers and is continuously fed by the Ravi River. One of the main hydel projects of Himachal Pradesh, Chamera Hydel Electric Project is situated nearby.

Panchpula

Panchpula is a scenic place surrounded by picturesque mountains and green valleys and one of the top places to visit in Dalhousie. Originates from Dain Kund, Panchpula stream is the main resource of water supply to Dalhousie and nearby villages. There is a spring fall on the way to Panchpula which is known as the Satdhara spring fall and is believed that the fresh waters of Satdhara contain healing medical properties. Also, Panchpula is famous for treks that originate here and leads to Dalhousie and nearby places.

Dainkund Peak

Dainkund Peak is the highest mountain peak and one of the most popular places to visit in Dalhousie. The Indian Air Force base and Pholani Devi temple are the other two main attractions of this place. Although trekking is the most common activity with lush green trees and tranquil mountains, the peak offers a clear view of the flow of the rivers Ravi, Chenab and Beas.

Ganji Pahari

Ganji Pahari is a serene and quaint hill in Dalhousie and one of the main places to visit in Dalhousie. Being one of the most popular nature walks and destinations in Dalhousie, the place offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding snowcapped hills and valleys. The trek is an easy to moderate one with a distance of 1 km from Panchpula which takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the summit of the hill.

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Top Places to Visit in Thanjavur

Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Sited on the banks of the River Cauvery, Thanjavur is famous for its Brihadeeswar Temple built by Rajaraja Chola in the year 1010 AD. Considered as an important agricultural centre located in the Cauvery Delta and is known as the 'Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu'. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments are located in and around Thanjavur.

Trawell.in listed top 4 places to visit in Thanjavur

Brihadeeswar Temple

Brihadishvara Temple, is a popular and ancient Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva. This 212 ft. (64.8 meter) towering Shiva temple is home to one of the largest Shiva Lingas of the country. Built out of granite, the temple has huge statue of Nandi and the outer wall of the upper storey is carved with 108 dance postures of Bharatanatyam. Considered as the big temple, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Great Living Chola Temples'. The Temple car was rolled out on its trial run from opposite to Sri Ramar temple on 20 April 2015 witnessed by a large number of people.[58] Nine days later, the maiden procession of the temple car was held. This was the first such procession in this temple held in the past hundred years, according to news reports.

Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple

Popularly known as Mariamman Kovil, Punnai allur Mariamman temple is one of the famous Hindu temple built by the Maratha rulers. Built over the natural formation of the anthill, the seven-tiered gopuram was erected recently. The Great saint Sadhasiva Brammendra swamy shaped the white-ant hill into a form of Mariamman and also installed a powerful Chakra. It is also one of the top places to visit in Thanjavur.

Schwartz Church

Schwartz Church is one of the important old structures in India that were built during the British administration in the country. Built by Raja Serfoji in 1779 to honor the Danish missionary Reverend Frederick Christian Schwartz. Also known as Fort Church, the main attraction is the white marble monument and is noted for its intricate carvings depicting the final moments of Schwartz.

Thanjavur Palace

Thanjavur Royal Palace is one of the ancient palace in Thanjavur constructed by the Nayakas around 1550 CE. Also known as 'Aranmanai' and Maratha Palace, the palace hosts myriad primeval items including the Thanjavur paintings, statues from the Pallava, Chola, Pandiya and Nayaka periods. Divided into two parts, where the first part followed by Saraswathi Mahal Library is extended by Maratha rulers and it houses Royal Museum, Maratha Darbar Hall and Sangeetha Mahal. The second part of the palace was constructed during Nayaka period and it houses Goodagopuram, Manimandapam and Art Gallery.

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Top Places to Visit in Shimla

Shimla is one of the charming hill station and the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by pine, oak and deodar forests, Shimla is one among the most visited hill station in India. Amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures, a narrow railway links from Kalka to Shimla was introduced in 1924.Christ Church, The Mall, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Annandale and Kalka-Shimla Railway are the major and the top places to visit in Shimla and to explore Shimla Tourism. Typically, 2 -3 days is required to explore best Shimla Tour Packages. Shimla is very famous for skiing with popular ski resorts at Kufri, Fagu Resort, and Narkanda. The toy train between Kalka and Shimla was built in 1924 and it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trawell.in listed top 6 places to visit in Shimla

The Mall

The Mall Road is one of the crowded and the busiest commercial areas of Shimla. With full of shops that sell woolen clothes, branded clothes, handicraft items, pottery items, jewellery, books, the Mall Road is the main street and famous place for shopping in Shimla. The Mall extends from Barnes court in the eastern side to Vice Regal Lodge in the western side, it is one of the major and top tourist places to visit in Shimla. Scandal point is where the Mall road joins Ridge road on the west side. The name arose from the commotion caused by the supposed elopement of a British lady with an Indian Maharaja. The story goes that the Maharaja of Patiala had eloped with the daughter of the British Viceroy.

Christ Church

The Christ Church was designed in neo-gothic style and is one of the lovely places to visit in Shimla. The church has stained glass windows, which represents faith, hope, charity, fortitude, patience and humanity. With its architectural marvel and rich historical significance, the church remains one of the most important legacies of colonial India. Being situated at the most prominent road of Shimla, Christ Church is one of the most notable tourist spots and one of the important landmark of Shimla.

Jakhu Temple

Jakhu Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and one of the main attractions in Shimla. Situated at an altitude of 2455m, it is the highest peak in Shimla and one of the popular places to visit in Shimla. A huge statue of Hanuman is built near Jakhu Temple and considered as the world’s tallest statue with 108 ft. height lies at the highest altitude of 8100 ft. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple is absolutely breathtaking and splendid.

The Ridge

Situated in the heart of the Shimla, the Ridge is a large open space and one of the top and the major places to visit in Shimla. The Ridge connects the Mall road at the Scandal point on the west side and offers a panoramic view of the snowy mountains of Shimla. Sited along the Mall Road, the Ridge is hub for all cultural activities and also the venue for the famous summer festival held in April or May with colors and a riot of activities.

Kalka-Shimla Railway

Started during the reign of Lord Curzon in 1903, Kalka-Shimla Railway was considered as the ‘Crown of Jewel’ of the Indian Railways during British times. Laid out on a 96 km long narrow gauge track that passes through 103 tunnels and across more than 800 bridges and viaducts, it is one of the most beautiful hill railways in India. With picturesque views of hills and the surrounding villages, a ride in the toy train is one of the top things to do in Shimla and Kalka-Shimla Railway was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2008.

Annandale

Annandale is a historical playground and is a favorite spot for cricket and polo. Named by Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, it is quite a scenic spot as it gives a picturesque view of the Shimla city and its surroundings are occupied by deodar trees and oak trees. Annandale is famous because earlier the British used this as a playground for racing, polo, cricket and other entertaining activities. The playground at present hosts army exercise and parades, sports and Dussehra festival celebrations and also one of the prime places to visit in Shimla.

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5 Most Popular Places of Pilgrimage in Tamilnadu

Tamil Nadu, the Land of the Tamils, is the 11th largest state in India.  Blessed with more than 33, 000 temples, Tamil Nadu, popularly called as the Land of Temples, has some grandest and revered temples in India.  These temples have been a source of reverence for believers throughout the world.  Most of the temples in the state are built in Dravidian style and are proof of the architectural genius of the bygone era. Besides being timeless architectural wonders, these temple towns reverberate with a divine energy that draws thousands of pilgrims throughout the year.

Trawell.in presents the 5 most sacred pilgrimage centers in Tamilnadu here.

Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in India, is situated on the Pamban Island in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. Rameshwaram Temple is one of the most famous Shiva shrines in India and also one of the top places to visit in Rameshwaram. According to the legend, Rameshwaram is the place where Lord Rama, built a bridge across the sea with the help of vanaras to rescue his consort Sita from Ravana. This is also the place where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva to cleanse away the sin of killing Ravana. Rameshwaram along with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath form the sacred Char Dhams. Rameshwaram is also considered as Varanasi of the South, second only to Varanasi itself. However, a pilgrimage to Varanasi is not considered complete without a trip to Rameshwaram. The third corridor of Rameshwaram Temple is the longest one in the world and it also happens to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples. Agnitheertham, Gandamadana Parvatham, Dhanushkodi, Kothandaraswamy Temple and Erwadi are the popular and the most visited places in Rameshwaram.

Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, also known as Kanchi, is a popular temple town in Tamilnadu. The town is known for its temples and silk sarees which are woven manually. Kanchi is famous for Sri Kamakshi Amman Temple and is the landmark of Kanchipuram. Kanchi Temple is one of the most famous South Indian temples and also one of the major religious places to visit in Tamilnadu. Kanchi served as the capital of Pallava dynasty, and most of the known temples were built during their reign. The temples of Kanchipuram are known for their architectural grandeur. The architecture of Kanchi monuments adorned with great sculpture work and unique style.

Chidambaram

Chidambaram is a sacred town in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. Famous for Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram is one of the most popular pilgrimage places in South India and also one of the best Tamilnadu places to visit. The Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram was built during the 11th century and is one of the most celebrated Shiva Temples in South India. Nataraja Temple has great religious as well as historic and cultural significance. This is one of the Panchabhoota Stalas signifying the five elements of wind, water, fire, earth and space. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Akasha Lingam, an embodiment of Shiva as the formless Space. Brahmotsavam, the annual chariot festival held in the month of April, is the popular festival celebrated at Chidambaram which attract large crowds. Natyanjali Dance Festival is another major festival held in the month of February in Chidambaram.

Madurai

Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, also called as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is one of the biggest and most popular temples of India and also one of the top pilgrimage places to visit in Tamilnadu. The Madurai Temple is considered an architecture marvel and was shortlisted as one of the top 30 nominees for New Seven Wonders of the World. The temple was built by Kulashekara Pandya of Pandya dynasty and was rebuilt by Viswanatha Nayak, the 1st Nayak king of Madurai. The complex is built over an area of 45 acres and is surrounded by 14 towers. There are several corridors, pillared halls and sub shrine inside the temple complex. The corridors and pillars are adorned with wonderful artwork of bygone era. The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam held in April and May, attracts 1 million visitors from all parts of India.

Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is a coastal town in Tamil Nadu and is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland. Kanyakumari has been a great center for art& culture for centuries and is also famous for Kumari Amman Temple. Considered as one of the Shakti Peethas, the Kumari Amman Temple attracts huge number of devotees every year. This is one of the best places to visit in South India and also one of the popular places of Pilgrimage in Tamilnadu. It is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days.  The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram, Vattakottai Fort, St Xavier's Church and Udayagiri Fort are the top Kanyakumari Tourist places. The Chaitra Poornima Festival and Navratri are the major festivals celebrated in Kanyakumari with great pomp and fervor.

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5 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Madurai

Madurai is one of the oldest and the largest city in Tamilnadu. Referred as the cultural capital of Tamilnadu, the city is known for Madurai Meenakshi Temple and is considered as Athens of the East and Temple Town. Madurai is also known for its food, cuisine, architecture, shopping and endearing people. Madurai has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission. Trawell.in listed top 5 places to visit in Madurai

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple

Also referred as Meenakshi Amman Temple, Meenakshi Temple is an old historic Hindu temple situated on the banks of the Vagai River. Built in 45 acres of land, the temple complex houses with 14 gopurams, two golden sculptured vimanas and 33,000 sculptures, Porthamarai Kulam, the sacred temple tank and several halls. With Musical Pillars outside the thousand pillar hall, each pillar produces a different musical note when struck. Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival is a ten day annual festival celebrated during April and May which allures huge number of devotees.  

Thirupparankundram Temple

Thirupparankunram Murugan Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan. Also called as Thirupparankunram Murugan Kovil, it is one of the six abodes of Murugan and considered as the first and foremost temple of Lord Muruga. It is a cave temple and the entrance is built with 48 Nayaka period pillars with artistic carvings. There is a belief that people who get married here get special blessings from Lord Muruga. A unique feature of this temple is that the Gods Shiva and Vishnu face each other in the main shrine, which is a rare scene in ancient Hindu temples. Also, this rock cut temple has separate shrines for Lord Ganapathy, Shiva, Durgai, Vishnu and other deities.

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

Thirumalai Nayak Mahal is a beautiful palace in Madurai built by Thirumalai Nayak in 1636. Divided into Swargavilasa and Rangavilasa, it is one of the important tourist places to visit in Madurai. Enclosed with 248 pillars, the ceilings are decorated with large paintings showing Shaivite and Vaishnavite themes. Also, there is a large museum that houses with wonderful collection of Painting, utensils, photographs of the palace showing its full glory and several sculptures. The major and the remarkable part of this palace is the dome of Swarga Vilasa which lies beyond a huge courtyard.

Gandhi Museum

Gandhi Museum is a memorial museum for Gandhi located in Madurai and was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959. Earlier, it was the palace of Rani Mangammal of Nayak dynasty and later it is converted into Gandhi Museum by the Gandhi Memorial Trust after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. It is one of the five great Gandhi Museums in the country which depict the life of the Father of the nation. Also, the Museum contains with a ‘Visual Biography of Bapuji’ containing photos, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, quotations and some of the selected Photostat copies of many of the letters written by him. A new wing has been constructed on the northern side which includes a library and open-air theater.

Koodal Alagar Temple

Koodal Alagar Temple is one of the ancient temple and the popular places to visit in Madurai. Also known as Arulmigu Koodalazhagar Thirukoil, the temple is one of the 108 Divyadesams (Vaishnavite Shrines) of the holy abodes of Vishnu. A unique feature of this temple is the three different postures of the same God. With beautifully carved ornamental windows, the temple attracts large number of devotees.

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Top Places to Visit in Manali

Dwelling in the lap of the great Himalayas, Manali is the gorgeous hill station situated in the northern end of Kullu Valley. With splashing rivers, water streams and lofty mountains, Manali is one of the top honeymoon destinations and also the popular tourist places to experience Himachal Pradesh tourism. Situated at an altitude 2050 meters, Manali is famous for the adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, Paragliding, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking. Hidimbi Devi Temple, Vashist Temple & Hot Water Springs, Manu Temple, Solang Valley and Rohtang pass are the prime attractions and the top places to visit in Manali. Typically, 2-3 days is required to explore best Manali Tour Packages. Manali is famous as a Honeymoon destination.

Trawell.in listed top 5 places to visit in Manali

Hidimbi Devi Temple

Locally known as Dhungri Temple, Hidimbi Devi Temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi. Built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh, it is one of the prime and the important places to visit in Manali.  Built in pagoda style, the temple does not contain any idol but just a footprint on a stone. With 24 meter high tower, the top conical roof is in metal and the other three square-shaped floors are roofed with timbre tiles. About seventy metres away from the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimba's son, Ghatotkacha, who was born after she married Bhima. The most surprising feature of the temple or what believers could call the most reassuring feature of the temple is the fact that inside the temple the imprint of the feet of the Goddess carved on a block of stone are worshipped.

Vashist Temple & Hot Water Springs

Dedicated to Sage Vashist, Vashist temple is one of old temple and the top places to visit in Manali. Decorated with excellent and beautiful carvings on wood, there is a black stone image of Rishi wearing dhoti is present inside the temple. Believed to be more than 4000 years old temple, the interior of this temple is rather traditional which is ornamented with antique painting and figures. One of the major attractions of this region is the Vashist Hot Water Spring, is believed to have medicinal value which cures many skin diseases.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is a high mountain on the eastern Pir Pangal Range of the Himalayas. Placed at a height of 4111 meters, it is one of the stunning and the beautiful tourist places to visit in Manali. Offers a panoramic and the mesmerizing Mountain View, it is the best place to experience snow in summer season and famous place for adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh. The pass is on the watershed between the water basins of the Chenab River and the Beas River. The Rohtang Pass is only open from May to November.

Manu Temple

Situated on the banks of River Beas, Manu Temple is a magnificent temple dedicated to the sage Manu who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. Built in pagoda style, the temple is one of the major places to visit in Manali and attracts large of tourists from different parts of the world. Rebuilt in 1992, one has to walk through the slippery stone paths of old Manali for about 200 meters to reach the temple. The temple is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth.

Solang Valley

Sandwiched between Solang village and Beas Kund, Solang Valley is one of the well-known places to visit in Manali. Placed at a height of 8500 feet, the place offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains and glaciers. The two main activities organized here are Skiing and Paragliding. In winter, the valley becomes a skiing paradise with children of all ages slipping and sliding over the fresh white snow. In summer, it has facilities for paragliding, zorbing, mountain biking and horse riding.

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5 Top Beaches in Kerala

Kerala, popularly known as 'God's Own Country', is sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The pleasant climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush green hills and exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantation,and paddy fields are the major attraction of Kerala Tourism. The state is among the top 10 tourist hotspots in the world and also one of the top Honeymoon destinations in India. Alleppey Beach, Varkala Beach, Bekal Beach, Cherai Beach and Kozhikode Beach are the famous beaches to visit in Kerala apart from Kovalam Beach.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach with its stunning beauty has become a hugely popular tourist attraction, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island in Kochi. It is also called as the Golden Beach of Kerala and the Princess of Arabian Sea. Lined with luscious green coconut groves and paddy fields, this sandy beach is a unique combination of the sea and the backwaters, studded with seashells of various hues and shapes. The beach offers various water sports activities like water scooters, speed boats, snorkeling and canoe ride. Cherai Beach is famous among the people in Kochi and the must visit place in Kerala.

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a popular beach town as well as a place for pilgrimage in Kerala. Varkala Beach is one of the top and beautiful Kerala Beaches and also one of the top Tourist places in Kerala.The high red rocks, tall coconut trees along the sea side are amazing. It is believed that taking bath here wash away all sins.The beach also offers adventurous sports activities like water skiing and surfing. One can also visit the 2000 yearold Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the nature care center on the beach.

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach is one of the most popular beaches and the major tourist places in Kerala. Situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kozhikode Beach is blessed with wonderful scenery and peaceful, refreshing ambiance. The old lighthouse and two crumbling piers that run into the sea, adds the beauty of the beach and retain its old world charm. The beach offers common activities like sunbathing, windsurfing, para- sailing, beach walking, fishing, etc.

Bekal Beach

Bekal Fort Beach is an attractive and charming beach that lies in Kasaragod district of Kerala. The beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty. The beautiful stretch of the shallow beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). The beach offers an amazing view of the grand Bekal Fort which stands on the shores of Arabian Sea. Bekal beach became a major holiday destination and one of the most renowned beaches of Kerala.

Alleppey Beach

Alappuzha Beach, also known as Alleppey Beach is one of the top places to visit in and is one of the top attractions of Kerala Tourism.  Often referred as 'Venice of East', Alleppey is one of the popular destinations of Kerala Backwaters. The beach of Alleppey is also perfect for various water sports activities such as a motorboat cruise, surfing, diving, para-sailing and swimming in the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. This beach is also popular for the grand event of Nehru Trophy Boat Race that takes place every year in the month of August and it is also must include place as part of Kerala tour packages.

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Madurai

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5 Places to Visit in Mysore apart from Mysore Palace

Mysore is the prevalent and the second largest city in Karnataka. It was considered as the erstwhile capital of Wodeyars of Mysore. Mysore is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism and also one of the beautiful places of heritage in India. Mysore Zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake, Regional Museum of Natural history and St. Philomena's Church are some of the major and important places to visit in Mysore apart from the famous Mysore Palace.

Brindavan Gardens

Brindavan Gardens of Mysore is undeniably one of the exceptional terrace gardens in South India and the various ought to go to Mysore Tourist Places. The Musical and dancing fountain is the principle attraction for the vacationers. Attractive lawns, annual flowerbeds, perennial flowering flora, ornamental hedges are maintained.The excellent time to go to the gardens is after sunset whilst all the shiny colorful fountains come alive.

Karanji Lake

Karanji Lake is a picturesque lake located at the footsteps of Chamundi Hills and behind Mysore Zoo. It is regarded as one of the biggest lakes in Karnataka and also one of the best tourist places in Mysore. The lake attracts painted storks, pelicans and darters and a host of other winged beauties. This is also one of the best place to visit as part of Mysore tour packages. Karanji Lake is owned and maintained by the Mysore Zoo Authority.It is considered a bird paradise that attracts many ornithologists and other nature enthusiasts.  

Mysore Zoo

Mysore Zoo is famed to be one of the oldest and the largest Zoo parks in South India and also one of the famous locations to visit in Mysore. It is home to a wide variety of wild species and takes the credit score for fascinating large variety of site visitors with its wealthy breed of plants and fauna. It is also one of the top visited places as part of Mysore tours. Famous for breeding some very rare animals in captivity, it has a fine collection of animals like lions, tigers, hyena, deer, elephants, rhinos, king cobras and birds.

Regional Museum of Natural History

Regional Museum of Natural History is one of the famous and the magnificent tourist places in Mysore. Built in 1995, the museum was established to spread awareness about environment and its conservation. The museum famous flora, animals and geology of the southern vicinity of India along with topic-based totally participatory and interactive exhibits may be located at this museum. The museum offers an extracurricular hobby for colleges and promotes environmental consciousness. They additionally arrange movie suggests on topics related to herbal history.

St. Philomena’s Church

St. Philomena's Cathedral is a Catholic church that is the cathedral of the Diocese of Mysore, India. The full name is the Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Philomena. It is also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral. It is one of the oldest and second largest churches in Asia. Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar III laid the foundation for St. Philomena's Church in 1933 and was completed in 1941. The most attractive feature of St. Philomena's Church is the spires. There are two towers or spires that are about 54 meters tall, which resemble the spires of St. Patrick's Church of New York.

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6 Breathtaking Sightseeing Places in Lonavala

Lonavala is a fascinating hill station in Pune district of Maharashtra. Lonavala separates the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. Lonavala and Khandala are the twin hill stations located near to each other. These are very popular monsoon destinations in India and also among the top summer getaways in Maharashtra. Lonavala offers an alluring and memorable experience of nature's most gifted region. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, lakes, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and nature lovers. Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Bhushi Dam, Kune Waterfalls,Tiger's LeapandBedsa Caves, are some of the popular sightseeing places to visit in Lonavala. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Lonavala.

Kune Falls

Kune Falls is a scenic waterfall in Lonavala and also one of the popular places of Lonavala sightseeing. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green vegetation and provides a great visual experience. The Kune Falls cascades down from a height of about 200 meters and the highest drop of this 3-tier waterfall is about 100 meters. The falls attracts tourists in large numbers during the rainy season when the waterfall is in its full form. It is one of the popular tourist places near Pune and also one of the best waterfalls near Mumbai.

Lohagad Fort

Lohagad Fort is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala and also one of the popular forts in Maharashtra. The fort separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. It is one among the popular places of trekking near Pune & Mumbai. Lohagad Fort was designed in the shape of tail of a scorpion. The fort has four entrances, namely Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja. Malavli is the base of the trek, which is around 7 km from Lohagad. This fort offers aerial views of Karla, Bhaja caves and Pawna Lake.

Bhaja Caves

Bhaja Caves or Bhaje Caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to 2nd century BC. Located at Bhaja, thesecaves are located on an ancient trade route. These protected monuments are one of the top places to visit in Lonavala and among the well-known tourist places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. The notable feature of the caves is its group of 14 stupas, which enfold an irregular excavation with five stupas inside and nine outside. There is also a waterfall near the caves where tourists refresh themselves with a dip.

Tiger’s Point

Tiger's Leap, also known as Waghdari is a scenic viewpoint situated near I.N.S Shivaji in Lonavala. The point derives its name from its resemblance to the shape of a leaping tiger. There is a small waterfall near to this viewpoint, which flows during the monsoon season only. When the stream flow is medium, the place offers adventure activity like rafting. The place is perfect for trekking as it offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley. The sunrise and sunset views from here are mesmerizing.

Bhushi Dam

Bhushi Dam in Lonavala is a masonry dam built in late 1860s for the Great Indian Peninsular Railway as a source of water for their steam engines. Khandala and the reversing station of the railway. Located in the backdrop of scenic hilly terrains, Bushi Dam is one of the top places to visit in Lonavala and also a popular places to visit near Mumbai. The place is visited during the monsoon season. There is a waterfall located close to the dam, which is formed when the water gushes out through the dam during the monsoon months.

Karla Caves

The Karla Caves are a complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves located in Lonavala, Maharashtra.  The caves are excavated nearly 100 m on a high spur on the north flank of the Indrayani valley. Karla is one of the most famous centers of early rock-cut architecture in India and also one of the best Lonavala tourist places. The cave complex consists of 16 rock cut excavations of which cave 8 is the chaityagriha, the grandest and the largest of all the chaityagrihas of India. There are well carved sculptures of humans as well as animals. The arched entrances and vaulted interiors are the main highlights of the caves. The complex also houses a2nd century BC Buddhist monastery.

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Top 6 Places to Visit in Jaipur

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan state, the cultural capital of India. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle of India Tourism and it also serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. With its vibrant colours, culture and the city’s historic monuments that boast of its glorious past, chivalry and valour of Rajput kings, Jaipur has become one of the top tourist destinations in India for both national and international tourists. Let us uncover some of the best places to visit in Jaipur here for a memorable journey.

Amer Fort

Amer Fort or Amber Fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan and also one of the prime places to visit as part of Jaipur Tour Packages. Built by Raja Man Singh I, the architecture of Amer Fort is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim styles. Overlooking the beautiful Maota Lake, the fort was built using red sandstone. Known for its ornamented pillars and delicate mosaic work in Diwan-e-Khas, splendid ivory and sandalwood work in Sukh Niwas, elegant frescoes and fascinating latticed work in the Ganesh Pol or a spell binding glass work in the Sheesh Mahal, Amer Fort is incomparable as far as the artistic skills of the artisans and designers of the Rajput era.

City Palace

City Palace is one of the most elegant and one of the most popular Tourist Places in Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the City Palace reflects Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles. This beautiful palace complex comprising numerous edifices, vast courtyards and attractive gardens, is a souvenir of the magnificent history. Surrounded by huge walls, the most noticeable structures in the City Palace complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Sri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum. Most of the palace is the residence of the descendants of the former rulers of Jaipur, only the ground floor is allowed for visitors where the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum is located.

Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall Museum, also called as Government Central Museum, is one of the oldest museums in the state of Rajasthan and among the famous Jaipur Tourist Places. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II during the visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward to Jaipur in 1876 and was completed in 1887. With its beautifully elaborate domes and carved arches constructed from inlaid sand stone, this museum houses 19,000 historic objects and has various collections like metal ware, ivory work, lacquer work, jewellery, textiles, pottery carved wooden objects, arms and weapons, clay models, sculptures, educational, scientific and zoological objects, tribal costumes, ceramics, oil and miniature paintings, inlay work, musical instruments, clocks and marble statues.

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is the iconic landmark of Jaipur and one of the popular places to visit in Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, the palace was designed in the form of the crown of Krishna by Lal Chand Ustad. Constructed in Rajputana architectural style with red and pink sandstone, Hawa Mahal is an architectural masterpiece with over 900 windows or jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. The main intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe day to day life in the street below without being seen. The most unique feature about the palace is the fact that at all times a light breeze passes through it.

Jantar Mantar

Built in 1738 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar is another famous place to visit in Jaipur. Holding the status of UNESCO World Heritage site, it is considered to be one of the largest observatories and features the world's biggest sundial 'Samrat Yantra'. Jantar Mantar is famous for its intriguing sculptures and structures, made of stone and brass based on the astronomical design principles of Hindu texts of astrology and modern science.

Birla Mandir

Located at the foot of the Moti Dungri Hill, Birla Mandir is one of the most popular religious places in Jaipur. The temple, built in white marble, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple, the exteriors of the temple are carved with beautiful sculptures based on mythological themes, while the interiors have a large marble panel portraying mythological events. Surrounded by lush green gardens, the temple looks stunning, when it is brightly lit in the night.