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10 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai

10 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai is a metropolis of contrasts. Arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India, it brims with gourmet restaurants, five-star hotels, Bollywood megastars’ fancy living quarters and renowned attractions. But remember: An estimated 20 million people call this buzzing metropolis home, giving a distinctly noisy, energised feel to India’s largest city.

In Mumbai, it’s easy to see India at its most authentic. You can see Hindu devotees picking up garlands from the huge flower market near Dadar railway station, “dabbawalas” bringing hundreds of thousands of freshly cooked lunches to the city’s Churchgate railway station office staff, the swirling colours of the busy “Thieves Market,” and people from all walks of life enjoying the sunset from the su su su railway station. Mumbai is daunting and inspiring in equal measure, and you can never forget your first visit to this city.

When it comes to things to do in Mumbai, visitors are spoilt for options. Plan your adventure with our list of Mumbai’s top tourist attractions in this incredible area.

10 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai

Gateway of India

Gateway of India Visit the most beloved places like the Gateway of India if you want to see Mumbai like you’ve seen in the movies. The monument is the ideal union between the urban atmosphere and colonial architecture and the entrance of the city is guarded by stands.

The structure’s architecture is based on the Indo-Saracenic architectural style applied to Muslim elements, a style introduced by the British and influencing much of South Bombay ‘s architecture. The ideal view shows you an assortment of boats adorning the coast.

A mass of people flock around the monument, clicking on pictures and enjoying every evening the sight of the sea. For a heritage walk of the area, the place is the perfect start. It reflects colonial Bombay by taking in the architecture of the buildings around the monument and recalls the mark of the British left on the area. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of Mumbai with afternoon tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel or even a sliced chai.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is an absolute soother to your yearning eyes, approximately 25 kilometres away from Central Mumbai. This location never sleeps and credits its enchanting panorama and ideal atmosphere as an imperative location for film shoots. You will witness the sloshes of the breezy wave stroking through your hair, soaking up your body’s last ounce of tension. Now that the special Nana-Nani Park for senior citizens has also been built, which is a massive tourist attraction near Mumbai. Because of the illusion caused by streetlights that look like a string of pearls resembling a necklace, Marine Drive is also tagged as ‘Queen’s necklace’. Marine Drive is one of the many attractions that Mumbai entails, which can not be excluded.

Touring Tips-You can see many buses and local trains that drive from Central Mumbai. Over and above you can also devour on some mouth-watering snacks and cooling beverages provided by a cluster of street food and stalls surrounding the place.

It’s a long stretch where a soothing time can be enjoyed. It is called the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ as well. A place that doesn’t ever sleep. Among Mumbai’s most popular locations.

Chowpatty Beach

Chowpatty Beach is one of Mumbai’s most popular beaches. This beach is located in the heart of the city and is most known for its local delicacies that most people enjoy while visiting Chowpatty Beach. Watching this beach ‘s glorious sunsets is a sight worth seeing! This beach is a retreat for many from a boring routine. In order to relax after a long, tiring day, most people visit this beach. People of all ages come here to enjoy the scenic beauty that the beach provides. For anyone visiting this beach, the sea, adorned by its long stretch of white sand in addition to the majestic sky above, is like a celestial dream. Beach vendors selling balloons, toys and local dishes such as spicy raw mango, roasted peanuts and quick-food (or chaats) from Mumbai can be found. To experience the calm and serene environment, tourists who visit Mumbai make it a point to visit this beach. People come here to spend many hours in this relaxing place with their friends and relatives. A walk along Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai will guarantee you a lifetime of experience.

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple

A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh is the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir. It is situated in Maharashtra in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The temple has a small mandap with the Siddhi Vinayak (“Ganesha who gives your wish”) shrine. With depictions of the Ashtavinayak (the eight embodiments of Ganesha in Maharashtra), the wooden doors to the sanctum are carved. Gold is plated on the inner roof of the sanctum, and the central statue is of Ganesha. In the periphery, there is a Hanuman temple as well.

Siddhivinayak is well known among devotees as “Navasacha Ganapati” or “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” (‘Ganapati bestows a wish’ in Marathi whenever humbly sincerely prayed). In front of the presiding deity of the temple, Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a disciple of the Hindu saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, buried two holy idols on the orders of his guru. As Swami Samarth prophesied, after 21 years since the icons were buried, a mandar tree grew at that spot with a svayambhu Ganesha in its branches.

The original construction of the Siddhivinayak Temple was a tiny 3.6 m x 3.6 m square brick construction with a dome-shaped brick shikhara, built on 19 November 1901. The temple was constructed by Laxman Vithu Patil, a contractor. There were two 3.6 m Deepamalas, a rest house, and living quarters for the caretaker at the 2550 temple complex. The lake bordering it was 30 x 40 sq. m. In scale, on the temple’s eastern and southern sides.In later years, the lake, dug by Nardulla at the beginning of the 19th century to fight the shortage of water, was filled up and the land is now not part of the temple complex. A small Hanuman shrine was built around 1952 in the temple complex for the Hanuman icon, which was discovered near Elphinstone Road during the Sayani Road road extension project.

Juhu Beach

Geographically located in the city’s suburbs, it paves the way for one of the most sought after tourist attractions near Mumbai. In this gastronomic paradise, tourists from all over India and abroad come to Juhu Beach to bask in the sumptuousness of the local dishes. It hosts numerous fun rides and leisure activities that are a hot-spot to be enjoyed by children. If you are struggling to find a reason to unwind; Some of the instant answers to your question include its self-calming shoreline and serene breezes. You simply can’t get enough of it in one go.

If you wish, you can also club it with late spring tours such as volleyball, football, etc. ‘Gandhi Gram’ is located nearby where you can find statues of many freedom fighters and a comfortable corner to hang out with your friends. Touring tips Make the best use of local pani-puris and chaats that leave you happy. Cut some calories by walking along this beautiful shoreline at night.

It is one of Mumbai’s most loved and visited locations. It’s in the city’s suburbs. For kids to enjoy themselves too, it is a hot-spot.

Prince of Wales Museum

During the early 20th century, the Prince of Wales Museum, now commonly known as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya’, was established. Due to its admirable architecture, this museum is known as a heritage structure in Mumbai. One of the most important museums in India is the Prince of Wales Museum. In its galleries, the museum exhibits various pieces of ancient artworks, sculptures and artefacts. A number of new galleries were opened after the renovation project began in 2008, containing works of the Hindu god Krishna, textiles and traditional Indian costumes. Within the museum, frequent exhibits and lectures on many subjects are also held. Initially, the Prince of Wales Museum was a building for the Children’s Health Exhibits that was used as a military hospital. Tourists from all over the world make it a point to visit this majestic heritage building and discover the different ancient objects in this museum.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Maharashtra, formerly known as the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai, is a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, with a combination of themes derived from traditional Indian architecture. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The terminus shows a major exchange of factors between the two. The framework, designed by the British architect F.W. A fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in India, with a blend of themes derived from traditional Indian architecture, is Maharashtra, formerly known as the Victoria Terminus in Mumbai. Terminus of Chhatrapati Shivaji. A significant exchange of influences between the two is shown by the terminus. The structure, built by the British architect F.W.

This famous terminal also reveals the elegance of the British Commonwealth’s late 19th century railway architecture, distinguished by its advanced structural and technological solutions. As the station operates both suburban and long distance trains, it has become an inseparable part of the people of Mumbai. This magnificent terminus functions as the headquarters of India ‘s Central Railways and is one of the nation’s busiest stations. It was renowned until 1996 as the Victoria Terminal, named in honour of Queen Victoria.

Haji Ali’s Dargah

A historic landmark in Mumbai, the Haji Ali Dargah is also one of the most prominent Islamic symbols located in South Mumbai. A wealthy Muslim merchant, who became a saint called Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, constructed the Haji Ali. Prior to embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he renounced all worldly pleasures. In 1431 AD, the Haji Ali Dargah was established in his name. In an area of 4,500 metres, the whitewashed building is located and is flanked by crisp, marble pillars that are still marvelled at today. In several areas, this 400-year-old structure that stands in Mumbai today has degenerated and corroded and the structural upgrading of this wonderful structure started in 2008. The Haji Ali Dargah, regardless of caste, faith and creed, is visited by people from all over the world. Today, Haji Ali Dargah is a popular pilgrimage site and most tourists visit Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari ‘s tomb to seek his riches, health, marriage, etc. blessings. Special activities or programmes are arranged at Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai on special occasions, such as the anniversary of the death of the saint or Eid-ul-Fir.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves, a renowned Unesco World Heritage Site, are one of Mumbai’s most impressive temple sites, boasting precious Hindu temple art collections. Currently, the cave-temples of Elephanta date back to 600 AD, named after the elephant statue that once stood near the shore of the island.

We’ll take you to the busy Sassoon Docks, one of Mumbai ‘s oldest ports, to begin your day of discovery. Then we’ll discuss the elegance of the Afghan Church (South Mumbai’s one of our favourite churches). We will eventually get on a boat to witness the magnificent wonders of religion found in the Elephanta Caves.

You’ll wander through a network of subterranean caves on Elephanta Island. These caves contain highly revered statues of Shiva and other gods, as well as shrines, columns, courtyards and halls, all of which are carved out of rock. Listen to the storeys and tales that are behind these pages. We’ll finish the day with a delicious local family lunch.

Mahalaxmi Temple

One of Mumbai’s most famous temples, located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in the Mahalaxmi district, is the Mahalaxmi Temple. Mahalakshmi, the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam, is dedicated to him. The temple was founded by Dhakji Dadaji, a Hindu trader, in 1831. The Temple of Mahalaxmi includes images of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati, the Tridevi goddesses. Nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces are decorated with all three pictures. In the middle, the image of Mahalakshmi is depicted carrying lotus flowers in tandem. There are several stalls in the compound of this temple that sell flower garlands and other paraphernalia used for worship and as offerings by devotees.

The Mahalaxmi festival is wonderful in Navaratri, where the residence of Mahalaxmi is located in Mumbai, in the presence of Garbhashrimant’s ‘Laxmiputra‘ and ‘Lakshmikanis’ in the city. Goddess Saraswati lives with Pandit Hridaynath, the lovely girl of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi, in ‘Prabhukunj‘ on Peddar Road. ‘Jayshree Gadkar’, one of Marathi’s leading heroines, lives in the ‘Shiv Tirtha’ building adjacent to the temple. From the point of view of the richest individual in the world, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, too, lives here. The ‘Breach Candy’ neighborhood,’ Car Michael Lane,‘ Peddar Road,’ which is situated some distance from Temple, This is the place where big businessmen promote the economy of the country. In all this place, Mahalaxmi is very helpful and it is easy to visit, but the theory of Mahalaxmi can be done very easily.

In the present place, this mother, Mahalaxmi, resides with her two sisters, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, usually from 1784-85.
The two Mumbai and Worli bunds were constructed by British Governor John Hornby of Mumbai to build and repair the coast. Holybie was not completely appropriate to the East India Company trader. It does not, however, lose its bravery. The southern tip of the islands of Mumbai, that is, the temple of Mahalaxmi now, and the village of Worli in front of it, ie the water of the sea is spreading till the present time is the ‘Love-Grove Udcanchan Center’ or ‘Atria Mall’ of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation. The water from the sea entered the crossing of the Byculla at the time of recruitment. So, if you want to go from Mumbai to Worli, then there’s no choice without a ship.

‘The Great Breach’ was named by the British for the water entering the sea. Breach is a window which implies a loop. Hornby agreed to close this traffic and without going to England ‘s office for permission to construct a car that could enter the island of Worli, he would fill this creek and start operating as a carriageway. The task of building ‘Worli Bandh’ was said to have been completed. Ramji Shivaji ‘s young engineer, Lord Prabhu Prabhu, was entrusted with the contract for the construction of this dam. Building work has begun. The stars came here, filling the stone statue with the number. The task of collecting the amount of stone in the bay began. The dam built by the sea water would fail and start again if there was any improvement in the construction. For several months, it lasted. Given the technology of time, it was a hard job. Ramji Shivaji and Hornby, however, both did not lose heart. They’ve tried it over and over, so they want to be there again!

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Best Places to Visit in Mathura

Best Places to Visit in Mathura As spirituality is mixed in every bit of India, there is an endless number of holy places in the country. The most famous among them is Mathura – the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Located around 150 kilometers from Delhi, Mathura is dotted with many beautiful temples of Lord Krishna. You can visit these temples with the Mathura travel guide that will allow you a hassle-free tour to the Braj-Bhoomi. The entire region of Mathura flaunts several shrines that describe the different phases of life of the almighty. The famous temples include Dwarkadhish Temple, Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex and Gita Mandir. Pride of the Mathura tourism, various temples and Ghats like Vishram Ghat in the city allow the devotees to observe the life of Lord Krishna from close quarters.

Mathura has its twin holy city Vrindavan at a distance of 10 km which is also dotted with many beautiful temples. Some of the famous temples areBankey Bihari Temple, Rangaji Temple, and the ISKCON Temple that you can visit during your Mathura Vrindavan tour. Located on the bank of the river Yamuna, Mathura exudes a sacred aura, attracted by which many devotees visit the place again and again. With our Mathura guide, you can make your trip bereft of any hassles. Mathura also offers mouth-watering milk products like Peda and intricate handicrafts that relate to the life of Lord Krishna. Our well-planned Mathura tour guide gives you detailed insights about the festivals like Holi and Janmashtami which are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.

Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

The most famous of Mathura’s temples is the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, built around the prison cell where Krishna was born after his parents were imprisoned by his evil uncle, Kansa, king of Mathura. One of the most venerated shrines in India, the temple complex is located west of Mathura’s old city and thronged by pilgrims throughtout the year, whose number increases exponentially during festivals.

It is believed that there was a massive idol of Krishna, over 4m tall and made of solid gold, which was stolen during an attack by Mahmud of Ghazni. The present Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex is fairly new. Inside, visitors will find paintings of scenes from Krishna’s life, idol of Krishna, Balrama and his beloved, Radha, and a stepped water tank.

Tourism in Mathura revolves around places connected to Lord Shri Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation. One of the Hindu pilgrimages is Mathura, part of Braj Bhoomi and the location where Shri Krishna spent his childhood. On the west bank of the Yamuna River, which flows mainly undisturbed from Delhi to Agra, is the town of Mathura. Rites on the Yamuna consist partly of launching hundreds of lighted oil lamps at dusk on the river, a pretty sight. But like all religious places in India, Mathura is the grotesque and the sublime lie cheek by jowl, not without its paradoxes. The birthplace of Krishna is Mathura and it is revered by Hindu pilgrims as such. A shrine in one part of the town known as Katra is their destination.

A Hindu temple once stood there, demolished by Aurangzeb, who had founded a mosque on the site. “But the temple’s basement remains and so does a sign declaring” Krishna ‘s Birthplace. Mathura’s holiness is all pervading, actually attracting Lord Vishnu’s worshippers in the same way as Benares attracts Lord Shiva’s worshippers, the Destroyer. As Lord Shiva ‘s followers flock to the Ganges, The Yamuna and, in particular, the Vishram Ghat {ghat means a river terrace) attract pilgrims to Mathura. It is here, tradition states, that after the tyrannical Kansa was slain, Shri Krishna slept. Kansa was Shri Krishna ‘s maternal uncle and Lord Krishna was born in his prison / gaol.

Dwarkadhish Temple

Sri Dwarkadheesh Mandir is one of the oldest and largest temples in the Indian States of India, India, in Mathura District. This is a large and prominent Hindu shrine, and Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of the then Gwalior State (Scindia) in 1814, built its present structure. It was built for the famous Hindu deity Dwarkadheesh (meaning the God or King of Dwarka, where Lord Krishna moved from Mathura and settled on earth until his life). Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna seen in the black marble idol called Dwarkanath, is the main deity there. With him is the white marble statue of the god Sri Radharani, his counterpart.

Birla Temple/Gita Mandir

Also known as Gita Mandir, Birla Mandir is situated on the Mathura-Vrindavan road on the outskirts of Mathura. Birla Mandirs have become iconic throughout India for their grandiose design and architecture and are iconic landmarks wherever they are built. Jugal Kishore Birla built this grand temple, which is one of the most prominent temples in Mathura. He was inspired to create the temple by his devotion to Laxmi Narayana (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) and his eternal song, Bhagwat Gita. As its main room is decorated with all the verses of the Gita, it is called the Gita Temple. The depictions of Arjuna in a chariot, along with his friend and guide Krishna, are inspiring and enjoyable.

However, turn your attention to its architecture, and you see a peculiar combination of Hindu and Western architectural styles. This famous temple in Mathura, built in red sandstone, announces its stately presence very noticeably. There are two impressive marble structures in this temple that are big attractions. The Gita Stambh (Pillar) is one and the Temple of Hanuman is the other. Built from red sandstone, the Gita Stambh, or the Victory Tower as it is also called. All the holy teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the everlasting source of knowledge for humanity, are engraved on it. With sharp precision, the verses were inscribed, with each letter as discernible as the other. To come across it is an inspiring sight.

Other statues that attract tourists are those of Lord Krishna in the presence of Lakshmi Narayan, Ram and Sita in the Birla / Gita Mandir. You also come across Krishna’s chariot inside the temple, along with wonderful pictures on its marbled walls of various gods and goddesses.

Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat is a serene place surrounded by trees, creepers and flowers on the bank of the Yamuna river. Here, Sri Krishna used to rest with his friends while the cows in the field were grazing. The place where Sri Krishna used to play the flute sitting on the brunch of a Kadamba tree is spiritually important.

As Sri Radha used to come here to collect water from the Yamuna River and also spend a good time with Sri Krishna, this sacred Vishram Ghat is popular among devotees. It is the Ghat bathing place where Sri Krishna’s devotees come to take a holy dip in the Yamuna River. In Mathura, there are a total of 25 Ghats, and Vishram Ghat is the biggest and most famous of them.

Mathura Vishram Ghat is made of marble stone and the entrance has a wide arch. There are a lot of lovely temples surrounding the Ghat. Yamuna-Krishna, Radha-Damodar, Mukut Temple, Neelkantheshwar, Langali Hanuman, Murali Manohar, and Narasimha are some of the main temples.

After a holy dip in the water, the devotees usually start a Parikrama (circumambulation) of the temples and return to the same spot.

Kusum Sarovar

Kusum Sarovar is an enormous tank belonging to the time of Lord Krishna, situated between Govardhan and Radha Kund, 28 km from Mathura. Kusum Sarovar lies nearly a mile and a half from Radha Kund on the right side of the sacred Govardhan parikrama road.

Kusum Sarovar is set against a milieu of exotic palatial buildings built of sandstone in Govardhan. The 450-foot long and 60-foot deep tank of Kusum Sarovar ghat is marked by a flight of stairs bordering the lake all sides. In order to explore the Kusum Sarovar history of construction and restructuring, travellers from all over the world visit the site. The Sarovar has exquisite architecture engraved with awe-inspiring workmanship from Rajasthani. Originally, the pond was a very simple structure; the beautiful aesthetics we see today are the result of a renovation undertaken in 1735 on the orders of King Veer Singh of Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh.

After some time, Suraj Mal rebuilt a garden for his queen and transformed it into a beautiful location. The Kusum Sarovar is surrounded in the soulful Goverdhan by splendid sandstone buildings designed by the King of Bharatpur Jawahar Singh in the middle of the 18th century. In memory and in honour of Raja Suraj Mal, his father, these glorious groups of buildings were erected.

Govardhan Hill

Godhan Hill is set at a distance of 22 km from Mathura. It has been expressed in the Holy Bhagwat Gita that Godhan Parvat is not exactly the same as him, as per Lord Krishna. Therefore, the unadulterated rocks of the slope revere and of his admirers just as they love his object of worship. The slope consists of sandstone and stands 80 ft tall with a 38 km limit. You get the chance to visit the hills, including Mansi Ganga, Mukharvind, and Daan Ghati, some interesting locations. History says that in the midst of his youth, Lord Krishna raised the Godhan Hill on one finger to spare his town of Mathura from savage downpours and electric storms. This slope is thought of as divine along these lines and is gone by admirers of Guru Purnima, Godhan Puja in devotion by walking 23 km shoeless around the peak.

Government Museum / Mathura Museum

Mathura is one of the holiest places regarded as Lord Krishna’s place of birth. This city is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, which also holds the history of the period of Krishna. It is located approximately 145 kilometres from Delhi, India’s capital, and 58 kilometres from Agra. It draws visitors from around the world to see its magnificent temples, shrines, Rangbhoomi and the Museum of Government. This town is renowned for about 3000 years of culture and civilization. Since that time, this city has been blessed with paintings and creative arts. In terms of art and culture, the Government Museum in Mathura has all kinds of innovation, so it is popularly known for its art and architecture along with details that sheds light on different types of art and popularises this place as the best tourist place to visit in India along with other tourist places such as Agra, Delhi, etc.

The Mathura Government Museum is well-known for its amazing art and architecture. It is famous for ancient Mathura art school sculptures dating from the 3rd century to the 12th century. This museum was established by Sir F.S Growse, who was the district collector of Mathura, in 1874. It is known as the Museum of Archaeology as well. The museum ‘s significance and beauty lies in the valuable items it holds, which can be in terms of art, history, scripts, currency, etc. It has a large collection of sculptures belonging to the art school of Mathura, many ancient coins, paintings, transcripts and other valuable objects from all around the 3rd to 12th century area. As they were more prominent in this region and the districts of Mathura, the Government Museum has the artefacts of the Gupta and Kushan kingdoms. The most enticing collection at this museum is the renowned collection of sparkling ornaments, terracotta sculptures and bronze artefacts.

Kans Qila

Kans Qila is situated on the northern banks of the Yamuna stream. This qila symbolises a mixture of Muslim and Hindu engineering as well. Arranged near the Krishna Ganga ghat and the Gau ghat in Mathura, the remains of the fortification can be seen by voyagers. Raja Man Singh of Amber, the Rajput general of the Mughal sovereign Akbar, remodelled the fortress in the late sixteenth century.

Kans Qila in Mathura, believed to be the fort of Kansa, the Maternal Uncle of Lord Krishna, is one of the tourist attractions. It, therefore, dates back to the 7th century BCE era of the great epic Mahabharata. In Mathura, Kans Qila is situated near Krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat. This fort (qila) was built in a wide area that had a long wall fenced in. The fort was destroyed over the years, and in the 16th century, Raja Man Singh of Amber, who was the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s general, renovated it. The fort ‘s architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Later, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur, who was also a famous astrologer, constructed an observatory, but it does not exist today. Kans Qila was believed to be a saviour in ancient times to defend the people of Mathura against the Yamuna River floods as it is located on the northern banks of the river.

The old hall of audience is a beautiful and prominent building and was divided into three aisles. Outside of the fort, the hall is constructed of red stand-stone pillars. Before the mutiny, the fort was sold to the government contractor who demolished it for the materials it contained. It was converted as a school after the mutiny, and its elegance and architecture were all destroyed by the rulers, then filled with mud walls. Today, because of its improper upkeep, one can only see the dilapidated fort. It is also called the Old Fort, or Mathura’s Purana Qila.

Barsana

It is assumed, according to legend, that Barsana was the place where Radharani, Lord Krishna’s consort, lived. The region has many temples, but the most famous is the Temple of Radharani. It is also called Ladliji (the beloved one) or Shriji, and is said to have been created by Vajranabha around 5,000 years ago.

Maan Mandir is another temple which is worth visiting. It is said that Radha would come here when Lord Krishna, who would beg and weep to please her, irritated her. There’s a dark tunnel that leads to a small space that she’s going to escape to. You may also visit Mor Kutir, where Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna would dance like a peacock and a peach; Krishna Kund, where they would bathe; and Sankari Khor, a small passageway between two hills. Legend has it that Lord Krishna and his cowherds will block the path of Radha and her friends and playfully demand from them ghee, butter and yoghurt.

Jaipur Temple, Peeli Pokhar, and Dangarh are some of the other temples, as well as other places of interest, such as Bhanokhar Tank, Prem Sarovar, Roop Sarovar, etc. Barsana is known for Lathmar Holi and for Radharani’s birth anniversary. Female devotees give ladoos to peacocks early in the morning during the birth anniversary celebrations. The ritual symbolises Lord Krishna ‘s offerings.

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Top 10 Monuments to see in Agra

Top 10 Monuments to see in Agra The Taj Mahal is India’s symbol, attracting millions of visitors every year to the city of Agra. This amazing landmark is as impressive as you can imagine. But while most travellers may be anxious to flee the pushy touts and overwhelming crowds of Agra as soon as they have left the Taj Mahal, you should think about sticking around a little longer.

Only one of many amazing places to visit in Agra is the Taj Mahal. You will visit the historically important Agra Fort while here; witness the impressively beautiful Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb; see one of India’s largest mosques at Fatehpur Sikri; and find respite in Mehtab Bagh, a serene park in the Taj’s shadows.

Animal lovers, take note: Agra has two compassionate wildlife projects that invite visitors to learn about some of the most beloved animals in India (the Agra Bear Rescue Center and the Elephant Protection and Care Center).

Don’t let other tourists tell you that, apart from the Taj Mahal, there’s nothing to see in Agra. Plan your travel with our list of the top attractions in Agra to this heritage hot spot.

Taj Mahal: Perfect Showpiece Of Mughal Architecture

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum designed in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife , Mumtaz Mahal. It is axiomatic to conclude that it is one of the greatest monuments to love ever created because of the storey behind its construction. Thousands of staff have been working on the building for over 20 years, embellishing it with excellent decorations, including white marble screens and semiprecious stone pietra dura inlay. The structure is the tallest Mughal tomb ever constructed, at over 200 feet (60 metres) tall, and is considered to be the single greatest piece of Mughal architecture. At the edge of the Yamuna River in Agra, it is the centrepiece of a sprawling complex of buildings, courtyards, gardens and waterways. This original landscape is mostly intact.

For its outstanding beauty and architectural value, the Taj has long been recognised and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It is one of India’s national landmarks and every year it receives millions of tourists. This huge influx of tourists imperils the physical fabric of the monument, as with similarly famous, iconic, and fragile sites around the world. Moreover, although new industrial development has been banned in Agra and only non-polluting vehicles are permitted near the Taj, environmental pollution remains a major concern for the conservation of the mausoleum and its surrounding structures. In a landmark judgement in 1996, the Supreme Court of India ordered measures to conserve and secure the Agra ecosystem in order to safeguard the marble façade of the Taj Mahal. At the 1996 World Monuments Watch, the Taj Mahal was included to draw attention to the urgent need for a comprehensive plan for site management to establish a structure for ongoing maintenance, tourism management , protection, and improved site understanding. In the preamble to its judgement, the Court’s judgement cited World Monuments Watch, stressing international concern for the site.

Agra Red Fort: The Main Fort

In the city of Agra in India, Agra Fort is a historical fort. Until 1638, when the capital was transferred from Agra to Delhi, it was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its most prominent sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a walled city, the fort can be represented more accurately.

The triumphant Babur lived in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi, after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.In the city of Agra in India, Agra Fort is a historical fort. Until 1638, when the capital was transferred from Agra to Delhi, it was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its most prominent sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a walled city, the fort can be represented more accurately.

The triumphant Babur lived in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi, after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He built a Baoli in it later. In 1530, in the fort, his successor, Humayun, was crowned. He was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in 1540 at Bilgram. The fort stayed with the Suris until 1555, when it was recaptured by Humayun. The general of Adil Shah Suri, Hemu, recaptured Agra in 1556 and pursued its fleeing governor to Delhi, where in the Battle of Tughlaqabad he encountered the Mughals. Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort: The effect created at Sheesh Mahal, Agra Fort, by lighting candles.

Akbar made it his capital, recognising the significance of its central condition, and arrived in 1558 in Agra. This was reported by his historian, Abul Fazl, as being a brick fort known as ‘Badalgarh.’ It was in a ruined state, and Akbar rebuilt it in Rajasthan with red sandstone from the Barauli region of Dhaulpur district. The foundation was laid by architects and it was constructed with bricks in the inner core and sandstone on external surfaces. For eight years, about 4,000 builders worked on it daily, finishing it in 1573.

It was only during the reign of the grandson of Akbar, Shah Jahan, that the site assumed its current status. In memory of his wife , Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan constructed the beautiful Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan preferred to have buildings constructed from white marble, unlike his grandfather. To make his own, he demolished some of the earlier buildings inside the fort.

Shah Jahan was deposed at the end of his life and restrained in the fort by his uncle, Aurangzeb. It is rumoured that in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan died.

In the early 18th century, the fort was attacked and taken by the Maratha Empire. It changed hands several times between the Marathas and their enemies thereafter. Marathas remained out of the area for the next decade after Ahmad Shah Abdali ‘s disastrous defeat at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. In 1785, Mahadji Shinde eventually captured the fort. During the Second Anglo-Maratha War, in 1803, it was lost to the British by the Marathas.

During the Indian revolt of 1857, which triggered the end of the rule of the British East India Company in India, the fort was the site of a war and led to a century of direct rule of India by Britain.

Fatehpur Sikri: To Celebrate Victory

Under the orders of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, the royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, located 26 miles west of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, was built. Akbar built a magnificent city on the ridge of Sikri in honour of Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti. He ordered buildings to be constructed for his own use in 1571 and requested the noblemen to build houses for themselves.

Much of the work was completed within a year and a well-planned administrative, residential and religious project was completed within the next several years buildings came into existence.

Maybe among the first buildings to appear was the Jami Mosque. As the date of its completion, its epigraph gives AH 979 (A.D. 1571-72). Some five years later, Buland-Darwaza was added. The tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti, Naubat-or Naqqar Khana (drum-house), Taksal (mint), Karkhanas (royal workshop), Khazana (treasury), Hakim’s quarters, Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall) are among other significant buildings, house of Maryam also called Sunahra Makan (Golden House), palace of Jodh Bai, Birbal’s house, etc.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb: Famous Mausoleum

Mirza Ghias Beg, the father of the Mughal empress Nur Jahan, is devoted to this magnificent marble tomb. During his time at the Mughal court, he was given the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state). In his memory, the empress is thought to have ordered the building of the mausoleum between 1622 and 1628 AD.

The storey says that when she gave birth to a child, Mirza Ghias Beg was a poor Persian merchant who was on his way to India with his wife. The parents wanted to leave the child because the family was stricken with poverty, but were finally persuaded to return to her after hearing her desperate cries. She was a bringer of good fortune to her kin, as it turned out, and they soon found a caravan that brought them to Emperor Akbar ‘s court. Beg rose to become a minister in the Mughal palace, as well as a trusted treasurer, as the years passed. Even after Akbar ‘s death, he continued to rise in court under the rule of Emperor Jehangir, who conferred the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah on him and eventually married his daughter.

The building, which is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, exhibits clear Persian architectural influences and is entirely constructed using white marble with semi-precious stones. Local lore suggests that many consider this building a reference to the Taj Mahal. This is why it’s referred to as ‘Baby Taj’ occasionally. As compared to the red sandstone mausoleums that preceded it in the area, the marble lattice screens, known as jaalis, lend it a softer, more delicate air. As well as the first tomb to be built on the banks of the River Yamuna, this is also the first Mughal structure to have used pietra dura work. Chini-ka-Rauza and Mehtab Bagh are very close by, and within a couple of hours, a fast round up of all three spots can be completed.

Jama Masjid: Religious Site

Just across from Agra Fort, Jama Masjid is located. It is also popularly known as the Friday Mosque or Jami Masjid and is one of the well-known tourist places in Agra.

Emperor Shah Jahan designed Jama Masjid at the expense of Rs 5 lakhs for his favourite daughter Jahanara Begum ‘s wish, and it took 5 years to build and was completed in 1649 AD. It is one of India’s largest mosques. The structure of red sandstone was designed in a traditional Mughal style. It sits on an elevated plinth and is accessed by stairs. It consists of a spacious elevated courtyard, bordered to the north and south by arched porticos, with a fountain in its middle. An arched portico and a wide entrance had once bordered the eastern end, but those were demolished by the British in 1857 when the railway line to Agra was being constructed.

The prayer hall occupies the western end of the courtyard and is divided into five parts and topped by three wide domes and consists of a long rectangular structure. All the domes have inverted finials of lotus and kalash on the top. There are five archways linking the prayer hall to the courtyard, the central one of which is framed by a wide Iwan portico and a white marble facade with Persian calligraphy. Two small, slender minarets decorated in a zigzag pattern flanked the central archway once, but the minaret on the right side was lost. The top of the facade is a series of Chhatris.

There is a stunning mihrab and pulpit in white marble on the interior of the western wall. In praise of Jahanara and Shah Jahan, the Persian inscription in white marble incrusted with black stone is on the archway of the central portal. It is said that an octagonal (Muthamman) Chowk was constructed between the Delhi Gate and the Jama Masjid and was once surrounded by a market place called Tripolia. But, in 1871-73, it was later demolished in order to gain space to lay the railway tracks for the city.

Moti Masjid: Serene Ambiance

On the ground that slopes from east to west to the north of the Diwan-I-Am complex, stands the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built between 1648-54. It is well-known for its pearly white marble interiors. The mosque’s exterior appears to be made of stone. At that moment, the colossal mosque was designed at an exponential expense of three lakhs of rupees and had a court lined with marble. It is very remarkable to see the marble tank positioned centrally in the court and the sundial made up of an octagonal marble pillar in one of its corners. On the northern, eastern and southern sides with twelve sided pillars and cusped arches, there are arcaded cloisters circling the courtyard while the prayer chamber is on its western side.

On the eastern side is the main entrance to the mosque and, thus, It is much larger and more majestic than the subsidiary gates that had arches and three square chhatris crowning them on the south and north sides. The main gateways were accessible by two staircases and had an exterior of red sandstone and an interior of marble. The prayer chamber has a seven-arched arcade. There are only three of its twenty-one bays which have vaulted soffits. The western wall is beautifully carved and inlaid with mihrab and six niches corresponding to the facade arches. There are four steps to the pulpit, unlike the normal three steps. On either side of the main prayer chamber, there are prayer chambers for women that have a marble latticework screen separating them from the main hall. There are three bulbous domes in this chamber crowning it. Over the parapet there are seven lovely square chhatris and an octagonal tower at each corner with a marble cupola on top.

Sikandra Fort: Timeless Architectural Beauty

Sikandra, which is just 13 km away. The last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar is at Agra Fort. Akbar was one of the most secular royalties of his time and the greatest of the Mughal emperors. A great patron of the arts , literature, philosophy and science, he was the successor to a long tradition of Oriental refinement. A visit to the monument of Akbar opens before one, the completeness of the personality of Akbar as complete as that of Mumtaz Mahal’s Taj Mahal does. In the midst of a lush garden is Akbar ‘s massive, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb. Akbar planned his own tomb himself and chose a fitting location for it. In 1613, Akbar ‘s son Jahangir finished the construction of this pyramidal tomb.

In the middle of a large garden, which is surrounded on all sides by high walls, stands the tomb. A monumental gateway is in the midst of each enclosed wall. On the traditional Charbhag plan, the entire garden is divided into four equal quarters. A high terrace or elevated path with a narrow shallow water channel running in the middle divides each quarter. Every terrace has a tank with fountains in the middle. To the crypt, which has five storeys and is in the form of a truncated pyramid, a wide paved causeway leads. The main tomb has a distinctive square style that is peculiar to all other Mughal buildings.

Jodha Bai Ka Rauza: Sophisticated Structure

Mariam-uz-Zamani Begum was an empress of the Mughal Empire, also known as Heer Kunwari, Hira Kunwari, Harka Bai or Jodha Bai. She was Emperor Akbar’s first chief Rajput wife (although before his marriage to Rajput Princess Heer Kunwari, Akbar already had two other chief Mughal wives and several other wives), and the mother of the next Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. She was also the grandmother of Shah Jahan, the next Mughal Emperor.

During the reign of the great Mughal, Emperor Akbar, and also during the reign of her son, Emperor Jahangir, Mariam-Uz-Zamani was referred to as the Queen Mother of Hindustan. She was the Hindu Mughal Empress who worked the longest. Her term lasted more than 43 years, from 6 February 1562 to 27 October 1605.

Her marriage to Akbar led to a gradual improvement in his social and religious policy. A very significant event in Mughal history was Akbar’s marriage to Rajkumari Heer Kunwari. In modern Indian historiography, she is widely regarded as exemplifying the tolerance of Akbar and the Mughal of religious differences and their egalitarian policies within an expanding multi-ethnic and multi-denominational empire.

The biggest of all the palaces, the palace of Jodha Bai, housed the queens of Akbar. Gujarat, Mandu and Gwalior architectural elements are combined with typical Islamic designs here. In Fatehpur Sikri, the blue-tiled roof is the only splash of colour.

Mehtab Bagh: Square-shaped Garden Complex

In the sequence of 11 parks along the Yamuna River in Agra, the crescent-shaped Mehtab Bagh is the last. Originally built in the early 1500s by the first Mughal emperor-Babur, the park’s history dates back to when there was no Taj Mahal. Later, this garden, however, went into disrepair. To shield Taj Mahal from the abrasion of sand, it was Shah Jahan who reconstructed the garden. This garden is situated in such a way that the perfect view of the Taj is provided. At present, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Agra is considered to be Mehtab Bagh, also known as ‘Moonlight Garden’. The past of this attractive garden is known to few, but it is very interesting; the width of the old garden designed by Babur was perfectly matched with that of Taj, and Shah Jahan therefore recognised it as an ideal place to admire the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The construction of this heritage destination in Agra was originally like a charbagh complex-a layout in the Persian style in which the garden is divided into four sections. There were white walkaways, well-ventilated pavilions, beautiful fruit trees and water fountains dividing the complex.

Most of these features were ruined by regular flooding in the early 1900s, and so the whole garden became a mound of sand. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out an excavation at the garden site later in the year 1994. It was discovered in this excavation that Shah Jahan decided to build the Taj Mahal replica as his resting place on this very ground was nothing but a myth. The charbagh complex buried under the sand was actually discovered by this excavation. Every significant feature of this famous tourist attraction in Agra has now been restored to its original shape. To bring back the old grandeur of this striking garden, a variety of plants such as citrus, hibiscus and guava have also been planted. Mehtab Bagh is also an excellent place to enjoy the wonderful view of the sunset.

Chini Ka Rauza: Picturesque Site

Chini-ka-Rauza is thought to be the first structure to have been extensively embellished in India using glazed porcelain tiles, and is considered by many to be an significant landmark in Indo-Persian architecture. It is the mausoleum of the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Afzal Khan Aalmi, who was also known as Shirazi, Maula Shukrullah. The mausoleum was built in Etmadpur in 1635 and is just a kilometre from Itmad-ud-Daulah ‘s tomb. Set amid lush gardens, the monument is renowned for its blue glazed tiles. These tiles, suspected to have been brought from China, were produced using porcelain. At the time, they were called ‘chini mitti’ (Chinese clay). While some of these are partly intact on the façade of the mausoleum, the interiors are reasonably well preserved and feature floral designs that are peculiar to a distinctive Persian style of art that eventually found a home in Agra.

The most striking feature of the structure is said to have been the tomb, which is now in ruins. Originally, it was round, very similar to the style of Afghani tombs.

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15 Top Tourist Attractions Delhi

15 Top Tourist Attractions Delhi is both an Indian Union Territory and a capital, and it has two very different worlds: New Delhi and Old Delhi. The former, inaugurated as the imperial capital by the British in 1931, is the new capital and seat of government of the country, while Old Delhi is known by many as the symbolic heart of the greater metropolitan region.

Delhi Tourism is one of the world’s most populated areas, a heady mix of tradition and modernity, significant as both a religious hub and the busiest international gateway to India. Its history is as old as the ancient Yamuna River, one of Hinduism’s most holy rivers and a natural dividing line to the west between New Delhi and the east of Old Delhi.

Red Fort – Pride Of Mughal Dynasty

The famous Red Fort of Delhi is known by that name because of its red stone and is one of the most majestic palaces in the world. The history of India is closely connected with this fort, too. It was from here that the last Mughal emperor, Bhadur Shah Zafar, was deposed by the British, marking the end of three centuries of Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, told the country that India was a colonial free form.

The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, decided to move to Delhi after ruling from Agra for eleven years, and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. The main halls of the palace were draped in rich tapestries and decorated with silk from China and velvet from Turkey for its inauguration in 1647. The fort is an irregular octagon with a diameter of approximately one and a half miles and has two entrances, the Lahore and Delhi Gates.

Form the Lahore Gate, a visitor has access to the Chatta Chowk (vaulted arcade) which once housed court jewellers, miniature carpet painters manufacturers, enamel workers, silk weavers, and families of skilled craftsmen as a royal market. The road leads to the Nawabarkhana (band house) from the royal market where the royal band performed five times a day. The band house also marks the entrance into the main palace and all visitors had to dismount here, except royalty.

The Diwan-e-Aam is the public audience hall in the Red Fort. Constructed of sandstone coated with polished shell plaster to look like ivory, the hall is subdivided by columns of 80 x 40 feet. The Mughal emperors were here to hold court and address dignitaries and foreign emissaries. The most imposing feature of the Diwan-e-Aam is the alcove in the rear wall where on a richly carved and inlaid marble platform the emperor sat in state. Examples of Italian pietra-dura work are perfect in the recess behind the platform.

India Gate – India’s Largest War Memorial

One of Delhi’s landmarks is India Gate. This 42-m-high gate, made of sandstone, was the first of its kind in the National Capital. In addition to the 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who were martyred in World War I, the walls of the gateway is inscribed with the names of 13,516 soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan War of 1919. The base of the monument is made of red Bharatpur stones and the form of the India Gate is identical to the Arc de Triomphe of France.

India Gate is bordered by lush, well-maintained lawns that serve as a popular family picnic spot. The best time to visit this landmark is at night, when it is bathed in soft golden lights and glows in the dim sky without stars.

The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of this grand monument in 1921 and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to India a decade later by the then viceroy, Lord Irwin.

Located in front of India Gate, Amar Jawan Jyoti, made of marble, was built in the year 1971. It was constructed to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who, in December 1971, lost their lives during the Indo-Pak War. The flame is guarded by uniformed soldiers and has also been held near it by a sparkling gun topped by an army helmet.

As the President lays a wreath on the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate also hosts the awe-inspiring Republic Day Parade After this, along Rajpath, a grand parade is held and you can see contingents, tanks, colourful floats, weapons all being carried out in a tidy file. School kids and folk dancers enter the parade and give to the whole affair a cultural contact.

Rashtrapati Bhawan – Presidential Palace

Home to the President of the largest democracy in the world, Rashtrapati Bhavan is emblematic of Indian democracy and its democratic, egalitarian and inclusive values. Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker built it and it stands on a 330 acre farm. This presidential palace, completed in 1929, took seventeen years to build. In the house, nearly seven hundred million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone were used This architectural wonder has corridors of 2.5 kilometres and a garden area of 190 acres. An region of 5 acres surrounds the main building and has 340 rooms spread over four floors. The Rashtrapati Bhavan ‘s famous Mughal Gardens cover an area of 15 acres and have 159 celebrated rose varieties, 60 bougainvillaea varieties and many other flower varieties. The Estate also has a state-of-the-art Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) containing, among other items, the Clock Tower, the Stables and the Garages featuring past as well as present presidencies, royal ceremonies, and Rashtrapati Bhavan ‘s rich flora and fauna.

Qutub Minar – Majestic Stone Structure

Qutab Minar, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom of Delhi, is a soaring, 73 m high tower of victory. The tower has five different floors, each marked by a projected balcony and tapers at the base from a diameter of 15 m to just 2.5 m at the apex. The first three storeys are constructed of red sandstone; marble and sandstone are on the fourth and fifth storeys. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be founded in India, is at the foot of the tower. An inscription provocatively informs over its eastern gate that it was built with material obtained from the demolition of ’27 Hindu temples’. In the courtyard of the mosque stands a 7 m-high iron pillar. It is said that your wish will be satisfied if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it.

Qutab Minar ‘s origins are shrouded in controversy. To represent the beginning of Muslim rule in India, some believe it was erected as a tower of victory. Others claim that calling the faithful to prayer has acted as a minaret to the muezzins.

However, no one can dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but in the world as well. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, Delhi’s first Muslim emperor, started constructing the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but was only able to finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more floors, and the fifth and last floor was designed by Firoz Shah Tughlak in 1368.

In the minar, the development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is very obvious. The relief work and even the building materials used vary. At the foundation, the 238-foot Qutab Minar is 47 feet and tapers at the apex to nine feet. The tower is adorned with bands of inscriptions and four planned balconies with elaborately decorated brackets. While in ruins, one of the world’s most majestic buildings is the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex. In 1193, Qutab-ud-din Aibak began construction, and the mosque was completed in 1197.

Jantar Mantar – World’s Largest Sundial

The Jantar Mantar looks like a modern art gallery at first sight. However, it is an observatory. The errors of brass and metal astronomical instruments dissatisfied Sawai Jia Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court.

He set himself the task of correcting the current astronomical tables and upgrading the almanack with more accurate resources, under the patronage of the emperor. Jantar Mantar in Delhi is the first of the five observatories he designed with large masonry tools.

The observatory has the Samrat Yantra, a basic sun dial of equal hours, the Ram Yantra, a combination of four scientific devices, for reading altitudinal angles; Jai Prakash, for determining the location of the sun and other celestial bodies, and the Misra Yantra.

Humayun’s Tomb – The Garden Of Tombs

Humayun died after falling from a staircase in 1556 AD. At his palace at Purana Quilla in Delhi, he was laid to rest. Following his death, Hemu, the Hindu general and chief minister of Adil Shah Suri of the Suri Dynasty, assaulted Delhi. The fleeing Mughal army exhumed Humayun ‘s remains and took them to be reburied at Kalanaur in Punjab to protect the sanctity of the remains of their Emperor.

After the death of her husband, Bega Begum, a mourning queen, set out for Mecca to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage and vowed to build in his memory a magnificent mausoleum. She used the services of Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect, hailing from the Herat region of Afghanistan and with an outstanding repertoire. Bega Begum not only commissioned and paid for the tomb ‘s construction, but also oversaw its construction.

As funds dwindled in the royal treasury of the collapsing Mughal Empire, the grandeur of this spectacular building gradually diminished due to lack of maintenance. The surrounding garden was renovated to accommodate an English style garden in 1880, after the establishment of British rule in Delhi. It was, however, restored in a major renovation project between 1903 and 1909 to the original form. When it was used to house refugees during the 1947 Partition of India, the complex and its buildings were heavily defiled. After Humayun ‘s tomb was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), the most recent process of restoration began in 1993.

Akshardham Temple – Experience A Holy Visit

The Temple of Akshardham is a spiritual complex nestled in New Delhi and is a famous Delhi Hindu temple. This wonderful temple was built in 2005 in the New Delhi area of Noida Mor and is known as Swaminarayam Akshardham’s Akshardham Temple. The phrase Akshardham is a combination of two words:’ Akshar’ means ‘eternal’ and ‘Dham‘ means ‘abode.’ In reality, it means the abode of eternal ideals, virtues and ideals that are stated in the Hindu mythology of the Vedas and Puranas. In addition to all this, the Akshardham Temple complex in Delhi exhibits various traditional features, beautiful architecture, Indian culture and spirituality. The main complex in the centre is based on the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shashtra concepts, which are called Akshardham Mandir.

Delhi’s Akshardham Temple is one of Delhi ‘s prime attractions where exclusive architectural beauty can be seen with more than 234 beautifully carved pillars, 9 intricate domes, 20 quadrangle spires, and 20000 Indian spiritual personality sculptures. It is one of the main attractions for history buffs and art enthusiasts, as intricate art and flawless craftsmanship can easily be enjoyed here. In addition , the entire temple is built using Italian Carrara marble and pink sandstone. So, when are you planning on visiting this famous Delhi temple?

ISKCON Temple – Seek Blessings

ISKCON, founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is a spiritual organisation. You can see Bhagavad Gita’s stunning visual presentations with vibrant lights that produce a wonderful effect on the enormous screen. In the evenings, they also plan beautiful robotics and Mahabharata displays. Within the temple premises, there’s a simple Govinda restaurant where you get veg food.

Within the temple, there are lots of museums where you can join the extraordinary exhibits. In addition, they plan interactive displays for the guests. The best time to visit the ISKCON Temple is during the ‘Janmashtami’ festival, Lord Krishna ‘s birthday. It’s celebrated with pomp and vigour, and if you don’t visit this festival at this temple, it’ll be a huge miss.

Lotus Temple – Experience The God

Lotus Temple is a one-h temple located in modern Delhi that facilitates the worship faith of the Bahai. One committed to the unification of all religions and humanity is the Baha’i House of Worship. The other subsidiary buildings abound around the House of Worship that provide relief for the suffering, sustenance for the sick, shelter for the wayfarer, solace for the bereaved and education for the ignorant.

In the Baha’i Religion, there is no clergy and its service consists of prayers and readings of excerpts from the Baha’i scriptures and religious texts of the world’s other religions. The temple reflects the Bahai faith that is broad in its outlook and has a scientific impact that affects people’s hearts and minds. In the Baha’i Religion, there is no clergy and its service consists of prayers and readings of excerpts from the Baha’i scriptures and religious texts of the world’s other religions. The temple reflects the Bahai faith that is broad in its outlook and has a scientific impact that affects people’s hearts and minds.

It means the lord ‘s purity and universality, and the dignity of all religions. The Temple is visited annually by over four million people. This gleaming lotus-like marble structure is situated on the Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and is the world’s seventh and most recent Bahai worship building. It means the lord and equality of all religions’ purity and universality. The Temple is visited annually by over four million people. Situated on the Bahapur Hills (South Delhi), this gleaming lotus-like marble structure is the seventh and most recent Bahai worship house in the country.

Jama Masjid – India’s Largest Mosques

Delhi’s Jama Masjid (Friday’s Mosque) is the largest mosque in the world, and perhaps its most majestic. It stands at the Red Fort across the road. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s last architectural extravagance, with a courtyard capable of accommodating 25,000 devotees, is the great mosque of Old Delhi. The mosque measures 65 m by 35 m, and a square of 100 m forms its court. Established in 1656, the Mughal religious fervour is an eloquent reminder There are thousands of faithful who offer their prayers here in its spacious courtyard.

It’s also referred to as ‘Masjid-i-Jahanuma’ or ‘Mosque commanding world view’. It was designed as the principal mosque of Emperor Shahjahan. It is divided from the main road by a sprawling esplanade.

Situated in the ancient town of Old Delhi, five thousand artisans built this monument. On the Bho Jhala, one of the two hills of the old Mughal capital city of Shahjahanabad, stands this magnificent structure. To the east, facing Lal Quila (Red Fort), this monument has three gates, four towers and two minarets. It is constructed of alternating red sandstone and white marble vertical strips. White marble has been used extensively in the three domes and has been inlaid with black stripes.

The structure was built on a high platform so that from all the adjoining areas its impressive exterior would be visible. In the north and south, long flights of steps lead up to the intimidating gateways. The hallmark of this famous mosque are broad staircases and arched gateways. On weekdays, the main eastern gate, possibly used by the emperors, remains closed. The main hall of prayer on the west side is decorated A set of high cusped arches, standing on 260 pillars that support at various elevations about 15 marble domes. On most days, except on Fridays and other holy days, worshippers use this space. The south minaret ‘s premises are 1076-sq-ft wide, where 25,000 devotees will sit together for namaaz (prayer) at a time.

Purana Qila – Old Fort

Purana Quila is one of Delhi ‘s oldest forts, founded at various times under the Mughal emperor Humayun and the Afghan emperor Sher Shah Suri. The impeccable architectural style of the monument and the amazing past attached to it make it one of Delhi’s must-see locations.

The thick ramparts of the fort, which stretch over 1.5 km, rise to a height of 18 metres and have three embowed gateways. The first is the ‘Wide Gate’ of Bara Darwaza facing west, the second is the Humayun Darwaza gate from which one can see the Tomb of Humayun. Except for the third gate, i.e. Talaqi Darwaza, which literally means ‘the forbidden gate’, both the gates are used for the entrance within the fort. With enormous bastions ornamented with vibrant marbles, all the gates are double storied. The fort is a fascinating combination of the architectural style of both Mughal and Indian; which can be seen in the overhanging ‘Jharokhas‘ balconies topped by ‘Chattris‘ pillared pavilions that recall the architecture of rajasthani. All of these, including a few of the interior buildings such as Qila-i-kuhna mosque and Sher mandal, are still restored.

Qila-i-kuhna, designed by Sher Shah Suri, is a single, domed prayer hall that seems to be a copy of the Jami Mosque. There are five-pointed horseshoe-shaped arches on the doorway of the monument that illustrate the influence of pre-Mughal architectural architecture. In comparison, Sher Mandal is a double-storey octagonal tower built of red sandstone, topped by an octagonal pavilion. As per the papers, it is one of Delhi’s first observatories. And the remains of the stone shelves decorated with ornamental plasterwork show it once was an Emperor’s library.

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara – Offer Prayers

For their hospitality, Gurudwaras have always been remembered. Without having langar, which they serve on a daily basis, no one leaves a gurudwara. All sheds their ego outside the door of the holy house, from rich to poor, and helps with cooking, serving, cleaning, and other duties. And the kitchen of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, one of the largest in Delhi, is still working during a pandemic, serving meals to the hungry scattered in the area It is currently catering to the underprivileged who have lost their homes, and some, their livelihoods since the lockdown, regardless of religion, religion, and context.

The kitchen ramped up to produce 80,000 meals, and then one lakh, beginning with 40,000 meals a day. Soon, the gurudwara authorities said they could serve nearly three lakhs of rice. According to them, during severe times, such as wars and plagues, the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara remained a safe haven in the National Capital and unconditionally serves simple vegetarian food.

National Rail Museum – Buy A Souvenir

The National Rail Museum is mainly focused on preserving the country’s rail heritage. Perhaps the oldest mono-rail idea, launched in 1907, is the Patiala State Mono Rail Tram Way (PSMT), and NRM has the only working steam mono-rail locomotive and coach. One of the other displays and figures in the Guinness Book of World Records is the oldest operating “Fairy Queen” steam locomotive. The last “John Morris Fire Truck” solid rubber tyre operating vehicle, which is over 100 years old, is on view. The preserved exhibits include antique exhibits such as the Prince of Wales saloon, the Mysore Maharaja saloon, a fireless steam locomotive, rail buses, rail cars, electric locos, etc. The museum offers events and services for all ages, such as summer camps, on a daily basis. A miniature Indian rail model, and toy train rides are some of the other highlights at the museum.

Lodhi Gardens – Heritage Amidst Nature

Lodhi Garden is situated next to the International Center of India, which is only 3 kilometres from the Tomb of Humayun. It is one of the Delhi Historical Gardens. The garden of Lodhi houses the tombs of the rulers of Sayyid and Lodhi.

Lodhi Garden was set up by the Sayyid and Lodhi rulers between the 15th and 16th centuries. The garden is very well preserved and also has several historical monuments that are an additional tourist attraction.

In 1968, JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo re-designed the Lodhi garden in Delhi and that’s how it got its present form. You have to visit the tombs of Muhammad Shah, the third chief of the Sayyid dynasty, and Sikandar Lodhi in Lodhi Garden.

In the centre of Lodhi Garden in Delhi, there is a Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad that talk about the architectural glory of that period. The former consists of a wide rubber dome, a three-dome mosque, and a residence surrounding a central courtyard containing the remains of a water tank, and the Sheesh Gumbad, consisting of the remains of an unknown family, lies opposite this Bara Gumbad.

Tomb Of Safdarjung – Experience History

The last garden tomb built in the late Mughal Empire style is the Safdarjung Tomb. It is the sandstone and marble mausoleum of Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, a Mughal statesman popularly known as Safdarjung. This monumental tomb appears to be architecturally influenced by the tomb of Humayun, though slabs from the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khankhana were used for its construction.

The Safdarjung Tomb has a double-storey entrance gate and a five-part façade, all beautifully built in purple. It also has an Arabic inscription that says “When the hero of plain courage departs from the transient, may he become a resident of the paradise of Heaven.” There is a nine-fold floor plan for the tomb that includes several rooms and libraries. The three domed mosques sit on the right side of the main gate. The façade and the central dome constructed on the terrace give the Safdarjung mausoleum a resemblance to that of the Taj Mahal, except for the lack of symmetry due to the structure’s vertical prominence. Also, the four octagonal towers on its four corners vary from the Taj Mahal, where they remain disconnected from the tomb’s façade.

The Mughal empire was in its stage of decline when the Safdarjung tomb was constructed. Therefore, low building material quality is used, such as sandstone instead of marble. This is why, for lack of consistency and also for lack of proportionality, the architecture of the monument has been criticised. But its unsurpassed glory still gives tourists a justification to need to see this place on their Delhi sightseeing tour.

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Places To Visit in Munnar

Places to visit in Munnar When we think of Munnar hill station, the picturesque valleys and lakes, exotic velvety greenery over the sky kissing mountains, thick forests, stunning wildlife, spectacular trekking routes and the endless tea plantation that can be poetic inspiration for many are the things that come to mind.

Munnar obtained its name from the Malayalam language, which says moonnu and aar as three and river respectively. Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers are the three rivers that Munnar hosts. Some of the highly endangered animals, such as the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji, are blessed by Munnar. In the past few years, Munnar has emerged as the preference of tourist destination. It offers the ideal place for those seeking a honeymoon spot, a family picnic, a gateway with friends or those seeking to experience trekking. Once you are here, there are numerous sites to see and explore, but here I am sorting out the best places for you to cover in a day trip.

Pothamedu View Point

A viewpoint located just 3 Kms away from Munnar, Pothamedu Viewpoint a must visit place in Munnar. Whether you are planning a holiday in Kerala with your family or friends, Pothamedu should definitely be a part Kerala tour package.

Pothamedu viewpoint provides supreme blissful isolation, Misty hills adorned with tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. You’d also be able to see the Muthirapuzha River and Idukki Arch Dam in the distance on a clear day.

TATA Tea Museum

The Tea Museum is a wonderful place to visit in Munnar city, 3.5 km away from Munnar Bus Station. Kannan Devan Hills Plantations Limited, owned by the Tata Group, owns the museum. One of the best things to do in Munnar is to visit the Tea Museum.

The museum displays numerous instruments used in the processing of tea from the early 20th century to the late 20th century. The tea leave cutting machines, power making devices, etc., are some of the items displayed in the museum. The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum.

Chokramudi Peak

This is an isolated hill in Munnar that can end up keeping you hooked for hours. The Chokramudi peak is situated 7,200 feet above sea level, within the popular Eravikulam National Park, and is a must-see spot in Munnar. A quick and easy trek can be completed in one day. It is one of the best places in Munnar to visit. Trekking is easy and fairly simple on this peak in Munnar, and can be completed in a day. The entire trek is roughly 10 km long and will be completed in three to five hours. You will also need to weigh the distance and length depending on the degree of experience you have in trekking. For even amateur trekkers wanting to begin trekking, Chokramudi is the perfect place in Munnar.

The beauty and atmosphere that is seen from this peak is excellent in Munnar. It has winters of ravishing elegance. If you are travelling between December and February in Munnar, you will feel cold. During the winters, the best time to visit Munnar is. It has a dark atmosphere and a cool breeze that will bring a lot of visitors to the summit. Visit this peak in Munnar if you want to see natural beauty at its finest. It is ideal for a weekend getaway, and you can start with this remarkable peak in Munnar even if you have never trekked in the past. This is going to make you memories of a lifetime.

Kundala Lake

The beauty of this lake in Munnar can not be represented by any words. Start your journey to the Top Station and drive approximately 20 km to the shore. The lush green hill grades and spectacular sunrises provide excellent backdrops for Munnar. Do not overlook this lake in Munnar when sightseeing. The beauty of the Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in twelve years is unparalleled, and it has cherry blossoms that make it a great dream location in Munnar.

It is one of the best places in Munnar to visit. Each year, this lake in Munnar attracts hundreds of tourists and tourists may spend long hours just looking at the beauty of nature. It is an artificial lake that also has the first Arch dam in Asia. Like pedal boats, row boats and Kashmiri shikara, you will participate in many unforgettable boating experiences. You can visit the lake at any time during the day in Munnar. Here, there is a huge Tata tea golf course, and near the lake there is a waterfall. When visiting the lake in Munnar, you can visit the Munnar waterfall. This lake is the best place to visit in Munnar and should be at the top of your itinerary. Here you can vote for various types of boating facilities. There are different choices, such as speed boating, pedal boating, row boating, boating with Shikara and much more. There are balloon shooting games and horseback rides to visit Munnar that keep the children and adults interested. Also, near the lake, you can find a variety of food stalls It is beautifully connected to Munnar and the villages nearby and can be reached quite easily.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Munnar ‘s famous endangered species, is surrounded on its northern side by Eravikulam National Park in the south and by Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to other flora and fauna, this Munnar sanctuary has several well-known but endangered animals, such as the giant squirrel, tufted grey langur, elephants, a variety of Hanuman monkeys, crocodile, spotted deer, gaur, tiger, leopard and Slender Loris. When it comes to sightseeing in Munnar, it is a refuge for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the entry fee for Indian adults is INR 10 and for children INR 5. Foreign nationals have to shell out INR 100 in Munnar.

This sanctuary has a total area of 90 sq. in Munnar. Km and is specific in terms of Munnar ‘s floral, geomorphological, ecological and cultural influences. It is one of Kerala ‘s 12 protected areas, and this sanctuary is a must when visiting Munnar. It is the best place for trekking, and it is one place in Munnar that annually receives far less rainfall. Because of this, special habitat types such as dry thorn scrub, deciduous forests, shoals, grasslands, and riparian forests are blessed. It also has an extensive sandalwood forest close by. In Munnar, this is an additional attraction. The sanctuary also has around 1000 species of flowering plants and a wide range of medicinal plants, in addition to the rare wildlife of Munnar. You’ll also be able to see 225 registered bird species and several endangered species. The Munnar sanctuary is renowned for the various activities of eco-tourism, such as river trekking, nature path, medicinal garden, cultural site trekking and camping.

Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, situated in Munnar’s Western Ghats area, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over an area of 97 square kilometres, the National Park has a rich ecosystem. This park is also known as the Rajmalai Wildlife Sanctuary and houses more than 300 species of indigenous flora and fauna, some of which are very rare.

The famous Anamudi Peak is also home to Eravikulam national park. Anamudi mountain, considered to be the highest peak in South India, is a popular destination among trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

The endangered mountain goat species‘Nilgiri Tahr ‘is a key attraction of Eravikulam national park. Apart from housing the highest peak and a rare animal species, another rare phenomenon can be seen in the Eravikulam National Park. It is here that Neelakurinji, a flower that blooms once every twelve years, takes over the rolling hills and produces a stunning view. Neelakurinji’s most recent bloom took place in 2018.

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Munnar, nestled between rolling tea gardens and shola forests. Mattupetty Dam is a favourite place among local nature lovers, where elephants and other animals can be seen resting on the lake. Tourists flock to Mattupetty dam to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens, the nearby lake and enjoyable activities such as boating on the placid lake.

Mattupetty dam, built in 1940 as part of the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project, rises up to 1700 metres in height. It also acts as an important energy source as well as an important source of water for the region’s animals and birds. In addition, its convenient location is what makes it an invaluable tourist spot.

Meesapulimala

The peak of Meesapulimala is situated at a distance of about 15 km from the wonderful hill station of Munnar. It lies in the Rhodo Valley, known for the beautiful trees of the Rhododendron, at an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level. It is definitely one of the best places in Munnar for sightseeing. One of the highest peaks that can be hiked in Munnar is one of the top places to visit in Munnar. On one side, and Kerala on the other, the peak borders Tamil Nadu, and it is a moderately challenging trek that takes about one day.

This trek goes through eight hills in Munnar in order to reach the top. It is an idyllic place that will guarantee peace for you, and this is what makes it one of Munnar’s top places to visit. From the base of the first hill, this Munnar trek will begin and continue to the forest of Shola grassland. Initially, the trek will be a little steep, and you’ll be at the top of the first of the eight hills in Munnar in no time. You can get the best view of Munnar as well as of Suryanelli Town right from the mountain tops. You will cross the Anayirankal lake at Munnar as you descend from the hill, and you may get a glimpse of the wildlife of the Shola forests that have come to welcome you by the time you are at the seventh peak of the Munnar hills. The final peak which is the Meesapulimala peak promises to give you the most breathtaking views of Munnar.

Lockhart Gap

You must have learned by now that in Munnar there is no dearth of awesome perspectives. Another marvellous tourist destination, Lockhart Gap, is added to this list. Lockhart Gap is also known as Lock heart gap, situated 12 km away from Munnar, and is popular among individuals looking for both solitude and adventure.

The distance between the hills resembles two locked hearts and gets its name ‘Lock core’. Considered to be a very romantic spot, if you are considering taking a Kerala honeymoon package, Lockhart Gap should certainly be a part of your itinerary. Other sports such as trekking and trekking can also be taken up here. It is completely worth taking a trip to this magical place in Munnar to see the panoramic views of undulating hills , valleys and tea plantations.

Lakkom Waterfalls

In Eravikulamm National Park, which is on the way from Munnar to Udumalaipettai, the Lakkom waterfalls are situated. The Munnar waterfall starts from the Eravikulam dam, approximately 30 km from Munnar. It is only a short walk from the main road and can be reached in Munnar by adults of all ages. The Eravikulam plateau is the point of origin of the water stream, and only the lower fall is accessible from here. On a narrow trail, you can ride through the tea plantations and note the pure magic of nature as you go sightseeing in Munnar. In the tub, the water is really clear. From 9 AM to 4 PM, you can visit the waterfalls in Munnar, and the charges are INR 20. As it takes a dive out of the dense green forest from a distance, the sight of this charming waterfall in Munnar is spellbinding. Every effort is worth it in Munnar. You can also find a small shop in Munnar, situated a short distance from the break. This Munnar shop serves excellent food containing rice, fish and sambhar from Kerala. This is one of the most interesting locations in Munnar to visit.

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Yamunotri Travel Guide

Yamunotri Travel Guide is one of the largest spiritual destinations in India and lies on the western side of the Garhwal Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of about 3,293 m, it boasts high mountain peaks, glaciers and the pristine Yamuna river. Yamunotri is the place from which India ‘s second-most sacred river, Yamuna, originates, making Yamunotri one-fourth of the famous Char Dhamunotri pilgrimage taken by Hindus.

The Yamuna River begins from the glacier of Yamunotri, which is around 6,387 m high. From here, in a sequence of several waterfalls, the river flows into Saptarishi Kund and then gushes southwards.

A temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is said to be the daughter of the Sun God and the twin sister of Yama (god of death), is the main attraction in Yamunotri. In the inner sanctum, a holy idol of Yamuna Devi has been installed. The idol has intricate carvings on it and is made of polished black ebony. The temple is flanked by two lovely wells, Surya Kund and Gauri Kund. Dipping rice and potatoes into the boiling water of the springs and offering it to the Yamuna idol is a popular practise among devotees. Later, this food is distributed to devotees as prasad. The temple was constructed by Sudarshan Shah, a prominent monarch of Garhwal, in 1839 AD. It was later destroyed in an earthquake and was rebuilt in the 19th century by Gularia Devi, the Maharani of Jaipur. The temple boasts the architectural Nagar pattern and is constructed of granite A medium conical-shaped minaret is housed at the top of the tower, emphasised by pale yellow with a vivid vermilion border.

History of Yamunotri

The Yamunotri sanctuary belongs to the goddess Yamuna, who holds the status of omnipotent mother to the human race for all devout Hindus. Life on Earth is believed to continue to be supported by rich nourishment, coming from the grace and blessings of Goddess Yamuna. River Yamuna is regarded as a big Indian river apart from religious beliefs and is part of the famous ‘Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati’ Sister Rivers trio.

In 1839, in honour of the Goddess Yamuna, King Sudarshan Shah founded the Yamunotri temple in Tehri Naresh. But a fierce earthquake seriously damaged the temple. In the later part of the 19th century, Jaipur Maharani Guleria took the initiative to restore and renovate the temple, and thus the new and present Yamunotri temple came into being.

Yamunotri temple has many legends associated with it. Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Dev, the Sun God, and Saranyu, the Goddess of Consciousness, and is the sister of Yama, the God of Death, according to religious legends. Thus, Hindus believe that not only Goddess Yamuna, but also Surya Dev, her lord, Saranyu, her mother, and Yama, her brother, will receive blessings by offering Puja at Yamunotri Devotees never fail to dip into the waters of the holy Yamuna River because they believe that they can get rid of the fear of mortality or death by doing so. The mountain that falls next to the source of the Yamuna River is named after Surya Dev, the father of Yamuna Devi. It is named as Kalind Parvat as Surya Dev is also named as ‘Kalind‘ differently.

Another legend says that the ancient sage, Asit Muni, lived his hermit life in this region. He bathed every day in both the Ganga River and the Yamuna River. He was no longer able to travel to the Ganga River as he grew old. A stream of the River Ganga also emerged near Yamuna, just opposite it, to allow him to continue his bathing rituals in an uninterrupted manner.

Yet another legendary tale says that by nature, Goddess Yamuna was too frivolous. This characteristic came to her because, as the storey goes, her mother could not make eye contact with Yamuna ‘s immensely dazzling husband.

Tourist Attractions in Yamunotri

Places to Visit Yamunotri Dham You’ll love visiting famous tourist spots and enjoying the local culture when you travel to Yamunotri. You will definitely discover some of the best things to do in Yamunotri, amongst other things to do in Yamunotri, to make your trip a satisfying one. Things to do on a trip to Yamunotri can include exploring attractions in Yamunotri and visiting places of interest.

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri‘s main attraction is the temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs of Sulphur, nearly 7 km away in Jankichatti. With striking visions of a variety of cascades, the trudge from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is very satisfying.

Saptarishi Kund

The root of the Yamuna River is known to be the Saptarishi Kund. Saptarishi Kund is believed to be the origin of the Yamuna River, at an altitude of 4421 metres. Saptarshi Kund beholds delightful scenery with its muddy bluish waters, pebbly banks and the unusual show of Brahama lotus. Before you start your trip to Saptarsi Kund, it is vital that you familiarise yourself with the climate of this region by staying at Yamunotri for a day.

Surya Kund

There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila

Divya Shila gives the devotees an ethereal feeling as it is a strong rock pillar situated close to the Surya Kund at Yamunotri. It is customary that before entering Yamunotri, all devotees should make poojas here at Divya Shila.

HanumanChatti

13 km from Yamunotri, the confluence of the rivers Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna, from where the Dodi Tal (3,307mt) trek begins. A six-hour climb through the lustrous meadows and the woody hills, enjoying the Himalayan shrubs’ aromatic fragrance, provides one with sheer amusement.

Kharsali

Kharsali offers the picnickers an entertaining setting and a lovely atmosphere. Kharsali is one of the most renowned tourist locations in this country, a quaint place with lots of thermal springs and pretty cascades. Kharsali portrays nature’s beauty at its zenith as a mind-blowing meadow where oak and conifer trees surround the landscape.

Barkot

It is a small town located on the way to Yamunotri, just 49 kilometers away from Yamunotri. Barkot have one of the ancient temple and ideal for meditation.

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri

Between May to June and September to November, Yamunotri is the best time to visit. People visit this city and continuously find a wonderful atmosphere.

The winter season in Yamunotri runs from October to March. The place also faces snowfall during this season, as temperatures drop below 0 degrees. With the temperature going from-7 to 5 ° C, winters are crispy.

Amid rainstorm, this city witnesses overwhelming precipitation. This season begins from late July and finishes in September.

Summers begins from April and closures in July. Temperature amid this season ranges from 6 to 20°C.

How To Reach Yamunotri

By Road – To Yamunotri, there is no straight path. From Rishikesh, Mussourie, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Badkot, Haridwar and Dehradun, one can reach Hanuman Chatti by bus. You must either hike a distance of 14 km from there or use ponies and palanquins that are available for hire. The road from Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti is very picturesque and en route one goes through the Kempti Falls and Mussourie.

By Rail – Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 222 km, via Narendranagar and Haridwar. Jolly Grant, approximately 70 km from Yamunotri, is the nearest airport. For local transport and also for intercity drives, we will have all Indian tourist permit vehicles for you.

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Gangotri Travel Guide

Gangotri Travel Guide Instead of being a tourist spot, Gangotri is mostly considered a city for Hindu pilgrimage. To a certain degree, this is indeed true, but things have recently begun to change here. The number of tourists coming to Gangotri is now rising every year that passes. Once upon a time, the only tourists in Gangotri were of the devotional kind. But you’ll find adventure lovers now, too Icycle riders and here. Gangotri’s Gaumukh trek is considered one of the most visited treks and attracts thousands of people every year. Among biker groups, the steep climb and picturesque drive from Rishikesh to Gangotri is fast becoming a favourite. New hotels and guest houses are erected every year to accommodate the growing number of visitors. So, yeah, tourism is booming in Gangotri And it’s a perfect place for your next trip that you should suggest.

For a brief introduction, Gangotri is a city in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. It is a major Hindu pilgrim town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River at an altitude of 3,100 metres, and is regarded as the point of origin of the Ganges River. It was here, according to Hindu mythology, the Goddess Ganga Down from heaven to earth; into the locks of the hair of Lord Shiva. The entire town and local life is based around the temple of Gangotri, originally constructed in the nineteenth century by the Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa. The town is also now a popular tourist spot due to its altitude and location. What I will be addressing in this article is how you can schedule a visit to Gangotri.

History Of Gangotri Temple

The Grand Temple of Ma Ganga in Gangotri Dham is a place of fascination for pilgrims at an altitude of 3000 metres from sea level. It is located on the Bhagirathi river’s left bank. The temple was founded in the 18th century by General Amar Singh Thapa of Gorkha. The temple is made of white marble, with an idol made of Ma Ganga Gold. The temple stays open for Darshan for six months Owing to the heavy snow-fall, six months remain closed throughout winter. The Idol of Ma Ganga was brought down to Mukhuwa village near Dharali during the winter. The main temple of the Shrine is located near Bhagirath Shila (a rock where Lord Shiva was worshipped by King Bhagirath). Pilgrims take with them Bhagirathi’s holy water.

Gangotri Dham Temple Darshan Timing

Morning – 6:15 am to 2:00 pm

Evening – 3:00 pm to 9:30 pm

The Shri Gangotri Temple is open every morning from 06:15 AM to 2:00 PM during the Yatra season and from 03:00 PM to 09:30 PM in the evening for Darshan and Pooja. Every morning, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., the Shri Gangotrii Ji priest performs Mangal Aarti. Evening Shayan Aarti helds every day from 6:30 pm to 7:30 PM after which the door of the temple is closed for Pilgrims.

Places to visit in Gangotri

Places to visit in Gangotri In and near Gangotri Dham, there are numerous places of tourist interest for any kind of traveller. For nature lovers, while there is Vishwa Nath temple, Gaumukh Glacier, NandVan Tapovan, Kedar Ganga Sangam, Bhairon Ghati, Gnag Nani, Maneri, Harsil, Kedartal, there is Uttarkashi at the same time.

Harsil

Harsil is located 76 km from the town of Uttarkashi and 24 km from Gangotri. Harsil is an unspoiled, secret gem of the state of Uttarakhand, offering ample scope in the lap of the Himalayas for people seeking peace and serenity. It is located at an elevation of 2620 metres on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. Among travel enthusiasts and nature lovers, Harsil has become popular in recent years The highlights of this destination are the Bhagirathi River, the chirping of birds and a safe climate. During summers, the temperature of Harsil remains nice and during winters, it is cold.

Gaumukh

The Gangotri Glacier’s terminus is said to resemble the mouth of a cow, and the site is called Goumukh or Gaumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). The precise source of the Bhagirathi River, an important tributary of the Ganga, is Goumukh, which is about 18 km (11 miles) from the town of Gangotri. Goumukh is located near Shivling ‘s base; the Tapovan meadow lies in between.

Gangnani

Gangnani is located 72 km away from Uttarkashi, en route to Gangotri. Gangnani also leads the stretched route to another place worth visiting at a distance of 12 km, called Bhatwari. Gangnani is a place to see the famous peaks of the mountains surrounding Gangotri. Gangnani is also renowned for its hot water springs, an explorer’s delight. The air and the surroundings are so pure that one leaves this place totally charged and rejuvenated.

Dayara Bugyal

According to the local language, the term Bugyal means high altitude meadow. A road branches off near Bhatwari on the path to Gangotri, and this will lead you to Dayara Bugyal. The distance to Dayara Bugyal from Uttarkashi is 32 km. You can take a vehicle to the village of Barsu, and a three-kilometer trek will take you to Dayara. While there, the beauty of this broad meadow will absolutely enchant you. The place is memorable because of a small lake and spectacular views of the Himalayas. From here, a 30-km trek through dense forests will take you to Dodi Tal.

How to Reach Gangotri

How to reach Gangotri by Air: The closest air terminal, Jolly Grant Airport, is located at a distance of approximately 226 km from Gangotri. Arranged in Dehradun, the aircraft terminal operates standard flights from Delhi, the capital of India. You can take a ride to the air terminal along these lines and then hire a taxi from that point to reach the consecrated town of Gangotri Taxi or taxi charges will cost you around Rs 4,000.

How to reach Gangotri by Train : You will have to enter the Rishikesh railroad station if you want to go by train, which is also the closest station at 250 km from Gangotri. You’ll see a lot of taxis ready to carry you to your destination in the wake of hitting a base at the railroad station. For taxi charges, you’ll have to pay somewhere between Rs 3,000 and Rs 4,000.

How to reach Gangotri by Road : You can achieve Gangotri without much of a stretch catch vacationer transportation from places like Yamunotri, Mussoorie and Tehri. In order to achieve the city, there are both private luxury transportation and state transport.

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Badrinath Travel Guide

Badrinath Travel Guide is a glorious sight just as the most significant of all the Char Dhams. Lakhs of devotees come each year to this consecrated Badrinath town to look for favours and to get a look at the renowned sanctuary of Shri Badrinath Ji. Badrinath is one of the prominent Shrine which is a piece of both Chota Char Dham and Char Dham in India. Badrinath is one among four journey focuses on four corners of India.In the North, Badrikashram (Badrinath Temple), Rameshwaram in the South, Dwarka Puri in the West, and Jagannath Puri in the East were among them. Read on for a brief Badrinath travel guide.

Without a doubt, no one knows exactly how old the Badrinath temple was is, Although it is possible to follow Badrinath as a heavenly spot as far back as the Vedic Age in India, which began around 1,500 B.C. During this period , due to its ground-breaking profound vitality, the area, known as Badrikashram in Hindu sacred texts, attracted numerous holy people and sages Although the Vedas (the most punctual Hindu sacred texts) did not contain notices of sanctuaries, it is said that some Vedic songs were first sung by sages who possessed the area.

Other sacred legends and fantasies related to Badrinath are numerous As one of them indicated, during his long reward, Goddess Lakshmi gave Lord Vishnu berries (or appeared as a berry tree to furnish him with a cover from the cold). Henceforth, from Badri (a Sanskrit word for the Indian Jujube tree) and Nath (which means master), Badrinath gets its name.

In Badrinath, while travelling around, You ‘d probably need a tour guide from Badrinath to better explore the places. On the journey, Badrinath Temple is normally visited along with various sacred sites that make up the Char Dham in Uttarakhand. Out of the four, it is the most available temple, and one of India’s most mainstream temples. The number of explorers has grown to more than 1 million each year. In general, however, the temple wasn’t so easy to reach. There was no street access prior to 1962 and people needed to walk over the mountains to arrive.

In the name of Lord Vishnu alone, Badrinath is also part of the five popular shrines often referred to as ‘Panch Badri’. These are the

  • Vishal Badri – The temple at Badrinath
  • YogaDhyan Badri Pandukeshwar
  • Bhavishya Badri at Subain
  • Vridh Badri in Animath
  • Adi Badri at a distance of 10.6 miles from Karnaprayag

History of Badrinath

In this historical temple of Badrinath, two mythological storeys are popular. God Vishnu was meditating in the harsh cold weather in the Himalayas, according to one Hindu legend. To protect him, Goddess Lakshmi took the form of the Badri(Jujube) tree. He was pleased when Lord Vishnu awoke, and thereby named the place Badrika Ashram.

While the Vishnu Puranas, one of Hinduism’s ancient texts, has another version of Badrinath ‘s origin. There were two sons of Dharam, Nar, and Narayan, as per the literature, which are the present names of two existing mountains. They were looking for an ideal hermitage location and chose this location with hot and cold springs behind the Alaknanda river.

In Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, and Bhagavata Purana, Badrinath temple and its location are also directly located. Although the temple is located in northern India, with a traditional Nambudiri Brahmin, the head priest is still selected from the southern state of Kerala. This tradition was started by Adi Shankaracharya. When Dandi sanyasis, the last of the shiva ascetics, died without an heir The local king invited the non-ascetic Nambudiri community in the 18th century, a group which still continues its belief in modern Southern India. They are selected in consultation with each other by the royal families of Travancore and Garhwal.

Places To Visit In Badrinath

Places To Visit In Badrinath For every sort of visitor, there are different places of interest in Badrinath. While Swargarohini, Laxmi Van, Vasu Dhara Falls, Bheem pul, Satopanth, Tapt Kund, Panch Shila, Narad Kund, Brahma Kamal are for pilgrims, Neelkanth Parvat and Vasudhara are for the lovers of nature at the same time.

Badrinath Temple

This temple has been present since the Vedic periods, which were mainly established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, according to history. However, three centuries ago, the current structure of the temple was built by the kings of Garhwal. This temple’s presiding deity is Lord Vishnu. The temple ‘s characteristics are that it is constructed like a cone with a small cupola of a golden bull and a spire The temple complex goes up to about five metres in height. The temple houses nearly 15 idols, such as the idols of Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu, Garud, his mount, and Lord Shiva, his wife Parvati, and son Ganesha. The main idol of Lord Vishnu takes the meditation pose here. The temple is divided into three regions that include the principal deity of the Garbha Griha, A Darshan Mandap for the Puja and a Sabha Mandap to assemble devotees. Additionally, the main gate at the entrance lends the temple beauty. The temple is open only during the summers.

Brahma Kapa

Brahma Kapal Ghat is situated towards north of the Badrinath temple at a distance of about just 100mts. The Brahma Kapal is a flat platform on the banks of the Alakananda River, where Lord Brahma is believed to reside. It is here that Lord Shiva was relieved from his curse of killing Brahma, and Brahma ‘s head also fell from Brahma Kapal’s Shivas trident. Offering sraddha to ancestors and paying homage and rituals to the departed souls is customary for devotees.

Charan Paduka

This is a beautiful rock 3380 feet from the ground level at an altitude that gives you a sense of clarity and calmness. This rock’s most important feature is that it holds Lord Vishnu ‘s footprints. While the path to Charanpaduka is quite risky, it is worth taking up because it is believed that the darshan of the Lord’s footprints will assist the devotees to come out of all the ailments and difficulties in life.

Narad Kund

Narad Kund is one of Badrinath ‘s popular tourist and religious spots, thronged by pilgrims to take a holy dip in the kund before they go for the darshan. It is said that there is a hot spring in the Narad Kund that makes the water warm. History also says that it was from here that the idol of Lord Vishnu was recovered by Adi Sankara. By default, the Narad Kund is surrounded by a projected rock angles which breaks the flow of the water current and provides a nice atmosphere for a bath.

Neelkanth

The peak of Neelkanth is in the form of a pyramid and is at an altitude of about 6,597 metres, attracting a number of tourists for its magnificent natural views. Nature is designed in such a way that the Badrinath shrine overlooks this peak and opens up to the snow-clad peaks. The Neelkanth peak is known as the Queen of Gharwal, which is suitable for the scenic spot’s captivating beauty.

Sheshnetra

This is one of Badrinath‘s most remarkable visiting spots because it is believed that Lord Vishnu takes his asylum on a snake named Anantha Shesha. This location is marked with one eye by a large stone, snake Sheshnetra. The most interesting feature of this spot is the very realistic imprints on the rock. It is a beautiful environment with the majestic Alakananda River on the Sheshnetra The backdrop gives a calming sensation of serenity. It is also said that Sheshnetra guards Lord Badrinath’s holy shrine.

Tapt Kund

The holy abode of Lord Agni is supposed to be Tapt Kund, a natural spring located above the riverbank. The water temperature is always quite hot, and a holy dip in this helps the devotees to come out of their sin and impart a new life and energy. In addition to its therapeutic advantage, this hot water spring in the middle of the Himalayan snowy peaks is quite a wonderful one.

Panch Badri

Panch Badri, panch meaning five, forms the main temple of Badrinath along with four other temples or Badris. The temples of these other badris are located a few kilometres from Badrinath ‘s temple. At Padukashwar (1920 mts), Yog Dhyan Badri is located 24 km from here. Before retiring, the Pandavas handed over their empire here to King Parikshit. The second Badri at Subain is Bhavishtya Badri near Tapovan. Bhavishya Badri means Badri of the future. It is believed that a time in history will come when the current route to Badrinath will become inaccessible and Bhavishya Badri will be admired instead. The remnants of 16 temples are Adi Badri and can be reached from Karnprayag. And finally, it is believed that Vriddha Badri, located 7 km from Joshimath, was here several years before Adi Shankarcharya existed idol of Badrinath was enshrined and worshipped here.

How to Reach Badrinath

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 314 km away, is the nearest airport to Badrinath. To make it to the desired destination, one can hire a taxi for another trip.

By Rail: Haridwar is the closest railhead to arrive at Badrinath. Following stations are well connected to the main cities of India:
Haridwar- 302 km
Dehradun- 327 km

By Road: Badrinath is well connected with main places of Uttarakhand by excellent roads. Bus and taxi service is also available from the most important destinations including Haridwar, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pauri, Ukhimath and Karnaprayag to get to Badrinath.

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Kedarnath Yatra Travel Guide

Kedarnath Yatra Travel Guide One of the holiest places and most sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva is Kedarnath. It is located in the Garhwal area of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand and thousands of pilgrims visit this place every year to seek Lord Shiva ‘s blessing. It is one of the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand, and among the Panch Kedar, it is considered the most important dham. Situated at an altitude, this holy pilgrimage is In the mesmerising backdrop of majestic mountains near the beautiful Mandakini River, the Kedarnath range stands one of Lord Shiva ‘s twelve Jyotirlingas of 3586 metres.

Even the name of this shrine also has a strong sense, which is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and destroyer, “Kedar” means powerful. Kedarnath trek is made even more fascinating by its stunning aura, snow clad mountains and breathtaking scenery, which makes people visit in large numbers every year. The main attraction of this Dham is the main temple of Shiva, nestled in the middle of the picturesque landscape. This temple is dedicated to Shiva, who is known as the embodiment of all emotions-love , hate, terror, In its different ways, death and mysticism are represented. Kedarnath is one of Lord Shiva ‘s main pilgrimages, but in the city itself, there are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. So, if you’re also planning a Kedarnath Yatra, the detailed Kedarnath travel guide is below.

The Religious Significance of Kedarnath Temple

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan area of the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath temple. It is located on the bank of the River Mandakini, a tributary of the Ganges River. It is one of India’s most revered shrines. This temple was over 1,000 years old, and Guru Sri Adi Shankracharya built it. It is one of the most popular Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.

The Kedarnath Temple ‘s religious importance dates back to the time of the Mahabharata in which the Pandavas killed their Kauravas cousin brothers. They felt guilty and unworthy of entering heaven. The Pandavas pursued the salvation of Lord Shiva from their sins. They were looking for Lord Shiva on their way to forgiveness.

Lord Shiva didn’t want to free the Pandavas so quickly from their sins. Lord Shiva dressed himself in the shape of a bull in order to do so. He dived into the ground upon being found by the Pandavas. Bhim is trying to catch him and can only get hold of the hump. Various body parts of the bull appeared in various locations, according to the legends, which are worshipped by the devotees as Panch Kedar. The bull’s hump was discovered in Kedarnath.

One can go by helicopter on a Char Dham Yatra, too. With us, you can book a tour and look for blessings at India’s popular pilgrimage sites.

Kedarnath Temple Opening Dates

On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, Kedarnath Temple opens and the day is determined by the priests at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhtimath. The temple’s closing date is set and the day of Bhai Dooj, the second day of the Deepavali festival, is set. The Kedarnath opening time is declared on Maha Shivaratri by the priests.

For more than half a year, the path to Kedarnath Temple has been coated with snow and is inaccessible all the time. The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the months of May through June and September through October. During winters, when snow covers the roads, the temple is inaccessible and it stays closed during this period to own it. The best season to visit Kedarnath is summer. The ideal weather for Summers to pay a visit here. The intense downpour is characteristic of the Monsoon season. So, try to stop the season here.

  • Kedarnath Temple Timings: 4:00 A.M to 9:00 P.M
  • Kedarnath visiting months: May to October (It can be changed according to the Panchang)

Kedarnath Temple Aarti

The darshan of the Kedarnath Mandir begins from 4:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. It closes between 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. For 6 months of the year, Kedarnath Temple is inaccessible as the route is blocked due to the heavy snow in the region. It opens in April, which depends on the Panchang, until October. The Aarti Timings of Kedarnath are:

  • Maha Abhishek Puja at Kedarnath: 4:00 A.M to 7:00 A.M
  • Kedarnath Ji ki Aarti: 4:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M

Here is a list of Kedarnath places to visit:

Kedarnath is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and millions of people visit it every year. Kedarnath tourism suffered a massive blow after the catastrophic flood in 2013. The whole trek-route on Mandakini ‘s side was washed away, as though it had never been there. The Kedarnath Temple route has now been revamped, and as before, the Kedarnath Yatra has resumed.

The devotees flock to the holy site in the summer months starting from early May, when the temple opens to the general public, and the deep silence of the beautiful valley surrounded by scenic splendour is broken by the buzzing chants of Lord Shiva ‘s holy names. There are several pilgrimage sites close to Kedarnath for Kedarnath sightseeing, which tourists may find worth a visit.

Kedarnath Dham

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas is Lord Kedarnath, and is therefore considered very important. It is noteworthy to note that everything on either side of the temple was entirely erased during the flood, but the temple remained intact. It is considered a miracle of the Lord by devout followers. The temple and the presiding deity, Lord Kedarnath, have a legendary account attached to It is assumed that the actual mountain was built by the Pandavas when they wandered off in the Himalayas after the devastating war in Kurukshetra. Lord Shiva appeared as a vicious bull in front of the Pandavas to scare them. But, confronted with all his strength, Bhim was the strongest and bravest one, and he caught the tail of the bull.

The bull escaped into a crevice while its head appeared in Pashupatinath in Nepal, leaving its hind portion in Bhim ‘s hand. The Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva, and he was pleased to appear before them, conceding that he would still be here. Now, in the belief that the Lord listens carefully to their prayers, the devotees worship the pyramidal rock structure. Kedarnath is one of the most famous of all Popular Chardham Circuit Pilgrimage Places. Book a kit for the Chardham Yatra and seek blessings.

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

As the storey goes, in the 8th century AD, the current temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya. He was a great scholar and a reformer of faith. In his short lifespan of 32 years, he revived Hinduism by establishing four seats of study at four points in the world, establishing and reviving the ancient temples and idols, writing countless Sanskrit poems and scholarly texts It is believed that he attained Samadhi here.

Gaurikund

It is the very place where it is believed that the proposal to marry Parvati was approved by Lord Kedarnath. In Triyuginarayan, another pilgrimage site high up in the mountains, he married her, where it is said that the Yajna fire still burns. There is a hot water tank here at Gaurikund where every devotee must take a holy dip to absolve all his sins before going to Lord Kedarnath’s ‘Darshan‘ Before the 2013 Deluge, it was the starting point of the 14 km Yatra to Kedarnath. Now the route has changed and the new route starts from Guptkashi and is 34 kilometres long and winding.

Panch Kedar

Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar usually consist of the Panch Kedar. High up in the upper part of the Himalayas, these five temples are not only shrouded by snow much of the time, but also have rugged, dangerous terrain. The minor variation of the earlier Pandavas myth is that although the bull was captured by its tail by Bhim, the bull was Torn apart in five sections, they fell at ‘Kedar Khand’ in five separate areas.

Vasuki Lake

Vasuki Tal, located east of the Chor Gamak glacier, is a glacial lake near Kedarnath. A wonderful sight was created by the crystal clear water of the lake carrying the shadows of the high peaks surrounding it. It is a moderate to difficult trek from Kedarnath, about 7 km upwards.

Ukhtimath

Vasuki Tal, situated east of Chor Gamak glacier, is a glacial lake near Kedarnath. A wonderful vision was created by the crystal clear water of the lake carrying the shadows of the high peaks surrounding it. It is a moderate to difficult hike from Kedarnath, about 7 km upwards.

How to reach Kedarnath Temple?

One of India’s most famous pilgrimage sites is Kedarnath Temple. Millions of people are flocking here from across the country to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Most people have no idea how to reach Kedarnath. So here we are to help you out with the best route to visit Kedarnath Temple.

  • Delhi to Kedarnath is 447 km
  • Rishikesh to Kedarnath is 223 km
  • Dehradun to Kedarnath is 257 km

By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Kedarnath, which is almost 257 km away. From the Kedarnath Temple Route, one can easily get transport from here to Gauri Kund. No vehicle is permitted after this.

By Road: Gauri Kund is the location where the vehicle is authorised and is well connected by a good road network with the nearby major cities. From Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Tehri one can easily get a taxi or cab till Gauri Kund.

By Train: Rishikesh is the closest railway station to Gauri Kund. It is 223 km away and 258 km from Dehradun Railway Station. From either of the railway stations, one can hire a taxi or cab. Buses also circulate daily from Rishikesh to Gauri Kund and from Dehradun to Gauri Kund.

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Top 10 Family Travel Destinations India

Top 10 Family Travel Destinations India Family travel is both a fantastic treat and a tremendous responsibility. The duty begins with selecting the destination. You can not arbitrarily pick a destination. The place you select should be family-friendly. You should find enough attractions that all your family members are excited about. You don’t need to think about it when it comes to India, as there are a lot of family destinations here.

In Southern Asia , India is a tropical region. The land is packed with diverse attractions and cultures. Each state is, in its own way, special. Here is the list of top destinations in India for families.

Manali

Manali If you are looking for some inner peace or want to have an exciting backpacking trip, the places to visit in Manali will never disappoint you. Manali is situated on the banks of the Beas River and boasts a range of rare cultural, natural and adventurous gems. There are many Manali tourist spots to visit, from the stunning Solang valley to the Great Himalayan National Park.

A lot of them including Manu Temple and Mall road have gained popularity among several families as well as youngsters for an exciting journey. Agreed, these are the Manali attractions that draw tourist swarms, but that doesn’t mean that the quainter destinations like Kasol and Kullu should be skipped.

These places offer the most captivating landscapes of the majestic mountains, verdant valleys, and maybe here you will get to experience a bit of hippie culture! So indulge yourself in whatever way you like, the spellbinding places to see in Manali will surely leave you mystified.

Shimla

In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a mesmerising hill station. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, also called the ‘Queen of Hills’ and is one of the popular tourism destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla is also one of India’s top tourist destinations and one of the best hill stations near Delhi.

The beautiful Shimla derives its name from the incarnation of Goddess Kali, ‘Goddess Shyamala,’ The British established it and proclaimed Shimla as their summer capital. It occupies an area of 18 sq km at an altitude of 7,238 ft. Shimla is encircled by forests of fir, deodar and oak. The well-developed facilities, simple accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of Himachal tour packages’ prime attractions.

Temple of Kali Bari, Annandale and Kalka – One of the must-include locations in your Shimla tour packages is the Shimla Railway. Besides being the perfect summer retreat it remains an excellent place for adventure sports. Tourists may go to the Kullu valley for various treks or engage in trout fishing on the Pabbar River. From January to mid-March, the more adventurous can ski at Narkanda and Kufri. The nine-hole golf course at Naldehra is also a major draw for the tourists.

Munnar

As three mountain streams merge-Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala-Munnar rises. 1,600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the former British Government ‘s summer resort in South India. Munnar is one of Kerala’s most sought after honeymoon destinations, full of resorts and logging facilities that suit a wide array of budgets. This is a renowned resort town with sprawling tea plantations, picturesque villages, winding lanes and holiday facilities. The Neelakurinji are among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here. This flower, which once every twelve years bathes the hills in blue, will next bloom in 2030. In South India, Munnar also has the highest point, Anamudi, which towers over 2,695 m.

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

Sikkim

In the North East of the nation, Sikkim is an Indian state. Chinese Tibet in the North, Nepal in the West, the Indian State of West Bengal in the South and Bhutan in the East are the Himalayan State Boarders. It is one of the smallest states of India and has a population just over 6,00,000. The principal industry in the state is tourism. In fact, the annual tourist inflow in the state has surpassed the population of the state.

For its quiet existence and simplicity, the state is legendary. In addition to a diverse ethnic mix of people with a rich cultural heritage, the mountain state, famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8586 m, offers a tremendous variety of plants and wildlife.

Lonavala

Lonavala is a breathtaking mountain resort in the Maharashtra district of Pune. It lies in the Sahyadri Ranges that divide the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast, at an altitude of 622 m. Lonavala is one of Maharashtra ‘s top hill stations, and also one of Maharashtra’s popular tourist spots. This is also among the best tourist places to visit near Pune & Mumbai.

Some of the best places to include in the packages of Lonavala are Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves and Rajmachi Point. Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations on the highway from Pune to Mumbai and are very popular Indian monsoon getaways. The hill station is spread over an area of 38 square km. The town’s name is derived from the word ‘Lonavali’ in Sanskrit, which refers to a group of caves. Owing to the existence of several caves in and around the area, the name was given to the town.

In 1871, along with Khandala, Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, established Lonavala. Lonavala was part of the Yadava Dynasty today, which was taken over by the Mughals and then ruled by Marathas until finally falling into the hands of the British. In the past of the Maratha and Peshwa empires, the forts in the region and the Malva warriors played an important role.

In the form of caves, lakes, forts and waterfalls, Lonavala has many tourist locations Some of the best places to visit in Lonavala are Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, Karla Caves, Valvan Dam, Lonavala Lake, Tiger’s Leap, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Dam, Korigad Fort, Kune Waterfalls, Tikona Fort, Visapur Fort, Bedsa Caves and Tung Fort.

Darjeeling

At an altitude of 6,710 ft in the Lesser Himalaya, Darjeeling is situated in the state of West Bengal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is noted for its famous tea industry and its Darjeeling Himalayan Railways. There are many old monasteries present along its length and width, a significant number of inhabitants being Buddhist. Vivid landscapes, plantations of tea, timeless weather And the slopes make it one of India’s most popular destinations for tourists. Darjeeling is the largest tea exporter and, hence, during the plucking season, tea tourism in Darjeeling attracts many tourists. The women in the fields can be observed plucking the leaves during this season. The fragrance in the hills surrounds foreign tourists. One of the major shopping centres where visitors can shop for showpieces, clothing handicrafts and showpieces is Darjeeling spread across the 3149 sq Km district. Shop for woollen garments, fashion clothes and shawls for tourists in Darjeeling.

Ooty

This is situated at an altitude of 2240 mtrs in the Western Ghats district. It is the Nilgiri District headquarters, where the two mountain ranges converge. Udhagamandalam, popularly called as OOTY by the tourist, is the Queen of Hill Stations. Centuries ago this was also named as Oththai-Kal [single stone] Mandu [Mund is a name of Toda Village]. The British began to name it Ootacamund. Coffee and Tea Plantations and trees including Conifers, Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle cover the hill side in Udhagamandalam and its environs. Summer temperature is high of 25 C and a minimum of 10 C. It is at least 5 C during the winter and a high of 21 C when it is slightly warmer. This area was inhibited by the tribals called TODA long before any body could venture into this zone. Curiously enough, this slice of paradise remained unknown even during the times of the great Southern Dynasties. During the early 1800s, it was the British who ventured into the riches of the area. Development and modernization took after their arrival to Udhagamandalam. This was the summer capital during the British Rule of the Madras Presidency Coonoor – 19Kms, Kothagiri – 31 Kms are the other smaller nearby hill stations.The Town population is 88,430(2011 census) and Nilgiri District population is 7,33,394(2011 census).

Kashmir

A slice of heaven on earth, Jammu & Kashmir is India ‘s 19th largest state and it is situated mainly in the Himalayan mountains. It is also the only state with a Muslim-majority population in India.
Three major regions consist of & K: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The state provides magnificent verdant mountains and valleys, religious shrines, and isolated mountains between the three. The people here are friendly and welcoming and will easily welcome you to their land and homes. — of these regions has a culture of its own, and this is evident in their everyday lives and lifestyles as well.

Whether it’s to admire the beauty or test your limits while trekking the mountains, or simply to explore serenity and harmony, whatever your reason for visiting J&K, J&K will offer you several reasons to keep coming back for more.

Mahabaleshwar

Winding lanes, a gentle breeze at all times, viewpoints providing stunning views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on, and a main street full of shops providing all sorts of treats and curiosities. Doesn’t that sound fascinating? Well, that’s Mahabaleshwar for you which along with Panchgani makes for a wonderful holiday or even just a weekend getaway.

Mahabaleshwar, situated about 120 kilometres southwest of Pune and 285 kilometres from Mumbai, is a large plateau measuring 150 kilometres, bound on all sides by valleys. At its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson or Sunrise Point, it reaches a height of 1,439 metres. Three villages include Mahabaleshwar: Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ Mahabaleshwar, and part of a village called Shindola. The source of the Krishna River that passes through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is the hill station. A spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Old Mahabaleshwar is the legendary source of the river.

As a result of a curse on the ‘trimurti’ by Savitri, Krishna is, according to a legend, Lord Vishnu himself. Also, its tributaries Venna and Koyana are said to be Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma themselves. An curious thing to remember is that, apart from Krishna, four other rivers come out of the mouth of the cow and they all move some distance before merging into Krishna. The Koyna, the Venna, the Savitri, the Gayatri.

Goa

Goa is definitely the best tourist place for India. “The pearl of the east,” Goa is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, bubbly folk music… the list is endless! With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important locale in every tourist’s itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa trip is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa Beach Resorts always add to the fun. Christian Pilgrimage tours to Goa are extremely popular. Besides pilgrimages Goa is famous for honeymoons also.Goa, Honeymoon Packages are extremely popular with Indians. Goa, honeymoon packages cater to the needs of the tourists with varying budgets. The all-inclusive Goa, honeymoon packages tour too make interesting options.

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