Thiruvananthapuram

About Thiruvananthapuram


Thiruvananthapuram which was previously called Trivandrum is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the state of Kerala is a beautiful seaside city built on seven hills. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland spreading over a total of 2,192sq.km. Tourist Attractions in Trivandrum There are a number of tourist attractions in Trivandrum, India. A must on every tourist itinerary for Trivandrum, the Padmanabhaswami temple with its gopuram (tower) soaring majestically upwards, is believed to be one of the 108 shrines sacred to the Vaishnavites in India. Besides this magnificent temple, Trivandrum offers a great deal more. There is the Observatory to start with, established over a hundred years ago in Trivandrum in India. Several kings have also built their palaces in and around the Trivandrum, India, each more impressive than the other. Despite a few attempts at modernity, Trivandrum retains its discreet, old-world charm. In Trivandrum one can visit the Museum with its profusion of gables and turrets. A repository of fine works of art, the chief attraction here is the 250-year-old temple car made for Lord Vishnu, artistically designed and ornamented. Besides this, objects carved out of wood, models of temple, antique jewelry, etc., make the museum worth a visit. Lying within the museum compound of Trivandrum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery proves to be an ideal place for art lovers. The piece de resistance is the large section devoted to the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, an Indian painter of distinction in the history of the country's modern art. Besides him, the Indian section also contains works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jamimi Roy, K. K. Hebar, miniatures from the Rajput and Mughal schools of painting and the famous Tanjore paintings encrusted with semi-precious stones. The gallery's collection also includes paintings from Indonesia, China, and Japan. Then, of course, a trip to Trivandrum in India is incomplete without a boat-ride on its enchanting backwaters. These waterways of Trivandrum in India teem with life. One can be seduced by the panorama of beautiful landscapes, beaches and waterways, coconut palms and, of course, beautiful, friendly people of Trivandrum in India. Festivals of Trivandrum (India) Onam is the main festival of Trivandrum, which is celebrated in the month of August or September. This is the harvest festival of Trivandrum and signifies association of the people with agriculture. Christmas is the other festival of this part of the country and Trivandrum wears a colourful look during this time of the year. Classical Music Festival is celebrated from January 27 to February 3 every year and is a great time to enjoy for the lovers of pure classical music forms such as Carnatic and Hindustani music in Trivandrum, India. Aruvippuram Aruvippuram is a pilgrim centre located in a picturesque location, 24 kms from Trivandrum. It is also a small but lovely picnic spot. The place derives its name from a stream. Beema Palli Mahotsavam Beema Palli is a mosque situated on the coast, nearly 5 kms south of Trivandrum city. The shrine is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious muslim lady believed to have divine powers. Flavour Food Festival Flavour, the exotic food festival provides a rare opportunity to the gourmets to taste the traditional, authentic Cuisine of Kerala and India. The national food festival is held in Trivandrum from 5th to the 11th of April, every year. Kaudiar Palace This palace, home of the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma and his family is off limits to the public. Koyikkal Palace Koyikkal Palace, the ancient palace, located 18 km from Trivandrum on the way to Ponmudi hillstation and the Kuttalam waterfalls, dates back to the 15th century. Kulathupuzha Temple Renowned for the Sastha temple, Kulathupuzha is situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram - Shenkottai road. . Kuthiramalika Palace Museum Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, a classic specimen of Kerala Architecture is situated in 'Kuthiramalika'. Napier Museum The museum contains a fine collection of Kerala's bronzes, ornaments and contumes, and a model of "Tharawad' the traditional Nair family home. Neyyar Dam Neyyar dam, lying against the southern low hills of the western ghats, 32 kms away from the Trivandrum city is a popular picnic spot with a lake and a picturesque dam site. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary The Neyyar sanctuary is spread over the Southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 sq kms. The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends 9.06 sq. km. Nishagandhi Festival Every year, from February 21st to 27th renowned classical dancers perform at the Nisangandhi, an open air theatre in Trivandrum city. Padmanabhapuram Palace A place of elaborate woodwork, it was the ancient seat of the Travancore rulers. It contains relics of historical and artistic value. Paripally Gajamela Paripally, 48 kms north of Trivandrum is noted for its Gajamela or Elephant pageant. Over 50 elephants are taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the festival (February- March) Priyadarshini Planetarium Priyadarshini Planetorium is one of the most sophisticated and versatile planetaria in India Sankhumugham Beach Located 8 kms from (Trivandrum) Thiruvananthapuram city, the Shankhumugham Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset watchers. The beach is adjacent to the Trivandrum Airport and Veli Tourist Village. The long stretch of clean sand is located near the airport. The water here, however, is not suitable for bathing. Science & Technology Museum The Science and Technology Museum, situated in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) was established with the prime objective of setting up of galleries with working or animated and participatory type of exhibits, on all disciplines of Science and Technology. Sree Chitra Art Gallery Located in the Napier Museum grounds, Sree Chitra Art Gallery displays select Paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, Svetlova and Nicholas Roerich and exquisite works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of art in India. The collection also includes paintings from China, Japan, Tibet and Bali. Swathi Festival Swathi festival is a gala event of music organised by the Government of Kerala every year in the last week of January. The venue is the famous Kuthiramalika Palace. Vettukadu Perunal The Madre De Teus Church, popularly known as Vettukadu church, is situated around 7 kms from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The annual festival of the church is celebrated over the ten days culminating in the last Sunday of the laturgical year.. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave basically constitutes the rock cut sculptures of the 18th century in the cave temple at Vizhinjam. Aattukal Pongala The Aattukal Bhagavathi Temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi is situated in Trivandrum city. Pongala, an exclusive festival for women, falling in February/ March, is the speciality of this temple. Peppara wildlife sanctuary Peppara wildlife sanctuary is a 'gene pool' sanctuary, with a rich variety of flora and fauna over a rugged terrain with running rivulets, rolling hillocks and green meadows. A boat ride on the site is a fulfilling experience. Public Park Truly a representative of the clean and verdant aspect of the city, the Public Park houses many important institutions, like the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The observatory on the Observatory hill is also located in the Public Park. Veli Tourist Village A large recreational centre located near the airport along a sheltered lagoon offers landscaped gardens and water-sports facilities. It is a popular picnic spot. Accommodation facilities are available in the youth hostel. Vizhinjam Near Kovalam, it's a fishing port, which is also important for an ongoing pioneer project to generate electricity from wave energy. Excursions from Trivandrum Anchunthengu Fort (36Km.) The historic remains of the Anchunthengu Fort in Trivandrum built by the English East India Company in the 17th century, and an adjoining cemetery are noteworthy relics of this first major British trading station on the Malabar coast. Aruvikkara (16Km.) It is both a pilgrim centre and a picnic spot, with a waterfall nearby. On the banks of the Karamana River, the spot houses a temple, where a rock cut shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagvathy, the divine embodiment of female power. A stream with fishes, which come up to be fed by visitors, is another attraction. Kovalam Beach (16Km.) Kovalam is one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. Ponmudi (61Km.) The salubrious hill station of Ponmudi is at a distance of 61 kms from Trivandrum. The enchanting bounty of nature can be witnessed here in the quiet surroundings. more.. Varca Beach (41Km.) If one staying in Benaulim, one is bound at some point to visit Varca: the row of beached wooden fishing boats 2-km south of Benaulim Beema Palli (5Km.) An important Muslim pilgrim centre, it is dedicated to Beema Beevi, a pious Muslim lady believed to have possessed divine powers. Devotees of all faiths visit the mosque. Vettukad Church (7Km.) The 'Madre De Deus' Church popularly known as the Vettukad Church attracts thousands of devotees from all religions. The annual celebration here is called the 'Feast Of Christ, The King'.

Mysore

About Mysore


The City of Palaces, and an erstwhile capital of the Wodeyar Dynasty, Mysore is the second largest City of Karnataka, and also its cultural capital. The word Mysore is derived from Mahishuru or Mahishasura, the name of the cruel demon king who is believed to have had his base there. He was ultimately slain by the Goddess Durga (also known as Mahishasura Mardhini, or the slayer of the demon Mahisha). The festival of Navrathri culminating in Dusserah is celebrated to mark the 10-day battle followed by the victory of good over evil. The history of Mysore can be traced back to the time of the Mahabharata. It was ruled by the Ganga Dynasty from the 2nd century to somewhere in the 10th century, and then it came under the Cholas for a century. This was followed by the rule of the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire, and finally the Mysore Yadu rulers, around the 13th century. It was during the reign of Chamaraja Wodeyar, that the city is said to have become prominent. Unfortunately, for a brief period the Wodeyars got dethroned but finally returned to power under the British TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS The Mysore Palace was built over one thousand years ago, in AD 897. Saracenic in style, the palace has both Hindu as well as Muslim influences. After a fire in 1897, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rebuilt the palace as we see it today, under the supervision of architect Henry Irwin. The main building is of massive gray granite with a tower covered by a gilded dome. A temple is situated within the royal courtyard. St. Philomena's Church is one of the oldest churches in Mysore. Built in Gothic style, the church is among the largest in India. Stained glass windows and lofty towers give this cathedral an imposing look. Shri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery was established in 1875 and has a rare collection of some beautiful paintings from the same era. The gallery is located in Jagmohan Palace and exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Svetsolav Roerich and traditional paintings from Mysore. The traditional gold leaf paintings and some exquisitely carved statues in sandalwood, ivory and stone are also exhibited in the gallery. The old paintings in the gallery have been done in mineral and vegetable dyes and paints. The Mysore Zoo was set up by the royal family and houses some rare and exotic birds & animals. Situated amidst lush green surroundings, the zoo has acquired fame for breeding some rare animals in captivity. The Chamundeshwari Temple is one of the noted Hindu places of worship and is situated atop the Chamundi Hill. On way to the Chamundi Hills is the Lalitha Mahal, a guest palace now converted into a heritage hotel. PLACES AROUND MYSORE Situated around 19 km north west of Mysore are the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and the Vrindavan Garden. The garden attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to see its dancing musical fountains. Fourteen km northeast of Mysore is Srirangpattnam, an island fortress and the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Tipu's summer palace, Daria Daulat, has now been turned into a museum. Sangam, the confluence of two branches of the Cauvery River, is situated around 3 km off Srirangpattnam. Ranganathittu is a bird sanctuary situated around 18 km off Mysore and allows a close view of exotic and common birds. Somnathpur is situated around 35 km east of Mysore and is famous for the Hoysala Temples that are still in excellent condition. Eighty-two kilometers away is the Cauvery Fishing Camp, a paradise for anglers where the mahaseer is found in abundance. The Bandipur National Park is 80 km off Mysore on the way to Ooty and a famous tiger reserve. Spread over an area of 875 km, the park has a variety of animals such as the tiger, barking deer, tusker, and bison. FAIRS & FESTIVALS Dussehra in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor. The tradition of celebrating Dussehra with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now. During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dussehra festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this culminates in the Dussehra procession and a torchlight parade on the tenth day. Brindavan Gardens Located at the KR Sagar Dam [Kannambadi], Brindavan Gardens is one of the best gardens in South India. Spread over 150 acres, Brindavan Gardens has since the 1960s provided the backdrop for many Indian films. Special attractions include the 'Dancing Fountains'. In Dec 2004 the entire garden was revamped with new fountains and lights.

Tourism in Bangalore is really exciting owing to its pleasant climate and beautiful parks and gardens.The city nicknamed as the “Silicon Valley” of India is home to some of country’s booming IT industries.The city’s architectural landmarks, temples, natural lakes and modern palaces are marvelous and claim separate position on the tourism map of the globe.Its relentless modernization has acquired a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment in the recent times.

The city is again a hot destination for education and health.The high standard of education in Bangalore attracts students and researchers from all parts of the world.The health tourism in the city has become a common form of vacationing, and covers a broad spectrum of medical services.Visitors/patients prefer the city for its pleasant climate.Although the climate is salubrious throughout the year but it is better to visit Bangalore during the winters.

Major Tourist Attractions in Bangalore

Vidhan Soudha or the State Secretariat : It was built in 1954 and is the main attraction of this city. It is a marvel of modern architecture and is a fine amalgamation of traditional Dravidian and modern styles. Cubbon Park, the 120-hectare park located near the Vidhan Soudha, has a number of neo-classical styled government buildings.

Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace : The 18th-century Tipu Sultan's Fort and Palace are other important historical tourist attractions in Bangalore.

Museums :The Government Museum of Bangalore (one of India's oldest museums) and the Visvesvaraya Technological and Industrial Museum are important museums within the city.

Botanical Gardens : The Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, which holds a number of flower shows, especially during the Republic Day (26th January), is located on the southern fringes of the city.

Ulsoor Lake : The Ulsoor Lake on the northeastern edge of the city is an important picnic spot.

Temples : The 16th-century, Dravidian-styled temple dedicated to Nandi, the Bull is an important place of worship. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple, the Gavi Gangadhareswara cave temple, and the Someshwara Temple are other important temples of this city.

Spiritual Centers : Whitefield Ashram, the summer abode of the Shri Sathya Sai Baba, 20 km east of Bangalore, and the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple Complex are important spiritual centers, worth paying a visit. The Bangalore Ashram of the Art of Living working under the grace of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar is situated on the outskirts of this Bangalore on Kanakapura Road.

Excursions from Bangalore

There are a number of places of tourist attraction near Bangalore. These places around Bangalore make excellent weekend trips and excursions from Bangalore.

- Bannerghatta National Park : Bannerghatta National Park, 21 km from the city, is an important place to visit.
- Nrityagram village : Thirty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nrityagram village, housing a classical dance academy.
- Nandi Hill Resort : Sixty kilometers from Bangalore is the Nandi Hill Resort, which is also famous for its temples and fort.
- Devarayandurga : Devarayandurga, 70 km from Bangalore, is famous for its hilltop shrines.
- Cutural Centers : Bangalore has a number of cultural centers near it, which offer to the tourist a number of traditional craft items. Ramanagaram is a silk cocoon-marketing center.
- Doda Alada Mara : The Doda Alada Mara, a 400-year-old banyan tree lying 28 km from the city, is an idyllic place for picnics.
- Mekedatu : Mekedatu, 98 km south of Bangalore, and Muthyalamaduvu, 40 km from Bangalore (also known as the Pearl Valley), are other important picnic spots.
- Mysore : The historic city of Mysore is 139 km from Bangalore offers the tourist a number of monuments belonging to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the erstwhile rulers of the place

Ooty

About Ooty

The Verdant hills, the lush green valleys and the pristine natural beauty of the hill resort of Ooty offers the urban tired souls a chance to resume their affair with Nature, to whom they truly belong.
The heavenly hill resort like a blushing bride peeks from behind lofty Nilgiri hills. The unassuming beauty of this heavenly hill resort beckons you to come and and embrace the tranquility and solace that Ooty has to offer. The Hill resort of Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India, is located in the midst of four high hills; Doddabetta, Snowdon, Elk hill and Club Hill. These hills belong to the Nilgiri range or the 'blue mountains.' A British Collector by the name of John Sullivan discovered the hill station of Ooty and developed it as a summer resort, realizing its potential. The original name of Ooty was 'Udhagamandalam, but it was shortened to 'Ooty' after the arrival of British, which might have had something to do with the difficulty one feels at pronouncing such a difficult name! Apparently the British Collector was right about Ooty and now it is one of the most popular hill stations in India, particularly of South India.

HISTORY IN BRIEF

The earliest that is known of the history of Ooty, is that it was ruled by Vishnu Vardhana, the Hoysala King, from 1104 to 1141 AD. Later, after many years, it came under the rule of the British East India Company, after the company signed a treaty with the brave Tipu Sultan in 1799. This is when John Sullivan started the development of the hill station and promoted it as an ideal summer retreat. Lots of cottages, clubs and other buildings were built to house and provide recreational facilities to the British officials. Soon enough, the hill station was growing tea for its inhabitants, who considered high tea to be an integral part of their day. Now, these tea estates not only produce the favorite drink of millions of Indians but also add to the charm and the beauty of the hill resort of Ooty India.

CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

Ooty is a picturesque hill station that is pleasant all through the year, so there is no 'wrong time' to visit this place. Though many consider that the best time is from 'February to May' or else from 'September to November'. If you prefer summers, you can simply pack all your cotton clothing, along with a light jacket, just in case there is a shower or drizzle. The winters are somewhat cold, so it would be a good idea to carry your winter wear or woolen clothing with you on tours to Ooty India.

Meet Mother Nature's pampered child!

Ooty, the Queen be seated in this heavenly abode remained undiscovered to the great southern dynasties and it took the British to explore it in the early 1800s. They were, however, not the first friends of this land as a tribe called Todas had been living there long before the British came, claiming that the Nilgiris had been their home since time immemorial. The British constructed the first railway line in the area and made it the summer capital of the Chennai Presidency.

The South Indian Tea! with Ooty Tourism

South Indian Tea has gained recognition far and wide. India is the fifth largest tea producing belt in the world after China. In 1991, South India exported 50 million kg to over 30 countries. Tea and Tourism Festival is celebrated in the Nilgiri's Jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in every January/February. Cultural programmes, visits to Tea Estates and factories, fun and frolic etc., mark this celebrations. Come to Nilgiri's, during this festival, when tea lovers from all over the world converge. An occasion not to be missed.

Look out for these here!

» Mini Garden : At about one kilometre distance Tourist can visit this mini garden (Children's Lake Garden) which is on the way to Boat House. Children's amusement park is housed here. A snack bar is also available. It is maintained by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation Limited .
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Art Gallery : Lalit kala Academy : It is situated about 2 kms., from Udhagamandalam in the main Mysore road. It has various collections of contemporary paintings and sculptures all over from India.

» Rose Garden : It is located just 3/4 kms. away from Charring Cross. It lies with 10 acres of land with 1919 variety of roses.
Timings 8 a.m to 6 p.m

» Kotagiri : It is 31 kms. from Udhagamandalam. The climate is very salubrious which is 6503 feet above sea level. Kotagiri is shielded by the Doddabetta ranges which receives much of its rain from north west monsoon. One can enjoy a pleasure ride on road flanked by green tea beds on either side

travel view

Monday, August 6, 2012

Travel View

Thiruvananthapuram

About Thiruvananthapuram

Excursions from Trivandrum

Mysore

About Mysore

Major Tourist Attractions in Bangalore

Excursions from Bangalore

Ooty

About Ooty

HISTORY IN BRIEF

CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

Meet Mother Nature's pampered child!

The South Indian Tea! with Ooty Tourism

Look out for these here!

Ooty

About Ooty

HISTORY IN BRIEF

CLIMATE AND THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

Meet Mother Nature's pampered child!

The South Indian Tea! with Ooty Tourism

Look out for these here!

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