Indian Cities - Tourism Vision

India is at the leading and prime position among the lands of oldest human civilization hence in compare to any other country more ancient cities can be located here. This may the ancient university at Takshshila or the Bodhgaya of Gautam Buddha, many Indian cities Like Ayodhya have the history dates back to Ramayana. Many of Indian cities are very closely related with Hindu incarnations just like Mathura, Virundavan (Uttar Pradesh) and Dwarka with Lord Krishna , Kashi or Varanasi with Lord Shiva, Ayodhya and Rameshwaram have close association with Lord Rama, Amritsar (Golden Temple) is also said to be capital of Sikhism. Some cities like Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) and Nasik (Maharashtra) are related with mass religious celebration like Kumbh Mela.

During the long history of existence country went under the rules of rulers from the different dynasties who were believing in different religious faiths. the cave temples at Ajatha, Elora, Elephenta, Badami and Mahaballipuram , Sun temples at Konark, Khajuraho temples an Madhya Pradesh are symbols of Hindu religion, Biwi Ka Makbara (Aurangabad Maharashtra), Taj Mahal (Agra), Qtab Minar and Red Fort (Delhi) and Khwaja's Dargah at Ajmer (Rajasthan) are some of monuments related with Islam and Mogul rule in the country. Churches at Goa, Kerala and at many other cities are the true representation of Indian respect for the Christianity. Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) is the seat of Dalai Lama and Sanchi, Sarnath and Bodhgaya are the most famous places for Buddhism pilgrimage. In nutshell one can find some cities on Indian land related to all religions with which human beings believe in.

After independence from British rule in 1947 country has traveled miles and miles on the front of development and modernization. This may be the completely planed city of Chandigad, economic capital of country Mumbai with sky touching multi story buildings or the cities with fame of being I T cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune, every where a fine blend of ancient culture and modernization is the prime attraction for the visitors.

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Why to Visit India

Why to Visit India

People often ask this question just because in the past this happens to be vision of some people to look at India as the backward, facility less and land of religiously divided narrow minded citizens where sufis and sadhus are busy in cheating huge illiterate masses. These people had tried to disperses their this wrong vision about the land of Vedas, Work field of Buddha and Mahatama Gandhi, a country among the top seven countries in terms of land, second in population, highly populated democratic set up of ruling, country with almost 1000 languages and dialects, a true diversity in religious faith with about 80% Hindu population but freedom for Muslim, Shikh, Zoroastrians, Jains, Buddhists and all other small communities, a country from which citizens have highest ratio in the technical staff of companies like Microsoft, Doctors, Engineers and other professional of which country are always in demand in European countries, America and United Kingdom and above all world’s most progress economy of last 2-3 decades.

I am aware of the fact many of you might undergoing the disputed and confused mental status about traveling and tourism in Incredible India, so I am putting another seven important reason for India tourism.

1] Probably India is the only country with a long, over 7000 kilometer long coastline, hence there is beyond imagining attractions for lovers of aqueous. Water streams of north Indian states like Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttara Pradesh etc. are ideal places for water sports like, for skiing, fishing, yachting, kayaking etc.

2] From Goa to Adman Nicobar Island you will find a great number of beaches. India is the only country where you can plan a beach tour for the duration of your vacation and still either you have to make hurry or leave something unseen for the next vacation.

3] There is Himalayan mountain range as northern boundary of the country; South and east are the land of Indo- Gangetic area, where as in the west one can find desert like Thar, with all these diversified landscape no other country can match with India in greatest opportunities available for the eco tourism.

4] Mountain Railways, included in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO is a life time memory and one of major reason for visiting India. There are some luxurious train tours like “Palace on Wheel” where almost all five star tourist hotel facilities can be enjoyed while traveling. One can find these trains in many Indian states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

5] With being the land of World Oldest knowledge books “Vedas” and largest university at “Nalanda & Takshshila” country is in abundance with historical monuments. This is ideal place for historical research scholar and citizen having interest in knowing about the historical facts of development of human societies. Tajmahal of Agra included in Seven Wonders of the World is one of the major attractions of India tourism for the world travelers. India is also land of forts and Palaces [many of palaces are turned into tourist stay homes hence this provided a chance of living with kingly status] that creates opportunity in looking back into history.

6] Another tourist attraction for India tourism is religious tourism, Char Dham Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar are the famous pilgrimage traveling. Urse of Khaja Mainuddin Chishti, at Ajmer in Rajasthan attracts Muslim devotees from all parts of globe. Dharamshala in the Himachal Pradesh is major activity center of Dalai Lama, Sanchi is centre of Buddhist religion, Golden Temple Amritsar is the most scared worshiped place of Sikhism, In the states of Kerala and Goa not only higher population of Christians can be observed but also one can find many historic Churches, Cathedrals and monuments related with the history of Christianity. Cave temples of Ajantha, Ellora, Elephanta and Badami are also among the tourist attractions of India.

7] Along with diversity of human culture, customs and traditions, India is richer with the huge number of flora & Fauna, hence is an ideal spot for the nature lovers. There are numerous reserve forests, National Parks and Bird Sanctuaries with tourist stay facilities to welcome one who find it interesting and thrilling to watch the wildlife in natural habitat. Abundance of forests provides scope for herbal treatment of diseases, Kerala beaches are world famous for herbal body massage.

With the high speed roads, mega highways, government help for developing the infra structural tourist facilities, increased internal air travel facilities and economically less expensive India is turning into” treasure trove" in true sense. I am sure for your next vacation; your dream tourist destination will be none else but India, Incredible India, a traveler’s paradise in all means.

Visit http://www.thesindhuworld.com/india for all the essential details and information related with your traveling in India.

Aashad ekadashi at Pandharpur

Aashad ekadashi at Pandharpur

India is the country of festivals and religious celebration. On 14th July 2008 a grand celebration was held at Pandharpur - famous religious city of Maharashtra to mark Aashad Ekadashi.

From Maharashtra and all parts of world over 8 Lakh devotee were present to give a shape of human ocean to narrow street of the city and take Darshan of Vithal [Lord Krishna] and Rukama.

Hindu Temples- Kashi Vishwanath

Hindu Temples- Kashi Vishwanath
"Kashi Karvat" it the faith of Hindus all over the world that one of dies in the city of Kashi will directly go to heaven, hence old age people come to the city for a stay till the death, this is known as the "Kashi Karvat." Kashi is also synonymous for the terminator of the universe Lord Shiva. The city is also have the fame of being first of tweleve "Jyotirlings" .Kashi now known as Varanasi and Vishavnath temple are the identification mark for each other. On the banks of holly river Ganga, is situated , temple of Lord Shiva " Vishavnath Temple" according to epic the original shiva Ling is lying hiden in the well of knowledge situated next to temple. The temple is open only to Hindus. Other religion followers are not allowed to enter the temple, though they can take an outside view of the temple. The building of temple has been constructed and destructed many times. The last known invasion was by Aurangzeb, who destroyed the temple heavily. He constructed a mosque, called Gyanwapi Mosque, in the same compound. The mosque shares same wall with the temple. In 1776, Maharani Ahilyabai of Indore, donated heavily to re-construct the buildings of temple. Maharaj Ranjit Singh of Lahore is said to have donated 1000 Kg of gold to construct the 16 mt high spire of the temple. Beside the Ayodhya's Ram Janam Bhoomi dispute about this land also comes to surface from time to time. the Dashashwamedh Ghat one of the most famous ghat got its name from the epic that When Lord Shiva decided to stay in the city , Brahama welcomed him by sending his 10 10 horses chariot. City and temple are true representative of the timeless cultural traditions and highest spiritual values.

Abode of Lord Krishana : Jaganathpuri

Abode of Lord Krishana : Jaganathpuri

[World Famous Chariot Procession]

India, the piece of land from the globe, is most famous for the religious rituals and is known as the birth palce of many incarnations of the God. No other piece of land on earth can match the salvation properties hold by this land, the unique way of religious life style attracts millions and billions from other parts of the world towards India with a hopefull look of guiding them on the path of spirituality. On this land you will find every day and every walk of human life is related with one or other religious/spiritual ritual. Every socio religious celebration has a specific colobration with a particular God/ Goddess and is a step forward towards the salvation, the ultimate destination of human life. Some places of this land are have fame of being abode of God like Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, so is the Puri [Orissa] is the abode of Lord Krishna and is famous for "Rath Yatra" [Chariot Procession] This year this Rath Yatra is taking place on 16th July.
Puri or Jaganathpuri is famous as the city of temples some of famous temples of the city are:

Gundicha Temple

Astasambhu Temple

Astachandi Temple

Panchatirtha Temple

Loknath Temple

Chakratirtha Temple

Chakranarayan Temple

Daria Mahabir Temple

Ardhasani Temple

Siddha Mahavir Temple

Jameswara Temple

Alabukeswara Temple

Kapalamochana Temple / Manikarnika

Daksinakali Temple

Syamakali Temple

Dasavatara Temple

The Temple of Seven Mother Goddesses

Mausima Temple

A religious festival in a city with so many temples is just as the walk of day to day life hence visitors always get a chance to witness one or other socio religious celebration, but annual Rath Yatra has not only is specific in this arena but also attracts some milloins from all part of the country. Reports says that budget of this Rath Yatra goes over the US$ 10 millions as the preprations goes on through out the year, This Rath Yatra is specific in the way that chariots are pulled neither by animals nor the mechanical power but the devotees, which takes many hours to cover the distance of about 1.5 km from the Sinh Dwar [lion gate] of main temple to Janakpur, where Lord Krishna [Jagananth Ji] takes rest for three days and meet with Godess Laxmi [Godess of wealth] before returning back main temple. According to Sikand Puran the frist chariot for this journey was constructed by the Vishawkarma, the ever first architect and designer of human beings and modern chronologist dates writing of Puranas to the seventh century, it means this Rath Yatra is a centuries old tradition.

Hindu Temples

Ganpatiphule

Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganapatiphule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. [Ratnagiri District Maharashtra State]

Guruvayoor Temple
Located 29 km north-west of Thrissur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the Bhoolokavaikunta - the heaven on Earth! The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum Sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord MahaVishnu.

Amarkantak: Pilgrimage in nature

Amarkantak: Pilgrimage in nature

India is the only country where rivers are worshiped, respected as mother and treated as the source of providing salvation. Among the Holly Rivers of India, river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are the front runners. It is said for attaining purification one has to take a dip in Ganga and make prayers on the banks of Yamuna [for seven days] and Saraswati [For three days], where as due to boon of Lord Shiva river Narmada’s only sight is capable of the same. The origin of this sacred river Narmada lies at Maical Mountain in the mountain series of Vindh and Satupuda at Amarkantak.

This area of Maical Mountain is, the natural habituate of dense forest of teak and Mahua trees at the height of 3500 feet, with four rivers in all four directions, river Sone [Shone] in east, river Narmada in west, river Mahanadi in south and river Jawalawati [Juhala] in the north. The music of many waterfalls present in the area and singing birds of these evergreen forests are producing the most wonderful natural concert that leaves the tourist spellbound.

In the Ramayan era this mountain Maical [Maikal] was known as the “Hriuksh Paravat” according to famous epics King Ravana enjoyed the vision of beauty of this place from his aero plan “Pushpak”. In the Mahabharat era King Yudhistar visited mountain to worship Maha Muni Markandey in his aashram. Origin of the river Narmada is near this Aashram. Almost about 2,500 years of Mahabharat Adiguru Shankaracharya came to this place, in search of spiritual master at that time river Narmada was under the influence of floods which was about to disturb meditation of Swami Govindpad, Aacharya with the help of his kamandal constructed “Narmada Ashtak” to control the flood and after getting the guidance of spirituality from swami ji established “Shivlinga” there, which is at present is known as “Pataleshwar Mahadev”. Temples here are constructed from the black stones and are unique in architect though at some places a thinner similarity with the world heritage site Ellora caves is visible. Some of the places from the area which holds tourist attraction are

1.Narmada Mandir (group of temples) : Narmdeshwar temple which has a holy kund made at the source of river Narmada is the most important temple at Amarkantak. There are about twenty small temples in the premises of the Narmada Mandir each one of which is important in its own way. There is the Sati temple, which is, devoted to Parvati. The protected site of the ASI is close to the main Narmada temple.
2. Mai Ka Bagiya : About one Km. from the main temple, there is a garden, which lies in a densely forested area. It is popularly believed that the Narmada devi used to pluck flowers in this garden.
3. Sonmuda : The point of origin of the Sone river. It is also a “sunrise” point.
4. Bhrigumandal: It is around 3 Kms. from Amarkantak on a difficult forest trek route. It is believed that Bhrigu Rishi meditated here. The Parasvinayak and Chandi caves are on this route.
5. Kabir Chabutra: Saint Kabir spent time here in meditation.
6. Jwaleshwar Mahadev :The origin of river Johilla. There is a temple deep in the forest of Jwaleshwar Mahadev . There is a 'sunset point' close to this temple.
7. Kapildhara: At a distance of 8 Kms. from the origin of river Narmada, the river falls from a height of 100 feet creating a waterfall known as Kapildhara. It is believed that the Kapil rishi meditated here.
8. Dudhdhara: At a distance of 1 Km. from Kapildhara there is another beautiful waterfall on the river Narmada called Dudhdhara.
9. Shambhudhara & Durgadhara :Two other extremely beautiful waterfalls are situated deep in the forest. One has to walk a few Kms. to see these breathtaking waterfalls.
10. Sarvodya Jain Temple: This temple is under construction. It is considered a construction marvel. Cement and iron have not been used in this temple and the weight of the idol to be placed in the temple is around 24 Tones.

You can reach Amarkantak from the Jabalpur [M.P.] or From the Khajurahoo, it is almost in the mid of Bandhavgad and Kanha reserve forest so you can stay here while visiting these. Amarkantak is indeed blessed by Nature. Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, marvelous waterfalls and an ever-pervading air of serenity make Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.

Sea Shore Planet: Tourist Paradise: GOA [Part 2]

Sea Shore Planet: Tourist Paradise: GOA
[Goa Part II]

When in America or Europe or in UK people talk about Indian tourism the first word that is most probably pronounced is GOA and with the word everybody goes in the visualization and virtual feeling of calm and cool sea winds, lush green palms and coconuts, speeding boats on blue aqua and silvery sand. This is what GOA remains in the minds of tourist.

The fact remains undisputed, sea shores are the prime attraction of the GOA, but it is a hard truth GOA is much more worth for tourists than the beaches, even after a considerable long Portuguese rule you will find here many temples along with churches with the best of illustration for the outstanding and exemplary cases of Christian architecture , this makes GOA a place to be visited again and again.

Hindu Temples

History says that during the long Portuguese rule attempts were made for destroying Hindu Temples, however many Hindu temples mainly present in “Ponda” or “Phonda” taluka are reflecting the glimpses of Old Hindu divine light present in the area. Some of the most prominent temples are

Mangeshi Temple: one of the oldest Saraswat temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is just about 20 km from the capital city Panaji , at the Pirol.

Shri Shantadurga temple: This is yet another temple that is included in the schedule of most of the tour operators. Goddess Shantadurga, Goddess of peace, dedicated this temple is with a pagoda like outer shape.

Shri Bhagavati Temple: It is said that temple is old over than 500 years. The Parenem taluka situated temple [about 28 km from Panaji] is famous for the Dushera celebrations. Goddess Bhagavat Ashtabhuja is in the standing position and the entrance of the temple have two elephants craved in black stone.

Shri Ramnath Panchayatan: Yet another temple from Phonda [about 35 km from Panaji] is in fact cluster of five temples beside the temple of main deity Ramnath, four other small temples are dedicated to Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Shantadurga (Sateri), Shri Betal and Shri Sidhanath .


Other significant temples includes the Ganapati temple at Khandole, the Maha Laxmi temple at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple at Bandora, Shri Mahalsa - At Mardol, Shri Gomanteshwar Devasthan at Brahmapuri, Shri Kamakshi Sausthan at Shiroda, Temple of Shri Mahadeva at Tambdi Surla, Shri Navdurga at Madkai, Sapteshwar-Bhagvati Temple at Mandrem, Shri Shantadurga - Kavlem and many more.

Churches of GOA

Though for GOA you can say also that it is a land of churches because when we compare the number of churches with the area of the land, GOA is among the densest population of churches in India. Prominent churches include:

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
The most famous church of Roman Catholic world was built in 1605, is the tomb and place for the mortal remains of patron saint of GOA, St. Francis Xavier [in near future I will post about his life]. This church is famous for miraculous phenomenon, St. Francis Xavier died in china [December 2, 1552] and as per his will, when after one year of death his remains were being transferred to GOA , it was observed that time has not affected his body. After every Ten years body is kept for an Exposition or public viewing.

SE CATHEDRAL
Church is dedicated to Saint Catherine and among the biggest tourist attractions at GOA. Tuscan style architect and the Cross of Miracles are the prime attractions, it is said that cross of Miracles is growing in size and according to faith of Goans, healing properties of the cross are unique on the earth.

Other churches of GOA are The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Church of St. Cajatan, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, The Reis Magos Church, Church of Mae de Dens or Mother of God, and The Church of St. Alex.

Beaches and how to have a real vision of GOA will be published in the third and concluding article of the series.

Part I of the Article if you have missed it.

Hindu Temples

- Akshar Dham
- Bahai Temple
- Baijnath Temple
- Birla Mandir
- Cave Temples
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Chattarpur Mandir
- Eklingji Temple
- Ganapatipule Temple
- Guruvayoor Temple
- ISKON Temples
- Jagannath Temple
- Jwalamukhi Temple
- Kailash Temple
- Kashi Vishwanath
- Khajuraho Temples
- Lepakshi Temple
- Lingaraja Temple
- Lotus Temple
- Meenakshi Temple
- Mukteswara Temple
- Naina Devi Temple
- Omkareshwar Temple
- Orcha Temple
- Sabarimala Temple
- Shankracharya Temple
- Somnath Temple
- Sun Temple - Konark
- Thousand Pillar Temple
- Tirupati Tirumala Balaji
- Vaishno Devi