Weekend travel in the lap of Nature

Weekend travel in the lap of Nature

It was saturday night, when during our dinner we decided to take this sunday off from all of our works and spent whole day in the company of the nature beside our family members. It was not new for us as it is a set trend of our family that after a whole day of our regular works we all come together for dinner and not only exchange notes about our work but also disscuss our future plans. As it was decided we left the Kolhapur city before the clock corsses 7am. We were heading towards the Amba Ghat, a hilly destination at about 65km from our residence. It took almost over than one hour to reach there and feast of looking at natural beauty was infort of us with the breakfast. It was a marvellous exprience to have tea sips being coverd with clouds. Stairing to valley with green top from a high altitude Ghat road was not only refreshing for eyes but also was adding calm to minds. The magical effect of the place will reflect from the fact that it took almost one hour for our walk on spirial ghat roads to cover a distence of about 3km, before we decided to go through the rest of about 10km of Ghat by vehicles. Now we are heading towards the Ganpatipule, Swambhoo Temple of Lord Ganesha at sea shore. Almost a two hours driving in the lap of nature was sufficient to take us at one of the most famous temple of Maharashtra. After having Darshan it was time for the sea bath, though it is dangrous to go to sea at Ganpatipule but as usual no visitor comes over the temptation of going in. We all were there under the speeding white, though not far away from the shore but being with family members it was a pleasent play and memorable exprience for all of us, specially when the waves are going high with our shouts "Flood came! Flood Came". After a refreshing bath it was turn of delicious lunch, prepared in Malvani [Kokani] style, minimum use of spices with high coconut contents. "Sole curry" and "Malvani Chicken" were realy mouth watering and tasty. As it was just over 3:00 pm when we finished our lunch so instead of returning back to Kolhapur, We decided to go Jaygad Fort, a seventeenth century monument,constructed by King Shivaji , situated at about 30km from the Ganpatipule. It was a never forget exprience to drive on the sea side road and stairing at natural beauty, the whole one hour that we drive and stoped here and there the hot topic of our discussion was, if goverenment give a slight attention towards the Kokan tourism developement, these beautiful and unexplored sea shore will leave Goa sea shores miles and miles behind. As we reached Jaygad fort it was just as of dropping water on the burning coals, the situation of this reserved monument was a real pity, though it is situated just opposit to Jaygad police station but there was no one to look after the fort which is almost in the ruin status. The view of sea from top of the fort was one to go in and remains in the memmory for a longer time, with heavy hearts we turned to the Jaygad port just one Km from the fort. The narrow bay has not only filled our hearts with its scenic beauty but also assured the bright future of our country, we are heading towards.After having tea and snacks it was all the way journey back but it was once again the late evening beauty of Amba Ghat delayed our reaching back kolhapur by almost one hour.

My Related Writtings
Maharashtra Tourism
Kokan Tourism

Blue Aqueous Marine – Goa

Blue Aqueous Marine – Goa

That is something between science and myth, a blend of culture, traditions and modernization. A place in long shadows, calm cool, breezy day and long musical nights, loaded all the way with fun. Yes, I am talking about the one of the smallest state Goa , of India, a piece of land of about 40 beaches in the circumference of just about 100 km. “Go Goa , 365 days on Holiday” is just not a slogan for tourist attraction but is an invitation to live with history under the sky of modernization on the banks of fun and pleasure. The list of most searched key words of internet in relation of India tourism can’t be completed without the words beaches and Goa. See my previous two articles related with places.

Goa Images Reflections and Reality[Part One]

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

When it comes to beaches of Goa, the tour can be divided into North Goa beaches and South Goa beaches. There are various travel agencies arranging site seeing beside the private car etc. If you have traveled before I will suggest choosing 2-3 spots for the day travel with local bus service that will provide you with a chance of looking into famous Goaian culture and life style. A unique facility available at Goa makes it more adventurous for the couples; here you can hire a bike, presence of English, Marathi, Kokani, Hindi and Portuguese as the spoken languages, small area of just over 100 km, and availability of detailed road maps are there to help you on your this voyage and that all will make your Goa trip a life time experience. Some of the most famous and visited beaches are

ANJUNA BEACH

The beach was discovered by the hippies sometime between 1950 and 1960 hence still most famous among them and also referred as the hippie s beach. When you are laying there on the pale golden sand you will feel that a white rushing stream is speeding to embrace you. The beach is famous for its street market and all night parties; it is your bargaining power that can allow you every Wednesday to take away anything ranging from a swim suit to a second hand bike almost at throw away price. The music loaded beach is just 8 km away from the Mapuca, the second famous city, after capital Panaji, of the state.

BAGA BEACH

Though it is a small beach situated in the west direction of Mapuca at a distance of about 10 km, but the calm and quite, wet brown sand and long shadows of palm tress makes it an attraction for tourists specially though who wish to have a time in peace away from the crowded beaches of Goa. Another attraction is the presence of best restaurants in the Goa, you can enjoy the romantic, candlelight, beach side dinner here and have the pleasure of being the part of exotic nightlife of Goa.

COLVA BEACH

Colva beach is for the people who wish to enjoy the company of family or friends with the only disturbance from the whispering sea. Unlike the Anjuna and Calangute beaches you will found this less crowded with tourist. It might be due to its location, at a distance from the two most famous cities Panaji and Mapuca. Colva will tempt you for long romantic walk on silvery white sand under the moon light and bright sunny morning will ask you to keep lying for some more time.

CALANGUTE BEACH

Surely the most visited beach just 16 km from the capital city Panaji, It has also fame for its holiday resorts, and is so attractive that it is often referred as the “Queen of beaches” you will found it perfect heaven of tourist with equal crowds of the foreign and domestic tourists. Here beside the water sports, children can enjoy the making of sand castles and in the beach side shacks you can enjoy cocktail with sighting the sea.

VAGATOR BEACH

The Sun Kissing beach is just 22km from Panaji, with ruins of Chopara fort, constructed by King Adil Shah, at its north end. Pure white sand and doted black rocks are the prime attraction of the place. It is a beach, typically dotted with palm trees and sea green water with people in swimming suit and having fun in water and gives you feeling of life coming to a postcard scene. Lush green form houses and tall palm and coconut trees with pictorial Portuguese bungalows gives such a beautiful look that area is utilized by many film makers. Hindi movie “Gumnam” the famous suspense film, was the first film in which this beautiful sea shore and ruins of chopara fort were picturised to create mixture of beauty and fear.

Other Tourist attractions

Though it is no more a beach but place has some historic value and place for water sports, specially for water scooter etc. Miramar is the city beach of Panaji. Apart from the Panaji and Mapuca, other worth to visit cities are, Madgaon, Wasco, Arambel, etc. A few other beaches are

Candolim Beach

Sinquerim Beach

Bambolim Beach

Arambol Beach

Benaulim Beach

Palolem Beach

Agonda Beach

BOGMALO BEACH

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.

Maharshtra Tourism

Lush green hilly planes, calm clean and scenic sea shores, historical monuments,Wild life and reserve forests, Stone caved window to history these are the few words that can replace the word "Maharashtra Tourism" .

About the State

Word "Marathi", used for the natives and basis for the nomenclature of the state as Maharashtra, has historical roots, In the seventh century many of native of this land were associated with the profession of Chariot drivers "Rathi", history revels that in the 90 A.D. they have formed a group of fighters "Maharathi". Maharashtra is the state with a glorious past, pleasant present and fantastic future. The state is among the most advanced states of the country. Mumbai, the economic capital of the country is part of state. Here while your tour your are sure to found and feel the presence of most effective mixture of culture, traditions and technology. The per capita income of the state is 60% higher than the national average, state is among the high industrialised lands of India and contributes for 22% of India's net value-added output in the organized industrial sector-way ahead of any other state. The official language is Marathi with about 42 dialects, beside these Maharashtrians are also using Hindi,Gujrati and English in their day to day life, hence language is not going to prove hurdle for the enjoyment of your travel here. You will find at every place, sufficient accommodation facilities to meet with your budget, from five star luxury suites to shared rooms. The pure maharashtrian cuisine like the Misal, Kokani Fish Fry, Tambada and Pandhra Rasa, Kande Pohe, Jhunka Bakhari, Puran Poli, will not only prompt you to visit state again and again but also will keep your mouth watering for the years to come.

About your tour

Before you plan your tour have a look

Temperature: Summer 22°C-39°C Winter 12°C-34°C

Tourist Season :Sep to Apr (Coast) Jun to Sep (Hill Stations)

Airports : Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik, Sholapur

Mode of Transport : Excellent Air, Rail and Road links are available for travel within the state and around.

List of religious places includes :

Afghan Memorial [Colaba Mumbai]

Ambadevi Temple [Amravati]

Anwa Temple [Aurangabad]

Ayappa Temple [Mumbai]

Bahubali Temples [Kolhapur]

Ballaleshwar [Palli]

Bibi Ka Maqbara [Aurangabad]

Buddist Caves of Ajantha [A World Heritage site- Jalgaon]

Kailash Temple [Ellora-Aurangabad]

Mahalaxmi [Kolhapur]

Nageshwar Temple [Pune]

Osho Ashram [Pune]

Pandharpur

Shirdi

Sidhi Vinayak [Mumbai]

Shri Hazur Sahib,Sachkhand Saheb [Nanded]

Trimbkeshwar [Nashik]

If you are a domestic traveler I will suggest to go to

www.mtdcindia.com and plan you travel, as Maharashtra is a state with a quite large geographical area, so you can make parts of your Maharashtra Tourism, as for as the upper class domestic and foreigner travelers are concerned I will suggest them to have a tour with Deccan Odysee "A palace on wheal train" for maharashtra tourism. It is a life time experience of one week long comfortable and luxurious train journey that covers almost all the prominent travel destinations of the state. You can book your journey tickets online at the same www.mtdcindia.com site and have a look at your day to day journey schedules. Among the star attractions are unexplored see shores of Kokan are most important, you can even plan your trip only for these by making Kolhapur base camp.

Indian Sea Shores

Indian Sea Shores

With the hudge diversity in population, religious faiths, life style and presenece of attractive flora and funna India is the most versatile and worth to travel place on the globe. Availablity of sea shores in the west and south direction is crowning the tour to India. If we consider state wise Gujrat, Orrisa, Goa, Tamilnadu and Kerala are among the state, whose attractive and natural sea shores are proved mouth watering factor and star attraction for the gowth of tourism in India.
Starting with Gujrat, the most scenic and beautiful sea shore is Ahmedpur Mandavi [Diu] clean water here will prompt you to go for water sports beside enjoying your sea swimming. Facilities for water scooter, surfing, para sailing and speed boats are available here. Dwarka is yet another sea shore, where beside going for religious travel, you can enjoy the flights of various bird breeds , presence of marrine livings like octopus and star fish makes this sea shore visit a life time memory. Some of the other sea shores of Gujrat are Veraval, Gopnath and Chorwad. If we go geographicaly in the oposit side of Gujrat, Orrisa's sea shores will welcome us. Puri, like the Dwaraka is the place related to Lord Krishna, here camp and peaceful sea water will genrate greed of swimming but be aware it is ocean of strong waves. You will found numerous sea shore guest houses and resort to make compfortable your stay there. Gopalpur onsea is the sea shore just about 180 k.m. away from the capital city Bhubaneshwar, where you can enjoy unmatched pleasure of boat sailing Chandipur sea shore, just 200 km. away from the capital city is world famous for its silvery shining sand on the nights of full moon day and brighter days of the month. Beside the Sun Temple Konark is also known for its beautiful and worth to watch sea shore.
Paradise of the foregin tourist, Goa is the state of beaches. All the beaches here are always crowded with the domestic and abroad tourist. Some of the most visited beaches of Goa are Baga beach [ just 18 km from capital city Panaji] , Anjuna Beach, Arambel [ 50 km.] , colba beach and Mira mar beach situated almost in the city heart of Panaji and famous as Golden beach. You can enjoy sea food with the spis of your drink in the interim of your sea swimming almost at all the beaches of Goa.
While going in south direction you will come across three world famous sea shores in the Tamilnadu, Sun set and sun rise of Marina beach are life time experience, stone caved staues are making more worth to visit to sea shores of Mahabalipuram. Kanyakumari is the last Indian land in that direction, fusion of Arabian sea, Hind Mahasagar and Bay of Bengal adds beauty to this shore. Half yearly conducted " Yoga Shibars" are also increasing the tourist importance of the place.
Kerala is the famous for its hudge sandy shores covered by the shadows of sky touching coconut tree groups, facility of herbal body massage is making these sea shores more attractive. Kovalam the sea shore with three half circular shapes is just about 15 km from the capital city Trivendram. Presence of stony rocks and waterfalls will mesmorised you to visit Kerala again and again.
In nut shell if you found attraction in aquous blue, there is ample attraction in India for it. You can plan your visit and be sure that at every place you will find facilities to meet with your travel budget.