Umaid Bhawan Palace In Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace

  

Umaid Bhawan Palace is located southern part of jodhpur city.This palace the largest private residence in the world, the finest extant example of art-deco, the only palace to have painting from the Ramayana painted by a Polish artist, the first to use air-conditioning, electricity and elevators, and the most impressive for its size and dimensions..

Architecture

Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.

Timings

closed on Mondays

Atractions

Inside Palace

Guests and residents of the Palace experience aspects of royal living, with period furniture, priceless antiques and artefacts adorning the public areas as well as the rooms in which the hotel section is situated Classified as a 5 Star Deluxe property by the Government of India, the Umaid Bhawan Palace has every modern convenience to cater to today's traveller and several unique features. 

The Central Dome soars 110 feet overhead, and provides spectacular centerpiece - a focal point for all the visitors to the property .The Trophy Bar, the Risala Restaurant ,the Marwar Hall, the Pillars restaurant and the Kebab Konner from the backbone of the hotels Food & Beverage activities, providing residents and guests a choice of dining options and cuisines.. 

Pillars

The view from the Pillars, especially at sunset, are spectacular. Landscaped gardens adorn the exteriors of the building and the spacious lawns at the rear of the Palace create an ambience which is at once serene, restful and yet spectacularly royal. Deep inn the heart of the building, the Zodiac Swimming Pool is a cool blue retreat. Located indoors, it is in fact under the main plinth of the building, tucked away in the basement, which makes it private an accessible only to residents of the hotel. 

The private museum attached to the Palace contains a small but exquisite set of display section, exhibiting arms, furniture, antique clocks and priceless China vases that formed a part the private collection of Maharajas of Jodhpur. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is equipped to cater to all segments of travelers, be they visitors on business or leisure to the city of Jodhpur.

Model of Umaid Bhawan

The attractions of the palace include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards room, tennis courts and marble squash courts. The Palace has now been converted into five star deluxe palace hotel. The Umaid Bhavan Palace of Rajasthan also houses a museum. On display, in the museum, are an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria. 

How To Get There

By Air

Jodhpur airport is connected to Jaipur, Delhi, Udaipur and Mumbai by daily regular flights. The Airport is nearly 5 km away from the city center. Taxi charges about Rs 150 and three wheeled rickshaw cost about Rs 50 from airport to city. Delhi is the nearest international airport, which is well connected to all major cities in India and abroad. Delhi is nearly 600 km away from Jodhpur.

 By Train

The nearest arilhead is Jodhpur .It is an important junction in the North Western railway zone in India. Jodhpur is well connected to all major cities in India including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Jailsalmer and Mumbai

 By Bus

Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation provides bus services to all cities in Rajasthan from Jodhpur. Private deluxe buses are available from Jaipur (345 km), Delhi (600 km), Jaisalmer (290 km), Bikaner (240 km) and Agra (580 km). The deluxe bus charges varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilomete

Photo Gallery 

Marwar Hall

Palace at Night

Elephant Safari In The Himalayan Region,Elephant Safari In India

Elephant Safari in Corbett National Park

Elephant safari is the best and safest way to explore the remotest and densest areas of the forests. If you are more keen in combing denser areas of the forests and search for some fierce creatures, then Elephant Ride is the best option Riding an elephant takes you back to the royal era, when only the kings use to ride on these majestic creatures.

Description

Elephant Safaris are Equipped with a howdah, a large seat on which they would sit, complete with soft silk cushions, and with a ceremonial umbrella over the riders head, modern day elephant safaris may lack in comparison with the ones that use to be done by the kings, but are no less regal on that account.The elephant moves slowly and steadily, that's why this type of safari is ideal in and around the wild regions or within the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuaries, where riding the elephant can give you an easy excess for viewing the wildlife. More of all a elephant safari tour in the tropical wildlife sanctuaries of India gets you up, close and personal with these majestic animals.

During your ride, you can watch the wild elephants taking bath in the water ponds. The photographers can easily take pictures of the wilds while riding and as a souvenir of the amazing journey into the wilds, take one with the elephant too.

Elephant Safaris in the Himalayan Regions

In the North and the North East India elephant safari is the best option to search the wilds in the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, particularly the ones that are located in the Himalayan region. Elephant is immensely versatile in negotiating the difficult Himalayan terrain that even a jeep can not traverse. Some of places in the Himalayan forest regions where you can go for an Elephant Ride are,  Corbett National Park in Uttaranchal and Kaziranga in Assam.

Itinerary for Corbett Elephant Safari

Day 01 - Arrive - Delhi

Day 02 - Delhi

See the important monuments in delhi.

Day 03 - Delhi - Corbett

Morning drive to Jim Corbett National Park. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon have lunch and proceed for a jungle ride on Jeep. Dinner and Overnight hotel.

Day 04 - Corbett - Lohachor

06.30 hrs: Half an hour drive towards north to Durga Devi. With packed lunch ride on the Elephant and commence a whole day Safari (15 Kms). Packed lunch enroute. In the evening arrive Lohachor for Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 - Lohachor - Ratwadhap

06.30 hrs: Have breakfast then proceed on your sojourn with packed lunch. Whole day Elephant Safari. Arrive Ratwadhap for hot dinner and overnight stay.

Day 06 - Ratwadhap - Haldupura

06.30 hrs: After breakfast proceed for the whole day Elephant safari with packed lunch. Arrive Haldupura for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 07 - Haldupura - Corbett

Early morning take a Jeep ride or Elephant ride , return back to the place for Breakfast. After a couple of hours to relax, return back to Corbett. Dinner and Overnight at Corbett.

Day 08 - Corbett - Delhi

Early morning drive back to Delhi, on arrival check into hotel. Rest of the time free for last minute shopping. Overnight hotel.

Day 09 - Departure - Delhi

Transfer to airport to catch international flight. 

Elephant Safari Tips

Since elephant safari is an elaborate affair, and requires many attendants for the elephant as well, such safari camps too tend to be a more lavish, and make the best choice for the incentive groupups who are promised to get a journey to remember.

Just like the tours there are certain essentials you have to keep in mind for elephant safari trip too. 

Photo Gallery

Kaziranga Safari

Tour To Araku Valley In Andhra Pradesh

Arakku valley

Araku valley is a small and pristine hill station that is located near the city of Vishakhapatnam in the State of Andhra Pradesh.The hill station is known for its relatively untouched beauty and the surroundings are green and lush. The forests surrounding the hill station are a good place for day trips and for those who are interested in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and trekking, the Araku Valley is a good option.  

The road to Araku Valley is through Ghats and there are many hair pins and steep slopes. Both sides of the road are covered with thick vegetation and the route is extremely scenic. There are many tunnels and bridges as well.

Attractions

Anantagiri Hills 

Anantagiri Hill

Anantagiri is a breathtakingly beautiful resort sheltered in the lush undulating ranges of the Eastern Ghats. It is considered to be a perfect head off to get away from the blistering summer months. Ananthagiri is perched at an altitude where the panoramic vista unfolds stunning viewpoints.

Driving through picturesque coffee plantations the road to Anantagiri with its ups and downs on the Ghat route is literally enveloped with mango groves, waterfalls that gush and flow into the ravines. The Eastern Ghats rail route on this stretch is one of the highest broad gauge tracks in the world.

Borra Caves

Borra Caves

Borra is an agency village lying in the Ananthagiri hills in the southeast corner of Srungavarapukota Taluk at a distance of about 43-km from Srungavarapukota.The Borra caves, located 29 km from Araku Valley, are a nearby tourist attraction. Deep in the caves there is a Shivalingam over which there is an idol of a cow Kamdhenu and the river Gosthani takes its origin from the udder of this cow. The mercury and halogen lamps lit inside make the interior of the caves colourful and spectacular.

Tyda Park

Tyda ParkTyda Park on the road the Araku Valley is home to a number of wild animals and birds and provides you with the opportunity for wild life viewing and bird watching. The tourists are provided with the chance to experience wilderness along with camping.

Some Other Attractions

The other attractions not to be missed on your trip to Araku Valley are Damuku View Point, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Tida Tunnel, Government Silk Farm and Mulberry Gardens. The immense and incomparable beauty of the valley comes alive in its waterfalls, gardens and forests. It is also known for its tribal settlements and you can check out the Aruku Tribal Museum, to have a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the tribal people.

Festival

Visakha Utsav

Visakha Utsav is organised by A.P. Tourism every year from the third Friday to Sunday of January i.e. for three days in Vishakhapatnam. It's the festival special for 'Vizagites', in the cold month of January.

Best time to Visit

Best time to travel to Araku Valley is October to February.

Accommodation

There are number of cottages, R & B guesthouse and A.P Tourism''s Mayuri complex. If you want to enjoy tribal life then there are some cottages available designed in the ethnic tribal style with attached toilet at reasonable fares.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam.   

By Train

There are two railway stations that are located in the Araku Valley. They are located on the East Coast line from Vishakhapatnam and they are a good option. 

By Bus

Buses are available from Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley and they are a good option. Private bus operatoRs charge around Rs 300 for non A/C buses.

Photo Gallery

tribal museum araku

Travel To Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad

Ajanta Caves

Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, the famous Ajanta and Ellora are cave shrines cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Ajanta CavesIndian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 30 caves at Ajanta, were remained shrouded in obscurity for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer, accidentally stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Ajanta has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will come to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.

Ajanta Caves 

Ajanta Caves

The famous Ajanta caves are situated about 99-kms away from Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra. These caves are regarded as a world heritage site and were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. They are placed in a horseshoe shape about 3.5 m away from the village. The river Wagura, a mountain stream flows along the bottom of the ravine. This river falls from a height of 200 ft, thus making a series of waterfalls. The sound of the waterfalls can be heard in the caves also

The intriguing Ajanta Caves are carved out of large rocks and are 30 in number. These caves are dedicated to Lord Buddha. The followers and students of Buddhism resided here to study this religion. They have decorated these caves with the help of their excellent architectural skills and artistic paintings.

The carvings and the paintings in the caves depict the life stories of Lord Buddha. Along with this, several types of human and animal figures are also carved out of the rocks.

The Caves 

The incredible caves of Ajanta are dedicated exclusively to Buddhism. There are around 30 caves here and are divided into 'Chaitya-Grihas' (stupa halls) and 'Viharas' (dwelling halls). Around five of these caves (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are 'Chaitya-Grihas'. . The Chaityas are large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars. The rest of the caves are 'Sangharamas' or Viharas (monasteries). The caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are important from the art point of view. The Viharas are rectangular shaped halls. They have series of small cells which are attached on both sides. Opposite to the entrance is an image of Buddha.

The murals on the walls of these caves are still in a good condition, maintaining the freshness of the color and spreading vibrancy in the atmosphere. Visitors will definitely enjoy watching these great historical pieces of art.

Timings

9AM to 5:30PM Tues-Sun (closed on national holidays) 

Ellora Caves

Ellora Jain Cave

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. 

The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa.

The Kailash Temple of the Ellora caves is the most attractive and masterpiece of the creator. The Kailash temple in the Ellora caves is one of the world’s largest and massive sculpture. The shrines are a mix or both Hindu and Jain faiths. Cave number 32 is famous for a glorious Yakshi statue and beautiful ceiling paintings.

Festival

Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music in 3rd week of March.

Best time to visit 

The season extends all round the year. Although the best season to visit Ajanta and Ellora is from October to March

Accomodation

Hotels are available to suit all budgets at Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Nasik, Shirdi, etc. The Maharashtra Tourism Corporation Holiday resort near Aurangabad railway station, the Ajanta travellers lodge at the caves and the M.T.D.C. Holiday resort at Fardpur (4 Km from Ajanta) provide clean and comfortable accommodation.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport from Ajanta caves is the Aurangabad domestic airport (99 kms). Aurangabad is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

By Train 

Aurangabad is directly linked to Mumbai and Pune by rail. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 kilometres from Ajanta. Two trains Tapovan Express and Devgiri Express depart daily from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

By Bus 

Ajanta Caves are connected to a network of excellent roadways with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad. One can easily get a bus ply for Ajanta from Aurangabad.

Photo Gallery 

Kailash Temple at Ellora Caves

paintings at Ajanta Caves

Trekking In Rajmachi

Rajmachi

Rajamachi is a renowned trekking place in Maharashtra. The Western Ghats and Sahyadri ranges offers mild to hard trekking experiences to all adventure loving tourists. The area famed for its exotic natural attractions is really a breathtaking place to have trekking expeditions. Climbing the hilly terrains to reach the famous medieval forts is a real experience for lifelong memory.Trek to Rajmachi is most adventurous and challenging. Rajmachi is a small and awesome village Between karjat and lonavala. It is roughly14 km from karjat and 25 km from lonavala. Trek from karjat is splendid then lonavala.Rajmachi Fort is famous for trekking. The beautiful place is has exotic natural locations as well as it is a historic site

Trekking

Trekking

Rajmachi fort can be approached to via the town of Lonavla along the Khandala plateau. Lonavla is an important train station on the Indian rail network. It is advised to set out early in the morning from Lonavla, because by 11.00 am the sun is really bearing down. From this point make oner way to the Mumbai - Pune Highway (NH4). Trekker's should take a right turn and follow the highway until a signboard indicating the way to Tungarli Lake is reached. This road leads to Tungarli Hill and then turns left. There is dirt track on the left, which leads up the hill to Tungarli Lake - a small lake that is at its best just after the monsoon. It is advisable to drink up and fill up as this is the last point on the trail where water is available. There is an alternative to the trekker's who want to avoid walking on the main road, from Lonavla station they take an auto rickshaw to the base of Tungarli.

As one continues up the hillside to Tungarli there is a dam and lake and on the northern end of the lake, one can see Tungarli village. The trail then leads up to a small pass from where Rajmachi fort is visible. The path then descends and joins a dirt track that winds its way along the crest of the hill and disappears into the forests this is the only track, which leads to Rajmachi fort, there are no shortcuts. After about two hours walk one can see a fork in the trail and the path on the left leads to Rajmachi. The trail continues on oner left, climbing gradually and then leveling out. A little later it dips down and up again and then one can see the Rajmachi fort clearly. Continue following the path around the fort and one will finally reach the village of Udhewadi (or Rajmachi). Just before there is a temple dedicated to Kalbhairavnath, and a flat clearing that can be used as a campsite. The trekker's who don't want to camp outdoors, can stay in the temple. Water is available at a tank, which are 100m away on a path to the left of the temple. Cook one's own food or buy some basic village fare of 'Bhakri' and 'Chutney'. On either side of the Col are the two forts of Rajmachi. Once up in the fort one will see that the climb was really worthwhile.Once the trekkers reach the fort, one will realize that the climb was really meaningful.

Opposite to Kalbhairavnath Temple, there is another fort called Shreevardhan. The fort has lots of secret tunnels leading to battlements. There is a place called Manranjan behind the temple that gives one a nice view of the plains. Trekkers who want to explore the area can go the base of Manranjan where there are some simple rock-cut caves. Return route is easier to follow; still trekkers are to be careful while getting down from the steep slopes.

How To Get There

By Air

The nearest airport is Pune airport, which is at distance of 70 km from Rajamachi town.Major international airport near to Rajmachi is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport. 

By Train

The nearest railway station is Lonavala railway station.It is located at a distance of 7 km from Rajmachi.

By Bus

State owned buses connect nearest cities with Rajmachi. buses.        

Photo Gallery 

Trek Way

Dal Lake In Srinagar,Tour To Dal Lake

Sunset On Dal Lake

Dal Lake, most populated tourist attraction in Srinagar, is renowned for its house boats and Shikaras. Dal Lake appeared and still continues to appear as a subject matter of many poems and articles.

The wonderful scenic lake extending an area of 26 square meters has been partitioned in to four areas by four causeways. Western part of the lake is enchanting with many Islands attracting tourists with its serenity and solitude. The lake is a hub for many water sports including water surfing, swimming, Shikara riding, kayaking, house boating, angling and canoeing. Adventurous tourists as well as the tourists looking for cool, natural secluded atmosphere can venture to this natural wonder.

Attractions

Island of Char Chinar

A famous landmark in Srinagar is an island on Dal Lake where four Chinar (Platanus orientalis) trees stand, named "Char Chinar.

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake

Nagin Lake, though sometimes referred to as a separate lake, is actually part of Dal Lake, being linked through a causeway which permits only bikers and walkers to enter the lake precincts. The caseway carries the water supply pipeline to the Srinagar city in the east. The lake is bounded by the Shankaracharya hill (Takht-e-Suleiman) on the south and Hari Parbat on the west and is located at the foot of the Zabarwan hills. Willow and poplar trees flank the edges of the lake.

Chashme Shahi

Chashme Shahi, meaning "Royal Spring", is a fresh water spring and garden known for its medicinal properties. Its source located above the Nehru Memorial Park.

Chashme Shahi

It is the smallest of all the Mughal gardens in Srinagar, measuring 108 metres (354 ft) x 38 metres (125 ft) and it has three terraces, an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains.[32] Ali Mardan Khan built the garden in 1632, and is built in a such a way that the spring water is the source of fountains. From the fountains, water flows along the floor of the pavilion and cascades to a lower terrace over a drop of 5 metres (16 ft) along a polished black stone chute. A small shrine, known as the Chasma Sahibi, is located in the vicinity of the gardens and has a fresh water spring.

Shankaracharya Temple

The sacred Shankaracharya temple, also known as Jyeshteswara, occupies the top of the hills (about 1,000 feet (300 m) above the surrounding Takht-I-Sulaiman plains in the south-east of Srinagar. The site, initially named Gopadri, dates back to 250 BC as a Buddhist monument, probably built by Emperor Ashoka's son Jhaloka. In the 7th century it was replaced by the present temple by King Lalitaditya. The philosopher Shankaracharya is documented as having stayed at this place when he visited Kashmir ten centuries ago to revive Sanātana Dharma.

Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat

Hari Parbat, also known as the Mughal fort, is a hill fort on Sharika hill that provides panoramic views of the Srinagar city and the Dal Lake. It was first established by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1590. However, he only erected the outer wall of the fort and his plans to build a new capital called Naga Nagor within it did not materialise. The fort in its current state was built much later in 1808 under the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani. Within the fort's precincts are temples, Muslim shrines, and a sikh Gurudwara. The hill is the subject of many legends in Hindu mythology, and was said to have once been a large sea, inhabited by a demon known as Jalobhava and that the hill grew from a pebble.

Kashmir houseboat and shikara

Kashmir Houseboat

Houseboats and the Dal Lake are widely associated with Srinigar and are nicknamed "floating palaces", built according to British customs. The houseboats are generally made from local cedar-wood and measure 24–38 metres (79–125 ft) in length and 3–6 metres (9.8–20 ft) in width and are graded in a similar fashion to hotels according to level of comfort.[35] Many of them have lavishly furnished rooms, with verandas and a terrace to serve as a sun-deck or to serve evening cocktails. They are mainly moored along the western periphery of the lake, close to the lakeside boulevard in the vicinity of the Dal gate and on small islands in the lake. They are anchored individually, with interconnecting bridges providing access from one boat to the other. The kitchen-boat is annexed to the main houseboat, which also serves as residence of the boatkeeper and his family

Hazratbal Shrine

Hazratbal Shrine

The Hazratbal Shrine also named Hazratbal, Assar-e-Sharief, Madinat-us-Sani, or simply Dargah Sharif,[38] is a Muslim shrine situated on the left bank of the Dal Lake and is considered to be Kashmir's holiest Muslim shrine.It contains a relic believed by many Kashmiri Muslims to be the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a hair from the head of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. According to legend, the relic was first brought to India by Syed Abdullah, a descendant of Muhammad who left Medina and settled in Bijapur, near Hyderabad in 1635. When Syed Abdullah died, his son, Syed Hamid, inherited the relic.

How To Get There

Srinagar By Air

The nearest airport is Srinagar domestic airport.International travelers get the connecting flights from Delhi International airport.

Srinagar By Train

Jammu is the nearest railway station to Srinagar, which is at a distance of 290 km. 

Srinagar By Bus

Many tourist bus service providers arrange deluxe luxurious bus package tours from many neighboring cities to Srinagar. Srinagar is well connected to Chnadigarh (630 km), Jammu (290 km), Delhi (876 km).

Best season is To Visit

 April to October.

Photo Gallery

Shikara on Dal Lake

House boat on Dal lake

Char Chinar

Tourism In Ganapatipule,Travel To Maharashtra,Travel News

Ganapatipule Beach

Ganapatipule is a small town located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra,It  is important to the Indian nationalists as it is the birthplace of the leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is a sleepy village in the Ratnagiri district of southwest Maharashtra in IndiaIt. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.