Jagannath Puri is one of the most honored of all temples of Lord Vishnu in eastern India. The Jagannath Temple was built in the classical architectural temple building phase. Protected by two surrounding walls, the conical tower of the temple is 58 meters high on which the flag and the wheel of Lord Vishnu can be seen.
The shrine is dedicated to Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple has these three as principal deities. Similar to the Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is also close for Non-Hindus who contend themselves by just viewing it from outside its precincts.

The shrine follows the same architectural type of the traditional Orissan temples of the classical period. The main “shikhara”, or the tower, rises above the inner sanctum where the deities exist in mainly. Other shikharas rise above ante-halls. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, on each side of which is a “gopura” or gate, over which there is a pyramid-shaped roof. Being the largest temple in the state, it has a complex covering several square blocks with dozens of structures including a mammoth kitchen.

There is a wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight metals (asta-dhatu). It is called the Nila Chakra (The Blue Wheel). Every day, a different flag is tied to the pole attached to the Nila Chakra. Every Ekadasi, a lamp is lit on top of the temple near the wheel. There are four gates: the eastern “Singhadwara” (Lion Gate), the southern “Ashwadwara” (Horse Gate), the western “Vyaghradwara” (Tiger Gate), and the northern “Hastidwara” (Elephant Gate). There is a carving of each form by the entrance of each gate. The Lion Gate, which is the main gate, is located on Grand Road. Thirty different smaller temples surround the main temple. The Narasimha Temple, adjacent to the western side of the Mukti-Mandapa, is said to have been constructed before this temple even.

So, come and see the beautiful temple of Puri and memories the scenic beauty for the life time. People said that coming to Puri is like getting an opportunity to feel The Real God. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Varanasi is famous for spiritualism, mysticism, Indian philosophy and Hinduism. All these are reflected in numerous sects, temples, Ashrams and Ghats. Varanasi is associated not only with Hinduism but also with Buddhism and Jainism. Varanasi also boasts of Buddhist Stupas and Jain temples. Varanasi is mainly associated with Hinduism, temples form the main attraction. The Ganges Ghats (river fronts) are the main center of religious activities and rituals and also form one of the main attractions of Varanasi. The most important temples of Varanasi are Durga temple, Vishwanath temple, Sankat Mochan temple, Tulsi Manas temple and the Bharat Mata temple.

Temples of Varanasi:

Varanasi is a place can be considered as the place especially for different temples. The place has great spiritual importance with so many other attractions. Varanasi is home to about 2,000 temples, and also known as the city of temples. Many important and famous temples are located at the Ghats of Ganges. The holy river Ganges in the place is like icing on the cake. Varanasi is also called Kashi, “the City of Light”. The “Kashi Vishwanath temple”, located near the Ganga Ghats, is the most famous and important temple of Varanasi.
Here is a detailed coverage of the Temples of Varanasi.

Ghats:

Spiritual life in Varanasi revolves around the ghats, the long string of bathing steps leading down to the water on the western bank of the Ganges. Most are used for bathing but there are also several ‘burning ghats’ where bodies are cremated in public. The main burning ghat is ‘Manikarnika’. There, one can often experience watching funeral processions threading their way through the backstreets to this ghat. The best time to visit the ghats is at dawn when the river is bathed in a mellow light as pilgrims come to perform puja (literally ‘respect’; offering or prayers) to the rising sun, and at sunset when the main ‘ganga aarti’ ceremony takes place at Dasaswamedh Ghat. One can explore a trip from Dasaswamedh Ghat south to Harishchandra Ghat and can have a great knowledge about the place Varanasi.

Varanasi is mainly popular for these ghats and the spiritual environment over here. People here come to explore about the Hindu culture, tradition and religion. Thus this place is very famous and caters a good quantity of visitors every year.

Bharat Kala Bhavan:

Bharat Kala Bhavan, located inside the BHU campus, is an art and architecture museum and houses a vast collection of paintings, Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and other materials of archeological importance. Bharat Kala Bhavan was established in the year 1920 A.D. In the main hall of the Bharat Kala Bhawan, there is a figure of a man standing on one leg and one hand on his hip and lifting a mass of stone above his head, with one hand.

Bharat Kala Bhavan also has a great collection of miniature paintings from the courts of Mughals and other Kingdoms and principalities. Some of the important sections in the Bharat Kala Bhavan are Mahamana Malaviya gallery, Nicholas Roerich gallery, Chhavi (Painting Gallery), sculpture gallery, Nidhi (Treasures) gallery, sculpture gallery, archaeological gallery, decorative art gallery and Banaras through age’s gallery.

Banaras Hindu University:

The Banaras Hindu University or BHU is an internationally reputed University and is situated in Varanasi. The great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, founded the Banaras Hindu University in the year 1916. Dr Annie Besant also played an important role in the formation of the BHU. The Banaras Hindu University played an important role in the Indian independence movement. Over a period of time, it has developed into one of the greatest centers of learning in India. The BHU has produced many great freedom fighters and Nation builders. It has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists and scientists.

Jantar Mantar:

Jantar Mantar is an observatory, built by Jai Singh, the Maharaja of Jaipur  in the year 1737. Jai Singh was a great admirer of science and technology and he was particularly passionate about astronomy. Before the commencement of construction (of observatories) he sent scholars abroad to study the foreign observatories. The emissaries returned with many manuals on astronomy. The Jantar Mantar at Varanasi was built in line with Delhi, Mathura, Ujjain and Jaipur observatories. There are Jantar Mantar Clones in Delhi and Jaipur as well.

Ramnagar Fort:

The Ramnagar fort lies about 14 km. from Varanasi and is situated on the opposite bank of river Ganga. It is the ancestral home of the Maharaja of Banaras. Maharaja Balwant Singh built this fort-palace in the eighteenth century. The fort is built in red sandstone. The Ramnagar fort has a temple and a museum within the grounds and the temple is dedicated to Ved Vyasa, who wrote Mahabharata, the great Indian epic. Legends have it that Ved Vyasa stayed here for a brief period.

The Ramnagar fort is a museum displaying the Royal collection which includes vintage Cars, Royal ‘palkies’, an armory of swords and old guns, ivory work and antique clocks. The ‘Durga Temple’ and ‘Chhinnamastika Temple’ are also located at Ramnagar. A temple of Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman is there. Inside the giant walls of the Ramnagar fort-palace, there is a big clock. This particular clock shows of the movement of the stars. An interesting array of ornate palanquins, gold-plated howdahs and weapons are some of the artifacts on display in the Ramnagar fort-palace museum.

Besides these places you can also look for places like; Sarnath Museum, Ashoka Lion Capital, Buddhist Temples, Chaukhandi Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Dharamrajika Stupa etc.

Night Life and Entertainment Elements:

Varanasi is a place which basically carries the tradition or the old Indian Culture. So, you can’t expect any rocking night life over here. But for amusement purpose you can roam in the city. There you are able to find many sorts of restaurants or multi cuisine foods and beverages. Along these you can also able to see different branded costume stores, stores of traditional Banarasi Saree Houses, Cinema Halls and many other things.

Are you thinking to come to Varanasi? Then, don’t think, just come and know the Mythology and all the Purans related to Hinduism. This is one of the most sacred places which can make you feel revive surely, after coming.

The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. The Bharat Mata temple was built by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupt and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1936. The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble.

Durga Mata Temple:

Durga Mata temple, also known as the “monkey temple”, because of presence of large number of monkeys, is one of the important temples of Varanasi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Durga temple was built in the eighteenth century. A Bengali Maharani built the Durga temple in Nagara Style (the North Indian style of temple architecture). It is stained red with ochre and has a multi-tiered shikhara (spire). The Durga temple is situated on a rectangular tank, called the Durga Kund. According to the Puranas, Goddess Durga has kept this place for many centuries and protects the holy city, Varanasi, from the South.

The present idol of Goddess Durga was not made by man but appeared on its own in the temple.  According to Hindu Mythology, Durga is represented as the embodiment of shakti or female power, clad in red, riding a tiger and fully armed. Non-Hindus can enter the courtyard of the Durga temple but not the inner sanctum. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit the Durga temple during “Navaratri” and other auspicious occasions.

New Vishwanath Temple:

New Vishwanath temple of Varanasi is located in the premises of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The temple is also known as Birla Temple. New Vishwanath temple is a replica of the old version of Vishwanath temple situated at Varanasi in another place.   The temple is built in white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University. The specialty of the temple is that it is open for the all cast and communities and built in beautiful white marbles, and was planned by Madan Mohan Malviya, founder of BHU.

Sankat Mochan Temple:

Sankat Mochan temple is one of the sacred temples of Varanasi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The word “Sankat Mochan” implies one who helps in removing sufferings, according to Hindu mythology. The famous author of ‘Ramcharitamanas’, Tulsidas was the founder of the temple. It is one of the most sacred temples of Varanasi, and always remains crowded by worshipers and visitors.

Tulsi Manas Temple:

Tulsi Manas Temple is a very famous temple of Varanasi. The temple can be considered as one of the importance place to visit in Varanasi. Tulsi Manas temple is located near the famous Durga temple. It was built in the year 1964 with white marble. There is a magnificent arranged landscape around the temple. It increases the attraction quotient of the place. Tulsi Manas temple is dedicated to lord Ram. It is believed to be built at the same place where Tulsidas wrote the famous Indian epic, Ramcharitamanasa. The walls of the Tulsi Manas temple are engraved with verses and scenes from the Ramcharitmanas, the Hindi version of the Ramayana.

Vishwanath Temple:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is situated in the heart of spiritual capital of India, Varanasi.  The temple is situated on the western bank of India’s holiest river Ganges. Kashi Vishwanath temple is the center of faith for millions of Hindus. The Jyotirlinga of Shiva, Vishweshwara or Vishwanatha, is enshrined in the Kashi Vishwanath temple, considered as one of the holiest temples of India. It is believed that a simple glimpse of the Jyotirlinga is a soul-cleansing experience that transforms life. “Darshan” of Vishweshwara Jyotirlinga is considered to merit more than the visit of other jyotirlingas, situated in various parts of India.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple attracts Hindu devotees and other visitors not only from India but also the world over. Lord Vishwanath is considered the supreme repository of the spiritual truth and strengthens the bonds of universal brotherhood.

In March 2009, Hotelicopter, pranked the web users with the Hotelicopter video (see below). It latter turned out that it was a promotion stunt for the Hotel Aggregation and booking site with the same name. People were just impressed with a four storied 5-star hotel gliding over cities or shuttling between two cities. Would it ever be a reality?

This is not the only plan in the pipeline for realizing the concept of a flying hotel. There are some other awesome ideas being put to reality worldwide. Some of these designs and hoaxes if they come to fruition could change the world of tourism and hospitality drastically.

The other thing in the same segment that could interest you is probably none other than “Manned Cloud”. Designer Jean-Marie Massaud’s team has been working in conjunction with the French National Office of Airship Research on the project since 2005. Expected date of first check in – 2020; sorry to disappoint you.

Manned Cloud

Places to visit in Srinagar

Here is a list of places you could include in you Srinagar itinerary. We understand that it becomes hard when you have limited time unlimited enthusiasm. Choose wisely then. It would be a hard task picking one place and dropping the other. Good Luck.

Dal Lake

Dal Lake is the second largest lake in Kashmir Valley and forms the lifeline of the city of Kashmir. Often quoted as the “jewel of Kashmir” Dal Lake is a unique ecosystem and center of tourism activity in the state. It is flanked by Mughal Garden and Nishat Garden, built by Mughal Emperor Jahangir – the great nature lover and patron of art. Do not forget to spend a night in the house boats and a Shikara ride. House boats and Shikaras along with the natural wetland flora forms the floating garden of Kashmir. Time just flies by as you take a leisurely ride of the little decorated boats on the smooth surface of Dal lake, enjoying the view of the boulevards around and mountains in the horizon.

Hazratbal Shrine

One of the holiest Muslim Shrines in India, Hazratbal or Assar-e-Sharief is is preserving a relic that many believe to be the hair of Prophet Mohammad. It is located on the left flank of Dal Lake and commands deep respect among believers. You won’t miss it if you are strolling around the lake or taking a lazy ride in the Shikaras.

Wular Lake

Considered the largest fresh water lake in Asia, Wular Lake is a major tourist attraction in Kashmir. It is located around 33 Kilometers form Srinagar city. This Lake is a natural wetland fed by river Jhelum and acts as a natural flood control mechanism too. Surrounded by lofty snow capped mountains and coniferous trees it provides the perfect setting for a boat ride, stroll or trek which ever you prefer.

Fish lover and Bird watchers are in for a delight. This area, along with the surrounding wetlands acts as a winter breeding and resting ground for migratory birds. Wular is house to a large no of resident birds and accounts for 60% of the state’s fish production.

There is an old 15^th century ruin on a man made lake at the center which was created by King Zain-ul-abidin.

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Lingaraj Temple

Witnessed by time and mentioned by Ferguson, Lingaraj temple is one of the finest temples of India described as a true fusion of dream and reality. This 10th-11th century temple is dedicated to Lord Tribhubaneswar (meaning the god of worlds). The presiding deity is Swayambhu Linga ” Hari-Hara , i.e., half Vishnu and half Shiva. The lingam at the Lingaraja, or Krittivasas , is an uncarved block of granite (8 feet in diameter raised 8 inches above the ground). The temple stands beside the beautiful Bindusagar Lake. Around the temple premises there are a number of small shops offering cultural and religious mementos.

Dhauli Santi Stupa

While driving on NH 203 towards PURI, just 8 kms away from the city of Bhubaneswar, you shall find this white sculpted structure dedicated to Lord Buddha primarily known as the peace pagoda or the shanti stupa. Built on the memories of the great kalinga war against the Mauryan Empire, it’s the place where the great king ashoka turned to Buddhism full of remorse that renounced his blood thirsty campaign.

Khandagiri and Udaygiri rock cut caves

Built mainly for the jain monks then during the reign of the great king kharavela who ruled Orissa from 168 to 153 B.C, the khandagiri and udaygiri caves stand as an stupefying monumental archive alluring hundreds of tourists everyday. Just 6 kms away, beside the N.H 5, the khandagiri (meaning half hill) and the udaygiri (meaning sunrise hill) contains around 113 caves. The famous being the caves of HathiGumpha (elephant cave) and RaniGumpha (Queen’s cave) in Udaygiri.

Nandan Kanan

Just 20 kms away from the rush of the city lies the zoo of its kind providing you a real glimpse of wildlife and nature. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Indian Python, King Cobra, etc. are among the attractions of the zoo.  NandanKanan is famous for its White Tiger Safari. A lake divides the zoo from its botanical gardens. Nandankanan is also a carved out part of the chandaka wildlife sanctuary and runs its regular tiger and elephant safari.

Parks

The cactus garden near Ekamra Kanan and amusement games in Nicco Park are two prime attractions in Bhubaneswar. Ekamra Kanan is a part of the Regional Plant Research Center. Adding to them are the Forest Park and Indira Gandhi Park where evenings and early mornings are pretty enjoyable.

Ekamra Haat

Bhubaneswar enriches the cultural varsity of the state known for its handicrafts and handloom. Let it be the chandua of pipili or the sambalpuri saree you will find all varieties of handicrafts collected and put together exclusively at the Heart of the city, Ekamra Haat. You can even devour on some delicious Orissa cuisines here.

Planetarium and Science Park

Informative and entertaining for kids and adults, Bhubaneswar runs and maintains daily shows at the Pathani samanta Planetarium and the Science Park. The shows allures not only kids but adult tourists too.

Udaipur Palace

Reigning the banks of lake Pichola are a cascade of Palaces that have been erected by different rulers over a period of time starting from 1559 AD. A beautiful triple arched gate welcomes the visitors to the palace. You would be treated to a bountiful display of regal architecture comprising of many courtyards, gardens, terraces and corridors. Places of prominence in the palace compound are Suraj Ghokda where the rulers used to appear in hard times to boost the morale of citizens, Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard) with its decorative walls of colored glass mosaic and paintings of Krishna at Bhim Vilas. Udaipur palace is now house to some old articles of historical importance, antique crockery, furniture, paintings and other decorative objects. One can enjoy a breath taking view of Udaipur city, Jag Mandir and world famous Lake palace hotel form the balconies.

Rose Garden (Gulab Bagh)

The gorgeous Rose garden that was laid out by Maharana Sajjan is spread over a sprawling 100 acre area and has an ornate display of exotic rose species,orchids, fruit trees and other flora. This is located to the east side of lake Pichola. The garden also houses Saraswati Bhawan Library that boasts of some prized collection of hand written books and manuscripts. If you are an animal lover too then the zoo in the garden has quite a large number of animals and birds to please you, particularly the big cats. There is also a museum with a fine collection of interesting artifacts, antique household items and some other articles of curiosity.

Dudh Talai – Rock Garden

This place used to be the bathing ground of the city in its glorious days. Rock garden is famous for its panoramic sunset view where the Sun drowns into the Pichola Lake. You would also be able to enjoy a grand view of Old Udaipur city and the city place. One modern attraction has been added to this delightful place in form a musical fountain. Rock garden is locally referred to as “Manikyalal Park”.

Jagdish Temple

Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat singh this temple is a fine specimen of Indo-Aryan architecture. It is a triple storied shrine that links the double storied Mandap (hall) to the double storied sanctum. Built on a raised terrace the temple holds visitor’s attention very well. Jagdish Temple or Sri Jagannath Rai temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and houses a imposing four-armed figure carved out of single black stone. The shikhar(spire) of the temple is a beautiful festooned structure that displays splendid stone works of dancers, musicians, elephants, horsemen etc. All the big lanes starting form Sheharpanahs (city wall) converge at the temple. A walk through these lanes will give you an idea of the rich culture of the Rajputs of Udaipur.

Fort St. George

This 1640 AD edifice is perhaps the oldest British establishment in India. It is a magnificent thing that overlooks the Bay of Bengal on one side. Till date it serves as a base of Indian Army. It housed a museum that displays a fine collection of colonial era memorabilia. Another thing you would not want to miss at Sr George Fort is the 15 ft statue of Lord Cornwallis. One can still feel the regalia of the old days from the glass windows, wall frescoes and shining teak plaques. Because of its immense historical importance it is under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Marina Beach

Acclaimed to be the longest beach in India Marina Beach draws a big volume of tourists everyday. It starts right next to St George fort and extends for 12 Kms till the Besant Nagar in a north – south extension. This place is particularly popular in the evening and is famous for its food stalls and shops on the sandy beaches. Another attraction of Marina beach is the line of statues of famous Indian and Tamil personalities. As a part of beach modernization plan a huge artificial waterfall has been installed here. The waves are generally strong and seas are not fit for swimming or bathing. There are no life guards stationed here.

San Thome Cathedral Basilica

This church holds a great significance for the catholic Christians. It is dedicated to the St Thomas the apostle of Christ who is believed to have been killed on St Thomas Mount. He was buried in San Thome beach and then latter moved into the city in 1606 when this church was built. Around three centuries latter it was declared a basilica. The works on wood and glass inside the church depict the life story of St Thomas and scenes narrating the last days of Christ. Even if you are a non Christian and believe in Christ this is the place you should be when you are in Chennai.

Valluvar Kottam

This beautiful stone chariot located near Kodambakam area in Chennai is dedicated to the ancient saint and poet Thirvalluvar who is famous for his literary works on Ethics. Some legends claim Mylapore to be the birthplace of Thiruvallavur. It is an exquisitely carved structure where a life-size image of the poet-saint. There is an auditorium that can seat 4000 people and is considered one of Asia’s largest. The large hall is devoid of supporting pillars. Verses from Thirukurral are depicted on granite walls around the hall.

Other places to visit in Chennai (Madras)

Kapaleswar Temple, Guindy National Park, Kalakshetra or the “Temple of Art”, MGR Film City, Birla Planetarium.

It takes 11km boat ride from the Gateway of India to reach this World heritage site. Situated away from the city in a lush green setting is this beautiful rock cut temple complex. It dates back to 800AD and was worked and expanded by many ruling dynasties over a period of 500 years. During the colonial period this island served as a naval bastion for defending forces in many naval wars. One can still see the beautiful carvings and rock images of Lord Shiva and his wife Uma. You can get a ride to this place by the regular motor boats from Apollo Bunder. The island is open to public till sunset so plan your trip accordingly.

Here are some pictures that will give you a visual idea.

Gateway Of India

Built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary of England, this monument has become now become a symbol of Mumbai and India. The imposing monument is blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. While the gateway and turrets are on Islamic lines the pillars are distinct Hindu temple architecture. Through out the day domestic and internal tourists pour into this place for a taste of old regality and heritage. Just across the road is the famous Taj Hotel of Mumbai. Right in front of the GateWay a flight of steps lead you down into the waters of Arabian Sea. If you are planning a trip to Elephanta caves then this is the place where you can board the ferry. Else if you are in a mood to watch Mumbai cityscape while lazing in the sea air then you can take a ferry for the Bombay High oil wells view.

Here are some pictures that will give you a visual idea.

Marine Drive

Also known as the “Queen’s Necklace”, this is one place you cannot to afford to drop form your Mumbai Itinerary. Marine Drive connects Nariman Point to Mallabar hills and is actually a beautifully laid, crescent shaped, 6-lane road. People come here to enjoy the fresh air and the sparkling water of Arabian Ocean. This place is particularly busy before and after sunset. Mumbai’s famous Juhu Chowpaty is also located on the marine drive. Once the sun sets completely and the lights brighten the roads the marine drive is a sight to watch and this is where it derives the name “Queen’s necklace”.  Marine Drive also harbors some of the finest Hotels in Mumbai and ahs a distinction of being named world’s largest viewing gallery.

Here are some pictures that will give you a visual idea.

Taraporewala Aquarium

It is one of the major tourist attractions and lone the aquarium in Mumbai. The President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad had opened it to public in 1951. The aquarium houses around a 100 species marine and freshwater fishes. Apart form Sharks, Rays, Eels, Turtles you could also see varieties of corals form Lakhsyadeep Islands. One room is dedicated to marine fossils, rare sea shells and fishes preserved in bottles. The aquarium is reachable form Charni Road railway station by a 5 minute walk. It’s closed on Mondays. Working hours are 11 am to 8 pm.

Juhu Chowpatty

Famous for its evenings this beach is very popular among the Mumbaikars and visitors as well. An elegant setting for enjoying the Sun taking a plunge into the Arabian Sea and throwing crimson, red and orange blotches into the darkening sky. Unlike other beaches in India this is not a place for swimming and sunbathing. Rather it’s a spot to enjoy crowd and fairs. Placate your taste buds with delicious local snacks. If you were in Mumbai and you did not have Pav Bhaji, Bada Pav, Bhel Puri and Kala Khatta (Ice Lollies) then your trip would lack something big. You could see balloon vendors, monkey dances, cricket matches, magicians and other similar attractions. This is the site for the annual Visharjan of Ganesh Idols, where the great Elephant headed god is bade fare well by the people. It is accessible form Santa Cruz and Ville Parle areas.