Yercaud

Yercaud is easily India’s cheapest hill station destination. Make that lest expensive for so rich is Yercaud in its natural charm and its potential for bountiful discovery that to label it cheap would be truly insulting. It’s sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Ooty would be nearer the mark.
Yercaud is how the Brits got around the tongue – twister Yercaud Tamil for lake-forest. This little hill station lies in the Shevaroy hills, part of the eastern Ghats. Unlike the more lush western Ghats are generally dry and feature short and rocky hills and Yercaud is thus a wonderful aberration. Spread over just 383 sq km Yercaud is small enough not to tire you. And yet spread out in mysterious little ways to give you a sense of serenity. Less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal. Yercaud is where you go to when you simply to recollect along with the poet emotions in tranquility amidst sunflowers, dahlias and roses.

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place.

Big Lake, Small Boat

The main attraction is the Big Lake where much of the action takes place. But this being laid back Yercaud the action is decidedly low-key and restful. Like boating. You can hire 2 or 4 seater pedal boats and 4 seater rowboat. Near the lake is Anna Park with a well groomed garden. It’s crowed in may, when a weeklong summer festival takes place. But if you or your kids fancy flower shows. Dog fairs that’s a good time to go. Also cheek out the Small Lake, fed by seven wells, situated close to town. Shevaroy Temple And Bear’s Cave

Situated atop Servaroyan hill, the Shevaroy Temple is the highest point in Yercaud 5326 ft above sea level. The temple is dedicated to the local deity Servaran and his consort Kaveriamma. Local tribals celebrate their annual festival here each may. On the way to the temple near the Norton Bungalow ( one of the oldest in Yercaud ) is Bear’s Cave, believed to have been the entrance to an escape tunnel of a long gone raja. Today the cave is covered over with vegetation and rocks. Though it is on private property, the public can still visi it,

Killiyur Falls

This 300 ft high waterfall is situated amidst picturesque surrounding. The water comes via a stream all the way from the big lake.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is home to hundreds of plants including rarities like the pitcher plant. You will also find specimens of the famous Kurinji flower which blooms ones in kolkata and shillong. It house over a hundred species of orchids of which about 30 are exclusive. In fact it has an orchid or threefound nowhere else in the world. Plant-lovers Mustn’t give this a miss.

Fun For The Kids

Hotel Shevaroys has the Magic Mountain amusement park with games and joyrides for the kids. It’s open to all for a fee.

Where To Stay

Hotel Shevaroys

Phone No – 04281 – 222383 / 6.

Tariff – Rs 425 – 1225.

Sterling Days Inn Resort

Phone No – 04281 – 222700 / 706 / 708.

Tariff – Rs 1400 – 2150.

Green Fort Inn

Phone No – 04281 – 222767.

Tariff – Rs 600.

Hotel Shoba

Phone No – 04281 – 222409.

Tariff – Rs 250 – 600.

Pondicherry

Seaside resort Pondicherry has a special ambience, not felt anywhere else in India. It is a blend of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage, Tamil culture and the cosmopolitan flair of many nationalities in a small but varied town.

The inherent ambience of Pondy, as it is fondly called, becomes most evident in the oldest part of the town which flanks the seashore boulevard. Colonial buildings, some which trace back to the 18th century, line along a grid of straight clean streets and house the French institutions
private homes and businesses, and the sprawling premises of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The visitor is greeted by mellow colours of cream, yellow, pink and grey with flamboyant bougainvillae bursting over gates and compound walls of cool courtyards.

Quiet beaches and peaceful resorts to the north and south balance the town's bustling, yet easy going life. But Pondy hasn't only its own special attractions to offer. It is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it,

Among the many terms that have been used to describe Pondicherry, perhaps the most outrageous is French Riviera of the east. When Pondicherry is written about as a culinary cornucopia where coqs are always had au vin and you thank the lord for daily baguette.

The truth is a little different. There are no Parisian – style streetside cafes. And certainly not everyone on the streets is likely to greet you with bon jour, monsieur! As generation of weekend holidays already know, the charm of Pondicherry lies in its incredibly leisurely approach to life, food and commerce. Pondicherrians are the skilled east-coast practitioners of the Goan art of sussegade.

The Aurobindo Ashram

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the French is the spiritual miscegenation spawned by Mirra Alfassa, aka the mother, the French aacolyte of Aurobindo Ghosh. At the unassuming building of the Aurobindu Ashram on Rue de la Marine you can visit the samadhis of Aurobindo and the Mother, as well as buy books from the publication department.
Timings – 8am to 12 pm and 2pm to 5pm

The Churches

Three of the town’s 17th – 18th century churches are outstanding. On Rue Dumas is the Church of the Capuchins, also known as Eglise de Notre Dame Des Anges , modeled on the Basilica in Lourdes. Next visit the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception on mission street. And the loveliest : the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Phone No – 2334597.On south Boulevard, with its fine stained glass panels.

The Pondicherry Museum

This building with its huge rooms, wide windows and high ceilings, is itself worth a visit. Its ragtag contents are also worth an hour or so : Chola Bronzes beads and coins from the roman-era excavation at Arikamedu, old Pondicherrian vehicles like the pousse-pousse and artifacts from dupleix’s time. The museum is an Saint Louis Street, behind the Raj Niwas.Timings 10am to 1pm; 2pm to 5 pm

The Cluny Centre

Opposite the hotel de I’ Orient at 46, Rue Romain Rolland is the Cluny Embroidery Centre. A missionary outfit that provides vocational training to local whomen who sit in a beautiful mansion and turn out exquisite embroidery. Don’t expect a guided tour the centre gets more visitors than it can handle. The centre closes in may and june
Timings – 9-30 am to 5 pm. Sunday and Monday closed.

Chunambar

Mainly frequented by schoolchildren this pondicherry tourism-run outfit offers boating in a pretty creek. The boating club. Charge Rs 30. ½ hrs. for a paddle boat Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for kayaking Rs – 40. ½ hrs. for a row boat and Rs 50 for a speed boat ride.
Timing – 9am to 5pm

Where To Stay

Hotel de L’ Orient

Phone No - 0413 – 2343067.

Tariff Rs 1750 – 3500.

Hotel Helena

Phone No : 0413 – 2226789.

Tariff – Rs 1500 – 2500.

Mahabalipuram

In the intense heat of Tamil Nadu a dusty haze hangs like a pall over the temple town of Mahabalipuram. But the good news is tha as in most parts of coastal Tamil Nadu a pleasant sea breeze sets in late afternoons, making even may evening bearable.

Mahabalipuram itself or Mammallapuram as it was originally called, is an ancient seaport named after Mammala or Narasima Varman I the Pallava ruler who set up his capial here and established a centre of sculpture and art in the seventh century AD.

The striking feature of the sculpture here is that it is all monolithic giant works carved from single rocks. The fabulous ancient carvings make the town an acknowledged world Heritage site.

One very good reason for driving down the hi-tech East Coast Road – on your left are unforgettable glimpses of surf breaking on endless coastline, interspersed with stretches of casuarinas groves, and all along the road food courts, amusement parks and art village.

Arjuna And The Pandavas

Arjuna’s penance is considered the largest open – air bas – relief in the world. Carved on the side of a cliff is an elaborate depiction of one of the scenes from the Mahabharata – Arjuna doing penance to obtain a special weapon for the Kurukshetra war. The 30 m X 12 m carved area is split into two by a fissure that depicts a river. It is believed that in Pallava times, water flowed down this crack into the tank below. Animals and supernatural creatures are carved around Arjuna, and sculptures of gods Shiva And Vishnu.

The Five Rathas are actually a set of temples or Vimanas devoted to the five pandava brother and their wife Draupadi, built each of a single rock and unique in shape among Indian temples. They are carved with beautiful carvings, and to see them perched splendidly. Two millennia ago, this town could well have been a Pallava school of sculpture, guessing from the sheer quantity of unfinished and experimental work lying around.

Entry Fee – ( Rathas and shore Temple ) Rs 10. foreigners $ 10. Timings – 6 am to 5-30 pm.

Year End Drama

If you’re in January, you’ll be in time for the annual open-air dance festival held amid the rock temples, which showcase Bhaeatanatyam, Kuchipudi Kathakali and various folk dances, performed by renowned artists of the country. The 21 day festival encompasses the Christmas and Pongal celebrations. Every night means a new performance. Look for your favourite performers in the programme schedule available at the tourist office. Ticket can be booked at the Tamil Nadu Tourist Office.

Phone No – 04114 – 242361 / 63

On the east coast road. Near the market. Entry fee begin at Rs 150.Where To Stay

Where to saty and eat

Hotel Mammla Bhavan.

Phone No – 04114 - 242250.

Tariff - Rs 100 – 150.

Mammala Bhavan Annexe

Phone No – 04114 – 242060.

Tariff – Rs 400 – 770.

GRT Temple Bay And Beach Resort,

Phone No – 04114 - 243636.

Tariff – Rs 3000 – 4500

Annamalai

Annamalai National Park is situated at Palachi, between Palani and Coimbatore. The park which is also known as as the Indira Gandhi National park covers an area of about 117.10 sq kms and was established in the year 1976. The wildlife found here consists of the Elephant, Gaur (Indian bison), Tiger, Panther, Nilgiri Langur, Lion-Tailed Macaque, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Chital (Spotted deer), Sambar, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Dog and Nilgiri Tahr.

The Avifauna includes Pied hornbill, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Black-headed Oriole and Drongo. There are also a large number of crocodiles in the Amravathi reservoir. The vegetation found in this region is rich mixed deciduous forest, tropical wet evergreen and tropical moist deciduous, The main species of Flora includes Rosewood and Teak. Looking at the ulandy range from a distance one can only wonder at nature’s extraordinary generosity in crafting these forests an the eastern sloopes of the western Ghat closer and you can see the leaves rustling in the wind. The rustling arouses myriad birds which begin to call in varying pitches their soft calls wafting gently over the valleys.

The quaintly-named Elephant Song Nature Tail from Anappadi to Karian Shola and back and the Bison Tail from Anappadi to Seechali are soft treks that last about two hours ( Tariff Rs 100 for 5 plus guide ) the Kannimara Trail from Anappadi to Kannimara Teak via Thoonakkadavu and the inspirationally named Flying Hooves

Kolokamuthi Elephant Camp

About 7km out of top slip, past Mt Stuart Block, this camp is home to nearly 50 Malasar tribal families. The malasar are expert elephant handlers. Entry is by forest. Jeep only. Contact the wildlife warden, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. 365 / 1. meenkarai road. Pollachi. Coimbatore District.

Phone No : 04259 – 225256. Entry fee. Rs 25.

Varagaliar Elephant Camp

Home to pachyderms. This camp for domesticated elephants is 24 km deep on the fringes Of the core area of the forest. The creatures are used in conflicts between man and elephant in the nearby Valparai Plateau where intrusions by elephant into tea gardens are becoming a frequent affair. Generally out of bounds for regular tourists, the enthusiast can take a chance by seeking special permission from the Deputy Conservator of Forests, pollachi to get here. Get a ride in the forest jeep ( Rs 25 per person ) as you cannot take your own vehicle into the main forest.

Parambikkulam and Thoonakkadavu

Continuing down the forested road from the top slip Reception Centre you’ll arrive at the Anappadi Checkpost which marks you entry fee here. Where there’s a dam, there’s a backwater. In this case all of 8 sq km. it’s great fun watching otters slip in and out of the waters. Don’t make the mistake of sitting on funny – shaped logs, which are probably crocodiles lying in typical regal crocodilian lethargy.

Take the forest jeep at Rs 25 per head to explore the region. The drive up to the Parambikkulam Dam will leave you spellbound. There are spectacular views to be had of the Sungam Range and the Nelliapadi Mountains as you look towards Thoonakkadavu and the Karimalai, Kalyanathy and Vaidi mountains beyond the Parambiar Valley.

Trekking

The quaintly-named Elephant Song Nature Tail from Anappadi to Karian Shola and back and the Bison Tail from Anappadi to Seechali are soft treks that last about two hours ( Tariff Rs 100 for 5 plus guide ) the Kannimara Trail from Anappadi to Kannimara Teak via Thoonakkadavu and the inspirationally named Flying Hooves Nature Trail are mediam treks that ake half a day ( Tariff – Rs150 for 5 plus a guide ) those two guided treks cost Rs 200 for 5. for nature walks and treks, contact the Reception Centre at top slip. Centre timings: 6am to 6pm.

Where to Stay And Eat

Banyan Tree ( Bangalore )

Phone No : 080 – 5730457.

Tariff : 3800.

Pataudi

Cut of from the clamour of delhi and Gurgaon on a quiet inner road, stands a stately palace amidst landscaped gardens. The palace at Pataudi, home to cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi of the Bhopal royal family and actress Sharmila Tagore, has opened its doors to travelers, albeit with some reservations. The palace accepts group booking of 10 people at a time, with at least 3 days notice

But this palace is just perfect for these special holidays with your friends or family. Its interiors, a discreet symphony of chintz, chandeliers and mementoes from yesteryear offer visitors a serene sojourn in a classy home.

Location

On a quiet inner road near the Hari Mandir Ashram. To get there, turn right before the toll point in the jaipur road before the Bilaspur police chowki. Drive 9 km or so until you come upon a PWD guest house, near the Pataudi Palace.

Telephone No : 91-9810256080 ( Samson Massey )

Accommodation : 10 doubles, 5 suites

Tariff : Rs 4000 for a couple, plus Rs 1000 per person for three meals a day

Delhi reservation : 011-23013794

Neemrana

It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.

Neemrana Fort, which dates back to 1464 can be credited with having started the weekend holiday craze that’s beset Delhi. The story began when the Fort, embraces by a horseshoe-shaped hill, was bought by writer Aman Nath and Francis Wacziarg from its Chauhan owners. They did a terrific job in resorting the fort, turing it into an opulent non-hotel on 10 levels.

Delightful in the winters and romantic in the rains, the Fort is tolerable even in Rajasthan’s summers, thanks to the high heat of noon. Discover bits of the fort at leisure or simply slump in a comfortable chair and gaze at the plains blow from a private deck as you sip your cuppa.

Though only the public areas are open to visitors, what you can access is spectacular Each room has been individually refurbished to create a different character with unique Indian objets d’art and colonial furniture. The dining room and lounge have open balconies and windows, and the restaurant often doubles as a performance area. There’s Suraj Kund, the royal reservoir – turned – swimming pool on a hillside terrace. And of course there are the famous loos – each with a view !

A rough trail downhill passes by an ancient baoli about a km away. This step-well plunges steeply down 11 levels with only the last two underwater. Echoing the architectural style of the 1700s, the 170 steps aren’t recommended for small children or arthrtitic knees. Also, villagers no longer come to draw drinking water from its now stagnant pools. Verandahs around each level are supported by pillars. Experts. Say these bear a strong resemblance to the columns in Delhi’s Qutb Minar complex – hardly surprising given that both there sites were chauhan strongholds’

Location : Just of the Jaipur highway

Telephone No : 01494 – 246006 / 8

Email : sales@neemranahotels.com

Website : www.neemranahotels.com

Accommodation : 44 Rooms.

Tariff : Rs 2200 – 12,000; TE Credit Cards Amex, Visa, Master

Facilities : Restaurant, bar, gym, health spa, Jacuzzi, indoor games, library, meditation. Sightseeing, swimming pool, yoga,

Mud Fort

Tucked away in the historic tracts of Bulandshahr lies a diverting little rural retreat that’s perfect for a spot of quality R&R Embellished with seven turrets and a wide moat, the Mud Fort of Kuchesar, set atop a bastion and amidst verdant mango orchards and lush sugarcane fields, will beguile you with its brisk autumnal breezes fragrant with scents of the country. Built in the mid-18th century by the Jats of Mandoti, you can have a weekend of history and royal grandeur, without compromising on modern comforts and convenience. Horse-reading at the fort completes that royal touch. Picnics at Brij Ghat, with its lush mango groves on the banks of the Ganga just 24 km away, add a refreshing piquancy to to an outing in the dappled sunlight.

Location : Surrounded by sugarcane fields, on the Delhi-Moradabad road

Telephone No : 05736 – 273039

Email : sales@neemranahotels.com

Website : www.neemranahotels.com

Accommodation : 10

Tariff : Rs 1500 – 1650

TE : Credit cards, Amex, Visa, Master, Diner’s, Citi Bank, HDFC

Facilities : Restaurant indoor games, library, swimming pool.

Matheran

Matheran which means ‘ Jungle Topped’ is the nearest hill station to Mumbai and probably Maharashtra’s most pleasant retreat. It’s an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts from where it’s a sheer drop to the plain. On a clear day the views from here are fantastic.

Hugh mallet, collector for the Thane district, is credited with the discovery of Matheran in 1850 while climbing the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, and it soon became a popular hill station during the days of the Raj.Matheran owes its tranquility to a complete ban on motor vehicles ( and bicycles ) but on the weekends the resort is overrun with day-trippers.

The true high season here is during the peak holiday periods of April to June, Diwali and Christmas. At this time it’s rrediculously packed and accommodation prices are ludicrous. During the monsoon ( mid June to early October ) the village virtually closes up and the dirt walking trails and roads become very muddy.

Getting to Matheran is half the fun; from Neral Junction you take a narrow – gauge toy train up the 21km route to the heart of the hill station. It’s a very scenic two-hour ascent as the train winds its way around the steep slopes and, at one point passes through One Kiss Tunnel. Information

Entry to Matheran costs Rs 20. ( Rs 10 children ) which you pay on arrival at the train station or the Dasturi car park.

There’s no tourist office but some shops and hotels have a basic map of Matheran. The Union Bank Of India on MG Road. The main road through the bazaar, changes only but it can be unreliable. Few of the paths away from the main bazaar are lit at night – a torch may come in handy.

Walks and Views

Unlike at Maharastra’s other hill station Mahabaleshwar you can walk to most of Matheran’s viewpoints in a matter of hours. The best views are seen in the early morning and around sunset. Louisa Point , Hart Point and little chouk point have the finest views. You can reac the vally below one tree hill down the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, so called because the

Matheran leader is said to have used it.

Places To Stay

There area few budget places close to the train station but most of the mid-range and expensive resort accommodation is a 10 to 20 minute walk away. Many of these resort hotels offer only full-board rates. Especially in the high season. Early morning checkout times are the norm in Matheran, and are often as early as 7 am. Most of the following hotels have hot – water showers in the morning only. Unless otherwise stated rates quoted in this section are outside high season. If you re mad enough to come than, expect to pay between 30 % and 200 % more.

Where to Stay And Eat

Hope Hall Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 30253.

Tariff – Rs 250.

Lord’s Central Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 3867776.

Tariff – Rs 1650 ( per person )

Email – lord@wspl.net.in

Rugby Hotel.

Phone No – 022 – 2821721.

Tariff Rs 1800 – 2900

Manger

It’s astounding how a short hour’s drive out of Delhi can take you to a place of such rustic beauty. Manger Village is in the shade of the craggy rocks of Dhauj in District Faridabad. As you drive down a steep incline on the last lap to Lakeview Cottage, you will pass scenes that don’t seem to have changed over centuries: Haryana’s shepherds with great big herds of goats cross your path, carrying baby lambs in their arms. Peacocks casually cross the tarmac. And Manger Village, if not for the lone Coke ad on a village shop, would give you the distinct impression that it’s so cutoff from the world that the fall of the Mughals would be big news here.

You will be even more placed when you pull into Lakeview Cottage. You will stay in comfortable, tastefully-decorated cabins which face the lake framed by the craggy Dhauj rocks. The lake in question is just a tiny rain-fed village pond, but post-moon-soon. Lakeview Cottage plonks a few boats onto its surface for your pleasure. There’s a swing for the kids, vast grounds to ramble in plus guides can be arranged for you to climb the rocks of Dhauj.

Location : lake facing

Telephone No : 0129 – 2206358

Email : info@farhorizonindia.com

Accommodation : 3 room

Tariff : Rs 2200

TE : credit cards Amex, Master,

Facilities : Dining hall, rock – climbing, water sports. Game.

Delhi Reservation
Far Horizons.
B – 204,
CR Park.
New Delhi
Telephone No : 011 – 26479320.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is situated amidst the heights of the Sahyadris, about 120 km south of Pune. Regular State Transport and private buses ply to Mahabaleshwar. Private taxis also are available in plenty. A drive up to Mahabaleshwar is most pleasant. A popular holiday resort with the Burra Sahibs of the Raj, the thick foliage of the hill station is punctuated with generously sized bungalows of another age

The landscape is however fast changing, with modern architecture, mostly of the non-descript, grotesque variety providing the beloved holiday destination with more than its fair share of controversy. Mahabaleshwar's famous "points" offer breathtaking views of valleys that are full of evergreen forests and lush undergrowth. Springs and water falls abound in the area offering lovely picnic spots.

Many of these points have good motorable roads. The winding rides through thick foliage are an experience. If one really wants to enjoy nature in all its placid glory, it is a must for every visitor to take leisurely walks along these sylvan paths. One can also ride on ponies' backs, savouring nature's virgin viridity.

Being mobile is necessary in Mahabaleshwar, if you would like to cover all its sights in a short time span. If, however, you do not have your own vehicle, hired taxis and mini-buses are easily available.

Situated at a height of 1372 m, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular and picturesque hillresorts in Maharashtra. The magnificent hill resort is a paradise of the tourists and famous forweekend gateway specially for the persons having passion for driving across the hills and ghats.Mahableshwar is having the highest rainfall in the Monsoon in Maharashtra.

Elphinstone, Babingtion. Bombay and Kate’s Points offer fine views from the wooded plateau to theplains below. The best viewpoint is Arthur’s Seat 12 km from mahabaleshwar, which looks out over asheer drop 600 m to the Konkan coastal strip there are pleasant waterfalls around Mahabaleshwarsuch as Chinaman’s Dhobi’s and Lingmala Falls.

In the village of Old Mahabaleshwar there are two ancient temples worth visiting. The Krishnabai or Panchganga ( Five Streams ) Mandir is said to contain the springs of five rivers, including the sacred Krishna River which issues from the mouth of a sculpted cow suckling a calf. The Mahabaleshwar Mandir is of interest for its naturally occurring lingam.

Lonavala

Situated 106 km south-east Mumbai in the hills. Lonavla and nearby Khandala are twin hill resores catering for weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai. Unless you’re particularly fond of the local sweet speciality, chikki, there is little if interest in the towns themselves – Lonavla is simply the most convenient base from which to visit the Karla and

Bhaja Caves.

Lonavala is an important hill station in the state of Maharashtra. It is popularly known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. Lonavala is set amongst the sylvan hills of the Western Ghats and is a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a starting point for tourists interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.

It also has an important Yoga center near it, for the health conscious traveler. Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range and situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m above sea level. Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai hill resort, attract tourists to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal for trekking and hiking.


There are several important cities near Lonavala like Khnadala, Mumbai and Pune. Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains.

Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it is also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune.The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract the travelers towards it. The Indian hill resort of Lonavala is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortablejourney to and in Lonavala and throughout the Indian state of Maharashtra.


Places To Stay


Hotel Chandralok

Email – hotelchandralok@vsnl.com

Tariff – Rs - 390 – 790. Kumar
Resort.Phone No – 022 – 6045669.
Tariff – Rs – 1190 – 2490.


Fariyas Holiday Resort
Phone No – 022 – 2655317.
Tariff – Rs 3400.

Kesroli Fort

The 14th century hill fort of Kesroli is the oldest heritage site in India where you can stay. Situated atop the rare. Dark hornstone Breccia rocks its rampart rise to 200 ft, from where splendid views can be had.

The fort is reputed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna who converted to Islam in the mid-14th century and came to be called Khanzadas. It subsequently changed hands upon being conquered by the Hughals and the jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of alwar was founded


Kesroli makes for an ideal base from where you can visit neighbouring palaces, museums and sanctuaries at Alwar, Sariska and Siliserh. They arrange trips to kankwadi Fort, Neelkanth temple,


Location :


Atop Hornestone Breccia rocks.


Telephone No : 01468 – 289352


Email : sales@neemranahotels.com


Website : www.Neemranahotels.com


Accommodation : 58


Tariff : Rs 1500 – 3400


TE : Credit cards, Amex, Visa, Master, Diner’s, Citi Bank, HDFC


Facilities : Restaurant indoor games, laundry, hot water, room service, TV

Karla & Bhaja Caves

Reaching Bhaja by road requires to drive down the same route along the highway as Karla but instead of turning left you must take the road on the right and drive past Malavali station and follow a quite road a further 3km to Bhaja village, There is no bus service to Bhaja but you can take a local train to Malavali station.

From the village it is a 250 feet climb to the caves.There are 18 caves, twelth being a chaitya hall with finest carving in the cave complex. First cave appears to be the dwelling of the master architect while 10 others are viharas for priests.Remaining seven caves have inscription about donors.


Karla Cave


A steep 20-minute climb via stone steps from the car park brings you to the impressive Karla Cave, the largest Early Buddhist chaitya ( temple ) in India. Completed in 80 BC, the chaitya is around 40m long and 15m high, carved by monks and artisans from the rock in imitation of more familiar woodenarchitecture.


A semicircular ‘sun window’ filters light it towards the cave’s representation of Buddha a dagoba ( dome-shaped shrine ) protected by a carved wooden umbrella. The 37 pillars which from the aisles are each topped by kneeling elephant carrying seated figures. The cave roof is ribbed with teak beams said to be original. On the sides of the vestibule are carved elephant heads which once had ivory tuska.


A stambha ( pillar ) topped by four back-to-back lions, an image usually associated with Emperor Ashok, stands outside the cave and may be older than the cave itself. Along the small path leading around the hillside are a couple of relatively inconsequential caves, including one containing a Shiva lingam and another lined with cells used as living quarters for monks.
The cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is as steep as the walk up to US $ 5. for foreigners; Indians pay Rs 5, there’s a Rs 25 charge for video cametas,


Bhaja Caves & Forts


It’s a 3 km ride from the main road to the Bhaja Caves ( over the new expressway ) where the setting is lusher, greener and more peaceful than at Karla. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 Caves here are viharas ( monasteries ). While cave 12 is an open chaitya. Dating from earlier than the Karla caves, containing a simple dagoba but no sculpture. Beyond this is a strange huddle of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside a caves. The last cave on the south has some fine sculptures.


In the hills above the caves are a couple of derelict but atmospheric old forts. Lohagad Fort, which was twice taken by Shivaji and Visapur Fort.


Admission on the Bhaja Caves is another US $ 5 for foreigners and Rs 5 for Indians. Bedsa Caves


About 15 km past the KARLA and Bhaja turnoffs and 6km south – east of Kamshet station are the Bedsa Caves. These caves see very few visitors, partly because of the 3 km walk from Bedsa village to reach them and partly because the main cave a chaitya thought to date from

later than the one at Karla is much poorer in design and execution. Entry here is free.

Ellora

The world Heritage-listed cave temples of ellora, about from Aurangabad, are the pinnacle of deccan rock-cut architecture Over five centuries generation of Buddhist, hindu and jain monks carved monasteries, chapels and temple from a 2km – long escarpment and decorated them with a profusion of sculptures of remarkable imagination and detail

Because of the escarpment’s gentle slope in contrast to the sheer drop at Ajanta, many of the caves have elaborate courtyards in front of the main shrines. The caves run north – south and take on a golden radiance in the late-afternoon sun.In all there are 34 caves at ellora : 12 Buddhist ( AD 600 – 800 ), 17 Hindu ( AD 600 – 900 ) and five Jain ( 800 - 1000 ).


Ellora represents the renaissance of Hindusim Under the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties the subsequent decline of Indian Buddhism and a brief resurgence of Jainism under official patronage. The sculptural work at Ellora shows the increasing influence of Tantric element in India’s three great religions and their coexistence at one site indicates a prolonged period of religious tolerance.


The masterpiece of Ellora is the astonishing Kailasa Temple ( cave 16 ). Dedicated to Shiva, it is the worlds largest monolithic sculpture hewn from the rock by 7000 labourers over a 150 year period.


Entry to ellora is free except to the Kailasa Temple which costs US $ 10 for foreigners, Rs 10 forIndians. The caves are closed on Monday. Official guides can be hired at the ticket office in front ofthe Kailasa Temple for Rs 245 for up to four hour. They speak English and have a sound Knowledgeof the cave architecture. There’s a selection of guidebooks available at the site.
For three days in December the Kaliasa Temple is the backdrop for the annual Ellora Dance & musicFestival.


Buddhist Caves


The southernmost 12 caves are all Buddhist viharas, except cave 10 which is a chaitya. While theearliest caves are quite simple Caves 11 and 12 are much more ambitions probably in an attempt tocompete with the more impressive Hindu temples.


Cave 1 to 4


Cave one is the simplest vihara and may have been a granary. Cave solidly on the earth. Caves 3and 4 are earlier simpler and less well preserved.


Cave 5


This is the largest vihara in this group 18m wide and 36m long; the rows of stone benches indicatethat I may have been an assembly or dining hall.


Caves 6 to 9


As well as the large seated Buddha in the shrine room of cave 6, this ornate vihara also haswonderful images of Tara ( on the left ) consort of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. And of theBuddhist goddess of learning, Mahamayuri looking remarkably similar to her Hindu equivalentsaraswati. Cave 9 is notable for its wonderfully carved façade

Tholpetty

So much so that despite the legendary status of neighbouring Thirunelly and its own enlistment into the protective crescent of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, it has managed to remain undiscovered unspoilt. The fact that the following waters of the Papanashini River also cleanse your sins is a bonus.

Thirunelly Temple

The Thirunelly Temple wears the Brahmagiri backdrop like a giant clock. Its scenic beauty has made it a major attraction on the pilgrim circuit, minus the trappings of a pilgrim town. The shrine is shielded by 30 granite columns and faces east.

The structure is incomplete the result of an unresolved dispute between the Malabar king of Kottayam and the Maharaja of Mysore. An ancient aqueduct flows along the side commissioned by a Brahmin woman to top in to the Papanashini. At the new year’s celebration in mid-april the festivities feature a Panchavadyam ( a percussion ensemble ) performance besides Kathakali and Ottantullal ( dance ) while the town square hosts mythological dramas.

Male devotees can only enter bare-chested. Time your visit right for a helping of the delicious payasam, gratis. You can buy a small tub for RS 20 at the takeaway counter. To get to Thirunelly from Tholpetty drive 7 km to Thaettu Road junction than turn keft onto the narrow tar road leading to Thirunelly 13 km away.

Pakshipathalam

Garuda the vehicle of Vishnu and the King of Birds, stands guard over his subjects at Pakshipathalam an avian paradise. Karimala is 7 km north-west of the Thirunelly Temple. Karimala. Pakshipathalam and Brahmagiri are in a contiguous range.

Pakshipathalam meaning birds in the nether regions is a natural rock cave at northern end of the Brahmagiri Hills. The 6-km trek from Thirunelly takes you through dense jungle. There’s no accommodation, so most people do a day tripand return. If you are an avid bird-watcher, carry your own camping equipment and take a guide along for a prolonged stay. There’s watchtower on the banks of the papanashini a 40 – min walk from the temple that offers a good perch. There are a few private guides at Thirunelly to take you up to Pakshipathalam. The watchman from the forest Department will also shoow the way. There’s no fixed fee for guide services which must be negotiated. The usual fee is RS 200 – 250.

You’ll need permission from the District Forest Officer at mananthavady to roost at Pakshipathalam it’s best to write in ahead foe permission council at Kalpetta who can organsi guides to take you into Pakshipathalam and stay with you, and also rent you equipment. They charges RS 500 as guide fee for two days with a maximum stipulation of 10 people in a single group. A 4-beddemtemt is RS 350 sleeping bag Rs50,food 120. per head.. you cannot as yet camp inside Tholpetty though this is an the cards.

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

The park with its floating population of 900- odd elephants seems at first a natural extension of Nagarhole. As a matter of fact it forms a contiguous arc with the lesser half of the Wayanad Sanctuaary, Muthanga Indeed, your chances of finding yourself within shaking distance of a trunk are better here than at the more developed and frequented Nagarhole.

While the Sanctuary remains in awe of its Karnataka cousin, take advantage of the barely – there entry rates to buy yourself a DIY experience in wildlife tourism. Just drive your own wheels in the direction you choose for the stipulated 20 km allotted to all comers. If you are chary of getting lost in the deep dark places tribal guides will take you around for RS 100 per group of Indians and double per group of foreigners. You can take your own car into the sanctuary, but it had better be sturdy due to road conditions. Tholpetty is just 5 km across the Karnataka border from Kutta, 20 km before taluk HQ Mananthavady via Thaettu junction.
Entry fee. RS 5, Foreigners RS 10,

Vehicle entry RS 10, mini bus RS 25,Timings – 7-30 am to 9-30 am, 3-30 pm to 6 pm.
Timing – 7 am to 7 pm.

Where to stay and eat

Inspection Bungalow

Tariff : RS 450.

The Panchatirtha Rest House

Telephone No : 04935 – 210290.

Tariff : RS 125 – 500

Thalassery

Decidedly for the intelligent tourist. Thalassery caters to a diversity of interests. If tripping over history is your idea of a perfect holiday, north Malabar is exactly the place of your dreams. Thalassery tumbles out new enchantments nonchalantly, at each turn of its winding roads and pathways luring each of your senses to test and savour experience which will remain with you long after you have left this ancient kingdom of the Chirakkal Raja

Circus artistes


Keeleri Kunhikannan, a famed kalari exponent of his day, watched the British soldiers drill in their barracks. He absorbed the fundamentals of the what he saw into his particular expertise –and thus was born the Indian circus. He brought together groups of children and trained them in circus acrobatics.


The movement he started thrived and supplied artistes to all of the famous Indian circuses such as Gemini and Jumbo, which originated from here, since the circuses are always on the move, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see one here.


Fisherfilk Temple


A comfortable walk from the stadium will bring you to the temple of the fisherfolk near the maidan where cricket was first played in India 200 years ago. It stands on a beautiful stretch of beach, a symbol of gratitude to the Arabian Sea for its bounty and its grace.


The triad


The Catholic Rosary Church stands next to the English Church and fort, south-west of the cricket maidan. While the former pulses with the even tempo of daily prayer. The latter is closed. The juma masjid stands in friendly proximity. The three buildings stand together the congregations wafting their prayers on the same elements.


Wellesley’s Bungalow


Savour the peace and amble on to Wellesley’s Bungalow. The house owned by Mr Babar, a company man, played host to Lard Wellesley, hence the name. the honour is bestowed to the guest because it was Wellesley who introduced cricket to Indians. The land surrounding it might well become the Mecca of Indian cricket. It is in these environs, in the 18th century that Indians first played cricket. Cricket had already been played on Indian soil but only by the British. The house is now the home of a sub collector.


Tellicherry Fort


To get a bird’s eye-view of this whole complex, climb to the ramparts of the Tellicherry Fort ( also known as St Michael’s Fort ) south-west of the cricket maidan. Built in 1708 you can still see the pepper cellars from which trade was conducted. Situated on a headland guarding the port, it provides a panoramic view of sea and land picturesquely endorsing its invulnerability over the ages.


Timings – 9 am to 6 pm.


Where to stay and eat


Ayisha Manzil

Phone No : 0490 – 2341590.

Tariff : Rs 6,900.


Pai’s Presidency

Phone No : 0490 – 2342666 / 68.

Tariff : Rs 450 – 780.

Malampuzha

And her home is here, at Malampuzha at the bottom of the Western Ghats near forest and rivers amidst stone and grass. And you can admire her for as long as you wish, for she is not bashful nor will she budge an inch and you won’t feel voyeuristic for all around you, others – men, woman, children birds – are doing the same.

You are in Malampuzha the abode of Yakshi. Sculpted in concrete by Kanai Kunhiraman, Kerala’s best – known contemporary sculptor, Yakshi adorns the landscaped gardens of the irrigation dam at this popular picnic spot, perhaps Kerala’s earliest such attraction. Sometimes referred to as the Vrindavan of Kerala, this garden town derives its name from the curvy Malampuzha River, which flows though as a tributary of the Bharathapuzha, Kerala state’s second longest river.

Among the first exciting things you’d want to experience in Malampuzha is the Udan Khatola the passenger ropeway claimed to be the only one of its kind in south India. Any of its 64 two-seater chairs with their transparent hoods give you a beautiful view from a height of 60 ft of the Malampuzha Gardens at the foot of the blue hills. The 20-minute, 625 – m ride in the sky will thrill your kids. After that they’ll get more thrills on the toy train rides in the gardens.
You get on at Hermit’s End and get off at the KTDC hotel. The ride is reassuringly slow and you can get on or disembark from the chairs even while they are on or disembark from the chairs even while they are on the move. The ropeway is run by Usha Breco Ltd.

Ropeway Fee – RS 3 = 00, Timings 10 am to 1 pm, and 2-30 pm to 7 pm. Toy train timings 8 am to 8 pm.

Gardens And Roses

The Malampuzha Gardens on the banks of the reservoir often remind Keralites of Prem Nazir darting across rose plants as he wooed sheela in many a classic Malayalam Flim. Don’t be surprised if you get the urge to burst in to song yourself for the rose garden itself has over a hundred varieties. Malampuzha has all the other ingredients of a well-managed garden – manicured flowerbeds, fountains and pretty pathways.

The Rock Garden at Malampuzha is particularly worth spending time in. designed by the legendary Nek Chand Saini, the man behind the rock garden in Chandigarh, it reflects his unique method: a broken tile here, a fractured bangle there some discarded tincans – all reincarnated into High Art. The gardens are bathed in coloured lights from 7 to 8 pm on weekends, and during national holidays. On other days, if there are enough visitors you can get the officials to turn on the lights for free. Timings 10 am to 6 pm.

Where to Stay And Eat

Malampuzha Resort

Phone No : 0491 – 2815280

Tariff : Rs 60

Malampuzha Garden House

Phone No : 0491 : 2815217 / 2815191

Tariff :Rs 300 -750.

Lakkidi

Wildlife truly roams free in Wayanad whose forests share borders with Bandipur and Mudumalai. This vast stretch of protected earth is a haven of freedom for the fauna of Malabar and the Nilgiris. Add to that the relative lack of development of wayanad District and you get lots of pristine environment unblemished by the excesses of civilization.

So if you’re sick of civilized courtesies and sham creature comforts head to the twin jewels of Vythiri and Lakkidi, tucked into the wild beauty of the forests of Wayanad across the state border in Kerala. 5 km from Vythiri and often referred to as the gateway to Wayanad is 2,297 ft atop Thamarassery Ghat Pass, beyond which lie the Kozhikode Plains.

After Meghalaya’s Cherrapunji – Mawsynram region, Lakkidi registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world. If you travel along the 12 km ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi, amidst thick forests you’ll have to negotiate nine hairpin bends making for a thrilling ride.

Drive out from Lakkidi towords the ghat pass. Just before the ghat begins, you’ll come across a curious sight – the famous Chain Tree of Lakkidi, a Banyana Tree with chain wrapped around its trunk. The legend goes that a British engineer who did not know the road from Calicut to Wayanad was shown the way by an adivasi to preserve his claim.

Soon roads were built over Thamarassery Ghat pass and Wayanad was thrown open to the cost. But the new roads witnessed a spate of accidents soon after complication. A priest was called who attributed the accidents to the restless soul of the adivasi. So he chained his soul.

Pookote Lake

About 3 km from Lakkidi is this small and placid freshwater lake, 21 ft at its deepest and covered in parts with lotus flowers. Pookote Lake is the most visited tourist spot in Wayanad. Flanked by green hills it does make a pleasant spot for picnics and boating. From Vythiri it’s a kilometer on foot; so if you’re staying at one of the resorts there it’s a noice walk to the lake, which emerges from between the trees and dazzles the senses with its dark beauty. In the vicinity of the lake are a children’s park, an Uravu Eco-Shoppe selling local handicrafts and spices a nursery and a freshwater aquarium, when you’re done with for a free boat you could take a stroll along a 2-km pathway around the lake.
Boat raiding timings – 9 am to 6 pm, Sundays till 8 pm.

Where to stay and eat

Green Magic Nature Resort.

Phone No : 0471 – 2331507

Tariff – Rs - 5216 – 853286

Vythiri Resort

Phone No – 04936 – 25366 / 67

Tariff – Rs 3000 – 3500.

Rain Country Resort

Phone : 04936 – 255286 / 87

Tariff – Rs 2500 – 3000

Kozhikode

Arabs and Chinese met here in medieval trade, exchanging spices, coir and timber. In 1498,Vasco Da Gama to landed here at Kappad Beach, heralding the advent of Portuguese colonization in India. A small stone monument at Kappad commemorates his landing but that beach has not quite been developed into the major tourist destination one might expect.
Though Kozhikode it still the most important city in northern Malabar, don’t expect to see the bustle of trade that brought adventurers like Vasco here.

There is however much to see and do in this city of friendly folk. As for its name it derives from the words koyil ( palace ) and kotta ( fort ). The city was once surrounded by the fort built by the Zamorin, the ruler of Calicut, who encouraged trade with Arab traders by giving special concessions.


Though the local called it Kozhikode for the Arabs it was kalikat; for the Chinese, Kalifo; and for Europeans, Calicut. The British then immoratalised the name by calling the locally produced cloth ‘ calico’ Start with mithai theravu, literally Sweet Street, the busiest shopping strip in the city packed with sweetmeat stalls.


Don’t miss the famous ‘ Calicut Halwa’ that’s black or brown, and very very sweet. Also famous are ‘Calicut Chips’ banana chips that have been deep-friend in coconut oil. This street is not just for those with a sweet toot. There are also dozens of textiles and jewellery shops, as well as the odd bookshop. Most shops are open until 9 pm.


Mananchira Square


The former courtyard of the Zamorin and currently the heart of the city, has the Town Hall and the Public Library. The presence of temples mosques and churches here suggest the cultural plurality of the region. The 15th century Kuttichara Mosque, or Mishkal Masjid, was paartally burnt down by the Portuguese in 1510 but is still architecturally striking, and sports a traditional keralite pagoda – like roof. You’ll also find here on the banks of a large pond, one of Calicut’s oldest buildings the Commonwealth Trust Office built in the traditional Kerala style of Mangalore tiles and teak. The pond was once the place tank of king Mana Vikrama the Zamorin unceremoniously deposed by Da Gama.


Timber town


Just 6 km outside town is Lallai once the bustling centre of Calicut’s timber trade. Kallai is believed to have been the largest such trading centre in Asia exporting precious Malabar teak to distant shores. Though some timber trade still takes place kallai is. Alas a pale shadow of its past it’s still a quaint place though. Where you can catch sight of lumbermen rolling logs of timber. If you can get on to the old iron bridge over the kallai river you’re guaranteed a fine view and the best vantage point for your camera.


Were to stay and eat


Taj Residency

Phone No : 0495 – 2765354

Tariff : Rs 2200 – 3000


Beach Heritage Inn.

Phone No : 0495 – 2762055 / 57

Tariff : 1200 – 1400.


Malabar Palace

Phone No : 0495 – 2721511 / 17

Tariff : Rs 800 -2350

Kochi

Kochi was once notorious for its raucous cabarets but the moral police has since put paid to all that. For another the place’s unique geography – a mix of island small peninsulas backwaters and a natural harbour – lends it a charm unmatched by any other city in India.

The successive influences of the Portuguese the Dutch and the British have coated Kochi in a shroud of cultural influences that add to the unique ambience best exemplified by the fascinating samples of Indo-European architecture that dot the older parts of the city.

Unsurprisingly, Kochi is Kerala’s most cosmopolitan city boasting an eclectic mixture of Malayalies Jews, Muslims. Christians all engaged in some form of commerce or trade, which also explains why Kochi is Kerala’s most industrially developed city. So hoary is Kochi’s tradition as a centre for seafaring commerce that Nicolai Conti an Italian traveller of the Middle Ages, is reported to have declared “ if china is where you make your money then Cochin surely is the place to spend it”

Bolt Bolghatty Island

Bolghatty Island is the site of the Bolghatty Palace built by the Dutch in 1744 and later taken over by the British. A small patch of green accessible by ferry from the jetty near the High Court at the northern end of Marine Drive the island is now the site of Kerala Tourism’s Bolghatta Palace Hotel. The island also has a mini-golf course.

Explore Fort Kochi

This is the best part of Kochi, once an abscure little fishing village that become the first European township in India. And now home to some interesting history as well as the arresting sight of the sun setting into the Arabian Sea behind the mesh of Chinese nets. Kerala tourism has brought out a useful walking tour map and guide of Fort Kochi, which you can get from the Kerala Tourism office or from the private tourist Desk ( Phone No : 0484 – 2371761 ) at the dockside ticket office of the main boat jetty at Ernakulam.

Chinese Fishing Nets

These large contilevered fishing nets made of teak and bamboo with lights to attract fish as they are lowered into the water. Owe their origin to travelers from the court of Kubla Khan who arrived on the Malabar coast between 1350 and 1450 AD. Today if you go to the Vasco Da Gama Square a narrow promenade on the beach at the fort Kochi you can see then at close quarters.

Loaf on Princess Street

Princess Street was perhaps the earliest to be built in Fort Kochi and is lined with European – style buildings. The best view of the street can be got from Loafers’ corner the popular handout for the locals known more for their laidback all’s – well with – the – world attitude towards life.

Where to stay and eat

Bolghatty Palace Hotel.
Phone No : 0484 – 2750003.
Tariff : Rs 1600 – 7000.

The Trident
Phone No : 0484 – 2669595
Tariff : Rs – 2600 – 3700

Kannur

There is much to see and experience in and around the city. Check out Cherakkal Palace, the seat of the Cherakkal Rajas who once ruled over this region, 6 km from Kannur. Close to the Cherakkal Palace is the Arakkal Palace near the Portuguese St Agnelo’s Fort, the seat of the Ali Rajas. St Agnelo’s Fort, changed hands many times perfectly sited, the power which controlled the fort controlled the trade.

Standing on a promontory, the fort commands a view of the sea and the land. The church close by is built in the Portuguese baroque style.
Situated on the banks of the river Parassini a tributary of the Vallapattanam, the visitor should ideally arrive at the Parashinikadave Temple by boat as the earlier devotees were wont to.


The temple is about 16 km north of kannur, 2 km past the KTDC hotel on NH 17. it is Particularly sacred to the Thiyyas. The deity is Mothappan, an avatar of shiva. Along with him is Thiruvappan. The offerings are fish and toddy. Dogs are special favourites of the deity and votive offering of bronze dogs surround the sanctum.


Generally trousers and salwar-kameez are not accepted temple were. Time your visit to see the ritual dance here at 5-30 am and 6 pm. Strung all along the stretch from Kannur to Mahe, it is impossible to give an exhaustive list of beaches of this area. Each one is singular in its beauty Muzhappilangad Beach is one of the longest in Kerala.


Beaches


Strung all along the stretch from Kannur to Mahe, it is impossible to give an exhaustive list of beaches of this area. Each one is singular in its beauty Muzhappilangad Beach is one of the longest in Kerala. South Kannur the sand is so tightly packed that it is possible to drive all the way to Thalassery onto the beach – the only drive in beach in kerala. It is an awelie on the beach and look at Dharmadam Island or Green Island across the Anjarakkandy River. A ring of Projecting black rocks protects the shallow sea off the beach from the currents of the deeper ocean, making it lovely for bathing. You can wade to the island at low tide.


Payyambalam Beach


On the outskirts of Kannur towards the Cantonment is a popular picnic spot. The surf here in inviting. Cradled in rocks with verdant vegetation, Kizhunna Ezhara is a secluded beach just 11 km from kannur.


Wher to saty and eat


Mascot Beach Resort :

Phone No : 0497 – 2708445

Tariff : Rs 750 – 4500.


Malabar Residency :

Phone No : 0497 – 2701654 / 55 / 2765456,

Tariff : 1100 – 2000.

Bekal Fort

You remember Bekal Fort, don’t you ? that’s the spot so soulfully captured in a monsoon blue-grey wash by Mani Ratnam in the film Bombay, the ultimate trysting place where the here Arvind Swamy used to meet the Burqa-clad heroine Manisha Koirala. The 300-years old circular structure of red laterite. Tinged black by the battering elements stands on a 35 acre headland, 130 ft above sea level, the wind-lashed icy ocean ceaselessly mounting a barrage far below. Controlled by powers as varied as the Vijayanagar Kings, Tipu Sultan and the British Now the fort seems Controlled by the elements.

Ramparts peep-holes beautifully built up steps leading to a cove, all make for the ideal spot to picnic to navel-gaze to chill out, to shoot a movie to read a book. Oh and to catch a brilliantly dramatic crimson-and-gold setting of the sun a truly unforgettable experience I did warn you about these clichés. Bekal Fort is the cherry atop the pasty. All around lie miles and miles of palm groves, a long stretch of beachfront, pristine sands unspoilt \by people plastic and bottles. Long may it remain so. On the golden grassy knolls of the fort sit the Magazine, steps leading to an Observation Tower and score of picturesque peepholes.

Within the fortOn the golden grassy knolls of the fort sit the Magazine, steps leading to an Observation Tower and score of picturesque peepholes. There is an ancient Anjaneya Temple, a newly renovated mosque, a sea bastion and several underground passages that invite your curiosity. Bekal today still bears traces of being a sleepy little Kasaragode villge, flanked by the forest-covered western ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, with the Talapadi and Trikaripur rivers flowing in the vicinity. But not for much longer not if the Bekal Resort Development Corporation ( BRDC ) has its way. Plans are afoot to make Bekal On R Major Resort. Sixteen resort and hotels ( and we are talking five and seven star luxury here ) are to came up in idyllic spots that have been identified and acquired by the BRDC. Keeping eco-tourism firmly in mind the Corporation has planned Water management and waste disposal methods.Ancillary area development a road network and eventually a golf course convention centre swimming pool and clubhouse. It ought to be on stream by 2005. Bekal Fort Beach To one side of the imposing fort lies the shallow beach, quite the lotus-eater’s delight over run as it is with shells of all sizes and colours vast colonies of bashful crabs drink though because the little peti kada ( tea stall ) stocks just the bare rudimentaries of refreshment

Where to stay and eat.

Hotel City Tower

Phone No : 04994 – 230562 / 64

Tariff : 215 – 1035

Hotel Apsara Regency

Phone No : 04994 – 230124 / 220424.

Tariff – 250 - 650

Bekal International

Phone No : 04997 – 7202017

Tariff – Rs 125 - 700

Nagarhole

State : Karnataka
Distance : 210 km SW of Bangalore. Journey time by road 5 hrs.
Location : Nagarhole or Rajiv Gandi National Park, is in south west Karnataka, contiguous with tholpetty. Sanctuary in Kerala. Both are part of the nilgiri biosphere reseve
Route : SH 17 to srirangapatna via maddur; bypass to coorg via ranganathittu; SH 88 to hunsur; state roads to Nagarhole via Veeranahosahalli and murkal

Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the maharajas of mysore, Nagarhole national park was renamed after the late Rajiv Gandi but faces the same fact as Delhi’s Connaught place and connaught circle which are still called by their popular old names. So it is with Nagarhole. The park situated in the Dcccan Plateau, forms an integral part of the Nilagiri River winds through it and finally meets the kabini the largest river draining the forest. A dam built on the kabini has created a splendid lake to south of the park, which separates it from bandipur tiger reserve. To the south east lies the west coffee plantation separate the park from brahmagiri wildlife Sanctuary

This entire stretch is one of the finest remaining habitats of the Asian Elephant. Huge herds hang about in Nagarhole and its side that summer is the best time to see them. It is held that Nagarhole is worth visiting in the dry season when wild animals are spotted in large numbers near the water bodies but don’t bet your money on it. Successive dry spell have shriveled the water sources so much that the animals feel content lying in the shade away from view.

Take A Safary Tour

Nagarhole spread over a luxurious 640 sq km ( combining core and buffer forest zones )
Offers great sighting opportunities along the tracks as a 1000-ft area around either side has been cleared of vegetation allowing an unobstructed view of the forest. The forest department maintains the view line by clearing it of weeds and foliage thrice a year. At no point of time must you get down from your vehicle a rule the department enforces with diligence. I am just taking a piss might well prove to be your famous last world

The tourism zone covers only 30 sq km. the Forest Department’s one-hour 17 seat Bus Safari is too short noisy and completely avoidable. The jeep safari though expensive
(Rs 350 ) is quieter and much more conducive to game viewing. For all rides and safari get to the RFO’s office

The is no fee to enter Nagarhole, but private vehicle may not enter at all.
Camera fees – Still Rs - 15. Video – 150.
Timings – 6 am to 6 pm.
Bus safari – adults Rs 30. children Rs 10. foreigner Rs – 200.
Vehicle hire for safari – Bus Rs 400. minibus / van Rs – 300. quails / jeep Rs – 150.
Plus Rs – 25 per adult. Rs 5per child and Rs 150 for compulsory guide.


Where to stay and eat

Tourist complex of Nagarhole
Phone no – 08274 – 444221
cauvery - tariff Indian – Rs - 1000. Foreigners Rs - 2000.

Jungle Inn
Phone No – 0821 646022 / 322094. Tariff – Rs 1500 – 1800.

Vana Arathi
Phone No : 08274 – 444228 / 888. Tariff Rs – 1500.

Home Stay
Phone no – 080 – 5272864 / 5210524. Tariff Rs – 1440 – 2070.

Chilligiri Estate
Phone no – 08274 – 444265. Tariff Rs – 200 – 300.

Kabini

State : Karnataka
Distance : 208 km W of Bangalore. Journey time by road 5 hrs. Train 3 hrs + 1 ¾ hrs road
Location : at the south-eastern end of Nagarhole by the backwaters of the Kabini River, 69 km from mysore
Route : SH 17 to mysore via maddur and mandya; SH 17d ( mananthavady road ) to Antarasante via chattanahalli and Hampapura; district road to karapur

This is invention to take part in one of the greatest elephant shows in Asia. It doesn’t consist of pachyderms kicking a football around, or riding a tricycle. This elephant shows is all about raw intensity, wild passion, brute magnetism and a sense of unbrideld power being exuded by the very air around. This is an arena where you have not three of four or six elephants doing the star turn but 200. or maybe 250 in just one evening.

Quite the extraordinary things about the kabini area is the existence of a mindblowing 60 sq km of static water inside the forest precincts, the result of a dam built across the river at Beechanahalli. The water bifurcates the national parks of nagarhole and bandipur in glorious abandon on its shores.


Jeep Safari

The jungles around have a primeval touch to them. Tall trees hugh bamboo brakes remote ponds, hillocks and above all the backwaters. Hop onto a jeep and drive around. early morning are just the time you can see the jungle waking up, the leaves and shrubbery washed clean with the dew. peacocks call out the denizens of the wild as if to say good morning folks ! the gray langurs have already started to eat breakfast high up on the branches. They jump noisily from tree to tree completing the round of the buffet spread !. A of driftwood by the side of a jungle pond. Large herds of chital hang around by the side of game road mostly in a state of languorous repose seemingly informed fully of the tiger’s itinerary!

Evening turn an a magic of a different kind. The sun is busy playing a round of hide and seek from within the cluster of trees. Shades of gray and spots of brilliant light bring about a phantasmagoric feel. The elephant would have begun to assemble by the backwater and also the other occupants in a congregation that could be a slim version of the animal kingdom’s Kumbh Mela! As you soak in the sights with the jeep’s engine switched off, it is only the shrill trumpeting of a frisky young elephant as it gambols with its cousins that can bring you back to earth.


And then you have a water source in the Sunkadakatte area named Tiger Tank for the frequent sightings of the feline in its vicinity. The beautiful Bisaldadi Kere lake with its watch tower is anther good point to spot both the spotted and striped varieties of big cats.

Boat Ride

Gliding along the water with the thick jungle all around you, you’re able to come close to various herds of animals on the shores will the birds take off in silence at the sight of your approaching boat, the animals continue to make preparations for a nightcap by the kabini.


Where To Stay And Eat


Sunkadakatte Guest House
Reservation DCF Hunsur.
Phone No : 08228 – 2652041. Tariff - Rs 750.

Kabini River Lodge
Phone No : 08228 - 264401 / 05. . Tariff Rs – 2000 – 2300 ( per person per night )

Water woods Phone No : 08228 – 264421 / 22/ 31. Tariff Rs – 4500 – 6500

Dubare

State : Karnataka
Distance : 227 km SW of Bangalore. Journey time by road 6 hrs.
Location : the dubare forest a popular haunt with tuskers lies on the south bank of the cauvery in eastern Kodagu
Route : SH 17 to srirangapatna bypass to coorg via Ranganathittu; Sh 88 to Guddehosur intersection via Hunsur and Kushalanagara state road to Dubare via hosapatna


For a river that’s so woven into the fabric of coorg there pfecious little you see of the cauvery. It leaps down from its perch at Talakaveri on Brahmagiri and disappears only to reappear like a divine goddess at Bhagamandala where it meets the descent breaks up the stream into tributaries that form such a lattice of rivulets it could teach FMGG companies a thing or two about distribution. It is this network of veins that breaathes life into coorg making it a living pulsating organism. While nearly every estate has its own stream or waterfall the main river silently slides through a thick forest cover unnoticed if it weren’t for the bridge after Kushalnagar you wouldn’t even know it existed

But the river runs almost parallel to an 18-KM backlane that connects guddehosur to the Madikeri – Siddapur Road. This unexplored stretch of the cauvery, hemmed in by the Dubare Reserve Forest and the road is one of the best riverside jaunts in coorg. So hopelessly exposed, the river is forced to disgorge its little known treasures the glint of a mahseer’s scales the frolicking of elephants, the splash of blue of a white – throated kingfisher the childish gurgle of the river and the dull dwoop of a wild mango falling into the river before being swept away.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp

Jungle lodges runs the elephant training camp sandwiched berween the south bank of the cauvery and the dubare reserve forest a place to watch elephant in different states of euphoria Traditionally this was where the elephant for the mysore dasara used to be trained currently they lead a pensioner’s life used mostly for jungle rides and sometimes for capturing new recruits with help rom the local Kuruba tribes. The camp being developed as a wildlife adventure camp is home ti 14 elephant. Jungle lodges plans to build riverside tents and develop sport fishing in the second phase. For now the camp serves as a partical info-centre on bangalaore

Phone No : 080 – 5597021 / 24 / 25. tariff – 200.
Will offer accommodation after December 2003. until then, it welcomes day-trippers. The tariff includes tea and snacks, the services of a naturalist who’ll enlighten you about elephant conservation with the tuskers.

White Water Rafting

The best things up for grabs here is seasonal white – Water rafting down the cauvery till Cauvery Nisargadhama, recently introduced and run by Jahn Pallared for jungle lodges. You start at 8-30 am and spend the next there hours gliding down the river than take a 45 minute drive back to Dubare which is covered in the cost of Rs 800. children should be
above 12 years to participate and adults should have no medical problems / conditions.

Contact jungle lodges Bangalore
Phone No : 080 – 5597021 / 24 / 25

The Last Resort’s Raj Shekhar
Phone No : 91-9844065705

Coorg Dale’s Geoffrey Muthanna
Phone No : 08276 – 297496 to book your white water rafting trip.

Halebid

State : Karnataka
Distance : 226 km W of Bangalore. Journey time by road 4 1/2 hrs.
Location : situated a short distance from the foothills of the western Ghats. 16 km from belur. 32 km from hassan and 90 km from Sravanabelgola.
Route : NH 04. to Nelamangala ; NH 48 to Hassan via Kunigal. Yediyur and Channarayapatna; state highway to halebid

Halebid is one of Karnataka’s open secrets. Although supposedly on the well – worn tourist path. I have seldom met people who have actually been to halebid. And the once who have seen the place – well they’ve been there done that and said little about it.

Capital of the Hoysala Empair which flourished in the 12th and 13th centuries Hale Bedu
( old city ) is the most apt of several names that are tagged on to this little town in Karnataka. Another ancient name was Dwarasamudra gateway to the sea – indicating the numerous water bodies that must have been in the vicinity at the time. A town on can walk about in should one choose to do so halebid is still one of those deserted places that unexpectedly comes upon you round a bend in the road. And surprises you with its charm. It is surrounded by fields which now cover the area of what used to be a large tank providing irrigation to the surrounding areas.

On clear days from the road one can see the Gomateswara statue at Sravanabelgola looming n the distance. Owing to its proximity to Bangalore. Most people do halebid as a day trip, so ironically it’s a great place to spend a couple of days since few people stay the night.

There’s nothing to do in Halebid except walk around the temples, admire the carvings and breathe deeply. The main attraction is the Hoyasaleswara Temple, which actually comprises two temples joined by a single platform. The second temple is the Shantaleswara Temple. Together they took roughly 100 years to build and are still incomplete. This temple is set in a pristine lawn and the restoration work done on the temple gives one an impression of impeccability. The highlight is the nature of carvings done on the walls which are so intricate as to resemble carving done on sandalwood rather than stone.

Halebid is in almost pristine condition after almost a thousand years of living history visiting is a pleasure partly due to that fleeting sense of reconnaissance one experiences on seeing the Hoyasaleswara Temple a relic from almost forgotten history textbook and partly owing to jewellery – like sculpture of the temple.

The best part of Halebid is its finely executed carved sculptures. Along with Khajuraho and konark, Halebid is one of those temples with ornate carving which are precisely done. These are so numerous on the walls that they should from a noisy cluster with humans and animals speaking to each other but they don’t. the temple although incomplete resembles a finely engraved casket. Some of the sculptures are actually hollow, rather than being simply carved on to the walls. So a stick passed into the ear of a figure can come out through the nose and so. On strict Vastu Shastra has been followed to make the temple extremely comfortable even in hot weather. One walls. for instance is completely solid to block out the afternoon sun. whereas the other has numerous perforation to allow air and light to enter with out increasing the temperature inside. The resultant inner space is cool, dim and lovely.

Where To Stay

In Halebid Karnataka Tourism’s Mayura Shanthala
Phone No : 08177 – 773224. Tariff Rs – 150 – 275.

Tourist Cottages
Phone No : 08177 – 773224. Tariff Rs – 210 – 275

The Suvarna Regency
Phone No : 08177 – 264006 / 266774 / 264279. Tariff : 303 – 880.

BR Hills

State : Karnataka
Distance : 235 km S of Bangalore. Journey time by road 5 hrs. Rail – 3 + Road 2 hrs
Location : Br hills lies 3375 ft above sea level between the cuvery and Kapila rivers in Chamarajanagar District
Route : NH 209. to Chamarajanagar via Kanakapura, Malavalli and Shivanasamudram, state road to BR Hills

What can you say about a place where the local deity is a wandering spirit who wears outsized sandals ? and a region so wild that the milestones are painted yellow and green for fear of marauding elephants. For some obscure reason, wild elephants in these parts get so peeved by white milestones that they pull them out and fling them around. The forest department recently pulled one of these specimens out of a tree. Welcome to BR Hills. BR hills short and sweet for Biligiri Rangana Betta. Used to be a mere temple on a hillock with a rarely visited wildlife sanctuary nearby. That until jungle lodges transformed it into the wildest vacationing spot in Karnataka. The range stretches from north to south for about 16km and takes its name from the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
Which stands atop its highest point. Though Biligiri in Kannada means white mountain the name is clearly a misnomer. The entire area is a thick forest of green dotted by deciduous tree and patches of shoal rainforest.

Things To See And Do

BR Hills is an excellent area for wildlife trekking and adventure activities. The terrain is dotted by peaks and hilltop temples, which offer spectacular views. The forest cover is thick, with a wide range of flora and fauna an view. A walk through the woods is an enriching experience though the best way to explore and know about the area is by interacting with the local soliga hill tribes.


Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple

This centuries – old temple is dedicated to lord Rangaswamy and is perched atop a hill reached byn150 odd steps. Nearby is a 1000 ft drop to the forest below. Recently a steep road was also constructed that offers spectacular views all around. The Temple Trust


offers basic accommodation to those who might be interested in spending a night the only time the trickle of local to this secluded temple becomes a deluge is during the Ratha ( chariot ) festival that takes place every April. Once in two years the local tribes also offer the deity a large pair of slippers made out leather.


Dodda Sampige Mara

Literally the Big Champak Tree: Dodda Sampige Mara is a 2000 years old giant tree that still flowers in season. The tree is deeply revered by the local soliga tribals who believe it is the abode of lord Rangaswamy. Its believed that other deities also reside here and here represented by over 101 stone lingas

BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 525 sq km of undulating hills. BR hills is a treasure house of varied animal life. The sanctuary a wonderful blend of the Biligiri Rangaswamy and Male Mahadeshwar ranges, forms an important link between the eastern ands the western Ghats if India. Apart from dhole, sloth bear and wild boar, the park is on excellent one to observe bison and elephant with a greater chance of sighing a leopard here than in other parks BR Hills is also home to 270 birds of which 210 are migrant species including the exotic paradise Flycatcher, Rocket- -tailed Drongo and the Crested Hawk Eagle. For trip with in the park one can either trek up on foot or opt for jeep safaris or elephant rides. If you’re staying at the jungle lodges resort everything is taken care of. If you are not make sure you take prior permission from the forest department at Chamarajanagar.


Where To Stay And Eat

K Gudi Camp
Phone No : 08226 – 706086. Tariff Rs 1350 – 1500