Tamil Nadu

" Devotion At Highest Levels ! "

" Tamil Nadu is also popular as 'land of temples' for its grand temples that are architectural masterpieces. There are 30,000 plus temples constructed by rulers of different dynasties over the years. These Tamil Nadu temples are standing testimony to the rich Dravidian art and culture. Each temple showcases a distinctive style, built by Chola, Pallava, Nayak, Pandya and Vijaynagar rulers, who were great patrons of art and architecture.

Temples Construction Under Different Dynasties

Pallavas
 The temples built under the regime of Pallavas are the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu, dating back to 700 AD. During their period the holy shrines were replicated out of caves. Pallavas had an art of constructing temples of stones.

Cholas
 From 900 AD to 1250 AD, the Cholas took responsibility for the construction of temples. They included many decorative mandpams (halls) and the temples were beautified with huge gopurams (towers).

Pandyas
 The Pandayas enhanced the artistic value of the temples of Tamil Nadu with their constant innovation. The Pandayas introduced high wall enclosures, superb gateway arches and huge towers.

Vijaynagar
 Tamil Nadu temples built during Vijaynagar dynasty has distinct style of architecture. It comprised of intriacately carved monolithic pillars.

Nayaks
 The splendid art architectural style in Tamil Nadu temple during the regime of Nayaks was marvelous. They added circulatory paths or prakarams.

 

 

Temples of Tamil Nadu

Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar
Amongst the most important and most visited temples in Tamil Nadu, Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chidambaram is a significant Saivite shrine. The dominant deity here is the cosmic dancer Nataraja (Ananda Tandava pose ; the Cosmic Dance of bliss).
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Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi With one of the biggest temple complexes in the country, Meenakshi Temple is thronged by lakhs of pilgrims every year from every nook and corner. Situated in Madurai, this South Indian temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi.

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Madurai Murugan Temple
Dedicated to Lord Muruga, this temple of Tamil Nadu finds a place in the list of 33 important temples of Tamil Nadu. It is at a distance of 45 km from Chennai and 25 km from Chingleput.
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Rameshwaram Temple
For Hindus, Rameshwaram is as significant a holy destination as Varanasi in India.It is, infact significant for Shaivaites as well as Vaishnavaites.
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Kanyakumari Temple
Kanyakumari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanya, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and is one of the most sacred temples of Tamil Nadu.

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Chayavaneashwara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Chayavaneashwara temple in Tamil Nadu attracts a largen number of devotees every year.
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Chennai Krishnapuram Temple
Krishnapuram temple houses numerous statues that would interests sculptures and other artistic minds. These have also mesmerised a lot of visitors to this temple.
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Kumbeswara Temple
This is the biggest and the oldest Shiva temple situated right in the middle of Kumbakonam city. The main deity of this temple is Lord Kumbeswara and the main Goddess is Sri Mangalambigai.
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Swamimalai Temple
The Swamimalai Temple is one of the six holy temples of Lord Subramanya. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminathan.
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St. Stephen's Church
It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Turner, Bishop of Calcutta, on November 5,1830. It was named after the Governor because he was primarily responsible for its construction. It was opened to local people on communion on Easter,1831.
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Airavatheeswara Temple
This temple has found itself a places in the list of UNESCO World heritage Site. Raja Raja II built it between 1150- 1173 AD.
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Kailasamundaiyar Temple
The highlight of this temple are the inscriptions on the wall that are the oldest references to to Sankara Bhashyam, a commentary on Sankara's philosophy by Chidaananda Bhattaara. The inscription is written in Tamil language with a Sanskrit words in between written in Grantha characters.
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Nageswaran Temple
Built in the initial years of 11th century, this temple is an excellent example of Chola sculpture. It attracts many foreigners anxious to understand the rock wall edicts and study the sculptures.

 

 

Jaipur Rajasthan

Jaipur

Jaipur is the 'Pink City' and the capital of Rajasthan, India. It was the King Sawai Jai Singh II who found the city Jaipur on 18 November 1727. He was the monarch of Amber city, which is another spot with good population of 3.1 million as per current data. As per experts, Jaipur is the optimum planned city of India, which is positioned in the land with semi-desert of Rajasthan. Jaipur is having countless monuments and forts with special and unique designs. The structure within the city reminds the flavour of the Rajput’s and different ruled majestic families. Presently, Jaipur is turned as a big-business centre which is directly connected with many key cities of India for diverse types of trading. Some big areas of Jaipur are St. Xavier's School, Vaishali Nagar, Mansarovar, Sanganer, Amba-Bari, Jhotwara and Raja Park, etc.

 

Tourists are reaching this Indian tourist place with the large amount every year because the monuments, and the tourist places are amazing as well as providing the complete knowledge of old rulers of India. There is the big story behind the name big city of this famous destination. The Jaipur city was coloured with terra cotta pink in 1876. This was done for greeting of Prince Albert from British rulers as it was the influx of him to the Jaipur city. 

 

The key tourist spots of Jaipur are Jantar Mantar, The Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal (air palace), Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, Amber Fort, Maharaja Palace, The Jal Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, and Madhvendra Palace.

Monuments and Forts in Jaipur:

Loads of forts and monuments in Jaipur allow a tourist to enjoy the destination with countless excitement. Some of the top most favourite Indian tourist places in Jaipur are Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Central Museum, Rambagh Palace, City Palace and Albert Hall Museum. This beautiful city is covered by rugged hills from all sides.

Hawa Mahal: this is the palace known as Winds House and some people call it as “Palace of Breeze." This Mahal was built in 1799 by King Sawai Pratap Singh. The best part of Hawa Mahal is it is designed as crown of Lord Krishna. The exclusive five-storey outer structure of Mahal is similar to the honeycomb. It is constructed with red and pink stone situated in the main center of the city. 

 

Jaigarh Fort: a fort positioned on the premonitory is known as Hill of Eagles (Cheel ka Teela). This fort was constructed by King Sawai Jai Singh III in 1726. The cause of construction of this fort was to protect the Amer fort from attackers. The length of Jaigarh fort is 3 kms.

 

Amber Fort: Amer Fort which is also pronounced as Amber Fort situated in Amer town of Jaipur. This fort is positioned at 4 km distance from the city. Amber fort is major spot for a tourist, situated at high Aravali hill. It was built by King Man Singh First.

 

Nahar Garh Fort: This known fort stands on the hill of Aravalli Ranges. The overwhelming sight of the beautiful city is special thing to watch from this fort. It was constructed as strong protection ring for Jaipur city. Earlier, this fort was named as Sudarshan Garh, but later the name was changed to Nahar Garh fort.

 

Jantar Mantar: The stunning collection of structural astronomical instruments presents in Jantar Mantar is special thing to watch in Jaipur. This structural design was built by King Jai Singh Second among 1727 to 1734. The key use of Jantar Mantar was to get the exact time as per sun rays. 

 

City Palace: one more palace, including two different Mahal in the area is City Palace. It includes Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal with some more buildings. The edifice of this Mahal was done between 1729 to 1732, and the founder was King Jai Singh Second. 

 

Jal Mahal: a palace constructed in the City Lake is another best spot in Jaipur. The meaning of Jal Mahal is Water Palace, which means palace surrounded with water. The boats offered to attain the Mahal are specially designed by boat-makers of Vrindavan. They have crafted the boats in Rajput style, which is again special thing for a tourist. 

 

Few other tourist spots in Jaipur are Central Museum, Rambagh Palace and Albert Hall Museum. The diverse designs of spots allow visitors to learn about the Jaipur city and its creation.

Attaining to Jaipur:

By Road: Roads of Jaipur are neat and clean with broad lanes. Visitors can go through road as the NH 8 is directly connected to Jaipur through big cities of India. NH 12 and NH 11 is also properly maintained and better routes to reach Jaipur through road. Rajasthan Roadways buses are available frequently to reach Jaipur.

By Rail: Jaipur City is headquartering the North Western Indian Railway zone. The broad gauge railway lines from the Jaipur station permit many big trains to cross the City. The major trains from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai,Chennai, Hyderabad, Kota, Bangalore, Gandhinagar, Coimbatore, Kochi, Indore,Pune, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Nagpur, Lucknow, Raipur, Kanpur, Varanasi,Allahabad, Farrukhabad, Trivendrum, and Patna are available direct to Jaipur. The most comfy train of the planet “The Palace on Wheels” is also having scheduled stop in Jaipur.

By Air: JIA (Jaipur International Airport) is having a huge airbase of national and international flights. Flights from Delhi and many other cities of India are available for Jaipur. The airport is positioned in Sanganer town situated at just 10 km distance from the city.

 

 

 

Gwalior Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior - Historical Place of India

Gwalior is the rich musical city of MP (Madhya Pradesh), India. Gwalior is just 122 kms distant from Agra, whereas Bhopal is situated at 423 km distance. 

 

Gwalior Fort is world-famous and people are reaching the spot throughout the year. History behind the fort permits people to study concerning the several hands controlled the Gwalior fort and the city at different periods. Tomaras rulers administered the city in 8th century, though Mughal came in this period and got the Gwalior under their region. In 1754, great Marathas ruled the city and later Rani Lakshmi Bai; Tatiya Tope and East India Company ruled the Gwalior city.

Gwalior is famous for educational centers as well like IITM (Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management), IITTM (Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management), Madhav Institute of Technology and Science (MITS), Scindia School, and LNIPE (Laxmibai National Institute of Physical Education). The big five government universities situated in Gwalior are Jiwaji University, RVSAU (Rajmata Vijyarahe Scindia Agriculture University), MMST (Maharaja Maan Singh Tomar music and arts university), LNU (Laxmibai National University of Physical Education) and IIITM. ITM University and Amity are two private universities of Gwalior city having numerous branches in different cities of India.

 

This fourth-largest city of MP is offering countless places for tourism. Gwalior is a strong cultural heritage with plenty of historical Indian tourist places. Gwalior is also known for birth of Indian classical music. Tourist will see the difference by walking the street in the night as many people of Gwalior start singing and doing practices. This musical city has given many big singers to Indian musical industry. The big name in Hindustani classical music singer is Tansen, who was from Gwalior. Vocalist Onkarnath Thakur was also from Gwalior.

Tourist destinations of Gwalior:

Maharaj Bada: must-visit place of Gwalior having the largest market of the city. 7 different ancient structures of diverse styles such as Chinese, Italian, Mughal, Russian, Rajputi, makes the spot different from other markets.

 

Gopachal Parvat: this is the town hall positioned on the hilly land Gwalior. It includes exclusive sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras. Here tourist will also see the world’s largest idol of Lord Parshvanath seated on a lotus. The height of idol is 47 feet, and the breadth is 30 feet. The sequence of 26 statues of Jain Gurus is also special about this place.

 

Tomb of Rani Lakshmi Bai: another tourist place for visitors is the tomb of Rani Lakshmi Bai who was the freedom fighter from Gwalior. This Indian queen laid her life in 1857 in Gwalior fighting against British Government. 

 

Municipality Museum: next spot for a tourist is a municipality museum of Gwalior positioned at small distance from the tomb of Rani Lakshmi Bai.

 

Sun Temple (Vivsvaan Mandir): recently constructed Sun temple is the also special place of Gwalior. It is sited near the residency of Morar. 

 

Jai Vilas Palace: This Mahal is turned as a museum of Scandia’s. The worth seeing antique's sets placed in the museum is special. Here tourist will see the world’s biggest chandelier.

 

Gwalior Trade Fair: the biggest fair of India started in 1905 is conducted in Gwalior. It was begun by Maharaja Madho Rao, one of the rulers of Gwalior.

 

Shyam Vatika: other spots to visit in Gwalior is Shyam vatika, which is the world's largest indoor banquet hall.

Tansen's Tomb: Tansen is having a very important role in Mughal Empire and his tomb situated in the city is special with the musical kind of architecture. Tansen was awarded many times for his music, and he was recognized as the gem of Mughal Ruler Akbar.

 

Gaus Muhammad's Tomb: other tombs to visit is Gaus Muhammad's tomb. 

 

Gwalior Fort: Gwalior is mainly famous for fort, which is beautifully constructed by the rulers of Gwalior. Babar expressed this fort as the pearl of India, which is isolated on rock. Gwalior fort is the largest fort of India.

 

Gujari Mahal: the palace constructed in 15th century is another special monument for visitors. This palace was structured by King Mansingh Tomar to express his love to Gujar Queen, Mrignayani. Worth seeing the statue of Shalbhanjika is special in this Mahal. Though, it is open after the special permission from the museum's curator. 

 

Saas-Bahu Temple: A temple constructed in 9th is placed in Gwalior. The artistic value of this temple makes is special and tourist from native plus other states are reaching Gwalior to pray in the temple. Visitors get puzzled by the name of this temple, which actually means temple of Shashtra Bahu that is another name of Lord Vishnu.

 

Teli Ka Mandir: a temple which is also known as Telangana Mandir is situated in Gwalior. The inimitable structural design of the temple makes it diverse from other shrines of the city. 

 

Roop Singh Stadium: the international level of cricket ground is also situated in Gwalior. Approximately, 10 ODI (One-Day International) matches being conducted in this stadium. 

 

Zoo: those who love watching animals can visit the zoo of Gwalior. The inimitable collection of animals which include White tiger and many other wild animals is special for visitors.

Tiger Dam: this dam is situated on the external area of the city. Tiger dam is the special place for a picnic, and tourist can enjoy the Sank River's side with some amazing natural views.

 

Attaining to Gwalior through

Air: Gwalior is having a big international airport, though frequent domestic flights are available from Delhi and many other cities of India to reach Gwalior.

Rail: the big rail network of Gwalior connects the city with Delhi, Jhansi, Agra and many other big cities of the country.

Road: Roads of MP are somehow disturbed but reaching Gwalior. 

Few Interesting Pictures of Gwalior

 

 

 

 

Alwar Rajasthan

Alwar

Alwar is the metropolis and administrative headquarters of District Alwar, Rajasthan. People who love adventure should visit this Indian tourist place as it is positioned with high hills of Aravali. The closest big metro city near Aravali is Delhi with 160 km distance only. Next easy connected city is Jaipur, which is just 150 km.

 

Alwar is the place where the India's highest temperature of 50.6 °C was recorded on 10th May, 1956 so tourist can judge this as a hottest place of India.

Background of Alwar: The Alwar was established by Pratap Singh, a very well-known rajput ruler of the Kachwaha ancestry. He found the city in 1770, though his son surrenders the British and Alwar was ruled under English rulers. According to history, many rulers ruled Alwar at different periods, so there is a big list of rulers and ample of wars in this place. Tourist will get the countless proofs of the fights fought by different kinds of Marathas, Rajput, British and other casts.

Some of the known rulers of Alwar state were Pratap Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1775 to 1791), Bakhtawar Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1791 to 1815), Bane Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1815 to 1857), Sheodan Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (rulded from 1857 to 1874), Mangal Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1874 to 1892), Jai Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1892 to 1937), Tej Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (ruled from 1937 to 1971). However, the kinds and their kingdom are over now but still the Maharaja of Alwar is present, and the present king is Jitendra Pratap Singh Prabhakar Bahadur.

Alwar is rich with numerous mineral resources such as marble, felspar, granite, dolomite, lime stone, quartz, soap stone and barites. These minerals are transferred to many other states of India and also being exported to countless countries.

Visiting the attractions in Alwar:

Alwar Fort: The Alwar fort which is also known as Bala Quila is best thing to watch in Alwar. Here tourist will see ample of proofs of fights of different rulers at diverse periods. However, tourists have to take special permission from SP of Alwar to enter the fort. 

 

Sariska Tiger Reserve: this is the tiger reserve national park situated in the Alwar district. The straight road of this reserve will reach to the Sariska Palace which is one more spot for a tourist. Dry deciduous forests and rocks with grasses are special things to watch at reserve. Earlier, this region was used for hunting the tiger by the British and Indian rulers.

Siliserh Lake: this Lake is a stunning in looks spread in 7 Kms area. However, tourist has to travel for 165 Km from New Delhi to reach this lake of Alwar region. It was built by King Vinay Singh in 1845, and reason was to provide the water to the city in summer season. The magnificent view of hills from the lake is astonishing so tourists are definitely going to enjoy this spot of Alwar.

Jagannath Temple: this lord Vishnu temple is special with Marathas architectural design. Jagannath temple is constructed in old city of Alwar where a tourist can also watch the local old market of the city. The Rath Yatra in this temple is special moment, and people are reaching the spot from throughout the country to watch this Yatra.

Narayani Mata Temple: this shrine is just 14 kms away from Siliserh Lake so a tourist can enjoy the lake and get blessings from Mata for better future. This place is the holiest pilgrimage site of Alwar, and people are reaching the temple for complete year.

Ajabgarh: next place to visit is Ajabgarh, which is 21 kilo meter away from the Alwar city. Ajabgarh is famous for temples of Shri Ranghnath Dev Ji.

 

There are loads of more tourist spots in Alwar district like Bharathari, Bhangarh, Naldeshwar, Karni Mata Temple, Pandupole, Taal-Vraksh, Saagar, Jaysamand Lake, Barrod - Fort & Rundha and Old Sikar Gaha.

Attaining Alwar

By Air: The bordering airport to reach Alwar is New Delhi Airport, which are just 163 kms distant from Alwar.

By Road: road is the best way to reach Alwar as the Rajasthan roads are clean and properly maintained. The direct buses from Delhi, Bharatpur, Sariska, Deeg and Jaipur are available all time so tourist can hire the bus for Alwar.

By Rail: The closest big railway network is Delhi. Other stations directly connected to Alwar are Jodhpur and Mumbai so a tourist can get the buses from such spots.

Few Impressive Images of Alwar