Saturday, 8 November 2014

Silathoranam is a natural rock formation in Tirumala, which is situated near the Chakra Theertham. This rock formation holds an archaeological importance and resembles the hood of a serpent, a discus and a conch.
Local inhabitants also believe that this rock is dedicated to the idol of Lord Venkateswara. It actually dates back millions of years and is generally categorized as a pre-Cambrian rock formation.
This site is equivalent to two other sites in the world, including the Rainbow Arch Bridge of Utah in the USA and the other cutting through the headland of the Dalradian Quartzite in UK. It was found accidentally while geologists were digging a geological fault on the hills of Tirumala. 
How to Reach
By Air
The Tirupati Airport is located at Tirumala, about 14 kilometres away from the city centre. The Tirupati Airport is well connected to the airports at Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, which in turn are well connected to major cities in India. You can hire a taxi or a cab from the airport to get to your preferred location in the city.
By Bus
Tirupati is well connected to all the major cities in the state by the Andhra Pradesh State Run Transport Corporation buses. Cities in Karnataka are connected to Tirupati through the services of Karnataka State Run Transport Corporation buses. Private buses also ply from many South Indian cities to Tirupati.
By Train
The Tirupati Railway Station is well connected to the major railway stations in South India. You can board a bus or hire a taxi to get to your preferred destination in the city.
Road/Self Drive
It’s a pleasant drive from the nearby cities of states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to Tirupati. You can hire a cab or get behind the wheel yourself and explore the beautiful countryside where nature and architecture mingle to form a panorama of beauty and bliss.
Book your Silathoranam holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Silathoranam,Andhra Pradesh,India

Location: Sila Thoranam Rd, Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504, India

Thursday, 6 November 2014

Nallamala Forest is one of the largest undisturbed stretches of forest in South India. It is located in the Nallamala Hill which is a part of the Eastern Ghats. It is spread over five districts namely, Kurnool, Guntur, Kadapa, Mahabubnagar and Prakasam. 
The highest peak of these forest is sikhareswaram which is about 2835 feet above sea level. You can also watch here the Cumbum Lake which is belongs to 15th century AD. This lake was considered one among the oldest man-made lake made in Asia.
Breathtaking views of Nallamala ranges can be seen enroute to Srisailam. Almost half stretch of this journey belongs to the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is also common to sight wild animals in some parts of this route.
The calm and peaceful environments all-around of these forest attracts thousands of people from different part of Andhra.
This is the perfect place to spend some hours close to nature. The healthy climate of these forest will surely rejuvenate you and you will fill with lot of happiness and enjoyments. 
How to Reach
By Road: If you are reaching in your own vehicle then get the highway of Vijayawada to Guntakal. A route is good, but covered with dense forest so be careful when you drive especially in night. Buses for Srisailam are available from almost every city of Andhra Pradesh. 
By Rail: Closest railway station for Nallamala hills are Hyderabad and Vijayawada.

Nallamala Forest,Andhra Pradesh,India

Location: Nallamala Forest, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh 509326, India

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Mahanandi is a holy Shivaite pilgrimage center located in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. This is also one of the famous Andhra Pradesh places to visit.
Located to the east of Nallamala Hills, Mahanandi is a picturesque village surrounded by thick forest. Within 15 km radius from Mahanandi, there are nine Nandis (Bulls) known as Nava Nandis. Mahanandi is famous for the Mahanandiswara Temple and foremost shrines of Nava Nandis. The nine Nandi temples are Mahanandi, Shivanandi, Vinayakanandi, Somanandi, Prathamanandi, Garudanandi, Suryanandi, Krishnanandi and Naganandi.
The 7th century Mahanandiswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is very famous and sacred place. Though the initial structure was built by Chalukyas in 7th century, several additions were done in 10th and 15th centuries. The gopuram over central sanctum is built in Badami Chalukyan style of architecture and other structures in the temple are in Vijayanagara style. According to the legend, the local kings known as Nandas ruled here in the 10th century AD and they built a number of temples and worshipped their ancestral deity the Nandi, hence the name Mahanandi.
The best time to visit Mahanandi is from Nov to Mar while the peak season is from Feb to Mar. Usually it takes half day to visit Mahanandi.
How to Reach
To reach Mahanandi there are good bus facilities from the nearest villages. It can be well-reached by train with the nearest railway station at Nandyal. The small temple town is also connected by rail and road from the town of Kurnool. The nearest airport is at Hyderabad that is about 288kms from Kurnool. 
Book your Mahanandi Temple holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com

Mahanandi Temple,Andhra Pradesh,India

Location: Mahanandi Road, Thimmapuram, Andhra Pradesh 518512, India

Sunday, 2 November 2014

Yaganti in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is famous for Sri Yagantiswamy Temple (also called Uma Maheshwara Temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva. 
The Uma Maheshwara Temple at Yaganti houses the idol of Shiva & Parvathi (Ardhanareeswara) carved out of a single stone. This is probably the only place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in an idol form instead of Shiva Linga. It is believed that Sage Agastya performed penance for Lord Shiva at this place and requested Shiva to appear in Ardhanareeswara form which is worshipped here. Another unique feature of the temple is Nandi statue which has been growing in the size.
An amazing feature of this temple is its Pushkarini with very pure water. No one knows how the water flows into Pushkarini in all the seasons. Devotees consider that a bath in the holy Pushkarini before visiting Shiva is highly beneficial.
The best time to visit Yaganti is from October to March while the Peak Season is from February to March. Usually it takes half day to visit Yaganti.
How to Reach
By Road: It is associated with state transport to Hyderabad, Chittoor, Tirupati, Cuddapah, Nellore, Kurnool and Chennai which is 24km from the place called Allagadda and is also connected to the rest of the major cities. Buses are also available to Yaganti from Banaganapalli twice a day i.e., at 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. One can also find buses to Banaganapalli from Cuddapah, Nandyal, Hyderabad and Kurnool.
By Train:  The nearest railway station to the Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is the Secunderabad Railway station which is about 7 km from the temple. Nandyal railway station which is 55 km away from the temple is the nearest railway station connected to connected to major cities like Hyderabad, Howrah, Bangalore, Goa, Machilipatnam, Vijaywada, Puri, Hubli, Vizag and Bhubaneshwar.
By Air: The nearest airport to Sri Uma Maheswara Temple is Rajiv Gandhi International airport, Hyderabad and it is about 12km from the temple.

Yaganti Temple,Andhra Pradesh,India

Location: Temple Gopuram, Yaganti Rd, Yaganti, Andhra Pradesh 518124, India

Thursday, 30 October 2014

Naldurg is a district located at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Osmanabad city and it was too a part of erstwhile Marathwada region. Naldurg is thought to have been ruled by King Nalaraja and the famous Naldurg Fort is also expected to be built around the time of the Chalukya rulers.
Constructed within an envelope of a hillock made of basalt rock, the magnificent fort overlooks the Bori River and the valley beneath. All through the steep hillock, weaponry adorns the fort from three sides along with a stronghold carved out of basalt rock with the capacity to store heavy artillery and guns. The perimeter of the fort is a mile and half and there are several bastions running parallel to the fort with Upli Buruj acting as the highest level of the fort. Naldurg Fort lies in a ruined state at present yet the bastions and portions of walls still exist like Pune Buruj, Nagar Buruj, Sangam Buruj, Bands Buruj, Paranda Buruj, and Sangram Buruj

Certain portions of constructions like Baradari, Ambarkhana, Barood Kotha, Jali, and Rangan Mahal still remain inside Naldurg Fort in ruins. Two renowned army tanks inside the premises of the fort are known as Hathi Toph and Magar Toph, as they are shaped like the creatures. Rest of them are known as Machali guns and the entry points to the fort are marked with two gates known as Hurmukh Darwaza and Hathi Darwaza. A dam was constructed during the reign of Adil Shah II around 1613 across the Bori River alongside a building known as Pani Mahal. The dam is a tourist site as it connects two important points, the Ranamandala and the fort.
Overall, a visit to Naldurg Fort cannot be missed on a trip to Osmanabad city in Maharashtra.
How to Reach
Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.
Bus : State owned transport buses ply between Osmanabad and the nearest cities.
Train : Osmanabad has its own Railway Station named as Osmanabad Railway Station which is connected to the major cities of Maharashtra. It is linked with the cities like Mumbai, Pune, Miraj Kolhapur, Latur, Parali Vaijnath, Pandharpur, Parbhani, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Akola, Bidar and Nizamabad through Nizamabad-Pandharpur Passenger, Mumbai CST-Latur Express, Nagpur-Kolhapur Express, and Hyderabad-Pune Express.
Air : Osmanabad has its own Domestic Airport named as Osmanabad Airport. The nearest International Airport is Pune International Airport, roughly 261 Kms from Osmanabad. Pune International Airport is well connected to major cities. Flights from Pune to Ahmedabad ,Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Nagpur are available through Air India, Air India Express, Indigo, Jet Airways and Spicejet airlines.

Naldurg fort - Maharashtra - India

Location: Naldurg, Maharashtra 413602, India

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Nagardhan, situated 38 kms northeast of Nagpur and about 9kms south of Ramtek, is an old town founded by a Suryavanshi King. Main attraction of Nagardhan is the Nagardhan Fort, supposed to be built by Raja Raghuji Bhonsle, a maratha king of the Bhonsale dynasty. 
The fort was built on a piece of square land. While it is strange to see that most of the outer wall, including the main entrance gate are intact and wear the same charm as it was during in its prime time, other structures inside are all razed. 
The top of the gate has two small roof-like structure on both the sides standing on four pillars and a small dome.
The first surprise you will get when you reach near the fort is the entrance gate. The height must be something around 20 meters. It is completely made up of colourful stones with two arches that is carved on one single large stone and made it into two. On the huge pillar of the gate, you will see four small decorative stone artifact on each side nicely housed above each other by carving in the rock by a few inches. 
Inside the fort, you can see underground rooms built in two levels for people to stay and an idol of goddess Durga. Looking at the corner inside, you can recognize its square shape. 
Not far away from the present for there is a place where big sized bricks of ancient periods are often discovered.  This is said to be a site of the capital-cum fort of the Vakatakas.
The fort also has a small back door probably used as an escape route. It is built below a platform by digging underneath. There is nothing remained inside of the fort other than some destructed walls. There is a courtyard near the king's residence.
How To Reach
By Road :
Buses are the best way to travel around the city of Nagpur as they are easily available and ply to almost every corner of the city. The city bus routes have been so planned that they cover almost all portions of the city that people normally travel to. Bus fares are quite cheap too, ranging within Rs 5 to 15. Talk to the locals in order to know your bus route, the friendly people of Nagpur will be happy to help.
By Train : To reach Nagpur by train, one can avail the railway station that is located in the major city of Nagpur in Maharashtra. Nagpur is one of the leading commercial centers in Maharashtra. Besides, it is also the second capital of the state. The Nagpur railways well connect the city with other important parts of the country, which include all the four metropolitan cities of India.
By Air : Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is nearly 6 kms from Nagpur Central. Nagpur is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata by Jet Airways, Indian Airlines Kingfisher and Indigo. There are taxis and auto rickshaws that are available from the airport to the city.
Book your Nagardhan holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com 

Nagardhan Fort - Maharashtra - India

Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra 441106, India

Saturday, 25 October 2014

Salher is a place located near Waghamba in Nasik district of Maharashtra, India. It is the site of the highest fort in the Sahyadri mountains and the second highest peak at 1,567 metres (5,141 ft) after Kalsubai in Maharashtra. 
Salher Fort was under Shivaji maharaj in 1671. The Mughals attacked the fort in 1672. Almost one lakh soldiers fought in this war. Many soldiers died in this battle but finally Shivaji won the battle. Of all the face to face battles between the Mughals and Shivaji’s troops, the battle of Salher takes first place. Such a big battle was not won before. The bravery and strategy used by the Maratha troops in the battle spread far and wide and increased Shivaji’s fame further. After winning Salher, the Marathas also captured Mulher and established their reign over the Baglan region. In 18th century the Peshwas occupied this fort and later by the British.
One can see some dilapidated structures of some temples within 5-10 minutes after reaching the top, if we turn to the right when climbing the fort from Waghambe and to the left when climbing from Salherwadi. 
Just further ahead are two water cisterns and a bit further the Gangasagar Lake comes into view. Just next to the lake are the roofless temples of Renuka Devi and Ganesh.
It takes approximately 3 hours to reach to the top via Salher Wadi Route. The trek is very tiring so ensure that you take plenty of water and if possible some energy drinks to keep yourself hydrated.
If you are late to reach Satana you can find accomodation in the lodges at Satana or at Mangi Tungi [Jain Teertha Shetra] which is apprx 15kms from Satana]. From Satana you can either go to SalherWadi or Waghembe which are the base villages for Salher.
How to Reach
By Road: Nashik is very well connected by buses and cabs to all nearby major cities.
By Rail: Satana are the nearby by towns to Salher Fort having road connectivity to Salher Fort.
By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai. Mumbai is very well connected to domestic and international destinations by air.

Salher Fort - Maharashtra - India.

Location: Salher, Maharashtra 423302

Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Sinhagad is a fort that stands as a testimony to the bravery of the Maratha warriors under the leadership of Tanaji Malusare, the general of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The previous name of the fort was Kondhana. The massive fort has been the site of wanton bloodshed and great massacres in many a battle. The most famous among them is of course the 1670 battle where Tanaji Malusare sacrificed his life and the Maratha warriors captured the fort. Chhatrapati Shivaji termed Tanaji as “sinha” (Marathi equivalent for English “lion”) and renamed Kondhana as Sinhagad.
The fort lies 30 km southwest of Pune and the construction stands 800 m above the surrounding area. Strategically Sinhagad held immense importance in the Maratha regime as it is located right at the center of the series of other forts like Purandhar, Torna and Rajgad. The fort perches on a cut off cliff of the Bhuleshwar range in the Sahyadri Mountains. It’s altitude from the sea level is about 1350m.
The cenotaphs of Tanaji and Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger brother, military stables, the temple of Goddess Kali and the Hanuman Statue to the right of the temple are a few places worth visiting on the fort.
Among the chief features of the fort, steep slopes, huge walls and bastions are a few important ones. There are two entrances to the fort: Pune Darwaza in North East and Kalyan Darwaza in the South East.
It is one of the most notable historic Fort in Maharashtra state. It is most famous for a long battle by Maratha warrior Tanaji to capture Sinhagad Fort. It was one of the important strategic areas in Pune.
The fort during the reign of the Marathas acted as an important military outpost. The fortification on the fort, now in ruins, still proclaims the grandeur of the architecture and craftsmanship. This is one of the most popular picnic spots in and around Pune. Lovers of adventure arrange treks on the fort which are a real thrill.
How we can reach
Sinhagad in Pune is easily accessible by PCMT buses. Sinhagad fort is located at a distance of 860km from Bangalore, Nagpur 800km, Kolhapur 250km, Mumbai 200km and Ahmedabad 720km respectively.
From Pune to Sinhagad fort
Pune- Swargate- Sinhagad Rd- Khadakwasla- Sinhagad
From Mumbai to Sinhagad fort
Mumbai- Talegaon- Pune bypass highway- Warje- Khadakwasla- Sinhagad
From Kolhapur to Sinhagad fort
Kolhapur- Satara- Pune bypass Rd- Warje- Khadakwasla- Sinhagad

Sinhagad Fort - Maharashtra - India

Location: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411025, India

Friday, 3 October 2014

The Vasai Fort was built by the Portuguese and was called The Fort of St. Sebastian of Vasai. From the Portuguese, the Marathas won it over by King Baji Rao Peshwa, in 1739. From the Marathas, it went over to British Raj who called it Bassein Fort. 
Vasai, also called Bassein, lies about 48 kms north of Mumbai. It is famous for the ruined Portuguese fort that overlooks the confluence of the Ulhas River.

Vasai was known as a place for ship building in the 15th Century. Due to its strategic location on western coast, the Portuguese settled here and Vasai having been granted to the Portuguese in 1535 by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat.
The ruins of the majestic Bassein Fort can be seen here. Now what remains are the parts of the imposing 4.5kms long fort walls, two access doors ('Porta do Mar' and 'Porta da Terra') and remnants of Portuguese buildings and churches dating from the 16th Century and 17th Century. These are shaded by mango trees and palms. There are also decorative gateways inscribed with coats of arms and Portuguese graves dating back to 1558.

One can enter the fort through two wooden doors at the entance. The main door was held by three bamboo beams posted between the doors right on top at the entrance. The wooden doors were encrusted with iron knobs on the door.
The Vasai fort is a good weekend trip from Mumbai and the neighboring regions. It is an interesting visit. It is not that well maintained, but you can still see the remnants of a glorious past. 
How  to Reach
By Road - The Vasai fort can be reached by ST BUS or by Share Auto from the Vasai Railway Station (West Side). The distance from Vasai Station to Vasai Fort is around 14 Kilometers.
By Air - The Nearest Airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (Code : BOM)
By Rail - The Nearest Railway Station for Vasai Fort is Vasai Road Railway Station (Western Railway)
Book your Vasai holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com 

Vasai Fort - Maharashtra - India

Location: Killa Road,Police Colony, Vasai West, Vasai, Maharashtra 401201, India

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Mahuli-Fort is a beautiful mountain terrain located in the outskirts of Thane District of Maharashtra. The destination is located at the confluence of two rivers namely, Krishna and Yenna. Situated at a height of 2,815 feet, the destination is surrounded by dense forest, which is declared as a natural reserve. 
The place is also popular for various fairs and carnivals that are organised during Maha Shivaratri and on the last Monday of the Shravan month. Mahuli-Fort provides a beautiful view of temples at the foothills, mountains and deep and dense forests

Standing tall at a height of 762 mts, Mahuli fort with its amazing stone carvings, is a very good example for the artistic talents of the then generation. Since the tower of the fort is located at a higher altitude it can easily be differentiated from the encompassing hills. This fort provides stunning view of the underlying lakes and valleys.
Mahuli is a  famous pilgrimage centre  for Hindus and fantastic tourist destination filled with culture, heritage, scenic beauty and historic temples.
A hamlet with many forts, Mahuli, was the core of activities of the great Maratha regime. The remnants of the gallant forts in and around Mahuli, are the classic examples of Maratha architecture. 

Mahuli is a popular trekking destination on the Sahyadris. At 2815 Feet, it is the tallest peak in Thane district. Easy accessibility and beautiful rock formations make Mahuli a hit with the trekkers from Mumbai and surrounding areas.
How to Reach
By Rail
Asangaon Railway station is 6 km away from Mahuli fort and is the nearest. This railway station is well connected to Mumbai and other cities in India. Tourist taxi services from railway station to Mahuli Fort village and it costs about Rs 200.
By Road
Mahuli Fort is well connected by Maharashtra State Transport Corporation buses to all major places in and around. Regular and frequent public bus services are available from Mahuli Fort and Asangaon to Mumbai.
By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is at a distance of 90 km way from Mahuli Fort. Mumbai is one of the major airports in India which is connected to all airports in India. Mumbai is air connected to many cities abroad, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, New York and many cities in Middle East. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Mumbai to Mahuli Fort costing about Rs 2000.
Book your Mahuli holidays with our affiliate partner Booking.com 

Mahuli Fort - Maharashtra - India

Location: Mahuli fort, Mumbai - Nashik Expy, Asangaon, Maharashtra 421601, India
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