Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu

Hogenakkal in India-Tamilnadu





Hogenakkal is a riverside, busy and noisy village, with plenty of vegetation and little habitation in Tamil Nadu. This place is famous for waterfalls. Hogenakkal Falls is a quiet and beautiful waterfall and is a good picnic spot. Its water is supposed to have curative powers as the Kaveri flows through a forest of herbs on its journey to Hogenakkal. 

Hogenakkal Waterfalls, known as the 'Niagara' falls of India, are not a single waterfall but a series of falls and they offer a promising holiday destination for nature lovers from within and outside the country. 

Hogenakkal is considered as one of the most beautiful places in the state. The broad stream of the River Kaveri gets forked at this point, forming an island from where one stream continues on while the other plunges into a deep chasm to create one of the loveliest waterfall giving these rocks the name Hogenakkal which means "smoking rock". 

This riverside spa is famous for coracles, masseurs and roaring waters. The sound of the Kaveri river, roaring between rocky banks, is a constant presence in most places in Hogenakkal. At Hogenakkal, the Kaveri river enters the plains and the river dashing against the rocks is a great sight. The river, here flows through a wooded valley, splitting and merging and splitting again around rocks, and little islands with towering trees, and boulder-strewn out crops, which are covered only when the river is in spate with the rains of the monsoon. 

Another attraction is the diving skills of local kids, who can show their diving skills for a fee. They can dive for you from a height of around 30 feet into the water and climb straight up back on the rocks in no time, all for mere Rs 5/- from the spectator. 

Once in Hogenakkal, one can take a coracle ride across the river. The coracles or circular basket boats are covered with black plastic sheets and carry the ferry tourists across the shimmering, rippling river. The ride will take to the foot the majestic waterfalls – an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. The water here surges under the coracle, tossing it around, raging and hissing as though it might flood and capsize the boat any moment. The sight of Hogenakkal up close is as spellbinding, imposing and even a bit frightening. This white waterfall is particularly impressive soon after the monsoon months when the river is brimming. 

One can try getting a massage from the famed Hogenakkal masseurs. The local malishkarans or the mystic masseurs are armed with oils, powders and esoteric knowledge about the different massage points in the human body. There are also a few women masseurs. The massage offered here is a nice experience for the visitors. 

Hogenakkal offers long treks in the surrounding Melagiri Hills and one can explore the lush, rugged, landscape. 

Hogenakkal is unique as it is the only natural, traditional river spa in the land. It also offers a thrilling experience, and as an added bonus, one can visit the giant terra-cotta village guardians, the Aiyanars, on the way to Hogenakkal.

Chettinad In India





Chettinad, a place known for mansions, cuisines, temples and saris, is an attractive town in the district of Sivaganga in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Chettinad was an ancient kingdom with Karaikudi as the capital. Chettinad consists 74 more villages apart from Karaikudi. 

Chettinad is the home of the famous community known as Nattukottai Chettiars (Nagarathar) and hence the name Chettinad (the land of Chettiars). Chettiars are people who carry out business and banking in a prosperous way and hence the Chettinad has a prime stance in the economy and business of Tamil Nadu state. Chettinad Saris with dramatic colors, fiery designs and patterns of checks, stripes etc are now mostly out of market. 

Chettinad is renowned for the mouth watering Culinary delicacies. Chettinad cuisines, mostly spicy, attract many tourists to this town. Magnificent bungalows, palaces, castles and imposing houses are all very attractive in Chettinad. There are huge bungalows constructed during 18th and 19th centuries which can show case architectural marvels of the Chettinad community. Peacock dances are believed to be originated in Chettinad. All temple festival showcases eye feasting peacock dances. 

Chettinad is know for its impressive temples as well. Most of the Chettinad temples are originally built by Tamil Dynasties such as Chola Kingdom. One major feature of the Chettinad temples is the temple tank (Oorani) in the premise for growing water lilies useful for temple rituals. Kottaiyur Sivan temple, Vairavan Kovil temple, Kandanur Sivan Temple, .Karpaga Vinayakar temple and Kundrakudi Murugan temple are few important temples in Chettinad.

Anaimalai Hills In India

The village of Anaimalai exists near an abundant supply of wildlife. Animals like panthers, crocodiles, tigers, elephants, spotted deer, civet cats, and wild boars are found in the region. Numerous birds can also be sighted in the area. It is possible to spot such birds as the Malabar pied hornbill, black headed oriole, rocket-tailed drongo, tree pie, spotted dove, and red whiskered bulbul. In fact, the vary name of this village invokes thoughts of wildlife, since the name's translation means elephant hill. 



Village in the Anaimalai Hills, Western Ghāts, Tamil Nādu.

Winding roads in the Anaimalai Hills, southern India.

Located in the Coimbatore Hills district in the state of Tamil Nadu, the biggest draw for tourists in this area is the remarkable beauty of the natural landscape that is there. Many different shades of green make up the dense forest of this area. The village itself also has some incredibly interesting history. 

Anaimalai is one of the eight sacred Jaina hills. Right by the village there is a natural cavern that contains numerous berths that are located both inside and outside of it. There is a Brahmi inscription on the outside wall that is dated back to the 1st or 2nd century. This inscription states that the berths were gifts from Nathan of Kunrattur made in honor of three monks named Eri Aritan, Attuvay, and Arrattakayipan. This is a rather unusual find since this village was not known for being a lama center until the 9th century. It was around that time that several stone sculptures started to be carved into the rocks by devout local people.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Agra Fort



The high red sandstone ramparts of this great monument stretch for almost 2.5 kilometres, dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, northwest of the Taj Mahal. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by the Emperor Akbarand it developed as a stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. The curved bastions of the huge walls are interrupted by impressive gates of which only the Amar Singh gate is now open to the public. The original and grandest entrance was through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the inner portal called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate.

Coimbatore In India

Coimbatore In Tamil Nadu



Coimbatore, which is also called as Kovai in Tamil is an excellent city known for its industrial business. As per the census record of the year 2001, Coimbatore is the 2nd largest city in Tamil Nadu. Also, Coimbatore is the directorial headquarters of Kovai district. 

Coimbatore is a city that is popularly known for its automobile spare parts manufacturing, engineering firms, textile industries, health care centers, schools, colleges, and the soothing weather. Moreover, people in the Coimbatore city are very friendly and they receive tourists with royal hospitality. As the city is located on the banks of the river Noyyal, it is also called as Koneyammanputhhur, which signifies to be the 'birth place of the Goddess' 

If you are planning to take outdoor trip, Coimbatore will obviously be the most pleasant place to interest and excite. Coimbatore is an excellent choice to destination to visit along with your family and friends. You can taste mouth watering recipes and enjoy the best place of accommodation to relax and refresh. Choosing the best quality hotel will make you to enjoy the view of the landscape. 

Coimbatore is an excellent South Indian tourism spot, popularly known for its landscape spotted with divine shrines and temples. People who are greatly interested in textiles and hosieries must have to make their visit to Coimbatore, as it is well-renowned for its textile and other engineering works. While the time of your visit, you can also sight-see quite other scenic areas amusement parks and botanical gardens.

Coonoor In India

Coonoor In Tamilnadu




Coonoor is located in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. It is one of the most famous hill stations of the Nilgiri hills. It is a popular tourist stop because of its impressive views of the lush green Nilgiri hills. It is also known for its tea plantations as the environment there is very conducive to growing exceptionally aromatic tea. In fact, touring the plantations and taking walks through the tea gardens is on of the draws of the area. 

The impressive views of wildflowers are another favorite thing experience in Coonoor, as is bird watching. It is common to be able to see such birds as cormorants, pipits, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, thrushes, and parakeets. The species in the area are not limited to only these, though. 

The area surrounding Coonoor offers the perfect landscape for such activities as trekking and hiking. The area offers impressive views that is best experienced while truly out in nature. 

It is possible to experience the area around Coonoor while taking a ride on the local toy train. This train connects Coonoor with other hill stations that are located in the Nilgiri Hills. This train ride provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills. 

The area around Coonoor has been used as the backdrop for several movies made by Indian and foreign filmmakers. Most notable was when it was used as the backdrop for the 1984 American film A Passage to India by David Lean. This movie was based on a novel by E. M. Foster.





Coonoor provides the traveller with the panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls. Bird watching is a popular pastime in Coonoor, as the area boasts of a large variety of species like cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, etc. Travellers can take a walk through the tea gardens. There are number of trekking and hiking trails around Coonoor. Travellers can enjoy the exhilarating and unique ride on the toy train that connects Coonoor with Mettupalayam and Ooty. The trip provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills in all its natural glory.
There are several places to see and visit near Coonoor. The Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint, which is 10 kms from Coonoor, is an important place to visit. It not only provides a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the Nilgiri hills but also of the famous Catherine Falls.
The south Indian city of Coonoor is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. Tourists can arrange for you all types of transport for comfortable journey to and in Coonoor and throughout the state of Tamil Nadu.
In order to make the travel tour to Coonoor even more joyful you need to choose just the right kind of accommodation for you and your family or friends in Coonoor. The various hotels packages in Coonoor offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms make excellent place to stay in Coonoor, with most of the comforts at your feet.
Planning a summer vacation trip to Coonoor city or enjoying your honeymoon holidays? Check out the following all-inclusive tour packages, tours and holiday offers that will make your travel trip to Coonoor city comfortable and enjoyable. We provide a range of tour packages and holiday offers for the city of Coonoor that will suit your requirements and budget. As per the nature, duration and the accommodation required during the holiday trip or vacation travel to Coonoor city the tour packages vary.
The Nilgiri Hills are famous for their sublime hill stations. Notable among them is Coonoor, located at the head of the Hulikal ravine at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level. It is 19 km from Ooty (also, Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund), another famous hill station of the Nilgiris. Coonoor is famous for its verdant environs and for a variety of wildflowers and birds. Coonoor provides a perfect setting for activities like trekking and hiking. It is also famous for its tea plantations and festivals. During summer, this hill town is over-spilled with holidaymakers. Coonoor is also an ideal locale for filmmakers, both from India and abroad. It formed
the backdrop for David Lean's movie A Passage to India (1984) based on E. M. Foster's novel. Coonoor comes under the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coonoor-Ooty circuit. Coonoor offers panoramic views of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls. One can take a walk through the tea gardens. Bird watching is a popular pastime in Coonoor, as the area boasts of a large variety of species like cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, etc. One can also enjoy the ride on the toy train, which connects Coonoor with other hill stations in the Nilgiri Hills. The trip provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills in all its natural glory

KANYAKUMARI-BEAUTY OF INDIA



  Surrounded  by  Majestic Hills and the plains bordered by colourful sea-shores, fringed with  coconut  trees  and  paddy  fields,  here and there are few elevated patches of red cliffs with undulating valleys and plains between the mountainous terrain and the sea - coast, so closely interwoven with Temples and Churches and other edifices lies   the  district,   'Kanyakumari'.   (  The  district  name  is  spelled as  
' Kanniyakumari ' in official records which is in tune with the spoken name of the district in Tamil language) .   With an area of 1672 sq.km. it occupies 1.29% of the total extent of Tamil Nadu. It ranks first in literacy among other districts in Tamil Nadu. 

One of the better places to go in India is definitely the city of Kanyakumari or Cape Comorin with its many and interesting tourist attractions. Perhaps what makes it so interesting is the fact that it is located at the southernmost part of India, hence it is somewhat of a well of culture ready to be explored by tourists. 

The rich history and the cultural heritage of Kanyakumari is one of mixed culture and profound heritage. The city of Kanyakumari have been around for thousands of years as it has been the city of culture, history, arts, economy and the hub of civilization for centuries. In Kanyakumari, you can find instances of many religions like Islam, Christianity, or Hinduism easily. Its mixed heritage of the city has called out for many people for pilgrimage that has been going on for centuries. 

The city of Kanyakumari with its southern coast to the vast and the powerful Indian Ocean impressed the British so much, that they decided to rename it to Cape Comorin to accentuate its beauty. Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) represents all the beautiful things that India has to offer the world. You can find many temples, churches, religious pillars and statues that will keep the head spinning. It is a place of mixed culture that is reflected in the arts, buildings and even in the food. You can have an excursion to Kumari Amman Temple or to the Vattakottai Fort that stands erect even today.

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Hosted Desktop