TOURIST SPOTS IN KODAIKANAL / MOST POPULAR HILL RESORTS IN INDIA / TREKKING IN KODAIKANAL / TREKKING ROUTES KODAIKANAL / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN KODAIKANAL / TOURIST PLACES IN KODAIKKANAL -TAMILNADU

            Kodaikanal is one of the most popular hill resorts in India. It is a charming hill station, stands amidst sylvan beauty on the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. With its rocks, woods, lovely lake and bracing air, Kodaikanal is an ideal hill resort for the tourists.

The unique flowering plant 'Kurunji'(Strobilanthus Kunthanus) that last bloomed in 2004, is nature's gift to Kodaikanal. Kodaikanal located amidst the folds of the verdant Pali hills is one of the most popular serene hill stations in India, which mesmerises any visitor and is frequented all through the year.

Kodai is situated at an altitude of about 2,133-m high and covers an area of 21.45-sq-km. The hill town is renowned for its educational institutions of international repute. The hill-plantain fruits and plums are known for their freshness and taste. Berijam lake, one among the beautiful lakes of South India, spreads over an area of 24 hectares.

HOW TO REACH AT KODAIKANAL

• Nearest Airport - Madurai is 120 kms, Coimbatore 170 kms and Trichy 195 kms
• Many trains pass through Kodaikanal road station,which is nearly 80 kms to Kodaikanal.
• Kodaikanal is connected by Road with all important towns. Regular bus services are available from Kodaikanal to Madurai, Palani, Kodai Road, Theni, Dindigul, Thiruchirappalli, Kumuli, Bangalore, Coimbatore and Chennai

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Kodaikanal Lake
Kodaikanal Park
Coaker walk
Kurinji Andavar Temple
Kodaikanal - Physical Observatory
Kodaikanal - 40 Miles Rounded
Kodaikanal - Falls
Kukkal Caves
Pillar Rocks
Vembadi peak
Dolphin Nose
Palani Hills
Shenbaganur Museum

Kodaikanal - Trekking Routes

          Motorable roads have the terminus in bold face, merely jeep ones have them in italics, approximate distances are indicated in brackets when known; when no roads exist, the time required for footing the distance is indicated.

In general some 9 hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) were spent to cover the distance but this includs the time for plants collecting. Freelance trekking should need only 2/3 of the time.

Kodaikanal-Batlagundu (55 Km): Law's Ghat Road.

Perumalmalai-Palamalai(8km) - Thalayar (90 mins.) - Manjalar (150 mins.)-Devadanappatty(6km).
Shembaganur-Korappur-Adukkam(180 mins.) - Selumbathope (120 mins.) - Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10km).
Shembaganur-Vengayapparai (Coolie or telegraph path); A.G.Bourne's "Kodaikanal Ghat" (4 hours)-Kumbakkarai - Periakulam (10Km)
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Vengayapparai (left of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam(10Km.)
Kodai-Dolphin's Nose-Vellagevi-Kumbakkarai (right of Vellagevi) (300 mins.)-Kumbakkarai-Periakulam (10 Km).
Kodai-Green Hut (12Km) (along the ridge for 30 mts) - down to Chinnur-Periakulam (300 mins.)
Kodai-Thoppithookkipparai (near Berijam) (16Km) - Periyur (3 hours) - Sothupparai - Periakulam (10 Km).
Kodai-Karthirikkai Odei (40Km) - Sinna Sothupparai - Athirikkarappankoil - Oral muthu - Valasal aaru -
Bodinayakanur (6 hours).
Kodai-Berijam (23 Km) - Konalar (5 Km) - Sebastian Odei (3 Km) - Marion Shola (2Km) - Kathirikkai Odei
(1 Km) - Kambippalam (3 Km) - Pulavachiar (5 Km) - Vandaravu (10 Km) - Top Station (10 Km) - Central Station (2 hours)
Kurangani (Bottom Station) 3 hours - Bodinayakanur (17 Km).
Kodai - Mannavanur (35 Km) - Keelanavayal (90 mins.) - Manjampatty (3 hours) - Thalinji (2 hours) -
Champaked ( 90 mins.)-Chinnar (5 Km) - Udamalpet (32 Km) - Palani (37 Km).
Kodai - Paricombai (27 Km) - Kukkal (8 Km) - Kuthirayar-Pappanpatty-Kavalapatty (7 hours) - Palani (23 Km.)
Kodai - Puthur (43 Km) - Bonthampally (24 mins.) - Kavalppatty (9Km) - A-Kalaiamputhur (9Km) - Palani (5 Km.)
Kodai - Pallanghi (10 Km) - Thalamalai - Porandalar-Palani.
Kodai - Vilpatty (8 Km) - Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km)
Kodai-Perumalmalai (13 Km) - Pethupparai (6 Km) Ganesapuram-Puliamarathope (240 mins.) - Palani (13 Km).
Kodai-Perumalmalai-Palani Ghat road (60 Km).
Kodai-Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) - Asarippatty - Bethelpuram-Parappalar-Thalayoothu - Viruppachi.
Kodai- Tandigudi (40 Km) - K.C.Patty (20 Km) ........... Pachalur (10 Km) - Oddanchatram (31 Km).
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Adalur (15 Km) - Panrimalai (4Km)-Alagumalai (5 Km) - Puducombai (14 Km) -
Karisalpatty (7 Km) - Vattapparai (4Km) - Melpatty (2 Km) - Anandarayamkottai-Pithalapatty (2Km) - Dindigul (7Km.)
Kodai - Tandigudi (40 Km) - Thadiankudisai (10 Km) - Btlagundu (33 Km.)

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KASARGOD TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KASARGOD / KASARGOD TOURISM

TOURIST PLACES IN KASARGOD

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KERALA TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA

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KANNUR TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN KANNUR-KERALA

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CHEMBRA PEAK-HRIDHAYA SARASS-WAYANAD / SOUTH INDIA TOURISM / TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN SOUTH INDIA

       Chembra peak At 2100 mts above mean sea level, Chembra is the highest peak in Wayanad and is ideal for trekking. Climbing this peak is a challenging mountaineering endeavour and would take a full dayThe scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chembra, is very exhilerating. The surrounding areas offer exceptional photo oppurtunities. Camping on the peak is an unforgettable experience. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. 
TREKKING FEE. RS: 100
ENTRY FEE: RS: 10
PARKING FEE: RS: 10
Trekking time 8 am to 1 pm.
Distances from: 
Kalpetta -14 Km, 
Sulthan Bathery -42 Km, 
Mananthavady-52 Km

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JOG FALLS-KARNATAKA

           Jog Falls, the second-highest waterfall in India is the creation of the Sharavathi River in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located near Sagara, Karnataka Shimoga District of Karnataka state, these segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. It is also called by alternative names of Gerusoppe falls,Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. Cascading from a height of 253 meters (829 ft), the waterfall is also known as Gerusoppe falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. The history of the falls goes back to the year 1800, when the site was first discovered by Buchanan during one his journeys.

          Jog Falls mainly comprises of four different streams of the River Sharavati, plunging down a steep incline in the district of Shimoga. The significance of Jog Falls is that in this waterfall, the water does not stream down the rocks in a tiered fashion. On the contrary, the water thunders down the slope losing contact with the rocks, thus making Jog Falls the tallest untiered waterfall in the country. This is the reason why Jog Falls is a famous tourist destination frequented by almost every tourist visiting India. The area around the fall is excellent for trekking. 
        There are four different streams or tracks into which the River Sharavati is split, comprising the entire structure of Jog Falls, and these streams are: Raja, Rani, Rocket and Roarer. 
The best season to visit this waterfall is the monsoons when this gigantic body displays its maximum charm. Though one will find dense vapour engulfing the waterfall, but when the mighty waterfalls the vapour evaporated in an ethereal manner. The best look of the waterfall can be had by lying down and looking over the giant from the slabs of rock near the Bombay bungalow. Watkin’s platform is another spot from where the view is splendid. 
               The Sharavati, flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, here reaches a tremendous chasm, 290 m (960 ft) in depth, and the water comes down in four distinct falls. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft (250 m). Half-way down it is encountered by the Roarer, another fall, which precipitates itself into a vast cup and then rushes violently downwards at an angle of forty-five degrees to meet the Raja. A third fall, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, moves quietly over the mountain side in a sheet of foam. The Tourism Department has built steps from the view point till the bottom of the hill where the waterfall can be seen at the opposite side. There are approximately 1500 steps built to reach the bottom of the hill. 
         The Jog fall is an important source of water for the Mahatma Gandhi hydro Electric project that was started way back in1948. At present the water of this fall provides 120 MW capacity of electricity and today serves LDPH (55MW), SGS(1035 MW) and Gerusoppa Tail race(240MW) generating stations. 
         Located at a mere distance of 200 kms from Bangalore, the fall is easily accessible by road. While Shimoga (105 kms) is the nearest railhead, the nearest town are – Sagar (30 kms) and Taluguppa (16 kms). One can avail buses from Bangalore. When coming by a private vehicle one can take the NH 206 to reach Shimoga and Sagar.

HOW TO REACH JOG FALLS:

• Nearest Railway Station (& distance to the location):
• Talaguppa and SAGAR(SRF) : For Sagar 30 km
• Nearest Bus Station: Siddapur
• Nearest Airport (& aerial distance to the location):DomesticHubli Airport (HBX) : 130 km
• Mangalore Airport(Formerly Bajpe Airport) (IXE) : 135 km
• Pune Airport (PNQ) : 500 km
• International
• Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) : 340 

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LAKKIDI-PALAKKAD-KERALA

LAKKIDI-PALAKKAD

          Lakkidi is a small village in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Kunchan Nambiar, the great poet of Malayalam was born here. There is a railway station present in Lakkidi, where only passenger trains stop. River Bharathappuzha flows through the southern border of Lakkidi village. Lakkidi is accessible by bus connecting Thrissur and Ottappalam. Lakkidi can be reached from Palakkad by catching a bus that is going to Ottapalam, Pattambi or Shoranur.Lakkidi is divided in to three. Lakkidi Koottupatha, Pazhaya Lakkidi and Lakkidi Gate. Lakkidi is famous for the birth of great Malayalam Poet and discoverer of "Thullal" a traditional art. Major regional festivals are Chinakkathoor Pooram, on which all the people of a family have a get together

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TOURIST PLACES IN SOUTH GOA / OLD GOA -INDIA

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH
                   Located in Old Goa, 10 kms from Panaji, Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a charming and stunning building built during 1517- 1521 with the perfect amalgamation of mix of Christian and Hindu Elements. The church was consecrated to the Holy Spirit but later on it was demolished and at present the church is constructed in 1661. Today the church is converted into a museum where ancient relics and old painting are kept for tourists and visitors display.
Beside these, there are many other Goa churches that have their own religious and historical importance. Few churches in Goa to name are Chapel of St. Catherine, Immaculate Conception Church, Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, St. Francis Xavier Church, Reig Magos Church, St. Cajetan Church and St. Anne Church. These are the few important Goa churches which are both historically as well as religiously important. But apart from all, these are the heritage of Goa tourism, that showcase the presence of the Portuguese as well as display the historical charm and past glory of Goa, India.

SE  CATHEDRAL
            Located 9kms from Panjim, Se Cathedral is one of the important churches in Goa and considered to be one of the largest in Asia. The Cathedral was started for construction in 1562 and finally it was finished in 1619. The architecture of the Cathedral is amazingly beautiful and showcases the perfect amalgamation of Gothic Elements and typical Portuguese Style. The Church also has giant bell also known as Golden Bell, which is also the major attraction of this exquisite Se Cathedral Church.

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
             It is located in Old Goa, just 10 kms from the city of Panjim. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as it houses the preserved body of St. Francis Xavier, a member of Society of Jesus, who come to India along with Portuguese to spread Christianity in India. Every year thousands of tourists and devotees from all over the world come here to see the preserved body of the Saint on 2nd December. But now this practice is stopped to prevent the body from deterioration and damage.

PANAJI
        The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Glmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (HillTop).

MAPUSA
         The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the National Highway 17, is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of North Goa. Weekly fair on Friday is held at the modern streamline market, attended by large crowds(03 KM)

PILAR
         Important religious and eductional centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the countryside around and a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari River.(11 KM).

MARAGAO 
       The capital of South Goa District in the hinterland of Southern Goa in Salcate Taluka is a thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India & Mormugao Harbour and by National Highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has imposing old mansions and modern buildings.(33 KM)
Vasco-Da-Gama
           A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service on the South Central Railway.

MORMUGAO HARBOUR
           It is one of the finest natural anchorages on the West Coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.

CHANDOR 
          East of Margao the menezes Braganza House, mostly late 18th Century and previously owned by Lemon nationalist and Journalist Luis De Menezes Braganza has a series of magnificent rooms especially the great salon with its fine furniture and the largest private library in Goa.
POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Always wear a hat/cap when you are outdoors.
• Sunscreen is a must.
• Carry mineral water; make certain you buy it from a genuine dealer.    Drink often.
• Refuse plastic carry bags when you go shopping. Take your own carrybag. Keep Goa litter free and care for the environment.
• Venture into the sea ONLY if you are a good swimmer, and only at beaches manned by life guards. Drinking and swimming is more dangerous than drinking and driving.
• Seek information and assistance only from genuine Tourist Information Centres. Do not deal with touts and middlemen.

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GOA TOURISM MAP / TOURIST PLACES IN GOA / BEACHES IN GOA

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TOURIST PLACES IN NORTH GOA / FAMOUS BEACHES IN GOA -INDIA / SOUTH INDIA TOURISM

BAGA BEACH

BAGA BEACH
         Baga is known for its popular beach, Baga Beach with is brown sands, and creek, the Baga Creek. It is visited by thousands of tourists annually. Baga Beach is a popular beach and tourist destination in North Goa, India, located a few kilometers north from the famous and crowded Calangute beach. The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow. The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach. Baga Beach is also famous for its water sports and Dolphin cruises.

ANJUNA BEACH

ANJUNA BEACH
            The Anjuna beach in Goa is known for its full-moon (acid house) parties. Held for and by young tourists, these parties have attracted thousands of tourists. The trance party with dance, frolic, and merriment goes all night besides the fire. It is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers.Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes alive with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one onto a trance trip. Anjuna Beach has been the haunt of the flower generation in the sixties and is now popular with the younger generations. It became popular because of its Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to fuse the Eastern spiritual traditions with Western Music, ideas and art.Anjuna is a small Village in north Goa and is popularly called the freak capital in the world. Its significant tourist spots are the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 (flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof), the Mascarenhas Mansion, and the Chapora fort.
              Every Wednesday, at around 11 a.m., Anjuna breaks into a riot of colors. Lines of vehicles full of tourists start virtually raising clouds of dust in this area. Whatever one needs, from a used paperback to a haircut, one would find it here. The flea market is a heaven for hardcore shoppers and good bargainers, to bid on wonderful blends of Tibetan, Kashmiri and Gujarati trinkets and handicrafts, European snacks, cassettes of a noisy brand of music called 'Goa Trance', artificial ornaments carvings and T-shirts. An elephant ride and a photograph with a fake sadhu or a fake snake charmer can also be found here.
There are plenty of guest houses around the village, and even a couple of hotels. Someone planning a longer stay should look out for 'To Let' signs, as there are plenty of houses that are available on rent along the back lanes.

VAGATOR BEACH

VAGATOR BEACH
          This most photographed beach of Goa forms a bay that curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.This beautiful arc of sand is located about 22 kms from Panaji and is part of the 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa.
Adjoining Anjuna, Vagator is secluded, crescent shaped and situated on the Caisua bay along the Chapora river basin in the shadow of Chapora Fort. During the tourist season, it is a favorite venue for midnight parties. There are a number of buses that run from Mapusa and Calangute beach to Vagator. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa.

SINQUERIM BEACH
        With its magnificent 17th century fort which has now been converted into a prison, Sinquerim is one of the finest beaches in Goa, offering international class facilities for water-skiing, parasailing, fishing, scuba-diving and wind-surfing.Home to the Taj Hotel Group, which dominates the headland around the historic Fort Aguada, Sinquerim is located some 13 kms from Panaji. The uninterrupted stretch of firm sand stretches all the way north to Baga, offering visitors a temptingly long walk along the beach

CANDOLIM BEACH
       Candolim is the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji and is like a gateway to the other more famous beaches. Though individual accommodation is available here, there are only a few hotels with restaurants attached. One highlight of Candolim is the parasailing and water skiing facility, besides other water sports.

AGUADA BEACH
         Aguada beach is almost synonymous with the top-notch Fort Aguada Hotel complex, a superb hotel that is built on the cliff, around the remnants of the early 17th century Portuguese fort. Although access to the beach is not possible through the hotel grounds, which are private, you can walk along Aguada beach, for in India private beaches do not exist.Drawn by the clientele of the hotel, Aguada beach has cafes, itinerant vendors of everything from Kashmiri carpets to massages, and a good range of water sports.

MORJIM BEACH
           The VIPs on this beach are the Olive Ridley turtles that come to nest here helped by a group of volunteers who guard the nests and help the hatchlings get into the sea. A favourite of Russian tourists, along with Ashwem beach close by, visitors will find signboards and menu cards in Russian!

ARAMBOL BEACH
          This is also a foreigners’ haunt with a large number of Tai Chi, non-permanent mehendi or henna, tattoo, yoga and meditation centres. Harmal Beach is the one place you cannot drive on to, but there are narrow lanes that lead to the higher reaches of the coast. You have to walk down a slope to the beach itself. The black rocks on the silvery beach make for some pretty dramatic scenery at sunset. Further up near the hill is a pool with soft yellow clay, which is said to have healing properties. Beauticians buy the clay as do the innumerable massage parlours in the area.

MIRAMAR BEACH
       This beautiful ‘urban’ beach, akin to Chowpatty in Mumbai, is located just 3 kms from Panaji. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian Sea. It was originally known as ‘Gasper Dias Beach’, named after Gaspar Dias, a prosperous landlord and where a Portuguese fort once stood at the fag end of the 16th century. From the beach across the river is an excellent view of Fort Aguada. With its proximity to Panaji, and located near educational institutions, Miramar is very much both a family beach and a meeting point for young people. It is also a hot spot for fitness fiends and walkers. Tourists love the familiar atmosphere. Numerous hotels, including the spacious and well laid out Miramar Residency run by GTDC, dot the area. The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days. A memorial to Goa's first chief minister, the late Dayanand Bandodkar is located here.


FORT AGODA

         The fort was constructed in 1612 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi river. It was initially tasked with defense of shipping and the nearby Bardez District.
A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada, meaning Water. Crews of passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. On the fort stands a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons, a moat around the fort also protected it.
Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.

CALANGAUTE BEACH
       Calangute beach in Goa is also known as the Queen of Beaches. The period from November to February is the most pleasant to visit here. It's 15km from the capital city Panjim. The beach itself isn't anything special, with steeply shelving sand, however it's capacity is large enough to accommodate the huge number of high-season visitors.The Calangute beach is usually crowded and the small resorts thrive in business during the holiday season. It is one of the most popular beach in Goa with a host of facilities to cater to visitors, including Golden sand along the beach and water sports. Calangute beach lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa in India. Calangute is the most popular holiday destination in Goa. Excellent accommodation facilites are available, particularly at the tourist resorts and cottages. It has also become a good investment plan to buy properties in Goa.
            The beach in Calangute is also the perfect tourist haven, completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer, to trinkets made of seashells. Its rainbow hued canvas has welcomed everyone to it always although it became popular across the globe only after the hippies discovered it in the 60's.
One of the places worth visiting nearby is the St. Alex Church. The Church of St Alex greets the visitors with its two towers and a magnificent dome gracing the façade. The inside of the church is a display of the line and beauty of its architectural style and attractive altars. Calangute's nightlife is surprisingly tame and provides a nice break from the wild parties at Anjuna. All but a handful of the bars wind up by 10.00 pm. One notable exception is Tito's at the Baga end of the beach, which stays open until after midnight in the off-season and into the small hours of the morning in late December and January.

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