Shani Shinganapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa taluka in Ahmednagar district. It is 84 Kms from Aurangabad and 35kms from Ahmednagar, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn.
The spectacle of the deity in black stone is overwhelming. A unique aspect of this place is, that no temple structure houses the Shanidev. There is only a simple platform on which stands the swayambhu idol, in black stone.
            Unlike other pilgrimage centres, at the shrine in Shinganapur there are no long queues and no waiting period. devotees here can perform puja or abhishek or other religious rituals themselves. They need not even wait for a priest.

To worship the Lord Shaneshwara in Shinganapur, a devotee h
as to take a head bath and proceed in wet clothes to the platform where the swayambhu idol of Shani Maharaj exists. The devotee then circumambulates, offers prayers and performs Abhishek-s with water from the holy well in the vicinity and sesame oil. Sacrificial offerings are not permitted here. Any male devotee can go up to the platform wearing a wet cloth but women are enjoined to offer worship without mounting the platform.
        One of the unique aspects of the village Shiganapur is that houses here have no doors or locks on them for safety. They are in fact not needed. The people here believe that it is the benediction of the god that no crime ever occurs in this village.

How to reach there:

By Road
Alight on Aurangabad-Ahmednagar N.H.No 60. at Ghodegaon and Shanishingapur is 5 Kms from there. Or, on Manmad-Ahmednagar N.H. No 10, alight at Rahuri and Shanishingnapur is 32 Kms from there. From there, one can avail the bus-shuttle services.
From there, one can utilize the State Transport Bus services, taxis, bus services etc.

By Train
One can travel from any corner of India to Shanishingnapur. For this, the suggested railway stations are Ahmednagar, Rahuri, Shrirampur and Belapur. From these railway destinations, there are S.T. buses, Jeeps, Taxis etc. facilities to Shanishingnapur.

By Air
Having arrived from abroad to Mumbai or other from other states to Aurangabad or Pune by air, one can avail S.T. bus, jeeps, taxies facilities upto Shanishingnapur.

Festivals:
Generally the devotees can perform pooja and abhishek on any day at Shari Shaneshvar tirtha. But the Amavasya or the no day moon which falls on a Saturday is considered to be most auspicious. On such a day lakhs of devotees from all corners of the country come to receive blessings of Shri Shanidev. On every Shani Amavasya there is a Yatra.

In Shanishingnapur, everyday, lakhs of devotees of God Shani come for a ‘darshan'. On every Saturday, innumerable devotees come and benefit from the ‘darshan'.

Every Shani Amavashya and the Gudi Padava of every year, lakhs of devotees of God Shani visit the Temple.

ShriShaneshchar Jayanti, the special day of God Shani's birthday, is celebrated with great gusto and devotion.

Every year, from ‘Chaitra Shuddha Dashami' to ‘Chaitrya Vadya Pratipada', continuously, the chanting of God's name and ‘Granthraj Dnyaneshwari Parayan' is performed. During this period, prayers are performed as follows
Early in the morning from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. ‘Kakada Aart'.
5 a.m. to 6 a.m. ‘Vishnu Sahastra naam'.
7 a.m. to 8 a.m. ‘Dnyaneshwari Vaachan'.
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ‘Sangeet Bhajan'.
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ‘Pravachan'
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ‘ Haripaatha' and
8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ‘Hari Keertan' and ‘Jaagar'.





























     

       Jatayu Nature Park / Jatayu Earth’s Center is situated at Chadayamangalam, in Kollam district of Kerala which is 50 km from Trivandrum, Kerala. This believed to be the next big addition to Kerala's tourism havens, this park is set to offer a memorable experience to travellers by weaving a fine combination of art, epics, history, technology, wellness and adventure. Spread across an area of 65 acres, the most prominent part of the park will be the world's largest bird sculpture replicating Jatayu. Jatayu, the mythical creature that fought Ravana to rescue Sita, is believed to be the place where Jatayu fell from the sky after a valiant fight with Ravana.

      This bird sculpture measuring 200 feet in length, 150 feet in breadth, and 70 feet in height. The sculpture is being developed by renowned filmmaker Rajiv Anchal on a 15,000 square feet platform, at an altitude of 1,000 feet. The place offers beautiful 360-degree views of mountains stretching along the horizon and is surrounded by a thick foliage all around. State of the Art ropeway will transport you to the top of the rock. Get a bird’s eye view of “Gods Own Country” through the eyes of the bird sculptor. Enjoy the scenic beauty on a helicopter joy ride. Explore the multi cuisines at the panoramic view food court. Feel an adrenaline rush at the largest adventure park within the natural terrain. Relax your senses at the age old Siddha Cave Healing Center. Indulge in the most romantic moonlit dinner with your loved ones. And a lot more that will blend you into nature’s wonders.














  • Vivanta by Taj - Trivandrum
  • Hycinth by Sparsa - Trivandrum
  • Ramada - Alappuzha
  • Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere - Alappuzha
  • Vivanta by Taj - Cochin
  • Le Méridien - Cochin
  • Trident Hotel - Cochin
  • Crowne Plaza - Cochin
  • Radisson Blu - Ernakulam
  • Vivanta by Taj - Kumarakom, Kottayam
  • Kumarakom Lake Resort - Kottayam
  • Vythiri Village Resort - Vythiri, Wayanad
  • The Lalit Resort & Spa - Bekal, Kasargod
  • Vivanta by Taj - Bekal, Kasargod


Most of India's finest beaches are in Kerala. For virtually its entire 600 km length, the Kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. Each year, an impressive number of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm-fringed beaches.
Kovalam Beach:        Internationally renowned, this seaside destination comprises three adjacent crescent-shaped beaches, of which the southernmost, known as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers a variety of activities including snorkelling, catamaran rides, sunset viewing, cycling on the beach etc.  (16 km from Thiruvananthapuram) 

Shankhumugham 
Beach: 
       Adjacent to the airport, this beach has an indoor recreation club, the matsya kanyaka (a gigantic, 35 m long sculpture of a mermaid), a restaurant shaped like a starfish and a traffic training park for children. Nearby are two popular picnic spots Akkulam and Veli Tourist Village. 
(8 km from Thiruvananthapuram) 

Chowara 
Beach: 
        8 km south of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram  Pristine and serene, this fishing hamlet is an unending stretch of white, sandy beaches.

Poovar 
Beach: 
        An isolated but spectacular beach, Poovar is situated close to the Neyyar River estuary. A trading port in its early days, it is today an important tourist destination.  
(12 km south of Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram) 

Papanasham 
Beach: 
       A dip in the sea at Papanas ham, meaning redemption from sins, is believed to be holy. Fringed by red laterite cliffs, near to the beach are the mineral springs, serene backwaters, the 2000-year-old Sree Janardhana swamy Temple, a century- old tunnel and a Nature Cure Centre. 
(45 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Varkala) 

Thangasseri 
Beach: 
       This seaside village of historic importance houses the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The beach here is an unique place where you get to see the sun setting and the moon rising simultaneously. 
(5 km from Kollam)

Thirumullavaram 
Beach: 
        This secluded beach is a beautiful picnic centre. 
(6 km north of Kollam) 

Alappuzha Beach:        A 137.year-old pier which extends into the sea and an old lighthouse add to the attractions of the beach. (
3.5 km from the city) 


Fort Kochi Beach:        Overlooking the Arabian Sea, with its legendary Chinese fishing nets dotting the foreground, Fort Kochi Beach offers a view of spectacular sunsets. Another highlight here are the waterfront stalls serving fresh catch prepared according to taste. (21 km from Ernakulam)  

Cherai 
Beach: 
        This lovely beach bordering Vypeen lsland is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally spotted here. A typical Kerala village nearby, with paddy fields and coconut groves, is an added attraction. 
(23 km from Ernakulam) 

Natika 
Beach: 
        Fringed by palm trees, this picturesque beach is a hot spot for picnickers. 
(24 km from Thrissur) 

Tanur 
Beach: 
        The small coastal fishing town of Tanur is one of the earliest settlements of the Portuguese. It is believed that St. Francis Xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of Tanur town is Keraladeshapuram Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala. 
(35 km from Malappuram) 

Padinjarekkara 
Beach: 
        Famous for bird watching, the beach also offers a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Bharathapuzha, the Tirur Puzha and the Arabian Sea. 
(5 km from Chemravattom, Ponnani in Malappuram) 

Vallikunnu 
Beach: 
        A beach resort set in the midst of a palm grove is the main attraction here. Nearby is the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. 
(40 km from Malappuram) 

Kozhikode Beach:       This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the ancient lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a old, that run into the sea. (
500 m from the city) 

Beypore 
Beach: 
       One prominent ports and a maritime trading centre of ancient Kerala, Beypore is located at the mouth of the chaltyar River. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction the Uru (Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.  
(10 km south of Kozhikode) 

Kappad 
Beach: 
       This is the historic beach where vessels. Vasco da Gama Landed on the 21th of May 1498 with men in three The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. 
(16 km from Kozhlkode) 

Thikkoti Lighthouse Beach:        This beach overlooks the veluyamkallu Rock much dreaded by mariners, off Moodadi coast. The lighthouse here was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the veltyamkallu Rock is home to migratory

Payyoli 
Beach:        The shallow waters of this beautiful ideal for swimming. During November-December, hordes of the endangered olive Ridley turtle come in to lay eggs. (40 km north of Kozhlkode)

Vadakara Sandbanks       This beach where the kattakal River merges into the sea is stunningly beautiful and is a favourite spot for locals and tourists. The nearby Biria Bungalow offers a detightful view the Sandbanks Beach. (50 km from Kozhikode)

Payyambalam 
Beach:        Famous for its flat laterite cliffs that Jut out into the sea, well-laid gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of Mother and child make this beach extremely captivating. The adjacent Baby Beach accessed through the Bumasseny Cantonment is detightfully quiet.(2 km from Kannur)

Kizhunna 
Beach:      This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala. (11 km from Kannur) 

Meenkunnu 
Beach:        (12 from Kannur Uncrowded, the beach is a tourist's paradise, with golden sand and surf

Muzhappilangad 
Beach:       Swimmer's paradise, this is Kerala's only drive-in beach. Adventure sports like paragtiding, parasailing, micro-lite flights and a variety of watersport options are possible here. (15 km from Kannur)


Dharmadom Beach:         The small five-acre island covered with coconut palms and green bushes is a beautiful sight from the serene stretch of Dharmadom Beach, Permission is required to enter this isle (17 km Kannur) 

Ezhimala 
         The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Ezhimala also has a Naval Academy 
(50 km from Kannur) 

Bekal Fort Beach:          Also known as Pallikara Beach, this scenic seaside offers a spectacular view of historic fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation, 
Kappil Beach: 
         A winding lane meanders through palm-fringed landscape to totally unpolluted, secluded beach. The Kodi this Cliff closeby offers a panoramic of the Arabian Sea, km away is the Palukunnam Temple.

Kanwatheertha         A large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction here. 
(3 km from Manjeswaram in Kasaragod) 
Ranipuram is a hill station and a major trekking location in Kasargod District of Kerala, situated 750 m above sea level. Which is almost near the border between Kerala and Karnataka. Ranipuram is at a distance of about 55 Km from Kanhangad. There is parking place at the base of hill where you can park your vehicles. In order to reach the top of the Ranipuram hill, one hour trekking through the forest is required. Trekkers should carry enough water and food. An entry fee of Rupees 30 have to pay per head. If you are visiting during Rainy season carry enough salt to get rid of Leeches.

Getting there
KANHANGAD - MAVUNGAL - EZHAMAIL - ODAYANCHAL - RAJAPURAM - MALAKKALLU - PANATHADI - RANIPURAM.
Regular bus services are available from Kanhangad to Panathadi.
Jeep services to Ranipuram are readily available from Panathady


view from the rock

Accommodation facilities
Trekking path
view from the top






way to top





destination


















Nestled in the luxuriant forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala are fourteen wildlife sanctuaries. And skirting these exotic destinations are some of the most delightful trekking trails in the country. All awash in the spice- scented air of endless acres of plantations ranging from cardamom, vanilla and pepper to tea and coffee. 

Neyyar Sanctuary: 
(30 km from Thiruvananthapuram) A haven for exotic flora and fauna, 12,000 hectares of natural vegetation is spread across an undulating terrain interspersed with rushing brooks, flat meadows and gentle slopes. An ideal trekking destination, the 1868 m Agasthyamala Peak is its highest point. Permitting Authority Ph: 0471-2360762, 2272182 

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary: 
(50 km from Thiruvananthapuram) This sanctuary spread over 53 sq. km on the Western Ghats, has rich flora and fauna and is dotted with hillocks, forests and eucalyptus plantations. Permitting Authority Ph: 0472-2892344, 0471-2322217, 2360762 

Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary: 
(66 km from Kollam) Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, the region is unique for its bio-diversity, remains of Stone Age culture and an important ecotourism resource, Thenmala. Permitting Authority Ph: 0475-2344600, 0471-2329770

ldukki Wildlife sanctuary:
(55 km from modupunha in udukku A charming canopy of dense tropical evergreen forests, tropical forests and moist deciduous forests fringe the scenic lake that surrounds this protected area on three sides, permitting Authority Ph: 04862-232271 

Periyar Tiger Reserve:
Snuggled in the western Ghats, one of the world's richest bio-diversity spots, is the cinating natural of the pratected with Reserve. There are two watch towers inside the forest teeming exotic wildlife. Perm Authority 04869 222027 

Eravikulam National Park:
 (15 km from Munnar in Idukki) The main 5 attractions of n are the and the flowers Strobilanthes kunthianus) that bloom just once 2 years. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi (2695 m is located in the southern region of the park, Permitting Authority Ph: 2531587 

Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary:
(60 km from Munnar Idukki) Situated on  the Tamil Nadu border, the Rajamala udumalpet Road (sH 17 winds right through it, enabling travellers to view wildlife including elephants, sambar gaur etc. Permitting Authority Ph: 04865-2531587 

Thuttekkad Bird Sanctuary: 
(20 km from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam) Also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Thattekad, nestled in evergreen renowned ornithologist of India forests, discove and is named after him. Permitting Authority Ph: 0485-2588302 

Peechi Wildlife sanctuary
(20 km east of Thrissur) This is one of Kerala's oldest wildlife reserves. Formed around the win reservoirs of peechl and Vazhani, the sanctuary is a rich repository of bio-diversity with several endangered herbs, shrubs, rare medicinal plants d innumerable variety of orchids. Permitting Authority Ph: 0487-2699017 

Chimmini wildlife Sanctuary: 
(37 km from Thrissur) With its dense Forests, a variety of birds and butterflies and innumerable trekking trails, this is sanctuary that provides a heady experience for nature enthusiasts. The Forest Department organises trekking and bamboo rafting programmes in and around sanctuary. But the highlight of all excursions is the 'Moonlight which involves rafting on full moon nights. Sona Permitting Authority Ph: 04802-701340 

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary 
(110 km from Palakkad) sprawled across 285 km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities available at the Parambikulam Reservoir Permitting Authority Ph: 0491 2556393 

Silent Valley National Park
 (40 km northwest of Mannarkad in Palakkad.The 89.52 sq. km national park believed to be the sole surviving bit of The 89,52 evergreen forests the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of chirping of cicadas. Permitting Authority Ph: 04924-222056 

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 
(17 km east of Sulthan Bathery) Established in 1973, the Wayanad W e Sanctuary encompasses an area of 344.33 sq. km and is made up of two discontinuous pockets Muthang in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Muthanga is located 18 wes Sul than Bathery while Tholpetty lies 15 km from Mananthavady Permitting Authority Ph: 04936-220454 

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary 
(35 km Thalassery in Kannur) At this 55 sq. km sanctuary, nature walks, soft trekking, bamboo rafting, coracle stay at tree houses in Pariputhodu and Bhoothamkallu etc. are possible. Permitting Authority Ph: 0490-2413160
Kerala is an ideal place to shop. The State is renowned for its handlooms, gold ornaments, spices etc. The handicrafts of Kerala are known for their uniqueness of style, perfection of form and elegance of design. All of these are available at shops across the State.

Aranmula Kannadi:
       This metal mirror, the making of which was once a closely guarded secret, had its origin long before the modern mirror made its debut. Made of an alloy of copper and tin, it is oval in shape with a tail like handle.
Nettur Petti: 
        Richly embellished with a conical lid, this ethnic jewel box of Kerala was once the prized possession of the rich and famous. Made of rosewood, this handcrafted casket is collector's item. 
Kasavu Mundu: 
        The handloom sarees of Kerala are known for their elegant simplicity. Soft and light, and laced with gold kasavu, they are treasured items. 
Spices: 
        The high ranges of Kerala are home to endless stretches of spice plantations. The State produces twelve varieties of spices including pepper, cardamom, clove, cinnamon etc.
Traditional Gold Jewellery: 
         Kerala's traditional jewellery items like necklaces, chains, bangles, ear rings etc., are rich in variety and design. Natural motifs such as flowers, leaves, birds etc. used as embellishments set them apart.



Blessed as it is by nature and a vibrant people, Kerala also has repertoire of music, dance and a Most of these are unique to the land and reflect the love for life of its people. From the renowned Kathakali, considered to be the complete art form as it synthesizes all that is best in the fields of drama, music and dance to the folk dances which are reflections of the rhythmic impulses of a sensitive people. 

Classical Arts 
The tradition of classical arts has existed in Kerala for more than a thousand years. 
Koodiyattam
         The sanskrit theatre of kerala, It is believed to have originated two millennia ago. This art form was declared by UNESCO as one among the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity.
Kathakali
         The spectacular dance drama of Kerala, Kathakali integrates dance, music, poetry and histrionics. Referred to the first theatre imagination' in the world it combines both lasya (gentle, graceful dance) and thandava (powerful, energetic dance) elements.
 Mohiniyattom
           The gracefully elegant classical dance form, Mohiniyattom is the dance of the enchantress and has lasya as the predominant element.

Folk Arts 
           Kerala a vast repertoire of folk performing arts, folk songs and folk drama that showcase man's overpowering rapport with nature and his constant desire for communication with the unknown.
Theyyam
          One of the most outstanding folk arts of Kerala, Theyyam has its origins in the northern parts of the state. The oldest ritual art form, there are about 45 different types of Theyyams including the Agni Theyyam where the dancer walks on fire.
Thira, Mudiyettu, Kaduvakali, velakali, kakkarissinatakam, Chavittunatakam Margarnkali, Kolkali, Parichamuttukali, Bhadrakalipattu, Pulluvanpattu and Thiruvat hirakali are some of the other folk art forms of Kerala.

Martial Arts 
Kalaripayattu 
           The comprehensive system of martial arts of Kerala, Kataripayattu is regarded as one of the oldest and most scientific in the world. Even Kung fu is believed to have originated from it.