KODACHADRI-KARNATAKA

KODAJADRI

          Kodachadri- is a mountain peak with dense forests(altitude – 1343 m above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India (Karnataka State). The name comes from native word “Kodacha” or “Kodashi” which means hill and “Adri” a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri. It is also called “Kutachadri” and “Kodashi Parvatha”. Kodachadri forms a background to the famous temple of Mookambika in Kollur. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park, it is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and as such, the forest covered nature is visible all around and also several smaller peaks and hills exist. The important animal life include Malabar Langur, King Cobra, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill,Paradise Flycatcher,Emerald Pigeon, Tiger, Panther, hyena, Bison,Python and many more, of which several are endangered
              Kodachadri seems to have attracted the attention of humankind since long time. Probably prehistoric men also trekked in this area and several monolithic structures or menhirs (big rocks with a length more than 12 feet) are found near Nagara- Nilsakal, at about 20 k.m from this place.Ancient mother goddess temple is there near the top of the peak and legend says that the goddess slayed Mookasura several thousand years ago. This belief can be compared with ancient practice of worshipping Mother Goddess during prehistoric time all over the world. At present, Kodachadri is popular among locals and Keralites since at least 500 years or more. Sage Shankaracharya is said to have visited this place and established Kollur temple. Original goddess is situated at the top of Kodachadri. Piligrims from Kerala,Tamil Nadu and Karnataka state visit Kollur and some of them Kodachadri also, remembering the visit of Sage Shankaracharya.

KODAJADRI

The Shola Forests spread over the surrounding hill range as well as on Kodachadri hill range is unique. Shola forests are said to be the life of steams and rivers of such hills. Plants in Shola forests are neither shrubs nor big trees, but medium sized green plants with tough trunks, which is suitable to withstand the strong winds the lash the mountain sides continuously. The speedy winds that lash the mountains during monsoon can easily uproot bigger trees but do no harm to shola forest. Shola forest also shelter different types of reptiles, birds, insects, vertebrates and the flora and fauna of Shola forest is unique. Other than Shola Forest, there is a good coverage of dense evergreen forest with high canopy.

Read More

GOLDEN TEMPLE-TIBETAN MONASTERY-COORG-KARNATAKA

         

  The Tibetan Monastery or the Tibet Camp as locally called is located around 6 kms from Kushalnagar town towards Mysore. This Tibetan settlement at Bailkoppa or Baylkuppe is the the second largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. There are over 7,000 monks and students at the Tibetan monastery.After the Chinese took over Tibet, the refugees were settled at Bylkuppe near Kushalnagar and the Buddhist Monastery was re-established here in 1972. It houses over 7,000 monks and students today. 
The monastery not only attracts large number of young Tibetans seeking enlightenment and education, but also draws huge tourists from all over India and abroad.Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement camps close to each other, and has a lot of monasteries, nunneries. Most famous among them are the large educational institution Sera, the smaller Tashilunpo monastery and Namdroling monastery.

The 40 ft tall golden Buddha statues are the major attractions of Bailkoppa. The statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava, and Amitayus are the notable ones. The walls of the temples and the institutions are decorated with colorful paintings depicting gods and demons from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. The altar is decorated with flowers, candles and incense sticks.Apart from the calm and peaceful surroundings there are shopping centers near the temples where one can shop for traditional Tibetan items like costumes, statues, carpets, jewelery etc.

Read More

KOTTATHALACHI MOUNT / KOTATHALACHI HILL / KOTTATHALACHI MALA-KANNUR

kottathalachi hill

       Kottathalachi Mount is a famous Christian pilgrim centre in north Kerala. in kannur district It is located at around 2500 feet above the sea level. On Good Friday of 1958, the holy cross was installed at “Kottathalachi Mala” by Fr. Mathew Mannuramparambil. Since then the first Sunday after Easter is being celebrated here by thousands of pilgrims every year. At present there is road facility till the hill basin. the hill is located near pulinghome ,cherupuzha -kannur.Kottathalachi is known as the Malayattoor of Malabar. there is a wide verity of flora & funa

Read More

MUNNAR HONEY MOON DESTINATION | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MUNNAR | HONEY MOON IN KERALA | MUNNAR TOURIST SPOTS

 Munnar, the famed hill station of south India in kerala, it is a romantic locale where natural beauty is everywhere to visit, explore and to enjoy. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – and the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in Malayalam.  
Situated about 1600m above sea level, the hill station had been the summer resort of the British Government during the colonial era. Imprints of the colonial past stand tall in the Munnar town in the form of English country cottages. Virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge splashy waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding walkways are all part of the great holiday experience on offer for a traveler to Munnar. 
Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years. The ‘kurinji season’ in Munnar is a magnificent sight when the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue of the Neelakurinji blooms.

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.
This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.
Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.

Eravikulam National Park

         One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.

Anamudi Peak
           Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.

Mattupetty
          Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.

Pallivasal

         Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.

Chinnakanal

Near the town of Munnar and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat 

Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.

Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.

Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

Getting there:Nearest railway stations: Theni (Tamil Nadu), about 60 km away; Aluva about 110 km away.
Nearest airports: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away; Nedumbassery International Airport, about 125 km away.

HOTELS FOR STAY
    Stay at munnar is expensive (Rs. 1000 for single rooms) so you can choose another option is that stay at Adimali. it is about one hour journey from munnar to Adimali. there will get budget single rooms from 250 rupees per day (St. george residency adimali)
STAY AT MUNNAR

Michaels Inn Kumily Post Thekkady reservation@michaelsinnthekkady.com www.michaelsinnthekkady.com +91 4869 222355, 222356, Tariff Rs.1700 - 2800 Lake Palace (KTDC) Thekkady lakepalacethekkady@ktdc.com www.lakepalacethekkady.com, www.ktdc.com +91 4869 223887, 223888, +91 4869 222024 Tariff Rs.10000 - 25000 Greenwoods K.K. Road Kumily Thekkady reservations@greenwoods.in www.greenwoods.in +91 4869 222752, 224382, 222753, + 91 4869 223907 Tariff Rs.14000 - 21000 Periyar House (KTDC ) Thekkady periyarhousethekkady@ktdc.com www.periyarhousethekkady.com, www.ktdc.com +91 4869 222026, 222447, 222546, 321904, +91 4869 222526 Tariff Rs.1170 - 4615  HOME STAY Deer Villa Mundackal House Thekkady P.O Kumily +91 4869 223568 Tariff Rs.600-900/-

Read More

MYSORE-KARNATAKA-INDIA | TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MYSORE | ALL ABOUT MYSORE | MYSORE TOURIST GUIDE

MYSORE
       Mysore is the second largest city in the state of Karnataka. The city is situated at the base of Chamundi Hills and is famous for the Dussehra celebrations during which a large number of tourists visit the city. 
Hindu mythology says that Mysore was ruled by Mahishasura a demon who was later on killed by Goddess Chamundeshwari. Till the 15th century, the area where Mysore stands today, was known as Puragere. The fort was constructed in the year 1524 by Chamaraja Wodeyar III. 
Mysore city is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Dussehra is the most important festival of the city and this festival is celebrated for a period of 10 days. Started by King Raja Wodeyar I in the year 1610, the ninth day of the celebration is known as Mahanavami and the imperial sword is worshiped on this day. Processions constituting ornamented elephants, camels and horses are taken out. 
The style of painting prevalent is an outgrowth of the Vijayanagar school of painting. The typical characteristic of these paintings is the plaster of Paris work in which gold hydrofoils are pasted. 
Mysore is also known as City of Palaces. There are a large number of palaces around the city to be visited. The most famous attraction of Mysore is the Mysore Palace, which is best visited during the evening, when the whole palace is lit up with sparkling lights. The famous Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is now being converted into a museum and is dedicated to folk culture.

Mysore Palace
One of the most magnificent buildings located in the heart of the city is the Mysore Palace. Spacious halls called Mantaps can be seen in the Palace. Paintings and architectural beauty décor the hall. The palace is a fantabulous assemblage of Indo-Saracen architecture. 
The palace gives a clean evidence that a royal structure existed during the period of Yaduraya and Krishnaraya when they came to Mysore in 1399 AD. 
The palace is open to visitors every day from 10 am to 5.30 pm. A charge of Rs 15 is made per head. The palace is illuminated from 7 pm to 8 pm on Sundays including public holidays and also during all the ten days of the Dussehra celebrations.

Brindavan Gardens
Brindavan Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens in Mysore and a center of tourist attraction. This garden was constructed during the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar. It is built across the Cauvery river and below the Krishnarajasagar dam. 
The garden is decorated with huge lawns and various kaleidoscopical courses of flowers. The main attractive feature of the garden is the ‘dancing fountain’. 
The garden can be visited at any time from 7 am to 8 pm on all days. The lighting of the garden during Dussehra is done every day and on other days from 7 pm to 8.45 pm.
Chamundeswari Temple
The Chamundeswari Temple is situated on a hill in the neighborhood of Mysore. Krishnaraja III during the latter part of the 18th century built this temple tower. He gifted the Nakshatramalika jewel which has Sanskrit poesies engraved on it. 
The temple is adorned with various epitomes of Nandi. The colossal Nandi is 15 feet wide and 24 feet long and was made during the reign of Dodda Devaraja. It also has a seven floor ‘gopuram’. The idol of the Goddess is made of gold and the entrance with shinning silver. The dumbfounding construction appeals to the visitors’ aesthetic senses.

St Philomena's Church This church was built to honor St Philomena and thus it got its name. The Maharaja of Mysore laid the foundation  stone for the church in the year 1933. The followed the Neo Gothic style of architecture. The Cologne  Cathedral was the inspiration of the Church. The church was planned by Daly a Frenchman. The congregation hall is called the nave. The two steeples of  the church are 53 meters in height. The main hall can hold a capacity of 800 people. The windows depict the  birth of Christ and the important events in his life. The cathedral is open from 5 am to 6 pm and no entrance fee is charged. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is located about 5 km away from Srirangapatna. Spread over 57 acres, the sanctuary is a small island on the banks of river Kaveri. A bird lovers paradise, this sanctuary is a nesting  and breeding center for all kinds of birds.  One can see species like the herons, egrets, white ibis, little cormorants, dantes, open billed stork  etc. are some of the birds that can be seen in island while on a boat ride.  The best time of visit to the island is from June to October.Srirangapatnam Fort Srirangapatna fort, also called as Tipu’s palace is one of the most popular monuments in India.  The architecture of the palace is a mix of Indo-Islamic style and the huge Persian inscription on the  entrance gate embodies the date on which the fort was constructed, i.e 1537. This fort has ‘Lal Mahal’  which was the then residence of the most audacious king of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.  The fort was built in a double wall defense system and has four entrances, namely – Delhi, Bangalore,  Mysore & Water and Elephant gates. The two dungeons located at the lower chambers of the fort are  a must visit. These dungeons were used to detain the British soldiers who were arrested. Srirangapatna  Fort also houses a mosque and the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, that is famous  for its gopuram and thick fort-like walls.  Various paintings like ‘The storming of Seringapattam’ by Sir Robert Ker can be found on the walls.  The paintings depicting the glorious victory of Tipu Sultan over British, also adorn the walls. Do not miss  to see the Chaturvimsati pillars that  bore carvings of 24 forms of Vishnu, at the inner entrance of the fort. The tomb of Tipu Sultan can be  found in the vicinity of the fort.  The fort is scenically located on an island formed by the river Cauvery. On your visit to Mysore,  one must definitely visit this fort which is an emblem of history and culture that lived and flourished  during the glorious times of Tipu Sultan. Gumbaz Gumbaz is the burial chamber of Tipu Sultan, his father Haider Ali and mother Fatima Begum.  It is built on a lifted platform and is circumvented by various other tombs of his relatives and nobles.  The Gumbaz has magnificent ebony doors decorated with ivory which was presented by Lord Dalhousie.  The interior walls are covered with lacquer Tiger stripes which is Tipu's favourite. A corridor lined by pillar s of black amphibole walls Gumbaz.  Masjid-e-aksa a mosque is situated next to the Gumbaz. The Gumbaz is surrounded by a beautiful gardens  adds to its beauty.

Read More

TOURIST PLACES IN COORG / KUDAKU-MADIKKER / CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMAI-KARNATAKA

MADIKERI      Madikeri is the headquarters for the district of Coorg and where you will find many interesting tourist attractions. Some of the more notorious attractions are the former Palace, the Raja Seat, the Omkareshwara Temple, the Fort and the Gaddige or Rajas' tombs. The town can be found 1525 meters above sea level on the plateau of the Western Ghats. A prince from the Haleri dynasty, Muddu Raja founded Madikeri in 1681 under the original name Muddu Rajakeri, which became Madikeri. Madikeri is officially know as Mercara CAUVERY NISARAGDHAMA    Nisargadhama is a beautiful island off the state highway, two km from Kushalanagar town and 28 km from Madikeri. The 64-acre island, surrounded by the Cauvery river, can be accessed by walking across a hanging bridge. Its breathtaking beautiful surrounding are lush with thick foliage of bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees. It has lovely river-side cottages which can accommodate five persons. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. There is a deer park, children's park and orchidarium in the resort. RAJA'S SEAT      Raja's Seat in the town of Madikeri is where the kings would sit and watch the sunsets with their consorts. This is considered one of South India's most scenic locations. The view from Raja's Seat is breathtaking as you gaze upon the green valleys and towering hills. This is the perfect place to sit with a glass of wine and watch cars curving up the road to Mangalore that lies in the valley like a flowing ribbon. The government has set up a garden all around Raja's Seat. This is the ideal place to go for a morning stroll. OMKARESHWARA TEMPLE Omkareshwara Temple The Omkareshwara Temple was established in 1820 by Lingarajendra II with Mumammadan style architecture, which featured a center dome and four corners with turrets. According to legend, the king put a pious Brahmin to death unjustly and built the temple to appease the Brahmin's spirit. The Omkareshwara Temple is like a Muslim dargah and has a Linga near the door of the entrance. The history of the temple was inscribed by the king on a plate made of copper that is hanging at the frame of the door to the temple entrance. MADIKERI FORT Mercara Fort Mercara Fort can be found on elevated ground atop Madikeri. The fort was originally made out of mud and rebuilt by Tipu Sultan with stone, only to be wrested back by the Coorg King in 1791.There are two mortar elephants, built life-size to catch the visitors' eyes as they enter the fort. Inside the fort, the British took out the temple of Virabhadra in 1855 and replaced it with the gothic-style Anglican Church, which has since been converted to a museum. The Madikeri Palace is inside of the Madikeri Fort and is home to the office of the Deputy Commissioner. The Palace was established by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1814. The two-story structure was renovated by the British two times and a clock tower and portico for the commissioner's car was added in 1933. ABBI FALLS Abbi Falls Coorg's most popular waterfall is a 8 km drive from the main town. GADDIGE Gaddige, also know as Rajas' tombs or the tombs of Virarjendra is a significant monument in Coorg. The royal tombs provide a commanding view of the entire town. In 1820, the tomb of Lingarajendra was built. In addition, there are tombs for two army commanders and a priest. There is a plaque to commemorate General Biddanda Bopu. The tombs are Muhammadan style with center domes and turrets. Even the bars of the windows are made of fine brass and adorned with beautiful engravings. TALACAUVERY Talacauvery Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. BYLEKUPPE Tibetan cultural dances being peformed at the monastery premises in Bylekuppe Bylekuppe near Kushalanagar is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in south India. It has several monasteries and the prominent among these are the Great Gompa of Sera Je and Sera Mey and the Namdroling monastery. The Mahayana Buddhist University is at Sera. Another important monastery is the Tashi Lhumpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. The gold-coated Buddhist statues in the monastery are imposing and unique, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans. VALNUR FISHING CAMP Valnur fishing camp is located near Kushalanagar on the banks of the Cauvery. Fishing enthusiasts can indulge in angling for the majestic Mahseer after obtaining fishing permits from the Coorg Wildlife Society. Valnur is also a bird-watchers' paradise. DUBARE RESERVE FOREST & DUBARE ELEPHANT CAMP This is another scenic spot located 15 km from Kushalanagar famous for its elephant training camp. It is also an ideal place for angling in the swirling waters of the Cauvery. Every year, at a predetermined time, water gushes out from a small pond at Talacauvery, the birthplace of river Cauvery. Talacauvery is located 44 km from Madikeri, on the slopes of Brahmagiri Hill. Besides being a pilgrimage center, Talacauvery is known for its natural beauty. HARANGI DAM The Harangi dam near Kushalanagar has a beautiful reservoir, ideal for a week-end stay. No matter if you are a nature lover or a history buff, you will find something to suit your fancy in the district of Coorg

Read More

RAMOJI FILM CITY / THE LAND OF MOVIES -HYDERABAD

Ramoji Film City - The land of movies, entertainment and magic, it has everything that dreams are made of. Offering unlimited fun, thrill and excitement, its a great visual extravaganza.
  Experience and get enthralled by its exquisite and lavish gardens, spell binding movie sets, spectacular attractions, enchanting entertainment shows, food, shopping, unmatched hospitality,and of course the glitz and glamour of the silver screen - The ultimate holiday destination for the entire family

Silver Screen Magic

in ramoji filim city See the magic of Silver Screen unfold in front of you in all its glory. Experience the glitz and glamour of the world of cinema. We have over hundreds of spell binding movie sets that will traverse you to a different world. Certainly the most amazing architectural wonders. A blend of landscapes and cityscapes ranging from the pastoral to the metropolitan, wild shrubbery to beautiful manicured lawns, rivulets, singing fountains, palaces, shopping plazas, an airport terminal, railway station, police outpost, churches, mosques, temples, chateaus, rural complexes, urban dwellings, gateways and much more, you will see everything coming to life at Ramoji Film City  - The land of movies, magic, and entertainment. Deli Express: Train Restaurant

         Dadajinn always enjoyed a train ride. This inspired him to build a train for kids. Now, after having chugged through fabulous adventures in the most exotic lands, the train serves as a restaurant offering delicious fare with choicest goodies.

Enthraller: Dome Amphitheater 
             Another exciting zone at Fundustan to enthrall you all. The Amphitheatre is well designed for performing plays, dances, shows and other variety of interesting programs that capture the fantasies of kids and families alike
Rides to Thrill
           Get ready to feel the rush of Adventure! Experience our exhilarating thrill rides that will swing you into excitement of the highest order.
Unleash your wild side with some real adventure and excitement.
Ballerina Fount: Dancing Fountain
        An incredible spectacle! See the fountain swings and dance to the tunes of mesmerizing music. Its like fireworks on water that is sure to enthrall everyone

Corolla: Valley of Flowers  Breathtaking beautiful spreads of vibrant and colorful flowers which are sheer joy to watch.Borasura: Get ready for some spin-chilling experience as you explore the dark age at Borasura, the one pf the first ever themed walkthroughs in AsiaFundustan The magnificent realm of merriment, magic and marvel! Dadajinn, the amiable guardian angel of Fundustan, embodies the lively childlike spirit that lives in all of us. Kids around the world adore Dadajinn because he shares their passion for fun and excitement. Fundustan has been created from the blueprint of a child's fantasy. It has many places of fun an play. Kids will find boundless opportunities for fun as they tumble, slide, crawl and climb through a maze of fun.  Timberland: Play Zone

Dadajinn collected all the woods that he could lay his hands on, and using his extraordinary carpentry skills and imagination created a wonderful play zone with unlimited entertainment called Timberland for his young friends. 

Exhilarating Entertainment Shows

Non-stop entertainment at every run! To keep the fun going we have for you some of the most exciting entertainment shows

Eureka - The land of endless fun that takes you to the glorious past! One moment you are walking down a Mauryan lane, in a blink of an eye you'll be transported to the rugged town of American Wild West, or in the royal ambience of the Mughal era. This is where the drama unfolds with pulsating entertainment and cultural shows. There are also a line of enchanting entertainment shows performed at our very own Fundustan

Shangri-La

Shangri-La, Ramoji Film City’s exclusive nursery, is home to infinite varieties of exotic flowers, plants and shrubs. A stroll around this veritable paradise, replete with colour and aroma, instantly soothes your senses and soul. If you are a Nature lover, Shangri-La is just the right place for you to be. From seeds of rare plants for your gardens to beautiful flora that adorns your living rooms, you can take home a piece from this paradise as a souvenir. Our experts at Shangri-La can also create customized floral designs to enrich your unique event or occasion. Unforgettable and engaging experience! we are specialists in executing high-profile events. RFC's unsurpassed excellence in offering unforgettable personalized experience with distinctive creativity, makes us special. We offer full range of services including the creative development, design, production, and staging of any type and size of event. Be it celebrity concerts & events, beauty pageants, corporate meetings, product launches or any kind of event, RFC will paint the perfect canvas for you! Spectacular locations, unique signature entertainment programs, culinary delights with endless options, world-class accommodation facilities, World's largest film studio complex with ultra-modern recording equipment - everything is arranged for you by our integrated team of experts, dedicated to ensure that your event is an overwhelming success. Our strength is our ability to consistently meet client objectives and expectations with the optimal solution, effectively assemble and manage numerous in-house and out-of-house resources, and meticulously execute a number of complex large-scale projects. This involves precision integration and expert management of creative, production, and technical talents of our expert team. contact Ramoji Film City  Hyderabad - 501512  Andhra Pradesh, INDIA  Ph: +91-8415-246555/ 246333  Fax: +91 8415 246401

Read More

HOGENAKKAL / HOGENAKKAL FALLS / CORACLE RIDE / NAYAGARA FALLS OF INDIA / SMOKING ROCK-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 ( kottathoni) 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.
hogenakkal is famous for film shooting.
coracle ride ticket- 250 Rupees/ head

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.

HOW TO REACH THERE

BY AIR
         Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, which is at distance of about 133 km from Hogenakkal. Taxi charges about Rs 2000 from Bangalore to Hogenakkal. Bangalore is well connected to most of the major airports in India and abroad

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)
Peelamedu Airport, Coimbatore (CJB) ----119KM
Tiruchirappalli Airport (TRZ)----146 KM
Chennai International Airport (MAA)----285 KM BY RAIL             Nearest major railway junction is Salem, which is about 114 km from Hogenakkal. Salem to Hogenakkal taxi charge is about Rs 1500. Other two railheads nearby are Dharmapuri to go to Bangalore and Morappur to go to ChennaI. Dharmapuri (DPJ)---42 KM Salem Junction (SA)---64 KM Morappur (MAP)-----69 KM BY BUS            Hogenakkal is well connected to all major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore to Hogenakkal (133 km) and Salem to Hogenakkal (114 km). Bus charge is about Rs 3 per kilometer.

Read More