Around 29 tiny caves were carved at Ajanta between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD. And a bunch of 34 caves at Ellora were whittled between 6th and 11the Century AD.

These caves are located in northern region of Maharashtra, India, around 250 miles (400 kms) away from Mumbai.

Reaching Ajanta and Ellora Caves is as adventurous as the cave itself. If you plan to visit the site through local train there, the nearest railway station is Aurangabad, which is 45 minutes away from the caves. Or you can opt to directly take a flight to Aurangabad, and take a two-hour ride to the Caves.

If you plan to visit both the caves, Wednesday-Sunday would be the best time to visit, as Ajanta Caves India, is closed on Mondays, and Ellora Caves is closed on Tuesdays. Both the caves are open on all national holidays. However, if you wish to have a peaceful experience, avoid holidays, as crowd could be maddening. The caves are open from 9am to 6 pm.

To enter Ajanta Caves, you will have to pay USD10, while entry to Ellora is free. For children below age 15 years, entry is free at both places.

People from all over the world visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves to witness the marvelous structure carved only with chisel and hammer, by hand. Ajanta is known for its sculpture and paintings, while Ellora is well-known for its architecture. It would take an entire day to explore this structure, as the size is twice the area of Pantheon in Athens, and one and half time high. Once you enter the caves, it gets dark and visibility gets poor. Hence, it’s advisable to carry a torch with you.

The sun temple is located at Konark in Orissa. It is also known as the black Pagoda. This monumental structure is from the thirteenth century. It was constructed by King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

The Konark temple was created from weathered and oxidizing sandstone. It is credited as a World Heritage Site and is one of the most well renowned temples in India. It is also listed as one of the seven wonders of India.

Design and Architecture:

The structure is intricately decorated with stone carving. The temple is in the form of the chariot of the Surya. Surya or Arka is the sun god. The complete complex of temples was formed in the design of a huge chariot on twelve pairs of beautifully decorated wheels which is being pulled by seven glorious horses.

The entrance to the temple is protected by two huge ion structures.  These lions are depicted crushing a war elephant. The elephants are lying on top of a human being. The temple successfully shows the majestic stride of Surya, the sun god. Nata Mandir is at the beginning of the temple. At the Nata Mandir temple dancers used to perform dances to pay homage to the sun god, Surya. The temple is designed with geometric and floral patterns. A part of the temple now lies in ruins. The museum of the sun temple stores the sculptures from the ruins.

Kalapahad:

Kalapahad was the general of Bengal Sultan Sulaiman Karann. The fall of the Konark temple is said to have some connection with Kalapahad. According to some stories Kalapahad was a Hindu kayasth officer who later converted to Islam.

The History of Orissa suggests Kalapahad in 1508 invaded Orissa. And he destroyed the sun temple and many other temples in Orissa. Even stone walls of 25 feet tall could not deter him; he managed to disturb the arch stone and caused the tower to fall. He also destroyed many images inscribed on the walls and other temples made to honor the sun god.

Carvings:

The temple is famed for its erotic depictions through sculptures and designs. Such sculptures are found on the second level of the porch structure. The Konark temple belongs to the Kalinga School of temples. It is characterized by cupolas and curvilinear towers. The temple is aligned to the east-west direction.

Natural surroundings are present all around the temple complex. Sandy soil holds the many rosewood, eel, and mahogany and casuarinas plantations around the temples. These temples are the pride of Indian and depict the culture and rich diversity of ancient India.

These well known monumental caves are a cluster of rock cut monuments. It is located deep in the lush green pristine forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This nature reserve is situated towards the north of Borivali, in the western outskirts of Mumbai, India. Distance wise it is 7 km away from borivali railway station and 6 km from the National park gate. Tourists are allowed inside the park after 7:30am. Transport to the caves is available by bus every hour.

Kanheri caves depict the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. The word Kanheri is from the Sanskrit word ‘krishnagiri’ which generally means black in color. These caves were designed from a huge basaltic rock formation.

History:

The origin of the caves is from the first century BCE to the ninth century BCE. A Hundred and nine caves have been carved in the basalt rocks. A stone plinth adorns each cave as a bed. These caves are very different when compared to the elegant nearby Elephanta caves.

The Buddhist shrine known as stupa is founded in the congregation hall which has huge stone pillars. As you go up the hills, there are remains of ancient canals, cisterns and water systems. These collected and channeled the harvested rainwater into huge reservoirs.

As the caves became Buddhist monasteries intricate carvings of Buddha and bodhisattvas were made in the cave walls. It was a crucial Buddhist monastery in the konkan coastal region in the third century AD.

In most of these caves Buddhist monks lived, studied and practiced meditation. The large caves were called chaityas which were the congregational worship halls. Rock cut stupas, intricate Buddhist pillars, sculptures and reliefs lined the walls of the chaityas for worship. The most important figure is of Avalokiteshwara. He is a bodhisattva who encompasses the compassion of all the Buddhas. He is widely worshiped in Mahayana Buddhism.

These caves provide clues to the once well established world of Buddhist monks. It was connected to trade centers such as ports of Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan, Sopara, and Ujjain. During the time of Kushan and Maurayan Empire, Kanheri was a university center. Also in the later tenth century, Atisha, the Buddhist teacher came to Kanheri to practice Buddhist meditation under rahulgupta.

Drawings and Inscriptions:

In Kanheri inscriptions are found in the ancient languages of Devanagari, Brahmi. Fifty one inscriptions are found at Kanheri. Three Phalvi epigraphs are seen in the cave 90. In all there are twenty six epigraphs. In one crucial inscription marriage of the daughter of Rudradaman with Satavahana ruler Vashishtiputra Satakarni is craved.

One such place in the Eastern part of the country is Darjeeling. Darjeeling is more popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills”. This place is extremely beautiful with its rolling green hills and the lush green meadows. Darjeeling has also been ranked as the World Heritage Site under UNESCO.

Accommodation

There are many places where you can reside in Darjeeling. There are a number of lodges and resorts in the area. The famous Planter’s Club is the most amazing place where you can stay. Apart from this, you can also reside in the sorrounding places.

Dining

The local food is simply amazing there. You can find the best variety of pork and meat in the area. Apart from this, there are other places where you can get some amazing food.

Places to go around

There are many places where you can go around in Darjeeling. The most amazing places are the tea estates and the Hill top, from where you can get to see the entire town.

Places around Darjeeling

Apart from Darjeeling, there are some more places where you can visit. Kalimpong, Mirik and Shillong are other tourist destinations where you can go to.

Kalimpomg is another major tourist destination where you can visit. There are a number of places where you can go there. The famous St. Paul’s School is one of the interesting place where you can head for.

Mirik has a beautiful lake which is known all around East India. This lake is set inbetween the mountains.

These are some of the interesting places where you can visit in Darjeeling. Do not forget to take a ride on the famous toy train which is a very popular activity there.

Darjeeling is a truly remarkable place and there are lots of attractions where you can visit there.

There are amazing places to visit in Shimla. Shimla has the most picturesque locations and is a home to some of the best monuments which have been preserved from the time the British ruled in India.

One of the foremost places to visit in Shimla is the Ridge. The ridge is the most important place. You can get an entire view of the town and the sorrounding hills from that place. There are plenty of eateries and the most famous church of Shimla, the neo- Gothic church stands tall there. Other attractions on the Ridge includes the new Tudor Library and the horse rides. Also, the famous bazaar of Shimla, “Lakkar Bazaar” is there. You can collect souvenirs made of wood from there.

The Himachal State Museum and Library. This place is one of the most interesting and the most attractive tourist destinations in Shimla. This museum houses the famous and the popular sculptures, paintings, coins, photographs and other antiques.

The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, is another major tourist destination. This is situated in the Viceregal lodge which is an old and ruined building on the extreme end of the Mall, which is a major shopping area in Shimla. This building had been constructed in the year 1888 and still stands today, as a major tourist attraction.

The Mall, forms to be the central and the most important tourist location in Shimla. This is the major shopping destination for the localites and the tourists who are visiting this place from other parts of the country and the world. There are numerous shops lined up from one side of the road which leads upto the point where the mall and the ridge meet. This point is known as the “Scandal Point”. The history behind the name of the place is not known, but this is the most happening place with most of the eateries and banks situated around the area.

Another major tourist attraction is the Kali Bari in Shimla. This temple is owned by a very old Bengali family in Shimla and is known to be a very pious place. Kali is the goddess of eternal energy.

Summer Hill is another important tourist location which is situated at an altitude of 1, 283 meters and is a perfect spot for those who come here for their honeymoon. The scenic beauty and the vast landscape are a perfect combination here.

Among other places, the University of Himachal Pradesh, Tara Devi Temple, the Glen are some of the other amazing tourist destinations.

Accommodation

There are a number of hotels and lodges in the area. The famous Radisson hotel is situated a bit away from the main areas and is a perfect place to reside in. Among other luxurious places, you can go in for the WhiteFlower hotel and the Clarks. There are other reasonable hotels which are situated on the mall.

Dining

There are excellent places where you can dine in Shimla. Devicos, Baljees, Embassy, and Alfas are the oldest and the most amazing places where you can stop.Also, there are a couple of other places where you can get some of the amazing tibetan and chinese food. These restaurants are all located on the mall.

Shimla is a truly amazing place to visit in India. This is one of the most favourite and the popular hill station in India. You can reach the place either by a cab or bus from Delhi and Chandigarh or you can fly from Delhi/ Chandigarh to the nearest airport in Shimla, which is around 15 kms away from the main town.

There are many places where you can visit in Bengaluru.

Vidhana Soudha is the state legislative house of Karnataka. The architecture of the building is based on the Dravidian style which comprises of richly done up pillars and structures.

Bangalore Palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Mysore. The building had been neglected as a tourist attraction for many years but now it has become a major tourist destination.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace is another place which you must visit, while you are in Bangalore. This two storey structure is made with “finely embellished balconies, pillars and arches”.

The Bull Temple is a major attraction for tourists visiting Bangalore. This is a “dravidian style temple which houses a mammoth bull statue.

Other places to visit near Bangalore

There are some other places which you can visit near Bangalore. Mysore, Cochin, Ooty and Nandi Hills.

Other than these,there are some interesting places to visit in Bangalore itself. Bannerghata National Park, the Innovative Film City, Wonder La Amusement Park, Bugle Rock Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Lumbini Gardens.

Accommodation

There are a number of resorts and hotels in the city. It is advised to put up in the city so that it is convienant for you to go around in the city.

Dining

There are great places to dine in Bangalore. The city is filled with amazing multicuisine and local food all around. The best place to dine are – Hyd Mahal, 3 Quarter Chinese, Yoko Sizzlers, and Hong Kong Hustle. These are some of the famous places.

Apart from this, Bangalore is known for its famous pubs and taverns. Guzzlers, Le Rock and Hard Rock Cafe are some of the famous ones.

Bangalore is simply an amazing tourist destination.

Kolkata is located on the eastern side of the country. It is a place where intellectuals like Rabindranath Tagore,Amartya Sen and Sri Aurobindo, fighter like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, poet like Henry Louis Vivian Derozio.

Kolkata was the capital city of India, during the rule of the British East India Company. It is also known to the the “land of Goddess Kali” and the much known “Durga Puja” marks the epitome of the Bengalis.

Shantiniketan is a small town in Bolpur at Birbhum district in West Bengal around 180 kms from Kolkata.

This place is extremely important as its the house to the fanous “Visva Bharati University”, founded by Rabindranath Tagore.

What to see

Shatiniketan is a major tourist attractions for all those who visit Kolkata. This is because the famous noble laureate Rabindranath lived here and wrote some of his major works.

The Visva Bharati in Shantiniketan is the huge campus which almost takes an entire day to go around. Also you can have a chit chat session with the students and the professors there. The place reminds you of the 70’s.

Another main attraction of the place is the Tarakeshwar Mandir (temple of Goddess Kali). This is a temple that has been around the place for almost centuries. Devotees from as far as Bangalore and Pondicherry come here to offer their prayers.

A day tour takes you around the sorrounding places. You can spend some time at “Ganga Sagar”, which is around 150 kms from Shantiniketan. It is the starting point of the Bay of Bengal and the famous “Ganga Sagar Mela” (fair) is held there every year.

Another great event, which forms a part of Shantiniketan every year in the month of December is the “Poush Mela”. Tourists come from different places to attend the poush mela every year. This mela (fair) has a religious significance to it. It is believed among the Bengalis (natives of Bengal) that no weddings should be held during the month of “Poush”. So, amazingly, the colorful city looks dry and shabby during the month of December(which is the month of Poush).

Accommodation

Shantiniketan has many government guest houses there. Also, you can enjoy your stay at the resorts which are run by the West Bengal Tourism. These are the best places to stay in Shantiniketan since you can opt for the guided tour which is offered by the resort.

How to reach the place

Daily bus services are available from Kolkata. Also, if you want, you can book a taxi from Kolkata and drive upto the place.

This place is located 67 km from Chitoor in Tirupati, which is a district in the southern tip of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is said to be located on a hill in Tirumala. This is a conglomeration of seven hills which are known as “Seshachalam and Venkatachalam” which are 853m above the sea level.

About the Temple

This temple is known for its “vibrant and colorful culture which also speaks volumes about its grand past.

Pilgrims have to climb the hill before they get onto the worshipping place, and this is not an easy task. It is believed that those who have immense faith and trust in God have only been able to make their way without any assistance and problem to the “doors of the temple”.

This temple is known to be the richest temple in the world. It is believed that “people drop bags of diamonds at the feet of Sri Venkataswara (the temple of Tirupati). Devotees from far and wide come to worship here.

The architecture of the temple

The temple reflects the ancient Dravidian style of architecture. The main highlight of the temple is the “Gopuram”. The Vimana or the Cupola which is also known as the “Ananda Nilayam” is placed over the “sanctum sanctorum”. This is completely veiled with a gold plate.

The temple has three “Prakarams” which means enclosures. Among these the most important one is the “Dhvajastambha” which is the banner post.

The idol which is worshipped here is a representation of both “Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva”. In Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu is considered to be the preserver of the universe, while Lord Shiva is believed to be the destroyer.

What happens in the Temple

A normal day at the temple begins with the “Suprabhatam” which means the “awakening of the Lord”. This happens as early as possible in the morning. Next, the day ends at the temple with the “Ekanta Seva”, which is putting the Lord off to sleep. This happens around 1 ‘o’ clock at night.

Devotees offer their prayers on a daily, weekly and peroidically whereas the priests offer their daily prayers and chants the entire day long. The prayers take place in the form of “Sevas” and “Utsavams” to the Lord. Devotees pay homage to the Lord by donating small amounts on their name in the same. These gifts and donations which are offered to the “deities” is called as “Hundis”. These are the main source of income for the temple.

Festivals held in the temple

The temple celebrates many festivals but the prime one is the annual festival which is known as the “Brahmotsavam”. This is a very important festival and is celebrated with much enthusiasm for almost nine days in the month of September. The much known “Garudostavam and Rathotavam” festivals are held on the fifth and the sixth day of the festival. This festival attracts tourists from all around the country.

How to reach the temple

You can take a flight from Hyderabad, Chennai or Bangalore to Renigunta which is 15 km away from the temple. From there you can hire a cab, take a bus or an auto rickshaw and reach the temple.

The place is also connected through rail. The nearest station is the Tirupati station. Train services are available from Hubli, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Puri, Tiruchappali, Vijaywada and Varanasi.

The temple is also well connected by road. You can hire a cab or take a bus from Hyderabad which is 617 km, Bangalore which is 248 km, Chennai which is 151 km, Vijaywada which is 380 km, and Lepakshi which is 379 km away.

The place does not only serve the purpose of being religious, but it also eases your mind, since it is located along the seashore. The temple is located near the hills and contains idols of idols of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahaheshwara. These temples were constructed somewhere around the 16th century. Other than that, it also has the idol of Goddess Parvati there.

Very rare, do you get a place like this, which has pristine clear beaches, silent woods, and virgin seashores. The place has some good resorts and hotels.

There are some great places to stay in Harihareshwar. One can go for trekking or hiking and this can be arranged for them through the hotel.

The Temple

The temples are all located on the seashore. The temple is a ten minutes walk from the beach. The temple of Harihareshwar is referred to as the “DevGhar” or the house of the Gods. The sacred river of Savitri enters the sea from the town of Harihareshwar.

Accommodation

The MTDC resort in Harihareshwar is the most popular one. It is a government managed resort in the area and is reasonable for people, who would like to spend a weekend, without paying too much for it. The resort is beautiful and spread over four acres of land, which is surrounded by hills and the beach from all sides. There are AC and non AC rooms and all kinds of amenities are available for the guest.

Things to do

You can go to the beach and leisure away your time there and also visit the Harihareshwar temple. For those of you who’d like to take a step beyond the usual, there are options available for you to get your hands on some delicious home-cooked food. The advantages herein would be – yummy food, easy on the pocket and an authentic taste of the local cuisine.

Bhangarh in Rajasthan is very famous for its historical ruins. This place is rated to be the among the “most haunted places in the world”. Amazingly, the Government of India, does not allow the visitors to stay in the place after and before sunset. Moreover, the a signboard placed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reads, “Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited”.

This isn’t a false declaration. It is very much true.

History of the place

The story of Bhangarh and why it’s rated to be the most haunted place in the world, goes like this. Bhangarh is a place which falls between Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan. The place is very beautiful and tranquil. Now, what remains of Bhangarh is only a “shadow of a beautiful kingdom”.

When you pass by Bhangarh, you can see the banyan trees and the temples. The most remarkable place here is the temple of Gopinath, Shiva, Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai. There are several havelis, which are a trademark of ancient India, mosques, palace and several shops. The town of Bhangarh is separated by ramparts with five gates.

The town had been established in the year 1573 during the time of Raja Bhagwant Das and this place became the residence of Madho Singh. History says that Madho Singh was the younger brother of the famous Emperor Akbar’s general Man Singh I, who ruled India at that point of time. Madho Singh would participate in the various campaigns with his father and brother. The next ruler who reigned over Bhangarh was his son Chhatr Singh. Bhangarh almost lost itself after the “violent death” of Chhatr Singh in 1630.

The town is said to be cursed by one Guru Balu Nath. He is said to have sanctioned the town’s establishment and had said that, “ The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more”. Ignorant about this statement, which was made by Nath, a descendant of the palace, raised the palace to such heights that it shadowed Balu Nath’s house and the curse fell on the town.

Bhangarh today

Today, Bhangarh is ranked to be a popular tourist destination in India. This place is a must visit, if you intend to know more about the country, other than only the important ones which have always been heard for centuries.