Hampi Royal Area, Vijayanagara Empire, Karnataka

Located at northern part of the Karnataka, within the range of the Bellary district. This city was developed around the Virupakksha Temple at Hampi; original religious center at Hampi. Most part of the city lies on bank of Tungabhadra river. Vijaynagara city was capital city of Vijaynagara Empire which was spread around northern part of India. Vijaynagara was the most powerful kingdom of its time, which was extended over most part of the southern India. Vijaynagara was founded by Harihara and Bukka; two brothers, well known as Sangama brothers. The whole empire was built under the supervision of Harihara, which was further expanded by his brother Bukka Raya. After basic establishment, the Nagara tried defensible tactics and move towards secure location on southern part of the river. You can find the clues of massive wall that was built to enclose the whole area. The walls enclose more than sixty square miles area. Most of the area of this Nagara was fields and gardens, which was watered by the canals of Tungabhadra river.

The majority of houses were built with Hindu architectural style, and most of them were palaces, temples, public buildings, busy markets, and all other construction that require for a well develop Nagara. According to some historians size of this whole city was twice of the worlds biggest European city Paris. Had approximately 500000 inhabitants. Because of its cultural values and architectural suprimacy this city was included in the list of World Heritage Sites. The important construction found in the city are Virupaksha Temple, Krishna Temple, rock cut idols of Lakshmi and Narsimha, Sugriva's cave where Rama meet Hanumana, Kodandarama Temple, Vittala Temple and many more historical constructions are present at this place.

How to Reach

By Road

You can reach this place from Bangalore, which is 350 km away. Karnataka State Corporation buses will take you to the destination from the Bangalore. Private bus options are also available to reach out this place. To explore the complete area you can also get Bicycle, which is more suitable for you.

By Plane

The nearest airport from this place is Hubli, which is 143 km away from this place. Where you can get flight for major cities of India.

By Train

The nearest railway station Hospet is at 13 km away from this place.

Best Time to Visit

Hampi's climate is generally dry and hot. March to early June is the summer. Monsoon brings some wet weather that typically lasts from late June to early August. The colder period of the year is from November to February. Irrespective of the climate, Hampi is open for visitors all round the year.

Map of Hampi

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Glimpses of Badami Dynasty Mahakuta Temple Complex

Mahakuta is a group of temples which lies within the ancient Mahakuta. These are fine piece of architecture made with Dravida style Architecture, admiring the great Chalukya dynasty of Badami. All the constructions were made in 6th and 7th centuries, and all of them were build with Dravida and Nagarra style. Both of these styles are unique and irrelevant to each other, which make them unique of its own kind. These temples are build by early sovereign of Chalukya empire. During this construction the architectures combines the basic plan of one style with characteristics of other style.

A natural spring is flowing through mountains also flows though this temple complex. This natural mountain spring brings fresh water into the Vishnu Pushkarni water tank. This water tank is well known as the Papavinasha Tirth means the ablution tank. Many shrines takes a holy deep in this tank for Papamukti. In all temples here Mahakutesvara temple and Mallikarjun temple largest amongst all of them. There is also one small construction which is present at the centre of Pushkarni tank, there is a Shiva Ling in it, well known as a Panchamukhi Shiva ling (Shiva ling with five faces). Each face of this Shiva ling facing to all directions. This temple has a ancient script written on a pillar of Mahakuta temple. This was written in 7th century by the queen of Pulakesi I, Durlabhadevi. The pillar which has inscription written on it is well known as a Dharma Jaystambha, means pillar which makes the statement of victory of religion. This Stambha is now has been placed in exhibition at Bijapur Archaeological Museum.

Best Time to Visit Badami

You can visit this place at any time of year but in winter temperature becomes low. Winter occurs in January and lasts till March. This is the best time when you can enjoy the pleasant whether condition, which suits you well.

During summer the mercury level reaches 45 degrees, and humidity is at its highest level. That's why it is better to avoid such extreme whether conditions. The summer season lies between the month of march and last till June.

In this part of the country monsoon brings the rainy season in July and keep bringing showers till the month of September. Sometime brings flood situations which might be dangerous sometime.

 

Varah at Mahakuta

How to Reach

By Road

This place is well connected by road you can easily get public transport to Badami which is further connected by rail and by road also.

By Air

If you choose the by air option, you can get direct flights from Hubali which is at minimum distance from this place. 

Kaziranga National Park a World Heritage Wildlife Sanctuary in India

Welcome To Kaziranga National Park

Located in the Golaghat in Nagoan District of Assam, Designated as a World Heritage site in December 1985. This park host the 2/3 population of the worlds great one horn Rhino. Also serve as a natural habitat for Tigers, park also has highest density of Tigers in protected areas of Park. Kaziranga is home to large breeding animals like elephant, swamp deer, wild water buffalo, home for many endangered bird population. Kaziranga is wide land covered with nice elephant grass and and dense moist broad leaf Forrest, with Bramhaputra river which is also called as the lifeline of this park. Apart from the Bramhaputra river park also have many small water resource with another four rivers. 

Forest Range Map

Park was reserved as a national park and protected wild life reserve since 1904. When the wife of Viceroy of India Lord Curzon, Mary Victoria Leiter Curzon visited Kaziranga to watch the Rhinos for which the area is known, but failed find a single one then, she tell her husband about this and suggested for the urgent action to protect this wild animal. Then Lord Curzon decide to reserve this land as a wild life century. At that time the area of the park was 232 square kilometre, then in 1908 they have decided to extend the protected area to 152 square kilometre, up to the Bramhaputra River. In 1916 it was rename as The Game Sanctuary in which hunting was strictly prohibited, during this visitors are allowed in the park. In 1950 this park was rename as The Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary.

Tigers in Kaziranga

Kaziranga experience heavy rainy season during the monsoon which occurs during June to September. During the Monsoon season the water level of Bramhaputra River rises to danger level, ¾^th of western region of park submerged in to water due to flood situation in Bramhaputra River. The flood caused heavy migration of wild animals to the elevated regions outside the southern border of the park. Many many animals lost their life during this migration and flood. This year 631 wild life were lost in flood of Bramhaputra River; including 19 one-horn Rhinos. flood is a very common thing in this park in monsoon, this flood is a part of life cycle of this park and it is very important phase of life in this park. Flood takes life but also brings the new life in Kaziranga and flood is very important for ecology of this park.

Flood Situation

Flood Affecting the Wild Animals

Human Effort for Rhino Migrations

How to Reach

Assam State Transport offers Bus service from Guwahati to Tezpur and main gate of the sanctuary. Authorized guide of Forest department accompany you inside the park area. For elephant ride, Jeep or any other 4 wheel vehicle you have to book in advance.

Hornbill In Kaziranga

Best Time to Visit

Your can visit this park any time between November to April. But the park remain closed from April to October because heavy rain and flood in Kaziranga.

Map of Kaziranga

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Konark Sun Temple Chariot of Lord Surya

Main Building of Konark Surya Mandir

India has many sun temples amongst them Konark Sun Temple is one of the best sun Temple of India. And this sun temple is included in the seven wonders of India, which was surveyed by NDTV. The Surya god is referred to as Sun. Anthem in Vedas describes the celestial body as the source and admirer of all lives on earth. The origin of the worship of the Surya is several centuries old. This temple is architecture in Orrisan style of Ganga dynasty. This temple is one of the most popular temple in India and also included in world heritage site list by UNESCO. According to the Stories about this temple, mention that this temple was build by Samba, son of Lord Krishna.

Wheel of Konark Surya Mandir

The work Konark taken from the Sanskrit, actually it is combination of two Sanskrit word Kona and Arka. Kona means angle and Arka means Sun. This beautiful temple is located at fair distance from the Lord Jagannath, Puri at 35 kms; the temple is approximately 65 kms from the Bhubaneswar city. European sailors named this temple as 'The Black Pagoda'.

Side View of the Mandir

The entire building was designed in the form of large Chariot of Lord Surya, haggard by sever horses, and the Chariot twelve pairs of amazingly decorated wheels. Shadows of these wheels can give you the precise time of the day. The roof of this temple is pyramidal shape, and has 30 meter height.
 

Horse of Chariot

This place also feature two more temple as Mayadevi Temple and Vaishnava Temple

Mayadevi Temple :- This temple is located at the west of the main temple, also known as temple no 2. This Mayadevi Temple have been dedicated to one of the wives of Lord Surya. But presence of images of sun as Parsvadevata indicates it was dedicated to Surya Devata.

Vaishnava Temple:- This is small temple facing southwest corner of the main temple was discovered in 1956. This temple is also called as temple no 3. Features images of Balarama and two parsvadevatas of Varaha, Trivikrama were provide its Vaishnava affiliation.

Time to visit Temple

Open from sunrise and closes at sunset.

Entrance Fee:

Tourist from Indian subcontinent should have to pay Rs. 10/- per head.

And other tourist have to pay Rs. 250/- per head.

Map of Konark Surya Mandir

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Laxmi Vilas Palace a Royal Heritage in India

Laxmi Vilas Palace Vadodara

Laksmi Vilas palces is beautiful building located in Vadodara of Gujrat. Actually this is a series of palaces which was build in Vadodara. This magnificent palace was build by great Sayajirao Gaekwads. This palace was build in Motibaug grounds. He is also build public places and collages too. Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is one of the famous monuments in Vadodara that is high on tourist value. People visiting Vadodara make it a point to visit Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. A wonderful exemplification of the Indo-Sarcenic architectural.

This palace of vadodara is known for its amazing interiors. The interiors of the palace presents beautiful designs, marble mosaic, nice furnishing and fine stone work. One can come across a Darbar Hall, which is decorated with Italian mosaic floor. The palace is also known to showcase a rich collection of old armory and sculptures of terracotta, marble and bronze. 

Vijay Vilas Palace

This beautiful Palace is spread over an area of 700 acres. Among the building situated inside palace areae are Museum and Motibaug Palace. It is noteworthy that the Museum was constructed for educational purposes. It is specially built for Maharaja’s children. Presently, the museum houses various art works and articles belonging to the Royal family. One can also come across the paintings of Raja Ravi Verma in the museum. The palace also contains a zoo, which is inhabited by a number of peacocks and crocodiles. 

Vijay Vilas Palace long Distance View

Best Time to Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace

You can visit this palace any time of the year. But I think best time to visit the palace and Vadodara is October to February in winter, as the weather is cool and pleasant, unlike the summer. 

Mosaic Painting 1

Mosaic Painting 2

Painting at Palace

How to Reach

• By Plane : You can get direct flight from Mumbai and Delhi.

• By Rail : Vadodara is also well connected by railway on the Western Railway broad gauge line, connected with important cities and towns.

• By Road : Vadodara is connected by motorable roads with Ahmedabad 118 Km.

Timing

• The Lakshmi Vilas Palace remains open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and one needs to seek prior permit from the palace office before visiting the palace.

• The palace remains closed on Mondays.

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Mahudi Jain Mandir an Unknown Historical Jain Temple in India

Ghantakarna Mahaveer Mandir

Mahudi is beautiful village located in Mansa near Sabarmati river of Gandhinagar in Gujrat. This village is just 35 k.m. Away from the Gandhinagar. This village is famous for its Jain Mandir which is dedicated to god Shri Ghantakarna Mahaveer, and center for Jain devotees. Yognistha Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad BuddhiSagarsuri Maharaj Sahebji' does penance for a long period of his life and had laid the foundation stone of this new temple in 1917. The ancient Mulnayak Bhagawana Padmaprabhu was formally reinstalled by the Yognistha Acharya Bhagwant Shrimad BuddhiSagarsuri Maharaj Saheb' and Mahudi reclaims its title Mahudi Tirth.In ancient time this villages is known by the name of Madhupuri. Many historians suggest that this place is nearly 2000 years old, the inscription in Bramhi also suggest its antiquity.

Main Entrance Mahudi

Side View of Mandir

Padma Prabhu

Mahudi witnesses lakhs of devotees each year. The force behind this is the faith of devotees in Lord Shri Ghantakarna Mahavir Dev. Shrimad Buddhisagarji Maharaj Saheb felt the need of a powerful jain deity where people could pray. An idol was made from the river side rock and Shrimad BuddhiSagar Maharaj Sahebji made this idol lively by putting “Praan” into it. Since then this is the prime Destination of Jain devotees because they believes that this idol has miraculous power in it. You can find the similar idol placed at Vijapur Jain Temple which is just few k.m. Away from this place.

Sukhadi which is Distributed in Pilgrims

The “Prasaad” called “Sukhadi” which is made up with pure Ghee, jaggery and wheat. And it is mandatory to eat this “Sukhadi” inside the “Mandir” and it is prohibited taking it outside the temple premises, as it is consider as inauspicious.

Map of Mahudi

Map of Mahudi

Nearby Places

Vijapur

Vijapur 10 km from Mahudi. Vijapur is a municipality city in Mehsana district. Its the Birthplace of Shrimad Buddhisagarsuriswarji Maharaj Saheb. This is also prime destination of Jain Devotees.

Aglod Manibhadra Vir Temple

It is just 20 km away from Mahudi. Situated nearby from Mahudi, In Aglod, you can see Main temple Mulnayak is Shri Vasupujya Swami and Manibhadra Vir (deity) Temple, which surrounded by natural habitat and an amazing greenery.

Kotyark Temple

This temple is just 1 km away from Mahudi. A nearby temple of lord Krishna known as Kotyark Temple.

Madhumati River

This place is also just 1/2 km from Mahudi. In Mahudi Village itself one of the tributary of Sabarmati river naming Madhumati famous for its beautiful landscape and scenery.

References 

wikipedia.org

Halebidu, Beautifully Carved Hoysaleswara Temple in Karnataka

Halebidu is a small town located in Hasan district of Karnataka. This place was the capital city of Hoysala Empire during 12th and 13th centuries. This temple complex contain most beautiful carved temples in India. The word Halebidu, which is the name of this town, has special meaning as “ruined city” because this place was attacked in early 14th century by Mughuls from North India and Malik Kafur. Many beautiful temples are situated in this village; these beautiful temples are build as per Hoysala architecture. Halebidu was previously known as “Dwarasamudra”, and it was also known as the capital city of Hoysala Empire. The temples in this town were built during 11th century and was constructed by Katamala for King Vishnuvardhan and Queen Shantala Devi. These temples took more than hundred years to complete.

Dancers and Musicians Depicted on the walls of Temple

The famous Laxmi Narayan Sculptor

Shantala Devi was considered to be an ultimate sign of beauty. Many historians believe that she was a musician  and a great Bharatnatyam dancer. Many sculptors were inspired by Shantala Devi and other courtesans. Historians suggest that Shantala Devi had a great influence over the Hoysala administration and religious reforms during Visnuvardhans Empire. The King was influenced by Saint Ramanuja Charya, who was the devotee of Vaishnaism, and the queen herself was influenced by Jainism.
India features many temples like Halebidu, those are not much popular amongst people. These destinations has great importance in Indian history.

Hoysaleswara Temple

This is one of the temples located in this village. This temple is constructed with monolithic soapstone. This temple is located on the Southern side and is dedicated to “Hoysaleshwara”. Walls of this temple depict endless Hindu mythology (scenes of Ramayana and Mahabharata), animals, Shilabalikas and birds.

 Scenes of Mahabharata Depicted on the Walls

Shantaleswara Temple

This temple is located on the northern side and stands on black shining soft stone, covered with dancing girls, god, goddesses and animals. This temple was built after the death Shantala Devi. It took 200 years to build and was built by more than 20k skilled laborers.

Animals and Birds

Other Details

Map of Halebidu, Karnataka

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• Town Area: 2.248 sq kms

Climate:

• Summer: 20-35°C.
• Hottest Month: April
• Winter: 14-22°C.
• Coolest Month: December

Ideal Time to Visit

• October to February

How to Reach

By Road

• From Belur 6 km,
• From Hassan 32 km
• From Mysore 149 km,
• From Bangalore 226 Kms (4.5 hours drive)

Getting Here:

• Nearest Railway: Hassan
• Nearest Airport: Bangalore International Airport, Bangalore