About Nagpur

Nagpur was the capital of Madhya Pradesh state till 1956 before it became a part of Maharashtra state. The best quality Teak plantations are the highlight of the flora in Nagpur. It is known as the ‘orange capital’ because it is a major cultivator and trade centre of oranges. This historically significant city was founded sometime during the 18th century by Gond King Bakht Buland after which it flourished much under the govern of subsequent rulers and became one of the most prosperous cities in Central India. This lovely city was established by Bhakt Buland in the year 1702, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district, Nagpur. In the latter half of the 18th century this city was ruled by the Bhonsles of the Maratha Confederacy who established their capital here. There are a number of tourist attractions in and around the city including Gavilgad Fort, Dragon Palace Temple, Forts of Balapur, Adasa, Maharaj Baug and Zoo. Gavilgad Fort, which is around 200-300 years old, lies close to the Chikhaldara hill station in Amravati district. It was originally built by the Hindu rulers at a height of about 370 ft above sea level. Nagpur experiences an extreme type of climate with temperatures touching high 40's during summers and shooting to freezing point in peak winters. Important Central & State Government offices and institutions are located in Nagpur. Industrial Development is existing along the fringe areas like Kamptee, Hingna, Wadi, Khapri, Butibori and Kalmeshwar.

Places to see:

Nagpur offers a lot options as far as tourist places is concerned. The scenic beauty teemed with beautiful forts and temples make Nagpur one of the most attractive travel destination. Nagpur extends its beauty and glory to the neighboring places also. These places are as lovely as the city of Nagpur itself.

Ambazari Lake :

Towards the western outskirts of Nagpur, Ambazari Lake and the surrounding lush garden is a popular tourist attraction. Row boats and self driven paddle boats make a good recreation activity while walking on the green grass is another favored pastime.

Nagzira :

Nagzira promises a feast for wildlife enthusiasts with its sprawling jungles that house a plethora of wild denizens in their natural domains. The mighty Indian gaur is the major wildlife attraction found in the area while other animals include sambar, deer and a number of rare bird species.

Sitabuldi Fort :

The Sitabuldi fort is an important landmark of Nagpur, located on top of a hill, right in the center of the city. This fort was built by a British officer in the year 1857. It is one of the oldest attractions of the city. One can view this park from the twin hills of Sitabuldi.

How to reach:

Nagpur is spread over a total area of 217.56 square km. It is at a distance of about 837 km from Mumbai. It is about 1094 km south of Delhi, 1092 km north of Chennai and 1140 km west of Calcutta.

Air :

The Sonegaon Airport is the nearest airport from Nagpur, situated around 8-km south of Nagpur City. It has regular flights connecting Mumbai, Kolkatta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneswar, and Raipur.

Rail :

Nagpur is a major railway station connected to other Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Pune through a number of regular trains.

Bus :

The city enjoys healthy motorable roads linking it to different parts of the State and the country. Popular tourist destinations like Kanha, Bhopal, Aurangabad and Khajuraho are linked effectively by healthy road links.

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Patna and Rajgir – Two Historical cities of Bihar

Patna is the capital of the Indian state of Bihar and the second largest city in terms of population in eastern India. The ancient Patna, known as Pataliputra, was the capital of the Magadha Empire under the Haryanka, Nanda, Mauryan, Sunga, Gupta, Pala and Suri dynasties. It is located on the south bank of the river Ganga.

There are several theories regarding the source of the name Patna:

It is etymologically derived from Patan, the name of the Hindu goddess, Patan Devi.

It comes from Pattan (meaning “port” in Sanskrit), since the city, located near the confluence of four rivers, has been a thriving river port.

It may be a short form of Pataliputra, one of the most ancient names of this city.

The Greeks called it Palibothra. Megasthenes (350-290 BCE), the Greek historian, referred to it in Greek as Palibothra or Palimbotra.

The city has been known by various names during its more than 2,000 years of existence – Patligram, Patliputra, Kusumpur, Pushpapura, Azimabad, and the present-day Patna.

Patna received its current name during the reign of Sher Shah Suri, whose tomb is at Sasaram, near Patna.

Patna is a major transport hub for the state and a useful base for visiting the Buddhist sites of Vaishali, Kesariya and Rajgir. The natives of Patna are called Patnaites.

The cuisine of Patna is very unique and has a real mouth watering taste. “Khichdi”, the broth of rice and lentils, seasoned with spices, and is served with several accompanying items like curd, chutney, pickles, papads, ghee (clarified butter) and Aloo Chokha (boiled mashed potatoes, seasoned with finely cut onions, green chillies) is a common meal. Khichdi is a staple food and considered auspicious when consumed on Saturdays. Afternoon meals mostly consist of rice and vegetables while the dinner will consist of rotis (flatbread) and lentils. The desserts includes the sweets which are mostly dry like Khaja, Ladoo, Kala Jamun, Khubi ka Lai, Kesaria Peda and Chena Murki.

Places to Visit:

• Patna Museum
• Golghar
• Kumrahar Excavations
• Har Mandir
• Qila House
• Khuda Baksh Oriental Library
• Mahaveer Mandir
• Sher Shahi
• Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park
• Bihar Institute of Handicrafts and Designs
• Birla Mandir
• Nawab Shahid-Ka-Maqbara
• Pachim Darwaza
• Padri-Ki-Haveli.

Rajgir:

Rajgir is located in the Nalanda district of Bihar is the first capital kingdom of Magadha. The name Rajgir is derived from Sanskrit word Tajagraha which means “house of the king” or “royal house”. It might have its origin from the literal meaning, “royal mountain”.

Rajgir was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings until the 5th century BC when Ajatashatru moved the capital to Pataliputra. In those days, it was called Rajgrih, which translates as “the home of Royalty”. Rajgir is located in a valley surrounded by rocky hillocks. One can see many Buddhist monks meditating at a place called Vultures Peak. Lord Buddha is said to have delivered many sermons at the town of Rajgir. Lord Mahavir is also said to have to spend some amount of time at the town of Rajgir. The serenity of Rajgir revitalizes both the mind and spirits.

Rajgir is in a valley surrounded by seven hills namely Vaibhara, Ratna, Saila, Sona, Udaya, Chhatha, and Vipula. Rajgir has also developed as a health and winter resort due to its warm water ponds. These baths are said to contain some medicinal properties that help in the cure of many skin diseases. The Saptparni cave is also the source of the Rajgir Hot Water Springs that have curative properties and are sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.

From March to May summer prevails. The monsoon in Rajgir occurs from June to August and plenty of rain is experienced making the climate pleasant. The winters are very pleasant during December to February with a moderate temperature. Tourists must carry warm and woolen clothes while visiting Rajgir during December-January.

Places to Visit:

• Gymnasium of Jarasandh
• Ajatshatru Fort
• Shanti Stupa
• Cyclopean Wall
• Sonbhandar Caves
• Venu Vana
• Bimbisar Jail
• Jain Temples
• Chariot Route Marks
• Pippala cave
• Hazaribagh National Park
• Chhota Nagpur Plateau
• Parasnath Hill

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Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also spelled Hrishikesh, Rushikesh or Hrushikesh, is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city. Rishikesh has also banned use of plastics bags by shopkeepers and vendors.

It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 kilometres north of another holy city, Haridwar.

History:

Rishikesh has been a part of the legendary 'Kedarkhand' (the present day Garhwal). Legends state that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges, at a point, where the present 'Lakshman Jhula' bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The 'Kedar Khand' of Skanda Purana, also mentions the existence of Indrakund at this very point. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by a ber present bridge.

The sacred river Ganges flows through Rishikesh. It is here that the river leaves the Shivalik mountains in the Himalayas and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh.

Adventure sports:

Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges, with rapids rated class 3 and class 4. It is also a center for hiking and backpacking. Recently bungee jumping has also been introduced in Rishikesh around 15 kms from Laksham jhoola which is the first and only bungee jumping camp in India so far.

Places to visit:

Triveni Ghat. This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river. edit

Bharat Mandir

Lakshman Jhula

Gita Bhavan. Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together. edit

Swarg Ashram, Shri 108 Baba Sali Kamli Wale Swami Atam Prakash Ji. Swargashram ( Heavenly Adobe) as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula. It is the spiritual “ground zero” of Rishikesh, filled with a concentration of ashrams and temples. The areas is known for its healthy and satwik living environment. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mention of this spot occurs in the holy scripture Puranas edit

Parmarth Niketan. One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. Must Visit in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti. 5PM in Winter and 6PM in summer. edit

Neelkanth Mahadev Mela

Trayambakeshwar Temple, Lakshman Jhula. is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.

Travel by Bus:

From Delhi the city is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey may take about 5-7 hours - depending on the traffic - and costs you about Rs 130-350. An AC Bus will cost about Rs 200-500. In Rishikesh, there are several travel agencies scattered around Swarg Ashram and Lakshman Jhula that can book luxury buses to common destinations like Delhi (Rs 250-500), Jaipur, Pushkar and Varanasi. The right time to visit would be February, March, August-October. In July there is a festival called Savan where thousands of people flock to Rishikesh. Major roads are blocked and hotels are crowded. It is better to avoid travelling to Rishikesh during that time.

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Mumbai to Shirdi – A Holy Weekend Getaway

Shirdi is a village north-east of Mumbai and has an extensive temple complex devoted to Shirdi Sai Baba. It is located by road on Ahmednagar-Manmad State Highway No.10 at 83 kilometers from Ahmednagar, and 15 kilometers from Kopargaon. The place is around 296 km (around 6 hours drive) from Mumbai. Sai Baba's shrine has been incorporated as one of the holy places in the world's map of pilgrimage.

Places to Visit:

Samadhi Mandir of Shri Sai Baba was actually owned by a millionaire from Nagpur and a famous Sai devotee Shreemant Gopalrao. He wanted to keep an idol of Murlidhar here. However, according to the legends, Baba himself became Murlidhar and the temple became the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. The Samadhi of Baba is built with white marble stones. The railings around it are full of ornamental decorations. The idol of Baba is a marvelous statue made up of Italian marble built by Late Balaji Vasant in 1954. The temple has an assembly hall for about 600 devotees. The assembly hall also houses a showcase having various items used by the sage. The first floor of the temple has the pictures depicting the life of the saint.

The temple opens on 5 AM with morning prayers and close down at 10 PM with night prayers. Situated on the right side of the entrance of the Samadhi Mandir is Dwarkamai, a mosque. This was the place where the sage stayed until the end of his life. Main attraction of the site is the oil paintings of the sage.

The place from where Sai Baba first came to Shirdi in the form of a Bal Yogi (child ascetic) is known as Gurusthan. A temple has been constructed on this site. There is also a small shrine in Gurusthan.

At a short distance lies Baba's Chavadi. Baba used to sleep here every alternate day. The Chavadi is divided into two parts. One part of the Chavadi has a large portrait of Baba along with a wooden bed and a white chair belonging to him.

There is a cottage of Abdul Baba, an ardent devotee of Shri Sai Baba, in front of the Chavadi. Photos and various items that were handled by Sai Baba and Abdul Baba are there in the cottage. There is a Maruti Mandir located at some distance from the cottage of Abdul Baba. This mandir was visited by Baba for the sat-sang with Devidas, a Bal yogi, who lived at the Mandir ten to twelve years before Baba arrived.

There are also temples of village deities named Shani, Ganapati, and Shankar that are worth visiting. At some distance from Gurusthan, there is the Lendi Baug. This garden was made and watered daily by Baba himself. It got its name from a nullah (a drain), which used to flow there. Baba used to come here every morning and afternoon and take rest under a neem tree. Baba dug a pit, 2 feet deep, under the neem tree and kept a deep (a lighting object) lit in that pit. An octagonal deepgriha (lighthouse) called Nanda Deep has been built in marble stone in memory of this place. It constantly burns in a glass box. On one side of the deepgriha is a pipal tree and on the other side is a neem tree. Other sites to visit are Datta Mandir and Khandoba Mandir.

Fairs and Festivals:

The most important festivals and events that are celebrated in Shirdi are Guru Poornima, Dussehra, and Ram Navami. These are the only days when the Samadhi Mandir of Shirdi opens for the whole night. Every Thursday, a palakhi bearing a photograph of the sage is taken out from the temple.

Mumbai to Shirdi by Bus:

You could take a Cab; hire a private taxi or drive. (If you are an international tourist you may want to check the requirements for Driver's license and road regulations with the Maharashtra State Road Transport department.). You could take a Maharashtra State Transport Bus. You could take a Bus operated by Private operators. For Fares, Schedules and other details contact your local travel agent, the Government of India Tourism Office, the Maharashtra State Tourism Board Office or the Maharashtra State Transport booking office.

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Raigad- The King’s Fort

Raigad famed for its rich heritage, ancient monuments and rocky terrain is the erstwhile capital of Chathrapati Sivaji. The literal meaning of the term Raigad is “The King’s Fort”.

Located at an altitude of 2851 feet above the sea level, Raigad is gifted with natural splendor. It is nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range which displays the magnificent mountainous terrain. Raigad is distinguished from the nearby mountains by lovely and profound canyons and the deep gorge with 1.5 kilometers width houses lush and lustrous vegetation. Rivers Gandhar and Kal flows through this verdant valley giving it a majestic look which makes the surroundings scenic and tranquil.

Lingana Mountain in Raigad is another favorite hot spot of tourists. It is located at a height of 4,514 feet and is one among the interesting trekking points in Raigad. Beside a center of adventurous tourism, this mountain range holds the panoramic view of the Borhatyachi Naal which is a valley lying between the Lingana and Raylingi mountains. An ancient fort built by Sivaji is located here. It is built in order to venerate Sivaji’s victory over Chandrarao. This gallant fort was a key figure under the Maratha regime. Though in a ruined state, this fort allures the spectators with its rich heritage. Raigad is also famed for its varied and rich cultural heritage, folkarts like Keertan, Koli Dance, Bhajan, and Bharud.

Raigad’s is blessed with hilly terrain and natural foliage and this awesome beauty gained it a prominent place in the tourism sector. Raigad’s serene, calm topography is certainly a solace to keep one away from the hustle bustle of the city life.

Summers in Raigad are sultry and sweating and prevails from March to May. The winter prevails from December to February. Monsoons are humid with medium to heavy rainfall and prevail from June to September.

The most favorable period to visit Raigad is from October to March, having good pleasant climate and also coinciding with grand festival celebrations.

Places to Visit:

• Shri Varad Vinayak Temple
• Purandar
• Vichitragad
• Rayreshwar
• Lohgad
• Visapur
• Tikona
• Sinhagad
• Memorial of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

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