Shimla

The charming hill station Shimla of Southern Himachal is just 117 kms away from Chandigarh. Shimla is the  most known spot of summer retreat, and people are reaching to this place from around the world every year. The development and huge tourist attraction made this Himalaya hills more attractive spot for holidays. Many big and branded showrooms at The Mall street are also special, which changed the look of the city. Playing golf at Naldehra and participating in skiing events at Kufri could be different experience for visitors. Narkanda and Kufri are nearest tourist spots of Shimla which really continued the charm of the place.




Destinations of Shimla for tourism:

The Mall: The mall with big showrooms and quality interior of the shops made this place special. Visitors can walk through and enjoy the beautiful and cleaned place of Shimla. The lined shops, and old colonial building's combination is also special. Here visitors can enjoy the Scandal Point, at the junction point and the views of the city from this point can be special moment of life. Christ Church with the superior stained-glass windows is also favorite time pass for local people.




Gaiety Theatre: The oldest theatre of Shimla is Gaiety, which is situated on Mall road. This theatre was inaugurated in 1887 at the time of Queen Victoria's anniversary. Going through history of the theatre many big personalities of Indian cinema such as Prithvi Raj Kapoor, K.L. Saigal, Shashi Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Jennifer Kendall, Anupam Kher, Nasseerudin Shah and Manohar Singh have done stage shows in Gaiety theatre. Visitors can enjoy the different evening shows performed by many local and special artists in the theatre.


                                                     
Jhakoo Hill: Shimla is the hill station, so there are lots of hills where people can enjoy. Jhakoo hill is one of them, but this steep climb hill is situated in the east side of Shimla. This highest hill of Shimla is having altitude of 2, 445m. Hanuman Temple at this spot is also special and visitors must reach to this temple. The natural beauty of this hill and the surrounding is the best spot to capture photos. The amazing beauty and forest view from this hill could make the moment memorable.



Educational Center of Advanced Studies: Shimla is famous for advanced studies as there are lots of big famous institutes providing best educational background. Shimla was lighted in 1888 with electricity, and it was having the first indoor tennis court of India. However, visitors can only enjoy on Sundays as its not open for visitors on rest of the days.

Museum: the nearest visitor spot of the Institute is Museum. It is situated in colonial building in roomy lawns. The collections of stone sculpture, Pahari miniatures, local handicrafts, embroidery and textiles can be seen in the Museum. It can help the visitors to learn the history of Shimla as it contains lots of old memories as well.



Toy Train: Shimla is the highest railway station which is connected through toy train provided by the Indian Railway. This train is running with the corporation of Indian railway and Himachal Tourism department. This train was started in 1903 as toy train and still into the service. Local people are using this train as important transport method. The journey of the toy train is from Kalka to Shimla which covers around 20 stations, 969 bridges, 103 tunnels and 919 curves. Shimla toy train is included in Guinness Book of World Records as small wonder of India. This train is the greatest narrow gauge achievement of Indian engineers.




Adventure events: Bungee Jumping, Camping, Cycling, Para Gliding, Horse Riding, Safari, Trekking, Skating, Yak Riding, Wild Life are some more exciting options for visitors.

Some valuable exciting Gateways:
Mashobra: this is a village located at 12 km distance. The most demanding hotel at this spot is Wildflower Hall. Tourist can enjoy the trekking and other events in this village as it is situated at the highest peak Shali which is 10,000 ft in height.



Naldehra: another spot to visit near Shimla is Naldehra which is just 22km away. The leisure resort Naldehra is best option for accommodation. Some other spots are Golf Course and the cedar forests which are full of natural beauty and green scenery. The charming grasslands make it a lukewarm in the night. Naldehra is also famous for hot sulphur springs known as Tattapani. Visitors have to cover the 28 km distance to reach this amazing spot.



Chail: the next place for a tourist is Chail, which is just 45 kms away from Shimla. The world's biggest cricket pitch of 7,800 ft. and biggest polo ground is situated in this place.



Kufri: this is the place having distanced of 12 kms. This half hour distant place is easily accessible through clean roads. The fine forested slopes and a ski-resort at Kufri are special. The Himalaya Nature Park and Indira Tourist Park are best spots of Kufri. The yak and Pony Ride at this place are unique and different experience. Kufri is also famous for winter sports events so that those who are planning to reach Kufri in cold season should not miss the winter sports festival.



Narkanda: Narkanda is the last gateway situated at 64 kms distant from Shimla. The fragrant pine forests and winter ski resort is especial spot of this place. The zigzag way with some overwhelming views could be amazing experience for visitors.



Transport:

By Air: reaching Shimla by air is possible as this place is having own airport known as Jubbarhatti. This airbase is situated at distance of 23 kms. Frequent flights from Chandigarh, New Delhi and Kullu are available for visitors. Jagson Airlines is having regular flights from these places to Shimla.

By Train: The closest big railway station which links the Shimla through railway is Kalka. Kalka is just 96 km away from Shimla. The reaching time through train is 6 hours which covers lots of natural beauty and big hills journey. 4 trains are frequently moving from Kalka to Shimla for providing the regular connection with the city. Reaching Kalka from New Delhi will take complete night journey.

By Road: this beautiful hill station is properly connected to neighbouring places like Chandigarh and New Delhi through NH (national highways). Approx journey between Delhi to Shimla is 8 hours. The clean and properly managed highways allow the visitors to reach the place easily. Frequent tourist buses and private vehicles are available to reach Shimla through different roads of various cities. 

Categories: Country- India, Place- Shimla, State- Himachal Pradesh

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Kashmir

Kashmir is a well-known north western region of the India. However, until mid-19th century Kashmir was denoted as the valley between the Great hills of Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Hills. Though, it is changed as the larger area which includes the Indian controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. Somepart of Kashmir is administered by Pakistani and China.



Kashmir is turned as the vital center of Hinduism and Buddhism. As per record's Shah Mir was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir came into notice in 1349. He was the ruler who inaugurated the Swati dynasty or Salatin-i-Kashmir. After his rule, another the next five centuries were ruled by Muslim rulers. These five centuries include the Mughals, who came into action from 1526 to 1751. The last ruler group of Muslims in Kashmir was Afghan Durrani Empire, and their period was from 1747 to 1820. The Sikhs came into action in 1846, and the first Sikh ruler was Ranjit Singh.



Kashmir is the ancient Sanskrit word which means land of Kashyap Rishi. According to Hindu Granthas, Kashyap Rishi was Saraswat Brahmin. He was one of the Saptarshis, who played the vital role in founding and formalizing prehistoric Vedic Religion. Later other honourable Kashmiri Pandits named this valley as Kashmir.



Kashmir is always an outstanding experience and people are visiting this beautiful place every year. Experts say this place is heavenly blessed with lots of attractive spots. The main part of visiting Kashmir is it is open for complete year and visitors can enjoy any season at this place. The sheer nature and beauty containing snow, which gives the feeling of silver mountains is amazing. The huge variety of flora and fauna made this place heaven on earth. People who love nature or want to make their honeymoon special should visit Kashmir. The adventure seekers will also get lots of things in this valley as the big hills and flowing water allow them for trekking and rafting events. The majestic mountains, salubrious climate, romantic rivers, valleys with fully covered snow and amazingly designed Mughal gardens are best places to visit in Kashmir.



There are plenty of attractive places where visitors can enjoy and make their moment memorable. This hill station is having huge snow that means people can enjoy skiing and some other activities.

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir:

Sonmarg: this is the spot having astonishing flower carpeted field, which is covered with beautiful glaciers, snowfields, miniature plateaus, islets and pines. Sonmarg is just 80 kms distant from Srinagar. This place added into the list of highest hill ranges of the world. The sparkling effects and amazing view of the valley from Sonmarg could be diverse experience for visitors. The adventures journey of the valley is also special
.


Gulmarg: this world is made after combination of Gul and marg words. The meaning of both words is meadow of a flower. The green slopes and famous beautiful view of nature at Gulmarg are special. It is situated at Baramula district of J&K. The magical meadows with hill resort and snow clad peaks can give the feeling of heaven. Lots of Bollywood movies being made on Kashmir and many big projects are also made on such a beautiful place.


Pahalgam: This is another tourist attraction spot where people can enjoy the natural beauty. The Sheshnag Lake and Lidder River at Pahalgam are best areas to visit.



Srinagar: this is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Srinagar is added into the list of most absorbing and fascinating cities of the world. The place is having lots of sacred pilgrimages, aromatic Mughal and beautiful lakes with lots of astonishing gardens. Dal and Wular Lake at Srinagar are special and people can enjoy the houseboats and many other things.



Houseboats: kasti, houseboats and small boats are famous for Kashmir. The beautiful lake with houseboats allows the people to live on water. The houseboats are available for different types, and the services provided such boats are also different. However, charges are varying according to boat and features offered by the boat owners. Many boats are even more luxurious then five-star hotels so visitors can select the houseboat according to their choice.



Reach Kashmir through different ways:
By Air:
The airport to reach Kashmir is Srinagar. This airport is properly connected with Delhi and many states and cities of India. The frequent flight to Delhi through Jammu is also possible as various airlines are offering the flights from Kashmir to Delhi and other cities.

By Rail: 
Srinagar is the major station to reach Kashmir. The well-known train through out the country is Jammu Tawi and it is available from almost every city and state of India. Advance booking of ticket is available with this train and visitors can enjoy the journey with wonderful nature views throughout the journey. During the holidays or season visit, visitors will get some additional trains as well to reach Kashmir.

By Road: 
Kashmir is well-linked through roads as well. NH1A is connecting Srinagar to Jammu. The roads are clear and properly managed by BRO. The several sharp inclines and hairpin bends could be little dangerous but the journey through road is more excited and adventurous. The roads are maintained by the BRO (Border Roads Organization). Their responsibilities include cleaning the road of any obstructions caused due to natural causes like landslides or heavy snowfall. The world-known Jawahar Tunnel is one which connects Jammu to Kashmir Valley through Pir Panjal range. 

Categories: Country- India, Place- Kashmir, State- Jammu & Kashmir

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Kanipakam

Kanipakam is a small village on the bank of Bahuda River.

"Kani" means wetland and "Pakam" means flow of water into wetland. According to the legend of the temple there were three brothers and each one had a handicap. Viz., Dumb, Deaf and Blind. They were earning out their livelihood by cultivating a small piece of land.

In olden days water was drawn from the well by way of 'Piccota System'. As one of them used to irrigate the field through the channels, the other two used to ply on the Piccota. On one such operation they found that the water in the well got dried up and they could no longer continue their job. One of them got into the well and started digging it up. He was taken aback to see the iron implement hitting a stone like formation.

Later, he was shocked to see blood oozing out from it. Within in a few seconds the entire water in the well, turned blood red in colour. Thus, startled by this divine sight, all the three became normal getting rid of their deformities. As soon as the villagers came to know about this miracle, they thronged to the well and tried to deepen the well further. But their attempt proved futile because the 'swayambhu' idol (the self-manifested) of Lord Vinayaka emerged from the swirling waters.

Ultimately they offered many number of coconuts with all prayers- modesty kneeling before the new idol afford "MAGALHARATHI" etc. They declared the ideal of "SWAYAMBHU" and tendered number of coconuts. The coconuts water flowed into the channel to a distance of more than one and a quarter acres. The indication of this led to the modification in the usage of the Tamil word "KANIPARAKAM" and later pronounced as KANIPAKAM. Even today the idol is in the original well and the springs of the well are perennial and the eternal. During the rainy season, the holy water from the well overflows even today.

Another striking and strange feature of the idol is that it is still growing in size. At present, we can see the knees and the abdomen of the idol. Smt. Lakshmamma, an ardent devotee had offered a 'Kavacham' (Armour) to the Lord, fifty years ago but today it is out of size and doesn't fit the idol. The holy water from the well is offered to the devotees as theertham.

Categories: Place- chitoor

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