HOLY CITY HARIDWAR

THE HOLY CITY  --  HARIDWAR

 Haridwar is an ancient pilgrim city. It is a paradise for nature lovers. In the scriptures it has been variously mentioned as Kapilthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. The followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu called this city as Hardwar and Haridwar respectively corresponding to Har being Lord Shiva and Hari being Lord Vishnu. This city situated in Uttrakhand is the gateway to Char Dham yatra in Uttrakhand viz Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri.

Main tourist attractions in Haridwar

1. Har ki Pauri

It is also known as Brahmkund. Millions of devotees come here to take a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh Mela. Ganga Arti in the evening is the main attraction of this place. The reflection of golden diyas that keep floating on the river gives an enchanting view of  the ghat to the visitors.

2. Saptarishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar

It is believed that at this place Ganga divided itself into seven small streams so as not to disturb the 7 Rishis who were meditating and worshiping here.

3. Chandi Devi Temple

This Temple is situated on the Neel Parvat. This temple can be reached after a 3 km trek from Chandi Ghat The main statue of temple is said to be of 8th century. This temple can also be reached by cable car.

4. Mansa Devi Temple

 Mansa Devi is a Durga temple. One can reach here either by foot or by a cable car perched on Bilwa Parvat. The statue of the Goddess here have three mouths and five arms while the other one has seven arms.

5. Maya Devi Temple

This temple is regarded as one of the Siddhapeeths dedicated to the Adhisthatri deity. It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying her corpse.

6. Shanti Kunj

This is the most important centre for Gayatri followers all over India. It is located at a distance of 6 Km from Haridwar railway station

7. Pawan Dham

     

This temple is made entirely with glass pieces.  It is a modern temple.  Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination in Haridwar.

8.  Parad Shivling

It is situated in Harihar Ashram Kankhal. Parad shivling weighs about 150 kg. Parad Shivling and Rudraksha trees are the main attractions here.

HOW TO REACH HARIDWAR

Reaching by Train:
                          
Haridwar railway station  is the major railway station which is well connected to all major cities of India.

Reaching by Bus: 
                                            

Haridwar is well connected by tourist buses in and around all cities. State Transport Buses are also available at a regular interval from Delhi and nearby cities.

Reaching by Flight:

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is 36 kms from Haridwar. This is a domestic airport and is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Taxies are easily available from Jolly Grant Airport to Haridwar.

WHEN TO VISIT HARIDWAR

Haridwar can be visited throughout the year but July to September are rainy season in the Haridwar. So this season can be avoided as it gets very humid.
Winter season October to February  is pleasant season to visit Haridwar. Haridwar hosts many religious festivals such as Kawar mela in July, Kartik purnima in November, Budh purnima and Ram navmi. Kumbh mela is also hosted in Haridwar. 

TOURIST DESTINATION - VARANASI

VARANASI -   A HOLY CITY IN INDIA

The ancient name of Varanasi was Kashi. It is also known by the name of Benaras. Kashi is the oldest living city in the world. It is also the religious Capital of India. This holy city is situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It rests on the left bank of the holy river Ganges.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlings, the holiest of Shiva temples.The main deity is known by the name Vishwanath or Vishweshwar, meaning 'ruler of universe'

2. Tulsi Manas Mandir



This modern temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is where the great medievel seer Sh. Tulsidas lived and wrote the epic 'Shri Ramacharitmanas'. Verses from Tulsidas' epic are inscribed on the walls.

3. Kaal Bhairav Temple



It is situated near the main Post Office, Vishesharganj. God Kaalbhairav is believed to be the "Kotwal of Varanasi". Without his permission no one can stay in Kashi.

4. Sankat Mochan Temple



It is situated by the Assi Ghat on the way to the Durga mandir and the new Vishwanath mandir. It is believed that temple has been built on the very spot where Tulsidas had a vision of Lord Hanuman.

5. Durga Temple

It is situated in Ramnagar of Varanasi. This temple is devoted to Hindu deity Durga. The temple has a large stone built pond in it.

7. Ramnagar Nagar Fort



It is located on the eastern side of Ganges river, opposite to Tulsi Ghat.

8. Ashoka Piller



It is situated in Sarnath. Ashoka pillar is 15.24 m in height that has four lions on its capital and it is now treasured in the museum. 


9. Thai Temple



It is located in Sarnath. The temple has been built in Thai architectural style and houses a sandstone statue of Buddha in Abhay Mudra in its sanctum.

10.  Sar Nath




Sarnath is  where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Singhpur, a village one km away from Sarnath is the birthplace of Shreyansanath, the eleventh Tirthankara of Jainism, and there is a temple dedicated to him in Sarnath.


FAMOUS GANGA GHATS IN VARANASI

1. Dashwamedh Ghat



2. Assi Ghat

3. Manikaranika Ghat



4. Tulsi Ghat



5. HarishChander Ghat



6. Man Mandir Ghat



7. Darbhanga Ghat



8. Scindia Ghat

BEST TIME TO VISIT VARANASI

Best time to visit this city is from October to March. Some of the major festivals and cultural events also take place during this period.


HOW TO REACH VARANASI


BY TRAIN

Varanasi is well connected with all major railway stations in India. There are two railheads nearby, namely Varanasi junction and the Kashi junction. Many express trains connect Varanasi with Delhi and Kolkata.

BY AIR
The nearest airport is Babatpur, 22 km from Varanasi and 30 Km from Sarnath. Direct flight for Varanasi are available from Delhi, Agra, Khajurao, Calcutta, Mumbai, Lucknow and Bhuvaneshwar airport.

BY ROAD
Varanasi, on NH 2 from Calcutta to Delhi, NHZ to Kanya Kumari and NH 29 to Gorakhpur is well connected to the rest of the country by good motorable roads

KASHMIR - PARADISE ON EARTH

TOURIST SPOTS IN KASHMIR

1. Dal Lake 
                



Dal lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in India,  second largest lake of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (6km by 3 km in area). It is encircled by mountains on three sides. The banks of this lake are adorned by several blooming gardens and orchards. Some of the main features of this lake include five basins and numerable channels, which are well linked with each other. The lake is also visited by a number of tourists for its Shikaras and Houseboats.


2. Char Chinar




Char Chinar is an island in Dal lake. It is marked with the presence beautiful Chinar trees. It is marked with the presence of majestic Chinar trees at the four corners.

3. Chashmashahi

Chashmashahi is the smallest of the three Mughal gardens located in Kashmir. This garden offers a beautiful view of Dal Lake along with neighboring mountains. This garden has several terraces with fountains, an aqueduct and few waterfalls. The water for these fountains comes from the spring. In addition, there is a small shrine, located near to this garden, which is known as the Chasma Sahibi.


4. Shalimar Garden





Shalimar Garden is also known as the garden of love. This garden has four terraces, rising one above the other. At one point of time, the fourth terrace of this garden was especially reserved for royal ladies.There is a canal located inside the garden, which is lined with polished stones running through the centre of the garden. It is through this canal that water is supplied to the garden.


5. Nagin Lake



Nagin Lake is another lake of Kashmir valley. Situated at the foothill of the mountain Zabarwan, the lake is surrounded by number of willow and poplar trees. Bathing boats, water-skis and motor launches are all available for hire at this lake for tourists.


6. Nishat Bagh



Nishat Bagh is known as the 'garden of bliss'. It is located on the banks of the beautiful Dal Lake and is one of the largest Mughal gardens. There are ruins of some buildings that belong to Mughal period here  This garden has terraces each of which represents a different Zodiac sign. In the middle of the garden, there is a water channel flowing. Other attractions of this garden include its flowerbeds, trees and fountains.


7. Gulmarg



Gulmarg literally means meadow of flowers. Nestled with stunning peaks in the Himalayan ranges. This place is an eye catching place with picturesque surroundings, beautiful gardens with mind blogging flowers and fragrance. This is one of the best ski resorts in India as it gets heavy snowfall, especially during winter. 
It is 51 km away from Srinagar.


8. Sonmarg

Sonmarg, located at a hefty altitude of 2,740 m above sea level, literally means 'Meadow of Gold'.  Sonmarg, a town surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes, is a snow covered beautiful flower-laden meadow in the majestic Himalayan mountain region. Sonmarg in the Kashmir valley is the gateway to Ladakh and situated just before the Zojii La pass. 

Located at 87 km from Srinagar, the place is renowned for trekking and hiking trails. The snow clad peaks in the Himalaya and the undulated hilly mountainous regions are perfectly suitable for all types of trekking expeditions. 

9. Pahalgam

Astounding for the mesmerizing natural beauty, Pahalgam valley is located at the confluence of Lidder River and the streams originating from serene Sheshnag Lake. The valley is located 96 km from Srinagar, The valley offers breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Himalayan Ranges. Pahalgam is the base camp for the renowned pilgrimage to Amarnath and also a famous shopping place for woolen products. It forms a part of the region in Asia where Saffron is growing. Pahalgam valley is perfectly suitable for adventurous activities like golf, horse riding, trekking and many water sports. The unexplored undulating hilly terrains and the plain valley regions are equally eye catching. 

Religious Destinations in Kashmir

1. Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath cave is a famous shrine in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave is situated at an altitude of about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow most time of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims. An annual pilgrimage is made to the Amarnath cave by lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of Hindu devotees on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite formed inside the cave.

2. Vaishno Devi

The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated at a height of 5,300 ft.and located inside a cave in a hill. amidst the folds of the Trikuta Bhagwati hill. This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the the devotees. Once at the entrance to the cave, the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream named the Charan Ganga running through it. The pilgrim has to wade through this to reach the sanctum sanctorum.  In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. 

Best Season to visit Kashmir: 

The best time to visit this beautiful destination extends from the month of March to October. This time period covers three main seasons prevailing in Kashmir, namely spring, summer and autumn.  

How to Reach Kashmir:

To reach by air, at Srinagar is the airport, which is approximately 14 km from the city of Kashmir. Daily flights to Srinagar are operated by Indian Airlines from Delhi, Mumbai and Jammu and Jet Airways from Delhi and Jammu.

The nearest railhead to Srinagar is from Jammu Tawi which is approximately 305 km away. Trains from Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Mumbai and other cities arrive at Jammu Tawi and so is of easy access. During peak tourism season, additional trains operate for and from this station.