Nainital Bird Heaven

From Kathgudam onwards the height appears striking. One can see steep rising hills with  tortuous winding road network. The climb up is steep and can be risky as the barriers on the side are missing at places. The driver of our bus drove with confidence and practiced fluency.  I held myself taught, not used to such heights and the plunging deep valleys. 

The place disappoints, we were going to Sat Tal which is some 14 km from Nainital. On my first visit I realized that Nainital was no more a tourist heaven it is more of a builders' paradise. Most of the hills have human dwellings - even flat systems. The sight is disappointing since few green patches remain. 

All the way through this part of Uttaranchal, I could see devastating effect of urbanization - unplanned and rampant. This was not what Jim Corbett had described in his books on man eating tigers and leopards. The urbanization certainly means end of the road for natural environment here. The lack of right policy regarding development in tourism zones  is apparent in this country.    

Sat Tal in Naini Tal district is a birders paradise still. The worst are the garbage  dumps - conspicuous by their absence. Whole surroundings are littered by plastic bags  - the quantity is astonishing. 

Kainchi Dham were we go for birding exhibits a rabid example of this, the rivulet is choked with plastic bags, litter and no one bothers. The tree line of the banks is receding and settlements are replacing them. The same devastation is apparent at Sat Tal township which is bustling with hotels, restaurants, colonization and private villas and what not. Thankfully Pachmarhi in MP has been saved from this scourge being a cantonment and a wildlife sanctuary that begins immediately.  

Naini Tal township is literary a Bhendi bazaar, a mad milieu of tourists creating chaos. During my birding tours we have avoided this township which reeks of stuffed houses, choked bazaars and settlements littered with garbage on roofs and everywhere. Once a nature's paradise no more now.    

Pangot at greater height is untouched by ravages of uncontrolled tourism. But the forest denudation at places is of concern. I have seen hillsides occupied by settlements that are completely devoid of vegetation. Pangot offers mesmerizing view of Himalayan Ranges and is home to unique species of animals and birds. 

Corbett Tiger Reserve retains much of its glory in the core areas and the surroundings. But expanding civilization and urbanity sounds a death knell for this beautiful tiger heaven. The reserve is home to large number of bird species and falls in popular birding circuit in India.         

Many tour operators conduct bird watching tours  in Northern India. On a bird watching trip one can checklist a very large number of avian species.  But forest denudation is slowly destroying the habitats of birds in our country.
 

Destination Kerala: Backwaters

Lying parallel to the Malabar Coast in Kerala is an interconnection of salty lagoons, canals, rivulets and lakes. This is what constitutes Kerala’s back water the famous tourist destination.  The canals are man made as well as natural.

The back waters are inundated by thirty eight rivers and run half the length of the state.   The formation of backwaters is due to low lying islands that act as barrier across the mouth of rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats.  

Most of the towns and the cities of Kerala are located amidst the backwaters. These towns act as starting or ending point for backwater cruise. Some cruise lengths exceed over 200 km. 

The ecosystem is unique due to merger of fresh water and saline water of Arabian Sea. At places there are patches of cool fresh water where saline water is prevented from flowing in.  Backwaters are hence habitat for unique and some endemic aquatic species, large number of water birds are dependent upon this system. The rows of coconut palms, verdant leafy bushes on the banks of backwater provide greenish hue to the landscape.

The overall composition of backwaters accords serenity and calm.  The romance of an enchanted boat ride along side picturesque landscape is the highlight feature of backwaters.   The Kettuvallams as house boats are known in the state are a major tourist attraction. The Kettuvallams are grain ferrying barges which have been converted into house boat accommodations.  The house boats offer luxurious amenities and modern facilities. They are well equipped with furnished sleeping rooms and modern toilets. The dining area and sit out is usually on the deck.

Except during heavy rains the season for house boat cruise is practically year around.   The house boat tours can be booked through tour operators in India. There are various tourism packages available to enjoy a holiday on boat at these stretches of serenity.

The state offers much more than backwater cruise on the waterways. Kerala it is home to fantastic wild animals and birds. There are large numbers of National Parks and tiger reserves in the state for wildlife watching. Sightseeing on tours is exciting. Ancient monuments, Hindu Temples embellished with bewildering designs and array of colors, forts and palaces enthrall the visitors. The architecture of the state has a unique style with admixture of foreign impression at places.      

The diversity of life, exotic culture, Malayali cuisine and warm hospitality makes Kerala the most visited state in India. It is God’s Own Country so pack your bags and fly.        

Somnath Temple

Somnath - Veraval - Saurashtra - Gujarat 

The sea in the background adds to the charismatic grace and grandeur of the towering structure. No wonder since centuries the temple has been a cynosure of millions of eyes. The 9th century temple is Lord Shiva's domain and that what matters. The treasure troves Gold and Diamonds have now faded as myth. 

The Jyotirling at  Somnath is amongst the twelve most sacred lingam of Lord Shiva. Somnath has been plundered six times by intolerant  marauders and plunderers It was the strong resilience of the people and Hindu rulers that the structure was rebuilt again and again. 

Somnath literary means protector of the moon since Lord Shiva delivered the moon from a curse. The pious pray here on auspicious day on pilgrimage. The original temple destroyed by the iconoclastic  barbarians stands as adjacent ruins. The original Shivling has said to appear in a King's dream which was than unearthed and a temple stand over the underground idol.  

The architecture reflects the skills of Sompuras Gujarat's wonder masons. The temple was built in Chalukya Hindu Temple style after India's independence. The temple is of great significance for religious tours in India to the Hindus.

Not only the temple architecture, the ambiance is stunning as well which I discovered on my visit to the Lord Almighty's abode couple of years back. The deliverance if four fold and the spirituality awakens on the way to doors of Lord Shiva's abode here. 

Somnath temple is a must visit pilgrimage center at Veraval for all religious Hindus.   

Jabalpur Sigtseeing

Jabalpur

Situated in center of India in Madhya Pradesh, Jabalpur is a scenic town ideal for sightseeing and picnics. The city sits in a cradle of forested mountains. The forested hill slopes, large reservoirs, water bodies and rivers make the place highly enchanting.

The places of interest are:

Dumna Nature Reserve at Khandari Lake : A wildlife safari, birding and and tourism spot. DNS is good place for picnic, birding and wildlife watching. One can see spotted deer, small game and leopard with luck. Excellent place for water birds. In winter number of migratory ducks arrive in large numbers. 

Pariyat Lake: This scenic lake with pristine forests and mountains on the bank. One can see the fresh water crocodile with luck. Good place bird watching and picnic. 

Bargi Dam Resort: Good for water sport, short cruise and boating. MP Tourism hotels & restaurants manage the place most frequented by the visitors to Jabalpur.   

Madan Mahal Fortress: Gond Fort built in 11th Century AD by Madan Shah. He was  Son of Queen Durgavati who ruled over Jabalpur and Mandla districts. 

Marble Rocks: A gorge in River Narmada for boating amidst marble rocks with amazing color patterns on them.  It is also known as Bhedaghat. 

Dhuandhar Falls: Narmada descends down from here as a sparkling forceful gush of water into the Gorge knwn as Marble Rocks.

Chausath Yogini Temple Complex: In the center is Lord Shiva Temple surrounded by idols of 64 Yoginis of Goddess Durga.The complex was built by the Kalchuri dynasty. Most of the idols were plundered by Mughal invaders.

Rani Durgavati Wildlife Sanctuary: Forty km from Jabalpur this small sanctuary is a good place to spend holiday’s wildlife watching and birding.

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary: The forests are a habitat to tiger, leopard, marsh crocodiles, common otters and Indian Wolf. Chinkara deer and Nilgai are common sight and so are langur, wild boar and rhesus macaque. 

Rani Durgawati Muesum: Displays ancient idols, carvings and other artifacts of Gond and Kulchuri dynasties..  

Gwarighat on Narmada: Gwarighat is a stepped embankment on the banks of River Narmada. It is the hub of Hindu rituals and rites. One pilgrimage one can visit Hindu temples, Saints & enlightened Yogis and Gurudwara Gwarighat Sahib. Guru Nanak Dev visited river Narmada at Gwarighat.

Jabalpur is a transit point for tiger reserves - Satpura, Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh National Park  in Vindhyas.  Pachmarhi hill station is few hours of journey from Jabalpur.   

Jabalpur has many luxury hotels for stay in the city. Best way of enjoying here is on a spiritual tour package on river Narmada. Similar way is to go sightseeing on package tours where the tour operator makes all the arrangements.  

The city  is well connected by road and rail. Flight service operates between Jabalpur and New Delhi. 

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Indian monuments

Uday Patel - Exciting tours to India

Uday Patel - Exciting tours to India

Jabalpur Accommodation

Jabalpur is a large town situated in the center of India in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a cosmopolitan town with a population of approximately two million people.  The city is a commercial hub of Mahakaushal Region.The town is also known as the cultural capital of Central India.

Due to burgeoning commercial activity and tourism there is a constant demand for hotel room accommodation in the city. Jabalpur has large number of hotels that cater to all segments. There are many guest houses as well.   Jabalpur boasts of three star hotels but none of five star category so far. The hotels are spread all over the town especially in Napier town between the Railway station and the Bus stand. There are no hotels near the Jabalpur Airport since it is almost twenty km from the main town.

Jabalpur is the center point for tourism and tiger safari at Kanha National Park near Mandla and Bandhavgarh and Pench National Park. Other interesting places that the town offers access to are Amarkantak hill resort, Pachmarhi hill station and Naurdehi Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The Luxury accommodation also offers unique package tour of Jabalpur City.  Jabalpur is a picturesque town with cool weather. It has the greenest surroundings placed as it is in the cauldron created by forested hill ranges all around. Jabalpur has many places of interest to visit especially Marble Rocks or Bheraghat and Dhuandhar Falls.      

The modern hotels in Jabalpur city are well maintained and luxurious. The luxury accommodation has been initiated in Jabalpur by THE PENTHOUSE. As a non traditional lodging concept The Penthouse offers luxury and privacy combined - far removed from traditional hotel stay. It is situated atop Ideal Hills on Narmada Road in serene and picturesque settings. It is well furnished and fully equipped preferred by those who wish to avoid the hustle bustle of town accommodations and stay in absolute privacy. The home stay is on the upper tariff range but worth it. The food is excellent with dining for large groups and roof  top dinners are possible.  

Jabalpur is well connected by road and rail with major towns and cities. Jabalpur is connected with New Delhi by (Air Indian & Kingfisher) and Kingfisher may begin flight to Mumbai as well.

Kerala tourism places

Kerala tourism places

Sikkim State in India

Sikkim State in India

Marble Rocks - Bheraghat at Jabalpur

The gorge in River Narmada at Marble Rocks known as Bheraghat in Hindi  highlights the elemental beauty and panoramic magnificence of holy river.  The gorge through which Narmada passes through is a picturesque marvel of rocks of marble etched with amazing hues of stunning colors.   

Boat Ride at Bhedaghat

The best way to experience the magnificence of  the Gorge in River Narmada as Capt. Forsyth called it is the boat ride. The boat moves at a leisurely  pace between the steep mountains of colored marble. This is the best way to enjoy and absorb the panoramic splendor, serene and at places turbid river and the amazing landscape.

Moon Lit Romance


During full moon, boating at Marble Rocks is a romantic experience as beams of  moonlight lands on rocks and sparkle on the river surface. As the oars hit the surface, splashes of cool waters fall on you and make you shiver in delight.  All through the ride on the gorge, shadows of looming mountains chase you asunder, but you wish for more and more....

Dhuandhar Falls

At Dhuandhar Fall, Narmada tumbles down with a huge force through the gaps and crevices in the rocky surface - this is the beginning of Marble Rocks. A fine spray of cool water are constantly  thrown up as the river tumbles down. Like a curtain of mist the fine sprays surround the whole place hence the name.  Dhuan means smoke in Hindi and Dhar means a fall.

The marble wonder is about thirteen kilometers from Jabalpur Town in MP and can be reached easily by road. There are many hotels in Jabalpur that organize trips to Marble Rocks and Dhuandhar Falls. Another interesting place in Jabalpur worth a visit is Chausath Yogini Temple Complex which is very near to Bheraghat.

During monsoon rains the place is closed down and hardly any sign of the water fall is there as the river submerges in the flood.