Category: South India

Categories
Adventure Beaches South India Spiritual Hubs

Murudeshwar – much more than just a religious site

Situated right in the heart of Karnataka, Murudeshwar is one of the best towns in the country with a reflection of ancient Indian heritage. The temple is also popular for its second tallest statue of Shiva in the world. According to Indian mythology, Lord Shiva was also recognized as Murudeshwar and, thus, the town got its name. The temple has been established on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
Here is ghoomophiro list of activities you can enjoy while at this spiritual hub.

Murudeshwar Beach Activities

The beach at this holy place is frequented by tourists from around the globe. People traveling to Karnataka in South India make it a point to pay the visit to the famous temple without missing the opportunity. Although there is no provision for water sports on the beach, tourists can indulge in swimming and other fun activities on the beach. This beach is also of the world’s second tallest statue of Shiva. One can enjoy tattoos all over their body and also indulge in water sports. Water sports are one of the reasons for attracting huge crowds at this seaside town.

Water Diving in Netrani Island

Murudeshwar is also known for a range of options for tourists who want to explore the town with a different perspective. One such exemplary option is Scuba Diving in Netrani Island. Netrani Island has been declared one of the best places for scuba diving in India. People from different corners of India throng the town every year to experience the fun.

The Lord Shiva Statue Park

The Lord Shiva statue is the main highlight of this park, which is surrounded by greenery and various flowering plants. There are a variety of stone sculptures that enhance the beauty of this place. You can pay a visit to this park and relax for some time while beholding the beauty of the statue, sculptures, and just everything around. An artificial fall is another major attraction of the park.

Jama Masjid in Murudeshwar

After a Jama Masjid in New Delhi, the other one lies in the heart of Murudeshwar at Bhatkal town. Jama Masjid in Murudeshwar is renowned for its old Indian heritage. It is a three-storey mosque with a basement. People from around the world pay the visit to this city to see this place. Taking a light stroll around Jama Masjid premises helps you unwind and fill you with the undiscovered spirituality sprinkled around the area.

Visit Murudeshwar Fort

One of the major attractions in Murudeshwar is a fort right behind the Murudeshwar temple. According to Indian mythology, the fort was built in the era of Vijayanagara kings. The fort was later renovated by none other than Sultan of Mysore—Tipu Sultan.

If you are in Murudeshwar, you must pay a visit to Murudeshwar Fort without which your trip is incomplete.

Go Shopping on the Temple Road 

There are several shops on the temple road in Murudeshwar. You can buy loads of religious stuff to take back home as souvenirs of this holy place in South India.

Idols, Jewelry, and wall hangings for homes are best choices for souvenirs. You can also buy the pictures of Lord Shiva.

How to reach Murudeshwar

The place is well connected by both road and rail to the rest of Karnataka and the country. The nearest airport is at Mangalore Airport about 153 km away to the south. Murudeshwar railway station is just 2 kms away from the town and most trains halt at the Murudeshwara station. One can also board a bus to Murudeshwar which is available from Bangalore.

Food

From South-Indian to North-Indian and Chinese cuisines, the restaurants in this place are a huge hit among travelers. One must try the local delicacies of the area such as Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Akki Roti, Jolada Roti, Idli, Vada, Sambhar, Kesari Bath, Ragi Mudde, Uppittu.

Some of the best hotels to stay are Mavalli Beach Heritage Home, an absolutely amazing place to stay. Another good option to stay is RNS Guest Home which offers a superb sea view. The Wild Woods Spa and Resort is an excellent weekend getaway amidst nature.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings South India

Must Do’s while in Puducherry!!

Located at a distance of 160 km to the south of Chennai, Puducherry being a former French colony is still hovered by that ambiance. It should be visited by you at least once in your lifetime for the following reasons.

Aurobindo Ashram

This ashram was founded in 1926 by Sri Aurobindo when he decided to withhold from public view and carry on with his spiritual growth. It is now visited by hordes of spiritual seekers from all over the globe. If inner peace is what you are looking for, this is where you should be heading. The ashram also gives a lot of importance to Yoga.

Beaches

Beaches add on to the grandeur of Puducherry. While the early morning serenity inspires awe, the radiance of the streets boasting of fun, food, and frolic in the evening hypnotizes one into its charm. Unlike other beaches in India, they are cleaner and well kept.

Sunrise

Watching the sunrise is one of those things by which one can never get bored of and if you want to witness a magical one, you should be in Puducherry. The sight of the sun coming out of the azure sea can lift your heart and be a good start to your day!

Cuisine

Puducherry cuisine is the perfect blend of various customs and cultures. A lot of sea- food can be enjoyed here and because of being located in the south, the traditional South Indian fare of idli-dosa is also available. Owing to the French influence, good steak and wine are served in most of the restaurants.

 Churches

There are 32 churches in Puducherry!!  Sacred Heart Church, Church of Our Lady of Angels, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Dupleix Church, and Immaculate Conception Cathedral are a few of them. Their beauty lies in the French architecture and the peace they contain within. Irrespective of your religion, experiencing just a few moments of silence and reflection in these churches can put your mind at peace.

Old Lighthouse

One of Puducherry’s most famous landmarks is this lighthouse which was constructed in 1836 and at that time, used to be considered quite modern because of its distinctive round tower. Although it is not operational now, it still remains a famous tourist attraction.

French War Memorial

The majesty of French War Memorial lies in its simplicity. Along the beach on Gobert Avenue, it is a plain construction of 4 pillars erected in the memory of the French soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I. Not located too far away is the Statue of Dupleix, which was installed in the honour of Joseph Francois Dupleix, a Governor General of the French Establishment in India.

Scuba diving

You do not need to go abroad for an adventurous activity like scuba diving. You can have your breath taken away by going under-sea in Puducherry only. February-April and September-November are the best times for undertaking this activity at this place.

Categories
Corporate Outings South India

These hill stations around Chennai are a picturesque retreat

A landmark is known not only for its culture & education but also for its beauty all around. For example, the beauty of the hill stations here is up to the grim which can steal your soul. It is the city of echoes, illusions & yearning which makes it one of the favorite tourist’s spot.

It is greatly said that ‘life is not always perfect, but the beauty is’. Such beauty can be seen here by the God’s grace. Here are the few reviving hill stations which are the worthy competitors to artificial breeze:

Yelagiri It is a summer retreat surrounded by lakes, hills& valleys located around 230 km far away from Chennai. It is mostly visited by people fond of trekking & hiking with the colorful summer festival. Your soul would be filled with happiness after seeing the plenty of beauty here.

Horsley hills It is a hilly destination located in Andhra Pradesh which is far away from Chennai approx. 279 km. It has become a residence place of the governor of Andhra Pradesh, attracted by its beauty. It is a summer retreat for people who visit Tirupati during summers.

Yercaud Also known as the jewel of the south is famous for its enchanting surroundings located approx. 367 km far away from Chennai. It has the large variety of flora & fauna. Attractions include Anna park, Servaroyan temple & Ben cave. No one can leave the place without admiring it.

Kolli hills It is a charming hill station which is located around 380 km far away from Chennai. It is a charming hilly destination which makes you lost in its visual imagination. It offers a clean, lush green environment to the visitors. The tour gets more picturesque during monsoons when the valley is streaked with several streams.

Ooty A more photographed place than any celebrity is located approx. 558 km far away from Chennai. It is a place, you can never regret & forget your whole life. It is called as the queen of southern hills and everyone dreams of visiting it again & again. The name itself brings a spark in the eyes of the people. Nobody can stop himself from appreciating the beauty of this place.

Kodaikanal It is the second most visited hill station after Ooty, located in Tamil Nadu which is approx. 527 km far away from Chennai. It is also known as GIFT OF FORESTS, surrounded by flowery meadows & grasslands which make it a home to several eyes-catching natural attractions.

Coonoor It is the second largest hill station in southern India located around 531 km far away from Chennai. It is widely popular for being a starting point for trekkers & hikers & for being a chief producer of Nilgiri tea. It has marvelous viewpoints which make the visitors stunned. The place is full of beauty and the word-mouth of visitors are the proof of this.

Thus above are some of the places around Chennai where, ‘when sunlight hits the trees, all the beauty and wonder come together’ which make every form of life beautiful to meet one’s peace of mind.

Categories
Adventure Historical South India

The Wonders that are Badami Caves

India has always been the center of curiosity for the history enthusiasts as being called one of the most historical countries across the world comes with its perks. The Badami Caves located in Karnataka are among the best historical marvels in that part of the country. Bagalkot district houses them and it’s not very hard to reach. The train will take you to the Bagalkot district and the bus routes are easier from the capital city of Bangalore. The time between October and February is the best time to visit these caves.

The place is known as Badami nowadays where these caves are located. Out of the total four Badami caves, there are three Brahminical caves and one Jain cave. The three Brahminical caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu while the last one belongs to the Jain monks.

Cave 1

The oldest of all the four caves, this one was built in about 578 AD. Made of red sandstone, the cave is an exceptional showcase of the Indian architecture of those times. The tourists are left spell blinded as they see the intricate carvings and the paintings on the walls of the cave. The roof of the caves is laced with the paintings and the carvings of the Hindu lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.

Cave 2

The second cave dedicated to Lord Vishnu will give you a good glimpse of how he used to get worshiped in the country in different shapes and forms. In one of the many artistic wonders, lord Vishnu is seen covering the earth with one foot and the sky with another. The boar incarnation of the lord, known as Varaha is also there. But the painting that takes the cake is the one where the lord is seen riding Garuda.

Cave 3

This, for many reasons, is the best caves among all, the reason being it containing some great paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. This beautiful cave is about 70 feet wide and also contains some wall paintings and inscriptions about the way people lived back in those times. Many avatars of Shiva and Vishnu have been portrayed here making it a sure shot delight for the history and mythology enthusiasts.

Cave 4

The last one dedicated to the Jainism followers was created about 100 years after the first three caves were built. The main centers of attraction in the cave are a statue of Mahavira and Lord Parshavnath. The paintings and carvings also belong to Padmavati.

Other places to visit

During the visit to Badami, one can also visit the Agastya Lake which faces all the caves of Badami surrounded by the red sandstone temples. The place is also said to possess healing powers.

The religiously inclined can pay homage to four interconnected cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

At Badami, you can look out for rock climbing, cave exploring, and trekking. You can even enjoy picnic lunches with your family. The red sandstone cliff system is perfect for rock climbing as its surface is not very rough. Trek lovers hunting for trek adventure can also visit the Kalhatti falls for trekking and picnics with their family.

Badami caves are an important reminder of how rich our historical culture is, and always have been. While raking in more tourists that any other place in the state of Karnataka, these beautiful structures are masterpieces of architecture and human efforts.

Categories
Relax South India Spiritual Hubs Staycation

Auroville – An Experiment

Humanity has somehow survived right up to this point. The world is full of so many evils such as wars, famine, diseases, communal violence etc. which act as a threat to humanity as the whole. Located primarily in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu with some parts of it extending right up to Pondicherry, Auroville too is known as the Dawn of Humanity for all the right reasons. In order to reach here, one has to take a car ride from the Chennai international airport that will get them here in a few hours. It falls about 150 kilometers south of Chennai.

Auroville, a universal township in the making  is a dwelling place for a population of up to 50,000 people from around the world. The concept of Auroville reaches out to human unity and transformation of consciousness. The first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity point out to sustainable living and anyone with idealistic leanings will certainly love this ‘the City of Dawn’. The community is dedicated to future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind where people from across the globe join hands together to build a universal, cash-free, non-religious township and recognize good old human unity.

The project came alive in the year 1968. The inauguration ceremony was held on 28th February 1968, when about 5000 people along with 124 representatives from different countries gathered here under the huge banyan tree. The people from different countries bought soils from their lands and put in a marble urn, which now rests at the focal point of the amphitheater.

Auroville is known as the one and only such project in the entire world and the concept of it has been supported by almost every other country in the world. The sustainable living, the cultural and social structure of the present world is all studied here. Auroville has maintained its distance from the happenings of the outside world and the people living here belief in the concept of one universal subconscious mind aspect. They believe in harmony among the individuals and propose the very idea that on the basic level, we are all the same person.

The present population of the area is about 2400; with almost one-third of them are Indians. The place has been divided into a few parts based on the functions.

Peace Area- The peace area lies at the very center and is having the Matri mandir as a place for worship. The amphitheater carrying the urn from the different soils is also located here. The atmosphere is calm in here, perfect for relaxation.

Industrial Zone- To the north of the peace area is the industrial zone, the center of self-sustainment of the people here.

Residential Zone- Covering an area of 189 hectares, the residential zone is the biggest of all in the place. The 50-50 ratio is maintained between nature and the residential housings and other institutions.

Cultural Zone- Spread across an area of 93 hectares, the cultural zone is the center of the artistic expressions of the people residing here. The arts and crafts centers of the entire township are located here.

The idea for the township came back in the year 1930 as the world was still shaking from the horrors of the First World War. The concept was unique and was initially rejected but gained support over time and now we are here. The township is growing day by day and the numbers of residents are on an all time high.

Auroville is a quiet and calm place known for its wide open roads full of all natural looks. You can enjoy a guided tour of the place where a well-experienced guide will take you through all the attractions of the place such as Matrimandir and Pitanga cultural center. One can collect passes from the office at Visitors’ centre for entry into the Matrimandir.

The sports activities such as volleyball and tennis are also very popular among the people here who are known to be quite health freaks and way too much of different types of outdoor activities.

 

 

Categories
Adventure South India

Nandi Hills: A picturesque heaven for adventure junkies

Located in the southern state of Karnataka is a bunch of small hillocks, collectively known as Nandi Hills that continue to be an ideal holiday retreat for tourists. The historical significance, salubrious climate and the mystic charm of hills invite you to this destination, any time of the year.

How to Reach

Nandi Hills is located at a distance of approximately 61 km from the metropolitan city of Bangalore. There is no airport in Nandi Hills, so the closest one is in Bangalore (approximately 40 km). There is a daily bus service from Bangalore that goes by the name of Anand Travels. The nearest railway station is in Chikkaballapur, which is approximately at a distance of 19 km. But it must be known that the journey to Nandi Hills is best enjoyed by an early morning drive while one can experience the sunrise from the top of the hill.

Best Time to Visit

The pleasant climate of the hills invites tourists all year round. You will find the maximum crowd on weekends. And, no matter what time of the year you come here, some experiences should not be missed- sunrise, panoramic view of the surroundings from the hilltop and after shower view.

Places to See

Some of the spectacular sights to see in Nandi Hills are listed below-
Tipu’s drop – This vantage point of the Nandi Hills which today provides the most iconic view of the surroundings has a dark historical past. During the time of Tipu Sultan’s reign, as a punishment, the prisoners were thrown down from this cliff to death.
Tipu’s Summer Residence – An ideal piece of architecture, this grand palace on a hilltop is where Tipu Sultan used to spend his summers away from the scorching heat. It is a must visit place for all history buffs.
Temples– Apart from the history that it bores, the place is also popular as a religious site. There are two temples both dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and Yoga Nandeeshwara. So now no worries if you are coming along with your parents, who can’t accompany you in adventure activities.
Amrita Sarovar– Known as the ‘The Lake of Nectar’, the lake is formed by perennial springs. It is the main source of water in the nearby area. Come to the lake at night to enjoy the view of sparkling water in the moon light.

Activities to Do

Trekking– The maximum tourist crowd you will see here will be of trekkers. And, why not? Who wouldn’t want to walk amidst the clouds?



Paragliding– Yes, you heard that  right? You can always fly in the air when in Nandi Hills. Get a spectacular view of the hills, while you tighten your belt to fly.                        

Cycling – There is nothing equivalent to riding a bicycle in the hills amidst the lush greenery and fresh breeze of the surrounding. Take your cycle, don’t forget the helmet and explore the hills.

Where to Eat

From South Indian to North Indian, there are a number of restaurants and local dhabas in Nandi Hills, that offer local cuisine. Hotel Mayur Pine Top, Shantisagar, and Truptisagar are some of the dining options. Don’t forget to try the local Chaat. A quick tip for every traveler, carry some snacks and drinks for long excursions.
Accommodation

From resorts to hotels, there are a number of accommodation options in Nandi Hills. Some of them are listed below –
Silver Oak farmsHotel Mayura Pine Top
Mount Palazzo
Capital Hill Home Stay

Some Tips for Travelers

  • Travel early to not to miss the sunrise.
  • Carry a camera to capture nature through your lens.
  • You can also explore the place during monsoon as it adds to the beauty of the surroundings.
  • To avoid later hassles, make prior bookings

For those who are already dreaming of the next adventurous holiday, Nandi hills serve as a great trekking destination. With the promise of a blissful retreat into nature’s abode, it serves as the most desirable tourist spot

Categories
Adventure Beaches South India Western India

Best places to enjoy Marine Life in India

Swimming side by side innumerable schools of dazzling fishes, peeking under the corals hoping to spot an unusual marine creature, adoring the heavy silence as you blade through azure waters with only the noise of your inhalation to accompany you – yes, that is what snorkeling is all about. The Ghoomophiro team checks out the best snorkeling destinations in India as follows.

The Andamans

Snorkeling in the magnificent and turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands is equivalent to doing it in Seychelles or Maldives. Havelock Island, known for its flawless, white sand beaches, is the ultimate hub for lovers of the sport. Unadulterated coral reefs remain of sunken sea vessels, gorgeous underwater rock formations, and lively marine life- all make for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Cinque Islands and Passage Island, which are known for shark sightings, are other famous spots in the Andamans.

Lakshwadeep

The best thing about Lakshwadeep is that it is less frequented as a tourist destination. The reefs around the islands are pure and unspoiled by human intervention plus the beautiful blue waters bustle with a variety of sea life. Kadmat Islands and Bangaram are the most visited and the former even has a diving school. Tourism policies for Lakshwadeep keep on changing, so make sure you acquire the required permits before planning a vacation.

Goa

Goa, India’s party capital is also a paradise for water sports aficionados. More than the sea life, which is present in plenty in the tepid waters of the Arabian Sea, it is the shipwrecks along the coastline that pull divers from all over the globe to this place. Some of the most well- known sites are Wreck of Suzy, Grande Island, Bay of Bounty and Cove of Shelter. Expect to sight angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas, snappers and Moorish idols. You should avoid going here during monsoons as the water gets dull and the ebbs are not very welcoming.

Maharashtra

Tarkarli is a hidden treasure on the Konkan coast. The Sindhudurg Fort has a grand coral growth on the submerged walls which houses plenty of aquatic creatures. The pristine, unpolluted waters allow excellent visibility and since tourism is still in its initial stage, snorkeling and diving here are much cheaper comparatively. Tarkarli is easily accessible by road from Goa, Pune, and Mumbai.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry may not have acquired a name as a scuba diving destination in India but you’ll be happily surprised with what its warm waters have to provide. Arvind’s Wall, 4 Corners, Cool Shark Reef, The Hole and Danny’s Eel Sanctuary are pervasive with aquatic life and you can spot sea snakes, parrot fish, lion fish, crustaceans, groupers, moray eels, and triggerfish. If you are lucky enough, you may even have a tete-a-tete with a turtle or a reef shark. Chennai is the closest airport to Pondicherry.

Netrani Island, Karnataka

This tiny island off the coast of Karnataka is growing quickly in fame as a snorkeling destination. Also called as the Pigeon Island, Netrani is a coral island that is accessible from Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai. Barracudas, manta rays, stingrays, reef sharks, turtles, and stonefish are commonly sighted around this place. Because sharp rocks surround the island, it is not really possible to step onto it, Therefore, snorkeling expeditions are often launched from a vessel. The monsoon season should be avoided.So, a shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

So, a big shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

Categories
Culture Rejoice South India

Tyrst with Lambani’s tribe in Dandeli

Lambani’s are the nomadic gypsies from Rajasthan, but eventually I met them in Dandeli village in Karnataka during my quest to meet these tribals. These folks have distributed themselves across India in their search of better livelihood. Though with different government policies, many of them have found o good jobs, but still a part of them still follows the old tradition where-in males are involved in agriculture while females are into wood collection and managing household.

During my brief interaction with these folks, the most striking feature I liked was their ethnic unique dress. This red heavily dress with all over work with metal along with accessories look fabulous. Be it anklets, jewelries, necklaces, all of them cost little high and this is this is why, one might not find many women in the traditional dresses. One more thing, that would strike you is the tattoos on both men and women arms and ankles. These tattoos have special significance attached and hold meanings. Women here are amazing cook and their signature drink is Arak. These Araks are popular especially during festivals. Old females miss the old culture and don’t like the way their community members are adopting western culture and city life. They still would want their community members to preserve their traditions, and this is why they recommend marriages within the community itself. It is a colorful affair with loads of dance, food and fun. Traditional songs for the well being of couple are being sung by old ladies of the tribe.

My special thanks to the organizers, so that I could spend some time with them and experience other side of these tribals. Dandeli is a great place to interact with tribals like Lambanis,Gowlis,or Medars. Do not miss the opportunity, during your next visit to the place.

Exit mobile version