NAINITAL IN UTTARAKHAND

NAINITAL IN UTTARAKHAND-

Nainital is a beautiful and very popular hill station located in the kumayun region of Uttarakhand. Nature has generously endowed Nanital with numerous lakes, green valleys and picturesque landscape.During our visit to Nainital,we stayed in"The Naini Retreat",overlooking the beautiful valley. In Nainital and round about, there are several places of adventure and recreations.

Naina Peak (also known as China Peak) located at a height of 2610 mtrs. is a scenic place, another such popular place is Snow View peak. On a clear day, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow capped mountains from these peaks. Tourists may also avail the facility of Aerial Rope ways (Cable Car) to reach Snow View Point .State Observatory, under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is an attraction for those people, who are  interested in the studies of astrophysics, optical tracking of earth satellites and solar system. However the biggest attraction in Nainital is the Nainital Lake  itself, which is about 67 ft deep and a preferred place for boating and yachting for all. Where as Nainital Lake is located in the centre of Nainital, there are several other lakes in this lake district. The Bhimtal Lake, which is about 22 km from Nainital, is biggest lake in this region. The other two important lakes  are the Khurpatal Lake along the Kaladhungi road and Naukuchiyatal Lake. Naukuchiyatal  Lake is about 130 ft.deep and is  a nine cornered lake.
The other places of interest are High Altitude Zoo and Botanical Garden . High Altitude Zoo is at a distance of 1.5 km.from the bus station and it houses several animals ,who used to live in such high altitude. Botanical Garden is about 5 km away from Nainital on the way to Kaldhungi. This garden, extending to an area of about 30 hectares, has a collection of several native plants and species.The Flat (plain) area in Mallital, adjacent to the lake, is a popular place for sports and other recreation activities. Mall Road which links the Tallital to Mallital along the beautiful lake is the most preferred place of shopping and eating  in Nainital. While shopping in Nainital ,locally made wooden items , candles and other gift items are the main attractions.
Nainital is  a place of religious significance also and there are several places of religious importance. The Naina Devi temple, located at the north bank of Nainital Lake is believed to be the same place where the eyes (nain, as called in the local language) of Sati fell during the ancient time, when the charred body of Goddess Sati  was being carried by Lord Shiva. This is the reason why this lake is known as Nainital. During our visit to Nainital, we also visited Mukteshwar town which is about 50 kms from Nainital and is located at a height of 2286 mtrs. This is a celebrated place of scenic beauty and also known for a spot locally known as chaulli ki Jhali, which is also a favourite place for Rock Climbers. However Mukteshwar (also known as Mukteshwar Dham ) is mainly dedicated to a old and famous  temple of Lord Shiva, which is located at the top of the hill within deep forest.Tourists interested in wild life and birds watching are advised to visit Jim Corbett National Park,which is about 52 kms from Nainital and is a well known Tiger Reserve.
             
Some of the photographs of Nainital are as follows-

NAINITAL LAKE

                          WATER FALL ALONG THE  KALADHUNGI ROAD                                  

NAINITAL LAKE

                     TEMPLE OF LORD SHIVA IN MUKTESHWAR                         

NAINADEVI TEMPLE

APPLE GARDEN  ALONG THE MUKTESHWAR ROAD

UDAIPUR THE,LAKE CITY OF RAJASTHAN-

UDAIPUR THE,LAKE CITY OF RAJASTHAN-

Udaipur, a historic and beautiful city, is located in the south-west of Rajasthan. The city founded by Maharana Udai Singh (Second) in the year 1568, is now a popular tourist destination. It has been the capital of Mewar, since the Moughal emperor Akbar captured the Chittorgarh. Udaipur is about 670 kms from Delhi and about 250  kms from Ahemdabad. Udaipur is also well connected with Delhi and Mumbai by Air.

During our stay in Udaipur we stayed  in Sheraton Palace,there are several other good hotels including the luxury hotels in Udaipur.       

There are several historical buildings and palaces like City palace,Lake palace, Sajjangarh Fort and Maharana Pratap Memorial, associated with the Rana dynasty. Rana Pratap, the brave and a valiant fighter and Meera Bai. a great devotee of Lord Krishna, are all time legend of Mewar.

 City palace is said to the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The beginning of this palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh (Second)  and there after successive rulers contributed to the present structure. Chini Mahal,Surya Chopar and Moti Mahal, inside this palace, are worth seeing.Surya Chopar,which has an ornamental Sun, symbolizes the presence of Mewar dynasty .Mor Chowk with magnificent mosaics of peacock is a favorite place for tourists in this palace. Lake palace is situated in an island within lake Pichola. At one time, it was a pleasure resort of royal family, has now been turned in to a heritage hotel. Sajjangarh fort, located at top of a hill and overlooking all the lakes, has been the summer resort or mansoon palace of the Mewar rulers. Maharana Pratap Memorial is dedicated to the gallantry of great Rajput ruler, Maharana Pratap. 

The Pichola Lake and the Fateh Sagar Lake are the two important lakes which contribute to the greenery and charming environment of Udaipur. The two picturesque lakes are connected by a canal via Swaup sagar and Rang sagar lakes.

Udaipur is also known for its unique Boutique, Embroidered textiles,Tribal jewelry,Miniature paintings,Thickery Handi Glass Art Work  and handicrafts. The Shilpgram village is a must see place for those, who are interested to see the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Shilpgram also hosts Crafts- Mela every year when people & artisans from all over country assemble and hold their stalls showcasing their art and crafts work. Lok Kala Mandir,near Chetak circle, is an other place to see folk art and the Puppet Show.There are several good emporiums in Udaipur but options of street shopping is also available         

The other important tourists attractions near Udaipur are the famous temple of  Ekling  Mahadev  and the Haldi  Ghati.  Ekling Mahadev has been the main deity of the Rana dynasty. This  temple, is  about 22 kms  from Udaipur. This temple, at the bank of Indra Sarovar, has a impressive four faced Shiva Linga in black marble ,as main deity.This temple complex includes 108 temples with in high walls.

 Haldi Ghati,located in the Arravali hills is about 40 kms from Udaipur,This mountain pass  having a turmeric colour soil all around,was the main battle ground,where Rana Pratap fought with the army of Emperor Akbar in the year 1576. During this fight the Rana Pratap with help of local tribal halted the march of mighty Moughal forces. Chetak, the faithful horse of Rana Pratap emerged as the main hero in the battle of Haldi Ghati. At the place where Chetak lost his life,a Samadhi Sthal (Memorial)  has been erected in his honour.

       Some of the photographs depicting historical architecture and natural beauty of Udaipur are as follows-

           

                       

          

          

              

          

          

AL AIN-A BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN U.A.E

AL AIN-A BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN U.A.E.-

Al Ain  is a beautiful and green place located in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi. This is a big city, mainly known for its famous oasis and is about 125 kms from Dubai and 160 kms from Abu Dhabi. Al Ain city, a place for sports,tourism and several other activities, is located in the foothills of Zabel Hafeet. Al Ain Club is a  very renowned football club of U.A.E.  During our stay in Al Ain,we stayed in Mercure Grand Hotel, (www. mercure.com) which is situated at over 3000 ft. in the picturesque range of the Zabel Hafeet hills .Even in the peak summer season, Jabal Hafeet remains about  8 to10 degrees cooler than the rest of U.A.E..There are several important tourist attractions in Al Ain. The main attractions being the Al Ain oasis,Green Mubazarrah and hot water springs. Al Ain zoo is also worth seeing being a house of large varieties of animals, reptiles and birds. It a a huge attraction for young and children. For those people who are interested in the heritage and culture,Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum and Al Ain Museum are other good places to visit.

    Some of the photographs of  Al Ain are as follows-  

HOT WATER SPRING

HOT WATER SPRING

ZABEL HAFEET

ROAD LEADING TO JABEL HAFEET

GREENERY IN AL AIN