MYSORE (IN THE STATE OF KARNATAKA)--

 MYSORE (IN  THE  STATE OF KARNATAKA)-

 Mysore is blessed with so many important religious places, historical monuments, beautiful gardens several lakes and home to tranquil surroundings.

The royal city of Mysore has several interesting places to visit both inside the city and nearby. The city is also known for the Yoga, Ayurveda  and as a major  trading center of Silk, Sandalwood & incense.
Dusshera in Mysore ,is one of the most widely  celebrated festival. It is also the official State festival of Karnataka. It was started off in the 15th century during the rule of Vijayanagram kings but even today the entire Mysore comes together to celebrate the festivities.
Mysore Desshera is a celebration in honour of Goddess Chamundeshwari devi, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The festival terminates on the tenth day with a grand procession that begins from the illuminated Mysore palace attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike. The grand elephant procession during Desshera celebrations is an unparallelled sight. On this occasion the diamond studded royal throne is exclusively put on display.
Mysore Palace is located in the heart of city. Even the glimpse of the Palace before entrance is exciting. It used to be the residence of the royal Wodeyar family for about six hundred years and during this period several renovations and reconstruction were made in it. The architecture of the Palace is a unique blend of Hindu, Muslim and Gothic styles. The interior of the Palace is richly carved,beautifully decorated and intricate colourful.

The temple of Goddess Chamundeshwari Devi is located at  the top of  pictures Chamundeshwari hills which is about 13 km from Mysore. The place is enriched with natural beauty and green forest. Goddess Chamundeshwari  is also the presiding deity of Mysore. The other important temples in Mysore are Shweta Varahswamy temple and Mahsabaleshwar temple. 

Sprawling over a area of about 150 acres Brindavan Gardens, situated near Krishnaraja Sagar Reservoir is a unique sight in  the entire  south Indian region. The sunset is the best time to visit when you can enjoy the sight of beautiful fountains dancing to the tunes of music.
Next in the list was Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, popularly known as Mysore Zoo,  spread across 157 acres. It is a  very well-managed zoo that houses a large collection of animals and  wildlife species. The zoo is the abode to various animals, one can get to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, tigers, rhinoceroses, zebras, hippopotamus,  baboons and lots more. Green area and broad pathways make the ambiance excellent. It is a great place to visit with kids. Children’s park and boating point are the major attraction of this place in Mysore.

Karanji lake, Kukkaranahalli Lake, Regional Museum of Natural History, Melody World Wax Museum and Railway Museum are some other prominent attractions of Mysore.
You may also like to visit Srirangapatna, which  is about 15 km from Mysore. The Rangnathaswamy temple in Srirangapatna, is one of Karnataka's most revered shrine. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was later modified and expanded by Vijayanagara kings and Wodeyars. This is a very old temple , now managed by the Archaeology department, Government of India

Shivanasamudra Falls, located about 65 km east of Mysore is also a favourite destination of tourists. The falls are their best during the monsoon season i.e. from June to September.
Some of the photographs of the historic sites in Mysore are as follows-

                        

      

AMRITSAR

AMRITSAR (INDIA) -

Amritsar is an ancient and holy city which is known for its various historical and religious sites. The city was founded by Guru Ram Das and later developed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Golden temple with its majestic golden dome is the nucleus of the city and also the most sacred pilgrimage site for Sikhs. The architecture of Golden temple reflects the basic tenets of Sikhism.
A devotee must cover his/her head before entering the temple complex. The Harmandir has four entrances which emphasises the fact that its doors are open to all devotees. A magnificent golden dome rises  over the two storied temple structure. It is one of the most revered places of worship in India and the most important seat of Sikh history and culture. Here you may also eager to visit the "Langar House" which is said to be the largest kitchen in all over the world. Volunteers working here cook and serve simple yet delicious meals comprising dal, roti, sabzi and kheer to all devotees
Within the premises of Golden temple complex, in the Central Sikh Museum you can also see the display of several paintings as well as the  traditional weapons depicting the glory of Sikh history.
Now visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum,which was once the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh Empire. The museum displays several historical articles like old paintings, manuscripts and coins, which are centuries old. 

Jallian Wala Bagh is a well known memorial where hundreds of innocent people participating a peaceful rally were killed or wounded  in an indiscriminate firing by the British troops commanded by Gen Micael O Dyer. This unfortunate incidence on the occasion of Baisakhi (April 13,1919) resulted in the death of 379 and injured more than 1200 persons and later it became an important mile stone in the  freedom struggle from British rule.

Durgiana temple is an other well known shrine in Amritsar. The temple complex houses the Lashmi Narayan temple, Sheetala Mata temple and a legendary Hanuman temple. It is believed that it is also a place where the great epic Ramayan was composed by Maharshi Balmiki. This was also the same place where, Lov and Kush spent their childhood along with their mother Mata Sita.
Sri Sri Gaur Radha Gokulananda Temple, founded by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness  is another tourist attraction in Amritsar.
You may also like see an interesting ceremony which takes place every evening before sunset at the Wagha border. This check post on the Indo-Pak border lies on the G.T.Road about 32 km from Amritsar and 24 km from Lahore.Large crowds gather at the stadium like galleries to watch the foot thumping by troops of the B.S.F. India and the Pakistani Rangers while marching towards the gate from their respective side.

You may like to visit the  Rambagh Garden which was formerly known as ‘Company Garden’. The garden got its present name from Maharaja Ranjiit Singh, the great king of Punjab who named this beautiful garden after the great sage Guru Ram Das. 
The people of this city are not only very hospitable, but jovial and reliable as well.

While staying in Amritsar, you should also enjoy true Punjabi flavors / delicacies like makki ki roti with saarson da saag,  kulchas stuffed with either potato or paneer with chhole, Lassi and  certain other such local preparations.

Some of the photographs of Golden Temple and Jallian Wala Bagh are as follows-

        

    

PATTAYA,THAILAND

PATTAYA, THAILAND-

Pattaya is a beautiful city located on Thailand's eastern coast known for it's beaches, nearby Coral Island and a vibrant nightlife that attracts so many international tourists.This is an ideal place for sun lovers ,thrill-seekers and water sports fan. Apart from swimming and sunbathing,it is home to numerous activities including speed boating, para sailing, water skiing,wind surfing and scuba diving..Pattaya beach is about three km long and bordered by a beach road Pattaya is a popular choice among youngsters for their bachelor party and where you may also meet and interact with locals.Just take a Tuk-Tuk and explore the night life in Pattaya.

Coral Island is the largest and most visited island among Pattaya's nearby  islands. This island is a home of white sand beaches and is a popular place for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a perfect place  to be for  any beach lover. You will see lounge chairs, beach umbrellas dotting the coastline. You may be charged for using the beach chairs or for using the bathrooms. When in need, visitors may find several of restaurants,cafes serving up juices,soft drinks,coffee and seafood. 

Alcazar cabaret show in Pattaya is a popular attraction for fun lovers. This show is performed in a theatre having a capacity of 1200 viewers. This colourful show is  performed only by men. At the end of the show you can have a picture with the performers outside the theater but within the theater premises.

The big Buddha in Wat Phra Yai is a must see place in Pattaya. A stairway flanked by two colourful mythical snakes leads to the magnificent Buddha image at the top. This place is revered by local residents and entry to this temple is free. Apart from the a 300 feet high image of big Buddha, there are several smaller Buddha figures in different impressive postures.

Underwater World Pattaya is supposed to be the one of the most modern ocean aquariums in south-east Asia. The voyage through the 100 meter long pedestrian tunnel with acrylic windows is simply a spectacular experience. The aquarium houses about 4000 marine animals which includes shark and star fishes where you can also feed Koi fish from bottles. There is also a small souvenir shop near the exit. 

A trip to the floating market in Pattaya is an experience where you can enjoy a wide selection of snacks, local dishes, shakes and juices. It is a nice place to shop where you can experience local living and while boating where you may find lovely clothing, souvenirs, tropical fruits, herbs and condiments. 
Mini Siam is also a recommended place to visit, which features replicas of famous structures from Thailand and all over the world.

The Herb Garden ,The Bottle Art Museum, Gems Gallery, Million -Year Stone Park, Silver lake Winery and Crocodile Farm in Pattaya are some other interesting places to see.

Some of the photographs of Pattaya are as follows-

PATTAYA

BIG BOAT TO CORAL ISLAND

CORAL ISLAND

BIG BUDDHA

BIG BUDDHA

UNDER WATER WORLD

UNDER WATER WORLD

JUNGFRAUJOCH,SWITZERLAND

JUNGFRAU-

During our visit to the  Switzerland, we got an opportunity to visit Jungfrau . Jungfrau is known for its extra ordinary beauty and fantastic land escape. The Jungfrau-Aletsch region in Switzerland is also a UNESCO  World Natural Heritage Site. Jungfrau, also known as the 'Top of the Europe', is a perfect fun family destination.

The Jungfrau Railway station is served by the cogwheel trains which run from Kleine Scheidegg. The cogwheel train travels  over the steep mountains  up to the Jungfrau.The fun and excitement starts as soon as you ride the cogwheel train. Now enjoy the breath taking view of Alps.
The credit for the Europe's highest-altitude cogwheel trains goes to Colonel Eduard Locher-Freuler , who was  a renowned engineer  and constructor of several railway bridges.
The spectacular train journey up to the top is an unparalleled experience. After the journey, disembark at the Jungfrau railway station situated at a height of about 11332 feet.

The underground Jungfrau Railway Station is situated below the Jungfraujoch col  and close to the summits of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monchmountains. The facility of luggage lockers  is also available at the railway station.
The main complex is accessed from the railway platform where you enjoy the Jungfrau-Panorama, the history of Jungfrau railways and the Alpine Sensation . The complex has several restaurants,coffee bar and souvenir shops. If you want to relax, enjoy an authentic Swiss cuisine or Indian /Inter-continental lunch with champagne.
Now take the elevator to the Ice Palace and have a look of the exhibition of crystal -like sculptures such as  eagles and penguins etc.
The  lift takes the visitors up to the Sphinx terrace  at the height of 11716 feet which provides a  spectacular views over the Aletsch Glacier. The top of this complex also hosts a domed shaped Sphinx observatory well known for astronomical studies.
 All the fun and excitement at Jungfrau just did not stop here.
 Now it is time to experience the magic of mountain ,breath taking  Jungfrau peak and awesome Aletsch Glacier. At the ground level there are several places of adventure and  recreations where you can enjoy skiing,snowboarding which includes playing with the snow.

Some of the photographs of the panoramic views of  Jungfrau are as follows-

Cogwheel Train

Adventure and  Recreations at Ground Level

The Ice Palace

Sphinx Observatory

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS-

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS-

Paris is a very popular and preferred tourist destination in Europe. You will marvel at its absolute beauty and completely absorbed in its  history and culture. During our visit to Europe, I got an opportunity to discover Paris in three different ways- 

1- The Eiffel Tower provides a panoramic view of Paris. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest structure in Paris located in a area known as Champ de Mars. It is dedicated to Gustave Eiffel, the designer, engineer and architect of this tower. 
This tower is the most visited monument in whole of the Europe. It has three levels for visitors and Lifts are available to reach platforms.Take the lift all the way up to the 3rd level for some most spectacular views across Paris from the Paris sky line itself.At night the Eiffel Tower comes alive with a mesmerising light show.

2- Another great way to see the city is to cruise the river Seine. The cruise, while passing beneath the beautiful and majestic bridges, crosses UNESCO listed river banks along many wonderful historic sites. The river bank is dotted with several picturesque monument like Eiffel Tower, Museo d’Orsay and  Notre Dane Cathedral etc. You will find it  an unforgettable and unique experience.
Visitors may find the cruise equipped with the facility of audio commentary on board in their favourite languages. A river cruise at evening is the best way to experience the seine.You will definitely admire the beauty  of  Pont Neuf,the famous bridge with a total of twelve arches
3-Tourists may also discover the city with "Pass City Tour" or having an exclusive "Private Tour of Paris".The numerous of Paris monuments and beautiful buildings in the city having splendid structures are breath taking. 

Museum du-Louvre,having a glass pyramid in its courtyard, is a world famous collections of numerous landmark artworks including the Mona Lisa painting and  Venus de Milo. It was a palace which was later converted into  an art museum.
Notre-Dame Cathedral,a masterpiece of Gothic architecture is  another place to visit.It is still a operating church and a religious centre in Paris.This cathedral having two 226 ft. towers is majestically located in a small island  within Paris.
With  a beautiful historical architecture, Arc de Triomphe is a land mark  of imperial France under Napoleon.The monument is engraved  with the names of several dedicated generals of Napoleon's regime. History is literally etched everywhere in this monument. 
La Sainte-Chapelle is an another beautiful cathedral decorated with some of the thirteenth century splendid stain glass. 
Opera Garnier  is a magnificent architectural treasure  with a seating capacity of 2200 people. It still hosts ballets and classical dance performances. 
Some of the photographs of panoramic view of Paris are as follows-

                                                           

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS

A PANORAMIC VIEW OF PARIS

THE LOUVRE

ARC DE TRIOMPHE

EIFFEL TOWER

STATUE OF GUSTAVE EIFFEL

KANYAKUMARI IN TAMILNADU-

KANYAKUMARI IN TAMILNADU-

During our visit to Thiruvanthapuram,we got an opportunity to visit Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari is about 90 kmrs from Thiruvanthapuram and may conveniently be visited by hiring a taxi.Buses are also frequently available from Thiruvanthpuram. This small town  in the state of Tamilnadu is located at the southernmost tip of India at the confluence of three seas.During the British period this town was also known as 'Cape Comrin'.Kanyakumari is well connected by rail with Delhi. Chennai, Bangalore and several other important cities.

The place takes its name from the Kumari Amman Temple,which is a  Shaktipeeth and  regarded as a very important religious shrine.The temple is very old and is mentioned in various ancient religious books.The Goddess Kumari is the earthly incarnation of Shakti.The eastern entrance of the temple is kept closed as the Goddess' jewels shown so bright that the passing ships often mistook the temple for a light house and some times hit the rocks.While visiting the temple men are required to remain bare chested. 

Kanyakumari is also known for its astounding and serene beaches. Vivekanand Rock Memorial located about a hundred meters from the shore,is an other important place which attracts large number of tourists.The memorial consists of two Mandaps. Vivekanad Mandapam is the place where Swami Vivekanand mediated during his visit to the Kanyakumari. Sripada Mandapam,  having the footprint of Goddess Kumari, is a holy place. Sripad is believed  to be the same place where Goddess Kumari stood  on one foot praying to Lord Shiva.Ferry services are available from main land to reach this memorial. People assemble here to see sunset which is a breath taking event.

The memorial statue of Thiruvaluvar is dedicated to the great legendary poet and tamil philosopher Thiruvaluvar. The height of Adhar Peetham is about 38 feet over which stands the 95 feet high statue of saint Thiruvaluvar with a grand total of 133 feet.

Being a beach town,kanyakumari provides the choice of buy various beautiful sea shell of various sizes,seashell-bangles and Conches. Tourists may also buy handicraft items,wooden toys  and other decorative articles. Multi coloured sand packets are very popular  and may  be purchased as souvenir.

The St. Xavier Church located in Kanyakumari  is known for its architectural grandeur. Tourists interested in picturesque and scenic spot may visit Thiruparrapu Falls.  Muttom Beach, located about 32 kms from Kanyakumari, is known for its sunset view point and a century old light- house. It is worth staying over night to catch both a sunset and sunrise at Kanyakumari. Mahatma Ghandhi  Memorial is also a worth seeing place in Kanyakumari. The Padmanathpuram palace on the Thiruvanthapuram-Kanyakumari road   is another architectural grandeur which has been the palatial residence of the former rulers of Travancore. The palace, which is made entirely of wood is under the control of the Archaeological Department of Kerala.

Some of the photographs of Kanyakumari are as follows-

KUMARI AMMAN TEMPLE

YAJURVED PATHSALA NEAR  KUMARIAMMAN TEMPLE

VIVEKANAND ROCK MEMORIAL 

STATUE OF THIRUVALUAR

VENICE-

                     

VENICE-

Venice is  one of the most visited cities in Europe,always vibrating with the tourists of various nationalities .It is also known as a pedestrian city. This city is in a lagoon having more than a hundred small islands.

 Vaporetti,the motorised water-buses  are the most preferred and affordable means of transportation in Venice, how ever if you want to explore and travel through the narrow canals.you should take a gondola ride.Gondola ride offers you many interesting sights. Up to a maximum six passengers can be accommodated in a single gondola. Most of the Gondoliers are male and  local born.The cost of ride is negotiable with the Gondoliers. 

Venice is dotted with the historical monuments, bridges and canals.The Saint Mark' square is the central place always filled with tourists.It is renowned world wide for it's unique beauty.The bell tower located  in Saint Mark' square is the highest structure of Venice.The National library  and the Museum of archaeology are also located along this square.Here you may also click some fun photo with friendly pigeons.

The Doge' Palace,the former residence of the Doge, was built in the 9th century and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This building has also been associated with the political and cultural activities of Venice .The Rialto bridge and the bridge of sighs are the two most famous bridges. The Rialto bridge is known for it's beauty and several commercial activities around it. The bridge of sighs ,associated with some of the   interesting stories,is also  a very popular tourist sight in Venice. It is said that  one of the first settlements in Venice grew along the Grand Canal near Rialto bridge. The Grand Canal  has been the centre of maritime waterways in Venice.

Tourists may purchase typical Venice mask as a souvenir which are plenty available in different sizes even at street shops.Masks are generally hand painted using natural feathers. Distinct types of mask are worn during the  annual carnival festival in Venice. You can purchase a small and  ordinary  mask even in two Euros. Besides Masks,tourists are also seen purchasing clothes ,shoes ,handbags or wallets.Tourists  may also visit Murano glass factory  and purchase colourful glass wares  or several other articles made of  glass. 
Some of the photographs of Venice are as follows-

Doge' Palace

Bell tower

Rialto bridge

Gondola ride

Gondola ride

Venice maskS

Saint Mark' square