SPECTACULAR PLACES OF MYSTERIOUS INDIA- by Tony Chacko

The TAJ MAHAL AT AGRA ( One of the 7 wonders of the world)

THE GANGOTHRI GLACIER AND THE BHAGIRATHA PEAKS OF UTTARAKHAND. THESE ARE THE SOURCE OF WATER FOR THE GANGES RIVER.

Khajjiar, often called as India’s Switzerland, is a hill station in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is picturesquely set in the midst of magnificent ‘Deodar’ forests. The clump of reeds and the green meadow add an exquisite charm to this place. A small plateau in its green turf of dense pine and Deodar forests along its fringes adds to the pastoral scenery. This offbeat place in India has the rarest combination of three eco systems. The lakes, the pastures and the forests come together to make a visit to this place a unique experience.

Aerial view of road to Malana Valley in Himachel Pradesh

Malana is a tiny unique village with about 100 houses and is situated to the north-east of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that one of the finest Charas or ” Malana Cream” is grown in this region. It is believed that Malana Cream is the most strongest and top-notch Charas till date. This ancient solitary village in Malana is isolated from the rest of the world. The majestic peaks of Chandrakhani shadow the village and it is among the must visit offbeat places in India. They are considered to be one of the first democracies in the world and do not follow the Constitution of India. They follow an indigenous system and they believe they are independent and superior. Malana is also called as the “Little Greece in Himachal Pradesh” as the Malanis believe that they are the descendents of Alexander-The Great!

Valley of Flowers, Uttaranchal ( A UNESCO heritage site). The great Himalayan range is the house of most exotic fauna and flora with endemic alpine flowers and dazzling natural beauty. The Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal dwell the most charming Valley of Flowers National park which features the rugged Rocky Mountain wilds of Nanda Devi National Park. The park covers an area of 87.50 sq. km.and is home to the rarest flowers ever found on Earth. Flowers such as orchids, poppies, primulas, marigold, daisies and anemones look exuberant and vivid. Medical plants such as Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Aconitum violaceum, Polygonatum multiflorum, Fritillaria roylei and Podophyllum hexandrum are also found in abundance. It is one of the best travel places in India and most startling experiences Mother Earth can offer  everyone who visits this place.

Gravity Defying Palace at Lucknow. A man made wonder and a complete offbeat destination, the Gravity Defying Palace at Lucknow, capital of the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, is known for its mystifying palace complex. This marvelous creation of 18th-century by the monarch Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, is a blend of European and Arabic architecture. Bara Imambara’s superlative central arched hall is almost 50 meters long and about three stories high without any pillars or beams. The main hall was constructed exclusively with interlocking brick-work and is famous for its mysterious architecture of “Bhulbhulaiya- a dense maze”. This labyrinth is made of more than 1,000 narrow staircase passages meant to prevent any possible intruders. One can roam around the clandestine maze; preferably with an official guide. And alongside one can also explore the adjacent mosque and stunning gardens.

This is the 50metre long central arched hall of the palace – a wonder.

The Phuktal Monastery (Ladakh) is a massive cave Monastery held high-up in the steep mountains. It is this demeanour which makes this Monastery unique amongst all others in the Zanskar Valley. The foundation of this monastery is primarily made of twigs and mud. It was found way back in the 12th century and is home to around 70 monks. The frescoes and ceiling decorations of the monastery connects to the same era of Alchi Monastery and Tabo Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries. The most attractive aspect is the hollow in the rock in the cave over the monastery. The level of the water in this hollow never spills regardless of any amount of water being drawn from it and is believed to have healing powers!

Amidst the naturally green settings of the Tea Plantations of Munnar in Kerala. Indeed a breathtaking site.

Khardungla Pass of Ladakh Region in Kashmir is the highest Motorable Road In the world at a height of 17800ft .

Serene Jullay Town of Ladakh at the base of the Himalayan Peaks.

Ladakh ("land of high passes") is a region of India in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that lies between the Kunlun mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. It is one of the most sparsely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir."Ladakh, the Persian translation of the Tibetan La-dvags, is warranted by the pronunciation of the word in several Tibetan districts."Historically, the region included the Baltistan (Baltiyul) valleys, the Indus Valley, the remote Zangskar, Lahaul and Spiti to the south, Aksai Chin and Ngari, including the Rudok region and Guge, in the east, and the Nubra valleys to the north.Contemporary Ladakh borders Tibet to the east, the Lahaul and Spiti to the south, the Vale of Kashmir, Jammu and Baltiyul regions to the west, and the trans–Kunlun territory of Xinjiang to the far north. It is renowned for its mountain beauty and culture. It is sometimes called "Little Tibet" as it has been strongly influenced by Tibetan culture. Thikse Monastery, Ladakh

The lure of the Mountains, a mountaineer’s paradise at Roopchand Skeletal Lake at Uttaranachal. You have to be here to experience the natural Himalayan snowy mountains – much better than the Alpian experience.

Cherrapunji, is a town in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is the second wettest place on Earth. However, nearby Mawsynram currently holds that record. Though, it still holds the world record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year. It received 9,300 mm (366 in) in July 1861 and 26,461 mm (1,041.75 in) between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861. It is the traditional capital of a hima (Khasi tribal chieftainship constituting a petty state) known as Sohra or Churra. CHERRAPUNJI WATERFALLS, MEGHALAYA  

This is Leh in Ladakh with its clear glacial lake.

Village of Nimo, Markha Valley, Ladakh of India.

The Royal Palms Golf Course at Srinagar, Kashmir .

The Panoramic Dal Lake of Kashmir ( Not Norway, Finland or Switzerland ). Dal Lake is in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This urban lake is the second largest in the state, is integral to tourism and recreation in Kashmir and is named the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir". The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting. The shore line of the lake, is about 15.5 kilometres (9.6 mi), is encompassed by a boulevard lined with Mughal era gardens, parks, houseboats and hotels. Scenic views of the lake can be witnessed from the Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir ] and from houseboats cruising along the lake in the colourful shikaras. During the winter season, the temperature sometimes reaches −11 °C (12 °F), freezing the lake

SNOWY GULMARG OF KASHMIR.   

THE SPECTACULAR COMMERCIAL TULIP GARDENS OF SRINAGAR, KASHMIR

Apple trees of an orchard in Himachel Pradesh

Cole Park in Tezpur Assam.

Even terraced crop cultivation in Assam.

Double Decker Root Bridges of Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.  Living root Bridges (unique only in India) are built in the deep valleys of East Khasi hills in central Meghalaya, Northeast India. The people of these villages Nongriat,  Laitkynshew and others) are isolated from rest of the world as they are in deep valleys which can only be reached by an arduous trek. Now the situation is better as there are steps built to visit the valley. One has to descend and climb more than 2100 steps at a time. Since these valleys were inaccessible for a long time people develop this ingenious solution to cross rivers which were overflowing due to tremendous rainfall during monsoons. They plant the strangler fig trees on both sides and once they grow they use guides like bamboo poles or string for the roots to grow around them. Then in 10-15 years or so a bridge is grown. This is multi-generational effort. these bridges are extremely durable and last 5 to 6 centuries.

Resort at Jim Corbett National Park. It is a famous national park of India world renowned for the tiger conservation. It is the oldest national park of India. Initially the park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand state.

Elephant ride at the Corbett National park.

White Bengal Tigers. The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most numerous tiger subspecies. Its populations have been estimated at 1,706–1,909 in India, 440 in Bangladesh, 163–253 in Nepal and 67–81 in Bhutan.[2][3][4][5] Since 2010, it has been classified as an endangered species by the IUCN. The total population is estimated at fewer than 2,500 individuals with a decreasing trend, and none of the Tiger Conservation Landscapes within the Bengal tiger's range is large enough to support an effective population size of 250 adult individuals. Bengal is traditionally fixed as the typical locality for the binomial Panthera tigris, to which the British taxonomist Pocock subordinated the Bengal tiger in 1929 under the trinomial Panthera tigris tigris. It

is the national animal of both India and Bangladesh.

Rhinoceros of Kaziraganga park, Assam, india.

The Golden Fort of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Made out of sandstone this is known as Sonar Quila.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar, Kerala

Eravikulam Forest Lake of Munnar, Kerala.

Enchanting Tea Plantations alongside Munnar Lake, Munnar in Kerala. A real heavenly sight.

Echo Valley, Munnar, Kerala

The scenic beauty of the backwaters of Alleppey District in Kerala, India.

Exotic stepped tea gardens of Darjeeling, Meghalaya.

BIRLA MANDIR (WHITE MARBLE TEMPLE), JAIPUR

Natural rocks of the beaches of Goa

The Sripuram Golden Temple was built in a short span of 7 years. It was inaugurated on August

24, 2007. The entire temple was designed by Amma, as conceived through the divine vision. Sri Narayani Peetam headed by a 31-year-old god man who calls himself  Narayani Amma. Devotees hail the temple as 'one of the wonders of the world' and say that it is the only temple covered fully with gold.

The view of the temple lit up by night.

LAKSWADEEP ISLANDS - FULL AERIAL VIEW

Underwater Marine Life – Lakshadweep Islands

Lakshadweep island – Local Sailboat ( What a sight!!!)

ARE YOU STUNNED BY THESE SEA RESORTS OF LAKSHADWEEP??? I AM STONED BY THIS SIGHT OF OVER THE SEA BUNGALOWS.

NATURAL ROCKS OF THE BEACHES OF GOA

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple,Nandagiri, Andhra Pradesh

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh . As both Vishnu and Siva temples co-exist in Narsimhulapalle, the place is known as "Hari-Hara Kshethram". The region where Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple located might have been

ruled by the rulers of Nanda Dynasty (424 BC), and consequently the place is known as Nandagiri.

DEEPEST STEP-WELL TEMPLE –“CHAND BAORI” at AMRITSAR, PUNJAB

The Golden Sikh Temple of Amritsar, Punjab

Konark Sun Temple also Konârak) is a 13th century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), at Konark, in Odisha, India. It was supposedly built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250. It has been built in the shape of a gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part

of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mayfair Resort Lagoon at Bhubaneshwar, Odisha

Kye Buddhist Monastery is situated 12 kms. north of Kaza in Lahaul and Spiti district and serves the western population of Spiti. in Himachel Pradesh. 

The Lotus Temple in Delhi. It is a Bahá'í House of Worship completed in 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

The Kankaria Lakefront Development Project initiated by the Government of Gujarat under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, stands  complete while restoring the lake and attracting tourists in large numbers. 

Mājuli or Majoli is a large river island in the Brahmaputra river, in Assam, India ( considered the largest river island in the world). Mājuli had a total area of 1,250 square kilometres (483 sq mi), but having lost significantly to erosion it has an area of only 421.65 square kilometres (163 sq mi) in 2001. Majuli has shrunk as the river surrounding it has grown. The island is formed by the Brahmaputra river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north. Mājuli island is accessible by ferries from the City of Jorhat. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the state's largest city —Guwahati. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries,

mainly the Lohit. Mājuli is also the abode of the Assamese neo-Vaisnavite culture.

Lake Gurodongmar (17000ft above sea level) in scenic Sikkim, India

Silk Route, a new holiday destination of East Sikkim. What a winding road curving upto the mountain villages. Nathu La (Old Silk Route) is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India; the other two are Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Lipulech) in Uttarakhand.[3] Sealed by India after

the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in 2006 following numerous bilateral trade agreements.

Kempty Waterfalls of Mussoorie, Uttaranachal

Nainital, Dehradun District of Uttarakhand. – Not Switzerland, but your own beautiful India.

The Indian state of Rajasthan is famous for historic havelis, forts and palaces. ( There are over 40 of them to be visited)

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rajasthan. Seat of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Part of the palace has been converted into a hotel.

Jai Mahal Lake Palace , Jaipur, Rajasthan. ( It was the former royal residence, but today it is a hotel)

The Inner lake courtyard of Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan

City Palace, Jaipur. Seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Now a museum.

Tree House Adventure Guest Houses in Rajasthan

Brindavan Public Gardens, Mysore, Karnataka.

Antilla, World's Most Expensive Home at Mumbai, India

Antilia is a 27-floor personal home in South Mumbai belonging to businessman Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries. A full-time staff of 600 maintains the residence, reportedly the most expensive home in the world.

 

Construction started : 2006 Floors : 27 Height : 173 m Address : Altamount Rd, Mumbai, MH, India

A ballroom lit with chandeliers of solid gold. A 50-seat theater and nine cocktail lounges. Three helicopter pads and six underground floors of parking.

These are just a handful of the amenities one can reportedly find at Antilla, the newly-completed Mumbai home of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani. Valued at a staggering $1 billion, the 27-story, 400,000-square-foot home -- which employs a housekeeping staff of 600 -- is being billed as the world's most expensive home. According to MSNBC, a glitzy housewarming party is planned for the end of the month and promises to be a much-sought-after invite among India's elite.

One less-than-savory aspect of the home which designers have yet to tout -- Antilla, named after a mythical island, also provides a bird's eye view of Mumbai's slums, home to 60 percent of the city's population. Named by Forbes as India's richest man and the world's fourth richest, Ambani has been slammed for building a "soaring monument" to the divide between the country's rich and poor.

 Natural Beaches of Goa

 The Maha Kumbh Mela : Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river. It is considered to be largest peaceful gathering in the world with over 100 million people visiting during the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2013.[2] It is held every third year at one of the four places by rotation: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayaga), Nashik and Ujjain. Thus the Kumbh Mela is held at each of these four places every twelfth year. Ardha ("Half") Kumbh Mela is held at only two places, Haridwar and Allahabad, every sixth year. The rivers at these four places are: the Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar, the confluence (Sangam) of the Ganges and the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad, the Godawari at Nashik, and the Shipra at Ujjain. The name Kumbh Mela comes from Hindi, and in the original Sanskrit and other Indian languages it is more often known as Kumbha Mela. Kumbha means a pitcher and Mela means fair in Sanskrit. The pilgrimage is held for about one and a half months at each of these four places where it is believed in Hinduism that drops of nectar fell from the kumbha carried by gods after the sea was churned. The festival is billed as

the "world’s largest congregation of religious pilgrims".There is no scientific method of ascertaining the number of pilgrims, and the estimates of the number of pilgrims bathing on the most auspicious day may vary; approximately 80 million people attended on 14 February 2013. Mauni Amavasya traditionally attracted the largest crowds at the mela, held here every 12 years. The current Kumbh Mela was held on 14 January 2013 at Allahabad. The day marked the second and the biggest Shahi Snanam (royal bath) of this event, with 13 akharas taking to the Sangam. 10 Feb 2013 was the biggest bathing day at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela and probably the largest human gathering on a single day. Over 30 million devotees and ascetics took holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.