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Mansarovar

Set amidst Mount Kailash and Mount Gurla Mandhata at height of 14,950 ft. above sea level is Mansarovar Lake, the highest freshwater body in the world. The lake stretches majestically over Tibetan Plateau with a circumference of about 88 km and covers an area of 320 km. From this lake originate four of the great rivers of the Indian subcontinent that flow in four cardinal directions before reaching the ocean. The Indus heads south and west to nourish Pakistan before entering the Arabian sea; the Sutlej penetrates the Himalayas more directly before merging with the Indus; the Brahmaputra (Tsang Po) heads east for almost 2,000 km before curving back on itself at the extreme limit of the 'Abode of Snows' to reach the ocean at Bangladesh; and the Karnali, one of the sources of the holy Ganges, subsequently drains into the Bay of Bengal.

All these rivers take origin within a few kilometers of Mt Kailash and it is through these rivers that the religious and cultural relations between Tibet and India were established. This is especially apparent in the case of the Indus and Brahmaputra, which, like two gigantic arms embrace the entirety of the Himalayas and the whole Indian subcontinent as they flow to the Arabian sea in the west and the Bay of Bengal in the east.

That this combination of lake and mountain, a source of great rivers, remote and beautiful should be regarded as special is not remarkable. In fact, Mansarovar and Kang Rimpoche, the Tibetan name for Kailash, have been a site of pilgrimage for thousands of years. From all parts of India, from the Himalayan kingdoms of Bhutan and Nepal, from every quarter of Tibet, and from the hinterlands of Central Asia, many thousands of pilgrims have made the arduous journey to Kailash and Mansarovar.

Best time to visit: The temperature at Mansarovar is very cold during the day and below freezing at night. However, during May to mid-October, the weather becomes somewhat stable and visibility improves.

The best time to embark upon a journey to Mansarovar is during late August. This is the time when the rainy season ends. The roads are open and the weather is likely to be most stable by then.

In Tibet, however, as in any mountain region, rain and snow showers can occur at any season. By contrast, the lower regions of Nepal will be hot and humid with daily rain showers interspersed with brilliant sunshine.

History: The first westerners to set eyes on the sacred mountain were the Jesuit missionaries Ippolito Desideri and Manuel Freyre who passed this way en route to Lhasa from Ladakh in 1715.

However, it was not until the twentieth century that the first westerner made the Parikrama or circumambulation of Mt Kailash. This honor fell to Sven Hedin the Swedish adventurer and explorer. Driven by a thirst for heroic achievement Hedin endured great hardships crossing the Chang Thang (northern plain), at one time traveling for eighty days without sight of other humans.

The advent of Chinese dominance in the 1950's fundamentally changed life in all Tibet. Forced resettlement, government ownership of livestock, banning the use of Tibetan language in schools and attempts to completely wipe out the monastic way of life led to much loss of life and caused many to flee the country. More recently, there has been a large influx of Han Chinese into Tibet so that they now threaten to outnumber ethnic Tibetan citizens.

During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s, most of the country's shrines and monasteries were systematically plundered and dynamited by the Chinese. Despite its remote location and harsh climate, Ngari did not escape these upheavals. Most of the ancient monasteries suffered damage or were destroyed. There have been attempts to right some of these wrongs; nevertheless, Tibetans remain second-class citizens in their own country. Reconstruction of shrines and temples has been carried out but it is impossible to replace paintings and statues of antiquity and the harm done to the monastic way of life is possibly irreparable.

In 1986, the Chinese authorities allowed foreigners to travel there by road. However, political uncertainties together with the expense and length of the journey meant that only a few score of travelers made the trip. One definite benefit from Chinese hegemony is the absence of roving dacoits who made travel hazardous for all travelers until very recent times.

In 1993, authorities allowed trekkers to cross the Nepal border near Kailash thus making it possible, like the ancients, to walk to the holy mountain. In 1996, permission was given to return by road.

Tourists attractions: The holy Mt। Kailash, a mystical power in people's minds, has been a symbol of relief from suffering to generation after generation of believers. The region is revered by four different religions as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Asia.

Hindus regard Mt. Kailash as the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru-their spiritual center of the universe, described in the ancient texts as a fantastic "World Pillar," 139,440 km high around which everything else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its top kissing the heavens. On the summit sits Lord Shiva who shares this lofty peak with his consort Parvati, daughter of Himalayas. Below, Mansarovar floats in the shadow of holy Kailash as the lake formed in the mind of God. It was created to show the omnipotence of Brahma's mind (manas). To bathe in the lake and to drink its waters is to be delivered to the paradise of Brahma and to cleanse the sins of a hundred lifetimes. Lying as they do beneath the symbolic temple of Kailash, Mansarovar and Rakshash Tal represent the water tanks present at the entrance to every Hindu temple. The round shape of the former is like the sun and the curved outline of Rakshash Tal symbolizes the moon. These ideas are expressed in the names of the two lakes, Mansarovar being associated with 'light' and Rakshash Tal meaning the 'lake of the demons'. To Hindus Mansarovar symbolizes the receptive, female aspect of creation, the yoni, while Mt Kailash symbolizes the active male aspect, the lingam. In 1948, some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were ceremonially scattered on the holy lake.

For the Jains, Mt. Kailash is acclaimed as a site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. Buddhist cosmography identifies Mt. Kailash with the mighty Mount Sumeru, the central peak of the world. "The Father Mountain" represents the means to enlightenment and Lake Mansarovar, "the Mother Principle," represents Buddhist transcendent consciousness.

Mt. Kailash is known in Tibetan as Ghang Rimpoche (meaning precious jewel of snow), or by its aboriginal name Ti-Se. Mansarovar, on the other hand, is known as Mapham Tso, the 'Unconquerable Lake'. The name records a magical contest between the Tibetan poet and mystic Milarepa, and the Bon priest Naro Bhun Chon, which occurred here in the tenth century. Their tussles are marked in numerous sites around the region. For Tibetans, Mt Kailash is the mythical palace of Demchok, the powerful Tibetan tutelary deity who 'tears asunder the elephant-hide of ignorance' and his consort Dorje Phagmo. The two symbolize compassion and wisdom, making Kailash and Mansarovar the perfect complement: father and mother of the earth.

How to reach: The pilgrimage to Kailash and Mansarovar is considered one of the most difficult in Asia. The distances are tremendous, the weather particularly harsh, supplies almost non-existent, and bandits a constant worry. Even with the convenience of roads and four-wheel drive vehicles, the route is still an arduous adventure requiring a minimum of 30 days. Nevertheless, pilgrims come from far corners of Asia defying the hardships to walk the 52-km circuit around Mt. Kailash, and 75 km around Mansarovar Lake (add approximately 200 km on the Indian side of yatra). However, the trek through Katmandu is easy and less exhaustive.

The present route from New Delhi consists of both bus journey and high-altitude mountain trekking. While the bus route is via Delhi-Gajraula-Kathgadam-Nainital-Bhowali-Almora-Kausani-Bageshwar-Chowakari-Didihat-Dharchula, the trekking route takes the pilgrims through some beautiful terrains and passes covering Tawaghat-Thanidar-Pangu-Sosa-Narayan Ashram-Sirkha-Rungling Top-Simkhola-Gala-Jipti-Malpa-Gudhi-Guji-Garbhyang-Kalapani-Avidhag-Lipu Lekh Pass-Pala-Taklakot.

Kumaon

The word Kumaon is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal," meaning land of the Kurmavatar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Preserver of the Hindu Trinity). The region extends from the northern end of the Gangetic plains right up to Tibet. The snow-clad mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and the plethora of flora and fauna not only enable one to constantly think about the Himalayas but to behold their pristine magnificence time and again.

Kumaon hills provide vast attraction for the tourists, trekkers, and pilgrims. The beautiful scenery and the colourful cultural life of Pithoragarh, Mukteshwar, Chaukori, Binsar, Kausani, Sitalakhet, Champawat, besides many other popular hill stations, are waiting to be discovered.

Location: Kumaon, with an area of 21,035 sq km, is situated in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal (formerly part of Uttar Pradesh). It is parted from Nepal in the east by River Kali. The Kailash-Mansarovar region of Western Tibet forms its backdrop in the north. In the west, the Chamoli and Pauri districts of Garhwal region make the boundary. Kumaon shares its southern boundary with the districts of Bareilly, Pilibhit, Rampur, Muradabad, and Bijnor.

Kumaon is the land of the Mahakali and its major right bank tributaries, the Goriganga, the Dhauliganga, and the Ramganga.

The geology of the Kumaon has three distinct components. The greater Himalayas is mainly composed of granites. The lesser Himalayas is characterized by the presence of unfossiliferous sediments and has mainly crystalline and metamorphic rocks like gneisses, schist, slates, phyllite, etc. Apart from these three divisions, the Terai region consists mainly of detritus, which is washed from the Shivalik range by fast flowing rivers. Boulders and shingles are found closer to the hills while clay and sand are transported to larger distances.

Best time to visit: The climate of the Western Himalayan region of Kumaon is alpine with chilly winters and mild summer. In the winters, temperature can dip below zero in the Greater Himalayas while it may go up to 32°C in the summers.

History: Humankind has been around in Kumaon for a very long time. Evidences of Stone Age settlements have been found in Kumaon, particularly the rock shelter at Lakhu Udyar. The paintings here date back to the Mesolithic period.

The early medieval history of Kumaon is the history of the Katyuri dynasty. The Katyuri kings ruled from the 7th to the 11th century, holding sway at the peak of their powers over large areas of Kumaon, Garhwal, and western Nepal. The town of Baijnath near Almora was the capital of this dynasty and a center of the arts. Temple building flourished under the Katyuris and the main architectural innovation introduced by them was the replacement of bricks with hewn stone.

On a hilltop facing east (opposite Almora), is the temple of Katarmal. This 900-year-old sun temple was built during the declining years of the Katyuri dynasty. The intricately carved doors and panels have been removed to the National Museum in Delhi as a protective measure after the 10th-century idol of the presiding deity was stolen.

After an interregnum of a couple of centuries, the Chands of Pithoragarh became the dominant dynasty. The magnificent temple complex at Jageshwar, with its cluster of a hundred and sixty-four temples, was built by the Chand rulers over a space of two centuries. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the evocative carvings are complemented by the beautiful cedar forest around it.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
Nainital - At 1938 m in the Kumaon hills, this attractive mountain resort was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and now a bustling hill station। Naini Lake is often said to be one of the emerald green eyes of Lord Shiva's wife. One can enjoy a ride on pedal boats on a quiet summer evening.

Built in 1847, soon after the British arrived, St. John's Church contains a brass memorial to the victims of a famous landslide. The few bodies that could be recovered from the rubble were buried in the graveyard here.

A chairlift (ropeway) takes one up to the popular viewpoint of Snow View (2270 m). At the top, there are powerful binoculars for a close-up view of Nanda Devi, situated 7817 m above sea level.

There are good views and spectacular sunsets over the plains from Hanuman temple, 3 km south of Tallital. Just over 1 km further on is the state observatory, which is open at weekends.

Ranikhet - North of Naini Tal at an altitude of 1829 m, Ranikhet is a peaceful hill station offering excellent views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Nanda Devi. It is an important army town and the headquarters of the Kumaon regiment. Though not developed as a tourist center, Ranikhet is a delightful place to spend some time. There are several good walks-to Jhula Devi temple-and the orchards at Chaubatia (3 km).

Almora - The picturesque hill station of Almora, at an altitude of 1650 m, is one of the few hill stations not created by the British. Some 400 years ago, it was the capital of the Chand rulers of Kumaon.

The area has the reputation of being a "power center" and travellers rent houses and stay here for months.

Pithoragarh - The easternmost hill district of Uttaranchal, Pithoragarh is often referred to as miniature Kashmir. Nestling in a small valley, 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town was an important landmark of the Chand rulers of Kumaon and known as Saur valley. It is situated at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level. One can have panoramic views of vast snow range extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli Group, and Mount Appi of Nepal from the Chandak hill located at around 2000 m.

Chaukori - The charming and picturesque town of Chaukori is situated in the heart of Pithoragarh district (112 km) on the verge of the exciting Jim Corbett country. Literally cupped in a bowl by the majestic Himalayas, Chaukori is famous not only for the magnificent view it offers of Panchchuli peaks but also for its breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. The spectacular sunrise and sunset tinge the awe-inspiring pristine peaks, making Chaukori an idyllic holiday resort amidst unspoiled nature.

Nearest railhead is Kathgodam (214 km). By road it is just 125 km away from Almora, 183 km from Nainital, and 480 km from Delhi.

Kausani - Nestling amongst thick, dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge and separated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range by low, medium mountains, at Kausani the grandeur of the Himalayan scenery comes alive. The view of the snow-covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snow within touching distance. Its ethereal sunrise and a 300-km-wide view of the Himalayan range have attracted thousands of visitors to this place time and again.

Nearest railhead to Kausani is Kathgodam (142 km). The hill station is well connected by road to Almora (53 km), Ranikhet (79 km), Nainital (120 km), and Delhi (410 km).

Jim Corbett National Park - India's first national park, cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas, spreads over an area of 520 sq km and is 290 km from New Delhi. The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the entire length of the park. Corbett has the highest density of tiger in India. Other carnivores include the leopard, elephant, bear, and sambhar. Basking along the banks of the Ramganga are the slender gharial and the marsh crocodile. The river is rich in the magnificent mahseer; however, angling is not permitted inside the National Park. There are watchtowers, elephant safaris and jeep safaris for wildlife viewing.

The best time to visit: Corbett national Park is from November to May. The park is closed from mid-June to mid-November. The nearest town Ramnagar (51 km) is the ideal linkage for rail. Nearest airhead is at Pantnagar (110 km).

Bhowali - This small health resort, situated at an altitude of 1,707 m, is around 10 km from Nainital. It has the best T.B. sanatorium in the country. Bhowali is also the main export center for hill fruits and vegetables.

Ramgarh - Located 16 miles from Nainital, Ramgarh is famous for its apples, apricots, and peaches. India's Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, stayed here for a while and wrote some of his famous poems.

Mukteshwar - Perched at an altitude of 2,286 m above sea level, Mukteshwar is 33 miles from Nainital. It is well known for its Veterinary Research Institute established in 1898. Mukteshwar presents a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayas in early summer and autumn.

Trekking
Kumaon has three distinct trekking regions: the foothills of the Himalayas of the Nainital district and the lake area; the hill areas of Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani, Chaukori, and Pithoragarh; and the Himalayan glacier area of the Kumaon hills.

Nainital and the lake area is the most suitable for schoolchildren with pleasant trekking trails. Basic facilities for amateur trekkers are available in and around Nainital. The hill areas of Almora, Ranikhet, Kausani, Chaukori, and Pithoragarh are ideal for the more experienced trekkers. The Himalayan glacier area of the Kumaon hills has difficult routes, picturesque riverbeds, and rhododendron forests.

The Kumaon region also provides perfect background for other adventure sports like paragliding, rock climbing, river rafting, and mountaineering.

Fairs & festivals
Uttarayani Mela is held at a number of places including Bageshwar, Rameshwar, Salt Mahadev, Chitrashila (Ranibagh), Pancheshwar, etc., on Uttarayani day. At Pancheshwar, the dola (wooden carrier of the god) of Chaumu comes down to the temple.

Shravan Mela (Jageshwar) is held in the Jageshwar temple complex lying in the beautiful Jatganga valley, housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India. Two large fairs are held at Jageshwar, one on Shivratri (February), and the other in the month of Shravan (July-August).

A fair is held here every year at Gananath (47 km from Almora) on Kartik Poornima (October/November), when thousands of pilgrims come to worship Lord Shiva and Ganesha. Childless couples also come here in large numbers to evoke blessings for the gift of a child.

Situated in the wide valley of Ram Ganga, Dwarahat is 38 km from Ranikhet and has a cluster of old temples. A huge fair is organized here every year on Baisakhi Day (April).

Kasar Devi (Almora) is the venue for fairs held twice a year during the summer and winter months.

Nanda Devi melas are held at several places including Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Mansyari, and Ranikhet. At Almora, thousands of people take part in a procession carrying the dola of Nanda Devi.

How to reach
Air - The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer. An all-weather airstrip has been constructed at Pithoragarh.
Rail - The nearest railhead for Nainital and Almora is Kathgodam.
Road - Kumaon is well connected with most important cities by road.

Eravikulam National Park

The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala was established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, endangered specie of the wild goat and the only one to be found south of the Himalayas। Rich in forest and grasses, this park is relatively new as it was in 1978 that the area was notified as a park. The park lies along the high ranges of the western coast in the Munnar Forest Division of Idukki district in Kerala. It is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the north where it is extends as the Annamalai National Park.

History: During the British Raj, the North Travancore Land Planting Society owned the region of Rajamalai and Eravikulam, but they later handed over the area to the Kannan Deven Hill Produce Corporation. The Corporation turned the region into a private hunting area, as it was found unsuitable of tea plantation. The region of Rajamalai was declared a wildlife sanctuary way back in 1936, but the present sanctuary was established only in 1975. In 1978, the status of the sanctuary was upgraded to the level of a national park.
Location: Eravikulam is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala in the higher altitudes of the Western Ghats।

Best time to visit: The climate of this region is greatly influenced by the southwestern monsoon। June, July, and August are the monsoon months and this is the period when the region receives maximum rainfall while April and May are the hottest months. January and February receive little rain and the weather is generally clear during this time of the year. From September to December, the northeast monsoon brings a little rain and this period along with the months of January and February are the best time to visit this park.

Tourist attractions The vegetation type of this region is mainly tropical evergreen forest। Grasslands, shrubs, and forests are what one finds throughout. Grasslands with patches of forests known as sholas in between cover almost the entire region.

The Nilgiri Tahr is one of the most endangered species in India and Eravikulam is the only place where one can find it। The primary motive of establishing this park was to give shelter to this animal. Due to the concerted efforts of the park authorities, now at least five to six hundred Tahrs can be seen here.

Other fauna species found in the park are gaur, sambar, lion tailed macaque, elephant, tiger, leopard, and giant squirrel। The park is also home to three species of lizards, four of snakes, and five of amphibians.

Anamudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak in south India and located within the park area। This is a good place for trekking.

Places around Eravikulam comes under the Munnar Forest Division and travelers can have a panoramic view of the verdant surroundings and forested hills from here। Walks and hiking around this small town are an exhilarating experience. Travelers can also enjoy walking through the numerous tea estates of Munnar and view the entire process of tea making, right from plucking the tealeaves to their processing at the Kundale tea plantation.

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located around 60 km away from Munnar and is the only protected area in Kerala having semi arid and dry deciduous scrub forests। The wildlife in this park includes elephant, sambar, leopard, gaur, and most importantly, the starred turtle.

Marayoor is 42 km from Munnar to east of the Eravikulam National Park। Here, one can experience the peaceful ambience and beauty of a sandalwood forest.

Ten kilometers from Munnar, en route to Top Station, one can visit the Mudapetty Dam। This is a popular picnic spot and travelers can indulge in activities like boating and horse riding here.

How to reach
Air - Cochin International Airport (143 km) is the nearest airport from Eravikulam। It is connected to many places in India by regular flights. The airport is also connected to places in the Middle East by regular flights.

Rail - The nearest railway station is Ernakulam, 143 km from Cochin, from where there are regular trains to all the metros in the country।

Road - A motorable road is there up to Rajamalai, the park headquarters. From Rajamalai, one needs to travel on foot for around 18 km. Rajamalai is at a distance of around 17 km from the Munnar town connected to many places in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by regular bus services.

Andaman & Nicobar

In Andamans one should let oneself go completely, to recharge the body and collect new ideas। The Andaman Islands, despite lying more than 1,000 km east of the Indian mainland and only about 300 km west of Bangkok, run the same time as Delhi i.e. the Indian Standard Time. On a trip to these islands, one should make sure to bring a lot of good books, some strong sun lotion, a hammock and snorkeling equipment.

Tourist attractions: Port Blair, the only sizable town on the islands, serves as the administrative capital। The center of the town is the lively Aberdeen Bazaar। Constructed entirely of wood, it has been razed to the ground several times in the past। However, every time, reconstruction was completed in no time and now it is as colorful as ever। Port Blair is the only place to do some sightseeing. The major attraction here is the Cellular Jail, slowly being claimed back again by nature, overgrowing with plants and moss. Today, the jail is a memorial to the freedom fighters, who laid down their lives to make the country independent. The library here has some interesting books for those interested in knowing more about the indigenous tribes. The Anthropological Museum displays some tools, dresses and photos. An interesting place is the Marine Museum, which covers the history and geography of the islands and the Fisheries Museum displays the rich marine life of the Andaman Sea.

Day trips from Port Blair offer various natural and historical excursions। One can either take a boat to Ross Island, the early administrative center of the British, or hike up Mount Harriet. Scuba diving is an option available in Wandoor, 30 km southwest of Port Blair.

Languages: Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Nicobarese, Telugu

Best Time to Visit: December to early April

Places around The easiest accessible islands from the capital are Neil and Havelock। Small boats leave the Phoenix Bay Harbor four times a week to Havelock, usually docking at Neil on the way. One can be escorted by a school of dolphins or spot giant sea tortoise and flying fish. It is worth spending a few days on Neil. Basic accommodation is provided in the small settlement near the jetty.

Havelock, lying north of Neil is one of the islands chosen by the government to turn into a luxurious tourist destination। The coral reef here is still intact and is what makes snorkeling a great pleasure. Only the northern part of Havelock is populated. To make it easy to remember locations, they are numbered from one to seven. The boat docks at no 1. The best accommodation is at no 5 and when one plans to take a stroll on a beautiful beach he should head for no 7 then turn left at the junction at no 3.

How to reach

Air- Five weekly flights between Calcutta and Port Blair and four flights between Chennai and Vishakhapattnam connect the islands to the mainland।

Sea - There are around three to four ships sailing between Haddo Jetty, Port Blair in the Andamans and Calcutta and Chennai on the mainland। There is one sailing from Vishakhapattnam every two months। The Shipping Corporation of India runs these sailings। The distances between Port Blair and some of the important cities on the mainland are Calcutta - 1255 km, Chennai - 1190 km and Vishakhapatnam - 1200 km। A journey by ship takes 48 hours from Chennai and 56 hours from Kolkata.

Local transport: The Directorate of Shipping Services maintains regular inter-island foreshore and harbor ferry services to cater to the needs of inter-island commuters. There are local buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto rickshaws, and taxis available for local transport on the islands.

Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra is situated in the north Indian state of Haryana. The name Kurukshetra was originally given to an area covered by 48 kosas (an Indian form of measuring land) where 860 places of pilgrimage related to the Mahabharata exist today. Kurukshetra is in the district of Karnal, about 150 km northwest of Delhi.

Best time to visit: Climatically, Kurukshetra has three major seasons. The summer season (April-June) raises the mercury to as high as 110°F. Rainy season is from July to September. The average annual rainfall is 58 cm. Winter months are from October to March, when the temperature dips to as low as 40°F. This is the best season to visit Kurukshetra.

History: The region of Kurukshetra lies east of the Punjab where the Aryans first settled when they began migrating into the subcontinent some time between 2000 and 1500 BC. It is believed that the Rig Veda was composed between 1500 and 1000 BC in this place.

From a historical perspective, it was here that the theological and philosophical framework of Hinduism was forged between the 5th century BC and the 5th century AD. It was here that nascent Hinduism, as we know it today emerged.

Tradition holds that the great 18-day battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas in which Lord Krishna played his enigmatic part, as described in the pages of the epic Mahabharata, was fought on the plains of Kurukshetra.

The sacred sites of Kurukshetra today preserve the memory of the struggle at both levels। Very appropriately, Kurukshetra is also known as Dharmakshetra – the region of the Dharma. Today, Kurukshetra, more than any other place in India, is the reduced image of the religious universe of the Hindus.

Places around: Near Kurukshetra, Thanesar is a sacred town for Hindus because the Shiva in the form of linga (organ) was first worshipped here. Kuru, the Kauravas and Pandavas' ancestors meditated on the banks of the Yamuna and Parasurama killed many Kshatriyas here. King Harsha was born here, ascended the throne at the age of 16 and ruled for 41 years, sharing his seat of power with his widowed sister whom he had rescued from Sati (self-immolation).

During his rule, the renowned Chinese traveler Huen Tsang lived in Thanesar for a number of years and Bana Bhatt, the celebrated Sanskrit scholar, met Harsha here। Sultan Muhammad plundered the city in AD 1014, destroyed most of its temples and carried away as much gold as he could. Akbar brought peace, but Aurangzeb just messed things up for the Hindus because it was a sacred place for them.

The tomb of Sheikh Chilhi Jalal is a fascinating monument, octagonal in shape, crowned with a dome of white marble and surrounded by a white marble courtyard. Tourists may also check out Chini Masjid and Pathar Masjid, two outstanding monuments built in the Mughal architectural style.

Twenty-seven kilometers from Thanesar, Pehowa was built sometime in AD 882 although an inscription on a temple claims that it was actually built in AD 895 during King Mahendrapal's rule. Numerous ghats and temples have been built in memory of King Prithu.

The legend of the Ban Ganga goes back to the final days of the Mahabharata battle when the patriarch, Bhishma, lay mortally wounded on a bed of arrows. In his dying moments, he felt thirsty and, as the patriarch of both the Kauravas and Pandavas, sent for Arjun. It is said that Arjuna's arrow brought the waters of the holy Ganga to quench the thirst of Bhishma. Today the site is worshipped as Bhishma Kund and lies some 12 km from Kurukshetra.

Fairs & festivals: Each year in November and December, the Brahma Sarovar attracts large crowds to observe Deep Daan and Aarti, the ceremonies especially held to celebrate Gita Jayanti. There are also theatre performances, music recitals and pageants that bring the atmosphere to life.

How to reach: Kurukshetra is close to the airfields of Chandigarh and Delhi. It is a road and rail junction serviced by taxis and buses of the Haryana Roadways and other state corporations.

Dandeli

Dandeli is a small town situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is located amidst lush green forest ranges of the Western Ghats along the banks of River Kali. Dandeli is famous for its adventure and eco-tourism.

As per ancient texts, Dandeli is the mythical “Dandakaranya” mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The name ‘Dandakaranya’ was derived from the word ‘Dandvalli’ (green bamboo). Dandeli lies at a varying altitude of 100m to 970m and is intersected by river Kali and a large number of streams. Dandeli is a popular destination as it rears rare species of flora and fauna, which are typical of Western Ghats.

This place consists of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the second largest sanctuary in Karnataka. Set in the heart of dense deciduous forests of Western Ghats, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 200 varieties of avian species. Spread along a sprawling area of 834. 16 sq km, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, in the year 2006. Dandeli also holds the designation of being a Hornbill reserve and Crocodile reserve.

The town of Dandeli is an emerging educational and industrial hub in the South. It is also termed as ‘Mini-India’ as majority of the inhabitants here are migrants from across India, who have settled here for employment.

Hindi, Kannada, Konkani, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam are the commonly used languages at Dandeli. Dandeli tourism offers a wide array of activities that range from jungle safari, trekking, white water rafting, canoeing, ab-sailing, rappelling, fishing, boating, swimming, bird watching and coracle rides. There are also many sightseeing attractions in and around Dandeli like Naghjari view point, Ulavi, Syntheri rocks, Maulangi, Kulgi nature camp, Supa dam, Supa catchment area, Ganeshgudi, Shanmukha view point, Vincholli falls, Magod falls etc.

Dandeli is located at a distance of 125 km from Goa and 480 km from Bangalore and is easily accessible as it is well connected by road with all the major destinations within the state of Karnataka. The vicinity of Goa, Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad and Hubli makes Dandeli a favorite destination of holiday makers.Best time to visit Dandeli would be October to June.

What see

Kavala Caves: Ancient Kavala caves are a perfect destination for tourists to visit while their trip to Dandeli. This place is located at a distance of 25 km from Dandeli. Tourists will have to trek some thousand steps through a dense forest to reach Kavala caves. These caves are revered as the abode of Lord Shiva – the Hindu god of Destruction.

Kulgi Nature Camp: Kulgi Nature Camp is located at a distance of around 14 km from the Dandeli National Park. This camp has small museum, nature interpretation centre. It is located on the Ambika Nagar – Yellapur Road. Main highlight of this museum is the stuffed remains of a 13-ft king cobra which was caught few years back in this area.

What to do
Dandeli Wild Life Sanctuary and Anshi National Park is dominated by river Kali, be it from its banks or from atop a mountain. The activities at this national park includes: Coracle Rides (in water, would be able to spot crocodiles, hornbills and other birds), Rock Climbing (small), Mountain Biking, Rafting/Kayaking/Canoeing, Camping, Jeep Safari ride, Trekking in the forest, bird watching. Other nearby places to visit includes: Kavala Caves, Syntheri Rocks, Sykes point, Siroli peak.

Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary is very calm and peaceful. It nestles some very rare birds and animals. It has unspoilt and not much explored hidden treasure of wildlife, which can surely leave any nature lover speechless.

Rafting: Kali River is a great location for the rafting. There is a route of around 9-14 km for rafting. This route is of class III and continues for around 2 to 3 hours.

Getting There
Air: Closest airport: Belgaum (110 kms), Hubli (75 kms) and Goa (150 kms). Air Deccan has daily flights from Mumbai and Bangalore to Belgaum, Goa and Hubli.
Train: Closest rail head: Alnavar (32 kms), Londa (48 kms), Dharwad (57 kms), & Hubli (75 kms).
Road: Dandeli is well connected to Bangalore, Mumbai (Bombay), Goa, Belgaum, Karwar and Dharwad, Hubli by road. Several buses ply to Dandeli everyday.