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Aihole

State

Aihole, situated on the banks of river Malaprabha, is a temple city comprises 100 of temples scattered in the city with superb architectures and sculptures. The prominent group of temples in Aihole is the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided the temples in 22 groups. The Kontigudi group of Aihole is a set of three temples consisting of the Lad Khan temple, Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math. The Galaganatha group of Aihole has nearly 30 temples scattered on the bank of the river Malaprabha.

History

Chalukays first capital was Aihole.The first phase of the temple was built in 6th century CE and the second phase went on upto 12 th century CE .Here they built over 125 temples in various styles .The famous Chalukya King Pulakeshi II was follower of Jainism.Aihole inscription dated 634 CE, in Sanskrit language and old Kannada script.The prominent temple groups here are the Kontigudi group and the Galaganatha group of temples, although historians have divided all the temples into 22 groups.The cave temple of Ravana Phadi stands all by itself backed against the rocky hill out of which it has been carved.The Kontigudi group is a set of three temples consisting of the Lad Khan temple, Huchiappayyagudi temple and the Huchiappayya math.

The Galaganatha group has nearly 30 temples scattered on the bank of the river Malaprabha. Galaganatha temples are characterized by a curvilinear shikhara above the Garba Griha and images of the deities of Ganga and Yamuna at the entrance to the shrine.

This period saw the construction of great architectural wonders not only at Aihole but the whole region including Badami, Pattadakal, and other places.In the 17th century, Aurangzeb annexed the Deccan and made it a part of the Mughal Empire and Aihole, as a part of that region, came under the Mughal rule.The early Chalukya dynasty was ousted by its own district officers, the Rashtrakutas in AD 757. Later on, Aihole became a part of the Bahmani and other local Muslim dynasties.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport in Karnataka is Bangalore (483 Kms.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bagalkot (43 Kms) on the Hubli-Sholapur line & is connected to Badami, Bangalore & Bijapur.

By Road: Aihole has convenient road connections to several important places around it: Aminagad (10 Kms), Badami (46 Kms), Bangalore (483 Kms), Bijapur (129 Kms), Hampi (146 Kms) and Pattadakal (17 Kms)

Shopping

Ilkal (36 Kms) is famous for its traditional handloom, art silk and silk sarees.

Accommodation

Tourist Rest House, Aihole, Hungund Taluk.
Tourist Rest Houses of Tourism Department.

District
Bagalkot
STD Code
08351
Termperature
Summer 30-40°C, Winter 10-22°C
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Cradle Of Indian Temple Architecture

Raipur

State

Raipur, the capital city of the state of Chhattisgarh, was formerly a part of Madhya Pradesh before the formation of Chhattisgarh state on November 1, 2000. It is often called as "rice bowl of India", is famous for growing hundreds of varieties of rice. The City of Raipur is surrounded by Mahanadi River from the east and dense forest from the south. On the north-west of Raipur, there are Maikal Hills and the sout there is Bastar Plateau.

History

Raipur was under the rule of Samudragupta in the 4th century AD and the dynasty was succeeded by Sarabhpuri Kings in the 6th century AD.For some period in Fifth-Sixth Century A.D., Nala kings dominated this area until Somavanshi kings had taken the control over this region making Sirpur their capital. Reins of rule then went in to the hands of Kalchuri Kings who is said to have built the city of Raipur.

Some historians believe that the King Brahmadeo Rai had established Raipur.It was during his time in 1402 A.D. that the temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev was constructed in the banks of river Kharun.This region had become the domain of Bhosle kings after Amarsinghdeo's death. With the death of Raghuji the III, the territory was assumed by the British Government from Bhonsla'a of Nagpur and Chhattisgarh was declared a separate Commissionery with its Headquarters at Raipur in 1854.

Accessibility

Air

Raipur airport is the only functional and well connected airport of Chhattisgarh.

Rail

Raipur city is situated on the Mumbai-Howrah route of Indian Railways and is well connected with important cities of Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.

Road

Raipur is well connected with all important cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Amritsar etc. National Highway 6 (Mumbai-Kolkata) passes through the city of Raipur.

Shopping

Shopping in Raipur is a delightful experience, and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. Though Raipur doesn't have only one shopping mall, 'City Mall 36' but the markets of the city offer almost everything. You may buy traditional items in the shops of Raipur, to keep them as souvenir. If you wish to buy branded items then visit the mall where you will find shops of a number of national and international brands.

When you think of shopping in Raipur the first thing which comes as a flash is the exquisite bell metal and wrought iron items both for decorative and utility purpose. You can get a good buy of terracotta products and stone sculptures.Raipur is also known countrywide for its cotton fabrics with works of kinari and zari.Woodworks are also admired items for shopping in Raipur. The expert artisans of Raipur carve out table lamps, side tables, boxes and various other utilities and objects d'art, which serve as extraordinary souvenirs. Though Raipur does not have any major shopping complex there are many government promoted shops and private ones.

Accommodation

Hotel Babylon

The only 5 star hotel of the city

Attractions

Hareli Festival

Farmers celebrate this festival in the month of Shravan, by worshipping farm equipment and cows. They place branches and leaves of the Bhelwa tree in the fields and pray for a good crop, and also hang small Neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to prevent seasonal diseases. For the next 15 days, Baigas (the traditional medical practitioners) teachi their disciples - this goes on till panchami (the day following Ganesh Chaturthi). On panchami , they examine their disciples, and if satisfied with their performance, grant them the license to practice medicine. Children play gedi (walking on bamboo) and take part in a gedi race.

Pola Festival

Pola follows Hareli. It is celebrated by worshipping bullocks. Children play with idols of Nandi bull (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) made of clay and fitted with clay wheels. A bull race is a major event of the festival.

Teeja Festival

This festival is celebrated by married women - they pray for the welfare of their husbands. The custom is to perform this prayer at ther parents' home.

District
Raipur
STD Code
0771
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-37°C, Winter 19-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Raigarh

State

Rajgarh, situated on the eastern border of the Chhattisgarh, is famous for its 'kosa' or tasar (a kind of fine silk created by the silk worm feeding on mulberry fruit).

History

Prior to Indian Independence, Raigarh was a Princely state. The former king and his sons still live here. They still lead a royal life, but with no rent to collect, their palace - Moti Mahal - is in a very bad shape. It was declared a heritage site very recently by the state government.

Raigarh is now famous for its cultural heritage with its own Kathak Gharana - Raigarh Gharana and its annual classical music concert - Chakradhar Samaroh. It is also on the industrial map, with the World's largest sponge iron plant and 62 industries surrounding this hill city.

Accessibility

By Air: Bilaspur is the nearest airport

By Rail: Raigarh Railway Station is the nearest railhead.

By Road: Raigarh is well connected by road to all major cities.

Shopping

Raigarh is known for 2 things:

Dhokra - the craft metalware created by hot wax casting
'Kosa'or tasar (a kind of fine silk created by the silk worm feeding on Kosa fruit).

Attractions

Chakradhar Samaroh
This music festival, is organised by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Sangeet Academy and the Chakradhar Lalit Kala Kendra, to commemorate the memory of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh. This former ruler, a great tabla player and dancer, wrote many books on music.

District
Raigarh district
STD Code
07762
Topic

Bilaspur (Chattisgarh)

State

Bilaspur, situated on the banks of River Arpa, is the second largest city of Chhattisgarh. It is also popularly referred "Dhaan Ka Katora" (bowl of rice) for it is one of the largest producers of paddy in the country. It is also known for its kosa silk.

History

Originally Bilaspur belonged to the Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur.The city of Bilaspur became significant during the invasion of Marathas in 1741.After Bilaspur came under the control of Marathas it suffered the atrocities of the harsh and extortionist Maratha rule for a period of sixty years. Finally after the death of the last Maratha ruler Bilaspur came under the control of the British East India Company.

The city was taken over by the British East India Company of Great Britain in the year 1854 when the then ruler of the region of the Mahratta kingdom died heirless.

Accessibility

Air: There are no scheduled flights to Bilaspur.The most comfortable way of reaching Bilaspur is by taking the flight to Raipur that connect the Chattisgarh capital to the other major cities like Delhi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.

Rail: Indian Railways connect Bilaspur to cities in Chhattisgarh and the rest of the country. Well-planned railway network links Bilaspur to cities like Bhopal, Indore, Nagpur, Kochi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Road: Bilaspur is linked to Mumbai and Kolkata by the National Highway network. Regular buses and taxis ply to and from the nearby towns and cities in Chattisgarh and neighbouring states.

Shopping

The shopping list in Bilaspur would include brassware, metal works, antiques and jewelry. The list is not complete without items like woodcrafts and bamboo crafts, Bell metal items, Wrought iron items, Terracotta, Stone-sculpting and Cotton fabrics which are easily available in any private shops and government emporium. Bilaspur is known for its Kosa silk sarees and dress materials. The tourists attraction in shopping mainly includes hand woven fabric, Pithora paintings, colored beads and chunky jewellery, Dokra metal animals and figurines, carved woodwork are some special things available.

Accommodation

1.City Mall Vikash Pvt Ltd / Krish Hotels Pvt Ltd
SH 26, Mungeli Road, Near Minocha Colony
Bilaspur
097 132 62000

2.HOTEL ROHIT
juni lane, BILASPUR
07752 420707

3.Hotel Ajit
Telipara, Bilaspur

4.Circuit House, Bilaspur
District Bilaspur, Bilaspur
Chhattisgarh

5.Hotel The Lake View, Bilaspur
Bilaspur, Bilaspur
Chhattisgarh

Attractions

Baisakhi

The Baisakhi is a seasonal festival. It is celebrated all over the district by all the classes of people. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs celebrate it. It falls on the first day of Baisakh on the 13th of April. People put on new clothes and prepare halwa and other tasty dishes. A fair is held at many important places.

Gugga Fair

This fair is held to commemorate Gugga, a Hindu Rajput young prince who overcame his enemies heroically. It is generally believed that the worships of Gugga saves from the danger from the snakes. Group of singers praise the heroic deeds of Gugga.It is celebrated in the month of August.

Nalwari Fair

This fair falls in the month of March and is celebrated for a week. This is attached with the cattle wealth.

District
Bilaspur
STD Code
07752
Topic
Termperature
Summer 30-45°C, Winter 10-25°C
Best time to visit
August to March
Famous For
Bilaspur is known for its kosa silk and the quality of its rice.

Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh)

Bilaspur, formerly the seat of the ruler of the State is now submerged in the Gabind Sagar, is situated just above the old town of Bilaspur and can be best introduced as the first planned hill town of India.
The pleasure of a visit will be enhanced manifold when a motor launch is preferred as the means of travel, gliding through cool and enchanting waters of the lake.

History

It is said that in the dim past of Bilaspur, Rishi Vyas had stayed on the banks of river Sutlej, in order to do penance. It is the Vyas Gufa he stayed, in order to prepare himself for the grueling task, which he was about to execute latter in some other cave in the Uttrakhand.

Bilaspur, was formerly the seat of the ruler of the State, is now submerged in the Gabind Saga, and a new township developed above the actual town. This town was early under the rule of Chanderi kings. This town of Bilaspur was founded in 1663 and was later declared to be a princely state during the British rule in India, and was under the authority of the British province of Punjab. The historic town was submerged in 1954 when the Sutlej River was dammed to create the Govind Sagar, and a new town was built upslope of the old.

Accessibility

Air - Shimla Located at a Distance of 85 kms is the Nearest Airport. Well Connected with Regular Flights.

Rail - The Nearest Broad Gauge Railway Station is at Kiratpur Sahib and Nearest Narrow Gauge Railway Head is at Shimla, Connected by Regular Bus Services.

Road - Bilaspur is approachable by road from Shimla and Chandigarh Via NH 21.

Attractions

Nalwari Cattle Fair

Stretching for around five days, the Nalwari Cattle Fair of Bilaspur is an exciting event. The fair is held in March/ April every year attracting visitors from far and wide. Several entertaining activities are a part of this fair and wrestling is one of them. The owners of the cattle decorate their cattle beautifully before bringing them to the fair as this is the time when they get an opportunity to strike great deals.

Raut Nach Festival

Dance is something the people of Himachal Pradesh are passionate about and this clearly reflects in their annual Raut Nach Festival. This dance festival is mainly the festival of the cowherds of the state. It is held in the month of December every year.

District
Bilaspur District
STD Code
01978
Topic
Best time to visit
July To September

Barog

Barog, once just a brief stopover on the Kalka-Shimla highway, is perched high among the Shivalik hills offerring an almost unimaginable range of colors in its folds and creases. It is located in an idyllic setting surrounded by pine trees and oak trees. Apart from being a beautiful destination, the town is also known for its 1,143m tunnel, which is long enough for a train to take three minutes to cross.

History

Barog was settled in the early 20th century during the building of the narrow gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway. It is named after Barog, an engineer involved in building the railway track in 1903.

Barog, the engineer, was responsible for designing a tunnel near the railway station. He commenced digging the tunnel from both sides of the mountain, which is quite common as it speeds up construction. However, he made mistakes in his calculation and while constructing the tunnel, it was found that the two ends of the tunnel did not meet. Barog was fined an amount of 1 Rupee by the British government. Unable to withstand the humiliation, Barog committed suicide. He was buried near the incomplete tunnel. The area came to be known as Barog after him.

Accessibility

Air

Barog does not have an airport of its own. If you are planning to come to the city by air, the nearest airports will be those of Chandigarh and Shimla. Both the airports have regular flights to city. Jagson and Deccan Airways cater to Shimla airport, while from Chandigarh; you can avail the services of Simplifly Deccan, and Indian Airlines.

Rail
Barog has a railway station of its own, which falls on the Kalka-Barog-Shimla narrow gauge. The next nearest railway station will be that of Chandigarh, which is connected with all the key cities of India. If you are thinking of traveling to Barog by train, it will better to come to Chandigarh and from there, take a bus or taxi to the city.

Road
Barog has a good network of roads, which connects it with the major cities in and around Himachal Pradesh. The city is approximately 300 km from Delhi, 60 km from Chandigarh, 54 km from Chail, 21 km from Kasauli, 8 km from Solan and 58 km from Shimla. You will easily get buses as well as taxis for reaching Barog, from any of these destinations.

Accommodation

At Barog, Himachal Tourism runs the Hotel Pinewood and the hotel's growth has largely been responsible for Barog's increased popularity.

Himachal Tourism also runs a road side cafe with fast food service at Barog

District
Solan District
STD Code
01796
Termperature
Summer 8 to 20°C, Winter -10 to 10°C
Best time to visit
April To September

Arki

Arki, which translates to “Sunny Place”, is a hill station located at the Himalayan foothills and is close to the popular hill station, Shimla. The town offers an interesting mix of wooded hills and the outdoors, as well as history with forts, palaces, and temples to the visitors.

Sair Fair is an annual festival that is celebrated in Arki in the months of July and September. The noted buffalo fights are a part of this festival.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbhangoo/409806973/

History

Once the capital of the princely state of Baghal, Arki has witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area. Arki became the stronghold of an invading force of Gurkhas during the 'Gurkha Wars' that came to an end in 1815-16. About 1850, Raja Kishen Chand had the fort decorated with fine murals executed in the Pahari style. Here is a place packed with history and adomed with fine art.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport and is 40 km away from Arki. Taxi fare from airport to Arki costs approximately Rs 600. Chandigarh is another option which is 90 km away from Arki. Chandigarh to Arki costs about Rs 900 by taxi service. Chandigarh airport is connected to Delhi and major cities.

Rail: Kalka is the nearest rail station, which is about 73 km away from Arki. Taxi fare from Kalka to Arki is around Rs 900/-. Kalka railhead is connected to other cities in state.

Road: Buses from Delhi to Dharampur are regular. Dharampur is abou 30 km away from Arki. Dharampur to Arki taxi services are available costing about Rs 600/-.

Attractions

Sair Fair

The Sair Fair is an annual event held at Arki on sakranti of Ashwin (16/17 September). The fair is famous for buffalo fights. Local people train their buffalos for the event. The chief guest for the fair in 2009 was Govind Sharma the Local M.L.A. and other VIP's. The fair is attended by thousands of people every year.

The '''Sair Fair''' is an annual event generally held in Arki around July in honor of the god Banar Devta. The fair is famous for it’s buffalo fights and the locals train their buffalos all year long for the event. While there is a lot of singing and dancing, the highlight of the fair remain the buffalo fights.

District
Solan District
STD Code
01796
Topic
Termperature
Summer 15 to 20°C, Winter -4 to 14°C
Famous For
Sair Fair is an annual festival that is celebrated in Arki in the months of July and September

Kalpa

Kalpa, situated in the lap of Kinner Kailash peak, is a small town blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes. The place provides a clear view of the sacred Kinner Kailash peak as well as its sister peaks. It is a travellers paradise - lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. The place can be reached after crossing the quaint town of Recong Peo, which has a hundred-year-old monastery.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73515347@N03/6669881637/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indiauntravelled/6742591653/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vran/519570403/

History

Ancient Indian texts like the Puranas placed the people of Kinnaur as halfway between men and gods. Other ancient traditions speak of the exile of the Pandavas and the time they spent in Kinnaur, an episode from the epic, Mahabharata. In verifiable history, Kalpa, like the rest of Kinnaur, was a part of the erstwhile princely state of Bushair. From their original seat in the village of Kamru, the rulers moved out to Sarahan that lies lower down the Satluj, and then to Rampur - which is built right on the banks of the river. In the early nineteenth century, when the Gurkha’s spilled out of the borders of nearby Nepal, they captured large tracts of present-day Himachal Pradesh. Bushair also fell into their hands and the infant ruler was scurried to safety in Kinnaur. With their growing power, the British intervened, the Gurkhas were expelled and the treaty of Sagauli was signed in 1815-16. Most of the original rulers were restored their seats, and the British presence in the area was firmly established.

Kinnaur relapsed into secluded splendor till the British Governor-General of India, Lord Dalhousie set about creating the ambitious Hindustan-Tibet Road in 1850. Dalhousie himself travelled to Kalpa, then called Chini, was enamored by the beauty and climate of the area.

With the coming of India’s independence in 1947 and the creation of the state of Himachal Pradesh in 1972, geographic isolation steadily eroded. Hydro projects, the spread of education and economic growth with scientific horticultural practices began bringing their own changes. Relaxation of the Inner Line Permits in the mid nineteen-nineties, Kinnaur was opened to tourism.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest Airport (267 km) and Railhead (244 km) is at Shimla. Shimla''s Jubbar Bhatti airport is the closest at 260 kms. From here make the 10 hour journey by road to Kalpa either by private taxi or bus.

Rail: Shimla is the closet railhead at 240 kms. Take a bus or hire a taxi to make the arduous but very picturesque drive up to Kalpa.

Road: The route is on NH - 22 (The Hindustan Tibet Road) which bifurcates to Kalpa from Powari. Buses and Taxis are available at Shimla and Rampur. One can also reach Kalpa via Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kunzam Pass - Kaza (400 km).

Shopping

The visitors can buy Kinnauri shawls and caps from the Handicrafts Emporium in Kalpa. Kalpa has earned its name because of good quality Chilgoza, which grow over here in abundance.

Take home Kinnauri shawls and caps from the Handicrafts Emporium in Kalpa. Kalpa has earned its name because of good quality Chilgoza, which grow over here in abundance.

Some shops in Recong Peo sell handicrafts and souvenirs. Kinnaur's elaborate silver jewelery, shawls, caps and footwear can be purchased.

Accommodation

You have the option of staying in luxury at the Circuit House (with permits) or in Himachal tourism camps and privately organized deluxe tents. The hotel Kinner Kailash is the most comfortable accommodation available here and has all modern amenities as it has been recently built. However it remains closed in the winter between December and March as it is too cold and the water pipes all freeze.

Attractions

Phulech Festival
The Phulech Festival is celebrated with great vigour in September/October. The local villagers collect flowers from the surrounding hilltops, and then offer them to the village deity and later these flower garlands are distributed among the people.

District
Kinnaur
STD Code
01786
Termperature
Summer 15-20°C, Winter 0-15°C
Best time to visit
June to October

Jubbal

Jubbal, on the banks of the River Pabbar, is a small scenic hill town near Shimla famous for its apple orchards and the Palace. The palace is a blend of European and Indian architechture and is beautifully located in the midst of hills.

Accessibility

Air: Jubbal Hatti airport connects Jubbal to Shimla. The services from this airport are scanty. Shimla is the nearby airport having regular flights to Delhi, which is at a distance of 90 km from Jubbal. Taxi cab fare is about Rs 2000. International travelers get connecting flight from Delhi International airport.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Shimla, which is at a distance of 90 km from Jubbal. Taxi cab fare is about Rs 2000. Shimla is connected to Delhi by rail.

Road: State owned buses touch Jubbal. Many private vehicles are available from Shimla to Jubbal.

District
Shimla
STD Code
02132
Termperature
Summer 15 to 20°C, Winter -4 to 15°C
Best time to visit
Apr - Jun, Sep - Nov

Joginder Nagar

Joginder Nagar, popularly known as The Electric City or The City of Powerhouses, is the terminal point of 163 km long Kangra Valley Narrow gauge rail head. It is the only town in Asia to have 3 hydro-electric power stations

History

In 1925, the enterprising Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi created and elaborate hydel power scheme near the village of Sukrahatti, which was then renamed Jogindernagar(also spelt as Joginder Nagar) after him. After tunnelling and piping the water over seeral kilometers from the river Uhl to Joginder Nagar, the Shanan powerhouse was built by a team of engineers headed by Col. Battye. Later, the H.P. State Electricity Board added another set of turbines at nearby Bassi.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airports are at GaggI (Kangra) and from the one at Bhuntar near Kullu the distance is 11km.

Road: Taxis and buses to Jogindernagar are available at all major stations.

Rail: Jogindernagar is the terminus of the narrow gauge rail track from Pathankot. It is 65 km by road from Kangra and 55 km from Mandi.

District
Mandi district
Topic
Best time to visit
May To October