Excursions

Pancheshwar

Location

The famous Chaumu Temple is located at Pancheswar near the confluence of two rivers, Saryuand and Mahakali. The spot where the rivers meet is considered sacred and is also the area where India meets its neighboring country Nepal.

The temple’s deity Chaumu is a form of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as it is believed to protect animals, which is one of the main wealth assets of the locals around here. The deity is offered milk and bells as a part of the offerings in return for its blessings. Villagers from the close by village of Sail come here in large numbers to give their offerings as well as during the time of the temple’s annual fair.

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Vanasur Kakila

Location

Vanasur Kakila is an isolated place of nature situated at the top of a hill and can be reached by trekking about 2 kms. Located about 9 kms from Lohaghat which is the nearest town to Abbott Mount, Vanasur Kakila is located at a height of 1859 meters above the sea level.

Vanasur Kakila also has a mythological connection as it is beleievd to be the capital of the demon Vanasur who was defeated by Lord Krishna in a face to face battle.

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Mana Village

Location

This village, located at a distance of 3 kms from Badri is the last Indian Village situated in the Indo-China Border and has gained historical importance on account of Vyas Caves. This village, located on the banks of River Saraswati (only place where this river can be seen) is very beautiful.

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Revdanda

Location

Revdanda is a village near Alibag, 17 km away from Alibag and 125 km away from Mumbai. It is also the location where St. Francis Xavier delivered one of his early sermons in India. The chapel still exists in a run down condition. The chapel is within the walled fort, on the south side and not far from the main road. There are many places to watch out in Revdanda. Revdanda is a historical place and resembles closely to the era of shivaji, though its not one the famous place in history related to shivaji.

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Manikaran

Location

Manikaran, 45 kms from Kulu and just 3 kms from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/balusss/4603071817/

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Marhi

Location

A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. 15 km. short of the 13,050 feet high Rohatang Pass on the Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturesque places in Manali region. Marhi - a mountain plateau surrounded by lush green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. The place remains a stopover for transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during the winter months.

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Kothi

Location

(12 km. ) A beautiful and quiet spot. The rest house here overlooks the narrow valley and commands views at the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a km. the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, 30 metres or more in depth. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in early annals of Kullu. This place is famous for movie picturisation and resting resort for poets, writers and lovers of peaceful environments. This is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the Rohtang pass, 12 kms. away from Manali town.

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Saligao

Location

Saligao is a village famous for an ancient Parish Church which is constructed in Gothic style. It is located at a distance of around 13.7 km from Bambolim and 6 km from Mapusa. From its original name of Salgaon, it was renamed as Saligao by the Portuguese. The name of the village is derived from two words ‘Sal’ that means wooded forest and ‘Gao’ meaning a village. The village is surrounded by coconut palms and paddy fields.

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Arpora

Location

Arpora is a village which is situated 9 km from Anjuna-Beach and is famous among visitors for its small beach. Tourists can have the sight of fishermen catching fishes, crabs, oysters, prawns and tiger prawns.

Sankavaddi Temple is the main Hindu temple in Arpora and is visited by tourists in large numbers. Moreover, St. Joseph High School, built by Brother William Robert Lyons in 1886, is one of the attractions of the place.

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Loutolim

Location

This is situated at a distance of around 10 km from Margao and has the Mario Miranda house as its prime highlight. Loutolim was conceived as and represents the village life of Goa as it was in the bygone era. There are huge lifesize figures, stone sculpture and large foot print that serve as a dance floors. There is also a restaurant where you can get a taste of the exotic Goan cuisine.

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