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Faizabad

Faizabad, situated on the banks of River Ghagra (a small tributary of the Ganges), was founded in 1730 by the Nawab of Bengal, Ali Vardi Khan. Later Shuja-ud-daula declared it as the capital of the Kingdom of Awadh.

History

The earliest reference made to Faizabad is in the Ramayana, in which the city is referred to as 'Saket', the mythical private estate of King Dashrath, father of Lord Ram. However, more accurately, the reference is found in Medieval and Modern history, when Nawab Sa'adat Khan, Burhan-ul-Mulk was given the charge of the Subah (province) of Awadh (sometimes also spelled as Avadh) around 1722 by the Mughal Court. Nawab Sa'adat Khan made the first settlements along the banks of Ghaghra with a cantonment comprising of a fortress and mud barracks. Due to these temporary dwellings, Faizabad was first known as 'Bangla' (implied meaning- hutment). The city was developed later on by Sa'adat Khan's successor, Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula into a full fledged capital city, with gardens, palaces, markets , roads and other infrastructure. Under Shuja-ud-Daula's reign Faizabad achieved its culmination as an important centre of trade and commerce in northern India and attracted travellers, writers, merchants, artists and courtesans from sll over Europe and Asia. Shuja-ud-Daula also built a fortress on the banks of Saryu after he lost the battle of Buxar in 1764. however, this fort now is nothing more than a hummock.

Faizabad was also a centre of one of many battles of the Mutiny of 1857. A detailed history of Faizabad can be read in 'Tareekh-e-Farahbaksh', written by Mohd. Faiz Baksh, (after whom Faizabad is named) a courtier in the Shuja-ud-Daula's court. This book has been translated into English by Hamid Afaq Qureshi as 'Memoirs of Faizabad'. Faizabad also finds a prominent and detailed mention in 'Guzishta Lakhnau' written by Maulvi Abdul Halim 'Sharar'. The third nawab of Awadh, Nawab Asaf-ud-Dowlah (also, Asaf-ud-Daula), shifted the Capital of Avadh to Lucknow in 1775.

A section of people believe that the prominent Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary, Subash Chandra Bose spent his last days in Faizabad living icognito as a godman called 'Gumnami Baba'. This came under attention when 'Gumnami Baba' died in 1985 and was cremated secretively on the banks of river saryu (a memorial has been built at that place), in the dead of night, in the light of a motorcycle's headlight. Its also said that at the time of cremation his face was disfigured by acid to protect his identity. However, no government enquiry was launched into this matter and the identity of Gumnami Baba still remains an enigma.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Lucknow airport, which is about 130 km from Faizabad. It takes about Rs 2000 to cover this distance in a taxi. Lucknow is air connected with Delhi. Delhi is the major international airport nearby, which is connected many cities abroad.

Rail: Faizabad railway station is a major station connecting to Lucknow, Delhi, Varanasi and Allahabad. Faizabad is well connected by rail and any cities in India can be reached by trains from Faizabad.

Road: State road transport buses provide public bus facilities at a cheaper rate. Major cities like Varanasi (200 km), Allahabad (160 km) and Lucknow (130 km) are connected to Faizabad by private luxury buses, which charges about Rs 3 per kilometer distance.

District
Faizabad
STD Code
05278
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March

Bithoor

Bithoor, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is an important religious and historical town. According to Hindu mythology it is the place where Lord Brahma, the God of Creation, started creating world.

History

According to Hindu scriptures Lord Brahma came to Utpalaranya, as it was known then, for the creation of mankind. The place, which witnessed the creation of mankind, came to be known as Brahmavarta, or the seat of Brahma. Later Brahma installed a Shivalinga, worshipped today as Brahmeshwar Mahadeva at the principal Ghat of Bithoor, the Brahmavarta Ghat. A nail of a horseshoe, embedded in the steps of the ghat, is considered to be dropped from Brahma's horse while the horse was going for Ashwamedha Yajna; this is an object of special reverence for devotees. On the completion of the Yajna, the forests of Utpalaranya became known as Brahmavarta, from which the popular name Bithoor is derived. In later centuries Brahmavarta flourished as the capital of the kingdom of Utpalaranya, over which ruled the emperor Uttanpad. His son Dhruva made penance here in order to please Brahma. The place is pointed out to be Dhruva Teela.

There is a small pool inside Valmiki Ashram, famous as Sita-Kund. Sita 'Rasoi' (Sita's kitchen) is still preserved, near which stands 'Swarga Naseinee' or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination. The tower has about 48 steps leading to its top, surmounted by a cupola, where one can have a panoramic view of the entire area.

Accessibility

Air - Nearest airport is Chakuri Airport, Kanpur which does not have many scheduled flights. Lucknow is the nearest airport with regular flights to Delhi.

Rail - Kalyanpur is the nearest station, but serviced only by passenger trains, Kanpur Junction is the most suitable station for Bithoor. Some important trains that pass through Kanpur central railway station.

Road - Major road distances are : Kanpur - 22 km, Lucknow - 109 km, Agra - 308 km, Kannauj - 103 km, Sankisa - 166 km, Delhi - 430 km, Allahabad - 224 km, Ayodhya - 252 km

Shopping

Only souvenir items are available on the Ghats on the banks of the river Ganga for shopping at Bithoor.

District
Kanpur
STD Code
0512
Topic
Best time to visit
October to April
Famous For
well known for the Ghats on Ganges.

Barsana

Barsana is situated at the foot of a hill that is named after Lord Brahma.

History

It is a village near Mathura. Stories from the Hindu tradition relating to the deity, Krishna indicate that his favorite gopi, known as Radha, spent her childhood in Barsana[1]. The town is thus a site of pilgrimage for many followers of Vaishnavism, and especially Gaudiya Vaishnavism which reveres Radha as the most worshippable Goddess, or Shakti.

The town comes alive every Holi around March, when the Lath mar Holi is played here.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport from Mathura is Kheria (Agra), 62 kms.

Rail: The place is well connected by rail. Mathura is on the main lines of the central and western railways and is connected with all the major cities.

Road: A network of road transport connects the city to the important places. Mathura is well connected by motorable roads to important tourist centres and is 50-km away from Barsana.

Attractions

Lathmaar Holi

Barsana is also famous for its ‘lathmar- holi’ celebrations. On this day, there is an enmasse procession wherein married women practically beat their husbands with wooden sticks. This kind of celebration on the day of the festival of colours is unique to this town. Most of the monuments and edifices here have deteriorated with the advent of time. Still a few tanks do survive and can be seen, including the Prem Sarovar, Roop Sagar, Jal Mahal and the Bhanokhar Tank.

Radha-Ashtami
The birth anniversary of Radha-Rani is celebrated on the nineth day of the bright half of Bhadrapad (July-August) at the Mor-Kutir Temple, which was built about 300 years ago. Women celebrate the occasion by giving laddus to the peacocks- to symbolise the serving of sweets by Radha to Lord Krishna.

District
Mathura
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Lathmaar Holi

Bareilly

Bareilly, situated at the river side of Ramganga river, is a fast-growing city, also known as Bans-Bareilly because of finest work on bamboo. It is famous for Zari Zardozi work on clothes and furniture work.

History

Bareilly was founded at some point during the 1500s. The beginnings of the city are often traced back to a man named Jagat Singh Katehriya who founded a village called Jagtpur at the beginning of the century. His two sons, Bas Deo and Barel Deo were the founders of Bareilly. The city took the names of both brothers and became "Bans Bareilly". The name Jagatpur is still alive. It refers to one of the old sections (mohalla) of the city.

Bas Deo was killed during a revolt against Mughal rule but for a long time the area remained autonomous. That period only ended when the Mughals successfully overthrew the Afghan nobility in the region.

Power passed between clans such as the Rohillans and Avadh until the arrival of the British in the
region in 1801 led to the surrender of the whole of Rohilkhand,including Bareilly, to the East India Company. During the 1857 revolt against British rule, Bareilly played a central role, taking over the city for more than a year.

Eighty years later, Bareilly again played a key role in opposing the British. Ghandiji visited the city twice and demonstrations were frequent in the city.

Accessibility

By Air
The nearest airport from Bareilly is New Delhi that is 250 odd Kilometers. New Delhi has both international as well as domestic airport that is well connected to a range of cities in India and world. Several public as well as private carriers offer their service to and from Delhi. From Delhi, one can either hire a cab or take any train to Bareilly.

By Rail
Bareilly falls on the busy Delhi-Kolkata line and is therefore well connected to most of the destinations in Uttar Pradesh and India. The main railway station in Bareilly is Bareilly Cantonment Junction. The junction is well connected to cities like New Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Benaras, Jaipur, Kolkata and Mumbai through a cluster of super fast and express trains.

By Road
Bareilly is well connected to cities in Uttar Pradesh and around through a network of National and State Highways. The city has regular buses to destinations like Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Ghaziabad, New Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi. Both Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation as well as private parties ply buses to and from the city.

Shopping

The city is a major shopping hub for its special handicrafts, popularly known as Zari-Zardozi, which is a form of embroidery.This is one of the oldest tradition of the Bareilly District. People believe that the city is called 'Bans Bareilly' because of the fine bamboo craft. Cane and bamboo, and wooden furniture is also a speciality of the area. One can get these items in almost every corner of the Bazaar. Bareilly is the largest producer and exporter of camphor in India. Apart from this, Bareilly is famous for Surma (Collirium). The city has a number of small-scale industries that include Sugar processing and cotton ginning.

Bareilly is world wide famous for his Bamboo furniture work and Zari Zarkari work. You can get these items of bamboo in almost every corner of the Bazaar. Bareilly is also famous for its camphor industry (the city is largest producer and exporter of camphor in India). Surma is another product for which Bareilly is famous, so please don’t forget to buy such world famous products from the Bareilly Bazaar.

Bareilly is one of the most important commercial towns in India. Therefore it is not surprising that the city offers a range of product for the visitors to buy. These products can be bought at various places including plush malls that are coming up every year. As far as pricing is concerned, traditional bazaars such as Moufassil and Sadar are your best bets.

Bamboo products are your best bet in the city of Bareilly. Almost wherever you go in the city, you are ought to find some or other shop selling bamboo products. In fact, Bareilly is also sometimes referred as Bans-Bareilly (Bans in Hindi means Bamboo). Do buy a few decorative and handicraft item. Bareilly is also famous for its camphor industry. In fact, Bareilly is the largest producer and exporter of camphor in India. Do not forget to buy a few, as they will cost you much back there in Europe and America.

Bareilly is also famous for its Surma (Kohl). Kohl from the city of Bareilly is exported all over India and world. Do keep a few sashes before leaving town. Apart from that, Bareilly is famous for its furniture manufacturing all over the world. You can order for the shipments of any of the beautiful wooden furniture that catches your fancy.

District
Bareilly
Topic
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar
Famous For
Zari Zardozi work on clothes and furniture work

Varkala

State

Varkala is a coastal town, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. It is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These tertiary sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast, and is known among geologists as Varkala Formation and a geological monument as declared by the Geological Survey of India. There are numerous water spouts and spas on the sides of these cliffs.

History

It is believed that a Pandyan King was instructed by Lord Brahma to build a temple at this very place to redeem him of his sins. But several other myths abound on the birth of Varkala. Another legend goes like this - when a group of pilgrims approached Saint Narada and told him that they had sinned, Narada threw his valkalam ( a loin cloth made from the bark of a tree) and it landed at this scenic village and hence, the place came to be known as Varkala. Narada told the pilgrims to pray for their redemption at Papanasam, which literally means redemption from sins.

Accessibility

By Air: The closest airport from Varkala lies at Trivandrum, which is around 50 km away.

By Rail: Varkala is 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram by train and just 24 km south of Kollam.

By Road
: There are regular buses to/from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam that stop at Temple Junction.

Shopping

Shopping can be a pleasurable experience in Varkala. Traditional handicrafts of Kerala are available here such as horn carved products, products made of shells and oysters, spices, tea, coffee etc.

There are no shopping malls in Varkala but you can look forward to buying traditional handicrafts and artifacts here. The area is dotted with many little shops that sell handicrafts from all over Kerela. Look out for items made of coir while shopping in Varkala. Other popular items to pick up from here are coconut shell items, horn carved products, tea, coffee and aromatic spices.

Accommodation

In Varkala there is accommodation for the luxury as well as the budget traveller. The Taj Garden Retreat is a good option in the upper end category. For mid range and budget travellers, there are many budget hotels and wonderful home stays that are very comfortable and provide all basic amenities. Le Mangalath Ayurvedic Beach Resort and Hindustan Beach Resort are good mid range hotels while Raj Park Beach Resort and Preeth Beach Resort are good hotels to check out for the budget traveller.

With the exception of one four-star hotel and a tourist bungalow run by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), facilities for tourists are few.

Attractions

Arattu Festival
The Arattu festival at the Janadharnaswamy Temple is a huge festival celebrated here every year during Meenam (March-April). It is a ten day festival celebrated with lots of colour, grandeur and fascinating elephant processions. A must see if you''re visiting at that time of year.

Varkala Formations
Famous to Varkala are the prominent Varkala Formations, which are cliff shape arrangements adjacent to the Arabian Sea. This is the only place in Southern Kerala that exhibits such a unique geographical feature. The Geological Survey of India has rightly named it a geological monument of this age. These formations are a treat to the eyes and one will stand in awe of the beauty embodied in this sight.

District
Thiruvananthapuram
STD Code
0470
Termperature
Summer 22-40°C, Winter 12-33°C
Best time to visit
December to February
Famous For
Varkala is known for its magnificent waters and sunny seashore.

Tholpetty

State

Tholpetty, located in Kerala and close to the border of Karnataka, has a charming landscape with winding roads over extensive stretches of mountains, valleys and forests inter-mingling with green paddy fields.

A part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tholpetty is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere with varied species of flora and fauna. It also lies adjacent to Nagarhole Park in Karnataka.

The primary attraction of this village is the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The night camping experience on the shore of the lake with the park is highly popular.

History

Tholpetty does not figure much in South Indian / Kerala's history. However, for the locals, Tholpetty is important for it is here that the revered Malabar King, Pazhassi Raja (fondly called the "Lion of Kerala"), waged one of his wars against the Colonial British.

Pazhassi Raja was the king of the Kottayam Royal family (near modern day Thalassery, Kannur district) of the Malabar region during the last decades of the 1700's. He achieved the title Veera ("Brave") when he fought a guerilla war against British occupation.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode, which is about 120 km away from Tholpetty city. Karipur is connected to many cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Airline services are available from Karipur to many gulf countries, like Oman, Quatar, Kuwait and Saudi. Taxi services are available from the airport to Tholpetty costing about Rs 2500.

Rail: Nearest Railhead to Tholpetty is Kozhikode railway station, which is nearly 130 km away. Taxi services are available from railway station to Tholpetty costing about Rs 2500. Kozhikode is well connected to all major cities in India and regular direct train services are available from Kozhikode to Trivandrum, Kochi, Chennai and Bangalore.

Road: KSRTC buses connect Tholpetty with all nearby cities. Public super fast buses connect Tholpetty with Trivandrum, Mangalore and Kochi. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum up to Kozhikode.

District
Wayanad
STD Code
04935
Topic
Termperature
Summer 23-35°C, Winter 10-24°C
Best time to visit
September to May

Thekkedi

State

Thekkady is a beautiful place located in central Kerala. While you travel to Thekkady, you will see nature in its purest form. Uninterrupted rows of lush green trees, chirping birds, velvety hills and stunningly beautiful landscape are what make Thekkady a hot tourism center. Thekkady is famous for its Periyar wildlife sanctuary, which houses some really exotic species of birds, animals and plants. Thekkady is also an important trade center and exports a variety of rare Indian spices. A visit to Thekkady is a must if you are traveling to India.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Thekkady is Madurai, which is located at distance of 136 km away from Thekkady. Madurai is air connected to Chennai and Coimbatore. Nearest major international airport is Nedumbassery airport in Kochi, at a distance of 190 km way. Kochi airport is well connected to all cities in India and many cities abroad, including many gulf cities. Tourist taxi services are available from Kochi to Thekkady and charge is about Rs 4000.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kottayam, which is placed at a distance of 114 km from Thekkady. Taxi services are available from Kottayam to Thekkady at the rate of Rs 2500. Kottayam is well connected to all railway stations in India. All express trains towards Trivandum passes through Kottayam.

Road: KSRTC public transport buses connect Thekkady with other nearby cities. Super fast buses are regularly available from Kottayam, Kochi and Trivandrum to Thekkady. The charge is less than Rs 2 per km.

Accommodation

Some known hotels and cottages that provide accommodation at Thekkady include Lake Palace Thekkady, Taj Garden Retreat, Spice Village, Shalimar Spice Garden. These include the high budgeted ones. The economical class includes Hotel Ambadi, Periyar House, Hotel Kumily Gate, Michael's Inn, etc.

Things to do

Border Hiking: Border Hiking is a trekking program conducted on the high terrains of the forests ranging to heights of 1000 to 1200 meters. A group of 13 people comprising of 10 tourists, 2 guides and 1 armed guard begin trekking in the morning at 8.

During trekking, the guides that are reformed ex-poachers narrate their fascinating stories regarding encounter of wild lives. Their exceptional knowledge about the terrain, flora and fauna of the jungles will help the tourists to know much about the forest and wild life.

In a day, maximum two border hiking groups are taken into the forest. Only people between the age of 16 and 65 are allowed to participate in border hiking.

Nature Walk: Thekkady offers immense potential to various adventurous activities. Nature walking programmers are arranged regularly covering various trekking routes around 4 to 5 km.

Nature walk provides excellent opportunity to explore the nature in its own turf. Normally, nature walk routes pass through forests and grasslands providing unique experience of watching rare birds and other small wildlife.

Nature walk programs are conducted by forest department between 7.30 to 11 am and 2.30 to 3.30 pm usually, a batch consisting of maximum five people with a well trained guide go into jungles for nature walk. As the guide is always a local inhabitant of forests, they are well versed with the jungle routes and wildlife behavior.

District
Idukki District
STD Code
04865
Topic
Termperature
Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-32°C
Best time to visit
September to May

Thalassery

State

Thalassery is a Malayalam name and is also called as Tellicherry which is the anglicized form of Thalassery.
This town is the second largest city in North Malabar with a long coastline and four rivers flowing through it, of which one is Mayyazhi or Mahe river. Mahe river was named as the English channel as it separated the Brtish ruled Tellicherry town from French ruled Mahe town.

Thalassery can be referred to as the first town. It is the City of Cricket as cricket was first played by Indians here when introduced by Colonel Arthur Wellesley in 1800.

The first bakery in Kerala was found here- Mambally bakery is famous for its cakes since British times.

History

The British came to Kerala in the year 1682 and got the right to settle in Thalassery from Prince of Kollatunad, Vadakkilamkur. The costal town became a major commercial centre for trading spices during British rule and hence in 1708 they built the Thalassery fort to control the trade from town.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode, which is about 93 km away from Thalassery city. Karipur is connected to many cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. Airline services are available from Karipur to many gulf countries, like Oman, Quatar, Kuwait and Saudi. Taxi Services are available from the airport to Thalassery costing about Rs 2000.

Rail: Thalassery railway station is well connected to all major cities in India and regular direct train services are available from Thalassery to Kozhikode, Kannur, Trivandrum, Kochi, Chennai and Bangalore.

Road: KSRTC buses connect Thalassery with all nearby cities. Public super fast buses connect Thalassery with Trivandrum, Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kochi. Deluxe bus services are available from Bangalore, Chennai and Trivandrum upto Kozhikode bus stand, which is 70 km way.

District
Kannur district
STD Code
0490
Topic
Termperature
Summer 24-36°C, Winter 20-32°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Nelliyampathy

State

Nelliyampathy is a beautiful hill station in the state of Kerala, located near the town of Palakkad. This tourist hill station is located close to the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The region comprises of Nelliyampathy hills and mountains, which form a part of the majestic Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats, with gorgeous valleys interrupting its flow. Historians believe that a rich civilization was present in Nelliyampathy during the Tamil Sangam period.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore, which is nearly 140 km away from the Nelliyampathy. Coimbatore is well connected to all major cities in south India, including Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Tourist taxi from airport to Nelliyamapthy costs about Rs 3000.

Rail: Palakkad, at a distance of about 75 km away from Nelliyampathy, is the nearest railway station. Palakkad junction (Olavakkode) is an important station and the trains have stop at Palakkad and from there one can take a taxi to reach Nelliampathy. Taxi costs about Rs 1500.

Road: Most of the south Indian cities are connected to Nelliampathy by bus. Tourist buses as well as State owned buses provide services from cities like Trichur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Guruvayoor, Cochin and Trivandrum. From Palakkad to Nelliampathy buses run on regular intervals.

Things to do

Trekking: Nelliyampathy’s hilly terrain and thick forest provides immense opportunities for trekkers. As most of the hills have a height ranging from 500 meters to 1600 meters, they provide tremendous potentials for trekkers to explore the terrain and forests. Padagiri peak is an excellent place for trekking.

There is a base camp at Kaikatty where trekking and camping facilities are provided. Forest department’s guesthouses also provide trekking facilities and local guides for accompanying the trekkers. During the trekking trials tourist can enjoy the flora and fauna of Nelliyampathy forests and also have an opportunity to watch wildlife and birds.

District
Palakkad
STD Code
0491
Topic
Termperature
Summer 20-35°, Winter 16-28°C
Best time to visit
September to May

Malampuzha

State

Malampuzha is one of the important tourist places in Kerala, located in Palakkad district, just 12 km away from Palakkad town. It is named after the river which flows through it. Malampuzha is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. Major tourist attractions here are Malampuzha Garden, Malampuzha dam, the snake park, telescopic tower, rock garden and passenger ropeway.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Coimbatore, which is 55 km away and taxi fare is about Rs 1000. Nearest major airport is Cochin International airport which is about 160 km away. Taxi services are available from airport to Malampuzha which cost about Rs 3000. Cochin airport is well connected with all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Nearest rail head is Palakkad junction, which is just 5 km away from Malampuzha. Palakkad is an important railway station which is well connected with all cities in India. Taxi from Palakkad to Malampuzha costs about a minimum charge of Rs 150.

Road: Malampuzha is connected to other cities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by state government public transport buses. Many deluxe buses are plying between Palakkad and other major cities, including Chennai, Trivandrum, Cochin, and Bangalore.

Attractions

Udan Khatola: The Udan Khatola is one of the most loved attraction at Malampuzha Gardens. It is the only Passenger Ropeway in South India and is a unique and impressive way to survey the scenery below. This ropeway allows you to travel above the garden, at a height of 60 feet. This height allows you to have a fantastic look at the green garden below, but also of the impressive Western Ghats. The ride is very safe and takes twenty minutes. The ride has two-seater chairs which are 64 in number. These have transparent hoods that provide both clear view of Malampuzha Gardens and safety as well. The cost for a ride ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 150, depending on your situation.

District
Palakkad district
STD Code
0491
Topic
Termperature
Summer 20-36°C, Winter 16-28°C
Best time to visit
Oct - May