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Kozhikode or Calicut

State

Kozhikode, also called the biryani capital of Kerala, is an idyllic location between the Arabian Sea and the Wayanad Hills. It is of great significance as a major trade centre of Kerala. It was here that the first Portugese trader, Vasco Da Gama landed. The trade of silk and spices, which was started off by the Portugese, the Arabs, the Chinese and the Dutch goes on even today.

History

Kozhikode was earlier known as Calicut which was an angilised form of Kalikut. According to some scholars, prominently K V Krishnan Iyer, the name implies koyil (palace) Kodu (fortified). Also, the quality cotton, calico (origin of the name Calicut) is believed to have originated here.

As for the history of Kozikode is concerned, not much is known about its earlier part. During the Sangam age, the district of Kozhikode formed a part of the mighty Chera Empire and was significant in building up Kerala's relation with outside world. Post Sangam age was the Dark Age of South India. Very little is known about Calicut during this period. In the 9th century, Kozhikode formed a part of the second Chera Empire and continued so till 1122 AD. This was the time when the Chera Empire lost its power and the kingdom split up into independent districts called 'nadus'. Important among them were districts like Ernad and Polanad. Calicut was, at this time, a part of the Polanad district ruled by the Porlarthris. The Ernad district was under the Udaiyavar who had their headquarters at Nediyiruppu. The Udaiyavar were keen to have an access to sea and for this reason they waged a war against the Porlarthris for 48 long years. Finally, they succeeded in their attempt and managed to capture the area around Ponniankara. A fort was constructed at place called Velapuram giving birth to the city of Kozhikode. Subsequently, the Udaiyavar were renamed Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad and then, with the passage of time became Samuri or Samuthiri. For the Europeans, they were the Zamorin. The place around the fort was called Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence the name of the place became Kozhikode.

By this time, Calicut was established as a leading spice trading centre on the western coast. It was the Zamorin ruler himself who received the famous Portugese sailor, Vasco da gama as he set his feet in Kozhikode in May 1498. With his arrival, Calicut was thrown open to the world as an important spice trading centre. There were traders - Russian, Chinese, Dutch and finally the British from all over the world coming to Calicut for a profitable deal.

In 1766, Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikode and came into conflict with the Britishers. Disputes continued till 1792 when after the Third Anglo Mysore War, the territory of Kozhikode along with its surrounding area was given away to the British by Tipu Sultan. The newly acquired territories of Malabar Coast became the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency. Calicut was designated its capital. Post independence, the Madras Presidency was turned into Madras state. It was only in 1956, when the Indian states were being reorganized on the basis of language ,that Kerala (consisting of Malabar district and Travancore-Cochin) came into existence. The Malabar district was segregated into separate district of Kannur, Kozhikode and Palakkad a year later.

Today, Kozhikode is a progressive trade centre of India and a tourists destination as well.

Accessibility

By Air: The Airport in Kozhikode, the Karipur International Airport, is at a distance of 23 km from Kozhikode town.

By Rail: Kozhikode railway station is well connected to all major cities in India.

By Road: KSRTC buses of Kerala state and Karnataka state connect Kozhikode to many cities in Kerala and the neighboring states.

Shopping

This is the home of Calico, soft printed cotton that got its name from this town (Calicut). Predictably Kozhikode is a major centre for garment export. Hand woven textiles from Kozhikode are very attractive. Local handicraft includes rosewood and sandalwood carving.

Once in Calicut, you would definitely want to buy something to remind you of this beautiful place. Shopping in Calicut is a good experience as there are many small souvenirs to choose from. Once you check out the local markets, you will know what to buy in Kozhikode. In Calicut, shopping places are limited to just a couple of main roads. Unlike big cities, the mall culture is unheard of and new to this place. So read on further to know where to shop in Calicut.

The busiest shopping place in Kozhikode is the S.M Street. The name is essentially short for Sweetmeat Street as there used to be lots of sweetmeat shops lined up on this road since ancient times. Calicut is famous for its local handicraft stuff like rosewood items and carvings, artifacts made out of buffalo horn carvings, coir products and small models of snake boats. The most frequented places to buy this stuff are at Big Bazaar on the SM street and CSI at Mananchira.

There is also a wholesale market of spices at the Court road. Handloom fabrics are sold right near its factory at the Comtrust Store. Cottons are a specialty of this place and try buying some cotton clothes from the SM road. There is a Comtrust weaving center in a place called Beypore, which is 11 kilometers away from Calicut. You can buy cotton stuff from there also. For buying books, you can try the Touring Book Shop on the SM Street. You can also go to Pai's at the Kallai road.

Sweet Street (Mithai Theravu): One of the advantages of the Calicut region in India is definitely its many waterscapes, natural habitats, and trekking environments that are found there. Perhaps Vellari Mala is the best of them all as it offers a perfect natural environment that must be seen and experienced by expert trekkers. In addition, the presence of water falls in Vellari Mala definitely makes up for its shortcomings, but in general, there are many trekking and hiking routes one can take over there. Of course, when Vellari Mala is mentioned then the velvet landscapes must be mentioned as well. However, it is dangerous to trek at night in Vellari Mala.

Accommodation

Some of the major hotels in Kozhikode, offering an impressive blend of tradition and modernity, are Sea Queen Hotel, Taj Residency, Kadavu Resorts, Fortune Hotel, Malabar Mansion, etc.

Operating in the city are some established star and budget hotels. Some card carrying ones include:
Taj Residency (5 star), Fortune Hotel Welcome Group (4 star), Hotel Malabar Palace (4 star), Hotel Heritage (3 star), Hotel Regency (budget), Calicut Tower (budget), etc

Attractions

Backwaters: If you are looking for an interesting holiday option then Backwaters is your place. Backwaters has a very enchanting value hat can be appreciated by water and nature lovers. It is a connection plateau of many different lakes, rivers, deltas and irrigation canals that converge in a plateau. It is also still used as a means of transportation in between the villages that are situated there. You can take a ride in one of the traditional house boats on the rivers in the Backwaters region. There are many places that you can explore on your own and there are lots of opportunities for water sports there.

District
Kozhikode District
STD Code
0495
Termperature
Summer 24-36°C, Winter 20-32°C
Best time to visit
September to May
Famous For
Backwaters

Bekal

State

Bekal is often referred to as a health resort that specialises in the rejuvenation of the mind and the body,top on the charts of Kerala tourism.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27524247@N02/2609562043/

History

Bekal was under the sovereignty of Kolathunadu when it became an important maritime centre and an important port town of Thulunadu (old Kasaragod district). Later, realising the political and economic importance of Thulunadu, many laudatory chieftains successively attacked and annexed this part of the country. The economic importance of the port town prompted the Jeheri Nayak dynasty to fortify Bekal.

The Bekal Fort was completed speedily during the period of Sivappa Nayak to defend the port from overseas attack. The Chandragiri Fort near Kasaragod was also constructed during this period.

It is believed that the “Kotteyar” community found in Bekal, Panayal and other places in Kasaragod were brought here by the Nayaks to build and defend the forts. Bekal subsequently fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans.

It then served as an important military station of Tipu Sultan when he led the great military expedition to Malabar. Coins and other artifacts unearthed by archeologist’s excavation at the Bekal Fort are an indication of the occupancy of the Mysore Sultans.

Years later, the East India Company made Bekal the headquarters of the newly organised Bekal Taluk of the South Canara District of Bombay Presidency. South Canara then became a part of the Madras Presidency in 1862 and Kasaragod Taluk was set up in place of Bekal Taluk. Gradually the political and economic importance of Bekal and its port declined considerably.

Kasaragod became part of Kerala with the State reorganisation in 1956.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Bakel is Mangalore domestic terminal, 50 km from Bekal. Nearest International airport is Karipur (Kozhikode), 180 km away from Bekal.

By Rail: Nearest major railway stations are Kasargod and Kanhangad, both are about 12 km away from Bekal.

By Road: Nearest towns are Kanhangad and Kasargod, both are about 12 km away.

Things to do

Houseboat Cruise: A cruise with the palm decorated waterways of Malabar in a sumptuous houseboat is the most astounding place to rejoice the holiday trip. Kerala offers its tourists people to delight in and take pleasure of their stay in the comfortably designed houseboats. The houseboats are the exciting reflexion of its antecedents, the Kettuvallom. The groundwork of these houseboats is made purely autochthonic and comfortable to handle. The major limelight of this houseboat is – they are no way lesser to the star hotels while considering the comfort and merriment. With sophisticatedly designed and grandly floored, the houseboat offers you a wide variety of bedrooms such as single, double and triple.

River Cruises
It is possible to take a leisurely cruise along the Chandragiri River and visit many of its green islands.

Trekking
Trek at Ranipuram, 750m above sea level, amongst the thick greenery to watch birds and small animals.

District
Kasargod
STD Code
04994
Topic
Termperature
Summer 22-35°C, Winter 20-25°C
Best time to visit
September to March
Famous For
Backwaters, Beaches

Ranchi

State

Ranchi, also called as Kishunpur earlier, is surrounded by many popular waterfalls and thus is also nicknamed as “City of Waterfalls and Lakes and Forest”. It was once the summer capital of the state of Bihar. The place derived its name from the word “Archi” which is an Oraon/ Kurukh word for farmer’s baton in use while ploughing. It has a hilly topography and its combination with dense tropical forests ensures that it enjoys a comparatively moderate climate compared to the rest of the state.

History

The geographical area currently comprising the district of Ranchi was ruled by the Kshatriya rulers named hanimukut and was in the direct control of the kings of the epic period of the Mahabharata such as Jarasandh, the king of Rajgir. However Lord Krishna was believed to have a loose control over the territory.
Magadha Empire exercised indirect control over the territory, which lasted until the reign of the Ashoka. Kalinga rulers are believed to have ravaged the region during their expeditions to Rajgir and Pataliputra. Armies of Samudra Gupta passed through the region on their expedition to Deccan. After the decline of the Guptas, Phanimukut established the Kingdom of Chhotanagpur. The legendary Phanimukut, which literally means the crown of the cobra, was found by the side of a cobra (Nag in Hindi), and grew to be an industrious king, and founded the Nag Dynasty, which ruled Ranchi district and a larger part of Chota Nagpur Plateau as a sovereign king for almost next 1000 years.
With the expansion of the Mughal Empire, the sovereign status of the Nag Dynasty was technically affected, but they continued to rule and administer independently until the advent of the East India Company. During the period of the British Raj, adivasis and the local population of other ethnic backgrounds of Ranchi and other regions currently comprising the State of Jharkhand continued to oppose the subjugation by the British, and the region witnessed a number of uprisings and revolts.

Accessibility

Air: Ranchi is well linked to important airports in India, including Patna, Delhi and Kolkata. Ranchi airport is located at Hinoo, nearly 7 km away from the city center. Kolkata is the nearest International airport, which is well connected to many cities in India and abroad. Kolkata is about 400 km from Ranchi and tourist pre-paid taxi charges about Rs 7500 from Kolkata to Ranchi.

Rail: Ranchi railhead is well connected to important cities all over the country. Nearest station Hatia is a terminal station and many express trains starts from Haiti and have stop at Ranchi.

Road: Ranchi is well linked with many cities in Jharkand by state road transport corporation buses. The cities Bokaro (110 km), Chaibasa (130 km), Dhanbad (170 km), Patna (340 km) and Jamshedpur (140 km) are all connected to Ranchi. Tourist bus services are available from Kolkata to Ranchi costing about Rs 1200.

Shopping

Shopping in Ranchi is a pleasant experience, you will find everything of daily use in the markets of the city. Some of the specialties of Ranchi include handicrafts, handlooms, jewelleries and textiles etc. Ranchi also has a number of branded shopping outlets where you can buy clothes, shoes and many other items.

Accommodation

Most of the hotels in Ranchi are along or just off the main road. Sufficient accommodation options are available in Ranchi and you will not face any type of difficulty while staying in these hotels. Some of the noted hotels of Ranchi include Yuvraj Palace, Ranchi Ashok, Hotel Amrit, Hotel Barsa Vihar, Hotel Embassy, Hotel Highland Inn, Kwality Inn, Hotel Arya etc.

District
Ranchi district
STD Code
0651
Topic
Termperature
Summer 16-36°C, Winter 1-38°C
Best time to visit
September to May
Famous For
Capital of Jharkhand

Jamshedpur

State

Jamshedpur, popularly known as "The steel city", is the largest urban conglomeration in the state. It is located on the Chota Nagpur plateau and is surrounded by the beautiful Dalma Hills. The city is bordered by the rivers Subarnarekha and Kharkai on the north and west parts of the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tatanagar_dimna_lake.jpg

History

Jamshedpur history provides detailed information on the establishment of the first industrial unit of Iron and Steel Plant in India and the industrial progress of the country. The modern city of Jamshedpur is the brain child of Sri Jamshetji Nusserwanji Tata who was the main force behind the industrial revolution of India.

Jamshetji Tata had set up the industrial unit of Tata Iron and Steel Plant in Jamshedpur. However, after the demise of the founder leader of Tata Iron and Steel Plant, Sri Jamshetji Nusserwanji Tata, his unfulfilled dream was finally realized by his eldest son, Sri Dorabji Tata who led to the further expansion of the business establishment. Sri Dorabji Tata had built the modern city of Sakchi that was later renamed as Jamshedpur.

Sri Dorabji’s brother, Sri Ratan Tata took part in the Indian freedom Struggle. He believed that India can attain her cherished dream of becoming an industrially progressive country, only when the country is freed of foreign rule and oppression. After independence, Sri Ratan Tata diverted his attention to the well being of the company and Tata Iron and Steel Plant became one of the pioneering companies of the world under his guidance. The industrial city of Jamshedpur became one of the developed cities of India.

The reins of the company went to Sri Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata after the death of Sri Ratan Tata. Sri Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata had further led to the modernization and beautification of Jamshedpur. He had constructed new roads for improving the transportation system of the industrial city. Sri Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhai Tata also constructed several gardens and recreational parks for entertainment of the citizens of Jamshedpur.

The modern city of Jamshedpur bears relics to the rich industrial history of our country.

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport to Jamshedpur is Ranchi, which a domestic terminal at a distance of nearly 150 km. Ranchi is connected to Kolkata with regular flights. Ranchi to Jamshedpur pre-paid taxi is available, charging nearly Rs 2500. Nearest major airport is Kolkata which is about 296 km from Jamshedpur. Kolkata is connected with most of the major cities in India and abroad.

Rail: Railway Station in Jamshedpur, known as Tatanagar, is well connected with other major cities. Direct trains to Jamshedpur are available from many stations including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati and Trivandrum.

Road: State owned transport bus services are available from Jamshedpur connecting all nearby cities. Volvo bus services are available from Kolkata to Jamshedpur. The fare for covering this distance (296 km) is about Rs 1000.

Shopping

Jamshedpur is a good place for shopping. You will find everything from A to Z in the markets of Jamshedpur. The city has a number of shops selling clothes, shoes, electronic gadgets and several other items. Most important markets of Jamshedpur include Bistupur, Sakchi Bazaar, Azad market, Plaza market, Kadma market, Kharangajhar, Agrico, Baridih market etc.

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodation options are available in Jamshedpur ranging from luxury hotels to budget hotels. Equipped with the modern amenities the hotels of Jamshedpur provides a comfortable stay to guests. Some of the popular hotels of the city are Fortune Hotel Centre Point, Adityapur Guest House, Hotel Castle, Gangotri Hotel, Hotel Chankya, Hotel Grand, Hotel Hill View, Hotel Maharaja, Hotel Prakash, Hotel Vasundhra, Mansarover Hotel, The Boulevard Hotel, The Regent etc.

Centre Point Hotel, Bistupur Road, Tel. # 431324.
Hotel Siddhartha , Bistupur Road, Tel. # 433008.
The Kanchan, Aam Bagari, Sakchi, Tel. # 435329.
Midtown, Bistupur, Tel. # 435329.

Attractions

Keenan Stadium :
This cricket stadium has been acknowledged by many visiting cricket teams as one of the finest in the country.

Tata Football Academy :
India's first football academy has an ultra modern gymnasium and imparts training based on international techniques to budding young footballers. The hostel in the sports complex can accommodate some 500 persons.

J.R.D. Tata Sports Complex :
This magnificent complex has an international size football ground with an eight-lane monosynthetic track. This is one of the best sports complex in India. Facilities for handball, volleyball, hockey and table tennis and a modern gymnasium are available at the complex. Based here, are the Tata Chess Centre and the Tata Archery Academy.

Tata Steel Adventure Foundation :
The Foundation provides scope for a wide variety of adventure sports, such as rock climbing, river rafting, para sailing, etc. The 40-old adventure club has kept itself abreast with popular activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a number of other private clubs offering a variety of sporting activities such as golf, tennis, squash, billiards, horse riding etc.

Tribal Culture Centre :
The Centre showcases the ethos of our indigenous peoples. Besides imparting vocational training, it also organises tribal festivals and cultural programmes. The other sites that attract the tourists are Tata Steel Zoological Park, the confluence point of the Kharkai and Subarnarekha rivers.

Things to do

Gliding And Flying Clubs :
Offering wide scope for 'extra terrestrial' sporting activities, such as gliding and flying, The Jamshedpur Gliding Club, the Jamshedpur Co-operative Flying Club Ltd. and the Tatanagar Aviation Pvt. Ltd. are bound to enliven the spirits of the adventure enthusiasts. Jamshedpur has facilites for gliding and flying at the Sonari airport.

District
East Singhbhum district
STD Code
0657
Termperature
Summer 16-40°C, Winter 1-28°C
Best time to visit
September to May

Hazaribagh

State

Hazaribagh, nestling in low hilly terrain, is famous as a health resort and for Hazaribagh National Park (17 km from city). It is located in the north eastern region of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau and is counted amongst the top hill resorts in India, famous for its calm and peaceful nature.

History

Hazaribagh town and its panoramic view mesmerize all its visitors and tourists. Historians claim that there is an interesting history of Hazaribagh. Thus the history of this town dates back to as early as the eighteenth century. It was formed in the year 1790 as a cantonment town. At that time it was a part of Ramgarh district. Then in the year 1834 it has gained the status of being a district headquarter. However it retained its status of cantonment till the year 1884. One advantage of being a cantonment town is that large portion of the town was formed following a plan.

Boddam Bazar is the name of this portion of the town, which has been christened after the officer who established its foundation. Quite a number of English men have built their settlements in Hazaribagh at the time of British era. They constructed huge “bungalow type houses”, most of which have got slanting roofs. They were renowned for their hunting skills.

The Hazaribagh Central Jail, a landmark, also has got its place in the rich history of Hazaribagh. During the Indian Freedom struggle, eminent personalities were imprisoned and were taken into this jail. Dr rajendra Prasad, who became the first president of India, was also prisoner of this jail. Another prisoner is Jayaprakash Narayan. He was a distinguished leader and was arrested and then took into this jail. It was during Quit India Movement that was held in the year 1942. Legend says that he had a blood escape from the prison fooling the security. The localities also helped heim to escape.

Accessibility

Rail: Nearest railway station is Koderma which is 59 kms away or alternately one can apporach the National Park from Hazaribagh Road railway station (67 kms) on the Howarh-Delhi Grand Chord line.

Road: Hazaribagh town is connected by road to Ranchi 91 kms, Dhanbad 128 kms, Gaya 130 kms, Patna 235 kms, Daltonganj 198 kms, Calcutta (via Asansol-Govindapur-Barhi) 434 kms.

Bus: The Hazaribagh National Park is 19 kms from the Hazaribag town. Regular bus services connect the town with Koderma, Hazaribagh Road rly station, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Dalotongunj and other nearby places.

Accommodation

Tourist Bungalow, Hazaribagh : Reservation Manager, TB.
BSTDC Forest Rest House, D.F.O.
Hazaribagh Rest House, with canteen inside the sanctuary: D.F.O., Hazaribagh.
Besides there are many hotels in the town.

District
Hazaribagh district
STD Code
06546
Topic
Best time to visit
October to April

Deoghar (Jharkhand)

State

Deoghar, also known as "Baidyanath Dham", is an ancient town famous for its group of 22 temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, one of the twelve Shiva Jyothirlingams (Baidyanath Dham) in India and also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. It is regarded as one of the calmest and unexplored city providing eternal feelings to mind and body. Mahashivaratri is a major festival season in Deoghar.

History

The earlier history found that Deoghar was ruled by the last Gupta Emperor Adityasena Gupta, in the 8th century A.D. The Baidyanath dham temple has been famous since then. Later Deoghar region was ruled by Mughal. In early 18th century Maharaja of Gidhaur lost the region from Nawab of Birbhum, which was later recaptured by Maharaja of Gidhaur. In 1857, British became the ruler of the region after defeating Nawab of Sirajudaula. After independence of India it became a part of free country.

Accessibility

Air: Closest airport to Deoghar is at Patna, at a distance of 281 km from Deoghar city. Patna is air connected well with other major cities in India. Taxi cabs are available from Patna to Deoghar charging about Rs 3,000.

Rail: The railway station in Deoghar is at Baidyanath Dham, at a distance of 7 km from the heart of the city. It is a terminal station.

Road: Deoghar is well connected by buses to Patna 281 km, Calcutta 373 km, Madhupur 57 km, Giridih 112 km, Dumka 67 km and Shimultala 53 km. Regular bus services are available from all nearby cities to Deoghar.

Shopping

Shopping Centres: Bihar State Handloom Emporium; Santhal Parganas Gramodyog Samittee; Santhal Parganas Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan.

District
Deoghar District
STD Code
06432
Termperature
Summer 16-36°C, Winter 1-28°C
Best time to visit
September to February

Bokaro

State

Bokaro, situated on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau, is an Industrial city and is the home of the largest steel plant in India. It has vast rolling topography of the city is typical, strewn by graded valleys and winding streams.

History

Formerly there was a village named Maraphari(it is also pronounced as Marafari) deep in the jungles of Chota Nagpur. The closest village cluster was Chas. Purulia was the closest town and the area was ruled by the Maharaja of Kashipur. Folk lores have it that this area came under Mughal rule by the conquests of Man Singh. The region was named ManBhoom after him (VeerBhoom and SinghBhoom are the neighbouring regions also named after him, Veer Man Singh).
This remote place came into prominence when Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru planned to build the first swadeshi steel plant with the help of the Soviets. The proximity to coal, iron ore, manganese, and other raw materials had helped in the selection of this place. The steel plant was originally incorporated as a limited company on 29 January 1964, and was later merged with SAIL and came to be known as Bokaro Steel Limited(BSL). The late 1960s and early 1970s saw heavy construction of the steel plant as well as the township. The first blast furnace started on 2 October 1972.
The Sector III and Camp I and II were the first to come in the township followed by Sectors II, IX, IV and so on. The first private school came in the form of St. Xavier's School which the Jesuits from Hazaribagh built on invitation from the BSL management. The 1980s saw rapid development of the township with new sectors coming up, new schools, parks, zoos and other public amenities coming up. Township development ceased with the completion of IV/F and IV/G. In all Bokaro Steel City consists of 12 sectors out of which sectors VII & X do not exist.
The late 1990s saw sprucing up of the City Park and creation of islands, new schools and the success of Bokaro's students in all India level competition exams, specially IIT's. During this period Bokaro also emerged as the eastern hub for academics. Bokaro also boasts of having a unique cosmopolitan culture as the population consists of people belonging to all parts of India.

Accessibility

Air: There is no direct air connection but SAIL is having a private air belt at Bokaro.

Rail: Bokaro is near Dhanbad, which is on the main Delhi-Howrah railway line.

Road: Well connected with all the major cities by good motor able roads.

Accommodation

Bokaro Hotel, Bokaro, Tel # 40873.
Hotel Blue Diamond, Naya More, Bokaro, Tel # 40299 / 40277 / 40155.
Hotel Classic, Sector - 4, City Centre, Tel # 42216 / 42448.
Hotel Hans Regency, Sector - 1, Near Ram Mandir, Tel # 40896 / 40899
Hotel Hill Top, Sector - 4, City Centre, Tel # 47198 Hotel Linkas, Near Ram Mandir, Bokaro, Tel # 40896 / 40902

District
Bokaro District
STD Code
06542
Topic
Best time to visit
September to February
Famous For
Bokaro Steel Plant

Tuljapur

State

Tuljapur, a marvelous pilgrimage center, is home to a famous temple, Tulja Bhavani Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Bhavani. It a peaceful city settled on the hills Yamunachala on the ranges of the Sahayadri region.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vijay_chennupati/6095561351/

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport to Tuljapur is at Pune. Pune is well connected by flights to the major cities in India.

By Rail: Nearest railway station to Tuljapur is at Solapur, at a distance of 45 km away. Solapur is well connected to all major railway stations through broad gauge.

By Road: State owned transport buses ply between Tuljapur and the nearest cities. The city is connected to Pune, Osmanabad (25 km), Mumbai (350 km), Nagpur (560 km) and Solapur (45 km) by buses.

District
Osmanabad
STD Code
02471
Termperature
Summer 32-45°C, Winter 15-28°C
Best time to visit
October to March

Tarkarli

State

Tarkarli is little fishing village with a long narrow stretch of beach situated on the confluence of the Karli river and Arabian sea. This village is famous for its Ramnavmi Utsav. It has close proximity to Sindhudurg fort built by Shivaji Maharaj in a very strategic location to help keep enemies away.

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adityapednekar/3203444158/

Accessibility

Air: Nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa, which is about 190 km away from Tarkarli. Pre paid taxi services are available from airport to Tarkarli costing about Rs 3500. Dabolim is air connected to Mumbai, Belagum and Bangalore.

Rail: Nearest railway station is Kudal which is about 45 km away and is in the Konkan rail line. Taxi fare from Kudal to Tarkarli is about Rs 800. Kudal is connected by trains to Mumbai and Pune.

Road: Tarkarli is easily accessible from Malvan, which is just 6 km away. Malvan is well connected by state owned bus services and private tourist bus services from many cities in and around. The buses are connected to Mumbai (440 km), Kolhapur (160 km), Belgaum (175 km) and Panjim (175 km).

District
Sindhudurg
STD Code
02365
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March

Shrivardhan

State

Shrivardhan is a city, developed into a seaside resort, along with the nearby town of Harihareshwar, which also has a Shiva temple.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/khalilsawant/2677129282/

History

This is an ancient town whose history dating back to 200 years old tells us glorious tales of the Martha warriors in their fight to maintain the Hindari Swaraj.

The Bhats of Shrivardhan later became popular as the Peshwas and therefore Shrivardhan is considered the hometown of the Peshwas. The famous Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath was born here and chosen as the 1st Peshwa by Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj.

The Peshwas ruled the Maratha kingdom on behalf of the Maratha Kings for over a century till the British came and took over.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 185 km away from Shrivardhan, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shrivardhan and costs about Rs 4000.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon, which is 45 km away from Shrivardhan and this railway station in Konkan rail is well connected to Pune and Mumbai.

Road: Shrivardhan is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Buses connect Mumbai (185 km), Pune (180 km), Harihareshwar (20 km) and Panavel (125 km). Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Shrivardhan to many cities in the State including Mumbai and Pune. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

District
Raigad
Location
along the central Konkan coastline
STD Code
02147
Topic
Best time to visit
October to March