Somasila Eco Tourism Place - Telangana (India)

 One of the Ecotourism places of India famous for night stay. We are talking about Somasila a destination located in the middle of the Krishna River. This green destination is surrounded by hills and rivers flowing from between two hills and connecting to different statuses is the most attractive spot here. 

Telangana government recently announced this place as the most charming nature polluted free location of the state. the amazing roads and greenery on this journey are enough to make the trip memorable. Somsila is just 180 km away from Hyderabad and the most convenient mode to reach is own vehicle. you can go by car or bike, though a bike ride is more preferred. some part is single lane but the road is good enough and you can easily cross if you are going on the bike. 

We planned the visit one day before our trip. as it was a sudden plan we did not get much time to prepare or arrange stuff to visit the place. we simply filled fuel and started the journey. after reaching 50 km we got a few natural beauty and clicked some photos. you will find farms, green hills, and curve roads while going to Somasila. We started early morning at 6 AM and reached the spot by 11 AM. However, it's just 180 km the route is so enchanting and energizing that you will stop and click photos everywhere.  

The biggest challenge we had was for food. We did not get a good restaurant or dhaba to eat and that was the big mistake we did. If you are planning to visit Somasila make sure you carry a good breakfast or eatable items as you will get very few options. the reason is Somasila is eco-friendly and the government doesn't want it to be crowded like other tourist places of India. We did not eat anything and just had a cup of tea and a biscuit. Once reached our destination we got Harita hotel that is again managed by the Telangana government. We had a good breakfast there and relaxed for some time. 

Now we had enough time to take bath in the Krishna river and move to our next plan. We decided for offroading and checking nearby tourist places. The journey begins with the closest temples and visited Venkateshwara temple which was relocated from one of the towns to Somasila. The biggest feature of this temple is it is exactly relocated with the same pillars and roof it was at the previous spot. 

Jungle Trek and Stay:

As it was a sudden plan we did not get a hotel booking. It is Haritha resort at Somsila and booking is only possible online. there is no option of reaching the spot and booking a room. The reason being we did not get a room for the stay. now the challenge was we thought of getting stay near the river and to check the night with open sky. we were not in a position to go back because of tiredness and sickness of road drive for 5 hours. we decided to stay and do some arrangements and luckily we got a camp tent for rent. 

Savvier for Us

We got a camp tent on lease for 500 INR for one night and it was sufficient for two members. Now we got a chance to place the tent near the river and in the core jungle. after offroading for around 5 km we back to our spot and thought of taking a rest in the tent. 

The next thing we did is arranged some drinks and a bonfire. It was a completely dark night and chilled weather but we decided to have beer during this cold season and enjoy the bonfire in the jungle. Everything was arranged and it was time to stay in the tent and relax. We had dinner at a reasonable cost and everything was served to our tent by the local people. 

It was the first night I stayed ever in the jungle that too in the tent. we were scared of snakes and tribes but luckily we did not face any difficulty. 

morning 6 am we started our journey back home and reached home by 12 PM. The day was over and we were simply memorizing the things we did. It was one of the best journeys to the small town and we enjoyed each part of our journey. 

If you are planned for Somasila make sure you arrange few things like if visiting in winter carry one jacket at least, carry a mat so that you can relax wherever you want. If you have your own tent carry it as it can be a more challenging stay for you rather than booking a room in the Haritha hotel. Make sure you carry good eatable items. If you want to stay in Haritha resort book your room two weeks advance online or else you will not get a room for the stay.  

10 Wonder Hill Stations of India

India is the land of religion, hill station, beaches and many more attractions. When the talk is about India’s beauty, then there are unbelievable attractions that are worth watching.

Hey, I feel there are very few people who are not Nature Lovers. What is your opinion about this concept?

If you love nature and adventure. Then you must definitely make an effort to visit these 10 amusing places for at least once in your lifetime.

Let’s start our tour of the beautiful and non-familiar hill stations of India:

Kangojodi: This is a hill station that is located at only distance of 496 km from Delhi. There pine trees all around. There is greenery all around. Just imagine, you are there for a holiday with your dear ones. Away from stress and worries. You can sense freshness all around you. This is a place away from pollution and dust. The specialty of this place is:

• A hub of scarce species.
• Awesome water falls.
• Nature’s charm like hills and valleys.
• No road's only green paths.
• An impeccable holiday spot.

Tirthan Valley of Kullu District: This is considered to be the amazing destination of the Himalayas. Here, you will not find many hotels, but there are cottages that will give you an adverse feeling. Imagine sitting in the surroundings of rivers, music and fire to prevent you from the rough climate. Here, the temperature is down the freezing point in the winter season that is from (October-January). If you love fishing, then this is a right place all fish hunters. Rafting is the water event that you can enjoy in Tirthan Valley. Overnight camping and river crossing are another two event that you can take pleasure of. Kullu is the nearest big station to reach Tirthan located at only distance of 50 km.

Churwadhar: One of the beautiful hill stations popular for a season visit is Churwadhar. April to October is the best period to reach Churwadhar. Another big hill station of India that is famous for world voyagers is Shimla that is just 90 km away from Churwadhar. Stay in this calm place and release all your mental pressure. The view of valleys and hills from the top is enough to make the moment memorable. Guest houses are available for accommodation. A Personal vehicle is a better option for visiting the valleys as there are countless natural beauty spots that you can miss if you go through local transport.

Tawang: Tawang is one of the top hill's stations turned as demanding destination located in Arunachal Pradesh State, India. The state is having many tourism places, but to protect them the local administration is not allowing voyagers to reach many towns. Tawang is one place that is famous because of several reasons. Experts suggest this place as hidden gem of India. A key attraction of Tawang:

• Monastery of Tawang is the world famous. The structure of this monastery is more than 400 years old. It is listed as one of the biggest Buddhist centers around the world.
• Splendid valley near the town: The lakes and valleys of Tawang are another reason that voyagers are attracting towards this place. We can say the town is not known to many people, and that’s why its beauty is still remained the same as it was in the ancient period.
• Shonga-Tser Lake: Created by nature after a big earthquake is the next place to visit in Tawang.

Pelling: peaceful snow-covered peak of Gangtok region is enough to take your breath away. Pelling is North-East hill station having charming beauty. The tallest peak of India and 2nd highest peak of world “Kanchenjunga” is visible to Pelling mounts. Trekking is the finest event of the place, though you have to start from Yuksom to have a close view of Kanchenjunga views. The town is holding several best spots like Pemayangtse Monastery, Kaluk, Dubdi Monastery, Rock Garden, Khecheopalri lake, KNP, Singshore Bridge and some more. 

RoopKund Lake: One of the most exciting places of India is a skeleton pond also known as Roopkund Lake. It is the mysterious pond and reaching there is really difficult. This cool place is all times covered with snow, and that is the reason you can still watch the skeletons of people tried to reach there. The place is having religious values of Indians as they believe Lord Shiva lives here. According to sources, approximately 600 skeletons are present on the lake. The average temperature of this place is below 0 degrees so surviving at such a cool place is difficult. You will get difficulty to reach Roopkund Lake, though there are travel agencies and trekking, companies that are taking the voyagers to Roopkund. If you have been breathing problem, then its better not to go such a hill station. The route to the skeleton pond is tough and going to a group is preferred instead of alone visits.

Kausani: Uttarakhand state of India is full of the best hill stations. Our next destination is a town of Uttarakhand known as Kausani. This is a small hill town having limited attractions. The father of the nation Mr. Mahatma Gandhi named this place as Switzerland of India. Images express more than words so view the best pictures of Kausani to learn why this town is so special. Key spots of this wonder destination area:

• Baijnath Temple: Shrine of Lord Shiva, located at 20 km distance from Kausani is one attraction point. From here you can enjoy 1 km straight trek towards Rudradhari (another hill station).
• Gandhi Ashram (also known as Anashakti Ashram): Bapu spent his memorable time at Kausani and wrote, “Anashakti Yog” book. Ashram is located on the peak of Kausani hills.
• Rudradhari Waterfall: This natural attraction is having some amazing caves as well. The place is having linked in mythological stories, so we can say Kausani is the religious town.
• Lakshmi Ashram: Furthermore, known as Sarla Ashram founded by Catherine Hillman a disciple of Bapu Mahatma Gandhi.

Malana: A station of hills also known as Little Greece is our next destination. Malana is a unique, and fewer popular tourist place famous for valley and natural scenery. Approximately 100 houses are there in Malana hills. Their major source of income is farming, and Malana cream is extremely planted throughout the area. However, this cream is nothing but a kind of drug known as Charas. People of Malana are not following the constitution of India. Malana is always a place of discussion as the local people think the town as an independent city. Their reaction towards Indians is not good, but they are not harming the voyagers. This could be a best trip of your life if you visit the Malana town. The reason behind such a feeling is they believe they are ancestors of the great Emperor Alexander.

• Green Valley: Don’t forget to attain to Green Valley of Malana. It is the memorable spot, and the couple will enjoy more at this destination.
• Jamula temple: After enjoying the Green Valley you can take the blessings of Jamul Rishi by visiting Jamula temple.

Sandakphu: India is having many best locations where travelers can enjoy various events. Trekking paradise, Sandakphu is a place having colorful scenery everywhere. Winter is a dangerous season of the place as the whole area gets covered in thick snow. The town is located at good altitude of 3636 meters from the sea level. It is established in Darjeeling region, which means travelers are getting one of the top places to visit on their vacations. You will be surprised when you come to know that Sandakphu is a home of poisonous plants. The peak of this hill station is having an aconite plant that is listed in most dangerous plants around the world. Singalila range is best trekking location within the town.

Zanskar Valley: A place that is full of adventure, danger spots and most freezing climates are Zanskar Valley. The nature made spots will definitely attract the voyagers to Zanskar. This valley town is located close to the Kargil border of Kashmir State. Abroad voyagers love Zanskar because there are countless dangerous trekking points that give the thrill of his or her life. Attaining spots of the town are:

• Padum: Green town of Zanskar region having attractive valley and dense forest.
• River and Valley: Cool water of river with high pressure and deep green valleys is prime attractions of Zanskar town.
• Drang-Drung Glacier: The beautiful glacier is closer to Suru Valley and Panzila watershed is the key attraction of this glacier.

Whichever hill station you go in India you will see the tea and coffee plantation in such areas. Most of the hill areas are earning revenues through tea or coffee business. You can easily visit the farms of such a plantation.

Indian destinations are appreciated by the abroad tourist. Not only hill stations, there are many other places to visit in India like religious spots, jungle and land areas that are special in their own category.

Hampi - India

A very well-known village Hampi of northern Karnataka state, India is turning as the first choice for spiritual people. This place is situated within the ruins of Vijayanagara. However, still its having religious importance because there are ample of temples surrounding the village. 

It becomes known because of destruction done by the district administration in July 2011. Many great parts of this village were destroyed by such management.

The name of this village is copied from Pampa that is the other name of Tunga Bhadra River. Hampi name is an anglicized form of the Kannada Hampe.

The past story of Village: Hampi is known with the chronological Kishkindha, According to Ramayana this place was the major spot during Vanara (monkey) Kingdom.

Hampi Village is one of the center areas of the Vijayanagara Empire between 1336 to 1565. It was at last laid siege to by the Muslim Deccan Union. People who have affection or want to learn hindu religion should visit this place as the big and huge architecture will help them to learn about the ancient hindu custom.

This small village is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The good distance of 353 kms from Bangalore and 74 km from Bellary could be the finest way to attain this place. Hosapete is the nearest railway station situated at 13 kms distant. Visitors must reach the place at the time of annual Vijayanagar Festivals which is organized by the Government of Karnataka. The fiesta is placed in November, and tourist can enjoy the event for complete 3 days.

Hampi is also a valuable place due to the availability of numerous mineral deposits such as iron-ore, manganese, etc. Removing such mineral is going on from many years. However, the increased demand of iron-ore in the international market developed the more popularity of this village. Because of this reason, this world heritage site at Hampi and the Tungabhadra Dam is now under danger.

Visiting places near Hampi

Vitthala temple is the one famous holy place containing musical pillars. The pillars are constructed according to Sargam, and the music comes from them is totally different than any other instrument.

Thungabhadra River: Viewing the big flowing water river is good spot. People will definitely like to spend some time at this river.

 

There are ample of other spots to visit like Achyutaraya Temple/Tiruvengalanatha Temple, The Kings’ balance, Akka Tangi Gudda, Anjeyanadri Hill, Anegondi, Aqueducts and Canals, Badava Linga, Uddana Veerabhadra temple, Chandramauleshwar Temple, The Underground Temple, Tungabhadra River, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala temple, Yeduru Basavanna, Archaeological Museum at Kamalapura, Zenana enclosure, Yantrodharaka Anjaneya temple, Virupapura, Madhavan Palace with 1,000,000 + pillars, Sasivekalu Ganesha, Elephant stables and Lotus temple.

Some of the known temples of Hampi:

This village has numerous prominent Hindu temples, some of which are yet lively places of adoration. Virupaksha Temple also known as Pampapathi temple is a Shiva shrine located in the main Bazaar. This shrine is old and it has the 160-foot high tower at entry.

Hazara Rama Temple: Actually, this is a ruined temple compound which is properly known for complex frescos from Hindu Mythologies. The thousands of carvings & messages on the wall will help the visitors to learn the story of Ramayana.

Krishna Temple: This is also a temple turned complex, and its restoration work is yet going on.

Vittala Temple: This most famous temple complex is among the ruins of Hampi. Floodlights have been configured in the complex which offers light in the evening.

Few Interesting Pictures of Hampi

Kashmir - India

Kashmir is a well-known north western region of the India. However, until mid-19th century Kashmir was denoted as the valley between the Great hills of Himalayas and the Pir Panjal Hills. Though, it is changed as the larger area which includes the Indian controlled state of Jammu and Kashmir. Somepart of Kashmir is administered by Pakistani and China.

Kashmir is turned as the vital center of Hinduism and Buddhism. As per record's Shah Mir was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir came into notice in 1349. He was the ruler who inaugurated the Swati dynasty or Salatin-i-Kashmir. After his rule, another the next five centuries were ruled by Muslim rulers. These five centuries include the Mughals, who came into action from 1526 to 1751. The last ruler group of Muslims in Kashmir was Afghan Durrani Empire, and their period was from 1747 to 1820. The Sikhs came into action in 1846, and the first Sikh ruler was Ranjit Singh.

Kashmir is the ancient Sanskrit word which means land of Kashyap Rishi. According to Hindu Granthas, Kashyap Rishi was Saraswat Brahmin. He was one of the Saptarshis, who played the vital role in founding and formalizing prehistoric Vedic Religion. Later other honourable Kashmiri Pandits named this valley as Kashmir.

Kashmir is always an outstanding experience and people are visiting this beautiful place every year. Experts say this place is heavenly blessed with lots of attractive spots. The main part of visiting Kashmir is it is open for complete year and visitors can enjoy any season at this place. The sheer nature and beauty containing snow, which gives the feeling of silver mountains is amazing. The huge variety of flora and fauna made this place heaven on earth. People who love nature or want to make their honeymoon special should visit Kashmir. The adventure seekers will also get lots of things in this valley as the big hills and flowing water allow them for trekking and rafting events. The majestic mountains, salubrious climate, romantic rivers, valleys with fully covered snow and amazingly designed Mughal gardens are best places to visit in Kashmir.

There are plenty of attractive places where visitors can enjoy and make their moment memorable. This hill station is having huge snow that means people can enjoy skiing and some other activities. 

Tourist Attractions in Kashmir:

Sonmarg: this is the spot having astonishing flower carpeted field, which is covered with beautiful glaciers, snowfields, miniature plateaus, islets and pines. Sonmarg is just 80 kms distant from Srinagar. This place added into the list of highest hill ranges of the world. The sparkling effects and amazing view of the valley from Sonmarg could be diverse experience for visitors. The adventures journey of the valley is also special.

Gulmarg: this world is made after combination of Gul and marg words. The meaning of both words is meadow of a flower. The green slopes and famous beautiful view of nature at Gulmarg are special. It is situated at Baramula district of J&K. The magical meadows with hill resort and snow clad peaks can give the feeling of heaven. Lots of Bollywood movies being made on Kashmir and many big projects are also made on such a beautiful place.

Pahalgam: this is another tourist attraction spot where people can enjoy the natural beauty. The Sheshnag Lake and Lidder River at Pahalgam are best areas to visit.

Srinagar: this is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir State of India. Srinagar is added into the list of most absorbing and fascinating cities of the world. The place is having lots of sacred pilgrimages, aromatic Mughal and beautiful lakes with lots of astonishing gardens. Dal and Wular Lake at Srinagar are special and people can enjoy the houseboats and many other things.

Houseboats: kasti, houseboats and small boats are famous for Kashmir. The beautiful lake with houseboats allows the people to live on water. The houseboats are available for different types, and the services provided such boats are also different. However, charges are varying according to boat and features offered by the boat owners. Many boats are even more luxurious then five-star hotels so visitors can select the houseboat according to their choice. 

Reach Kashmir through different ways:

By Air:

The airport to reach Kashmir is Srinagar. This airport is properly connected with Delhi and many states and cities of India. The frequent flight to Delhi through Jammu is also possible as various airlines are offering the flights from Kashmir to Delhi and other cities.

By Rail: 

Srinagar is the major station to reach Kashmir. The well-known train through out the country is Jammu Tawi and it is available from almost every city and state of India. Advance booking of ticket is available with this train and visitors can enjoy the journey with wonderful nature views throughout the journey. During the holidays or season visit, visitors will get some additional trains as well to reach Kashmir.

By Road: 

Kashmir is well-linked through roads as well. NH1A is connecting Srinagar to Jammu. The roads are clear and properly managed by BRO. The several sharp inclines and hairpin bends could be little dangerous but the journey through road is more excited and adventurous. The roads are maintained by the BRO (Border Roads Organization). Their responsibilities include cleaning the road of any obstructions caused due to natural causes like landslides or heavy snowfall. The world-known Jawahar Tunnel is one which connects Jammu to Kashmir Valley through Pir Panjal range. 

Vaishno Devi - Kashmir, India

Temple is the world-famous holy place for Hindus. This temple is devoted to Maa Shakti, situated in the mounts of Jammu & Kashmir. Vaishno Devi Mata is also recognized as Mata Rani & Vaishnavi. Vaishno Mata is the Mother Goddess of Hindus.

Katra is the nearest town of this temple and the only spot to reach Vaishno Mata Temple. Katra is in the district Reasi in the well-known state of India Jammu & Kashmir. This temple is one of the mainly respected places of adoration in India. This place of pilgrimage is situated at altitude of 5200 feet. The distance between Katra and Temple is around 14 kilometers. Roughly, 8 million devotees are reaching to this temple each year. This temple is the 2nd most visited spiritual place in India, after Tirupati in South India. Maintenance of the temple is done by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Indian railway has a link between Udhampur and Katra, which is being constructed to provide comfort to the visitors and pilgrimage. Closest airport to Katra is Jammu Airport, and visitors will get very high frequency of flights. Many domestic and international airlines are offering services to Jammu Airport.

As per Hindu epic, Mata Vaishno Devi was born in the south India in the residence of Ratnakar Sagar. Before the birth of child, Ratnakar swears one day that he will not interfere in the desire of child. The nick name of Ma Vaishno Devi was Trikuta. Afterward she was called as Vaishnavi as she took birth from Lord Vishnu's family. At the age of 9, she wanted her parents’ permission for doing reparation on the seaside. Vaishnavi prayed to Rama, who was the form of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama gave the name Vaishnavi to Trikuta and assured her that Lord Rama will take rebirth in Kaliyuga and marry her as Kalki.

Meanwhile, Lord Rama asked Vaishnavi to contemplate in the cavern established in the Trikuta Range of hills, located in North India. Rama gave Trikuta a bow and darts, monkey’s army and lion as her shield. Mata Vaishnavi determined to perceive 'Navratra' for the success of Lord Rama in opposition to Ravan.

Shree Dhar was the keen devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi, and he was residing in a town known as Hansali, which is just 2 kms distant from Katra.

Mata Vaishno temple is situated between big hills of Katra, and the Bhairav temple is another pleased holy spot for Hindus. History behind the Bhairav temple is Mata Vaishno forgive him for his bad works and granted the freedom from the series of rebirth. She grants him a benefit that every devotee had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple situated on the higher hills of Katra.

The way to the temple is vertical and entails extended walk climbing. Otherwise horses and palanquins are available too. From a last couple of years the Helicopter service is also started as a part of journey to the temple.

 Places to visit near Vaishno Devi Temple:

Banganga: This is the holy river known as Ganga. The chilled water of the river comes across the big hills allows pilgrims to take bath and move further.

Geeta Mandir: The next temple for a devotee is Geeta Mandir.

Charan Paduka: Charan Paduka means foot signs, and devotees can watch the signs of foot of Mata Vaishno in this temple.

Adhkuwari: this is the holy place again near to Katra, and visitors can visit the goddess temples at this place. This is also the beginning point of Mata Vaishno Devi Journey. Visitors can have food items at this spot and can enjoy the beautiful nature view. Lots of facilities such as medical aid, drinking water, free accommodation, blankets and many other services are available at Adhkuwari.

Sanjhichhat: visitors will see lots of natural views from different spots, and Sanjhichhat is one of them. This is the spot from where people can hire the helicopter to reach the temple without difficulties. The beautifully designed spot is the attractive place for visitors.

Ample of bhawan are developed near Mata Vaishno Devi's temple so devotees can take a rest in these bhawan before continuing the journey.

Lots of facilities are provided to the devotees by the concerned board of Mata Vaishno temple. So tourist can enjoy the natural beauty, as well as they can get blessings of Mata by visiting the temple.

Transport:

By Air: closest airport to Vaishno devi is Jammu, which located at just 50 km distance from Katra. Jammu is properly linked with lots of major airports of India such as Delhi, Srinagar and Ladhakh. Frequent flights of various domestic and international companies are available to reach Jammu.

By Train: closest station is Jammu and proper trains are available from various parts of the country. A direct train from Trivandrum is biggest route which connects the Jammu through numerous states of country.

By Bus: The JKSRTC (Jammu & Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation) buses are available for tourist to reach Jammu from where they can easily reach through taxi or other sources to Katra. Deluxe buses are also available for devotees to reach Katra and start their journey. 

Few Interesting Photos of Vaishno Devi Mata