Omkareshwar - Holy Place of India

Omkareshwar is the sacred Indian tourist place famous for Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Omkareshwar is named as 12 honored Jyotirlinga of God Shiva. This shrine is placed on an island known as Mandhata (also recognized as Shivapuri). The flowing River Narmada is having huge holy values for Hindus. If you view the island from sky you will find the shape of island as ॐ (Om) symbol. Omkareshwar and Amareshwar are two mostly visited temples of this place.

Omkareshwar is the place where Lord Shiva and many other Hindu gods visited several time. Vindhya hills in North, Satpura forest in South and River Narmada in West are making this place most impressive for voyagers. In ancient period this tourist place of India was full of alligators and fish.

Attraction in Omkareshwar

Countless places are available here for voyagers but few of them are special. Some of the key destinations of Omkareshwar are described below:

Omkareshwar Temple: A shrine of Lord Shiva is first place to visit. This most popular holy spots is positioned on Mandhata Island. This shrine is linked in 12 Jyotirlinga of the world located at different places.

Kajal Rani Cave: Another famous spot for voyagers is cave of Kajal Rani. This cave is placed at only gap of 9 km from main temple Omkareshwar. This main tourist spot is offering amazing view of long stretched surrounding lands with greenery everywhere.

Siddhanath Temple: Next spot to visit is Siddhanath Temple of Lord Shiva. The structural design of this shrine is special as it is made of Brahmin style. Wow, you have to reach plateau to attain the temple. The huge podium with decorated carvings and wall painting makes this temple special then others.

Shri Omkar Mandhata Temple: You will be surprised there are countless holy places in Omkareshwar. Our next holy place is Omkar Mandhata Temple that is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga’s in India. This shrine is placed at the meeting point of River Narmada and Kaveri. The structural design is similar to Nagara style. This shrine of Lord Shiva is special destination and voyagers must reach the spot at occasion of Shiva Ratri the Indian festival.

Kedareshwar Temple: one more holy spot is Kedareshwar positioned close to Shri Omkar shrine. This ancient temple was constructed in 11^th era A.D.

Sri Govinda Bhagavatpada Cave: Do you love adventurous places then visit cave of Govinda Bhagavatpada that is linked to Sankaracharya the famous Saint of India. As per sources this place is major spot of Sankaracharya where he learned the Govind Bhagwatpad grantha.

Mamleshwar temple: Once you visit the Omkareshwar destination you must visit and take blessings of Lord Shiva at Mamleshwar temple. Move towards opposite bank of River Narmada to reach the temple.

24 Avatars: Next is 24 Avatars holy place positioned at Omkareshwar City. It is the group of Jain and Hindu temples with unique structural design. However, city faced the damages done by the Muslim ruler Mahmud Ghazni in 11^th century as he demolished countless Hindu temples during his ruling period.

There are many more temples and shrines in Omkareshwar so you need to plan your trip for longer than one week so that you can take blessings of many Hindu gods at same place. Some of the key temples of this destination are Satmatrika Temples, Ranmukteshwar temple, Gauri Somanth temple, Fanase Ghat and Peshawar Ghat.

Attaining to Omkareshwar:

As it is an island so reaching there through steamboats is good option. Devotees can reach the place through different ways. There are two connecting bridges on Narmada River which allow the visitors to reach the Omkareshwar temple.

By Air: The nearest Airport to Omkareshwar is Indore which is 77 km away from this island and the next airport is Ujjain which is situated at 133 km distant.

By Rail: Closest Railway Station is Omkareshwar Road which is 12 km from the city.

By Road: This holy place is connected with major cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh. Though, there are frequent bus services from Indore, Ujjain, Khandwa and Omkareshwar Road.

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.