Ottawa - Canada

Ottawa is the 4^th biggest city serving as capital of Canada from years and years. This city of Ontario is popular tourist destination in the world. Tourist are attaining to Ottawa frequently to make their holiday moments special. Ottawa is situated close to Ottawa River with countless tourist attraction.

The city was originated in 1826 and named as Bytown, though it was renamed in 1855 as Ottawa. This city is having big political historical values in Canada. Experts also call the Ottawa city as technological head of the Canada.

Étienne Brule was the first person from European country who travel through Ottawa River and crossed the city in 1610. He was impressed by the beautiful and astonishing view of lakes. Different people reached this city at various intervals and named with different identifications. Some called the river as Kichi Sibi, some identified as Kichissippi which means amazing river.

Few amazing world tourist places of Ottawa are mentioned under:

Parliament Hill: this is the most stunning holiday destination of Ottawa placed on first position. The structure of Parliament of Canada, Ottawa are best neo-Gothic tourist can visit. The structure of building is sit intensely over the river Ottawa.

Byward Market: this market is identified as oldest public place of Canada. In ancient time the market was started as farmer's spot, though the city developed and market gets more advanced. Tourist will find every product of their choice in this market.

Parliament Hill - Changing of the Guard: visitors to Ottawa must not miss the ceremony conducted in late June till late August. This ceremony is led on Parliament Hill, even in bad weather conditions. To book the seat tourist should reach the spot early as they can.

Ottawa and area Museums: the next tourist destination of Ottawa is museums. The dedicated gallery to Canada’s military past allows visitors to learn about the heroes of the great country. The great war of 1880 is mentioned in this museum with structural and weapons collection.

Rideau Canal: this canal is discovered as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The finest part of canal is it starts or ends at River Ottawa. The canal is among the Parliament buildings east block to hotel Chateau Laurier.

National Art Gallery: spending time at the National Gallery could be another best thing in Ottawa. This best art gallery is the important destination of North America.

Views of Ottawa: the spot from where tourist can watch the complete city is Nepean point. The fantastic vision of Ottawa and the river is possible from this point. The vision of Parliament hill is also amazing from Nepean point.

Rideau Canal - Skating in winter: tourist reaching to Ottawa in should reach Rideau Canal as there are countless fun spots for visitors.

Ottawa and area Parks: nature lovers can attain to Major's Hill Park of Ottawa. Many professional people have given the compliment about this park.

Ottawa Locks: this best holiday spot of Ottawa is favorite destination for local people. Here tourist will get the experience of watching the shrieking water by standing oldest rocks of Canada.

Inside the Parliament Buildings: people enjoy reading should attain to library situated at Parliament. Here the tourist will get view of strong British effects. The outstanding interior of library makes it more special destination and must visit location of Ottawa.

General city Information Center: confused people can contact to TIC (Tourist Information center) for the city related information. This could be great help for new visitors of the city as they will attain the tourist spots information as well as importance of location. Travelers have to reach to Wellington Street to get general city info.

Few other known and best tourist spots of Ottawa are Sparks Street, Notre Dame Cathedral Churches, Rideau River, Canadian Tulip Festival, Winterlude, Hotel Chateau Laurier, Rideau Hall, Haunted Walks, National War Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Supreme Court of Canada, and National Arts Centre.

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