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

Zurich - Switzerland

People always say that Switzerland is the most beautiful destination for tourism. The fact about this statement is the amazing spots with the natural and mankind beauty makes it different than other tourist places. Zurich city is one of the top most centers located in Europe continent. Lake Zurich is most demanding spot for lovers so the couples throughout the Zurich and other cities are reaching the spot regularly. Here the travelers can enjoy multicultural flair which attracts the visitors by serving them variety of relaxation activities. Attaining to this stunning city is quite easy comparing to other cities of Switzerland. Trains and planes are available from various parts of Switzerland, though people can hire private vehicles as well. Zurich international airport is well connected through world air bases so reaching to the place is easy through flights. Approximately 150 destinations are linked to Zurich by plenty of airlines. Around 370,000 population of Zurich is enjoying their life by spending time at holiday destinations.

Zurich is world-famous for club life in Switzerland. The late night parties and enjoying fun clubs are always open for their customers in Zurich. The finest feature of Zurich is the different events conducted for various people like gay party, ladies gathering, couple party and many other kind of events are managed particularly in Mascotte region. No official closing timings offered by local government allowed people to enjoy the life whole night. However, if the tourists are reaching to Zurich in summer then they have to enjoy the nightlife in clubs only, though few clubs are having open air party in night only. In these parties tourist can take pleasure of open bathe and flirt dance party.

Zurich is also known place for art and cultural events so travelers must plan their trip according to festive season of the place. Some key tourist destinations of Zurich are mentioned under:

Bahnhofstrasse: this is the first tourist spot where tourist can enjoy for 1 to 2 hours minimum. Here travelers will find high-end shops with fancy collection, which means tourist can do the shopping and take pleasure of local market of Zurich at this destination. Experts call this spot as most enjoyable destination of Zurich.

Old Town: people love nature should reach Old Town which is also known as Alstadt. Old town is first choice for sightseeing and people are reaching this center from around the corner of world. Here, tourist can learn about the history of the city as well. Tourist must not miss Fraumunster church which is again a finest in appearance. The spot is close to Bahnhofstrasse so tourist can easily reach the destination with no worries. The National Museum of Swiss is next best tourism spot of Zurich at old town. Tourist can easily spending 2 hours to half day at this place.

Zurichsee and Lake Promenade: next world tourist place of Zurich is Lake Gardens and Parks where travelers can easily spend the time from 2 hours to half day. Lower Lake known as Zurichsee is one more tourist spot where people can enjoy tangle of walkways.

Zurich Opera House: also known as Zuricher Opernhaus is next spot added to the attraction spots of Zurich. Here people can entertain themselves by nightlife, though 2 hours to half day is enough for fun.

Uetliberg: tourist requires half or full day to enjoy this spot. Here visitors can take pleasure of viewing the sea from 2,875 feet height. People have to walk for 10-minute only to reach the stop from railway station. The best food of Zurich is also available in big restaurants of the city located at Uetilberg. The playground for kids and hiking events are accessible too.

Zurich Toy Museum: next destination for tourist is toy museum where visitors can enjoy for 1 hour to 2 hours minimum. This museum is having townhouse located on 5^th floor. Maximum toys of the museum are expressing the knick-knacks of European children.

Zurich West: the next hot spot for visitors is Zurich West where spending 2 hours or half day is sufficient. People who want to see the modern look of Zurich city should reach the west.

Great Church: also known as Grossmunster where tourist can enjoy for minimum 1 hour. This spot is situated in Kreis 1.  

Some other known demanding tourist destinations in Zurich are Swiss National Museum, Zoological Garden, Rhine Falls, Museum of Art, Rietberg Museum, Friedhof Fluntern Cemetery, Church of Our Lady, Winterthur, Tonhalle Gesellschaft, Botanical Garden, and Foundation E. G. Buhrle Collection, and Beyer Museum of Time.

Mentioned spots are most visiting places where people can enjoy and make the holidays or vacations memorable. Few of the spots are free of charge such as Bahnhofstrasse, Old Town, Zurichsee and Lake Promenade, Zurich Toy Museum, Zurich West, Friedhof Fluntern, Church of Our Lady, Botanical Garden.

Many tourism companies are offering packages for the customers of Zurich. People can apply for the package to attain benefits through travel agencies. Few firms are giving discount and special offers to their customers so going through offer could be beneficial.

Attaining to Zurich:

By Air: Zurich is easily accessible through flights as the international airport of Switzerland is situated in Zurich. However, the airport is one of the busiest air heads so tourist might have to book flights in advance. Airport is situated in north city which is only 12 minutes distance by train to center city part. Trains are available frequently as tourist will get the train in every 15 min. Basel or Geneva are another two big air networks where tourist can reach to attain Zurich.

By Train or Road: going to Zurich is possible through train as well as by road. The clean and maintained roads of Switzerland allow visitors to reach the spot easily. Daily trains to reach Zurich from diverse cities of Switzerland are best option. Frequent trains and authorized buses are available from Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, and the Benelux countries to reach Zurich.

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.