Beautiful Places to Visit in Valsad, Gujarat, India

Beautiful Places to Visit in Valsad, Gujarat, India

Valsad was earlier known as Bulsar is a city situated in Valsad district in Gujarat State, India. It is located about 355 kms south of sate capital Gandhinagar and about 339 kms south of commercial capital Ahmedabad. Valsad is physically placed between latitude 20.63° in the north and longitude 72.93° in the east and is situated about 13 meters from the mean level of sea. Valsad District occupies an area of 5,244 sq. km. and the Postal Code of Valsad begins from 396001.

Navsari District touches the border of Valsad District in the north, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south, Nashik district of Maharashtra towards east, Daman district in Daman and Diu on the west and Thane district of Maharashtra to the southeast.

Valsad is famous for Alphonso Mango or Haafus mango and mango production is the major economy source of the natives. Also the town houses numerous chemicals, textiles, and paper & pulp industries. Valsad is home to several top educational institutions like G.V.D. Sarvjanik High School, Bai Ava Bai High School and Saraswati International School.

 

Etymology of Valsad:

The literal meaning of Valsad in Gujarati language is ‘vad-saal’ means ‘hampered by banyan trees’’. It is believed that because of the larger existence of banyan trees in Valsad, it is known as Valsad.

Connectivity to Valsad:

National Highway 8 passes through Valsad connects it with Mumbai, Surat and other main cities of the state and nearby states. There are ample numbers of government vehicles passing between Valsad and its surrounding regions. Valsad Town Bus Stand is the major bus stand of the city and also one can easily access buses from other local bus stops.

Valsad Railway Station is located on Mumbai-Vadodara route of Western Railways within the city. Surat Airport is the closest airport to Valsad placed at a distance of 95 kms.

 

Visitor magnetisms near Valsad:

Dharampur:

Dharampur is an ancient town positioned on the banks of Swargavahini River about 29 kms from Valsad. The town has European style Rajya Rohan Gate and Greek style statues. It is believed that King Dharma Dev founded Dharampur in 1764.

Dharampur is home to plenty of tourist attractions like Anglo Vernacular School, Pramod Bhavan, Mohan Vilas Palace, Lady Wilson Museum, Japanese Garden, Wilson Hill and Radha Krishna Temple.

 

Tithal Beach:

Tithal Beach is a best weekend picnic spot situated about 6 kms away from Valsad city centre. It is located in the vicinity of Shri Sai Baba Temple and Shri Swami Narayan Temple. Near the beach several Indian and Chinese restaurants are situated and different Gujarati Snacks like bhajiya, dabeli and bhel chaat available in the local shops.

Numerous luxury government buses ply near the beach and the nearest railway station accessible to Tithal Beach is Valsad Railway Station.

 

Shri Sai Baba Temple:

Shri Sai Baba Temple is a prominent worship place at Valsad attracts pilgrims from all round the state for its holiness. It is sited just 1.5 km away from Tithal Beach and there is daily pooja organized in the temple.

 

Shri Swami Narayan Temple:

Shri Swami Narayan Temple is located around 2 km away from Tithal Beach and about 7 km from Valsad City. The temple is very famous for its stunning designs and grand construction.     

 

Tadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir:

Tadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and has several Shivalaingas. One of the specialty of the temple is the temple has no roof and in day time, the light of the sun always touches the Shivalinga.

 

The list of other tourist places near Valsad:

  • Unai
  • Gandhibagh
  • Wilson Hill
  • Iranshah Atash Behram
  • Saifee Villa Museum
  • Radha Krishna Temple
  • Ubharat Beach
  • Parnera Hill
  • Kalai Beach
  • Lady Wilson Museum
  • Dastoor Meherjirana Library
  • Somnath Mahadev Museum

 

Ideal time to visit Valsad:

During the months of June and July is the best time to reach Valsad, where the natural spots become lush green and beach looks fabulous.

 

Accommodation options in and around Valsad:

Due to the presence of beautiful beach and top worship places, there are numerous south Indian, North Indian, Chinese and other foreign style hotels established all around Valsad. They provide car parking, pick up and drop facility to airport, doctor on call and air ticket booking facility. The list of top hotels in Valsad is as follows:

  • Hotel Navchetan
  • The Country Club Resort
  • Adina Palace Hotel
  • Gateway Hotel
  • Mansarovar Hotel
  • Silver Hotel
  • Amrapali Guest House
  • Rahi Guest House
  • Amrapali Guest House
  • Ramesh Guest House

Places to Visit in Tuticorin, Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India

Places to Visit in Tuticorin, Thoothukudi, Tamilnadu, India

Tuticorin also called as Thoothukudi is a port city situated in Thoothukudi District in Tamilnadu State in India. It is popularly known as’ Pearl City’ located about 590 kms south of state capital Chennai. Thoothukudi City is the administrative headquarters of Thoothukudi District covering an area of 90.663 sq. km.

Tuticorin is located between 8.81°N latitude and 78.14° E longitude and is placed at an elevation of 4 meters. The Postal Code of Tuticorin begins from 628001. Thoothukudi District is surrounded by Virudhunagar District in the north, Tirunelveli district on the west and Ramanathapuram district towards northeast.

Tuticorin is major educational hub of the state houses 2 engineering colleges, 1 medical college, 117 schools, several commerce and polytechnic colleges. Tuticorin is a highly emerging city home to numerous small and medium scale industries like Venus Home Appliances, VVD Coconut Oil and Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals.

 

History of Tuticorin:

Tuticorin witnessed the rule of famous dynasties of the country and foreign as well. Tuticorin was ruled by Medieval Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar Empire, Carnatic Kingdom, Madurai Nayaks, Portuguese, Dutch and British East India Company earlier. Tuticorin District came into existence on 20 October 1986.

 

Culture of Tuticorin:

Tuticorin has a strong cultural background. The prime ancient worship places of Tuticorin include Shiva Temple and Our Lady of Snow Church. The festivals celebrated during Adi Amavasai and Sasti in Shiva Temple with huge splendor and the church festival is celebrated on August every year.

Tuticorin is populated with all religion people like Muslim, Hindu and Christian. Tamil is the widely spoken language in Tuticorin. Other than Tamil, the natives speak nearby states languages like Telugu, Malayalam, Urdu and Hindi.

 

How to reach Tuticorin?

Tuticorin has good connectivity with all around the state through well maintained road infrastructure, railway and air facility. National Highway 45B and 7A passes through Tuticorin connects it with all the major cities of the state and nearby states as well. TSRTC operates bus services from Tuticorin city to main towns of the district and the state.

There are daily bus services accessible to Ernakulam, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Bangalore and Trivandrum from Tuticorin City Bus Stand. Tuticorin Railway Station is about 8 km the city centre and Tuticorin Airport is situated in Vagaikulam about 18 km from Tuticorin City.

 

Places to see in Tuticorin:

 

Kalugumalai:

Kalugumalai is a town well known for its ancient Jain Cave Temple. Tourists can see the rock cut icons of Mahaveera, Parvanatha, Bahubali and Adinatha in Kalugumalai. Also Kalugumalai houses Murugan temple, Pandyan Monolith Cave Temple and Vattuvan Koil.

 

Tiruchendur Temple:

Tiruchendur Temple also called as Thiruchendur Murugan Kovil is located in Thiruchendur. During the time of Vasanthothsavam, Skandha Sashti, Brahmothsavam, Visaka Visakam and Aavanipperunthirunaal there are grand cultural events organized in Tiruchendur Temple.

 

Ottapidaram:

Ottapidaram is a historical place and is the home town of Chidambaram, the great freedom fighter from this region. Now the residence of Chidambaram has been converted into a memorial.

 

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary:

Kalakadu Wildlife Sanctuary spans over an area of 223 sq. km and houses different types of flora and fauna. It is home to Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, langur, nilgiri tahr, sambar, sloth bear, gaur, tigers, wild dog, pangolin and flying squirrel.

 

Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary:

Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary occupies an area of 567 sq. km. of forest land. It is home to variety of animals like Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, langur, nilgiri tahr, sambar, sloth bear, flying squirrel, panther and lion tailed macaque. Between October and January is the ideal time to visit Mundanthurai Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Other tourist attractions in and around Tuticorin include:

  • Manapad
  • Ettaiyapuram Palace
  • Tuticorin Port
  • Kattabomman Memorial Fort
  • The Basilica of a Lady of Snows
  • Panchalankurichi
  • Athichanallur
  • Sri Vaikuntam Temple
  • Paniya Matha Church
  • Sivan Kovil
  • Sri Sankara Rameshwarar Temple

 

Best time to visit Tuticorin:

During the months of winter season, especially between January and March is the ideal time to trip Tuticorin, because of its healthy weather.

 

Accommodation Options in Tuticorin:

Tuticorin houses different class of hotels like budgeted, mid range and star hotels. The list of prominent hotels situated in Tuticorin are:

  • GRT Regency
  • Sathya Park and Resort
  • Geetha International Hotel
  • Raj Hotel
  • DSF Grand Plaza Hotel
  • Poppys Hotel
  • Soma Hotel
  • Jony International Hotel
  • Sugam Hotel
  • Chitra Hotel
  • Vishaka Hotel
  • SRM Hotel Tuticorin
  • M G S Sri Kannan Palace Hotel
  • Guru Lodge
  • Ram Hotel
  • Alwin Hotel

Best Tourist Places in Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu, India

Best Tourist Places in Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu, India

Tiruchirapalli also known as Trichy is a popular city and the district headquarters of Tiruchirapalli District in the India state of Tamilnadu located about 326 kms southwest of state capital Chennai. Tiruchirapalli physically sited at 10°48′18″ N latitude and 78°41′08″ E longitude and is positioned at an altitude of 88 meters. The Pin Code of Tiruchirapalli is 620001.

Tiruchirapalli covers an area of 146 sq. km. and shares its borders with Salem district in the north, Karur district towards West, Sivaganga district to the south, Madurai district on the southwest and Thanjavur District on the east.

Because of the larger manufactures of commercial equipments Tiruchirapalli is popularly termed as ‘The Power Tools Fabrication Capital of India’. Also Tiruchirapalli is home to several top industries include Ordnance Factory Tiruchirapalli, Golden Rock Railway Workshop and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. Bharathidasan University and Anna University of Technology are the prime universities of Tiruchirapalli.

 

Etymology and History of Tiruchirapalli:

Tiruchirapalli was earlier known as Trishirapuram gets its name from the combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Trishira’ means ‘three heads’ and ‘Puram’ means ‘town’. Another theory states that the name Tiruchirapalli derives from ‘Chiruta-palli’ means ‘little town’.

Cholas Dynasty ruled Tiruchirapalli during the 14th century, followed by Cholas, several dynasties ruled Tiruchirapalli including the Delhi Sultans, Vijayanagar Empire, Mysore Dynasty, French and the British East India Company.

 

Food, Culture and Shopping in Tiruchirapalli:

Tiruchirapalli is locally called as Tiruchiite. Tiruchirapalli is a temple town houses numerous famous temples like Vayalur Murugan Temple, Vekkaliamman Temple and Kulumandi Amman Temple. The natives celebrate Aadi Perukku, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Tamil New Year and Pongal with great enthusiasm.

Carnatic music is very famous in Tiruchirapalli. Also the locals have the knowledge about textile weaving, leather-work and gem cutting. The wooden idols of Hindu gods and goddesses are available at affordable cost in the local shops and during the fairs.

Food at Tiruchirapalli is similar to other regions of Tamilnadu and the nearby states. Idiyappam, uthappam, paal paniyaram are the popular vegetarian dishes and Chicken Biryani, Chicken Kabab and mutton curry are the special non vegetarian dishes in Tiruchirapalli.

 

How to reach Tiruchirapalli?

Tiruchirapalli is well connected with two important cities of the state Chennai and Coimbatore through National Highway 45 and National Highway 67. There are frequent buses to main cities accessible from Tiruchirapalli City Bus Stand.

Tiruchirapalli is served by Tiruchirapalli International Airport with flights to South-East Asia and the Middle East countries situated 5 km away from the heart of the city. Tiruchirapalli Town Railway Station is placed just few kms away from the city.

 

Places to see in Tiruchirapalli:

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple:

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the major attraction of Tiruchirapalli spread over an area of 156 acres. This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Elaborated gateway, 21 Gopurams and a corridor with 1000 pillars are the interesting facts of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. The tower of the temple heights 196 feet.

 

Rock Fort:

Rock Fort is a prime magnetism of Tiruchirapalli and is believed that this fort is more than 2000 years older. The fort is home to a temple of Lord Ganapathi named as Uchipillaiyar Koil. The temple has idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh. The water tank near temple is also a must see.

 

St. John’s Church:

St John’s Church is an ancient historical church constructed by British in 1812. It is well known for its stunning architecture and is at near proximity with another top attraction, St. Joseph’s Church.

 

Murugan Temple & Sanctuary:

Murugan Temple and Sanctuary are located about 30 km from the heart of Tiruchirapalli. This temple is devoted to Lord Muruga and the statues of Kashyapa and Narad Muni are well designed. There are plenty of peacocks seen near Murugan Temple.

 

Other top tourist attractions in Tiruchirapalli are:

  • Tiruvanaikkaval Temple
  • Maariamman Temple

 

Best time to visit Tiruchirapalli:

From October to March is the ideal time to visit Tiruchirapalli, while the climate remains very pleasant, cool and favorable for holiday.

 

Accommodation options in Tiruchirapalli:

The budgeted and luxury hotels situated in Tiruchirapalli are listed below:

  • S N Towers
  • Pavai Tower
  • Vasantha Bhavan
  • Surya Guest House
  • Sri Rengaa Pilgrims House
  • Sri Maruti Pilgrims House
  • Hotel Femina
  • Hotel Grand Gardenia
  • Breeze Residency
  • Hotel Sangam
  • Ramyas Hotels Pvt Ltd
  • S R M Hotel
  • Hotel Ashby
  • Mathura Hotel
  • Selvam Lodge

Tourist Places to Visit in Zangskar, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Tourist Places to Visit in Zangskar, Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Zangskar also known as Zanskar is a sub district or Taluk of Kargil District in Jammu and Kashmir State in India, geographically situated between latitude 33°29′ in the north and longitude 76°50′ in the east. Zanskar Range separates Zanskar Town from Ladakh and is located at an altitude of about 6,000 meters.

Zangskar has an area of 7,000 sq. km. and is positioned at an elevation between 3,500 and 7,000 meters. Zanskar forest region is home to animals like bear, wolf, snow leopard, kiang, bharal, wild sheep, lammergeyer and marmot. Domestic animals like yak, dzo, sheep, horse, and dog can be seen in the villages of Zangskar.

 

Etymology and History of Zangskar:

It is believed that Zanskar derives its name from Tibetan word ‘Zang’ means ‘copper’. Another theory states that, Zanskar draw its name from ‘Zan-mKhar’ means ‘food palace’. Zanskar is also called as Zangs-mkhar, Zangs-dkar, Zanskaris and Zangs-skar. It is said that Zangskar was inherited population from Kazakhstan, Tibet and China.

 

Culture and Shopping in Zangskar:

Zanskar Skad is the local language and widely spoken language in Zangskar. Stod skad, Zhung skad, Sham skad, Lungna skad, Hindi and Urdu are other languages spoken in Zangskar. Most of the people living in Zangskar are Muslims and Buddhists. Zanskar is home to Sani Monastery, Bardan Monastery, Phugtal Monastery, Rangdum Monastery and Likir Monastery.

Zanskar is famous for handicraft products, clothes, carpets, ropes, and bed covers. In recent years, Zanskar has got modern touch to its shopping sector. Due to the visit of huge number of tourists from all over the country, several modern shopping centres have started their operations all over Zanskar.

 

Connectivity to Zangskar:

Private vehicles are very helpful to reach nearby regions and the major towns of the state. There are few buses plying between Zangskar and its nearby regions. Tourists can use their own vehicles to reach different tourist destinations of Zangskar and this is also a best option for travelling.

Jammu Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Zanskar located at a distance of about 746 kms. Leh Airport is one of the major airports of the state and also a closest airport to Zanskar placed about 460 kms.

 

Places to see in Zangskar:

 

Padum:

Padum is a popular hill station and was the capital of earlier Zanskar. It is positioned at an altitude of 3,505 meters from the mean level of sea. Padum Valley is located just near Padum and the greenery of Padum gives an unforgettable feel to the tourists. 10th century Starrimo Monastery is situated in the vicinity of Padum Hill Station.

 

Zanskar River:

Zanskar River also called as Tsarap Chu flows between U-shaped valleys. Tsarap Chu is the tributary of Zanskar River. Zanskar River flows near Abring and the Padam, due to this these two villages are best viewpoint to watch the flow of Zanskar River.

 

Drang-Drung Glacier:

Drang-Drung Glacier is positioned on the Panzila dividing line in the region of Ladakh. It is surrounded by snow enclosed summits and 2 beautiful lakes. Drang-Drung Glacier is situated near Panzila Top, Doda River.

 

Karsha:

Karsha is a small village in near proximity with Zanskar. Karsha Monastery is the major attraction of Karsha Village and was constructed during the 10th century by Phagspa Shesrab. Also the village is home to Dorje Dzong and Chukshik-jal Temples.

 

Pipiting:

Pipiting is a village in Zanskar famous for its stupa and numerous historical temples. Sani Monastery is located in Pipiting built by Emperor Kanishka. Pipiting Gompa is also one of the favorite places of tourists well known for its frescos, paintings and the statue of Saint Padmasambhava.

 

The list of other tourist places in and around Zangskar include:

  • Khurana River
  • Zanskar Valley
  • Rangdum Monastery
  • Mulbekh Monastery
  • Shargole Monastery
  • Phokar

 

 

Best time to visit Zangskar:

During the months of summer is the best time to visit Zangskar because of its tourist friendly weather.

 

Accommodation options in and around Zangskar:

Hotels located in Zanskar and Kargil City have all the major facilities like conference hall, car parking, hot water bath, internet connectivity, doctor on call and very good electricity. The major hotels located in Zanskar and Kargil are as follows:

  • Hotel Siachen
  • Hotel Greenland
  • Carvan Sarai Hotel
  • D’zojilla Hotel
  • The Kargil Continental
  • Hotel PC Palace
  • The Kargil Residency
  • Naktul Hotel
  • Marjina Hotel
  • Jan Palace
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