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Top Tourist Places in Kovalam and Poovar, Kerala, India

Top Tourist Places in Kovalam and Poovar, Kerala, India

Kovalam are known for their beaches which is approx 16 kms away from the state capital city Thiruvanathapuram. True to its name, Kovalam contains grove of coconut trees and often it also referred by “Paradise of the South”. Many locals and foreigners visit the beach which is a popular tourist spot in Thiruvanathapuram.

Kovalam was earlier ruled by Maharajas of Travancore and the place got significant prominence in the seventies with the arrival of Hippies on their way to Sri Lanka. Kovalam is known for its Ayurvedic massages, therapies and salons which provide a source of rejuvenation for the tourists and travelers visiting Kovalam.

Tourist places in Kovalam:

Kovalam Beaches:

Kovalam is known for spectacular beaches which mesmerizes the tourists totally into a different world. The visitors and tourists can have sunbath, sauna, spa and Ayurvedic therapies in Kovalam to refresh and rejuvenate the body and mind. Kovalam has 3 beaches namely Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach that offers ultra fascination for the visitors and tourists. The beaches also provide a spectacular view of the sun setting over Arabian Sea.

Aruvikkara:

The village is about 25 kms from Kovalam is famous for temple of Bhagavathi which attracts lot of local as well as foreign tourists and devotees. Aruvikkara is situated on the banks of river Karamana and is one of the famous tourist attraction in this region.

Samudra Beach:

Samudra beach is about 4 kms from Kovalam which is one of the popular tourist destinations in this part of the world. The beach attracts national as well as international tourists all round the year.

Vellayani Lake:

This lake covers an area of 7.5 sq kms is one of the largest fresh water lakes situated approx 7 kms from Kovalam. Many public and tourists visit the lake during moonlit nights and during the time of Onam festival where the famous boat race takes place in the lake.

Hawa Beach:

Hawa beach lies diagonally opposite to Light House beach that is covered with full of palm groves. Tourists can take sun bathing, ayurvedic massages and catamaran rides on this beach.

Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium:

This aquarium was formed in the year 1997 has a good collection of rare species of invertebrates and ornamental fishes of the world which are kept for public viewing. The aquarium attracts many tourists and visitors throughout the day.

Halcyon Castle:

This luxury Castle also called as Kovalam Palace was constructed in the year 1932 by Rama Varma Valiya Koil Thampuran, consort of Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi that draws lots of local as well as international tourists.

Akkulam Lake:

The lake provides a perfect picnic spot for entire family which is about 16 kms from Kovalam. The lake also has boating facilities to the much delight of the tourists.

Other tourist attractions include:

Analothbhava Matha Church
Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple
Jama Masjid
Vizhinjam Rock Cut Caves

Poovar:

Poovar is a coastal village located in Thiruvanthapuram district famous for spectacular beaches and resorts. The Poovar beach is known for its clear sand, water and provides excellent view of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. Many tourists including local and international throng the beach all the year round for sun bathing, spa, sauna, Ayurvedic massages and therapies.

Accessibility to Kovalam & Poovar Beach:

Kovalam and Poovar are well connected by road, rail and air means of transport. Kerala Tourism Department runs many tourist vehicles and buses to these places regularly. One can also hire a taxi or a cool cab from Thiruvanathapuram to reach Kovalam and Poovar. The nearest railway station and airport is Trivandrum Central and Thiruvanthapuram International Airport located about 30 kms respectively from Kovalam & Poovar.

Hotels in Kovalam & Poovar:

There are many good standard hotels located in Kovalam & Poovar which offers most comfortable stay for the travelers visiting Kovalam and Poovar from time to time. The hotels and resorts range from 1 star category to 5 star category and the tariffs range from Rs. 600 onwards and goes up to Rs. 4000 for ultra deluxe hotels and resorts. The service rendered by some of the hotels in Kovalam and Poovar is world class and the hospitality shown towards the tourists is outstanding. List of hotels and resorts located in and near Kovalam & Poovar is as follows:

Hotel Seaweed
Hill & Seaview Beach Resort
Shirleys Hotels & Holidays
Hotel Turtle On The Beach
Hotel Samudra
Hotel Kovalam Beach
Hotel Moonlight
Hotel Neelakanta
Hotel Jasmine Palace
Hotel Samudra Tara
Hotel Sea Face
Hotel Blue Sea
Hotel Marine Palace

Kotputli Tourism – Best of Kotputli, Rajasthan, India

Kotputli Tourism – Best of Kotputli, Rajasthan, India

About Kotputli in Rajasthan:

Kotputli is a town and a municipality in Jaipur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan which is about 106 kms towards north of Jaipur. A vast portion of the population living in Kotputli belongs to Yadav community. Ultratech Cement Ltd, one of the largest cement producers has their plant in Kotputli. The literacy rate of Kotputli is 67% and Rajasthani, Hindi being the most widely spoken languages of the people living in Kotputli. Kotputli coordinates with 27.71’67” degree North Latitude and 76.2’ degree East Longitude with Pin Code being 303108.

History of Kotputli:

It is said that Kotputli prevailed even during the times of Mahabharata, when it was a part of Matsya kingdom. During the time of the British Kotputli was a princely state of Khetri. Kotputli was derived from ‘Kot’ and ‘Putli’ meaning a village. Kotputli was also ruled by Tanwar Rajputs who were ruling this place for quite some time.

Tourist attractions in and near Kotputli:

Kotputli is very famous for some of the old and ancient temples and historic monuments located in this town such as;

Devnarayan Temple
Sri Sarun Mata Temple

Jaipur:

The capital city of Rajasthan also known as ‘Pink City’ is about 106 kms from Jaipur famous for forts, palaces, temples, culture and lakes.

Ajmer:

Ajmer is placed 134 kms away from Kotputli is famous for pilgrimage centers, temples, forts and palaces

Puskar:

Pushkar is well known for temples, lakes, camel fairs, camel safari, pilgrims and palaces is located 151 kms away from Kotputli.

Ranthambore:

This famous wildlife sanctuary is located 157 kms away from Kotputli known for home of wild animals and many rare species of migratory birds.

Bharathpur:

Bharathpur is about 182 kms from Kotputli famous for wildlife sanctuary, bird watching and forts.

Agra:

The city of Agra which houses the one of the Seven Wonders of the World namely the Taj Mahal is about 233 kms from Kotputli. It is also known for gardens, forts, rivers and Archeological sites.

Mathura:

Mathura is located 218 kms away from Kotputli renowned for rivers, palaces, and temples and last but not the least it is the birthplace of lord Krishna.

Vrindavan:

Vrindavan is approx 233 kms from Kotputli well known for temples, rivers, pilgrimage centers and hermitage.

Delhi:

The national capital of India New Delhi is located 269 kms away from Kotputli known for temples, rivers, forts, historic monuments, Amusement Parks, museums and shopping.

Bhilwara:

Bhilwara is famous for forts, temples, rivers and Jain temples is about 352 kms from Kotputli.

Bikaner:

Bikaner is most renowned for forts and ancient palaces is situated at a distance of 341 kms from Kotputli.

Jodhpur:

Jodhpur is well known for forts, palaces, rivers and ancient monuments is approx located 438 kms away from Kotputli.

Kota:

Kota is known for temples, forts, palaces and reputed institutes is located at a distance of 354 kms from Kotputli.

Gwalior:

Gwalior is famous for lakes, gardens, palaces and royal mansions is sited at a distance of 344 kms from Kotputli.

Connectivity to Kotputli in Rajasthan:

Kotputli is well connected by road, rail and air means of transport. Many RSRTC buses ply from Kotputli to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Jaisalmer and Bikaner at regular intervals. Jaipur is about 106 kms and New Delhi is approx 165 kms from Kotputli. Public taking trains and flights can reach Jaipur Railway Station and Jaipur Airport, which is, located 106 kms away from Kotputli. Besides one can also take taxis, autos, rickshaws and camel rides as local mode of public transport in and near Kotputli. National Highway 8 also lies at close proximity from Kotputli.

Where to find accommodation in Kotputli?

Kotputli has few good hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges that provide good accommodation to the travelers visiting the place all round the year. The hotels come in range varying from single star to 5 star with hosts of facilities and services. Some ultra luxury hotels offer services such as bed, breakfast, undertake travel booking, airport pick and drop, doctors on call, provide sauna and spa, pub and bar attached etc. List of hotels located in and near Kotputli are:

Hotel Sarang Palace
Hotel Blue Heaven
Hotel Marc Inn
Hotel Sarovar Portico
Hotel Maharaja Residency
Hotel Milan & Garden
Hotel Aqua
Mosaic Hotel
Hotel Royal Heritage Haveli
Hotel Ratan Haveli
The Nangis Pride
Aditya International Hotel
Hotel Rajwada Palace

Best Places to Visit in Haldia, West Bengal, India

Best Places to Visit in Haldia, West Bengal, India

Haldia is a city municipality of Purba Medinipur of West Bengal State located about 50 Kms southwest of Calcutta / Kolkata. It is an industrial belt and has become a major river port. It is referred to as one of the fine tourists spot of India and it is known for making one to feel both spirituality and mysticism of Mother Nature. It’s one in a life time experience for tourists to feel the cool breeze alongside of the coastline and the color changing ripples of the river according to the sunlight. In addition, Haldia is a beautiful tourist spot for wonderful sunrise and sunset.

Haldia is also a industrial tourist spot as it contains good number of famed industries like Indian Oil Corporation(IOC) and Haldia Petrochemicals. It is also a town for few technological institutes.

Geography and Climate of Haldia

Haldia is located at 22.03° N 88.06° E, 8 meters elevation from the mean level of sea.

The climate is moderate with temperature ranging from 7 degree Celsius to 22 degree Celsius. Summer is very hot usually with temperature ranging from 24 degree Celsius to that of 39 degree Celsius and the winter is very chilly and ‘Haldia Utsav’ is held during winter. Rainfall is influenced by monsoons and occurs from May to September.

People, Food and Culture of Haldia

The people of the Haldia follow mixed food culture that includes both north as well as south Indian food. While the natives follow the Bengali food, the migrants for employment purpose consume other food styles like south Indian.

Major Tourist Attractions in and around Haldia

Haldia Port

The best port to be visited by tourist as it gives them the opportunity to view arrival and departures of ships and understand how the trade happens via sea route.

Kukrahati

It is located alongside of the famous river ‘Hoogly’ and is the entrance for the Haldia city.

Haldia Dock

Just like Haldia Port, this dock provides the tourists a very good chance to see and make out activities related to ship loading and unloading.

Smriti Soudha

As the name itself indicates, it is the building with collection of various things related to freedom struggle like paintings, photographs and so on.

Balughat River Sunset Point

One of the best tourist spots for enjoying the sunrise and sunset alongside of one of the very calm beach.

Haldia Bhavan

Developed and maintained by the Haldia Development Authority(HAD), this building provides the tourists one of the best luxurious guest houses in Haldia. Spreading over 5 acres, it provides sights of the ships from its terrace.

Reaching Haldia

Haldia has very good transportation and connectivity with its surrounding parts. From Kolkata is connected by both Bus and Train and it takes about 3.5 Hrs to reach Haldia from Kolkata both by buses and trains. Local transportation including cars, bikes and jeeps form the major transportation facilities.

The main routes of journey to reach Haldia are mentioned below.

As Haldia doesn’t has its own airport, you need to travel Kolkata first by Air and then reach Haldia either by bus or train.
Kolkata-Amtala-Royachak-Kukrahati-Haldia (Bus Route)
Howrah-Mecheda-Haldia ( By Train)
Howrah-Haldia (By Train)

Best time to visit Haldia

Haldia is blessed with moderate climate and is good for tourism for all around the year, but one will enjoy his/her visit during the time of Spring as it is the best time to visit Haldia.

Tourist Accommodations in Haldia

Being a coastal and industrial town in addition to tourist place, Haldia has very good facilities for accommodating tourists. The following are some of the few best accommodations for tourists in Haldia.

Golden Retreat
Classic Inn Hotel
Dreamland Hotel
East Coast Hotel
Royal Harbor Hotel
Tripty Hotel
Millennium Inn Hotel
Haldia Regency Hotel
Landmark Plaza Hotel
Asoxa Lodge

Best Tourist Attractions in Hajipur, Bihar, India

Best Tourist Attractions in Hajipur, Bihar, India

Hajipur being the headquarters of Vaishali district of Bihar, a north state of India is known for its production of Bananas. It is located at a distance of 10 Kms from Patna and is connected to Patna by ‘Mahatma Gandhi Setu’, one of the world’s longest bridges. Since Hajipur is located very close to Patna, it is the second most fast developing city after Patna itself and is attracting more and more middle class and upper class people as home city with lots of dwelling opportunities.

History of Hajipur

Hajipur got its name by the fact that it was developed by Haji IIyas Sha, a Bengal King, during middle of the 14^th century. The famous ‘Jama Masjid’ is located within the fort built by Haji IIyas Shah in Hajipur.

It was also known as Ukkacala and got significance after Lord Buddha choose it for delivering one of his preaching called ‘Cula Goplalaka sutta.’ And also, it is quite interesting to note that the portion of ashes of Anand, the closest disciple of Lord Buddha, was enshrined in this town only. Another interesting thing about Hajipur is that during the British Rule, it was a small town belonging to the Muzaffarpur district of Bengal and was in the main focus during the struggle of the great Akbar with Afghan governors of Bengal. In addition, one more interesting fact about Hajipur is that is finds its root in history from the time of Mahabharata and takes credits for being the place for the establishment of democracy around 600 B.C. The establishment of ‘Ancient Lichhavi Republic’ is a testimonial for this. Its historical prominence is that it is both the birth place for Lord Mahavir and the place where Lord Buddha gave his last preaching and declared his Parinirvana.

Geography and Climate of Hajipur

In 1972, Hajipur was separated from Muzaffarpur and was made as the headquarters of Vaishali district. It is located at 25.68° N 85.22° E. Towards its North lies Muzaffarpur, to its South lies Patna, to its East lies Samastipur and to its West is Saran.

Its geographical elevation of Hajipur is 46 meters, makes it suitable for mango, banana and litchi plantations and has got semi-tropical monsoon climate with lots greenery with plants and trees and the period from May to June is very hot while the period from December to January is very cold.

People, Food and Culture of Hajipur

Most of the population in Hajipur speak Hindi and mother tongue being Bihari and Hindi and prefer north food and they are very friendly people.

Tourist Attractions in and around Hajipur

Hajipur has many places of interests for tourists as listed below.

Vaishali Mahotsava

It is a great annual celebration on Baisakh Purnima around middle of the April month that signifies the birth anniversary of 24^th Tirthankara Lord Mahavir.

Ramchaura Mandir

This temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Rama and is located at Rambhadra very near to Helabazar in Hajipur. It is believed by the local populous that Lord Sri Rama visited this while heading towards Janakpur. People worship the footprints of Lord Sri Rama located here and celebrate Ramanavami every year. Ramchaura are preserved in Patna Museum.

Mahatma Gandhi Setu

This bridge, stretching about 6.75 Km, is the major link connecting north and south Bihar and is constructed over river Ganges near the village Jadhua, and Hajipur is connected to Patna through this bridge. While passing on this bridge, one will get enchanting and panoramic sight of banana plantations and full of greenery.

Kaun Haara Ghat

It is one of the beautiful ghats of Ganga-Gandak and the ghat got its name due to an ancient legend.

Pataleshwar Mandir

This temple is sacred and as per the local populous, Lord Shiva is in Lingam form and hence, this is dedicated to him.

Nepali Mandir

This temple was built during 18^th century and mostly built upon wood. It signifies the pagoda-style architecture belonging to Himalayan Kingdom and has got various carvings highlighting the Nepali Culture.

Other prominent tourist attractions in Hajipur include:

Shri Maha Prabhuji’s Baithakji at Helabazar
Sonepur Fair

Best Seasons / Time to Visit Hajipur

Although one can visit Hajipur at any time of the year, it is best to visit during December and January and during the mid-April.

How to reach Hajipur?

Reaching to Hajipur is easiest from Patna as it is located only 10 Km away from it. One can reach Hajipur from Patna via NH-19 taking services of buses, taxis or auto rickshaw by travelling for 25-30 minutes.

Accommodations in Hajipur

As Hajipur is fast growing city in Bihar, it has all kinds of facilities for tourists to make their visit a memorable one. The city has many well known hotels that provide both luxurious and non-luxurious services.

The following of are some of the prominent hotels in Hajipur