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Discover India

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

A white marble tomb built in 1631-48 in Agra, seat of the Mugal Empire, by Shah Jehan for his wife, Arjuman Banu Begum, the monument sums up many of the formal themes that have played through Islamic architecture. Its refined elegance is a conspicuous contrast both to the Hindu architecture of pre-Islamic India, with its thick walls, corbeled arches, and heavy lintels, and to the Indo-Islamic styles, in which Hindu elements are combined with an eclectic assortment of motifs from Persian and Turkish sources.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

SRI. PRATAP SINGH MUSEUM, SRINAGAR

Shawls, paintings, armoury, copper and jade ornaments and utensils are among some of the items on display.

DOGRA ART GALLERY, JAMMU

Prehistoric terracotta objects are great views at this museum. Some terracotta busts of women with typical Gandhara facial features and Greek hairstyles are believed to date back to the 4th and 8th centuries AD. A rich collection of miniature paintings represent examples from the Jammu, Basbhli and Kangra schools. There are also ancient coins, silver and copper ornaments and Sanskrit and Pharsi manuscripts.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

THE LIBRARY OF TIBETEN WORKS AND ARCHIVES, DHARAMSHALA

This library is one of the most important institutions in the world dedicated to preserve and disseminate Tibetan culture. It serves as a repository for Tibetan artifacts and manuscripts, as well as a centre for language and cultural education. The library holds more than eighty thousand manuscripts, books and documents. It also holds hundreds of thangkas, statues, six thousand photographs and other artifacts.

BHURI SINGH MUSEUM, SHIMLA

This museum has a large collection of embroidered Chamba-Rumals and old coins. Some of its other main attractions are a collection of hill jewellery and royal, along with various displays of arms and armour. It also features carved doors from old palaces and numerous frescoes.

SHIMLA STATE MUSEUM

It has a collection of contemporary and antique works of art, with its main attraction being the magnificent “Pahari” miniature paintings. The museum also features stone sculptures of considerable antiquity. There is a collection of assorted bronzes, arms and armour, dolls, anthropological items and numismatic finds.

THE NICHOLAS ROERICH GALLERY, SHIMLA

This gallery hosts a collection of paintings of the late Nicholas Roerich. The paintings in this gallery reflect Nicholas Roerich’s love for the mountains, expressed in his use of brilliant deep colours. In his paintings, he blends his Russian background with the mythological landscape of the Himalayas.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES, SUMMERHILL, SHIMLA

The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is a sample of British colonial architecture. With its vast expanse of gardens, it has an ideal ambience for philosophers, scholars and intrepid travelers.

URUSWATI HIMALAYAN FOLK ART MUSEUM, NAGGAR

This museum has a collection of local folk art, as well as a gallery of Russian folk art. The museum also has a few paintings by Roerich and several paintings by his Russian followers.

PUNJAB AND HARYANA

MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH MUSEUM, AMRITSAR

A fine collection of paintings, arms, manuscripts and coins of 18th and 19th centuries are featured.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM & ART GALLERY, CHANDIGARH

Gandhara sculptures, paintings from Mughal, Basohli and Kangra schools are the main attractions on display.

ANGLO SIKH WAR MEMORIAL, FEROZESHAH

There are portraits of historical personalities as well as paintings depicting scenes of battles of the Anglo-Sikh wars on display. Poetic couplets of the contemporary poet Shah Muhammad are also a popular exhibit of the museum.

ART GALLERY, PATIALA

The gallery mainly features arts and crafts from the Punjab region. The highlight of the museum is its collection of medals, the largest in the world. There is also a collection of embroidered phulkaris, shawls and miniature paintings from the Sikhs school.

SANGHOL MUSEUM

The main exhibits are the archaeological finds of Punjab’s ancient civilization. A Stupa from a Buddhist monastery dating back to 1st century is the most popular display.

NEW DELHI

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

The National Museum has a remarkable collection of Indian art and sculptures dating from the prehistoric era through the late medieval period. Relics of the Harappan civilization, paintings, manuscripts and mural paintings from Buddhist shrines in central Asia are on exhibit here. The rich and varied collection is spread over three spacious floors, and at least one day is required to see the exhibits.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

This museum in the heart of the nation’s capital has rare paintings dating from the 1850s.

THE RAIL MUSEUM

This compact but informative museum displays a range of interesting locomotives. A small toy train takes children around the museum. The highlight of the museum is the oldest working locomotive in the world, the Viceregal Dining Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1876).

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

This elegant colonial building was once the official residence of the British commander-in-chief of the Indian army and is a memorial to Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was India’s first prime minister who lived in this building for sixteen years. His life is depicted using rare photographs from his family album. Memorabilia and personal possessions of Nehru are also displayed here.

THE GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM (RAJGHAT) AND THE GANDHI SMRITI MUSEUM (TEES JANUAY MARG)

There are two museums and a monument at Rajghat where Gandhi was cremated. The museum has a large collection of photographs on Gandhi’s life and a few of his personal belongings. The life of Gandhi has been illustrated in an unusual way in these museums by using a series of small doll houses and terracotta dolls portraying the major events in his life.

TIBET HOUSE

This house contains ceremonial items from Tibet when the Dalai Lama fled following the Chinese occupation. There are also many Tibetan handicrafts on display.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AT THE RED FORT

This is an open-air museum where craftsmen from different parts of India exhibit their trade. Designed by Charles Correa, the museum has an impressive collection of folk and tribal arts, crafts and textiles. There is also a village complex where one can study the architecture of village houses.

MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Museum has a large collection of flora and fauna of the country. There are also regular film shows and illustrated lectures on wildlife and conservation for children.

UTTAR PRADESH

ALLAHABAD MUSEUM

The Allahabad museum has an impressive collection from the Maurya, Sunga, Kushan and Gupta periods. It also hosts sculptural masterpieces from the early medieval period.

SARNATH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The main exhibit includes one of the earliest images of Buddha. It also has the prized Ashokan pillar and a large collection of figures and sculptures from the Mauryan, Kushan and Gupta periods.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, MATHURA

The museum is a treasure trove of sculptures, coins, terracotta, inscribed bricks, pottery pieces, clay seals and bronze objects.

BHARAT KALA BHAWAN, VARANASI

It has a vast collection of paintings, sculpture and textiles. The museum hosts an exquisite specimen of Nepalese and Tibetan ‘thankas’ and paintings of contemporary artists. Ancient terracotta objects on display date back to the Harappan civilization, Mauryan, Sunga and Gupta periods. Red sandstone reliefs from the 2nd century B.C and the Buddhist stupa from Bharhut are among the prominent attractions of the museum.

LUCKNOW STATE MUSEUM

The museum boasts a splendid collection of object centered on the arts of Avadh and the customs, habits and mythology of India. Some of its main attractions are an inscribed wine jar bearing the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir from the 17th century, a jade chamakali with the name ‘Jahangir’ from 1036 A.D., and a wooden sarcophagus dating back to 1000 B.C. The museum also has rare silver and gold coins, Egyptian mummies and a statue of Saraswati, dating back to the 2nd century A.D.

RAJASTHAN

RAJASTHAN GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, AJMER

An excellent collection of sculptures from the chauhan centre of the Baghera district, dating from 10th century A.D.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, ALWAR

A unique collection of arms, lacquered and ivory work, musical instruments and brass and pottery works from Jaipur, Multan, Bengal and Sri Lanka are on display. The museum also has miniature paintings as well as Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts.

ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUM, AMER

The museum features two ‘Yupa Pillars’ (sacrificial posts) with inscriptions from Barnala as well as Pratihara sculptures of the 8th century and terracotta belonging to early historical periods.

VIRAT NAGAR MUSEUM, BAIRAT

The museum features excavated material from ancient sites. The exhibits include pottery, old coins, seals, metallic pieces, weapons and statues.

GANGA GOLDEN JUBILEE, BIKANER

Silk robes and various ‘Farmans’ bearing original imperial seals, issued by emperors including Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb are the main exhibits in the museum.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, BHARATPUR

A rich collection of archaeological wealth of nearby areas, as well as objects from the old Bharatpur state are on display

FORT MUSEUM, BIKANER

A fine collection of antique Rajput weaponry including jade handle daggers, inlaid handguns and camel guns. Gold and silver ‘howdahs’, ‘jhulas’, ‘palkes’ and a biplane from the First World War are also exhibited.

FATEH PRAKASH PALACE MUSEUM, CHITTORGARH

The museum has a beautiful collection of sculptures, weaponry, and soldier uniforms. It also ha clay models of local tribes in their traditional outfits. Timings: 10:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (Friday closed). Entry: Rs. 3 (Indians) & Rs. 10 (Foreigners).

THE MAHARAJA SAWAI MADHO SIGHN MUSEUM, JAIPUR

The museum is divided into three main sections, the textile gallery and the art gallery. The museum provides a glimpse into the grandeur and majesty of royal India.

GOVERNMENT CENTRAL MUSEUM, JAIPUR

The museum displays various sketches of Persian gardens. There are also miniature paintings of various sub-schools of Rajasthan and an Egyptian mummy belonging to the Ptolemaic epoch.

JUNEJA ART GALLERY, JAIPUR

This museum hosts an impressive collection of paintings and artifacts.

MAHARAJA SAWAI MAN SINGH (II) MUSEUM, JAIPUR

A vast collection of miniature paintings, illustrated manuscripts, decorated book covers, palm-leaf manuscripts and printed books.

MUSEUM OF INDOLOGY, JAIPUR

There is a large collection of folk and tantra art in this museum. Old manuscripts and arc

HAWA MAHAL MUSEUM, JAIPUR

The museum displays the sculptural heritage of Rajasthan. Items on display include antiquities, fish hooks, arrow heads, swords, helmets, all belonging to the Maharajas of Jaipur. A big storage vessel from the 2nd century A.D. is also on display.

hives on Indian textile designs, tantrik paintings and ‘yantras’ are also popular exhibits.

FOLKLORE MUSEUM, JAISALMER

A rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes and jewellery from the region is on display. There are also articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles in the museum.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, JAISALMER

The museum has a large collection of wood and marine fossils. There is also a sculpture from the ancient township dating back to the 12th century.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, JHALAWAR

The museum has sculptures and architectural fragments of the 8th century city of Chandravati, and sculptures and epigraphs from the Jhalrapatan region.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, JODHPUR

A large collection of stuffed animals, including a number of desert birds are featured. There are also wooden biplane models and a model.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE MUSEUM, JODHPUR

This museum features a rare collection of clocks, watches, fine china, ornate mirrored furniture and crystal ware of an extraordinary brass battleship.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM, KOTA

The museum features miniature paintings of Bundi, Kota, Nathdwara and Jaipur schools. There are also a number of manuscripts in Sanskrit, arms and several kinds of handicrafts on display.

MEHRANGARH FORT MUSEUM, JODHPUR

The Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of specimens of great historical value. The armoury exhibits has some of the finest collections of old weapons and arms.

CITY PALACE MUSEUM, UDAIPUR

This vast museum has a variety of colourful peacocks in mosaic and painted tiles. In the Manak (Ruby) Mahal section, there are glass and porcelain figures, while the Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. In the boldly striped floor of Bhim Vilas, are scenes from the Radha-Krishna stories painted on the walls. The Moti Mahal section has an array of beautiful mirror work.

SHILPGRAM, UDAIPUR

A wide collection of folk art that gives a glimpse of the tribal life of Rajasthan.

BHARTIYA LOK KALA MUSEUM, UDAIPUR

The main attractions are dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings. The highlight of the museum is its puppets on display.

GUJARAT

CALICO MUSEUM OF TEXTILE, AHMEDABAD

It hosts a superb collection of textiles, pichhwais and patachitras (paintings on cloth).

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, LOTHAL

The museum contains items from the excavated site of what was probably a port town of the Harappan civilization.

UTENSIL MUSEUM, AHMEDABAD

Features a magnificent collection of Indian utensils. There are more than ten thousand exhibits displaying a vast range of techniques and tools used to make and decorate these household items.

VADODARA MUSEUM AND PICTURE GALLERY

An amazing collection of art and archaeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. The museum also has a collection of Indian miniatures, European oil-paintings and objects from Japan, Tibet and Nepal.

MADHYA PRADESH

GOVERNMENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, BHOPAL

The statues of Ashtalakshmi, Buddha, Siva, Vishnu, Kartikeya, Harihar, Saraswati, Yakshi and sculptures from Hinglajgarh are the main attractions of this museum.

STATE MUSEUM, DHUBELA

Excellent specimens of Yogini figures from Gurgi which may be dated between the 10th and 12th century are on display.

THE GUJARI MAHAL MUSEUM, GWALIOR

The museum has perhaps the richest collection of objects consisting of early and medieval sculptures, coins and inscriptions in India. The museum also has copies of Bagh paintings on display. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Salbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the curator of the museum and can be seen on request.

CENTRAL MUSEUM, INDORE

This museum hosts an excellent collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh, inscriptions, medieval matalware and antiquities from excavated sites. Ancient coins and seals objects of modern European art are also displayed.

SARODGHAR, GWALIOR

A museum for Musical Heritage, Sarod Ghar is a unique institution devoted to promoting Indian Classical Musical heritage and culture. Set up in the name of Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan, the legendary Sarod maestro, father and guru of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, the museum has been housed in what was once their ancestral home. The house has a colourful history with four generations of sarod players being born here. The museum houses a collection of old and contemporary instruments belonging to great and illustrious musicians of the past. It also houses an impressive collection of photographs and documents. In the words of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, “….in this building, wherever you look, there is Taal (Rhythm)….there is Sur (Sound)….there is Sangeet (Music)”.

MAHARASHTRA

JEHANGIR ART GALLERY, MUMBAI

The Gallery with its four exhibition halls is the most prestigious venue for art exhibitions.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART, MUMBAI

The Gallery plays host to the work of leading Indian Artists.

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI VASTU SANGHRALAYA, MUMBAI

Formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, the Museum has 3 main sections – Art, Archaeology and Natural History. The art section has a rich collection of Indian paintings representing its different styles. European paintings, Tibetan and Nepali Art, textiles, armoury, glass and jade collections, objects carved in rock crystal, metalware and lacquered woodwork. Exhibits in the archaeological section include primitive tools and ornaments excavated by Sir John Marshall in Mohenjodaro in 1922.

MANI BHAVAN GANDHI SANGHRALAYA, MUMBAI

Located at Laburnum Road at Gamdevi near Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhavan was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay from time to time between 1917 and 1934. The Museum houses a pictorial gallery, personal items of Mahatma Gandhi, a 20,000 volume research library and a film and recording archive.

BHAU DAJI LAD MUSEUM/VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, MUMBAI

The museum located at Byculla has interesting exhibits such as archaeological finds, maps and photographs which depict the history of Mumbai.

THE BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY (BNHS), MUMBAI

Adjoining the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sanghralaya (The Prince of Wales Museum) is the Hornbill House, the headquarters of the Bombay Natural History Society. It is an institution of a different kind where collectors have been donating their prize specimens of animals and birds for over a century. BNHS also boasts of an extensive library of nature books, which can be used by non members for purpose of research and studies, by taking prior permission.

RAJA DINKAR KELKAR MUSEUM, PUNE

Paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits, musical instruments and other objects of art are on display. The 17th century lamps and other articles belonging to Mughal and Maratha periods are the highlights of the museum.

GOA

SCULPTURE GALLERY

The Gallery displays stone sculptures and bronzes of different deities, Hero and Sati stones etc. The gallery also exhibits inscriptions or their photographs dating from the 4th century A.D. onwards, significant among them being a copper plate inscription of Viravarma, a Kadamba King dating back to 1049 A.D. The oldest object in the museum is a fossil bone dating 10000 B.C.

CHRISTIAN ART GALLLERY

The Gallery exhibits wooden statues of various Christian Saints and others including Pieta. There are portraits of Portuguese Governors and Prime Ministers, rare paintings on wood, metal and canvas, furniture pieces etc.

BANERJI ART GALLERY

This museum features terracotta objects of the Harappan civilization, seals of Janapadas, stone sculptures of south east Asia. Also displayed are Rajasthani miniature paintings, Patachitras of Orissa and a Vishnu image of the Gupta period.

RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION GALLERY

Musical instruments, worship utensils, palm-leaf manuscripts and paper manuscripts of different religious texts and old photographs of religious ceremonies and festivals are on display here.

CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY GALLERY

Displayed in this museum are objects related to cultural anthropology, household utensils, games, weights and measures.

CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY

Paintings and sculptures of Goan as well as other Indian artists like R. Chipmaker, F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza, M. F. Hussain are on display.

WESTERN BRONZE GALLERY

Replicas of bronze sculptures of European artists like Claude, Dalon are among display.

BIHAR

Mainly ancient sculptures in bronze and terracotta are on exhibit. Other sections on numismatics, the decorative arts, paintings, manuscripts, arms and armoury, geology and natural history are frequently visited.

JALAN MUSEUM, PATNA

The Jalan museum is constructed at the historical site of Sher Shah’s Fort in Patna. The museum has a rich private collection of jade, Chinese porcelain paintings and silver filigree work of the Mughal period.

NALANDA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The museum has a rich collection of archaeological finds including sculptures, terracotta, bronzes, panels, pillars and other fragments excavated in its vicinity.

PATNA MUSEUM

This museum hosts a splendid collection of sculptures. The main attraction is a polished sandstone female attendant or yakshi, holding a flying-whisk, dating from the 3rd century.

ASSAM

ASSAM STATE MUSEUM, GAUHATI

The museum mainly has sculptures from the Assam region done in stone, wood, metal and terracotta. The scripture of the bust of the Devi from the 9th century and the figures of lovers are prominent exhibits on display.

WEST BENGAL

INDIAN MUSEUM, KOLKATA

This museum has a wide range of items on display from Tibetan and temple banners, metal image, ornaments, silver wares, glass wares, pottery, ivory and bone work to wooden sculptures. Besides cultural artifacts, the museum also hosts eighty

KERALA

BEKAL FORT BEACH

Location: About a kilometre from Bekal Fort, about 16 kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.
Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the Land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing circular fort of Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal Fort known as Bekal fort beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC)

GETTING THERE:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Karipur International airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod town.

KAPPAD BEACH, KOZHIKODE
Location: About 16km from Kozhikode town. For the people of kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe.

It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings. Kozhikode was then the most important region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16km
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

NELLIYAMPATHY

From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 mts to 1572 mts. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy, which itself has plenty of interesting sights to offer.

The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.

On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.

Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the period of the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.

Not far away from Palagapandy is Seethakundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 52 kms from Nelliyampathy
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, about 44 kms from Palakkad.

GURUVAYOOR

Guruvayoor is located 29 km west of Thrissur. Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Nedumbassery (87 km)
Nearest railway station: Guruvayoor, enquiry Ph: 2554300, 2556820.
Train timings Ernakulam : 0720, 1120, 1305, 1720, 2125 hrs Nagarcoil : 2125 hrs (via Thiruvananthapuram) Thrissur : 0710, 1120, 1305, 1720, 2125 hrs
Road: Guruvayoor is connected by road with several important cities of India (KSRTC enquiry:2556450)

MUNNAR

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations in India is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture book towns, winding lanes, trekking and holiday facilities make Munnar a unique experience.

ANAYIRANGAL (22 km from Munnar)

It's a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by Tata Tea plantations and evergreen forests. An ideal picnic spot.

TOP STATION (32 km from Munnar)

1700m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. The rare Neelakurunji (Strobilanthus) belongs to this region. Top Station also offers a panoramic view of neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Madurai (Tamil Nadu), about 140 km away Cochin International Airport, about 190 km away
Nearest railway station: Theni (Tamil nadu), about 60 km away, changanacherry about 93 km away.

KUMARAKOM

Location: 16 km from Kottayam town, central Kerala.
Tourist season: Between June and August

The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist's paradise. Egrets, darters, herons, teal, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and migratory birds like the Siberian stork that live here in flocks are a fascination for visitors. The best way to watch the birds of the Kumarakom sanctuary is a boat trip round the islands.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort. The Kumarakom Tourist Village Complex of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stills, set among coconut and banana plantations. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 70 kms from Kottayam town.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 16 km

VARKALA

(40 km - 1 1/2 hours)Varkala is a seaside resort and spa. It is also an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage.The final resting place of the great social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru, is near Varkala, atop a hill called Sivagiri. High cliffs with mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline. According to a myth, sage Narada was approached by a group of mendicants who confessed to having sinned. Narada threw his valkkalam (cloth made of the bark of a tree) into the air, and the place where it landed was subsequently named Varkala.The mendicants were directed by Narada to offer their prayers in the newly created place by the seashore. The place where they prayed for redemption, came to be known as the PapanashamBeach ( Papanasham means redemption from sins). The 2000 year old Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Nature Care Centre are the two main attractions here

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram international airport, nearly 57 km away.
Nearest railway station: Varkala

PONMUDI

Location: About 61 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south kerala
Altitude: 915m above sea level

Located within a short driving distance of Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is an enchanting hill resort with narrow winding pathways and cool, green environs. Along with a beautiful array of mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and small rivulets, Ponmudi offers excellent opportunities for trekking. With its tea estates and mist covered valleys Ponmudi is a fast developing hill resort with cottages and dormitory accommodation facilities.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 67 km,
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 61 km

KOVALAM BEACH
Location: Just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, south kerala.

Best time to visit: September to March, though it is an all year destination.

Kovalam is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches. It has been a favourite haunt of tourists, especially Europeans, since the 1930s.A massive rocky promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse-sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes, Catamaran cruising etc. The tropical sun acts so fast that one can see the faint blush of coppery tan on the skin in a matter of minutes. Life on the beach begins late in the day and carries on well into the night. The beach complex includes a string of budget cottages, Ayurvedic health resorts, convention facilities, shopping zones, swimming pools, Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centres etc. Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam and getting there is no hassle. But if you are on holiday it is better to stay in Kovalam and visit the city. Thiruvananthapuram has interesting places to see like the Napier Museum, the Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ponmudi hill station etc. SMSM Institute, a State owned handicrafts emporium, is the ideal place to pick up ethnic curios and other articles. To know more about the crafts on sale here see Treasure Chest from the Archives dated 14 January '99 to 15 July '99.

GETTING THERE:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 10 km,
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram central, about 16 km

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