Incredible India

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

10 most famous temples in India

India is home to numerous famous temples, each with deep historical, cultural, and religious significance. Here are ten of the most renowned temples across India, along with details and how to reach them:

1. Sri Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati)

Location: Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
Significance: This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the richest and most visited temples in the world. It is located atop the Tirumala Hills.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport (15 km).
- By Train: Tirupati Railway Station is well-connected to major cities.
- By Road: Tirumala is connected by road to Tirupati and other nearby towns.

2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and an important pilgrimage site. The temple stands on the banks of the Ganges.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (25 km from the temple).
- By Train: Varanasi Junction is well-connected.
- By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road from Varanasi city.

3. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)

Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Significance: The holiest shrine in Sikhism, the Golden Temple is known for its golden façade and serene Amrit Sarovar (holy pool). It attracts millions of devotees.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (11 km).
- By Train: Amritsar Junction.
- By Road: Accessible by road from major cities in Punjab.

4. Jagannath Temple

Location: Puri, Odisha
Significance: Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, it is famous for the Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), where large chariots are pulled by devotees.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (60 km).
- By Train: Puri Railway Station.
- By Road: Puri is well-connected to Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha.

5. Meenakshi Amman Temple

Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva), this temple is famous for its stunning architecture and towering gopurams (gateway towers).
How to Reach:
- By Air: Madurai Airport (12 km).
- By Train: Madurai Junction.
- By Road: The temple is easily accessible from Madurai city.

6. Somnath Temple

Location: Prabhas Patan, Saurashtra, Gujarat
Significance: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Somnath is considered the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It has been historically attacked and rebuilt multiple times.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Diu Airport (85 km) or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (410 km).
- By Train: Veraval Railway Station (5 km).
- By Road: Somnath is connected by road to nearby cities.

7. Badrinath Temple

Location: Badrinath, Uttarakhand
Significance: This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,133 meters.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (317 km).
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station and then travel by road.
- By Road: Badrinath is well-connected by road to Rishikesh and Haridwar.

8. Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

Location: Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu
Significance: This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, located by the sea. It is one of the Arupadai Veedu, the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Tuticorin Airport (20 km).
- By Train: Tiruchendur Railway Station.
- By Road: Accessible from Tuticorin and other towns in Tamil Nadu.

9. Ramanathaswamy Temple

Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
Significance: This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is known for its long corridors and stunning architecture.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Madurai Airport (174 km) or Rameswaram Airport (11 km).
- By Train: Rameswaram Railway Station.
- By Road: Accessible by road from Madurai and Tuticorin.

10. Dwarkadhish Temple

Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
Significance: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and a significant pilgrimage center. Dwarka is considered the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Porbandar Airport (105 km) or Rajkot Airport (227 km).
- By Train: Dwarka Railway Station.
- By Road: Dwarka is well-connected by road to major cities in Gujarat.

These temples represent India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a traveler interested in history and architecture, visiting these temples provides a deeper connection to the country’s religious traditions. The best time to visit these temples typically is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather is more pleasant.

Monday, June 19, 2023

Tiger hill Darjeeling #Ghummonastry #Batasialoop

Tiger Hill:

Tiger Hill Darjeeling

Tiger Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in Darjeeling, West Bengal, known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters (8,500 feet), it is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a serene and awe-inspiring experience.

Key Features of Tiger Hill

Sunrise View:
- The primary attraction of Tiger Hill is the sunrise, where the first rays of the sun illuminate the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga.
- On a clear day, you can even see Mount Everest from this vantage point.
- The interplay of colors during sunrise makes it a photographer’s paradise.
Panoramic Landscape:
- Apart from the Himalayas, the hill offers stunning views of the valleys, rivers, and tea gardens of Darjeeling.
- The plains of Bengal and the rivers Teesta and Mahananda can also be seen on a clear day.
Natural Beauty:
- Surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil ambiance, Tiger Hill is a haven for nature lovers.
- The clean, crisp mountain air enhances the experience.

Activities at Tiger Hill

Photography: Capture the stunning sunrise, Himalayan peaks, and the picturesque landscapes.
Hiking: Tiger Hill is also a popular spot for trekkers who want to explore the surrounding trails.
Visit Nearby Attractions:
- Ghoom Monastery: One of the oldest monasteries in the region, located near Tiger Hill.
- Batasia Loop: A scenic railway loop where the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway passes.

How to Reach Tiger Hill

By Road: It is approximately 11 km from Darjeeling town. Visitors can hire taxis or take a private vehicle to reach the hill.
Hiking Option: For adventurous travelers, there’s an option to hike to the top, which offers stunning views along the way.
Timings: It is recommended to leave early in the morning (around 3:30–4:00 AM) to witness the sunrise, as it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.

Best Time to Visit

October to December: Clear skies and the best chance to view Kanchenjunga and Everest.
March to May: Ideal for nature lovers, as the surrounding rhododendrons bloom during this season.
Avoid Monsoon (June to September): The area experiences heavy rainfall, and visibility is often poor.

Myths and Stories

Local folklore often associates Tiger Hill with tales of spiritual significance and the mighty Himalayas’ divine presence, adding a mystical charm to the site.

Nearby Attractions

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage site offering a nostalgic toy train ride.
Darjeeling Tea Gardens: Famous for their lush greenery and world-renowned tea.
Rock Garden: A terraced garden with waterfalls and scenic beauty.

Tips for Visiting

Dress warmly, as the mornings can be very cold.
Arrive early to get the best spot for viewing the sunrise.
Carry snacks and water, as amenities near the viewpoint are limited.

Tiger Hill is not just a viewpoint; it is a place where nature's beauty meets tranquility, making it a must-visit destination in Darjeeling for those who wish to experience the Himalayas in their full glory.

Ganga river and it's tributaries

The Ganga River (also known as the Ganges) is one of the longest and most important rivers in the world, with deep historical, religious, and cultural significance for the people of India and Bangladesh. It is considered sacred by millions of Hindus and holds a central place in the civilization of the Indian subcontinent.

Origin of the Ganga River

The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayan Mountains in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 7,000 meters (22,965 feet). The river, initially known as the Bhagirathi, is formed from the melting of the glacier. After merging with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag, it is referred to as the Ganga.

Course of the Ganga River

The Ganga flows across the northern plains of India, passing through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and finally enters Bangladesh, where it merges with the Padma River. The total length of the Ganga is about 2,510 kilometers (1,560 miles), making it one of the longest rivers in the world.

The river is renowned for its deep cultural and religious significance, especially in Hinduism, where it is considered the goddess Ganga, symbolizing purity and salvation.

Tributaries of the Ganga

The Ganga has many major tributaries, which contribute to its vast drainage basin. The major tributaries of the Ganga are:

1. Yamuna River

Origin: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Course: The Yamuna flows through several states, including Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, before merging with the Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad).
Significance: The Yamuna is one of the most important rivers in India, both historically and religiously, with major cities like Delhi and Agra located along its banks.

2. Ganga’s Tributaries in the Himalayas

Alaknanda River: The Alaknanda is the first major tributary of the Ganga, joining it at Devprayag.
Bhagirathi River: This is considered the main source stream of the Ganga, originating at Gaumukh in Uttarakhand.

3. Ghaghara River (Karnali River)

Origin: The Ghaghara rises from the Tibetan Plateau and flows through Nepal and India before merging with the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.
Significance: The Ghaghara is a major source of water for the Ganga and is known for its high water flow during the monsoon.

4. Ganges Tributaries in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh:

Rapti River: A major tributary flowing from the Gandak River.
Kosi River: Known for its heavy silt deposits and frequent flooding, the Kosi flows into the Ganga in Bihar.
Son River: Originating from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, the Son River meets the Ganga at Patna.

5. Mahananda River

Origin: The Mahananda originates from the Himalayas in West Bengal and flows into Bihar, where it eventually merges with the Ganga.
Significance: It plays an important role in the river systems of both West Bengal and Bihar.

6. Tungabhadra River

Origin: The Tungabhadra River originates from the Western Ghats and merges into the Ganga at Bangalore.

7. Sarasvati River (Historically Significant)

The Sarasvati is one of the ancient rivers mentioned in the Vedas, though its exact course and existence have been a subject of debate. Many believe that its waters may have been part of an ancient tributary system of the Ganga.

Other Tributaries

Chambal River: Originating from the Vindhya Range, it merges with the Yamuna River.
Betwa River: Flowing from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh, it joins the Yamuna.
Ken River: Originating from the Ken Gharana Range in Madhya Pradesh, it merges with the Yamuna River.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Ganga is a sacred river for Hindus, with many spiritual practices and rituals taking place along its banks. Pilgrims from all over India visit the Ganga’s holy cities, such as Varanasi, Haridwar, and Prayagraj (Allahabad), to perform rituals, bathing, and prayers.
The river is also associated with the story of King Bhagirath, who is believed to have brought the Ganga to earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors.

Environmental and Economic Importance

The Ganga and its tributaries provide water for agriculture, drinking, and industrial use for millions of people.
The river basin is one of the most fertile regions in the world, supporting the livelihoods of over 400 million people.
The Ganga also faces serious pollution challenges, which have prompted initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme to clean and rejuvenate the river.

Conclusion

The Ganga River and its tributaries form the lifeline of northern India and Bangladesh, not only providing essential resources like water but also holding immense religious and cultural importance. It supports millions of people who depend on it for agriculture, water supply, and livelihoods, while also attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Despite its significance, the Ganga faces challenges related to pollution, which require ongoing conservation efforts.