Easy Tourist Guide

Amarkantak may not be one of the most popular tourist destinations of India but to those who know Indian culture and tradition is well aware of the fact that it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of the Hindus. Popularly known as “Teerthraj” (the king of pilgrimages), Amarkantak is deemed to be the door-way to “Nirvana”. Apart from being a sacred pilgrimage destination, Amarkantak with its verdant hills, forested surroundings and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls has all the ingredients for a memorable tour in the midst of nature. This great-unexplored tourism destination of Madhya Pradesh is a place worth a visit.

About Amarkantak

Amarkantak – a hill town at an average elevation of 1065 m above sea at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges is a major pilgrimage destination of the Hindus. Being the source of the River Narmada (considered by many as the most sacred river of India), Amarkantak has grown into a sacred pilgrimage destination over the years. Another important river of India, Sone, also originates here.
Amarkantak is indeed bliss of nature. Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, glittering streams, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls and an ever-pervading air of serenity makes Amarkantak a palce where sacredness of Mother Nature is bound to mesmerize you. Though Amarkantak is known to most as a pilgrimage destination of the Hindus, but the natural beauty of the place is so awesome that it has all the potential to develop as a popular hill tourism destination as well.
The dense forest of Amarkantak depicts a unique ecosystem and is an internationally acclaimed natural heritage zone. Its far-off valleys showcase an exceedingly diverse floristic genre which hardly has any comparison.

Where is Amarkantak?

The popular pilgrimage destination of Amarkantak is situated in the newly formed district of Anuppur in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Sightseeing in and around Amarkantak

Narmadakund and temples – Narmadakund is the open pool from where the river Narmada originates. Being the source of the sacred river Narmada, the place enjoys great pilgrimage importance and a dip in the waters of the kund is believed to take one closer to attainment of nirvana. Around the kund there are a number of temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses.
Narmada Udgam temple is by far the most popular and eye catching. Built by the Bhonsles of Nagpur, the view of the shining white temple against the blue sky in all its divine glory in the morning light is all set to mesmerize you.
Other temple in the complex includes Shiva temple, Kartikey temple, Shri Ram Janki temple, Annapurna temple, Guru Gorakhnath temple, Sri Shuryanarayan temple, Vangeshwar Mahadev temple, Durga temple, Shiva Pariwar, Siddheswar Mahadev temple, Sri Radha Krishna temple, Eleven Rudra temple etc.
Though bathing inside the complex is prohibited, but there is well built bathing Ghats just outside the complex where devotees takes holy dip with the belief of attaining nirvana.
Sonemuda – At a distance of about 1.5 Km from Narmadakund is Sonemuda, which is the origin of River Sone. Being situated at the edge of Maikal Mountain, the place enjoys panoramic view of forested hills and valleys. River Sone, known for gold dust in its water, cascades below from the mountain top forming a 100 ft long waterfall. The place is extremely popular among tourists visiting Amarkantak.

Kapildhara – At a distance of about 6 Km to the north-west of Narmadakund is the 100 ft long waterfall named Kapildhara. Believed to be the place where famous sage Kapil Muni performed meditation and attained the divine light, Kapildhara is a major pilgrimage destination of Hindus. It is one of the major waterfalls on River Narmada. It is a major sightseeing destination of Amarkantak.
The nearby Kapileshwar Temple dedicated to Kapil Muni sees large influx of pilgrims throughout the year. The scenic beauty of the entire place needs special mention.
Dudhdhara – At a distance of about 1 Km from Kapildhara is another waterfall on River Narmada named Dudhdhara. A milky water of the waterfall falling from a height of about 50 ft is a huge attraction for pilgrims and tourists visiting Amarkantak. Though the fall is not a lofty one but is bound to catch your eyes because of its bewitching whiteness.
Kabir Chabutra – Believed to be the place where the great Indian saint Kabir performed meditation and attained divine light, Kabir Chabutra is one of the most holy places for the followers of Kabir. All religious minded people in pilgrim tour of Amarkantak do make it a point to visit this sacred place associated with one of the great saints of India, Kabir. The place gained further significance as Kabir met the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak and discussed spiritual matters pertaining to human life.

Mai Ki Bagiya – This natural garden in the midst of dense forest at a distance of about 1 Km from Narmadakund is a huge attraction for tourists and pilgrims. Tour of Amarkantak is certainly incomplete without visiting this garden where there are Mango trees, Banana trees, varieties of Roses etc. Named in the honour of goddess Narmada, this beautiful natural garden enjoys large influx of visitors throughout the year.
Jwaleshwar Temple – This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at a distance of about 8 Km from Amarkantak on the road to Shahdol. The temple in the midst of deep forest is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and the Shivlings here is said to have been planted by Lord Shiva himself. The origin of River Johilla is nearby and the place provides some panoramic vistas.

How to reach Amarkantak?

By Air – Dumna airport of Jabalpur at a distance of about 240 Km is the nearest airhead from Jabalpur.
By Rail – Though Pendra Road at a distance of about 17 Km from Amarkantak is the nearest railhead, but Anuppur at a distance of about 42 Km on the south-western railway is the more convenient one.
By Road – Amarkantak is well connected with cities like Shahdol, Umaria, Jabalpur, Rewa, Bilaspur, Anuppur and Pendra Road.

Where to stay at Amarkantak?

MPSTDC Holiday Home – undoubtedly the best place to stay in Amarkantak is the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation run Holiday Home. Apart from having all the amenities of modern living, this holiday home also provides the option of staying in tents. For booking contact at 07629-269416.
Shree Mata Sadan – It is a budget accommodation of Amarkantak at a very cheap rate. This economical yet clean staying option needs to be booked beforehand. For booking contact at – 07629-269520.
Sarvodaya Rest House – This is another budget staying option of Amarkantak. For booking contact at its Kolkata office at 033-22127715.
Hotel Prince – It is another good staying option of Amarkantak. This clean and economical hotel can be booked at 07629-269430.

Almora – a picturesque hill station in the Kumaon region, east of Uttarakhand in India is known to tourists for its alluring grandeur of natural beauty. Perched atop a 5 Km long, horseshoe-shaped ridge in between river Kosi and Suyal, Almora is an ideal hill station for those weary hearts who wishes to spend time in peace and solitude. Apart from offering breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas, Almora is known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife. This ancient hill town has retained much of its old world charm providing a perfect ambience for a peaceful holiday.

Where is Almora?

Almora is a picturesque district town of the district of Almora in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It lies in the Kumaon region among Kumaon hills.

About Almora

Almora – situated at an average altitude of 5900 ft above sea level is endowed with exceptional natural and unspoilt scenic beauty which has not yet been spoilt by urbanization. Almora is indeed a good place to conveniently enjoy the spectacular snowscape of the central Himalayas. This picturesque and unspoilt hill town is surrounded by four hill ranges – Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Shayahi Devi and Katarnal. The first three peaks have temples of Goddesses while Katarnal has an ancient Sun temple worth visiting.
This charming hill resort of Uttarakhand was founded by Raja Kalyan Chand in 1568 and was further developed and nurtured by the British. From time immemorial people have visited Almora in search of peace, solitude and liberation of the soul.
Almora is also known for being the starting point of several trek routes to the glaciers. This beautiful hill station is also known for “Baal Mithai”, – a kind of sweet delicacy.

Sightseeing in and around Almora

Nanda Devi Temple – Apart from its scenic beauty, the greatest attraction of Almora is the old temple of Nanda Devi which was the presiding deity of the Chandravanshi kings of Almora. The typical Kumaoni style stone temple with rich carvings on the wall is an architectural masterpiece in itself. Apart from pilgrims, large number of tourists visits this grand temple in large number.

Nanda Devi fair held in the temple complex every year in September draws large crowds. Youth from various mountainous areas in the region come here to participate in this dance festival, which is an integral part of the fair.
Bright End Corner – About 2 Km from Almora is this hilltop site offering breathtaking view of the valleys and soaring snowy peaks of Kumaon. The place is extremely popular among tourists for magnificent view of the sunrise and sunset. This calm and peaceful place is an ideal spot to relax, meditate and rediscover oneself. A circuit house close by allows tourists to spend some time in this peaceful surrounding.
Nearby is Vivekananda Library and Vivekananda Memorial which is another major attraction of Almora. The great Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda is known to have stayed here for some time. This very fact has made the place a must visit sightseeing destination in the tour of Almora.
Binsar – About 30 km from Almora lies Binsar at an altitude of 2412 m above sea level. Perched on the top of Jhandi Dhar hill this peaceful place was once the summer capital of the Chand rulers. The place offers wonderful views of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges, like the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Knot. Tourists who like to spend time in solitude should definitely visit Binsar which is an epitome of secludededness, quietness and natural beauty. One can also go trekking with abundant nature trails available from Binsar. Walk through the forests of Oak, Pine and Rhododendron with your loved ones beside you will definitely bring back the lost romance in your life.
Chitai Temple – About 8 Km from Almora lies the famous Chitai temple in the middle of Fir and pine forest. The temple is dedicated to Golu Devta who is known to fulfill the wishes of its devotees. Once a wish is fulfilled people hang little bells in the temple as is evident from thousands of bells strung across the temple premises. View of the snow peaked ranges of the Himalayas from here is awesome. Locals as well as tourists visiting Almora make it a point to visit this sacred temple and offers prayer for fulfilling their wishes.

Katarmal Sun Temple – This 800 year old temple perched at an altitude of 2116 m above sea level is at a distance of about 17 Km from Almora. The temple dedicated to Sun god was built by Katarmalla, a Katyuri king in the 9th century A.D. The temple complex has one main temple, surrounded by 45 smaller shrines. The temple though in ruins stands as a testament of the bygone era. One needs to walk through forest to reach the temple. The temple is noted for its magnificent architecture, artistically made stone and metallic sculptures and beautifully carved pillars and wooden doors. Tourists visiting Almora definitely make it a point to visit this temple of Sun God.
Almora has several other temples worth a visit, like Kosi temple, Gananath temple, Shiva temple at Jageshwar, Kasar Devi temple and few others.
Places like Martola (scenic spot), Koshi (scenic spot and the site of Govind Vallabh Pant Research Institute), Kalimath (enchanting view of Almora town) etc are few sightseeing spots around Almora that are worth a visit.
Ranikhet (50 Km), Nainital (71 Km), Kausani (51 Km) are some of the other famous and popular hill resorts close to Almora that are known for their enchanting beauty.

How to reach Almora?

By Air – Pant Nagar (Nainital) at a distance of about 120 Km is the nearest airport of Almora. Regular flights are operational during summer.
By Rail – Kathgodam at a distance of about 90 Km is the nearest railway station of Almora. Kathgodam is well connected with all major cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Kolkata.
By Road – Almora is well connected with all major cities of Uttarakhand and adjoining states.

Where to stay at Almora?

Being a popular hill station, Almora offers a wide range of staying option for tourists. Some of the better hotels of Almora are :-
Hotel Sikhar (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230156)
Hotel Almora (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230250)
Hotel Shikar (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230253)
Hotel Shavoy (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230329)
Bhagavati Palace (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230222)
Hotel Kailash (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230624)
Hotel Himsagar (Booking contact number – 05962 – 230711)
Hotel Alka (Booking contact number – 05962 – 231693)

Taranga is one of the most famous pilgrimage centres for the Jains. Though the three-peaked Taranga hills is a less-frequent stop on the standard tourist trail, yet it is considered to be having one of India’s most treasured works of architecture having the potentiality of becoming a favourite among tourist. Taranga perhaps is a testimony of the diverse culture of India. The picture perfect location of Taranga is bound to impress any tourist and will definitely create an indelible impression on his mind. A true cohesion of religion and natural beauty, Taranga is fast making a place as an important tourist destinaation.

Where is Taranga?

Taranga, the famous Jain pilgrimage centre is in the Mehsana district of Gujarat at a distance of 140 Km from Ahmedabad.

About Taranga

Situated at an altitude of 1300 feet, this place is considered as a Jain Siddha Kshetra. It is believed that numerous saints, after powerful austerities, obtained final emancipation at this peak. On this hill, there are 5 Digambar and 5 Shwetambar temples which are not only favourite among Jains but are also exponents of architectural masterpiece.
In the 12th century, the Shwetambar Solanki king, Kumarapal, constructed a beautiful temple in the honor of the 2nd Jain Tirthankar Lord Ajitnath. This Jain temple is an architectural masterpiece and is considered to be one of the most popular Jain temples in India. The main statue of lord Ajitnath is around 15 feet high and is considered as one of the biggest statues of India. The huge statue of Lord Ajitnath in transcended and peaceful action creates an intense aura of stillness and calm beyond expression. The temple is around 260 feet high and is situated in the central place on Taranga hills. This Shwetambar Jain temple is one of the five most important Mahatirthas of the Jains.

In and around Taranga

Apart from the famous Jain temple the temple of Ambaji roughly 30 miles from Taranga is a poplar Hindu pilgrimage destination. The temple of Ambaji is the seat of Ambe Mata, the mother goddess and is considered as one of the major Shakti peethas.

Millions of devotees from around the world visit the temple every year. The huge temple is an architectural masterpiece in itself. There is no image of Ambaji Mata in temple, people worship the yantra.
The temple of Devi Taranmata is a favourite among tourist and locals where Devi Dharanmata popularly known as Tara Devi is worshiped as the goddess of tantric Buddhism. The journey to this temple though is quite tough yet is an experience by itself which tourists must undertake to have a entirely different kind of feeling. This is one of the prime tourist attractions of Taranga apart from being a sought after place of worship.

The two hillocks named Kotishila and Sidhhshila have idols of Bhagwan Neminath and Bhagwan Mallinath. Both this idols are an important place of worship and are popular among tourists and visitors visiting Taranga.

How to reach Taranga?

By Air - The nearest Airport is Ahmedabad, approx. 125 Kms from Taranga.
By Rail - The nearest major railway stations are Visnagar (38 kms), Mehsana (52 kms), Unjha (54 kms) & Vijapur (60 kms) approx. A slow local train also travels from Mehsana to Taranga (2 hrs.) The temple is 5 km from the railway station.
By Road - Bus service and rented private vehicle are available from Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, Siddhpur and Ambaji. Bus will drop you off at Timba near Danta from where one can get a shared (Rs. 5/-) or private (Rs. 50/-) jeep for the 8 km to Taranga.

Where to stay at Taranga?

Balaram Palace (02742 – 84278, 84378-79-80)
Poshina Palace are the two luxurious staying options.
Rajdhani, Utsav, Apsara, are budget staying options.

Ambikapur is a perfect tourist destination with temples, caves, hills, rivers, hot water springs and spectacular waterfalls. The historic town of Ambikapur is situated near the Vindhyachal – Baghelkhand mountain ranges having connections with the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The place has something to offer for every tourist, wheather he is a nature lover, an ardent follower of religion or simply wants to explore new places.

Where is Ambikapur?

Ambikapur is in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh state in India

About Ambikapur

The exotic location of the place unharmed by the advancement of science and technology is bound to attract tourists. Nature in its primitive form being preserved here is perhaps the most fascinating feature of Ambikapur.
The recent excavations of various heritage monuments have made Ambikapur a popular destination of Chhattisgarh. Historians have found that some of the archaeological ruins and temples here date to an era before Christ.
The Jogimara Caves here are an example of one of the world’s first ever inscriptions on love, making it a major tourist attraction. Some of the other caves located here is an evidence of the existence of civilization here
from pre-historic times.
Historians also believe that the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa may have spent some time in the Ramgiri mountains while he was working on his epic `Meghdoot’, written sometime between the 16th and 17th century.

In and around Ambikapur

The various temples located in and around Ambikapur spiritually enlighten the tourists who have a love for religion. Among the significant temples are Mahamaya temple located east of Ambikapur, Shivpur Shiv temple, Buddha temple at Mainpat, and the Nageshwar Shiv temple.
Shivpur Shiv temple - It is a popular pilgrimage destination. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva amidst picturesque natural surroundings is a must-visit for every tourists coming to Ambikapur. During the occasion of Maha Shivratri and Basant Panchami a very big festival is organized every year.

Manipat – Located near Ambikapur, Manipat is a charming hill station known for the tiger point waterfall and the delightful Buddha temple. Woolen fabric of Manipat deserves special mention. The tiger point waterfall is extremely popular among tourists and its location amidst picturesque surrounding makes the visit to the waterfall a memorable one.
Buddha temple – The temple located at Manipat near Alampur is a popular destination for followers of Buddhism as well as for normal tourists. This beautiful temple apart from housing a wonderful statue of Lord Buddha gives a firsthand experience of Buddhist culture and religion.
Tattapani – This is a continuously flowing hot water source ideal for skin disease ailments. Water is so hot near the source of this hot water spring that even rice bundled in a piece of cloth gets cooked.
Thin-thini patthar - It is a huge cylindrical-shaped rock of about two hundred quintal resting on a ground rock. When it is stricken with a solid material, a metallic sound echoes. Different sound comes from different points of the stone.

Semarsot wildlife sanctuary - Covering an area of 430.36 Sq.Km. the sanctuary has a wide variety of deer, like Nilgai, Chital, Sambar, Chinkara as well as number of Leopards sloth bears, wild boars, foxes and colorful birds. The sanctuary is covered with Sal and other deciduous trees.
Tamor Pingla wildlife sanctuary - Covering a ground of 608.55 Sq.Km this sanctuary has a mix of Sal and other deciduous trees. It is not uncommon to sight multi-hued migratory birds, a number of species of Indian deer, like the barking deer, four-horned antelope, chitals and sambar deer. One can even catch glimpses of python, cobras, striped hyenas, jackals, brown and red varieties of jungle fowl, blue bulls, and green pigeons.
Kailash caves - These cave was created by Saint Rameshwar Gahira Guruji. Temple of Lord Shiva-Parvati and also temple of different God-Goddess are there in caves. On occasion of Mahashivratri huge festival is organized here which is being attended by pilgrims from places far and near.
Ramgarh and Sita Bengra – These are the caves in which Lord Rama, and his wife Sita, are believed to have stayed during their 14 years of exile. The charming beauty of the place is really mesmerizing.
Pawai waterfall – It is a natural waterfall which flows throughout the year and is a popular picnic spot.
Ramgiri mountain is one of the exotic locations to be visited near Ambikapur. The place is believed to have been the home of Lord Rama during his days of exile.

How to reach Ambikapur?

By Air – Jabalpur is the nearest airport from where one can reach Ambikapur by train or bus or by hired vehicle.
By Rail – Bishrampur at a distance of 27 Km. from Ambikapur is the nearest railhead. Although Annupur railway station at a distance of 205 Km. is a much better option.
By Road – Ambikapur is well connected by buses with places like Raipur (358 Km.), Bilaspur (230 Km.), Raigarh (210 Km.), and Annupur (205 Km.)

Where to stay at Ambikapur?

Hotel Mayura (220258)
Hotel Kanchan (224444)
Hotel Basant (222615, 221134)
Hotel Deep (220397)
Hotel Surya (221445)
Hotel Poonam (222563)
Hotel Mayank (222563)

Melkote, the temple town of Karnataka is a popular center of pilgrimage built on rocky hills of Yadavagiri (or Yadugiri) overlooking the Cauveri valley. The place attracts tourists from around the world for its breathtaking scenic beauty and its bracing climate. A visit to Melkote is unique in the sense that it gives us a fast hand experience and knowledge of our own cultural heritage in its living form. Historical studies have shown relatively little change in the plan of the town, the type and character of the dwellings and its cultural practice.

Where is Melkote?

Melkote is in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. It is about 51 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore.

About Melkote

The picturesque hill town of Melkote is full of shrines and monasteries and is an important centre for devotees of Lord Vishnu. This town gained religious importance in the 12th century AD when the famous South Indian Vaishnava philosopher and teacher, Sri Ramanuja lived in Melkote for about 12 years.

Life in Melkote is centered around the Cheluvanarayanaswamy temple in the town and the Yoganarasimhaswamy temple on the hill overlooking the town of Melkote. It is these temples that have made the town a popular tourist and pilgrimage attraction. These temples have helped to preserve the tradition and culture of the town and at the same time is a repository of all the knowledge. The temple premises houses the oldest Sanskrit Pathsahala in India that dates back to 1853.

In and around Melkote

The temple of Cheluvanarayanaswamy is of prime attraction for tourist and devotees visiting Melkote. The temple, built in the Vijayanagar style, houses some of the most intricately carved pillars and is one of the four most sacred places of Vaishnavism in South India.

On the top of the hill is an impressive temple of Yoga Narasimha. It is believed that the image of Yoga Narasimha temple was installed by Prahlada. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III presented a gold crown to this temple. This temple and its surroundings present the most panoramic view.
Raya gopura, which is also known as Gopalaraya entrance, is an incomplete structure leading to the hill. It has four tall pillars and has no tower above it. This architectural masterpiece is said to have been built in a day or two.
Melkote temple wildlife sanctuary created on 17 June 1974 mainly to protect the wolf is also a must visit for the tourists… Other mammals found in this sanctuary are jungle cat, leopard, bonnet macaque, langur and pangolin. It is also an ornithologist’s paradise, with numerous species of birds indigenous to the area, .and peacock.
The Thondanur Lake, 18 km from Melkote is a good picnic spot.

How to Reach Melkote?

By Air - Bangalore is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Nearest railhead is Pandavapura, Mandya.
By Road - Melkote is well connected by roads from Mysore and Bangalore.

Where to stay at Melkote?

There are various Mathas (ashrams) in Melkote where tourists and devotees can stay in lieu of donations according to his or her will. Staying at this ashramas is indeed an unique experience.
The Forest Department and the Public Works Department have a guest house each.
The Academy of Sanskrit Research  (08236-48741/48781) has lovely cottages surrounded by lush green gardens.

Alampur, near Hyderabad is known as the Dakshina Kailasam and home to nine Nava Brahma temples dedicated to Lord Shiva built by the Badami Chalukyas about 200 years ago. The holy city of Alampur located at the confluence of Tungabhadra and Krishna River is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites of India. This place preserves numerous archaeological remains in the form of the temples, which represents a crossbred of architectural style.

Where is Alampur?

Alampur is in Mahbubnagar district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located at about 90 KM from Mahabubnagar, 27 km From Kurnool and 200 km from Hyderabad.

About Alampur

Alampur, one of the most sacred places of worship in South India is believed to be the place where the beauty of the earth is concentrated on that bend where the Tungabhadra rushes on to its sangam with that Krishna. The aesthetic pleasure of the striking landscape of Alampur is believed to have fused with the spirits in the shrines where the morning and evening prayers rang to the sound of bells to awaken the deities.

This ancient temple of Alampur built in a Dravidian style has fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. It is even regarded as one of the finest specimens of Chalukyan architecture.

In and Around Alampur

The Nava Brahma temples are the main attraction of Alampur. The nine Nava Brahma temples enclosed within a miniature fortress on the left bank of Tungabhadra River are, – Taraka Bhramma, Swarga Bhramma, Padma Bhramma, Bala Bhramma, Garuda Bhramma, Kumara Bhramma, Arka Bhramma, Vira Bhramma and the Vishwa Bhramma. All of these temples though dedicated to Lord Shiva are markedly different from each other in their architectural style. The brilliance of the artists who carved the sculptures of these temples is indeed commendable.
Also in the enclosed courtyard is located the Suryanarayana temple, dating back to the 9th century. This temple has reliefs representing the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

There is also a Narasimha temple with inscriptions from the period of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Near Alampur, is Papanasam with a cluster of over 20 temples of varying sizes and styles. The most important of these is the Papanaseswara temple.
To the west of Alampur lies Sree Sailam, which is regarded as one of the greatest Saivite shrines in the Indian subcontinent and constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Lord Shiva.

How to Reach Alampur?

By Air - Hyderabad is the nearest airport where both domestic and international planes land. From the airport one can hire private car to reach Alampur.
By Rail - Kurnool is the nearest railway station from where regular bus services are available to reach Alampur.
By Road – Alampur is well connected with other towns by regular bus services.

Where to Stay?

Though the place is ideal as a day long weekend tour yet there are a number of good budget hotels available.
The Mourya Inn (8518) – 224999
Hotel S.V. Regency (08518 – 248212).
Haritha Hotel (08514-284516).
Hotel Rajshri (08512-253304).

Traveling to the historical city of Orcha founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain Rudra Pratap is a real rewarding experience. The historical monument of the medieval city of Orcha is a unique travel destination where history is etched in stone. Over the years, Orcha has become one of the preferred destinations for tourists who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of India. Temples and palaces of this medieval city are true symbols of Indian artistry and architecture that are far ahead of its contemporary and are objects of awe for the rest of the world.

Where is Orcha?

Orcha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. Situated on the banks of River Betwa, Orcha lies in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh.

About Orcha

The medieval city of Orcha was once the capital of the Bundela rulers. The historical monuments still retain their pristine medieval charm, narrating stories of its glorious past, every bit of which is a cherishable experience to the tourists.
Orcha has a series of magnificent temples, dating back to the 17th century. They are still in use today and visited regularly by thousands of devotees.
Apart from the rich history, the place is also noted for its scenic beauty and the crystal clear waters of the river Betwa, which adds charm to the place. Moreover Bundela architecture, which is a curious synthesis of Rajput and Mughal styles, has its own significance and beauty.

In and Around Orcha

Orcha fort complex – The main tourist attraction of Orcha is the Orcha fort complex, located on an island on River Betwa, having a number of palaces within it. Orcha’s fort complex is approached by tourists through a multi-arched bridge, and houses three palaces set in an open quadrangle.

Jehangir Mahal - Situated within the fort complex is the exceedingly beautiful Jehangir Mahal which is the most visited monument in Orcha. The palace was built by Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha. The main tourist attraction of the palace is the two statues of bowed elephants right at the entrance.

Raj Mahal palace - Situated to the right of the quadrangle within the fort complex, this palace was built by Madhukar Shah, the deeply religious predecessor of Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo. The palace is noticeable for its plain exteriors and interiors depicting religious themes.

Rani Praveen Mahal Palace – This palace was built by King Indramani in the 17th century. It is said that he built it for his love Rai Parveen who was an exceptionally talented poetess and a musician. The palace is only two floor high and was built this way to match with the height of trees in the area. Visitors can get scintillating views of nearby gardens of Anand Mahal and the Octagonal flower garden.

Ram Raja Mandir - This palace-turned-temple is surely one of the most unusual in India and an important tourist attraction as it is the only temple in India where Ram is worshipped as a king.
Chaturbhuj temple – This temple is situated on a gigantic stone was the original destination of the idol of Lord Ram, but later, statue of Lord Vishnu was established. The temple houses a huge assembly hall for the devotees.

The Laxminarayan temple – This temple is a unique blend of temple and fort architecture. It was built in the year 1622 A.D. by Vir Singh Deo. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. The frescoes within this temple depict social and secular themes. These frescoes have retained their vibrant colors, in spite of being hundreds of years old and fascinate every tourist visiting the temple.

Sunder Mahal palace – The palace almost in ruin today, is still a place of pilgrimage for Muslims. Dhurjban son of Jhujhar, embraced Islam when he wed a Muslim girl at Delhi. He spent the latter part of his life in prayer and meditation and came to be revered as a saint.

Phool Bagh is laid out as a formal garden, testifying to the refined aesthetic qualities of Bundelas. This garden has fountains, pavilions and ingenious water ventilation system.

The Shahid Smarak commemorating the martyrdom of Chandrashekhar Azad, the great freedom fighter, is an important place to visit.

How to Reach Orcha?

By Air – Nearest airports is Gwalior (125Km). Flights from Delhi and Bhopal are regular to Gwalior.
By Rail – Nearest rail station is at Jhansi (16 km), on the Mumbai – Delhi and Delhi – Madras main lines. All major mail and express trains stop at Jhansi.
By Road - Orcha lies on the Jhansi – Khajuraho road. Regular bus services connect Orcha with Jhansi. Orcha is also well connected with Delhi, Gwalior, Agra, Bhopal and Varanasi via regular bus services.

Where to Stay at Orcha?

The Orcha Resort (07680 – 252222 /23 /24)
Amar Mahal Hotel (07680-252102 / 252202)
Sheesh Mahal (07680-252624 / 252624)
Betwa Retreat (07680-252618 / 252618)
Bundelkhand Riverside Retreat (07680-252612 / 252612 / 252332)
Ganapati Guest House (07680-252765 / 252765)

Bishnupur is a wonderful historical town of Bankura and is very rich from archeological aspect having remnants of Malla Dynasty here and there. Moreover it is a unique place to see terracotta temples, a style very special and indigenous to this region of the subcontinent. This wonderful historical place has a rich culture and tradition of its own which is very unique in both style and legacy. This old city of Bengal has been a major tourist destination for years and the Bishnupur Elephant made here bears the unique stamp of terracotta artistry.

Where is Bishnupur?

Bishnupur is in the Bankura district of West Bengal. It is around 160 km from Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

About Bishnupur

Bishnupur, was once a flourishing town and served as the capital of the Mall rulers of Bengal from the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries. The most prosperous period of Malla dynasty began with Veer Hambir, a contemporary of Akbar. Veer was an ardent devotee of Vishnu and hence the name of his capital Bishnupur, meaning the city of Vishnu. It was in his reign that the first of the surviving temples was built at Bishnupur. Today there are as many as thirty brick and stone temples, each with a different design and scheme, scattered over a large area. The city was once known for its beautiful lakes and ponds, and its lush vegetation. A fortification wall once encircled the capital city. But very little of it remains today.
Since Bishnupur had no stone for construction, the Malla kings built terracotta temples to celebrate their love for Krishna. Terracotta tiles carve out stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Bishnupur is known for its pottery, especially the lovable terracotta horse called Bankura who is the mascot of Bankura handicraft. Baluchari (depicting scenes from mythology) and tussar silk sarees, is another speciality of Bishnupur.

Sightseeing in and around Bishnupur

Rass Mancha, built like a step-pyramid, is Bishnupur’s most famous temple and is dedicated to Vishnu. It is a peculiar structure with huge, stepped masonry pyramid-shaped roof. The vaulted, pillars, draws light into the dark interiors and casts deep shadows on the external façade.

Shyama Rai Temple due north is the built at around 1643. Growing out of the base, the square temple body is framed by an artistically curved roof. The interior and exterior of the temple is adorned with wonderful terracotta tile-work decorations. Near the entrance are huge medallions with Krishna, the divine cowherd, playing his flute, with the gopis, his cowherdess companions, forming a lively circle around him as they dance in celebration.
Keshta Rai Temple is near the Shyama Rai Temple and was built at around 1655. This brick temple imitates the indigenous double hut (jorbangla) design, in which two huts with sweeping curved façade are built, back to back, as one unit. The front of the temple has a triple-arched entrance and the entire wall is alive with miniature sculpture and decorative motifs with scenes from the Ramayana.
Madan Mohan Temple is further north and has been constructed at around 1694. It is less complex in design and consists of a square building. From the center a tall, many-sided tower is capped with a rounded roof. Rows of tiles line the wall surface of the temple, each portraying a theme. Most playful and original are the rows of (plump) ducks waddling around in single file imitating the life-like gestures of a noisy flock.

Shridhara Temple, a 19th century shrine in West Bengal, lies to the north-west of Madan-Mohan temple at Bishnupur. The temple features nine spires – known as navratna – and has beautiful carvings on the walls. The dancing image of Lord Shiva at the entrance of the temple is a fine example of Bengal”s rich sculptural heritage.
Radha-Shyam Temple is one of the famous terracotta temples at Bishnupur in Bankura District of West Bengal. The temple was built by King Chaitanya Singha in 1758 and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple architecture consists of a square building with a curved roof and is crowned by a single tower.
Mrinmoyee Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is located 3 km from city center. It was constructed in AD 997 and the idol of the temple is made of clay. The holy Nababriksha – nine trees growing as one tree, situated in the temple courtyard is a point of attraction.
Jogesh Chandra Archaeological Centre was established in 1951, exhibiting artifacts of the Malla kings and is located at Bishnupur. The center also features a unique collection of prehistoric implements, large assemblage of documents and manuscripts, stone and terracotta sculptures, epigraphs, bronzes, coins of early and medieval period, scroll paintings and painted manuscripts-covers, and over four thousand medieval manuscripts in Sanskrit, Prakrit and Bengali.
The Dalmadal Caman is one of the major attractions in Bishnupur, Dalmadol cannon was constructed in 1742 by Raja Gopal Singh to keep the Maratha troops at bay. This 3.8 m long cannon with exquisite engravings has a barrel with a diameter of 28.5 cm.

How to reach Bishnupur?

By Air – Calcutta is the nearest airport. From where one can avail either train or bus services to reach this town of tradition.
By Rail - Bishnupur has a railway station which is connected with Calcutta (Howrah). The trains from Howrah are: Asansol Passenger, Gomoh Passenger, Howrah-Purulia Passenger, Hatia-Kharagpur.
By Road - Bishnupur is well-connected by regular bus services to Calcutta 151 Km

Where to stay at Bishnupur?

Hotel Laxmi Park (Booking contact number – 03244-256353)
Bishnupur Lodge (Booking contact number 03244-252013, 253561, 9732100950)
Udayan Lodge (Booking contact number – 03244-252243).