Top 5 best places in South India to visit in February

January 29, 2018

best places in South India to visit in February month

February is the month of Valentine and you must go somewhere lovely, but are probably trying to figure out where? We have got a list of top 5 best places in South India to visit in February month. Take a look-

best places in South India to visit in February — Coorg Hills

Coorg

Are you a mountain lover? Then think no further, head to the Coorg Hills this February and it is guaranteed you will be well entertained. Thousands of acres of sprawling Coffee plantations adorn the hills and the pleasant cool climate all year round makes it a perfect getaway. Tadiandamol, the Namdroling Monastery, Talacauveri, the Abbey Falls and the Raja’s Seat are the major attractions at Coorg.

Gokarna

You wish to go somewhere secluded or perhaps enjoy some peaceful time of your own? Hit the waves at the beaches of Gokarna. Relax at the Om shaped Om Beach, sunbath at the Paradise Beach or perhaps go for Beach Trekking starting from the Gokarna beach. Climb and descend the hills [literally trekking, not just walk your way] one by one and visit all the five beaches in Gokarna namely the Kudle Beach, the Gokarna Beach, the Paradise Beach, the Om Beach and the Half Moon Beach.

When you get tired, hang up your boots, hit a café, grab a beer and relax by the shoreline, witness the sunset, enjoy the waves, simply have a nice time of your own. Let February be interesting for you. So Go-Gokarna! Cheerio!

Dandelli

Are you an adventure lover? Is water sports your thing? Then you have got Dandelli to catch up. It is a complete playground for the adventure lovers. Surrounded by thick deciduous forest, Dandelli is located to the North of Karnataka state in South India.

Go River Rafting, Rappelling, Kayaking, trekking, Bird Watching and lot more at Dandelli. Do something crazy this February and add it to your travel diary.

Alleppey

Who doesn’t know about Alleppey? This famous backwater destination in Kerala kills it when it comes to holidays. It is probably the most favourite spot for travellers visiting Kerala. If you have never been on a houseboat at the Alleppey backwaters, February is a great time to make it happen. Ask your trusted tour operator to book a houseboat for you.

Glide along the unique stretch of backwater at Alleppey, relish the sumptuous Kerala food prepared exclusively for you on board, take pleasure witnessing the day to day activities by the side of the lake, cruise through the lush green paddy fields and the palm-fringed countryside of Alleppey. Ready? Plan your houseboat tour now!

Mahabalipuram

This UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site is a treat for history fanatics and ancient Indian architecture lovers. The Shore temples of Mahabalipuram are world famous for their intricate rock-cut architecture and explicit carvings. You will be literally dumbfounded thinking it out how those ancient artisans worked their sweat out to build this structural wonder. Let the month of February be something informative, at the same time, entertaining as well. The Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, the Five Rathas, the Tiger Cave, the Descent of the Ganges and the Krishna’s Butterball are some of the most popular sights at Mahabalipuram.

Now, do not get me wrong when I say Mahabalipuram is for the History and architecture lovers, it is in fact equally entertaining for all types of travellers. The Mahabalipuram Beach is a great spot to relax by the seaside, catch the waves, get wet and have a good time. If you love adventure or crave some excitement, you can go windsurfing or angling on the shimmering Bay of Bengal.

So, that was our list of the best places in South India to visit in February!

For more information or to book your perfect February tour, leave us a message below or @ South Tourism

Comment below on your favourite picks for the month of February.

Happy Travelling! Cheerio! 🙂

Andhra Pradesh, Travel Stories

A weekend visit to Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh

January 27, 2018

Nagarjunakonda is one of the most noted Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India. It was a fully developed metropolis and a renowned Buddhist learning centre for years. Students from all over India and from countries such as China, Sri Lanka and much more used to reside here and undertook their Buddhist studies. If you are a Buddha follower, you must not miss Nagarjunakonda at Andhra Pradesh. It was the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam which led to the discovery of various Buddhist artefacts and scriptures and thus it was concluded that the area was home to an ancient Buddhist civilization 1800 years ago. The collection was then transferred, reassembled and preserved on an island hill spanning 144 acres surrounded by the River Krishna.

History goes like, Nagarjuna, a famous scholar of Mahayana Buddhism lived here during the 2^nd century AD and it was his influence which spread Buddhism in the Southern parts of India and South Eastern parts of the Asian continent. Thus, the place was named after him, Nagarjunakonda or Nagarjuna Hill [Konda in the Telugu language means hill]. Though I am a Hindu, I am very much interested in Buddhist principles as well. I decided to make a visit and see for myself what we have got to see at Nagarjunakonda.

I started early in the morning from Hyderabad to Nagarjunakonda. It is a 4-hour journey covering nearly 160 km. The roads are great which helped me reach Nagarjuna Sagar dam in 3.5 hours. This huge dam we all know is an Earth dam and is one of the largest of its kind.

The location is a beautiful, green and hilly area. The ferry launch station is again a 15-minute drive which involves few hairpin bends as well. I reached the ferry area and paid my entrance fees. For foreign nationals, it costs Rs. 200/head and for Indians, 20 Rs/head. Also, there are fixed ferry timings, 9:30 am and 1:30 pm every day. Ferry ride fee is Rs 120 for adults and 100 for children.

The ferry timing for me was 1: 30 pm and it was only 12. I grabbed 2 Bhajjis [local snack] and tea from a local tea shop, fast forwarded 1 hour and I walked on to the boarding spot. I was amazed by the beauty of the surrounding landscape in front of me. I hopped onto one of the three motorboats parked by the side. I was informed it would be a 45 minutes ferry ride to reach the Nagarjunakonda island museum. It is the only island museum in India and two of the same in the world. One is at Berlin, Germany and the other is at Nagarjunakonda, Andhra Pradesh.

There were nearly 20 passengers on board, all tourists from different parts of the country. As we moved, we enjoyed some gorgeous views of the island and the Krishna River. We could see locals rowing round country boats looking for a good catch. 35 mins gone and I could see the walls of the island museum. The museum is opened to visitors from morning 9 am to 4 pm every day except Friday. It is closed on Fridays.

I started walking my way to the museum. The Nagarjunakonda island museum is a near 500 m walk from the boat dropping point. I reached the museum. Cameras are not allowed inside. I went on to check out all the collections on display. The collection of the museum consists stone tools, coins, scriptures of Lord Buddha and of Mucalinda, the Naga [serpent], spears, hammers, carvings narrating the story of Buddha from his birth to his Mahaparinirvana and lot more of other antiquities. An earring and a tooth are also up for display here, which many believe is among the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha himself. I spent next half an hour at the museum.

I followed the crowd to find what else there is to see. First, we came across the Maha Stupa, which is the oldest monument here at Nagarjunakonda. We reached a spot where I found a stupa and a broken statue of Lord Buddha standing tall, probably 10 feet tall. 100 meters to its right there is another Chaitya stupa belonging to 3^rd century CE. Later I returned to the boarding point and left the island. I enjoyed the 45 minutes cruise back to the ferry launch station. For me, it was the highlight of the Nagarjunakonda tour.

News Updates

Sri Bhagavan Jayanthi: Devotees celebrate the birthday of Sri Ramana Maharishi

December 30, 2017

Enlighten your soul with the preaching’s of Sri Ramana Maharishi on his 137^th birthday, which is popularly celebrated as the “Bhagavan Jayanthi” by his devotees. When Vasudeva Sastri requested Ramana Maharishi to allow his devotees to celebrate his birthday, he said: “At least on one’s birthday one should mourn one’s entry into this world (samsara)”. At the age of 16, he met with an accident which was a near-death experience for him. Thus started his quest for the soul. He went to Tiruvannamalai and spent his entire life there, where later an ashram was built in his name “The Ramanashramam”.

It is very popular not only among the local people but equally among the foreigners. Many people from other countries come, stay there to meditate and seek the blessings of the yogi. They lead a simple life staying thereby doing all the ashram work by themselves. They make handmade crafts and sell according to their interest. Even though the ashram is inside the city, you can feel the calmness fill your heart when you enter the premises. The ashram is surrounded by trees which serve as a shelter for monkeys and peacocks. People believe Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharishi Samadhi is present there, where the pujas and rituals are be held daily.

His most powerful way of preaching was about the “Eshwara” or “Jnani” inside us. One should know the reason for their existence in this world and to find that means true wisdom. The focused question of “I”; the self-realisation will free you from the temporary things in life. ‘For whom it’s happening?’ and ‘who am I?’ should be the constant question to be searched. It is not difficult to reach the divine reality because it’s already existing. “There is nothing to attain, only question the illusion and it will disappear

Although his birthday is on 30^th December, people celebrate it on the Punarvasu star of Maargali month (dec-jan). The most important ritual is the Maha Ekadasa Rudhrabhishekam which will be held in the shrine of his Samadhi. The ashram and the new hall where Samadhi is present are decorated with florals which build up a fresh environment for the devotees. The puja will be followed by the bhakti chanting, music concerts, spiritual discussions about the life of maharishi.

This is not only famous in the “land of Mukthi”, Tiruvannamalai but it is also celebrated in the Arunachala ashram by a large group of devotees in the city of New York. They follow the puja with recitations, bhajans and serving of people with Prasad. As the words of guru, the body is temporary but the soul or eshwara which resides inside the body has no destruction. You cannot change the world with your opinion but being an example. He left an example for us and even though he passed away, his soul remains immortal which guide us out of ignorance to attain our true wisdom in life.

News Updates, Tamilnadu

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

Thiruthani is a renowned pilgrim center across the country for its famous Murugan temples which is one of the six prominent abodes of Lord Muruga. Out of all the poojas and rituals carried out in this temple, the New Year celebrations deserve a special mention here.

To the surprise of every one, the devotees reach the temple atop the hill by climbing the 365 steps which represent the 365 days in a year.

The devotees started a significant practice of Padi Pooja somewhere around 1917. It is almost close to 100 years that the devotees of Lord Muruga keep performing the Padi Pooja during every New Year.

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

Eventually, the night before the New Year is the special period during which devotees start doing the Pooja. It will be a divine experience to watch the devotees lighting camphor at every step from the downhill, praise the benevolence of Lord Muruga. And devotees sing a collection of hymns called Thiruppugazh which praise the glory of Lord Muruga.

Furthermore, it is again a wonder that the number of devotees participating in this padi Pooja increase year on year. The Pooja starts the previous day night and special anointing and rituals commence exactly at 12 AM to mark the beginning of yet another prosperous year.

Finally, after the Padi Pooja, the devotees worship Lord Muruga atop the hill and offer their prayers.

It is an wonderful ritual to take part in the Padi Pooja at the Thiruthani Murugan Temple during the New Year.

Devotees believe that worshipping all the 365 steps in the temple will make their life more prosperous all through the following year.

Come and join the delightful celebrations for an amazing New Year at the Padi Pooja of Thiruthani Murugan Temple in 2018 !

Tamilnadu, Travel

A hidden Paradise amidst the Nilgiris which not many know about

Probably all the travellers who have been to South India, might have visited the Ooty hills [Nilgiris]. It is the crowned queen of the hills in South India. However, many those who made it to Ooty missed a gem of a spot roughly 30 kms away from the Ooty town. This hidden paradise is named Avalanche. It is a reserved forest area with spectacular scenes to offer. The Avalanche Lake is the most attractive spot and the highlight at Avalanche. During post monsoon month the lake is surrounded by blooming Orchids, Rhododendrons and Magnolias flowers, adding more charm to this heavenly location.

Trout fishing is an exciting activity here. You have options to buy Fishing rods and other accessories nearby the lake at a trout hatchery. You can also bring your tent and pitch it at Avalanche and enjoy a great night outdoors amidst thick woods and the serene surroundings at Avalanche. Fire up the woods and cook your freshly caught fish and enjoy a splendid evening with your family, friends or your better half.

If you are a trekking enthusiast, you have numerous trek routes at Avalanche for a good trek atop the hills. It is recommended to bring your warm clothes and proper trekking gears as well. The temperature at times drops heavily and it gets really chilly.

And YES! Mind the leeches.

Tip: Best time to Visit– The post Monsoon months would be great for an Avalanche visit. The flowers, small streams, thick greenery and more, yes, definitely it is the right time.

Spots near Avalanche– Do visit the Emerald Lake and the Upper Bhavani Hamlet very near to Avalanche.

Book your Avalanche tour at www.southtourism.in

News Updates, Tamilnadu

Arudhra Dharshan 2018 Uthirakosamangai

December 27, 2017

Arudhra Dharshan 2018 Uthirakosamangai

Arudhra Dharshan 2018 is the annual event where the Cosmic Dancer Lord Nataraja blesses his devotees on the day of Margazhi Thiruvaadhirai. This year, the auspicious event falls on 2^nd January 2018.

Uthirakosamangai is the renowned pilgrim where the presiding deity Lord Shiva is present in the form of His dancing posture. We call Him as Lord Nataraja and He is present in the form of a six feet emerald idol.

The idol is wonderfully carved out of a deep green single emerald stone. The temple is a three thousand years old structure where Lord Nataraja is covered by sandal paste throughout the year except for this special day !

Arudhra Dharshan Significance

Out of the twelve Tamil months, Margazhi is a sacred month. Devotees visit the temples all through this month and worship their beloved Gods. The ardent devotees conduct musical concerts and divine preaching throughout this month.

Out of the several sanctimonious events in this month, the day on which the tamil star Thiruvadhirai falls is of high significance. A large number of devotees visit Sri Mangalanathar Swamy Temple at Thiru Uthirakosamangai near Ramanathapuram on this special day.

The devotees are enlightened to the core when they witness the unveiling of the Lord Nataraja at the early hours of the Thiruvadhirai star. As they cannot see this on any of the other days throughout the year, thousands of pilgrims throng in the temple, wait in long queues and get His blessings.

Devotees from across the state, come here on this auspicious day to visit this significant Emarald Nataraja. The idol is open for public dharshan for specific period of time on the Margazhi Thiruvadhirai day. And it is popularly called as Arudhra Dharshan. Though Margazhi Thiruvadhirai is a very special occasion in all Shiva Temples, Arudhra Dharshan in Uthirakosamangai deserves a special mention here because of this Emarald Nataraja.

Top 5 Places, Travel ideas and plans

5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour

December 20, 2017

Chennai, the most popular city in South India, has a distinct ambience compared to other cities in India. The food, the music, the dress code, everything is unique in Chennai. Speaking about the people in Chennai, the Chennaites are fun-loving and are known for their love for travel, however, due to their hectic schedule, most of them miss out their weekends. We all know life is outside, so travel lots and recharge yourselves for the upcoming week. After a long tiring week, you deserve some time off from Chennai and here are 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour-

Yelagiri Hills

best places near Chennai to spend your weekends — View atop the Swamimalai Hill, Yelagiri

Do you wish to spend some secluded time on top of the hills? I have got just the perfect place you would fall in love with, the “Yelagiri Hills”. The unexplored terrain and the pleasant weather all throughout the year is a great mix for you. There are not many specific sightseeing spots at Yelagiri, however, the whole chain of hills and the surrounding landscape is a visual treat. Those adventure oriented travellers can indulge themselves in highly entertaining treks, of which the most famous is the Swamimalai Hill trek.

Trekking up Swamimalai, the highest point at Yelagiri, 4400 feet above the sea level, is a highly rewarding endeavour. You get some stunning views atop Swamimalai. Other popular treks at Yelagiri are Javadi Hills and Palamathi hills. Other top attractions at Yelagiri includes the Jalagamparai Waterfalls and the Punganur Lake. Do try them. Paragliding is the most sought-after adventure activity at Yelagiri, which is seasonal, so tune in for the updates.

Nearly 220 kms from Chennai you can easily access the hills of Yelagiri by road or train. Board a train to the Jolarpettai railway station and grab a taxi to reach Yelagiri just 21 kms away. Enjoy your weekend kissing the clouds.

Pichavaram

Pichavaram is no less than a heaven for the nature lovers. The thick mangrove forest of Pichavaram is the second largest of its kind in the whole world. It provides a surreal experience amidst wilderness. A 1100 hectare of thick mangroves await you to gift a one of a kind travel experience. Boating is the most exciting way to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Pichavaram.

Float through the serpentine canals and glistening backwaters sandwiched between thick greenery. For bird watchers, boating along the Pichavaram backwaters offers a chance to spot some of the rare species of migratory birds. The winter time which is December- February is the best time for a Pichavaram weekend tour.

To reach Pichavaram, either book a private taxi from Chennai or board a bus to either Chidambaram or Pondicherry and from there catch another bus to Pichavaram. It is 230 kms from Chennai.

Nagalapuram

Now, this is a lesser known spot to many. Packed with hills, waterfalls, trekking, swimming and excitement, Nagalapuram can be thoroughly entertaining for a weekend trip which is why it grabs the spot in this- 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour -list. Unlike the other 4 weekend destinations in this list, Nagalapuram is not in Tamilnadu, but in Andhra Pradesh. Trekking at Nagalapuram has become a popular activity over the years and youngsters flock here every weekend.

As you move along the dense woods of Nagalapuram, you would come across small streams, sparkling waterfalls and gorgeous pools. Relax and spend some time by the pool, collect water from the small waterfalls you see to hydrate yourselves while trekking and of course enjoy some beautiful vistas of nature at this part of the world.

Just 75 kms from Chennai, Nagalapuram is easily accessible by road. Hire a private taxi or you could use rail or public transport buses.

Pondicherry

Auroville Beach, PondicherryWell! Pondicherry is not new to anyone. Weekend getaways cannot get better than a trip to the most blissful sea sides of Pondicherry. A 170 km journey from Chennai to Pondicherry would make a great weekend for you with your friends or family. The places of interest in Pondicherry are plenty like the Auroville, the Aurobindo Ashram, the Promenade Beach, the Auroville Beach, the Paradise Beach and much more.

Grab a couple of cocktails, spend time along the seashores, or meditate at the Matrimandir. You have plenty of options to spend your weekend, the way you like it, at Pondicherry.

There are n number of frequent buses from Chennai to Pondicherry. You could easily board in one of them or hire a taxi from Chennai for your weekend trip to Pondicherry.

Mahabalipuram & Kanchipuram

A weekend excursion to Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram is a perfect getaway for those who are fond of history and ancient architecture. The UNESCO recognised rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram and the city of 1000 temples, Kanchipuram, would mesmerize you with its detailed stone carvings and intricate architecture.

Start from Chennai to Mahabalipuram, 60 kms away. Grab a taxi or you could board a bus to Mahabalipuram. After exploring the shore temples of Mahabalipuram, headway to the temple town of Kanchipuram, 70 kms away. Again, it is your option to go by a taxi or there are numerous buses from Mahabalipuram to Kanchipuram which you could use.

So these were the 5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour. Hope you enjoyed the article. There are more places near Chennai which could be a great weekend getaway which we will include in our upcoming articles.

For more travel ideas and plans tune in to South Tourism blog

To book your weekend tour from Chennai or any other cities in South India, just leave us a message or live chat with us @ www.southtourism.in

Kerala

Kerala: Mullakkal Chirappu starts today

December 16, 2017

Alleppey, Kerala: The annual festival Mullakkal Chirappu at the famous Rajarajeswari Temple at Mullakkal, Alleppey begins today. The whole city is illuminated with colourful lights creating a festive ambience all over. Every year, from the start of the Vruschika month [mid- November] the Mullakkal Mahotsavam is celebrated. It is a 41 days long festival in which the last 11 days is celebrated in a grand style and is known as the “Mullakkal Chirappu”. Thousands of devotees from all over the state and travellers from many parts of the world flock to the temple to participate and offer their prayers to Goddess Rajarajeswari. Nine caparisoned elephants proceed to the temple followed by a large crowd of devotees is one of the most delightful sights during this 11 day celebration.

The Chirappu festival at Alleppey showcases various cultural programs which reflect the state’s rich culture and heritage. Popular artists from all over Kerala perform during the night hours and entertain the people gathered around the temple. It is a great opportunity for photographers and cultural experience seekers. The festival concludes on December 26^th. Annadanam or feast is served to more than 4000 people on the same day and the grand fireworks display marks the end of Mullakkal Chirappu.

Kerala, Travel

Nelliyampathy: A visit to not so popular yet spectacular hill station in Kerala

December 13, 2017

There are many hidden gem spots in Kerala which are still not on the radar of the travel community. This serene hills we call Nelliyampathy belongs to the same list. Untouched beauty at its best- that is what I would say about Nelliyampathy. It is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala nearly 70 kms from the city. We, a group of passionate travellers from Cochin decided to make a visit to Nelliyampathy. We booked a cab for the trip. It is a 150 km journey which would take nearly 4 hours to reach during the working hours and therefore we started at 5 am, early in the morning to cut in short. It took us just 3 hours to reach Nelliyampathy.

The driver took a deviation from the Cochin -Palakkad highway shortly after Vadakkencherry. The hill road starts from the Pothundi Dam view point. Our driver Joseph briefed about his previous trip to Nelliyampathy. He informed us not to expect a hill station something like Ooty, Munnar or Kodaikanal. He said Nelliyampathy is not a promoted hill station and therefore there are no particular sightseeing spots we could go and spend time, rather enjoy everything we see en-route. There are about 10 hairpin bends to negotiate before we reach Nelliyampathy. Our first stop was the Pothundi dam viewpoint. It is one of the oldest dam built in India. We stopped for few minutes and enjoyed our first moment of joy during the journey. The view from that particular spot was truly beautiful. We could see the river over which the Pothundi dam is built and the surrounding hills at its backdrop make it pleasing for any human eye.

Nelliampathy — Pothundi Dam view on road

We resumed our journey and the serpentine hill road exposed us to some of the most stunning vistas of nature, there at Nelliyampathy. We came across the Nelliyampathy Waterfalls shortly after the Pothundi Dam viewpoint. We stopped at several other viewpoints on the road to Nelliyampathy and shot few snaps as well. The gorgeous tea plantations and Coffee plantations are a highlight at Nelliyampathy. We could see a large area of plantations spread along various slopes. These were actually started by the British during their period and later sold to the natives. . I fell in love with Nelliyampathy already.

As we reached the Nelliyampathy town, we stopped by a tea shop and checked with the locals on the sightseeing places. They were really happy to know we were tourists. They told us there are not many specific sightseeing places in Nelliyampathy just like our driver told us before, however they asked us to visit the Seetharkundu Viewpoint and Kesavanpara which are popular for great views they offer.

We started off with the Seethargundu Viewpoint, which as per Google is the highlight of Nelliyampathy. A 6 km drive took us to the Seethargundu. It takes another 1 km hike to reach the viewpoint. The hike itself is exciting. We started hiking and on to our right, we could see a chain of hills stretching to the horizon. The clock almost hit 9 and the sun was shining bright giving us a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. The weather is pleasant and cool. We were all in a holiday mood, cheering and enjoying on the way. We reached Seethargundu Viewpoint and I must say it is one of the blissful sights I have ever had. One of my mates started jumping in joy and he was running all along the small walkway by the side. We are standing nearly 5000 feet above the sea level. One false step and we are gone. I took my camera off my backpack and started shooting. We spend an hour there at the view point. The view downhill of the surrounding landscape was beautiful. Below is a view from Seethargundu.

Our next stop was the Kesavanpara. It is again another viewpoint in Nelliyampathy 9 kms from the Seethargundu Viewpoint and 4 kms from the Nelliyampathy town. A 500 m walk is required to reach Kesavanpara. This was again a great hike. We walked across thick greenery on both sides of the walkway. We reached Kesavanpara and enjoyed the views.

Next up, we decided to explore the woods on our own. Nelliyampathy is a great hill station and considering its vast expanse of lush greenery at Nelliyampathy, there is a whole lot of options to enjoy nature. We drove along every roadway we came across. We stopped by and hiked many densely forested areas. It was pretty risky considering the fact that we would come across some really wild animals of the jungle, but the excitement to explore triggered us to just move on. Even our driver joined us and it was total fun. By evening 5 pm we started our journey back.

Travel ideas and plans

Chitrakoot, the holy mountain of wonders

December 7, 2017

Chitrakoot, the holy mountain of wonders is a place in a sylvan surroundings with the mystic beauty triggering your curiosity to explore the “Hill of Many Wonders”. Actually, it is believed to be an asylum for Lord Rama and His consort Sita for over a decade, exactly for Eleven years and a Half during their exile period, Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh is abundantly filled with amazing surprises.

And Chitrakoot is the place of astounding beauty with mythological connections with history. Actually, It is in the northern range of Vindhya Mountains along the banks of the Mandakini River. And the place has one more significance that “Ramacharita Manas”, the story based on the epic Ramayana was written by the sage Tulsidas after performing a hard penance. Ultimately,The magical fascination and the secretive aspects of this place attracts tourists and devotees in large numbers.

places to visit in Chitrakoot:

First of all, The Ram Ghat, the most sacred of all the places in Chitrakoot, welcomes you with the presence of saints and sages everywhere making this place more sanctimonious. Taking a dip in the Ram Ghat and taking part in the evening Aarthi will for sure awaken your cosmic consciousness. Besides this, the tranquil boat ride in the Mandhakini River towards the confluence the three rivers Mandakini, Payaswini and Savitri is a divine experience. Janaki Kund is a separate water body which is believed to be the place where Sita used to take her bath.

Also, Kamad Giri is another interesting place which means the mountain that fulfils the wishes and desires. You can see large number of devotees offering their prayers by the circumambulation for a distance of five kilometres around the hill . This is called as Parikrama.

chitrakoot photo — Chitrakoot – Bathing Ghats

And, places like Bharat Milap Mandhir, Sati Anushya Ashram, Museum, the ancient Ashram of Rishi Atri, Gupt Godavari, Hanuman Dhara, Bharat Koop, Ram Dharshan Mandhir, Sharbhanga Ashram, Shabari Falls are worth paying a visit in and around Chitrakoot.

Out of these places, Hanuman Dhara is considered to be very sacred. After climbing around 600 steps, you can reach the Hanuman Temple situated atop the hillock. The uninterrupted water falling on the Hanuman idol makes you surprised. This places symbolises the belief that Hanuman landed here after his visit to Sri Lanka with the hundreds of monkeys wandering across the region trying to grab everything from the visitors.

Basically,Chitra means beautiful painting and koot means mountain, Chitrakoot boasts the beauty of dense forests, divine temples, and wonderful waterfalls amazing every visitor with the lot of stories told and retold. Eventually,One word to describe the experience of visiting Chitrakoot is “Peaceful”.

Kajuraho is the nearest airport at a distance of 175 kms from Chitrakoot. Varanasi is yet another option. From the railway station at Karvi Dham, Chitrakoot is only at an 8km distance. By surface, the place is well connected to Allahabad, Satna, Jhansi and Lucknow.

See it to believe it, yes, this is very true when you enjoy the blissful beauty and amaze at the mysteries of this place of wonders, Chitrakoot !

Kerala: 5 things to do in Alleppey other than the Houseboat cruise

Top 5 best places in South India to visit in February

5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour

Top 5 best places in South India to visit in February

A weekend visit to Nagarjunakonda in Andhra Pradesh

Sri Bhagavan Jayanthi: Devotees celebrate the birthday of Sri Ramana Maharishi

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

Thiruthani Murugan Temple Padi Pooja New Year Celebrations 2018

A hidden Paradise amidst the Nilgiris which not many know about

Arudhra Dharshan 2018 Uthirakosamangai

Arudhra Dharshan 2018 Uthirakosamangai

Arudhra Dharshan Significance

5 best places near Chennai for a weekend tour

Kerala: Mullakkal Chirappu starts today

Nelliyampathy: A visit to not so popular yet spectacular hill station in Kerala

Chitrakoot, the holy mountain of wonders

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