Kerala Beaches

Most of india's finest beaches are in kerala. For virtually its entire 900 km length, the kerala coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky promontories and coconut palms. The palm-lined beaches of kerala are renowned for the gentle surf and azure blue waters. To this add a delectable seafood cuisine, a smiling sun and frendly people to make an unforgetable holiday. Each year greater numbers of visitors arrive here in search of the tranquil, palm fringed beaches.


Alappuzha Beach :

Alappuzha beach is quite a popular tourist spot, known to provide relaxation in the district of Alappuzha (Alleppey). The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140 years old. Blessed with nature's green beauties such as lagoons, vast lakes and numerous fresh water rivers, Alappuzha is a natural wonderland of Kerala state.

The Alappuzha (Alleppey) beach is spectacular. At one end are the dense palm groves that are so characteristic of Kerala's landscape. It has a long sandy beach. For the entertainment of visitors there is a Vijaya Beach Park and an old lighthouse nearby.

Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya beach park add to the attractions of the beach. The Vijaya beach park consist of picnic spot with children's park & boating facilities.


Bekal Beach : 

Bekal fort stands on a promontory between two long classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. This is the largest, best preserved fort in kerala.

Beypore Beach : 

10 km south of Kozhikode, located at the mouth of chliyar river, beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient beypore was much sought after by merchants from western asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the uru, the traditional arabian trading vessel


Cherai Beach :

45 kms from ernakulam city, this lovely beach bordering vypeen island is ideal for swimming. Dolphins are occasionally seen here. A typical kerala village with paddy fields and coconut groves nearby is an added attraction.


Dharmadam Island :

The small 5 adre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.


Ezhimala Beach : 

The beautiful beach here has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. A naval academy is being developed here. Permission is required for entry.


Fort Kochi Beach : 

12 kms from ernakulam city, a leisurely walk through the lanes of the city is the best way to discover historic fort kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first european township in india, kochi has an eventful and colourful history. The town was shaped by the portuguese, the dutch and later the british. The result of these cultural interfaces are seen in the remains of the indo european architecture here.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala Backwaters :

Kerala's backwaters is the most popular tourist attraction of Kerala. The palm-fringed, tranquil backwaters were once just the state's trade highways. Kerala is her backwaters and lakes. They have dictated her history, shaped her present and promise a future by virtue of offering incomparable beauty and unique experiences.

The state's palm-fringed backwaters are inland lakes connected by a network of canals. With 41 west-flowing rivers, the backwaters stretch to almost 1,900 kilometers. The backwater routes date back over the centuries and have been long used for all transportation needs, in particular trade in coconut, rubber, rice and spices. Today, these waterways link remote villages and islands to the mainland and nerve centers of the coastal area.

The most interesting area in the backwaters is the Kuttanad region, called the rice bowl of Kerala. The area is probably the only place in the continent where farming is done below sea level, using a system of dykes and bunds.

The largest backwater stretch is the Vembanad Lake, which opens out into the sea at the Kochi port and flows through three districts-Alappuzha, Kottayam and Kochi. The Ashtamudi Lake has eight 'arms' covering a major portion of Kollam district in the south, and is the second largest lake in the state.

Alappuzha is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. The intricate network of canals through this town has earned it the sobriquet "The Venice of the East". Small but long country boats are the taxies of the water. The coir workers present an interesting sight as they soak coconut fiber in pools, beat them and wind the strands on long spindles stretched between an endless lines of coconut trees.

A short distance from Thiruvananthapuram is the Veli Aakulam lagoon. Water sports, a floating restaurant, an amusement park, speedboats and other facilities make this spot a tourist attraction. The east end of the lake is flanked by two scenic hillocks.

The charming old port city of Kollam on the banks of the Ashtamudi Lake is known as the center of the cashew industry. It is one of the oldest ports of the backwaters, with the ferry to Alappuzha taking more than 8 hours. A small village 12 kilometer west of Kottayam town, on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is 14-acre bird sanctuary known for local varieties of water fowl, cuckoo, water ducks, and migrating Siberian storks. The best months to visit it are June-August. Just 80 kilometres from Cochin, this area has unique kettuvalloms (houseboats), boat racing, motorboat and water sport facilities. The houseboats, plied by local oarsmen, are simply furnished with a living room, bedroom with attached bath and a raised central deck for lazing on cushions while watching the world go by.

In north Kerala, the cool backwaters of Kozhikode lie waiting to be explored. This old commercial town attracts travelers for its history, wonderful backwaters and leisure sports.

Alumkadavu, in the town of Karunagapally hardly 20 kilometers north of Kollam, is where kettuvalloms are built. These huge, long and tapering barges were traditionally used to carry tones of goods, with a portion covered with bamboo and coir servicing as a rest room and kitchen for the crew. Gliding down the calm and serene backwaters in a kettuvallom, embraced by green leaves and palm, see a rural Kerala preserved through the ages, completely hidden from the road, and it is not surprising that this is called God's Own Country.

Famous for its natural harbor, one of the best in the world, Kochi has earned the sobriquet "Queen of the Arabian Sea". All the islands that make up Kochi are well connected by ferry. The Chinese fishing nets, a method of fishing established in Kochi during the times of Kubla Khan line the waterfront.

Besides these backwaters, other equally beautiful water bodies elsewhere are Veli (in South Kerala), Kadinamkulam, Edava, Anjengo, Madayara, Peravur, Ashtamudi, Kayamkulam, Kodungalur, Chetuva and Valiyaparamba (in North Kerala).

In the monsoon months, the backwaters reverberate with the sound of the traditional snake boat races, featuring the 130-feet-long chundan boats. Up to 16 of them, with over a hundred rowers each, compete for the honors during the races. The most important of these races is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held on the second Saturday of August. The Aranmula Boat Festival of the Parthasarathy temple of Aranmula on the banks of the holy river Pamba is the more traditional race. The boat carnival starts on the day of Thiruonam, the most auspicious day of the Kerala festival, Onam.

Whether by Kettuvalloms or by a simple vallom, the experience of gliding through the backwaters is an experience that is undeniably unforgettable.


Alleppey Backwaters :

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is prominent on the tourist trail as it is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips. With Arabian sea on the west, Alappuzha has a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers intersections. Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist center, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists every year who come here to enjoy the serene marine beauty of the state. Boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry are some of the major attractions offered by Alappuzha.

Unique attractions of Alappuzha are:
Water Sports - Tourists can participate in numerous beach activities offered on the beautiful Alappuzha beach. For instance, you could indulge in any of the exciting water sports such as surfing or parasailing, or go swimming in the clear blue sea, or even try your hand at building a sand castle or playing a game of beach volleyball.

Boat Races - It is held in the months of August and September when the earth is moist and rain-drenched and the glorious backwaters overflows. Hundreds of men and women gather on the banks to witness a spectacular view especially, the Snake Boat Races.

The most famous event of boat race is the "Nehru Trophy Boat Race". It is held on the second saturday of every August. There are a dozen other snake boat races, providing an unforgettable and truly special scene. The fund of energy, spirit of competition and unerring co-ordination makes this sport extremely dynamic.

Travel attractions of Alleppey are: 
Kuttanad - Kuttanad, called the rice bowl of Kerala, because of her wealth of paddy crops is at the very heart of the backwaters. The scenic countryside of Kuttanad with its shimmering waterways also has a rich crop of bananas.

Krishnapuram Palace - The 18th century Krishnapuram Palace built during the reign of the Travancore monarch, Marthanda Varma, is a double storied structure which displays typical characteristics of Kerala architecture-gabled roofs, dormer windows, narrow corridors.

Ambalappuzha (Pilgrim Center) - The Sri Krishna Temple at Ambalapuzha, 14 kms from Alleppey is among Kerala's more famous ones boasting of the typical temple architectural style of the state.

Pathiramanal - 14 kilometers from Alleppy, this little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundreds of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world.


Kochi Backwaters :

Known as Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin (Kochi) is believed to be the finest natural harbour in the world. It is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake. Because of its commercial importance, foreign powers vied for supremacy in the area and therefore the place has a blend of several exotic cultures like the Portuguese, Jewish, English, French, Dutch and Chinese.

Ferry rides in Kochi commands a breathtaking view due to its lush green lawns sloping down to the water's edge. Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles dot the entrance to the harbor. Silhouetted against the setting sun, they present a magnificent sight at the waterfront.

Houseboats are a unique way to experience the beauty of Cochin. The houseboats glide on the backwaters of Kochi, with panoramic view passing by.

Major tourist attractions are:
Bolghatty Island - Bolghatty palace, built by the Dutch in 1744 for their governors and later used by the British governors is situated here. Today it is a Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) owned hotel.

Willington Island - This is situated in the backwaters and is named after the British viceroy to India, Lord Willington. The headquarters of the naval command, port trust, trading centers etc are located here.

Fort Kochi - A fishing village, Fort Kochi became a European trading center in the middle ages.

Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) - This was built by some foreigners on Hindu architectural style in 1555.

St Francis Church - Built of wood in 1503, it may be the oldest European church in India. Vasco-da-Gama was buried here.

Kollam Backwaters :

Known as the entry and exit point of the backwaters of Kerala, Kollam is situated 71 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram. It is one of the oldest ports of the Malabar coast and was once the center of international spice trade, especially known for its marine and cashew industries. It is also the largest producer of cashew in the state.

30% of Kollam (Quilon) is covered by the renowned Ashtamudi lake and the eight-hour boat trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is the longest and most enchanting experience on the backwaters of Kerala. Kollam (Quilon) architectural remnants and a number of temples built in the traditional ornate style are the witness of the enchanting history of this town.

Tourist can visit Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram, a spiritual trust in India with a large number of educational, technical and health care industries is headquartered at Vallikkavu, near Kollam. The Picnic Village located at Ashramam, along the backwater front, is the main center of recreational activities in Kollam. A 200-year-old Government Guest House, an Adventure Park, a Tourist Boat Club, a Children's Traffic Park and a Yatri Nivas are all housed in this vast tourist complex.

The ancient Sastha temple, which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim center. Mayyanad, 10 kms off south to Kollam town, is famous for her shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya Temple at Umayanallor. Thangasseri, a seaside village five kms away from the town is of great historic importance with the remnants of the old Portuguese fort and church.

Oachira is noted for its Parabrahma temple where no deity or idol is consecrated, but is dedicated to the universal and transcendental consciousness. The Alaruvi waterfalls, 75 kms from Kollam town, make its way down the rocks from a height of 300 feet. The Palaruvi woods is a beautiful picnic spot.


Kumarakom Backwaters :

Kumarakom is situated 15 km from Kottayam, on National Highway (NH) 47 between Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Kochi (Cochin). Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands located on the banks of the famous Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad Lake displys an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web of majestic canals, streams and distributaries. The gorgeous green of the fringed palms beautifully contrast with the ripple in the blue waters. The water ways of Kumarakom is now a big attraction for tourist.

It is incredibly different experience to cruise in Kumarakom backwater in a country boat, experiencing the beauty of Kerala villages. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite 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 There 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 Kumarakom. Holiday packages on the houseboats, traditional Kettuvalloms, are an out-of-this-world experience at Kumarakom. Millions of green coconut palms are lined on the river side, leaning to touch its reflections on the glassy waters. Blooming flowers, multi-hued birds, succulent freshwater fishes, all these makes the nature perfect at Kumarakom. 

Trivandrum Backwaters :

The extensive backwaters of Trivandrum provide the picturesque view of a paradise. The intricate lagoons, lakes, canals and rivers are lined up along the dense tropical vegetation of Trivandrum. It is a breathtaking bout to experience a solitary and calm glide through this network of waterways. The backwaters form a specially attractive and economically valuable feature of Kerala. The biggest backwater is the Vembabad lake, some 200 sq kilometers in area, which opens out into the Arabian Sea at Cochin port.

The serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides. It is the meeting point of two rivers-Killi and Karamana. A temple dedicated to Parashurama, the legendary founder of Kerala, is located in Thiruvallam.

Few attractions of Trivandrum backwaters are:
Padmanabhaswamy temple - The most impressive landmark in the town, the temple's presiding deity is Vishnu reclining on serpent Anantha. It has a seven-story tower, umpteen number of pillars, intricate carvings and mural paintings.

Museum complex - Art and natural history museums, art gallery and zoological and botanical gardens are located in a plot in the heart of the city. The museum contains paintings and other collections of the royal family.

Kanakakkunnu Palace - Today it is a venue for cultural and other public functions.

Science & Technology museum - Located near Mascot hotel, it is a valuable site for students and researchers.

Sanghumugham beach - A favorite haunt of sunset watchers. A gigantic 35 m sculpture of a mermaid, called Matsya Kanyaka, is a major attraction here. There is facility for recreational activities. The place is near the airport and the Veli tourist village.

Veli tourist village - An ideal picnic spot where the lake joins the sea. Boating facility is available in the lake. A popular retreat, it has a children's park and other attractions.

Neyyar dam - It is a popular picnic spot and has a watchtower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and a deer park, Aruvikkara dam, a picturesque picnic spot on the banks of Karamana river. 

Uttaranchal Trekking Tour

Uttaranchal Trekking Tour

Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places to Covered : Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Okimath, Devriatal, Sari, Chopta, Tungnath, Rudraprayag, Kaudiyala, Chila, Delhi
Best Time to Visit : May to October
Nature of Trek : Moderate


DAY 01 : DELHI - HARIDWAR – RISHIKESH (230 KMS, 07 HRS)
Upon arrival in Delhi you are met and directly proceed towards Rishikesh via Haridwar. Upon arrival check in to your pre-booked hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02 : RISHIKESH - OKHIMATH (200 KMS,  06-07 HRS) After an early breakfast drive to Okimath enroute visiting Devprayag & Rudraprayag. Arrive Okimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. Even visit the okimath temple and market of small hill town.Across the board valley from Guptkashi.The brightly painted, old, wood-and stone, temple of Okimath is the winter home of Lord Kedarnath. Here too though this is essentially a shrine to Lord Shiva,the vestibule of the santum holds idols of Shiv-Parvati, Upon arrival check into your pre-booked hotel/Guest House. Overnight stay.

DAY 03 : OKIMATH - DEVRIATAL - SARI ( 05-06 HRS TREK)
Today after morning breakfast we trek to the Deveriyatal. Its a beautiful lake and one of the finest Himalayan lakes. On arrival enjoy the panoramic view of greater himalayan range explore the area and trek down to Sari. Upon arrival at Sari. Overnight at Camps.

DAY 04 : SARI - CHOPTA – TUNGNATH (3,390 MTERS) (05-06 HRS TREK) 
After an early breakfast,trek to Tungnath via Chopta (2900 mts).we will have lunch enruote at Chopta.Later proceed to Tungnath, one of the most important Shiva temples in the area. Upon arrival overnight at Tents

DAY 05 : TUNGNATH
Day free at Leisure. Nature springs bubble out of the hillside, keeping the grass as soft and cushiony as pillows.To the one side, the blue horizon is deckle-edged with white-crested peaks. Ahead of you just beyond the rounded green meadows, black-oak forests stand like a living wall. A stony track leads for 05 kms through these forest it looks daunting but it is not .Tungnath a highest shrine in Garhwal: the Shiva temple of Tungnath(3,390 meters) and if the weather is kind, and the mists have kept away you will get a spectacular view of the high, white, diamond-starred, peaks of the Eternal snows rising behind the glinting spike crowing the old stone temple. Overnight at Tents.

DAY 06 : TUNGNATH-CHOPTA-RUDRAPRAYAG (02-03 HRS TREK & 05-06 HRS DRIVE)After an early breakfast, we trek down to Chopta. Upon arrival at Chopta, proceed to Rudrapryag through the musk deer sanctuary. Upon arrival check into your pre-booked Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 07 : RUDRAPRAYAG
Day free at leisure, sightseeing tour of Rudraprayag. This hamlet is famed for two reasons.It is the place where the great Anglo-Indian hunter,J im Corbett, shot a man-eating leopard which had killed a number of people. Corbett later immotalised the animal is one of his gripping shikar tales. At Rudraprayag,too is the confluence of the Alaknanda river and the chortling Mandakini.Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 08 : RUDRAPRAYAG – KAUDIYALA (120 KMS, 04 HRS) 
After having an early breakfast, we drive towards Kaudiyala via Srinagar Garhwal & Devprayag. Upon Arrival check into your pre-booked hotel/guest house.

DAY 09 : KAUDIYALA – BRAHMPURI - RISHIKESH (RAFT 6-7 HRS) 
Today we hit most of the exciting rapids on the Ganga. Arrive Brahmpuri and camp. Overnight at camp.

DAY 10 : RISHIKESH – CHILA(17 KMS) – HARIDWAR 
The core zone & one of the main gates of the national park is Chilla. Chilla is 17 kms from Rishikesh on the east western side. Evening  proceed towards Haridwar for overnight stay.Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11 : HARIDWAR-DELHI(200 KMS, 06 HRS)
After breakfast, drive back to Delhi. 
he International Airport to board flight for your onwards journey.

North Eastern India Himalaya States

Location:	North Eastern Part Of India
Region’s Major States:	Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya,Mizoram, Tripura
Best Time To Visit:	October To March

Seven Sisters:
Travel across the Brahmaputra and reach the land where myth meets 
magic and wishes are horses! The land where nature endows man
 and is yet to be trimmed and pruned to represent a synthetic civilisation. 
This land is better known to the worth as the North-Eastern region of India,
 that comprise of seven states called the “Seven Sisters” - Assam, 
Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. 

The region of northeastern India will whet the appetite of the traveller, 

the tourist, the anthropologist, the observer. It is impossible to describe 

the nuances that make this area unique, challenging and interesting. 

Get to any one place and the result will be that you will return for more.

Assam:

Assam possibly has more folklore and tradition than any other place in India. There are archaeological ruins all over Assam but the ones around Sibsagar simply must be seen. The largest river island of the world, Manjuli, is a must too along with Kaziranga wildlife sanctuary. Crossing the magnificent Brahmaputra so deeply linked to life in Assam, one reaches Guwahati, the capital where the famous Kamakahya temple is located on a hilltop. Guwahati has evolved into a major business centre and most of the travel linkages pass through it.

Travelling in the northeast will take one criss-crossing Assam so one gets 

to see many places. If one is travelling at the time of any of the festivals like Rongali Bihu,

 then the charm of Assamese culture will permeate your very being with its rhythm, 

colour and bonhomie. The dark green tea gardens blend beautifully with the pastel 

green of paddy. Digboi, Duliajan and areas around have oil wells.

Arunachal Pradesh:

Because of the remoteness, the state of Arunachal has not been overtaken 

by urban ethos. Yet the fine balance between advancement and keeping in touch 

with ones roots is nowhere as clearly manifest as in this state. 

Most of Arunachal Pradesh has primary jungles, deep gorges 

and villages in really remote places. The changing colours provide

 a constant reminder of diversity and cheerful spirits.

Cane bridges, swaying precariously over roaring white waters we often 

the only means of moving from one place to another. Itanagar is the 

capital of Arunachal Pradesh. One can travel along National Highway

 52 and keep branching off to visit places like Ziro, Daporijo, Along and Pasighat.

Nagaland:

Inhabited by swarthy tribes, Nagaland has its own distinct culture and ethos. Happy and cheerful, the people have an innate sense of music and colour. All the land here is basically owned by villages and individuals and this is true of many areas of the North-East and, therefore, one rarely hears of land disputes and clashes.

Gateways to villages and houses are really something to see. Nagaland grows a fair amount of oranges and pineapples. The all-prevalent green continues and the scenic beauty of the state overwhelms us. Christianity has had a profound influence on the region, and one sees well-maintained churches all over.

Manipur:

Manipur is somewhat different culturally from the rest of the Northeast

 region because of the Vaishnav influence and some of the dance forms 

are very distinct and stylised. Along with dance forms, various martial arts 

are practised here and the game of Polo is said to have originated in Manipur. 

Folklores abound and are supported by a fair amount of recorded history.

The capital city of Imphal itself has a lot to offer - war cemeteries, Kangla, 

the building that housed field marshal slim during World War II, the Orchidarium, 

many temples and a lot more. One of the more interesting areas to visit is the 

Ima Market or Mothers’ Market, which is run by women only.

Tripura:

Tripura is steeped in history with linkages established from the legendary Limar dynasty. Recorded history dates back to almost 3,000 years. Even Samudra Gupta’s pillars mention the existence of this state. This is yet another state like Manipur where Christian influence is negligible. It is the unique continuous history that has to be absorbed here. In geographical terms, Tripura is a small state and the second smallest state of India.

The architecture of the temple of Lord Jagannath is interesting and worth studying. It rises from an octagonal base. The Ujjayant Palace, dating back to Bir Bikram, is equally interesting with its Indo-Saracenic architecture. 

Old buildings and ruins worth exploring are in plenty like the lake palace 

called Neer Mahal on Rudrasagar Lake in Udaipur, the ancient capital. 

Sipahijala is an interesting area to spend the day. There is a comfortable

 guesthouse in the complex surrounded by forests and overlooking a large l

ake where one can go boating.

Meghalaya:

Unlike the others of the seven sisters, Meghalaya’s terrain consists

 more of rolling hills and less of steep climbs. There are beautiful 

meadows with fringes of pine forests everywhere. As if to complete 

the picture, there are breathtaking waterfalls with the waters plunging down hundreds of feet’s.

Meghalaya is a unique mixture of the traditional and the modern. 

People are fiercely proud of their roots and yet British influence is 

quite pronounced. Shillong is the busy hub centre of Meghalaya. 

The Idew Market or Burra Bazar is one of the most interesting markets 

one can ever see over here. For hours, one can explore the different levels 

and myriad alleys with shops displaying a mind-boggling array of items. 

In and around Shillong itself, there is lots to do. Visit the butterfly museum 

or Ward Lake or golf course or Shillong.

  

Mizoram:

Over the years, Mizoram has managed to maintain its special touch with 

Aizawl being the hub centre. Pollution is low and despite “Jhuming” - a slash

 and burn type of cultivation - the greenery is intact. The hills rise towards 

the centre of Mizoram therefore Aizawl is pleasant throughout the year. 

Lunglei, Champhai and Saiha are the other centres.

Driving along the road, if it is the right season, one comes across plenty 

of orchids. If one ventures into the forests, the rewards in terms of varieties 

of orchids would be great. The beauty of Mizoram lies in its unique harmony

 between man and nature. The clouds come to rest in the valleys, rainbows 

abound, small waterfalls gurgle past, greenery is all encompassing handicrafts 

are in plenty, the shawls are colourful, the markets exude cheer. Wherever one 

turns, a separate type of beauty unfolds and cheerful and innocent laughter is all pervasive.

Mount Kailash & Mansarovar Yatra

Location:	Western Region Of Tibet, Tibetan Himalayas
Duration:	30 Days
Highest Altitude:	6,675m
Best Time To Visit:	June To September

The Path To Nirvana:
The majestic Himalayas figure prominently not only in the topography of India 
but in its history and mythology as well. The youngest mountain range in the world, 
and yet the mightiest, the Himalayas are many things to many people.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, which is believed to have been formed 30 million years ago when Himalayas were in their early stage of formation, is one of the most revered places in the Himalayas.

Spread out on the Tibetan plateau beside Mount Kailash is the giant lake of shifting colours - Lake Mansarovar. Brahma, the creator, had a mind (‘Man’) for the creation of a lake (‘Sarovar’), hence its name. A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and a bath in the Mansarovar is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha).

About The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the 

major passes of Uttaranchal Himalayas lead to Kailash - Mansarovar. 

The important ones in the Kumaon region are Lipulekh, Lampiya Dhura, 

Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri. Since 1981, 

under the auspices of the Indian ministry of external affairs and with the 

cooperation of the Chinese government, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam 

has been conducting trips to Kailash - Mansarovar through the Lipulekh pass. 

The number of people allowed visiting Kailash - Mansarovar is limited and

 it is hoped that in the near future, more Indian pilgrims will be allowed to 

visit Western Tibet, the region of sacred mountains and lakes.

Legends, Myths & Beliefs

It is because of Kailash - Mansarovar, which is 865-kms from Delhi, that Kumaon is sometimes called “Manaskhand”. Many myths are associated with this unusual mountain and lake. The Buddhists, the Jains and the Bonpas of Tibet too, all revere this spot with great fervour and devotion. Therefore, it is not surprising for a devotee to come across the worlds “Om Mani Padme Hum” (“Hail to the jewel (of Creation) in the Lotus) written on stones and taken from Buddhist scriptures. The Bonpas make an anti-clockwise pilgrimage around Mt. Kailash whereas the believers of the jain faith specially visit astpaad near the southern face of kailash in the kailash --mansarovar region.

Mansarovar Lake

The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms. The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere. The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as “Ravan Kund”, is 122-km. A 6-km long natural channel - “Gangachhu” - connects Manas with Rakshas Tal.

Amarnath Yatra Route Map

Route Map

Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of the Lidder Valley, Amarnath  Holy Cave stands at 3,888 mtrs. and is 363 kms. from Jammu Via Pahalgam  and about 414 kms. from Jammu Via Baltal. The detailed description of the  two routes to the Holy Cave is given below: How to Reach                  One can reach the first part of journey through ;  Air: The nearest  aerodrome is Srinagar. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see,  such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens and what not.  It is the most sought after  tourist place. It is also known as "Paradise on earth".  Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to  Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On some week days flights also pickup   passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar .            Jammu is the nearest Railway Station . Jammu is winter Capital  of Jammu & Kashmir. Jammu is a beautiful city and is also known  as "CITY OF TEMPLES". One may  visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple ,  Mahadev Mandir and other temples . It is well connected with all  stations of India.The various trains coming to Jammu are  listed here below. Road :           Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses  and Taxies are also available for this part of the  journey . These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.  How to Reach Amarnath Holy Cave :Though it is tough route still nearly  one and a half  lac pilgrims visit  every year . The number of pilgrims  is increasing every year. The journey from Jammu onward is  by road and there are two routes . The details are given here. 1) JAMMU – PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE. (Traditional Route) Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) – The distance between  Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by Taxi / Buses.  These are  available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt. , Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. But one can  also come to Srinagar by air and then move to Pahalgam by road PAHALGAM  – HOLY CAVE. PLACE ALTITUDE DISTANCE FROM MTRS FEET CHANDANWARI 2895 9500 16.0 KM PAHALGAM PISSU TOP 3377 11000 3.0 KM  CHANDANWARI SHESHNAG 3352 11730 11.0 KM PISSU TOP MAHAGUNAS 4276 14000 4.6 KM SHESH NAG PANCHTARNI 3657 12000 9.4 KM MAHAGUNUS TOP SANGAM  - -  3.0 KM PANCHTARNI HOLY CAVE 3952 13000 3.0 KM SANGAM 1. PAHALGAM :           It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car, bus or taxi. Pahalgam is  known all over the world  for its beauty.  It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River.  It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here.  Good Hotels are  available for accommodation.  However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also  made  by the Non Government  Service Organisations. 2. CHANDANWARI:           The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km.  The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also.  Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari.  The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic.  Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari  on the first night . 3. PISSU TOP :            As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari  one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said  that to  be first to reach for darshan of  Bhole Nath Shivshankar  there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas .  With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas  in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies  has resulted in this high mountain. 4. SHESHNAG:          This second day’s trek of 12 kms  from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and   spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives  its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic.  5.PANCHTARNI:         From Sheshnag one has to climb  steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for  4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni  at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). The last camp enroute to the  Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the  skin to crack . Hence cold cream / Vaseline arevery useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting . So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet  eatables like Lemon are  useful to  control these symptoms .  The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets ,  water falls , springs .Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet  of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow  here . It is said that the  five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon).  Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night.  6. THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH:  The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni.  As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the   early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni.  On the way to The Holy Cave one comes  across  the  Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims  take bath at Amravati near holy cave  to become pious  before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white  soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji .  The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go  for Shivlingam Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings  one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having  early Darshan of the Shivlinga at  Holy Cave one can return to Panchtarni well in time the same day .  Some pilgrims camp at Panchtarni while others continue their  journey and reach back Sheshnag by the same  evening. 2) Jammu – Baltal – Holy cave (414km) Jammu – Baltal (400km). – The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is : JAMMU – Udhampur – Kud -  Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar - Sonamarg – Baltal. The journey from Jammu to Baltal which is about 400 kms.  is full of beautiful Sites and one can experience of being in Heaven ,  a  Paradise on earth. Passing through beautiful valleys, steeped mountains,  one is sure of forgetting , oneself as a person ,for a while . A thrill,  which is obviously there in every pilgrim gets enhanced while  passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave.  In nutshell, a journey which can go down to your memory throughout the lifetime. Baltal to Holy Cave From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms. This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims.The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is  a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover , there are some steep rises & falls on the way ,  as compared to the Chandanwari route,  but pilgrims can return back to base camp  Baltal through this route only in one day.