Tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh (M.P)

       Khajuraho -: Surrounded by the Bindhas, the temple of Khajuraho is a sparkling name in the world tourist map. These temples are divides into east, west and south in three parts but the western part temples are very famous. The temples of these parts are enjoin 12 and they are Lakman temple, Laxmi temple, Baraha temple, Mahadev temple, Kandario temple, Surya temple, Biswanath temple etc. In southern part there are Duladeo and Chaturbhuja temple and in the eastern part their are three Jaine and Hindu temple. The idols are made from stone andit enriches our art and culture. Apart from the Hindu deities there are dancing Devdasi, Nagini Kanya, Idols of god and the famous "Mithun Murti" of Khajuraho.  

Khajuraho

      Khajuraho temple is notable in its ancientness, numbers of Idols and artistic quality. Various of "Mithun Murty" are sen in Duladeo temple. In Chaturbhuj temple and Idol can be seen whose from the feet to the waist in Krishna, from west image of Narayana and on the Crown and face image of Lord Shiva are manifested. Every temple is unique in its art and craft. Another notable spot of Khajuraho is Archaeological Museoum. In this Museoum various artistic idols have been kept. One thing should be noted that there were 85 temples in the past but now only 22 temples remain. Truly without a visit of these temples India tour is incomplete. Panna National Park is only 25 K.m away from Khajuraho. There are other two places Pandaw waterfall and Ranesh waterfall only 34 K.m and 20 K.m away respectively.

Jahaj Mahal.

       Jhansi -: After a tour of Khajuraho 273 K.m away to the west is our next destination Jhansi. In the traveling map U.P Jhansi is a notable name. This place under the Governance of Chandella Dynasty touches its peak and is an attraction for the tourist. Jhansi Fort created by the king Veer Singh is an unique remain of Indian architecture. There were 10 Gates in the past but there not seen today. A travelers interest though grows to Ganesh and Shiva temple and Kadak Bijli and Bhabanisankar named two cannons. There is a Govt Museoum surrounded by Brindabanlal Verma Park, Rani Laxmibai Park and Dindayal Community Hall. Jhansi tour will be incomplete without a look of Jhansi Fort from the Museoum. The holy bones of Saint Jude  has been preserved in the famous cemetery of Saint Jude. Saint Jude church is also famous for it architectural value. A traveler can go Chirgaon only 30 K.m away by the side of Batoa river and is th birth place of the poet Maithili Sharon Gupta and also famous for its beauty. only 24 K.m away is Baruasagar. 

Jhansi

        Orcha -: Only 14 K.m. away from Jhansi is Orcha beside the Betoa river. Founded by Bundla Raj Rudha-pratave in 16th century Orcha takes you to its golden past for its palace, temple, architecture and artistry. In the 17th century by king Veer Singh Jahangir Mahal is a unique architecture. Surrounded by "Chatri" this palace is the symbol of Bundel culture. Religious inscription has come out at Rajmahal which is also surrounded by Chatri and unique in aristocracy. Rani Parvin Mahal is an experience to the tourist for remembrance of of Rini and its beautiful surrounding. Chaturbhus temple is placed on large stone. A traveler is bewildered when he steps into the temple for its unique beauty. Laxmi Narayan temple is a sublime remain of Orcha art. There is also Ram-Raja temple. Phulbag's palace is also an example of the taste and culture of the Bundel kings. The palace formed 8th pillars take a traveler to a fairy-take world. 

Orcha

     Gwallior -: Gwallior is 104 K.m. away from Jhansi by 75 National high way. Gwallior is unique for its culture,art, literature and Music. Gwallior Fort, best in India, has to clime through idol decorated way, Gujri Mahal founded  by queen Mrignayani, is very beautiful. Here is a Museum also. Man Mandir palace attracts a travelers for its grandeur and vastness. Jawahar Kunda also today gives a witness of "Jawahar" tradition in the past. The Fort is open for tourists from morning 8  to evening 8 .

Gwallior

    "Telika Mandir" is a Vishnu temple, only of its kind for its architecture, "Sash-Bahu-Ka-Mandir", "Data Bandi Chor Gardware" etc. bear Gwallior's own culture. Joybhilas, Palace of Sindhiya Dynasty has a Museum in its 35 rooms which is open for all from 10 A.m to 5.30 P.m every day except Wednesday. One should also visit cemetery "Tansen", Khosh Muhammad Masolium, the remembrance of Tantia-Topi . Gwallor zoo is open from 8 A.m to 6 P.m. every day except Friday.  

Gwallior Fort.

     Mandu -: 520 K.m away from Gwallor Rani Rup-mati's immortal town Mandu is really a dream to be watched. It is 200 feet above sea level in the Vindhal. Sultan Giasuddin built "Jagah Mahal" in the middle of "Suraj Talao and Kapur Talao" and adjacent "Taveri Mahal" are a beautiful combined architecture. Dolna Mahal, "Hindola" is an excellent discovery of indian architecture. There is beautiful artistry in Hindola. Dilwar Khan Mosque, Nahar Jharokha, Taveri Mahal, Ujali and Andheri well are unique in their own. Marbel decorated "Hoshen Shah Tomb" is today as beautiful as was in the past. Jama Mosque bulit following Damasques Mosque is another placed viewed in Mandu. Mandu is a small town but beautiful in its own.

 Mandu

        Bandhabgar -: Bandhabgar forest covering 448 Sq.k.m is in the Vindhas. This National Park separated in three sections - Tala, Magri and Bamera is close for the tourist form 1st July to 15-th October. In 1968 this forest forest was regarded a National Park. Withes this forest, there is Bandhubgar fort almost 2000 years old. In 1935 this Fort was deserted. But today this National Park is known for its Royal Bengal Tiger. In this area first white Tiger was discovered. Bandhabgar is also attraction for its Baghas Museum, Ancient Tala Village, "Jalamukhi Temple", Sleeping vishnu Idol; Vulture, Deer, Sham-bar etc in than bank of the Damer river. But the main attraction of this National Park is Tiger. There is also provision by Zip safari in Tala and Magri Zone. A traveler can wish for an Elephant ride by the written Permission of Field director. There is 24 hour helpline (092127)-77223, (092125)-53107, 08744012052. Letter also can be send of this address -: Bandhabgar National Park dot com,
Post -:Tala, Bandhangar Tiger Reserve, Dist -: Umaria, M.P

         Website -: www.bandhabgarhnationalpark.com 
(There is also special tour package in Bhandhabgar)

 Bandhabgar

Kasmir in full spring.

       Introduction: This year's month from Kolkata by train we went up to Amritsar and got down at Jalandhar station. From here by night train we reached Jam-mu and from there by Tata Sumo we took the way Srinagar. We reached Jawahar Tunnel and crossing it we entered Kashmir valley.

Tulip Garden

       The beauty of our way amazed us and one side of the way is hill wall and on the other large valley. The Jhilam river become our companion and the way in front ice clad-den hill welcome does. We at last reached the central point of Srinagar Dull gate.

      Next day we went to Dul-lake. We took a boat to enjoy water. Today Dul-lake is surrounded by black hill and covered white hill in the sides. The total lade is a mini-market. We again return to our hotel for our lunch and after that by auto we went to visit the famous sites of Srinagar. We first visited Srinagar Tulip Garden. Here in the month of April Tupin Garden is observed to 20 days.

Gaulmarge

      Our next destination is "Hajoratbal Mosque". To enter the temple firs the adjacent vast grass land appeared to our eye. There many Muslim were praying and the children were playing in delight. We next went to visit Shalimar Bag. This emperor Jahangir for Nurjahan. The emperor usually in summer season use to visit this place with his "Begum". Our next destination was "Parimahal", a garden made by emperor Shah-jahan's son Dara.

Dul-lake

     There are many beautiful Gardens in Srinagar named Nishatbug, Nashinbug and Chasmasahi Garden. Next day we went to visit Gulmarg. Our car was traveling and the two sides of the road were Poplar tree. At last we entered Gulmarg, a vast green land. We ascended by hilly way and on the top entered the Shiva temple. The place was lonely and after paying our regards we went to Gondwala by hours riding. Here rope way is called Gondwala and this is the highest rope way of the world. We at first bought Ticket to the first station and entered in the land of snow. In this station there are various ways of enjoyment. After a while of traveling and enjoying we again return by Gondwala. In the spring time here all enjoy Golf. 

Pahalgaon

       Next day we were ready to visit Pahalgaon and our guide was the Lider river. By the beautiful dreamy way we reached Pahelgaon. We hired horses to see four points on the hill. As much up we went, the nature unwieldy her. In a certain place our horse stopped and the owner of it announced that it was Kashmir valley point. The snowy mountains ahead were very near. Our horses were driven more into the forest and in a lonely place near a stream, we visited second point. Our horses moved farther and gradually we reached a green grace field. It was a speechless experience. After relishing 3rd point, we arrived at more green land. This point is called "Mini Switzerland".

Hazaratbal Mosque.

        Next day we again started our journey to "Son-marge". The attractive way touched our heart. The Sindh river is surrounded this village like a half Moon. Slowly the road have its up and on two sides seeing ice patch, ice bridge we reached Son-marge. All around the snowy mountains stood gravely. Son-marge is more beautiful than "Gaul-marge". After a brief stay here we returned Srinagar.

           Next day we went by walking towards Del-Lake. We took a "Shikara" and went towards Nehru Park. It is a small garden beautifully decorated with different co-loured flowers. We bid goodbye to Nehru Park and again got into "Shikara". We entered deep into Del-Lake and found that it was a mini floating village in water.

          We reached the bank and by auto resumed our journey to some historical architecture of Srinagar. The locals call this place "Old City". We first went to Shah-I-Hamdan. This large Mosque is beside the Jhilam river. 

Gulmarg

       Next we went to Jama Mosque founded by "Sultan Sikandar Shah". This Mosque had been burnt thrice and after third time emperor Aurangzeb again re-built it and after that till now it is safe. This is our short visit to the land of beauty and joy.

       How to go -: From kolkata by train reach Jam-mu-Tawai directly by trains - either Himgiri Express or Jam-mu-Tawai Express. From Jam-mu by bus or Sumo reach Srinagar.

      When to go -: Throughout the year Kashmir is pleasant but the rainy season. The tourist should prefer from March to June, time of Puja to visit Amarnath.     



                  
                        

        

      

Two days halt at "Amarkantak".

        Introduction: The great poet "Kalidas" was amazed at beauty of Amarkantak.Though that beauty is not there yet the green Mountain, water fall and loneliness are still even today asset of Amarkantak.

      We left chhatisgarh fort station at 8.30 P.m. by Sarnath Express and reached pendra road at 2 p.m. At dawn we left the station and availed Amarkantak but. By Zigzag way we reached Amarkantak (45 k.m.) in one and half hour. The work of temple and its main gate is not yet complete. We took shelter in newly buitd "Athishala". I want straight on the bed and took a nap. I got of at 11 a.m and straight went to a "Marwari" hotel.

                           Kapil-Dhara (Amarkantak)

       The view from the hotel is both holy and eye catching. On the other side on the road there is green land touching the "Narmada" river. On the stone ghats the tourist were bathing. For river dam water is not flowing. On the other bank of the "Normada" there is dense forest. We crossed the main entrance and arrived at stone build large yard surrounded by wall. At the middle there is holy "Narmada Kunda" and 12 small-large temples are present. Apart from them Goreksnath, Suryanarayan, Haragauri, Radha-Krishna, are worshiped. The temples are simple and made of brick not more than 100 - 150 years old. On one side we saw a burnt-brick made headless horse rider sits beside headless "Mahut". The energetic tourists were passing beneath the narrow Elephant in the hope of having got rid of sin. Two half-sank temples are in "Normada Kunda" and a stone structure raises his head on the water. Here bathing is forbidden. Just behind this on one green "Tila" are the ancient temples of the "Kalchuri dynasty". The temple and the yard were like a Pyramid and the adjacent "Shiva" temple was also of the same type. There is the temple of "Karnadev" same distance up. There are 15 small and big temple, all are somehow damaged.

                     Old Normoda Temples (Amarkantak)

       The historical age of "Amarkantok" is not less than 300 years. The hilly road has gone through ups and downs. The total place is lonely and after only one K.m walk we could reach "Narmada Maika Bagicha". There are some hermits dwelling and in the middle a small temple of "Normada Devi". On return we went to "Mritunjoy Ashram". Next day we went to "Kapildhara", 7 K.m. away. Crossing the bus stand and keeping on right hand one by one forest department office, "Ramkrishan Mission" we went ahead and our constant companion on the left hand is the Normoda river. The dam on the Normoda river came to our view. We went up on the hilly road and our car stopped at "Kapil-ban" and the tribal Museum is very near. Through the green forest, the red soiled road is going to "Kapil-dhara". Just beside, there is a cave-temple dedicated after famous "Kapil-Muni".

New Normoda Temples (Amarkantak)

      We went to "Shone-mura", the origin of "Shone" river, in the return journey. We went downwards through steeps and there was a hanging watch tower. The hill suddenly ends here and this place though 3500 feet above sea level but a ended here.

 Shiva Temple (Amarkantak)

         How to go: There are some train to reach "Bilaspur" from Kolkata like the Mumbai Mail (No - 2810), the Ahmedabad Express (No - 2834) etc. The Narmada Express (No - 8234) reaches Pendra from Bilaspur. From Pendra by bus Amarkantak is only one and half hour journey. There are also some buses, though few, to reach Amarkantak from here.
  

     

        

Unknown Calm "Lamahata".

       Introduction:20 k.m. far from Darjeeling passing Jorbanglow quiet calm Lanahata is waiting as an Ideal tourist spot. The view of Kanchanjangha is really beautiful. The pine trees, various flowers, Chirping of the bird, the cool hill breeze and nature around. There is no pollution for less population. Local villagers are very much simple living.

Lamahata

         There are Deer and Monkey to be seen  in the 19 mile long forest. The famous "Glaneburn Tea Estate" is very near. Only 4 k.m. aay from Lamagata is "Ranglirong Glist Tea Garden". On walking one can visit 300 years old Lama Monastery. The pictures and designs are eye - Catching. In the past Lamahata was called "Fugimafu". It was mandatory for every one to be taught at least one of the family ion the Monastery. At present also the traditional attire of the Nepalese and Lamas can be seen. Apart from that there are many remains of Lamas.

Lamahata

       Crossing 3 K.m. ups and downs of the hilly was there is an attractive view point "Tutidhara". There are on one hand green tea garden and on the other high mountain. As far as one can see there is green and green. If weather permits the full view of "Kanchanjangha" can be seen. Before independence Tuti view point was called Tutisaheb tea. From here the view of "Kanchanjangha and kalimpong" are mind boggling.

Lamahata

      Those who want a lonely, coll place for them the ideal place is "Lamahata". The place is just growing up and for that there is no hotel but some home-stay. "Lamahata"is on the way from "Darjeeling"to "Gangtok". Recently a park named "Lamahata" park has been made by the help of West Bengal Govt.

Lamahata

         How to go: From Kolkata either by train or by bus get down either new Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. Lamahata is only 75 k.m away from there.  

            

              

Unkoti and Jampui Hill.

        Today's destination is Unkoti and by air I got down at Agartala. I took night Holt in Agartala and Prepared for 178 k.m. distance to reach Unkoti and the most of total distance was through the hills. 44 no. National way goes to Gwahati but we would go through Mohanpur, Giraniya to Baramura on the way is Bankumari temple and tacking blessing of the goddess we resumed our journey and took a slight rest at Baramura Eco-park.

Unkoti

      The Serpantile Hilly way was in front of us and the turns increased at Taliomura and Atharomura. There was a forest of Teak, Sal, Se-gun. At Taliomura the khoai river was waiting for us. Previously there was tight military security but till now general public can go from 8 am to 5 pm except military Convoy. Be-four to reach Manubazar the hilly was ended and with that security too. We crossed 160 k.m. way to reach Kumarghat. The clock said 11.30 A.m. Centering Kumarghat we would visit Unkoti and Jampui Hill. 

Jampui Hill.

         We were in no hurry as Unkoti is only 18 K.m. from here. There were tea gardens in plenty as soon as we arrived "Kailasahar". There was paddy field in one hand and tea garden in the other. At last we reached to our destination Unkoti Hill. Our chief aspiration was to see carved and architectural wonder idols on Raghunandan Hill. On the face of steps there is a large Shiva idol. The carved idols are here and these on the hill and in the back ground green landscape.

Jampui Hill.

          We got down by the steps and in front of us is "Unkotiswar Kalvairab" idol (30 feet height) which is the biggest bas relief in India. In two sides of this idol there is two carved structure of goddess. Apart from it there are idols of Bandurga, Ram-Laxman, Kartick and Laxmi-Saraswati. In front of this idol there is a "Kundo" and it seems a hilly rive-let.  

         There are lot of folt tales on Unkoti and from historical perspective many researches have been made. Some scholars say its origin is about 8th or 9th century whereas according to some it is more and ancient. Some opine it to be the architecture of the Pal hilly steps and reached certain point of the hill and in front of us a Peculiar stone-statue of the combined imagination of the Trinity - Brahma, Visnu and Shiba. We stepped farther through the broken steps and at the lonely place in front of a room there are statues of - Uma-Maheshwar, Ardhanariswar, Hanuman, Genesha, Nandi, Parbati, ect. The place could be a perfect museum.

         We stepped downwards and on the hilly steps and in front of us there were Ganesha and a Visnu carved figures on the stoney wall of the hill. We were totally taken aback to see hundreds of stoney figures. Now it is time to return. On the way back we had a short visit to Sonamukhi tea garden. Tomorrow our destination is ever-green Jampui-Hill.

Waterfalls

       Jampui Hill : It is about 55 km away from Unkoti. It is mainly through the hills. We reached Pecharthal and turned right. The ever present greenery touched our mind. Throughout the way Paddy fields and banana -coconut graves come in front of us. We crossed the Deo river gridge and reached kanchanpur. As soon as we crossed kanchanpur again hilly way came in front through its ups and downs. Two tribal villages Monpui and Klaksi were in our way. At last we reached 11 tribal lived village Bhanmun about 2700 feet high from sea level. We stood at the view-point in front of Eden lodge. Befour us range of the Mijo-hill -a scenic beauty.

       It is a land of green forest and never ending peace. For climatic reason spring prevails here through out the year. Apart from nature there is nothing more to describe. The Jampui hill is mainly of sixth villages - Konpui, Bhanmun, Retling-top, Banlabari, Klansang and sabuan. The villagers are mainly Christian and Lusai and Riang tribes. Our next destination is Shbling-Up.

      The way was lonely and on both the sides there were Orange trees. On the slope of the hill there were Ora ids in plenty. But the nature was not at all in our fab-our and we had to return. On the return journey we stopped at Betling top and there was a beautiful Church. For the last time we breathed in the Unpolluted air and with a heavy heart we returned.

Mijo-hill from Bhanmun.

        How to go: Unkoti can reachable both by air and rail route. Two airports Agartala and Silchar have flight link with kolkata and from there on can easily reach Unkoti.

      By rail routh first to reach Lamding and from there to Tripura and to get down at Dharmanagar or Kumarghat station. From Dharmanagar and Kumarghat the distance to Kalishhar are respectively 31 Km and 35 Km. The train to go from kolkata to Lamding are Kamrup Express (No -15959), Dibrugar Express (No - 12525) etc.    

           

                       

Natural Beauty in Amarnath.

       Introduction:How to unfold my journey I can not express but till now I shiver in joy and excitement. By train from Howrah I went to Delhi and in the morning I reached Jam-mu. After break fast by we went to "Pahelgaon". The total way I relished natural beauty. At Patnitop I had my meal and resumed journey again. Going through Zigzag way at Banihal I crossed the longest tunnel in Asia "Jawhar Tunnel". Next to begin the way to Kashmir Valley.

Amarnath

         At 4 pm we crossed Khanabal and took the way of "Ananta-Nag" for our destination Pahelgaon. In our left hand side there is "Lidar" river. At 6pm we reached "Pahelgaon". You will be amazed to know that evening comes after 8 pm.After search the army we got boarded in our previously book hotel. In front of the hotel tge "Lidar" river flows and behind green Pine and Oak trees are silent spectators and just behind Ice-crowned mountain. We have been informed that up-to "Chandanowari"we will go by cur and from there by horse.

Amarnath.

       We boarded off the hotel and went to Chandanowari by car 14 km away. This is the base-camp of Amarnath. This place at the height of 9500 feet beside the "Lidar" river is full with hue and cry of the tourists. At 6th in the morning the journey is about to begin but a routine search by the army. 

Amarnath

          Our main destination is "Panchatarani" 27 km away. 3 Km away is "Pisutop" at 11,200 feet.  Going by the way if you look under, your head will reel. Crossing Pisutop the road is through a green Vally and crossing this 4 km distance we reached "Jogibal" at 11,300 feet. All through the way our every time companion is the Lidar river, greenery and the Himalaya. We took a light supper and some time by horse and some time of feet we reached "Nagkoti". "Sesh-Nag" is only 4.5 km away.  

Amarnath

       A mind catching beautiful scenery come in front of me. All around there is ice-Crowned mountain and in the middle large "Seshnag" Lake. This Lake is formed from the glacier and when the water goes downwards it forms the Lidar river. This Lake in length and breadth is about a mile. I crossed the Seshnag Valley and from here one K.m. away is Warbol Pass. Everywhere there is ice and ice. Some distance away is Mahaguna Pass (14,900 feet). This way is very risky. There has been rope given to continue the walk of the travelers. There are innumerable charitable "Bhandra". I took a tee break and next to go Panchatarani 8 k.m. away. Now the road is more smoother. By walking I reached to the end of these Valley. I could see below water of Panchatarani and at last I arrived Camping Ground (12,000 feet). I could see five rivers named Saraswati, Bargasikha, Dhaka, Bhima and Bhagabati mingle here and forms Amarabhati which later flows into Amarganga. There are about thousand camps. Now it is 7 p.m. I took shelter in my Camp. It had been raining outside and with the rain shivering cold inside. 

Amarnath

         Next day is 10 July. It is morning 5 A.m. and our destination is Amarnath only 6 K.m. away from here. I was gong by the side of Amarnath mountain and Amarganga is flowing beside the traveler. We all were going on the glacier and some distance away is "Sant Sing Top". Amarnath Cave-temple is only 3 K.m. away. Our house journey ended here and we walked on feet. We crossed some turns on Ice and caught the sight of our destination - the Cave. We had been anxiously waiting for our turn to see the god of all the gods but we had to face the search of the army. All the journey and its toil seemed nothing - one side we the thirsty travelers and the other side "Sayambhu Linga", its companion "Durga" and "Ganesh".

Amarnath

          How to reach: There are two traditional ways to reach Amarnath - from Jammu touching Pahalgaon and the other from Srinagar to Sonmarg.

Amarnath