SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

SREE PADMANABHASWAMY TEMPLE

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of Lord Vishnu's most famous temples in Kerala, South India. Also known as Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located within the Eastern Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. Lord Vishnu is consecrated here in the posture of Anananthasayanam (in the eternal dream of yognidra), lying upon Sri Anantha, the hooded serpent. According to the traditions, it is believed that Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram has been worshiped by Chandra (God of the moon) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas).

Significance of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy is one of Lord Vishnu's 108 Divya Desams. Divya Desams are the most sacred abodes of Lord Mahavishnu which are mentioned in the works of the Tamil Azhvars (saints). Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also one of the seven Parasurama kshetras in Kerala. The city of Thiruvananthapuram bears the name of the Lord. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means "The land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy.

The idol of the temple of Sree Padmanabhaswamy is composed of 1,2008 salagramams that make up the reclining lord. They are special because they are from Nepal, from the banks of the Gandhaki River and were taken to the temple with all the pomp and joy at the top of the elephant. Above them "Katusarkara Yogam", Navaratnams, a special ayurvedic mixture, was used to give a cast. The followers believe that the Lord came personally disguised and had often saved the Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies.

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PAPANASAM BEACH

PAPANASAM BEACH

Papanasam Beach or Varkala Beach is Hindu pilgrimage site as well as a well known tourist destination in Kerala, India. Papanasam Beach is located 50 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and 37 km south west of the city of Kollam. This is a place where the cliffs are next to the Arabian Sea. The beach extends to 500 meters with white sand. Varkala Papanasam Beach is considered as a holy beach and the literal meaning of this is "Destroyer of sins". It is said that an immersion in the sacred waters of this beach will relieve us of all the sins that we have committed and purify our body and soul.

Legend of Papanasam Beach

It is believed that Lord Brahma instructed King Pandyan to build a temple here to wash away his sins. There is also a story saying that the sage Narada threw his 'Valkalam' (a piece of loin made from bark of a tree) to this place and asked the pilgrims to immerse themselves in that water to get rid of the sins committed.

Tourist Attractions

Papanasam Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach away from all the crowds and other disturbances that are seen at other picnic spots. The tourist area that sits between two cliffs makes the beach look stunning. Thin sidewalk along the cliffs is a real experience once in awhile. The mineral springs leave from these cliffs and are famous for their medicinal qualities that people drink as holy water and the narrow road that leads to the beach is designed by rice paddies and tall palms on both sides. The beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. The sunsets here are an ordinary sight and it is considered to be the right time for a long hike.

Karkidaka Vavu Bali in Varkala Beach of Papanasam

People come here on the new moon day of Karkkidakam Malayalam month by doing the last rituals of their loved ones and other ancestors whose soul rests in peace. This offer is called 'Vavubali'. After this, people visit the Sree Janardhana Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is facing the beach and get the 'Thilakahoma' done there.

Varkala Janardhana Swamy Temple

The temple of Janardhana Swami is an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu located near the beach of Varkala. The Janardanaswamy Temple is about 2000 years old and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (southern Benares).

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KOCHI

KOCHI

Kochi (Cochin) is a vibrant city located on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula in the stunning and picturesque and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as "God's Own Country." Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the nickname Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also known as the gateway to Kerala.

From time immemorial, the Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese have left indelible marks in the history and development of Cochin. Over the years, Cochin has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most important city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai / Bombay). Cochin prides itself on its world-class port and international airport linking it to many major cities around the world.

This beautiful coastal city is flanked by the western Ghats in the east and the Arabian sea in the west. Its proximity to the equator, the sea and the mountains provide a rich experience of a moderate equatorial climate.

Strictly speaking, Cochin is a small town. But Cochin has surpassed its original boundaries and is now the general name given to much of the region adjacent to the original city, which now includes Cochin, Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, Ernakulam and many other nearby villages and villages. Cochin is located in the district of Ernakulam in the state of Kerala. Ernakulam is also the name of a city - the administrative capital of the district of Ernakulam - but, for all practical purposes Ernakulam and Cochin, in general, refer to the same place.

Kochi is the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala, ranked in the top three tourist destinations by the World Travel and Tourism Council and listed in the top 50 places in the life of National Geographic Traveler.

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CHERAI BEACH

CHERAI BEACH

Cherai Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala bordering the northern end of Vypeen Island, is located about 26 km from the city of Ernakulam, Kochi.

The place is a unique combination of sea and backwaters bordered by lush green palms and rice paddies. Backwaters are a combination of lakes, lagoons, canals and estuaries.

The golden beach of 15 km in length is very clean, shallow and is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing. The newly embellished 400 meters from the main beach has a walkway and tall mask lamps that make the beach enjoyable even at night. Trained security personnel are present 24 hours on the beach. The beach is very safe and tourists of all ages can enjoy the beach alike. The beautiful beach is filled with seashells of various shades and shapes. There is a children's playground on the beach. Water Scooter and Speed Boats are available for rent. One could catch an occasional glimpse of the dolphins as they leave and dive back into the water. The end of the beach is full of Chinese fishing nets which is a beautiful view by itself.

A typical Kerala village with paddy fields and coconut trees nearby makes this place even more beautiful. The main attraction of Cherai is the "Poyil" a large inland lake that forms a part of the calm and serene backwaters separated from the ocean by only a narrow sand bar. A boat ride along the backwaters lined with palm trees and rice paddies is an amazing experience you will never forget. The water is quiet, crystal clear and you could lose yourself in the beauty of life surrounding Kerala Village. We could take a look at the country's ships carrying rice or fish, fishermen throwing for catch days, reapers working in paddy fields, sausages that climbed coconut trees to beat toddy, ducks walking through Water with their ducklings, in rice fields, etc. The water fields here are the only crops that mainly grow rice. Between the time of harvest, the ricefields become fish farms, mainly prawns. Cherai is also well known for the persistent fresh sea food of the mouth and country wine Toddy (fermented coconut water).

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ALAPPUZHA

ALAPPUZHA

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey is the Venice of the East and rightly so. Palm trees, silver beaches, charming lagoons and canals make it a charming place. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala and attracts a constant influx of tourists throughout the year.

Alappuzha has a fascinating history. According to legend, coastal areas in and around Alappuzha used to be underwater. Over time, the silt and the sand came together to form it. In ancient times, Alappuzha was under the reign of the powerful Chera rulers. It was an important center of religion and culture in the 9th to 12th centuries AD.

It was at this time that the Portuguese settlers arrived. They built many magnificent churches in Alappuzha. Trade thrived. In fact, even in those days, Alappuzha traded with the Arabs in coconut products - coconut and fiber yarn as well as pepper.

Today, Alappuzha is a leading exporter of coconut oil, arecanut, cardamom, sugar and pepper. Probably the only thing that can match your exports is its picturesque beach. Driven by imposing buildings, remains of the colonial past with a 140-year-old quay that stretches to the sea, is a rare sight indeed. Alappuzha has two parks with boating facilities available in both. Make a cruise point along the backwaters. It's a great way to have a first-hand view of Alappuzha's shore life!

Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple

The highlight of this magnificent temple is its massive oil lamp made of granite. This lamp can hold up to 1,000 strands. When they light up together, it really creates an unforgettable view. The best time to visit the temple is February and March when a special festival is held for the Bhadrakali deity who is known with his miraculous healing powers.

Eddakal Caves

Located on the hills of Ambukuthis, these caves were formed by a huge fissure on the side of a cliff. The two natural rock formations that resulted are a repository of well-preserved pictograms that date back to antiquity.

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RAJ GHAT

RAJ GHAT

Raj Ghat is a beautiful, peaceful monument to Mahatma Gandhi. This simple and somber black granite platform marks the site where, on January 31, 1948, the last rites / cremation of Gandhi were performed. An eternal flame perpetually burns in the middle (extreme) of the square stone. The monument was designed to reflect the simple life of Gandhi. The inscription on the stone, "The Ram" ("Oh God"), is believed to be the last words of Gandhi.

The bright wonders of orange wonders are put on the platform. Every Friday a commemorative ceremony is held. Prayer ceremonies are held on Gandhi's birthday (October 2) and the anniversary of his death (January 30), when national leaders meet to honor Gandhi. It is customary for foreign leaders visiting Delhi to pay their respects to Gandhi by putting flowers or garlands on the platform as well.

Beautiful lawns surround the walled enclosure that houses the monument. A path leads to the monument. You must remove your shoes before entering the enclosure.

It is said that 10,000 visitors a day visit the monument. If that is so, we were very lucky as it was almost full when we visited. This was without a doubt the most special place in New Delhi.

The monument is located across the road from the Gandhi National Museum.

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QUTUB-MINAR-DELHI

QUTUB-MINAR-DELHI

The tallest stone tower in Delhi India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1192. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs. Inside the complex is the famous Iron Pillar that has been for millennia without oxidation, Quwwat-ul-Islam, the first mosque built in India, and the Alai Darwaza, the entrance to the complex erected by Alauddin Khilji. The entrance to the Minar has been closed, after the tower became infamous by the several suicides that were committed here. Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture as it captures the attention for its great mass appeal. El Minar is a five-storey building with a height of 72.5 meters. The first floor of the Qutb Minar was completed in the life of Qutb-ud-din. His son-in-law and successor, Iltumush, added the next three floors. Even in the close encounter, the attention is prolonged, due to the delicate and almost ethereal carvings. Inside the complex is the famous Iron Pillar that has stood the test of time without rusting. Quwwat-ul-Islam was the first mosque built in India, and the Alai Darwaza, the gateway to the complex was erected by Alauddin Khilji. The mining is not as erect as it used to be due to wear and tear in recent years. Looking closely at the mine rives you an idea that it is something grown to one side. The mining is very sincerely attended by authorities very similar to other historical monuments in the country. Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture as it captures one's attention due to delicate and almost ethereal carvings.

Qutab Minar, the 239-foot sandstone tower is an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. This magnificent Victory Tower is located in the Qutab Complex located in Aurabindo Marg, near Mehrauli, 14 km south of Connaught place in Delhi. Qutab Minar with a height of 72.5m (239ft), is the tallest stone tower in India and has a diameter of 14.32 meters at the base and about 2.75 meters at the top. The first three floors are made of red sandstone and are strongly indented with different grooving styles, alternately round and angular in the lower floor, round in the second and angular in the third. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone.

Iron pillar in the fifth minar delhi:

Located in the courtyard of Quwwatu'l-Islam, the famous Iron Pillar belongs to the IV century. It is locked at the Qutub Minar complex in New Delhi. The Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta script and the peculiar style of its capital "Amalaka" confirms the date.

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