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Showing posts with label temple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label temple. Show all posts

Friday, August 14, 2009

Trip to Bhadrachalam Ram Rama Temple:

Trip to Bhadrachalam Ram Rama Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts.. I shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


About General Place: http://wikitravel.org/en/Bhadrachalam



India code for Phone call by people outside of India- +91

STD Code of Bhadrachalam- 08743


Hotels:

We stayed at Hotel Ratan ph no 0873 233384/85. 9885584181, 9866277341. It costs Rs 850 for a non ac double room which was fairly neat. There are also ac rooms. They take reservations on the telephone. It is just opposite the bhadrachalam bus stand and so very convenient. There is a hotel kalki very next door where you get good tiffen and meals etc.

You also have a ap tourism hotel for the same tariff. 850 rs non ac and 1400 for AC Rooms.Again very neat.ph no 08743 231463,231481. you can mail for reservations there in nd@aptdc.in

Apart from this you can reserve by sending dd’s with the devasthan office. Use link below.


http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/accommodation.htm


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/



Photos of temple: http://www.bhadrachalarama.org/photogal-main.htm



Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Additional info and guides:


Std Code- Phone Number :
Other Links:

http://www.sitaramaswamy.com/visiting_places.htm

boat ride-this is interesting...http://www.go2india.in/ap/godavari-launch-journey.php


How I went:

I traveled to Hyderabad from Coimbatore. From there I was joined by my cousin and we took a train at 10.45 pm that goes to Machilipatnam. (normally departs from platform 10 from secunderabad station. So you can ask auto drivers to drop you at the rear entrance on platfrorm 10. Midway they dismantle the coach and attach to a different train and the train reaches Bhadrachalam Road otherwise also called Kotthagudam by localites at 4.50 am. ( if by any chance you miss this station don’t worry the train terminates 50 km from there in a place called manuguru about 1 hr from bhadrachalam road from where you need to retrace)From there you just can walk out 50 meteres from station and take a bus to bhadrachalam proper. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach bhadrachalam from bhadrachalam road by bus.

Note: If you are landing there between march and june it is one of the hottest places in India and you will do well to have a AC room.


Once we settled in at Hotel Ratan we took an auto for Rs 15 to take us to the temple. The temple is on a small hillock and you need to climb about 100 steps. The place where the steps end on your left you find an office where you can get ticket for archana to lord anjaneya/hanuman separately Rs.20 and a separate rs 20 or rs 50 special darshan ticket to lord rama. There is also a free darshan que. IF you take Rs 50 ticket you can sit near the lord and offer your pooja. Don’t carry any camera or video inside temple as it is not allowed. Before you enter the main temple you have lord hanuman right near the place where the steps end. Please worship him and seek his blessings and then visit lord rama. There are smaller gods and goddesses around the temple inner path. Out of this lord lakshmi is so beautiful. You will do well to offer poojas to her. Towards the right of the steps once you climb towards the temple is a Prasad counter where you can buy tamarind rice,laddoos etc. Its good. No where you need to pay anything extra etc. After this we retired to the room. I had a good buffet lunch at hotel APTDC. Then in the evening right opposite the temple for Rs 20 from hotel rattan or bus stand you can ask the auto guy to drop you on banks of river godavari for a good bath. From there the temple is 200 meteres away and you can reach temple by walk or by auto again for Rs. 10. Then we rested and took a bus to kothegudam or bhadrachalam road(normally from platform no 2 but please ask couple of people as everything is written in telugu). The buses have a request stop right in front of railway station. From the place you get down near railway station there is a broad road opposite railway station where if you walk 75 meteres on the right (when you walk down opposite railway station not towards it) ask for annapoorna in a small lane with stairs going up. You get good lunch and dinner there which is more like home made stuff. We then boarded the train to secunderabad by 10 pm to reach secunderabad by 4.45 am. Its just a overnight journey.

Places of interest around the place: http://www.sitaramaswamy.com/visiting_places.htm


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Hyderabad.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Bhadrachalam road otherwise called Kothagudam by localites

Preferred travel base: Secunderabad,Bhadrachalam


Railway Station code for MAS(central station) for all trains bound north east and west and MS(egmore)for all trains from Chennai to southern towns, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT, Karaikudi-KKDI
HYB Hyderabad, SC- Secunderabad, BDCR for bhadrachalam road.




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Trip to Kohlapur Mahalakshmi, Mahalaxmi Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


About General Place:

It is one of the 52 Sakthi peet




Hotels:

Hotel Raj purush 0231-2664888, 6682244 – www.hotelrajpurush.com

Hotel Venkatesh 0231-2544089

Hotel Priya- 0231- 6684827,6951060


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

Photos of temple:


Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-0231 Phone Number : Given above.
Other Links:

http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/CitiestoVisits/Kolhapur/KolhapurAttraction.html


How I went:

I traveled here from Mumbai. There are two trains at 6 pm and 8 pm to reach here from Mumbai. There is also a direct train from Bangalore. It is an overnight travel. But though normally it should reach by 7.30 am it is very normal for the train to reach here only by 9 am. I had a quick bath and then hired an auto for showing me around for rs 250. You can reach Mr.Datatreya the auto driver and refer that Ashok from Chennai had given the ph no .09960391652. he is a good person. We went to panch ganga and had a bath in the ghat. From there went to the temple and had a dhashan of mahalakshmi. If it is crowded you can only not go near her in que but have a good dharshan of her from near ganesh in the temple. From there we went to Jyotiba who is siva and elder brother to her on the hill. It is costomery to visit him and seek his blessings after visiting her. This place is 20 km away. After that I did not go to triveni sangaam for want of time. Had a good food in Hotel Rajpurush just opposite the station.(good food).from here left for Bangalore by the afternoon train at 2 pm.


Places of interest around the place:

http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/CitiestoVisits/Kolhapur/KolhapurAround.html

http://dreamindia.net/Travel/kolhapur1.htm

Narashimawadi 50 km away is a important place to visit. Similarly you can also visit triveni sangam.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Kohlapur

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Kohlapur

Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad.

STD Code of Ahemedabad -079 and Srisailam -08524

Railway Station code for Kohlapur- KOP Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Ujjain Mahakaleswar and Kali Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


You could stay at Ujjain

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Indore.htm


At Indore you could stay at Hotel New Sunder – 0731(std code) ph 2529051, 2520128, 2520056, 4040624. The landmark near is patel bridge end with Sardar patel’s statue. Walkable from station if light on luggage or else it is Rs.10 or Rs.15 by auto. Normal for auto to use meter.


Alternatively you could book at Hotel Geeta Shree at Omkareswar itself- ph 07280 271560, 09926069444.

About General Place:

It is one of the 12 Jotirling.


Hotels:

http://www.mptourism.com/dest/ujjain_accomm.html

I stayed at station retiring room which was real good.

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Ujjain.htm

http://www.mptourism.com/dest/ujjain_ms.html

Photos of temple:


Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-0734 Phone Number :
Other Links:



How I went:

I traveled to Ujjain from Indore by early morning sitting train from Indore at 6.30 am. Reached by 9 am. Took a retiring room.


Hired an Auto for Rs 175. The auto driver’s name is Mukesh Nimade. Ph no 9977608831. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai. He is very reliable.

Places to see are sandipani ashram,mangalnath,sidhvat,kal bairav,gand kalika(Kalidas was blessed by this kali),badruhari caves,mahakaleshvar,bada narayan,har siddi mata(kali who blessed vikramaditya) char dham,ram ghat(kumbh mela place) and gopal bhawan.

Pandit Sarvesh did pooja for me at Mahakaleshvar temple and I found him to be good . I paid Rs 200. His mobile no is 09300692430. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.


Places of interest around the place:

http://www.mptourism.com/dest/ujjain_ms.html


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Indore

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Ujjain

Preferred travel base: Indore or Ujjain

STD Code of Indore -0731 and Ujjain -

Railway Station code for Indore- INDB, INDM(Meter Gauge), Ujjain UJN Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Omkareshwar Omkareswar Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


It is best to stay at Indore from where it is a 3.0 hours ride

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Indore.htm


At Indore you could stay at Hotel New Sunder – 0731(std code) ph 2529051, 2520128, 2520056, 4040624. The landmark near is patel bridge end with Sardar patel’s statue. Walkable from station if light on luggage or else it is Rs.10 or Rs.15 by auto. Normal for auto to use meter.


Alternatively you could book at Hotel Geeta Shree at Omkareswar itself- ph 07280 271560, 09926069444.

About General Place:

It is one of the 12 Jotirling.


Hotels:
Mentioned above.

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Omkareswar.htm

Photos of temple:


Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Std Code-07280 Phone Number :271228
Other Links:

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Madhya-Pradesh/Omkareswar.htm


How I went:

I traveled to Indore by train from Mumbai. Stayed at hotel Sunder at Indore. Left by 7 am bus to Omkareswar. You get mini busses from near the sardar patel statue very near the hotel. It is a 2.5 hr ride to omkareswar road. From there it is a half hour ride to omkareswar by another bus. Sometimes you get direct bus to omkareswar itself. Once there visited two temples there and offered prayes. There is a special entrance ticket too for Rs.100. You can also get a panda for Rs 200. From here I hired a boat with others for two people(my son too) for taking me around the island for parikrama. The boat takes you to triveni sangam and then around. There is a 200 meter stretch you may need to walk as the boat finds it very tough to go up current wit people. The entire omkareswar temple is on an island formed in the middle of Narmada river in the form of Om. After this we left for Indore.

For any need at omkareswar and guide you can call Aasish on 09424535569. he is a tall man and will be of good help. You can refer my name as ashok from Chennai.

You can get in touch with pandit Satyanarayan sharma on 07280 271256 or Nandlal Sharma 09893610409 for your pooja and dharshan needs. Pls refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.

Fix a rate before you use their services. I feel Rs 200 is in order.


Places of interest around the place:

http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/MTDC/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/Default.aspx?strpage=../MaharashtraTourism/CitiestoVisits/Kolhapur/KolhapurAround.html

http://dreamindia.net/Travel/kolhapur1.htm



How to reach

Nearest Airport – Indore

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Indore and Omkareswar road( on meter gauge line)

Preferred travel base: Indore

STD Code of Indore -0731 and Omkareswar -07280

Railway Station code for Indore- INDB, INDM(Meter Gauge), Omkareshwar Road(meter Guage) - OM (use only meter guage codes if u want to travel from indore to omkareswar by train)Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Trip to Ambaji and Modhera Sun Temple:

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


You could stay at Mehsana from where Ambaji is about 2.5 hrs and Modhera about half hour drive.

About General Place:

It is one of the 52 Sakthi peet




Hotels: There are many hotels to stay. Given below are some from their devasthan.

AMBAJI:

1
Shri. Ambica Vishram Gruh
Near S.T. Stand, Ambaji
Phone : 02749-262143
2
Shri. Ambica Bhojanalay
Near S.T. Stand, Ambaji
Phone : 02749-262505
3
Shri. Jagat Janani Pathikashram (Holiday Inn)
Opp. S.T. Stand, Ambaji
Phone : 02749-262800
4
Shri Diwali Ba Guru Bhawan
Danta Road, Ambaji
Phone : 02749-262143
5
Flyover Bridge connected with Chachar Chowk
Near S.T. Stand, Ambaji

6
Tourist Bath Rooms and Public Toilets
Near Flyover Bridge, AmbajiKhodi Vadli, Ambaji

7
Locker Rooms for Tourist
Near Flyover Bridge, Ambaji

8
Big Parking Plot for vehicles of tourists
Near Flyover Bridge, AmbajiNear Gabbar Taleti (Bottom)




Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.ambajitemple.org/





Photos of temple:

http://www.ambajitemple.org/

Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Devasthan Trust (SAAMDT) Trust Reg. No. A-497 (B. K.)Ambaji , Pin : 385110 , Dist : Banaskantha, Gujarat (India) Phone : 0091-02749- 262136 / 264536 / 262930 / 262636, Email: info@ambajitemple.org
Std Code-02749 Phone Number : Given above.
Other Links:


How I went:

We drove from Ahmedabad to Mehasana ( an hours drive) by 5am. Took a half hour drive from there to Modhera. This is a protected monument . There is no sun god here as the idol was taken during foreign invasion. The temple tank is such a master piece. What remains here is just the temple with excusite carvings.

From here we went to Ambaji. We first went to tirth where tonsure(takloo) is done. After that went to the temple with offerings for godess. We could get inside after a small que. There is a shiva ling slightly below ground opoosite the mata. We prayed to him and then went in line(there were 4 lines) leading to her and had a good dharshan of her.

What we did not do was go up the gabber hill (see link of temple above.). Please make it a point to go there too.

Many people come here on foot especially during durga pooja time.

Places of interest around the place:

Please refer to the temple link above.

About 2km from the temple is a Ekavan Shakthipeet where Kanchi mutt seer has installed 51 sakthi peet deities around kanchi kamatchi. It is a must visit. Ph no of temple is 02749 264151,264551.


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Ahmedabad

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station –

Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad.

STD Code of Ahemedabad -079 and Srisailam -08524

Railway Station code for Ahmedabad ADI Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Trip to Srisailam Siva Shiva and Bhramaramba Devi Temple:

The above is the leaflet for going to certain places around Srisailam and hotel reservation.

The above is the image of leaflet for going to Srisailam from Chennai by bus

CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGES AND USE FULL BRIGHT SCREEN MODE


Trip to Srisailam Siva Shiva Jyotirlinga and Brahmaramba Devi Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


You need to stay at Hyderabad or Secunderabad to go to Srisailam. You could stay at railway retiring room if u have a railway ticket.

See link below to know more on hotels and sight seeing at Hyderabad.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Hyderabad.htm

Please also visit the link below for local sight seeing at Hyderabad and for other tourist locations in Andhra Pradesh.


Have given some hotels and ph nos.

Yatri nivas, S.P RoadSecunderabad,Andhra Pradesh, IndiaPhone: 040-27816375 04027893100

Urvasi Residency (next to Yashodha Hospital Secunderabad)
040-39122222 –Tariff between Rs.800- 1600

Budget Hotel- Secunderabad –Hotel Padmini -04027805460,39185460 –Rs-200 to Rs.1600

Other hotels in Hyderabad - http://www.miceindia.org/wrtourismguide/ap2.html



About General Place:

It is one of Shiva’s Jyotirlinga. http://www.templenet.com/jyotir.html




Hotels:

Srisailam:

Hotel Ilapuram 08524 -288199

Hotel Punami - 08524 288311.

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Accommodation.HTM


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/index.htm


It is both a Shiva Jyotirlinga and one of the 18 shakthi peet (See ASTADASA MAHA SAKTHI-PEETHAS in link

http://www.srisailam.co.in/


Photos of temple:

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Photo%20Gallery.HTM


Temple Phone Number and Contact:

Executive Officer
Srisaila Devasthanam
Srisailam – 518101,
Phone: 08524(Std Code) - 288883,288885,288886,288887,288888.
E-mail: eo@srisailamtemple.com

Std Code-08524 Phone Number : 288883,288885,288886,288887,288888
Other Links:

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Andhra/Srisailam.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Andhra/sailam.html

http://www.srisailam.co.in/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srisailam

http://wikitravel.org/en/Srisailam



How I went:

You will have to reach to reach Hyderabad/Secunderabad(twin cities jus 10 km away)) or Kacheguda or Kachiguda(as is also locally known). This is also another station in Hyderabad.


You can either take a taxi or go by bus from here to Srisailam. It is 6.30 hrs away(230 km) some of which is in ghat section on hill. The other important info is that if you are enroute and you have not reached mannaor about 2 hrs away from srisailam from where hills section or ghat road starts you will have to stay put and proceed only next day as there are wild animals in this area and the gate or entry point at mannanoor is closed. Though they say 6.30 hrs is the total journey time I feel 7 to 7 ½ hrs is the real time with the city traffic conditions.

I traveled by APSRTC(Andhra govt ) bus. Given below is the time table link.

Bus timing link to Srisailam:

http://apsrtc.gov.in/TIME-TABLES/Hyderabad-JBS.htm


Bus timing link from Srisailam:

http://apsrtc.gov.in/TIME-TABLES/Srisailam.htm


JBS(Jubilee Bus Stand) bus stand is about 1.5 km from Secunderabad station. From here the bus starts and goes via MGBS bus stand which is in Hyderabad. There is a 20 min stop there. So for people who are staying in Hyderabad MGBS bus terminus is nearest boarding point and for people staying in Secunderabad JBS is the nearest boarding point.

I boarded from Secunderabad. You will do well to book tickets in advance in these bus stands though there are busses every half hour. Choice is yours. I would say you will be able to get tickets even without booking in advance. Choice is yours

If you want to do any special abhishek to shiva or godess, you get the tickets for Rs 600 and Rs.350 at 6.30 am for that particular day. I did special abhishekam for shiva and kum kum archana to Srichakram both. All pooja materials are supplied by temple itself. You need not take anything. But if you want to you can take. You can do pooja to Shiva linga on your own. You can touch the linga too. I did about 16 abhishekams

1)Gingily oil
2)Turmeric
3)Raw Rice powder
4)Milk
5)Curd
6)Panchamrit(misxture of mashed banana, Gur or Jaggery, Honey,Ghee, Raw sugar rough crystals(kalkandu),dates

7)Honey
8)Sweet lime Juice
9)Tender coconut
10)Abhishek powder
11)Sandal
12)Javvadhu(a scent)
13)Rose Water
14)Vibhuthi(Sacred Ash)
15 Gangal Water
16)Bilwa Leaf garland

Did aarti after that.

See link below for details

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Sevas%20&%20Poojas.HTM



Places of interest:

List is given below. Jeeps and autos are available. I visited 5 places for Rs 100 by an auto. They are Sikharam, Hathakeswaram, Phaladhara-Panchadhara, Sakshi Vinayaga, Lalitambika temple

http://www.srisailamtemple.com/Srisaila_devasthanam/Other%20Visiting%20Places.HTM

You can call auto driver Mallikarjuna on 9989770469 for local sight seeing ..found him to be good...you can refer my name ash ashok from chennai

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Hyderabad. Actually the airport is nearer to Secunderabad railway station.


Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Hyderabad/Secunderabad (TwinCities).

This is only preferable. Just as a matter of info, the nearest railway stations are at Kurnool and Markapur(90km) on the Guntur-Hubli Section

Preferred travel base: Hyderabad

STD Code of Hyderabad -040 and Srisailam -08524

Railway Station code for Hyderabad HYB Secunderabad-SC, KCG(this is also another station in Hyderabad) Chennai- MAS, Bangalore SBC, New Delhi –NDLS,DLI or NZM, Kolkatta- HWH, Mumbai –DR,CSTM,LTT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

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Sunday, September 30, 2007

Visit to Gokul,Ayarpadi,Mathura,Govardhan giri,Vrindavan,Brindavan

Trip to Mathura,Vrindavan,Brindavan,Govardhan Giri Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Mathura,Vrindavan,Brindavan,Govardhan Giri

http://wikitravel.org/en/Mathura
http://wikitravel.org/en/Vrindavan

Hotels:

I stayed at Rs 400 AC retiring room at station. It is very very nice and spacious.

Other Hotels use link below.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Mathura


Details about the temple through links:

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/aayarpadi-temple.asp -Same as gokul that is how it is called or know at Mathura

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gokul

http://divyadesamonline.com/hindu/temples/mathura-temple.asp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Govardhan_hill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vrindavan


Photos of temple


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0565 Phone Number :


How I went:

I came here from Amritsar. Took a AC retiring room at Station for Rs 400. Fantastic room. Hired an Auto for Rs 750 to take me around gokul, mathura and Govardhan girir. The total distance to be traveled for the three places above is 110 km. I took the auto at 1 pm and came back after visiting many main places at about 8 pm.

You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai to the auto fellow. Was a very good guy. His name is Kamal Singh Kashyap and mobile no is 098979 28718.




First went to Gokul. There I paid Rs 50 to a guide who showed me around. There are about 5 places to be seen and all places priest demand money of 250 etc upto 5000. Never give in unless u want to really make contributions. Made some contributions to Nandbhavan temple of balaram ph 9997543642.



Next I went to Govadhan hill. There is a temple here. People also do a prikrama of the hill which is 14 km.


Next I went to Brindavan and few temples there


Last I visited Krishna Janma bhoomi where Krishna was born and a Krishna radha temple in the same place.





How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. From here it is 3-4 hrs to Mathura by bus or train


Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Mathura

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Mathura -

Railway Station code for Mathura – MTJ, New Delhi NDLS




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Vaishno Devi

Trip to Vaishno Devi Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place:


Hotels:

Refer How I went below

Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://maavaishnodevi.org/new1/index.html

Photos of temple

http://maavaishnodevi.org/photo_darshan.asp

Temple Phone Number:
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, J&K (INDIA) Tel : +91-1991-232367, 232238, 232025, 234053Fax : +91-1991-232089, 232769 Email : admin@maavaishnodevi.org

Information & Facilitation Centre Hyderabad 1011, 10th Floor Raghava Ratna Towers Abids,Hyderabad (AP)Phone No.: 040-30607256, 66827255
Information & Facilitation Centre New Delhi103, Ground Floor, World Trade Centre,New DelhiPhone No.: 011-32956920

Std Code-1991 Phone Number :


How I went:

You will have to reach Jammu by train or flight or bus. I took a budget room at Hotel Diamond near bus stand. Std code 0191 Ph 2577792,2577065. Rent was Rs.250. The station also had good retiring rooms. I was asked to wait for 2 hrs. I had to start immediately to Katra. So I took the hotel room.

After having a quick bath, took an auto to drop me at busstand for taking a bus to katra. The bus takes 2 hrs to reach katra and costs Rs.30 per seat.

You can also stay at katra Many many stay places are there. Am giving a Budget hotel and a Rs1500 budget hotel name.

Budget hotel: Galexy guest house 01991-232491 ,232950

Slightly high range hotel Hotel Malti Palace 01991 – 233500, 233501 fax 232733

You can walk up the 13 km road from katra to Vaishno devi temple from a place called Baan ganga. Rs 25 by Auto from bus stand. Fom there if u cant go up by walk you can take a palanquin carried by 4 persons..looked very comfortable sofa to me…or take a horse. I had opted for helicopter for want of time. I was also told you can go upto ardh quary(a place at half way mark on climb) in pony and from there three wheeler is available for drop at temple.

I think Himalayan and air deccan operate the helicopter service.Generally sky is clear in hills till 11 am.Airdeccan which I had opted had its service starting only from 11 am till 2 m. So I wld recommend opting for himalyan. Unfortunately, vaisho devi did not call me as due to bad whether the helicopter could not go. So never go there assuming u can finish in one da. Have 2 days or preferably 3 days for the trip as if you opt for any other mode, you will travel 26 km or more in a day which on a hill is very tiresome. The helicopter service from air deccan is rs 1600 one way and issues a priority vip pass for quick dharshan which can be collected by showing the boarding pass at kalika bhavan in room 8 at temple. The auto fare to helipad from bus stand is Rs.60.


Places of interest


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Jammu. Take a bus or taxi(exclusive taxi would cost Rs 600-800..i think you can bargain till Rs.400) to katra.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Jammu. Take a bus or taxi(exclusive taxi would cost Rs 600-800..i think you can bargain till Rs.400) to katra.
Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Jammu and Katra and temple is same -01991

Railway Station code for New Delhi NDLS, DLI or NZM, Jammu –JAT




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Rishikesh

Trip to Rishikesh Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Rishikesh

http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Rishikesh.htm

For the adventurous people who wish to river raft etc use link below-
http://www.mumukshuresorts.com/mumukshu_mountain_resorts_services.htm


Hotels:

I stayed at Yog Niketan.


Other Hotels use link below.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Rishikesh

Details about the temple through links:


Photos of temple


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0565 Phone Number :


How I went:

I came here from Haridwar in a Share auto for Rs 30. You can also hire an entire auto for rs 250. It is a 24 km journey from Haridwar..



Places of interest

http://dehradun.nic.in/rishikhesh.htm


Went to Triveni Sangam Ghat had a dip, went to Ram Jhoola, lakshman jhoola.




How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. Dehra Dun Go by bus or train or taxi from here to haridwar and then take an auto or taxi to rishikesh.


Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Haridwar,Rishikesh

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Rishikesh- 0135

Railway Station code for New Delhi NDLS, DLI or NZM, Rishikesh –RKSH,Haridwar-HW




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Visit to Haridwar

Trip to Haridwar Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Haridwar

http://haridwar.nic.in/

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Haridwar.htm


For the adventurous people who wish to river raft etc use link below-
http://www.mumukshuresorts.com/mumukshu_mountain_resorts_services.htm


Hotels:

I stayed at Hotel Vajeer Murti (pn 01334-229466, 9411150314)on the rear side of chitra talkies. Would recommend Siv Vishram lodge(http://svgl.co.in/) which I saw is a very neat place. 01334-227618 mobile 9358090830. It is very near Hari ki Pauri too and cost would be around Rs.300 to Rs 500. There is another Purohit lodge. Ph 01334-326850 or 225683


Other Hotels use link below.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh-North/Haridwar.htm



Details about the temple through links:


Photos of temple


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-01334 Phone Number :


How I went:

I came here from Delhi by taking bus that took 6 hrs and cost Rs.125. There is a shatabdi from delhi in morning and evening that jus takes 4 hrs to reach haridwar.

The places of interest are

Hari Ki Pauri -Most imporatant place in Haridwar where Ganges meets the plains. There is a evening aarthi at 6.30 pm which you should not miss. For this either u need to be there at 6 pm itself or you will not be able to make it properly as rickshaw etc is stopped 2 km away and u need to walk it down. By the time u reach it would be over. SO please if you need to go here for the aarthi be there at hari ki pauri at 6 pm sharp.

Manasa Devi temple – Very near hari ki pauri a cable car faciltity takes u to the top and down at Rs.48.

Chandi and Anjana devi (mother of hanuman) temple –Auto can take you here. Cable car charge is Rs 75. It may take an hour and half to see.

Pawan dham

Gita mandir

Maya devi temple

Bilvakeshwar Temple

Daksha Temple

http://haridwar.nic.in/touristplaces.htm






How to reach

Nearest Airport – Delhi. From here haridwar is 5 hrs by bus or train


Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Haridwar

Road Access: Busses from Delhi

Preferred travel base: Delhi

STD Code of Haridwar - 01334

Railway Station code for Haridwar – HW, New Delhi NDLS




For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Trip to Gaya, Bodh gaya Buddha Gaya Temple:

Trip to Gaya, Bodh gaya Buddha Gaya Temple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Gaya, Bodh Gaya


Gaya and bodh gaya are just 12 km away. Gaya is the main places from where you can take a share auto or car to bodhgaya. Car and stay are quite costly at both these places.

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Bihar/Gaya.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaya


http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Bihar/Bodhgaya.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodh_Gaya

http://wikitravel.org/en/Bodh_Gaya

Hotels:

Caution: At both these places I am told you need to be very careful if u are traveling after 8 pm. It is best to ask for a pick up through the hotel. Though I would have preferred coming into this place Gaya in day light I could manage a reservation from Varanasi late night and eache the place at 2 am. Due to enough advice I had booked a room straight at Hotel Lumbini 0631 2200351 whose manager sashi kant also has a cell 9931424462…fax 0631-2200361.. check for of season discount…I had asked for a pick up from hotel late night which was a tad costly at Rs.400. Safety is an issue and again even in day time it would cost Rs250 at least. Since I arrived late I wanted to straight be in bodh gaya(12 km from gaya) and finish sight seeing there and then land in gaya and do my temple visits. You can also do the other way around ie stay in gaya and then see bodh gaya.

For stay in gaya Hotel surya 0631(std code) 222-0770 seems good as I saw the hotel from outside.



Details about the temple through links:

http://templenet.com/Ganga/gaya01.html


Photos of temple


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0631 Phone Number :


How I went:

I traveled from varanasi to gaya. You can also go from Kolkata to gaya. I had chked into hoel at bodh gaya and arranged a car for entire trip in bodh gaya and gaya of all important places for Rs 900 again any other place it would cost 600 but this place is costly and the service was real good( ph no of travels I booked car from 0631 2229401…sagar 9334789774, sanjay 9934058711, pappu 9304022177 are the owners of MAA mangala travels..u can bargain…we set off at 6 am to see bodh gaya which is the place of enlightenment of Buddha. The place is very serene. Did sit under the tree where Buddha was enlightened. Picked up a leaf from the pipul tree too…hope to be enlightened someday…there are seven places listed in the veg restraint link above of importance within the temple..took a guide for Rs 50 from near the entrance..he was good…we could visit the cave where Buddha sat in and meditated which is in a hill far away..it had rained and the road that leads is a slushy trail…so as per advice I dropped it as we cld get stuck in the middle…we went to brahamayoni hills..i climbed the 400 odd steps which are quite steep..the height is twice that of a regular step…there are two small rock caves through which you can just pass your body and come out through the other side if u do so all ur sins are gone…then you can visit the temple on top and have a wonderful view of the entire gaya town…then we went to mangala gouri temple which is a sakthi peet offered our prayers..went to vishnupada temple this is the main temple where we offer poojas to all our ancestors( I did not offer as it is the right of my father and as a son who has his father alive I am not to ofeer this pooja)….had a bath at falgu river…placed tulsi ont he pada(foot) of Vishnu and then offered bilva leaves to Shiva nearby..saw lot of people offering pandas to their ancestors..there are many priests who can do this for you… and the ramshila (near by) and pretshila hill (quite far away)..didnt climb this hill…

In all I could cover nearly all places in gaya and bodh gaya from 7 am to 1 pm and then dropped myself off at station to proceed to patna by an ac chair car train and after a brief visit of patna(previously pataliputra) set off by train to kolkatta… for flight back to Chennai…


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Kolkata

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Howrah Junction.,Gaya.



Road Access:

Preferred travel base: Kolkata

STD Code of Gaya and Bodh Gaya -0631


Railway Station code for Howrah – HWH, Gaya –GAYA, Varanasi -BSB



For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

www.irctc.co.in

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php


http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
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Gaya,Bodh Gaya,temple,vishnupada

Trip to Varanasi Kasi Kashi Viswanath Visvanath BenarasTemple:


Click on above image to magnify it and use full bright screen wile viewing to see all details clearly..


Trip to Varanasi Kasi Kashi Viswanath Visvanath BenarasTemple:


You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Varanasi

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Uttar-Pradesh/Varanasi.htm

http://www.varanasicity.com/temples/index.html

http://wikitravel.org/en/Varanasi

Hotels:

I stayed at Sahi Guest house in Assi ghat. The ac room was Rs.700 This does not have a balcony overlooking the river ganges. Ones with balcony are Rs.900. They also have an off season discount. The rooms are good.
05422366730,2311244

9415818171(if u r unable to call or reach the above board no call this no as it is the owner Mr.Sahi’s no ..an affable old man )

For those who want real posh stay, Hotel Palace on Ganges is there nearly next door to the above guest house. The cost would be Rs 2000 +


Ph No pf Palace on Ganges: 0542-2315050,2314304,2314305, fax 2314306,22044898 email: palace onganges@indiatimes.com

All the above guest houses send their taxi’s at a cost to pick you up from airport or train station.(rough cost rs.100) I would advice you to use this service as other wise the drivers will say things like the hotel is full and take you elsewhere. I was picked up by Mr.Ravi of ravi tours and travel. 9839143069,9839077242,9236165661, 0542 2277933 email ravi_arora54@yahoo.com. I found their service excellent. They also take you around andshow you around kasi. You can ask them for whatever help you want. Generally early morning boat sailing on ganges viewing the ghats and visiting Benaras Hindu University(must see) with some temple is one package, Aarthi of river ganges at night and the view of it from a boat and trip to sarnath are the major travel tours. All these can cost around 1000 but worth it. Car is comfortable. I would strongly recomment using this travels as they are very responsible and nice.

For budget type stay very near the above Sahi guest house/palace on ganges a Udipi house is there. I also stayed here on one of my trips. The cost would be Rs 200. The rooms have attached bath and are pretty good. The manager’s name is Mr.Jayaprakash. Ph no is 0542 2310260. Mobile is 9838615375.

for guideing u in the viswanath temple and showing around the temple you can take the help of Sudharshan Pandey 9305287242(cell). I paid Rs.200 you can probably talk for rs 100. In many palces inside the temple various people will ask for money it is best to give Rs 10 at each of the places or jus keep moving.



Details about the temple through links:

Official website: www.shrikashivishwanath.org


http://templenet.com/Ganga/varanasi.html


http://members.tripod.com/~ngaur/temple.html


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-0542 Phone Number :


How I went:

One of the major reasons one visits Kashi or Kasi or Varanasi is to offer poojas to our fore fathers on the shores of Ganges.

I was recommended Mr.Subramaniyam for it. He can organize for any caste as he know north and south Indian style. I found him to be good. His contact phone numbers are 0542-2311268, 2275890. His house is in 4/59 Hanuman Ghat very near Shankar Mutt. Many a times his wife will answer the phone as he may be doing pooja. She is very efficient and you can generally get your doubts clarified from her.

You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.


There is one more person who you can contact when you want to do in major scale poojas to forefathers. I think if you are there and perform the charges would be rs 4000 with every need taken care of apart from just ur presence.

V.Ramasesha sastrigal
B5/311 Oudhgarbhi(Hanuman Ghat)

email: rshiv_kumar@rediffmail.com

0542 -2310134,33 fax 2275173, cell:9335333137

I approached them to send with me someone who would guide me in taking bath in ganges and then visiting the temple. I cannot do pooja to forefathers as my father is still alive and only he can do it.

Mr.Subramanyam sent a guide Mahendra who is a priest working for him.

There are 64 major ghats or entances with steps on river ganges one after the other if you go by boat starting with Aassi Ghat ant finally Varuna ghat and hence the name varuna + assi Varanasi. 5 ghats are very important to take bath to remove your sins. Refer general link on varanasi given above.

First I took bath in all 5 (pancha) theerth in boat (cost rs 200 to 400) depends on your bargaining power. I paid Rs 400. You start with Assi Ghat(also called tulsi ghat) then go to kedar ghat and then to dasaswemedh ghat and then panch ganga and finally take bath in manikarnika ghat. You can go to each of this in the boat alight and have a dip and proceed to the next ghat.

You can contact Babulal 9305020634(he also speaks tamil) for the boatride or call the above mentioned ravi travels for the same. You can refer my name ashok from Chennai.



The speciality of river ganges in varanasi is that it flows north a direction in whichshiva is worshiped.

Finally after the bath I changed to new clothes an then visited Dondi Vinayak (always pray to ganesh first and seek his blessings))Viswanath temple, Annapoorni, Lord Saturn, Visalakshi and then came out and headed to see Sakshi Vinayak and then had simple road side food(cery good) at Ashok hotel in sonarpura. From there I went to the room, Changed clothes and left for sarnath about 10 km away. This is a sacred place of Buddha.


By 6.30 was back to go to the boat arranged by ravi travels above for seeing the aarthi of river ganges a must see and then headed to station to leave for Gaya



How to reach

Nearest Airport – Varanasi

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Varanasi Junction.(Station Code BSB), If commuting from Kolkata HWH is the station Code, from Patna it is PNBE and from Gaya it is GAYA

Preferred travel base:

STD Code of Varanasi -0542


For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in India and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://www.redbus.in/

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Varanasi,Kasi,Kashi,Viswanath,Visvanath,Benaras,Temple

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Trip to Thanjavur Tanjore Brahadeeswarar BrihadeeswaraTemple:

Trip to Thanjavur Tanjore Brahadeeswarar BrihadeeswaraTemple:

Brihadeeswara Brihadiswara,

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

About General Place: Thanjavur,Tanjore

http://www.tanjore.net/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur


Hotels:

http://www.tanjore.net/hotel.htm




Details about the temple through links:

Photos of temple

http://aarbalaji.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanjavur%20Big%20Temple%20Brihadeeswara

http://withfriendship.com/user/fraud/thanjavur-brahadeeswarar-temple-photos.php

http://www.tamilnation.org/culture/architecture/thanjavur.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brihadisvara_Temple

http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/brihtanj.html


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-04362 Phone Number :


How I went:

Had been in Aug 1st week 2006 while touring Navagraha temples. Its an hour’s travel by bus from Kumbakonam. You can alight near the temple if you tell the bus conductor. I alighted and took an Auto to flower bazaar. It has always been my guru’s wish to garland the shiva linga here. So I thought I can garland on his behalf. The lingam is about 18 feet. You need to provide additional length for it to hang till down as the base is broader. So I bought a garland that was a connected garland of many other smaller garland of Roses about 20 feet long. I also took 6 other cocunut et all archanai bags for various deities inside the temple.

The priest

S Ganamani Gurukkal
2388,Ellaiamman Koil Street
Thanjavur

Ph:04362 274948(res)
Mobile: 9994107217

Was very helpful. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai.


This temple is a real sight and looks more like a very well kept picnic destination. The temple is real big. The nandi (bull in front of Shiva) is also huge. After doing the pooja I went around the temple. There is a shrine for one of the 18 siddhars who was instrumental in planning the temple called Karuvurar.

Once done I boarded my bus back to Kumbakonam.



How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trichy or Tiruchirapalli

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tanjavur Junction. Rockfort Express (Train No 6177) goes straight from Chennai. It is an overnight journey. Otherwise you can go to trichy and take a bus from there which would take about 2 hours to reach Thanjavur.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Trichy or Kumbakonam

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ, Thanjavur –TJ

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php


http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Trip to Palani,Tiruttani,Tiruchendur and other Arupadaiveedu

Trip to Palani,Tiruttani,Tiruchendur and other Arupadaiveedu

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…

The following temples are the Aru padai Veedu of Lord Muruga which means the most important temples.
PalaniThiruchendurSwamimalaiThiruthani • Pazhamudircholai • Thiruparamkunram


Palani Murugan Temple


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website:

http://palani.org/


http://www.palanimurugantemple.org/

Other Wesites on Palani:

http://murugan.org/temples/palani.htm

http://www.palanitemples.com/famous_templesof_muruga.htm



http://www.answers.com/topic/palani-murugan-temple

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code-04545 Phone Number : 242236, 241417


How I went:

Have been here many times from Coimbatore. You can travel from Madurai or Coimbatore. The distance is roughly 3 hours by bus from both places.

Normally I take a 4 45 am bus from Coimbatore. Reach Palani by 7.15 am. You can either climb steps about 500 or there is a path called elephant path without steps but a little circuitous. Otherwise for Rs 25 the auto can leave you at electric rope way car station which is about 10 minutes ride. The electic car will leave you on top of hil in 10 minutes. It is best to first go and pray to the temple that is in the foot hill

http://www.kumbakonam.info/palanimurugan/templesaavinankudi.html

Once you are on top you can buy a special dharshan ticket and worship the lord. The major Prasad here is panjamirdam which is a mix of hill banana,jaggary,honey,ghee etc.

Once you come down you can visit other temples around using the link below

http://www.palanimurugantemple.org/

Once done normally I have a good breakfast at Chellam Canteen right opposite the bus stand . The food is good here.

hotels in palani

http://www.palanitemples.com/palani_lodges_hotels.htm


http://www.palanicity.com/hotel.html Use a 2 before each of the hotel numbers after dialing the std code 04545 for this link.




How to reach

Nearest Airport –Coimbatore

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – DindigulJunction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Coimbatore

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/
Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.



For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php


http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Tiruttani Murugan Temple


Details about the temple through links:

http://murugan.org/temples/tiruttani.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/thiruthani-murugan-temple

http://www.tiruttani.com/


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :


How I went:


Normally I take the Tirupati siiting train that leaves at 6.30 am reach by about 8 am and then take an auto for Rs.20 to leave me on top of the hill. You can also climb 300 odd steps and reach the temple. I take a special dharshan ticket. Beware of monkey that will snatch anything you hold hanging. I finish my dharshan and take a bus back to Chennai.
How to reach

Nearest Airport –Chennai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Tiruttani. You can also take local electic trains to arokkonam from Chennai central. and then again take a local from there. Some locals go directly. Please enquire.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai.

Preferred travel base: Coimbatore, Palani or Dindugal.

STD Code of Madurai -04545

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Tirupati - TPTY

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/


Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php


http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Tiruchendur Murugan Temple

You can reach this place from tirunelveli using busses or more comfortably by the list of trains given below. These do not need any reservation jus buy a ticket and get in. It takes 2.5 hours.
Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur Passenger runs between Tirunelveli Junction Railway Station and Tiruchendur Railway Station. Both stations are located in Tamil Nadu. Main stations on the way are Srivaikuntam, Nazareth and Kayalpatnam. The train operates daily and covers a distance of 62 km. Second class seating coaches are available.
Train Timings

Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur:
07:00 AM
11:15 AM
06:15 PM

Tiruchendur to Tirunelveli:
06:50 AM
02:00 PM
06:15 PM
Base fare: Class 2S – Rs 13.00
As on 24th Aug 2007 the above trains are not there as the trackes are being converted to broad guage.
There are many busses from tirunelveli new bus stand and the travel time is 1.5 hhrs to 1.75 hours. There are many busses from near railway station terminus to new bus stand. Auto will cost you Rs 80. The distance between railway station and new busstand is about 8 km.

Hotel I stayed: Mani Iyer Hotel- Normal room tariff Rs.195-Boarding and lodging 04639 242109

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number : 04639-


How I went:

Have been here many times. I take a train from Chennai to Tirunelveli by night. Morning by by 8.30 you can be there. From there there are regular passenger trains that leave to Tiruchendur(list and timings given above). They take 2 hours to reach tiruchendur. You can also take a bus from Tirunelveli to Tiruchendur.

Once there I stay in hotel near temple beyond which the auto will not go. Near that last point there are two hotels. Mani iyer is one of them.


Once there I normally take the help of Mr.Ravi. Tell him Ashok Chennai had given the phone number. Am giving his contact details below. For a general good dharshan through him he charges Rs.100. If you want to do a milk offering etc for each it would cost Rs.150. Cost of participating in the pooja process charged seperately by the temple is Rs.100 for the pooja offerings.

Madras ravi-9344002239(mob) 04639243891(residence)..9443461309-raja his relative's cell no who will convey to him. Ravi’s house address is
145 veeraraghavapuram street,tiruchendur.628215 Generally he is in temple. If you call residence between 1 pm and 4 pm and afte 8.30 pm to 10 pm, he will be there.

He can take you around for a good dharshan of the temple and guide you. This place has so many touts who pounce on you and will just burn your pockets. So please be careful.
It is best to rach tiruchendur by 7pm or so in the night catch lord's last pooja at 8pm and retire to sleep. Wake up at 4 am and proceed to sea nearby the temple. Take bath in holy water of the sea near temple till sun rise and then proceed to Gnali Kinaru a well which is also holy water very near sea(rs 1 is chargedfor entry) this is a big well where steps will lead you to aplace where you will have two metal mugs..you can take bath to hearts content and wash of the sand from sea abth in the body and head etc...and then towel dry and proceed to the temple...please pay rs 5 and visit 5 lingas (panch linga) inside a small cave within the temple..lord muruga had sought his father shiva's blessings here..then proceed to worship the main lor muruga. ..there is also narayan, lord saturn and bhairav in the outer circle of the temple.

Hotels and Lodges in Tiruchendur
Hotel Mani Iyer -04639-242109,245769,246342,246343
Hotel Moorthy Mani iyer(New hotel and a sister concern)- 04639-246344
Both the above hotels are very near Temple

http://www.tiruchendur.com/lodges.html after dialing 04369 std code please use 2 before each of the hotel nos given in this link.


How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai . From Here you can take a 2 ½ hrs bus ride to Tirunelveli.

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Madurai Junction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Tirunelveli or Tiruchendur itself.

STD Code of Tiruchendur -04639

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use

http://www.irctc.co.in/

Travel by Bus: From Chennai you can directly go and board busses from Koyembedu bus terminus.


For Travel by Private bus to and fro to any major town in Tamilnadu and some interstate destinations use the links below for bus booking through internet.

http://parveentravels.com/E-ticketing/index.php


http://kpntravels.in/ou/frmuserhome.aspx

Swamimalai temple
Please read the link of mine below
Thirupparamkundram Temple
Please read the link of mine below
Pazhamudircholai Temple

Please read the link of mine below
Please use the link below to know on some other Muruga temples

blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu
blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, heritage, hindu

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Trip to Madurai Meenakshi, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudir Cholai Azhagar Koil temples and Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

Trip to Madurai Meenakshi, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudir Cholai Azhagar Koil temples and Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


Use the link below to know generally on temple in and around Madurai

Madurai temples:

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/madurai.asp


Some hotels in Madurai - http://www.madurai.com/hotel.htm



Meenakshi Amman Temple

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/meenakashi.asp

http://www.madurai.com/meena.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/madurai/excellence.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s028.html


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went: Arrived here from Rameswaram after visitng Thiruppulani and Nainar Koil on 30 july 2006 at 7 pm. Put up in Hotel KPS near College House and walkable distance from Meenakshi temple. Otherwise you can take a cycle rickshaw or auto to the temple. The 24 hr check out rent is Rs 150. You can also stay at College house near this place which is a little costly. I anyway have my food at college house only and a must try Jighardanda(a cold milk shake kind of thing) at place called Famous in East marret street. I immediately went to the Meenakshi Temple and did the archanai et all. First you should go to Meenakshi and then only to Shiva.

After this, I had met a driver near taxi stand of College house. His name was Murugan arranged for taking me to tiruparankundram and thirumogur for Rs.425..His cell no is 9344132725. I asked him to report at 5.30 am on 31st which he did very promptly.




Tiruparankundram, Thirupparamkunram, Tirupparankundram, Tirupparamkundram

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.murugan.org/temples/parankundram.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/thirupparamkunram-murugan-temple

http://www.chennaionline.com/toursntravel/placesofworship/tirupparankundram.asp

http://www.madurai.com/thirup.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/s183.html

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m002.html



Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

On 31st July early morning at 6 I was at tiruparangundram temple. After praying to lord ganesh, I went to the tepam (temple tank), fed the fish be very very careful as I found the steps very very slippery.. one slip and you would bang your head on the many steps and will be in deep water.. there are many small cave kind of rock cut temples. This is one of the main aru padai veedu of Lord Muruga. Finished and left for Thiru Moghur.


Thiru Moghur Divya Desam

Details about the temple through links:



http://www.srivari.com/pandiyatirupathigal/thirumoghur.htm


http://www.divyadesamonline.com/moghur.asp

Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

This place is about 18 km away on a deviation from the road to trichy via melur. I had been given the contact of

Ramakrishna battar
Thirumoghur 625107
04522422744
9842524325

He is a priest here. You can refer my name as Ashok from Chennai. I did the regular pooja and also paid for doing pooja on 11 Thursdays to Chakrathalwar who is very powerful here. This is one of the 108 divya desam. The place is so very green and serene.

Thiruvadavur Shiva temple (MUST SEE DEFINITELY VISIT)

You have to go from thrumoghur temple roughly another 20 km to this temple. Manickavasagar one of the 4 main nayanmars( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayanars) http://www.shaivam.org/periintr.html...used to visit this temple and perform poojas...you can also visit his house which is very nearby...i found this temple too very serene and without any crowd but so powerful..even thought i would settle down near this temple..please make it a point to visit this temple..


Azhagar Koil

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.madurai.com/azhagar.htm

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/df102.html


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

My friend Mr.Balu took me in his bike to this place. You also have regular busses from Madurai to Alagharkoil which is a 40 minute ride. The temple is real good. This is a Vishnu temple.

Pazhamudir cholai, Pazhamutir

Details about the temple through links:

http://www.murugan.org/temples/palamuthircolai.htm


http://mailerindia.com/temples/history/index.php?pazhamuthircholai

http://www.templenet.com/Tamilnadu/m003.html


Temple Phone Number:

Std Code- Phone Number :

How I went:

From Alagharkoil, this place is just 4 km away and busses strart from near the temple to take you up hill to Pazhamudir cholai. This is another Aru padai Veedu of lord Muruga where he tested Avvaiyar. The Naaval fruit Tree is still there and gives fruit in a non season time. There is a small water fountain (Chunai) a little further up hill. The water is tasty here and is considered sacred.

By 1 pm on 31st my friend dropped me back at the hotel in Madurai. I had my lunch and proceeded to Tirunelveli about 2 ½ hours from here.


How to reach

Nearest Airport –Madurai

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Madurai Junction.

Road Access: There are many buses from Chennai,Coimbatore and Trichy.

Preferred travel base: Madurai

STD Code of Madurai -0452

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS

Most south bound trains especially to visit the places above start from Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli –TEN Tenkasi - TSI

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use http://www.irctc.co.in/


blog, dharshan, India, pilgrimage, plan, sight seeing, south india, temple, temple visit, temples, temples near, tour, travel, visit, visiting temples,trip, kumbakonam, kumbakkonam, Divyadesam,Divya Desam,Nava, hotels,lodges,arupadaiveedu, aru padai veedu, aalayam, alayam, worship, paadal petra sthalam, kovil,koil, heritage, hindu

Monday, May 21, 2007

Trip to Somnath and Dwarka

Trip to Somnath and Dwarka Dwaraka Temple

You can write to me on templeashok@yahoo.co.in for any clarifications /doubts..i shall try my best to be of use to u so that u have a good dharshan..you can also write to me on the mail id above for adding anything more to make it more useful and informative every small info will help as it has probably helped you so please write in..…


Somnath Temple

This is one of the 12 Jyotir Linga Temples of India in Gujarat. The other temple in Gujarat that is a Jyotirlinga is Nageshwar near Dwarka (http://www.indiantemples.com/Western/nageshwar.htm

http://www.templenet.com/jyotir.html


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.somnath.org/egindex.html


http://www.templenet.com/Western/somnath.html

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/jun_somnath.html

http://www.rajkot.com/tourism/somnath.htm

http://www.ahmedabadcity.com/tourism/html/temp_somnath.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Gujarat/Somnath.htm

Temple Phone Number: http://www.somnath.org/PILGRIM-FACILITIES.html

Std Code- 02876-- Phone Number :

How I went:

From Chennai I had traveled to Mumbai and took a train to Ahmedabad. You can take a train alternatively from Chennai direct to Ahmedabad called Navjivan Express or take a flight. From Ahmedabad I took a train to Veraval called Somnath express at 9.45 pm to reach by 6.15 am. Will provide where I stayed just to have a bath and vacate later. I paid about Rs 250 for the same. This hotel was in veravel itself. Then I took an autoat 7 am for Rs 100 to show me around. They generally have a list of places of interest around somnath. On the way I visited the place where Samadhi of Krishna is. Towards the end of the Avatar he was really annoyed by the goings of his fellow men and sitting here when a hunter mistook his feet for an animal and shot an arrow.


S#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
1464
VERAVAL EXPRESS
08:15
17:10
M - W TH F S -


2
9221
SOMNATH EXPRESS
21:45
06:15
M T W TH F S SU


3
6334
VERAVAL EXPRESS
07:20
16:20
- - W - - - -



Return Train to Ahmedabad

#
Select
Train No
Train Name
Departure
Arrival
Runs on
1
1463
VRL JBP EXPRESS
10:05
18:25
- T W TH F - SU


2
9222
SOMNATH EXPRESS
19:30
04:00
M T W TH F S SU




If you come by this train 9222 back to ahmedabad you can book yourself in karnavati express at 4.55 am so as to reach Mumbai (borivalli) at 11.45 am.


Somnath temple actually two temples nearby. First is the original temple which has Shiva lingas in ground and first floor. Please carry vilva leaves and milk sold nearby as offering to lord. You can yourself pour it on the linga and also touch the linga…then there is a stair leading up..do the sme thing there too..after this go to new somnath temple about 50 mts away built by sardar patel and have a dharshan. Normally there is a que here. You are asked to deposit your belongings including cell phone in a counter meant for that. The sea side view is great. You can also bathe in sea. We finished our dharshan by 10 am Saw Bhalkha theerth, Triveni Sangam where three rivers meet.


How to reach

Nearest Airport – Keshod, Ahmedabad


Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Veravel which is 5 km away from Somnath.

Road Access: There are many buses from Ahmedabad.


Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad

STD Code of Ahmedabad -072

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli Tenkasi - TSI , Kumbakonam –KMU Mumbai –BCT for Bombay Central, DR for Dadar, LTT Kurla Lokamanya Tilak Station, BVI for Borivali,Ahmedabad –ADI . These codes are given to help you in booking through the site given below.

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking use http://www.irctc.co.in/


Dwarka Temple

Dwarkadhish, lord Krishna


Details about the temple through links:

Official Website: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/jam_dwarkadhis.html

http://www.vegetarian-restaurants.net/India-Guide/IndianStates/Gujarat/Dwarka.htm

http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/religious-temples/ankur%20minde%20you%20that%20they%20have%20mx%20record%20point%20on%20qmail%20and%20%22A%22%20record%20point%20in%20PLESKz


http://www.indiantemples.com/Western/dwarka.htm


http://www.answers.com/topic/dwarka

http://www.ahmedabadcity.com/tourism/html/temp_dwarka.html



Temple Phone Number: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/contact-details.aspx

Std Code- 02892 Phone Number :

Hotels at Dwarka: http://www.dwarkadhish.org/tour-guide.aspx

How I went:

From Somnath we left for Porbandar at 11 am by a minibus which took about 5 hrs to reach. From here we again took a bus to dwarka which is about two hrs ride. We reached dwarka at 6 pm. Had a dharshan and slept in a lodge. There is a real good gujrathi bojanalya where you get home food here forget the name..this is run by two brothers and generally though both are next door kinds the one on the right if you face the hotel is recommended. We booked a private matador van ticket..many such people operate for the next day morning to take us around dwarka which is nageshwar a one of the 12 jotirlinga shrine of Shiva, gopi talav (where krishna used to play with gopikas and where you get the special slightly yellow mud called chandan that you apply on head and body ), bet dwarka(palace of lord Krishna for which you travel by boat) , rukmini devi temple. The charge is Rs 200. Generally these leave through the day..but we took the 6.30 am one..we had a good dharshan of all these and returned to dwarka by 1 pm. Rested till 3 pm. Took a bus to porbander about 2 hrs away. Had booked my tickets from Porbandar to Ahmedabad by train by 10 pm. So from 6 pm generally hung around porbander and then came to the wonderful beach here sat for about 3 hrs and then went to the station to board the train to Ahmedabad.

How to reach

Nearest Airport –Jamnagar,Porbander

Nearest Rail Head/ Railway Station – Dwarka,Okha. From Mumbai you can take the train below. You can take the same trai from Ahmedabad by 5 am also. Otherwise travel to porbander and take a bus from there to Dwarka which takes about 2 hrs.

1
9005
SAURASHTRA MAIL
20:25
15:13
M T W TH F S SU


Road Access: There are many buses from Ahmedabad,Rajkot,Porbander.

Preferred travel base: Ahmedabad

STD Code of Ahmedabad -072

Railway Station code for Chennai Central – MAS Chennai Egmore (MS) Coimbatore –CBE Madurai –MDU Trichy Thiruchchirapalli – TPJ Tirunelveli Tenkasi - TSI , Kumbakonam –KMU Mumbai –BCT for Bombay Central, DR for Dadar, LTT Kurla Lokamanya Tilak Station, BVI for Borivali,Ahmedabad –ADI,Veravel – VRL, Dwarka -DWK . These codes are given to help you in booking through the site given below.

For Internet/ Mobile Railway ticket Booking in India use http://www.irctc.co.in/


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