World Most Natural Place
World Most Natural Place
Friday, April 4, 2025
Coorg The Heart of Karnataka
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Munnar – The Green Tea Paradise
We drove our own vehicle (Baleno) to begin our road adventure.
reviewed the fundamentals
Fuel ♽ ✅
Stepney 🛞✅
Snacks 😋✅
Quick Tag Recharge ✅
Real Money 💰✅
Playlist on Spotify 🎶✅
etc.
We always like to travel at night since it's quiet, but for people who aren't used to it, it can be exhausting! I would advise making thoughtful phone calls.
Munnar to BLR is almost 580 kilometers away.
At 11 p.m., Vaish and I departed, picking up my friend Shikhar from HSR.
Route specifics
BLR-Salem-Tirupur road, in order for us to arrive at the Chinnar wildlife checkpoint precisely between 5:30 and 6 am
As scheduled, we arrived at Annamalai Tiger Reserve at precisely six in the morning. As soon as we entered the forest checkpoint, our tires began to spin slowly in the thick jungle.
We were fortunate enough to witness a number of wild species, including peacocks and wild boars.
After 20 minutes of drive we arrived at Chinnar wildlife check post (Kerala border also). Roads on the Kerala side are far better than Tamil Nadu side.
The curvy roads offer you a drive through Marayoor sandalwood forest and rubber plantations, one of the prettiest roads in South India. It is a great experience
Kannan Daavan Hills – Munnar
By that time, we had begun climbing the Kannan Daavan Hills – a tea estate-filled hill owned and operated by Tata.
We finally made it to our destination
Monsoon Grande Hotel, a hotel with a personal tea estate. We had booked a suite room.
Sponsored
Accommodation cost: 4.5k with breakfast
We were too tired after the night drive and were sleeping quite heavily! Some way or other we managed to check-in a bit early and all three of us cuddled up for a good power nap!
When we woke up, after lunch at the hotel we began our trip – Top Station, interestingly its base in Kerala and summit in Tamil Nadu.
Must visit
5⭐ Recommendation
While going from Munnar to Top Station, you can cover nearly all the tourist attractions, but I don't recommend doing so since they will be extremely crowded!!!
If you want to remain little aloof from the crowd and experience the beautiful hills then you have come to the right place - Top Station.
Top Station also provides tent stay on rent, one can arrange it, there are some hotel options available too other than staying in tents.
Driving here can be quite tough as there are a lot of cars on the road and narrow roads with turns and twists, one can avoid coming here if unsure.
Food Options
Have Kerala Thali or Malabar Thai
This is not a very good restaurant to have fish
Need to have chicken
As you are in Kerala - wine shops are few and close at 8 or 9 pm.
After this enchanted experience, we went back to the hotel, but then realized that we must get some beer!!!
There are just 3 wine shops in Munnar town and temperature was 14 degrees Celsius and it was raining. Now one can understand the demand, it took us around 45 minutes to purchase it and then again hit the road! Special tip - carry it along/buy it during daytime if possible.
Eravikulam National Park - Tahr home
This was in our list to do, we wanted to complete it till noon. So we began our journey at 8 am after completing a good breakfast (Puttu - Kadala Curry - Appam - Egg Roast etc)
If I were to advise you then I would organize Eravikulam during the first half as it really becomes crowded. It can become irritating to wait for the shuttle bus at times.
The bus ride is an excellent experience and is Rs 200 per head, one can also reserve golfer caddies which can accommodate 7 individuals for 7k.
One can stay as long as one likes, the last shuttle back to the base is at 4 pm. The cafe shops have good coffee and crispy hot Bujjis!!!
Lost in clouds, the scene keeps changing minute by minute. drizzle/sunshine/mist all come and go like they are hiding and seeking each other.
We again have a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
We returned from the national park and sat in our lawn enjoying the beauty of Munnar with cold beer, hot barbeque and beautiful songs rendered by Shikhar.
The previous night, we had kept our bags ready for the long drive to Bangalore.
Check out and continue further on our Bangalore trip
Woke up at 6:30am to see the sunrise and took a private tea plantation tour, it was great
Started our Bangalore trip at 10am
Munnar – Theni – Salem – Bangalore
Trust me and follow this route – you won't regret it, the most scenic road in South India
Driving along the GAP road is a lifetime experience!!!
And then the return journey to Bangalore was a non-stop trip! It was raining heavily, but we arrived in Bangalore by 11pm.
Here we conclude our 3 day tour of Munnar! See you all soon on the other side.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
There once lived a rakshasa called Daruka, who was extremely cruel and tortured the good ones. But yet he was a great devotee of Lord Siva. A Siva devotee, Supriya who was a merchant reached the Darukavanam, where Daruka lived with his wife Daruki, while sailing with his goods. Daruka asked Supriya to teach him the path of devotion to Siva, the norms of performing pooja and penance. Fearing that Daruka would use any additional powers gained by such penance, to bad use, Supriya refused to guide him. The enraged Daruka began to torture Supriya. Supriya however was staunch is his faith in the Lord and was unmoved by any torture. Lord Siva was pleased and appeared and killed the demon Daruka. Daruki, Darukas wife, now started giving even more trouble than her husband. Siva vanquished her too and gives darshan to his devotees at this place as Nageshwar.
Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is located on the route between Gomati Dwarka and the Bait Dwarka Island on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat. The Jyotirlinga enshrined in the Temple of Nagnath is known as Nageshwar Mahadev and attracts thousands of pilgrims all round the year. This powerful Jyotirlinga symbolizes protection from all poisons. It is said that those who pray to the Nageshwar Linga become free of poison. The Rudra Samhita sloka refers to Nageshwar with the phrase 'Daarukaavane Naagesham'.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Garvo Gadh Girnar
Mythology related to Girnar
The legend goes that in the caves of Girnar Mountain one of the forefathers of Lord Rama was sleeping. He was a great king of Tretayug, Muchukunda. He had helped Devtas to win an epic war against Asuras. After winning it he got a boon that anyone who disturbed or broke his sleep would turn be burned down to ashes. So, he went and slept in the caves or Girnar Mountains. In Dwaparyug Lord Krishna knew about this. He lured Kalayavana into this cave and Lord Krishna hid. Kalayavana unknowingly disturbed Muchukunda and was burned down to ashes. Also, it is said that Pavhari Baba, who has influenced the life of Swami Vivekananda, had initiated the practice of yoga on this mountain.
Trekking in Girnar
Restaurants and Local Food in Girnar
Itinerary
Many small wonders of historical significance can be found here, for instance: Ashoka’s Major Rock Edicts and the Junagarh rock inscription of Rudradaman, from many centuries ago. Being the highest point of Gujarat - Mt. Girnar stands at 1,031 metres (or 3,383 ft) and is symbolic of the rich history and heritage of the land. It is also of major importance and so is its base which is called the Girnar Taleti, which is just 4 kms east of the centre of Junagadh.
What is the best time to visit Girnar?
Weather in Girnar
25°C
Upcoming Girnar Weather
24-26°C
24-28°C
25-26°C
Monthly Weather in Girnar
Month | Avg. Minimum (°C) | Avg. Maximum (°C) |
---|---|---|
January | 15 | 28 |
February | 18 | 32 |
March | 21 | 35 |
April | 25 | 37 |
May | 27 | 39 |
June | 28 | 37 |
July | 27 | 31 |
August | 26 | 30 |
September | 25 | 32 |
October | 24 | 33 |
November | 19 | 33 |
December | 17 | 31 |
Girnar in Winter (October - March)
Girnar in Monsoon (June to September)
Girnar in Summer (March - June)
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Somnath Mahadev First Jotirling
Shree Somnath is first among the twelve Aadi Jyotirlings of India. It has a strategic location on the western coast of India.
Ancient Indian traditions maintain a close relationship of Somnath with release of Chandra (Moon God)from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Moon was married to Twenty-Seven daughters of Daksha. However, he favoured Rohini and neglected other queens. The aggrieved Daksha cursed Moon and the Moon lost power of light. With the advice of Prajapita Brahma, Moon arrived at the Prabhas Teerth and worshipped Bhagvan Shiva. Pleased with the great penance and devotion of Moon, Bhagvan Shiva blessed him and relieved him from the curse of darkness. Pauranic traditions maintain that Moon had built a golden temple, followed by a silver temple by Ravana, Bhagvan Shree Krishna is believed to have built Somnath temple with Sandalwood.
The research based on ancient Indian classical texts show that first Somnath Jyotirling Pran-Pratistha was done on the auspicious third day of brighter half of Shravan month during the tenth Treta yug of Vaivswat Manvantar. Swami Shri Gajananand Saraswatiji, Chairman of Shrimad Aadhya Jagadguru Shankaracharya Vedic Shodh Sansthan, Varanasi suggested that the said first temple was built 7,99,25,105 years ago as derived from the traditions of Prabhas Khand of Skand Puran. Thus, this temple is a perennial source of inspiration for millions of Hindus since time immemorial.
The Moon God is said to have been relieved from the curse of his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati by the blessings of Bhagvan Somnath. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am always present everywhere but specially in 12 forms and places as the Jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. This is the first among the twelve holy Shiva Jyotirlings.
The later sources of history account for several desecrations by Muslims invaders during eleventh to eighteen century A.D. The temple was rebuilt every time with the reconstructive spirit of the people. The modern temple was reconstructed with the resolve of Sardar Patel who visited the ruins of Somnath temple on November 13 1947. Then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, did the Pran-Pratistha at the existing temple on 11 May 1951.
Other spots in the temple are Shri Kapardi Vinayak and Shri Hanuman Temple in addition to Vallabhghat. Vallabhghat is a beautiful sunset point. The temple is illuminated every evening. Similarly, the Sound & Light Show “Jay Somnath” is also displayed every night during 8.00 to 9.00, which allows the pilgrims an ethereal experience in the backdrop of grand Somnath temple and the holy wave sounds of the Ocean.
Ahalyabai temple is also close by, which was built by the queen mother Shri Ahalyabai Holker during 1782. This temple maintained the Pooja Parampara of Bhagvan Shiva during the hostile political conditions.
More information about Somnath
Restaurants and Local Food in Somnath
You can also try Gujarati snacks in the area like Dhokla, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi and Khaman as well as sweets like Ghevar, Malpua, Shrikhand, Puran Poli and more. Gujarat is a dry state, so you wouldn't find any alcohol here.
Itinerary
What is the best time to visit Somnath?
Weather in Somnath
28°C
Upcoming Somnath Weather
28-30°C
27-30°C
27-30°C
Monthly Weather in Somnath
Month | Avg. Minimum (°C) | Avg. Maximum (°C) |
---|---|---|
January | 15 | 29 |
February | 18 | 32 |
March | 21 | 34 |
April | 25 | 36 |
May | 27 | 37 |
June | 29 | 36 |
July | 27 | 31 |
August | 26 | 29 |
September | 26 | 32 |
October | 23 | 33 |
November | 19 | 33 |
December | 18 | 32 |
Somnath in Winter (November - February)
Somnath in Monsoon (July - September)

Somnath in Summer (March - June)

Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple Delhi
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Delhi Overview
Over 8000 volunteers from all around the world were involved in the construction of intricately carved marble and sandstone structure of the temple. Timeless Hindu teachings and flamboyant devotional traditions find their place on the temple's incredible walls. Moreover, the complex is a home to India's largest step well which is a host to the mesmerising water show; an open garden, Narayan Sarovar, various expeditions, and rituals. The complex is not less than a paradise for the spiritual seekers.
Akshardham Mandir
Architectural techniques
A blend of several ancient styles of Indian architecture has been used to build the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. The principles of Maharishi Vastu Architecture are followed carefully in its construction. The builders of this beautiful temple have abided by the norms Shilpa Shastras and hence have made no use of steel and concrete to maximise the lifespan of this great architectural piece. Akshardham is entirely a temple built of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble.
It has nine domes with 20,000 murtis of different deities, acharyas, and sadhus.
Garbhagruh
Under the temple's central dome is the 11-foot high statue of Swaminarayan seated in Abhayamudra. Surrounding him are the figures of the divine succession of Gurus. As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, the gurus are God's eternal servants, symbolising devotion and saintliness. Garbhagruh behind itself offers the items sanctified by Lord Swaminarayan during his premises on Earth for direct darshan. The temple also has the murtis of Mythological duos, Sita Ram, Radha Krishna, Shiv Parvati, and Lakshmi Narayan.
Mandovar
The mandir is the largest temple to be built in last eight hundred years. The Mandovar is 25 feet high and 611 mt long. It has two hundred and thirty ostentatiously carved pillars.The top of the Mandovar has samarans that teach people to live a spiritual life away from the mundane pleasures. Vibhuti, the middle of the Mandovar has sculptures of the sages, avatars, devas, acharyas and devotees. Jagati, the base of Mandovar has living beings as its speciality. Elephant here signifies strength with lion and vyal symbolising bravery and speed respectively.
Gajendra Peeth
It is a tribute to the elephants for their importance in Indian history and Hindu culture. The Gajendra Pith contains 148 life sized elephants weighing 3000 tons in real. These elephants share the message of peace, beauty and gentleness.
Narayan Peeth
The 60 feet long bronze relief panels serve the purpose of doing Parikrama around the central figure of God. The panels have illustrations from the life of Swaminarayan.
What does Akshardham offer?
- SAHAJANAND DARSHAN-The Hall of Values
- NEELKANTH DARSHAN-Giant Screen Film
Follow the foot steps of youthful Bhagwan Swaminarayan on his journey to the great Indian subcontinent in the epic film screened in a unique giant theatre. Grab the chance of exploring the gorges of Himalayas, witnessing the Rameshwaram mandir and trekking through the forests of Assam while being at this particular place.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan journey Hindi
Bhagwan Swaminarayan journey English
- SANSKRUTI DARSHAN-Cultural Boat Ride
Board a boat and ride through the thousand years of bygone Indian age. This journey unfurls the old pages of Indian culture and development. It features contributions of Vedic Indians like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Kalidasa, Chanakya and much more. Next, it shows Takshashila, the world's first university incorporating lessons of horse riding and warfare. From Vedic times it moves slowly to the Middle ages showcasing the renowned figures such as Kabir, Meera, Ramananda.Finally, it ends with the contributors of the recent times, namely, Swami Vivekananda, Jagadish Chandra Bose, C. V. Raman, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and Satyendra Nath Bose.
2) MUSICAL FOUNTAIN or THE WATER SHOWReflecting the story from one of the treasures of Knowledge of the Vedic era, Kena Upanishad, Sahaj Anand Water Show is an experience of amaze balls. Undergo the experience of eternal truth where the innocence of children manages to challenge the supreme powers of the almighty as you witness the show taking place in Yagnapurush Kund. The Kund is India's largest step well comprising of 2,870 steps and 108 small shrines. Following this in the centre is a 27 feet high statue of Neelkanth Varnishowcasing the values of determination, courage, and devotion. The nine lotus design of the pool is a replica of a ritual yantra used in Hindu ceremonies.
Running Time- 24 minutes
Timing- Currently, it starts at 7.30 pm
3) NARAYAN SAROVARIndian culture has always glorified and respected the water bodies which is the reason by many rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Kaveri, etc. are given religious importance. Following this sacred tradition, Narayan Sarovar has been built surrounding the central Akshardham Mandir. The Sarovar comprises of the waters of 151 holy rivers and lakes.
4) GARDEN OF INDIA or THE BHARAT UPAVANWith greenery resides, the sculptures of prominent personalities of Indian culture and history. These include the statues of freedom fighters, children, women, and other national figures.
Best Time To Visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Tips For Visiting Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
- Cover your body from shoulders to below the knees
- Reach as early as possible, more the delay longer the queues at the ticket office
- Carry minimum stuff as nothing except wallets, baby food, and other essential items is allowed inside. Items like food, umbrella, camera, mobile phones, etc. are not allowed.
How to Reach Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Earth Hour 2019, Delhi, India

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