Lonavala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra. Lonavala is located in the green hills of Sahyadris. It is a very popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. This hill station offers a complete fun filled package to the tourists with places like clean woods, pristine valleys, roaring waterfalls, caves of historic importance and beautiful views. This place also has a history behind it; it was the stronghold of the Maratha Empire. They engaged in Guerrilla warfare here against the Britishers and the Moghuls before that. Many celebrities have purchased holiday homes in Lonavala. Khandala, another famous weekend getaway is just at a distance of five kilometers from Lonavala.    

How to reach:
Train: All the trains on their way to Pune or South from Mumbai halt at Lonavala.
Air: The nearest airport is in Pune which is at a distance of sixty six kilometers.
Road: You can take a deluxe bus from either Mumbai or Pune. If you travel by road you can enjoy beautiful view on the Mumbai Pune highway.

Places to see in Lonavala:

Lonavala is a great place for those wanting to take a break from your hectic lifestyle. This hill station is known to be the perfect host to those who are searching for a place to unwind and relax. Lonavala is a great place to bond with ones family, loved ones and friends. Although, Lonavala is a small hill station but there are so many places to visit here. Here are some of the places that you must visit when in Lonavala:

1. Rajmachi Point: It is situated at a distance of six and a half kilometers from Lonavala. The Rajmachi Point is famous for offering an amazing view of the Rajmachi Fort. The Fort at one time belonged to Shivaji. You can also get a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valley. This place is a must visit when in Lonavala.

2. Ryewood Park and the Shivaji Udyan
This is another important tourist place in Lonavala. Both the gardens are extremely beautiful with perfectly chopped grass, towering trees, amazing flowers with lot of nice comfy places to sit and bond with your loved ones or even enjoy alone. For people coming to Lonavala with their families, this is the perfect place for an evening out with them. When here, you must also visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated right in the garden.

3. Tungarli Lake: This is a striking lake that looks even more brilliant in the monsoon season. This lake is the source of water to the residents of Lonavala.

4. Valvan Dam: The construction area of the Valvan Dam has now been transformed into a beautiful picnic spot with breathtaking gardens. The dam actually provides water to power station which is used to generate electricity.

5. Lonavala Lake: This is another beautiful Lake if all you need is beauty and serenity. The natural beauty around this lake will help you forget the stress of your hectic life. Though the lake dries up in the summers, however it just springs back to life in the monsoon season and remains full of life in winters.

6. Karla Caves: This is a significant Buddhist site of historical importance which was built in the second or the third century. This site is visited by anyone come to Lonavala, so you must not miss it either.

There are several more worthwhile places to visit like the Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam, Lion’s Point and Duke’s Nose.

Not any and every location in India can boast of the highly magnificent beauty and feel that Chandigarh offers a visitor. Chandigarh is a haven for naturists, travelers from several parts of India and the world rush to see the best that nature has to offer in Chandigarh. There are so many places in Chandigarh worth visiting that a single’s days visit is insufficient to cover all the tourist attractions here. To help you make the most of your visit we have short listed top five places worth visiting in Chandigarh. 

Leisure Valley: This is one of the most favored places to visit in Chandigarh. Most people visit this beautiful picnic spot with picnic basket along with their loved ones. The calming atmosphere of this place gives people a chance to relax and bond with their families, friends or lovers. The Leisure Valley begins from Sector One of Rajendra Park. This place is famous for fitness sessions such as yoga and group walks. The Leisure Valley stretches till Bougainvillea garden in Sector 3. It also covers beautiful rose gardens of Sector sixteen. At the Leisure valley you will get to see several variety of theme based floral patches. 

Rock Garden: Rock Garden is situated between Sukhna Lake and the Capitol Complex in Sector one. Rock Garden is a theme based garden filled with intricate artwork made from urban and industrial day today waste. The creativity and innovation with which these artworks are created leaves one awe-inspired and amused. Nek Chand Saini Started making the garden’s sculptures from waster materials in the year 1957. This garden was made open to public in 1976.

Rose garden: The Rose ragen in Chandigarh is also known as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden. It is the largest Rose Garden in Asia spreading over thirty acres of land. There are over sixteen hundred species of roses and other flowers from the rose family grown here. There are more that seventeen thousand flowers in the garden. The flowers have been planted in the form of beautifully carved flower beds and lawns. You will also come across several plants with medicinal value such as camphor, bel, harar, bahera and yellow gulmohar. This garden was set up in the year 1967.

Sukhna Lake: Located on the foothills of the Shivalik Range, this is a beautiful manmade lake. This very fact that this is a manmade lake leaves one intrigued. The lake stretches for a distance of three kilometers. This lake was made in the year 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe stream, a seasonal stream flowing down from the Shivalik Hills. Sukhna lake is a significant landmark and tourist attraction in Chandigarh. This is a beautiful place where friends, families and couples spend memorable time together enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the lake. You can also participate in fun water activities such as boating, water skiing and yachting.

Chhatbir Zoo: The highlight of the zoo is the Royal Bengal White Tiger. This zoological park has been developed over the last decade and it is now a prominent zoological park in India. The visitors can visit the tiger sanctuary with a trained guide and in a caged jeep to see the wild animals roaming freely. You will also get to see many different species of birds. The Zoo is closed on Mondays and national holidays.

India is known for its spirituality and this very nature of India attracts several thousand visitors from all round the world. Spiritual seekers every year flock to innumerable spiritual destinations in India. Many visitors prefer staying at an ashram to get the most of the spiritual experience. There are several good ashrams in India. The following are amongst the best four ashrams in India:

1. Art of Living Ashram
The famous Art of living Ashram was founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in 1982. The Art Of living is famous for its stress removal and personal development programs based chiefly on yogic exercises, meditation practice and breathe control. This Ashram also organizes many social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and uplifting of the underprivileged. The foundation program at the ashram is for three days and is referred to as Art Of Living Part 1 residential program. As part of the program you will learn several meditation and breathing techniques that will help you relax the body and mind.

The Ashram is located in the Panchagiri Hills at a distance of thirty six kilometers from Bangalore. The Ashram is near Udipalya Village.

The programs offered here are Art of Living part one and two, meditation, Vedic math, yoga, vaastu shastra and some programs targeted at youth.

2. Osho Ashram
Osho Ashram has gained immense popularity since the 1980s. Osho is thought to be the most controversial spiritual guru in India because of his free thoughts about love and sex. In Osho Ashram there is no gender separatism, men and women are considered alike and treated at par. The Ashram is more like a luxurious spiritual resort which aims at providing an easy and comfortable to people. One is required to wear maroon robe at the Ashram. The courses at the Osho Ashram helps in freeing a person from his traumatic past and starting over with a positive outlook.

The Osho Ashram is located in Pune.

The programs comprise of Tantra workshop, active meditation techniques and many more active techniques.

3. Isha Yoga Center
Isha Foundation is a not-for-profit organization founded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in the year 1992. The chief aim of Isha Foundation is to improve the spiritual as well as physical health of a person through yogic kriyas and outreach programs. The Isha Foundation’s activities center around a specialized system of yoga referred to as Isha Yoga. The foundation or introductory program lasts for three to seven days. The introductory program is called Inner Engineering, which helps a person connect to his spirit through guided meditations as well as an inner energy program.

The Isha Yoga Center is located at the foot of Velliangiri Mountains, near the Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu.

One can participate in any of the following wellness program offered at the center: Isha  Yoga  for adults, Isha Yoga for children, Bhava Spandana, Hatha Yoga, Samyama, Wholeness and Inner Engineering.

4. Sathya Sai Baba Ashram:
Sathya Sai Baba helps in strengthening ones belief in god and living a moral life. He encourages people to follow the religion of their choice. People who have lot of unanswered questions about the meaning of life or existence of god are drawn towards this ashram. One needs to follow all the rules when here.

The main ashram is in Puttaparthi, at a distance of 125 kilometers from Bangalore.

Indians enjoy a nice cup of tea any time of the day. India is amongst the largest tea cultivators in the world. Seventy percent of the tea cultivated in India is consumed by Indians only. If you love tea then you must visit the following five tea plantations as they are the best in India. You can even plan to stay on one of the tea estate.

1. Darjeeling: This is one of the most popular hill stations of India. It is surrounded by tea estates. The tea cultivated here is high quality, light colored and smelling of flowers. Twenty five percent of the entire tea produce comes from Darjeeling.

An estate known as Happy Valley is situated at a distance of three kilometers north of the main town. This estate has a prestigious history and is known for producing Darjeeling’s finest tea. Situated at a height of 2750 meters above sea level, this estate is the highest tea estate in the world. It remains open from Tuesday to Saturday. The timings are 8 am till 4 pm. From March till November you can experience the tea plucking season. Avoid visiting in monsoon season which lasts from June till September.

2. Assam: This is a north-eastern state in India. Assam is the largest tea producing state in India. The tea cultivated here is bright colored and malty. The cultivation mostly takes place in the Brahmaputra Valley. The central area of the valley, Jorhat, is commonly known as the ‘Tea Capital of the World’.

You can plan your stay at Burra Sahib’s Bungalow situated on Sangsua Tea Estate, quite close to Jorhat. The colonial architecture of this bungalow is magnificent. You can also visit the tea factory located in the estate itself and see how tea is made. A tea festival is organized in Jorhat in the month of November every year. Visit in May and June to enjoy best tea. 

3. Munnar: Munnar is a famous hill station in southern India. When in Munnar you will get to experience lush green tea gardens for miles. Visit the Tea Museum located at Nallathanni Estate to take an intriguing peek at the history of tea cultivation in Munnar. Museum is open everyday except Monday from ten in the morning till five in the evening. You can understand the entire tea making procedure at the Kundale Tea plantation. The Tea Sanctuary is a nice place to stay with all the refurbished old colonial bungalows. It is extremely cold in December and January. You can visit anytime between August to May.

4. Nilgiri Mountains: Situated in Tamil Nadu. The tea grown here is highly aromatic and distinctively dark. Some tea estates worth visiting are the Highfield Tea Factory, Tranquilitea Tea Lounge and Glendale Estate. To enjoy the best Nilgiri tea visit from Late November till middle of February.

5. Wayanad: This is a green agricultural region in Kerala. Wayanad is known for tea, coffee and spices cultivation. You can stay at the Wayanad Tea County. This is an exquisite guesthouse located in Priyadarsini Tea Estate. You can even plan a trek trip through the tea plantations to tribal tea house located at the peak point of the plantations. The best time to visit is from September till April. Do not visit in monsoon as it gets too wet and slippery.

Location: Situated in the North Eastern State of Meghalaya. Located in the main town of Tura at a distance of 323 kilometers from Guwahati.
Best Time to Travel: From September to May
Weather: Generally pleasant and highly pollution free

More about Garo Hills: Garo Hills is better known for its abundant wildlife. The natural habitat of Garo hills attracts photographers as well as naturalists who are interested in exploring the unique and wide range of fauna and flora. The Arabella range and the Tuna range, both pass through this place, leading to the formation of the great Balpakram valley in the middle. The headquarter town Tura is situated at a height of 657 kilometers. The highest point is Nokrek peak in Garo Hills is situation at a height of 1412 meters.

Tura has an astounding hilly landscape with a beautiful backdrop of low leveled plains. An awe-inspiring sunset view can be seen from the Tura Peak. To reach Tura peak one has to trek for five kilometers. This place is a delight for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

How to reach:

Airport: The nearest airport is at Guwahati. One can reach Garo Hills from Guwahati by bus or car. Daily bus services are available from Garo Hills to the airport. The Government of Meghalaya managed Pawan Hans Helicopters services operate chopper rides from Tura and Shillong to Guwahati.

Railway service: The closest railhead is at Guwahati.

Road: Garo Hills is well connected by Government operated bus services, deluxe and ordinary.

Where to stay: This is not a luxurious place. Over here you will find several basic accommodations and lodges visiting from all corners of the world.

Places to visit in Garo Hills:

1. Siju Cave: This is situated on a cliff hanging over the right sided bank of the Simsand River. The cave is also referred to as Dobakhol or bat cave. The cave has loads of internal chambers and mazes which are yet to be explored in detail. The cave depth is yet to be explored. The cave is pitch dark with a recurrent stream flowing from it, which is bursting with varied forms of aquatic flora and fauna. The stalagmites as well as stalactites formations in Siju cave are similar to those of blue grotto located in the isle of Capri.

2. Siju Bird Sanctuary: On the other side of the Siju Caves the Siju Bird Sanctuary is situated. Over here you can find several rare and unique wild birds. The migrating birds visit the sanctuary during winter season. The wildlife enthusiasts are forever excited about visiting the Siju Bird sanctuary.

3. Rongdang Falls: This fall is situated in the middle of thick green forest right above the Siju Cave. The Rongdang Falls are mystical and really beautiful.
Just above the famous Siju Cave in the midst of green thick jungle one can see a beautiful waterfall cascading down.

4. Sisobibra: This is a place of historical significance in Garo Hills. The Garos fought their last battle and combat against the British. It is at a distance of twelve kilometers from Williamnagar on mighty Simsang River’s bank.

5. Chibragre: This place is a fun filled picnic place situated in the middle of green surroundings and beautiful view.

Several other places to visit while in Garo Hills are Nokrek, Imilchang Dare, Bhaitbari, Chibragre, Rongbang Dare and Williamnagar.

Tirupati is situated in the middle of lush green and peaceful Eastern Ghats in Chittoor district. This is located in the south east part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati is situated at a distance of seven hundred kilometers from Hyderabad. Tirupati is regarded as one of the most significant pilgrim place in India. Tirupati is well known for the Venkateswara temple which is said to be the abode of Lord Balaji. Tirupati consists of various temples and is well known for its red wood toys, copper idols as well as brass idols.

Best time to visit Tirupati: This place can be traveled to any time throughout the year. The temperature over here is moderate.
Interesting places to see when in Tirupati:

1. Lord Venkateswara Temple: The Lord Venkateswara is also known as the God of Seven Hills. This temple is situated on Tirumala Hills which are located in the Eastern Ghats. The mention of this temple exists in Shastras as well as Puranas and held highly religious by the Kings and rulers of South India. The architecture of chief temple has been inspired by the finest form of Indian architecture. The Vimana and the Dhwajasthambam are made out of pure gold.

2. Sila Thoranam: This is an extremely rare geographical arch. This is the only one of its kind that exists in Asia. This arch is twenty five feet long and about ten feet high. This arch is situated on the Tirumala Hills. The geologists have established that this arch is about fifteen hundred million years old. This arch can also be understood as a rare geological formation known as eparchean unconformity. It is believed that this arch was formed because of severe weathering and erosion caused by stream and somehow managed to resist the torque of nature.

3. Lepakshi: Lepakshi is situated at a distance of sixteen kilometers from the Hindupar railway station. This village boasts of many magnificent temples. The massive bull mount of Nandi is the biggest sculpture of its type. The temples here have many paintings on its wall and ceilings. The chief attraction of this village is the hanging tower that is held in place from top.

4. Akasa Ganga: This River is situated at a distance of three kilometers in the north direction from the chief temple. Akasa Ganga is a perennial stream. The legend says that is river originated from the feet of Lord Vishnu. This is a holy river and many travelers take holy dips in this river to wash away their sins and purify their souls. The water of this river is used in the temples to perform everyday rites.

5. Govindaraja Swami Temple: The temple situated in the center of Tirupati is Sri Govindaraja Swami.This temple was founded by the Nayakas, the heir to the Vijayanagar Empire. The temple has an amazing exterior gopuram. The inmost gopuram dates back to the fourteenth or the fifteenth century. The chief shrines are devoted to Vishnu and Krishna.

Things to do and not to do while visiting Tirupati:
Wear appropriate clothes
Do not consume alcohol
Do not eat non vegetarian food.
Do not wear flowers… they are only for the Gods.
Do not spit here and there or litter around.
Do not carry a camera, video camera or mobile phone inside the temple premises without checking with the authorities.

Sikkim is a gorgeous place. It is neighbored by Bhutan, China as well as Nepal and is known as Himalayan Shangri-las. Permits are required to access Sikkim that is why it is still less visited. It is one of the most rejuvenating and exciting place to be. The peace and calm of this place is accompanied by the mountainous beauty as well as the old Tibetan Buddhist Heritage.

1. Monasteries
Sikkim is an amazing place for peace and meditation. One will find about two hundred monasteries spread all over the hilltops. The monasteries that are frequently visited by travelers are Rumtek which lies on the opposite side from Gangtok on the valley, the other one is Pemayangtse which lies close to Pelling in West Sikkim, the third one is Tashiding situated in West Sikkim. Other monasteries worth paying a visit are Karma Kagyu, Enchey and Sanga-Choeling. Karma Kagyu which is situated in Phodong in North part of Sikkim. The Karma Kagyu monastery has two hundred years old murals. The Old Sanga-Choeling monastey can be accessed only on foot from Pelling.

Several festivals are celebrated at the monasteries maily around Losar in the months of February and March. The Enchey monastery hosts a festival in the months of December and January known as Chaarm. 

2. Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail
Sikkim is heaven for trekkers. The most popular trek here is from Yuksom to Dzongri Peak. And if you are up for the challenge and thrill then trek further on to Goecha Peak. This trek takes you through untouched forests, beautiful shrub gardens and mighty rivers. If you are a foreign national then you need trekking permits. Permits can be obtained from Tourism offices in Gangtok itself and even from Sikkim House in New Delhi. If you prefer going on an organized trek then you will find plenty to begin with here.

3. Teesta River rafting:
The route taken during rafting is Makha-Sirwani-Bardang-Rongpo. Over here rapids of two to four grades are interspersed with smooth patches and accompanied by serene white beaches for camping during the night. To add to the excitement you will find high cliffs as well as gorges running all along the boulder scattered river beds. The Rangeet River with its tumultuous water offers challenging rafting opportunities for advanced rafters.

4. Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries
Sikkim is well known for its stupefying variety of birds, fauna, and flora. Mora than 450 varieties of birds, 400 varieties of butterflies, 450 kinds of orchids, and 40 varieties of shrubs can be seen here. The places to experience the matural beauty in Sikkim are the Deorali Orchid Sanctuary in southern Gangtok as well as the Kyongnosia Alpine Sanctuary at an hour’s distance from Gangtok enroute to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.

5. Nathu La Pass and the Old Silk Route
If you are an adventure freak then you have to journey along the early Old Silk Route to Nathu La. It takes three hours from main Gangtok on the China border. This border comprises of lonesome barb wire fencing. Looking at the Chinese soldiers on the other end will induce excitement as well as nerve chilling experience inside you. The only drawback is that only Indians can travel this far that too on Wednesday,Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. A permit is needed by Indians to trek to this place.

In the previous post on Subramanya Travel Guide we shared some interesting facts about the place as well as some chief places of interest. In this post we will inform you about some more interesting places in Subramanya.

3. Subrahmanya Mutt: This place is situated on the south eastern side of the Subrahmanya Temple. This mutt is for Dwaitha tradition from the Madhwa Religion. The legend states that Sri Madhwacharya permitted his brother Vishnu Thirthacharya to be his follower and made him responsible for this Mutt. This religious and spiritual institution, apart from philosophic activities, is also involved in other social activities in the region. The mutt is working hard to bring back to life the dying ancient heritage and culture by igniting the interest in art and religion amongst people by organizing a variety of functions and programs.

4. Adi Subrahmanya: This is a shrine in Kukke Subrahmanya, known to be a very popular and significant spiritual destination. This place is located near the Subrahmanya temple. This temple with simple and elegant tiled roof houses a certain group of prehistoric formicary or anthills known as Vasuki and Adisesha. This temple is really beautiful, located amidst lush green forests and calm mountain streams. The prasad given to the pilgrims is mrittika (earth) which is taken from the anthills. This mrittika is sought to have healing power that can cure skin ailments. 

5. Hosaligamma Shrine: The deity worshipped in this temple is Goddess Hosalingamma. This temple is situated to the south of the Subrahmanya temple. There is another deity enshrined inside the temple known as Purusharaya. The legends says that these deities are bodyguards of Lord Subrahmanya. Hosaligamma and Purusharaya idols are known to be belonging to ancient times. This is a very calm and nice shrine for a peaceful visit.

6. Biladwara Cave: Biladwara is a holy cave enroute from the Subrahmanya temple towards the Kumaradhara river in Kukke Subrahnabya. As per the Hindu mythology, the snake God Vasuki was seeking protection from Garuda inside this very cave. The cave has a naturally formed entranceway and an exit which is approximately ten meters in length. One can go inside this cave and seek blessing from serpent God Vasuki. The cave is easily reachable.

7. Trekking: The adventuresome travelers can trek in the natural terrains of Kumara Parvata and close by forests. One will not find a single road heading to the mountains. To reach the beautiful Kumara Parvata, one needs to trek over the Sesha Parvatha. There are few trekking paths in Kumara Parvata. The trek to reach the top of Kumara Parvatha, about four thousand feet above sea level, will take you through rocky terrain and thick green forests.

You can also take the hike along the railroad track from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya. They provide for an amazing trek through some tunnels as well as bridges, along with dense forests, rivers and cool streams.

These treks and hikes are extremely intriguing and challenging and the recollection will stay long after you have come back to the fast paced life of the cities.

8. Matsya Tirthas: Matsya, a holy thirtha, is a place where devotees can take holy dips and free themselves from sins and bad deeds of their life.

Other places that you must see here are Kumara Parvata, Mullaiyanagiri Peak and Bisle Ghat.

Subramanya is the spiritual center in a place known as Sullia Taluk located in South Kanara District. The Kanara District is located in Karnataka. Subramanya is a very small village situated deep inside the forests side lining the Western Ghats approximately one hundred and five kilometers from Mangalore. This place is known to be the home of Lord Shiva’s son Subramanya. The Kukke Sunrahmanya Temple is situated in the citer of the village here.

Facts about this place:
1. Devotees visiting the Subramanya Temple need to cross a river called Kumaradhara. It is said that one should take a holy dip in the temple to purify ones soul and then go to offer prayers to the temple.
2. Most devotees visit the temple to free themselves of the sarpa dosha by performing a Sarpa Samskara pooja or holy ritual.
3. There are in all seven Mukti Stala pilgrim sites in the state of Karnataka. Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is regarded as a Mukti Stala.
4. The temple is opened at five in the morning. The temple God is awaken up to the co-occurrence of Nadaswaram. The poojas or the holy rituals in the temple are conducted as per the Vaikanasa Agama.
5. Kumaraparvatha and Yadakumeri are two railways tunnels here that are known to be two fun adventurous points here and you must visit them when here.
6. On your way to Uppinangadi, situated at a distance of ten kilometers from the temple village, you will come across central plantation crops research institute which was established in 1972.

How to Reach:
Air: The nearest airport is at Mangalore which is at a distance of one hundred and fifteen kilometers. The nearest major airport is at Bangalore which is at a distance of three hundred and forty kilometers from the village.
Rail: The nearest railways station is Subramanya Road railway station. This station is at a distance of seven kilometers from a place called Kukke on the Mangalore Bangalore railroad route.
Road: The local body KSRTC operates several bus services from the nearby cities to Kukke Subramanya. Bus services are also available from Bangalore as well as Mangalore.

Places to visit while in Subramanya:

1. Kukke Sri Subrahmanya temple: This temple is situated on the River Kumaradhara banks at Kukke. The temple is devoted to Lord Subrahmanya, the son of Lord Shiva. The gods worshipped in this temple are Lord Subrahmanya as well as Serpant Vasuli. An amazing Garuda Pillar with silver encasing is placed between the sanctuary and the recently built portico. The legends say that the pillar was captured and set up in order to shelter and protect the people from the blazing poison exhaled from the breath of Vasuki, the serpent, housed inside the temple. The chief festival celebrated in this temple is Thipooyam. During the festival time the temple receives hundreds of devotees. This temple is considered to be highly sacred, powerful and divine amongst the believers.

2. Vedavyasa Samputa Narasinmha Temple: This temple was founded by Sri Madhvacharya and is located towards the south east side of the Subramanya Temple. The legends say that idols of God Vedavyasa Samputa and Goddess Lakshmi Narasimha were given to Madhavacharya by Vedavyasa for enshrinement. The devotees come to worship lord Narasimha here and get spiritual rejuvenation here.

We will inform you about more attractions in Subramanya in Part 2 of Subramanya Travel Guide.

Continues from Part 1 of Wayanad Travel Guide

5. Kanthanpara Waterfalls: These beautiful waterfalls are at a distance of twenty two kilometers towards the east side of Kalpetta. Also, it is at a distance of eight kilometers from Meppadi which is again another surreal waterfall approximately thirty meters tall. The Kanthanpara waterfalls are smaller than the Sentinel falls and also less crowded. The places around these falls are very pleasing to the eyes. One needs to hike ones way up to the falls which is an easy hike. It is also perfect for a picnic with your loved ones.

6. Banasura Sagar Dam: this dam is located at Padinjarathara at a distance of twenty one kilometers from Kalpetta. A small hydel project is being constructed at this place. The project will have the largest earth dam in all of India and would also be the second largest earth dam in the entire Asia. This place serves as the perfect start point for hikes and treks leading to the Banasura Peak. A distinctive feature of this place is the small island series that came into existence when the reservoir drowned the neighboring area.

7. Varambetta Mosque: This mosque is at a distance of fifteen kilometers from Kalpetta located close to Padinjarathara. This mosque is about three hundred years old and is the old mosque in Wayanad.

8. Jain Temple: The Jain Temple is situated at Puliyarmala at a distance of four kilometers from Kalpetta. This temple is dedicated to Ananthanatha Swami one of the most worshipped Jain Saint.

9. Glass Temple: This temple is situated in Koottamundu on the slopes of Vellarimala. The temple is devoted to Parshwanatha Swami. This is called the glass temple as the mirrors on the walls of the temple interiors reflect photos of the temple’s holy sanctorum’s icons.

10. Edakkal Caves: The caves are located at a distance of twelve kilometers from Sulthan Bathery. A total of three caves are situated at an altitude of thousand meters on Ambukuthi mala close to Ambalavayal. One gets to see pictorial writings of the new stone age era on the walls of the natural Edakkal Caves that are proof that pre-historic civilization dwelled in this area. To reach the caves one has to take a one kilometers long trek from Edakkal. The morning time is the best time to explore the caves. This place is closed for visitors after five in the evening. An intriguing trek up on the Ambukuthi Hill close to the Ambalavayal town will lead you to the captivating Neolithic caves. The engravings on the cave walls have attracted various historians and archaeologists from across the world.

11. Chethalayam Falls: This is a popular place amongst bird watchers. This smaller waterfalls is also a famous trekking location amongst adventure freaks.

12. Muniyaras: excavations carried at several places around and about the feet of the Ambukuthi Hills have revealed a very different series of antediluvian entombment vaults ordinarily known as Muniyaras. The findings also uncovered some ancient tools and pots that are now exhibited at the Wayanad Heritage Museum.

Other interesting places to visit while in Wayanad are the Wayanad Wild life Sanctuary, the stunning Thrissilery Shiva Temple, Seetha lava Kusha temple (The only temple devoted to the sons of Lord Rama), The Manikavu Temple, the highest peak Chembrapeak Near Mippady town, Lakkidi (the gateway of Wayanad), and Pakshipathalam a place where naturally formed large boulders stand as tall as two storey.