Sankat Mochan
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sankat Mochan in Shimla
Sanjaul in shimla
Sanjaul
Mashobra
Mashobra
Mashobra At 2149m, 12 km out of Shimla is this beautiful suburb, surrounded by a thick forest. From here, a pedestrian track leads down to Sipur. Which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. Steams of cool water gently divide it. Through thick woods, a side road leads to Bekhalty. The pastoral picture is completed by the temples on the edge. An annual fair is held at Sipur every April. A trek to the Shali peak - the highest in the area - can be made from Mashobra. Craignano with its rest house - and once the estate of an Italian confectioner is close to Mashobra.
The Super Mall in Shimla
The Mall
As the town of Shimla grew through the 19th century, its Mall steadily developed as the town's commercial street and the hub of its social life. The road, which some 5-km in length, starts in the west at the gates of he former Viceregal Lodge , the present day Indian Institute of Advanced Study and ends at Chhota Shimla or 'Small' Shimla, in the east. The mall The route has bends, as one would expect any hill road to have, ut its nature essentially follows a wide sweeping curve along the hills. The primary aspect is south facing and affords a view of the valley below the town and of the foothills that reach out to the plains from its habitation. In pockets, snatches of the northern aspect spring up for a dramatic view and hold woods of Pine and Himalayan Cedar - the majestic Deodar. This picture of nature's bounty is framed by the distant snow ranges of the Greater Himalaya.The Intriguing Architectural Grandeur The core of the Mall is a row of shops that take the approximate mid section of the road and traverse for about a kilometre and a half along is length. At one point of time, it was regarded to be as fashionable as the finest streets of London, Paris or St. Petersburg and every morning, the tarmac was washed down by 'Mashkis' carrying goatskin bags full of water. Architecturally, this stretch is often likened to an English small town market place. Elements of Tudor framing, a varied roofline, assorted columns and numerous decorations have given this row considerable character.
Reminiscent of Italy, acroteria of urns can be found in a couple of structures. While decorative devices abound, the aspects of safety were hardly neglected. The presence of 'fire walls' between buildings ensured that fires remained contained and did not spill over to the adjoining structures. This place answers Pall Mall of London and Fifth Avenue of New York. All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town - a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.
Jakhu Temple in Shimla
Jakhu Temple
This temple of lord Hanumanji is situated at the height of about 8500 ft. in the east of historical ridge ground in Shimla city. This temple is very easily approachable and is one of the most sought after site to be visited not only by the devotees and pilgrims but also by the tourists of all age groups visiting Shimla, the Hill capital of Himachal Pradesh.According to mythology, during the battle between lord Rama and Ravana at Lanka, Lakshmana the younger brother of lord Rama was injured from an arrow from Meghnad and turned senseless. In order to save his life, when lord Hanuman was moving towards Himalaya to get sanjeewani herb, all of a sudden he saw Yaaku sage on Jakhu mountain in penance. This place was named Jakhu, after the same sage. In order to gather more details about sanjeewani, lord Hanuman landed here. As a result of which Jakhu mountain which earlier was much higher, half sunk into earth .After getting all the clarifications about the herb, lord Hanuman started his journey towards mount Dron. However, his friends accompanying him felt asleep here due to long distant tiring journey. When they woke up, all of them were sad on not finding lord Hanuman with them. All of them decided to stay here. Their successors can be seen roaming in this area even today. Lord Hanuman had even promised the sage Yaaku to meet him during his back journey. However due to shortage of time as a result of wickedness of Kaalnemi, he had to return back to Lanka via shorter route. The waiting sage got very sad. At the same time lord Hanuman appeared before the sage and told him the reason for not keeping his promise. When lord Hanuman disappeared, an idol of lord Hanuman appeared by itself and is present in the temple till date. This temple of lord Hanuman was constructed by the Yaaku sage in remembrance of lord Hanuman.
Popular places in Shimla
Popular Places in Shimla
The British empire may have ceased to exist, but its echoes linger on in Shimla (2130 m). As the summer capital' of the British in India, this was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, its well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India's most popular hill resorts. Places in the lower ranges of the Himalaya mountains, it is surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Within the town are a host of splendid colonial edifices, quiant cottages and charming walks. Shimla holds a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment.Jakhoo Hill is the highest point in Shimla and offers a panoramic view of the city. Glen forest is one of the most fascinating picnic spots in Shimla. 
This pleasant sprawling town set among the pine-clad hills presents the visitor with glimpses of fading colonial charm. The buildings, the Mall, the picnic spots tell you the story of the era when it was the summer capital of the British India. A visit to the Mall brings you to the centre of activity in the city. Move around the city and you get to see some of the fascinating sights of the landscape around.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
The excursions around Shimla are equally interesting experience as they unveil to you the glory of the Raj era. You can take a trip to the oldest and highest golf course in India and to the world's highest cricket ground. For the religious minded, the ancient temples around the Shimla are worth a visit. Naldhera is a small but pleasant town, which houses the highest golf course in the country. Tattapani is known for its hot water springs. Wildflower Hall is the former residence of British Commander-in-Chief Kitchener, now run as a hotel. Mashobra is a small village surrounded by thick forests and offers pleasant walks. Craignano is a beautiful picnic spot with a rest house on the hilltop. Kufri is a great place to enjoy its sylvan atmosphere and go for some adventure sports like hiking and trekking. Chail is a lush green town formerly capital of the Maharaja of Patiala.
Places of Tourist Interest in Shimla
Places of Tourist Interest in Shimla
Places of Tourist Interest in Shimla
Shimla, one of the most popular and favorite tourist destinations in India, attracts millions of tourists from all parts of the world. Shimla is also one of the favorite destinations of newly-wed couples! Offering a pleasant weather and beautiful surroundings, Shimla is home to numerous tourist attractions.
Some of the most popular places of tourist interest in and around Shimla are:
The Mall, Shimla
The Mall, Shimla, the central way that runs along the ridge top, is the most popular place in Shimla. With old captivating structures, restaurants, numerous souvenir shops, clubs, bars, tourist offices and banks, the Mall is a busy shopping area in Shimla
The Mall in Shimla is the favorite place of tourists and they prefer to walk up and down the Mall enjoying their time! The Ridge and Scandal point (at the end of the Mall) are the two most popular points on the Mall, Shimla.
Jakhu Hill, Shimla
Jakhu Hill, Shimla, the highest point (at about 8000 feet) in Shimla with a steep climbs, is a pleasing point for great sights of the beautiful town as well as all around! And, at the top of the hill, there is an old temple dedicated to Lord Hanumana (the great and blessed devotee of Lord Rama).
Christ Church, Shimla
Christ Church, Shimla, which is located on the Ridge, is North India’s second oldest church. Having an impressive appearance, Christ Church has stained glass windows inside it. These windows symbolize Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Patience and Humility!
Summer Hill, Shimla
Summer Hill, Shimla, with charming sights and cool walks, is a peaceful and beautiful suburb.
Situated on the Shimla-Kalka railway link, Summer Hill, is also the place where Mahatama Gandhi stayed while on his visits to the beautiful town of Shimla.
Chadwick Falls, Shimla
Chadwick Falls, Shimla, located just besides the charming Summer Hill, is the beautiful 67 m waterfall.
Places of Tourist Interest in Panchgani
Places of Tourist Interest in Panchgani
Places of Tourist Interest in Panchgani
Panchgani, located about 100 km away from Pune, is a well-known town in the Indian state of Mahārāshtra. Panchgani, close to Mahabaleshwar—a popular hill station—is a picturesque small town and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Its name, Panchgani, refers to the five (Panch) hills on which this beautiful town is situated.
Spreading over an area of about 6.16 sq. km., Panchgai has an average altitude of about 1334 meter. During summers, the temperature ranges between 35.6 degree C and 17.2 degree C while during winters the temperature ranges between 27.2 degree C and 16.2 degree C.
Panchgani, boasts of miles of long walks, lush trees and vegetation, offers visitors the opportunity to sample a life-time experience. Panchgani has a number of places of tourist interest. Some of the most popular places of interest in Panchgani are:
Sydney Point, Panchgani
Sydney Point, Panchgani, is another place of tourist interest in Panchgani.
Devil’s Kitchen, Panchgani
Devil’s Kitchen, Panchgani, another tourist attraction in Panchgani, Is one of the most spectacular sights of all.
Parsi Point, Panchgani
Parsi Point, Panchgani, another popular place of interest in Panchgani, offers a wonderful view of the rice and wheat fields of Chikli village and the River Krishna.
Tableland, Panchgani
Tableland, Panchgani is another most popular place of interest in Panchgani.
Harrison’s Valley, Panchgani
Harrison’s Valley, Panchgani, known for its beauty and view, is one of the most popular place of tourist interest in Panchgani.
Among other points in Panchgani are: Rajpuri Caves, Panchgani; Dhom Dam, Panchgani; Grover Point, Panchgani; Baby Point, Panchgani; Kachhawari Point, Panchgani; Apex Point, Panchgani; and Meherbaba Caves, Panchgani.
PanchGani
Panchgani is a quite and delightful hill station situated at an altitude of approx. 1335 m and is just 98 kms from Pune in Maharashtra. Panchgani derives its name from the five hills it is situated on. It is also called ‘Mecca of Maharashtra' .
The picturesque beauty of this hill station is enchanting and attracts tourists throughout the year. Walk on the lush green paths, with view of River Krishna snaking through beautiful valleys and gentle hills of Panchgani is truly a nature lover's delight.
There are many places in Panchgani that are a must see. One of the most famous places in Panchgani is its Table Land . Situated around 60 mts high, Table Land is a flat stretch of laterite rock and is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Many large caves are seen from here, the most popular one being the Devil's Kitchen . It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place to cook their food.
Parsi Point is also one of the places which is a must see for every tourist in Panchagani. It is actually the windiest point in Panchgani and is situated on the road to Mahableshwar. Another important place is an enjoyable water sports center, Tapola.
Other places that are worth a visit in Panchgani are Bhim Chula, Harrisons valley, Sydney Point, Dhoom Dam, The Lingmala Falls and Rajapuri Caves.
more photos of Ajanta
Pillar detail  | Above cave 17 entrance  | Ceiling outside cave 17  | Above cave 17 entrance  |
Cave 19 exterior  | Cave 19 exterior  | The Naga king and queen  | Cave 19 exterior  |
Cave 19 stupa  | Pillar Sculpture  | Walkway | Transportation  |
Cave 20  | Teaching Buddha  | Wheel of something  |
More Photos of Ajanta
Cave 7 Miracle of Sarasvati  | Cave 9  | Cave 10 stupa  | Cave 10 pillar and wall  |
Cave 10 pillar and wall  | Cave 10 tempera  | Resting tourist  | Cave 11 Buddha  |
Cave 12  | Monks' bedchambers, cave 13  | Waterfall  | View of Ajanta caves  |
Cave 16 Buddha  | The dying princess  | Scenes from the Jataka tales  | Scenes from the Jataka tales  |
Photos of Ajanta
Bodhisattva Padmapani  | Antechamber ceiling  | Cave 4 sculptures  | Cave 4 tempera  |
 | View of Ajanta caves  | ||
Buddha in padmasana  | Cave 6 Buddha  | ||
Buddha's attendants  | Buddha | Cave 7 sculpture  | Cave 7 Buddha  |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)