Sunday, February 3, 2019

Shanthi Sagara

Soole Kere or Shanthi Sagara is a famous tourist attraction created during 12th century by Princess Shanthi is a second largest pond in Asia.
It is located in Kerebilchi and Kagatoor of Channagiri taluk of Davanagere in Karnataka, India.
The construction of the tank is assigned to 11th or 12th century,have belonged to Svargavathi.
The city was submerged, its king Vikrama raaya, who had no children, adopted the son of gowda of Billahalli.
This youth received name of Ragi raaya.
But a daughter was subsequently born to the king in reward for his devotion to Shiva.
She was called The king's daughter, who, having formed a connection with some divinity,built this tank.She was then accussed by her father as a prostitute.This tank then submerged the whole city.
Hence the name sulekere.
Shanti Sagara tank, created by an embankment with sluice outlets, built in 1128, the tank has a history of 800 years.
It took three years to construct the massive tank. The tank, which has a water spread of 6,550 acres (2,651 ha), has a circumference of 30 km (19 mi).
It has a total drainage basin of 81,483 acres (32,975 ha).
It irrigates 4,700 acres (1,900 ha) of land and more than 50 villages are benefited by it.
Oct-Mar is the best time to visit Sulekere
The city experiences pleasant weather throughout the year with hot summers.
The rainfall during the monsoon season is quite mild, but during summers you may feel the heat.

PATRIARCHAL SEMINARY OF RACHOL

Rachol Goa, India,10 min(4.7 km)via Margao-Chandor-Curchorem Rd/Margao –Curtorim-Macasana Rd/St Joaquim Road and Raia-Santimol Rd
The sprawling quadrangular building, housing now the Seminary, was constructed by the Jesuits.Rachol Seminary was originally built as a church by the Portuguese in 1580 and it was later a fortress and prison. It was converted into the diocesan seminary in 1762.
The Rachol Church is dedicated to Our Lady of Snows whose feast day is celebrated on the 1st Sunday of August. However the main feast day of the Rachol Church is celebrated on Jan 1st as this day is dedicated to Bom Jesus. The fair remains for a day only.
Timings: 7 AM - 6:30 PM from Mon - Sat and Sun 8 AM - 6:30 PM.


Patnem Beach

56 min (39.6 km) via NH 66,1h 17min(50.2 km)via MDR46 and NH 66.

Patnem is located in south Goa, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Marago and 78 kilometers(48 miles)from Panaji,the state's capital.
 Bamboo Yoga Retreat,There are a couple of popular yoga retreats at Patnem.Bamboo Yoga Retreat (formerly Lotus Yoga Retreat) is perfect for a yoga holiday, with healthy food and accommodations provided in bamboo huts. There's a range of flexible classes for all levels.Yin Yoga Teacher Training is also offered.Kranti Yoga Village Beach Resort is for more serious students. It offers intensive Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Flow plus 200 and 500 hour Yoga Teacher Training.The nightlife in Patnem is very laid back but sometimes there will be live music in the beach shacks,which encourage tourists to bring their instruments and play.If you are looking for a party, you'll most likely find it at Tantra Cafe and Huts.Otherwise,head to Leopard Valley near Agonda or the Silent Noise parties near Palolem beach every Saturday.The main attractions at Patnem are just lazing on the beach and swimming. There are a few shops lining the road leading up to the beach if you feel like shopping.
Patnem has warm weather throughout the year.Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius(68 degrees Fahrenheit)at night.Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though.Patnem gets rain from the southwest monsoon from June to August.The beach huts are dismantled during this time and most places close down.The tourist season kicks off in late October and starts winding up late March.

Patna Museum

Also known as 'Jadu Ghar' is one of the older museums in Bihar. It is located on southern flank of Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, located in the city of Patna, Bihar.
The museum was first open to public in 1917 to house the historical items found in the vicinity of Patna.
It is located within Patna city-limits.

Patna Museum has style of Mughal and Rajput architecture.
Set up in the center of the city, the museum houses a large collection of artifacts of the periods belonging to Mauryan, Gupta, Sunga, Kushan, Mughals and British era. In all, Jadu Ghar houses more than 45,000 artifacts.
The Relic casket, containing the mortal remains of Lord Buddha is one of its rare possessions. A brick sculpture of lord Buddha and stupas, named as Satabdi Smarak is situated in one of the corner of the museum.

Items on display in the multipurpose museum include archaeological objects, coins, art objects, paintings, instruments, textiles, paintings, thankas, bronze images and sculptures and terra cotta images by Hindu and Buddhist artists. It has a rare collection of British-period paintings depicting day-to-day life, as well as a fine collection related to the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad. It also houses a World War I cannon. The fossil of a tree said to be more than 200 million years old is on display.

Patna Museum allows visitors to explore the city's rich culture, tradition and heritage.
Visitors can ideally spend an hour or more on visit to the Bihar museum.
It is advised to visit the museum during timings: 10:00 AM till 5:30 PM.
The museum remains closed during Tuesdays.

Palolem Beach

54 min(38.5 km) via NH66
1h 16 min(49.1 km) via MDR46 and NH 66
Palolem Beach is located at 15°00'36?N 74°01'24?E, within 2.5 kilometres of the market town of Chaudi in South Goa, and about 40 minutes from Margao, the district headquarters of South Goa.

Other neighbouring beaches in South Goa include Agonda Beach, Patnem Beach and Polem beach.
 Lots of foreigners linger here. Being one of the best beaches for relaxation; most of them can be seen sun – bathing, listening to music, playing football or simply walking on the sand. Kids can be seen making sand houses and other such structures.
It is another beautiful destination with lots of locations to click pictures on,Few water activities like kayaking and paddling are done here. Dolphin rides to are done here, but only in winters. The Rest is swimming on your own. Going deep in the sea is not allowed here. Keep your kids within your eyesight and avoid letting them go far. Keep little cash and use credit cards wherever possible. Avoid local eateries for food. These are good for drinks.


Eshwara Temple

Another temple of great historic significance, Eshwara Temple is an example of amusing Hoysala style of architecture.
Created with the help of mud and plaster, today the temple comprises of only two cells while the south cell collapsed in the past.
The temple houses idol of Gajalakshmi in the garbh griha and idol of Lord Shiva within the Sukhanasi doorway.
You will also find the deities Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Brahma and Lord Subramanya in the smaller shrines.
Eshwara Temple is a Hindu temple in Kengeri, Bangalore, dedicated to the lord Siva.
Dates back to the Chola king Rajendra Chola's Period (1050 AD)
Oct-Mar is the best time to visit Eshwara Temple.
The city experiences pleasant weather throughout the year with hot summers.
The rainfall during the monsoon season is quite mild, but during summers you may feel the heat.
The winter season, in the months of October-March, the city is enjoyable and recommended to be the best time to explore this beautiful place.
The temperature during this period varies from 25 to 30 degrees Celcius.


Tomb of Auranzeb,

38 min (26.5 km) via NH52 (from Aurangabad).
Tomb of Aurangzeb
General information  Type Tomb Architectural style Mughal Location Khuldabad, India
Coordinates 20°0'18.13?N 75°11'29.04?E
Construction started 4 March 1707
Completed 1707
Opened 1707
Design and construction
Architect Azam Shah, Bahadur Shah I
The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal emperors,is located in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, India.
In notable contrast to other Mughal tombs, which are large monuments of Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal, at his own direction Aurangzeb is buried in an unmarked grave at the complex of the dargah or shrine of Sheikh Zainuddin.
Aurangzeb's Tomb, with marble jaali (latticed screen) around it.
Description
Aurangzeb died in 1707 at Ahmednagar.
His body was then carried to Khuldabad after his son Azam Shah and daughter Zinat-un-Nissa came.
There is a platform over the tomb made of red stone, less than three yards in length.
There is also a "cavity" in the middle which measures a "few fingers".
The tomb has been covered with soil on which herbs grow. After his burial, he was given the posthumous title of "Khuld-makan" ("he whose abode is in eternity").
Lord Curzon later covered the site with marble and surrounded it with a "pierced marble screen". The tomb is roofed by "the vault of the sky".
The gateway and the domed porch were added in 1760.
It is said that Aurangzeb paid for his burial place by stitching caps during his last years and that it cost only 14 rupees and 12 annas.
The tomb is "remarkably simple in keeping with Aurangzeb's own wishes".
Aurangzeb's full name is written on a marble plate located in one of the corners of the tomb.
The dargah also houses the tomb of the first Nizam, Asaf Jah I, his son Nasir Jung, and those of Aurangzeb's son Azam Shah and his wife.
The site was varnished with marble and nearby surrounding was covered with marble screen. A small patch of soil with sabza plant is still remaining on the top of the deathbed, which is masked with a white sheet. The full name, Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Mohammad Aurangzeb, is mentioned on the marble stone in one corner of the tomb.This place is visited by a large number of tourists who are keen to explore the history of the tomb.Timings about Tomb of Aurangzeb are Time Required: 1 to 2 hours,Open Time: All days of the week: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.You can visit it free of cost.

Salim Ali Lake

14 min (4.5 km) via Maulana Azad Research Centre Rd(from Aurangabad).
Salim Ali Sarovar is located near Delhi Gate, opposite Himayat Bagh, Aurangabad.
It is located in the northern part of the city. During the Mughal period it was known as Khiziri Talab.
It has been renamed after the great ornithologist, naturalist Salim Ali and also known as birdman of India.
The office of Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad division is located near it, so is the collector's office of Aurangabad District.
In Aurangzeb's time, a large marsh or tank extended the whole length of the northern wall, (extending from present day Salim Ali Lake till Begumpura / Makbara) but the exhalation and dampness proved unhealthy and Aurangzeb ordered the portion immediately in front of his palace (Kila-e-Ark) to be filled in and converted into fields.
This reclaimed portion was later developed into Mughal garden, (now known as Himayat Bagh) by one of the officials of Aurangzeb's court, with many fruit bearing trees of different varieties for the royal court and its officials.
The remainder was known as the Khizri talao which is just beyond the Delhi gate.
The other small tank was the Kanval or Loti talao,(near present-day Aam Khas grounds between Kila-e-Ark and Begumpura) was fed by a spring and was confined in the hollow between the palace of Aurangzeb and the Mecca gate, but the band was purposely destroyed to save the city from being flooded
Salim Ali Talab as it is known in the present times also contains a small bird Sanctuary and the area around the lake is good for Bird watching in Winter when a number of migratory birds arrive for nesting.
There is a garden maintained by the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation. Boating facilities is also available when the lake is full during the rainy & winter seasons.
Recently it was dredged for silt to increase its water holding capacity.
Salim Ali Sarovar and its garden is host to a variety of life. Trees, climbers and shrubs mark the garden, while the water body supports a variety of marine life.
Parts of the lake are covered with algae and a variety of fish survive underneath.
The site hosts resident as well as migratory birds.
It is common to spot varieties of ducks, doves, coots, moorhens, waterhens and egrate.

Salim Ali lake and its surrounding is rare and rich biodiversity spot within the city that hosts almost 16 tree species, 11 shrub types, 8 climbers, 32 terrestrial herbaceous plants, 10 varieties of algae, 12 of aquatic herbs, 16 aquatic insects, molluscs and crustaceans, nine varieties of fish, 15 species reptiles, seven types of rodents and mammals and 102 types of insects. Efforts are taken by environment activists and bird lovers in the city to close the historic Salim Ali Lake for public for the time being and declare it as a biodiversity hot spot for conservation.The timings that are suitable to visit this bird sanctuary is during the cool weather between October and March.6-7 AM is the perfect time to visit the place. 

Paithan Gate

(2.6 km) via Aurangabad - Malegaon Rd(from Aurangabad).
Present day Paithan which is located 56 kms off the district area of Aurangabad, was guarded by the Paithan Gate, which was the capital city of the historic Satavahana empire.
It was located towards the South as a cardinal point for the empire.
The important aspect to note here is that Aurangabad came to be known popularly and eventually as the ‘city of gates.’
The several gates were guarded entry and exit points for royalty and the warrior clan alike. Many of the gates out of 52 cease to exist, save 4 main gates and 9 tertiary gates.
The gate is smaller in size and was royal gateway leading to Paithan town.
 The gate is surrounded by local markets today, primarily vegetable vendors, and small time bazars and shops selling groceries and basic commodities of all kinds.
 It is one of the 42 gates.Timings-Hours: Saturday11AM–10PM,Sunday11AM–10PM,Monday-11AM–10PM,Tuesday-11AM–10PM,Wednesday-11AM–10PM,Thursday -11AM–10PM,Friday-11AM–10PM 

Jama Mosque


The Jama Masjid is a mosque built in 1612 AD, located near the Killa Arrak in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India.
It is historically significant because it was constructed in 1612 AD,very soon after the foundation of Aurangabad (then called "Khadki") by Malik Amber in 1610 AD.
The mosque was later extended by Aurangzeb(R.H) in the year 1692 AD, it is one of the oldest mosques of Aurangabad which is still in good condition.
Mecca Gate near the Jama Masjid, Aurangabad, taken by Deen Dayal in 1880s
The mosque was constructed by Malik Amber in 1612 AD, once he found the city Kharaki in 1610 AD, and when Malik Ambar died in 1626 AD, and succeeded by his son Fateh Khan who changed the name of Khadki to "Fatehnagar".
When Mughals captured Daulatabad in 1633 AD, the Nizam Shahi dominions, including Fatehnagar, fell under the possession of the Mughals.
In 1653 AD, when Prince Aurangzeb was appointed the viceroy of the Deccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital and called it Aurangabad and built the fort Killa Arrak near the mosque, upon which the mosque felt in the boundaries of the fort walls expanding from Delhi gate to Mecca Gate.
Realizing the architecture values of the mosque, Aurangzeb extended the mosque by constructing four Arches in the front portion in 1692 AD.
The low buildings are embraced by groves and are embellished by sleek minarets and a broad band where Quranic inscriptions are inscribed on it.
Among the magnificent fort, Amkhar (Public Hall) and Jama Masjid are the only structures still remain in good condition.

The mosque is located near the Killa Arrak of Aurangabad.
It has 50 polygonal pillars. These pillars are arranged in 5 rows.
They are connected by a system of 9 arches.
This divides the building into 27 equal compartments.
Each compartment is covered by a small domical vault which is simple but elegantly designed.
Out of the 9 pointed arches in the front 5 were erected by Malik Ambar.
A roomy court in front of the mosque, has open buildings on 3 sides for travelers (in early days).
A water tank in the middle of the court is provided, from the Malik Ambar canal.
 The spacious court in front of the mosque has open buildings for travelers and a water tank which draws water from the Malik Ambar canal (Nahar Amberi).The Masjid is a true specimen of the grace and brilliance of the Mughal architecture and artwork.But best time to visit Aurangabad is Oct - March. Timings and Operating hours are from Monday - Friday:6:00 AM -7:00 AM,Saturday:6:00 AM -7:00 AM,Sunday:6:00 AM -7:00 AM,.Entry is free.Pets are not allowed. Holiday-Public Holidays:6:00 AM -7:00 AM.

Jain Temple


It is believed thatan idol was found duing exvavation which has some miraculous powers that can solve the problems of the people who seek divine intervention of the deity.
Jain Temple is famous for the marvellous architecture and the design which shall leave you awestruck when you visit this temple.
The exquisite art work and beautiful carvings inside the temple are worth being photographed and admired.
The Jain caves were excavated during 9th and 10th century and the temple is divine and very peaceful.
You will find cleanliness all around the Jain Temple and the place reverberated with lots of positivity and energy.
Jain Temple, Aurangabad offers a great diversity of various things to do in Aurangabad all within close proximity from the various travel terminals.
In case you are travelling by car, there are parking spots available for you.
Also, if you want to travel using public transport, railway stations and bus stations will help you commute.
In this very modern, clean and cultural city of Aurangabad, Jain Temple offers you a special treat bringing everyday objects to life.
Grab a coffee and a quick bite from the wide range of Food trucks or from the gas station and continue to explore.
Jain Temple, Aurangabad has something to appeal to the adventurous, curious and foodie travellers.
Aurangabad attracts tourist through its amazing culture, infrastructure and attractions such as Jain Temple.
You will find all that you might need, like Public safety station, Internet cafes, pharmacies, ATMs and banks.
Eat like a local by heading out to various speciality restaurants which offer wide range of cuisines, or opt for barbecues and buffets.
You can also indulge in some fine dining and feast on International cuisines.
Aurangabad offers a very energetic and passionate nightlife for the wide-awake youngsters. One can witness a wide range of Bars, lounges, Jazz and Blues cafes, Sports bars or clubs which has something special for everyone. Lounges and clubs near Jain Temple are well known for its charm and crazy nights.
You will find all that you might need, like Public safety station, Internet cafes, pharmacies, ATMs and banks.
Eat like a local by heading out to various speciality restaurants which offer wide range of cuisines, or opt for barbecues and buffets.
You can also indulge in some fine dining and feast on International cuisines.
Aurangabad offers a very energetic and passionate nightlife for the wide-awake youngsters.
One can witness a wide range of Bars, lounges, Jazz and Blues cafes, Sports bars or clubs which has something special for everyone.
Lounges and clubs near Jain Temple are well known for its charm and crazy nights.
The temple is known to attract people from all over, who often come here walking all the way through the village as an offering to the deity. The Karthik Shukla is the main festival here and special arrangements are done for the devotees visiting the temple during that time. There is a Dharmashala attached to the temple which provides mess facilities as well as accommodation.
It is best to avoid summer months as the climate would be hot and humid then. Timings-Timing: 24-hrs,Free Entry,There is no charge.  

History Museum

 23 min (8.2 km) via Aurangabad - Malegaon Rd(from Aurangabad).

The perfect destination to explore antiques and understand the sculpture evolution of the country, the History Museum in Aurangabad, being a division of history wing of the university, offers an opportunity to history students to visualize sculpture evolution in the country.
If you have a knack for learning the history of a place, this is the right place for you! The museum holds artifacts relating to Satavadhana dynasty and original paintings of Rajput, Mughal, Maratha, and British era.
The figurines and excavations from 7th to the 12th century are displayed at the museum.
The enormous gatherings of coins, stones, arms, and textiles made by Dr. SB Deshmukh add to the glory of the museum.
It constitutes two halls, exhibited with over 125 carvings, detailing about Marathwada’s lifestyle.
Viewing the precious collection of international items is rather exciting.
It is interesting to find artifacts from China and Japan including China clay, gold embroidery, and ornaments on display here.
The museum also displays several religious manuscripts in Arabic and Persian of the 18th century.
There are few interesting pieces in this museum show casing life during the Maratha period.
Outstanding collections and its a very large museum it houses photos, weapons, coins info, etc it has a nominal entry fee it makes a very beautiful imagination of king shivaji and his times
It is informative and should be very helpful to students of History but for a casual visitor,the dates,incidents and the chronology of the various rulers or kingdoms becomes a bit difficult to remember.
The display of coins of the Sultanate period are very interesting.
At last it is very much in center of city near to Collectors office
One of the best and well organised museums of the city, the History museum is a part of the History department of the University.The brain child of Late Dr. Ramesh Shankar Gupte, the museum started initially with plaster cast sculptures from the National Museum of Delhi for assisting the history students in a visual study of the sculptural development in India.Dr Gupte placed them chronologically and he felt the need for visual aids for the classes.Since the museum is located in the vicinity of the world famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the museum developed quickly. The museum houses various artifacts ranging from 7th century to 12th century along with sculptures from Bhokardan and Daulatabad excavations; Sir Rao Bahadur Paranis' collection of original Pajput, Maratha and Mughal paintings; Dr. SB Deshmukh's collection of arms & armours, coins, textiles, semi-precious stones and excavation objects from Paithan.The visit duration takes about1 to 2 hours.10:30 AM - 5:00 PM . Entry fees-  Rupees 5  per person for Indians,Rupees 20  per person for foreign tourists . The meuseum is opened from Monday to Saturday.Sunday is observed as holiday.It timings are from 10:30 AM to 6.30 PM.

Himroo Factory,

6 min (1.8 km) via Aurangabad - Malegaon Rd/Jalna Road and New Mondha Rd(From Aurangabad).
Himroo is a fabric made of silk and cotton, which is grown locally in Aurangabad.
It was brought to Aurangabad in the reign of Mohammad Tughlaq, when he had shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, Aurangabad.
The word himroo originated from Persian word Hum-ruh which means 'similar'.
Himroo is a replication of Kum-khwab, which was woven with pure golden and silver threads in olden days, and was meant for the royal families.
Himroo fabrics uses Persian designs, and is very characteristic and distinctive in appearance.
Himroo fabrics from Aurangabad is in demand for its unique style and design.
Some historians believe that Himroo was the innovation was local craftsmen with very little Persian influence.
Himroo Is woven near Zaffar Gate at the Himroo Fabrics
According to historians this art originated in Persia, though it has not been proved, himroo is associated with the times of Mohammad Tughlaq who ruled in the 14th century.
When Mohammad Tughlaq shifted his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad many weavers came and settled here.
During the migration, the weavers instead of returning to Delhi chose to stay back here they did not want to go back to Delhi.
During the reign of Malik Ambar many people were attracted to the city and came and settled here from far and wide.
Aurangabad during Aurangzeb's Governorship and the times of Mughal became the capital and the weavers had a gala time making money and becoming prosperous.
The handicraft industry in Aurangabad attracted hundreds of craftsman and artisans.
Members of the royal family and an elite few used the famous Aurangabad himroo.
Himroo weaving is very characteristic and different.
Fabrics and shawls from Aurangabad are much in demand for their unique style and design.

The factory is open to visitors and it offers firsthand experience of the complicated and conventional technique of hand weaving the fabric on a special loom.They use Golden and silk threads expansively in geometrical and floral designs to give a polished look to the fabric.The Himroo Factory showroom is the best place to buy textile items like vests, blouses, coats, cloaks, Pathani saris, handloom shawls, bed covers and furnishings.It is open from 7.30 am to 10.00 pm.The factory can be easily accessed from any part of Aurangabad.The best time to visit the place is during the months of November to February