Kovalam : The Most Famous Beach of India

Around 15 kms from the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram is the one of the most famous beaches of India, for local as well as international tourists, the Kovalam Beach. The small village of Kovalam came into limelight due to its beautiful beaches; those were thronged by tourists from all over the world. The uniqueness of the beaches was what attracted the tourists to this tiny village. Kovalam in the local language means, place fringed with coconut palms, and indeed it is. Kovalam is full of coconut trees and soothing seashore, one of the best in India for swimming and other water sports. The beaches of Kovalam are in a crescent like shape and can be divided in three parts. To the south is the most popular beach known as the lighthouse beach. One can have a spectacular view of the Vizhinzam Mosque from here. The northern most beach is known as the Samudra Beach and in between lies the beach called Hawah. While the other two beaches are mostly used for fishing purposes, it is only the Lighthouse beach that is full of tourists day in and out.

The soothing sand, the cool breeze and the beautiful sea, is the best place to relax. Kovalam beach offers many other options for relaxation such as the Ayurvedic massage parlours and Yoga classes. To top all the wonderful sea cuisine to cheer one's palate is always there. The nights on the beaches are enlivened with the traditional Kathakali dance performances and various other folk forms of art performed by the local artists.

Location: It is located at a distance of around 15 kms from the capital of the state of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.

Languages Spoken : Malayalam, English

Long Distance : Code +91-471

Importance :  world famous beach

Best Time To Visit : September To March

Kovalam Attractions:

Pozhikkara Beach

This is another picturesque beach near Kovalam. The serene and calm atmosphere draws many people to this place every year. It is famous for the various beautiful sea birds that visit this place. Thus this beach in Pachalloor is also considered to be a birdwatchers' paradise.

Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave

The place is important for both its historical and religious significance. It is famous for the beautiful sculptures. There is a granite temple inside the cave. On the outer walls mythological stories on the life of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are carved.

Kaudiar Palace

This magnificent old structure was the home to the late Maharaja Sree Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma. This grand palace is admired mainly for its architectural splendor.

Thiruvallam

In this place near Kovalam you can enjoy the Kerala backwaters. There are facilities for cruising in the water while you enjoy the surrounding greenery. The Parashuram temple in this region also attracts many pilgrims every year.

Kovalam Hotels:

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI

Total Rooms : 193

Star Category : 5

The Leela Palaces and Resorts, four of India's finest deluxe hotels, hallmark the essence of India in Kovalam. The Group has established a global leadership position in the 5-star luxury hotel and resort industry for the world's most discerning business and leisure travelers. The proximity to International airports and central business districts, strategic location, individuality, architectural aesthetics, lush greens and the intrinsic Indian culture and heritage distinguishes the group from the rest. The Leela is committed to striving for excellence and exceeding expectations based on the ancient Indian philosophy that the 'Guest is God'

TAJ GREEN COVE RESORT

Total Rooms : 110

Star Category : 4

Located on one of India's most popular beaches, Kovalam, the property is spread across 10 acres of land, offering a breathtaking view of the backwater, lush landscapes, coconut palms, and unspoiled beaches. With its exotic tropical beauty and relaxing hospitality, this getaway is the perfect place to enjoy relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind, body, and soul.

SAGARA BEACH RESORT

Total Rooms : 30

Star Category : 4

Sagara Beach Resort is a small friendly hotel in front of the light house beach of Kovalam. It has 42 air conditioned rooms, each with twin beds, en-suite toilet and shower, running hot and cold water etc. All the rooms have balcony with a view of the Arabian sea, which is a perfect venue for your early evening G & T. The hotel has an ayurvedic Centre, swimming pool and a restaurant on the roof.

HOTEL SAMUDRA

Total Rooms : 64

Star Category : 3

Samudra - the word means Ocean - is your perfect seaside getaway. The hotel lies sprawled languidly in la luxuriant landscaped garden that won acclaim as the best in the State at the annual International Flower Show held at Thiruvananthapuram.

TRAVANCORE HERITAGE RESORT

Total Rooms : 90

Star Category :

Reception Lobby : The reception building, a 120-year-old Palace (the Valiamadom Kottaram) of a regional King of Edapally lineage is a replica of the beauty and grandeur of the old architectural style of the time. It houses the reception, lobby and front office. The guest activity center on the first floor has a small library, facilities for indoor games like chess and card games, satellite TV and an internet kiosk. Locker Facility is available on request at the reception : Conference/Banquet Hall : On the basement of the reception building is an air-conditioned conference/banquet hall which can accommodate 100 guests with adequate service foyer and all modern audio and video equipments for even blue chip conferences. : Swimming Pool : The main swimming pool is of 228 sq. mtrs, with a kid's pool and set of Jacuzzis. The pool has broad pool decks finished in natural dressed granite with poolside umbrellas and long reclining poolside cots. The second swimming pool having an area of 110 sq.mtrs is at the beach grove with sea view. Beverages and light refreshments for the pool users will be served from the restaurant. : Health Club : The Resort has a well equiped health club which is located at the top of the beach grove : Travel Desk & Shopping : The Resort has a travel desk and car rental service. It also has a small shop selling essential cosmetics

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Pushkar:The Blessing of Brahma

Pushkar is all about a semicircular lake with 52 'ghats'. The maximum depth of the lake is 10mteres. It is a holy place and is known as king of all 'tiraths'. A holy dip in this lake on Karthik Purnima is said to wash all the sins and leads to salvation. It is said that the one who bathes in this holy water during the brighter fortnight of the Hindu calendar month Karthik and sees a Varah (an incarnation of Vishnu), will not take a rebirth on this planet again and can enjoy the heavenly bliss forever. The Karthik Purnima holy dip in this lake gives one a blessing equal to hundred penances. There are many yojana spots which cannot be counted by the teacher of gods, Brihaspati.How the name Pushkar came as a mythological story behind it. Once Lord Brahma was worried over the matter of not being prayed to on the earth like the other Gods. He had the desire to have a place on his name on the earth. So he threw a lotus flower which fell on three places and water sprang out from there miraculously. The first place where the flower fell is known as the Jyeshtha Pushkar, the second place is the Madhya Pushkar, and the third place is the Kanishtha Pushkar or Senior, Middle and the Junior respectively. Brahma threw the flower that is the 'Pushpa' with his own hands that is the 'Kar', therefore the name of this place became Pushkar.There are 52 bathing ghats built around the lake. The water of each ghats is supposed to have special powers. Some of which are the Nag Kund for fertility, Roop tirath for beauty, Kapil vyapi Kund water helps cure leprosy and dip in the Mirakand Muni Kund grants the boon of wisdom.

Every year on the day of Karthik Purnima, that is the full moon day in the month of Karthik (somewhere in October - November), the famous Pushkar fair is held here. People from all over the country come to take the holy dip. The town comes alive with folk dancers and musicians who come from all the regions to show their talent. Joyful celebration, cultural variety and cattle market make Pushkar fair famous. This fair is one of the major cultural reflectors of the state of Rajasthan. This is a five day affair when the small town comes alive with cultural activities and vibrant energy.Apart from the religious rituals at the Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir, and other festivities, people participate in a number of sporting and cultural events. The great attraction of this fair other than the variety of folk dances and songs that fill the atmosphere is the camel race and the cattle fair. Cows, Buffaloes, Camels, Horses and even Donkeys are bargained for. This special fair attracts tourists from all over the world.

Location: 11 Kilometers from Ajmer, on the edge of the desert, lies the tiny tranquil town of Pushkar, long the bank of a picturesque Pushkar lake. It is an important pilgrimage spot. The Nag pahar or the snake mountain forms a natural boundary between Ajmer and Pushkar.

Languages Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Long Distance Code: +91-145

Importance:World famous for the annual Camel fair and the only Lord Brahma temple.

Area: 5 sq.kms.

Best Time To Visit: July To March

Pushkar Attractions:

Brahma Temple

The only Brahma temple in India where, according to Hindu mythology the creator of earth - Brahma is worshipped. Therefore it has become one of the most important pilgrimage centres for the Hindus. It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nag parvat and the Ana Sagar Lake. This place is full of natural beauty. It is believed that Lord Brahma, along with other deities performed a Yagnya here. This only temple where Lord Brahma is worshiped is built with marble and decorated with silver coins and has a silver turtle on the floor of. It has a red spire and a goose, considered to be auspicious to Brahma.

Savitri Temple

The temple is situated on the Ratnagiri Hill and is dedicated to Goddess Savitri, the wife of Lord Brahma. An interesting legend is attached to the temple. Once Lord Brahma had to perform a 'Yagna' (a holy rite to appease gods) on a very short notice. Since he could not do this without his wife, he married Gayatri, a local milkmaid after purifying her. When Savitri came to know of all this, she was furious and cursed her husband that he would never be worshipped anywhere except in Pushkar and that too only once a year. She then left for the Ratnagiri Hill and performed self-immolation.

Man Mahal

On the banks of Pushkar is the magnificent palace built by Raja Man Singh - I of Amer. Now it has been converted into an RTDC Hotel Sarovar and offers a comfortable accommodation to the tourists.

Pushkar Lake

Pushkar Lake is said to be very sacred and has said to be originated when the petals from Lord Brahma's lotus fell on the earth and a lake of clear blue water emerged at its place. 500 temples, 52 palaces, and 52 ghats surround the lake. It is at this lake that the world-renowned Pushkar fair is organized on the occasion of Kartik Purnima every year.

Pushkar Hotels:

THE PUSHKAR BAGH

Total Rooms : 45

Star Category : 3

The pushkar bagh is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the last century. The entire bagh is carved out of the famous pink sandstone of Jodhpur it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone era. The Pushkar Bagh courtyards are peaceful havens where guests can unwind for the day and spend the afternoon leisurely reading or relaxing while capturing the panoramic view of mountains and desert.

NEW CITY PARK

Total Rooms : 50

Star Category : 3

Hotel The park city is located in central Pushkar, opposite the city bus stand and next to a gurudwara, with the Pushkar Lake 5 minutes down the road. The rooms are comfortably appointed with all modern amenities and attached with balconies which have great views of a garden. The rooftop restaurant is ideal for dinner as it overlooks the Pushkar Lake .

PUSHKAR PALACE

Total Rooms : 53

Star Category : 3

Hotel Pushkar Palace has well appointed 48 Super Deluxe Rooms and 5 Suites with all facilities in the rooms. Hotel has two floors, most of the rooms including all suites are overlooking the lake and has garden view.

PUSHKAR FORT

Total Rooms : 136

Star Category : 2.5

"PUSHKAR FORT" offers 16 ethnic Royal Huts, which is situated in the Base of Savitri Temple at Pushkar. It has on offer gorgeous guestrooms for the guests. It pampers them with a wide selection of Maharaja Suites, Maharani Suites, Royal Huts and Swiss Cottages. All these accommodations at this hotel enjoy a very impressive location as they overlook verdant green lawns set in the backdrop of mountains and sand dunes. Apart from elegance, the other feature that characterizes them well is the availability of modern comforts. Some of the modern comforts include television, telephone, air conditioners and en suite bathrooms.Pushkar Fort offers 16 Royal Huts , 10 Deluxe Room, 10 Deluxe AC Tent & 100 Swiss Cottages. Every room has a different view of nature with beautiful Sunset & Sunrise. Tastefully Designed and decorated with antique and modern furniture fixtures. 4 Maharaja Suit, 12 Royal Huts fitted with air conditioning & modern attached bath offers a memorable, peaceful and comfortable stay to guest visiting Pushkar. 125 luxury tents, each 512 sq ft. All have private gardens and an outside deck for sunbathing. The tents have been innovatively crafted using the traditional local artist’s skills and Block printing crafts of Rajasthan. The tents feature Hand crafted wooden furniture, Hand knotted "durries" to cover the floor, separate dressing room with attach showers. All the tents have marble floors and embroidered interior canopies and are furnished in regal style

HOTEL TEERTH PALACE

Total Rooms : 19

Star Category : 0

Teerth Palace Pushkar is in a good and peaceful location, quite suitable for all guests coming to Pushkar. Either you come here for business purpose or sightseeing, you can relax in this comfortable hotel.A warm greeting, a welcoming smile and dedicated reception at the hotel lobby offer you an experience of visiting and staying at the hotel.

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Bikaner: Citadel of Culture and Camels

Bikaner's history dates back to 1488 A.D. when a Rathore prince, Rao Bhikaji, established his kingdom here. He was the descendant of the founder of Jodhpur (1459) A.D. Rao Jodhaji. Rao Jodhaji had five sons and Bhikaji proved to be the most enterprising amongst them. He chose a barren wilderness to transform it into an impressive city called Bikaner.Ever since the foundation of Bikaner till its accession into Indian union, Bikaner has always played an important role in the history of the country. Bikaner has produced several able generals and warriors and distinguished rulers. The most important of them was Akbar's general Raja Rai Singhji. Raja Anup Singh's tenure, who ascended the throne in 1669A.D, has been described as the golden time of Bikaner's fame and valor.

Location: Bikaner, heart of west Rajasthan is known as the 'Tapo bhoomi' of great sages and saints, since pre-historic times. The holy rivers of Saraswati and Drishadwati used to flow in this region. Archaeologists believe that the Great Indian Desert, of which Bikaner is a part, was once an ocean. A belief which stands substantiated by the presence of sedimentary layers of various kinds of the precious clay, bajri etc. in the holy Kolayat area55 kms away from Bikaner.

Languages Spoken Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
Long Distance Code +91-151
Importance Karni devi temple where rats are treated as pets
Area 38 sq.kms.
Best Time To Visit October To February

Bikaner Attractions:

Junagarh Fort

This fort was built between1588-1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, a general in army of Mughal emperor Akbar. The Suraj pol is the main entrance to this fort. The palaces are on the southern side of the fort and courtyards, balconies and windows.The major feature of the Junagarh fort is the excellent quality of stone carving, best in the world. The Chandra Mahal or the moon palace is beautiful with paintings, mirrors and carved marble panels. The phool mahal or the flower palace is decorated with glass and mirrors. The Karan mahal was built to commemorate the victory over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Anup Mahal is famous for its gold leaf painting.

Lalgarh Palace

The architectural masterpiece in red sand stone, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881-1942A.D.) in the memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh is an example of pure Rajput martial architecture. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, this palace has large halls, pavilions, lounges and couplas. It has magnificent pillars, richly carved fire mantles, Italian colonnades and motif of lotus in full bloom. Walls of the palace are reminiscent of the past vintage etchings, hunting trophies and old portraits. The palace has its own museum and library that is the fourth largest in the world. The royal family still lives in part of the palace.

Gajner Palace
Gajner palace was summer resort of the Maharajas of Bikaner and is often referred to as the incomparable jewel in the Thar desert. The beautiful paace stands on lake. Built by Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the palace was used for grand shoots and lavish entertainments by the Maharaja. Indian and foreign royalties, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained here. The amazing craftsmanship with intricately carved pillars, charkas and screens leaves one awestruck. It is surrounded by beautiful sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras, black bucks, Nilgai and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of the palace is converted into hotel.

Deshnok's Karni Mata Temple

This 600 year old famous temple on the Jodhpur highway is dedicated to mata Karni, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple has huge intricately carved silver gates donated by Maharaja Ganga Singh. The interesting thing about the temple is the rats roaming freely around. They are fed by the priests and the devotees, owing to the belief that they will be reincarnated as holy men.

Bikaner Hotels:

RAJVILAS PALACE

Total Rooms : 57
Star Category : 5
This building known as Raj Vilas Palace was built in the year 1866 and originally used to house the Resident and Agent to the Governor General of India. Now, this same building was converted into a Hotel, known as Hotel Raj Vilas Palace, with major structural changes so as to transform the same into a luxurious Deluxe hotel with almost all facilities of a Five-Star hotel. We Arrange Camel Safari, Folk Dance and Music, Traditional Fire Dance of Bikaner, Camel Dance, Jeep Safari etc. at affordable price.

HERITAGE RESORT

Total Rooms : 50
Star Category : 3
Heritage Resort Bikaner, is a refined and refreshingly comfortable resort, exudes the mystique and beauty of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.Modem ammenities discreetly blends into the regal splendor of a bygone era. Here the rhythm of enchanting melodies, the sheer magic of the desert and the embracing smiles of our hospitality will surpass all your wildest expectations.

GAJNER PALACE

Total Rooms : 44
Star Category : 3
Gajner Palace is a Grand Heritage Palace of the HRH Group of Hotels. Spread over 6000 acres, the palace is a 30-minute drive from Bikaner. Gajner Palace was built on the banks of Gajner Lake by Sir Ganga Singhji, one of the greatest Maharajas of Bikaner, in the early decades of the twentieth century.The red sandstone palace is distinguished for its architectural grandeur and luxuriously appointed suites and rooms. The greenery at Gajner Palace, lawns and the chirping of birds and peacocks make it a truly memorable destination for leisure and corporate travellers.

KARNI BHAWAN

Total Rooms : 20
Star Category : 3
Karni bhawan was built by maharajah Dr Karni Singh of Bikaner in the 40's.All rooms are large, well decorated, comfortable and full with all modern amenities. The palace is surrounded by large sprawling grounds and lots of shady trees .

LALLGARH PALACE

Total Rooms : 56
Star Category : 3
Built in the year 1902 by one of the most outstanding personalities of princely India, Maharaja Ganga Singhji. The Lallgarh Palace is sheer poetry in sandstone. Constructed during the first half of the nineteenth century, it defies the bleak and rugged reality of the Thar desert. Lallagarh Palace is a complete integrated example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a perfect example of Sir Swinton Jacob's creations. The palace has played host to a number of dignitaries from all over the world.

Bikaner Hotels...