Gangeshwar Temple located at Fudam village of Diu is very close to the Nagoa Beach.
It is a very ancient Lord Shiva temple and there are five Shiva Lingas of different sizes amidst rocks on the seashore. It is believed that 5 Shiv Lingas are installed by the Pandavas during their exile to worshipping Mahadev.
The Shivlings are washed continuously by the tidal waves of the sea giving a mystic aura for the devotees and visitors. During high tide, one may only be able to view the tip of the lingams as they are submerged under water.
In the surroundings one can also see variety of birds flying around.
How To Reach: Fudam village is situated near Nagoa Beach at the eastern end of Diu Island.
In Gir Sanctuary went for Safari in an open jeep and we could see some birds flying around. We spotted few Indian Jackal in the forest under the tree during the open Jeep safari in the forest.
It is small to medium-sized animal with fur that is a mixture of black and white. Black hairs predominate on the middle of the back and tail. The belly, chest and the sides of the legs are white.
They are mostly seen in lowlands on the outskirts of towns, villages and farms, where they shelter in holes among ruins or dense bush.
They are opportunistic omnivores, predators of small- to medium-sized animals and proficient scavengers. They feed on rodents, reptiles, fruit and insects.
Kapu located at a distance of 13 kms from Udupi has very picturesque beach.
On the rocky surface of the beach it has a Light House that was built in 1901.
It has stood on the rocks for many years guiding thousands of sailors and warning them the presence of rocks.
To reach the top of the lighthouse, one has to climb the spiral stair case. Once at the top of the lighthouse we can get the magnificent view of the surroundings from the top.
It is open for visitors between 4 p.m to 6 p.m.
Marundeeswarar Temple in Chennai occupying an overall area of 1 acre is one of the oldest temples in the Thiruvanmiyur region. In the 11th century this temple was expanded by the Chola Kings. The temple can be entered through the huge five tiered gateway tower.
The temple has two entrances, one from East Coast Road and the other from West Tank Street both adorned by 5-tiered gateway tower.The colourful stucco figures adorn the towers.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva is facing west. There is a separate mantapam for his consort Thripurasundari.
The tower above the sanctum of the presiding deity is of Chaturvastam design.The mandapam of the main temple has a front hall with 36 massive pillars adorned with carvings.
The temple has smaller Shrines for Ganesha, Murugan facing the east.
In Gir Sanctuary went for Safari in an open jeep and we could see some birds flying around. We spotted few Common Mynah in the forest.
It has brown body with a black hooded head. It has bare yellow patch behind the eye with bright yellow bill and legs. It has a white patch on the outer primaries.
It is a omnivorous bird and feeds on insects, arachnids, reptiles, small mammals, seeds, grain and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation.
This is thirty-second in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. There are various intricate sculptures in each of these temples where each one of them is better than the other.
On the East Gate of Great Stupa of Sanchi has beautiful sculptures of elephants at the top side. The close up of the elephants shows skillfully carved cloth coverings and other details.
Dashavatara in Ellora has a sculpture of Mahadeva in his terrible form. The gigantic figure lounges forward holding up his elephant hide, with a necklace of skulls depending below is loins, while with his trishul he has transfixed one victim.
To add to the elements of horror, Kali, gaunt and grim, stretches her skeleton length below, with huge mouth, having a crooked knife in her right hand, and stretching out the other with a bowl as if wanting a share of the victims blood.
At Sun Temple of Modhera, on the step of the Surya Kund directly opposite the temple, a small shrine has Vishnu on Shesh Shaiya.
The Devgiri Fort 15 kms from Aurangabad, has many interesting structures. Each one of them is very different from each other.
The fort also has a temple, dedicated to Bharat Mata Mandir. It is opposite to Chand Minar near the Hathi Hauz. There is a dome shaped entrance gate to the temple.
This temple has many ancient pillar halls and there is a wide courtyard in front of the temple.
Within the rows of pillars there is a beautiful sanding image of Bharat Mata. The image of deity is very new when compared to rest of the structures.
The beautiful Shivansamudra Waterfalls on the Kaveri River formed when plunges down through the rocks and ravines.
During the rainy season this is a must visit place.
Apart from this water falls here one can get to see the monkeys.
The Man Mandir Palace in Gwaior inside the Gwalior Fort was built by Raja Man Singh of the Tomar dynasty between 1486 and 1516 has magnificent facade.
The walls of the southern facade are covered in blue, yellow and green tiles applied in friezes of geometric patterns or various animals.
On the solid part of the parapet are further friezes of elephants, peacocks and trees.
There are brilliant freezes depicting parrots, rows of ducks, banana trees and crocodiles holding lotus buds, decorating the palace's facade.
Rudabai Stepwell in Adalaj is one of the magnificent Step-well that is truly a architectural marvel. King Mahmud Begada had built this step-well in 1499 for his queen Rudabai. Once upon a time it provided water for drinking, washing and bathing.
It is an fine masterpiece of Indo-Islamic fusion. It was dug deep to access ground water at that level and it is five stories deep. The sandstone structure built on intricately carved large number of pillars is octagonal in plan at the top.
The air and light vents in the roofs at various floors and at the landing level are in the form of large openings. Built along a North-South axis, entrance is from the South, the three staircases are from the South, West and East directions leading to the landing, which is on the northern side of the well.
Four small rooms with oriel windows decorated with minutely carved brackets are provided at the landing level, at the four corners.
The motifs of flowers and graphics of Islamic architecture blend very well with the symbols of Hindu and Jain gods carved at various levels of the well.
We came across many birds during our visit to Ooty. We spotted many water birds while boating in the Ooty Lake. One of them is Coot.
Coots are small water birds. They have predominantly black plumage with red to dark red eyes and colored bills.
They are omnivorous, and they mainly eat plant material along with small animals and eggs.
Ullal just 10 kms from Mangalore is one of the oldest towns in India. This historic town on Arabian Coast in the 16th century this place was the capital of the Chowta dynasty during the rule of brave Queen Abbakka Chowta.
There are many places of interest here:
The big town of historic importance near by is Mangalore.
Another historic town close by is Manjeshvar.
Yumesamdong is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 15,300 ft. above Mean Sea Level. This natural beauty is just a distance of 26 kms from Yumthang is very close to the Indo Chinese border.
This place is often called as Zero Point as because beyond this point there is no motor-able road and the other side of the mountain lies on the India - Autonomous Region of Tibet border.
After crossing the small stream through man-made bridges, one can climb on top of the snow clad mountains. Breathtaking views here is delight for the tourists.
During winter or spring the area is mostly snow covered. Here the tourist could rent snow boots and jackets on the spot and go on a trek in the snow. Kids had great time by playing in the snow for the first time.
The sweet fragrance of Azalea / Ezilia fill the region and the plant is used for by the locals as incense.
How to Reach: To visit this place one has to find accommodation at Lachung for the overnight. From Lachung this place is just 3 hours drive by road. Oxygen density in this place is bit lower and it is good to be cautious.
