GOA

About GoaVariously known as "Rome of the East", "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions. All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goan people allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm. The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous. Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves. Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa. The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists. The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool. Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.

MAHARASTRA

Maharashtra Beaches

Maharastra's 720 kames. Long affair with the Arabian Sea extends from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa procssding Southwards. If you've got a penchant for send, sea and surf, this State has a great many interesting option in store. You could arrange fun day - trips or get away on a weekend. Indulge in adventurous water sports or daydream on secluded, golden sands. If you happen to have a special interest in forts and their history.

Maharastra is the perfect place to start on an enlightening tour. No other coasting India offers you such a vast choice of majestic forts like khanderi, Undheri, Malvani, Goa, Murud, Sindhudurg and Suvarnadurg. Discover the real Maharastra while you soak up the soft sands. Or explore intriguing sights. There's so much you can do. Study temple and churches. Stroll through whispering coconut groves. Hill and valleys. Look for tiny, picturesque villages. Acquaint yourself with different people … and their lifestyle. Sample authentic Konken cuisine …. Solkadhi, bangda, pomfret, curry, modak, rice, chapattis, dishes with jackfruit, kokam sherbet and, of course, the world famous Devgad alphonso.

Any place you choose is conveniently linked to Mumbai- a good starting point. And all these places are well-connected buses. The coastal climate of Maharastra makes traveling pleasant all round the year. Sea are rough only during the monsoon which strikes between June and September - Depending on the kind of holiday you plan you can be positive that is no ordinary holiday. Because Maharastra is no ordinary place!

Bassein
Bassein used to be a place for ship-building in the beginning of the seventeenth century . it was here that the Marathas besieged the Portuguese in 1739.


Dahanu Bordi
Dahanu, a quite seaside town with a sprawling, uncluttered beach, is situated in Thane district.


Ganpatipule
Visit the vast strech of unpolluted silver sands on the western cost of Maharastra, Bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, Lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the arabian sea, Laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves, Carrying the timid wispers of saying coconut trees.


Mandwa - Kihim
Twelve miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach.


Marve, Manori, Gorai
North of Mumbai, and away from its busting crowds and pollution, are these three gems that have become popular havens for Mumbai's beleaguered fun lovers.


Murud - Janjira
Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casuarinas, coconut and betel palms, and an ancient fort.


Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar
Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers.


Velneshwar
North of the Shastri river lies the idyllic village of Velneshwar.


Vengurla - Malvan
Further south lies Vengurla with its long stretch of white sands, and hills covered with cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves.


Vijaydurg- Sindhudurg
Vijaydurg or Fort Victor was strengthened around the seventeenth century by Shivaji, to whom it owes its finest features - the triple line of walls, the numerous towers and the massive interior buildings.

KERALA

Thiruvananthapuram - The Political Gateway To The South
Plan a holiday tour to the capital of God's own country, Thiruvananthapuram. Once the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore, the city now boasts of colossal buidings and palaces, wide, open avenues, lush green gardens and undulating countryside. Trivandrum is particularly known for Padmanabha Swamy Temple, located in its heart displaying an impeccable blend of Kerala and the Dravidian styles of art.

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Kochi - The Mermaid of Malabar
Plan a holiday trip to Kochi, the breathtakingly beautiful Queen of Arabian Sea. Watch fishermen tug at the huge Chinese fishing nets with their huge haul, visit the 500-year old Jewish Synagogue portraying beautiful handpainted Cantonese tiles and try fresh coconut oil on your head.

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Alappuzha - The Land of Backwaters
Alappuzha with its labyrinth of waterways, was extolled by travellers as the Venice of the East. Plan a holiday trip to the land that equally attracts hundreds of migratory birds and tourists to its backwaters. It is a land that pulsates with gigantic snake boat races, but also doesn't forget to offer toddy during moods of merriment.

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Munnar - Savour The Hilly Aroma
Roll upon roll of lush green hills covered with tea plantations, Munnar in the western Ghats is not only an idyllic hill station getaway but an adventure tourism destination too, where you can go rock climbing, rappelling and camping.

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Follow The Steps of The Jungle King
Join the Thekkady tiger trail - a real adventure trek into the dense forests of Periyar with expert guides. Cook in the jungle. Sleep in tents. Wake up to the sounds of the wilderness. Try and spot a tiger. Find out if you can face the king while on the Indian elephant.

TAMIL NADU

Introduction
This metropolis is often called the cultural capital of India for its deep-rooted traditions and long heritage. Chennai is a city younger than its image. More than any other city in India, it is a true reflection of this country’s diversity. In a time span of just over 350 years, Chennai has blossomed into a charming city that has a large heart and is very welcoming. It is city that encourages all forms of development, both modern technology and the traditional arts and crafts, and it embraces a series of paradoxes. It was in 1639 that Francis Day and Andrew Cogan, agents for the English East India Company, acquired a strip of land on lease from the Vijayanagar King. They built the Fort St.George, which remains of the city’s important landmarks and serves as the Government Secretariat today. It was built to set up a factory that served as a nucleus for British settlements that began to be formed. Surrounding villages like Triplicane, Purasawalkam, Egmore and Chetput slowly merged with the new developments, to form Chennapatnam, as it was known. The city was called Madras till 1996 and then renamed Chennai. Today this buoyant metropolis is a blend of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern.
Spread over 200 square kilometres with the Bay of Bengal on the east, the city is the gateway to the rest of South India. There are verdant green patches found amidst the high-tech, high-rise buildings.
With a population of around six million, it is India’s fourth largest city. From before days of Independence to present , the people of Chennai have played an important role in shaping the country’s political destiny.
Chennai’s Pride Chennai’s newest pride is the Tidel Park, the home for the Information Technology Industry. It is spread over 1.28 million sq.ft. of built up area. The Tidel Park is an architectural marvel and houses several large national and international software companies in its premises.The City of Grace And Peace

ANDHRA

About Andhra Pradesh
Lose yourself in the Wonder that is Andhra Pradesh. Meander through lands steeped in chivalry and pageantry. Explore modern cities that have grown from the roots of a multi-hued past. Make a pilgrimage to holy shrines that echo with tales of antiquity. Frolic on a vast array of golden beaches that dot an enviable coastline. Sport with adventure in style. Let the jungle lure you to a fascinating world at a diverse array of wildlife sanctuaries and parks.
History Heritage & Culture Arts & Crafts Cuisine Fairs & Festivals Districts
Andhra Pradesh is the third largest state in India with an area of 275,000 sq. km. A state in the southern region of India, Andhra Pradesh is bordered on the south by Tamil Nadu state, on the west by Karnataka state, on the north and northwest by Maharashtra state, on the northeast by Madhya Pradesh and Orissa states, and on the east by the Bay of Bengal. The northern area of Andhra Pradesh is mountainous. The climate is generally hot and humid. Annual rainfall is 125 cm. The Krishna and The Godavari are the major river systems in the state.Andhra Pradesh has a very rich cultural background. Historians date life in the area to the Palaeolithic age of some 3,00,000 years ago. Of course, recorded history points to existence of societies as early as the sixth century BC in the Krishna and Godavari valleys.
From such a background emerges the modern day Andhra Pradesh, on the forefront not just alphabetically. Its people are achievers who display a rare hospitality and courtesy. The State is today on the top internationally in regard to information technology and its capital Hyderabad has metamorphosed into one of the best cities in the country.
Starting with a purely Andhra or Telugu culture, the people of the State have over the years imbibed the graces of Persian and Turkish cultures brought in by Muslim rulers. A confluence of such cultures has created an exclusive ‘Deccani’ culture that combines hospitality, grace, appreciation of beauty and a passion to excel.
It is this driving passion that has brought the State to the foremost position today. It already has valuable gifts that nature has endowed it with — a long coastline bordered by clean beaches; hills, forests and a meteorologically and socially pleasant climate.
It is not for nothing that global investors have found Andhra Pradesh ideal for setting up their units. International IT giants were among the first to be taken in by the Hi-tec City near Hyderabad and its environs that form Cyberabad — the IT destination.
Urbanisation of what was known as Andhra Desa covering almost all the present Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Plateau and peninsular India started as early as the sixth century BC and this is borne out by the accounts of Megasthenes, Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya, in the third century BC. Megasthenes recorded the existence of as many as 30 fortified towns in the region.
It was during this period that Buddhism and Jainism vied with the already established Brahmanism. But it was after the second Buddhist council in 380 BC that Andhra Desa became a Buddhist stronghold with Dhanyakataka, today’s Amaravati in Guntur district, as its centre.
After the fall of the Mauryan empire, the Satavahanas, who had accepted the suzerainty of the Mauryas, united as a single race. Their empire was vast and spread over the peninsula. The rulers were followers of Brahmanism, but the womenfolk practised Buddhism. It was during this period that Buddhism spread from these shores to China, the Far East and to Sri Lanka. The Amaravati school of art developed into a distinctive style. The Satavahanas proclaimed themselves Dakshinapathapatis – monarchs of the South. (Dakshin later came to be described as the Deccan.)
Saintly Successors
After the fall of the Satavahana empire, the Ikshvakus succeeded them in the coastal areas with their capital at Vijayapuri, a valley beside Sriparvata that later came to be called Nagarjunakonda. It was at Sriparvata that Acharya Nagarjuna established a centre of learning and preached the Mahayana form of Buddhism based on the Madhyamika philosophy during the 2nd century AD.
Subsequently came the Vishnukundins and during their reign Telugu became the court language and the area was referred to as Telangana or the Telugu land. During the Ikshvaku rule, Prakrit was replaced by Sanskrit. By the sixth century, Telugu as a language adopted a number of Sanskrit words.
Then came the Chalukyas, the Pallavas and the Kakatiyas. The Kakatiyas established themselves as rulers of a Telugu-speaking people and set up their capital at Hanumakonda. The Chalukyas and Kakatiyas proved themselves to be excellent architects and their contribution to temple architecture is a feast for the eyes even today.
A New Era
The glorious reign of the Kakatiyas came to an end in the 14th century and for the first time Telugus came under a Muslim regime that brought with it a totally different set of customs, language and religion. The Delhi Sultanate defeated the Kakatiyas in 1310. It was during 1347 AD that Allauddin Hasan, claiming lineage to Bahman Shah of Persia, revolted against the Delhi Sultanate and declared himself ruler of the southern part of the territory, comprising mainly the Deccan and Telangana area.
The Bahmanis were a regular source of irritation to the neighbouring Gajapathi and Vijayanagar rulers. Another epochal era was during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire, who joined forces with the Gajapathi rulers of the east coast and consolidated his empire. But after his death in 1529, decay set in on the kingdom with palace feuds.
It was somewhere around this time that the Qutb Shahi dynasty came into being when Sultan Quli, the Bahmani governor of Telangana, became independent and extended the new kingdom of Golconda right upto Machilipatnam on the east coast. Given the title of Qutb-ul-Mulk by theBahmanis, Qutb Shah, a descendant of a royal family of Hamadan in Persia, took over the reins and ruled till 1548.
The Birth of Hyderabad
Sultan Quli was murdered by his son Jamsheed but his youngest son Ibrahim managed to escape and take refuge in the neighbouring Vijayanagar Empire under Rama Raya. Seven years in exile, Ibrahim returned
to Golconda after Jamsheed’s death. By then, Ibrahim had married a Vijayanagar princess Bhageerathi and to them was born the builder of Hyderabad, Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.
The city was named Bhagnagar, after Bhagmati. Subsequently it came to be called Hyderabad, today’s vibrant metropolis that has been transformed into a fitting tribute to the builder of the city.
Hyderabad today hosts some of the best buildings, both heritage and modern. Structures put up centuries ago are still preserved as monuments. Parks or gardens have been revived and the number of water bodies in and around the city rejuvenated to re-create the splendour of a thriving modern city that retains its old heritage with a sense of pride and belonging.
Malls and shopping complexes in multi-storeyed structures abound but the old ambience remains. A special charm is very much there. Amidst all this romantic environment, industries have come up. Some of the multinational companies have set up branches here, a number of State and Indian Government units including prestigious research and development as well as defense establishments have made Hyderabad their home. Their staff, drawn from all parts of the country, feel at home in the new environment and culture.

KARNATAKA

Water Falls
Jog Falls: The Jog in Shimoga District is the tallest water fall in India where the river Sharavati jumps from a height of 293 mts. into four beautiful cascades . The best time to visit is only during July to October.
The Cauvery at Shivasamudra falls (in Mandya district) has twin jumps, Gaganachukki and Bharachukki, one km away from each other and their water has been harnessed for production of power from 1901. The river Shimsha , a tributary of the Cauvery, has its fall in Malavalli taluk in Mandya district.
Abbi Falls is 5 km away from Madikeri, Kodagu district which is a perennial hill-station.
The Irrupu falls, 48 km from Virajpet in Kodagu District, is bounded by scenic locals.
Chikmagalur district has many water falls. The hill stations at Kemmannagundi has the Hebbe Falls jumping down from a height of about 500 feet. Manikyandhara is yet another water falls near the famous pilgrim centre Baba Budangiri Dattatreya Peetha where water spills down like small balls giving the visitors a memorable shower bath.
Kallatti Falls, 100 km from Kemmanugundi at Kallattipura in Tarikere taluq is another beautiful fall with water leaping down from a height of 400 feet. There is an old Veerabhadra temple very near the Falls.
Chunchanakatte FallsThe picturesque Chunchanakatte Falls in Mysore district is at the place of the same name which also has an ancient temple of a Lord Rama close by Uttara Kannada is famous for its Unchalli (Lushington) Falls. Aghanashini river creates this water cascade which screams down from a height of about 450 feet.It is near Yellapur (19 km. away) in Uttara Kannada Called `Mini Niagara', Gokak Falls is another fall known for its beauty. Cascading from a height of 170 feet, it is famous for its spread and shape. Gokak Falls must be visited in July-August when it will be in full bloom.
FortsNo tourist survey is complete without mentioning about Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, Srirangapattan, Keladi, Chitradurga, Mysore, etc. had their forts.
There are hill forts at the
Nandi Hill (Kolar district)
Savanadurga (Bangalore district)
Madhugiri
Pavagada
Midigeshi (Tumkur district)
Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary district)
Sandur (Bellary district)
Jamalabad in Dakshina Karnataka
Manzarabad near Sakleshpur (Hassan district)
Kavaledurga (Shimoga district)
Chitradurga Shahapur (Gulbarga district)
Shorapur (Gulbarga district)
Nargund fort built by Shivaji (Dharwad district)
Parasgad and Vallabhgad forts (Belgaum district), also raised by Shivaji.
Bangalore, Devanahalli, Magadi (Bangalore district), Aymangala in Chitradurga district, Chikbanavar in Hassan district, Belgaum have fortifications round part of the towns even now.
The coastal island forts like Bahadurgad, Basavaraja Durga, Devagad and Kurmagad are as strong as they were in the heydays.FortsNo tourist survey is complete without mentioning about Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, Srirangapattan, Keladi, Chitradurga, Mysore, etc. had their forts.
There are hill forts at the
Nandi Hill (Kolar district)
Savanadurga (Bangalore district)
Madhugiri
Pavagada
Midigeshi (Tumkur district)
Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary district)
Sandur (Bellary district)
Jamalabad in Dakshina Karnataka
Manzarabad near Sakleshpur (Hassan district)
Kavaledurga (Shimoga district)
Chitradurga Shahapur (Gulbarga district)
Shorapur (Gulbarga district)
Nargund fort built by Shivaji (Dharwad district)
Parasgad and Vallabhgad forts (Belgaum district), also raised by Shivaji.
Bangalore, Devanahalli, Magadi (Bangalore district), Aymangala in Chitradurga district, Chikbanavar in Hassan district, Belgaum have fortifications round part of the towns even now.
The coastal island forts like Bahadurgad, Basavaraja Durga, Devagad and Kurmagad are as strong as they were in the heydays.

NAMA AIHOLE

Famous as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture", Aihole has over a hundred temples scattered around the village.
The oldest temple here is, perhaps, the Lad Khan temple dating back to the 5th Century. The Durga (Fort) Temple is notable for its semi-circular apse, elevated plinth and the gallery that encircles the sanctum. The Hutchimalli Temple out in the village - has a sculpture of Vishnu sitting atop a large cobra.

The Revalphadi Cave - dedicated to Shiva - is remarkable for its delicate details.

Not to be missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two storeyed Buddhist Temple.

Getting here:
Rail: The nearest railway station is Begalkot.
Road: Aihole is connected by road to Pattadakal, Badami, Bangalore

NAMA MYSORE

Cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysore is a majestic, mysterious and mesmersing city. It has inherited all Indian traditions with modernity. Mysore has a number of historical and heritage buildings.The Royal City of Mysore, a beautiful city ideal for people who wish to live a peaceful life. Mysore is a place well renowned for Dasara festival and is a favored tourism destination throughout India.



Mysore Palace
Once the residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo Saracenic style, this place excludes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Elephant Throne, the Durbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantap and the Gallery are the main attractions here. A priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyar .An eclectic synthesis of architectural styles the palace is one of India’s most dramatic national monuments. Today it is a museum housing treasures from across the world reflecting the rich and colorful history of the erstwhile princely state of MysoreThe majestic Durbar Hall with its ornate ceiling and sculpted pillars and the Marriage Pavilion with its chandeliers, cast-iron pillars and Belgian stained glass arranged in peacock designs in the domed ceilings are the main attractions. Make sure you see the magnificent jewel-studded golden throne, the pride of the Wodeyars and the symbol of their sovereignty, displayed here during the Dussehra festival in October.A row of souvenir shops leads to the Residential Museum, which houses musical instruments, Tanjore and Mysore paintings and an array of personal effects belonging to the Maharaja’s family. The palace, illuminated on Sundays and public holidays, presents a spectacle of breathtaking beautyJaganmohan Palace: Converted into an Art Gallery in 1875 exhibits Paintings. Paintings of masters like Raja Ravi Verma of Travancore and the Russian painter Svetoslav Roerich on display.
CHAMUDI HILLS
Perched atop a hill is a 12th century temple of Chamundershwari. About 13 Kms from Mysore by road these is also a 1000 step walking track for all those young at heart to try. The gigantic 4.8 meter tall monolith of Nandi the sacred vehicle of Lord Shiva is a marvel to watch. Also close to the temple stands a gigantic statues of the demon Mahishasura.Situated on the heights of Chamundi Hills, the Temple resides Nandi Bull's Sculpture, the Bull denoting vehicle to Lord Shiva, and is one of the seven bulls in the country. The temple has large silver gates and golden idols. It is considered to be a very religious temple, where the blessings of the goddess help devotees to fulfill their need. Pilgrims are supposed to climb the 100 odd steps to the top, to improve their past 'karmas'The hill gets its name from the Goddess Kali or Chamundi, the consort of Shiva and she is the family deity of the Maharajas of Mysore. The Chamundeswari Temple is a fine quadrangular structure with a high 'gopuram' (tower) and 'dwara' (entrance) which is a visible landmark from many miles. 'Mahishasura' was killed by Goddess 'Chamundi' and hence she was given the name 'Mahishasura Mardhini'. The Goddess is seated on a lion, killing the buffalo-headed demon with her trident..


ZOO

Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is popularly known as was established in the year 1892 in Mysore, by the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or 'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of Mysore ZooThe Zoohas been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new animalsThe Flourishing FloraThe zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animalsExotic FaunaThe Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them. About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40 countries in the world
Mysore Zoo or Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens as it is popularly known as was established in the year 1892 in Mysore, by the then Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar. Initially known as 'Khasa Bangle' or 'private bungalow', the zoo, one of the biggest of its kind in the country housed different species of birds in about 10 acres. Later, the then British Officer, Karumbeigal shifted the Zoo to Mysore to the premises of Mysore ZooThe Zoohas been further extended to cover the adjacent Karanji Lake. The lake attracts several species of birds and the Zoo has plans to develop the lake into a bird sanctuary. Among the primary activities of the zoo besides breeding rare animals, is to barter animals, and bringing in new animalsThe Flourishing FloraThe zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animalsExotic FaunaThe Zoo has to its credit breeding of rare animals and largest mammals in captivity. This unique feature is said to be present only in a few of the reputed zoological gardens in southeast Asia, Mysore being one among them. About two million visitors, from within the country and abroad, visit the famous Mysore Zoo every year. The Mysore Zoo has a record of housing variety of species not only of this country but also from more than 40 countries in the world.

NAMA BANGLORE

A fast growing metropolis, the garden city of Bangalore is the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Situated at about 1000 meters above sea level, it is known for its salubrious climate where temperatures remain moderate through out the year. The maximum temperature in July is around 320C and the minimum around 220C. It is connected by air, rail and road to all major cities of the country and has direct international connections to many cities worldwide.
The clean and spacious city of Bangalore has many imposing structures full of historic and modern architecture. The majestic Vidhana Soudha, a magnificent post-independence structure housing the State legislature and Secretariat, stands in the center of the city with its attractive dome and galleries. It is sheer delight to see the illuminated Soudha during nights on Sundays and Holidays.
The city has several institutions of Learning and Research. Many of them such as the Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute, National Institute of Mental health and Neuro-Sciences, National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore University have worldwide acclaim. The high-tech industries such as Aerospace, Electronics, Computers and now fast spreading software have made Bangalore their home due to easy access to a vast pool of scientists and engineers in the city. In the area of art and culture too, the city boasts of a rich heritage and tradition and has several schools of classical music and dance.
The city abounds in picturesque parks and gardens and other scenic spots. The extensive stretch of green land of Cubbon Park and the enchanting botanical gardens with Glass-House of Lal-Bagh, both situated right in the middle of the metropolis, lend all the charming grandeur to the city. About 20 Km from the city is situated the Bannerghatta National Park. It is a dry decidious forest which has abundant variety of trees like Neem, Sandal,Tamarind,Jalari. This park is inhabited by the Asian Elephants, leopards,Sloth Bears,Chital, Sambar,Monitor Lizards,Pangolin,Vipers, Cobras,Macaques,Porcupines,Mongoose, etc and lot of bird species are also to be found in this park. Moreover the best time to visit the park is between September and October.

Bangalore boasts of some of the oldest, and most beautiful temples in the country. The Venkataramanaswamy Temple is a 300 year old temple. Another impressive temple is the Gavi Gangadhareswara temple, an unusual cave temple. It has been designed in such a manner so that the rays of the sun pass between the horns of a Nandi Bull placed outside the temple, and thereby, illuminate the image of Lord Shiva.