Sunday, January 27, 2013

TRAVEL SPECIAL... QUICK GETAWAY



 QUICK GETAWAY

FROM MUMBAI: NAGOTHANE, 100 KMS, 2 HRS, 22 DEGREES
    Nagothane is the perfect place that you should head to if you’re looking to spend some time alone. While travelling to the town of Nagothane, make sure to visit the old Musalman Bridge. This bridge is around 480 feet long, and very narrow. Built in the year 1580, the bridge was constructed by an alliance of Musalman kings during their war against the Portuguese.
    Nagothane is also famous as a trekking spot, and thus is a good place for adventure buffs and backpackers. You can go rock climbing while in Nagothane, as the rocky locations will serve as the perfect background for such activities. Rappelling is also a popular adventure sport in the region.
    Spend time bird watching as many rare species of birds can be spotted here.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is in Nagothane but trains are not very frequent. By Road: Drive to Panvel, through Pen on NH 66 to Nagothane.

FROM DELHI: MORNI HILLS, 282 KMS, 5 HRS, 10 MINUTES, 18 DEGREES APPROX
    Morni Hills, a hill station in the Panchkula district of Haryana is a welcome retreat for nature and adventure lovers. It is believed that the Morni Hills are named after Queen Morni who used to rule this place at one point in history. It is a very serene and calm place and is much appreciated for its beauty. The hilltops are covered by pine trees and slopes are covered by jamun, shisham, jacaranda, ritha, neem, mango, pipal and sal trees. During spring, when the flowers blossom, it is quite a picturesque sight.
    There are a large variety of birds found here like the Crested Kingfisher, Wallcreeper, Kalij Pheasant, Red Peafowl, Black Francolin, Himalayan Bulbul, Bartailed Treecreeper, Grey Francolin and Oriental Turtle Dove. Various species of wild animals like wild boar, hyenas, langur, jackals, sambar and sometimes even leopards are found here.
    The place is ideal to indulge in adventure sports like trekking and rock climbing. Make a visit to the two lakes in the area or picnic by the Ghaggar River near which lie the remains of an old fort.
    The best time to visit Morni Hills is between September to March.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is in Chandigarh. By Road: Drive onto Mahatma Gandhi Marg/NH 2, Grand Trunk Road, NH 22, NH 73 and then Major District Road 118.

FROM BANGALORE: SHRAVANABELAGOLA, 146 KMS, 3 HRS, 28 DEGREES
    
Shravanabelagola is a Jain pilgrim destination located in the Hassan district of Karnataka. The town is wedged between two rocky hills — Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri. There is a tank in the midst of this town called ‘Belagola’, which means white pond in Kannada, an allusion to the beautiful pond.
    This town has got some historical references, which add to its importance. According to the tradition of the Jain Bhadrabahu, one of the Sritakavalli as the successor of Vardhamana (Mahaveera) passed away here in a cave on Chandrabetta or Chandragiri Hill.
    There are ancient monuments in and around Shravanabelagola of rare excellence and skill built by the illustrious Gangas and Hoysalas who had a profound sense of duty and ardent devotion to religion. The finest monuments are found in two sacred hills, Vindhyagiri and the Chandragiri.
    Being a Jain religious centre, alcohol and meat is difficult to get here.
By Rail: Nearest station is Hassan. By Road: Take NH 4, cross Nelamangala, take a deviation towards Mangalore on NH 48. Drive till Hirisave which leads to Shravanabelagola.
ETTR130116

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