Yatra Chardham year 2015 New route to Sri Kedarnath

The Yatra Chardham in Uttrakhand Himalayas for the year 2015 starts from 20 April 2015 , with the opening of the Kapat ( Doors) at Dhams on following dates  Sri Yamunotri Dham  21 APRIL, Sri Gangotri Dham 21 APRIL, Sri Kedarnath Dham 23 APRIL, Sri Badrinath Ji Dham 26 APRIL

Sri Badrinath Temple

Sri Badrinath Temple will open on 26 April 2015

Sri Gangotri Temple

Sri Gangotri Ji Temple will open on 21 April 2015

The roads from Rishikesh / Dharsu Bend  to Uttarkashi are in  good conditions , a new bridge over the river  Bhagirathi, near Matli is constructed , the soft road area which are prone to land slides in Maneri and Gangani remains travel worthy , in case of  heavy rains one is to take precautions while driving in this area and follow the instructions from the Police and Local Administration .

Sri Kedarnath Temple

Sri Kedarnath Ji Temple will open on 23 April 2015

In the year 2013 floods the trekking route got washed away form Gaurikund to Sri Kedarnath Ji . In the year 2014 a longer  route was opened for the pilgrims starting from Son Prayag to Limchuli and then to Sri Kedarnath on the left bank of River Mandakini was taking three days of trekking journey with a night halt at Limchuli  . The work for the shorter route is on full swing now for the Yatra year 2015. Army helicopters are ferrying the equipment, diesel for the generators for the construction sites .  The pilgrims will start the trek from Gauri Kund to Rambara  07 km. ( Seven kilometer) on the Right bank of river Mandakini and from Rambara  pilgrims will cross the river Mandakini to reach Limchuli 05 Km ( Five kilometer) , from here onward there is a normal walk and no climbing on a well prepared broad trek of 03 km ( Three kilometer ) to Sri Kedarnath Ji. The buildings which were not damaged during the floods of year 2013 are being repaired and arrangements are being made to house five thousand yatris ( pilgrims) near the Shrine , more  facilities will be available at Limchuli for a night stay  .

Yamunotri TempleSri Yamunotri Ji temple will open on 21 April 2015

There was very little  dammage to the roads during the 2013 floods in Yamunotri area , now all roads and treks are in good condition from Dharsu Bend till Janki Chatti and the the Six kilometer trek is well prepared to receive the yatris ( pilgrims)

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Dwarka, Somnath Highway Bridge collapsed

The main link road Dwarka to Somnath the Highway 8E is blocked due to the bridge over river Bhadra collapsed on the midnight of 7th April 2015. this place is about 30 km from Porbandar , 130 km from Dwarka and 120 km from Somnath .
The traffic between Dwarka/ Porbandar to Somnath is diverted from Porbandar to reach Junagarh and then take the Junagarh – Somnath Highway, this diversion is additional 60 km , 3 hrs. extra time.

Collapsed Bridge over river Bhadra , Dwarka-Somnath Highway


 

Collapsed portion of Bridge over Bhadra river, Dwarka-Somnath Highway


 

Collapsed Bridge of Bhadra river , Dwarka-Somnath highway


The wetlands of Bhadra river around this bridge is very famous for bird watchers , the migratory birds from as far as Siberia start arriving around October, they spend the winters here and start flying back to their home early March ever year.
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Somnath – Dwarka Highway Bhadar river bridge fallen

National Highway 8E is very busy road is used by people  traveling from Dwarka to Porbandar,  Somnath , Viraval , Bhavnagar , Sasan Gir is disturbed now, the bridge over river Bhadar, situated at 130 km from Dwarka , 30 km from Porbandar and 120 km from Somnath collapsed on the night of 07 April 2015 .
 

Fallen Bhadra river Bridge on Dwarka-Porbandar-Somnath Highway


People now travelling from Dwarka to Somnath will have to take a diversion from Porbandar to reach Junagarh and then take the Junagarh – Somnath highway, this diversion has increased the travel distance by 65 km and travel time by two hrs.
The wetlands of Bhadra river near this bridge are very famous for its migratory birds during the winters .
Bhadra river which flows in Gujarat originates near Jasdan , flowing for about 200 km in the West direction and meets the Arabian sea at the Western Ghats forming the backwaters and a lake near this bridge.
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Khardong-la , Leh, Ladakh

Khardong La situated at a height of 5359 meters , it is among one of the  highest pass with motor road , it is a gate way to Shyok and Nubra valley , it is 39 km south of Leh in Ladakh , it is most of the time covered under snow and a blanket of fog , South Pullu is just 15 km. where permits are checked and if weather is not good one is to wait here for road clearance .
 

Khardong-la ( pass) on way  Leh to Nubra valley
The two bases on either side of Khardong-la are North Pullu and South Pullu. Inner Line Permit (ILP) is not needed to reach Khardung La peak, however Inner Line Permit is needed to cross North Pullu to reach Nubra Valley , photocopies of permit obtained from The DCs office in Leh are to be deposited at both the points .
 

South Pullu , before Khardong-La


High Altitude Sickness is the main concern for the travelers who have not acclimatized them self . One can expect  long travel delays due to traffic congestion on narrow one-lane sections, washouts, landslides and road accidents on this highway .  The highway  is closed every year  from approximately October to May due to snow .
It is one of the most visited point in Ladakh by motorbike and Jeep adventurists, one needs skill, good health, presence of mind , fast reflexes and lots of self control to drive on this stretch of road, one feels on top of the world after reaching the Khardong La Top .
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Nubra Valley , Ladakh

Nubra valley situated 150 km from Leh at an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level . It was also known as Ldumra ( Valley of Flowers) ,  Shyok river and Siachan river flows through a high altitude desert to form a large valley there is no rain fall,  rare precipitation but land is fertile near the river beds and produce Wheat, Barley, Peas, Mustard , a variety of fruits and nuts, including Apple, Walnut, Apricot and  Almond . Nubra Valley is also called the Food Bowl of Ladakh 

Pashmina Goat At Nubra


The people are of Balti origin, by faith  majority of them are Buddhist with few Muslims , Karakoram pass connects with Xinjiang region of Tibet China in the northwest of valley , in the north is Siachin Glacier , people live here are fair complexion with blue eyes , different from Ladakhi features who are with Mongolian features. It is said they belong to a Greek Tribe who came in search of Jesus Christ tomb never returned and settled here.
In India the Bactrian , the double hump camel is seen in the  deserts between Hundar and Diskit , it is pride of Nubra valley

Double Hump Bactrian Camel pride of Nubra Valley


To reach Nubra from Leh one is to drive on worlds highest motorable road and cross the Khardong-La pass , travel to Nubra need a permit, which only allows travel as far as Hunder and Panamik for a maximum of seven days. Tourists are to hand over photocopies of  permit on both sides of the Khardung – La and also by the bridge to Sumur. Khardung La is one of the highest motorable passes in the world joining Indus Valley (Leh) and Nubra Valley and Shoyok Valley. Built in 1976 by Indian Army and Border Road Organization

Hundar Nubra Valley Ladakh


Panamik is the last village accessible to foreigners.village is famous for 250 year old Ensa Gompa and hot water springs. Just few kilometers from here starts Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world .
Diskit Monastery,  the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery of  Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in Nubra . It  was built in 1420AD, on top of a hill overlooking town of Diskit, the Gompa provides beautiful panoramic views.  to reach the Gompa one is to climb a half hour trek through a two meter wide steep path . The main attraction of the Gompa is the main Deity, which holds in its hand the mummified human forearm and head, which is believed to be of a Mongol warrior .
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Kaziranga Wildlife Assam closed for Rhino counting

The Kaziranga Wildlife a World Heritage site home for single horn Asian Rhino is spread over 858 sq.km. on both side of river Bhramputra flood plains with lots of grassland, wetlands and river islands formed by the shifting course of river . The park is divided into five ranges – Central (entry point at Kohora), Western (entry point at Bagori), Eastern (at Agratoli), Western-most Burha Pahar (at Ghorakati) and Northern. The first four lie on the southern side of the river while the last is on the northern bank.
 

Single horn Rhino at Kaziranga Wildlife


How to reach : Rowraiah (Jorhat) is the nearest Airport which is 97 Kms. away and LGBI Airport (Guwahati) is 239 Kms. away. The road distances from nearest cities & towns to Kohora are from Jorhat is 89 Kms. from Nagaon is 96 Kms., from Guwahati is 219 Kms., from Golaghat is 73 Kms. and from Bokakhat is 21 Kms.
The Wildlife area will be closed for the Anual counting of Rhino population this year 2015 on 24 March till 26 March, no visitors will be allowed in the National park during this period. the number count of Rhinos in the park for the year 2014 was 2300 .
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Orcha, Fort and Palace

Orcha a small sleepy town on the banks of river Betwa but it was once the capital of the mighty Bundelkhand  State of Madhya Pradesh .

Orcha , Madhya Pradesh


Founded by the King Rudra Pratap Singh, a Rajput ruler of Bundelkhand , was the first king of Orcha and built the Fort in 1501 AD ,  a warrior tribe, whose  ancestors  one young Rajput prince  sacrificed his life for a  Goddess, Vrindavasini, in return, the Goddess blessed  that he and all his descendants would come to be known as the ‘Bundelas’, meaning, ‘those who gave blood’   the Orchha Bundelas came to be known as the chief of the Bundela clan.

Orcha Fort & Palace


The succeeding rulers, the most notable was Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo who built the exquisite Jehangir Mahal, in the 17th century, to celebrate the visit of Emperor Jehangir to Orcha,  a tiered palace crowned by graceful Chhatris. The whole Mahal is decorated beautifully with different geometric patterns and paintings of peacocks and flowers which represent the finest flowering of the Bundela school of painting. From here the view of soaring temple spires and cenotaphs is spectacular.  the mother of Jahangir was also a Rajput, Jodha. It is with this in mind that the Rajput king of Orcha had built the Jahangir Mahal.

Ceiling Paintings Raja Mahal Orcha


The Durbar-e-Khas, or the Durbar Hall, is situated on the first floor of the palace and is surrounded by high battlement walls. It is well fortified, and right above it are a number of musket holes through which the enemy was shot at. The Diwan-i-Am is an assembly hall where the king often held meetings with his council of ministers.

Jahangir Mahal Orcha


Rani Mahal  is famous for its lovely paintings and unique architecture. Rani Mahal, was the royal residence of the Queen of Raja Madhukar Shah. A great devotee of Lord Ram, the queen decorated her bedroom with murals featuring scenes from the epics. The exquisite paintings of Bhim and a bird flying with elephants are really fantastic.

Wall and ceiling paintings Orcha


The Rai Praveen Palace was constructed by Prince Indrajit Singh for his beloved  of three stories. The walls of the central hall on the second story bear many paintings depicting the several moods of the Rai Praveen. The palace is combined with a garden divided into two parts wall and which is popularly known as Anand Mahal Bag (Garden). The Rai Praveen was a great beauty whose main accomplishments were dancing, horse riding and poetry. The famous poet Keshavdas has compiled Kavi priya to honor Rai Praveen and praised her beauty.
In the Laxminarayan Temple and Raj Mahal, vibrant murals encompassing a variety of religious and secular themes, bring the walls and ceilings to rich life. Long tapering structures of temples and places act as the major landmark of this small town .
Raja Rudra Pratap started the work on Raja Mahal but after his death in 1531, his son Bharath Chand did the main portion of the palace but it was completed Raja  Madhukar Shah , one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It has the typical “jali” or lattice work at the entrance , a square shaped palace, divided into two beautiful courtyards. The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches, while the inner ones have some of the most beautiful paintings.
Ram Raja Temple , it is the only place in India where the Lord Ram is worshiped as a King in a Palace receives the Guard of Honor every day , Raja Ram is seated in a Padama Asan with the left leg crossed  on to right thigh ,  has a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other , Mata Sita is on the left  brother Laxman on the right , Maharaj Sugreev , Narsingh Bhagwan and  Durga Maa are also present in the darbar on the right side ,  Hanumaan ji and Jamwant ji are praying just below Mata Sita.

Chaturbhuj Temple , Raja Ram Idols were to be kept here


 
Originally the Chaturbhuj temple was built to place the Idols of Lord Ram but when Idol  was brought from Ayudhya it was kept at the Queens Palace  the Ranibas or the Rani Mahal to be installed at Chaturbhuj Temple which is right next to the palace  but next day it could not be removed and since then Lord Ram is being worshiped as Raja Ram  at the palace .
There are fourteen Chatries or memorials  constructed as a mark of respect for the imperial blue blood of the mighty rulers of Bundelkhand dynasty. The royal tombs of MaharajasChhatris are placed on a elevated platform three floors buildings are open on all sides, have domes or pinnacles.

Royal Family cremation site , Chattries banks of River Betwa


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Teli Ka Mandir , Telang Mandir , Gwalior

Teli Ka Mandir or Telang Mandir was built in 8th Century during the period of King Mihir Bhoj  .The structure of the temple presents a perfect fusion of the Northern and Southern architectural styles of India. The ‘Shikhar’ (spire) of the temple is  Dravidian in its style, whereas the ornamentation is done in the Nagara style (specific to North India). Teli Ka mandir  doesn’t have any ‘Mandap’ or pillared hall. The temple comprises a Garbha Griha  a porch and a doorway.

Teli Ka Mandir , Telang Mandir Gwalior Fort


Teli Ka Mandir is 100 feet  the tallest and most stunning temple in the  Gwalior Fort. The temple is actually dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of his mount, Garuda. A  honeycomb design with a series of receding pointed arches within an arch. The entrance door has a Toran or archway with  images of river goddesses Yamuna and Ganga, romantic couples, foliation decoration and a Garuda . Diamond and lotus designs are seen on the horizontal band at the top of the arch

Entrance to the Garbha Griha , Teli Ka Mandir


Within the rectangular structure is a shrine with no pillared pavilions   with a Barrel Vaulted or  Valabhi roof 25 meters (82 ft) in height. Figures of amorous couples, coiled serpents, on the doorway one can see the ladies from a royal family sailing in a decorated  boat , one  of the maid having an umbrella for shade , above it are coiled snakes   .  At the  The central position on the doorway is dominated by the figure of flying Garuda.

Torana or Arched door way at Teli Ka mandir


There are legends about the name of this temple . One says  it was made from donation of a Oil merchant who locally called Teli, given its name Teli’s Temple. The other story says as it was built form princes from Telengana (region in South India) it is called Teli Ka Mandir. One more  story says, “Teli Ka Mandir” term came as this Rajput Temple according to some legends, Rashtrakuta Govinda III conquered the Fort in 794 AD . He then handled the rites of religious ceremonies and rituals to Telang Brahmins , it seems to be true because of its fusion of Indo Aryan and Dravidian architecture from the Telangana region .
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Gwalior , Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior is situated 320 km from Delhi,  in Madhya Pradesh state , one can reach by road , there are regular daily trains from Delhi it is about four hour journey by fast trains ,  also there is a domestic airport which is connected with Mumbai and Delhi flights.

Gwalior a historical city of central India founded by a Kachwaha Rajput  Suraj Sen of Silhonia Village  in 8th centenary , the legend is the Suraj Sen who was suffering from Leprosy lost his way on a hunting expedition in this area , suffering from thirst and hunger  he was then helped by a Sage Gwalipa who not only led him to  a water pond but also got him cured of Leprosy . To pay him a respect and in gratitude a city was founded by his name , initially wall was made to protect the area where sage Gwalipa lived , then Suraj Sen built a palace within the walled area upon the hill , slowly people started living around it .

Water Pond where King Suraj Sen Leprosy was cured


 

Temple dedicated to Sage Gwalipa


After its establishment many different rulers came , ruled around and over it and became a prominent place for religion and cultural development . 6 BC it was under the control from Patliputra under Naad Kingdom , in first centenary Naag  Dynesty Kushans came and ruled till 3rd AD , it was with Guptas till 467 AD  and then Pratihar Dynesty ruled and made it capital of Kannauj till 740 AD . Kachwahas were the rulers when Mohmmad Gauri invaded and plundered the area around it  but could not succeed to capture the fort in  1195-96 AD ,  It was Shams Ud- Din Iltumish in 1231 AD after one year siege , succeeded and this fort came under the Muslim rulers .

Man Mandir Palace , Fort Gwalior


Tomar Raja Veer Singh became the ruler in 1375 AD and during the Raja Man Singh the present Palace Man Mandir was constructed . It came in the hands of Scindia in 1730 AD and became a Princely state during the British period .

Shalbhanjika


Places to be worth visiting are  Gwalior Fort , Fort Museum , Sahatrabahu temple, Teli Ka ( Telang)  Mandir , Gurudwara Data Bandi Chor , Gujri Mahal and Museum, one must ask the curator to show the Shalbhanjika  10th Centenary a beautiful carved lady in a stone feminine features with smiling face , it is kept in a strong room because of its archaeological importance .
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Magnetic Hill , Leh , Ladakh

Magnetic Hill is in Ladakh 30 km from Leh , on Leh-Srinagar Highway. It is something to experience and one of the wonders of Himalayas ,

Megnetic Hill , Leh – Srinagar Highway


It is situated on Leh-Srinagar highway about 50 km from Leh the hill is having the megenatic properties , any car parked engine off in neutral gear at a specific point marked as white box , moves towards uphill defying the law of Gravity .
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