Pattadakal-A lavish Group of Temples and Monuments In The Depth Of Ancient Era

Pattadakal

Pattadakal-Group of Monuments is situated about 22 km from the Badami.It is a small village in the Bagalkot district on the bank of river Malaprabha in the state Karnataka. Pattadakal is renowned as the “City of the Crown Rubies”. It is the UNESCO World heritage sites. Pattadakal is a wonderful and ancient magnificent example of great Indian architecture. These Pattadakal monuments were build by the Queen as a gala of conquest of the king Vikramaditya II over the Kanchi Pallavas .

Pattadakal is the cluster of ten beautiful carved temples which are the showcases of the amazing Indian architectural with the great blend of northern and southern archeology. It is situated at the centre of wonderful green lawn. Among the ten temples nine are the Hindu temples and one is the Jain temple. All temples are beautifully carved with various stories and scenes of the great Hindu epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The walls of temples also carved with the Goddess, God, demons and battle fields.

Virupaksha Temple

Virupaksha Temple

Nandi(Black stone Bull)

Virupaksha Temple is the largest temple in the Pattadakal campus. This temple is also renowned as the Lokeshvara temple or the Lokapaleshvara.This temple is built in the Dravidian style and it has three entrances. Black stone bull is the great charm of this temple.

Sangameshvara Temple

Sangameshvara Temple

Sangameshvara Temple is the oldest temple of the Pattadakal and it is earlier known as the Vijayewara Temple. It was constructed by the Chalukya King, Vijayaditya from AD 696 to AD 733.This temple is decorated by the twenty pillars which are arranged in four rows in the navaranga.Beautiful figures of Nataraja and Ugranarasimha are placed in the walls of temple. Although this temple is incomplete, remains attractive for its architectural excellence.

A Wonderful Architecture Of Pattadakal

 

ChandrashekharaTemple
It is the small temple in the campus. It is only 15 feet and located on the left side of the Sangameshwara Temple. This temple has a garbhagriha with sacred Shiva Linga.

MallikarjunaTemple
This temple like as a smaller version of the Virupaksha Temple. It is constructed by the second queen of Vikrmaditya during AD 745 and it is located on the north side of the Virupaksha temple. It is constructed in the Dravidian style. It has eighteen pillars which are decorated with the stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and other Hindu epics. All walls are carved with the images of Hindu God and Goddess.

Kashivisvanatha Temple

Kashivisvanatha Temple

The Kashivishvanatha Temple, constructed in the 8th century and it was the last temple built in early Chalukya style. The temple was built in the Nagara style of architecture. It is placed on the north side of the Mallikarjuna temple.

 Galganatha Temple

Galganatha Temple

Galaganatha temple is constructed between the 8^th century.It is constructed in the Rekha Nagara Prasada style. The major specialty of this temple is the sculpture of the Lord Shiva in the posture of killing a demon, Andhakasura. The tower of the temple draft workmanship in the Rekhanagara style.

 Kadasiddheswara Temple

Intricate carvings Of Temple

Kadasiddheswara Temple built in the middle of the 7^th century. It is lies on a plinth. It is constructed in the Rekha Nagar style.there is a sanctum that install a sacred linga of Lord Shiva. This temple is beautifully carved the images of Shiva , Parvati,river goddess ,Ardhanariswara and many more.

Jambulingeswara Temple

This temple is built in between 7^th century. It is same as the Kaidaisiddeshwara temple. The Jambulingeswara temple lies on a plinth with five eaves. All eaves are well carved with beautiful figures of birds, God, Goddess, Shiva, Sun and Vishnu.

Jain Temple

Elephant In Jain Temple

Jain Temple is located on the Pattadakal Badami road. It is also renowned as the Jaina Narayana Temple.It is built in the Dravindian style.It consist a garbhagriha,a mukhamantapa, a shukanasa and a navaranga.

Another Beautiful Glance Of Temples In Pattadakal

 

PapanathaTemple

The construction of the Papanatha Temple started in the Nagara style but later it was built in the Vesara style.It is constructed in AD 680.This temple is full with incredible carvings on the walls and ceilings.

A Lake Side View Of Pattadakal

Pattadakal is the graceful and amazing showcase of the great art of Chalukyas.Although the construction of some temples remains incomplete but they still possess an attractive and enchanting posture. The ancient sculptures embellished the subjects of women, demons and Gods. It is really marvelous to see the whole complex of monuments standing tall against the desolate of time.

 

 

 

Bhimbetka Rock Shelters – Unbelievable Paintings and Stories of Paleolithic

A way to Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

Caves in Bhimbetka

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are situate in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh of India. It is an archaeological site of the Paleolithic demonstrating the ancient notches of human life in the India. These amazing rock shelters and paintings were explored by the Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar in 1957-58.It is a UNESCO World heritage site.

The Bhimbetka rock shelters are the collection of 750 rock shelters from which 500 are inwrought by the paintings. These Stone Age rock paintings are around 30,000 years old. Bhimbetka gets the name Bhimbetka because in the Mahabharata, which is one of the sacred epics of the Hindus, it is written that Bhim or  Bhima used these rock shelters as his sitting place.

Exterior Of A Rock Shelter

It is exactly located over 100 meters above the Deccan traps between the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.There are over 750 rock shelters in this region and more than 400 rock shelters are spread over the five hills in this main area .These five hills are Bineka, Bhimbetka, Bhonrawali,Lakha Juar (east) and Lakha Juar (west).This area is full with dense forest , a cluster of five rock shelters and highly blessed by the natural beauty.

A Tourist Examine the Rock Shelters

These are the showcases continuous sequence of cultures from Paleolithic to the Historical period. These rock structures decorated with the interesting paintings which define the art and culture of ancient people, Hunting, dancing, drinking, various animals, animal fighting, people, childbirth scenes, linear depiction of human figures hunting, warfare and the day to day activities of the men explained by the these painting on the walls of caves.

Red Color Paintings On The Rock

White Color Elephant

White, green, red and yellow are the colors which are used in the paintings. Paintings which are painted with white colors are the oldest paintings. Red colors made painting are less old and basically rd colors painting present the pictures of horses, bow and arrow.

Most of the walls of caves are decorated with colorful paintings. All paintings are ancient but some paintings are more than thousands years old and about the people and animal hunting scenes. Red colors paintings are clearly visible, all yellow and green color paintings are not perfectly visible but only some are visible.

There are some rock shelters which are very popular and special among all. Likes:

Rock Shelter One:

Painting On The Ceiling

This shelter is a cluster of amazing paintings of the historic period. The upper ceiling of this rock shelter has a painting of two elephants. Both elephant has long tusks and smaller elephant is driven by a man, which holding a goad in one hand. There are lots of paintings of men and animals. Each and every painting has a deep story about that period.

 Rock Shelter Three:

Painting In The Rock Shelter Three

This is also known as auditorium due to its huge shape. It is about Thirty nine meters long, four meter wide and seventeen meter high at the western end. This rock shelter has paintings of buffaloes, deer, bulls, a peacock, tiger, and hand print of a child.

Zoo Rock:

Paintings Of Animals On Zoo Rock

“Zoo Rock” is one of the popular rock shelters which are full with the drawings of deer, sambar, bison and elephants. The shape of this shelter is semicircular. There are total 453 figures .Among the 453 figures 252 figures of animals are there. On account of the huge number and variety of animal paintings, it is renowned as Zoo Rock.

View point and river basin:

Tortoise Shaped Rock

This rock is look likes a tortoise.The most of the paintings of this rock shelter based on the geometrical designs.

Boar Rock:

Boar Rock

It is mushroom shaped rock shelter and it popular as Boar rock due to a giant figure painted on the rock surface. Marvelous figures of boar, men and animals have decorated the walls of this shelter.Bhimbetka Rock shelters are really a priceless heritage of India. Paintings of these rock shelters are the showcases of seven historic ancient periods.

See here Madhya Pradesh Heritage sites:

Khajuraho-A UNESCO World Heritage Site In Madhya Pradesh

Sanchi-A Sacred Place Of Lord Buddha and One Of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Of Madhya Pradesh

 

The Great Himalayan National Park-Amazing Wildlife In the Lap Of Himalayan

A View Of The Great Himalayan National Park(Image By Flickr)

The Great Himalayan national park is the pride of Himachal Pradesh. It is recently labeled as the UNESCO World heritage sites. It is the richest biodiversity hub of India. It is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the favorite place of adventurous and best place for trekking. The Great Himalayan National Park spread over the 1736 sq. km. and elevated 6000m above from the sea level. it also includes two watershed areas, Tirthan and Sainj which covers an area of about 905 sq km.Lofty hills, snow capped peaks, rich deep forest, undulating meadow, glaciers and wonderful rhythmic cascades make this National park very beautiful and incredible.

Western Tragopan(Image by Flickr)

It is one of the National Parks in the world which have a large number of the endangered western Tragopan.It is a natural habitat of a large number of species and very rich in natural beauty. The park is isolated by natural barriers from all sides. It is embodied with the 675 sq-km Pin Valley National Park in the cold desert of Spiti in Trans-Himalaya, the 61-km Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kullu and 503 sq-km Rupi-Bhawa Wildlife Sanctuary in Kinnaur. It supports a full range of western Himalayan biodiversity and protects other islands of biodiversity around.

Leopards(Image By Flickr)

Black Bear(Image By Flickr)

Herd Of Blue Sheep(Image By Flickr)

Siberian Musk Deer(Image Bu Flickr)

The park is a natural home to many species, making it a perfect habitat for medicinal plants, wildlife and biological diversity in a small area. It supports species of the South-east Asian forests, subtropical, alpine, the Asian steppes and Siberia. The Himalayan Tahr is found in the higher region of the forest of GHNP and the goral which is the small goat found in the lower forests. The above the tree line the Blue Sheep or the Bharal snatch your heart. Different regions or different height of this park is full with the different kind of species. A forest zone of this park is full with the Leopards and Snow Leopards often seen above the tree line. The Alpine meadows are famous for Asiatic Brown Bears.

Himalayan Monal(Image by Flickr)

Golden Eagle(Image By Flickr)

The Great Himalayan National Park is also famous for the miraculous variety of birds. It is most renowned for Western Tragopan. Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Himalayan Monal and Golden Eagles are the major attraction of the Great Himalayan National Park.

A Panoramic View From The GHNP(Image By Flickr)

Amongst the several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India, the Great Himalayan National Park has made an immortal mark in the world. It is indeed one of the best places for an adventurous and wildlife vacation in Himachal Pradesh. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or nature lover or an adventurer at heart, GHNP offers best opportunity for wildlife vacations in Himachal Pradesh. So, be proud of this great natural habitat of large variety of flora and fauna in the lap of Himalayan.

See Here Another UNESCO World Heritage sites Of Himachal Pradesh:

https://indiaheritagesites.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/the-soul-of-himachal-kalka-shimla-railway/

 

 

 

Rani ki Vav-An Incredible Artistic Stepwell

The Rani ki Vav is a UNESCO World Heritage site.It is recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is the carved and amazing step well, which is located in the Patan is a small town of Gujrata in India. The Rani ki Vav is built in 1603 by the Udayamati, who is the queen of Patan in the memory of her beloved husband ,king Bhimdev I, who was the son of the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Anahilwada Pattan.

The Rani ki Vav is the 7 storey underground structure, which is finely carved and full with amazing sculpture. After the complete construction of Rani ki Vav , it was completely flooded by Saraswati River. Later on in 1980, it found by the Archeological Survey of India with loads of wonderful sculpture and carving. Due to the excellent sculpture of Rani ki Vav, it was novelized by the archaeological department of Gujarat. The Rani ki Vav is spread in a large area. The length of Rani ki Vav is 64 meter, width is 20 meters and 27 meters deep.

Step wells are a different form of underground water storage and resource systems on the Indian subcontinent, and have been framed since the 3rd millennium BC. They evolved over time from what was basically a pit in sandy soil towards elaborate multi-storey works of art and architecture.

Steps lead down through multiple levels with lines of carved pillars and over 800 sculptures, mostly on Vishnu-avatar themes. Each pillar and each wall are very beautifully carved and sculptured.

Rani-ki-vav is a highly decorated monument with carved panels of sculptures and reliefs representing the height of Maru-Gurjara style of architecture. Most of the sculptures are based on the Dashavatar,which are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu with heart snatching sculpture of Narasimha,Varaha, Rama and Kalki.The major highlight is the scrumptious statue of Mahishasur-Mardini . Apsaras – the angelic beauties showcasing Solah Singar,which are the16 unique styles of makeup is another highlight. Near the water level, you come to a beautiful carving of Sheshashayi Vishnu, in which the lord Vishnu leaned on the thousand-hooded serpent Shesha.

Rani-ki-Vav was made at the wonderful imagination of craftsmen’s art in stepwell construction and it totally based on the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, each and every design of Rani –ki –Vav showing the mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions.

It is designed as a reversed temple mainly concerned about the sanctity of water, it is split into seven levels of stairs with carved panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 main sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, secular imagery and mythological, often referencing religious literary works.

Gujarat is full with the Heritage sites.It is also famous for wonderful archaeological park and Rani Ki Vav.It is one of the best archeological jewel of India and it is the pride of Gujarat.

 

Padmanabhapuram Palace – An Ancient Architectural Magic of South India

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Padmanabhapuram Palace is India Heritage site and it is also listed on tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.Padmanabhapuram Palace is a miraculous 16 Century wood palace of former Maharajas of Travancore (1550 to 1750).It is located in the Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India. Padmanabhapuram was the old capital of former Travancore state. It is administrated by the Kerala. Padmanabhapuram is a wonderful example of craftsmanship of wood. It is the largest, oldest and well maintained ancient example of traditional wooden architecture .This palace is a real fusion of wonderful craftsmanship, archaeology and high level example of material science.

Craftswork In Padmanabhapuram

Carvings On Padmanabhapuram

Padmanabhapuram fort spread over the 200 acres. The foundation of this palace is made by the fine red stones and granite. The walls of the fort are heightening around the 30ft.The main palace lies at the center of the fort. The ultimate interior of the palace is full with the incredible rosewood carvings and sculptured decor. It is also full with the pictures and sculpture of 17^th and 18^th century murals. There are several beautiful parts of this palace.Like Durbar hall and Thaikkottaram. The Queen Mother’s palace or Thaikkottaram has a spectacular painted ceilings, teak and rose wood carved ceiling with 90 unique floral designs.

A Carved Horse Rider

Bed Of Maharaja (King)

Wonderful Design On Ceiling

Metal Lamp

Temple Entrance In Padmanabhapuram Palace

Black Polished Floor In Padmanabhapuram Palace

View Of Natakshala In Padmanabhapuram Place

Durbar Hall has a shiny black floor, which is specially made from a jaggery lime, a combination of egg white, charcoal, burnt coconut, and river sand, granite tubs to buttermilk and cool curd . The bedroom of king is decorated by the beautiful carved bed and wonderful carved ceiling. The polished floor of palace is looks like a fresh polished floor but in reality it is 500 years old. Saraswathi temple, worship rooms, large earthen urns, rooms for meeting are full with jackfruit tree columns, carved lamps, wonderful fish carvings on the ceilings, cyclopean stone and Belgian mirrors. Granite dance hall and large swimming pool are also very wonderful.

It is really very amazing that it is completely made of natural things woods, mud, leaves and flowers. It is really a magical place with amazing wooden archaeology.

 

 

Sundarbans National Park – A largest Tranquil Mangrove Forest Of World With Various Species

Mangrove of Sundarbans Image By Flickr

The Sundarbans delta or Sundarban National Park  is the biggest and largest mangrove forest in all over the world. It is located in the southwestern delta region of the Bangladesh and west Bengal of India. This is an ultimate delta region created by the Brahmaputra, Meghna and Ganges rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal. An Indian portion of Sundarbans listed as the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Colors on Sundarbans (Image By Flickr)

India has 9,630 sq kms as Sundarbans region, from which 5,400 sq kms are non forest area. The remaining part is forested area. This forest area is also known as sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), which is further divided on the two sub forest. One is South24-Parganas and Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. Both subdivisions of Sundarbans forest divided by the river Malta.

Deep Forest of Sundarban(Image By Flickr)

Sundarbans or Sundarvans is a Sanskrit word .The meaning of this word is “beautiful forest”. Locally this land is known as the name of “Sunderi”.The great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore told about this region-“Golden Bengal”. Sundarbans is full with water and lush vegetation.

Sundarban National Park  world heritage property is blessed with the three wildlife sanctuaries (Sundarbans West, East and South) which are the main breeding place of a number of rare species of endangered wildlife. Creeks, swaps, islands, rivers, estuaries, deep merged forest, large muddy areas and tidal flats are the ultimate beautiful part of the Sundarbans.

Royal Tiger In Sundarban (Image By Flickr)

 

Crocodile In Rest At Sundarban (Image By Flickr)

A Beautiful bird (Image By Flickr)

It is merged by the complicated network of the tidal waterways, mud land and huge range of small islands of mangrove islands. The area is naturally full with saline water, limited sources of sweet fresh water. It is renowned for the wide range of flora and fauna. It is a well Conversant land of Royal Bengal tigers. This delta land is the natural habitat of royal tigers but there is a huge range of different species. Indian python, different kind of fishes, several reptiles, around 260 species of beautiful birds, spotted deer and saltwater crocodiles are the permanent wildlife member of Sundarbans. It is also a home of a large variety of migratory birds like egret, fishing eagle, kingfisher,black-tailed godwit ,ester knot curlew and golder plover.

Birds In Sundarbans National Park(Image By Flickr)

Around 4 million people live in the Sundarbans, they are dependent on the traditional crops during the dry seasons and in the wet season fish and prawn farming is the source of livelihood.The Sundarbans region has great potential to emerge as an international tourist place but very less number of tourists reaches there due to less marketing, less road connectivity and lack of accommodation facilities.

Really it is the land of mysteries which are floating on the water, delta and a unique culture, home of old tales and incredible beliefs of local people on the regional god & Goddess.

“Following The Blog ABC Wednesday For T”

 

 

 

Desert National Park

Introduction:

Desert National Park, Rajasthan, India is an exceptional exemplar of the eco system due to its prosperous fauna and flora. The Park is mostly in the Thar Desert which has the intense sand dunes, weathered rocks and extinct condensed saline water bottoms etc. This park is one of the largest park reserves in the country. It is very difficult to sustain in such a harsh and hot weather conditions and thus the flora and fauna of this park creates amazing magic for its visitors. Because the park is so close to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, many of the birds from there are also seen here in the park. The place itself creates a magic and the visitors here are fascinated from its beauty that the country has nominated the Desert National Park in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has been nominated in 2009 because the Thar Desert is a stupendous example of ecological account and very well defines the altered stages of progression. You can say it a great coincidence or just the wonder that all four state elements like state tree, state flower, state bird and state animal are found in the same particular place only which are Khejri, Rohida, The Great Indian Bustard and Chinkara respectively. It should definitely be considered as a World Heritage Site in India as the desert is much more new as compared to the other deserts in the world and is a home to many atypical and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Location and Accessibility:

Desert National Park, situated in northern west India in Rajasthan is unique and distinctive in its own as it is a sole habitat of its type. Surrounded one side by Aravalli Hills and the other side by prolific plains of Indus River, The Desert National Park have an area of 3162 km square. The Park is shared between two prestigious districts of Rajasthan, named Jaisalmer and Barmer.Jaisalmer is also famous for Jaisalmer fort ,which is also listed as an UNSECO world heritage sites.Around 1900 km square of the park’s area is in Jaisalmer and around1262 km square is in Barmer. You will require a prior permission from the office of DesertNational Park and the District Magistrate, Jaisalmer to visit and explore the park.

Flora and Fauna:

The distinctive, diverse and rich flora and fauna present in the park are accountable of its assorted beauty. One can clearly and easily saw plants like Ber, Palm Trees, Dhok and Ronj etc.

Blue Tailed Bee-Eaters

Indian Rollers

Indian Fox

Chinkara

Many endangered birds and animals like Buzzards, Tawny Eagles, Short Toed Eagles, Falcons, Kestrel, Harriers, spotted eagles, Lagger Falcons and vultures, black buck, Indian fox, chinkara, desert cat, wolf and hare etc. Also, the most endangered The Great Indian Bustard is commonly seen in the park that too in good numbers. Blue tailed bee-eaters, bush quail and Indian Rollers are also the inhabitants of the park.

The best time to visit the park is the winter season which is from November to January in India. If you want to experience a real excitement while exploring the different endangered species, you should go for a jeep safari on the startling golden sand dunes. Thus, we can proudly say that Desert National Park holds a remarkable position in India Heritage sites.

 

Following the blog ABC Wednesday for “D”

 

Mughal Gardens in Kashmir

Kashmir

Tourist’s spots in Srinagar have always enchanted the visitors. Srinagar is amongst the most beautiful city in India. It also serves as the summer capital of the state Jammu and Kashmir. A very striking river named Jhelum flows through the Kashmir which intensify its beauty to make it a real heaven. Astounding Chinar trees and almond trees planted in a particular straight pattern in the city exaggerate its exquisiteness to the fullest.

Just a simple walk through the pretty riverside bank will make you realise the beauty of the Heaven on Earth.DalLake is also a very prominent feature of Kashmir. Main conspicuous attractions on the DalLake are Shikara, Houseboats and floating gardens and if you are courageous enough and love to go for adventure, you must go for skiing on DalLake in winters when it is frozen. There is nothing else in the world which can give you that much thrill.

Evening View Of Mughal Garden

The city of Srinagar was ruled by the Hindus and Buddhists before it was taken over by Mughals.Mughal Gardens in Kashmir listed in world heritage sites by UNESCO world Heritage sites.

Mughals have designed mainly three gardens in the city which are rocking the tourism industry till today.All the three of the gardens are designed accurately like the Mughal architecture and are unconditionally beautiful which never fails to leave you fascinated. The three gardens named The Shalimar Bagh, The Nishat Bagh and The Chashm-e-shahi which means The Royal Spring are exceptionally gorgeous. These were built by Mughal Emperors Shah Jahan,who is also famous for incredible monument Taj Mahal and Jahangir on the pattern of Central Asia, Persia and Turkistan.

Water Fountains in Shalimar Bagh

Terraced lawns, dazzling fountains, bright coloured long flower beds having stunning Dal Lake on the other side is not less beautiful than a dream. Shalimar Bagh was built by Emperor Shah which shows his love towards Kashmir. It was built for his wife. This beautiful garden has four terraces, each one on one above. The total area of garden is about 539 m by 182 m. In the middle of the garden runs a canal which is lined with polished shinning stones having running water.

Flowers in Nishat Bagh

Nishat Bagh was built not by the emperor but by the empress Nur Jahan’s brother named Asaf khan in 1633 AD. This garden is the largest of all having seven terraces. Each terrace rises from the east of DalLake and appears not less than a mountain. With dramatically beautiful and vibrant flower beds and lush green gardens, this garden will never fail to impress visitors by its splendor.

Chashm-e-shahi Of Mughal Garden

Chashm-e-shahi is the first Mughal Garden you will come across while visiting. It was designed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 AD. It is built on a height which is above the main city. In area and size, it is the smallest Mughal garden. It has three terraces and a natural water spring which is covered by shinning stones pergola.

It’s not that only rivers and tress will lure your heart with their beauty. There are countless features which Kashmir has to attract thousands of tourists over the year.Kashmir was also one of the famous Mughal city in Mughal Era.There are some other tourist destinations of Kashmir which are very popular  among families, friends, kids and couples.

 

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttrakhand

A Beautiful View of Valley Of Flowers

Introduction:   

Valley of Flowers – As the name indicates, it’s a place covered with attractive and coloured flowers which are so gorgeous that this place is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located along with world famous Nanda DeviNational Park, this Valley of Flowers was discovered by Frank S. Smythe who was a mountaineer and botanist. He found it when he was rock climbing the mountains in India. Nanda Devi National Park is well secluded due to its remoteness from the people. The reason can be its late discovery or the very tough trek which take you to both the parks.

A Miraculous View Of Nanda Devi Peak

The place is so enchanted and magical that this God’s splendour which is resting on the sly in the colossal Himalayas is being made a Heritage Site in India. After the world came to know across this fact, all botanists, nature lovers and other people who were interested in this amazing miracle run to the valley to experience its beauty. It is positioned in the Chamoli district, midway between the attractive ZanskarValley and The Great Himalayas, in the state Uttrakhand of India.

Location and Accessibility:

You can reach the valley/park only through a long trek which is about 17 kms long and starts from Gobindghat. Gobindghat is a village which is situated near Joshimath. Just before 3 kms from the valley, there is a place named Ghangharia, where the trekkers can rest after their long trek.

Nanda Devi Peak (Image By Flickr.com)

To visit the valley, you will require a Forest Check Post’s permit at Ghangharia, only then you will be able to go to the valley. This permission is chargeable at a very nominal fee and is only valid for 3 days. You can visit it only in the summers, i.e., from June to October as it is covered fully with snow in the winters but in summers the valley is full with blossoming flowers, rendering the gorge a splendid charisma.

Snow Leopard in Nanda Devi National Park(Image From Flickr.com)

Flora and Fauna:

About 1,000 species of plants are found in the park, including the 550 species of trees and 450 species of pinnacle or blooming plants. Apart from the medicinal plants like Polygonatum Multiflorum and Picrorhiza Kurrooa etc, there are beautiful flowers like blue poppy, calendulas, orchids, daisies and cobra lily. Pink lotus is also very common in the valley.

Himalayan Snowcock (Image From Flickr.com)

Endangered animals which can be seen in the park are Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Black Bear, Hare, Langur and Serow etc. Birds like Himalayan Snowcock, Golden Eagle, Vulture, Snow Pigeon and Sparrow Hawk can also be found. Above all that, thousands of multicoloured striking butterflies will surely take your gasp away.

Lodgings and Distance:

Overnight stay is not allowed in the valley. Quite a few hotels are provided by state government in Ghangharia and Joshimath where you can stay. You will not find any accommodation in the valley itself. You can travel by flight or by train as the airport is 295 kms away and railway station is 276 kms away.

An Eye Catching View Of Valley Of Flowers(Image By Pinterest)

This National Park and its Valley are a heritage amongst other Indian Heritages as there is a lot to explore here for the visitors.

 

Hemis Gompa, Ladakh

Incredible India! The perfect two simply describes the wide INDIAN beauty, its historic existence for future and its wide heritage and culture. India is a land of many carnivals. Starting with the Crown of India, Jammu and Kashmir, till the bottom end, Kanya-kumari, one can see many religions and culture on every 100mile journey.

Thikse Monastery, Ladakh

Guru Rinpoche

Hemis – festival devoted to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), a special festival of Hemis Gompa. Hemis Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery of the Lineage, situated in Leh, Ladakh, in Jammu Kashmir.

Hemis Monastery (image by geo96 on Flickr)

Hemis Monastery is a world heritage site of India founded by first incarnation of Stagsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso in 1630 AD. Monastery was re-established in 1672 AD by King Sengge Namgyal.

The Pupil of Yogi Tilopa (Naropa) and teacher of translator Marpa are allied with this monastery. Hemis is honoured as the largest monastic institution in North India. Monastery is wealthiest and the hoariest ancient remark of Leh. It is located on the west banks of Indus River, near Karu.

Mural Painting in Hemis Monastery

Hemis is a point of attraction for the tourist not only because of its location, but for the colourful festival of monastery held in June- July. Monastery is well known for the rich collection of ancient fragments made of gold, silver and copper, scared Thangkas, murals and various artifacts.

Monastery belongs to the Drukpa Lineage. It is like an institution where the tantric vajrayana are taught in several sects like Kargyu, Sakya, Gelug. Even monks of monastery perform Tantric Worship.

Dukhang, Main Face of Monastery (Image by Peteshep on Flickr)

Just like the way to monastery is thrilling and striking in itself, the same way monastery welcomes you in its beautiful, colourful and attractive Tibetan style architecture. It is separated into two segments – Dukhang, the assembly hall and Tshogkhang, the Temple. The huge Courtyard is ornamented with unique patterns and gorgeous designs. Highlights are the colourful wall paintings of Buddhist Kalchakra and lords of four quarters.  Courtyard is the place held for all celebrations and public functions.

Snow leopard at Hemis National Park (Image by Fanus Weldhagen on Flickr)

Stok Kangri (the higest peak of hemis National Park image by Rohit on Flickr)

One more destination of Hemis famed between the tourists is its National Park. Close to the monastery, there is the High Altitude Park which is known worldwide for its rare animal, snow leopard.

Hemis Festival (Image by Nick Sampson on Flickr )

Hemis festival, Image by Tama on Flickr)

Another most important part of the Hemis is its Festival. Festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the Tibetan lunar month every 12th Year. Festival is celebrated in restoration of birth anniversary of Guru Rinpoche, the initiator of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. It is assumed that life mission of Guru Rinpoche was, and is, to improve the spiritual condition of all living beings. Festival is completed dedicated in memory of the Guru. The scared rituals performed are alleged to give spirituals strength and good health. Dance and drama for mission and life are performed wearing colourful masks and dresses accompanied with traditional music. It’s a three day festival, which attracts a lot of tourists from all around the world.

Festival begins with the early morning rituals. For the fest Lamas gather in the monastery and execute plays and dance. Highlights of the fest are the mystic mask dances, which are also known as Chams Performance.

Hemis is a remarkably a destination with many ancients things, which are surrounded by nature and which leaves a memorable journey impressions.

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