Ajanta Ellora Caves

The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE.


Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India. The site presents monuments and artwork of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism from the 600-1000 CE period. Cave 16 of Ellora features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world, the Kailasha temple, a chariot shaped monument dedicated to Shiva.  They were built in proximity and illustrate the religious harmony prevalent in ancient India.

How to travel to Ajanta and Ellora Caves? How to reach Aurangabad?

Fly from Hyderabad to Aurangabad(5K).
Or take an overnight train to Manmed and get down at Aurangabad Junction.
Or take a private bus(3K) from Hyderabad(or other major cities) to Aurangabad, easier if last minute planning

There are direct flights from other major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur

Stay at Aurangabad. Decent selection of hotels available.

Either do the Ellora first day and Ajanta the second day or vice versa. If you have evening flight, then keep Ellora to the last day as drive to Ajanta is 2 hrs.


Journey to the caves

Ajanta is a 2 hr drive from Aurangabad and can be visited on the day you arrive. Sunrises on these caves

Wake up early the next day for going to Ellora caves and sunsets here.

Carry water bottle, white torch light if you want to see the intricate designs clearly.

Opens at 9 am and closes at 5:30 pm

Best time to visit is from November to March

The Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays, and the Ellora caves are closed on Tuesdays

Must visit place for a weekend or rather a weekday when rush is less. Suggest land in morning, watch Ajanta caves which is 2 hr drive. Watch Ellore caves the next day which will be closer to hotels and stay overnight or travel back.

So much history and archaeological splendor, that it is a must visit for any of us.

Taj Falaknama

Taj Falaknama was a wonderful experience. I went with my parents on their anniversary. We had a palace tour included in the dinner date and it was such a visual splendor. Followed by a dinner to suit a king.

Taj Falaknama Palace is in Hyderabad and was the residence of Nizams. It had many prominent people visiting in the hospitality of Nizams during early 20th century. We need to book 20 days in advance by calling the number given in the website. There are two restaurants - Adaa which is Indian and another a Multi-cuisine food. Children below 10 yrs are not allowed. They have lunch, high-tea and dinner options. Dinner had two slots one at 7:00 pm and the other at 9:30 pm. Palace tour is included in the price ~4500+taxes last time I went. They have rooms for rent in the 5 star hotel and once in a lifetime experience, but we just came down for a dinner date. We chose the 7:00 pm slot for Adaa restaurant.

https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad/restaurants/


We reached the venue in car 30 min. early, and we parked near the first gate.We were taken to the palace using a golf cart up the curvy road to the next gate of the Taj Falaknama and the experience up the hill was nice and could hum some old songs. At the entrance we were served with a soft drink. We visited the small museum cum shop in the ground floor, while we waited for the rest of the tour folks to come for the palace tour to start. I would suggest go there a bit early to take pictures of the palace and splendid shot of the city from the gardens of the Taj Falaknama Palace in front. The balcony/corridor on the first floor the tiles, the chandeliers, the huge carved doors and everything around is magnificent.

The palace tour started and you can peek into through the gallery on the website to see the visual splendor. There was a nice garden and we had to walk by to reach the restaurant side. From the restaurant, they have seats on the balcony overseeing the Hyderabad city by the night or inside. We then headed to have our lovely Hyderabadi dinner in Nizami style. They have a set menu, or Ala'carta, which has a minimum spending price per person. Food was simply awesome and mouth watering. The view, service and food is definitely worth the price to go and celebrate any special occasion. I again went back with few of my friends and celebrated my birthday in grandeur

https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-falaknuma-palace-hyderabad/gallery/

Would love to hear your comments, experiences, pictures and questions. Don't miss it if you are in Hyderabad / have a special occasion to remember

Visiting the 11 Jyotirlingas

IRCTC


Courtesy: http://www.nivalink.com/pilgrimages-in-india/jyotirlinga

State	Jyotirlinga Temple	Itinerary	Map
Gujarat	Somnath Near Vevaral  Nageshwar near Dwarka	Click Here
Maharashtra	Trimbakeshwar near Nashik  Bhimashankar, Off Pune  Grishneshwar near Ellora caves / Aurangabad  Aundha Nagnath Temple near Nanded   Parli Baidyanath near Bid	Click here	Click here
Tamilnadu	Rameshwaram, Off Madurai	Click Here
Andhra Pradesh	Srisailam	Click Here
Madhya Pradesh	Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar	Click Here
Jharkhand	Baidyanath, Deoghar
Uttar Pradesh	Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi	Click Here
Uttaranchal	Kedarnath (One of the Chaar Dhams)	Click Here

NORTH INDIA

• Varanasi Jyotirlinga Getaway (All round the year)
• Ek Dham - Kedarnath (Ex-Haridwar - 3 nights) (Mid-May-Oct) 

 WEST INDIA

• Dwarka - Somnath (3 nights) - Ex-Dwarka / Veraval / Ahmedabad
• Jyotirlinga Itinerary of Maharashtra (Ex-Mumbai / Pune / Nashik)
• Nashik - Shirdi pilgrimage with Aurangabad - 4 nights (Ex-Mumbai / Pune / Nashik / Aurangabad)
• Omkareshwar Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Getaway (Ex-Indore / Ujjain)

 SOUTH INDIA

• Srisailam Getaway (Pilgrimage ) (Ex-Hyderabad)
• Madurai - Rameshwaram Getaway (Pilgrimage ) (Ex-Hyderabad)

http://www.irctctourism.com/TourPackages/RailTour/07-Jyotirlinga-Circuit.html#

http://www.chardhambooking.com/12-jyotirlinga-tour/

http://www.nivalink.com/holiday/maha53

http://www.madhya-pradesh-tourism.com/tour-packages/popular-tours/pilgrimage-tour-package.html

http://www.irctctourism.com/TourPackages/RailTour/ASTHA-SPECIAL-TOURIST-TRAIN-EZBD06.html

http://www.irctctourism.com/cgi-bin/dev1.dll/irctc/booking/vatplanner.do?screen=fromCity&Submit=Search&frompackage=true&cityName=0&bhTirth=&packageCategory=AIR%20PACKAGES&submitClicks=0&categoryName=AIR%20PACKAGES&destinationCity=&packageCity=0

108 Divya Desam - Vishnu kshetralu

http://www.divyadesam.com/hindu-temples.shtml?gaact=HPTOPNAV&gasrc=ABT108DD

Divyadesams:--

108 Divyadesams

Alwars, who are said to be the Hamsam (form) of Sriman Narayanan, have sung Mangalasasanam (praising of the Perumal) on the Perumal and there are totally 108 Sthalams where Alwars have done Mangalasasanam on the Perumal. These 108 Vishnu Sthalams are called as "Divyadesams".

Chennai Temples
Triplicane - Sri Parthasarathy Temple
Thiru Neermalai - Sri Neervanna Perumal Temple

Mahabalipuram Temples
Tiruvedanthai - Sri Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple
Thiru Kadalmalai - Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple

Sholingur - Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple

Kanchipuram Temples
Kanchipuram - Sri Varadharajar Temple
Thiru Vekka - Sri Yathothakaari Temple
Ashtabujam - Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple
Thiru Ooragam - Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Thiru Neeragam - Sri Jagadeeshwarar Temple
Thiru Kaaragam - Sri Karunakara Perumal Temple
Thirukkaar Vaanam - Sri Thirukkaar vaanar Temple
Thiruparameshwara Vinnagaram - Sri Vaikunda Perumal Temple
Thiru Pavala Vannan - Sri Pavala Vannar Temple
Thiru Paadagam - Sri Pandava Thoodhar Temple
Thiru Nilathingal Thundam - Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple
ThirukKalvanoor - Sri Aadhi Varaha Perumal Temple
Thiru Velukkai - Sri Azhagiya Singar Perumal Temple
Thiruthanka - Sri Deepa Prakasar Perumal Temple

Thiruputkuzhi - Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple
Tiruvallore - Sri Veeraraghava Perumal Temple
Thiru Nindravoor - Sri Bhatavatsala Perumal Temple

Trichy Temples
Sri Rangam - Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Thirukkozhi - Sri Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
Thirukkarambanoor - Sri Purushothaman Perumal Temple
Thiruvellarai - Sri Pundarikashan Perumal Temple
Thiru Anbil - Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple
Thirupper Nagar - Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple
Thirukkandiyur - Sri Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple

Kumbakonam Temples
Thiruvelliyankudi - Sri Kola Valvilli Ramar Perumal Temple
Thiru Aadhanoor - Sri Aandu Alakkum Ayan Perumal Temple
Thirukkudanthai - Sri Saarangapani Perumal Temple
Thiruppullam Boothankudi - Sri Valvil Ramar Perumal Temple
Kabisthalam - Sri Gajendra Varadha Perumal Temple
Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram - Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple
Thirukkoodaloor - Sri Aaduthurai Perumal Temple
Thiru Vinnagar - Sri Oppiliappa Perumal Temple
Naachiyar Kovil - Sri Thirunarayoor Nambi Perumal Temple
Thiruccherai - Sri Saranathan Perumal Temple
Thirukkannamangai - Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal Temple

Tanjore Temple
Thiru Thanjaimaamani Koil - Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

Mayavaram Temples
Thiruvazhunthoor - Sri Devaadi Raja Perumal Temple
Thiru Sirupuliyur - Sri Arulmaakadal Perumal Temple
Thiru Thalaicchanga Naanmathiyam - Sri Naan Madhiya Perumal Temple
Thiru Indhaloor - Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal Temple

Nagapattinam Temples
Thirukkannapuram - Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple
Thirukkannankudi - Sri Loganatha Perumal Temple
Thiru Naagai - Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

Chidambaram Temple
Chidambaram - Sri Govindaraja Perumal Temple

Seergazhi Temples
Seerkazhi - Thirivikaraman Perumal Temple
Thiruvaali Thirunagari - Sri Lakshmi Narashima Perumal Temple
Thiru Kavalampaadi - Sri Gopala Krishna Perumal Temple
Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram - Sri Kuda Maadu Koothan Perumal Temple
Thiru Vann Purushothamam - Sri Purushothama Perumal Temple
Thiru Sempon Sei Kovil - Sri Per Arulaalan Perumal Temple
Thiru Manimaada Kovil - Sri Narayana Perumal Temple
Thiru VaiKunda Vinnagaram - Sri Vaigundha Nathan Perumal Temple
Thiru Devanaar Thogai - Sri Deiva Naayaga Perumal Temple
Thiru Thetri Aambalam - Sri Seganmaal Ranganatha Perumal Temple
Thiru Manikkoodam - Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Annan Kovil - Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Thiru Paarthanpalli - Sri Thamaraiyal Kelvan Perumal Temple


Thiruvaheendrapuram - Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple
Thirukkoviloor - Sri Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple


Tirunelveli Temples - Nava Tirupathis
Thirukkurungudi - Sri Nindra Nambi Perumal Temple
Vaanamaamalai - Sri Thothatrinatha Perumal Temple
Azhwar Thirunagari - Sri Aadhinatha Swamy Temple
Thirukkoloor - Sri Vaitha Maanitha Perumal Temple
Thirupperai - Sri Magara NedungKuzhai Kaathar Perumal Temple
Sri Vaikundam - Sri Vaikundanatha Perumal Temple
Thirukkulanthai - Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Thiruvaragunamangai - Sri Vijayaasana Perumal Temple
Thiruppulingudu - Sri Kaaichina Vendha Perumal Temple
Thiruttholai Villimangalam - Sri Aravindha Lochana Perumal Temple

Virudhunagar Temples
Thiruthankaal - Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple
Sri Villiputhoor - Sri Vadabhatra Saayi Perumal Temple

Madurai Temples
Thirukkoodal - Sri Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple
Thirumaalirunsolai - Sri Kallazhagar Perumal Temple
Thiru Moghur - Sri Kaalamegha Perumal Temple

Ramanathapuram Temple
Thiruppullanni - Sri Kalyana Jagannatha Perumal Temple

Pudukkottai Temples
Thirukkotiyoor - Sri Uraga Mellanayaan Perumal Temple
Thirumeyyam - Sri Sathyagiri Natha Perumal Temple


Kerala Temples
Thiruvananthapuram - Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvanparisaaram - Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple
Thirukkaatkarai - Sri Kaatkarai Appa Perumal Temple
Thirumoozhikkalam - Sri Moozhikkalathaan Perumal Temple
Thirupuliyoor - Sri Maayapiran Perumal Temple
Thirucchenkundroor - Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple
Thiru Naavaay - Sri Naavaay Mugundha Perumal Temple
Thiruvalvaazh - Sri Kolapira Perumal Temple
Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple
Thiru Vattaaru - Sri Aadhikesava Perumal Temple
Thiruvithuvakkodu - Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple
Thirukkadithaanam - Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal Temple
Thiruvaaran Vilai - Sri Kuralappa Perumal Temple


Andhra Temples
Tirupathi - Tirumalai - Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Thiru Singavel Kundram (Ahobilam) - Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple

Uttar Pradesh Temple
Thiru Ayodhi - Sri Ramar Temple
Thiru Naimisaranyam - Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple

Nepal Temple
Thiru Salagramam - Sri Moorthy Perumal Temple

Thiruvadhari Ashramam (Badrinath) - Sri Badri Narayana Perumal Temple
Thirukkandam - Kadi Nagar (Devaprayag) - Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple
Thiruppirudhi (Joshimutt) - Sri Paramapurusha Perumal Temple
Thiru Vadamathura (Brindhavanam) - Sri Govardhana Nesa Perumal Temple
Thiruvaaipadi (Aayarpadi) - Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple
Thiru Dwaraka (Dwaraka) - Sri Kalyana Narayana Perumal Temple

Vinnulaga Temples
ThirupPaarkadal (Vyugam)
ThirupParamapadham (Parathuvam)

UDAN - our new oasis for travelling around India

Hyderabad has new routes like Hyd-Kadapa, and see tourist places in Kadapa like Bellum Caves, Gandikota Fort, and tourist places around Kadapa, which is other 415 km and 6 hr drive, can be done in 1 hr flight (of course being 1 hr before flight in airport and the commute to airport does add up)

UDAN can be the gateway to increased tourism within India for India and foreigners alike.



http://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/udan-takes-off-five-airlines-to-fly-128-routes-connect-70-airports-4593166/

Ramapuram Beach, near Chirala

April 14th and 15th 2017 @ Ramapuram Beach

Ramapuram Beach in Chirala is a clean beach and less crowded as not famous like the Suryalanka Beach.

Ramapuram Beach is about 350 kms from Nehru Outer Ring Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

We started at Friday, Good Friday at 6 am and breezed through the Outer Ring Road, watching the sun coming up, and crossing the massive TCS Adibhatla Campus and merging with NH65 towards Vijayawada.

We had our breakfast at Vivera Hotel on Hyderabad Vijayawada Hughway (it will be on the right side and need to take a U turn) after couple of kilometers from the first toll on NH65. Simple Idli Sambar and a strong Coffee. Rest rooms were neat. After our breakfast, we quickly hit the road again, using Miryalaguda route to Ramapuram Beach Rd., Chirala

We reached the Seabreeze Beach Resort around 12 pm and checked into the rooms. If you need a view book for seaview instead of Garden view, which is little far away from the beach and swimming pool. This resort doesn't accept credit cards, so need to arrange for a cash or do a online transfer.

We ordered for Lunch at the restaurant in the beach resort and food was good (we asked for less spicy) - Fish, Shrimp, Chicken and Phulka were good. After a heavy Lunch, we went back to rooms and slept for a while, while some of us, went till the light house and fish market to get some ice for ice -bucket-drinks setup for night.

In the evening we went to beach and had a very good time. Only few people on the beach, and beach was very clean. The resort was full though so advance booking is preferred. The high tides was hitting hard but we could go inside the waters and enjoy for sometime before the sunset.

We went back to room, got ready and used the balcony for our chit chat and drinks. Room service for couple of fruit juices. And we went back to the restaurant by the beach, which had IPL playing on big screen. Ordered food and drinks.

Listening to the roaring tides. Watching the IPL. Drinking in beer and eating snacks. Night ended with some going back to room and sleeping, while some headed back to beach and sat on the white sand and waves hitting your feet. After a pleasant night, hit back to bed to watch the beautiful sunrise again

We woke up early on Saturday by 5:30 am, did my Upa Yoga, and headed to sunrise at the beach and did my Shambhavi Kriya by the ocean. Early morning rays falling on you, doing the Shambhavi Kriya, chanting Aum and meditating, was heavenly. Went into waters again and the waves were pleasant and we had lot of fun. Swimming pool was inviting and few of us had swim. Got our own swim wear.

Got ready and headed towards a South Indian Breakfast - Idli, Dosa, Pongal, Upma, Tea/Coffee and then checked out of the hotel by 10 am. Checkin-Checkout was 9am - 9am though.

We decided to visit Amaravati, but ended up going to watch ammavaru at Kanakadurga temple, Vijayawada. Last I remember was 20 yrs back walking up the Indrakiladri and praying to Kanaka Durga Devi on the weekends. Now it is sitting on top of 5 storeyed building.

Rs. 100 and Rs. 300 ticket, and climbing all 5 storeys and finally into the temple area. We took the Rs. 300 ticket so we can watch ammavaru in garbagudi. No rush, so we could see Goddess at close and for sometime. Amazing sight and blessing from Ammavaru. Came out and had pulihora as prasadam and laddu given at the counter. Ordered some extra ladoos, to take home. Then ate our lunch at Hotel Manorama and started our journey home

All of us wanted to get some mangoes and so we brought few kgs of Mangoes - both chinna rasalu and banginapalli mamidikayalu at Ibrahimpatnam on the outskirts of Vijayawada.

Then we started again to Hyderabad and after couple of small chai breaks, reached home in the night. Can we resist the mangoes? Nope, so ate couple of mangoes and went back to sleep to wake up on Sunday

So I hope you enjoyed my first quick weekend getaway from Hyderabad and will visit this with your friends and family and enjoy a nice weekend away from the hustle bustle of the stressed city life.

Chirala is accessible by road, or by rail(Secunderabad to Chirala, Vijayawada trains stop at Chirala), or by air (from vijayawada). Hope you plan one of your weekends and enjoy like us.

Happy planning and vacationing in Ramapuram Beach, Chirala, Andhra Pradesh