From the town of Nenmara in Palakkad district,Kerala, the cloud-caressed peaks of the majestic Nelliyampathy hill ranges are a sight to behold. The height of the hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m. To reach Nelliyampathy, one has to take the road starting from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam. There are about 10 hairpin bends that have to be negotiated on the way to Nelliyampathy.
The Pothundy Dam is a picturesque locale with facilities for boating and is a nice option as a picnic place. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, at certain places there are viewpoints from where the vast stretches of Palakkad district are visible with its extensive paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. It also offers a splendid view of the Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats formation in this region, bringing into view, parts of the adjoining State of Tamilnadu.
On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.
Privately owned hotels and resorts are located at various points, as one goes up the hills of Nelliyampathy. The bio-farms located here are a major landmark as one proceeds up before reaching the topmost point at Palagapandi estate. The estate has a quaint bungalow, built during the period of the British rule in India, and has now been converted into a private owned resort. At Kaikatty, a community hall is available, which is usually used as a base by those interested in trekking.
Not far away from Palagapandy is Seetharkundu where one can have a fantastic valley view, and a 100 m high waterfall providing an added attraction. From Palagapandy, one can trek or go by jeep to reach Mampara; another breathtaking vantage point at Nelliyampathy. The area in and around Palagapandy estate has tea, cardamom and coffee plantations with adjoining hills allowing one to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in the form of Indian gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrel etc. and is also a paradise for birdwatchers.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 52 km from Nelliyampathy.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, about 55 km from Palakkad.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli is an oasis of idyllic green whose landscape is a kaleidoscope of jungle-clad hills, verdant rolling plains dotted with sylvan water bodies and laced by the rippling cascades of streams and meandering rivers. Consequently, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Tourism is a flourishing and revenue generating industry.
The beautiful union territory sited near the coast of the voluminous Arabian Sea is opulent in breathtaking locales and spectacular tourist attractions. Tourists entering the union territory are greeted by the spellbinding chiaroscuro of a sprawling and landscaped Garden Vanganga and a beautiful lake, shimmering like a mirage of quicksilver. The Hirwavan garden, Piparia is another exquisite property replete with cascading waterfalls and the vibrant hues of the seasonal blooms that welcomes tourists to the capital city, Silvassa. The garden owes its nomenclature to the local, venerable deity Hirwa. The Tribal Museum , Silvassa is another fascinating place that offers an enlightening insight into the quintessential tribal cultural legacy of the tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The museum opens up a treasure trove of cultural delights for city slickers on a sojourn to the union territory. Be it their archetypal chunky jewelry, musical instruments and other multifarious domestic and occupational paraphernalia, the museum showcases it all. The Vanvihar Tourist Complex, Chauda and the Tapovan Tourist Complex, Bindrabin are a set of comfortable and tastefully furnished and quaint cottages that are strategically located to offer accommodation and promote tourism in the union territory. For further information on Dadra and Nagar Haveli Tourism, navigate to any of the following links:
Daman and Diu tourism includes a visit to the various tourist attractions and historical sites. Tourism in Daman and Diu reveals the enigmatic beauty of the region and its rich historic past.
Most of the monuments in the region were constructed during the colonial regime of the Portuguese. The monuments and historic sites still retain the old world charm that appeals to the tourists. The tourists may visit the new places along with the old ones. With the effort of the government, thematic amusement parks have been set up in Daman and Diu for the tourists to visit. Bordered by the sea on three sides, the region of Daman and Diu is gifted with magnificent beaches. The natural and unbroken slope of the beaches along with its shimmering sand entices tourists to visit it. Tour of Daman and Diu is incomplete without a visit to the shopping areas. The tourists may collect items and artifacts and carry them back home as memoirs of their trip to the exotic land of Daman and Diu. The big shopping centers and emporiums lie in the center of the city. The tourists may visit the local markets of the region too to buy articles at a good bargain. While touring Daman and Diu, the tourists may reside in the luxurious resorts at Daman. The resorts are furnished with state of art facilities for both the international and the national tourists who arrive in the region from all round the globe. The following are the links to Daman and Diu Tourism:
Chandigarh has a good number of major tourist destinations. This city was designed by Le Corbusier, a French architect. The tourists from all over the country visit this planned city every year. Chandigarh Tourism can guide you to enjoy very refreshing and enriching vacation. The best time for Chandigarh tour is during the Autumn season of mid-August to November when there is a moderate climate.
This page gives you comprehensive information on Chandigarh tourism. Places of visit in Chandigarh:
- Capitol Complex- This complex consists of the famous Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly. These buildings are the hallmark of high profile architectural creation. In the center is situated the official emblem of Chandigarh, 'The Open Hand'. This place is a major attraction for the tourists. The other places of monumental attraction are Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, and Martyr's Memorial.
- Rock Garden- The rock garden is very famous because the place is designed uniquely with urban and industrial waste materials. The artwork is simply magnificent made of broken bangles, chinaware, tubes, coal, etc exhibiting village life, animals, human figures and other abstract shapes and forms.
- Rose Garden- The largest rose garden of Asia named the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden is located in Chandigarh. The best season to visit this place is during the end of February when the Rose Festival is celebrated.
- Government Museum and Art Gallery- This has a superb exhibit of Gandhara stone sculptures. Besides the place also is a storehouse of modern paintings and arts.
- International Dolls Museum- This museum has a wonderful collection of puppets and dolls from various countries of the world.
- Sector 17 Plaza- This is the right place for the shopping freaks.
Hotels in Chandigarh:For the tourists, Chandigarh has a number of luxurious hotels. Some of them are:
- Mountview
- Shivalik View
- Park View
- Taj
One of the few places in India, which can remind you of foreign locales is the beautiful city of Pondicherry. Once ruled by the French, the Pondicherry was their Indian capital. Pondicherry has been given the status of an Union Territory and it comprises a few coastal regions like:
- Karaikal
- Puducherry
- Mahe
- Yanam
These areas along with the main city are full of excellent sites, making the region a tourist's delight. No wonder, the Pondicherry Tourismis an eternal favorite with the travel loving people. Blessed with French architectural wonders and their culture, Pondicherry has been able to maintain a fine balance between the European traditions and Indian advancements. The peaceful area and the friendly people add to the value ofPondicherry Tourism. Some of the must visit tourism sites in Pondicherry are:-
- Back water lakes and Gardens in Pondicherry
- Botanical Garden
- Government Park
- French Fort Louis
- Aayi Mandapam
- The Nineteenth Century Light House
- Aurbindo Ashram
- Pondicherry Museum
- Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Promenade
If you like to spend your holiday in a seaside, then Pondicherry is the place for you. With the presence of exciting beaches and favorable climate, a Pondicherry Vacation can be a thrilling and relaxing at the same time. Accommodation and sight seeing will not be a problem in the city. The Pondicherry Travel agents will take care of that. Some of the leading travel agents who operate from the city are:
- Travel Planet India
- India Tours Online
- Sarvya - Pondicherry
- Window to the World
- Namaste Tours Private Limited
- Indian Horizons
To know more about tourism in Pondicherry, please log into:-