Captivate the Beauty of City Palace in your Memories

Udaipur is a city of Rajasthan having lakes all round. Due to the large number of lakes, it is called as “A Lake City” or “City of Lakes”. Many majestic palaces are located near the lakes. City Palace is one of the palaces located near the Lake Pichola. Maharana Uday Singh initiated the construction of this palace but till the end of the construction many succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex and finally left a surprising uniformity of the design. It has a wonderful blend of European, Arabic and Roman architecture.

The entry to the palace is from the Hati Pol i.e. the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia i.e. the Triple gate. In the medieval times, it was a custom that the Maharana had to weigh under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed among the citizens of the nearby village. Now it is a main ticket office. Balconies, cupolas and towers capped the palace to give a marvelous view of the lake and the city.

Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is the place in the palace where the Maharana would assist the public audience in their difficult times. The Mor Chowk or the peacock square which gets its name from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates its walls is also very elegant.

The main part of the palace is now conserved as a museum presenting a large and diverse pattern of artifacts. To the down steps from the entrance, there is an armory museum showing a large number of collections of protective gear, weapons including the fatal two-pronged sword. Now after visiting that, the museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesha. Further this leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard, a spot where Maharana Udai Singh met a sage who told him to build a city here. The rooms of the palace are preciously decorated with mirror tiles and paintings. Amar Vilas is the highest point of the palace.

Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace has a delightful collection of glass and mirror work while Krishna Vilas display a rich collection of minute but exquisite paintings. Moti Mahal or the pearl has graceful mirror work and the Chini Mahal has adorned tiles all over. The Surya Chopar or the sun square illustrates a large sun signifying the sun dynasty to which the Mewar dynasty belongs. The Bari Mahal is another location of the palace having a central garden with a serene view of the city. Some more exotic paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal or the ladies cell, which leads to Lakshmi Chowk which is  a beautiful white canopy.

This palace is used as a museum and also as a marriage ceremony hall. Film and television shooting also take place here. In the 1985, the palace was used as a hotel for the James Bond film Octopussy. In 1991, a documentary film called Jag Mandir shot here. Lots of Marriage ceremonies of big stars either they are Indian or Foreigner took place here. So this grand palace used in a different way by different persons due to its.

If you want to plan a trip of one of the must visit places in Rajasthan, then click here to send your tour details.

Know About the Visiting Time & Routes of Kerala Backwater Houseboats

Placid environment, serene backwaters, breathtaking hill stations, stunning beaches, historical places and many more things are there that lures tourists towards this cultural state of India i.e. Kerala. The choice is endless and many holiday seekers with the different purposes move to this place to spend their vacation. Some go for the Ayurvedic treatment, some for getting the tranquil environment of hill stations and some for its fascinating backwaters.

Kerala as we know is a long coastal destination and this totally ensures that the climate of this state never bound to its extremes means neither it is too hot nor it’s too cold. Each season of this exotic state has its own charm. Summer season has its own charm while the winter season has its own glamour. So, it is an all-season destination preferred by most of the people but, the peak period of tourists is considered from August to May as best time to visit. During this time period, its climate is more attractive and tranquil, where one can enjoy the graceful time in houseboat or feel the backwater cruising at its best.

Places of Backwater Houseboats

Kerala Backwaters Kettuvallam (Rice Boat) by Nostalgic T+ Allan on flickr

The state has many lakes and the boats are used for several purposes. Some of them includes Kollam, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kottayam, Kumarakom, Munroe Island, Kasargod, Thiruvallam, Kozhikode, Alleppey, Wayanad, Thekkady, etc. So, many places are there that offers various kinds of houseboat facilities.

Kerala Backwaters Kettuvallam (Rice Boat) by Nostalgic T+ Allan on flickr

The beauty of the backwaters of Kerala cannot be written in words or explained orally properly. One can experience it by going there only. Everything can be found on this pristine land. Due to its beauty, sometimes it is said to be “God’s Land”. A large number of tourists go there each year with different purposes. Any person goes there surely take the ride of houseboat once at least and then only will be able to know the charm behind the famous backwaters with houseboats.

Deluxe Houseboat

For having deluxe houseboat with one bedroom and night A/C facility than one has to pay INR 6000 only around Alleppey.

Premium Houseboat

For Premium houseboat with one bedroom and full time A/C, one has to pay INR 8000 only.

Booking in advance should be made by the tourists, as in the peak season time, bookings are closed due to the large number of visitors. No houseboat remains vacant at the peak time, so one should book it in advance according to one’s needs, requirement and especially the budget.

Backwater Routes

Here is the list of Kerala backwater routes, the best way to cover this exciting journey.

Kumarakom - Alleppey

Kumarakom - Alleppey - Tottappally

Alleppey - Thottappally

Kumarakom Round Trip

Alleppey Round Trip

For bookings related to Kerala Backwaters and customized tour itineraries, click here

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Enjoy the Graceful Moments of Your Life in Houseboat of Kerala

Kerala, a famous state of South India is a popular destination among Indians as well as Foreigners. Surrounding by the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, networked by 44 rivers make it unique among the other states of South India.  It is the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. A tranquil environs, pristine beaches, exotic lakes, along shoreline, high hills, waterfalls, sprawling tea plantation and the most probable thing is a night on houseboat make you feel marvelous.

kettuvallam (Kerala houseboat) by Nick Williams on flickr

Kerala Houseboat by Flash Graphics on flickr

Houseboats of Kerala are much similar to those of “Shikara” of Kashmir.  There are a large number of houseboats available in Kerala due to its large demand among the visitors. They are basically a slow moving raft used for leisure trips. These are the modified model of Kettuvallam (Boat tied with ropes of coconut fibers), that was used in the earlier times by most of the people for trade purposes. Rice and many kinds of spices were carried by these boats from one place to another and considered as the convenient way of means of transportation. But now-a-days, those Kettuvallam modified to form a beautiful houseboat used for visitors.

Many houseboats are available there for tourist purpose. Some of the houseboats are motorized while the other ones are stationary ones. All the amenities are provided by them in these houseboats. So, the main classification of the houseboat is: Deluxe Houseboats, Premium and Luxury Houseboats.

Inside view of Kerala Houseboat by monishamanral on flickr.com

Kerala Houseboat Inside by Flash Graphics on flickr

First of all, we will discuss the qualities and amenities provided by the varieties of houseboats. Deluxe houseboats are the famous ones as well as the costlier one. Eco-friendly measures are adopted on-board with them to provide the deluxe facilities to their visitors. A right example to show it eco-friendly is the toilet facility. Toilets of this houseboat run on the biodegradable system as the waste developed is brought to land not to the rivers and disposed properly. It does not pollute the rivers and beautiful Lakes. These boats contain spacious hall, two bathrooms attached to the bedrooms with facility of both hot and cold water. For cooking purposes, there is a kitchen in which all the needed things are available. One can cook one’s food by oneself or a maid is available to cook the delicious South Indian food and serve you the quality food in the boat itself.  Also, a generator powered the boat for full time light and a/c facilities is available there.

Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr

Luxury Houseboat by Kerala Boating on flickr

Secondly, there are Premium and Luxury Houseboats that provide the same facility as the deluxe one but, some things can be found different in all the boats. It’s like a dream come true when you float like a leaf on the fluctuating waves of the river or lakes. This type of feeling can easily feel by traveling in Luxury houseboats as these are just like the floating fortresses on wood. With five star facilities these Luxury houseboats are comfortable enough as like a house. These are fully air conditioned boats, elegantly decorated and contains all the modern facilities as per the comfort of the person. Reading, playing and other activities are now easy on backwaters while traveling in a houseboat. Well furnished rooms and magnificent view of the countryside allures anyone. Spacious bedrooms with total privacy make anyone feel majestic. Each room of the boat has attached bathroom facility. Kitchen on-board with palatable cuisine like Karimeen, Kappa and toddy erect your taste buds to the fullest. Many varieties of dishes delight you surely.

Luxury houseboat cruises by Muthoot Hotels on flickr

For honeymooners, riding on a houseboat especially on a moonlit night creates the atmosphere of romance everywhere. The upper deck of the houseboat is another good place to hold a party as it is spacious enough with a seating capacity of fifty persons.

So enjoy the beauty of Lakes, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, Tea plantations, Hill side views and many more while on-board on the houseboat. One can enjoy the extreme beauty of the Kerala through the houseboats itself. It became a long lasting and unique experience for anyone riding on the backwaters.

Goa: A State with Largest Heart

Baga Beach

Dona Paula Beach

Majorda Beach

Miramar Beach

Panjim 

Anjuna Beach

Colva Beach

Mandovi River

Prawns

Seafood

Bread

Goa is one of the coolest places in India and is famous for its climate and pristine beaches. Tourists gather here in a huge number. Climate of Goa is soothing enough that you do not have to decide whether to go in summer, spring, winter or rainy season. The beaches of this place are the main attractions. Some of the most frequently visited beaches are: - Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Colva Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Majorda Beach and Vasco Da Gama Beach. Cruising on the Mandovi River with astonished seafood is the other attraction. Sand near the beaches gives the warmth of the beaches. Sunbath, coconut tree adds on with the beauty of the Goa. Portuguese bread that sold at the time of the Portuguese invasion in the country is also famous. Some travelers especially go there to have the savor of this bread.

Fish Curry with Rice

Mango Dish

Se Cathedral

Shantadurga Temple

St. Michael's Church

Mahalsa Temple

A balm for the busy mind, magnificent beaches to swim, savor its unique cuisine, large cathedrals, majestic temples, invigorating trek, etc. makes the Goa a finest destination in the India. It is forever holiday place. This place has charm that shows as a multifaceted jewel in the crown of India. This tour surely soothes your mind, body, spirit and soul. So if you are opting for this, then you surely choose the right land for your holiday. The trip will be an unfading memory.

Hampi: A Historical Paradise on the Earth

Hampi, located in Karnataka, is one of the historical paradises of the earth. Rich in architecture, historical places, temples, gigantic forts, markets and many more things. It is one of the world’s UNESCO heritage sites. The large number of tourists flock here to see the ruins of the city. Many carnivals take place here which attracts a large crowd of tourists, it showcases special puppetry shows, music and dance followed by fireworks etc.. To know it better, then you have to visit this paradise to have a close look. Famous landmarks or tourist places in and around this city are worth to visit and it includes the following places.

Places to Visit in Hampi

Temples

• Virupaksha Temple: It is a famous and oldest temple of Hampi dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction. Many pilgrims and tourist visit here. It consists of the God’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. Pilgrims worship here from the deep soul of the body.

• Vittala Temple: As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Vittala, an incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu. This temple consists of many halls and shrines. Many sets of pillars, basically known as “musical pillars” are there, they resonate when tapped. The environment of this temple is soothing and packed with numerous small temples in it.

• Sasivekalu Ganesha: This temple has a giant statue of Ganesha inside it. Sasivekalu means made of mustard seed, and here the Ganesha’s potbelly is made up of mustard seed. Hence the name of the temple is after the belly of Ganesha. Many tourists and pilgrims come here especially to see the mustard potbelly of lord Ganesha.

Market

• Riverside Trek Path: This path is filled with ruins of ancient structures, numerous shrines, carved artifacts, etc. It connects to the ancient Hampi Bazaar, a famous market of Hampi, you can purchase the ancient artifacts, miniature structures of Hampi tomb, etc.

Palaces & Forts

• Lotus Mahal: This Mahal or palace was about the queen. She used this palace as a pleasure pavilion. It contains Islamic architecture style arches and the roofs and base typical of Hindu temples. So it showcases a beautiful amalgam of Hindu and Islamic architecture.

• Queen’s Bath: This structure belongs to the royal area of the capital and used by the country ladies or kings. It is like an aquatic complex. It consists of a large verandah having a large pool and protruding balconies facing the pool. It is an another example of the Indo-Islamic hybrid architecture.

• Elephant Stables: It was the shelter for the royal elephants of the olden time. It has a series of chambers with domical roofs for the safety purpose. A centrally located hall with a grand tower used by the ceremonial band troop.

• King’s Balance: This balance is used by the kings to measure their weights against the grains and jewels, which were to be distributed among the poors and beggars during the festival or any occasion.

• Royal Enclosure: It was the seat of the erstwhile kings, and a grand fortified enclosure. It contains many ruins of stately structures. Its area is packed with many palaces, bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and many more things. Mahanavami platform is there from where king watches the parade of the city on festivals or any occasion.

Wildlife

• Daroji Bear Sanctuary: It is the famous sanctuary of Hampi famous for its bear population. Apart from the bears, there are many faunal species of Leopards, Hyena, Jackals, Wild Boars, Porcupine, Pangolins, Star Tortoise, Monitor Lizard, Partridges, etc. About 20 species of butterflies found here. You can see these animal species in their natural habitat.

One can say that Hampi has a lot to offer to its tourist either it is a temple in the tourist place or ancient monument with its ruins. If you book any package for this city then it will be easy for you to get to that place easily and able to enjoy the tour as well. So come and enjoy this Hampi tour with Erco Travels

Taj Tourism Vanished in front of Tirupati Balaji

Andhra Pradesh becomes a no. 1 tourist destination due to increase in the number of pilgrims towards it. 20.68 crore tourists travel to this place in 2012. Other states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh took the second and third places. The figures revealed by the Ministry of Tourism tell everyone that what the topmost tourist destination of India is.

About Lord Tirupati

Temple of lord Venkateswara is located nearby Tirupati in chittor district of Tirumala. This capital is 600 km far from the Hyderabad. 10th century made temple is preferable by the tourists than to Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh and Ajanta-Ellora in Maharashtra. Tourists come from different states and countries to visit this honorable temple.

List of increase in domestic tourist:

2010 - 74.8

2011 - 86.5

2012 - 103.6

(In crores)

Top Destinations (In Crores):

Andhra Pradesh - 20.68

Tamil Nadu - 18.41

Uttar Pradesh - 16.84

Karnataka - 9.41

Maharashtra - 6.63

Madhya Pradesh - 5.32

Rajasthan - 2.86

Uttarakhand - 2.68

Gujarat - 2.44

West Bengal - 2.27

A Trip to Mysore

Travel destinations vary from place to place. Either it is a hill station or a plain. Each place has its own charm. Mysore is one of those kinds of tourist places which gather much tourist crowd. With a great heritage, good climate, all amenities, magnificent palaces makes it a hotspot. With this tour, one will be mesmerized to go there again. It being a nice idea to explore any city your own but with trusted travel agent you will feel an adventurous time. Be a part of the Fabulous and Enthralling Mysore tour by ErcoTravels.

About Mysore

Mysore is one of the best tourist locations in Bangalore. It is very near to Bangalore. Its name itself evokes the culture and heritage of the place. It is the city of palaces. It never desist the tourists from its charm, tranquility, sacred temples, shady avenues etc. If one goes there, then he will definitely want to go at that place again. Enthralling beauty of it startled you totally. People go there even to make it their hometown also. From here only, you can imagine or makes an idea of the glory of the place. It is really a heaven.

Climate of Mysore

Climate of Mysore again takes a plus point for taking its tour. One can go at any time of the year to Mysore as climate is not extreme to both sides. Neither it’s too warm nor is it cool. So there is a pleasant atmosphere which gives tranquility to the busy and pushy mind. But, in rainy seasons, it is advisable to avoid this place.

Accommodation

Accommodation is the main problem of tourists. But here Mysore itself offers a wide range of it. There are many hotels, palaces, restaurants, lodges etc. available in a huge quantity. One can stay here according to one’s choice and budget.

Tourist Places

Mysore’s tourist locations serve as major tourist attractions in the vicinity. More than half of the tourists’ population of Mysore is for watching the Jog fall which is the highest waterfall in India. Trekking along the Jog fall is also very exciting. Its monuments are the most visited monuments of India. Here one can enjoy visiting the Amba vilas palace, Jaganmohana palace, Lalitha Mahal, chamundi Hills and ST Philomena’s Church. One can visit the newly developed Zoo, national parks and sanctuaries also. If you are searching for the yoga classes, then here is it. Many tourists either they are Indians or foreigners visit this place to take yoga classes. There are so many hill stations nearby of it. Hill station of Ooty is the nearest one. Many religious places are there that gives peace of mind.

Shopping

Mysore is surrounded by sandalwood and rosewood forests. Thus, the shopping material also includes this wood. All the decorative items like statues are made from this. One can do lots of shopping from here for one’s loved ones. Though a bit expensive but its charm attracts everyone and at last one will purchase it at any cost. For ladies, silk sarees is the famous cloth. No women can left out of it.

At last, we can say that it is a very environment friendly place. Also every year, one of the stations of Karnataka region gets awarded by the Ministry of Tourism for providing the best amenities to their tourists. So, not only Mysore, there are many places near Bangalore where any person go with their family and can able to spend quality time over there.