Kedarnath is a small town in de midhills of the Himalaya mountains in the state of Uttarakhand in north-western India. It is a Hindu holy town and is one of the Himalaya Char Dham yatra. Kedarnath is located at about 3584 mtrs. above sea level and lies near to the head of river Mandakini. It is flanked by many breathtaking peaks. If you arrive in the early or late season, you will most likely find your path in the morning and evening to be frozen and slippery. Then the the temple and houses are all under a pack of snow and the people around packed with many layers of clothes and all chiffering, sipping tea at the teashop next to the temple. Sadhus camp on the streets while trying to stay warm by burning locally found woods.

Kedarnath hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples and is a ever more popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. In a scenic spot at the origin of the river Mandakini, the shrine of Kedarnath is most venerated amongst the Hindu pilgrims. Read the rest of this entry »

Tirupathi Tirumala Devasthanam or the house of the Lord Tirupati is most likely Hindu India’s visited holy place. Located amidst verdant greenery atop a hill enclosed by outcroppings of red rock, the temple draws the devout in thousands daily, is dedicated to Sri Venkateswara, one of the personifications of Vishnu. The temple is the cause that this town gets visitors, frequently pilgrims who have traveled hundreds of kilometers to get a wish of the Lord.

Tirumala is one of a small amount of temples to allow non-Hindus into the sanctum sanctorum. Remember, to leave the footwear behind at the stall outside the temple complex. Do not give way to the high-pressure tactics of ticket toting touts. Get it from the temple’s official counter.

The temple houses has a lot of decorated idol of Sri Venkateswara before whom one is permitted only a few moments before the next area load of visitors is to be ushered in.

Tirupathi receives a record number of pilgrim’s daily, other than any holy city in the world. These record crowds overthrow bigger records during the festivals and on weekends. According to whether disorder is the cup of tea or not, one can choose high-season weekends or off-season weekdays. Read the rest of this entry »

Amritsar City

With a part of the land granted by Emperor Akbar, the foundation stone laid by a Muslim Sufi Saint, Mian Mir, the construction was completed in 1601. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions, the scripture is unique, and it contains the divine message as received by saints, bhagats and pirs of all the faiths of India.

The Baisakhi and Diwali fairs in April and October every year are celebrated with great fervor and gusto.On the fair of Baisakhi all the jewelry in the toshakhana (treasury) of the temple, which consist of indescribable ornaments, is displayed around Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
Diwali of Amritsar is out-of-the-world. The entire Golden Temple is illuminated with traditional lamps of different colours. The reflection of the temple in the shimmering water of the holy pool binds the eye, to the many-a-splendoured pageant. Fire works display by the traditional professionals recreates the glory of the times gone past

Temple construction
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The nearest Railway Station and Airport are at Jammu, at a distance of 50 Kms from Base camp Katra. A regular bus services are plying from Railway Station, Air port and General Bus Stand Jammu to Katra. Also number of Taxies, Tourist vans, Deluxe Busses are available at these places. However number of inter state busses are available for Katra from almost all the major cities of North India.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is linked to the Base Camp Katra with a 13 Kms track. The entire uphill Journey from Katra to Bhawan is on foot, however, one can hire ponies, palkies or pithoo for ease of journey.

Recently Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started the air taxi services between Jammu, Katra and Sanjichat at the normal rates.

Route of shri Mata Vaishno Devi

The 13 Kms hilly track between Katra and Bhawan contains number of ancient temples and view-points for rest and enjoy natural beauty. The first stop is at Banganga, 1 Km away from Katra where one can have holy bath in the Banganga and have a Langer/Parshad (free food) run by famous T-series Industries. Read the rest of this entry »