The Indian Center

About Ladakh

The geographical backbone of Ladakh, the Inuds Valley, particularly from Upshi down to Khalatse, is also the region’s histocric heartland. All the major sites connected with the former kingdom’s dynastic history are here, starting with Leh, the capital city since the early 17th century when Sengge Namgyal built its nine-storey palace.

A few kilometres up the Indus is Shey, the most ancient capital, with its palace and temples, their vibrantly coloured murals cleaned and restored in the mid-1980s. Down river, Basgo, right on the road and Tingmosgang, a short way up a side-valley, both served as capital cities when the country was temporarily divided into two parts in the 15th century, and both have the remains of forts and temples dating from the period of their brief glory.

Stok, just across the river from Leh, is the village with which the deposed royal family was compensated for the loss of its throne. Its palace houses a museum of artefacts associated with the dynasty, and there is also a small gompa.

Partly as a result of royal patronage, the central area of Ladakh has the greatest concentration of major gomps. Of the twelve situated on or near the Inuds, the is Lamayuru, believed to have been a sacred site for the pre-Buddhist religion known as Bon. Phiyang, Hemis and Chemrey were all founded under the direct partonage of members of the ruling Namgyal dynasty.

Phiyang represents an act of penance by the 16th century King Tashi Namgyal for the violence and treachery by which he reached the throne. Hemis, together with Hanle near the Tibetan border, was founded at the instance of King Sengge Namgyal, and Chemrey by his widow as a posthumous act of merit for him. Stakna, dating from a slightly earlier period, was endowed by the Namgyal kings at various times. All these belong to the red-hat Kar-gyut-pa sect of Tibetan monasticism.

The reformist Ge-lugs-pa (Yellow-hat) sect is also well represented in central Ladakh by Thikse, Likir, Ridzong and Spituk, the last of which hasdaughter houses at Stok, Sabu and Sankar. Ri-dzong, the only gompa which is not as yet approachable by a motorable road, is situated a few kilometres up a side- valley at Uley-Tokpo.

It was founded only a century and a quarter ago by a devout layman-turned-lama, with the purpose of giving full expression to the strict monastic rule of the Ge-lugs-pa. While the paintings and images in its temples may, to some extent, lack the aesthetic and antiquaian interest of those inthe older establishments, this gompa nevertheless has an indefinable atmoshpere of peace and dedication which reflects faithfully the inwardness of the Buddhist Way.

The smaller but much older Bying-ma-pa and Saskya-pa monastic sects are represented respectively by Tak-thok and Matho gompas. Takthok, at the foot of the Chang-la, incorporates one of the many caves in the Himalaya where the Indian Buddhist apostle Padma-sambhava is said to have rested and meditated on his journey to Tibet. Matho Gompa has a slightly rundown structure, but a vibrant religious community. It is famous for its festival of the oracles which takes place early in the year, usually in the first half of March. Read Full Post…

Thirunelly temple (32 km northeast of Mananthavady): Surrounded by Kambamala, Karimala and Varadiga, the Thirunelly temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. The crystal clear waters of the Papanasini river running downhill add to the enchantment of the place.

Pazhassi tomb (32 km northeast of Kalpetta): The memorial of the ‘Lion of Kerala’ – Veera Pazhassi Raja – who organised the guerilla warfare against the British East India Company, is situated at Mananthavady. The Pulpally cave is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British. The Glass Temple of Kottamunda (20 km away from Kalpetta): This temple is located on the slope of Vellarimala and is dedicated to Parswanatha Swamy of the Jain faith. The mirrors inside the temple walls reflect images of the icons in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.

Pakshipathalam (10 km from Thirunelly): This place can be accessed only by trekking. Rare species of birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.

Boys town (15 km north of Mananthavady): Herbal garden, nature care centre, sericulture unit, perma-culture centre etc., established by the Wayanad Social Service Society and Jean Park (the Indo-Danish project for promoting herbal gardening) are situated here.

Festivals :

Valliyurkavu Bhagavathy Temple: Located 8 km east of Mananthavady town, the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga. The two week long festival in February/March is attended by hundreds of tribals Thirunelly temple (August) Seethadevi Temple (January) Pallikkunnu Church (February) Nadavayal St. Thomas Church (January) Varambatta Mosque (March) Mardoni Mosque (March – April)

How To Reach Wayanad

Air : The nearest airport is Calicut. 109 km from Kalpetta, district headquarters.

Road : N H 212 (Kozhikode-Mysore) passes via Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery.

KSRTC Bus Station in Sulthan Bathery operates round-the-clock services to Kozhikode sector.

Buses to Bangalore and Mysore are from Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta.

Interiors of the district are connected to Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery.

Mananthavady is also connected to Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Kozhikode.

The capital of the state of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or the City of the Sacred Snake, is built over seven hills. Named after Anantha, the thousand – headed serpent of Hindu mythology, the city once formed a part of the Travancore kingdom, its capital at Padmanabhapuram, now a part of Tamil Nadu.

Thiruvananthapuram is, decidedly, one of the cleaner and well-planned cities of the country. The city’s scenic appeal, its enchanting beaches, and overwhelming greenery only add to its uniqueness.

It embodies the magical feel of Kerala, as a whole, and lends terrific insight into the culture of the state. The red-tiled roofs, the never-ending stretches of palm trees, the maze of narrow, winding streets and above all, the sea, make for a fascinating mixture.

There is an element of understated and effortless elegance about the city, which leaves a lasting impression on the visitor.

Festivals
The festival, that the entire city, anticipates with great enthusiasm is Onam, which marks Kerala’s new year and harvest season, and comes around in August-September. The other spectacular event that transfigures the entire city is Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival.

How to Get There
Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with the other major cities of the country by air, and railways. By road, the city is connected via the National Highway 47 to Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Madras, and Bangalore.

Tiruchirappalli is situated on the banks of the River Kaveri. It is 320 kms. from Madras. This city was a Chola citadel during the Sangam Age. The Pandyas and Pallavas Held Sway over this region for short Periods. The Nayaks of Madurai built the town and the historic Rock Fort, which played a vital role in the Carnatic wars in the 18th Century. Today Tiruchirappalli is a blend of history and tradition-a pilgrim center as well as a thriving commercial city.

Fairs & Festivals :

Mohini Alangaram, Vaikunta Ekadesi, Garuda Sevai, Flower Festival and Car Festival at Sriangam-December-January.
The float festival at Teppakkulam -March-April. Samayapuram Mariamman Temple Poochorithal festival -April.

General Info. :

Area : 23.26sq kms.
Population : 711,120 (1991 census0
Altitude : 78 metres
Climate : Max Min Summer 37.10c 36.40c Winter 21.30c 20.60c
Rainfall : 83.5cms.
Season : Throughout the year
Clothing : Tropical
Languages : Tamil, English and Urdu

Tourist Office: No. 1, Williams Road, Cantonment. Tourist Information Centre :Airport-7kms. Tourist Information Centre :Railway Junction.

OTHER INFORMATION 

Communication Poat, Tlegraph, STD, Telex, Fax etc. Courier Service Available. Money Changers State Bank of India and other nationalized banks transact foreign exchange. Hotel Tamil Nadu and other apporoved hotels also handle foreign exchange. Medical Facilities

Hospoitals Facillities 
Hospitals Government Headquarters Hospital. Railway Hospital, Golden Rock. Child Jesus Hospital, Cantonment, Dr. Joseph Eye Hospital, Melapudur. Many private hospitals are also available. Chemists: Available.

The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. In the Periyar forest of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.

General Info. :

Altitude: 900-1800 m above sea level
Rainfall: 2500 mm

Going there:

Road: There are frequent buses from Kumily (4 km away) to various tourist centres.

Distance of a few major towns from Thekkady

Kumily: 4 km (15 mts) Sabarimala via Pullumedu: 50 km (2 hrs) Idukki: 65 km (2 1/2 hrs) Munnar: 106 km (4 hrs) Kumarakom: 128 km (4 hrs) Sabarimala via Erumeli: 134 km (4 hrs) Kodaikanal: 149 km (5 hrs) Alappuzha: 164 km (5 hrs) Kollam: 220 km (6 hrs) Ooty: 390 km (11 hrs)

Palakkad Fort: The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Fantasy Park : (1400 – 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 – 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80  Children Rs. 60

Pothundy(45 km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.

Dhoni (15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

Kottayi :(15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Malampuzha Garden (10 km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.

Meenkara(32 km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri which flows into the Bharathapuzha.

Ottappalam(35 km from Palakkad): The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.

Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins. The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.

Kollengode (19 km south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.

Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The poet’s house has been preserved as a monument by the State Government.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km from Palakkad): Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.

Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.

Malappuram (literally, a land atop hills) is situated 50 km southeast of Kozhikode. Bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east, the Arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it – the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha. They are seen in the many examples of Indo European architecture that still exist here.

Malappuram has a rich and eventful history. It was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts (uprisings against the British East India Company in Kerala) between 1792 and 1921.

The hill country has also contributed much to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy.

How To Reach Malappuram

Air : Calicut airport is at Karippur in the district. 36 km. away from district headquarters.

Rail : Major railway stations are Thirur, Kuttippuram. Local passenger service on Shornore- Nilambur line.

Road : Manjeri is the main city in the district, Malappuram has a KSRTC station which operates bus services to all parts of the state.

Bus service to Ootty from Nilambur via Gudalore. Bangalore service from Malappuram.

Thangasseri (5 km from Kollam town): 
This seaside village of historic importance has the ruins of an old Portuguese fort and churches built in the 18th century. The Thangasseri Lighthouse is open to visitors from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. There are buses at 15 minute intervals from Kollam town.

Rameshwara Temple:
This temple which shows Pandyan influence in its design has inscriptions in Tamil, dating from the 12th to the 16th century. The Vyala monster sculptures in this temple are carvings which give one the impression that the creatures are animate and are actually climbing upstairs with their outstretched paws.

Kulathupuzha (64 km from Kollam town):
Situated on a forest range on the Thiruvananthapuram – Shenkottai road, Kulathupuzha is known for the Sastha temple. The Vishu Mahotsavam in April/May is the most important festival. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Kulathupuzha. The Thenmala railway station is just 10 km from here.

Mayyanad (10 km south of Kollam town):
Mayyanad is noted for its shrines and temples. The most important of the nine temples here is the Subramanya temple at Umayanallor. This shrine is said to have been consecrated by the great Hindu philosopher Sree Sankaracharya. There are frequent buses from Kollam to Mayyanad.

Sasthamkotta (29 km from Kollam town): 
The vast fresh water lake here is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The ancient Sastha temple which lends its name to the town, is an important pilgrim centre. There are frequent bus services from Kollam. Accommodation is available at the PWD Rest House.

Ochira (34 km north of Kollam town):
The unique feature of this famous pilgrim centre is that there is no deity or idol at the famous Parabrahma temple dedicated to universal consciousness. Ochira Kali in mid June and the twelve day Panthrandu Vilakku in November/December are the two main annual festivals. Ochira Kali is a mock fight enacted between groups of men dressed as warriors on the padanilam (fighting spot). They perform a martial dance standing in knee-deep water, brandishing swords and shields and splashing water in every direction. There are frequent buses from Kollam and Alappuzha.

With the Lakshadweep sea in the west, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Kannur is bounded by a wealth of natural beauty. The district itself, which shares much of this natural splendour, has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the state. In addition, Kannur also enjoys the credit of having been the cradle of many a colourful folk art and folk music. Some of the popular beaches here are:

Places To See in Kannur

Payyambalam Beach (2 km from Kannur): This beach is a Local Picnic spot.

St. Angelo Fort (3 km from Kannur): This seafront Laterite Fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francisco De Almeda with the consent of the ruling Kolathiri Raja. After changing hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and then to the English, the fort became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar. The fort, which is now under the Archaeological Survey of India, offers fascinating views of the Mappila bay fishing harbour.

Arakkal Kettu (3 km from Kannur): This was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim Royal Family of Kerala.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach (11 km from Kannur): This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in Kerala.

Meenkunnu Beach (12 km from Kannur) : Uncrowded, the beach is a tourists’ paradise, with golden sand and surf.

Valapattanam (7 km from Kannur) : The small town on the Valapattanam river is well known for its wood based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal Beach are located nearby. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood based industry in the country and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia, is a major industrial concern here.

Parassinikadavu (16 km from Kannur town) Sri Muthappan Temple stands on the banks of the Valapattanam river. This pilgrim centre is famous for the Muthappan Theyyam performed every morning and evening. The DTPC provides pleasure boating on the river near the temple. Accommodation is available nearby.

The Snake Park is the only one of its kind in the State and perhaps the whole of India. There are three snake pits, fifteen glass cases for snakes and two large glass houses for King Cobras in the park. Snake demonstrations conducted every hour draw large crowds of visitors. (Open 0900 – 1730 hrs everyday)

Dharmadam Island (100 metres away from the mainland at Dharmadam) : The small 5 acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

Muzhapilangad Beach (15 km from Kannur and 8 km from Thalasseri) : Black rocks protect this long, clean beach from the currents of the deep, making its shallow waters a swimmer’s paradise. Perhaps this is Kerala’s only drive-in beach where you can drive down the entire length of 4 km.

Gundert Bungalow (20 km from Kannur, near Thalasseri town, on the National Highway at Illikunnu) : Dr. Herman Gundert, the revered German missionary, scholar and lexicographer lived in this bungalow for 20 years from 1839. It was here that one of the first Malayalam dictionaries and the first Malayalam Newspaper – Paschimodayam – took shape.

Trichambaram Temple (20 km from Kannur, near Taliparamba town on the National Highway) : A sacred place of the Vaishnava cult, the deity of the temple is Sree Krishna. The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are in a class by themselves. The annual temple festival, usually held in March, is a colourful event.

Idukki Arch Dam :
This is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the Dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary :
This sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola taluks of Idukki district, spreading over 77 sq. km and is about 450 – 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three Dams – Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq km.

Animals :
Elephant, bison, sambar deer, wild dog, jungle cat, tiger, wild boar etc.

Snakes:
Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes.

Birds:
Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

How To Reach Idukki

Air : The nearest airport Cochin, 132 km away.

Rail : No rail line in the district. Nearest Railway station at Kottayam, 133 km away.

Road : Kochi-Madura, N H 49 goes through Idukki district. Thodupuzha, the major town in the district, is well connected with other parts of the district and the state.

KSRTC operates bus services from Thodupuzha station to several cities including district headquarters. Bus services on high range roads are scant.

A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover historic Fort Kochi. An obscure fishing village that became the first European township in India, Kochi has an eventful and colourful history. Its reputation as a seafaring commercial town was such that Nicolas Conti, an Italian traveller of the Middle Ages remarked: If China is where you make your money, then Kochi surely is the place to spend it. The town was shaped by the Portuguese, the Dutch and later the British. The result of these cultural influences are seen in the many examples of Indo European architecture that still exist here.

Chinese Fishing Nets/Vasco da Gama Square : 
These huge cantilevered fishing nets are the legacy of one of the first visitors to the Malabar Coast. Erected here between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, these nets are set up on teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach. The Square is an ideal place to idle, with stalls serving fresh delicious seafood, tender coconut etc.

Pierce Leslie Bungalow: 
This charming mansion was the office of Pierce Leslie & Co., coffee merchants, founded in 1862. A representative of the Fort Kochi colonial bungalow, this building reflects Portuguese, Dutch and local influences. Characteristic features are wood panels that form the roof of the ground floor, arched doorways, carved doors and sprawling rooms. Waterfront verandahs are an added attraction.

Old Harbour House:
This elegant old bungalow built in 1808 is in the possession of Carrit Moran & Co., renowned tea brokers, who now use it as their residence. The house was once a boat club.

Koder House:
This magnificent building constructed by Samuel S. Koder of The Cochin Electric Company in 1808 is a supreme example of the transition from colonial to Indo-European architecture. Features like verandah seats at the entrance, floor tiles set in a chess board pattern, red coloured brick like facade, carved wood furniture and a wooden bridge connecting to a separate structure across the street are all unique to this bungalow.

St. Francis Church:
Built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, this is India’s oldest European church. This was initially built of timber and later reconstructed in stone masonry. It was restored in 1779 by the Protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican church by the British in 1795 and is at present governed by the Church of South India. Vasco da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Lisbon, Portugal. The tombstone still remains.