Mysore

One of South India’s most famous tourist destinations, Mysore. Traditionally called as Mysuru, is known for its glittering royal heritage and magnificent monuments and buildings. Its World Heritage–listed palace may be what brings most travellers here, but it’s also a thriving centre for the production of premium silk, sandalwood and incense. These days ashtanga yoga is another drawcard, attracting visitors worldwide with its reputation as one of India’s best places to practice yoga.

The city was earlier the capital of the Wodeyar rulers. The Wodeyar rulers were great patrons of art and culture, which you can see in the rich heritage of the city. Besides its numerous palaces and royal buildings, Mysore city is also known for proximity to several other places of interest such as Srirangapatna, Krishna Raj Sagra dam and Sivasamudram falls.

In addition to its numerous attractions, the Mysore city is also known for sandalwood products and the Dasara festival (Navaratri) held every year. The Mysore Dasara is famous far and wide and attracts people from all parts. The name Mysore is said to have been derived from Mahishuru, which in turn has come from Mahisha. According to legends, the area around the Mysore city was once under the demon king Mahishasura, who was defeated and killed by goddess Chamundeshwari.

Located in the tropics, the Mysore has a moderate climate. If you are visiting Mysore during the summer months then you will see that the temperature varies from 20° Celsius to 35° Celsius while the winter temperature of Mysore remains in the range of 12° Celsius to 30° Celsius. Travel to Mysore and explore the different facets of the cultural capital of Karnataka state.

Tourist Attraction in Mysore:

1) Mysore Palace

2) Chamundi Hill

3)Shri Chamundeshwari Temple

4) Jaganmohan Palace

5) Mysore Zoo

6) St. Philomena's Cathedral

7) Karanji Lake Nature Park

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey: Story of a brave Indian soldier

Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, was an officer of the Indian Army of the regiment 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, posthumously awarded the India's highest military honour, Param Vir Chakrafor his audacious courage and leadership during adverse times. He died during the attack on Jubar Top, Khalubar Hills in Batalik Sector, Kargil

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey took part in a series of boldly led attacks during ‘operation Vijay ', forcing back the intruders with heavy losses in Battlik including the capture of Jaubar Top. On the night of 2/3 July 1999 during the advance to Khalubar as his platoon approached its final objective, it came under heavy and intense enemy fire from the surrounding heights. Lieutenant Pandey was tasked to clear the interfering enemy positions to prevent his battalion from getting day lighted, being in a vulnerable position. He quickly moved his platoon to an advantageous position under intense enemy fire, sent one section to clear the enemy positions from the right and himself proceeded to clear the enemy positions from the left. Fearlessly assaulting the first enemy position, he killed two enemy personnel and destroyed the second position by killing two more. He was injured on the shoulder and legs while clearing the third position. Undaunted and without caring for his grievous injuries, he continued to lead the assault on the fourth position urging his men and destroyed the same with a grenade, even as he got a fatal burst on his forehead. This singular daredevil act of Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey provided the critical firm base for the companies, which finally led to capture of Khalubar. The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries.

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, thus, displayed most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty and made the supreme sacrifice in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

FOREST OWLET

The most rare species in owl family, which were declared extinct in 1884, was found after 113 years in 1997 at central India. In 2015 the forest department recorded their population only 250 in numbers and declared critically endangered spices. 
The spices was also spotted in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Orissa state of India. Bird watchers can see these spices at Chatwa, Padwa, Talda, Toranmal, khaknaar forest ranges, and Melghat tigar reserves of central India.

The forest owlet is small (23 cm) and stocky. It is a typical owlet with a rather unspotted crown and heavily banded wings and tail. They have a relatively large skull and beak. The forest owlet has the fewer and fainter spots on the crown and back. The upperparts are dark grey-brown. The upper breast is almost solid brown and the sides are barred with a white central wedge in the lower breast that is sometimes unmarked, especially in males. The primaries are darker and distinct. The wings and tail are banded with white trailing edges. A dark carpal patch on the underwing visible in flight. The facial disc is pale and the eyes are yellow

I appreciate the efforts of Indian forest department for conserving these rare spices, which others have declared extinct. And pray they does better to increase their numbers.

Not just Tigers but also other endangered spices are need to be brought into attention and the efforts taken to save them.

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God's Own Country - Kerala

With the Arabian sea in west, Western Ghats in east, unique geographical features, long shoreline, serene beaches, calm backwaters, picturesque hill station view, roaring wildlife, waterfalls, colorful culture, really tasty and exotic cuisine, and incredible historic monuments, KERALA is truly 'GOD'S OWN COUNTRY.

With 100% literacy rate and world class health rate, Kerala is India's cleanest state.
The land of kera (coconut) is a never ending array of coconut palms.
As per history, lakhs of years ago, Lord Parasurama threw his axe into the sea, and the sea brought up this narrow strip of land from beneath. Lord threw that axe to kill Kshatriyas towards south in rage. The land emerged from Arabian sea, with the blessing of lord Varuna and Bhumidevi.

Beaches:-  

• Allpuzha beach
• Cherrai beach
• Fort Kochi
• Varkala beach
• Kollam beach
• Kovalam beach
• Poovar Golden beach 

Backwaters:-

The coastal regions of Kerala have a network of waterways, inlets from the sea, and estuaries of over forty rivers, lakes and natural canals connecting coastal towns. This interlinked body of waterways is known as the backwaters in Kerala.

• Ashtamudi lake
• Kollam
• Allepye
• Kovalam
• Tiruvanatpuram
• Poovar
• Kochin
  
  
  

Hill-stations:-

• Munnar
• Thekkady
• Nelliyampathi
• Elapeedika
• Ponmudi

Waterfalls and Dams:-

• Athirapally fall
• Soochipara fall
• Thusharagiri fall
• Mattupetty dam

Wildlife View:-

• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Periyar wildlife sanctury
• Thattekad bird sanctury
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctury
• Periyar Tiger Reserves
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctury
• Anamudi Shola National park

Kerala has 487 bird spices, like Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Black stork and etc. Equally it is flooded with wild animals, like Giant Elephants, Tigers, Nilgiri, Sambar Deer, wild ox and etc.

The state is also known for its Dance, music and traditional martial art fight known as Kalaripayattu.  

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Highest bridge of the world: Baily Bridge

Baily is a 30 meters long bridge, built by Indian Army in August 1982, between the Dras and Suru rivers in Himalayan mountains of Ladakh valley. It is the highest bridge in the world, at the height of 18,379 ft above sea level.

The bridge has the capacity to carry 6 to 7 war tank at a time. And currently it's been used mainly for defense purpose.

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26 January - Indian Republic Day

Though India became a free nation on August 15, 1947, it declared itself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state with the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950.

A salute of 21 guns and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr. Rajendra Prasad heralded the historic birth of the Indian Republic on that day. Thereafter 26^th of January was decreed a national holiday and was recognised as the Republic Day of India.

The Constitution gave the citizens of India the power to choose their own government and paved the way for democracy. Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India at the Durbar Hall in Government House and this was followed by the Presidential drive along a five-mile route to the Irwin Stadium, where he unfurled the National Flag.

The seeds of a republican nation were sowed at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress at the midnight of 31st December 1929. The session was held under the presidency of Pt. Jawarhar Lal Nehru. Those present in the meeting took a pledge to mark January 26 as "Independence Day" in order to march towards realizing the dream of complete independence from the British. The Lahore Session paved way to the Civil Disobedience movement. It was decided that January 26, 1930 would be observed as the Purna Swaraj (complete Independence) Day. Many Indian political parties and Indian revolutionaries from all over the country united to observe the day with honour and pride.

On Republic Day, flag hoisting ceremonies and parades by armed forces and school children are held in different parts of the country. The grandest and most important of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi, which showcases a multi-hued image of the country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess.

This parade is presided over by the President of India(External website that opens in a new window). One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to confer bravery awards on military persons, citizenry and children for showing courage in the face of adversity.

The Prime Minister of India first lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country. After that there is the 21 gun salute, unfurling of theNational Flag and singing of the National Anthem. Next, awards such as the Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Vir Chakra are presented to gallantry award winners.

The parade begins with winners of gallantry awards saluting the President in open military jeeps, followed by the display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different States and cultural dances by patriotic school children.

(External website that opens in a new window)

Children who have won National Bravery Awards ride past the spectators on colourfully decorated elephants. These children are honoured and awarded by the Indian Council for Child Welfare for performing outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice.

The Republic Day Parade is concluded by dare devil motor cycle riding and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath, as spectators look on with their hearts filled with pride.

January 30 is marked as Martyrs Day(External website that opens in a new window), to honour and pay homage to those martyrs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom, welfare and progress of our beloved country. It was on January 30, 1948 when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. And, since then every year the nation pays homage to the Mahatma and other martyrs on this day.

The President(External website that opens in a new window), the Vice President(External website that opens in a new window), the Prime Minister(External website that opens in a new window), the Defence Minister, and the three service Chiefs gather at Rajghat and lay wreaths on the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, decorated with multi-colour flowers. The inter-services contingent reverses arms as a mark of respect to the martyrs. A religious prayer ceremony is held and Gandhiji's favourite bhajans are sung.

Ratangad Fort - Dare to trek?..... Take a chance.....

                                                               Ratangad fort

Ratangad fort is situated in Ratanwadi village under Bhandardara taluka, Maharashtra, India. Its a 2000 year old fort ruled by great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle, the fort was his favorite and a his base during emergencies. The fort is at the height of 1200 m. The place is beautiful, full of waterfalls and rivers. The trekking to the fort begin with the blessing of lord Shiva's Amruteshwar temple. Move along with the river which is near the temple, but in its opposite direction, the trek starts from there and ends at  fort, where the River Amrutvahini starts. The river act as our natural guide, but if you need then human guide are available for our help. Every season will display a different picture of nature to us, but still monsoon will remain the best. At bottom you walk along the river, even we need to cross it, then at middle you have to pass by the waterfall and at the top there's only fog, it feels like gateway to heaven. The fort has four entrance of which only two are available for trekkers and tourist. There is a Devi Ma temple on the fort, few wells and carving of Hindu god and goddess on entrance and rocks.

Take a visit to this beautiful place, and enjoy a adventure with nature.

                                                              Amruteshwar Temple

                                                                   River Amrutvahini

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