Monthly Archives for January 2015

Fun at Pondicherry

Blog, Things To Do, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - January 22, 2015

Around 155 kilometres to the south of Chennai is the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It was a French colonial settlement until 1954 and today it holds the charm of its French heritage and the beauty of the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Get bowled over by this quaint territory and spend many interesting days as there are plenty of fun things to indulge in, in Pondicherry.

Fun at Pondicherry

Long walks:

Pondicherry is a walker’s paradise. With its streets lined with trees swaying in the sea breeze, the cobbled pavements, pockets of mustard coloured colonial villas and stylish boutiques, you can cover the city on feet and not feel tired. Another lovely place to enjoy a breezy and scenic walk is on the seaside promenade with several statues exhibited along with a Gandhi Memorial.

Surfing:

Enjoy riding the waves of the Bay of Bengal on a surfing board at Pondicherry. Surfing lessons are also given at the Serenity Beach around ten kilometres form the city centre by an accomplished surfing school.

Yoga:

Pondicherry boasts of some of the best yoga schools in India. You can enrol for a day course or a yoga retreat run by renowned yoga experts. Practice yoga and meditate on some of the solitary beaches and lose yourself in spiritual bliss.

Learn cooking:

With the famous Sita Cultural Centre in Pondicherry, you can try a spot of cooking. The courses target foodies and if you are one, turn an expert at whipping up some south Indian dishes and basic French cuisine. Surprise your folks back home with your local and international culinary skills.

Shopping:

There are plenty of shops with a variety of commodities that make shopping a thrilling experience in Pondicherry. Handmade crafts like trinkets and candles and other souvenirs like lampshades and paintings sell like hot cakes.

Auroville:

A visit to Pondicherry is incomplete without a visit to Auroville, its neighbour. To make your trip noteworthy volunteer at this place and involve in some of their activities like healthcare, child development and organic farming.

Pondicherry offers you fun and enjoyment on a French platter.

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5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - January 11, 2015

Called ‘Kote’ in Kannada, the forts in Karnataka date back to as many as 1000 years ago. Karnataka saw the reigns of several dynasties from the Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar kings to the Bahmanisand Adilshahis. So it is no wonder that forts played a major part in the history of Karnataka. You can have a glimpse of this history by a visit to some of the many forts of the state.

5 Forts to be visited in Karnataka

Kittur Chenamma Fort, Belgaum:

Belonging to the legendary queen of Kittur, Rani Chenamma, the Kittur Chennamma Fort can tell many tales of the battle against the British led by the queen to save her small kingdom of Kittur. The fort built out of black basalt rock is mostly in ruins today.

Gulbarga Fort, Gulbarga:

First constructed by Raja Gulchand and then fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman the fort in Gulbarga is an impressive 38,000 square feet in area. It has around 15 towers and 26 guns which are put up for public display. The famous Jumma Masjid mosque in the interior of the fort constructed in Persian style and the tombs of the sultans are major tourist attractions.

Chitradurga Fort, Chitradurga:

The Chitradurga Fort was built by the Nayakas of Chitradurga with the primary intention of defending their city from the attacks of Hyder Ali. But they were defeated by the ruler and the fort was seized by him. The fort is regarded as one of the most picturesque ones as it is in the midst of a valley formed by the Vedavati River. The fort is also popular for the heroics of Onake Obavva, the wife of a soldier guarding the fort.

Bellary Fort, Bellary:

Built on top of the Bellary Gudda in the Vijayanagara reign, the Bellary Fort was constructed by Hanumappa Nayak. It was renovated by Hyder Ali with the help of a French engineer. The Bellary Fort is divided into upper and lower fort. The upper fort with a number of water tanks and a small temple is on the peak of the hill and can be reached by following a rocky winding path. The lower fort area has a Hanuman temple, schools, churches and government and educational institutions.

Savadatti Fort, Belgaum:

Built over a stand-alone hill having borders of exposed rocks,the Savadatti Fort can be approached by road all the way to its main gate. The fort is an irregularly shaped military structure and was constructed in the 18th century.

Almost every district in Karnataka has forts. A visit to them will make history come alive.

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