Posts for fort

Five Great Treks Around Chennai

Adventure Activities, Blog, Offbeat - GoroadTrip - February 16, 2016

Within 100 km of Chennai, hikers can choose many wonderful places to enjoy their favorite weekend.

Five Great Treks Around Chennai

1. Tada Falls

About 80 km from the hottest city. Chennai, Ubbalamadagu or Tada Falls in the Chittoor District (or Chittur), Andhra Pradesh, is a path along a stream that offers a refreshing break. The best time is from June to November for the monsoon, which adds a splash to the water and the surrounding jungle.
It is an easy route for cycling. The paths are easy and easy to reach. Get out of the base camp at the source of a bubbling stream.
The 10 km hike begins on a dry and muddy path. After about 2 km, the path becomes a rocky and rocky trail with rocks that require careful navigation. They pass small, beautiful and clean pools. You meet a Shiva temple, which is a landmark on the way. The area is green with beautiful birds that look the same and require a good deco.

2. Fort Gingee

Fort Gingee or Senji is one of the last strong survivors of Tamil Nadu. It is located in the district of Villupuram, about 160 km from Chennai. The Fort complex spans three main hills, Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chandrayandurg, with each hill having its own citadel.

The mighty and impregnable fort, called the Troy of the East by the British, was originally built in the 9th century AD by the Chola Dynasty. It was then rebuilt by the Kurumbar community, the shepherds of this region. Chatrapathi Shivaji, the emperor of the Maratha dynasty, conquered the fort as he moved south and then passed to the British.

The trekking path is roughly cut and the fixed steps go up to the fort. The climb is quite steep, but the breathtaking view of the landscape is worth it. Visit the cereal depot, the watchtower and the ancient temple. The best time for this hike is from November to February, the least sensual months of this state.

3. Pulicat Lake

Think of Rosa, think of flamingos and drive to Pulicat Lake and its 16 islands that attract many species of migratory birds from around the world. Irrukam is the most beautiful island of this region and the village can only be reached by boat. A passenger ferry is also located 8 km from Bimunivaripalem.

Flamingos arrive every year at Pulicat Lake for breeding in October and migrate in April of each year. The Flamingo Festival takes place in January. You can camp on Sandy Islands and go fishing!

4. Pichavaram

Pichavaram is the second largest mangrove forest in the world. Located near the city temple of Chidambaram, this unique ecotourism site in southern India has backwaters linked by the Vellar and Coleroon river system. Trekking offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, rowing, kayaking and canoeing.

Pichavaram is a 2800-acre archipelago with streams that meander through the root structures of mangrove forests. 177 species of 15 orders and 41 families were registered with residents, local migrants and real migratory birds. The best season lasts from September to April and increases from November to January.

5. Waterfalls of Perumedu, Yelagiri

The cool Hill Station of Yelagiri is a nice retreat from Chennai. About 220 km from Chennai, it is a trekker at an altitude of about 1050 m. The climb is through 14 hairpin bends bearing the name of a famous Tamil personage. Trekking in the lush green valleys, deep ravines, waterfalls and nature reserves makes Yelagiri great.

The breathtaking hike to the Perumadu Falls starts in Puthur, from where you cross a 3 km path through lush jungle areas and Perumadu Falls. From the summit, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the 40-foot waterfall that flows down the rocky side of the mountains. You can cool off in a magical spring water basin. Visit directly after the monsoon from November to February.

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Magic of Hassan

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - November 6, 2015

Hassan, a very old city is known for its monument trail of fabulous Hoysala Temples. The climate is cool and pleasant very similar to Bengaluru.

Magic of Hassan

1. Chennakeshava Temple

Chennakeshava Temple completely overwhelms any traveler thanks to the beauty it emotes. It’s a magnificent work of art and a stunning example of the temple architecture and have been proposed under UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.

2. Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad Fort is a star shaped, beautiful fort enveloped by dense greenery in the Western Ghats. The drive up to the fort, through deep forest, is as mesmerizing as the destination. Manjarabad Fort is a well-known destination for weekenders and travelers keen on hiking and trekking.

3. Shettihalli Church

Shettihalli Church was named after the village and now it stands derelict reminding us of the past colonial days. During the onslaught of monsoon, the river rises, submerging the Shettihalli Church with only the topmost spires being visible. It is not a well-known destination at all and remains tucked up, enjoying its anonymity.

4. Gomateshwara Temple

Gomateshwara, the monolith statue of Lord Bahubali, situated on the top of Vindhyagiri Hill is located in Sharvanabelagola. The world’s only monolithic stone statue of this proportion has been carved out of a single stone preserving its proportions and expression. It’s an awe-inspiring sight to stand at the base of the statue which overlooks the plains below Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri hills.

5. Eshwara Temple

Eshwara Temple in Arsikere is a dedication to Lord Shiva in a modest and much smaller dimension than most of the grand temples strewn all across the region. Though smaller in size, it is known to be one of an exquisite example of Hoysala temple architecture.

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6 Indian Monuments that lure at night

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - October 27, 2015

While the tour is considered a daily activity, the night owls are not all lost. There are many monuments in our country that are open at night. In addition, their appeal is more intense and the charm of the sunset and the darkness even more accentuated.

6 Indian Monuments that lure at night

Temple of Somnath, Gujarat:

This temple in Somnath is one of 12 Jyothirlings of India. Freely translated, Jyothirling means the radiation of Shiva Linga. A famous religious center, the Temple of Somnath, stands out at night during the Arathi evening. A show of light and sound, “Jay Somnath,” depicting the journey of the Temple of Destruction by the Persians to their present restored state, follows the Arathi.

Victoria Memorial, Calcutta:

This colossal white marble building on the shores of the Hooghly River, with its lush gardens built by the British, has a different aura at night. When illuminated by lights, the building looks ethereal with the gentle reflection of the Hooghly River.

Mysore Palace, Mysore:

This Taj Mahal from Mysore will definitely come out more when the lights are on. Come on Dasara, the shine rises with more than 96,000 lights used for about two months.

Golden Temple, Amritsar:

In Amritsar one has the impression that the golden temple never sleeps. It still sounds sacred prayers and resonates with a liveliness you can never beat. It opens at 2am, but this time may vary by month.

Amber Fort, Jaipur:

The Amber Fort lies in the hills and is a manifestation of the Rajputs and their manners. The beauty of the fort is awakened by the lights at night. As a bonus, a show of light and sound, written by the famous lyricist Gulzar, takes place near Lake Maota of the Fort.

Fort Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer:

Another fortress that attracts during the day, but still attracts attention at night, is the Jaisalmer Fort. The vision of the fort, shining with the light under a clear night sky, remains in the memory of eternity.

Yes, the night attracts with many monuments to visit. To replace these sunglasses with a jacket, the night is young!

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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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9 Forts of Telangana that are not to be missed

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - December 8, 2014

The present state of Telangana was an important trading centre especially for spice. With plenty of trading regions along the coast, foreign clientele was huge resulting in battles for ownership. Consequently many forts were built to mark territories and claim power. Today these forts serve as an important tourist attraction with their historic significance and beauty. Some of the forts of Telangana are:

9 Forts of Telangana that are not to be missed

Khammam Fort, Khammam:

Started by the Kakatiya rulers in 950 AD, the Khammam Fort was completed by Velama Kings and MasunuriNayaks. Additions to the fort were made in 1951 by the QutubShahis. Displaying a mix of both Hindu and Muslim style of architecture, this 1000 year fort is a wonderful place to explore today.

Medak Fort, Medak:

Built by the Kakatiya rulers to protect their city from invasion, it was the command post for them and later for the QutubShahis. Housing a cannon, mosque and granaries the fort also provides a view of the entire town from the top.

Kondaveedu Fort, Guntur:

Containing 21 structures, the construction of this fort began in the 14th century. Most places of the fort are in ruins but tourists visiting it get an insight to the marvellous architectural style. The fort is in a picturesque terrain and offers opportunities for treks. Temples of Kathulabave and Gopinatha are also close by.

Warangal Fort, Warangal:

Regarded as the finest example of South Indian architecture, the Warangal Fort has four large gateways; the front one being the largest of its kind in India. Though the fort is in ruins, the intricate designs of animals and birds on stone continue to attract a steady stream of visitors.

Gandikota Fort, Kadapa:

Referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’ Gandikota Fort got its name from ‘gandi’ meaning gorge and ‘kota’ meaning fort. The fort is built on a gorge between the Erramala range of hills and the River Pennar flowing at the foot. The breath-taking setting of the gorge with the backdrop of the fort with its temples and mosque is a treat a level higher than Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

Rachakonda Fort, Nalgonda:

With an interesting history that speaks of treachery and curses, the Rachakonda Fort is vastly in ruins today but continues to attract tourists and local explorers. Another fort in this area is the Bhongir Fort built on an isolated monolithic rock by a Chalukya ruler.

Eldangal Fort, Karimnagar:

Ruled by five dynasties, the Eldangal Fort stands on the banks of the Manair River which is a tributary of Godavari. The fort contains tombs of many Muslim saints. A unique feature of the fort is the minarets which oscillate when shaken.

Nagnoor Fort, Karimnagar:

One of the prominent forts of the Kakatiya dynasty, the fort astounds with its excellent pieces of sculpted art. The Lord Shiva temple in the fort complex is the main attraction.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad:

Built by the QutubShahis to defend Mughal attacks, the Golconda Fort has many attractions for tourists. The acoustics feature that makes your voice echo and heard from a distance is as fascinating as the belief that a secret tunnel connects the fort with Charminar around ten kilometres away.

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