Here people live with no doors & locks - Shani Shingnapur

In the modern times where, together with the technology advances, crimes too become more sophisticated and the concerns for more and more security measures gains priority, is it possible to imagine a place where people live in harmony in no-door-no-locks-houses ? It may seem unbelievable but as a matter of fact, true! There is indeed a tiny hamlet where houses and other buildings like shops have no doors, and that place is in the country of countless legends and myths – India.

Way to Shani-Shingnapur

That peculiar place is ‘Shani Shingnapur’, a village located in Maharashtra state about 350 kilometers away from the state capital Mumbai and 60 kilometers from the popular pilgrim place Shirdi.

Shani-Shingnapur Village

In this tiny village consisting of some 400+ families, people’s life literally revolves around the celebrated village temple – Temple of Lord Shani, one of the most sacred abode of Shani (Hindu God of planet Saturn) in the whole country. Before throwing light to this strange village life, it is essential to get some awareness about Lord Shani or Saturn.

Shani-Shingnapur Temple

According to Hindu mythology, the influence period of planet Saturn (‘Shani-Dasa’ in local) is overall a troublesome part in one’s life, generally giving a torrid time. This can vary in length – from 2 years to 20 years – with further variant periods like ‘Kandaka Shani’ (two and half years), ‘Ezhara-Shani’ (seven and half years), etc. To survive this ordeal, appeasing Lord Shani is a must. For that, visiting sacred Shani temples and offering prayers is a common practice. Among the herds of people who seek Lord Shani’s abode, Temple at Shani Shingnapur village holds high significance.

Idol of Lord Shani at Shani-Shingnapur

This is not like a traditional architectural-marvel Indian shrine; but simple to the core – with no roof and doors! An open shrine where a five feet high black stone (which represents Lord Shani) is placed on an uncovered platform. Here very peculiar system of worship is followed… Devotees should take bath first and wear saffron colored cloths. Only men are allowed to go near the idol, women can pray only from a distance. The worship is offered by pouring oil (gingerly oil is supposed to be the favorite offering) over the idol.

Worship at Shani-shinapur temple

Unlike the typical temples, here there is no time limit for worship – it can be done round-the-clock! Village legends state, Lord Shani doesn’t like to be covered and no need for doors either. So a normal temple is not built.

Houses in Shani-Shingnapur

Adhering to the strong belief over the prowess of Shani God, devotes who come to this temple from faraway places go for worship without locking their cars / vehicles. Their belongings are kept unguarded.

In Shani Shingnapur village, people live in houses with no doors for generations! Here one can find only curtains (that is also rare) in the place of doors. The only temporary guard is barriers – that too to keep off stray animals. Here villagers get to their daily routines without bothering about their house’s security or fear of thieves. For them, everything is dedicated to the Lord Shani. The belief is, whoever steals anything from this place will incur the wrath of Shani God and will have to pay for his/her sins very dearly. When Shani Shingnapur natives go outside their village, they don’t ask their neighbors to keep vigil on their house & belongings. There is no Police station in this village too. They have no role here!

A house in Shani-Shingnapur Village

Furnitures like cupboards were strange to the village folk for quite a long time. Nowadays few cupboards started appearing in some houses, but they too are without locks! Recently a Bank started functioning in Shani Shingnapur. Staying true to this village custom, this Bank too has no doors or locks. However the bank authorities don’t keep the cash here at night (that is taken to their nearby branch after working hours).

Hut in Shani-Shingnapur

This fairy-tale-like village has its own share of controversies as well. Few months back a theft has been reported, which the majority folk swore as the very first one in the village’s history. But villagers faith remained unshaken – no official complaint was made and police investigation was not sought. All folks, in unison, believe the thief will be bought to book by the sheer power of Lord Shani – sooner or later. On the contrary, some critics question this, stating that several thefts were made during the last one year but the blind faith of villagers hushed up those issues. And, moreover this sort of staunch belief is not genuine but sort of a brand building for the village, as the peoples lives are largely dependent from the fortunes of the Temple. Though the situation goes like this, the number of devotees to Shani Shingnapur temple is always on the rise.

Market in Shani-Shingnapur

Whether this is a blind belief or a brand building process, or, will Lord Shani’s punishment will ultimately befall on the thieves who committed the so-called first crime … only time can tell. So far interesting legends thrive on !

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Hidden in secret

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the most celebrated and legendary Temple in Kerala’s state capital is Thiruvananthapuram nowadays  constantly hitting the headlines of national & international newspapers & media alike on account of the vast treasures discovered in its secret chambers. As countless debates continue about the treasure values (estimated to be in many billion-dollars) and the temple being the richest in not only India but all over the world, an insight into this sacred shrine’s flashback unearths the time-tested unshaken bond between a bygone royal dynasty and their state shrine.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Enterance to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Looking Back

Regarded as one among the holiest 108 Vaishnava Thirupa (sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu) in India, the exact age of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is still debated. This temple is mentioned in several ancient Hindu ‘puranas’ (epics) though officially recorded facts dated back to 7th / 8th centuries. Legends states, Anantha Padmanabha – the deity of this Temple – was originally at the Anantha Padmanabha Lake Temple in Kasargod  district, North Kerala. A tryst with an ardent devotee, Sage Vilwamangalam, saw the Lord shifting his base to the Southern zone.

Road to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The present Temple was built in the forested land Ananthan-kadu. In due course of time the city was known by the Temple’s name – ‘Thiru Anantha Puram’ meaning the ‘Land of Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy’. It was the chief shrine of then-dynasty Aayi Kings, predecessors of Venad Kings. Before the Venad rulers gained foothold the Temple was under ‘Ettera-yogam’ – Association of Ettu Veettil Pillamaar, a powerful group of 8 feudal lords that held sway over Venad in 15th – 16th centuries. With the local feudal lords at one end and emerging European trading powers at the other, the domestic situation was in turmoil and it was left over to Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma the then- crown-prince to bring the situation under Kerala control. His accession to the throne was an eventful chapter in History which saw the annihilation of feudal powers and checking of colonial traders’ advances in the South.

Anantha Padmanabha Lake Temple

Widely considered as the valiant & powerful King of his generation, Marthanda Varma had high regards for Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. During his reign (1729-58) he conquered neighboring provinces and turned the tiny Venad into a powerful Kingdom of Travancore. After firmly establishing his Kingdom, Marthanda Varma reconstructed & enlarged Padmanabhaswamy Temple and, performed the exemplary act of ‘Thrippadi danam’ – dedicating his Kingdom & wealth to the Lord and rule on behalf of the Lord’s will – to Sree Padmanabha in 1750 AD. Thereafter, Travancore Kingdom was regarded as the sole property of Lord Padmanabhaswamy and the King became Padmanabha-dasa alias ‘In service of Lord Sree Padmanabha’.

Anizham Thirunal Marthanda

Marthanda Varma and his succeeding Travancore Kings considered their assets as offerings to Lord Padmanabha. Even the small kingdoms under Travancore considered the Lord as their master and offered their valuables to the Temple as tokens of devotion & regards. Apart from the Travancore Kings, who wholeheartedly bestowed so many priceless assets (gold, silver, diamonds …) to their State Temple, several Royals from different parts of India and foreign rulers too, donated countless invaluable souvenirs to Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The reigning King(s) safely guarded the Temple’s treasures and ruled without eyeing their dizzy value, as they considered it as God’s own property for which it’s their duty to protect. In fact, as they treated themselves as the servants of the Lord, Travancore Kings never wore a Crown (except for a brief time during their swearing-in ceremony). Such was the Travancore Royal clan’s bonding with Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Even old testimonies state, the Kings served their people without making use of any Temple’s treasures and even without imposing unnecessary taxes  – a sharp contrast to the present governing system of Kerala where the word ‘corruption’ is more like a brand name!

Lake behind Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The rituals and customs introduced by King Marthanda Varma were voluntarily followed by all the successors to the throne of Travancore… until the Kings lost their authority with the formation of Independent India in 1947. However the last reigning King of Travancore Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma continued his duties & services to the Temple, strictly in accordance with earlier customs, till his death and now the Temple administration is handled by the present head of the royal clan, Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

Festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Temple Specialties

The royal legacy of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple cannot be complete without mentioning its unique features. The Temple architecture itself is one-of-a-kind. Distinctly different from traditional Kerala architectural style, Padmanabhaswamy Temple showcases a nice blend of Dravidian-Kerala structural combination, which can be found nowhere else in the state.

Unique features of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Temple complex is flanked by ‘Padma Theertham’ (means, Lotus Pond), a sacred pond which is considered as old as the Temple itself. On the north-east side of the pond, lies a cave inside which a small Lord Shiva Temple is located. The most interesting feature of this pond is a raised stone at its center, which is believed to bear the footmarks of Lord Vishnu (Sree Padmanabhaswamy). Devotees cleanse themselves in Padma Theertham before proceeding for Temple worship. Also they feed the fishes in this pond as a mark of devotion.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with pond

Inside the Temple complex, what stand amongst the numerous sculptural beauties are the ‘the Bali Peeda Mandapam’ and ‘Mukha Mandapam’, two artistically sculptured halls dating back to the era of King Marthanda Varma. Another notable feature here is the ‘Navagraha Mandapa’, where the ceiling displays the Navagrahas (Nine Planets, which according to Hindu philosophy signifies different stages in human life) – something rarely seen typical Kerala Temples.

Padma Theertham aka Lotus Pond

The chief deity, Lord Anatha Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu in a reclining position on the Serpant Anantha), is consecrated in a unique way. The 18 feet long idol is built with 10,008 precious saligram stones, and can be viewed through three doors – Lord’s head and his right hand, hanging over the Shivalingam, thro’ first door, the middle portion with Lord Brahma seated on a lotus (which comes from the navel of Lord Vishnu) thro’ the second door and, Lord’s feet thro’ the third door.

Bali Peeda Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam

As with the ancient legendary Temples around the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple too has got its own share of distinct murals and wood-works. For the people who throng to the Temple at all times, it’s a feast for eyes as well as mind.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple in night

With the recent discovery of Padmanabhaswamy Temple’s immense treasure trove led to a new twist over the Temple affairs. The legal battles for Temple management go on and people continue to ponder over the fate of the treasure… Whatever be the outcome; staunch devotees are certain that Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy continues to grace his subjects and Thriuvananthapuram (and Kerala) will remain ‘God’s Own Country’ forever as the ‘Land of Sree Padmanabhaswamy’, to be precise the.

Idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy

Seven sisters of India

The Seven Sisters of India are relatively untouched, unexplored and isolated states of north east India. North East states are heavily forested and land of tribes peoples. These states are full of natural beauty,exotic places and wide variety of beautiful wild animals like rhinoceros, elephants and numerous species of birds. North east region consist of seven contiguous states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Northeast India is ethnically distinct from the other states of India. Assam is the gateway through which the seven sister states are connected to the mainland. Sikkim and some parts of North Bengal is also come under the north east India. India’s Northeast is one of South Asia’s hottest trouble spots.These seven sister states has major population of tribes peoples in India.

Seven Sisters of India

Assam: 

The gateway of seven sisters is surrounded by other six states. Assam is one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world and consists of tropical rain forests, grasslands and numerous wetlands ecosystems now protected as Kaziranga and manas national parks. It is also know for its beautiful dark green tea gardens, Deep forest of Sal trees. Assam is the home for one-horned Indian rhinoceros, along with The Royal Bengal Tiger and numerous species of birds, it also provides one of the last wild habitats for the Asian elephant. Assam and other states offers so many big festivals like Bohag Bihu,Cheiraoba and Losoong.

Assam Tourism - Tea Plantation

Arunachal Pradesh: 

Land of the rising sun has many undiscovered places to attract tourist form many parts of the world. Tourist attractions include Buddhist monastery in tawang, Sela lake near Bomdila with its bamboo bridges overhanging the river and undiscovered scenic beauty of tuting. Rafting and trekking are also main attractable sports. Namdapha National Park located in Arunachal Pradesh, is one of the unexplored national park of India, It is also home for some of the giant animals, the great Hornbills and Red Giant Flying Squirrel.

Arunachal Pradesh - Bamboo Bridge

Manipur: 

“The originator of Polo game” is lies in an oval-shaped valley surrounded by blue mountains. There are four major river basins in Manipur and all the rivers in the valley area are in the mature stage. Manipur may be characterized in two distinct regions – Outer area of rugged hills and narrow valleys and the inner area of flat plain. The climate of Manipur is largely influenced by the topography of this hilly region. The valley region has a number of hills and lakes, The Loktak lake is an important feature of vally.

Loktak Lake in Manipur

Meghalaya: 

Meghalaya means “The Abode of Clouds”. Meghalaya lies in strip of hills in the eastern part, one third area of the states is forested. Meghalaya forest is also know for its biodiversity of mammals, birds, and plants. There are several falls around Shillong. The Shillong peak is highest in the state and is good for trekking. Meghalaya is the wettest place on earth, annual rainfall as high as 1200 cm in some areas. Cherrapunji holds the world record for most rain in a calendar month, while the village of Mawsynram, holds the distinction for heaviest yearly rains. The Langshiang Falls at Meghalaya is one of the largest waterfalls in India.

Waterfalls in Meghalaya

Mizoram: 

Also called “land of the Mizo people” Mizo means “highlander”. Mizoram is a land of rolling hills, valleys, rivers and lakes,it has the most varicolored hilly terrain. Blue Mountain is the highest peak in Mizoram. These hills are separated by rivers, these rivers created deep gorges between the hill ranges. Hilly regions gives it a mild climate all year. Mizoram is rich in flora and fauna and many kinds of tropical trees and plants thrive in the area. The Palak lake is major attraction and it is the biggest lake in Mizoram.

Palak Lake in Mizoram

Nagaland: 

Nagaland is the one of the smallest as well as largely mountainous state of India. Mount saramati is the highest peak of Naga hills in state. Nagaland is rich among all other states in flora and fauna and in evergreen forests. The Great Indian Horn-bill is one of the most famous birds found in the state. Naga tribes also found in most of the sister states, There are total 15 recognized tribes in the present state of Nagaland.

Nagahills in Nagaland

Tripura: 

Tripura is a landlocked hilly state with many rivers including the Manu River which originates here. Tripura has a rich cultural heritage of music, fine arts, handicrafts and dance. Music is an integral part of the tribal people of Tripura. Tripura is rich in flora and fauna and many species of trees and plants. Dance is an important to the tribal in all states of north east.

Most Luxurious Trains in India

The best way to enjoy and explore the Indian cities, coastal towns,villages and regional areas in comfort way, is only through train of India. Indian railway has some of the most spectacular and unforgettable rail journeys with the 4th largest railway network in the world. Indian railway also operates a number of luxury trains which cater to various tourist circuits throughout India. The luxurious trains are named as Fairy Queen, Heritage on Wheels,The Indian Maharaja and Splendor of South. These trains will give you a life time experience of true Indian royalty.

The Palace On Wheels: 

The India’s first pan-country super luxury train “Palace On Wheels” was started on January 26, India’s Republic Day, in 1982 then train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new looks and more luxury facilities. Palace On Wheels is the best Royal Indian Train and world’s 4th best luxury train. The cruise train has 14 salons named after provinces of Rajasthan, two Restaurant named as  Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant, with other world class facilities like exotic bar, Spa, Live TV, internet connectivity, music and security. Heritage on Wheels another luxury train run by RTDC to explore the vibrant and exotic attraction of royal state, Rajasthan.

Palace On Wheels

Tour	50 Thousand to 5 lakh per person per Journey
Palace on Wheels	8 Days To 13 Days
Destinations                   Covered	Delhi-Jaipur- Udaipur- Swai Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Bharatpur- Agra-Delhi

The Maharajas Express: 

The Maharajas Express is a joint venture of IRCTC and travel agency Cox and Kings India, first commercial run was on January 9th, 2010. It is the newest and most costly luxury train in India, equipped with world class facilities including large dining, bar, lounge, generator, LCD TVs, direct dial phone, internet, individual temperature controls and in suite bathroom as well. The Royal Sojourn offer royal experience to explore illuminating destinations in India with a new 8-day/7-night journey from from Mumbai to Delhi.

The Maharajas Express

Tour	2.75 to 10 lakh per person per Journey
Princely India	8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered	Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Bikaner – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi
Royal India	8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered	Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Bikaner – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Vadodara – Mumbai
Classical India	7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations Covered	Delhi – Agra – Gwalior – Khajuraho – Bandhavgarh – Varanasi – Lucknow – Delhi
Royal Sojourn	8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations Covered	Delhi – Jaipur – Kota – Ranthambore – Agra – Delhi

The Golden Chariot: 

A luxury tourist train started by the KSTDC to connect most popular tourist spots in the state of Karnataka and Goa. The royal itinerary has 19 coaches colored purple and gold with two restaurants, a lounge bar, conference room, gym and spa facilities. The ultimate luxury train was named after the renowned ‘Stone Chariot’ of Hampi and commercial run on March 10, 2008. Explore the fascinating architectural designs and exotic natural landscapes of south India with the Golden Chariot and experience the Royal Indian Luxury train.

The Golden Chariot

Tour	25 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Pride of the South	7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered	Bangalore – Mysore – Hampi – Belur – Kabini – Badami – Goa – Bangalore
Southern Splender	7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered	Bangalore – Chennai – Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Tiruchirapalli – Thanjavur – Madurai – Thiruvananthapuram – Poovar – Kochi – Kerala Backwaters

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: 

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is luxury tourist train running by RTDC. The royal carriage of Rajasthan is equipped with facilities like super deluxe rooms, Restaurants, bar, board room, fitness center, spa, saloons and enabled Wi-Fi. Royal Rajasthan luxury train launched its royal journey from January, 2009 and take you to the heritage destinations of Rajasthan and Agra.

Check out further details here:  Royal Rajasthan on wheel

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Tour	50 to 80 Thousand per person per Journey
Royal Rajasthan	8 Days/ 7 Nights
Destinations Covered	New Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra- New Delhi.

The Deccan Odyssey: 

The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train run by venture of Maharashtra MTDC and Indian railway. The 5-star hotel on wheels covers the heritage site of Maharashtra and boost the tourism on the Konkan route. The new express luxury train of India has total of 21 luxury coaches equipped with restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center, Computers and internet connectivity. There is another blue train called The Indian Maharaja – Deccan Odyssey runs from Mumbai to New Delhi is considered as the best luxury trains in the world. Enjoy once in a life time experience of heritage sites of Maharashtra and beautiful beaches in Goa on the magnificent Deccan Odyssey.

The Deccan Odyssey

Tour	3 to 8 lakh  per person per Journey
Silver to Platinum Class	7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered	Mumbai-Ajanta & Ellora Caves-Udaipur Lake City-Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve-Pink city of Jaipur – Taj Mahal at agra -Delhi
Tour	40 to 50 Thousand per person per Journey
Heritage of Maharashtra	7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered	Mumbai-Sindhudurg-Goa-Kolhapur-Daulatabad-Chandrapur-Ajanta Caves-Nashik-Mumbai

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Best Place for Winter Sun Destination in India

Being a tropical country spread over a large area, India has the advantage of diverse weather conditions and it is always a good season to travel somewhere in India.

For many European and North American travellers looking to escape the often cold winter back home, the sandy coastal stretches of Southern India beckon. While Northern India shivers through the months of December and January, the southern states offer pleasant weather to bask in; the sun is at its brightest and perfect for those who like a good dose of it.

Here are some great places to head for some guaranteed sunshine this winter:

Goa

The smallest state of India needs little introduction to travellers. More than 80 kms of coast to boast about, this is India’s premier destination to catch some sun. The destination well equipped to warmly receive incoming travellers so there are plenty of places to stay and eat. During the winter months from October to March, the beaches are dotted with sunning travellers under bright umbrellas. 

GOA

Varkala 

An unexpected destination amidst the more traditional ones that Kerala has to offer, Varkala lies close to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). The sandy white beach below a large drop from a high cliff, makes for a dramatic setting. Becoming increasingly popular with travellers over the last few years combine your dosage of sun with some fresh juices from the shacks on the cliff. A fantastic beach destination that can easily be combined with a few days in the iconic Keralan backwaters.

Varkala Beach in Kerala

Pondicherry 

This French colony of Tamil Nadu is a quaint little town with cobble stone streets and convenient proximity to the sea. While you can hop on a bicycle and explore the town on a sunny day, it is also a perfect getaway with quiet isolated sandy stretches of beach for sunbathing. Pondicherry is a much loved destination among the travellers who venture here to discover its idyllic colonial houses and aesthetically beautiful restaurants as well. 

Pondicherry Beach

Rajasthan

While the nights might be cold, the warm sun during the day offers perfect temperatures for exploring the many historical sights or glittering palaces of India’s desert state Rajasthan. Old havelis and well manicured gardens are great to sprawl in and catch up on a good book while planning an action packed itinerary with plenty of history and shopping to take in. Don’t miss the awe inspiring sights of Jaipur, Pushkar, Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Handcraft seller in Rajasthan

Leh’s Magnetic Hill

At an altitude of 14,000 feet, there is a place in Leh which gives new meaning to the phrase “magnetic attraction.” In this famous spot you will find the usual laws of gravity are defied by a strange phenomenon.

Magnetic Hill Leh

Switch off your vehicle and you will find it moving up the hill at the speed of 20 km per hour. Many tourists are drawn to (pardon the pun) this destination to observe this rare and natural occurrence. The magnetic pull here is so strong that even small aircrafts get adversely affected by it, if they closer than the distance specified.

Ladakh Landscape

To reach the spot, it is ideal to drive along the Leh – Kargil Baltic National Highway.

Ladakh is a region of Jammu and Kashmir , the northernmost state of the Republic of India.

Mountain Ranges in India

India has seven major mountain ranges having peaks of over 1000 meters. India has some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. It also has some of the world’s highest mountain roads. The Great Himalayan mountain range are the famous and highest mountain hills of India. The Himalayan mountain range bisects India from the rest of Asia, this mountains is the primary source of mighty rivers in India. These hills contain areas of exceptional natural beauty, sparking waterfalls and habitat for many species of medicinal plants, beautiful birds, unique reptiles and wild animals. Kanchanjenga is the highest peak in India and 3rd in the world, Nanda devi is the second highest mountain peak in India.

The Himalayan Range

The highest mountain range Himalayas means “abode of snow” is the one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world. By extension Himalaya Range also include the Karakoram, the Hindu Kush, and other lesser ranges. Karakoram is one of the Greater Ranges of Asia. Himalaya mountain ranges are the highest in the planet and home for the worlds highest peaks that include Mount Everest and K2.The Great Himalaya mountain is a source of some of major rivers in India as well as in the world. The second longest glacier in the world Siachen Glacier is also the part of Great Himalaya range. Great Himalaya also host some of the most amazing valley’s which contains group of most beautiful lakes in India such as Pangong Tso -Ladakh,Tsongmo Lake -Sikkim and and the frozen one Sela Lake of Tawang. Kangchenjunga and K10 Saltoro Kangri I are respective highest mountain peaks of Himalaya Ranges and Karakoram ranges in Indian territories.

Himalaya - Adobe of Snow

The Purvanchal Range

The Purvanchal Range is the extension of the Great Himalaya range in north-east region of India. It is parallel to Karakoram and ladakh range. Three hill ranges that come under the Purvanchal ranges are, the Patkai, the Garo–Khasi–Jaintia and Lushai Hills. It is the most densely forested area and full of flora and fauna in India. These hill region also known for highest rainfall. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are well famous for highest annual rainfall and wettest place on earth. Phawngpui is the highest peak of Purvanchal Range situated in Manipur with an elevation of 2,157 m (7,077 ft).

Purvanchal Range in NorthEast Region

The Vindhya Range

The Vindhya range is one of seven chief holy mountain ranges in India. The Vindhya geographically separates the Northern India from the Southern India as it runs across the central India. Vindhya range is a very old mountain range in central India. It extends in east-west direction from Varanasi through Madhya Pradesh to Gujrat. Vindhya range is parallel to Satpura ranges. The southern slopes of the range are drained by the Holy Narmada River also known as Narmada valley. Amarkantak is the tallest peak of  Vindhya Range with an elevation of 1,048 m (3,438 ft) in Madhya Pradesh.

Vindhyachal in Central India

The Satpura Range

The Satpura Range is a mountain range that stretches through the states in the central part of India. It extend across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Satpura range is triangular in shape with its apex at Ratnapuri other two sides being parallel to the Tapti  and Sacred Narmada River. The Narmada and the Tapti are the only major rivers that flow into the Arabian Sea. It runs parallel to the Vindhya range, The Satpura range was formerly heavily forested. These forest provide habitat for some of India’s remaining large mammals, including The Royal Bengal Tiger, gaur, bear and black buck. The highest peak of Satpura mountain range is Dhupgarh with an height of 1,350 m (4,429 ft) in Madhya Pradesh.

Satpura crossing thru states of India

The Aravali Range

The Aravali range is the oldest mountain range in India, running across Rajasthan to Haryana. The Aravalli range is the eroded stub of a range of ancient folded mountains. Aravalli Range is one of the most popular mountain ranges in India also known as mewat hills. Aravalli range is famous for mineral resources and surrounded by dense forests with rich in flora and fauna. The highest peak of Aravali Mountain Range is Guru Shikhar with height 1,722 m (5,650 ft) at Mount Abu.

The Aravali - Oldest Mountain Range in India

The Western Ghats

The range starts near the border of Gujarat and ending at Kanyakumari. About sixty percent of the  Sahyadri Range are located in the state of Karnataka. This area is one of the world’s ten “Hottest biodiversity hotpots. The Arabian sea area is known as Konkan area, one of the best tourist attraction in India. Green city Pune is the largest city within this mountain range in Maharashtra. The western ghats mountain ranges make up an impressive fortress all along Kerala. There are a number of beautiful hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. AnaiMudi in the Anaimalai Hills in Kerala is the highest peak in the Western Ghats. The Ghats also offer best valley’s scenery-view through out the journey.

Sahyadri - The Hottest biodiversity in the World

The Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats is an irregular range of mountains, Which include four major rivers The Godavari, Mahanadi, Krishna and Holy Kaveri. Its range start from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri hills “The Blue Mountains” in Tamil Nadu lies at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats. This area has the largest population of Indian elephant . This discontinuous mountain ranges run parallel to the Bay of Bengal. The Shevaroy hills is the highest peak in the Easter Ghat.

Eastern Ghats connects Manjor Rivers in India

Top 5 oldest living cities in India

India is very well known in the world for its oldest civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization: Harappa and Mohenjodaro. India has been always impersonate as land of spiritual integrity by professors of philosophy. One of the oldest city in the world is Varanasi, most importantly it is continuously inhabited up till now. Every oldest city in India is situated on bank of sacred rivers and famous for religious or spiritual activities.

Varanasi: 

Also known as Banaras and Kashi situated on the bank of holiest river of India “Ganges”. Varanasi “The city of temples” is one of the oldest city in the world. Varanasi is also known as the “Religious capital of India”. The city has been a culture and religious center in India for several years. The Indian classical music given by “Banaras Gharana”. Many prominent poets, writers and musician belong to this Holy city of India. Kashi “The city of lights” is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. Varanasi is home for famous universities like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Sampurnanand Sanskrit and Kashi Vidyapeeth, so peoples refer Banaras as “the city of learning”.

Varanasi  "Ghats"

Madurai: 

Madurai is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest cities in India. It is situated on the banks of river vaigai. Madurai also known as “The Temple City” is famous for Meenakshi Temple, which is India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks. The entire Madurai city is laid out in the shape of a lotus with the temple at the center and the streets and main thoroughfares layered one after the other concentrically, outward from the center.

Meenakshi Temple-Madurai

Ujjain: 

Ujjain is the modern name for Ujjayini, also known as Avanti is an ancient city of India. Ujjain situated on the banks of holy river Kshipra, Ujjain was the capital of Avanti Kingdom as mention in Mahabharata. Ujjain, stands glamorously among many other Indian sacred and holy cities. The Kumbh Mela religious festival is held here every 12 years. Ujjain is also famous for Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.

Ujjain 

Patna: 

Patna is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Patna was known as known as Pataliputra, which was the capital of the Magadha Empire. The modern city Patna is situated on the bank of “most Sacred River Ganges“. The pilgrim centers near patna are Vaishali, Rajgir, Nalanda and Bodhgaya for all religions of India.

Patna

Pushkar: 

Pushkar is smallest but one of the oldest city in India. Pushkar lies on the Shore of Pushkar Lake. Pushkar is also famous for it’s annual Camel Fair, which is one of India’s most tourism destinations. The most famous temple in pushkar is the Brahma Temple, there are very few temples to Lord Brahma exist anywhere in the world. Presence of large Israeli tourists it may seem like Hebrew has become second language in Pushkar.

Pushkar Lake